Effects of Temperature and Catalyst to Oil Weight Ratio on the Catalytic Conversion of Heavy Oil to Propylene Using ZSM-5 and USY Catalysts

It is useful for practical operation to study the rules of production of propylene by the catalytic conversion of heavy oil in FCC （fluid catalytic cracking）. The effects of temperature and C/O ratio （catalyst to oil weight ratio） on the distribution of the product and the yield of propylene were investigated on a micro reactor unit with two model catalysts, namely ZSM-5/Al2O3 and USY/Al2O3, and Fushun vacuum gas oil （VGO） was used as the feedstock. The conversion of heavy oil over ZSM-5 catalyst can be comparable to that of USY catalyst at high temperature and high C/O ratio. The rate of conversion of heavy oil using the ZSM-5 equilibrium catalyst is lower compared with the USY equilibrium catalyst under the general FCC conditions and this can be attributed to the poor steam ability of the ZSM-5 equilibrium catalyst. The difference in pore topologies of USY and ZSM-5 is the reason why the principal products for the above two catalysts is different, namely gasoline and liquid petroleum gas （LPG）, repspectively. So the LPG selectivity, especially the propylene selectivity, may decline if USY is added into the FCC catalyst for maximizing the production of propylene. Increasing the C/O ratio is the most economical method for the increase of LPG yield than the increase of the temperature of the two model catalysts, because the loss of light oil is less in the former case. There is an inverse correlation between HTC （hydrogen transfer coefficient） and the yield of propylene, and restricting the hydrogen transfer reaction is the more important measure in increasing the yield of propylene of the ZSM-5 catalyst. The ethylene yield of ZSM-5/A1203 is higher, but the gaseous side products with low value are not enhanced when ZSM-5 catalyst is used. Moreover, for LPG and the end products, dry gas and coke, their ranges of reaction conditions to which their yields are dependent are different, and that of end products is more severe than that of LPG. So it is clear that maximizing LPG and propylene and restricting dry gas and coke can be both achieved via increasing the severity of reaction conditions among the range of reaction conditions which LPG yield is sensitive to.

Graft-to-recipient weight ratio lower to 0.7% is safe without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation with favorable conditions

BACKGROUND: The low graft-to-recipient weight ratio(GRWR) in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) is one of the major risk factors affecting graft survival. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the lower limit of the GRWR can be safely reduced without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe LDLT. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 317 consecutive patients from a single institute underwent LDLT with right-lobe grafts without portal pressure modulation. Of these, 23 had a GRWR of less than 0.7%(group A), 27 had a GRWR of ≥0.7%, 【0.8%(group B), and 267 had a GRWR of more than and equal to 0.8%(group C). Medical records, including recipient, donor, operation factors, laboratory findings and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The baseline demographics showed low model for end-stage liver disease score(mean 16.3±8.9) and high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma(231 patients, 72.9%). Three groups by GRWR demonstrated similar characteristics except recipient body mass index and donor gender. For smallforsize syndrome, there were 3(13.0%) in group A, 1(3.7%) in group B, and 2 patients(0.7%) in group C(P【0.001). Hepatic artery thrombosis was more frequently observed in group A than in groups B and C(8.7% vs 3.7% vs 1.9%, P=0.047). However, among the three groups, graft survival rates at 1 year(100% vs 96.3% vs 93.6%) and 3 years(91.7% vs 73.2% vs 88.1%) were not different(P=0.539). In laboratory measurements,there was no group difference in total bilirubin and albumin. However, prothrombin time was longer in group A within postoperative 1 week and platelet count was lower in groups A and B within postoperative 1 month. CONCLUSION: A GRWR lower to 0.7% is safe and does not need to modulate portal pressure in adult-to-adult LDLT using the right-lobe in favorable conditions including low model for end-stage liver disease score.

Therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor on cerebral infarction in dogs using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

A model of focal cerebral ischemic infarction was established in dogs through middle cerebral artery occlusion of the right side.Thirty minutes after occlusion,models were injected with nerve growth factor adjacent to the infarct locus.The therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor against cerebral infarction was assessed using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio,a quantitative index of diffusion-weighted MRI.At 6 hours,24 hours,7 days and 3 months after modeling,the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio was significantly reduced after treatment with nerve growth factor. Hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,electron microscopy and neurological function scores showed that infarct defects were slightly reduced and neurological function significantly improved after nerve growth factor treatment.This result was consistent with diffusion-weighted MRI measurements.Experimental findings indicate that nerve growth factor can protect against cerebral infarction,and that the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.

Feasibility study on buoyancy-weight ratios of a submerged floating tunnel prototype subjected to hydrodynamic loads

The research progress of a novel traffic solution,a submerged floating tunnel（SFT）,is reviewed in terms of a study approach and loading scenario.Among existing publications,the buoyancy-weight ratio（BWR） is usually predefined.However,BWR is a critical structural parameter that tremendously affects the dynamic behaviour of not only the tunnel tube itself but also the cable system.In the context of a SFT prototype（SFTP） project in Qiandao Lake（Zhejiang Province,China）,the importance of BWR is illustrated by finite element analysis and subsequently,an optimized BWR is proposed within a reasonable range in the present study.In the numerical model,structural damping is identified to be of importance.Rayleigh damping and the corresponding Rayleigh coefficients are attained through a sensitivity study,which shows that the adopted damping ratios are fairly suitable for SFTP.Lastly,the human sense of security is considered by quantifying the comfort index,which helps further optimize BWR in the SFTP structural parameter design.

Dynamic genetic analysis for body weight and main length ratio in turbot Scophthalmus maximus

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of body width(BW)to body length(BL)ratio(BW/BL)and of body weight traits(BWT)in turbot,and to elucidate the genetic mechanism of the two traits during ontogeny by dynamic genetic analysis.From 3 to 27 months,BW,BL and BWT of each communally stocked fish were measured every 3 months.The BW/BL ratio was measured at different sampling ages.A twotrait animal model was used for genetic evaluation of traits.The results showed that the heritability values of BW/BL ratio ranged from 0.2168 to 0.3148,corresponding to moderate heritability.The BWT heritability values ranged from 0.2702 to 0.3479 corresponding to moderate heritability.The heritability of BW/BL ratio was lower than that of BWT,except at 3 months of age.Genetic correlation between BW/BL ratio and BWT decreased throughout the measurement period.Genetic correlations were higher than the phenotypic correlations.The current results for estimating genetic parameters demonstrate that the BW/BL ratio could be used as a phenotypic marker of fast-growing turbot,and the BW/BL ratio and BWT could be improved simultaneously through selective breeding.

Intoxication Induced by Urea Containing Diets in Broiler Chickens: Effect on Weight Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Hematological and Biochemical Profiles

Urea as a source of cheap non-protein nitrogen is used to adulterate fish and meat meals which are basic components of broiler diets. The present study was carried out to elucidate the effects of urea on weight gain, and hematological and biochemical profiles. A total of 48 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 4 groups, designated Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 12 birds each. Birds in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed on diets containing urea at the levels of 1%, 2.5% and 4%, respectively. Birds in Group 1 served as control and were not exposed to urea. Experimentation period was for 3 weeks and experiment was terminated when birds were 42 days of age. Body weight of all intoxicated birds at the various intervals was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the untreated control. Compared with control, all intoxicated broilers manifested significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in all hematological parameters involving erythrocytic and total leucocytic counts, Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) on a dose- and time-pattern. In comparison with the control levels, biochemical profile of the intoxicated birds disclosed significant decrease in blood glucose level and significant increase in serum uric acid, urea, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Based upon the present data, it was concluded that the addition of urea to broiler diets bears serious sequences concerning the general health condition, performance, weight gain, and hematological and biochemical profiles.

Successful living donor liver transplantation with a graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.41 without portal flow modulation:A case report

BACKGROUND There have been numerous efforts to lower the limit of minimum graft size to meet the metabolic demand of recipients in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).We experienced a successful case of LDLT using a verysmall-for-size graft without portal flow modulation such as splenectomy or portocaval shunt.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old man(weighing 91 kg)suffering hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied with hepatitis B virus related cirrhosis underwent LDLT.The one and only voluntary donor was his 17-year-old daughter whose body weight was 50 kg with a body mass index(BMI)of 18.3.The procured right liver graft was 411 g with a real graft-to-recipient weight ratio(GRWR)of 0.41%,the smallest to be reported in the literature.Both the recipient and donor had an uneventful recovery and were discharged on days 15 and 8,respectively,with normal liver function.The father and daughter have had no complication so far and are still in good health with normal liver function 81 mo after LDLT.CONCLUSION Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in LDLT with a GRWR as low as 0.41%even without using portal flow modulation in highly selected patients.

Effects of Fiber Weight Ratio, Structure and Fiber Modification onto Flexural Properties of Luffa-Polyester Composites

The effect of chemical modification, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural proprieties of Luffa-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mat of Luffa external wall fibers (ComLEMat), a short Luffa external wall fibers(ComLEBC) and a short Luffa core fi-bers (ComLCBC) was fabricated under various conditions of fibers treatments (combined process, acetylat-ing and cyanoethylating) and fiber weight ratio. It resorts that acetylating and cyanoethylating enhance the flexural strength and the flexural modulus. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of com-posites. Indeed, a maximum value of strength and strain is observed over a 10% fiber weight ratio. The uses of various reinforcement structures were investigated. The enhancement of elongation at break and the strain values of the composite reinforced by natural mat was proved.

Minimum MSE Weighted Estimator to Make Inferences for a Common Risk Ratio across Sparse Meta-Analysis Data

The paper aims to discuss three interesting issues of statistical inferences for a common risk ratio (RR) in sparse meta-analysis data. Firstly, the conventional log-risk ratio estimator encounters a number of problems when the number of events in the experimental or control group is zero in sparse data of a 2 × 2 table. The adjusted log-risk ratio estimator with the continuity correction points based upon the minimum Bayes risk with respect to the uniform prior density over (0, 1) and the Euclidean loss function is proposed. Secondly, the interest is to find the optimal weights of the pooled estimate that minimize the mean square error (MSE) of subject to the constraint on where , , . Finally, the performance of this minimum MSE weighted estimator adjusted with various values of points is investigated to compare with other popular estimators, such as the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) estimator and the weighted least squares (WLS) estimator (also equivalently known as the inverse-variance weighted estimator) in senses of point estimation and hypothesis testing via simulation studies. The results of estimation illustrate that regardless of the true values of RR, the MH estimator achieves the best performance with the smallest MSE when the study size is rather large and the sample sizes within each study are small. The MSE of WLS estimator and the proposed-weight estimator adjusted by , or , or are close together and they are the best when the sample sizes are moderate to large (and) while the study size is rather small.

Effect of Fiber Weight Ratio and Fiber Modification on Flexural Properties of Posidonia-Polyester Composites

The main objective of this research is to study the effect of fiber weight ratio and chemical fiber modification on flexural properties of composites reinforced with Posidonia fiber. An unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with untreated and treated Posidonia fibers was fabricated under various fiber weight ratios. Results showed that the combined chemical treatment provided better mechanical properties of composites in comparison with untreated fiber. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of composites. Indeed, a maximum value of flexural modulus was observed for 10% fiber weight ratio for composites reinforced with treated fibers. SEM photographs revealed a different fracture surface between Posidonia fibers reinforced polyester composites.

The spike weight contribution of the photosynthetic area above the upper internode in a winter wheat under different nitrogen and mulching regimes

Besides leaves, non-foliar green organs such as stem and spike are also considered photosynthetic organs. To assess the photosynthetic contributions of these organs, the correlations between these photosynthetic areas and single-spike weight were investigated in a winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) under four nitrogen and mulching treatments: N120,N150, N195, and N195 + M. Two-year repeated field experiments were conducted on the Loess Plateau of China. Non-foliar photosynthetic area, grain-filling ratio and duration,grain yield, and in particular, single-spike weight, were measured, recorded and analyzed.Under the N195 + M treatment, plants showed the largest area of photosynthetic organs(flag leaf and non-foliar organs) and the highest grain yield and single spike weight. Singlespike weight was positively correlated with the areas of all examined non-foliar photosynthetic organs, in particular with the area above the flag leaf node(R^2= 0.761*)and the area above the exposed part of the peduncle(EXP)(R^2= 0.800**). In addition, singlespike weight was highly correlated with average grain-filling ratio(R^2= 0.993**), whereas it was less highly correlated with grain-filling duration(R^2= 0.533). The morphological traits of non-foliar photosynthetic organs were also more highly correlated with average grainfilling ratio than with average grain-filling duration. The significant correlation between each of the morphological traits(area, length and width) of EXP and single-spike weight indicates that morphological traits of EXP are important in determining spike weight in the Loess Plateau environment.

RANGE AMBIGUITY DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERISTIC OF SPACEBORNE SAR AND ITS DESIGN CONSIDERATION

A new approach is proposed which can satisfy the range ambiguity requirement while keep the antenna width not to be enlarged and get the high quality image also. Here the chirp slope of the transmitted linear frequency modulated pulses is reversed alternately. Therefore, during the range compression significant portion of the ambiguous return which is due to the mismatching with the signal reference function is suppressed. The suggested method provides significant improvement in range ambiguity ratio and can be utilized in attaining wider swath.

Development of a mass model in estimating weight-wise particle size distribution using digital image processing

Particle size distribution of coarse aggregates through mechanical sieving gives results in terms of cumu- lative mass percent. But digital image processing generated size distribution of particles, while being fast and accurate, is often expressed in terms of area function or number of particles. In this paper, a mass model is developed which converts the image obtained size distribution to mass-wise distribution, mak- ing it readily comparable to mechanical sieving data. The concept of weight/particle ratio is introduced for mass reconstruction from 2D images of particle aggregates. Using this mass model, the effects of several particle shape parameters （such as major axis, minor axis, and equivalent diameter） on sieve-size of the particles is studied. It is shown that the sieve-size of a particle strongly depend upon the shape param- eters, 91% of its variation being explained by major axis, minor axis, bounding box length and equivalent diameter. Furthermore, minor axis gives an overall accurate estimate of particle sieve-size, error in mean size （D-50） being just 0.4%. However, sieve-size of smaller particles （〈20 ram） strongly depends upon the length of the smaller arm of the bounding box enclosing them and sieve-sizes of larger particles （〉20 mm） are highly correlated to their equivalent diameters. Multiple linear regression analysis has been used to generate overall mass-wise particle size distribution, considering the influences of all these shape parameters on particle sieve-size. Multiple linear regression generated overall mass-wise particle size distribution shows a strong correlation with sieve generated data. The adjusted R-square value of the regression analysis is found to be 99 percent （w.r,t cumulative frequency）. The method proposed in this paper provides a time-efficient way of producing accurate （up to 99%） mass-wise PSD using digital image processing and it can be used effectively to renlace the mechanical sieving.

Critical weight on bit of double-driven bottomhole assembly during vertical and fast drilling

It is difficult to determine the optimal weight on bit (WOB) of the double-driven bottomhole assembly (DD-BHA, with double stabilizers and a bent housing positive displacement motor (PDM)) which is employed during vertical and fast drilling. High WOB leads to well deviation out of control, and low WOB leads to low rate of penetration (ROP). So considering the rock physical properties, the anisotropy index function of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit was derived with the structure and cutting performance parameters of the bit, and the effect of natural hole deviation tendencies on the performance of DD-BHA resisting deviation was represented. The concept of elliptic deformation ratio was used to characterize the performance of DD-BHA resisting deviation. Eventually, a model calculating the critical WOB was established. By comparing the model predictions with the measured hole angle changes in the field, the results show that the model predictions are accurate with error less than 5.8%, which can meet the operational requirements in the projects. Furthermore, the model was adopted to justify and guide the operating conditions and parameters during drilling, which shows that the optimum WOB predicted by the model can not only control deviation but also improve ROP effectively. The model is independent on the formation characteristics of blocks, so it can be expanded widely to other oilfields.

Impact of field strength and RF excitation on abdominal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

AIM:To retrospectively and prospectively compare diffusion-weighted(DW)images in the abdomen in a1.5T system and 3.0T systems with and without twochannel functionality for B1shimming.METHODS:DW images of the abdomen were obtained on 1.5T and 3.0T(with and without two-channel functionality for B1shimming)scanners on 150 patients(retrospective study population)and 10 volunteers(prospective study population).Eight regions were selected for clinical significance or artifact susceptibility(at higher field strengths).Objective grading quantified signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),and subjective evaluation qualified image quality,ghosting artifacts,anddiagnostic value.Statistical significance was calculated usingχ2tests(categorical variables)and independent two-sided t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests(continuous variables).RESULTS:The 3.0T using dual-source parallel transmit(dpTX 3.0T)provided the significantly highest SNRs in nearly all regions.In regions susceptible to artifacts at higher field strengths(left lobe of liver,head of pancreas),the SNR was better or similar to the 1.5T system.Subjectively,both dpTX 3.0T and 1.5T systems provided higher image quality,diagnostic value,and less ghosting artifact(P【0.01,most values)compared to the 3.0T system without dual-source parallel transmit(non-dpTX 3.0T).CONCLUSION:The dpTX 3.0T scanner provided the highest SNR.Its image quality,lack of ghosting,and diagnostic value were equal to or outperformed most currently used systems.

Correlation between hydrocarbon distribution and water-hydrocarbon ratio in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

In order to shorten the evaluation cycle of cobalt catalyst before the optimized catalyst is fixed on, a mathematical method is proposed to calculate weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons. Based on the carbide polymerization mechanism and the main hydrocarbons being linear alkanes and α-olefins, the correlation between hydrocarbon distribution and the molecular mass ratio of water to hydrocarbons is discussed. The result shows the ratio was within the range of 1.125-1.286 and the lower the ratio, the more gaseous hydrocarbons were obtained. Moreover, a linear equation between the weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons and the weight ratio of C5＋ hydrocarbons to the total water is established. These results are validated by corresponding experiments. The weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons could be immediately calculated by this linear equation without detailed gas chromatography （GC） analysis of them.

Carbon isotopic fractionation during vaporization of low molecular weight hydrocarbons(C6–C12)

Three series of laboratory vaporization experiments were conducted to investigate the carbon isotope fractionation of low molecular weight hydrocarbons（LMWHs）during their progressive vaporization.In addition to the analysis of a synthetic oil mixture,individual compounds were also studied either as pure single phases or mixed with soil.This allowed influences of mixing effects and diffusion though soil on the fractionation to be elucidated.The LMWHs volatilized in two broad behavior patterns that depended on their molecular weight and boiling point.Vaporization significantly enriched the ^13C present in the remaining components of the C6–C9 fraction,indicating that the vaporization is mainly kinetically controlled;the observed variations could be described with a Rayleigh fractionation model.In contrast,the heavier compounds（n-C10–n-C12）showed less mass loss and almost no significant isotopic fractionation during vaporization,indicating that the isotope characteristics remained sufficiently constant for these hydrocarbons to be used to identify the source of an oil sample,e.g.,the specific oil field or the origin of a spill.Furthermore,comparative studies suggested that matrix effects should be considered when the carbon isotope ratios of hydrocarbons are applied in the field.

Effect of Enteromorpha from Qingdao Coasts on Weight Gain Perform ance of Broilers

This study was to investigate the effect of enteromorpha from Qingdao coasts on weight gain of Arbor Acres broilers. Four thousands of 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups （1 000 for each）, i. e., one group was fed with basal diet as the control, and the other three were fed with basal diet added with 1.0%, 2.0% or 3.0% of enteromorpha as treatment groups. After 42 days of feeding trial, broilers in three treatment groups all gave a significantly increased average daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio in comparison with the control group （P 〈0. O1 ） ; within treatment groups, those added with 3.0% enteromorpha assumed a significantly higher average daily gain and feed to gain than with 3.0% enteromorpha （P 〈0.05）, while an insignificantly difference with 2.0% enteromorpha group （ P 〉 0.05 ）. The results indicated that adding appropriate amount of enteromorpha can facilitate the improvement of broiler performance.

Experimental Investigation of Multi-Mode Vortex-Induced Vibration of Flexible Risers with Different Mass Ratios

Experiments were conducted on risers with different mass ratios to study the effect of mode conversion and spanwise correlation. The slenderness ratio of the riser model was set as 169, and the Reynolds numbers are 1600-14400. The dynamic responses of riser models versus reduced velocity were analyzed, and the spanwise displacement, frequency,and trajectory of the mode conversion from the lower to the higher mode were explored. The results revealed that the riser model with a higher mass ratio excites a higher number of modes. The conversion region of multi-mode competition exists and narrows with the increasing mass ratio. Mode conversion is continuous and manifests as the transmission of peaks and troughs in mode shape: the peaks and troughs of mode shape move up in the mode stable development region and move down in the mode conversion region. The single-mode dominating vibration exhibits a standing wave feature, and the traveling wave feature is significant in the mode conversion region. Furthermore, the frequency jump is always transmitted from the trough to the peak of the mode shape, and finally, all the axial positions vibrate at the same frequency. The trajectory in the mode conversion region deviates from the 8-shape and recovers the standard8-shape at the middle and late stages of the mode stable development region.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction Duration on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The growth productivity of broilers is influenced by improving growth performance through improving body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction duration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks were reared in a deep litter system until slaughter at 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments which were replicated three times with 16 birds per replicate. The three treatments were the control (T1), one week of feed restriction (T2), and two weeks of feed restriction (T3). Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. Carcass weight and internal organs weights were measured. The body weight gained by the birds in T1 was similar to the birds that were restricted for a week. The treatments had a significant effect on the average daily gain in weeks 4, 5, and 6. The ADG for T2 was higher (P < 0.05) at week 5 after 1 week of restriction, than T1 and T3. The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in T3 after 2 weeks of restriction. In T2 and T3, feed intake was significantly lower than in birds fed ad libitum at week 4 at the start of the treatment. There was no significant effect on the relative weights of heart weights, liver, gizzard, feet, and heads among the treatment groups except for intestine weight which was lower (P < 0.05) in T1 than T2 and T3. It was concluded that broilers that were restricted for one week had a positive result in growth performance. Feed restriction had minimal effect on the organ weights of broiler chickens.