020546   Hemanth J;Vijayakumar (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Akshaya Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572101, Email: vijayacnkumar@gmail.com) : Effect of various types of chills on mechanical properties and fracture toughness of hypoeutectic cast iron. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 251-65.

Hypo-eutectic cast iron specimens were cast using chills that were sub zero water-cooled, water-cooled and graphite end chills. The solidification behavior, number of eutectic cells, grain size and the effects of these on the mechanical properties like strength and fracture toughness were recorded and analyzed and compared with specimens of the same chemical composition which were sand cast without chill. It is revealed from the above investigation that sub-zero and water cool chilled cast irons exhibit severe under-cooling compared to normal sand cast iron. Thus, it is concluded from the investigation that nucleation conditions are completely altered during solidification but growth conditions prevail as usual. Therefore, under-cooling during solidification is considered to be responsible for the water-cooled variation in eutectic cell size, grain size, and microstructure and hence, the mechanical properties of the cast iron.

8 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

020545   Gupta S M;Ahmed Z;Narendra Kumar (Plant Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering Lab, Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DRDO), Haldwani) : Cloning of rd29A-CBF1 gene constructs in binary vector (pCAMBIA0390) for raising cold tolerant marker-free transgenic plants. Indian J Crop Sci 2009, 4(1-2), 163-5.

2 illus, 22 ref

020544   Gupta Raju S S S V;Balaji K V G D (Civil Engineering Dep, GIT GITAM Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: gopalaraju@gitam.edu) : Use of dunite in fire resisting cement concrete. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 191-5.

Concrete is widely used construction material in civil engineering structures due its high compressive strength. When concrete is exposed to elevated temperatures, it looses density, stiffness and strength. In the present work, dunite is used as a replacement of sand to study the performance of concrete under elevated temperatures. It is found that the concrete gains strength by adding 20% of dunite as a replacement in sand when compared to normal concrete. Impact of dunite on ultrasonic pulse velocity is also studied to evaluate the structures exposed to elevated temperatures using nondestructive testing. It is observed that the U.P.V values of dunite concrete are 1.2 times higher than the values corresponding to normal concrete U.P.V values

6 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

020543   Ganesh E N;Kishore L;Rangachar M J S (NO, JNTU, Hyderabad) : Implementation of quantum cellular automata combinational and sequential circuits using majority logic reduction method. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 2(1), 91-107.

Quantum cellular automata is a promising nanotechnology that has been recognized as one of the top six emerging technology in future computers. In this paper the method of majority voting scheme is used to develop basic QCA combinational and sequential circuits. We developed QCA subtractive algorithm, combinational circuit algorithms for circuit simulation. We also developed simple D and T flip flops using QCA technology. We verified the proposed algorithm using simulation from QCADESINGER tool. These algorithms and simulations are useful for building complex QCA circuits.

22 illus, 19 ref

020542   Drozdov A D;Jensen E A;De C Christiansen J (Danish Technological Insitiute, Gregersensvej 1, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark) : Pseudo-solid-like behaviour of nanocomposite melts. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 2(1), 1-14.

Observations are reported on nanocomposite melts (low-density polyethylene and polypropylene reinforced with montmorillonite nanoclay at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 wt.-%) in small-amplitude shear oscillatory tests. A constitutive model is derived for the linear viscoelastic response of a nanocomposite melt, which is treated as an inhomogeneous non-affine network of chains. Given a nanoclay content, the stress-strain relations involve 4 material parameters that are found by fitting the experimental data. The pseudo-solid-like response of nanocomposite melts is associated with formation of a "long-tail" in the distribution of activation energies for sliding of junctions due to jamming of stacks of clay platelets.

s, 16 ref

020541   Chellaram C;Edward J K P (Biomedical Enginering Dep, Vel Tech Multitech Dr R R Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai-600 062, Email: de.chellaram@gmail.com) : In vivo anti-inflammatory bustle of reef associated millusc, trochus tentorium. Adv Biotech 2009, 8(12), 32-4.

The 100% acetone fraction of the gastropod, Trochus tentorium tested for its anti-inflammatory assets on isolated albino rats shown promising results. The acute toxicity was noted, the LD50 was found to be 425mg/kg in 48 hrs of observation. Oral administration of doses up to 1.25g/kg did not show any toxic symptom in mice. The extract of T. tentorium at the concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o shown significant (p<0.01) decrease in the paw thickness, 41.15 and 73.6% respectively at the 5th hour of the experiment. This fact suggests that the compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of the T. tentorium was the strongest with safety than standard drug, Diclofenac sodium.

2 illus, 29 ref

020540   Bozdag S (Geological Engineering Dep, Cukurova Univ, Adana 1330, Turkey, Email: sabaci@cu.edu.tr) : Hydrogeochemical characteristics of the Suleymanli thermomineral waters, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2340-4.

The study was carried out to assess the hydrogeochemical composition of the Suleymanli (Kahramanmaras, Turkey) thermomineral springs. The springs issue along fault zones and their temperatures ranks between 40 and 45 °C and they are classified as hot water. Chemical analysis indicate a chemical composition of Mg > Ca > (Na + K) and HCO₃ > SO₄ > Cl. The results of chemical and heavy metal analysis are evaluated according to the World Health Organisation and Turkish Standards. As a conclusion, the Suleymanli hot waters can be drinkable and usable for health treatment.

2 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020539   Bhuyar L B;Deshmukh S;Deshmukh S J (Mechanical Engineering Dep, PRM Institute of Technology & Research, Badnera, Amravati-444 702, Email: lbbhuyar@GMail.com) : Biogas production from non-edible oilseed cake. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 229-37.

Vegetable oil and its derivative 'biodiesel' is well accepted as a renewable energy. However the cost of vegetable oil is the major problem in utilizing this valuable resource as an alternative fuel. Utilization of byproducts for energy generation and other applications will certainly influence the cost of vegetable oil. In present study the oilcake of vegetable oil species used for biodiesel preparation, is examined for biogas production. The study proved that substantial quantity of biogas can be derived from the oilcake during anaerobic digestion process. Average biogas yield to the tune of 45-47 liters/kg of oilcake is observed during the trial under uncontrolled condition, where as maximum biogas yield more than 50 liters was achieved per kg of oilcake fed in the digester. It is also verified that the gas yield from the digester is a function of climate. The gas generated is clean and smokeless and can be effectively used for different energy application. The sludge and the oilcake can also be used as nitrogen rich organic bio-fertilizer.

5 illus, 16 ref

020538   Bansal M L;Jaspal Singh;Sharma V R (College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: mlbns12001@yahoo.co.in) : Deflection behavior at the top of circular steel medium silo in wind environment. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1734-8.

Wind forces are responsible for huge destruction in the world. This damage can be largely controlled, by the application of rigorous analysis of wind loads to ensure maximum safety at the lowest cost of the clients. The present study was made on circular steel silo subjected to rigorous wind loading and its effects on the amchorage requirements of medium silos. For the analysis of such a situation, there were few techniques available namely, finite element method, structural matrix analysis. This paper reports the comparison of results by various analysis of medium silos for deflection behavior in wind environment. For intermediate silos, there was increase in maximum tip deflection with the increase in height to diameter ratio from 1.25 to 3.0. The present analysis is on the basis of wind speed data around Delhi, but the model can be used for any wind speed and location.

1 illus, 3 tabes, 10 ref

020537   Badkar D S;Pandey K S;Buvanashekaran G (NO, Maulana Azad National Insitute of Technology, Bhopal-462 051, Email: dsbadkar_2007@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of laser beam welding on microstructure and mechanical properties of commercially pure titanium. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 299-312.

Commercially pure titanium sheet with 1.6mm thickness is welded using a continuous wave (CW) 2kW Nd:YAG laser system. The effects of laser process parameters, laser power (LP), welding speed (WS), and hence heat input (HI) on microstructures, tensile, bending and hardness properties are investigated. The results indicate that laser beam welding is suitable for commercially pure titanium, full penetration and the welding seam without defects can be obtained. Vickers microhardness was measured across traverses through the welded sections and along the weld centerline from the top surface. The results suggest that the increase in hardness is directly proportional to the dissolution of small amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon concentrations along the weld centreline. The maximum hardness achieved in the fusion or weld zone is 258HV, whereas the base material exhibits maximum hardness of 154HV. It has been established that there is tendency of increase in hardness with decrease in lower weld heat input. The tensile, ductility, bending and hardness properties of the joints are corresponding to matrix surface. It has been found that a trend of increased tensile strength with the decrease of welding heat input and a trend of increased tensile strength with the increase of welding cooling rate. As heat input decreases, there will be faster the cooling rate. Considering the effect of heat input on ductility, it was found that the lower the heat input, faster the colling rate, therefore the larger is the relative elongation and hence the higher the weld's ductility.

8 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

020536   Badkar D S;Pandey K S;Buvanashekaran G (NO, Maulana Azad National Insitute of Technology, Bhopal-462 051, Email: dsbadkar_2007@yahoo.co.in) : Laser transformation hardening of unalloyed titanium using Nd : YAG laser. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 239-50.

Presents the results of Laser surface Transformation Hardening (LSTH) of unalloyed Titanium sheet with chemical composition nearer to ASTM Gr.3 material. LSTH is carried out on a 1.6mm sheet surface with varying the beam parameters such as beam power, spot size and welding speed. The beam is defocused at three levels, i.e. +10, +20 and +30mm. Overlapping of subsequent scanning is kept constant at 25%. Focal length and shielding gas flow rate is set at 120mm and 81pm respectively. The experiments are carried out using a 2kW CW solid state Nd:YAG laser source. The laser scanned sheet cross section is analyzed to study the effect of above mentioned laser beam parameters on the responses such as width and depth of laser hardened layer. Study indicates a maximum width of 3mm hardened area per scan and hardness depth up to 0.7mm using the selected parameters. Laser hardened cross section is analyzed for hardness and its micro structural properties. As against the base material hardness of around 150HV minimum, laser hardened area reached hardness around 245HV maximum. Microanalysis showed no damage in the interface and a flawless transition between hardened and base material zones.

14 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

020535   Anvari M;Khayati G (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Rasht Branch, Rasht, Iran, Email: anvari@iaurasht.ac.ir) : Optimization of 2,3-butanediol production by Klebsiella pneumoniae PTCC 1290 using Taguchi methodology. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2131-40.

2,3-Butanediol production parameter optimization using Klebsiella pneumoniae PTCC 1290 was performed using the design of experiments available in the form of an orthogonal array and a software for automatic design and analysis of the experiments, both based on Taguchi protocol. Optimal levels of physical parameters and key media components namely temperature, pH, inoculum size, agitation, acetic acid and succinic acid were determined. 2,3-Butanediol production obtained from the 18 sets of fermentation experiments performed with the selected factors and levels were further processed with Qualitek-4 software at bigger is better as quality character. The optimized conditions showed an enhanced 2,3-butanediol production of 35.8% (from 11.856 to 18.459 g L^{-1). The optimal combinations of factors obtained from the proposed design of experiments methodology was further validated by conducting fermentation experiments and the obtained results revealed an enhanced 2,3-butanediol production of 25.8%. Taguchi approach of design of experiments resulted in evaluating the main and interaction effects of the factors individually and in combination. This methodology facilitated analysis of the experimental data to establish the optimum conditions for the process, understand the contribution of individual factors and to evaluate the response under optimal conditions.}

1 illus, 6 tables, 19 ref

020534   Aksay E K;Akar A;Kaya E;Cocen I (NO, Dokuz Eylul Univ, Torbali Vocational School of Higher Education, 35860 Izmir, Turkey, Email: ece.kilinc@deu.edu.tr) : Influence of fatty acid based collector on the flotation of heavy minerals from alkali feldspar ores. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2263-9.

Turkey possesses large reserves of mainly albite feldspar ores in the western part. The principal discolouring impurities in these deposits are titanium and iron oxide, which reduce the quality and hence the revenue of the ore. Conventionally, the coloured gang minerals can be separated from albite through the use of reverse multi-stage flotation. The results of mineralogical investigation indicate that the albite ore samples of Mugla-Milas district contain mainly the high level of titanium and iron oxide minerals and small amount of mica minerals. This study showed that these main coloured impurities in the albite ore can be floated together in an alkali medium by single-stage flotation, using fatty acid based collector. It is found that Aero 704 collector achieves much superior results at 1000 g/t dosage and pH 9 compared to other anionic collectors. The results of bench scale flotation tests to evaluate the performance of this collector have been reported along with the elaboration of the mechanism of the collector action.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

020533   Akar G;Ipekoglu U;Ertem M E;Kanturk E (Mining Engineering Dep, Dokuz Eylul Univ, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey, Email: eul.akar@deu.edu.tr) : Investigation of various parameters for synthetic zeolite production from Turkish fly ashes. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2080-90.

Burning of coal in coal-fired electrical power generation plants produces solid waste in the form of boiler slag and fly ash. A large portion of this production is accounted for the coal fly ash. Coal combustion by-products in Turkey are about 45 million tons per year. This study focuses on the synthesis of zeolites from Soma and Yatagan power plant ashes in laboratory scale and on determining the conditions, which govern the related processes. In an alkaline ambient, fusion and hydrothermal treatment were applied as the test methods. The samples obtained from the experiments were investigated by electron microscope SEM and XRD. The final product was observed and determined to be sodalite, which has very similar crystal structure and properties as zeolite.

10 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

020532   Akar G;Arslan V;Ertem M E;Ipekoglu U (Mining Engineering Dep, Dokuz Eylul Univ, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey, Email: meertem@yahoo.com) : Relationship between ash fusion temperatures and coal mineral matter in some Turkish coal ashes. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2105-9.

Describes the slagging problems resulted from the coal chemistry in various coal-fired electrical power generation plants in Turkey. The fusion temperature test has been used to evaluate the melting and slagging behaviour of coal ash for years. However, the coal ash fusion temperatures alone are not sufficient to be able to separate the good versus poor performance of coals. Further investigations about the subject revealed that the iron levels in the coal ash and several indexes such as base to acid ratio, slagging factor etc. are also providing good bases for separating the coals that caused problems. The studies using different approaches showed that the chemical and mineral compositions of coal ash determine its melting characteristics and fusion temperature. The correlative equations based on this assumption are still the most widely used techniques for assessing the deposition characteristics and fusion temperature. It also involves the investigation of chemical and mineralogical composition of coal ash samples from Kemerkoy-Yenikoy-Yatagan-Soma coal-fired electrical power plants. The effects of slag indexes causing slagging were calculated after the determination of the ash fusion temperatures. The calculated values were compared with chemical compositions. The results showed that Soma-Yatagan-Yenikoy coal fly ash holds a tendency of high capacity slagging. Kemerkoy coal ash samples have less slagging tendency compared to the others. This is most probably due to their high acidic alkali content.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020531   Abellache D;Lounis A;Taibi K (Material Sciences Dep, Laboratory of Sciences and Material Engineering, U.S.T.H.B., BP32 El Alia, Algiers, Algeria, Email: zlounis@yahoo.com) : Contribution to photodegradation study, chemical behaviour of unsaturated polyester resin under irradiation. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2037-46.

This survey reports the effect of thermosetting polymer degradation (unsaturated polyester): chemical degradation, under ultraviolet exposure and damage by neutrons irradiation. In order to evaluate the deterioration of present material, some comparative characterizations have been done between standard samples (blank) and damaged ones. Gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectro-scopy are the techniques which have been used. Photomicrography shows the sample surface attack after few minutes in hot water in addition to an immersion of 2 d within a solvent. For this last test, a loss of mass higher than 25% has been recorded. The FT-IR spectrum of the deteriorated sample surface confirms the damage. A similar phenomenon is observed with UV degradation (the radiance being fixed at 750 w/m^{2) the weight loss was 2.25%. Three identical samples were exposed to a neutron flux 1012 n/cm2.s during 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 h. Photomicrography obtained by SEM show the polymer damage degree, several reactions seem to be in competition: crosslinking, the chain breaking and oxidation by radicals. In order to assess the rigidity of present thermosetting polymer, the elastic modulus using the ultrasonic methods was determined. A hardness test (Shore D) has also been carried out. The obtained values of the Young's modulus can be interpreted in terms of crosslinking considering the used irradiation level.}

10 illus, 21 ref

015338   Yadav S P;Singh D N;Singh A K;Prasad R (Mining Institute, P.O.B. Polytechnic, , Dhanbad-828 130, Email: spy_mid@rediffmail.com) : Electrical resistivity imaging for the study of quartz reef using inverse slope method. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1521-7.

Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is the emerging tool for investigation of subsurface formations by studying the variation in their electrical properties. In the present investigation, the electrical image of a quartz reef has been generated through sounding with the help of 35 electrodes. Seven profiling stations were marked across the quartz reef for generation of ER images. All apparent resistivity data were converted in absolute resistivity of various layers through inverse slope method with the use of surfer software and an ER image was generated to compare it with the real image. Deference between the ER image and the real image (field image) was found negligible. This indicates that sounding data generated though inverse slope method can be utilized as input for generation of the ER image. Image generation using this method is easier, less time-consuming and cost-effective. An equation has been derived for calculating total number of electrodes to be required at desired station or location for performing vertical electrical sounding (VES).

5 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

015337   Wulfingh D R;Rawal R;Garg V;Mathur J (NO, , ) : Energy simulation. Energy Fuel Users J 2009, 59(3), 19-32.

Energy simulation is a computer-based analytical process that Helps building owners and designers to evaluate the energy performance of a building and make it more energy efficient by making necessary modifications in the design before the building is constructed. Use of energy simulation software is necessary to show compliance with Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) via "Whole Building Performance Method, "This Tip Sheet helps in understanding the basic concepts and processes involved in carrying out building energy simulation.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

015336   Wulfingh D R (NO, , ) : Building lighting design. Energy Fuel Users J 2009, 59(3), 5-18.

Lighting is a major energy consumer in commercial buildings, Heat generated from electrical lighting also contributes significantly to the energy needed for cooling of buildings. ECBC prescribes the amount of power for lighting, specifies types of lighting controls, and defines situations where day lighting must be used. This document (primarily adapted from E Source Technology Atlas - Lighting and Energy Efficiency Manual) provides guidance towards the design of ECBC compliant lighting systems in commercial buildings.

10 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

015335   Wang C C (School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing Univ of Civil Engineering and Architecture, No. 1, Zhanlanguan Road, Xicheng District, Beijing-100 044, Email: chongchenwang@126.com) : Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of A 2-D organic-inorganic compound Mn(V₂W₄O₁₉)(bpy)(Hbpy)₂(bpy = 4,4'-Bipyridine). Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4755-62.

A hydrothermal reaction of NH₄VO₃, WO₃, MnCl₂ and 4,4'-bipyridine yields a novel organic-inorganic hybrid compound, Mn(V₂W₄O₁₉) (bpy)(Hbpy)₂ (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) (C₃H₂₆N₆MnO₁₉V₂W₄, M_r = 1666.79), which was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrum. It crystallizes in monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 19.931(2) A, b = 11.4920(12) A, c = 16.0917(19) A, (3 = 96.432(2)°, V = 3662.6(7) Angustrum', Z = 4, D_c = 3.023 Mg/m^{3, μ = 13.424 mm-1 and F(000) = 3068. The final R = 0.0630 and wR = 0.1679 for 3234 observed reflections with I>2≈(I). In the crystal, each Mn(II) is six-coordinated by two oxygen atoms from two [V<W₄O₁₉₁₉]4- and two nitrogen atoms from two bidentate bpy ligands and two nitrogen atoms from two pro-tonated and terminal bpy ligands. The title compound is found to have an optical energy gap of 2.1 eV from UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrum.}

3 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

015334   Udaya Kumar P M V;Potha Raju M;Srinivasa Rao K (Civil Engineering Dep, GITAM, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: killamsetti@yahoo.com) : Performance of repaired fire affected RC beams. Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 398-402.

Structural concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials in the world. Concrete elements exposed to fire experience temperature gradients and, as a result, undergo physical changes or spalling, thereby exposing steel reinforcement. The structural property of concrete that has been most widely studied as a function of temperature exposure is compressive strength. Relatively few studies have been undertaken on flexural strength of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beams and their repair. Therefore, this study was carried out to generate experimental data on residual flexural strength of heated RCC beams and their strengthening using various repair techniques. A total of 25 RCC beams were cast with similar cross-sectional details, length and grade of concrete and clear cover. Twenty beams were meant for fire exposure and the remaining five were used as companion beams. The beams were heated in two stages. In the first stage, two beams were kept at each temperature for 3 h between 100°C and 1000°C, in increments of 100°C. Beams exposed to temperature ranging between 100 and 500°C were repaired by applying paint. The beams exposed to temperature ranging between 600 and 1000°C were repaired for spalling. In the second stage, all repaired specimens were again heated. These test specimens were tested for flexural strength after bringing them to room temperature. The variation of flexural strength of repaired RCC beams with increase in temperature has been studied and the flexural strength of beams before and after the repair was compared.

4 illus, 16 ref

015333   Trivedi U B;Lakshminarayana D (Electronics Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Fabrication of enzyme based amperometric sucrose biosensor. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 132-6.

An amperometric sucrose biosensor based on the immobilization of a multi enzyme system of Invertase (INV), Mutarotaa and Glucose Oxidase (GOD) has been developed. A polymer matrix of Polyethylenemine (PEI) and Poly (carbamoylsulphonate) (PCS) hydrogel could successfully be implemented for the immobilization. A thick film screen printing technique was adopted for the fabrication of the basal conducting track of the amperometrie working electrode and counter electrode. An Ag/AgCl reference electrode completed the amperometrie sucrose biosensor system. The fabricated multi enzyme based Pt/PCS+PEI/(INV + Mutarotase + GOD) sucrose biosensor system was found to be able to detect the presence of sucrose in test samples and the results obtained are presented.

2 illus, 19 ref

015332   Tailor J;Raval A;Engineer C;Kotadia H; Kothwala D (Research & Development Div, Sahajanand Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Surat-395 003) : Development and validation of a reversed-phase HPLC method for in-vitro loading and release analysis of paclitaxel coated stent. Trends Biomater artif Organ 2008, 22(2), 79-86.

Simple, rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for determination of Paclitaxel (PCL) from coated stent surface using a reverse phase X-terra C₁₈ (5 im) column at 227 nm and using acetonitrile, methanol and water in the ratio of 60:5:35 (v/v) as a mobile phase following single-step extraction from Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 with dichloromethane. The assay was validated against trie classical criteria and was applied to detect paclitaxel content as well as release amount from the stent surface. Sink condition of paclitaxel coated stent was maintained in PBS throughout the experiments by different criteria. It was maintained by modifying the release medium such as methanolic PBS, PBS containing DENA (N, N- Diethylnicotinamide), and 0.1% sodium azide in PBS. With the "sampling" technique, drug-loaded sient was introduced into a vessel, and release was monitored over a period of time by analyzing aliquots of release medium. In the use of agitation by means of orbital shaking incubator, the sampling seems to be easier than the continuous flow method. In the "continuous flow" technique, media is continuously circulated through a cell containing drug-loaded stent followed by analysis. The extraction method achieves a chemical separation of drug from the release media by use of a separating funnel. With all these methods, the setup and sampling techniques seem to influence in vitro release.

8 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

015331   Subramanya K (NO, , Tata BP Solar India Ltd., Plot No. 78, Electronic City, Hosur Road, Bangalore-560 100, Email: anil.patni@tatabp.com) : Solar power for India: the future is bright. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 174-82.

1 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

015330   Srinivasan C (Materials Science Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: ceesri@yahoo.com) : Methane hydrate (alternative energy source) stored in powder form for easy transport. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 192-3.

3 illus, 11 ref

015329   Sonde R R (NO, , D-13, MIDC, R.D. Aga Road, Chinchwad, Pune-411 019, Email: rsonde@thermaxindia.com) : Integrated gasification and combined cycle (IGCC)-clean coal tehcnology (CCT) option: myths and realitis in the Indian context. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 151-6.

Undoubtedly, IGCC will be the future power generation technology and the best answer for climate change for fossil based power plants. IGCC offers a versatility like no other power generation cycles. The generation of synthesis gas and possibility of separation of hydrogen provides further potential for power generation using fuel cell system besides hydrogen itself being made available for other applications, including for transport. Gasification for Indian coal is still a challenge with few fundamental issues yet to be resolved. This calls for a concerted, collaborative work to address aspects such as high unburnt coal, fluctuating calorific value and scale-up issues. The new design of coal gasifier with improved gas clean-up system will probably be able to solve the coal gasification of tough Indian coal.

3 illus, 1 table

015328   Sinha P;Rai D C (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016, Email: dcrai@iitk.ac.in) : Development and performance of single-axis shake table for earthquake simulation. Curr Sci 2009, 96(12), 1611-20.

Exact simulation of earthquake motion has been a serious challenge to researchers and engineers. Shake table testing is being increasingly used in earthquake engineering research centres worldwide, as it is the only available means of nearly truly reproducing the dynamic effects that earthquakes impose on structures. To upgrade the dynamic testing facility at IIT Kanpur, a uniaxial shake table has been installed which is servo-hydraulic-operated and supported on low-friction ball bushing bearings. A relatively simple-system has been assembled with care to ensure an adequate replication of input motion by the shake-table system. Subjective comparisons of input signal vs shake-table response, in both time and frequency domain have been utilized to provide a measure of the capabilities of the simulator to reproduce earthquake motions scaled according to similitude laws. This communication discusses briefly various components of the shake table, its assembly and the investigations that were carried out to provide specific insights into its response characteristics.

15 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

015327   Singh V R;Hegde G;Asundi A (School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineeirng, Nanyang Technological Univ, Singapore-639 798, Email: hegopal@aero.iisc.ernet.in) : Particle field imaging using digital in-line holography. Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 391-7.

Digital holography is the direct recording of holograms using a CCD camera and is an alternative to the use of a film or a plate. In this communication in-line digital holographic microscopy has been explored for its application in particle imaging in 3D. Holograms of particles of about 10 im size have been digitally reconstructed. Digital focusing was done to image the particles in different planes along the depth of focus. Digital holographic particle imaging results were compared with conventional optical microscope imaging. A methodology for dynamic analysis of micro-particles in 3D using in-line digital holography has been proposed.

12 illus, 28 ref

015326   Singh A K;Kothari M;Mishra P K;Purohit R C; Virendra Kumar (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUA&T, Udaipur-313 001) : Effect of stone barrier on runoff and soil loss under different discharge rate and slopes in black soils of Karnataka-a laboratory sudy. Indian J agric Res 2009, 43(1), 10-17.

Investigation to study the effect of stone barrier under different slopes on runoff and soil loss in vertisols channel was condrcted under the simulated conditions using tilting hydraulic flume. The fabricated flume can be tilted through screw jacks in the range between 0.0 to 5.0 per cent slopes and is having perforated bed for collection of deep drainage besides arrangement for measurement of runoff and soil loss. Flume was kept at four slopes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 per cent for a simulated flow of 5.0, 7.5 and 10.00 Ips (liter per second) for 15 minutes duration over 30 cm soil depth. Results of this study show that runoff in the bare soil condition was in the range of 64.10 to 82.00 per cent and under the stone barrier condition 57.30 to 77.92 per cent of total flow under three discharge rates and four slopes. The stone barrier reduced runoff in the range of 4.97 to 10.60 per cent and soil loss in the rage of 37.15 to 62.50 per cent under three discharge rate and four slopes in comparison to bare soil condition. The results can be useful for planning and design stone barrier in fields waterways in black soils of semi arid region in Karnataka to check sediment transportation from field to river system.

7 tables, 3 ref

015325   Roy P D;Ghosh S (Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, M. E. Dep. Jemua Road, Fuljhor, Durgapur, Email: pdroy02@yahoo.co.in) : Force on vertically submerged circular thin plate in shallow water due to oblique wave. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(4), 411-17.

Describes a solution of obliquely incident surface wave force on circular plate in shallow water. Small amplitude linear wave theory is used on vertically submerged circular thin plates under three different configurations: (1) a surface-piercing circular thin plate, (2) a submerged circular thin plate and (3) a bottom-standing circular thin plate. Finally Morison's equation is used for the determination of wave force. The plates are submerged in water near the shore on uniformly sloping bottom. The solution method is confined in a finite domain, which contains the regions of different depth of water and the plate. Employing Laplace equation and boundary value problems in the finite domain, the desired velocity potential for small amplitude linear wave is derived by separation of variables. Horizontal wave force and moment are obtained with respect to the wave amplitude at different incident angles of wave as well as with different depth of water and different wave period. It is observed that these forces and moments are converging with the increase in wave period whereas the steepness of force and moment against wave amplitude are extremely high for small wave period.

5 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

015324   Ramesh K V;Raju G M J;Murty M S N;Sarma C B (Chemical Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: kvramesh69@yahoo.com) : Wall-to-bulk mass transfer in a two-phase upflow bubble column with a composite promoter. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(3), 215-27.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of pertinent dynamic and geometric variables on wall-to-bulk mass transfer coefficient in two-phase upflow bubble column in the presence of a composite promoter. The liquid phase is an electrolyte consisting of equimolal solution of potassium ferrocyanide and ferricyanide of 0.01 N with 0.5 N sodium hydroxide. The gas phase is nitrogen and a 6.73 cm i.d. acrylic column was employed as the test section. Helical tapes of four different widths wound on central rods of three different diameters with five varying pitches were used as composite promoter elements along with annular rods of four different diameters. Measurement of limiting currents at point electrodes fixed flush with the inner surface of the test section facilitated the computation of wall-to-bulk mass transfer coefficients. The wall-to-bulk mass transfer coefficient was found to increase with increase in liquid and gas velocities in the presence of the promoter. The effect of rod diameter, tape width and tape pitch yielded improvements upto 40% at lower liquid and gas velocities. The entire data were correlated with the equation j_D = 110.3 (Re)^{-0.8424 (Fr_g)0.089.}

11 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

015323   Pradip;Rai B (Process Engineering Innovation Laboratory, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, A Div of Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., 54B Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune-411 013, Email: pradip.p@tcs.com) : Development of innovative technologies for the treatment, recyling and utilisation of bauxite residue (Red Mud) in India. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 28-38.

4 illus, 40 ref

015322   Ozkan O;Ozdemir O;Azgin S T (Environmental Engineering Dep, Erciyes Univ, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey, Email: ozkan@erciyes.edu.tr) : Prediction of biochemical oxygen demand in a wastewater treatment plant by artificial neural networks. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4821-30.

In this study, output biochemical oxygen demand concentration of Kayseri advanced biological wastewater treatment plant was defined with the daily input data of 2004-2007 belonging to the same facility and this data was estimated rapidly and confidently by training with multi layered artificial neural networks model. In the establishment of the artificial neural networks model temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total dissolved solids parameters were used as input while biochemical oxygen demand parameter was used as output. The structure yielding the best result was obtained by training the artificial neural networks structure with 5 inputs, two hidden layers by Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. In this structure, it was found that mean square error 0.45, mean absolute error 0.445 and R^{2 = 0.915.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

015321   Nejad M H;Khosravi A;Gharanjig K;Moradian S (NO, Faculty of Polymer and Color Engineering, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran, Email: a.khosravi@aut.ac.ir) : Synthesis of some monoazo acid dyes based on naphthalimides. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4812-20.

A series of novel monoazo acid dyes derived from naphthalimide were prepared. 4-Amino-N-methyl (alternatively N-butyl) derivatives of naphthalimide, aniline andp-nitroaniline were used as the diazo components and schaeffer's acid and H-acid constituted the coupling components. 4-Aminonaphthalimide derivatives mentioned above were prepared by standard reactions from acenaphthene as the starting material. The reaction conditions were varied in order to obtain optimal yields for each stage of the preparation to obtain the corresponding 4-aminonaphth-alimide derivative as the diazo component which was subsequently purified. Diazotization and coupling reactions were carried out in order to obtain the final acid dyes. Again maximal yields were sought after and the reaction conditions were varied accordingly. All intermediates and dyes were recrystallized in order to be attained in a purified form. The obtained dyes and their corresponding intermediates were characterized by the use of elemental analysis, DSC, FTIR, ^{1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques. Spectrophotometric investigations of the prepared dyes-in different solvents were carried out in order to obtain their absorption maxima, solvatochromic effects and various intensities. The acid dyes were finally dyed on polyamide fibres in order to investigate their dyeing properties and the obtainable colour gamut.}

3 illus, 6 tables, 19 ref

015320   Namgial D;Jha M K (NO, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Srinagar-191 121, Email: madan@agfe.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Filtering techniques for quantifying tidal impacts on groundwater: a comparative analysis. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 947-56.

Analysis of tidal effects on aquifer systems plays an important role in coastal aquifer management. In this study, the impacts of tidal fluctuations on groundwater levels were quantified by three filtering techniques: filtering technique I (tidal efficiency and time lag), filtering technique II (moving average), and filtering technique III (25 h mean). The tide-aquifer interaction data were obtained from the Konan aquifer, Japan (two unconflned sites) and the Dridrate aquifer, Morocco (three confined sites). Groundwater filtering by tidal efficiency and time lag indicated that the peak of the filtered groundwater level had shifted slightly to right and its amplitude decreased. For the unconfined sites, the mean at 13 h by filtering technique III was found to be lower than that obtained by filtering technique II. Similarly, for the confined sites, the mean at 13 h obtained by filtering technique III was relatively low compared to the mean at 36 h by filtering technique II. Although filtering techniques II and HI are able to remove solar and lunar harmonics from measured groundwater data, filtering technique I is more useful for practical purposes.

11 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

015319   Mukhopadhyay M;Panja P (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: mm@che.iitb.ac.in) : Pressurised hot water as a novel extractant of natural products. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(4), 311-24.

Pressurised hot water extraction (PHWE) has emerged as a highly promising energy-efficient and environmentally benign technique for recovering bioactive molecules from natural materials using sub-critical compressed liquid water in the temperature range of 80-180°C. It is set to replace conventional solvent extraction, pressurised organic solvent extraction or supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) to obviate their limitations. A critical review on variations in the characteristic properties of PHW and the factors influencing the performance of PHWE process reveals its great potential to improve the yield and quality, by proper optimisation of process parameters. This novel extractant can be utilised to efficiently obtain clean product from a variety of natural substances.

10 illus, 5 tables, 35 ref

015318   Mondal S;Saha M C (NO, , Reliance Industries Ltd., Jamnagar, Email: smondal_chem@rediffmail.com) : Mass transfer from suspended sphere in presence of inert multi-particulate fluidised solid. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(3), 240-4.

Mass transfer from naphthalene spheres in the presence of inert fluidised particles of different size fraction has been studied. The parameters considered in the present study include effect of particle Reynolds number Re_p, suspended sphere diameter, bed porosity in mass transfer, and effect of inert fluidised particle diameter on mass transfer coefficient. Inert fluidised particles, spherical in nature and having specific gravity 1.4 with size ranging from 0.2923667 to 0.6276975 mm were used. The diameter of the suspended naphthalene spheres varied from 17 to 31 mm. The Re_p varied from 11 to 70 with varying air velocity and fluidised bed porosity varied from 0.48 to 0.73. Mass transfer coefficient was found to vary from 3.6 x 10^{-5 to 2.4 x 10-4. The corresponding mass transfer factor varied from 7.88 x 10-7 to 8.92 x 10-6. The effect of different parameters, which affect the rate of mass transfer from suspended spheres in the presence of inert fluidised particles, were co-related in a new form of mass transfer factor J'_D which is the function of mass transfer factor J_D, naphthalene diameter D_nap and inert particle diameter D_pi A new correlation was established with J'_D and modified Reynolds number.}

4 illus, 7 ref

015317   Lakshmanan N;Gomathinayagam S;Harkrishna P; Abraham A;Chitra Ganapathi S (Structural Engineering Research Centre, CSIR, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: goms@sercm.org) : Basic wind speed map of India with long-term hourly wind data. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 911-22.

Long-term data on hourly wind speed from 70 meteorological centres of India Meteorological Department have been collected. The daily gust wind data have been processed for annual maximum wind speed (in kmph) for each site. Using the Gumbel probability paper approach the extreme value quantiles have been derived. A design basis wind speed for each site for a return period of 50 years has also been evaluated. The site-specific changes in the design wind speeds in the contemporary wind zone map for the design of buildings/ structures are highlighted and revision to the map is suggested.

12 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

015316   Kumar S;Choudhary V (Centre for Polymer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, Email: veenach@hotmail.com) : Comparative studies on the crystallisation behaviour of poly (Ether ketone) (PEK). Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 13-27.

Describes the crystallisation and melting behaviour of poly (ether ketone) (PEK), prepared by Gharda Chemicals Ltd., India and compares the same with the PEK supplied by ICI as Victrex. Reportedly, the routes of synthesis of the two polymers are different. Crystallisation of PEK was studied under non-isothermal conditions with differential scanning calorimetry. Crystallisation parameters were evaluated with standard equations and the results were interpreted on the basis of nucleation, crystallisation, and activation energy of crystallisation. The behaviour of Gharda PEK and Victrex PEK was comparable.

11 illus, 8 tables, 15 ref

015315   Khan N H (Process Development, Tata Chemicals Limited, Mithapur-361 345, Email: najmul.khan@tatachemicals.com ) : Soda ash industry: future challenges. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 162-4.

Soda ash is a basic chemical product with primary application in the glass, detergents, soap, and paper industries. It tracks fairly closely with economic Gross Domestic Product. Before 2005, the growth in soda ash consumption in the world was 2.45% but in the past few years, the consumption has grown at a rate of 5%. This rise is attributed mainly to the significant improvement taking place in construction, infrastructure etc., in the developing countries. The demand is expected to grow till 2012 but after that it is expected to decline to 2.12%, following a cyclic process.

3 illus

015314   Kanavi S (NO, Tata Consultancy Services, 4th and 5th Floor, P.T.I. Building, No.4, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-100 001, Email: shivanand.kanavi@tcs.com) : Indian software: from artisans to global industry. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 157-61.

6 ref

015313   Joshi J B (Homi Bhabha Distinguished Chair Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Dep of Atomic Energy, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400 094, Email: jbj@udct.org) : Process intensification. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 52-77.

The present status of design of chemical process equipment is still closer to an art than science. Therefore, the prevailing design practice depends heavily on the accumulated experience, intuition and empiricism. However, on the international level, new knowledge gets continuously generated and deeper insights are possible with the help of computers and modern instrumentation. Such developments occur in universities, research institutions, via industrial research and development and a lot of them occur in the operating plants themselves. This knowledge is available in the form of research publication, patents and through conferences/symposia/workshops. Judicious application of this available knowledge (knowledge engineering) in the operating plants can result in enhancements in capacities (in many cases upto 50% and in some cases even upto 100%) and improvements in selectivities. More importantly, the wasteful byproducts can be reduced, which greatly helps in reduction of the pollution load on the environment. All these benefits are "knowledge based" and the investments in hardware are usually marginal. This overall exercise is, therefore, named as "More from Less through Knowledge Engineering".

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

015312   Jain M P;Sathiyamoorthy D;Rao V G (NO, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, Email: mpjain2000@yahoo.com ) : Hydrochlorination of silicon in a fluidised bed reactor. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(4), 272-80.

The present work aims to study the reaction between silicon and hydrogen chloride (HC1) gas to produce, primarily, trichlorosilane in fluidised bed condition. The experimental data were obtained first in fixed bed and then in fluidised bed to determine reaction rate constants for the reaction of HC1 gas on metallurgical grade silicon. The reactor used for the purpose was a laboratory reactor of ID 26.6 mm and height 470 mm made up of stainless steel 316L. The reaction products were condensed at - 78°C after coming out from the outlet of the fluidised bed reactor. Uncondensed trichlorosiiane vapours, if any, from the condenser were trapped in caustic soda solution forming silica that was washed and weighed to calculate the amount of uncondensed trichlorosilance. The experiments were carried out in temperature range 316-326°C, using the average silicon particle sizes of 88-208 u, and flow rates of HC1 gas of 1.6-3.2 1pm at 1.0 atmospheric pressure. Experimental conversions of HC1 were evaluated. Fluidised bed models of Kunii and Levenspiel, and Kato and Wen were analysed utilising the experimental data to determine overall rate constant and conversions. The experimental conversions of HCl were compared with the estimated values from the Kunii and Levenspiel model as well as from the Kato and Wen model.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

015311   Heinrichs J;Jarmar T;Wiklund U;Engqvist H (Engineering Science Dep, The Angstrom Laboratory, Uppsala Univ, Sweden) : Physical vapour deposition and bioactivity of crystalline titanium dioxide thin films. Trends Biomater artif Organ 2008, 22(2), 104.

Lack of interfacial stability is one of the causes behind the need for revision surgery of metallic implants. Thin films of titanium oxide have recently been proven to be bioactive (in vitro) and non-resorbable. The objective of the paper is to investigate the relationship between deposition parameters of thin crystalline titanium oxide films (using reactive sputtering), their microstructure and the in vitro bioactivity. The relative amounts of anatase and rutile were hard to control via the deposition parameters tested. No direct coupling between the hydroxylapatite layer and the crystalline films from different deposition runs could be derived from this investigation.

7 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

015310   Hegde G M;Reddy K P J (Aerosace Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: hegopal@aero.iisc.ernet.in) : Future switching technology: bacterial protein-based programmable all-optical switch for integrated optics applications?. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1461-5.

Reports on the bacterial protein-based all-optical switches which operate at low laser power, high speed and fulfil most of the requirements to be an ideal all-optical switch without any moving parts involved. This consists of conventional optical waveguides coated with bacteriorhodopsin films at switching locations. The principle of operation of the switch is based on the light-induced refractive index change of bacteriorhodopsin. This approach opens the possibility of realizing protein-based all-optical switches for communication network, integrated optics and optical computers.

4 illus, 40 ref

015309   Hakeem M A;Ali M M;Singhal R;Ali S S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: mahakeem63@yahoo.co.in) : Modelling of non-isothermal batch reactor using fuzzy logic. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(4), 261-71.

The work, fuzzy logic (FL) has been used to model the performance of a batch reactor system and, hence, the conversion profile at varying operating conditions. The transient temperature vs. time data of exothermic reaction was taken from open literature [1] for modelling with FL. The FL model with properly chosen fuzzy sets, type of membership function and rule base relate time with temperature very well in the reactor under experimental condition. The simulated result through FL model was compared with experimental findings, mathematical model and artificial neural network (ANN) model. The FL model predictions were found to be in very good agreement with experimental findings with average absolute error less than 1%.

10 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

015308   Habibi S;Rashidi A;Bazgir S;Katbab A A; Montazer M (Textile Engineering Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran, Email: roshidi50@yahoo.com) : Preparation and flame retardancy of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4881-8.

Presents the experiments on preparing nanocomposites based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and montmorillonite via melt blending with different clay loadings to investigate their combustion behaviour. All the samples have intercalated structure by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. Their thermal stability and combustion behaviour were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter. Peak heat release rate of nanocomposites decrease as the contents of clay increase compared to that of pristine poly(ethylene terephthalate).

015307   Goel A K;Behera D;Swain S;Behera B K (College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Performance evaluation of a low-cost manual sunflower thresher. Indian J agric Res 2009, 43(1), 37-41.

Two types of low-cost sunflower threshers (wire mesh type and perforated GI sheet type) were developed and their performance was compared with pedal operated thresher and the traditional method. The test was conducted at four levels of moisture content (db) i.e., 13.84, 11.23, 10.50 and 8.38% for MSFH-17 variety of sunflower crop with different cub diameter ranging from 16-19 cm. The threshing capacity of the threshers increased with decrease in moisture content from 13.84 to 10.50 per cent below which it decreased for all th-2 treatments. The mechanical damage decreased with decrease in seed moisture content and threshing efficiency increased with decrease in moisture content in all the treatments. Based on highest threshing capacity, lowest cost of threshing and a grain breakage of less than 2 per cent, the optimum seed moisture content was found to be 10.50 per cent for threshing of sunflower crop. As highest threshing capacity and lowest cost of threshing were observed with wire mesh type thresher, this may be recommended for adoption by small and marginal farmers of the state.

5 illus, 3 tables

015306   Dursun S;Savas Durduran S;Kunt F (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Selcuk Univ, 42003 Konya, Turkey, Email: sdursun@selcuk.edu.tr) : Fluoride concentration modelling in Konya city drinking water wells via geographical information system. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4805-11.

Fluoride is one of the important elements in drinking water. This element is needed in small quantities; because it has an important role for health. Even small quantities of some trace elements have significant effect on human health. In this study, bearing in mind that especially excessive or low fluoride content of drinking waters is important for human health, water samples were collected from 50 different water wells in Konya city centre for determination of their fluoride concentrations. Water fluoride data analyses for modelling were carried out using Geographical Information System (GIS) then, fluoride level maps were presented to aid the identification of areas where high-fluoride waters and fluorosis may be a problem. It was observed that fluoride levels of all collected samples were below the limit given in T.S.-266 and WHO standards. The highest fluoride concentration was detected in water wells at Sakarya area with 0.42 mg L^{-1. The lowest fluoride level was obtained from Ali Tasoluk well water with 0.092 mg L-1. Fluoride level in the tap water has a great importance for tooth and bone health. In the systems where water is supplied from wells with low fluoride content, it is necessary addition of fluoride using appropriate methods. In addition, if it is not possible for fluoride addition, it is necessary to inform the people who using this water about application fluoride tablets.}

1 table, 40 ref

015305   Chowdhury D (Material Science Div, Polymer Unit, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781 035, Email: devasishc@gmail.com) : Combination of self-assembly and nanolithography as an effective nanofabrication methodology for device realization. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 923-32.

Scanning probe-based nanolithography techniques are advantageous and have the potential to replace the expensive photolithography process. One of the scanning probe techniques is constructive nanolithography, which is a nano-electrochemical process of oxidizing only the terminal -CH₃ group to -COOH of the highly ordered monolayer of OTS (n-octadecyltrichlorosilane) self-assembled on silicon with a conducting scanning force microscope tip. Making use of surface self-assembly in combination with constructive nanolithography various species such as metals, metal ions, semiconductor nanoparticles and organic compounds can be assembled, over which reactions and reorganization processes can take place for their further use as nanodevices.

9 illus, 52 ref