OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the gustatory and olfactory functions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to sex- and age-matched healthy subjects and to investigate a potential relationship between disease activity [using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)] and chemosensory capacity. Furthermore, to dissect possible impacts of standard anti-inflammatory medications on the gustatory and olfactory functions.METHODS:Patients with established RA underwent standardized assessment of their gustatory and olfactory functions. The patients were also examined for their disease activity, had their specific blood-test results analysed, and were asked to answer a standardized questionnaire about their quality of life, the negative effects of their disease, and about comorbidities.RESULTS:A total of 101 RA patients (75 women, 26 men, mean age: 57.9 ± 13.8 and 64.2 ± 10.9 years, respectively) were analysed. In relation to age- and sex-related subjects, both female and male RA patients had a significantly decreased taste score (p < 0.001) and also a significantly decreased olfactory score (p < 0.05), indicating that a substantial number of patients suffer from hypogeusia or hyposmia. This abnormality did not correlate with disease activity, the duration of the disease, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor use, and the loss of the chemosensory functions, together indicating that hypogeusia and hyposmia are frequent clinical manifestations in RA patients independent of the inflammatory activity of their disease.CONCLUSION:The results indicate that there is a significant decrease in the olfactory and gustatory function in RA patients compared to those of healthy controls, which can seriously and substantially affect the quality of the patients' life.

Acute cardiac allograft rejection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation and predisposes for the development of graft vasculopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of preconditioning of the donor and recipient with medical ozone (O(3)/O(2)) on acute allograft rejection. Minimizing the initial ischemia-reperfusion injury may result in a reduction of graft vasculopathy and ameliorate long-term outcomes after cardiac transplantation. Lewis rats were challenged with Wistar-Furth cardiac allograft. In donor and recipient animals a medical ozone (O(3)/O(2))-pneumoperitoneum was induced by single (1x) or repetitive (5x) insufflation (concentration: 50 microg/mL, 80 mL/kg body weight) of medical ozone intraperitoneally. Without immunomodulatory therapy (n = 11) cardiac allograft survival was 5.9 +/- 0.9 days. Preconditioning with medical ozone alone (single bolus as well as repetitive administration, n = 7) of the donor and recipient animals prolonged cardiac allograft survival significantly to 7.6 +/- 1.4 days (P < .05), without any adjunctive immunosuppressive therapy. In this pilot study, the intraperitoneal administration of ozone in donor and recipient animals protected from ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduced the immunogenicity of the graft, and prolonged cardiac allograft survival. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and--more important--to investigate the effect on the development of graft vasculopathy, the major obstacle to long-term graft and patient survivals.

The computation of parameters for group contribution models in order to predict thermodynamic properties usually leads to a multiparameter optimization problem. The model parameters are calculated using a regression method and applying certain error criteria. A complex objective function occurs for which an optimization algorithm has to find the global minimum. For simple increment or group contribution models it is often sufficient to use deterministically working optimization algorithms. However, if the model contains parameters in complex terms such as sums of exponential expressions, the optimization problem will be a non-linear regression problem and the search of the global optimum becomes rather difficult. In this paper we report, that conventional multimembered (Μ,λ)- and (Μ+λ.)-Evolution Strategies could not cope with such non-linear regression problems without further ado, whereas multimembered encapsulated Evolution Strategies with multi-dimensional step length control are better suited for the optimization problem considered here.

Insufflation of ozonized oxygen into the peritoneum (O3/O2-pneumoperitoneum [O3/O2-PP]) of rats reduced the lethality of peritonitis. We evaluated the prophylactic effect of O3/O2-PP combined with tazobactam/piperacillin (TZP) in polymicrobial lethal peritonitis. Wistar rats were conditioned by daily repeated insufflation of ozone for 5 days, and hematologic parameters were determined. Sepsis was induced by i.p. injection of cecal material derived from donor rats. Simultaneously, TZP was applied at a single dosage of 65 mg/kg or at two dosage schedules of 65 mg/kg each at an interval of 1 h. The conditioning effect of O3/O2-PP on the number of blood cells was measured before inoculation of bacteria. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-lbeta and TNF-alpha were determined at 4 h post infection in spleen and liver by semiquantitative in situ hybridization analysis. Preconditioning of rats by O3/O2-PP enhanced the number of blood leukocytes and granulocytes and increased the survival rate of septic rats up to 33%. The combination of O3/O2-PP and TZP further enhanced the survival rate up to 93%. This effect was accompanied by a reduced amount of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA in spleen and liver. In contrast, in non-infected animals the combination of O3/O2-PP and TZP enhanced IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA in the spleen and IL-1beta mRNA in liver when compared with TZP- and sham-treated controls. The preconditioning effect of O3/O2-PP seems to support the biological effectiveness of TZP by altering the immune status before and during the onset of sepsis. The combined therapy could be a simple, preoperative intervention for abdominal surgery to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.

We analysed the effect of intraperitoneal insufflated ozonized oxygen on the anaesthetic strength generated by tribromoethanol, ketamine/xylazine, chloral hydrate, pentobarbital, and urethane in male Wistar rats. High dosages of anaesthetic drugs normally used for deep surgical anaesthesia were injected. The ozonized oxygen gas mixture was given five times daily on five consecutive days at 0.8 mg ozone/kg body weight before anaesthesia. The reflexes were measured 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min after injection of the anaesthetic drug. The sleeping time and the loss and regain of six different reflexes on noxious and non-aversive stimuli were recorded during the 4 h of observation. O3/O2–pneumoperitoneum (O3/O2–PP) reduced the sleeping time induced by tribromoethanol and ketamine/xylazine and increased it for chloral hydrate and pentobarbital. In accordance to the changes in the duration of anaesthesia, the O3/O2–PP induced significant changes in the loss of different reflexes. Additionally, the modulatory effect of the anaesthetic drugs on splenic cytokine mRNA expression was further influenced by O3/O2–PP. Thus, the influence of an oxidative stressor on anaesthetic potency and on the resting immune system has to be taken into account for experimental designs in which surgical anaesthesia is necessary for small laboratory animals.

The surface excess for the adsorption of phenol, 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, and 1,3-dihydroxybenzene from aqueous solution onto unfunctionalized polystyrene and polymethacrylate resins cross-linked with divinylbenzene (Lewatit VP-OC 1163, Amberlite XAD-4, Serdolite PAD I, II, and III, and Supelcogel TPR-100, respectively) at temperatures from 294.15 K to 318.15 K has been determined using the chromatographic method of frontal analysis. For a prediction of adsorption equilibria for phenol + water systems onto polymeric adsorbents, the fluid phase concentration is normalized to the solubility of the phenols in water. Isotherms of the Redlich−Peterson type with characteristic parameters for different polymers were fitted to the adsorption data (surface excess versus normalized concentration). The experimental data were correlated with a standard deviation of 1.1%; adsorption equilibria were predicted within 2%.

The examinations on the heat transfer in developing laminar oscillating pipe flow presented before [1] have been extended to include turbulence as well. A suitable low-Reynolds-number k-ɛ-turbulence model was incorporated in an existing 2D-simulation code for oscillating flow conditions and subsequent examinations focused on the heat transfer associated with turbulent oscillating flow. The calculations cover a wide range of the characteristic parameters and the results are summarised in form of new heat transfer correlations to suit with the operating conditions of regenerative thermal machines.

Chemie Ingenieur TechnikVolume 72, Issue 4 p. 369-373 Article Verschachtelte Evolutionsstrategien zur Optimierung nichtlinearerverfahrenstechnischer Regressionsprobleme Hannes Geyer Dipl.-Ing., Hannes Geyer Dipl.-Ing. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this authorPeter Ulbig Dr.-Ing. habil., Peter Ulbig Dr.-Ing. habil. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this authorSiegfried Schulz Prof. (em.) Dr.-Ing., Siegfried Schulz Prof. (em.) Dr.-Ing. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this author Hannes Geyer Dipl.-Ing., Hannes Geyer Dipl.-Ing. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this authorPeter Ulbig Dr.-Ing. habil., Peter Ulbig Dr.-Ing. habil. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this authorSiegfried Schulz Prof. (em.) Dr.-Ing., Siegfried Schulz Prof. (em.) Dr.-Ing. Universität Dortmund, Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Fachbereich Chemietechnik, Emil-Figge-Straße 70, D-44227 Dortmund.Search for more papers by this author First published: 29 November 2000 https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2640(200004)72:4<369::AID-CITE369>3.0.CO;2-WCitations: 2 Postervortrag anlässlich der 5. internationalen Konferenz "Parallel Problem Solving from Nature", 27.-30. Sept. Amsterdam. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL References [1] Weidlich U. Gmehling J.A Modified UNIFAC Model, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 261987 1372 1381 [2] Geyer H. Schulz S.Use of Evolutionary Algorithms for the Calculation of Group Contribution Parameters in Order to Predict Thermodynamic Properties, Part 2: Encapsulated Evolution Strategies, Computers Chemical Engineering 7. 231999 955 973 [3] Geyer H. Bräuer P.Vergleich zwischen klassischen und verschachtelten Evolutionsstrategien am Beispiel einer nichtlinearen Regression an Oberflächenspannungen in interner Bericht CI-66/99 des Sonderforschungsbereichs 531: »Design and Management komplexer technischer Prozesse und Systeme mit Methoden der Computational Intelligence«, Dortmund.1999 [4] Bäck T.Evolutionary Algorithms in Theory and Practice, Oxford Univ. Press, New York.1996 [5] Schwefel H.-P.Evolution and Optimum Seeking, Wiley & Sons, New York.1995 [6] Rechenberg I.Evolutionsstrategie '94, Werkstatt Bionik und Evolutionstechnik, Band 1, Friedrich Frommann, Stuttgart.1994 [7] Geyer H. Schulz S.Encapsulated Evolution Strategies for the Determination of Group Contribution Model Parameters in Order to Predict Thermodynamic Properties, in: 5th International Conference: Parallel Problem Solving from Nature, Lecture Notes in Computer Science 1498 (Hrsg.: A. E. EIBEN, T. BÄCK, M. SCHOENAUER, H.-P. SCHWEFEL), Springer Verlag, Berlin.1998 978 987 [8] Geyer H.Entwicklung und Untersuchung von Gruppenbeitragsmethoden zur Vorhersage thermodynamischer Stoffgrößen unter Verwendung von Methoden der Computational Intelligence, Shaker-Verlag, Aachen.2000 [9] Kracht C. Model J.Chem. Thermodyn. 311999 587 613 Citing Literature Volume72, Issue4April 2000Pages 369-373 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Surface excess isotherms of seven binary liquid mixtures with hexane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane), cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-ethylhexanol on several activated carbons at 298.15 K are presented. The surface excess depends on the accessibility of the pore system and on the interaction energies between adsorbate and adsorbent which can be extremely high due to superficial polar groups. For future modelling the characterization of the adsorbents is extended by Boehm titrations in order to determine the concentration of polar functional surface groups.

A new approach to describe the adsorption behavior of liquid mixtures on solid surfaces by use of G E -models is presented. In contrast to the classical formulation of adsorption equilibrium the adsorbed phase is considered to be a mixture containing the adsorbed species (adsorbate) and the adsorbent as additional component. By introducing the Gibbs excess energy G E* for this adsorbate-solid-solution the free energy of adsorption is correlated with the respective activity coefficients of all involved components. This concept, in the following briefly called ASST (adsorbate-solid-solution theory), thus leads to a thermodynamically consistent description of both the adsorption equilibrium and caloric properties. For evaluation purposes the Wilson model was used to calculate the Gibbs excess free energy G E* . First results show the good ability of ASST to correlate surface excess isotherms of different types and to predict their temperature dependence. Moreover, the concept enables the surface excess isotherm for a binary liquid mixture to be predicted if the parameters describing the interactions between adsorbent and the respective fluids have been estimated from different surface excess isotherms.

Regeneratoren sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil regenerativer Gaskreisprozesse, deren bekannteste Vertreter der Stirling- und der Vuilleumier-Prozeß sind. Ihnen kommt die Aufgabe zu, im Prozeßverlauf von dem sie durchströmenden Arbeitsmedium Wärme aufzunehmen und bei der Rückströmung diese Wärme wieder an das Arbeitsgas abzugeben. Aus diesen Aufgaben eines Regenerators resultieren unmittelbar die an das Regeneratormaterial zu stellenden Anforderungen. Neben einem möglichst guten Wärmeübertragungsverhalten muß vor allem ein günstiges Druckverlustverhalten der Regeneratormatrix eingefordert werden. Im Hinblick auf einen Einsatz in der Serie stehen zusätzlich die Konfektionierung sowie die Herstellungs- und Folgekosten des Matrixmaterials im Mittelpunkt des Interesses. Bisher finden in ausgeführten Maschinen vor allem Drahtnetzpackungen und Matrizen aus Drahtgestrick Anwendung; diese Lösungen sind aufgrund der hohen Herstellungskosten für eine Serienfertigung allerdings ungeeignet. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden neue Regeneratorkonzepte entwickelt, auf ihre Tauglichkeit aus thermodynamischer und strömungsmechanischer Sicht überprüft und unter fertigungstechnischen sowie ökonomischen Aspekten einer Bewertung unterzogen.

Excess enthalpies of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, or 2-propanol + aqueous solution of NaCl or KCl were measured using flow-mix calorimetry at various temperatures. Mixtures with all alkanols were investigated at 285.65, 298.15, 308.15, and 323.15 K; those with ethanol and both propanols were additionally investigated at 338.15 K. Furthermore, mixtures with 1-propanol were investigated at 353.15 K. The concentration of the salt water component was varied between 0 and 10 wt % salt in water. Due to the calorimetric flow-mix setup, the total salt concentration in the mixture decreases with increasing mole fraction of alkanol. The reliability of the experimental setup has already been verified in a previous work (Friese et al., 1998) by comparison with literature data. The measured excess enthalpies of alkanol (1) + (water (2) + salt (3)), , are given along with a formula for calculating the excess enthalpies occuring when mixing the three components in their reference states, that is pure liquids and infin...

The enthalpy-based group-contribution model (EBGCM) presented in this work represents a group-contribution model based upon the three-parameter Wilson equation and the EBLCM (enthalpy-based local composition model) for the description of excess molar enthalpies. In a first step the interaction parameters were optimized to excess enthalpy data following the group identification of Wu and Sandler. Furthermore, the interaction parameters of two modified UNIFAC models (Weidlich and Gmehling and Larsen and Fredenslund) were fitted to the same data base in order to obtain comparable results. Although the EBGCM was developed primarily for the prediction of excess enthalpies, the excess Gibbs free energy can be calculated too. For that purpose, the equations of the EBGCM (as well as for the modified UNIFAC versions) can be transferred into theGmEform. In this second step, activity coefficients at infinite dilution were used to fit the interaction parameters of the new model as well as the parameters of the two modified UNIFAC models. In a third step, both excess enthalpy data and activity coefficients at infinite dilution were used simultaneously to determine the interaction parameters. By doing so, the thermodynamic consistency of the interaction parameters should increase.

Excess molar enthalpies h E of different glycol+methanol and glycol+ethanol mixtures at atmospheric pressure were measured at the temperatures (285.65, 298.15, 308.15, and 323.15 K). Glycol+ethanol mixtures were also measured at the temperature 338.15 K. The glycols were the following: ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,2-butanediol. The experimental results are correlated using the Redlich–Kister equation and are qualitatively discussed.

The prediction of certain thermodynamic properties of pure substances and mixtures with calculation methods is a frequent task during the process design in chemical engineering. Group contribution methods divide the molecules into functional groups and if the model parameters for theses groups are known, predictions of thermodynamic properties of compounds that comprise these groups are possible. Their model parameters have to be fitted to experimental data, which usually leads to a multi-parameter multi-modal optimization problem. In this paper, different approaches for the parameter optimization are tested for a certain class of substances. One way to carry out the optimization is to fit only one group interaction at a time, which results in six parameters, that have to be fitted. The downside of this procedure is, that incompatibilities between different parameter sets might occur. The other way is to fit more than one group interaction at a time. This further increases the variable dimension but prevents incompatibilities and leads to thermodynamic more consistent parameters because of a greater data base for their optimization. Therefore, investigations on those different optimization procedures with the help of encapsulated Evolution Strategies are made.