Abstract:
Fluorescence chromophores such as phenylene diamine derivatives can undergo oxidative coupling and polymerization to form optical, colorimetric and fluorogenic, multimers and polymers. The presence of carbonyl containing moieties such as aldehydes and ketones under favorable environmental conditions can initiate, catalyze, accelerate and modulate this reaction which in turn provides a mechanism for the detection and quantitation of such moieties. Selected phenylene diamine derivatives can be used for the detection and quantitation of aldehyde and ketones via measurement of the reaction and the associated spectroscopic transformation. In particular, the use of meta-phenylene diamine (mPDA) and related compounds for aldehyde detection and quantitation is described. The method provides a convenient means for monitoring aldehyde and ketone levels without use of separation steps. The method is applicable to kinetic and quasi-endpoint detection assay formats.
Abstract:
A wind-driven source of electricity can be located and oriented to take advantage of winds traveling over water. A structure is provided that can be transported over water and carry one or more wind-driven sources of electricity and structure-supporting means for engaging the earth's surface under water. The structure is transported to an advantageous location for operation of the wind-driven sources of electricity; the structure supporting means is engaged with the earth's surface under water at the advantageous location; and the one or more wind-driven sources of electricity can be elevated to take advantage of the winds traveling over the water.
Abstract:
A new MODU jacking system can reliably handle loads several times greater than can be currently handled, can be inexpensively designed and readily scaled for different jack-up loads, and can save millions of dollars in the manufacture of a single jack-up MODU. In the new MODU jacking system, a plurality of hydraulic continuous linear motion motors are engaged with a plurality of MODU supporting legs to provide relative motion between the MODU platform and its supporting legs, and to also maintain the MODU platform and MODU supporting legs locked in a stationary relationship. In the new jack-up system, the number of hydraulic piston/cylinder units and the number and design of the teeth that are engaged in providing relative motion may be selected to substantially reduce material stresses on the system.