Randomized function evaluation on a ring

LetR be a unidirectional asynchronous ring ofn identical processors each with a single input bit. Letf be any cyclic nonconstant function ofn boolean variables. Moran and Warmuth (1986) prove that anydeterministic algorithm that evaluatesf onR has communication complexity (n logn) bits. They also construct a family of cyclic nonconstant boolean functions that can be evaluated inO(n logn) bits by a deterministic algorithm.This contrasts with the following new results:

Rationally designed inhibitors as tools for comparing the mechanism of squalene-hopene cyclase with oxidosqualene cyclase

The inhibition of squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) (E.C. 5.4.99.-), an enzyme of bacterial membranes catalyzing the formation of pentacyclic sterol-like triterpenes, was studied by using different classes of compounds originally developed as inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclase (OCS) (E.C. 5.4.99.7), the enzyme of eukaryotes responsible for the formation of tetracyclic precursors of sterols. The mechanism of cyclization of squalene by SHC, beginning with a protonation of the 2,3 double bond by an acidic residue of the enzyme, followed by a series of electrophilic additions of the carbocationic intermediates to the double bonds, is similar to the mechanism of cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene by OSC. The inhibitors studied included: (i) analogs of the carbocationic intermediates formed during cyclization, such as aza-analogs of squalene and 2,3-oxidosqualene; (ii) affinity-labeling inhibitors bearing a methylidene reactive group; and (iii) vinyldioxidosqualenes and vinylsulfide derivatives of the substrates. Comparison of the results obtained with the two enzymes, SHC and OSC, showed that many of the most effective inhibitors of OSC were also able to inhibit SHC, while some derivatives acted as specific inhibitors. Differences could be easily explained on the basis of the different substrate specificity of the two enzymes.     

Darstellung,Struktur und Reaktivität quartärer Ammoniumcellulosate

Tetraalkylammonium cellulosates were prepared by means of an exchange reaction between cellulose and tetraalkylammonium methoxides in anhydrous methanol and dimethylsulfoxide up to a degree of substitution of about 0,7 without chain degradation. The course of this reaction and the structure of the cellulosates in comparison to lithium and sodium cellulosate has been studied. The reaction rate and the equilibrium substitution decreased with increasing size of the cation in the methoxide. The distribution of the alcoholate groups in equilibrium at C-2, C-3 and C-6 of the glucopyranosyl unit in the cellulosates, which was investigated by methylation, hydrolysis of the methylcelluloses, and analysis of the methylglucoses by gas chromatography, was independent of the nature of the cation. Under the given reaction conditions the hydroxyl group at C-2 was more acidic than those at C-3 and C-6, while for the latter practically no difference was found. The tetraalkylammonium cellulosates are highly reactive intermediates for the preparation of cellulose derivatives. The reactivity of the cellulosates increased with increasing size of the cation, Li^⊕ < Na^⊕ < N(CH₃)₄^⊕ <[(CH₃)₃N? CH₂? C₆H₅]^⊕.     

Anwendung von statistischen Prüfverfahren im Bereich der Mischtechnik

Application of statistical testing to mixing. Assessment of the homogeneity of mixtures of solids and determination of the necessary mixing times are performed with the aid of statistical testing methods. The results from the basis for necessary decisions. Since reliable statements are fundamentally impossible in mathematical statistics, all such decisions are, with a certain probability, false, i.e. involve some risk. In studies of mixing, the first kind of error concerns the risk of rejecting a mixture although its homogeneity satisfies requirements, while the second kind of error concerns the risk of accepting a mixture although its homogeneity is insufficient. It is shown that barriers can be introduced for both kinds of error, and how to do this. Both the sample size and the limits of the acceptance range for the sample variance are thus laid down. If no decision is to be made concerning acceptance or rejection of a given mixture, but information is merely required about the mixing quality after a given time then this is accomplished by statement of confidence intervals.     

Apparatus for measuring physical adsorption on intact supported porous membranes

We present a non-destructive, reusable apparatus with which to measure physical adsorption isotherms of intact porous membranes. We developed a two-piece sample container to make reliable sorption measurements of porous membranes, the properties of which may differ from those of powders due to crystal intergrowth. This novel system employs a resealable container that can be immersed in a cryogenic bath, into which tubular, planar, or other porous membranes and films may be placed. Detailed sorption isotherms, including high-resolution adsorption in the low pressure (micropore-filling) region, are shown for MFI-type zeolite membranes grown on two types and configurations of α-alumina support.     

Pyrolysis of random and block copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate

Pyrolysis gas chromatography can distinguish random from block copolymers of ethylacrylate and methyl methacrylate. The pyrograms depend on the pyrolytic temperature, the ratio of copolymerized monomers, the degree of conversion, and the method of polymerization. Larger amounts of ethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate are formed on pyrolysis of random copolymers than of block copolymers. The presence of mixed dimers indicates random copolymerization. The sum of the percent recovery of ethyl alcohol and ethyl acrylate is fairly constant over a range of compositions and monomer sequence. Random copolymers produce less ethyl alcohol than ethyl acrylate on pyrolysis, while homopolymers and block copolymers produce more ethyl alcohol and less ethyl acrylate. In a set of random copolymers with different EA/MMA ratios, there is an increasing per cent recovery of EA monomer with decreasing EA in the copolymer, while ethyl alcohol shows the opposite behavior. The characteristic degradation patterns are thought to be governed by the availability of the tertiary hydrogen for abstraction by the alkoxy oxygen of a neighboring acrylate unit, the availability depending on the sequence distribution of acrylate/methacrylate molecules.     

Determination of the molecular weight distribution of cellulose on calibrated gel columns

CMC samples obtained by gel filtration on a preparative scale were used to calibrate an agarose column. The relation between molecular weight and the peak elution volume for monodisperse samples were calculated as well as the relation between band broadening and the peak elution volume. In the calculations of the molecular weight distribution curves of the studied CMC samples, consideration was given to the variable band broadening by proper transformations of the experimental data, thus making it possible to obtain numerical solutions free from oscillations. The method admits a rapid determination of the molecular weight distribution of cellulose and related materials.     

Application of active coke in processes of SO2- and NOx-removal from flue gases

In the field of flue gas cleaning, active coke plays an important role as adsorbant and catalyst. In the temperature range usually prevailing downstream of the air preheater of power plants, SO₂ becomes adsorbed on carbonaceous materials and in a consecutive step is catalysed by the carbonaceous surface and converted to sulphuric acid. The quality demands for a cyclic regenerative process for SO₂ removal are fulfilled by the active coke which is used in the BF-process. The same active coke catalyses the reaction of NO with NH₃ to N₂ and steam. This is the basis for processes for simultaneous SO₂ and NO_x removal. By the addition of ammonia the SO₂ removal by active coke is improved. Two processes are described and results from the laboratory and from the demonstration plant for the BF-process are presented. These show that SO₂ removal efficiences exceed 95% and NO conversions of > 80% can be realized without problems. The cost of the processes using active coke with ammonia addition are comparable with those of wet flue gas desulphurization processes without any additional equipment should NO have to be removed.