The Quantitative Evaluation of a Granulation Milling Process I. Algebraic Method for Particle Size Analysis

A method is presented which may be used to mathematically express particle size distributions of pharmaceutical granulations.

The method utilizes expresses of particle size and probability evaluated using a weighted linear regression technique. This method is suggested whenever particle size determinations are used in conjunction with statistical analysis, optimization techniques or any time a purely quantitative approach is needed.     

On the Formation of a Low Viscosity State in Stiff Chain Polymers

For a polymer to be capable of forming a nematic, liquid crystalline state the molecules must be nearly rigid and rod-like. There are two main classifications of such liquid crystalline states: lyotropic - generally applied to polymer solutions and implying the formation of a low viscosity state in a critical concentration range. and thermotropic - usually applied to melts where the low viscosity mesophase appears over a limited temperature range. Lytropic —generally applied to polymer solutions and implying the formation of a low viscosity state in a critical concentration range. and thermotropic — usually applied to melts where the low viscosity mesophase appears over a limited temperature range. For polymers we further find that attaining this low viscosity state depends critically on the previous thermomechanical history of the mesophase and that, by appropriate thermo-mechanical history, it is possible to induce a low viscosity state under conditions where such is not spontaneously formed. This extension of the liquid crystal state may also include polymers whose molecular flexibility is such that they do not naturally form liquid crystals.     

Formation of pyrolytic carbon in a continuous reactor for coal hydrogenation

Microscopic examination of blockage material from the CSIRO laboratory-scale continuous reactor for coal hydrogenation has indicated the presence of pyrolytic carbon. Both the morphology and abundance of pyrolytic carbon were variable. In some samples pyrolytic carbon spheres (≈ 1 μm) formed large deposits with clear zonal texture. Spherical agglomerates (up to 70 μm) of these particles, and large particles were also observed. In some cases spherulitic pyrolytic carbon was embedded in vitroplast and/or mesophase. The occurrence of pyrolytic carbon in continuous reactors for coal hydrogenation is significant as it can provide, in the absence of other information, a posteriori indication of undesirable reaction conditions, i.e. large gas hold-ups and localized overheating.     

Toward an animal model of Type A behavior.

Attempted to differentiate behaviors of Mongolian gerbils analogous to Type A (coronary-prone) and Type B (non-coronary-prone) human behavior. Preliminary classification of 20 Ss was based on performance on differential reinforcement of low rates 20-sec and 60-sec schedules. To retain their preliminary classification, Type A and Type B Ss were required to be dominant and subordinate, respectively, in matches with Ss of opposite behavioral classification. Ss that exhibited Type A timing won significantly more dominance matches than did Type B Ss. Incidence rates of Type A and Type B behavior in the 2 selectively bred generations were significantly greater than frequencies in the original stock. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biobehavioral research on cardiovascular disorders.

Discusses several major research issues, needs, and opportunities related to the role of behavior in cardiovascular disorders. Cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary heart disease and essential hypertension, have been among the most well-developed topics in health psychology. There are many physiological, environmental, sociocultural, and behavioral variables that interact in etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders. The standard risk factors for coronary disease are all variables with significant behavioral components. A broadened search for mechanisms and influences contributing to heart disorders has led to an examination of psychosocial risk factors. Research issues that are currently under study or that in need of further attention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The availabilities of lysine,methionine and tryptophan in Pruteen by chick growth assay

The concentrations of available lysine, methionine and tryptophan in the single-cell protein, Pruteen^a (ICI), have been determined by growth assay with young chicks. Symmetrical, six-point, parallel-line assays were used with weight gain and gain: food ratio as responses. All diets were balanced as far as possible, especially with respect to essential amino acid composition. Concurrently with the determination of each amino acid in Pruteen, its contents in typical fish and soya bean meals were determined. The assays were acceptable by the statistical criteria used. They yielded estimates of potencies that were realistic in relation to the total contents of lysine, methionine and tryptophan in Pruteen, fish and soya bean meals. The variances of potency estimates were typical of such assays. The values obtained for Pruteen considering both weight gain and gain:food ratio as responses, were about 40 g lysine, 18 g methionine and 8.7 g tryptophan kg^?1 air-dry matter. For lysine and methionine these represent high availabilities of total amino acids. The availability of tryptophan is less clear because of uncertainty about the total content of tryptophan in Pruteen.     

Regarding the buckling of pipelines subject to axial loading

The buckling of submarine pipelines subject to axial loading has received attention in the form of linearised study. Both vertical and lateral deflection modes have been analysed. This paper concentrates on two crucial factors which must be considered further before any formal non-linear predictive analyses can be meaningfully undertaken.     

Third-party intervention: A field experiment comparing three different models.

A field experiment was conducted at a community mediation center to test the impact on behavior in mediation of three models of third-party intervention. Third parties and disputants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) straight mediation; (b) mediation/arbitration (same), or med/arb(same); or (c) mediation/arbitration (different), or med/arb(diff). These models differ in what happens if agreement between the disputants is not reached. In straight mediation, the hearing simply ends; in med/arb(same), the third party arbitrates; in med/arb(diff), a fourth party not present at the mediation hearing arbitrates. Results indicated that disputants in med/arb(same) engaged in more problem solving and were less hostile and competitive than were disputants in straight mediation, with med/arb(diff) intermediate on these dimensions. Third parties in med/arb(diff) were less involved throughout the session than were third parties in the other two conditions. Results are discussed in terms of motivational influences induced by the three conditions that have impact on tactics used by disputants and third parties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multichannel, high-energy railgap switch

A low-inductance, multichannel railgap switch has been developed which is capable of switching 20 kJ at 500 kA. The switch has low jitter, a wide operating voltage range and low electrode erosion rate.