SEED-Pro: Computer-Assisted Architectural Programming in SEED

Computer-assisted architectural programming is in its infancy. What there is in terms of architectural programming theory often differs from practice. In the first half of this paper we define relevant terms, provide a brief review of the state of the art, and draw attention to the primacy of architectural programming in design. SEED-Pro is introduced as an intelligent assistant providing structure to the normally open-ended activities of design. This includes the creation of an architectural program from scratch. In the second, more technical, part of the paper we emphasize three specific topics. The design problem specification functionality is described. The generation and evaluation of the emerging architectural program is discussed. An approach to the decomposition of the architectural program into alternative hierarchies is provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of what is and remains to be accomplished.     

Methods to improve efficiency of four stroke, spark ignition engines at part load

The four stroke, spark ignition (SI) engine pressure–volume diagram (p–V) contains two main parts. They are the compression–combustion–expansion (high pressure loop) and the exhaust-intake (low pressure or gas exchange loop) parts. The main reason for efficiency decrease at part load conditions for these types of engines is the flow restriction at the cross sectional area of the intake system by partially closing the throttle valve, which leads to increased pumping losses and to increased low pressure loop area on the p–V diagram. Meanwhile, the poorer combustion quality, i.e. lower combustion speed and cycle to cycle variations, additionally influence these pressure loop areas. In this study, methods for increasing efficiency at part load conditions and their potential for practical use are investigated. The study also includes a review of the vast literature on the solution of this problem. This investigation shows that the potential for increasing the efficiency of SI engines at part load conditions is not yet exhausted. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Among these, the most promising methods to decrease the fuel consumption at part load conditions are stratified charge and variable displacement engines. When used in combination, the other listed methods are more effective than their usage alone.     

Production of the NO photofragment in the desorption of RDX and HMX from surfaces

A promising scheme for the remote detection of nitrate-based explosives, which have low vapor pressure, involves two lasers: the first to desorb, vaporize, and photofragment the explosive molecule and the second to create laser-induced fluorescence in the NO fragment. It is desirable to use for the first a powerful 532 nm frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. In this study, we investigate the degree of photofragmentation into NO resulting from the irradiation of the explosives RDX and HMX coated on a variety of surfaces. The desorption step is followed by femtosecond laser ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry to reveal the fragments produced in the first step. We find that modest laser power of 532 nm desorbs the explosive and produces adequate amounts of NO.     

Surface Modification of Alumina/ Zirconia Ceramics Upon Different Fluoride‐Based Treatments

The aim of this study was to prepare and to characterize the structure of Al₂O₃–3YSZ composites with 5% TiO₂ addition as well as the surface modification upon treatments with SnF₂ and NaBF₄, respectively. SEM micrographs showed the controlled densification of the composites as an effect of 3YSZ and TiO₂ addition to alumina matrix. By FTIR and XRD, the characteristics of Al‐O and Zr‐O vibrations, respectively, the diffractions lines related to α‐corundum and zirconia in tetragonal phase were discussed. Qualitative and quantitative results obtained by XPS and ATR FTIR demonstrated that the proposed materials are more sensitive to SnF₂ than to NaBF₄ treatment.     

5′‐(E)‐Vinylphosphonate: A Stable Phosphate Mimic Can Improve the RNAi Activity of siRNA–GalNAc Conjugates

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated silencing requires siRNA loading into the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC). Presence of 5′‐phosphate (5′‐P) is reported to be critical for efficient RISC loading of the antisense strand (AS) by anchoring it to the mid‐domain of the Argonaute2 (Ago2) protein. Phosphorylation of exogenous duplex siRNAs is thought to be accomplished by cytosolic Clp1 kinase. However, although extensive chemical modifications are essential for siRNA–GalNAc conjugate activity, they can significantly impair Clp1 kinase activity. Here, we further elucidated the effect of 5′‐P on the activity of siRNA–GalNAc conjugates. Our results demonstrate that a subset of sequences benefit from the presence of exogenous 5′‐P. For those that do, incorporation of 5′‐(E)‐vinylphosphonate (5′‐VP), a metabolically stable phosphate mimic, results in up to 20‐fold improved in vitro potency and up to a threefold benefit in in vivo activity by promoting Ago2 loading and enhancing metabolic stability.     

Cytotoxicity of three maleic anhydride copolymers and common solvents used for polymer solvation

Three maleic anhydride copolymers were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization. The synthesized products were named as follows: maleic anhydride–styrene (MAST); maleic anhydride–vinyl acetate (MAVA), and maleic anhydride–methyl methacrylate (MAMMA). Initiators used in the reactions were azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, 70 °C, benzene) for MAST and benzoyl-peroxide [BPO, 80 °C, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)] for MAVA and MAMMA. Structural characterizations were carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance [¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ¹³C-APT (attached-proton test)] spectrometry. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solubility of the copolymers was examined in water and in twelve different organic solvents. Cytotoxicity of the copolymers and the solvents was evaluated by using a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929), copolymers had almost no toxicity. Of the twelve organic solvents, acetone, MEK, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) produced the least toxicity. MEK was found to be the best solvent and used for the solvation of the copolymers.     

Preparation and Catalytic Properties of a Ru(II) Coordinated Polyimide Supported by a Ligand Containing Terpyridine Units

The synthesis of terpyridine-based polyimide catalysis for hydrosilylation reaction is outlined in this work. 5,5′′-Bis(bromomethyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine was polymerized with the corresponding diimide derivatives of dianhyrides to give polyimides utilizing the terpyridine unit in the main chain. The synthesis of polyimides containing Ru(II) complexes in the side chain is described. Condensation polymerization is used to synthesize the macromolecular backbone and, as a result, the Ru(II) complex was attached via coordination chemistry. The material design emphasizes the relationship between the molecular structure and supramolecular organization of these polymers. It demonstrates that terpyridyl complexes remain a versatile functionality for constructing supramolecular assemblies. The terpyridine unit may enhance the electron carrier mobility of the polymers, while the incorporation of ruthenium complexes into a conjugated polymer significantly changes the catalytic properties of the resulting polymers. The prepared polyimide-supported catalyst provides superior catalytic activity (70–79%), selectivity and stability in the hydrosilylation of acetophenone. The catalyst can be easily isolated from the reaction product, which benefits recycling. The catalysts were reused for four experiments.