Work Function of PbZrO3

This paper reports the results of work function (WF) changes of undoped PbZrO₃ during subsequent isothermal oxidation and reduction experiments at 500°C in the p(O₂) range between 10 and 2.1 × 10⁴ Pa. The results, obtained during three consecutive runs, indicate that heating at 500°C leads to continuous changes of surface properties resulting in a complex WF vs. time characteristic. The WF changes during the first oxidation are determined by a p(O₂)-induced structural transition. The second oxidation results in two competitive processes, such as rapid increase of oxygen non-stoichiometry followed by a structural transition. Finally, the third oxidation is determined by changes of oxygen nonstoichiometry.     

Studies of synthesis and permeabilities of special polymer membranes. LI. Active transport of halogen ions through chitosan membranes

Anion exchange membranes containing amino groups, insoluble in acidic and alkaline aqueous solutions, were prepared from chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol), and glutaraldehyde. Using the membrane in a diaphragm cell, one side being adjusted to be acidic and the other alkaline, it was possible to transport actively halogen ions through the membrane from the acidic side to the alkaline side against the concentration gradient between both sides of the membrane. The active transport of halogen ions through the membrane was significantly influenced by the pH difference and electric potential difference between both sides of the membrane.     

Studies on syntheses and permeabilities of special polymer membranes. 40. Formation conditions of finger-like cavities of cellulose nitrate membranes

The permeation characteristics for polymer aqueous solution and asymmetric structure of cellulose nitrate membranes, in particular the finger-like cavity in the back sponge layer of these membranes, were investigated by changing the preparation conditions of the membranes— the casting solvent, evaporation period, and gelation medium. The formation of the finger-like cavity was dependent on absorption of a water molecule into the casting mixture from the atmosphere during the solvent evaporation process and the exchange velocity between the casting solvent and the gelation medium. The mechanism and conditions for the formation of a finger-like cavity in cellulose nitrate membranes were discussed.     

Role of nitric oxide in the development of tolerance and sensitization to behavioural effects of phencyclidine in mice

1. To determine whether nitric oxide (NO) was involved in tolerance and sensitization to the effects of phencyclidine (PCP), we examined NO synthase activity and the number of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-positive cells in discrete brain regions of saline-, acute PCP- and repeated PCP-treated mice. We also investigated the effects of a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on the behavioural changes induced by repeated PCP treatment in mice. 2. Acute PCP (1, 3, and 10 mg kg-1, s.c.) treatment induced dose-dependent hyperlocomotion, motor incoordination and stereotyped behaviours, consisting of sniffing, head movement and ataxia in mice. 3. In mice treated repeatedly with PCP (1, 3, and 10 mg kg-1 day-1), s.c., once a day for 14 days), the sniffing, head movement, ataxia and motor incoordination induced by PCP were attenuated (indicating the development of tolerance to these behaviours), whereas the hyperlocomotion induced by PCP was potentiated (indicating the development of sensitization to hyperlocomotion). The development of tolerance and sensitization to PCP-induced behaviours in the repeated PCP-treated mice was more marked at the dose of 10 mg kg-1 day-1) than at other doses. 4. NO synthase activity in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, but not in the striatum and hippocampus, was significantly decreased by acute PCP (10 mg kg-1) treatment in comparison with saline treatment, and such changes in activity in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were reversed by repeated PCP treatment (10 mg kg-1 day-1). 5. The number of neurones containing NADPH-d reactivity in the cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum of acute and repeated PCP-treated mice showed no change in comparison with saline-treated mice. 6. Tolerance to PCP (10 mg kg-1 day-1)-induced ataxia and motor incoordination was significantly attenuated by combined treatment with L-NAME (50 mg kg-1 day-1 i.p.). 7. Sensitization to PCP-induced hyperlocomotion was further enhanced by combined treatment with L-NAME (50 mg kg-1 day-1). However, NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME, 50 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p.), a less active enantiomer of L-NAME, had no effect, suggesting a stereospecific mechanism. 8. The PCP-induced behaviours in animals that had exhibited tolerance and sensitization to PCP (10 mg kg-1 day-1) were not influenced by acute L-NAME (5 and 50 mg kg-1, i.p.) or D-NAME (50 mg kg-1, i.p.) treatment. 9. These results suggest that NO may play an important role in the development, but not in the maintenance, of tolerance and sensitization to the effect of PCP in mice.     

Estimation method of frequency bias using normal operating data

A technique of calculating the frequency bias of an electric power system from frequency fluctuation data and total output power is described. An evaluation method for testing the calculations by the new method is developed. The results are in good agreement with estimates based on generator speed regulation but the method gives an excessively high figure for the load frequency bias.     

Some elements comprising particulate matter during summer in waters of various environments in British Columbia, Canada

Multi-elemental traces comprising particulate matter in natural water collected during summer in 1978 and 1979 from British Columbia, Canada, were analyzed by α-particle excited X-ray fluorometry. Common elements from all waters examined were Si, Cl, Ca and Fe. The similarity of their distribution in different aquatic environments was statistically analyzed. They were distributed homogeneously in the marine environment but heterogeneously in the freshwater environments. No heavy metals concerned with the environmental standards were detected for all waters examined.