A Semantics for Distributed Execution of Statemate

We present a semantics for the statechart variant implemented in the Statemate product of i-Logix. Our semantics enables distributed code generation for Statemate models in the context of rapid prototyping for embedded control applications. We argue that it seems impossible to efficiently generate distributed code using the original Statemate semantics. The new, distributed semantics has the advantages that, first, it enables the generation of efficient distributed code, second, it preserves many aspects of the original semantics for those parts of a model that are not distributed, and third, the changes made regarding the interaction of distributed model parts are similar to the interaction between the model and its environment in the original semantics, thus giving designers a familiar execution model. The semantics has been implemented in Grace, a framework for rapid prototyping code generation for embedded control applications.     

Circuit and Decision Tree Complexity of Some Number Theoretic Problems

We extend the area of applications of the Abstract Harmonic Analysis to lower bounds on the circuit and decision tree complexity of Boolean functions related to some number theoretic problems. In particular, we prove that deciding if a given integer is square-free and testing co-primality of two integers by unbounded fan-in circuits of bounded depth requires superpolynomial size.     

Unterwerks-Haupttransformatoren

Stationary main traction transformers represent the interface between the supraregional energy transportation network and the regional overhead contact lines feeding the electric traction vehicles and auxiliary plants in the supplied area of a single substation. Such transformers for traction purpose are subject to heavy peak-loads and frequent short circuits, but are also operated in underload conditions for long periods. These special service demands are of essential influence on their electrical and mechanical design. After a survey over those transformers run by the ÖBB the article describes the users needs and the resulting technical solutions of the manufacturer.     

The IO- and OI-hierarchies

An analysis of recursive procedures in ALGOL 68 with finite modes shows, that a denotational semantics of this language can be described on the level of program schemes using a typed λ-calculus with fixed-point operators. In the first part of this paper, we derive classical schematological theorems for the resulting class of level-n schemes. In part two, we investigate the language families obtained by call-by-value and call-by-name interpretation of level-n schemes over the algebra of formal languages. It is proved, that differentiating according to the functional level of recursion leads to two infinite hierarchies of recursive languages, the IO- and OI-hierarchies, which can be characterized as canonical extensions of the regular, context-free, and IO- and OI-macro languages, respectively. Sufficient conditions are derived to establish strictness of IO-like hierarchies. Finally we derive, that recursion on higher types induces an infinite hierarchy of control structures by proving that level-n schemes are strictly less powerful than level-n+1 schemes.     

Photopinking of white PVC products: A kind of magic

Short‐term photoeffects like photograying, photobluing, and photopinking are well‐known in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry. While photobluing and photograying are well understood regarding their mechanisms of occurrences there are still some missing facts. Furthermore, there are three different types of pinking effects with three different mechanisms and consequently three different ways to avoid this discoloration of mainly white PVC products. The recent paper is focusing on one hand of the photopinking of PVC products, which are stabilized with nitrogen‐containing, organic stabilizer whose mechanism was not explained until today. In the past there was neither a method to analyze nor to simulate this type of photopinking. However, the discovery of a charge transfer complex between the nitrogen‐containing substance and nitric acid gave the basic idea to investigate this phenomenon by photo‐electromotive force investigations of titanium dioxide and the nitrogen‐containing substance and by cyclo voltammetry. On the other hand, the authors are attempting to supplement the findings regarding the mechanism of the photopinking of white window profiles which are lead stabilized and which were installed north‐facing in cooler areas with high humidity. Again, a simulation and the analysis of the color‐giving substance of the north‐faced photopinking were impossible in the past. The authors assumed that antioxidants might play an important rule for this type of discoloration. They supported their hypothesis by synthesis of quinoid structures based on antioxidants, spectroscopic investigations, artificial weathering, and electrochemical calculations. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:195–207, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Peptide Paratope Mimics of the Broadly Neutralizing HIV‐1 Antibody b12

The broadly neutralizing HIV‐1 antibody b12 recognizes the CD4 binding site of the HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and efficiently neutralizes HIV‐1 infections in vitro and in vivo. Based on the 3D structure of a b12 ? gp120 complex, we have designed an assembled peptide (b12‐M) that presents the parts of the three heavy‐chain complementarity‐determining regions (CDRs) of b12, which contain the contact sites of the antibody for gp120. This b12‐mimetic peptide, as well as a truncated peptide presenting only two of the three heavy‐chain CDRs of b12, were shown to recognize gp120 in a similar manner to b12, as well as to inhibit HIV‐1 infection, demonstrating functional mimicry of b12 by the paratope mimetic peptides.     

Infrared transmission spectrometry for the determination of urea in microliter sample volumes of blood plasma dialysates

Application of mid-infrared spectroscopy for the determination of urea in blood plasma dialysates of microliter sample volumes using a transmission microcell was investigated. Infrared spectra of the dialysates of plasma samples collected from 75 different patients using CMA 60 microdialysis catheters were evaluated with multivariate partial least squares regression. Using the absorbance spectral data from 1520-1420 cm(-1) and 1220-1120 cm(-1), a minimum standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.88 mg/dL (0.14 mM) was achieved with spectral variable selection. Our findings suggest the feasibility of developing a mid-infrared sensor in combination with micro-fluidics for on-line monitoring of urea in patients undergoing dialysis treatment.