Acrylonitrile-based copolymers: Synthesis,characterization, and formation of ultrafiltration membranes utilized for the immobilization of proteins

Various high molecular weight copolymers of acrylonitrile and a vinyl comonomer containing an aryl amine, a pyridine, or an aliphatic hydroxyl group were synthesized via slurry polymerization techniques so as to contain from 1 to 15 mol % functional comonomer. The comonomer content was quantitated by ultraviolet absorbance, base titration of acid polymer salts, and/or relative chemical reactivity with trichloro-s-triazine. Thin films were cast from copolymer solutions, coagulated into unsupported ultrafiltration membrances, and characterized with respect to both water permeability and pore size distribution. Analysis by size exclusion chromatography of the membrane permeate of a pool of dextran fractions yielded a continuous distribution curve for membrane pore size over the range 1.5 to 70 nm. The ultrafiltration membranes were used for protein immobilization after appropriate chemical activation. The three distinct types of functional copolymers gave comparable results for α-chymotrypsin, with protein weight loadings of 6–12% and 40–65% retention of enzymatic specific activity.     

Individual and structural origins of friendship and social position among professionals.

Friendship affects individual and organizational well-being through direct relations, social positions, and complex network structures. In this study, the authors use longitudinal data from 2 groups of master's of business administration students to increase understanding of how friendship networks develop. The authors propose and test a dynamic model in which attribute similarity facilitates dyadic friendship ties, as well as similar network centrality and social position; early friendship increases later similarity in structural position and centrality; and early structural similarity enhances the likelihood of future friendship. Findings largely supported the model, demonstrating how homophily and early social contacts can jointly shape maturing friendship networks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Limit load analysis of strength undermatched welded T-joints under bending

An increasing amount of laser beam welded T‐joints (e.g. skin‐stringer) of aluminium alloys are now in use in advanced fuselage applications designed as ‘integral structures’ for weight and cost savings. It is known that weld joints generally show lower strength (undermatching) than base metal in both laser beam and friction stir welded joints of 6xxx series Al‐alloys. Damage tolerance considerations in terms of the residual strength of such joints require limit load solutions to be used in engineering fitness‐for‐service (FFS) analysis. The paper, therefore, provides an upper bound limit load solution in closed form for welded T‐joints (idealized) with strength undermatching and subject to a bending moment. In addition to the necessary requirements of the upper bound theorem, the kinematically admissible velocity field chosen leads to a stress field, which satisfies the equilibrium equations and some stress boundary conditions in the plastic zone. This is an advantage of the solution and, therefore, it is expected that the upper bound obtained is close to the exact limit load of such joints.     

Exploring the landscape of modern academic psychology: Finding and filling the holes.

Like any other domain of human activity, psychology has its fads and fashions. One consequence of fads is an overconcentration of resources on specific problems or approaches, which leaves other important problems or approaches (holes) underappreciated and understudied. This article is primarily about different factors (such as negativity bias, polarization of positions, focus on internal causes of behavior, dedication to a narrow view of what science is) that result in holes and about explorations of some of these holes that have interested the author. Psychologists should look more in the holes left behind by current enthusiasms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Learning Organizations in Construction

The transformation of organizations from production-oriented entities to proactive learning entities that continuously leverage the knowledge of the workforce is a primary objective of management researchers. This focus has significant relevance to the construction industry where production-related research has predominantly overshadowed organizational development research. As one effort to change this emphasis, the writers present a research effort designed to study current organization learning techniques and technologies fielded by organizations both inside and outside of the construction industry. Through a series of exploratory case studies, the writers developed a maturity model together with the Construction Industry Institute that provides construction organizations with a framework for developing a learning organization culture. The maturity model focuses on learning organization characteristics of leadership, processes and infrastructure, communication/collaboration, education, and culture at the organization, community, and individual levels. This paper introduces the results of that effort including a presentation of the learning organization maturity model, framework application, and the overall characteristics of a learning organization.     

Pervasive 2007: It's about the User

Pervasive computing is as much about the user as it is about the technology. So, the Fifth International Conference on Pervasive Computing emphasized desirability rather than just feasibility. Featured themes included user benefits, human-computer interaction, group and social interactions, context awareness, finding and positioning people and objects, and personal privacy.