Use of thermolysin metalloprotein affinity metal chromatography in the decontamination of actinide-bearing solutions

Thermolysin metalloprotein affinity metal chromatography (MAMC) has been shown to be effective for the removal and concentration of lanthanide and actinide ions from aqueous solution. Using solution of trivalent lanthanide ions of appropriate radii and of Th⁴⁺ and UO ions as models, the calciumbinding sites of immobilized thermolysin have shown appreciable potential for the decontamination of actinide-bearing waster solutions. The zinc-binding site of the affixed protein may also be used for the removal and concentration of divalent transition metal ions.     

Latex film formation: atomic force microscopy and theoretical results

We have critically examined the kinetics of latex film formation using an atomic force microscope to obtain corrugation height data as a function of time, temperature, molecular weight, particle size, etc. The results show that the film forming process obeys viscoelastic time/ temperature superposition principles, thus indicating a direct relationship between the kinetics of film formation and rheological properties. Film formation kinetics are examined under ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ conditions, with film formation occurring almost ten-times faster under wet conditions than dry. This proves for the latex system examined that capillary pressure from the water meniscus is the dominant driving stress for film formation. Past theories for latex film formation are reviewed, and problems and deficiencies are noted. A new theory for film formation from a dry latex system is presented, which is based on the use of the Boltzmann Superposition Principle to relate the changing stress and strain fields as the latex particles deform. The predictions of theory and the experimental data show excellent agreement over nearly four decades of time.     

促进制造业可持续发展的创新服务模式-协同服务

传统制造业在急剧膨胀的生产能力和竞争日益激烈的环境中,产品供给处于饱和状态。提出了产品服务增值战略,为产品提供全生命周期创新式协同服务,从而增强企业的核心竞争力,实现企业的可持续发展。分析了传统工业服务模式向协同服务的转化过程,给出了信息技术支持下建立协同服务网络的关键支撑技术：复杂设备协同服务的组织形式、协同服务的识别与商业模型构建以及信息支撑技术,为协同服务的研究和建立打下了理论基础。随着制造技术、信息技术与网络技术的迅速发展,远程诊断技术应用越来越广泛,在全球范围内提供快速的专业协同服务已具备了技术基础和实现的可能性。     

Trends in reporting psychometric properties of scales used in counseling psychology research.

Reports of reliability and validity estimates are necessary to determine the adequacy of scales' psychometric properties. In this study we examined the frequency of reports of psychometric properties for scales described in the 1967, 1977, and 1987 volumes of the Journal of Counseling Psychology. The results indicated that researchers have increasingly provided reference citations for scales and reliability estimates as well as reliability estimates for their samples. At the same time the majority of the scales in the 1987 volume had no reported sample or cited reliability estimates. The modal number of items per scale over the 3 time periods remained at 1. A set of guidelines for reporting scale characteristics is proposed, and potential explanations for researchers' frequent omission of psychometric data are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Genetic strain and reproductive status affect endometrial fatty acid concentrations

Poor reproductive performance limits cow longevity in seasonal, pasture-based dairy systems. Few differences in ovarian dynamics have been reported in different strains of Holstein-Friesian cows, implying that the uterine environment may be a key component determining reproductive success. To test the hypothesis that the uterine environment differs among genetic strains of the Holstein-Friesian cow, endometrial fatty acids (FA) were analyzed from New Zealand (NZ), and North American (NA) Holstein-Friesian cows. The effect of reproductive status was also investigated, with cows from both Holstein-Friesian strains slaughtered on either d 17 of the estrous cycle (termed cyclic) or d 17 of pregnancy (after embryo transfer; termed pregnant). Endometrial tissues were collected from 22 cows (NZ pregnant, n = 6; NZ cyclic, n = 4; NA pregnant, n = 6; NA cyclic, n = 6), and FA composition was analyzed. Daily plasma progesterone concentrations, milk production, milk FA composition, body weight, and body condition score were determined. Milk yield (4% fat-corrected milk) was similar for the NZ (28.5 kg/d) and NA (29.3 kg/d; SE 2.07 kg/d) cows, but NZ cows had a greater mean milk fat percentage. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly greater in NZ cows. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar in the pregnant and cyclic groups. Mean length of the trophoblast recovered from the pregnant cows (NZ: 20.8 ± 2.84 cm; NA: 27.9 ± 10.23 cm) was not affected by genetic strain. Endometrial tissues from NZ cows contained greater concentrations of C17:0, C20:3n-3, and total polyunsaturated FA. The endometria from pregnant cows contained greater concentrations of C17:0, C20:2, and C20:3n-6, and less C20:1, C20:2, C20:5n-3. The observed changes in endometrial FA between Holstein-Friesian cows of different genetic origins or reproductive states may reflect differences in endometrial function and may affect reproductive function.     

What matters in implicit task sequence learning: Perceptual stimulus features, task sets, or correlated streams of information?

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 37(4) of Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition (see record 2011-13273-005). Two figures appearing on pages 1500 and 1502 contained incorrect labels for the x-axis of the control condition (ranran). The correct versions of Figure 3 and Figure 4 are provided in the erratum.] Implicit task sequence learning may be attributed to learning the order of perceptual stimulus features associated with the task sequence, learning a series of automatic task set activations, or learning an integrated sequence that derives from 2 correlated streams of information. In the present study, our purpose was to distinguish among these 3 possibilities. In 4 separate experiments, we replicated and extended a previous study by Heuer, Schmidtke, and Kleinsorge (2001). The presence or absence of a sequence of tasks, as well as that of a sequence of different task-to-response mappings, was manipulated independently within experiments. Evidence of implicit sequence learning was found only when correlated sequences of tasks and mappings were present. No sequence learning effects were found when only a single task sequence or a single mapping sequence was present, even when the structure of the single sequence was identical to the structure of the integrated sequence of task-mapping combinations. These results suggest that implicit task sequence learning is not dependent on either perceptual learning of stimulus features or automatic task-set activation per se. Rather, it appears to be driven by correlated streams of information. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A review of recent laboratory research and commercial developments in fast pyrolysis and upgrading

Robust alternative technology choices are required in the paradigm shift from the current crude oil-reliant transport fuel platform to a sustainable, more flexible transport infrastructure. In this vein, fast pyrolysis of biomass and upgrading of the product is deemed to have potential as a technology solution. The objective of this review is to provide an update on recent laboratory research and commercial developments in fast pyrolysis and upgrading techniques. Fast pyrolysis is a relatively mature technology and is on the verge of commercialisation. While upgrading of bio-oils is currently confined to laboratory and pilot scale, an increased understanding of upgrading processes has been achieved in recent times.