Structural investigation of two cell-wall polysaccharides of Penicillium expansum strains

The structure of two cell-wall polysaccharides isolated from three different strains of Penicillium expansum, the type species of the genus, have been established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and also by methylation analyses. The water-soluble polysaccharide F1S-B consisted of a linear tetrasaccharide repeating unit with the following structure: [-->6)-beta-D-Galf-(1-->5)-beta-D-Galf-(1-->5)-beta-D-Gal f-(1-->5)-beta-D- Galf-(1-->]n The alkali-soluble polysaccharide F1I is a (1-->3)-alpha-D-glucan.     

Photoelectrochemical studies of passivating films on tin in slightly alkaline solutions

The photoresponse of passivating films grown on tin in slightly alkaline solutions has been studied under both galvanostatic and potentiostatic conditions. The response of films growing under galvanostatic conditions was used to determine the nature and magnitude of their deviation from stoichiometry, as a function of potential. The photoresponse of films formed at potentials between 0.5 and 1.6 V can be described by Gartner's theory of depletion layer photoeffects. For thicker films the presence of localized levels acting as traps is postulated to explain the slow response and potential dependence of the photocurrents. The spectral response is independent of film thickness. Under sub-bandgap illumination indirect transitions with an absorption edge of 2.55eV are predominant. No evidence of impurity band transitions was found     

A proposal for a generalized “FOR” statement

Very high level languages are being developed to serve as a tool in the production of reliable software. One of the features of such languages is the ability programmers have of defining new data types. In this paper we define one such type, the domain, which, when coupled with a generalized FOR statement, can be a valuable aid to programming in high levels of abstraction. An application of generalized FOR statements in relational sublanguages is presented.     

Blends of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubbers: rheology,morphology and mechanics

Blends of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubbers have been studied. The purpose of this work is to establish relationships between morphology and physical properties as well as to point out the principles which govern the morphology development. In particular, we are attempting to clarify the influence on blend morphology of such compositional variables as molecular weight, chemical affinity and percentage of components in the blend. We are also exploring how the states of dispersion are affected by conditions of blend preparation and extrusion.     

Evaluation of assembly routines with multitasking execution in a physical robotic cell

Various assembly routines were evaluated under multitasking execution environment for a physical robotic cell. Analytical routines were determined by the SPT, LPT, and Branch and Bound algorithms for both cases of a single robot arm and two robot arms, and their performances in the physical simulation was observed. System efficiency and effectiveness were the major criteria evaluated to suggest the most desirable routines.     

Diagnostic models for engineering process management: A critical review of objectives, constraints and applicable tools

Automated and computer-based systems for the dynamic management of complex engineering processes have been the subject of active research in recent years. Many of these systems have adopted methodology and technology from the field of artificial intelligence and expert system research.

In real-time process diagnosis and process management applications, where model based reasoning may be highly beneficial in terms of speed and functionality, a larger confluence of methods and approaches has started to form. The objective of these applications often includes, besides performing automated fault analysis and diagnosis, also establishing levels of confidence for the results that are obtained. Thus, both deterministic and uncertainty-based models and reasoning frameworks are often needed.

Of interest among the deterministic modeling techniques that can be used in a PMS (Process Management System) are binary trees, rule networks, and graph networks, which in turn include influence diagrams, logic flowgraph methodology and signed directed graph. PMS uncertainty management can be based on formal probabilistic methods, such as Bayesian estimation and updating, or less traditional methods such as certainty factors, Dempster—Schafer theory and fuzzy-set theory. The main features, advantages and disadvantages of the approaches and methods that are suitable for use in a PMS are critically examined and discussed.     

Principles and procedures of the LRAM approach to information systems risk analysis and management

Risk assessment methods vary in nature and depth. Their application to the evaluation of information security issues should be decided on the basis of their capability to provide answers to the fundamental questions concerning the design and implementation of security controls in specific information systems. Information systems risk analysis is discussed as a means of providing an objectively based approach for assessing and managing risk. As a decision making and risk assessment tool, rigorous risk analysis is not only capable of identifying potential losses that could be unacceptable for a given system, but it can be used to determine which specific security controls and counter measures can be effective and justifiable by management-set criteria.The Livermore Risk Analysis Methodology (LRAM) was developed in accord with these principles. Its model and procedures, from the identification of valuable assets to the prioritization and budgeting of proposed controls, are examined and discussed both from the technical and from the decision making/risk management perspectives.     

Negative-state relief and the empathy—altruism hypothesis.

Tested the suggestion of R. B. Cialdini et al (see record 1987-21901-001) that the motivation to help associated with empathic emotion is directed toward the egoistic goal of negative-state relief, not toward the altruistic goal of relieving the victim's distress. To test this suggestion, we led empathically aroused Ss to anticipate an imminent mood-enhancing experience. We reasoned that if the motivation to help associated with empathy were directed toward the goal of negative-state relief, then empathically aroused individuals who anticipate mood-enhancement should help less than those who do not. Study 1 verified the effectiveness of our anticipated mood-enhancement manipulation; results indicated that this manipulation could serve as an effective source of negative-state relief. Results of Studies 2 and 3, in which empathy was either measured or manipulated, indicated that the rate of helping among high-empathy Ss was no lower when they anticipated mood enhancement than when they did not. Regardless of anticipated mood enhancement, high-empathy Ss helped more than low-empathy Ss. Results support the empathy–altruism hypothesis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the use of pyrrole black in zinc-halogen batteries

The storage of Br₂/Br^– and I₂/I^– couples in a conducting polymer matrix, polypyrrole coated on a reticulated vitreous carbon disc, is described and the application of these positive electrodes in zinc-halogen model batteries is discussed. The cell based on the polypyrrole bromine adduct shows the higher open circuit voltage which, however, depends on the state of charge. Such cells self discharge thus limiting their usefulness. In the case of the iodine cell the self discharge is due to loss of iodine from the polymer to the bulk solution, but with the bromine cell the cause is oxidative bromination and depolymerization of the polypyrrole.