The factorial structure of the Dutch translation of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems: A test of the long and short versions.

In this article, the authors study the factorial structure of 2 versions (64 items and 32 items) of the Dutch translation of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP; L. M. Horowitz, L. E. Alden, J. S. Wiggins, & A. L. Pincus, 2000) in both a clinical sample (n = 382) and a student sample (n = 287). First, the authors test whether both inventories are constituted by correlated uni-dimensional subscales, and they conclude that this is true only for the short version. Second, the authors study whether the correlations between the subscales follow a circumplex pattern. This proves to be true for both versions. Coefficients alpha and correlations between the IIP-64 and IIP-32 subscales are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Controlling mechanical systems with backlash—a survey

Backlash is one of the most important non-linearities that limit the performance of speed and position control in industrial, robotics, automotive, automation and other applications. The control of systems with backlash has been the subject of study since the 1940s. This survey reveals that surprisingly few control innovations have been presented since the early path breaking papers that introduced the describing function analysis of systems with backlash. Promising developments are however taking place using adaptive and non-linear control strategies.     

Lack of effects of some individual polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners on human lymphocyte functions in vitro

The structural similarities between polybrominated diphenyl ethers and immunotoxic halogenated aromatic compounds suggest that the polybrominated diphenyl ethers might affect the immune system. The present study was undertaken to investigate the immunological effects of some purified PBDE-congeners on human lymphocyte function in vitro. Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were also included in the study. Mitogen-induced DNA synthesis and immunoglobulin synthesis by lymphocytes from blood donors were examined following polybrominated diphenyl ether or polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in vitro in order to determine the immunotoxic potential of these substances. No effects on mitogen-induced proliferation or immunoglobulin synthesis were observed after exposure of cells to concentrations up to 10(-5) M. The negative findings in this study indicate that certain functions of human peripheral lymphocytes, i.e. proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis, are insensitive to the direct action of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls. Our results are in accordance with other recent studies in which no effects on immunological parameters were demonstrated by exposure of lymphocytes to polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons in vitro.     

An optimality criteria based method for discrete design optimization taking into account buildability constraints

This paper presents a heuristic design optimization method specifically developed for practicing structural engineers. Practical design optimization problems are often governed by buildability constraints. The majority of optimization methods that have recently been proposed for design optimization under buildability constraints are based on evolutionary computing. While these methods are generally easy to implement, they require a large number of function evaluations (finite element analyses), and they involve algorithmic parameters that require careful tuning. As a consequence, both the computation time and the engineering time are high. The discrete design optimization algorithm presented in this paper is based on the optimality criteria method for continuous optimization. It is faster than an evolutionary algorithm and it is free of tuning parameters. The algorithm is successfully applied to two classical benchmark problems (the design of a ten-bar truss and an eight-story frame) and to a practical truss design optimization problem.     

On the similarities between micro/nano lithography and topology optimization projection methods

The aim of this paper is to incorporate a model for micro/nano lithography production processes in topology optimization. The production process turns out to provide a physical analogy for projection filters in topology optimization. Blueprints supplied by the designers cannot be directly used as inputs to lithographic processes due to the proximity effect which causes rounding of sharp corners and geometric interaction of closely spaced design elements. Therefore, topology optimization is applied as a tool for proximity effect correction. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the robust projection filter can be used to account for uncertainties due to lithographic production processes which results in manufacturable blueprint designs and eliminates the need for subsequent corrections.     

Amperometric biosensor for formic acid in air

The possibility of developing a simple, inexpensive and specific personal passive “real-time” air sampler incorporating a biosensor for formic acid was investigated. The sensor is based on the enzymatic reaction between formic acid and formate dehydrogenase (FDH) with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) as a co-factor and Meldola's blue as mediator. An effective way to immobilise the enzyme, co-factor and Meldola's blue on screen-printed, disposable, electrodes was found to be in a mixture of glycerol and phosphate buffer covered with a gas-permeable membrane. Steady-state current was reached after 4–15 min and the limit of detection was calculated to be below 1 mg/m³. However, the response decreased by 50% after storage at −15°C for 1 day.     

板坯和方坯连铸机的高速切割和去毛刺机械

如果现代化的连铸机不装备高效切割和去毛刺装置,连铸机的效率就会受影响.除常规火焰切割机SOBS以外,GeGe公司成功开发了高压氧气切割装置HOBS.     

Pheromones and Other Semiochemicals for Monitoring Rare and Endangered Species

As global biodiversity declines, biodiversity and conservation have become ever more important research topics. Research in chemical ecology for conservation purposes has not adapted to address this need. During the last 10–15 years, only a few insect pheromones have been developed for biodiversity and conservation studies, including the identification and application of pheromones specifically for population monitoring. These investigations, supplemented with our knowledge from decades of studying pest insects, demonstrate that monitoring with pheromones and other semiochemicals can be applied widely for conservation of rare and threatened insects. Here, I summarize ongoing conservation research, and outline potential applications of chemical ecology and pheromone-based monitoring to studies of insect biodiversity and conservation research. Such applications include monitoring of insect population dynamics and distribution changes, including delineation of current ranges, the tracking of range expansions and contractions, and determination of their underlying causes. Sensitive and selective monitoring systems can further elucidate the importance of insect dispersal and landscape movements for conservation. Pheromone-based monitoring of indicator species will also be useful in identifying biodiversity hotspots, and in characterizing general changes in biodiversity in response to landscape, climatic, or other environmental changes.