Using Assumptions to Distribute Alternation Free μ-Calculus Model Checking

In this work we extend the approach used in [6] to perform distributed-memory AFMC model checking. The part of a system held in one computer is modeled as a Kripke structure with border states. Moreover, we use assumptions about the truth of a formula in each state. Each process then repeatedly executes a slight modification of a standard sequential algorithm and exchanges its results with other processes. In the paper we define the AFMC semantics for structures with border states and assumptions, present the distributed algorithm and show the main ideas behind the proof of its correctness. Complexity and experimental results are provided as well.     

Assessing filter robustness at drinking water treatment plants

This investigation explores the use of five‐parameter logistic curve fitting in quantifying turbidity robustness and risk scoring in clarification and filtrations stages of several surface water treatment works in the Anglian Water region of the United Kingdom. The approach taken reviews different scoring systems and addresses issues of weighting, averages and variability in robustness performance using turbidity robustness indices (TRIs). It also proposes an area‐based risk scoring profile to assess performance [relative area profile for T₉₀ (RAP₉₀)]. The metrics produced are considered to be a logical and rational way to help prioritise where resources for water treatment operation should be deployed.     

A Study of the Properties of Compacts from Silicified Microcrystalline Celluloses

ABSTRACT

The paper deals with a study of tensile strength and disintegration time of compacts made from silicified microcrystalline celluloses, Prosolv SMCC 90, and Prosolv HD 90, in dependence on compression force, addition of two types of lubricants, and two active ingredients. The lubricants were magnesium stearate and sodium stearyl fumarate in a concentration of 0.5%, the active ingredients being ascorbic acid and acetylsalicylic acid in a concentration of 50%.

Prosolv SMCC 90 proved to be better compatible than Prosolv HD 90; the compacts were of higher strength, which was markedly increased with increasing compression force. Prosolv HD 90 was more sensitive to additions of lubricants, and a greater decrease in strength was recorded due to the influence of sodium stearyl fumarate. The effect of lubricants on the strength of compacts in the presence of active ingredients was not identical. The disintegration time of compacts from Prosolv HD 90 without as well as with lubricants was shorter than from Prosolv SMCC 90 and was increasing with increasing compression force. Disintegration time was increased with added lubricants, and it was markedly shortened by addition of active ingredients. Compacts containing ascorbic acid possessed a shorter disintegration time than those containing acetylsalicylic acid, and it was not markedly influenced by the presence of lubricants.     

Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Embedded in Biocompatible Translucent Shells

High pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds (NDs) represent extremely promising materials for construction of fluorescent nanoprobes and nanosensors. However, some properties of bare NDs limit their direct use in these applications: they precipitate in biological solutions, only a limited set of bio‐orthogonal conjugation techniques is available and the accessible material is greatly polydisperse in shape. In this work, we encapsulate bright 30‐nm fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in 10–20‐nm thick translucent (i.e., not altering FND fluorescence) silica shells, yielding monodisperse near‐spherical particles of mean diameter 66 nm. High yield modification of the shells with PEG chains stabilizes the particles in ionic solutions, making them applicable in biological environments. We further modify the opposite ends of PEG chains with fluorescent dyes or vectoring peptide using click chemistry. High conversion of this bio‐orthogonal coupling yielded circa 2000 dye or peptide molecules on a single FND. We demonstrate the superior properties of these particles by in vitro interaction with human prostate cancer cells: while bare nanodiamonds strongly aggregate in the buffer and adsorb onto the cell membrane, the shell encapsulated NDs do not adsorb nonspecifically and they penetrate inside the cells.     

Genetic basis of attenuation of the Sabin oral poliovirus vaccines

Four cases of synovial sarcoma with extensive calcification and osteoid and bone formation are reported. Ages ranged from 21 to 38 years. Two tumors were located in the foot and two in the thigh. Because of a well-circumscribed, densely calcified soft tissue mass, radiologically three patients were thought to have a benign lesion. The fourth patient was thought to have a paraosteal osteosarcoma because of an accompanying bone defect. Tumor size varied from 4.0 to 9.0 cm. Histologically, three tumors were biphasic and one predominantly monophasic. All showed amorphous calcifications with extensive ossification sometimes in a ribbon-like pattern of osteoid, simulating osteosarcoma. The extensive bone formation with abundant osteoid deposition may lead to a misdiagnosis of osteosarcoma. It is important to recognize this variant of synovial sarcoma with ossification and bone formation and distinguish it from extraskeletal osteosarcoma because of the difference in clinical behavior and course. Although the most important point in the recognition of this variant of synovial sarcoma is its biphasic pattern, this may not be apparent in a small tissue sample. Points that aid in the diagnosis include the uniform nuclear appearance of both the epithelial and the spindle cells versus the pleomorphism of osteosarcoma and in some cases the presence of amorphous concretions in sheets and small calcospherites within spaces surrounded by flat or conspicuous epithelial cells. These cells are immunoreactive for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen.     

Refractive index increments of polyethylene

The refractive index increments of linear and branched polyethylene were determined for several solvents and various wavelengths (403, 436, 546, and 633 nm), mainly at 135°C. Differences were observed between values for linear and branched samples. Data obtained in this investigation are compared with the reported ones.