bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemistry of (and on) Transition Metal Clusters: A Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Study of the Reaction of Niobium Cluster Cations with Nitric Oxide
Authors: Harding Daniel J. , Oliver Thomas A.A. , Walsh Tiffany R. , Drewello Thomas , Woodruff D. Phil , Derrick Peter J. , Mackenzie Stuart R.
Published: March 2009

The reactions of niobium cluster cations, Nb+ n ( n = 2–19), with nitric oxide have been investigated using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR). The overall reaction rate constants are found to be in reasonable agreement with collision rates calculated using the surface charge capture model. The dominant reaction for small clusters ( n < 9) involves reaction-induced fragmentation resulting in the loss of either NbO or NbN. By contrast, the main reaction observed for the larger clusters ( n > 11) is sequential NO chemisorption. Clusters n = 9, 10 exhibit both extremes of behaviour and are the only clusters upon which there is evidence of NO decomposition with N2 loss observed whenever multiple NO molecules are co-adsorbed. The rate constants for each process have been determined as a function of cluster size.
Deciphering Drift Time Measurements from Travelling Wave Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry Studies
Authors: Smith David P. , Knapman Tom W. , Campuzano Iain , Malham Richard W. , Berryman Joshua T. , Radford Sheena E. , Ashcroft Alison E.
Published: March 2009

Detailed knowledge of the tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins and protein complexes is of immense importance in understanding their functionality. Similarly, variations in the conformational states of proteins form the underlying mechanisms behind many biomolecular processes, numerous of which are disease-related. Thus, the availability of reliable and accurate biophysical techniques that can provide detailed information concerning these issues is of paramount importance. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) offers a unique opportunity to separate multi-component biomolecular entities and to measure the molecular mass and collision cross-section of individual components in a single, rapid (≤ 2 min) experiment, providing 3D-architectural information directly. Here we report a method of calibrating a commercially available electrospray ionisation (ESI)-travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS)–mass spectrometer using known cross-sectional areas determined for a range of biomolecules by conventional IMS-MS. Using this method of calibration, we have analysed a range of proteins of differing mass and 3D architecture in their native conformations by ESI-TWIMS-MS and found that the cross-sectional areas measured in this way compare extremely favourably with cross-sectional areas calculated using an in-house computing method based on Protein Data Bank NMR-derived co-ordinates. This not only provides a high degree of confidence in the calibration method, but also suggests that the gas phase ESI-TWIMS-MS measurements relate well to solution-based measurements derived from other biophysical techniques. In order to determine which instrumental parameters affect the ESI-TWIMS-MS cross-sectional area calibration, a systematic study of the parameters used to optimise TWIMS drift time separations has been carried out, observing the effect each parameter has on drift times and IMS resolution. Finally, the ESI-TWIMS-MS cross-sectional area calibration has been applied to the analysis of the amyloidogenic protein β2-microglobulin and measurements for three co-populated conformational families, present under denaturing conditions, have been made: the folded, partially unfolded and unfolded states.
Cu(II)-Catalyzed Reactions in Ternary [Cu(AA)(AA – H)]+ Complexes (AA = Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, t-Leu, Phe)
Authors: Wang Ping , Ohanessian Gilles , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: March 2009

The unimolecular chemistry of [Cu(II)AA(AA – H)]+ complexes, composed of an intact and a deprotonated amino acid (AA) ligand, have been probed in the gas phase by tandem and multistage mass spectrometry in an electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The amino acids examined include Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, t-Leu and Phe. Upon collisionally-activated dissociation (CAD), the [Cu(II)AA(AA – H)]+ complexes undergo decarboxylation with simultaneous reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I); during this process, a radical site is created at the α-carbon of the decarboxylated ligand (H2N1 – •CαH – CβH2 – R; R = side chain substituent). The radical site is able to move along the backbone of the decarboxylated amino acid to form two new radicals (HN1• – CαH2 – CβH2–R and H2N1 – CαH2 – •CβH – R). From the complexes of Gly and t-Leu, only Cα and N1 radicals can be formed. The whole radical ligand can be lost to form [Cu(I)AA]+ from these three isomeric radicals. Alternatively, further radical induced dissociations can take place along the backbone of the decarboxylated amino acid ligand to yield [Cu(II)AA(AA – 2H – CO2)]+, [Cu(I)AA(•NH2)]+, [Cu(I)AA(HN = CαH2)]+, or [Cu(I)AA(H2N – CαH = CβH – R′]+ (R′ = partial side chain substituent). The sodiated copper complexes, [Cu(II)(AA – H + Na)(AA – H)]+, show the same fragmentation patterns as their non-sodiated counterparts; sodium ion is retained on the intact amino acid ligand and is not involved in the CAD pathways. The amino groups of both AA units, the carbonyl group of the intact amino acid, and the deprotonated hydroxyl oxygen coordinate Cu(II) in square-planar fashion. Ab initio calculations indicate that the metal ion facilitates hydrogen atom shuttling between the N1, Cα and Cβ atoms of the decarboxylated amino acid ligand. The dissociations of the decarboxylated radical ions unveil important insight about the so far largely unknown intrinsic chemistry of α-amino acid and peptide radicals, which are implicated as intermediates in numerous pathogenic biological processes.
“Counting Your Customers” One by One: A Hierarchical Bayes Extension to the Pareto/NBD Model
Authors: Abe Makoto
Published: March 2009

This research extends a Pareto/NBD model of customer-base analysis using a hierarchical Bayesian (HB) framework to suit today's customized marketing. The proposed HB model presumes three tried and tested assumptions of Pareto/NBD models: (1) a Poisson purchase process, (2) a memoryless dropout process (i.e., constant hazard rate), and (3) heterogeneity across customers, while relaxing the independence assumption of the purchase and dropout rates and incorporating customer characteristics as covariates. The model also provides useful output for CRM, such as a customer-specific lifetime and survival rate, as by-products of the MCMC estimation.

Using three different types of databases—music CD for e-commerce, FSP data for a department store and a music CD chain, the HB model is compared against the benchmark Pareto/NBD model. The study demonstrates that recency-frequency data, in conjunction with customer behavior and characteristics, can provide important insights into direct marketing issues, such as the demographic profile of best customers and whether long-life customers spend more.
Effects of Quetiapine on Sleep in Nonpsychiatric and Psychiatric Conditions
Authors: Wine Jessica N , Sanda Christina , Caballero Joshua
Published: March 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the use of immediate-release quetiapine for the treatment of insomnia.

Data Sources:

Pre-MEDLINE and MEDLINE were searched (1966 to October 2008) using the terms quetiapine, sleep, insomnia, and antipsychotics.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All studies and case reports evaluating insomnia as a primary endpoint were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

The role of quetiapine for improving sleep in various patient populations is uncertain. Quetiapine has moderately sedative properties, and closes used in treatment of insomnia have ranged from 12.5 to 800 mg. Results of clinical trials and observations in case studies have revealed possible beneficial effects of quetiapine on several subjective and objective sleep parameters. In most studies, significant improvements in sleep were found in areas of total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and subjective sleep scores. However, some of these results may not be clinically significant. Also, quetiapine has been found to have adverse effects such as periodic leg movements, akathisia, and metabolic complications. Additionally, changes in rapid eye movement (REM) and percentage of REM sleep have been noted in different populations and need further study. Despite quetiapine's sedative properties, current data do not appear to support its use as first-line treatment for sleep complications. However, it may be useful for treatment of insomnia in patients with psychiatric disorders (eg, bipolar, schizophrenia) who do not respond to primary or secondary treatments.

Conclusions:

Further studies are needed to define the placement, dose, and adverse effects of quetiapine for the treatment of sleep problems.
Midodrine and Octreotide in Treatment of Cirrhosis-Related Hemodynamic Complications
Authors: Karwa Rakhi , Woodis C Brock
Published: March 2009

Objective:

To review studies evaluating the use of midodrine and octreotide in hemodynamic complications of cirrhosis, including ascites and hepatorenal syndrome.

Data Sources:

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–September 2008) and EMBASE (1974–September 2008) were conducted using the terms midodrine, octreotide, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, cirrhosis, and paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction. Literature review was limited to English-language, human studies.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies identified from data sources were considered for review. Studies were excluded if primary therapy involved any of the following: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure, medications other than midodrine or octreotide, or patients included for treatment or prevention of portal hypertension and/or variceal bleeding. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies and studies using retrospective data collection were excluded. Seven studies were included in this review.

Data Synthesis:

Midodrine and octreotide in combination or alone have shown conflicting results for systemic and renal hemodynamics and renal function in patients with cirrhosis-related complications. Patients with ascites being treated with midodrine, alone or in combination with octreotide, showed significant changes in systemic hemodynamics, without a correlating change in renal perfusion. Studies comparing the use of midodrine with use of albumin for the prevention of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD) showed no incidence of PICD in either treatment group. In hepatorenal syndrome, patients using midodrine with octreotide showed significant changes in systemic hemodynamics and improvements in renal perfusion. This regimen's effect on survival is yet to be determined,

Conclusions:

Available evidence shows inconsistent results for the effectiveness and safety of midodrine and octreotide use in cirrhotic patients. Because of the contradictory results, longer treatment duration and increased number of study participants are necessary to determine the proper use of midodrine and octreotide in these patients.
Probable Amlodipine-Induced Angioedema
Authors: Southward Jessica , Irvine Elizabeth , Rabinovich Marina
Published: March 2009

Objective:

To report a case of angioedema likely associated with amlodipine administration in a patient with a right thalamic hemorrhagic stroke.

Case Summary:

A 50-year-old female experienced angioedema during hospitalization for s right thalamic hemorrhagic stroke. She had no past history of angioedema and all of her medications were assessed for risk of angioedema. After careful evaluation, case reports linking calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angioedema led to further examination of amlodipine as a cause. Amlodipine therapy had been initiated 24 hours prior to the development of angioedema, which then resolved 72 hours after discontinuation of the drug. In total, the patient experienced oropharyngeal swelling for 10 days.

Discussion:

In determining a cause for the patient's angioedema we eliminated genetic, allergic, physically induced, thyroid autoimmune disease-associated, and medication-induced causes. Three case reports describing 7 patients have linked the CCBs verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine with angioedema. The onset and resolution of symptoms in our patient were very similar to those seen in other case reports. Application of the Naranjo probability scale found a probable link between amlodipine and angioedema.

Conclusions:

Although few reports of CCB-induced angioedema exisi, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case to suggest a link between angioedema and amlodipine therapy. Clinicians should consider amlodipine as a potential cause of angioedema.
Effect of “Energy Drink” Consumption on Hemodynamic and Electrocardiographic Parameters in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Steinke Leah , Lanfear David E , Dhanapal Vishnuprabha , Kalus James S
Published: March 2009

Background:

Energy drinks are frequently purported to improve cognitive function and concentration. However, the cardiovascular effects of these drinks have not been adequately studied.

Objective:

To determine the cardiac effects of a commercially available, multicomponent energy drink in healthy volunteers.

Methods:

Fifteen healthy adults were Included in this prospective study. Individuals who had chronic medical conditions, ware on chronic medication, or were pregnant or breast-feeding were excluded. Subjects abstained from caffeine for 48 hours prior to and during the study. In the morning on Day 1 of the study, while subjects were in a fasted state, baseline blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters were measured. Participants then consumed 500 mL (2 cans) of an energy drink and measurements were repeated 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours later. Participants then drank 500 mL of energy drink daily for the next 5 days. Day 1 protocol was repeated on Day 7.

Results:

On Days 1 and 7, maximum mean systolic BP (SBP), HR, and QTc interval occurred at 4 hours. Maximum diastolic BP (DBP) occurred at 2 hours on Days 1 and 7. Within 4 hours of energy drink consumption, on Days 1 and 7, respectively, SBP increased by 7.9% (p = 0.006) and 9.6% (p < 0.001), HR increased by 7.8% (p = 0.009) and 11.0% (p < 0,001). and QTc interval increased by 2.4% (p = 0.368) and 5.0% (p = 0.052), DBP increased by 7.0% < p = 0.046) and 7.8% (p = 0.063) within 2 hours of energy drink consumption on Days 1 and 7, respectively.

Conclusions:

Although no significant ECG changes were observed, HR increased 5–7 beats/min and SBP increased 10 mm Hg after energy drink consumption.
Syntactic Language Change in a German Dialect: Replacement or Reanalysis of a Construction?
Authors: Geyer Klaus
Published: March 2009

This article discusses a type of prepositional construction that is highly characteristic for a group of East Franconian dialects, located in the south-eastern part of Germany. The construction expresses local relations and contrasts with the standard German construction as well as with the regional standard of this area. Based on spontaneous spoken dialect material, the article reveals an ongoing process of change: among young adults today not only the standard variant but also occasional hybrid formations are used as replacements for the original, the latter functioning as membership-markers to this dialectal community.
Evaluation of the Ct Parameter for Characterizing Creep Crack Growth Rate in the Transient Regime
Authors: Bassani JL , Hawk DE , Saxena A
Published: March 2009

An in-depth evaluation of the Ct parameter, which has been proposed for characterizing the creep crack growth behavior under small-scale-creep (transient) to extensive creep conditions, is conducted. The evaluation includes a thorough examination of the assumptions made in the definition of Ct, an experimental evaluation, and a finite-element analysis of a compact specimen used in an actual creep crack growth experiment.

The experimental correlations between da/dt and Ct are extremely encouraging. Ct is interpreted as the stress-power (or energy rate) release rate during crack extension. Under extensive creep conditions, Ct therefore equals C*, which is given in terms of a path-independent integral as well as the stress-power release rate. Under small-scale creep, Ct is shown to characterize the rate of growth of the creep zone. More finite-element analyses and experiments under highly transient conditions are recommended for completing the understanding of the creep crack growth behavior in this regime.
An Advanced Procedure for J-R Curve Testing Using a Drop Tower
Authors: Joyce JA , Hackett EM
Published: March 2009

An improved method to obtain J-R curves from drop-tower fracture mechanics specimens is described in detail. New features include aluminum absorbers to smooth the load versus time record, a double-capacitance gage to locate the crack initiation point, and an analytic key curve to obtain the J-R curve from a test on a single full-size fracture mechanics specimen. The absorbers are shown to slow the initial loading rate but not to affect the displacement rate near crack initiation or during the ductile tearing portion of the drop test.

Drop-tower J-R curves are obtained for a 3% nickel structural steel and compared with static results and results obtained by earlier test methods.
Correlation of Optical Caustics with Fracture Behavior of High-Strength Steels
Authors: Judy RW , Sanford RJ
Published: March 2009

Because the optical caustic technique offers unique opportunities for experimental measurement of fracture toughness under conditions where ordinary instrumentation cannot be used, an effort to correlate the size of the caustic with fracture parameters has been undertaken. The materials of interest are a 4340 steel in a range of thicknesses designed to allow plane-strain, plane-stress, and mixed-mode constraint conditions; an intermediate-strength 5% nickel steel with a high degree of fracture resistance; and a lower-strength, ductile high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, A710. Using compact tension specimens and standard K and J-integral testing procedures, the caustics were photographed as fracture tests were conducted.

Experiments showed that there is a clear correlation between the J-integral and the caustic diameter (D) for all three steels. The values did not conform to expected relationships predictable from existing theory for several reasons. In the 4340 steel, the correlation for the three thickest samples was independent of thickness, while the thinnest (plane-stress) sample was distinctly different when the generating circle was contained inside the plastic zone. Under these conditions, the J-D correlation was distinctly different for the other two steels as well. When the generating circle was maintained outside the plastic zone, a single relationship was obtained for all three steels. This behavior is attributed to differences between the steels in plastic flow behavior and slip systems. As a result, the near-field behavior is strongly influenced by factors that have little or no effect on the far-field behavior.
Dislocaton-Free Zone Model of Fracture Under Reverse Loading
Authors: Chang S-J , Ohr SM
Published: March 2009

The authors have shown previously that the presence of a dislocation-free zone (DFZ) between a crack tip and its plastic zone is closely related to the condition for dislocation emission from the crack tip. The local stress intensity at the crack tip is shielded by the dislocations in the plastic zone from the applied stress and, therefore, its magnitude is reduced. During unloading, the existing dislocations serve to increase the magnitude of the reversed local stress intensity as a result of antishielding from the applied stress intensity. We have examined the effect of reverse loading and antishielding on the local stress intensity, the size of the DFZ, and the associated distribution functions of dislocations. The numerical results show that, during reverse loading, two distinct equilibrium distributions of dislocations are possible solutions to the pileup integral equation, but these distributions result in different local stress-intensity factors. The true distribution can be selected from the two if the local stress-intensity factor is limited by the reversed critical stress-intensity factor for dislocation emission Kg. The negative dislocations generated during reverse loading or cyclic loading lead to crack growth.
Hot Melt Rubberized Asphalt Membranes
Authors: Tosh DJ , Morin R
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses various aspects of rubberized asphalt (R/A) waterproofing membranes. Properties, test methods, basic formulating, and specifications are outlined, together with a discussion on field application, equipment, and methods. Details of techniques and designs required to produce a satisfactory system are given as are the advantages and disadvantages of R/A systems and other systems currently available.
Compression Seals
Authors: Watson SC
Published: March 2009

The theoretical concept, development stage, and comprehensive field testing in the full-scale use of preformed compression joint seals is discussed and documented.

A history of its early usage, which led to the selection of the necessary properties for quality control of elastomeric vulcanizates, typical configurations, machine installation techniques, use of lubricant adhesives as a companion material, plus the entry of compression seals in both airfield and highway pavements as well as architectural industrial environments, is described.

Some recent research is reported on, and the importance of relating specifications to environmental needs is emphasized.

Future trends, such as mechanical locking of seal elements to joint interfaces, uses of low profile seal elements, development of strip and gland type systems and their current application in bridges and structures, are discussed.
Cast Iron Soil Pipe Gaskets
Authors: Smith AH
Published: March 2009

Prior to 1960 most cast iron soil pipe joints were caulked with lead and oakum. Today the vast majority of such joints are sealed with rubber gaskets. Over 64 million such gaskets were used in the United States in 1972. Much of the success of these sealants can be attributed to the development and implementation of standard specifications for both pipe and gaskets. Plumbing industry satisfaction has been enhanced by the economy, compactness, ease of installation, and reliability of these joint sealants. Residents in apartments, homes, and other dwellings appreciate the great reduction in plumbing system noise effected by the cast iron soil pipe gasketed systems.
Helicopter Rotor Blades
Authors: Pinckney RL
Published: March 2009

The development of fiber reinforced resin-bonded structural composite materials has created a new degree of design flexibility for the helicopter engineer. The development and commercial availability of glass fibers, carbon or graphite fibers, and boron fibers, with their attendant widely varying stiffness properties and material densities, enable the specialist both to design his structure to utilize the excellent fatigue properties of the materials available and to design the inherent properties of the material which he intends to use in his advanced VTOL systems.

Filament reinforced epoxy structures are compared with metal structures commonly used for helicopter rotor blades. Test data on several fiber reinforced epoxy materials and development test results of full-sized reinforced epoxy rotor blade segments are given. The manufacturing techniques, quality assurance provisions, and economic considerations of the cost of materials versus component performance improvements are also discussed.
Comparison of R-Curves Determined from Different Specimen Types
Authors: Sullivan AM , Freed CN , Stoop J
Published: March 2009

Crack growth resistance curves (R-curves) have been obtained by testing center-cracked tension specimens (CCT) of three aluminum alloys, one titanium alloy, and two steels. Direct comparison is possible for four of these alloys with R-curves determined from crackline loaded (CLL) specimens.

Some differences between the two specimens are found in the reported values of Kc. These appear to be a direct consequence of the type of stress-crack length relationship noted during testing. In tough material tested using the CCT specimen, the crack grown first under a rising load but finally continues to extend at a constant load. Since this constant load crack growth marks the end of structural integrity, its recognition is crucial to a rational interpretation of fracture resistance. The CCL specimen type does not discriminate between the changes in crack growth behavior observed for these tough materials. Further, it is shown that fatigue precracking may influence the amount of crack growth prior to instability even though the final value of Kc remains unchanged.

No evidence of variation in the Kc-value with initial crack length has been observed over the range of slit lengths investigated.
Biological Monitoring of the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Weber CI
Published: March 2009

A nation-wide water quality monitoring network was operated from 1957 to 1968 by a central Federal laboratory in Cincinnati. The network was decentralized in 1968, and the responsibility for its operation was transferred to the regional offices of the Federal Water Quality Administration. Following the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, an Office of Monitoring was established to provide overall technical coordination of the monitoring program and to standardize methodology and maintain quality control of the data. The responsibility for water quality monitoring in the EPA will be shared by the Office of Monitoring, Office of Air and Water Programs, Office of Enforcement and General Counsel, and Office of Research. Four types of monitoring have been identified—ambient trend monitoring, source monitoring, case preparation monitoring, and research monitoring. The water quality monitoring network of the EPA will consist of 5000 to 10 000 EPA-funded stations and 40 000 to 50 000 stations operated by state and local agencies. The data will be stored in a central EPA computerized system called STORET. The responsibility for quality control and the development, validation and standardization of chemical, microbiological, and biological methodology for water and waste water has been assigned to the Analytical Quality Control Laboratory (AQCL) in Cincinnati.

Water quality is reflected in the species composition and diversity, population density and physiological condition of indigenous communities of aquatic organisms. Biological methodology employed in water quality monitoring in the EPA deals primarily with sample collection, sample processing, counting and identification of aquatic organisms, biomass measurements, measurement of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants, and biological data processing and interpretation. The AQCL conducts research in all areas of biological methodology for water quality monitoring, develops reference samples for quality control, and conducts agency-wide interlaboratory methods studies. An Agency biological methods manual is in preparation and will be available in 1973.
Use of Aquatic Invertebrates in the Assessment of Water Quality
Authors: Gaufin AR
Published: March 2009

Pollution is essentially a biological phenomenon in that its primary effect is on living organisms. A biological investigation of a polluted lake or stream has several advantages over chemical analyses. It is less time-consuming because a single series of samples can reveal the status of the animal and plant communities which themselves represent the results of the summation of the prevailing conditions. The animals and plants provide a record of the prevailing conditions and are not affected by a temporary alleviation of a polluting effluent.

Intensive studies were carried out by Gaufin and Tarzwell in 1952 and 1956 to determine the effects of organic pollution on the aquatic communities of Lytle Creek and the value of these populations as indicators of pollutional conditions. The studies revealed that little reliance could be placed upon the mere occurrence of a single species in a given locality as an indicator of pollution. In the creek the nine species of macroinvertebrates which were most numerous in the septic zone also occurred in the recovery and clean water zones, but in much smaller numbers. The septic zone had less than one fifth as many species as the clean water zone, but the total number of organisms per unit area was many times greater. The septic zone was characterized by species adapted to live in low dissolved oxygen concentrations or those able to secure their oxygen directly from the air.

In the clean water zone there was a great variety of invertebrate communities, each consisting of many different species. Most of the species which occurred in the septic and recovery zones were also found in very limited numbers in the clean water zones. In addition, there was also present a wide variety of forms which were intolerant of conditions in the polluted zones. Most of these were the gill-breathing, immature stages of such insects as the mayflies, stoneflies, caddis flies, and alder flies.

In evaluating the reliability of aquatic organisms as indicators of pollutional conditions and water quality, one must consider the different indicator organisms not separately but as biological associations or communities. The organisms should be considered as groups according to their morphological adaptations and physiological requirements.

Several formal systems for the biological assessment of pollution based on community composition have been suggested. A reduction in community diversity has been noted in a number of rivers polluted by organic wastes. Diversity indices, based on information theory, are very useful for comparing changes in community composition in streams altered by pollution.
A Tentative Proposal for a Rapid In-Plant Biological Monitoring System
Authors: Cairns J , Sparks RE , Waller WT
Published: March 2009

Preliminary tests of a rapid biological monitoring system which measures changes in the movement and breathing of fish in order to provide an early warning of developing toxicity in the wastes of an industrial plant are reported. The system is designed to provide a continuous assessment of the toxicity of complex mixtures which vary through time, and it has been tested in the laboratory with simulated spills of copper and zinc. Fish detect potentially lethal zinc concentrations (8 mg/liter) rapidly enough so that they survive if zinc is removed at the time of detection, and they also detect sublethal concentrations (2 to 3 mg/liter).
Use of Histologic and Histochemical Assessments in the Prognosis of the Effects of Aquatic Pollutants
Authors: Hinton DE , Kendall MW , Silver BB
Published: March 2009

Application of histologic and histochemical techniques to the determination of effects of aquatic pollutants upon fish tissues is discussed. Definition of terms and techniques associated with appropriate preparation of tissue specimens are given. Illustrations include examples from control and altered tissues. A summary of our work with methyl mercuric chloride in channel catfish illustrates the use of both techniques in assessing the prognosis of the effects of aquatic pollutants upon fish tissues.
Microbiological Inhibition Testing Procedure
Authors: Marks PJ
Published: March 2009

The Microbiological Inhibition Testing Procedure was developed to determine the possible adverse effects of specific compounds or waste waters on biological treatment processes. The test procedure consists of monitoring the oxidation rate of a biological seed at various dilutions of the waste water in BOD bottles. The threshold inhibition level of a compound or waste water is defined as the lowest concentration of the compound or waste water which causes a reduction in the biological oxidation rate.
Use of Artificial Substrate Samplers to Assess Water Pollution
Authors: Beak TW , Griffing TC , Appleby AG
Published: March 2009

The benthic macro-invertebrate fauna and the benthic microand macrophytic flora are important parts of the aquatic ecosystem for measurement of the impact of pollution. Artificial substrate samplers provide a means of sampling in many locations where other samplers are not effective. The historical development and use of artificial substrate samplers is discussed, including the major types of apparatus developed. Three main macroinvertebrate samplers, the rock-filled basket, the multi-plate sampler, and the steel tray (Beak) type, are discussed and evaluated critically in light of practical and theoretical considerations. The results obtained with these samplers are compared to the results obtained by other methods, including Surber sampler, dip net, and Petersen grab. Artificial substrate samplers have proven that they obtain an equally diverse fauna with less variability between samples. Periphyton samplers usually consist of glass or plastic plates, with differing methods of suspension. Marine intertidal and subtidal communities may be sampled by fiberglass plates bolted to rocks or building blocks. It is concluded that artificial substrate samplers are an effective method of biological monitoring and evaluation of water pollution.
Study of Asphalt Viscosity Testing at 60 F
Authors: Evans JV , Gorman JW
Published: March 2009

A cooperative study among six laboratories has defined test conditions to minimize differences in results obtained by different laboratories using four different instruments for determining the viscosity of asphalt at 60 F (16 C). The methods—cone-plate, falling plunger, sliding plate, and sliding plate at controlled rate of shear—are all currently proposed for the Book of ASTM Standards, Part 11.

The study shows that adhering closely to specified temperatures and times in sample preparation and using a uniform viscosity loading sequence will decrease the variability in results among laboratories and methods. A loading sequence going from low to high gives viscosities about 8 to 9 percent higher than those obtained with a reverse sequence. These results are the groundwork for a future study of precision.
Florida Studies with the Puzinauskas Field Viscosity Cup for Asphalt Cements
Authors: Potts CF
Published: March 2009

An ASTM base chart is shown in the paper to confirm the linearity of the temperature-viscosity relation for five different asphalts over the temperature range of 60 C (140 F) to 195 C (383 F). These data were run in the laboratory using the procedures in ASTM methods D 2170 and D 2171. All data were corrected to poises for plotting, using densities calculated at the test temperatures.

The viscosity temperature characteristics for different grades of asphalt from several producers are shown in separate charts. Kinematic viscosities, as measured with the Puzinauskas-Asphalt Institute (P-AI) field cup, in the laboratory, are superimposed on these charts to illustrate the agreement of the (P-AI) data with carefully controlled data from ASTM Methods D 2170 and D 2171.

Field data at actual construction sites were compared with check data rerun on the field samples in the laboratory for agreement. It was found that for field tests it is necessary for the cup and the asphalt cement in the cup to be at the test temperature read on the thermometer. With experienced technicians, the field tests readily agree with laboratory data.
Viscosity Characterization of Asphalt Cement
Authors: Corbett LW , Schweyer HE
Published: March 2009

There exists an inherent relationship between the commonly used consistency tests (viscosity at 140 F (60 C), viscosity at 275 F (135C), and penetration at 77 F (25 C)) as applied to asphalt cements used in paving. Based on data accumulated from 84 worldwide crude sources of asphalt, it is shown that the viscosity at 140 F is related to each of the other two tests by power law logarithmic function, and that the overall relationship is represented by a nesting of lines. With the viscosity at 140 F as the independent variable, there exist significant differences in the penetration (77 F) and viscosity (275 F) levels but with only minor differences in the slope of the lines. Thus, the relationships between this viscosity and the other two consistency tests serve to identify the viscosity grade as well as to indicate the source of the asphalt, which in turn relates to temperature susceptibility properties.
The Rolling Thin-Film Circulating Oven—An Improved Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test
Authors: Schidmt RJ
Published: March 2009

The thin-film oven test (TFO), ASTM D 1754-69, is well established and functional; however, it requires 5 h exposure time. The rolling thin-film oven test (RTFO), ASTM D 2872-70, is also functional. Its precision is better, and it is faster to do. Unfortunately, the two exposures differ enough so they should not be used interchangeably without separate specification limits for each test. A good solution to this dilemma would be another oven exposure which has the advantages of the RTFO (that is short exposure time and high precision) and which, at the same time, affects asphalts in the same way as the TFO. This has been substantially accomplised by converting the RTF oven from a convection oven to a forced-draft oven. The added circulation causes more volatile loss to occur. This rolling thin-film circulation (RTF-C) oven test not only gives exposures very close to the well-accepted TFO; but it is just as fast as the RTFO to perform. It is suggested that this new oven exposure be considered as a replacement for the RTFO and interchangeable with the TFO in specifications.
Asphalt Durability Tests and Their Relationship to Field Hardening
Authors: Kemp GR
Published: March 2009

A total of 24 asphalts in 8 test sections are being evaluated relative to their change in viscosity with time. The test sections are located in different climatic areas in California. Statistical correlations are presented covering various laboratory test methods for predicting asphalt durability with 30 and 50 months of pavement service life. The laboratory test methods employed for predicting asphalt durability involve the concept whereby the asphalt is weathered by heat and air in a thin film. The amount of heat and thickness of the film varies, but the end result is basically volatization and oxidation to cause hardening of the asphalt. Additional correlations are presented using original voids and chemical procedures involving the Rostler analysis and Heithaus procedure. This report discusses the findings to date; additional pavement service life will be required before final conclusions can be drawn.
How to Sample a Mountain
Authors: Connor JJ , Myers AT
Published: March 2009

Techniques of experimental design, based on generalized sampling models, are extremely important for “sampling a mountain,” especially because of the possible wide variability in element composition in the samples taken from that “mountain.” Current investigations are determining better guidelines in sampling and analytical procedures for minor-element studies in geochemical research. Too often, expensive analytical effort may be wasted owing to lack of proper design in the laboratory by the analyst and in geologic sampling by the geologist. Experimental design techniques are being applied to a wide variety of geologic sampling problems. Analytical procedures, including spectrochemical methods, are expected to change in accordance with the nature of the problem and the geologic sample. An example of sampling for minor-element analysis is given to illustrate types of geologic variance as compared to laboratory variance.
How and What to Sample in the Analytical Gap
Authors: Walters JP , Goldstein SA
Published: March 2009

The possibility of obtaining greater optimization of spectrochemical techniques by selectively isolating radiation from the analytical spark gap is discussed. Instrumental factors required to achieve positional stability of the spark necessary for these techniques are discussed in terms of the chemical reactions controlling spark formation. Using simple optical systems capable of viewing the spark differentially, emission profiles of several metallic and sparking-gas species have been recorded. The heterogeneous spatial and temporal structure in these profiles has been employed to group the spectral lines into classes according to when and where they appear in the discharge. Suggestions are made as to how the spark may be viewed to isolate lines of one class from those of other classes, thereby reducing background and line interferences and enhancing signal-to-noise ratios.
Product Appearance as Communication
Authors: Abend CJ
Published: March 2009

To those in the world of designed objects, most specifically industrial design, it soon becomes evident that the development of form, creation of appearance, and selection of materials, result in product communication. An inherent message always exists and it may be composed consciously or subconsciously; furthermore, it is received and understood without written or verbal intervention and is instantaneous with respect to the impression it evokes. Such responses are subjective but are similar in interpretation within a specific population. The meaning of the communicated product message can create immediate bias or almost unshakeable beliefs with respect to the product observed; frequently, to the extent that it can overshadow intellectual or rational considerations. Automotive design is a good example.

Where communication is negative, it can produce the familiar dichotomy expressed as the complaint, “I know it's good, but I just don't like it.” Rejection or acceptance, it would appear, has much to do with the visually-perceived qualities of the communication established between product and observer. In product design, such communicated attributes as credibility, convenience, prestige, value, usefulness, genuineness, and even masculinity or feminity are largely dependent upon a number of factors not the least of which is the characteristic appearance of materials used in the design context. The question is examined as to why man-made objects attract or repel. Some probable explanations are considered in this paper. These are believed to be correlations that exist between psychological and social factors as they are aesthetically expressed and visually perceived.

It appears likely that all products, as a result of their aesthetic properties, conditioned by visual associations and appearance of materials, influence subjective response in favorable or unfavorable ways. This indicates the presence of communication via a design language, the semantics of which requires more explicit definitions. The groundwork for a vocabulary is suggested, a method for appearance rating is proposed, and areas for future research are identified.
Measurement of Judgmental Responses to Multi-Attribute Marketing Stimuli
Authors: Green PE
Published: March 2009

A set of three interrelated research designs are presented and solutions are illustrated with synthetic data. The problems include (a) measuring the relative importance of a group of product benefits, (b) selecting a package design that best connotes the psychological imagery of a subset of the selected benefits, and (c) determining what point-of-purchase display materials, brand name, and brand pricing strategy to employ in initial market introduction. Structurally, all three problems involve non-numerical, judgmental responses to multi-attribute marketing stimuli.

All three problems are “solved” by conjoint measurement. This approach, recently developed in mathematical psychology, draws upon previous work in experimental design, unidimensional psychophysics and data theory. The paper concludes with a discussion of current limitations of the approach and potential marketing application areas.
On the Radiation Hardening Mechanism in Fe-C-Mn Type Alloys
Authors: Brumovsky M
Published: March 2009

Radiation damage in Fe-C-Mn type alloys, chosen as a first approximation to low-carbon pressure vessel steels, was studied after irradiation at two temperature regions [80 to 100 C (176 to 212 F) and 160 to 180 C (320 to 356 F)]. Effect of saturation and “oversaturation” (expressed by softening) on yield strength was confirmed. This effect depends on alloy structure and content of both alloy elements-carbon in the form of pearlite substantially increases the tendency to “oversaturation,” while manganese shifts the saturation dose to higher values. For pure iron a saturation dose equal to about 4 × 1019 n/cm2 (En > 1 MeV) was found. At the same time the presence of carbon results in the suppression of yield strength increase during irradiation, while manganese enhances this yield strength increase if more than approximately 0.5 weight percent manganese is present.

On the basis of the analysis of individual parameter changes in the model of radiation hardening in Fe-C-Mn type alloys, an explanation is proposed of the influence of neutron dose at irradiation temperatures of 80 to 100 C (176 to 212 F) on the change in the tensile stress-strain curve, as well as the influence of carbon and manganese on the saturation and oversaturation effect.
Effects of Microstructure on Swelling and Tensile Properties of Neutron-Irradiated Types 316 and 405 Stainless Steels
Authors: Garr KR , Rhodes CG , Kramer D
Published: March 2009

Small-sheet tensile samples of Types 316 and 405 stainless steels were encapsulated together and irradiated in EBR-II at about 400 C (752 F) to a total fluence of 3.3 × 1022 n/cm2 with 2.3 × 1022 n/cm2 fast (E>0.1 MeV). A variety of microstructures was produced in each alloy prior to irradiation. In Type 316 stainless steel, swelling increased with the amount of carbide precipitation prior to irradiation, implying that carbon in solution impedes void formation. Cold-working 25 percent suppressed void formation. No swelling was observed in Type 405 stainless steel. Irradiation caused an increase in the yield and tensile strengths, and a decrease in ductility in all cases except the cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel. These latter samples showed a decrease in yield and tensile strengths and an increase in ductility due to the reversion of ϵ martensite to austenite.
Effects of Second-Phase Particles on Irradiation Swelling of Austenitic Alloys
Authors: Appleby WK , Wolff UE
Published: March 2009

Results are described from the investigation of swelling caused by fast-neutron-induced void formation in stainless steel fuel cladding and high-nickel alloys irradiated in fast flux (EBR-II) to fluences up to 7.3 × 1022 n/cm2, E > 0.1 MeV. Immersion density measurements of swelling gave results ranging from a volume increase of 10 percent in solution-annealed Type 347 stainless steel to a small densification in Inconel-625. Transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed that the extent of void formation in Types 316 and 347 stainless steels, Incoloy-800, and Hastelloy-X was related to the degree of intragranular precipitation (principally carbides), whereas the Ni3 Cb precipitation in Inconel-625 had apparently inhibited void formation altogether. It is concluded that precipitate particles can play a major role in determining the extent of void formation in austenitic alloys during neutron irradiation, and in the optimum morphology (a high concentration of closely spaced, small and possibly coherent particles) they offer promise of largely inhibiting void formation and swelling.