A descent principle for the Dirac-dual-Dirac method

Let G be a torsion-free discrete group with a finite-dimensional classifying space BG. We show that G has a dual-Dirac morphism if and only if a certain coarse (co-)assembly map is an isomorphism. Hence the existence of a dual-Dirac morphism for such groups is a metric, that is, coarse, invariant. We get results for groups with torsion as well.     

Can People Predict Chaotic Sequences?

Previous studies suggesting that people predict chaotic sequences better than chance have not discriminated between sensitivity to nonlinear determinism and facilitation using autocorrelation. Since prediction accuracy declines with increases in the look-ahead window in both cases, a decline in prediction accuracy does not imply chaos sensitivity. To overcome this problem, phase-randomized surrogate time series are used as a control. Such series have the same linear properties as the original chaotic sequence but contain no nonlinear determinism, i.e. chaos. In the experimental task, using a chaotic Hénon attractor, participants viewed the previous eight days temperatures and then predicted temperatures for the next four days, over 120 trials. The control group experienced a sample from a corresponding phase-randomized surrogate series. Both time series were linearly transformed to provide a realistic temperature range. A transformation of the correlation between observed and predicted values decreased over days for the chaotic time series, but remained constant and high for the surrogate series. The interaction between the days and series factors was statistically significant, suggesting that people are sensitive to chaos, even when the autocorrelation functions and power spectra of the control and experimental series are identical. Implications for the psychological assessment of individual differences in human prediction are discussed.     

Magnetically activated micromixers for separation membranes

Presented here is a radically novel approach to reduce concentration polarization and, potentially, also fouling by colloids present in aqueous feeds: magnetically responsive micromixing membranes. Hydrophilic polymer chains, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), were grafted via controlled surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) on the surface of polyamide composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes and then end-capped with superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles. The results of all functionalization steps, that is, bromide ATRP initiator immobilization, SI-ATRP, conversion of PHEMA end groups from bromide to amine, and carboxyl-functional Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticle immobilization via peptide coupling, have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). These nanoparticles experience a magnetic force as well as a torque under an oscillating external magnetic field. It has been shown, using particle image velocimetry (PIV), that the resulting movement of the polymer brushes at certain magnetic field frequencies induces mixing directly above the membrane surface. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that with such membranes the NF performance could significantly be improved (increase of flux and salt rejection) by an oscillating magnetic field, which can be explained by a reduced concentration polarization in the boundary layer. However, the proof-of-concept presented here for the active alteration of macroscopic flow via surface-anchored micromixers based on polymer-nanoparticle conjugates has much broader implications.     

Application of complementary mass spectrometric techniques to the identification of ketoprofen phototransformation products

Ketoprofen (KP) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which during UV irradiation rapidly transforms into benzophenone derivatives. Such transformation products may occur after topical application of KP, which is then exposed to sunlight resulting in a photo-allergic reaction. These reactions are mediated by the benzophenone moiety independently of the amount of allergen. The same reactions will also occur during wastewater or drinking water treatment albeit their effect in the aqueous environment is yet to be ascertained. In addition, only a few such transformation products have been recognised. To enable the detection and structural elucidation of the widest range of KP transformation products, this study applies complementary chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques including gas chromatography coupled to single quadrupole or ion trap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography hyphenated with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Based on structural information gained in tandem and multiple MS experiments, and on highly accurate molecular mass measurements, chemical structures of 22 transformation products are proposed and used to construct an overall breakdown pathway. Among the identified transformation products all but two compounds retained the benzophenone moiety--a result, which raises important issues concerning the possible toxic synergistic effects of KP and its transformation products. These findings trigger further research into water treatment technologies that would limit their entrance into environmental or drinking waters.