Counting Finite Lattices

The correct values for the number of all unlabeled lattices on n elements are known for . We present a fast orderly algorithm generating all unlabeled lattices up to a given size n. Using this algorithm, we have computed the number of all unlabeled lattices as well as that of all labeled lattices on an n-element set for each . Received April 4, 2000; accepted in final form November 2, 2001. RID="h1" ID="h1" Presented by R. Freese.     

Using mass defect plots as a discovery tool to identify novel fluoropolymer thermal decomposition products

Fire events involving halogenated materials, such as plastics and electronics, produce complex mixtures that include unidentified toxic and environmentally persistent contaminants. Ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry and mass defect filtering can facilitate compound identification within these complex mixtures. In this study, thermal decomposition products of polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE, [–CClF–CF₂–]_n), a common commercial polymer, were analyzed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Using the mass defect plot as a guide, novel PCTFE thermal decomposition products were identified, including 29 perhalogenated carboxylic acid (PXCA, X = Cl,F) congener classes and 21 chlorine/fluorine substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (X‐PAH, X = Cl,F) congener classes. This study showcases the complexity of fluoropolymer thermal decomposition and the potential of mass defect filtering to characterize complex environmental samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A semi‐quantitative approach for the rapid screening and mass profiling of naphthenic acids directly in contaminated aqueous samples

We report the use of a direct sampling, online analytical approach for the determination of acid extractable naphthenic acids in complex aqueous samples, known as condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS). The technique employs a capillary hollow fibre semi‐permeable membrane probe configured for immersion into a pH adjusted sample. A continuously flowing methanol acceptor phase transfers naphthenic acids to an electrospray ionization source, operated in negative ion mode, whereupon they are analysed by mass spectrometry as [M–H]^? ions. High‐resolution mass spectrometry is used to characterize the influence of sample pH on membrane transport of multiple components of complex naphthenic acid mixtures. We demonstrate the use of CP‐MIMS for semi‐quantitative analysis of real‐world samples using selected ion monitoring and full scan mass spectra at unit mass resolution. The technique has also been employed to continuously monitor the temporal evolution in the mass profile and concentrations of individual naphthenic acid isomer classes in heterogeneous solutions during adsorption processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dry,hydrophobic microfibrillated cellulose powder obtained in a simple procedure using alkyl ketene dimer

In order to produce dry and hydrophobic microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) in a simple procedure, its modification with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was performed. For this purpose, MFC was solvent-exchanged to ethyl acetate and mixed with AKD dissolved in the same solvent. Curing at 130 °C for 20 h under the catalysis of 1-methylimidazole yielded a dry powder. Scanning electron microscopy of the powder indicated loss in nanofibrillar structure due to aggregation, but discrete microfibrillar structures were still present. Water contact angle measurements of films produced from modified and unmodified MFC showed high hydrophobicity after AKD treatment, which persisted even after extraction with THF for 8 h. The hydrophobized MFC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray analysis. In summary, strong indications for the presence of AKD on the surface of MFC before and after extraction with solvent were found, but only a very small amount of covalent β-ketoester linkages between the modification agent and cellulose was revealed.     

A review of the determination of persistent organic pollutants for environmental forensics investigations

The field of environmental forensics emerged in the 1980s as a consequence of legislative frameworks enacted to enable parties, either states or individuals, to seek compensation with regard to contamination or injury due to damage to the environment. This legal environment requires stringent record keeping and defendable data therefore analysis can sometimes be confined to data to be obtained from certified laboratories using a standard accredited analytical method. Many of these methods were developed to target specific compounds for risk assessment purposes and not for environmental forensics applications such as source identification or age dating which often require larger data sets. The determination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for environmental forensic applications requires methods that are selective but also cover a wide range of target analytes which can be identified and quantified without bias. POPs are used in a wide variety of applications such as flame retardants, fire suppressants, heat transfer agents, surfactants and pesticides mainly because of their chemical inertness and stability. They also include compounds such as dioxins that can be unintentionally produced from industrial activities. POPs are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative and/or toxic and therefore require analytical methods that are sensitive enough to meet the low detection limits needed for the protection of the environment and human health. A variety of techniques, procedures and instruments can be used which are well suited for different scenarios. Optimised methods are important to ensure that analytes are quantitatively extracted, matrix coextractables and interferences are removed and instruments are used most effectively and efficiently. This can require deviation from standard methods which can open the data up to further scrutiny in the courtroom. However, when argued effectively and strict QA/QC procedures are followed the development and optimization of methods based on investigation specific scenarios has the potential to generate better quality and more useful data.     

Die Grundgleichungen zur Festigkeitsberechnung einseitig aufgehängter Ringe und ihrer Befestigungen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Multistatic detection and tracking using linear maximal sequences

A simulation using linear maximal sequence (m-sequence) transmissions demonstrated the potential for detecting and tracking near-surface targets. In this simulation a low power, omnidirectional source and four omnidirectional hydrophones were arbitrarily located in water approximately 4 m deep. The simulated -15 dB target traveled at 1.5 kn. Using "channel digit response" processing and "block zeroing," the direct arrival, multipaths, clutter and reverberation were rejected. (The block zeroing process is very different from other methods typically labeled as "cancellation.") With the improved signal-to-interference ratio, a simple probability based algorithm demonstrated tracking at source-target distances of 250 m, the maximum range investigated.     

The use of mass defect plots for the identification of (novel) halogenated contaminants in the environment

Mass defect is the difference between the nominal and exact mass of a chemical element or compound. An intrinsic property of polyhalogenated molecules is a uniquely negative mass defect, which readily distinguishes halogenated from non-halogenated compounds in a complex mass spectrum and can be visualized by constructing a mass defect plot. This study demonstrates the utility of the mass defect plot as a powerful tool to screen gas-chromatography (ultra)high-resolution mass spectrometry data for potentially toxic and bioaccumulative halogenated compounds in a Lake Ontario lake trout, an apex species in the Great Lakes environment. Our results indicate that the sample is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, terphenyls, diphenylethers, as well as other chlorinated pesticides and flame retardants that are regulated and routinely analyzed by traditional target analyses. However, the mass defect plot also displays peaks which could be traced to the presence of as yet undiscovered contaminants. These include chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as mixed halogenated analogues of the flame retardant Dechlorane 604. The identity of the latter class of compounds is supported by experiments with genuine standards.

Situation Awareness and campaign assessments

Military-led nation building campaigns can face many challenges as advances in certain aspects such as the economy and infrastructure may well be accompanied by setbacks in other areas such as security, making it difficult to judge overall progress. In this context, campaign assessments provide vital decision support for adapting strategy and deploying resources to best effect. The value of such assessments is enhanced when they report not only what has happened but why and when they also indicate likely future events—mirroring the three levels in Endsley’s model of Situation Awareness. Our aim is to develop a process for evaluating changes to the complex organisational structure and processes used for producing assessment documents, even if it is difficult to understand the linkages between such changes and output quality. Using 2 years’ worth of Australian Defence Force quarterly campaign assessments, we study the effect of adoption of a new analysis framework in their production. Using the conventions of thematic analysis and Endsley’s model of Situation Awareness, we introduce the Situation Awareness Elicitation method for obtaining metrics pertaining to the value of assessments before and after introduction of the framework and perform statistical analysis on this data.