OPTIMUM GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION SCHEDULES FOR FOREST TREES

A control theory optimization of iteroparous life histories indicates that if growth and reproduction are nonlinear functions of energy allocations, graded allocations of energy to potential reproduction can be optimal.     

Removal of C3F8 Via the Combination of Non-Thermal Plasma, Adsorption and Catalysis

The feasibility of C₃F₈ abatement via combining nonthermal plasma with adsorption and/or catalysis is investigated in this study. In terms of the simultaneous combination of plasma, adsorption and catalysis (CPAC), three different configurations including A/C layer (adsorbent layer prior to catalyst layer), C/A layer (catalyst layer prior to adsorbent layer) and A/C mixture (adsorbent and catalyst are mechanically mixed) are adopted. For all the experimental tests conducted in this study, the gas stream consists of 500 ppm C₃F₈, 2% O₂, and balanced N₂. The experimental results indicate that C₃F₈ removal efficiencies depend on what kind of packing material is adopted (adsorbent, catalyst or both) and how the material is packed within the plasma reactor. The removal efficiencies obtained with different reactors are in the order as: CPAC (A/C layer; AC mixture) > CPA (plasma with adsorbent alone) > CPC (plasma with catalyst alone) > CPAC (C/A layer). The indentified products after treatment include CO₂, CO, N₂O and CF₄. The formation of C₂F₆ is not observed in this study, which is encouraging since the global warming potential of C₂F₆ is actually higher than that of C₃F₈.     

The Emergence of Mathematical Modeling Competencies: An Investigation of Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teachers

A study with prospective teachers without prior mathematical modeling experience sheds light on how their newly developed conceptual understanding of modeling manifested itself in their work on the final task of a modeling module within a pedagogy course in secondary mathematics curriculum and assessment. The main purpose of the module was to provide opportunity for the prospective teachers to experience the Common Core Mathematical Practice Model with Mathematics and begin to develop competency in modeling. Their work and reflections displayed a range of proficiency in several competencies associated with the modeling process. Examples of their work illustrating these ranges are provided. The prospective teachers expressed both struggle and rewards during the process, and reflected on challenges for teaching modeling. The results suggest that infusing modules in existing courses can be an effective way to elevate prospective teachers from unfamiliarity with modeling to noticeable levels of proficiency in various modeling sub-competencies.     

Radical polymerization of new functional monomer: Methacryloyl isocyanate containing 4‐chloro‐1‐phenol

New functional monomer methacryloyl isocyanate containing 4‐chloro‐1‐phenol (CPHMAI) was prepared on reaction of methacryloyl isocyanate (MAI) with 4‐chloro‐1‐phenol (CPH) at low temperature and was characterized with IR, ¹H, and ¹³C‐NMR spectra. Radical polymerization of CPHMAI was studied in terms of the rate of polymerization, solvent effect, copolymerization, and thermal properties. The rate of polymerization of CPHMAI has been found to be smaller than that of styrene under the same conditions. Polar solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) were found to slow the polymerization. Copolymerization of CPHMAI (M₁) with styrene (M₂) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) was studied at 60°C. The monomer reactivity ratio was calculated to be r₁ = 0.49 and r₂ = 0.66 according to the method of Fineman—Ross. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 469–473, 2000     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble poly(amide‐imide)s derived from 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane

A series of new soluble poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared from the diimide‐dicarboxylic acid 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane with various diamines by direct polycondensation in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone containing CaCl₂ with triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. All the polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.52–0.86 dL · g^?1. The poly(amide‐imide)s showed an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in various solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N‐dimethylformamide, pyridine, and cyclohexanone. Tough and flexible films were obtained through casting from DMAc solutions. These polymer films had tensile strengths of 71–107 MPa and a tensile modulus range of 1.6–2.7 GPa. The glass‐transition temperatures of the polymers were determined by a differential scanning calorimetry method, and they ranged from 242 to 279 °C. These polymers were fairly stable up to a temperature around or above 400 °C, and they lost 10% of their weight from 480 to 536 °C and 486 to 537 °C in nitrogen and air, respectively. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3498–3504, 2001     

World-to-chip microfluidic interface with built-in valves for multichamber chip-based PCR assays

We report a practical world-to-chip microfluidic interfacing method with built-in valves suitable for microscale multichamber chip-based assays. One of the primary challenges associated with the successful commercialization of fully integrated microfluidic systems has been the lack of reliable world-to-chip microfluidic interconnections. After sample loading and sealing, leakage tests were conducted at 100 degrees C for 30 min and no detectable leakage flows were found during the test for 100 microchambers. To demonstrate the utility of our world-to-chip microfluidic interface, we designed a microscale PCR chip with four chambers and performed PCR assays. The PCR results yielded a 100% success rate with no contamination or leakage failures. In conclusion, we have introduced a simple and inexpensive microfluidic interfacing system for both sample loading and sealing with no dead volume, no leakage flow and biochemical compatibility.     

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates angiogenesis by activating the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major product of cyclooxygenase, has been implicated in modulating angiogenesis, vascular function, and inflammatory processes, but the underlying mechanism is not clearly elucidated. We here investigated the molecular mechanism by which PGE2 regulates angiogenesis. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with PGE2 increased angiogenesis. PGE2 increased phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), eNOS activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production by the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Dibutyryl cAMP (DB-cAMP) mimicked the role of PGE2 in angiogenesis and the signaling pathway, suggesting that cAMP is a down-stream mediator of PGE2. Furthermore, PGE2 increased endothelial cell sprouting from normal murine aortic segments, but not from eNOS-deficient ones, on Matrigel. The angiogenic effects of PGE2 were inhibited by the inhibitors of PKA, PI3K, eNOS, and soluble guanylate cyclase, but not by phospholipase C inhibitor. These results clearly show that PGE2 increased angiogenesis by activating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway through PKA/PI3K/Akt-dependent increase in eNOS activity.     

Oxidative Conversion of PFC via Plasma Processing with Dielectric Barrier Discharges

Perfluorocompounds (PFCs) have been extensively used as plasma etching andchemical vapor deposition (CVD) gases for semiconductor manufacturingprocesses. PFCs have significant effects on the global warming and havevery long atmospheric lifetimes. Laboratory-scale experiments were performedto evaluate the effectiveness of CF4 conversion by using dielectric barrierdischarges (DBD). The results of this study revealed that the removalefficiency of CF₄ increased with application of higher voltage, gas residence time, oxygen content, and frequency. Combined plasma catalysis(CPC) is an innovative way for abatement of PFC and experimental results indicated that combining plasma with catalysts could effectively remove CF4. Products were analyzed by Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) and the major products of the CF4 processing with DBD were CO2, COF2, and CO, when O was included in the discharge process. Preliminary results indicated that as high as 65.9% of CF4 was decomposed with CPC operated at 15 kV, 240 Hz for the gas stream containing 300 ppmv CF₄,20% by volume O₂, and 40% by volume Ar, with N₂ as thecarrier gas.     

Synthesis and properties of new polyamides derived from 2,2‐bis[4‐[2‐(4‐aminophenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl]sulfone by direct polycondensation

A series of new polyamides containing both sulfone and oxyethylene moieties in the polymer chain was prepared by the direct polycondensation of the diamine monomer 2,2‐bis[4‐[2‐(4‐aminophenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl]sulfone (BAEPS) and various aromatic dicarboxylic acids in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. Polymers were produced with inherent viscosities of 0.30–0.60 dl/g and identified by elemental analysis, and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Most of the polymers were readily dissolved in polar solvents such as NMP, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide and m‐cresol at room temperature. Polymers containing rigid and symmetric p‐phenylene, naphthalene and p‐biphenylene moieties revealed a crystalline nature and showed no solubility in organic solvents. These polyamides had 10% weight loss temperatures ranging between 423 and 465 °C in nitrogen atmosphere and glass transition temperatures between 170 and 305 °C. The polymers with crystallinity nature exhibited melting endotherms (T_m) below 386 °C in differential scanning calorimetry trace. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.