Ministry of Supply

About: Ministry of Supply is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Polarography & Bacillus (shape). The organization has 416 authors who have published 355 publications receiving 8951 citations. The organization is also known as: MoS.

Alpha epsilon-Diaminopimelic acid in the peptide moiety of the cell wall polysaccharide of Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: Bacillus anthracis contains a polysaccharide which appears to be part of the cell wall1. Ivanovics2 first isolated the polysaccharide which contained galactose 34 per cent, glucosamine 34 per cent, nitrogen 4.2 per cent and α-carboxyl amino-nitrogen 0.8 per cent. Strange and Belton3 obtained from culture filtrates of B. anthracis a polysaccharide which contained galactose 39–43 per cent, glucosamine 34 per cent, nitrogen 3.9 per cent and α-carboxyl amino-nitrogen 1.26 per cent. The differences between the total nitrogen and glucosamine nitrogen values together with the figures for α-carboxyl amino-nitrogen in these preparations indicated the presence of 5–10 per cent of amino-acid residues. Smith and Zwartouw4 obtained a polysaccharide from B. anthracisgrown in vivo. It contained galactose 38–43 per cent, glucosamine 38–44 per cent, nitrogen 4.0 per cent and α-carboxyl amino-nitrogen 0.3 per cent. Since this preparation satisfied a number of rigorous tests for homogeneity it was concluded that a small peptide moiety (2–3 per cent) was firmly attached to the polysaccharide. We are concerned here with the constitution of this peptide moiety.

Molecular structure and its influence on the properties of phenolic resins

Abstract: From a consideration of molecular dimensions and bond angles, it is deduced that a Novolak resin must consist of highly kinked, asymmetrical molecules. As a result, it is concluded that such a resin, when hardened with “hexa, “ will contain much less than the theoretically possible number of methylene cross-links. A hardened resin will have a sponge-like structure which can explain, partially, certain physical and chemical properties. Phenol-methylene resins derived from formaldehyde are contrasted with phenol-ethylene resins, which can have a symmetrical structure. An explanation is given of the good “tack” producing properties of Koresine, based on this symmetry. It is advocated that attention should be given to the synthetic method, as opposed to the analytical procedure hitherto used in investigating Novolaks. The importance of the synthetic approach is stressed, because of the comparative lack of information on crystalline intermediates. Finally, other methods of attack are outlined, including the desirability of determining the fine structure of simple phenol-formaldehyde condensation products.

Tridac, a large analogue computing machine

Abstract: Tridac is the name given to a large analogue computing machine installed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment The machine, which has been built to assist in solving guided-weapon problems, has electronic, mechanical and hydraulic components, and operates on a 1:1 time scale so that real components can be included in the computation Tridac is intended to assist system understanding and development by constructing system models with which mathematical computations can be carried out Each computing section, the parameters of which can be easily changed, represents a particular part of the real system The mathematical operations of summation, integration, multiplication and resolution are carried out using either drift-corrected dc amplifiers or electrically controlled servo motors, with hydraulic or electric power Connections to the servo motors and interconnections between the various cabinets, which contain in all some 2000 electronic units, are arranged to facilitate the simulation of the flight of a guided missile Principles of operation, computing methods and components, installation, and method of operation of the computer are discussed with reference to the problems to be solved

An electronic method of detecting impurities in the air

Abstract: Impurity concentrations in clean dry air of one part in 107 by weight of polar vapours or of one part in 104 by weight of non-polar vapours were measured in terms of changes in surface potential of a prepared plate. Changes of potential of the order of 10 μV were measured using a vibrating condenser technique and a selective phase-sensitive amplifier. The results suggest that whilst the adsorption is caused mainly by electrostatic attraction between the dipole and its induced image, a small contribution is also caused by van der Waals attractive forces. The possibilities of obtaining selective adsorption, and some of the practical applications are discussed briefly.