This new separation process is an alternative to gaseous diffusion, which is expensive, causes more cross-contaminated byproducts and requires the use of large electro-magnets.
Researchers said they stumbled upon the new method for producing pure amounts of materials by atomic weight when they were studying the pattern and weights of plasma ions.
The new process has a pending patent and can be used for all materials. Some consider gaseous diffusion to be politically controversial because plant workers recently learned that they have been exposed to radioactive and hazardous wastes while using gaseous diffusion.
Assistant Prof. Bozidar Stojadinovic had previously proven that the corners of beams fracture when subjected to earthquake conditions.
To alleviate this problem, the faculty team utilized two strategies. The first was to strengthen connections of the columns. The second, an opposite strategy, weakened the beams. Though opposite in design, both strategies proved successful to the researchers.
The department decided to embark on this research after steel-framed structures were damaged in earthquake-prone areas, such as Turkey, Japan and California.
The non-profit organization was created after the tobacco industry reached a $206 billion settlement with attorney generals of 46 states in November 1998.
Warner is the University's Richard D. Remington Collegiate Professor of Public Health and director of the University's Tobacco Research Network.
The foundation formally launched its national public education campaign against tobacco usage in the United States yesterday. It will spend more than $1 billion on its educational campaign during the next four years.
Depending on the success of this study, a prevention of cervical cancer may be possible. HPV is a particularly dangerous virus because there are no warning signs. It can only be detected through a pap smear.
Although many universities across the country are conducting similar surveys, Rutgers was the only major university selected by a large pharmaceutical company to participate in the study.
Researchers expect the study to be done in about three years, but a vaccine probably will not be available for at least 10 years.
-Compiled by Daily Staff Reporter Risa Berrin.
09-23-99
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