bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic study on notched impact strength of super‐toughened polyamide 6 nanocomposites using response surface methodology
Authors: Ramezani‐Dakhel Hadi , Garmabi Hamid
Published: May 2010

Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the impact strength of polyamide 6 based nanocomposites using three different types of tougheners (ethylene‐methyl acrylate, ethylene‐ethyl acrylate‐maleic anhydride, and hydrogenated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber) at three different levels of clay and rubber. Melt mixing method using a lab scale twin screw extruder was applied to prepare the samples. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy results indicated intercalated/exfoliated morphology for all of the prepared nanocomposites. The tensile properties as well as the Izod impact strength of the designed samples were evaluated. Impact resistance was correlated to material variables by using a second order polynomial function. The best balanced mechanical properties, between 15 designed experiments, was achieved using ethylene‐ethyl acrylate‐maleic anhydride as toughener, 4 wt % of clay and 17.5 wt % of the toughener, whereas 900% improvement in impact strength and 15% enhancement of Young's modulus was obtained compared with pristine polyamide 6 resin. The formulation meeting the simultaneous optimization of Young's modulus and impact strength was proposed based on mathematical quadratic modeling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Kinetic modeling of polypropylene thermal oxidation during its processing by rotational molding
Authors: Sarrabi S. , Colin X. , Tcharkhtchi A.
Published: May 2010

The main drawback of rotational molding is a long stay (several dozens of minutes) of polymer in melt state at high temperature in atmospheric air. To prevent any significant polymer thermal degradation, it is necessary to define, preliminary, a processing window in a temperature‐molar mass map. The objective of this article is to elaborate and check the validity of a general thermal degradation model devoted to determine, in a near future, some important boundaries of this processing window. This model is composed of two distinct levels: (i) The first level is derived from the thermal transfer mechanisms occurring during a processing operation, polymer phase changes (i.e., melting and crystallization) being simulated by the enthalpy method; and (ii) The second level is derived from the oxidation mechanistic scheme of free additive polymer in melt state established in a previous study, but completed, here, by adding the main stabilization reactions of a common synergistic blend of antioxidants, widely used for rotational molding polymer grades. By juxtaposing such “thermal” and “chemical” levels, it is possible to predict the polymer thermal degradation during a whole processing operation. The validity of both levels is successfully checked in real rotational molding conditions for polypropylene (PP). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 000: 000–000, 2010
Elaboration and characterization of composites of castor oil‐based polyurethane and fibers from alfa stems
Authors: Maafi El Miloud , Tighzert Lan , Malek Fouad
Published: May 2010

Polyurethane (PU) based on castor oil and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) was synthesized by a two‐step method in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as catalyst. The PU obtained was blended with various amounts of cellulose fibers extracted from alfa stems to prepare composite materials. The influence of cellulose fibers on the thermal and mechanical properties of different composites was demonstrated by means of several characterization techniques, such as thermomechanical, structural, and morphological analyses. The hydrogen bonding interaction and the possible formation of urethane links between PU and hydroxyl groups of cellulose provide a good fiber‐matrix interface. The infrared absorption vibration of the NH bond, which is 3336 cm−1 for pure PU, in fact shifts to 3319 cm−1 for a composite containing 25% of cellulose. Moreover, the variation of glass transition temperature, Tg, versus cellulose content is linear, for example, Tg of pure PU and of a composite containing 40% of cellulose is −35 and −24°C, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanical properties rise steadily up to 20 wt % of fibers and decrease beyond this value. The novelty of this article lies in the fact that over 95% of starting materials used are obtained from agro‐resource. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Flammability characteristics and performance of halogen‐free flame‐retarded polyoxymethylene based on phosphorus–nitrogen synergistic effects
Authors: Sun Shuangyue , He Yadong , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen
Published: May 2010

The flammability characteristics and thermal stability of a novel halogen‐free flame‐retardant compounding system based on polyoxymethylene (POM) were studied, and a very effective flame retarding formulation for POM was developed from a combination of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine cyanurate (MC), novolak, and dipentaerythritol. The decomposition behavior of POM compounds was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The compound shows optimal flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index of 52.8 and flammability rating of UL94 V‐0, when 27 wt % APP, 9 wt % MC, 4 wt % novolak, and 4 wt % dipentaerythritol are simultaneously incorporated into POM. The presence of novolak and dipentaerythritol as char‐forming agents results in a dense and compact multicellular char residue for the test bar after combustion, while Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm a characteristic phosphorous‐ and carbon‐rich char resulting from the APP/MC formulation. The pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicates that highly flammable formaldehyde gas, the main pyrolysis product of POM, is annihilated by amide derivatives produced by the pyrolysis of MC, imparting better flame retardancy. The comprehensive flame‐retardant mechanisms based on phosphorus–nitrogen synergism promote the high flame retardancy of POM to reach the nonflammability of V‐0 rating. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Bamboo fiber reinforced thermosetting resin composites: Effect of graft copolymerization of fiber with methacrylamide
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2010

Epoxy and polyester resins have been reinforced with methacrylamide (MAA) treated bamboo strip matting to develop bamboo fiber reinforced plastic composites. Bamboo mats were graft copolymerized with 1, 3, and 5% solution of MAA. The mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus), thermal, and water absorption properties of the composites were determined. One percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with epoxy resin. The mechanical properties were improved. TGA results reveal that the degradation temperature of the composite has improved after grafting. The weight loss of 1% MAA treated bamboo–epoxy composite reached a value of 95.132% at 795°C compared to 97.655% at 685°C of untreated bamboo–epoxy composite. Water absorption in the composites was studied by long term immersion and 2 h boiling in distilled water. The process of water absorption indicates Fickian mode of diffusion. MAA treatment results in reduced water uptake. There was improvement in the properties of pretreated bamboo‐polyester matrix composite as well. Three percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with polyester resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
New rheological method to measure diffusion coefficient of volatile liquids: Application to butylmethacrylate in molten polyethylene matrix
Authors: Liotier Pierre‐Jacques , Place Stephanie , Chalamet Yvan , Majesté Jean‐Charles
Published: May 2010

A rheological method to assess the diffusion behavior of liquids in molten polymers above their boiling point is presented in this article. The evaporation of the liquid and the evolution of the blends complex modulus are followed by rheological measurement. Identification of the Fick's diffusion coefficient and the rate of evaporation of butylmethacrylate in low density polyethylene is done. The values of the diffusion coefficient are in agreement with those obtained by classical methods. The method developed here appears as complementary to the existent ones. It allows the measurement of diffusion coefficient of liquid/polymer system at high temperatures even for volatiles liquids. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Edge effect in RTM processes under constant pressure injection conditions
Authors: Yang Junying , Jia Yuxi , Ding Yanyu , He Haidong , Shi Tongfei , An Lijia
Published: May 2010

In resin transfer molding processes, the edge effect caused by the nonuniformity of permeability between fiber preform and edge channel may disrupt resin flow patterns and often results in the incomplete wetting of fiber preform, the formation of dry spots, and other defects in final composite materials. So a numerical simulation algorithm is developed to analyze the complex mold‐filling process with edge effect. The newly modified governing equations involving the effect of mold cavity thickness on flow patterns and the volume‐averaging momentum equations containing viscous and inertia terms are adopted to describe the fluid flow in the edge area and in the fiber preform, respectively. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is applied to tracking the free interface between the two types of fluids, namely the resin and the air. Under constant pressure injection conditions, the effects of transverse permeability, edge channel width, and mold cavity thickness on flow patterns are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the transverse flow is not only affected by the transverse permeability and the edge channel width but also by the mold cavity thickness. The simulated results are in agreement with the experimental results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Rheology of lubricating greases modified with reactive NCO‐terminated polymeric additives
Authors: Moreno G. , Franco J. M. , Valencia C. , Gallegos C.
Published: May 2010

A comprehensive rheological characterization of lithium lubricating greases modified with NCO‐terminated polymers has been performed in this work, with special emphasis on the effect of temperature. With this aim, NCO‐terminated polymers were prepared from several di‐ and tri‐functional polyols and polymeric MDI. Afterwards, the reaction between terminal isocyanate groups and 12‐hydroxystearate lithium soap, used as thickener for lubricating grease formulations, was promoted. Transient and steady‐state viscous flow, rheo‐destruction and stress relaxation tests were performed on the different samples studied. In this sense, the influence that temperature, free NCO content, molecular weight, and functionality of the reactive polymers exert on the rheological response of lubricating greases was analyzed. The most important rheological modification was achieved by using the lowest molecular weight polymer. In general, NCO‐terminated polymers significantly dampen the influence of temperature on the rheological functions of the additive‐free lubricating grease. In some cases, the viscosity and/or viscoelastic functions even increase with temperature, especially in formulations with residual free NCO groups. Several experimental flow problems, such as fracture and sample expelling from the measuring tool, are generally found, more frequently in formulations with high NCO content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I) in aqueous solution on hollow chitosan microspheres
Authors: Wang Shan , Yu Demei
Published: May 2010

Cross‐linked chitosans synthesized by the inverse emulsion cross‐link method were used to investigate adsorption of three metal ions [Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I)] in an aqueous solution. The chitosan microsphere, was characterized by FTIR and SEM, and adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I) ions onto a cross‐linked chitosan was examined through analysis of pH, agitation time, temperature, and initial concentration of the metal. The order of adsorption capacity for the three metal ions was Cd2+ > Pb2+ > Ag+. This method showed that adsorption of the three metal ions in an aqueous solution followed the monolayer coverage of the adsorbents through physical adsorption phenomena and coordination because the amino (NH2) and/or hydroxy (OH) groups on chitosan chains serve as coordination sites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Feeding through artificial membranes reduces fecundity for females of the blood‐feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Chiang R. Gary , Chiang Jennifer A.
Published: May 2010

The blood‐feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus, has been raised in the laboratory for close to 100 years. Various feeding techniques have been employed ranging from the use of warm‐blooded hosts, to the use of previously collected blood offered through artificial membranes. This study compared the fecundity in mated and unmated females fed rabbit blood directly from the shaved belly of a rabbit to that of females fed defibrinated rabbit blood through an artificial membrane. These results confirm previous reports that this insect's feeding efficacy is reduced using an artificial membrane. It also demonstrates for the first time that the fecundity index, which measures the efficiency of turning the blood meal into eggs, is significantly reduced. We suggest that the natural feeding on a warm‐blooded host may provide cues that have the short‐term effect of enhancing the act of feeding and the long‐term effect of increasing egg production efficiency. Until an artificial feeding method that does not interfere with feeding and fecundity is devised, experiments on reproduction in R. prolixus warrant the use of a warm‐blooded host to emulate feeding in its natural setting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Passively acquired anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies are required for congenital heart block following ovodonation but maternal genes are not
Authors: Brucato Antonio , Ramoni Véronique , Penco Silvana , Sala Elena , Buyon Jill , Clancy Robert
Published: May 2010

Anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies are necessary but not sufficient to provoke autoimmune‐associated congenital heart block (CHB). Genetic factors are likely contributory. Accordingly, HLA‐related candidates and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of tumor necrosis factor α and codon 10 in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were evaluated in a unique family: the surrogate mother (anti‐SSA/Ro positive), the biologic father, and the CHB‐affected child (product of ovodonation). There was an HLA mismatch between the affected child and the surrogate mother. However, both the biologic and the surrogate mothers shared DQ2 and the profibrosing leucine polymorphism at codon 10 of TGFβ. In conclusion, we observed that CHB can develop in a genetically unrelated child exposed in utero to anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies. Testing for anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies might be considered in women undergoing artificial fertilization. It is possible that there is no direct association of maternal genes beyond a contributory role in generating the autoantibody.
Increased friction coefficient and superficial zone protein expression in patients with advanced osteoarthritis
Authors: Neu C. P. , Reddi A. H. , Komvopoulos K. , Schmid T. M. , Di Cesare P. E.
Published: May 2010

Objective

To quantify the concentration of superficial zone protein (SZP) in the articular cartilage and synovial fluid of patients with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) and to further correlate the SZP content with the friction coefficient, OA severity, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods

Samples of articular cartilage and synovial fluid were obtained from patients undergoing elective total knee replacement surgery. Additional normal samples were obtained from donated body program and tissue bank sources. Regional SZP expression in cartilage obtained from the femoral condyles was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and visualized by immunohistochemistry. Friction coefficient measurements of cartilage plugs slid in the boundary lubrication system were obtained. OA severity was graded using histochemical analyses. The concentrations of SZP and proinflammatory cytokines in synovial fluid were determined by ELISA.

Results

A pattern of SZP localization in knee cartilage was identified, with load‐bearing regions exhibiting high SZP expression. SZP expression patterns were correlated with friction coefficient and OA severity; however, SZP expression was observed in all samples at the articular surface, regardless of OA severity. SZP expression and aspirate volume of synovial fluid were higher in OA patients than in normal controls. Expression of cytokines was elevated in the synovial fluid of some patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a mechanochemical coupling in which physical forces regulate OA severity and joint lubrication. The findings of this study also suggest that SZP may be ineffective in reducing joint friction in the boundary lubrication mode at an advanced stage of OA, where other mechanisms may dominate the observed tribological behavior.
Optimal control of fuel processing system using generalized linear quadratic Gaussian and loop transfer recovery method
Authors: Tsai Huan‐Liang , Lin Jium‐Ming
Published: May 2010

This paper proposes an optimal control system that consists of both feedforward and state‐feedback controllers designed using a generalized linear quadratic Gaussian and loop transfer recovery (GLQG/LTR) method for a fuel processing system (FPS). This FPS uses natural gas as fuel and reacts with atmospheric air through a catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) response. The control objective is focused on the regulatory performance of the output vector in response to a desired stack current command in the face of load variation. The proposed method provides another degree of freedom in the optimal control design and gives the compensated system a prescribed degree of stability. Finally, the numerical simulations of compensated FPS reveal that the proposed method displays better performance and robustness properties in both time‐domain and frequency‐domain responses than those obtained by the traditional LQ Method.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Delay‐dependent robustH2/H∞control for time‐delay systems with polytopic uncertainty
Authors: Sun Man , Jia Yingmin
Published: May 2010

In this paper, new separated delay‐dependentH∞andH2performance criteria are derived for a class of time‐delay systems. Then they are extended to design a multiobjective robustH2/H∞controller for polytopic uncertain systems with time delay. All the conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Global DNA hypomethylation is associated with NTD‐affected pregnancy: A case‐control study
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Guo Jin , Lei Yunping , Zou Jizhen , Lu Xiaolin , Bao Yihua , Wu Lihua , Wu Jianxin , Zheng Xiaoying , Shen Yiping , Wu Bai‐Lin , Zhang Ting
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects are severe, common birth defects that result from failure of neural tube closure. They are considered to be a multifactorial disorder, and our knowledge of causal mechanisms remains limited. We hypothesized that abnormal DNA methylation occurs in NTD‐affected fetuses. The correlations of global DNA methylation levels with complexity of NTDs and known risk factors of NTDs, MTHFR genotype and fever, were analyzed. METHODS: A hospital‐based case‐control study was performed. Epidemiologic data, pathologic diagnosis, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype analysis were completed. Array comparative genomic hybridization was used to exclude cytogenetic abnormalities. Global DNA methylation statuses were determined for both brain and skin tissue. RESULTS: Sixty‐five NTD‐affected fetuses and 65 normal controls matched for gestational and maternal ages were collected. In brain tissue, global DNA methylation levels were significantly decreased in cases compared with controls (4.12 vs. 4.99%; p < 0.001). DNA hypomethylation (<4.35%) resulted in a significant 5.736‐fold increased risk for NTDs (95% confidence interval, 1.731–19.009; p = 0.004). Nonisolated NTDs had lower levels of global DNA methylation than did isolated NTDs (3.77 vs. 4.70%; p = 0.022). After stratifying subjects by MTHFR genotype, we observed a skewed distribution of global DNA methylation levels. For genotype C/C, global DNA methylation status was the same in the two groups (4.51 vs. 4.72%; p = 0.687). For T/T, cases had significantly lower global methylation levels than did controls (5.23 vs. 3.79%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Global DNA hypomethylation in fetal brain tissue was associated with NTD‐affected pregnancy. DNA methylation levels were correlated with NTD complexity. The MTHFR genotype contributed to global DNA hypomethylation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐scale metabolic model of methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and its use for in silico analysis of heterologous protein production
Authors: Sohn Seung Bum , Graf Alexandra B. , Kim Tae Yong , Gasser Brigitte , Maurer Michael , Ferrer Pau , Mattanovich Diethard , Lee Sang Yup
Published: May 2010

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris has gained much attention during the last decade as a platform for producing heterologous recombinant proteins of pharmaceutical importance, due to its ability to reproduce post‐translational modification similar to higher eukaryotes. With the recent release of the full genome sequence for P. pastoris, in‐depth study of its functions has become feasible. Here we present the first reconstruction of the genome‐scale metabolic model of the eukaryote P. pastoris type strain DSMZ 70382, PpaMBEL1254, consisting of 1254 metabolic reactions and 1147 metabolites compartmentalized into eight different regions to represent organelles. Additionally, equations describing the production of two heterologous proteins, human serum albumin and human superoxide dismutase, were incorporated. The protein‐producing model versions of PpaMBEL1254 were then analyzed to examine the impact on oxygen limitation on protein production.
Epidemiological study of lower limb amputation in England between 2003 and 2008
Authors: Moxey P W , Hofman D , Hinchliffe R J , Jones K , Thompson M M , Holt P J E
Published: May 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of lower extremity amputation in England, to establish the associated mortality, and to determine the relationship with diabetes mellitus and previous revascularization.

Methods

Data on all patients who had a lower extremity amputation between 2003 and 2008 were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Risk adjustment and linear regression were used to compare the data.

Results

The major amputation rate was 5·1 per 100 000 population and did not change over the 5 years. The mortality rate for major leg amputation was 16·8 per cent (21·4 per cent for above-knee and 11·6 per cent for below-knee amputation); this decreased significantly over time (P < 0·001). There was a significant difference in amputation rate, mortality rate and the below-knee : above-knee amputation ratio between different areas of England (P < 0·001). Some 39·4 per cent of patients who underwent major amputation had diabetes mellitus. The odds of revascularization before amputation increased significantly over time (P = 0·035).

Conclusion

Major and minor amputation rates were stable across England between 2003 and 2008, accompanied by a significant reduction in perioperative mortality. There were significant geographical variations in amputation rates, mortality rates and the below-knee : above-knee amputation ratio.
Mucins and CD56 as markers of tumour invasion and prognosis in periampullary cancer
Authors: Aloysius M M , Zaitoun A M , Awad S , Ilyas M , Rowlands B J , Lobo D N
Published: May 2010

Background

This study investigated the association of mucins and cluster of differentiation (CD) 56 with vascular and perineural invasion and survival in patients with periampullary cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin-fixed pancreatic tissue microarrays (cancer, chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreatic tissue) constructed from 126 pancreatic resections (cancer, 104; chronic pancreatitis, 22). Mucin (MUC) 1, MUC4 and MUC5AC expression was quantified using the immunohistochemical score (range 0–300), MUC3 expression was described as membranous or cytoplasmic, and expression of CD56, MUC2 and MUC6 as present or absent.

Results

In cancers, vascular invasion correlated with overexpression (immunohistochemical score of 100 or more) of MUC1 (P = 0·003) and presence of MUC6 (P = 0·024), and perineural invasion correlated with overexpression of MUC5AC (P = 0·015). Reduced survival was observed with overexpression of MUC4 (P = 0·032) and MUC5AC (P = 0·048), membranous expression of MUC3 (P = 0·048), and presence of CD56 (P = 0·041). Perineural invasion also correlated with CD56 expression (P = 0·001). Overexpression of MUC4 and MUC5AC correlated with tumour recurrence (P = 0·001 and P = 0·034 respectively). Multivariable analysis identified membranous expression of MUC3 (P = 0·023), lymphatic invasion (P = 0·015) and perineural invasion (P = 0·004) as independent predictors of poor survival.

Conclusion

Mucins and CD56 may be markers of prognosis in patients with periampullary cancer.
Volume–outcome analysis of colorectal cancer-related outcomes
Authors: Borowski D W , Bradburn D M , Mills S J , Bharathan B , Wilson R G , Ratcliffe A A , Kelly S B
Published: May 2010

Background

Significant associations between caseload and surgical outcomes highlight the conflict between local cancer care and the need for centralization. This study examined the effect of hospital volume on short-term outcomes and survival, adjusting for the effect of surgeon caseload.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2002, 8219 patients with colorectal cancer were identified in a regional population-based audit. Outcomes were assessed using univariable and multivariable analysis to allow case mix adjustment. Surgeons were categorized as low (26 or fewer operations annually), medium (27–40) or high (more than 40) volume. Hospitals were categorized as low (86 or fewer), medium (87–109) or high (more than 109) volume.

Results

Some 7411 (90·2 per cent) of 8219 patients underwent surgery with an anastomotic leak rate of 2·9 per cent (162 of 5581), perioperative mortality rate of 8·0 per cent (591 of 7411) and 5-year survival rate of 46·8 per cent. Medium- and high-volume surgeons were associated with significantly better operative mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0·74, P = 0·010 and OR 0·66, P = 0·002 respectively) and survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0·88, P = 0·003 and HR 0·93, P = 0·090 respectively) than low-volume surgeons. Rectal cancer survival was significantly better in high-volume versus low-volume hospitals (HR 0·85, P = 0·036), with no difference between medium- and low-volume hospitals (HR 0·96, P = 0·505).

Conclusion

This study has confirmed the relevance of minimum volume standards for individual surgeons. Organization of services in high-volume units may improve survival in patients with rectal cancer.
Automatic construction of 3D animatable facial avatars
Authors: Gao Yujian , Zhao Qinping , Hao Aimin , Sezgin T. M. , Dodgson N. A.
Published: May 2010

Rigging for facial animation is an important but time‐consuming task, which generally requires experienced artists with knowledge of facial anatomy. In this paper, we investigate whether it is possible to produce a good animatable avatar automatically, given only a 3D static triangle mesh of the head. An automatic mechanism is devised for constructing multi‐layer animatable facial avatars for unseen faces. We evaluate our technique with a variety of models, and give a quantitative analysis of the constructed results. We also designed and conducted a user study for evaluating the perceived quality of the generated expressive animations. The results demonstrate that our method is an appropriate tool for naïve users to customize their personal 3D avatars. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animating cartoon faces by multi‐view drawings
Authors: Li Xiang , Xu Jun , Ren Yangchun , Geng Weidong
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we present a novel framework for creating cartoon facial animation from multi‐view hand‐drawn sketches. The input sketches are first employed to construct a base mesh model by using a hybrid sketch‐based method. The model is then deformed for each key viewpoint, yielding a set of models that closely match the corresponding sketches. We introduce a view‐dependent facial expression space defined by the key viewpoints and the basic emotions to generate various facial expressions viewed from arbitrary angles. The output facial animation conforms to the input sketches and maintains frame‐to‐frame correspondence. We demonstrate the potential of our approach through an easy‐to‐use system, where the animating of cartoon faces is automated once the user accomplishes sketching and configuration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time fur simulation and rendering
Authors: Lee Jun , Kim DongKyum , Kim HyungSeok , Henzel Carloa , Kim Jee‐In , Lim MinGyu
Published: May 2010

Real‐time simulation of fur is a key element in many virtual reality applications. However, it is still difficult to simulate effects of fur animation in real‐time. In this paper, we propose an interactive fur simulation method, to calculate effects of external forces, such as wind and gravity, and direct manipulation for real‐time interactive animation. The proposed method consists of two layered textures for rendering. The first texture represents volumes of fur, and the second texture covers and laps the edge of the first texture. Our approach unifies these two structures using a shared vertex array to enhance rendering performance. We modify the shared vertex array with external force simulations and render it into the graphics pipeline. The proposed method is applied to virtual fashion design and 3D story telling as an example. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid approach for simulating human motion in constrained environments
Authors: Pan Jia , Zhang Liangjun , Lin Ming C. , Manocha Dinesh
Published: May 2010

We present a new algorithm to generate plausible motions for high‐DOF human‐like articulated figures in constrained environments with multiple obstacles. Our approach is general and makes no assumptions about the articulated model or the environment. The algorithm combines hierarchical model decomposition with sample‐based planning to efficiently compute a collision‐free path in tight spaces. Furthermore, we use path perturbation and replanning techniques to satisfy the kinematic and dynamic constraints on the motion. In order to generate realistic human‐like motion, we present a new motion blending algorithm that refines the path computed by the planner with motion capture data to compute a smooth and plausible trajectory. We demonstrate the results of generating motion corresponding to placing or lifting object, walking, and bending for a 38‐DOF articulated model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual proximity and facial expressions of computer agents regulate human emotions and attention
Authors: Vanhala Toni , Surakka Veikko , Siirtola Harri , Räihä Kari‐Jouko , Morel Benoît , Ach Laurent
Published: May 2010

Emotion‐ and attention‐related subjective and physiological responses to virtual proximity and facial expressions of embodied computer agents (ECA) were studied. Thirty participants viewed female and male characters with a neutral, unpleasant, or pleasant facial expression. Agents' size was used to simulate three levels of proximity. Participants' electrical facial muscle and heart activity were registered, and subjective ratings of emotional and attentional experiences collected. Unpleasant and large (i.e., closer) agents were more alerting (i.e., unpleasant, arousing, and dominating) and attracted more stimulus‐driven attention than neutral, pleasant, and smaller (i.e., further away) agents. Pleasant agents attracted more voluntary attention than neutral and unpleasant agents. Heart rate (HR) responded to agent proximity, while the valence of the agent affected electrical facial muscle activity. Thus, the imitation of human social emotional cues in embodied computer agents (ECAs) could be used to regulate human–computer interaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Situation agents: agent‐based externalized steering logic
Authors: Schuerman Matthew , Singh Shawn , Kapadia Mubbasir , Faloutsos Petros
Published: May 2010

We present a simple and intuitive method for encapsulating part of agents' steering and coordinating abilities into a new class of agents, called situation agents. Situation agents have all the abilities of typical agents. In addition, they can influence the steering decisions of any agent, including other situation agents, within their sphere of influence. Encapsulating steering logic into moving agents is a powerful abstraction which provides more flexibility and efficiency than traditional informed environment approaches, and works with many of the current steering methodologies. We demonstrate our proposed approach in a number of challenging scenarios. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphonite Ligand Design for Nickel‐Catalyzed 2‐Methyl‐3‐butenenitrile Isomerization and Styrene Hydrocyanation
Authors: Tauchert Michael E. , Kaiser Thilo R. , Göthlich Alexander P. V. , Rominger Frank , Warth Daniel C. M. , Hofmann Peter
Published: May 2010

The synthesis of a series of novel chelating bisphosphonite ligands with a bridged dihydroanthracene scaffold is described. First‐generation derivatives showed a strong tendency for the formation of catalytically inactive Ni0 bis‐chelate complexes. The solid state structures of these complexes allowed the design of tailor‐made second‐generation ligands for nickel‐catalyzed 2‐methyl‐3‐butenenitrile isomerization with exceptionally high activity. The second‐generation catalyst also showed good catalytic performance in the hydrocyanation of styrene.
Effect of Electrolytes on Octanol‐Water Partition Coefficients: Calculations with COSMO‐RS
Authors: Wille S. , Buggert M. , Mokrushina L. , Arlt W. , Smirnova I.
Published: May 2010

In this work, the possibility of the a priori predictive model COSMO‐RS to describe partitioning of pharmaceutically active compounds in the octanol‐water system (POW) in the presence of electrolytes is investigated. It is shown that the calculated values of POW depend on the pH and the ionic strength of the solution for both dissociated and non‐dissociated solutes. Whereas the partitioning of the non‐dissociated form in the presence of salts or buffers can be explicitly described by COSMO‐RS, the partitioning of the ionized pharmaceuticals is taken into account by their dissociation constants. Overall, reasonable agreement with experimental values is achieved. Principally, these types of calculations can be extended to other two‐phase systems used for extraction and formulations of pharmaceuticals and further organic solutes.
Prediction of aqueous solubility of druglike organic compounds using partial least squares, back‐propagation network and support vector machine
Authors: Cao Dong‐Sheng , Xu Qing‐Song , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Chen Xian , Li Hong‐Dong
Published: May 2010

Aqueous solubility of drug compounds plays a very important role in drug research and development. In this study, we have collected 225 diverse druglike molecules with accurate aqueous solubility. Three commonly used methods, namely partial least squares (PLS), back‐propagation network (BPN) and support vector regression (SVR), were employed to model quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) for the aqueous solubility of 180 druglike compounds. Twenty eight molecular descriptors were used to relate the drug aqueous solubility. In order to obtain a reliable and robust aqueous solubility prediction, a novel outlier detection method was employed to simultaneously detect all outliers in the established models. According to the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) principles, the QSPR models were checked by both internal and external statistical validation to ensure both reliability and predictive ability. The results indicate that three models can provide good predictive ability for drug aqueous solubility. Futhermore, it was found that the predictive ability of SVR is superior to those of PLS and BPN and 28 selected molecular descriptors could give a reliable and direct interpretation to the aqueous solubility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of a leuco Spirolactone from 4‐(2‐Carboxyphenyl)‐7‐diethylamino‐4′‐dimethylamino‐1‐benzopyrylium: Design of a Phase‐Change Thermochromic System Based on a Flavylium Dye
Authors: Gavara Raquel , Laia César A. T. , Parola A. Jorge , Pina Fernando
Published: May 2010

A phase‐change thermochromic system was designed through the reversible transformation of the 4‐substituted flavylium dye 4‐(2‐carboxyphenyl)‐7‐diethylamino‐4′‐dimethylamino‐1‐benzopyrylium into its leuco form, in the presence of a developer (ethyldiisopropylamine) and a suitable solvent (e.g., acetonitrile, n‐pentadecanonitrile). The leuco form of the flavylium‐based dye is a spirolactone species whose ring opens at low temperature (below the solvent melting point) to form the blue flavylium cation. Decarboxylation of the lactone to give 4‐phenyl‐7‐diethylamino‐4′‐dimethylamino‐1‐benzopyrylium was observed upon irradiation of the system with UV light, erasing the thermochromic effect.
ChemInform Abstract: The Formation, Reactions and Structures of Binary Cobalt Phosphide Clusters [CoxPy]‐ in the Gas Phase.
Authors: Yi MaNu , Fisher Keith , Dance Ian
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: New Noncentrosymmetric Selenogermanates. Part 1. Crystal Structures and Chemical Bonding of AM2GeSe4 (A: Sr, Ba; M: Cu, Ag).
Authors: Tampier Markus , Johrendt Dirk
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Magnetic Structures of LnMSb2 (Ln: Pr, Nd; M: Cu, Pd) Compounds.
Authors: Kolenda M. , Hofmann M. , Leciejewicz J. , Penc B. , Szytula A. , Zygmunt A.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Room‐Temperature Deposition of Defect‐Free Magnetic Film by Chemical Reaction from an Aqueous Solution.
Authors: Izaki Masanobu , Shinoura Osamu
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: PbBi2Ti2.5W0.5O12: A New Layered Perovskite‐Like Oxide.
Authors: Trifonov I. A. , Geguzina G. A. , Gagarina E. S. , Leiderman A. V. , Shuvaev A. T. , Komarov V. D. , Fesenko E. G.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Epoxidation of Oxazolidine‐Substituted Alkenes by Dimethyldioxirane and m‐Chloroperbenzoic Acid: π‐Facial Control Through Hydrogen Bonding by the Urea Functionality.
Authors: Adam Waldemar , Schambony Simon B.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Regiocontrol of Radical Cyclization by Lewis Acids. Efficient Synthesis of Optically Active Functionalized Cyclopentanes and Cyclohexanes.
Authors: Kim Kwangho , Okamoto Sentaro , Sato Fumie
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Alcohols Using Hydrogen Peroxide.
Authors: Wynne J. H. , Lloyd C. T. , Witsil D. R. , Mushrush G. W. , Stalick W. M.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of Silanethiols by Reaction of Silanes with Carbonyl Sulfide: Implications for Radical‐Chain Reduction of Thiocarbonyl Compounds by Silanes.
Authors: Cai Yudong , Roberts Brian P.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nucleophilic Displacements of 2‐Perfluoroalkyl‐1‐iodoethanes: Improved Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing Malonic Esters.
Authors: Trabelsi H. , Szoenyi F. , Geribaldi S.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Mesityllithium as a Reagent for Chemoselective Halogen—Lithium Exchange Reaction.
Authors: Kondo Yoshinori , Asai Miho , Miura Tohru , Uchiyama Masanobu , Sakamoto Takao
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Arylation of an Electron‐Rich Olefin by Aryl Halides in Ionic Liquids.
Authors: Xu Lijin , Chen Weiping , Ross James , Xiao Jianliang
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of β‐Substituted α‐Iodo Cycloalkanones by the CuI‐Mediated Conjugate Addition of Grignard Reagents to α‐Iodo Cycloalkenones.
Authors: Sha Chin‐Kang , Tseng Chen‐Tso , Chang Wen‐Sheng
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrogenation of Ethyl Acetoacetate Catalyzed by Hydrosoluble BINAP Derivatives.
Authors: Lamouille Thierry , Saluzzo Christine , ter Halle Rob , Le Guyader Frederic , Lemaire Marc
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Step Three‐Component Reaction Among Organoboronic Acids, Amines and Salicylaldehydes.
Authors: Petasis Nicos A. , Boral Sougato
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Design of Semicarbazones and Their Bio‐isosteric Analogues as Potential Anticonvulsants.
Authors: Pandeya S. N. , Manjula H. , Stables J. P.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Aryl 1‐Chloroalkyl Sulfoxides as Acyl Anion Equivalents: A New Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides, Ketones, and Diketones from Aryl 1‐Chloroalkyl Sulfoxides and α,ω‐Dichloro‐α,ω‐disulfinylalkanes.
Authors: Satoh Tsuyoshi , Taguchi Daisaku , Suzuki Chihiro , Fujisawa Satoshi
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Efficient Preparation of 3,3′‐Dipyrrolyl Sulfides.
Authors: Chen Qingqi , Dolphin David
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Lithiation Approach to 5‐Substituted‐1‐benzenesulfonylpyrazoles.
Authors: Turnbull Kenneth , Brower Andre P.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile Phase‐Transfer Catalyzed N‐Methylation of 2‐Substituted Benzimidazoles.
Authors: Dubey P. K. , Ramanatham J. , Kumar Ramesh , Grossert J. S. , Hooper D. L.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.