bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Deposition of Multiphase Carbon Composite Coating on SiC Grains Through Thermal Plasma Dissociation of SiC
Authors: Nayak B.B.
Published: May 2004

A multiphase carbon coating was deposited on silicon carbide grains in situ by dissociation of the carbide in an inert gas plasma produced by a carbon arc. Characterisation of the composite coating by X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDX analysis, microRaman spectroscopy and microhardness tests has revealed that different phases of carbon such as graphite, diamond-like carbon, lonsdaleite and diamond grow simultaneously in the plasma process. The carbon coating is likely to find various applications in industry. SE/508
Comparison of Contact Fatigue Strength of Carbon Case Hardening and Laser Hardening of Gears
Authors: Zhang H. , Shi Y. , Xu C.Y. , Kutsuna M.
Published: May 2004

Carbon case hardening of gears is a widely used surface treatment in the manufacturing industry. However, an evident shortcoming is that gear distortion after carbon case hardening can be very large and necessitate regrinding. Laser hardening is a new heat treatment which is superior to carbon case hardening in some aspects, including a lower degree of distortion. For low quality gears, where there is no need for regrinding, laser hardening of gears can replace carbon case hardening in some fields. However, the key to whether laser hardened gears can replace carbon case hardened gears is mainly dependent on their relative tooth contact fatigue strength and tooth bending fatigue strength. The present paper compares the contact fatigue behaviour of laser hardened gears with that of carbon case hardened gears. The contact fatigue test results from actual gear tests show that the contact fatigue strength limit of laser hardened gears is 92% of that of carbon case hardened ones. The reason is that laser hardened gears have too much retained austenite in the hardened case, which leads to a lower contact fatigue strength. However, the spread of contact fatigue life of laser hardened gears is lower than that of carbon case hardened gears. SE/509
Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Electrodeposited RE–Ni–Mo–P–B4C–PTFE Composite Coatings
Authors: Guo Z. , Zhu X. , Xu R.
Published: May 2004

The structure, hardness and wear resistance of RE–Ni–Mo–P–B4C–PTFE composite coatings were studied using XRD, SEM, an MM2000 abrasion tester and an HX-1 microhardness tester. Results show that the structure of the composite coatings experiences a transformation process from amorphous to mixture and then to crystalline as the heat treatment temperature rises. The crystal particles of the coatings become increasingly fine with the addition of B4C, B4C+PTFE and B4C+RE. The hardness and wear resistance of RE–Ni–Mo–P–B4C–PTFE composite are raised with increasing heat treatment temperature, reaching peak values at 400°C and 300°C, respectively. The wear resistance of the composite coatings is greatly superior to that of other traditional coatings. SE/511
Dry Sliding Wear of TiNx PVD Coating on 7075-T6 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Staia M.H. , Santana Y.Y. , Marcano Z. Del V.
Published: May 2004

The present paper studies the dry sliding wear behaviour of a 7075-T6 aluminium alloy coated with a substoichiometric TiNx film. The coating was deposited industrially (Teer Coatings Ltd) using the closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating (CFUBMSIP) deposition technique. Coating characteristics such as morphology, thickness, compositional variation with thickness, residual stress, composite hardness and absolute hardness are also presented. The wear tests were conducted in a ball on disc tribometer, where a constant sliding velocity of 0.1 m s–1 and normal loads of 1, 2 and 5 N were used. The static counterparts employed during the test were 6 mm diameter balls made of AISI type 52100 steel. For comparison, the wear behaviour of the uncoated alloy is also reported. Both the maximum Herztian pressure and the von Mises stress values in the TiN coated aluminium alloy for each normal load used during the wear test were calculated, employing a commercially available software package Elastica 2.0.5, and the results were related to the wear performance. It was shown that the coated alloy presented an improved wear resistance only when the wear tests were performed at normal loads as low as 1 and 2 N, when the material from the static counterpart was transferred to the surface of the coated discs, and the TiN coating was able to protect the aluminium alloy from plastic deformation. However, when the wear test was carried out at a load of 5 N, the coating presented low wear resistance with a wear coefficient as low as 10–4 mm3 (N m)–1. This behaviour could be attributed to the fact that, in these conditions, the coating could not protect the substrate from plastic flow and fracture, producing a large amount of debris, which contributed to the abrasive wear of the system. SE/S277
Abrasive Wear Behavious of Iron Based Hard Serfacing Alloy Coatings Developed by Welding
Authors: Dwivedi D.K.
Published: May 2004

The influence of the welding process and post-welding heat treatment on the abrasive wear resistance of iron based hardfacing overlays (Fe–6Cr–0.5C) is reported. Overlays were deposited by shielded metal arc (SMA) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding processes on structural steel using a commercially available surfacing electrode (BOR-C) 3.15 mm in diameter. Overlays were deposited by the SMA welding process using 250 A dc (straight and reverse polarity) at a constant welding speed ∼15 cm min–1. The abrasive wear resistance of overlays in as welded and heat treated conditions was tested on a pin on disc system against 300 grade waterproof SiC polishing paper at different normal loads (1–5 N). Optical microscopy was used to study the microstructure of the overlays. SEM study of the wear surfaces was done to analyse the wear mechanism. It was found that the wear resistance of the coating produced by TIG welding is better than that of coatings deposited by SMA welding. The hardness of the coating adjacent to the interface is found to be comparatively lower than that away from the interface. Post-weld heat treatment improves the abrasive wear resistance. SE/S278
Advances in Surface Treatment: Research and Applications (ASTRA-2003)
Authors:   none
Published: May 2004

There is an increasing convergence of Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering in the modern industrial world, with both being considered promising options for enhancing durability and performance of engineering components. It is now a global trend for the two communities to professionally come together under a single umbrella. Consistent with this philosophy, an International Conference on ‘Advances in surface treatment: research and applications’ (ASTRA-2003) was organised by the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous research and development unit of the Government of India's Department of Science and Technology, in the South Indian city of Hyderabad, 3–6 November 2003.
Performance in Reduction of Soil Adhesion and Resistance of Al2O3/nylon1010 and Al2O3/epoxy Composite Coatings
Authors: Jia X. , Ling X.M.
Published: May 2004

The performance of self-made Al2O3/nylon1010 (Al2O3/PA1010) and Al2O3/epoxy composite coatings (Al2O3/EP) in reducing soil adhesion and bulldozing resistance was tested using bulldozing resistance testing equipment. Steel 45 was used as a comparative material. The experimental results show that both Al2O3/PA1010 and Al2O3/EP exhibit the obvious function of reducing soil adhesion and bulldozing resistance. This function for Al2O3/PA1010 is better than that for Al2O3/EP. The reduction in resistance for Al2O3/PA1010 and Al2O3/EP is ≤25.76%, and ≤22.62%, respectively. The moisture content of the soil and the cutting speed of the bulldozing plate have some influence on the soil adhesion and bulldozing resistance. The ploughing resistance of mouldboards coated with Al2O3/PA1010 and Al2O3/EP, respectively, were determined in a laboratory soil bin. A maximum of 35.8% reduction in ploughing resistance was obtained for the mouldboard coated with Al2O3/PA1010 and a maximum of 30.31% reduction for the mouldboard coated with Al2O3/EP composite coatings. SE/513
Molecular mechanism of violacein-mediated human leukemia cell death
Authors: Ferreira Carmen Veríssima , Bos Carina L. , Versteeg Henri H. , Justo Giselle Z. , Durán Nelson , Peppelenbosch Maikel P.
Published: May 2004

Violacein, a pigment isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum in the Amazon River, presents diverse biologic properties and attracts interest as a consequence of its antileukemic activity. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism mediating this activity will provide further relevant information for understanding its effects on the cellular physiology of untransformed cells and for considering its possible clinical application. Here, we show that violacein causes apoptosis in HL60 leukemic cells but is ineffective in this respect in other types of leukemia cells or in normal human lymphocytes and monocytes. Violacein cytotoxicity in HL60 cells was preceded by activation of caspase 8, transcription of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) target genes, and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. Thus, violacein effects resemble tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signal transduction in these cells. Accordingly, infliximab, an antibody that antagonizes TNF-α–induced signaling abolished the biologic activity of violacein. Moreover, violacein directly activated TNF receptor 1 signaling, because a violacein-dependent association of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) to this TNF receptor was observed in coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Hence, violacein represents the first member of a novel class of cytotoxic drugs mediating apoptosis of HL60 cells by way of the specific activation of TNF receptor 1.
Nurses’ Professional Care Obligation and Their Attitudes Towards SARS Infection Control Measures in Taiwan During and After the 2003 Epidemic
Authors: Tzeng Huey-Ming
Published: May 2004

This study investigated the relationship between hospital nurses’ professional care obligation, their attitudes towards SARS infection control measures, whether they had ever cared for SARS patients, their current health status, selected demographic characteristics, and the time frame of the data collection (from May 6 to May 12 2003 during the SARS epidemic, and from June 17 to June 24 2003 after the SARS epidemic). The study defines 172 nurses’ willingness to provide care for SARS patients as a professional obligation regardless of the nature of the disease. A conceptual model was developed and tested using ordinal logistic regression modelling. The findings showed that nurses’ levels of agreement with general SARS infection control measures and the lack of necessity for quarantining health care workers who provided care for SARS patients were statistically significant predicators of the nurses’ fulfilling of their professional care obligation. Suggestions and study limitations are discussed.
Euthanasia Education for Health Professionals in Turkey: students change their opinions
Authors: Özkara Erdem , Civaner Murat , Oğlak Sema , Mayda Atilla Senih
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of euthanasia education on the opinions of health sciences students. It was performed among 111 final year students at the College of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, IRzmir, Turkey. These students train to become paramedical professionals and health technicians. Fifteen hours of educational training concerning ethical values and euthanasia was planned and the students’ opinions about euthanasia were sought before and after the course. Statistical analyses of the data were performed with the related samples t -test by means of the Epi-Info program. Significant changes were shown in the students’ opinions on people’s right to decide about their own life, euthanasia in unconscious patients, and reasons for their objection to euthanasia after completing the course. The results of this study suggest that education can significantly change a person’s approach to euthanasia.
Helping Motives in Late Modern Society: values and attitudes among nursing students
Authors: Rognstad May-Karin , Nortvedt Per , Aasland Olaf
Published: May 2004

This article reports a follow-up study of Norwegian nursing students entitled ‘The helping motive -an important goal for choosing nursing education’. It presents and discusses a significant ambiguity within the altruistic helping motive of 301 nursing students in the light of classical and modern virtue ethics. A quantitative longitudinal survey design was used to study socialization and building professional identity. The follow-up study began after respondents had completed more than two-and-a-half years of the three-year educational programme. Data were collected using a questionnaire with closed questions, supplemented by 18 semi-structured, in-depth, audiotaped interviews. A motive such as ‘desire for human contact/to help others’ appeared to be highly significant. The research questions employed were: What motivates nursing students at the end of their studies to help other people? What does helping others mean for nursing students? Factor analysis revealed two factors. Factor 1 can be expressed as an altruism factor and factor 2 can be interpreted as an ‘acknowledgement-from-the-patient factor’ that in fact indicates an ambiguity within the helping motive itself. Findings from the interviews also reveal ambiguous helping motives. On one hand the students want to be altruistic and on the other they wish to receive positive feedback from patients when giving help. The findings indicate that this positive feedback is essential to the students in order for them to provide altruistic care.
Exploring The Heart Ofethical Nursing Practice: implications for ethics education
Authors: Doane Gweneth , Pauly Bernadette , Brown Helen , McPherson Gladys
Published: May 2004

The limitations of rational models of ethical decision making and the importance of nurses’ human involvement as moral agents is increasingly being emphasized in the nursing literature. However, little is known about how nurses involve themselves in ethical decision making and action or about educational processes that support such practice. A recent study that examined the meaning and enactment of ethical nursing practice for three groups of nurses (nurses in direct care positions, student nurses, and nurses in advanced practice positions) highlighted that humanly involved ethical nursing practice is also simultaneously a personal process and a socially mediated one. Of particular significance was the way in which differing role expectations and contexts shaped the nurses’ ethical practice. The study findings pointed to types of educative experiences that may help nurses to develop the knowledge and ability to live in and navigate their way through the complex, ambiguous and shifting terrain of ethical nursing practice.
A Longitudinal Study on the Development of Moral Judgement in Korean Nursing Students
Authors: Kim Yong-Soon , Park Jee-Won , Son Youn-Jung , Han Sung-Suk
Published: May 2004

This longitudinal study examined the development of moral judgement in 37 nursing students attending a university in Suwon, Korea. The participants completed the Korean version of the Defining Issues Test to allow analysis of their level of moral judgement. The development of moral judgement was quantified using ‘the moral development score’ at each stage (i.e. the six stages detailed by Kohlberg) and the ‘P(%) score’ (a measure of the overall moral judgement level). The results were as follows: (1) the moral development score for stage 5A was consistently the highest across the four years of the students’ course, showing significant differences in some sociodemographic factors including home, birth order and monthly income; and (2) the P(%) score was higher in fourth-year (47.47 ± 11.21) than in first-year (46.13±9.73) students. There was no significant difference in the P(%) score according to sociodemographic factors. Further studies will examine in detail the correlation between curriculum and moral judgement development. We suggest that courses in ethics education should be made more relevant.
Nurses’ Voices: policy, practice and ethics
Authors: Aroskar Mila A , Moldow D Gay , Good Charles M
Published: May 2004

This article deals with nurses’ ethical concerns raised by the consequences of changes in governmental and institutional policies on nursing practice and patient care. The aims of this project were to explore perspectives of registered nurses who provide or manage direct patient care on policies that affect nursing and patient care, and to provide input to policy makers for the development of more patient-centred policies. Four focus groups were conducted with a total of 36 registered nurse participants. The project team identified major themes that emerged in the analysis of transcripts of the focus group discussions. The four major themes were: effects of policy focused on cost containment, effects on quality of care, effects on patient education and access to needed services, and effects on nurses and nursing. The participants identified primarily negative effects of changes in national health policy and legislation that influence institutional policies on patient care and nursing practice. The effects of identified policy changes raised concerns about meeting nurses’ ethical obligations to patients and families. Participants specified key points for consideration by legislators and other policy makers. They viewed nurses who are involved in direct patient care as a critical resource for legislators and other policy makers in the development of public and institutional policies that affect nursing and patient care.
Research Involving Children: some ethical issues
Authors: Helseth Sølvi , Slettebø Åshild
Published: May 2004

In a Norwegian study on how children aged 7-12 years cope during a period of serious illness within the family and on their quality of life at this time, several ethical questions became apparent. These were mainly concerned with the vulnerability of children during research, with their ability to make autonomous decisions, and with considerations regarding how to respect their right to confidentiality during the research process. In this article we approach these questions using our experience from this previous study, discussing them within the framework of theories of ethics and relevant research ethical guidelines. Finally, we discuss our experience in the light of the overall purpose of this article: how to deal with the ethical dilemmas that may appear during research involving young children.
Results of a Phase II Study of Weekly Paclitaxel Plus Carboplatin in Patients With Extensive Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 2, or Age ≥ 70 Years
Authors: Neubauer Marcus , Schwartz Jonathan , Caracandas John , Conkling Paul , Ilegbodu Des , Tuttle Troy , Asmar Lina
Published: May 2004

Purpose

To determine the 1-year survival, response rate (RR), time to progression (TTP), and safety of weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin (PC) in patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer (ESCLC) with an Eastern Cooperative Performance Status performance status (PS) of 2 or an age ≥ 70 years.

Patients and Methods

Patients were treated with PC (paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the curve = 2) by intravenous infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 of every 4-week cycle for up to six cycles.

Results

Between July 2000 and December 2001, 77 eligible patients (50.6% were male, 97.4% were white, 44.2% had PS of 2, with median age of 74 years) with ESCLC were enrolled. Among the 66 patients who were assessable for response, 25 responded to treatment (one complete response and 24 partial responses), for an objective RR of 38%. There were eight cases of stable disease (12.1%) and 33 cases of progressive disease (50%). The median survival was 7.2 months (range, < 1 to 24.4 months), and the estimated 1-year survival rate was 30%. The median TTP was 3.5 months (range, < 1 to 21.2 months), and the estimated 1-year progression-free survival rate was 8%. The median duration of response was 4.5 months (range, 1.6 to 17.5 months). One death (sepsis) was possibly related to the study drugs. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities experienced by ≥ 5% of patients included neutropenia (22.1%), fatigue (8.6%), anemia (5.2%), and nausea/vomiting (5.2%).

Conclusion

This regimen produced relatively few toxicities (only two of the 66 assessable patients received fewer than two cycles because of toxicity), and both the median and 1-year survival were similar to other regimens. This regimen may be a preferable treatment choice for patients with ESCLC who have a poor PS or who are aged ≥ 70 years.
An analytical model of energy distribution in laser direct metal deposition
Authors: Pinkerton A J , Li L
Published: May 2004

The direct metal deposition (DMD) process is suitable for functional rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and part refurbishment, and can be operated with CO2, Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) or high-power diode lasers. In this work, a quasi-stationary coaxial DMD system is modelled in terms of power balances. Novel modelling methods and matching to experimental results are used to derive a series of equations, from which the power distribution, melt pool length and mean melt pool temperature can be derived for different initial laser powers, system parameters and build material properties. The model is applied to a real system and predicts results in agreement with established values. The model highlights laser radiation reflection from the melt pool and conduction to the substrate as the major power distribution routes and reveals the importance of evaporation losses from the melt pool at higher laser powers. Application of the model is able to explain some of the differences in the process found when using alternative types of lasers as the power source.
Laser pulse heating and thermal stress developments: Elastoplastic analysis
Authors: Yilbas B S , Khan O , Naqavi I Z
Published: May 2004

In the present study, laser non-conduction limited heating of steel is considered. Temperature and thermal stress fields are computed for the two-dimensional axisymmetric heating situation. The phase change processes (melting and evaporation) are accommodated in the energy equation with appropriate boundary conditions. In order to account for the plastic behaviour of the substrate material, the elastoplastic analysis is employed in the stress field calculations. An experiment was conducted to validate the cavity shape predicted. It is found that temperature rises at a fast rate in the surface region and energy conduction in the axial direction dominates over its counterpart, which takes place in the radial direction. Stress levels exceeding the yield strength of the substrate material resulted in the region close to the cavity surface. The cavity size predicted agrees well with the experimental findings.
An efficient cutter contact curve tool path regeneration algorithm for sculptured surface machining
Authors: Zhang L P , Nee A Y C , Fuh J Y H
Published: May 2004

Mould design modification is a common process in the mould manufacturing industry. When a mould design is changed, tool paths that cover the modified region must be regenerated. Traditionally, if a mould design is modified, all the generated tool paths must be recalculated, which is very time consuming and error prone. This paper presents a new tool path regeneration algorithm based on the CC (cutter contact) curve tool path generation topology, where a CC curve is the curve on the workpiece surface along which the cutter contacts the workpiece. With this algorithm, the affected cutter location (CL) points are identified efficiently from the tool paths that are generated from the original mould design. Gouge-free CL points are then calculated to replace the affected ones. When the new CL points are calculated, their scallop height values are checked. If they are greater than the given value, new tool path rows are added to maintain the required surface finish. The unaffected CL points will be reused to machine the modified mould directly, and this can reduce the tool path regeneration time and the occurrence of NC programming errors significantly, especially for machining complex sculptured surfaces. The algorithm has been tested on several industrial parts and it was found to be efficient and robust, and the regenerated tool paths are gouge-free and smooth.
A fuzzy system for chatter suppression in end milling
Authors: Liang M , Yeap T , Hermansyah A
Published: May 2004

This paper reports a fuzzy logic approach for chatter suppression in end milling processes. Vibration energy and the peak value of a vibration frequency spectrum are jointly used as chatter indicators and inputs to the proposed fuzzy controller. The outputs of the fuzzy controller are the altered machining parameters for chatter suppression. This approach does not require a pre-selected nominal spindle speed and has avoided the difficulties in selecting spindle speed modulation parameters present in several other spindle speed variation methods. Experimental results show that chatter can be effectively suppressed by altering spindle speed alone or by simultaneously adjusting feed and spindle speed. However, chatter cannot be suppressed by feed adjustment alone.
Ultraprecision grinding of tungsten carbide for spherical mirrors
Authors: Yin L , Vancoille E Y J , Ramesh K , Huang H , Pickering J P , Spowage A C
Published: May 2004

This paper reports the ultraprecision grinding of tungsten carbide for spherical mirrors with nanometre surface roughness and submicron form accuracy. Spherical grinding was conducted with a computer numerical control grinding machine using a metal-bond diamond tool with grit size of 15 μm. Form accuracy and surface roughness were investigated as functions of the grinding conditions. Ground tungsten carbide with concave and convex spherical surfaces was obtained with form accuracy in terms of peak-to-valley values of 0.13-0.165 wave (83-104nm) and surface roughness values smaller than Ra = 5 nm. These surfaces were also characterized with fracture-free morphology. The analyses of microscopic topography of the applied diamond tool showed that self-sharpening of diamond abrasives occurred in grinding. The results show that ultraprecision grinding can be applied to the direct fabrication of spherical mirrors made of tungsten carbide without additional lapping and polishing processes.
Integrated multidimensional positioner for precision manufacturing
Authors: Kim W-J , Bhat N , Hu T
Published: May 2004

Reliable low-cost positioning for precision manufacturing processes requiring clean-room, extreme-temperature or vacuum environments is key for microelectronics manufacturing, packaging, machine tool and high-precision inspection industries. The integrated multidimensional positioner presented herein is a major technological breakthrough and may offer competitive advantages in both cost and performance relative to current practices. Specifically, this integrated positioner can generate all required fine and coarse motions with only one levitated moving part, namely the platen, and have potential to satisfy the dynamic performance specifications necessary for next-generation deep-submicron microelectronics manufacturing equipment. Absence of particulate contamination without mechanical contact between the single moving part and the machine frame makes this technology highly suited to clean-room operation. In this paper, the design concept, electromechanical design and fabrication and assembly of all the key parts in the development of this multidimensional positioner are presented. A dynamic model and feedback controllers were derived and implemented. This prototype positioner currently has a planar travelling range of 160mm × 160mm with a position resolution of 30nm, position repeatability of 30nm, position noise of 10nm r.m.s. and platen dimensional stability of 32.7 μm. The maximum velocity achieved so far is 0.4m/s with 2m/s2 acceleration. Various experimental results verified the utility of this positioner in precision manufacturing applications.
A new model for manufacturing supply chain networks: A multiagent approach
Authors: Chan F T S , Chan H K
Published: May 2004

Participating members in a manufacturing supply chain usually make use of an information system like enterprise resources planning (ERP) for planning and scheduling activities independently. Recent research indicates that there is a need to handle such distributed activities in an integrated manner, especially under uncertain and fast changing environments. A multiagent system, a branch of distributed artificial intelligence, is a contemporary modelling technique for a distributed system in the manufacturing domain. This distributed modelling technique is suitable for integrating supply chain networks, which have distributed entities within the system, and each of them makes decision locally, i.e. a local information system. By adopting a multiagent modelling technique, supply chain networks can be built efficiently based on an information system. However, with reference to the reported research, which involves distributed modelling of a supply chain, a higher level coordination mechanism is not specified. This paper aims to propose a framework that utilizes a multiagent system with a corresponding coordination mechanism dedicated to manufacturing supply chain networks.
Modelling neural network performance through response surface methodology for classifying wood veneer defects
Authors: Packianather M S , Drake P R
Published: May 2004

This paper describes the use of response surface methodology (RSM) to model the performance of a neural network. This is in order to help select the values for the neural network parameters. The method was applied to design a multilayer perceptron network for classifying surface defects on wood veneer. The results show that the performance of the neural network was improved by this method, but extrapolation outside the tested parameter range should be avoided.
A graph theoretic approach for stamping operations sequencing
Authors: Chu C Y , Tor S B , Britton G A
Published: May 2004

This paper presents initial work to develop a novel, mathematical technique that is capable of generating a stamping sequence automatically in the design of progressive stamping dies. A graph is used to represent a stamping part and define the relationships between its stamping features. These stamping features are then clustered into workstation sets using a graph colouring algorithm. Next, the sets are ordered in order to determine an optimal sequence of workstations. The objective function for optimization is ‘minimization of the torque difference between two sides of the progressive die’.
Laboratory work in a vehicle dynamics course
Authors: Wideberg J P , Pintado P
Published: May 2004

This paper describes two experimental facilities and a piece of software designed to serve as a teaching aid for automotive engineering. The first experimental rig is an antilock brake system (ABS) workbench for a scaled-down heavy-vehicle tri-axle configuration. The second facility is a tyre-testing sliding table used to show the forces and moments on the tyre-road contact area. In the third case, a piece of software has been embedded in an easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI) to analyse vehicle cornering behaviour as predicted by the popular ‘one-track model’. In the first two cases the focus lies on the construction, on the instrumentation and on the use of the experimental set-up, whereas in the third case the focus is centred on the equations used to represent the model, on the simplifications made, on the properties used, on the numerical integration and on the layout of the designed GUI.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycrystalline CeO2 Nanowires
Authors: Sun Chunwen , Li Hong , Wang ZhaoXiang , Chen Liquan , Huang Xuejie
Published: May 2004

Polycrystalline CeO2 nanowires have been synthesized via a solution-phase route using sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate as a structure-directing agent. The obtained CeO2 nanowires were 30–120 nm in diameters and 0.2–5 μm in lengths. The CeO2 nanowire consists of many tiny interconnected nanocrystallites of about 7 nm in size. The Raman spectrum of CeO2 nanowires shows size-dependent effect.
Zinc-mediated Coupling Reaction of 2-Bromo-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropanoate with Various Chiral Imines. Simple and Effective Access to Optically Active α-Fluoro-α-(trifluoromethyl)-β-amino Esters
Authors: Sekiguchi Takashi , Sato Kei , Ishihara Takashi , Konno Tsutomu , Yamanaka Hiroki
Published: May 2004

The reactions of benzyl 2-bromo-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropanoate with various types of chiral imines in the presence of zinc in THF at room temperature were revealed to afford the threo- and erythro-isomers of α-fluoro-α-(trifluoromethyl)-β-amino esters with high diasteremeric excesses in fair to good chemical yields.
A New Lewis Acid System Palladium/TMSCl for Catalytic Aldol Condensation of Aldehydes with Ketones
Authors: Zhu Yulin , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: May 2004

Palladium on charcoal effectively catalyzed the aldol condensation reactions of different ketones with aldehydes in the presence of trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl). The following reactions were investigated: (1) aromatic aldehydes with cycloalkanones, (2) aromatic aldehydes with aromatic ketones, (3) cycloalkanones with aliphatic aldehydes, and (4) the self-condensation reactions of aliphatic aldehydes and cycloalkanones.
A Novel Electrochemical Method for Preparation of Thin Films of Layered Manganese Oxides
Authors: Nakayama Masaharu , Konishi Sayaka , Tanaka Akihiro , Ogura Kotaro
Published: May 2004

Thin films of layered manganese oxides with alkylammonium and alkali-metal ions in the interlayer were formed on a platinum electrode by a one-step electrochemical route. The interlayer distance was determined by the size of the electrolyte cations used.
Controlling the Morphology and Mesostructural Orderness of the Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Chao Man-Chien , Lin Hong-Ping , Mou Chung-Yuan
Published: May 2004

Using an acid-hydrolyzed tetraethyl orthosilicate in the presence of surfactant and a fast self-assembling reaction at desired pH value (9.0–5.0) could obtain mesoporous silica nanorods or nanoparticulates.
The Synthesis of 1,4-Diketones via a One-pot Five-component Connecting Reaction Based on Two Acylations of Organozincs Promoted by the Catalysis of a Pd(0) Species
Authors: Yuguchi Motoki , Tokuda Masao , Orito Kazuhiko
Published: May 2004

Unsymmetrical 1,4-diketones were produced via a one-pot five-component connecting reaction based on two kinds of Pd(0)-catalyzed acylations of organozincs using acryloyl chloride and TMSCl in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide.
Structure and Luminescence of a Dinuclear Copper Complex Bridged by a Diphosphine Ligand
Authors: Tsubomura Taro , Takahashi Naoki , Saito Ken , Tsukuda Toshiaki
Published: May 2004

A new dinuclear copper(I) complex containing two 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline ligands and a bridging diphosphine ligand has been prepared. The structure of the complex was characterized by X-ray crystallography. A considerable blue shift was observed for the solid-state photoluminescence and absorption spectra of the complex as compared with the mononuclear mixed-ligand complex.
Low-Viscous, Low-Melting, Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids: 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Trifluoromethyltrifluoroborate
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Bin , Matsumoto Hajime , Tatsumi Kuniaki
Published: May 2004

New hydrophobic ionic liquids, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium (alkyl = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-hexyl) trifluoromethyltrifluoroborate ([CF3BF3]−), have been synthesized by a metathesis reaction between 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium halide and K[CF3BF3]. All these new ionic liquids exhibit low viscosities (26–77 cP at 25 °C) and low melting points, resulting in high conductivities correspondingly.
Selective Binding and Cleavage of DNA by Stereoisomers of N,N′-Bis(phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine Conjugates, and Their Copper Complexes
Authors: Hayashi Keigo , Nakajima Ryouko , Kiyosawa Isao , Ozaki Hiroaki , Sawai Hiroaki
Published: May 2004

Stereoisomers, trans-RR, trans-SS, and cis forms, of N,N′-bis(phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine conjugates were prepared, and their DNA binding activity was evaluated. The copper complexes of the conjugates (ligand:Cu(II) = 1:1 and 1:2) cleave DNA in the same order of the DNA binding activity of the conjugates, trans-RR > cis > trans-SS.
Measurement of Nε-(Carboxymethyl)lysine and Nε-(Carboxyethyl)lysine in Human Plasma Protein by Stable-Isotope-Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Teerlink Tom , Barto Rob , ten Brink Herman J , Schalkwijk Casper G
Published: May 2004

Background: N ε-(Carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) are two stable, nonenzymatic chemical modifications of protein lysine residues resulting from glycation and oxidation reactions. We developed a tandem mass spectrometric method for their simultaneous measurement in hydrolysates of plasma proteins.

Methods: CML and CEL were liberated from plasma proteins by acid hydrolysis after addition of deuterated CML and CEL as internal standards. Chromatographic separation was performed by gradient-elution reversed-phase chromatography with a mobile phase containing 5 mmol/L nonafluoropentanoic acid as ion-pairing agent. Mass transitions of 205.1→84.1 and 219.1→84.1 for CML and CEL, respectively, and 209.1→88.1 and 223.1→88.1 for their respective internal standards were monitored in positive-ion mode.

Results: CML and CEL were separated with baseline resolution with a total analysis time of 21 min. The lower limit of quantification was 0.02 μmol/L for both compounds. Mean recoveries from plasma samples to which CML and CEL had been added were 92% for CML and 98% for CEL. Within-day CVs were <7.2% for CML and <8.2% for CEL, and between-day CVs were <8.5% for CML and <9.0% for CEL. In healthy individuals (n = 10), mean (SD) plasma concentrations of CML and CEL were 2.80 (0.40) μmol/L (range, 2.1–3.4 μmol/L) and 0.82 (0.21) μmol/L (range, 0.5–1.2 μmol/L), respectively. In hemodialysis (n = 17) and peritoneal dialysis (n = 9) patients, plasma concentrations of CML and CEL were increased two- to threefold compared with controls, without significant differences between dialysis modes [7.26 (1.36) vs 8.01 (3.80) μmol/L (P = 0.89) for CML, and 1.84 (0.39) vs 1.71 (0.42) μmol/L (P = 0.53) for CEL].

Conclusions: This stable-isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry method is suitable for simultaneous analysis of CML and CEL in hydrolysates of plasma proteins. Its robustness makes it suitable for assessing the value of these compounds as biomarkers of oxidative stress resulting from sugar and lipid oxidation.
Warfarin Therapy and Risk of Hip Fracture Among Elderly Patients
Authors: Mamdani Muhammad , Upshur Ross E. G. , Anderson Geoff , Bartle Bill R. , Laupacis Andreas
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To ascertain the relationship between warfarin therapy and subsequent hip fracture in a large elderly population.

Design. Retrospective, population‐based cohort study.

Setting. Population‐based health care administrative databases for Ontario, Canada.

Patients. Elderly patients receiving warfarin (52,701 patients), thyroid replacement therapy (40,555), an oral corticosteroid (43,915), or a proton pump inhibitor (60,383). The proton pump inhibitor group served as controls.

Measurements and Main Results. The association between warfarin therapy and subsequent hospitalization for hip fracture in elderly patients was examined by researching administrative data from January 1, 1994‐March 31, 1999, for the elderly population of Ontario. Relative to patients receiving proton pump inhibitors, patients receiving warfarin (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.09) or thyroid replacement therapy (aRR 1.02, 95% CI 0.89–1.18) incurred similar risks of hip fracture. As expected, patients receiving oral corticosteroids incurred an increased risk (aRR 1.44, 95% CI 1.21–1.70) relative to patients receiving proton pump inhibitors.

Conclusion. Warfarin was not associated with increased risk of hip fracture.
Recurring Chemotherapy‐Associated Alopecia Areata: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Motl Susannah E. , Fausel Christopher
Published: May 2004

A 52‐year‐old woman with stage IIIC ovarian cancer and stage IA uterine cancer experienced recurring alopecia areata of her eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, legs, and pubic area beginning 5 months after completing chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. The condition recurred in a cyclic fashion over the ensuing months. Alopecia is a well‐recognized adverse event associated with chemotherapy; however, to our knowledge, this cyclic pattern of alopecia has not been reported in a patient with cancer. Our report of a cancer survivor who experienced cyclic alopecia areata indicates that this condition may be related to autoimmune changes instigated by chemotherapy. Oncology health care practitioners should evaluate unusual clinical cases of alopecia for underlying pathology.
Evidence of the Economic Benefit of Clinical Pharmacy Services: 1996–2000
Authors: Schumock Glen T. , Butler Melissa G. , Meek Patrick D. , Vermeulen Lee C. , Arondekar Bhakti V. , Bauman Jerry L. ,   2002 Task Force on Economic Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Published: May 2004

We sought to summarize and assess original evaluations of the economic impact of clinical pharmacy services published from 1996–2000, and to provide recommendations and methodologic considerations for future research. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify articles that were then blinded and randomly assigned to reviewers who confirmed inclusion and abstracted key information. Results were compared with those of a similar review of literature published from 1988–1995. In the 59 included articles, the studies were conducted across a variety of practice sites that consisted of hospitals (52%), community pharmacies and clinics (41%), health maintenance organizations (3%), and long‐term or intermediate care facilities (3%). They focused on a broad range of clinical pharmacy services such as general pharmacotherapeutic monitoring (47%), target drug programs (20%), disease management programs (10%), and patient education or cognitive services (10%). Compared with the studies of the previous review, a greater proportion of evaluations were conducted in community pharmacies or clinics, and the types of services evaluated tended to be more comprehensive rather than specialized. Articles were categorized by type of evaluation: 36% were considered outcome analyses, 24% full economic analyses, 17% outcome descriptions, 15% cost and outcome descriptions, and 8% cost analyses. Compared with the studies of the previous review, a greater proportion of studies in the current review used more rigorous study designs. Most studies reported positive financial benefits of the clinical pharmacy service evaluated. In 16 studies, a benefit:cost ratio was reported by the authors or was able to be calculated by the reviewers (these ranged from 1.7:1–17.0:1, median 4.68:1). The body of literature from this 5‐year period provides continued evidence of the economic benefit of clinical pharmacy services. Although the quality of study design has improved, whenever possible, future evaluations of this type should incorporate methodologies that will further enhance the strength of evidence of this literature and the conclusions that may be drawn from it.
Clinical Issues Surrounding Once‐Daily Aminoglycoside Dosing in Children
Authors: Knoderer Chad A. , Everett Julie A. , Buss William F.
Published: May 2004

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are first‐line treatment for many infectious diseases in the pediatric population and are effective in adults. The traditional dosing interval in children is every 8–12 hours. Studies in adults reported equivalent efficacy and equal or less toxicity with once‐daily regimens. Despite many studies in the adult population, this approach has yet to become standard practice in most pediatric hospitals. Reasons for lack of acceptance of this strategy in children include rapid aminoglycoside clearance, unknown duration of postantibiotic effect, safety concerns, and limited clinical and efficacy data.
Erythromycin Accelerates Gastric Emptying in a Dose‐Response Manner in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Boivin Michel A. , Carey Michael C. , Levy Howard
Published: May 2004

Study Objectives. To evaluate whether a dose‐response curve exists for erythromycin, determine the lowest effective dose of erythromycin needed to improve gastric motility, and compare erythromycin's effectiveness with that of metoclopramide in improving gastric emptying.

Design. Randomized, crossover, multiintervention trial.

Setting. Inpatient clinical research center.

Subjects. Ten healthy volunteers (four men, six women) from the general population.

Intervention. On each study day, the subjects were infused with erythromycin 0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, or 3.0 mg/kg; metoclopramide 10 mg; or placebo, in random order. Subjects then drank Ensure 200 ml mixed with acetaminophen 1.5 g. Gastric emptying was estimated by comparing the area under the curve after 60 minutes for acetaminophen absorption using four timed blood draws.

Measurements and Main Results. Erythromycin increased gastric emptying in a dose‐response manner. Erythromycin 3.0 mg/kg and metoclopramide 10 mg were associated with statistically significant increases in liquid gastric emptying compared with placebo. During infusion, nausea and stomach cramping were associated with the 3.0‐mg/kg dose of erythromycin; drowsiness was associated with metoclopramide.

Conclusion. In patients requiring intravenous erythromycin for gastric motility, the 3.0‐mg/kg dose seems the most effective, with a reasonable side effect profile.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Heparin in Transesophageal Echocardiography‐Guided Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wodlinger Anna M. , Pieper John A.
Published: May 2004

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with thromboembolic events and hemodynamic impairment that results in considerable morbidity, mortality, and cost. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm is a common approach to the treatment of these patients. However, cardioversion is associated with the risk of thromboembolism. Current guidelines recommend that patients receive anticoagulants for 3–4 weeks before and 4 weeks after cardioversion. With the development of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the risk of thromboembolism and alternative anticoagulation strategies have been evaluated in patients with atrial fibrillation. Administration of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) in conjunction with TEE offers several advantages over unfractionated heparin. Limited data suggest that LMWH in this setting is as effective, is safer, and may be more cost‐effective than unfractionated heparin. Ongoing research will identify definitively the optimal strategy for pericardioversion anticoagulation.