bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Coatings through Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Kelly P.J. , Hisek J. , Zhou Y. , Pilkington R.D. , Arnell R.D.
Published: June 2004

Pulsed magnetron sputtering (PMS) has become established as the process of choice for the deposition of dielectric materials for many applications. The process is attractive because it offers stable arc free operating conditions during the deposition of, for example, functional films on architectural and automotive glass, or antireflective/antistatic coatings on displays. Recent studies have shown that pulsing the magnetron discharge also leads to hotter and more energetic plasmas in comparison with continuous dc discharges, with increased ion energy fluxes delivered to the substrate. As such, the PMS process offers benefits in the deposition of a wide range of materials. The present paper describes three examples where PMS has led to either significant enhancement in film properties or enhanced process flexibility: in low friction titanium nitride coatings, in Al doped zinc oxide transparent conductive oxide coatings sputtered directly from powder targets and in thin film photovoltaic devices based on copper (indium/gallium) diselenide. These examples demonstrate the versatility of PMS and open up new opportunities for the production of advanced coatings using this technique. SE/499
Pulsed Plasmas for Sputtering Applications
Authors: Sproul W.D. , Christie D.J. , Carter D.C. , Tomasel F. , Linz T.
Published: June 2004

Pulsed plasmas for sputtering applications have increased in popularity in the past few years. Recently, a new pulsed plasma technique has been introduced to the sputtering world. High power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) applies a very large power pulse (up to several megawatts) to the target in a short period of time, which results in a high degree of ionisation of the sputtered species. The ionised species can be used to improve the structure and properties of the deposited film. An experimental power supply was designed and built to learn more about HPPMS. It can produce pulses with peak powers of ≤3 MW with a pulse width of 100–150 μs. The repetition rate for the pulse is from single shot to 500 Hz, and the average delivered power is ≤20 kW. Evidence of the ionisation of the sputtered species is shown with time resolved optical spectroscopy of the plasma. The degree of ionisation is a function of the power. Deposition of very thin, very high density (2.7 g cm3) carbon films by HPPMS is reported. An enabling feature of the power supply is that it can detect and suppress arcs. In addition, the pulsing power supply circuitry prevents the initiation of the arc state in normal operation. At the beginning of the pulse, it transitions directly from the glow to the highly ionised state without accessing the arc regime. SE/500
Pulsed Biased Growth of Nanocrystalline Diamond by Hot Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Jones A.N. , Ahmed W. , Hassan I.U. , Sein H. , Rego C.A.
Published: June 2004

For many industrial applications such as biomedical instruments, optical devices and microelectromechanical systems, the control of the film structure, crystallinity and morphology is of critical importance. The crystallite size, orientation and surface roughness have a profound effect on the mechanical, optical and electrical properties of the films and therefore the final product performance. In order to reduce the crystallite size and surface roughness, inert gases were added to the methane and hydrogen mixture during chemical vapour deposition of nanocrystalline diamond films. In addition, the results on the influence of pulsed biasing on the morphology of these films are reported. Bias voltages in the range –300-0 V were investigated. Increasing the bias voltage significantly alters the crystallite size and morphology of the deposited films. Raman spectroscopy, SEM and atomic force microscopy were used to characterise the nanocrystalline diamond films. SE/501
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Utilising High Density Infrared Radiant Heating
Authors: Rivard J.D.K. , Blue C.A. , Ott R.D. , Sabau A. , Santella M. , Pan T.-Y. , Joaquin A.
Published: June 2004

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a unique rapid heating capability utilising a high density infrared (HDI) radiant plasma arc lamp. Power densities ≤3.5 W cm-2 are achievable over an area 35 x 3.175 cm. The power output of the lamp is continuously variable over a range from 1.5% to 100% of available power, and power changes can occur in <20 ms. Processing temperatures ≤3000°C can be obtained in a wide variety of processing environments, making HDI a flexible processing tool. Recently, this newly developed heating method was used to investigate selective softening, i.e. hardness reduction of 6063-T6 aluminium alloy. By changing the incident power and exposure time, the percentage reduction in hardness and softened zone size can be varied. It is shown that computer modelling can be used to predict the thermal history and the resulting heat affected zone during HDI processing. In the present work, a 50% reduction in hardness was achieved and confirmed by mechanical testing and microstructural investigation. Micrographs of softened aluminium show that Mg2Si precipitates had dissolved back into solution. This new approach allows materials to be engineered for a predetermined response to dynamic loading or other environmental situations. SE/S282
Effects of Nitrocarburisation on Characteristics of Electrodeposited Co–w–ti–al2O3 Composite Coating
Authors: Guo Z. , Zhu X. , Xu R.
Published: June 2004

The significance and theoretical basis of the strengthening process of electrodeposited Co–W–Ti–Al2O3 composite coatings and nitrocarburisation are briefly explained. The conditions of the composite process and the characteristics of the composite heat treated coatings are studied in detail. Co–W–Ti–Al2O3 composite coatings with good characteristics are obtained on steel when the appropriate complex agent and additives are selected and the conditions of the composite electrodeposition process are controlled. The hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings after nitrocarburising are much better than those of the composite without nitrocarburisation. The hardness of the nitrocarburised Co–W–Ti–Al 2O3 composite is found to decrease gradually from the surface into the internal layer. X-ray diffraction shows that the diffused coating contains a solid solution of cobalt, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, tungsten carbide, tungsten nitride and alumina, together with a little r-(FeCo), when the Co–W–Ti–Al2O3 composite coating is nitrocarburised. SE/514
Effect of Pulsed Plasma Processing on Controlling Nanostructure and Properties of Thin Film/Coatings
Authors: Zhong D. , Mishra B. , Moore J.J. , Madan A.
Published: June 2004

The benefits of pulsed plasma processing, including pulsing both cathode and substrate in physical vapour deposition (PVD) processes (magnetron sputtering and cathodic arc evaporation (CAE)) and the pulsed plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (P-PECVD) process were demonstrated by correlating the pulsed plasma process parameters, microstructure and properties. Five coating systems were developed for structural, electronic, functional and tribological applications. These are: pulsed reactive magnetron sputtering of TiO thin films; alumina deposition with pulsed plasma in closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering; deposition of thin film silicon using P-PECVD; high energy pulsed bias assisted CAE of Cr–N graded coatings on 7075-T6 Al substrates; and sputter deposition of nickel anode on protonic BaCe0.9Y0.1O3–a electrolyte under pulsed dc biasing of substrate. Pulsed plasma was found to change particle energies and plasma composition in both PVD and CVD processes. Through controlled ion bombardment (ion energies and relative abundances of plasma species) by varying pulse frequency, pulse duration and bias voltage, film growth and therefore film properties can be tailored. The films became denser and nanostructured. The interface structure was graded, allowing superior adhesion. Better film performance (e.g. wear resistance, fracture toughness and efficiencies of solar cells and fuel cells) was achieved because of the modified film microstructure and architecture. These results clearly indicate the significant effects of the plasma species and their energies on modification of both the structure and properties of thin films. In several of these examples, the properties could not have been achieved in continuous dc magnetron sputtering. SE/518
Archetype for an archipelago? Batam as anti-model and model of industrialization in reformasi Indonesia
Authors: Phelps N. A.
Published: June 2004

Today’s world economy has been likened to a mosaic of interconnected regions or islands of economic development. Be they successful ‘industrial districts’ or less successful, less sustainable and equitable enclaves of multinational enterprise-led development, such islands of industrialization are looked to as sites for the generation and diffusion of potentially transferable practices and knowledge. I examine current debate over the extent to which Batam is regarded a model and anti-model of industrialization both in reformasi Indonesia and beyond. Batam was developed under the auspices of a highly centralized and authoritarian Indonesian government - at a time when the state had the means, though not the appetite, to replicate or transplant elements elsewhere. As such, Batam represents a unique, unrepeatable experiment and one which central government has viewed more as an anti-model, given new demands on territorial management in reformasi Indonesia. Nevertheless, Batam’s uniqueness and the growing exposure of its institutions to international business, trade and investment promotion and skill development practices, mean that there are inescapable top-down and bottom-up pressures for elements of Batam’s industrialization to serve as models elsewhere in newly democratized and decentralizing reformasi Indonesia. In conclusion, the paper highlights the, as yet, weak and asymmetrical institutional developments on Batam that are currently thought of as potential models.
Joint modelling of location and scale parameters of the t distribution
Authors: Taylor Julian , Verbyla Arūnas
Published: June 2004

Joint modelling of location and scale parameters has generally been confined to exponential families. In this paper the location and scale parameters of the t distribution are allowed to depend on covariates. The closed form of the likelihood allows inference to proceed in a similar fashion to the Gaussian location and scale model and provides a framework for a simple scoring algorithm to estimate the parameters. The algorithm includes a procedure to estimate the degrees of freedom parameter of the t distribution. Homogeneity and asymptotic tests are discussed and a methodology is derived to detect heteroscedasticity when the response is t distributed. Simulations reveal considerable bias in the estimates of the degrees of freedom parameter and only minor bias in the estimated fixed effects associated with the scale parameter. In comparison, the estimated location effects are well behaved. To illustrate the joint modelling of location and scale parameters of the t distribution the methodology is applied to two data sets.
A general multilevel multistate competing risks model for event history data, with an application to a study of contraceptive use dynamics
Authors: Steele Fiona , Goldstein Harvey , Browne William
Published: June 2004

We propose a general discrete time model for multilevel event history data. The model is developed for the analysis of longitudinal repeated episodes within individuals where there are multiple states and multiple types of event (competing risks) which may vary across states. The different transitions are modelled jointly to allow for correlation across transitions in unobserved individual risk factors. Implementation of the methodology using existing multilevel models for discrete response data is described. The model is applied in an analysis of contraceptive use dynamics in Indonesia where transitions from two states, contraceptive use and nonuse, are of interest. A distinction is made between two ways in which an episode of contraceptive use may end: a transition to nonuse or a switch to another method. Before adjusting for covariate effects, there is a strong negative residual correlation between the hazards of a transition from use to nonuse and from nonuse to use; this correlation is due to a tendency for short periods of nonuse after a birth to be followed by long periods of using the same contraceptive method.
Estimating intraclass correlation for binary data using extended quasi-likelihood
Authors: Lee Youngjo
Published: June 2004

Extended quasi-likelihood has been recommended for the estimation of dispersion parameters when there is no likelihood available. It was originally developed for models with independent errors and can have poor efficiency in models with correlated errors. We show how the generalization of extended quasi-likelihood to such models can maintain high efficiency.
Turkey's Coal Reserves, Potential Trends and Pollution Problems of Turkey
Authors: Balat Mustafa , Ayar Günhan
Published: June 2004

Turkey, for nearly two decades, has been one of the fastest growing power markets in the world. Turkey's total energy consumption, around half is used by the industrial sector, a quarter in residential, and the rest in transportation and commercial. Turkey's domestic energy consumption has more than tripled, reaching a level of 3.2 quadrillion Btu (quads) and coal accounted for 31% of total energy consumption in year 2000. Turkey's coal reserves are 0.6% of the world reserves. Rich lignite deposits are spread all over the country. Total lignite reserves are estimated at 8075 Mtoe, of which 7339 Mtoe (88%) is economically feasible. Lignite extraction is expected to increase as the government feels pressure to close down unprofitable hard coal mines that are geologically difficult, increasing the cost of extraction.
The Differences of Geochemical Characteristics in Four Coal Seams from the Huangxian Lignite, China
Authors: Bingshan Wang , Jianping Sun , Jinchuan Zhang , Zhongxian Cai , Zhenxue Jiang , Hongyu Jia , Mingli Zhang
Published: June 2004

In order to study the differences of geochemical characteristics of four lignite seams from the Huangxiang Basin, China, 68 samples of four seams were analyzed by various geochemical methods. Four seams show different S, C, H, N, O contents, biomarkers and metal enrichment. These differences may indicate that the four seams were formed in different environments. The coal quality and its utilization are related to the environments in which the coals are formed.
Adsorption Studies of Metal Cations on a Silica Static Flat Bed Using Anionic Micellar Mobile-Phase Systems Containing Carboxylic Acids: Separation of Co-Existing Iron(III), Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Cations
Authors: Mohammad Ali , Agrawal Vineeta , Hena Sufia
Published: June 2004

Silica gel was used as a stationary phase in combination with an acidic surfactant containing eluents for the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of 10 metal cations. Several combinations of mobile-phase systems consisting of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and carboxylic acids, alcohols and inorganic electrolytes have been tested for the rapid and reliable separation of metal cations. The TLC system employing silica gel as the stationary phase and 5% aqueous SDS plus 1% aqueous acetic acid (1:1, v/v) as the mobile phase was identified as being the most favourable system for the separation of co-existing nickel, copper and iron cations in the presence of common organic and inorganic impurities. The proposed method was rapid and applicable to the identification and separation of Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ cations from sea, river and tap water, and from real and synthetically prepared ores and alloys. The separation of microgram quantities of Cu2+ cations from milligram quantities of Ni2+ cations and the semi-quantitative determination of Ni2+ cations from industrial wastewater by visual comparison were also attempted. The quantitative estimation of Fe3+ cations by spectrophotometry after preliminary separation from Ni2+ and Cu2+ cations was performed successfully.
Adsorption of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solution onto Activated Carbon and Chemically-Modified Activated Carbon Prepared from Date Pits
Authors: Abdulkarim Mohamed , Al-Rub Fahmi Abu
Published: June 2004

Date pits, i.e. agricultural wastes, were converted into activated carbon by air and phosphoric acid activation. The surfaces of some of the prepared activated carbons were modified chemically using 8-hydroxyquinoline. The carbons prepared by both air and phosphoric acid activation showed surface areas of 864.8 m2/g and 502.2 m2/g, respectively, and micropore volumes of 0.298 cm3/g and 0.126 cm3/g, respectively.

The adsorption of Methylene Blue onto the prepared activated carbon demonstrated its very high adsorption capacity. The adsorption of lead ions on both carbons, i.e. activated and chemically-modified, was studied under different conditions. The experimental results showed that both types of carbon gave a relatively large maximum lead ion uptake, the increase in the uptake as a result of chemical modification being insignificant. Lead ion uptake was found to increase by increasing the solution pH — whereby the maximum adsorption of lead ions was obtained at pH 5.2 — and by increasing the initial lead ion concentration. Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of lead ions on both adsorbents could be described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of lead ions on the prepared activated carbons followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The presence of EDTA, acetic acid or citric acid led to a significant decrease of lead ion uptake by the activated carbons.
Removal of Silver(I) from Aqueous Solutions with Low-Rank Turkish Coals
Authors: Karabakan Abdülkerim , Karabulut Solmaz , Denizli Adil , Yürüm Yuda
Published: June 2004

The removal of silver ions from aqueous solutions containing low-to-moderate levels of contamination using Turkish Beypazari low-rank coal was investigated. Carboxylic acid and phenolic hydroxyl functional groups present on the coal surface provided adsorption sites for the removal of silver ions from solution via ion exchange. The equilibrium pH of the coal/solution mixture was shown to be the principal factor controlling the extent of recovery of Ag+ ions from aqueous solutions. The optimum pH was measured as 4.0 and it was found that the maximum removal of silver from solution was achieved within 30 min. The maximum adsorption capacity of the Ag+ ions was 1.87 mg/g coal. The adsorption phenomena appeared to follow a typical Langmuir isotherm. It was observed that the use of low-rank coal was considerably more effective in the recovery Ag+ ions from aqueous solutions. Higher amounts of adsorbed Ag+ ions could be desorbed (up to 92%) using 25 mM EDTA. Low-rank Turkish coals were suitable for consecutive use for more than 10 cycles without significant loss of adsorption capacity.
Sorption of Lead Ions from Simulated Industrial Wastewater onto Jordanian Low-Grade Phosphate
Authors: Al-Rub Fahmi A. Abu
Published: June 2004

The technical feasibility of using Jordanian low-grade phosphate (JLGP) for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions was investigated in this study. To simulate real industrial wastewaters, the effects of the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, tartaric acid or sodium chloride on the adsorption of lead ions on JLGP were also investigated.

The results of batch adsorption experiments demonstrated the high capability of JLGP for removing lead ions from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium data for the adsorption of lead ions onto JLGP could be fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm equations. The work presented showed that on using 1 mmol/l of an aqueous solution of any of Pb(II), Pb–NaCl, Pb–tartaric acid, Pb–EDTA or Pb–citric acid, the percentage removal of lead ions at equilibrium was in the order Pb(II) > Pb–NaCl > Pb– tartaric acid > Pb–citric acid > Pb–EDTA. Increasing the initial pH of the solution led to an enhancement in the sorption of lead ions and lead–ligand complexes onto JLGP. It was also found that increasing the concentration ratio of ligand to metal ion decreased the percentage removal of lead ions significantly. The sorption of lead ions from industrially simulated wastewater was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics.
Adsorption, Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies of Cr(VI) by Hazelnut Shell Activated Carbon
Authors: Kobya M.
Published: June 2004

The adsorption of chromium(VI) from aqueous solutions on to hazelnut shell activated carbon (HSAC) was investigated. The adsorption was carried out by varying parameters such as the agitation time, the initial solution pH, the initial Cr(VI) concentration and the temperature. The experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model allowing the rate constants to be evaluated. The Langmuir isotherm provided the best correlation for the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto the activated carbon. The adsorption of Cr(VI) was pH-dependent. The adsorption capacity as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 170 mg/g at an initial pH of 1.0 for a Cr(VI) solution of 1000 mg/l concentration. Thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, indicating that the adsorption was endothermic and involved monolayer adsorption of Cr(VI).
Adsorption Kinetics of Defluoridation Using Low-Cost Adsorbents
Authors: Jamode A.V. , Sapkal V.S. , Jamode V.S. , Deshmukh S.K.
Published: June 2004

Column kinetics for fluoride ion removal could be described more adequately by the Lobenstein model than by conventionally used models. This model can be used in a linearized form. Use of this model minimizes the error resulting from use of conventional models, especially at lower or higher time periods of the breakthrough curve.
Modernising Grid Codes to Accommodate Diverse Generation Technologies, Especially Modern Windfarms
Authors: Causebrook Andrew , Fox Brendan
Published: June 2004

This paper reviews the present purpose and functioning of grid codes for the proper operation of ‘national’ power networks. Now that embedded generation, including especially windfarms, may have total capacities large enough to compare with previous central generating plant, the grid codes are being changed to accommodate such generation. Modern wind turbines need to operate under new and challenging constraints that require the introduction of both new technology and sympathetic grid regimes. The most important characteristics affecting both the grid and the turbines are examined. It is concluded that modern wind turbines can generally be designed to support the maintenance of grid supply, frequency and voltage more effectively than present central plant. However, the manner in which that is achieved needs to be different in many respects from current codes that were developed around the characteristics of central and conventional plant. Indications of the necessary changes in grid codes are given.
Dynamic Modelling of Wind Turbine Generators and the Impact on Small Lightly Interconnected Grids
Authors: McArdle Jane E.
Published: June 2004

The penetration of wind energy into small, lightly interconnected power systems, as in Ireland, is increasing. It is therefore important to study how wind farms will interact dynamically with conventional generators and loads. For the future, we need to asses the impact this will have on the stability of the whole system. To investigate this interaction, dynamic simulation studies of the system, with the inclusion of wind turbine generators (WTGs), are important. This requires these generators to be represented in power-system simulation studies to at least the same detail as conventional machines. This paper analyses the dynamic models for WTGs available during 2003 to the Irish Transmission system operator, ESB National Grid. The paper focuses on the modelling of Doubly-Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs). A comparison of the models was carried out and the main conclusions drawn are discussed.
Damage Identification in Beams from Changes in Nodes of Mode Shapes
Authors: Dilena M. , Morassi A.
Published: June 2004

It is known that the effect of a single crack in an axially vibrating rod causes the nodes of the mode shapes to move toward the crack. In this paper an investigation of the analogous problem for a beam in bending vibration is presented. The monotonicity property linking changes in node position and crack location does not hold in the bending case. The analysis of the direct problem, however, shows that the direction by which nodal points move may be useful for predicting damage location. Analytical results agree well with experimental tests performed on cracked steel beams.
The Role of Accelerated Power Generation Technology Development to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Russ Peter
Published: June 2004

The paper focuses on the role of advanced power generation technology in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. In order to quantify the importance of these technologies a scenario approach is applied comparing a “business as usual” scenario with technology cases which assume the accelerated development and earlier availability of certain advanced technologies. The simulations with the POLES world energy model demonstrate, that the availability of advanced technology for power generation alone does not lead to emission reductions needed to stabilise carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere at a sustainable level. To achieve that additional policy measures are necessary. It is however shown, that the availability of advanced technology has a crucial impact on the cost to meet emission reduction targets.
Diffusion of Cogeneration in Swiss Industries: Economics, Technical Change, Field of Application, and Framework Conditions
Authors: Madlener Reinhard , Wickart Marcel
Published: June 2004

In this article we study the economics of the adoption and diffusion of cogeneration (CHP) systems. Based on microeconomic theoretical reasoning, we identify the main variables influencing the decision-making problem of firms that plan to adopt CHP technology, and how the adoption by other firms affects optimal adoption timing. We also consider CHP-related technical change, trends in the industries studied, field of application, and relevant framework conditions with a potential impact on CHP adoption and diffusion. In the descriptive analysis our focus is on industrial CHP systems in Switzerland (>1 MWe), with particular emphasis on both the pulp and paper and the chemical industries.
Exact Bending Solutions of Axisymmetric Reissner Plates in Terms of Classical Thin Plate Solutions
Authors: Wang C.M. , Nazmul I.M. , Wang Q.
Published: June 2004

This paper presents exact bending solutions of circular and annular plates under rotationally symmetric loads based on the Reissner plate theory. The exact Reissner plate solutions are cast in the form of a general set of relationships linking the Reissner plate quantities to their corresponding Kirchhoff (classical thin) plate counterparts. The Reissner plate solutions may be readily deduced upon supplying the classical thin plate solutions that are well documented in the open literature. This form of displaying exact solutions is very compact and does away with the conventional need for numerous tables and charts in presenting the results of axisymmetric thick plates. Some illustrative examples in determining the Reissner plate solutions using the relationships are given. These example problems involve circular and annular plates under different loading and support conditions. In order to verify the correctness of the relationships, the results are compared with numerically obtained Reissner plate results and also with Mindlin plate results.
Analysis of Crack Spacing in Reinforced Concrete by a Lattice Model
Authors: Chen G. , Baker G.
Published: June 2004

A new numerical method is proposed for prediction of crack spacing in reinforced concrete. It is assumed that the deformation pattern of crack spacing consumes the least energy among all kinematically admissible deformations, and the energy minimization approach is applied to predict crack spacing. To simplify the problem, a lattice model is used, in which the cracking process is represented by softening of the concrete bar elements. The crack spacing due to tension and bending is investigated. The results confirm that crack spacing can be predicted by energy minimization. To account for the influence of the bond slip between the concrete and the reinforcing steel, the traditional bond-link element is employed. The influence of the bond slip on the cracking pattern is studied through numerical examples. The results show that without considering bond-slip, the damage near the reinforcement is distributed rather than localized, whereas considering bond-slip, the damage near the reinforcement is localized. The influence of bond slip on crack spacing is significant.
Performance of Interior Beam-Column Joints Cast from High Strength Concrete under Seismic Loads
Authors: Attaalla Sayed A. , Agbabian Mehran S.
Published: June 2004

This paper presents the results of a test program conducted on interior beam-column connections cast from high strength concrete and designed to exhibit joint shear mechanism under earthquake simulated loads. The investigation focused on the seismic shear characteristics of the joint core and covered joints reinforced with conventional ties as well as joints reinforced with only steel fibers. Low compression are applied on columns in order to simulate the combined effects of overturning moment, produced by the horizontal acceleration, and the vertical component of earthquake excitation. Test findings indicate that defining the joint shear strength as a function of the square root of the concrete compressive strength as adopted by the current ACI-318 code seems to be unsuitable approach for joints constructed with high strength concrete. Decrease in the range of about 45 percent in the joint deformability was observed due to reinforcing the joint core with steel fibers only.
Behaviours and Strengths of Concentrically Loaded Short Concrete-Filled Steel HS Columns with Different Cross-Section Geometries
Authors: Zhong Shantong , Chen Hongtao , Zhang Sumei
Published: June 2004

This paper presents the stress distribution, confinement distribution and complete average longitudinal stress-strain curves for concentrically loaded short concrete-filled steel circular, octagonal, square and rectangular hollow section (HS) columns using 3-D finite element (FE) analyses. The curves predicted by FE analyses are in good agreement with those obtained from previous experimental work. The compressive design strengths and the compressive moduli of concrete-filled steel HS columns are also obtained. A unified method is proposed for the design of concentrically loaded short concrete-filled steel HS columns with different cross-section geometries.
Comparison between BS5400 and EC4 for Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns
Authors: Al-Rodan Abdel-Kareem
Published: June 2004

A wide range of experimental data and associated analysis results are used to examine the applicability of two widely used design codes (i.e. BS5400 and EC4) for calculating the capacity of concrete-filled steel tubular columns (CFSTs). The database consists of the measured results from past studies. The specimens include short and slender CFSTs made with normal- and high-strength steel tubes filled with normal- and high-strength concrete. To gauge the success of the code-based methods, the capacities are computed based on fiber analysis technique. The capacities are also computed through 3D nonlinear finite-element analysis. In addition to inherent differences between BS5400 and EC4, the reported study points to potentially large differences between the capacities as computed from these two methods. However, the capacities from EC4 and detail analytical results are generally closer. Neither design method appears to be appropriate for CFSTs made with high-strength steel tubes. A finite-element method based on full plasticity of the steel tube and material and geometrical nolinearity tends to produce significantly improved results for such cases.
An Analytical Solution for the Elastic Lateral-Distortional Buckling of I-section Beams
Authors: Ng Maurice Loong-Hon , Ronagh Hamid Reza
Published: June 2004

Lateral-distortional buckling may occur in I-section beams with slender webs and stocky flanges. A computationally efficient method is presented in this paper to study this phenomenon. Previous studies on distortional buckling have been on the use of 3rd and 5th order polynomials to model the displacements. The present study provides an alternative way, using Fourier Series, to model the behaviour. Beams of different cross-sectional dimensions, load cases and restraint conditions are examined and compared. The accuracy and versatility of the method are verified by calibrating against the results of other published studies. The present method is believed to be a simple and efficient way of determining the buckling load and mode shapes of I-section beams that are susceptible to lateral-distortional buckling modes.
Eosinophilic folliculitis in a patient after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ota Mitsuhito , Shimizu Tadamichi , Hashino Satoshi , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: June 2004

We describe a patient with eosinophilic folliculitis (EF) that developed 3 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Skin biopsy specimen revealed numerous eosinophil infiltrations from the hair follicles to the sebaceous glands. No sign of skin graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was found. The skin lesions and peripheral eosinophilia subsided within 5 weeks. In the following 8 months, the rash did not recur and GVHD has not developed. Taken together with previous reports, the present case demonstrates that it is important to recognize this distinct skin condition to avoid an inference that it may manifest itself as one of the signs of skin GVHD. Am. J. Hematol. 76:295–296, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood acute myeloid leukemia with CBFβ‐MYH11 rearrangement: Study of incidence, morphology, cytogenetics, and clinical outcomes of Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Natalie P.H. , Wong W.S. , Ng Margaret H.L. , Tsang K.S. , Lau T.T. , Leung Yonna , Chik K.W. , Shing Mathew M.K. , Li C.K.
Published: June 2004

We analyzed 43 consecutive cases of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for the presence of the CBFβ‐MYH11 rearrangement using molecular techniques in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. Five cases (11.6%), 3 girls and 2 boys, ranging in age from 8 months to 14 years old, were found positive for the CBFβ‐MYH11 rearrangement. Morphologically, they were FAB M2 or M4 with or without eosinophilia (Eo). Typical M4Eo was observed in only one case. The molecular findings were in complete concordance with cytogenetic data, which revealed inv(16)(p13q22) in all and also gains of chromosome 4, 8, 22, and Y in one patient. Clinically, all 5 patients achieved complete remission after chemotherapy with favorable outcomes except for the patient with infantile AML, who relapsed 11 months after diagnosis, underwent cord blood transplantation, and was in second remission. This is the first clinicopathological study and documentation of the incidence of CBFβ‐MYH11 in childhood AML of Chinese in Hong Kong. Am. J. Hematol. 76:300–303, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency of deletional α‐thalassemia in β‐thalassemia trait: Implications for genetic counseling
Authors: Panigrahi I. , Rafeeq P.H. Ahmed , Choudhry V.P. , Saxena R.
Published: June 2004

Thalassemias are a group of genetic hemolytic disorders with varying phenotypes. In this study, the frequency of α globin gene deletions was studied in the β‐thalassemia trait, the mildest form of the disorder. Eleven out of 33 (33%) individuals were positive for α−3.7 kb deletions. None of the subjects was positive for the Southeast Asian deletion. Such a high frequency for α deletions has not been reported earlier in thalassemia minor. Hematological parameters are compared, and implications of this finding for genetic counseling are discussed. Am. J. Hematol. 76:297–299, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factor V‐Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations among patients with sickle cell disease in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fawaz Naglaa A. , Bashawery Layla , Al‐Sheikh Iman , Qatari Ahlam , Al‐Othman Sara S. , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: June 2004

The prevalence of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations were investigated among 87 Saudi sickle cell disease (SCD) patients (38 males and 49 females) and 105 healthy controls (65 males and 40 females). The prevalences of factor V Leiden (P = 0.174) and PRT G20210A (P = 0.397) were not different between patients and controls, thereby giving no support to an association of either single‐point mutation with SCD. However, an increased prevalence of the MTHFR 677 T/T genotype was seen among patients (8/87) compared to controls (4/105), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.217; OR = 2.56). This suggested a low impact of inherited hypercoagulability risk factors in the pathogenesis of SCD and/or its complications. Am. J. Hematol. 76:307–309, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemostatic markers and the sepsis‐related organ failure assessment score in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation in an intensive care unit
Authors: Okabayashi Kazuhiro , Wada Hideo , Ohta Syunsuke , Shiku Hirosi , Nobori Tsutomu , Maruyama Kazuo
Published: June 2004

We investigated the correlation between disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score and hemostatic parameters and sepsis‐related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score with clinical outcome of patients with DIC in an intensive care unit (ICU). The SOFA score was markedly elevated in patients with DIC relative to patients without DIC and significantly higher in non‐survivors than in survivors. Abnormalities in almost all hemostatic parameters were significant in patients with DIC, but there was no significant difference in almost all hemostatic parameters between survivors and non‐survivors. However, plasma antithrombin (AT) levels were significantly lower in non‐survivors than in survivors. Soluble fibrin (SF) and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA)–plasminogen activator inhibitor‐I (PAI‐I) complex correlated significantly with the SOFA score, whereas AT levels correlated significantly and negatively with the SOFA score. We conclude that the SOFA score is useful for predicting outcome in DIC patients in the ICU, and that hemostatic parameters, especially plasma AT levels, are also useful markers for organ failure and clinical outcome. Am. J. Hematol. 76:225–229, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NK‐cell related neoplasms in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Miyazato Hajime , Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Dong Zhiming , Takakuwa Tetsuya , Oka Kazumasa , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Tatsumi Yoichi , Kanamaru Akihisa , Aozasa Katsuyuki
Published: June 2004

The frequency of NK‐cell related neoplasms was estimated among lymphoproliferative diseases diagnosed and treated in Osaka, Japan, from 1999 to 2003. The total number of registered cases was 1,400, among which 1,092 patients were diagnosed as having malignant lymphomas. There were 987 cases of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 105 (9.6%) of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Immunophenotypic analysis revealed that 743 patients had B‐cell lymphomas and 209 T/NK‐cell lymphomas. Among the T/NK‐cell lymphomas, 40 showed positive immunoreactivity for CD56, and thus they were judged to be NK/T‐cell lymphomas. They included one blastic NK‐cell lymphoma and 39 NK/T‐cell lymphomas. NK/T‐cell lymphomas were further divided into three categories based on the main site of lesions: nasal type (23 cases), non‐nasal extranodal type (11 cases), and nodal type (5 cases). The positive rate of infection with the Epstein‐Barr virus determined by in situ hybridization was 83%, 36%, and 25% in the nasal, non‐nasal, and nodal type, respectively. A mosquito allergy was found in one patient with EBV‐positive non‐nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma. The present study showed that the frequency of NK‐cell related neoplasms among all NHLs was 4% in an ATL‐non‐endemic area of Japan. Am. J. Hematol 76:230–235, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in paraffin‐embedded tissues from patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Paydas Semra , Ergin Melek , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Yavuz Sinan , Disel Umut , Kilic Nil Banu , Erdogan Seyda , Sahin Berksoy , Tuncer İlhan , Burgut Refik
Published: June 2004

The aim of this study is to detect the possible role of hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in lymphomagenesis. HCV‐RNA and anti‐HCV antibodies were studied in tissue and serum samples taken from patients with non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). The prevalence of HCV, the clinical presentation of these cases, and association with histologic subtypes were determined. RT‐PCR was used to detect the HCV‐RNA in serum and tissue samples. The anti‐HCV antibodies were tested with microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Immunohistochemistry with the ABC method was used to detect the HCV core protein in HCV‐RNA+ cases. RNA could be detected in 30 of 35 cases, and other tests were performed in these 30 samples. HCV‐RNA was detected in 11 tissue samples (11/30, 37%). HCV core protein was studied in 10 of 11 HCV‐RNA+ cases, and 1–3% nuclear staining was found in only 2 samples. Serologically, HCV‐RNA was detected in 7 of 30 samples (23.3%) and anti‐HCV antibody was detected in 3 of 30 samples (10%). Detection of HCV‐RNA in 37% of the lymphoma tissue samples suggests that HCV may have a role or is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of lymphoma. The very low HCV core protein in lymphoma tissues may be due to the low viral load in lymphoid tissues and/or higher sensitivity of the PCR method. Detection of anti‐HCV antibody in only three cases may be associated with undetectable levels of antibodies due to the immune deficiency in cases with NHL. Am. J. Hematol. 76:252–257, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simplified assay for VWF cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity and inhibitor in plasma
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Craver Karen , Matulis Melissa D. , Lawson Heather , Owen John
Published: June 2004

The absence of VWF cleaving protease activity (VWFcp, ADAMTS13) has recently been identified as a central component in the pathogenesis of TTP. Several assays for the measurement of ADAMTS13 activity have been described, but most are cumbersome and employ techniques not easily adapted to routine laboratories. Thus, ADAMTS13 assays are available at only a few reference or research laboratories. Prompt identification of absent or impaired ADAMTS13 activity could prove invaluable to clinical decision‐making regarding diagnosis and treatment of suspected TTP patients. We describe an assay for ADAMTS13 that uses a commercial source of VWF substrate and obviates dialysis for sample and substrate preparation. Patient and normal plasma are prepared by desalting over Micro‐Spin columns, and barium is added to activate the cleaving protease. Humate‐P® is prepared over a desalting column and reconstituted in urea prior to use as the exogenous VWF substrate. Desalted plasma is mixed with prepared substrate, and digestion is carried out at 37°C. Maximum sensitivity to very low levels of enzyme activity is achieved by using undiluted plasma and allowing digestion to proceed for 14 hr. The extent of VWF multimer cleavage is then demonstrated by Western blot. We used this assay to analyze VWF cleaving protease activity in plasma samples from 30 patients treated at our institution for TTP. Plasma from patients lacking ADAMTS13 was incubated with PNP and then analyzed by the same methods to determine the presence of an inhibitor. Our results indicate that the assay is suitable for providing timely information regarding ADAMTS13 activity for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected TTP. Am. J. Hematol. 76:286–290, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homoharringtonine mediates myeloid cell apoptosis via upregulation of pro‐apoptotic bax and inducing caspase‐3‐mediated cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)
Authors: Yinjun Lou , Jie Jin , Weilai Xu , Xiangming Tong
Published: June 2004

Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a plant alkaloid with antileukemia activity that is currently being used for treatment of acute, chronic leukemias and MDS. In this study, we show that HHT can induce apoptosis in a variety of human myeloid leukemia cell lines (U937, HL‐60, HEL, THP, and K562). U937 and HL60 cells undergo rapid apoptosis on treatment with HHT, as indicated by increased annexin V binding capacity, caspase‐3 activation, and cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). In addition, the expression of bax is upregulated during HHT‐induced cell death, whereas the expression of bcl‐2 is only slightly decreased. Importantly, treatment of primary leukemic cells, obtained from acute myeloid leukemia patients, resulted in rapid apoptosis. Thus, our data provide the mechanism of HHT and justify the use of HHT in the treatment of human myeloid leukemia. Am. J. Hematol. 76:199–204, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized relapse in bone marrow of extremities after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Endo T. , Sato N. , Koizumi K. , Nishio M. , Fujimoto K. , Sakai T. , Kumano K. , Obara M. , Minauchi K. , Koike T.
Published: June 2004

We report a patient with a relapsed in bone marrow of extremities after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient complained of pain in the right upper arm and left leg 15 months after transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) showed abnormal findings in bone marrow of upper and lower extremities. There were no findings of relapse in aspirates from the sternum and iliac bone marrow. Biopsy specimen from the iliac bone marrow showed normocellular marrow without leukemic cells. Biopsy specimen from the right humerus revealed marked leukemic cell infiltration in the bone marrow. This is apparently the first case of localized relapse of ALL in bone marrow of extremities. Physicians should be aware of unusual relapse sites of leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. MRI and FDG‐PET may be of value in detecting this type of relapse. Am. J. Hematol. 76:279–282, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membranous glomerulonephritis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ziakas Panayiotis D. , Giannouli Stavroula , Psimenou Erasmia , Nakopoulou Lydia , Voulgarelis Michalis
Published: June 2004

We present a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed membranous glomerulonephritis accompanied by interstitial monoclonal lymphocytic infiltration. Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) was successful in inducing an effective response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Improvement of renal function and proteinuria was also observed. Am. J. Hematol. 76:271–274, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.