bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Throughput Screening of Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foam Formulations: Quantitative Characterization of Isocyanurate Yield via the Adiabatic Temperature Method
Authors: Raffel Bolko , Loevenich Catherine J.
Published: December 2005

To reduce the time-to-market, a high throughput experimentation (HTE) method has been introduced at Bayer MaterialScience for the rapid development and optimization of polyurethane (PU) foam formulations and for the fast screening of new PU raw materials. The foam processor developed for this purpose allows automated PU foam production on a scale of 0.4 L, which is ten times smaller than the usual lab-scale foam volume. In order to optimize formulations for the increasing polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam market, a rapid in situ method has additionally been developed that is able to quantify isocyanurate concentration and yield. This method, the adiabatic temperature method (ATM), is based on the temperature profile measured within the foam bun in the HTE foam processor.

By comparison with attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR spectra of the cured foams, it is shown that the isocyanurate concentration found in the 0.4 L foams is comparable with that of larger foams typically used in the laboratory (ca. 5 L). This demonstrates that the 0.4 L foams can be used to investigate the trimerization of isocyanates to form isocyanurate.

The suitability of the ATM is demonstrated and verified by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for the influence of the index on isocyanurate yield and concentration for a pentane blown and a water co-blown PIR formulation. Isocyanurate yield is shown to be negligible at indices close to 100 but increases to an almost constant level at higher indices, the height of which depends on the type of the formulation. A level of approximately 70% has been observed for the physically blown formulations, whereas the water co-blown formulations only reach a level of around 40%.

Due to the successful implementation of the ATM, Bayer MaterialScience is increasingly using high throughput experimentation to optimize PIR recipes and to examine new raw materials and additives for polyisocyanurate foams. This has led to an increase in the efficiency of our polyurethane research and opened up possibilities that were not available to us before.
Simulating Stakeholder Support in a Policy Process: An Application to River Management
Authors: Valkering Pieter , Rotmans Jan , Krywkow Jörg , van der Veen Anne
Published: December 2005

The authors present an agent-based model representing a policy process among stakeholders of river management. For evaluating the different river management alternatives, the agent-based model is coupled to an integrated river model that describes the impacts of river management, such as flood risk, nature development, and costs. The model is applied to the case of the ongoing Dutch river management project “Grensmaas.” The authors analyze stakeholder support and reconstruct the observed policy outcomes of the Grensmaas project over the past 15 years to provide a first validation of the model. They then assess how stakeholder support and the policy outcome might change when stakeholders would change their preference structures or take climate change into account. They argue that the main virtue of the developed modeling framework lies in its application within participatory processes, to support stakeholders to reflect on their goals and uncertainty perspectives in a social context.
A Dynamic Algorithm for the Control of Automotive Painted Body Storage
Authors: Moon Dug Hee , Song Cheng , Ha Jae Hoon
Published: December 2005

This article introduces a simulation study relating to the dynamic operating algorithm for the painted body storage (PBS) in an automotive factory. The manufacturing process in the trim shop of an automotive factory is a typical example of the mixed-model assembly production. In the paint shop, which comes before the trim shop, same-colored bodies are grouped together to reduce the changeover cost. Therefore, the PBS is located between the paint shop and the trim shop to allow for the rescheduling of the input sequence of cars to the assembly line. In this article, a case study on PBS in an automotive factory is presented. The storage/retrieval algorithms are suggested, and the proposed system is verified using simulation models. A sensitivity analysis for operating factors is also carried out.
A Discrete Parameter Stochastic Approximation Algorithm for Simulation Optimization
Authors: Bhatnagar Shalabh , Kowshik Hemant J.
Published: December 2005

The authors develop a two-timescale simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation algorithm for simulation-based parameter optimization over discrete sets. This algorithm is applicable in cases where the cost to be optimized is in itself the long-run average of certain cost functions whose noisy estimates are obtained via simulation. The authors present the convergence analysis of their algorithm. Next, they study applications of their algorithm to the problem of admission control in communication networks. They study this problem under two different experimental settings and consider appropriate continuous time queuing models in both settings. Their algorithm finds optimal threshold-type policies within suitable parameterized classes of these. They show results of several experiments for different network parameters and rejection cost. The authors also study the sensitivity of their algorithm with respect to its parameters and step sizes. The results obtained are along expected lines.
Multifiller-matrix Adhesion Effects in Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Mathew G. , Nah C. , Rhee J. M. , Singh R. P.
Published: December 2005

The issue of accumulation of elastomer rejects is a serious matter deserving attention. The conversion of high-quality and lightly cross-linked rubber hydrocarbon in such latex rejects to a processable form is very important due to both economical and ecological reasons. The authors have conducted the evaluation of processing aspects, vulcanization behavior, and dynamic mechanical analysis of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) containing varying amounts of natural rubber prophylactic (NR prophylactics) waste with and without marble powder. The presence of NR prophylactics and marble powder has been found to activate the curing of ENR compounds. The Young’s modulus values first show an increase with 10 phr loading of NR prophylactics and then a slight decrease with its further addition. The presence of marble powder shows further increase in the values. In the presence of marble powder, increasing loading of NR prophylactics also increases the Young’s modulus. Except the slight decrease at 40 phr loading of NR prophylactics, similar trends as shown by Young’s modulus have been observed for tensile and tear strengths. The damping behavior has been found to be strongly dependent on the presence of marble powder in the blend. An increase in the glass transition temperature of ENR has been noted with the addition of 40 phr NR prophylactics at both 10 and 100 Hz frequencies. An increase in glass transition temperature has been noted with the presence of marble powder only in the case of ENR with 10 phr NR prophylactics. Increasing loading of NR prophylactics in marble powder-filled samples has been found to reduce the glass transition temperature. The analysis of the relative distribution of marble powder among the blend components reveals that marble powder is preferentially located in the NR prophylactics phase. The evaluation of network density in the vulcanizates using modulus-temperature plots has been found to support the observed variation in tensile and tear strengths. Cole-Cole plots have been drawn to confirm the heterogeneous nature of the samples.
Development of Environmentally Friendly Electrical Insulation Tape Composed of a PE/EPDM Blend
Authors: Lee Lucky , Lai Chingchih , Lin Jiacming , Lin Yuchin
Published: December 2005

A PE/EPDM environment friendly blend was processed via a critical method to an elastic film backing imitating conventional PVC electrical insulation tape. The film backing was surface treated, coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, dried, and unwound in sequence to become an electrical insulation tape for evaluation. The evaluation procedure was according to authoritative electrical insulation tape standard UL-510. The general physical properties and the unique characteristics of samples, composed of different materials, were tested. PE/EPDM was qualified to meet most of the requirements for UL-510 except exposure to heat. Among other characteristics, exposure to cold test, breakdown voltage, and flame resistance of PE/EPDM were significant. Therefore, an environment friendly PE/EPDM electrical insulation tape is well suited to low temperature and room temperature environments.
Fracture Resistance of Rubber-modified Asphaltic Mixtures Exposed to High-Temperature Cyclic Aging
Authors: Othman Ayman M.
Published: December 2005

The fracture resistance of rubber-modified asphaltic mixture exposed to different durations of high-temperature thermal cycling is investigated using the J-Integral approach. Crumb rubber content of 15%, as a percentage of the binder was adapted. Semicircular core specimens (76 mm radius and 57 mm thickness) were used for fracture resistance tests. A cyclic thermal aging program was performed in an environmental chamber between 20 and 50 C for four different periods (0, 8, 28, and 56 days). The effect of thermal cycling on the fracture resistance of the rubber-modified mixture, as determined by the critical energy release rate ( J1c), was studied and compared with samples of unmodified asphalt concrete mixture (0% rubber content). A relationship between the number of thermal cycles and the critical energy release rate was established. The current investigation revealed that the fracture resistance of the studied mixtures decreased as the number of thermal cycles increased. However, rubber modifier managed to improve the fracture resistance of the modified mixture over the entire range of the thermal cyclic program as compared to the unmodified mixture. The fracture resistance analysis of the studied mixture predicted from the J-integral concept is consistent with the prediction made based on the conventional indirect tensile strength test. Thus, fracture resistance can be correlated to indirect tensile strength. No significant improvement was found in the unconfined compressive strength of the modified mixture, when compared to the unmodified mixture when a rubber modifier was used at a higher number of thermal cycles.
A community based investigation of the association between cannabis use, injuries and accidents
Authors: Wadsworth E. J. K. , Moss S. C. , Simpson S. A. , Smith A. P.
Published: December 2005

There are well documented acute and chronic effects of cannabis use. However, less is known about any effects on safety within the context of work and everyday life.

The aim of the study was to examine any association between cannabis use and injuries and accidents.

A postal questionnaire survey was conducted among people selected at random from the electoral registers of Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.

Cannabis use was associated with both minor injuries and accidents, particularly among those with high levels of other associated risk factors.

Cannabis use was associated with a significant detrimental impact on safety. It is possible that this is linked to an amplification of other risk factors associated with accidents and injuries. This has potentially wide reaching implications particularly in the context of other work and lifestyle characteristics.
Electroencephalogram slowing, sleepiness and treatment response in patients with schizophrenia during olanzapine treatment
Authors: Wichniak Adam , Szafrański Tomasz , Wierzbicka Aleksandra , Waliniowska Elżbieta , Jernajczyk Wojciech
Published: December 2005

Electroencephalogram (EEG) slowing is associated with clozapine side effects, e.g., sedation, and may predict treatment response during clozapine treatment. As olanzapine and clozapine share many pharmacological properties, we investigated whether EEG slowing during olanzapine treatment was related to therapy outcome and sleepiness in patients with schizophrenia.

Participants were age- and gender-matched schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine ( n 54), receiving no pharmacological treatment ( n 54), or cotreated with olanzapine and some other psychotropic drug ( n 38). Their EEG recordings were assessed visually by the same rater blind to clinical data. The EEG scores were categorized using standardized forms.

Patients with a poor treatment response did not differ significantly from those with a good response to treatment either in EEG patterns or in frequency of sleepiness. Olanzapine treatment was associated with increased rates of slow (70.4% vs. 22.3%) and sharp waves (22.2% vs. 7.4%), as well as of paroxysmal slow wave discharges (14.8% vs. 1.9%), but did not induce spike- or sharp-slow-wave complexes. Cotreatment with another antipsychotic further increased EEG abnormalities, whereas benzodiazepine administration diminished the olanzapine-induced EEG changes.

The results show that olanzapine inducing both slow and sharp waves, as well as paroxysmal discharges, has a strong impact on EEG. However, as no spike- or sharp-slow-wave complexes were observed, the risk of epileptic seizure during olanzapine treatment can be regarded as low, as long as olanzapine is not combined with some other antipsychotic.
Resolution of sexual dysfunction during double-blind treatment of major depression with reboxetine or paroxetine
Authors: Baldwin David , Bridgman Kevin , Buis Christel
Published: December 2005

The selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor reboxetine may have advantages over the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors fluoxetine and citalopram, in effects on sexual function and satisfaction. The effects of reboxetine and paroxetine on sexual function were compared by examining data from the UK centres in an international double-blind flexible-dose parallel-group multi-centre randomized controlled trial of acute treatment of patients with DSM-IV major depression.

Patients were randomly assigned to receive reboxetine (4mg b.d.) or paroxetine (20mg mane) using a double-dummy technique to preserve the blind. The dosage could be increased at day 28 (to reboxetine 4mg mane, 6mg nocte; or paroxetine 20mg b.d.). Antidepressant efficacy was assessed by the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity (CGI-S) at all study visits, and the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) at each visit after randomization. Sexual function and satisfaction was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) items of the Rush Sexual Inventory completed at baseline and days 28 and 56.

There were no significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical features at baseline. There was a gradual reduction in severity of depressive symptoms (reboxetine, 14.3; paroxetine, 12.0: observed case analysis), with no significant differences between groups. There were significant differences ( p 0.05), with advantages for reboxetine, at Week 4 and Week 8 on the VAS item assessing ability to become sexually excited, and non-significant trends with advantages for reboxetine, in frequency of sexual thoughts at Week 4 ( p 0.05) and Week 8 ( p 0.08); and in desire to initiate sexual activity at Week 4 ( p 0.09). Exclusion of patients who had ever experienced sexual dysfunction with any medication prior to participation in this study ( n 10) reduced the statistical significance of the findings, although there were still numerical advantages for reboxetine.

Sexual function and satisfaction in depressed patients improves during double-blind acute treatment with reboxetine or paroxetine, but this improvement is greater and more rapid with reboxetine.
Current management of bipolar affective disorder: Is it reflective of the BAP guidelines?
Authors: Farrelly N. , Dibben C. , Hunt N.
Published: December 2005

In October 2003 the British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP) published evidence-based guidelines on the management of bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to assess whether the guidelines could provide the basis for examining clinical decisions and the extent to which practice accords with these guidelines. Case notes of out patients with bipolar disorder were reviewed. Demographic details, and treatment recommendations were determined. The management of affective episodes was evaluated and compared with BAP guidelines. In 84 subjects, 224 affective episodes were identified. Treatment was consistent with BAP guidelines in 72% of episodes. Mania was more likely to be managed in accordance with guidelines than depression or mixed episodes. The use of antidepressant medication was the most likely intervention to deviate from recommendations. Reasons for treatments at odds with the guidelines were identified. Our study demonstrates that clinical practice among a range of psychiatrists broadly reflects the guidelines that have been issued by the British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP). The BAP guidelines offer a practical and auditable basis for the short- and long-term treatment of bipolar affective disorder.
Polydrug abusers display impaired discrimination-reversal learning in a model of behavioural control
Authors: Fillmore Mark T. , Rush Craig R.
Published: December 2005

Long-term cocaine and alcohol use is associated with neuropsychological impairments that implicate poor inhibitory mechanisms of behavioural control. This study tested acquisition and discrimination-reversal learning in a group of polydrug users (n 20) with a history of cocaine and heavy alcohol use and a group of age-matched controls (n 20). A cued go/nogo task measured subjects’ ability to learn stimulus-response associations that involved the quick activation and sudden inhibition of responses. Compared with controls, drug users displayed similar acquisition, but impaired discrimination-reversal learning of both inhibitory and activational responses. The results suggest that some drug-related neuropsychological deficits might reflect specific impairments of the ability to inhibit interference from prior learning. The findings contribute to growing evidence that suggests cocaine and alcohol use could produce broad inhibitory impairments that increase the risk for learning deficits and poor impulse control.
Establishing a dose-response relationship for oral risperidone in relapsed schizophrenia
Authors: Ezewuzie Niina , Taylor David
Published: December 2005

For many antipsychotics, dose-response relationships remain poorly understood. High dose treatment remains commonplace. We aimed to establish the dose-response relationship for oral risperidone in relapsed schizophrenia. We searched the known medical literature for fixed-dose studies of oral risperidone in this patient group. Data recovered were used to construct graphs of dose versus response. Eighteen reports evaluating the efficacy of oral risperidone were retrieved. Three studies used fixed doses of oral risperidone for eight weeks in relapsed schizophrenia. The data from these studies were included. Graphs plotted using these data strongly suggest that doses of around 4mg daily are optimal. A dose of 2mg daily consistently produced a lower level of efficacy. Doses of 6mg or greater produced no additional benefit and doses tend to be less efficacious at 10mg daily and above. Frequency of extrapyramidal adverse effects increased with dose. The optimal dose of risperidone in relapsed schizophrenia is 4mg daily. Higher doses are unlikely to improve efficacy and may reduce it. Adverse movement disorders become more common.
Classification of high and low achievers in a music sight-reading task
Authors: Kopiez Reinhard , Weihs Claus , Ligges Uwe , Lee Ji In
Published: December 2005

The unrehearsed performance of music, called ‘sight-reading’ (SR), is a basic skill for all musicians. It is of particular interest for musical occupations such as the piano accompanist, the conductor, or the correpetiteur. However, up until now, there is no theory of SR which considers all relevant factors such as practice-related variables (e.g. expertise), speed of information processing (e.g. mental speed), or psychomotor speed (e.g. speed of trills). Despite the merits of expertise theory, there is no comprehensive model that can classify subjects into high- and low-performance groups. In contrast to previous studies, this study uses a data mining approach instead of regression analysis and tries to classify subjects into predetermined achievement classes. It is based on an extensive experiment in which the total SR performance of 52 piano students at a German music department was measured by use of an accompanying task. Additionally, subjects completed a set of psychological tests, such as tests of mental speed, reaction time, working memory, inner hearing, etc., which were found in earlier studies to be useful predictors of SR achievement. For the first time, classification methods (cluster analysis, regression trees, classification trees, linear discriminant analysis) were applied to determine combinations of variables for classification. Results of a linear discriminant analysis revealed a two-class solution with four predictors (cross-validated error: 15%) and a three-class solution with five predictors (cross-validated error: 33%).
Flame Retardation of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Using Nano Magnesium Hydroxide and Nano Hydrotalcite
Authors: Jiao C. M. , Wang Z. Z. , Ye Z. , Hu Y. , Fan W. C.
Published: December 2005

The flame-retardant effects of nano magnesium hydroxide (NMH) and nano hydrotalcite (NLDH) in ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) are studied by using the limited oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LOI values of both EVA-NMH and EVA-NLDH blends increase gradually on increasing the NMH and NLDH content, respectively. The LOI value of EVA-NLDH is higher than that of EVA-NMH at the same additive level. In the UL-94 test, for EVA-NMH blend, there are no ratings at all even if the loading of NMH is up to 150 phr (60%). However, the EVA-NLDH blend at the additive level of 120 phr reaches the V-1 rating, and the blend with 150 phr NLDH reaches the V-0 rating. The heat release rate (HRR) data of EVA-NLDH blends are much lower than that of the EVA-NMH blends. From the LOI, UL-94, and HRR data, it can be seen that the flame-retardant effect of NLDH is better than that of NMH. The TG and differential TG (DTG) data show that additives NMH and NLDH increase the thermal stability of the EVA copolymer. The LRS results confirm that the charred layers formed during the burning of the nano EVA blends have a graphite-like structure. The mechanical properties of EVA-NMH blends are better than those of EVA-NLDH blends.
Influence of Potassium Nitrate on the Combustion Rate of a Water-based Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Agent
Authors: Xiaomeng Zhou , Guangxuan Liao , Renming Pan
Published: December 2005

A water-based aerosol fire extinguishing agent (WAE) is a safe and practical alternative to halons. It comprises an oxidizer, a fuel and a catalyst. The WAE combusts and generates large amounts of inert gases and vapor, which are released into the fire scenario, extinguishing the fire. KNO3 is used as an oxidizer to adjust the combustion rate and to ensure highly effective fire extinguishing ability and safe application of WAE. Generally, the combustion rate of WAE increases with an increase of KNO3%. However, within a specific range of KNO3%, the combustion rate decreases initially and then increases with an increase of KNO3%, called the ‘N’ effect in this study. The competition between these two effects leads to a decrease of the activation energy of the thermal decomposition of WAE as KNO3% increases along with an inhibiting effect of the liquid mixture that is generated during the combustion of the WAE. In addition, the relationship between the combustion rate and the fire extinguishing time is also discussed in this study.
Cytotoxicity of Two-step Self-etching Primer/Adhesives on L929 Cells
Authors: Gurpinar Aylin , Onur Mehmet Ali , Cehreli Zafer C. , Tasman Fugen
Published: December 2005

The cytotoxicity of four self-etching primer/adhesive systems (Clearfil® SE Bond, Clearfil® Protect Bond, Mac Bond® II and FL® Bond) was tested against L929 fibroblasts. The primer or adhesive component of each adhesive system was diluted serially with the culture medium at a ratio of 1:1,000 and 1:4,000 (v/v). Cytotoxicity was identified by adding L929 cells in 24-well culture plates at an initial density of 35,000 cells mL 1. The cells were maintained for 5 days; every 24h, the medium was changed with fresh medium containing specific dilutions of the primer or adhesive components of the test materials. Cytotoxicity was assessed quantitatively at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h. Physiological and pathological cellular changes as well as reactions and growth of the cell cultures were examined under an inverted microscope. All self-etching systems were found to be cytotoxic to varying degrees; more pronounced toxic effects were observed at lower dilution (1:1,000 [v/v]). The adhesive components of Mac Bond® II and FL® Bond showed the highest cytotoxicity at 1:1,000 (v/v). The primer and adhesive of Clearfil® SE Bond, the primer of Mac Bond® II and the antibacterial monomer (MDPB)-containing Clearfil® Protect Bond (at 1:4,000 [v/v]) were relatively less cytotoxic.
Temperature-Stress Equivalency in Nonlinear Viscoelastic Creep Characterization of Thermoplastic/Agro-fiber Composites
Authors: Pramanick A. , Sain M.
Published: December 2005

The viscoelastic characterization of agro-filler based plastic composites is of paramount importance for the material’s long-term commercial success. To predict creep, it is important to derive a relationship between deformation, time, temperature, relative humidity, and stress. Since temperature shift can interfere with stress shift in creep, the predictive model should incorporate the relationship between these two shifts. Rice husk-HDPE beams were subjected to creep and recovery in the flexural mode and stress/time/temperature-related creep behavior of the same was studied. Temperature-related creep constants and shift factors were determined for the material and the constants were compared against theoretical two-phase constants. The combined effect of temperature and stress on creep strain was accommodated in a single analytical function where the interaction was shown to be additive. This means that the stress equivalency of temperature is possible. This constitutive equation can predict creep in the long run. Although stress dependency is nonlinear, temperature dependency is linear and thermorheologically complex. The ‘single-phase’ material behavior (creep constants) was also compared with a ‘two-phase’ predictive model, where the creep constants were estimated with the ‘theory of mixtures’.
An Experimental Study of the Pultrusion of Carbon Fiber-Polyamide 12 Yarn
Authors: Wiedmer S. , Manolesos M.
Published: December 2005

The present study reports about the pultrusion of a carbon fiber-reinforced PA12 yarn containing discontinuous carbon and polyamide fibers. This is the first attempt to pultrude this material. Rectangular cross sectional profiles have been successfully produced using a self-designed pultrusion line. In a series of experiments, the pultrusion parameters, such as preheating method, die temperature, and especially the pulling speed, which represents a determining factor regarding a potential industrial application, are varied.

A complete characterization of each profile is conducted to examine the influence of processing parameters on the profile quality. The mechanical properties are evaluated by performing three-point bending as well as shear tests. The void content is also determined. The pulling speed seems to have the greatest influence on the profile quality. Under certain conditions of speed and temperature, the pultruded profiles exhibit good mechanical performance and a void content below 2%. The shear strength reacts most sensitively to the process parameter variations and can be used as a quality criteria.
Integrated Clustering Approach to Developing Technology for Functional Feature and Engineering Specification-based Reference Design Retrieval
Authors: Chen Yuh-Jen , Chen Yuh-Min , Chu Hui-Chuan , Wang Chin-Bin , Tsaih Der-Chian , Yang Hui-Mei
Published: December 2005

Engineering design is a complex activity, and is heavily reliant on the know-how of engineering designers. Hence, capturing, storing, and reusing design information, design intent, and underlining design knowledge to support design activities is a key issue in engineering knowledge management.

To meet the demand for engineering designers regarding functional feature and engineering specification-based knowledge resources, this study proposes a novel scheme for functional feature and engineering specification-based reference design retrieval using an integrated clustering approach for providing engineering designers with easy access to relevant reference design and associated knowledge. The research objectives can be achieved by performing the following five tasks: (i) designing a functional feature and engineering specificationbased reference design retrieval process, (ii) developing a functional feature and engineering specification representation, (iii) investigating and integrating ART1 (adaptive resonance theory 1) neural network, GA (genetic algorithm), and fuzzy ART (fuzzy adaptive resonance theory) clustering techniques, and (iv) implementing a functional feature and engineering specification-based reference design retrieval mechanism and experimenting with an example. The retrieval process involves three steps: functional feature and engineering specification-based query, similar design case search and retrieval, and similar design case ranking. The techniques involved include: (i) a binary code-based representation for functional feature and an EXPRESS language-based representation for engineering specification, (ii) ART1 neural network and genetic algorithm for functional feature-based similar design case clustering, (iii) fuzzy ART for engineering specification-based similar design case clustering, (iv) similarity calculation for ranking similar design cases, and (v) a case-based representation for designed entities.
Functional Product Life-cycle Simulation Model for Cost Estimation in Conceptual Design of Jet Engine Components
Authors: Sandberg Marcus , Boart Patrik , Larsson Tobias
Published: December 2005

As functional (total care) products emerge in the jet engine industry, the need for product life-cycle models capable of definition and evaluation of life cycle properties increases, since functional products (FP) includes both hardware and service. Recent life-cycle models are intended for hardware products and mostly handle design and manufacturing knowledge. The aim of this article is to present a design approach that extends the evaluation capabilities beyond classical hardware design and manufacturing evaluation. The focus has been to introduce evaluation of manufacturing and post-manufacturing activities in evaluation of conceptual designs. For this purpose, a model has been proposed to handle the information flow between teams when developing structural jet engine components. A case study, in which the proposed model was used in cooperation with a jet engine component manufacturer, is presented. Aspects concerning design, manufacturing, performance, and maintenance of jet engine flanges were included in the example by means of a knowledge based engineering (KBE)-system coupled to databases and spreadsheets. The model is more suitable than recent work for the development of hardware parts of functional products (HFP), since knowledge from more product development disciplines is included. As the engineer changes the design and directly assesses the life-cycle cost (LCC) and how the changes impact the interface to other jet engine components, more knowledge on the impact of design decisions is available at hand for the engineering designer than without the model.
Development of a New Meat Analog Through Twin-Screw Extrusion of Defatted Soy Flour-lean Pork Blend
Authors: Liu S. X. , Peng M. , Tu S. , Li H. , Cai L. , Yu X.
Published: December 2005

A pilot scale co-rotating, self-wiping twin-screw extruder was used to produce high-moisture texturised meat analogue products from defatted soy protein and lean pork blend with different combinations of operational variables and feed compositions. The effects of operational variables and feed compositions that include temperature setting in five heating zones of the extruder, screw speed, throughput, moisture content, oil content, and pork percentage upon sensory textual quality were determined. The optimal sensory texture and energy consumption of extrusion cooking of the feed blend were obtained with a die of rectangular slit configuration, barrel temperature setting at 60-100-120-150-110°C, screw speed at 80rpm, 50% moisture content, lean pork content ranging from 30-50%, and the oil content ranging from 12-16% (depending upon the fat content of the pork) for optimal extrudate texture formation and stable operation.
Dough and Breadmaking Properties of Wheat Flour Substituted by 10% with Germinated Quinoa Flour
Authors: Park S. H. , Morita N.
Published: December 2005

Dough physical properties and baking quality of wheat flour substituted by 10% with non germinated quinoa flour (control), 24-h, 48-h and 72-h germinated quinoa flours were studied. The stability time and valorimeter value of the control and 24-h germinated quinoa flour substituted wheat flours were significantly longer and higher than those of 48-h and 72-h samples. The 10% substitution of germinated quinoa flour for wheat flour made distinctly harder dough than that of the control. The low amount of total and inner gas generations was observed for the 48-h and 72-h samples, as compared with those of the control and 24-h germinated quinoa samples. SEM observations showed that the gluten matrix of the control and 24-h germinated quinoa flour substituted wheat dough seemed to be more extended and more dispersed than those of 48-h and 72-h samples. The loaf volume of bread made from 24-h germinated quinoa flour substitution for wheat flour was the largest among the germinated samples; however, no significant differences were observed between the control and 24-h samples.
Experimental Study of Debonded Sandwich Panels under Compressive Loading
Authors: Aviles Francis , Carlsson Leif A.
Published: December 2005

An experimental study of the in-plane compression failure of sandwich panels consisting of glass/epoxy face sheets over a range of PVC foam cores (H45, H100, and H200) and a balsa wood core containing one or two circular or square interfacial debonds is conducted. For the great majority of the specimens, failure occurred by local buckling of the debonded face sheet followed by rapid debond growth towards the panel edges, perpendicular to the applied load. Panels with the largest debond (10 cm diameter or 9 cm length) displayed some post-buckling strength. Examination of the face and core failure surfaces after total separation showed that the tendency for interface (core/resin) failure increases with increasing core density. It was found that the compression strength strongly decreases with decreasing core stiffness and increasing debond size. The compression strength of panels with H45 core decreased with reduced core thickness. Failure loads for panels with symmetric debonds at both face/core interfaces were practically the same as those for panels containing a single debond. Panels with square debonds failed at lower loads than those with circular debonds of the same area. Circular debonds of 50 mm diameter and square debonds of 45 mm length set the threshold for debond failure of the panels considered here.
Free Vibration of Skew Fiber-reinforced Composite and Sandwich Laminates using a Shear Deformable Finite Element Model
Authors: Garg Ajay Kumar , Khare Rakesh Kumar , Kant Tarun
Published: December 2005

A simple Co isoparametric finite element model, based on a higher-order shear deformation theory is presented for the free vibration analysis of isotropic, orthotropic, and layered anisotropic composite and sandwich skew laminates. This theory incorporates a realistic nonlinear variation of displacements through the laminate thickness, and eliminates the use of shear correction coefficients. The boundary conditions on the skew edges are imposed through the suitable transformation of element matrices. The accuracy of the present model is demonstrated by comparing with alternative solutions available in the literature. Extensive numerical results are presented for natural frequencies of cross-ply and angle-ply skew laminates with various lamination parameters, skew angles, boundary conditions, and width-to-thickness ratios. New results on skew sandwiches are obtained for different lamination parameters and skew angles.
Coating of Polyester with Poly(dimethylsiloxane)- and Poly(tetramethylene oxide)-based Polyurethane
Authors: Rochery M. , Vroman I. , Campagne C.
Published: December 2005

Copolymers siloxane–urethane are prepared to coat polyester fabrics to make them hydrophobic. Initially, our focus was on the bulk synthesis of poly(siloxane–urethane) in two steps: the first relates to the formation of a prepolymer between the isophorone diisocyanate and a poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol. In the second step, 1,4-butanediol is added, as the chain extender. Thus two types of polyurethanes are obtained according to whether poly(dimethylsiloxane) is introduced in the first or in the second step. Then the polyester fabric is impregnated with the prepared formulations. The contribution of coating during the mechanical tests is checked. The measurement of contact angles makes it possible to control the waterproofing effect expected for this kind of formulation.
Effect of Fabric Structures on the Mechanical Properties of 3-D Textile Composites
Authors: Wang Youjiang , Zhao Dongming
Published: December 2005

This article reports on an experimental study to evaluate the effect of fabric structures on the mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3-D) textile composites reinforced with 3-D braid, 3-D woven fabric, and 3-D woven fabric with twisted yarns. The mechanical properties are tested in uniaxial tension, compression, three-point flexure, and short-beam shear. The failure modes and mechanisms under such loading conditions are examined. While the mechanical properties and failure modes of these composites vary considerably, they are directly influenced by the fiber architecture of the perform fabrics. When more fibers are placed to strengthen the composite in a given direction, the composite could be weakened by the shift of fiber placement in some other directions. The structure–property relations of such 3-D composites are discussed in this article.
Single-agent arsenic trioxide in the treatment of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia: durable remissions with minimal toxicity
Authors: Mathews Vikram , George Biju , Lakshmi Kavitha M. , Viswabandya Auro , Bajel Ashish , Balasubramanian Poonkuzhali , Shaji Ramachandran Velayudhan , Srivastava Vivi M. , Srivastava Alok , Chandy Mammen
Published: December 2005

Arsenic trioxide, as a single agent, has proven efficacy in inducing molecular remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). There is limited long-term outcome data with single-agent As2O3 in the management of newly diagnosed cases of APL. Between January 1998 to December 2004, 72 newly diagnosed cases of APL were treated with a regimen of single-agent As2O3 at our center. Complete hematologic remission was achieved in 86.1%. At a median follow-up of 25 months (range: 8-92 months), the 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of EFS, DFS, and OS was 74.87% ± 5.6%, 87.21% ± 4.93%, and 86.11% ± 4.08%, respectively. Patients presenting with a white blood cell (WBC) count lower than 5 × 109/L and a platelet count higher than 20 × 109/L at diagnosis (n = 22 [30.6%]) have an excellent prognosis with this regimen (EFS, OS, and DFS of 100%). The toxicity profile, in the majority, was mild and reversible. After remission induction, this regimen was administered on an outpatient basis. Single-agent As2O3, as used in this series, in the management of newly diagnosed cases of APL, is associated with responses comparable with conventional chemotherapy regimens. Additionally, this regimen has minimal toxicity and can be administered on an outpatient basis after remission induction.
Arf6 plays an early role in platelet activation by collagen and convulxin
Authors: Choi Wangsun , Karim Zubair A. , Whiteheart Sidney W.
Published: December 2005

Small GTPases play critical roles in hemostasis, though the roster of such molecules in platelets is not complete. In this study, we report the presence of Ras-related GTPases of the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family. Platelets contain Arf1 or 3 and Arf6, with the latter being predominantly membrane associated. Using effector domain pull-down assays, we show, counter to other GTPases, that Arf6-GTP is present in resting platelets and decreases rapidly upon activation with collagen or convulxin. This decrease does not completely rely on secondary agonists (ADP and thromboxane A2) or require integrin signaling. The decrease in free Arf6-GTP temporally precedes activation of Rho family GTPases (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1). Using a membrane-permeant, myristoylated peptide, which mimics the N-terminus of Arf6, we show that the Arf6-GTP decrease is essential for collagen- and convulxin-induced aggregation, platelet adherence, and spreading on collagen-coated glass. Treatment with this peptide also affects the activation of Rho family GTPases, but has little effect on RalA and Rap1 or on agonist-induced calcium mobilization. These data show that Arf6 is a key element in activation through GPVI, and is required for activation of the Rho family GTPases and the subsequent cytoskeletal rearrangements needed for full platelet function.
Long-term engagement of CD6 and ALCAM is essential for T-cell proliferation induced by dendritic cells
Authors: Zimmerman Aukje W. , Joosten Ben , Torensma Ruurd , Parnes Jane R. , van Leeuwen Frank N. , Figdor Carl G.
Published: December 2005

Interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are the first step in the induction of an adaptive immune response. Here, we show that CD6 and its ligand activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) are actively recruited to the antigen-induced dendritic cell (DC)–T-cell contact zone. Moreover, ALCAM-blocking antibodies interfere with DC–T-cell conjugate formation, demonstrating that CD6-ALCAM binding is essential for stable T-cell–APC contact. We now demonstrate that besides their role in establishing initial contacts, CD6-ALCAM interactions are also required during the proliferative phase of the T-cell response; the presence of CD6-blocking antibodies or recombinant ALCAM-Fc proteins results in a strong and sustained inhibition of T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, simultaneous crosslinking of CD6 and CD3 induces enhanced proliferation and transcriptional activity to a similar level as observed after CD3 and CD28 co-crosslinking, demonstrating that CD6 is an important costimulatory molecule. The stability of ALCAM-CD6 binding, which contrasts with transient homotypic ALCAM-ALCAM interactions, further supports the long-lasting effects observed on T-cell proliferation. Taken together, we demonstrate that CD6 and ALCAM form a key adhesive receptor-ligand pair that is not only involved in early DC-T-cell binding but also in sustaining DC-induced T-cell proliferation long after the initial contact has been established.
Differentiation of naive cord-blood T cells into CD19-specific cytolytic effectors for posttransplantation adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Serrano Lisa Marie , Pfeiffer Timothy , Olivares Simon , Numbenjapon Tontanai , Bennitt Jennifer , Kim Daniel , Smith David , McNamara George , Al-Kadhimi Zaid , Rosenthal Joseph , Forman Stephen J. , Jensen Michael C. , Cooper Laurence J. N.
Published: December 2005

Disease relapse is a barrier to achieving therapeutic success after unrelated umbilical cord-blood transplantation (UCBT) for B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). While adoptive transfer of donor-derived tumor-specific T cells is a conceptually attractive approach to eliminating residual disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, adoptive immunotherapy after UCBT is constrained by the difficulty of generating antigen-specific T cells from functionally naive umbilical cord-blood (UCB)–derived T cells. Therefore, to generate T cells that recognize B-ALL, we have developed a chimeric immunoreceptor to redirect the specificity of T cells for CD19, a B-lineage antigen, and expressed this transgene in UCB-derived T cells. An ex vivo process, which is compliant with current good manufacturing practice for T-cell trials, has been developed to genetically modify and numerically expand UCB-derived T cells into CD19-specific effector cells. These are capable of CD19-restricted cytokine production and cytolysis in vitro, as well as mediating regression of CD19+ tumor and being selectively eliminated in vivo. Moreover, time-lapse microscopy of the genetically modified T-cell clones revealed an ability to lyse CD19+ tumor cells specifically and repetitively. These data provide the rationale for infusing UCB-derived CD19-specific T cells after UCBT to reduce the incidence of CD19+ B-ALL relapse.
Combining short stent implantation and drug-eluting stenting for routine use yields a low restenosis rate
Authors: Dietz Ulrich , Dauer Cheryl , Lambertz Heinz
Published: December 2005

Background

Stent length serves as a predictor of restenosis in use of bare metal stents (BMS). This has been demonstrated in a feasibility study that used a single short BMS implant (<9 mm) in a high proportion of lesions; the study observed a low rate of restenosis.

Methods

We performed a pilot prospective study to investigate in a series of consecutive patients the immediate and long-term effects of implantation of either 1) a single short BMS for all lesions with low probability of restenosis or 2) a drug-eluting stent (DES) for all other lesions.

Results

The 200 patients studied had 236 coronary artery lesions that were treated with short BMS in 168/236 patients (71.2%) and with DES in 68/236 patients (28.8%). Angiographic success was achieved in 230/236 lesions (97.5%) and procedural success in 194/200 patients (97.0%). Restenosis occurred in 15/153 lesions (9.8%) after short BMS, in 3/62 lesions (4.8%) after DES, and in 18/215 of all lesions (8.4%) angiographically controlled after six to eight months. Target vessel revascularization was performed in 16/218 lesion (7.4%).

Conclusion

Most of the coronary artery lesions in this small group of consecutive patients were treated sufficiently with a single BMS implant. This differential approach of treating suitable lesions in medium- to large-sized vessels with a single short BMS device and treating all other lesions with a DES implant resulted in a low incidence of restenosis.