bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IT Outsourcing and Redefinition of the Subsidiary Role: a Comparative Study Between the Brazilian and the Indian Subsidiaries of an American Multinational
Authors: Da Silva Marco Aurélio , Gonzalez Duarte Roberto , De Castro José Márcio , Rocha Araújo Aristides
Published: October 2009

Global outsourcing, also known as offshoring, has become a major phenomenon in the IT industry.
Responsibilities have been transferred to IT suppliers worldwide. A key element of this strategic change
occurred in the IT sector is the growing importance of emerging economies, such as Brazil and India, as
offshoring suppliers. A stream of the literature on international business has analysed which factors may
affect the evolution of a subsidiary within a multinational. This paper aims to analyse how exporting
outsourcing IT services can redefine the role of a subsidiary within a corporation and, consequently change
its strategic relevance. Empirical research compared the offshoring activities of two subsidiaries –Brazilian
and Indian – of an American IT multinational. In particular, the empirical research focussed on how
subsidiary choice, head office assignment and environment determinism factors interact to each other in
order to determine the evolution of each subsidiary. The results have demonstrated that the Indian
subsidiary trajectory was essentially determined by the development of its resources, innovation,
governmental support and entrepreneurship. The Brazilian subsidiary trajectory in turn was mostly
influenced by head office assignment and subsidiary performance. A comparative analysis between the two cases has demonstrated how these aspects have altogether determined why these subsidiaries have evolved
differently from each other. Most importantly, this paper argues that management capacity and subsidiary
leadership are critical elements to understand the evolution of a multinational subsidiary trajectory.
Information Technology Strategic Alignment: Analysis of Alignment Models and Proposals for Future Research
Authors: Sobrosa Affeldt Fabrício , Alberto Vanti Adolfo
Published: October 2009

Information Technology (IT) is a resource capable of supporting businesses, which provides
agile operations and mobility and decision support tools. The link between IT and business
strategy has been studied regarding the best fitted model to improve company performance.
This paper analyzes, through bibliographic research, the strategic alignment concept and the
evolution of the strategic alignment theoretical models that are considered references in this area.
The paper presents a comparison between these referential models and some perspectives for
future research related IT strategic alignment.
Factors of Influence on the Entrepreneurial Interest: an Analysis with Students of Information Technology Related Courses
Authors: Da Costa Francisco José , Araujo Cavalcante Soares Alexandre , Guilherme Bonfim Diego
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the research was to analyze the entrepreneurial interest of students in information technology related courses. A literature review was performed, from which four hypotheses were announced, affirming that the student interest in entrepreneurial activity is influenced by (1) the perceived vocation of the area, (2) the ownership of a company, (3) the perceived social support from friends and family, and (4) the entrepreneurial skills mastery. A field study was developed, with data collected from the 171 students of higher education institutions from Fortaleza. The data were analyzed by using statistical techniques of descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. It was found that: (1) students, in general, have a moderate predisposition to engage in entrepreneurial activities; (2) the entrepreneurial interest is influenced by the perceived entrepreneurial vocation of the area, the social support, and the perceived strategic entrepreneurial skills mastery.
Research About the Users´ Perception of Accounting and Tax Bookkeeping Modules of an ERP System for the Cargo and Passengers Road Transportation Sector
Authors: Trevizoli José Carlos , Cortes Pedro Luiz , Galegale Napoleão Verardi , Peleias Ivam Ricardo
Published: October 2009

This research evaluated the users´perception of accounting and tax bookkeeping modules of an ERP – Enterprise Resources Planning System for the cargo and passengers road transportation sector. It´s a survey research, which combined empiric investigation, bibliographical review, as well as field research. It was applied a questionnaire containing 20 questions to characterize the sample and 30 assertive ones, answered by 37 users of the system. The collected data were treated by Qualitative Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Cluster Analysis and Comparative Analysis among the clusters. The results demonstrate how these users perceive the importance and the facilities with the use of the system, as well as grouped such users in 3 opinion clusters (optimistic, realists and pessimistic) and indicated points that can be improved in the system.
Information Based Metaphors: from Brain to Network
Authors: Tavares da Silva Cozer Mateus , Fernandes Pólo Edison , Cortez Campomar Marcos
Published: October 2009

Metaphoric language has grown in popularity over the last years. Once simple figure of speech, metaphors were transformed into a respectable approach for organizational analysis. The brain metaphor constitutes an attractive system of ideas for studying organizational phenomena. In this paper, it is used the brain metaphor as a point of departure in developing another informational metaphor: the network metaphor. It is suggested that the latter might provide a better perspective for studying contemporary organizations in this age of information and telecommunications.
Institutionalism and Information Systems: Current State of the Art and Position of French Research
Authors: Quinio Bernard , Marciniak Rolande
Published: October 2009

The various currents of institutionalism are used in management science, particularly in the area of information systems. Richard Scott's global model is a fertile framework for the analysis of institutional research. First, we will study the contributions of French research to institutionalism. Then, returning to the fundamentals of information systems (IS), we will show that the interaction between institutions and IS can be analysed via the notion of formal and informal rules. Research carried out at the University of Paris
RESULTADOS DO 6º CONTECSI – CONGRESSO INTERNACIONAL DE GESTÃO DA TECNOLOGIA E SISTEMAS DE INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Riccio Edson Luiz , Sakata Marici Gramacho , Azevedo Renato Ferreira Leitão , Valente Nelma Terezinha Zubek
Published: October 2009

Procuramos relatar neste documento as estatísticas, os dados e a importância do 6º CONTECSI – International Conference on Information Systems and Technology Management - Congresso Internacional de Gestão da Tecnologia e Sistemas de Informação, realizado nos dias 03, 04 e 05 de junho de 2009 pelo TECSI/EAC/FEA/USP na Universidade de São Paulo. Este relatório apresenta: Estatísticas 6º CONTECSI, Justificativas e Objetivos, Programa, Sessões Plenárias, Consórcio Doutoral, Sessões paralelas, Menção Honrosa e Comitês. Salientamos, todavia, a grande importância do auxílio financeiro recebido da CAPES, CNPq e FAPESP e o apoio da FEA USP, ANPAD, AIS, ISACA, Université Paris Quest Nanterre La Defense, Universidade do Porto, Febraban, Rutgers, Tech Supply, ANEFAC, São Paulo Convention Bureau, Mastersaf, Sicoob e CCINT-FEA-USP.
Stochastic stability of a neural‐net robot controller subject to signal‐dependent noise in the learning rule
Authors: Ishihara Abraham K. , van Doornik Johan , Ben‐Menahem Shahar
Published: October 2009

We consider a neural network‐based controller for a rigid serial link manipulator with uncertain plant parameters. We assume that the training signal to the network is corrupted by signal‐dependent noise. A radial basis function network is utilized in the feedforward control to approximate the unknown inverse dynamics. The weights are adaptively adjusted according to a gradient descent plus a regulation term (Narendra'se‐modification). We prove a theorem that extends the Yoshizawa D‐boundedness results to the stochastic setting. As in the deterministic setting, this result is particularly useful for neural network robot control when there exists bounded torque disturbances and neural net approximation errors over a known compact set. Using this result, we establish bounds on the feedback gains and learning rate parameters that guarantee the origin of the closed‐loop system is semi‐globally, uniformly bounded in expected value. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyphenylene Dendrimer‐Templated In Situ Construction of Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Rice‐Shaped Architectures
Authors: Qi Xiaoying , Xue Can , Huang Xiao , Huang Yizhong , Zhou Xiaozhu , Li Hai , Liu Daojun , Boey Freddy , Yan Qingyu , Huang Wei , De Feyter Steven , Müllen Klaus , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2009

A novel dendrimer‐templating method for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and the in situ construction of ordered inorganic–organic CuO–G2Td(COOH)16rice‐shaped architectures (RSAs) with analogous monocrystalline structures are reported. The primary CuO nanoparticles are linked by the G2Td(COOH)16 dendrimer. This method provides a way to preserve the original properties of primary CuO nanoparticles in the ordered hybrid nanomaterials by using the 3D rigid polyphenylene dendrimer (G2Td(COOH)16) as a space isolation. The primary CuO nanoparticles with diameter of (6.3 ± 0.4) nm are synthesized via four successive reaction steps starting from the rapid reduction of Cu(NO3)2 by using NaBH4 as reducer and G2Td(COOH)16 as surfactant. The obtained hybrid CuO–G2Td(COOH)16 RSA, formed in the last reaction step, possesses a crystal structure analogous to a monocrystal as observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM). In particular, the formation process of the RSA is monitored by UV–vis, TEM, and X‐ray diffraction. Small angle X‐ray scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are used to investigate the role of the dendrimer in the RSA formation process. The obtained results illuminate that Cu2+COO− coordination bonds play an indispensable role in bridging and dispersing the primary CuO nanoparticles to induce and maintain the hybrid RSA. More importantly, the RSA is retained through the Cu2+COO−coordination bonds even with HCl treatment, suggesting that the dendrimers and Cu2+ ions may form rice‐shaped polymeric complexes which could template the assembly of CuO nanoparticles towards RSAs. This study highlights the feasibility and flexibility of employing the peculiar dendrimers to in‐situ build up hybrid architectures which could further serve as templates, containers or nanoreactors for the synthesis of other nanomaterials.
Phenylcarbazole‐Based Phosphine Oxide Host Materials For High Efficiency In Deep Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jeon Soon Ok , Yook Kyoung Soo , Joo Chul Woong , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: October 2009

Highly efficient deep blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes are developed using novel phenylcarbazole‐based phosphine oxide host materials (PPO1 and PPO2). A deep blue phosphorescent dopant, tris((3,5‐difluoro‐4‐cyanophenyl)pyridine) iridium, is doped into PPO1 and PPO2 at a doping concentration of 15% and a high quantum efficiency of 18.4% is obtained with color coordinates of (0.14, 0.15).
Recipe determination and scheduling of gasoline blending operations
Authors: Li Jie , Karimi I. A. , Srinivasan Rajagopalan
Published: October 2009

Gasoline is a major contributor to the profit of a refinery. Scheduling gasoline‐blending operations is a critical and complex routine task involving tank allocation, component mixing, blending, product storage, and order delivery. Optimized schedules can maximize profit by avoiding ship demurrage, improving order delivery, minimizing quality give‐aways, avoiding costly transitions and slop generation, and reducing inventory costs. However, the blending recipe and scheduling decisions make this problem a nonconvex mixed‐integer nonlinear program (MINLP). In this article, we develop a slot‐based MILP formulation for an integrated treatment of recipe, specifications, blending, and storage and incorporate many real‐life features such as multipurpose product tanks, parallel nonidentical blenders, minimum run lengths, changeovers, piecewise constant profiles for blend component qualities and feed rates, etc. To ensure constant blending rates during a run, we develop a novel and efficient procedure that solves successive MILPs instead of a nonconvex MINLP. We use 14 examples with varying sizes and features to illustrate the superiority and effectiveness of our formulation and solution approach. The results show that our solution approach is superior to commercial solvers (BARON and DICOPT). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Association between polymorphisms in the metallophosphoesterase (MPPE1) gene and bipolar disorder
Authors: Lohoff Falk W. , Ferraro Thomas N. , Brodkin Edward S. , Weller Andrew E. , Bloch Paul J.
Published: October 2009

Genetic linkage studies in bipolar disorder (BPD) suggest that a susceptibility locus exists on chromosome 18p11. The metallophosphoesterase (MPPE1) gene maps to this region. Dysregulation of protein phosphorylation and subsequent abnormal cellular signaling has been postulated to be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders thus making MPPE1 a plausible biological candidate gene for BPD. In this study, we hypothesized that genetic variation in the MPPE1 gene contributes to BPD. We tested this hypothesis by genotyping four SNPs (rs871044; rs3974590; rs593713; rs602201) in BPD patients (n = 570) and healthy controls (n = 725). Genotypes and allele frequencies were compared between groups using Chi square contingency analysis. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers was calculated and estimated haplotype frequencies were compared between groups. Single marker analysis revealed an association of rs3974590 with BPD (P = 0.009; permutation corrected P = 0.046). Haplotype analysis did not show any significant association with disease after permutation correction. Our results provide evidence of an association between a polymorphism in the MPPE1 gene and BPD. Additional studies are necessary to confirm and elucidate the role of MPPE1 as a susceptibility gene for BPD on chromosome 18p. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association and interaction analysis of variants in CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster with nicotine dependence in African and European Americans
Authors: Li Ming D. , Xu Qing , Lou Xiang‐Yang , Payne Thomas J. , Niu Tianhua , Ma Jennie Z.
Published: October 2009

Several previous genome‐wide and targeted association studies revealed that variants in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 (CHRNA5/A3/B4) gene cluster on chromosome 15 that encode the α5, α3, and β4 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are associated with nicotine dependence (ND) in European Americans (EAs) or others of European origin. Considering the distinct linkage disequilibrium patterns in European and other ethnic populations such as African Americans (AAs), it would be interesting to determine whether such associations exist in other ethnic populations. We performed a comprehensive association and interaction analysis of the CHRNA5/A3/B4 cluster in two ethnic samples to investigate the role of variants in the risk for ND, which was assessed by Smoking Quantity, Heaviness Smoking Index, and Fagerström test for ND. Using a family‐based association test, we found a nominal association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1317286 and rs8040868 in CHRNA3 with ND in the AA and combined AA and EA samples. Furthermore, we found that several haplotypes in CHRNA5 and CHRNA3 are nominally associated with ND in AA, EA, and pooled samples. However, none of these associations remained significant after correction for multiple testing. In addition, we performed interaction analysis of SNPs within the CHRNA5/A3/B4 cluster using the pedigree‐based generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method and found significant interactions within CHRNA3 and among the three subunit genes in the AA and pooled samples. Together, these results indicate that variants within CHRNA3 and among CHRNA5, CHRNA3, and CHRNB4 contribute significantly to the etiology of ND through gene–gene interactions, although the association of each subunit gene with ND is weak in both the AA and EA samples. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutation screening of the DTNBP1 exonic sequence in 669 schizophrenics and 710 controls using high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Dwyer S. , Carroll L. , Mantripragada K.K. , Owen M.J. , O'Donovan M.C. , Williams N.M.
Published: October 2009

A large number of independent studies have reported evidence for association between the dysbindin gene (DTNBP1) and schizophrenia; however, specific risk alleles have been not been implicated as causal. In this study we set out to perform a comprehensive assessment of DNA variation within the exonic sequence of DTNBP1. To achieve this we optimized a high‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA) protocol and applied it to screen all 11 DTNBP1 exons for DNA variants in a sample of 669 cases and 710 controls from the UK. Despite identifying seven exonic variants with a minor allele frequency (MAF) >0.01, none was significantly associated with schizophrenia (minimum P = 0.054), showing that the strong association we previously reported in this sample is not the result of association to a common functional variant located within the exonic sequence of any of the three major DTNBP1 transcripts. We also sought additional support for DTNBP1 as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia by testing the hypothesis that rare exonic highly penetrant variants exist at the DTNBP1 locus. Our analysis failed to identify an enrichment of rare functional variants in the patients compared to the controls. Taken as a whole, this data demonstrate that if DTNBP1 is a risk gene for schizophrenia then risk is not conferred by mutations that affect the structure of the dysbindin protein. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of the degradation and improvement of the thermal stability of poly(siloxane urethane) copolymers
Authors: Yeh Jeh‐Taut , Shu Yao‐Chi
Published: October 2009

This work investigates the characteristics of the thermal degradation of poly(ether urethane) (E‐PU) and poly(siloxane urethane) (S‐PU) copolymers by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermogravimetric analysis/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR). The stage of initial degradation for E‐PU was demonstrated as a urethane‐B segment consisting of 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol. Moreover, the urethane‐B segment in the copolymers had the lowest temperature of degradation (ca. 200°C). The degradation of E‐PU was determined by TGA and TG–FTIR analyses and had three stages including seven steps. Although the soft segment of S‐PU possessed the thermal stability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the unstable urethane‐B segment existed in S‐PU. Therefore, the initial degradation of S‐PU appeared around 210°C. The four stages of degradation of S‐PU involved eight steps, as revealed by TG–FTIR, which identified the main decomposition products: CO2, tetrahydrofuran, and siloxane decomposition products. The imide group with high thermal stability was to replace the urethane‐B segment of S‐PU, which had the lowest thermal stability herein. The poly(siloxane urethane imide) (I‐PU) copolymer around 285°C exhibited a high initial temperature of degradation, and the initial degradation occurred at the urethane‐S segment consisting of MDI and PDMS. The degradation of I‐PU was similar to that of S‐PU and had four stages including six steps. Moreover, the degradation region of the imide group between 468 and 625°C was merged into the degradation stage of the siloxane decomposed products. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Nanostructure and micromechanical properties of reversibly crosslinked isotactic polypropylene/clay composites
Authors: Bouhelal S. , Cagiao M. E. , Khellaf S. , Tabet H. , Djellouli B. , Benachour D. , Baltá Calleja F. J.
Published: October 2009

Recent developments concerning the methodology used to prepare composites of iPP and nanoclays are reported. Conventional (reactive melt mixing) and in situ preparations were performed, and the structural properties exhibited by the composites are discussed. Results suggest that the nanoclay could exhibit partial and, maybe, total exfoliation within the composites. Adhesion between the polymeric matrix and the nanoclay layers is similar to that obtained after grafting. The experimental procedure used and the analysis performed by means of the wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry techniques permit to describe, at nanoscale level, the contribution of the nanoclay to the polymer composite system. The microhardness values of the iPP–clay composites depend on the clay content and on the preparation method, and linearly correlate, according to the additivity law, with the degree of crystallinity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Role of CoBr2 on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Elashmawi I. S. , Abdelrazek E. M.
Published: October 2009

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films filled with different concentrations of CoBr2 were prepared using the casting method. These films were characterized by FTIR, UV–visible, XRD, and ESR techniques. FTIR spectra were used to clarify the structural variations due to the filling level from CoBr2. The observed bands at 3484, 1733, and 1640 cm−1 were assigned to OH, CO, and CC stretching vibrations, respectively. UV–visible spectra shows the absorption band at 280 nm which is assigned to π → π* transition. This indicates the presence of unsaturated bonds in tail to head of PVA. Optical energy gap decreased with increasing the concentration of CoBr2. X‐ray diffraction scans show some decrease in the degree of crystallinity in the filled films which reveals an increase in amorphous phase of PVA due to the interaction between Co+2 and polymeric matrix causing a molecular rearrangement within the amorphous phase of PVA. The observed complex ESR spectrum due to hyperfine interactions confirms the role of free radicals. Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of PVA/CoBr2 composite films were investigated and compared with those of PVA alone. The results show that the change of the structure due to the interaction of filler with the polymer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Understanding polymeric amylose retrogradation in presence of additives
Authors: Chaudhary Deeptangshu S. , Adhikari Benu P.
Published: October 2009

Polymeric aging in starch is an important equilibrating process leading to long‐chain amylose recrystallization and anisotropic properties of material made from starch. Investigations into a number of plasticizers and hydrocolloids showed that their water retention/binding capability influence the starch polymer's crystallinity. Addition of up to 8 wt % glycerol and 3 wt % xylitol acted as an antiplasticizer and apparently increased the total crystalline phase, which reduced the degree of elongation of amylose matrix by 15%. Maltodextrin and xanthan gum also reduced matrix elongation capability but X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed samples with varying crystallinity, and the extent of crystallinity did not correlate with respective tensile properties. Additives such as maltodextrin, with similar molecular structure as amylose, were ineffective in increasing degree of elongation even at 15 wt % addition rate, because of formation of pockets of crystalline region, as observed by XRD analysis. Both xylitol and xanthan gum samples showed similar tensile strength and elongation properties, but the water retention capability of xylitol‐filled starch samples was about 27% lower than xanthan gum samples, at their respective higher concentrations. A dynamic structural unit is proposed to satisfy the isotropic increase in tensile strength and degree of elongation in oriented starch matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Novel process for isolating fibrils from cellulose fibers by high‐intensity ultrasonication. II. Fibril characterization
Authors: Cheng Qingzheng , Wang Siqun , Han Qingyou
Published: October 2009

High‐intensity ultrasonication with a batch process was used to isolate fibrils from several cellulose sources, and a mixture of microscale and nanoscale fibrils was obtained. The geometrical characteristics of the fibrils were investigated with polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results show that small fibrils with diameters ranging from about 30 nm to several micrometers were peeled from the fibers. Some fibrils were isolated from the fibers, whereas some were still on the fiber surfaces. The lengths of untreated and treated cellulose fibers were investigated by a fiber size analyzer. The crystallinities of some cellulose fibers were evaluated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The high‐intensity ultrasonication technique is an environmentally benign method and a simplified process that conducts fiber isolation and chemical modification simultaneously and helps significantly reduce the production cost of cellulose nanofibers and their composites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of carbon black/polypropylene nanocomposite with low percolation threshold using mild blending method
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Zheng‐Ying , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: October 2009

A new approach, mild blending method, to prepare carbon black (CB) filled polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite using CB aqueous suspension was reported in this study. In this compounding process, the CB particles were first dispersed in aqueous suspension by using an ultrasonic irradiation. Subsequently, the CB suspension was blended with melting PP using an extruder with low shear strength screw configuration, followed by removing the vapor from the vent by vacuum. The morphological observation showed that the CB particles were dispersed at a nanometer level in the nanocomposites as they were in aqueous suspension and distributed homogeneously in PP matrix. The CB/PP nanocomposite prepared by this method exhibited a very low percolation threshold, i.e., 2.49 vol %, and a high‐critical resistance exponent t (t = 5.82). These phenomena, which deviated from the classical percolation theory, were likely to come down to the homogeneous distribution of CB particles and the tunneling conduction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Coatings on textiles for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 photovoltaic cell formation on textile carriers: Preparation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells on glass‐fiber textiles
Authors: Knittel Dierk , Köntges Marc , Heinemeyer Frank , Schollmeyer Eckhard
Published: October 2009

Results are presented on the construction of a thin‐layer photovoltaic cell on glass‐fiber fabric. The unevenness of the fabric was first smoothed by the application of a high‐temperature stable resin before photovoltaic layer deposition. We obtained an efficiency of light‐to‐current conversion of more than 8%. This constitutes a remarkably high value for a photovoltaic cell on a flexible substrate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Miniemulsion copolymerizations of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate in the presence of reactive costabilizer
Authors: Lin C. T. , Chiu W. Y. , Lu H. C. , Meliana Y. , Chern C. S.
Published: October 2009

The storage stability and free radical polymerizations of miniemulsions comprising methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), and a reactive costabilizer stearyl methacrylate (SMA) were investigated. The Ostwald ripening rate increases with increasing MMA content in the monomer mixture. Both the pseudo‐two‐component model and empirical equation with one adjustable parameter k adequately predicted the Ostwald ripening rate data. For the empirical model, the least‐squares best fit technique gave a value of k equal to 677.5 and values of Ostwald ripening rate and water solubility equal to (8.8 ± 0.2) × 10−21 cm3/s and 1.8 × 10−9 cm3/cm3 for SMA, respectively. These two models were combined to impart some physical insight to the parameter k. The kinetic studies showed that the polymerization rate increased with increasing MMA content. This is closely related to the nature of the constituent monomers MMA and BA and the particle nucleation mechanisms. The reactive costabilizer SMA is not hydrophobic enough to completely eliminate the Ostwald ripening effect, thereby increasing the probability of polymer reactions in the continuous aqueous phase. Thus, in addition to monomer droplet nucleation, particle nuclei can be generated in the aqueous phase via homogeneous nucleation. The extent of homogeneous nucleation increased with increasing MMA content and, as a result, the number of reaction loci available for the major polymerization to take place followed the same trend. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
NaOH/urea aqueous solutions improving properties of regenerated‐cellulosic fabrics
Authors: Ehrhardt Anelise , Bui Huong Mai , Duelli Heinz , Bechtold Thomas
Published: October 2009

The application of sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide containing urea solutions has been utilized for regenerated‐cellulosic material activation. The treatments resulted in the reorganization of cellulose fibers, hence accessibility and reactivity. In this study, sodium hydroxide–urea solutions were applied to lyocell and viscose‐knitted fabrics as finishing treatment to improve the accessibility and physical properties of textiles. Besides the mixtures, different concentrations of sole sodium hydroxide and sole urea treatment were applied. The different concentrations of urea, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hydroxide–urea mixtures were used with small increment to detect suitable concentrations and mixture ratios applied for fabrics modification. The results showed the effectiveness of applying the mixture solutions of alkali–urea particularly to CV‐knitted fabrics for improving pilling behavior, whereas for CLY fabrics, the standard alkali solutions showed the best pilling performance. The utilization of urea and sodium hydroxide–urea mixture played an important role for regenerated‐cellulosic fabrics where high alkali concentrations is not preferred to avoid fabric damages and where a mixture system could inhibit some of these aspects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of asymmetric chitosan hollow fiber membrane and its pervaporation performance for dimethyl carbonate/methanol mixtures
Authors: Xiao Tonghu , Xu Xiaoli , Cao Yiming , Deng Maicun , Chen Shanmei , Jie Xingming
Published: October 2009

Chitosan hollow fiber membranes (CHFMs) were successfully fabricated by a phase inversion method. The CHFMs obtained by ethanol–hexane exchange drying displayed integrally skinned asymmetric morphologies by field‐emission scanning electron microscope observation. The CHFMs could be used for the pervaporation separation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/methanol mixtures. Swelling properties of the polymer material were investigated, and the effects of feed composition and operating temperature on the pervaporation separation performance of the CHFMs were evaluated. The relationship of permeation flux and temperature was in agreement with the Arrhenius equation. It was demonstrated that the integrally skinned asymmetric CHFMs exhibited an effective method for the separation of DMC/methanol azeotropic mixtures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of cellulosic semiconductor nanocomposites
Authors: Hassan Mohammad L. , Ward Azza A. , Eid Mahmoud A.
Published: October 2009

Photoluminescent cellulose fibers were prepared by impregnation of bleached bagasse pulp with the different cadmium and zinc sulfides nanostructures, namely, CdS, ZnS, CdS/ZnS, ZnS/CdS (Core/shell nanostructures), CdS/ZnS/CdS and ZnS/CdS/ZnS multilayered nanostructures. The prepared cellulosic nanocomposites were characterized regarding strength properties (tensile strength, tensile energy absorption, and burst resistance), optical properties (fluorescence emission), thermal stability, and dielectric properties. The strength properties of paper sheets nanocomposites impregnated with different nanoparticles solutions were noticeably decreased in spite of the very low loading of the fibers with the semiconductor nanoparticles. The decrease in tensile index, tensile energy absorption, and burst index of paper sheets nanocomposites are found to be ranged from 12–27, 13–36, and 11–38 %, respectively. The different paper sheets nanocomposites showed fluorescence emission different from the as prepared polyethyleneimine‐stabilized nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that: the semiconductor nanoparticles did not affect the onset degradation temperature of cellulosic fibers but it caused faster termination of the main degradation step. The dielectric loss and the dc‐conductivity of cellulosic fibers increased as a result of impregnating the fibers. The nature of the nanoparticles and the properties of the interphases strongly influenced the dielectric properties of the cellulosic/semiconductors nanocomposites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Alkali pretreatment and resin finishing of lyocell: Effect of sodium hydroxide pretreatments
Authors: Kongdee Arunee , Manian Avinash P. , Lenninger Margit , Schlangen Joerg , Bechtold Thomas
Published: October 2009

Lyocell fabric samples were pretreated with 2–8 mol/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and then resin‐finished with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, dimethyl dihydroxyethylene urea, and dimethylol urea based products. The resin‐finishing treatments caused changes in the substrate properties, such as reduced accessibility, improved crease recovery, and reduced work of rupture and abrasion resistance. Differences were observed between resin‐finished substrates as a function of the crosslinker type, and they were attributed to the influence of the crosslinker content and crosslink length in the substrates. The alkali pretreatments influenced the effects of resin finishing. A significant enhancement of the crosslinker penetration appeared within the substrates pretreated with 4 mol/L NaOH. Pretreatments with 6 and 8 mol/L NaOH also enhanced the crosslinker penetration, but the depth of catalyst penetration appeared to exceed that of the crosslinker; leading to demixing between the two components within the substrates. The penetration depth of a direct dye, C.I. Direct Red 81, appeared lower than that of the crosslinker in the alkali‐pretreated substrates. Pretreatments with NaOH in the range of 4–8 mol/L appeared to create gradients of accessibility within fibers and yarns of lyocell fabrics, with the depth of reagent penetration increasing in the following order: C.I. Direct Red 81 < crosslinker < catalyst. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Properties of a poly(acrylamide‐co‐diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) hydrogel synthesized in a water–ionic liquid binary system
Authors: Zhao Qian , Sun Jianzhong , Chen Songwei , Zhou Qiyun
Published: October 2009

A novel copolymer hydrogel, poly(acrylamide‐co‐diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), was prepared by the radical copolymerization of acrylamide and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in an ionic liquid (IL)–water binary system in the presence of the crosslinker N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the hydrogels synthesized in the IL–water binary system increased with the content of IL and were remarkably higher than that of the gel synthesized in water. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the glass‐transition temperatures of the dry hydrogels that were synthesized in the IL–water binary system were remarkably lower than that of the gel synthesized in pure water. The mechanical properties of the gels synthesized in both water and the IL–water binary system were characterized with a universal material‐testing machine. The results show that fracture toughness of the hydrogels was improved when they were synthesized in the IL–water binary system. The gel shrank under a direct‐current electric field. The response rates of the gels that were synthesized with the IL–water binary system were faster than that of the gel synthesized in water. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Multiple active site Monte Carlo model for heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta propylene polymerization
Authors: Luo Zheng‐Hong , Shi De‐Pan , Zhu Yong
Published: October 2009

In this study, the kinetics of propylene polymerization catalyzed with the fourth heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalyst is studied. More than one type of active site is present in the propylene polymerization based on an analysis of the GPC curves. A multiple active site kinetic model (MSmodel) is proposed by using Monte Carlo technique. Good agreements in the polymerization kinetics are achieved for fitting the kinetic profiles with the MSmodel. In addition, the MSmodel is used to describe the dynamic evolutions of the active sites and their effects on the propylene polymerization. The simulated results indicate that different types of active sites have different polymerization kinetics and the site type can affect the propylene polymerization kinetics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Long‐term aging in a commercial aerospace composite sample: Chemical and physical changes
Authors: Tian Wendy , Hodgkin Jonathan
Published: October 2009

A section of a carbon‐fiber‐reinforced composite horizontal stabilizer skin from a 737‐200 aircraft that had been in service for 20 years was analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis in an effort to determine the molecular changes that occurred in the epoxy matrix resin over the service life. Comparisons were made with a similar matrix resin system that had been aged under various accelerating conditions. As expected, the results showed that the molecular changes were slight and occurred only on the unpainted (internal) surface areas of the composite. The changes in the commercial materials during the in‐service aging were most similar to those in a composite that had been artificially aged at 120°C for 3000 h, but they included two chemical changes not seen previously. There was an increase in the number of aliphatic hydrocarbon molecules (a fuel chemical) as well as a decrease in the number of molecules containing SO2 units. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
JAVENGA: JAva‐based Visualization Environment for Network and Graph Algorithms
Authors: Baloukas Thanasis
Published: October 2009

This paper presents JAVENGA, which is an acronym for JAva‐based Visualization Environment for Network and Graph Algorithms. It is a new visualization software for educational purposes. It includes visualizations of many well‐known graph and network algorithms. However, besides simple algorithms the tool also illustrates a visualization of a quite complex one, such as the Network Simplex algorithm. The recommended tool includes a graph editor where directed and undirected graphs can be drawn, it allows users to give input to an algorithm and then see its visualization in a user‐controlled way, and finally it incorporates a solution window where one can see the values of variables at each step of algorithm execution. JAVENGA, as its name states, has been implemented in Java language and it can be run either as an applet or as a Java application. Further, one can execute the program either locally or remotely via the Web. It can be used by instructors as auxiliary teaching material in the context of a graph theory or network optimization course. Besides, instructors can use the tool to grade students' assignments or exams. Students can also use the software in a self‐learning approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 255–268, 2012
Racial differences in follow‐up of abnormal mammography findings among economically disadvantaged women
Authors: Adams Swann A. , Smith Emily R. , Hardin James , Prabhu‐Das Irene , Fulton Jeanette , Hebert James R.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND:

In the United States, and particularly in South Carolina, African‐American women suffer disproportionately higher mortality rates from breast cancer than European‐American women. The timeliness of patient adherence to the follow‐up of mammographic abnormalities may influence prognosis and survival. The objective of the current investigation was to examine racial differences in the completion and completion time of a diagnostic workup after the finding of a suspicious breast abnormality.

METHODS:

Study participants of the Best Chance Network, a statewide service program that provides free mammography screening to economically disadvantaged and medically underserved women, were included in the study. Racial differences in tumor characteristics and adherence to recommended workup were tested using chi‐square tests and t tests. Logistic and Cox regression modeling was used to assess the relation between workup completion and other factors among African‐American women and European‐American women.

RESULTS:

Completion of the workup was associated with the number of previous procedures and income, and no significant differences were noted by race. The amount of time to completion of the workup was influenced by previous procedures, income, and race. After accounting for completion time, African‐American women were 12% less likely than European‐American women to complete the recommended workup (hazard ratio, 0.88; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results from this study established a racial disparity in the time to completion of a diagnostic workup among Best Chance Network participants. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the factors associated with delays in and adherence to completing the recommended workup when breast abnormalities are detected in mammograms. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland metastatic to the kidney: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Zhiqin , Herrington Bruce , Schwartz Mary R. , Laucirica Rodolfo
Published: October 2009

Myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare locally aggressive malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands. The tumor is composed almost exclusively of tumor cells with myoepithelial differentiation and characterized by infiltrative growth and potential for distant metastasis. Tumor cells often display morphologic heterogeneity with a wide range of cytomorphologic features, such as epithelioid, plasmacytoid, spindle, and clear cell types, making its recognition challenging. Only limited reports on its metastatic behavior are available in the literature. We describe a case of metastatic myoepithelial carcinoma of the kidney from the parotid gland diagnosed by computed tomography guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Immunochemical studies are important to confirm myoepithelial differentiation of the tumor cells. Knowledge of the clinical history, radiographic characterization, andmorphological correlation with the primary tumor are emphasized. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modified fine‐needle aspiration technique for diagnosis of granulomatous skin lesions with special reference to leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis
Authors: Mehdi Ghazala , Maheshwari Veena , Ansari Hena A. , Saxena Sonal , Sharma Rajeev
Published: October 2009

Skin infections are commonly assessed by slit skin or scrape methods. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is highly effective especially with blanching of skin to ensure good yield and reduced bleeding. The aim of this study was to assess usefulness of cytology, especially modified FNAB technique, in diagnosis of leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis and to identify specific cytological characteristics for diagnosis and classification. The study was conducted on 40 patients—25 cases of leprosy and 15 cases of cutaneous tuberculosis. Smears were prepared using modified FNAB technique, slit skin, and scrape methods (depending on type of lesion). Cytological diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology where the Ridley‐Jopling system was used to classify cases of leprosy. A similar attempt was made for diagnosis and classification of leprosy on cytology. Diagnoses rendered by both modalities were compared to assess the efficacy of cytological examination. Cytological diagnosis was made in 23 cases of leprosy and 12 cases of cutaneous tuberculosis. The smears showed good cellularity. A broad division into tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy could be made fairly accurately on cytology. Maximum agreement among clinical, cytological, and histopathological diagnosis was observed in cases of tuberculoid leprosy. Smears of cutaneous tuberculosis were characterized by epithelioid cell granulomas with caseation. Overall accuracy of diagnosis was 92% in leprosy and 80% in tuberculosis. FNAB is an inexpensive and accurate procedure for diagnosis of leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis. The modified technique yields good results. However, clinical correlation, acid‐fast staining, and culture are essential as they provide valuable supportive information. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detecting growth hormone abuse in athletes
Authors: Holt Richard I. G.
Published: October 2009

There is widespread anecdotal evidence that growth hormone (GH) is used by athletes for its anabolic and lipolytic properties. Although GH is on the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA) list of banned substances, the detection of abuse with GH is challenging. Two approaches have been developed to detect GH abuse. The first is based on the measurement of pituitary GH isoforms and the second is based on the measurement of markers of GH action.

Pituitary GH contains multiple isoforms whereas recombinant human GH comprises solely the 22‐kDa isoform. Immunoassays that recognize the different isoforms have been developed and form the basis of the test introduced by WADA at the Athens Olympic Games. To date, no athlete has tested positive.

The GH‐2000 project proposed a test based on the measurement of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and type III pro‐collagen (P‐III‐P) as these markers increase in a dose‐dependent manner in response to GH and their basal concentration varies much less than GH. When combined with discriminant function analysis, these markers were able to differentiate between those taking GH and placebo in double‐blind placebo controlled trials. Subsequent studies have shown that the test is applicable across different ethnicities and is unaffected by injury. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrazole Complexes and Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Pérez Julio , Riera Lucía
Published: October 2009

This Microreview deals with the supramolecular chemistry of pyrazole metal complexes, in particular, complexes of pyrazoles with a nonsubstituted N–H group, which are able to engage in hydrogen bonding. The most pertinent general features of pyrazoles, in comparison with other heterocycles that are also popular ligands, and some aspects of the supramolecular chemistry of free pyrazoles are also included. In addition to the general supramolecular chemistry of pyrazole complexes, sections of this Microreview are devoted to liquid crystals, self‐assembled species, and hosts for anions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)