bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Sequential and Spatial Displays in a Complex Monitoring Task
Authors: Konrad Christopher M. , Kramer Arthur F. , Watson Stephen E. , Weber Timothy A.
Published: October 2006

A sequential or RAP COM (rapid communication) display was compared with a more conventional spatial display as participants monitored dynamically changing sets of three-digit numbers and responded to occasional target stimuli. In an effort to equate the stimulus-response compatibility of the two displays, we had participants respond to the targets with a chord keyboard in Experiment 1 and vocally in Experiment 2. We examined the influence of display duration on performance with the RAP COM and spatial formats by presenting stimuli at three different durations (400, 800, and 1200 ms). The influence of practice on performance with the RAP COM and spatial displays was also investigated. Participants responded to targets more quickly in the RAP COM than in the spatial displays at each of the three presentation durations and across more than 2000 trials of practice. Accuracy was influenced by the display presentation duration. Accuracy was higher for the RAP COM than for the spatial display at the 800-ms stimulus presentation duration in Experiment 1 and at the 800- and 1200-ms presentation durations in Experiment 2. The results are discussed in terms of the potential utility of RAP COM displays for complex, real-world systems.
Observer Sensitivity to Element Reliability in a Multielement Visual Display
Authors: Montgomery Demaris A. , Sorkin Robert D.
Published: October 2006

This study tested whether selected visual display conditions can aid observers in prioritizing information from display elements that differ in reliability. The observer's task was to decide whether the information conveyed by an array of nine graphical elements represented a signal or noise input. The value displayed by each element was an independent sample from the signal or noise distribution. The reliability of a display element was manipulated by controlling the variance of these distributions (high reliability = low variance). Observers tended to weight high-reliability sources slightly more than low-reliability sources. The observers-detection performance and weighting efficiency were highest when the reliability of the source was cued by the luminance of the display element. Thus observers can prioritize visual information sources based on statistical properties such as variability if luminance cues are available during the presentation of the information.
Evaluation of a Rankine Cycle Display for Nuclear Power Plant Monitoring and Diagnosis
Authors: Vicente Kim J. , Moray Neville , Lee John D. , Hurecon Jens Rasmussen , Jones Barclay G. , Brock Richard , Djemil Toufik
Published: October 2006

Traditionally, nuclear power plant control rooms have been designed according to a single-sensor single-indicator (SSSI) philosophy. Various researchers have proposed new display design principles, such as the mapping principle, which tries to overcome the limitations associated with the traditional approach by displaying higher-order functional information directly to operators. The mapping principle is exemplified by the Rankine cycle display, which is an overview display for monitoring and diagnosing the state of nuclear power plants. In this paper we present the results of the first formal evaluation of the Rankine display, comparing it with an SSSI display and a variation of the SSSI that also contains a pressure-temperature graph. The performance of undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical and nuclear engineering is compared with that of licensed nuclear power plant operators. Participants in each of these three groups were required to detect and diagnose abnormalities in dynamic scenarios using one of the three display. The results indicate that the nuclear power plant operators outperformed the other two groups and that the Rankine cycle display led to more accurate detection and diagnosis performance than did either of the other two displays. Finally, we discuss some additional issues that must be addressed before one can recommend that the Rankine cycle display be implemented in commercial nuclear power plant control rooms.
A Comparison of Two Control-Display Gain Measures for Head-Controlled Computer Input Devices
Authors: Schaab John A. , Radwin Robert G. , Vanderheiden Gregg C. , Hansen Per Krogh
Published: October 2006

We compared two gain measures: One, defined as angle/angle (A/A) gain, is the ratio between the angle subtended by displacement of the cursor and the corresponding angle of head extension/flexion or rotation. The alternative measure, defined as displacement/angle (D/A) gain, is the ratio between the linear displacement of the cursor on the screen and the corresponding angle of head extension/ flexion or rotation. A discrete target acquisition task using circular targets was used to compare control-display gain measures. Operator performance was evaluated for three viewing distances and three gain settings of each measure. Average movement time and root mean squared (RMS) cursor deviation from a straight line path increased as viewing distance increased for AlA gain settings 0.75 and 1.0. That no significant distance effect was observed for any of the D/A gain settings indicated that it might be more suitable to fix D/A gain rather than AlA gain for head-controlled computer input devices. Minimum movement time occurred for D/A gain settings of 0.5 cm/° and 0.67 cm/° One explanation for the observed insensitivity of performance to changes in viewing distance with a fixed D/A gain may be that both angular head movement and the accompanying kinesthetic feedback do not change for a specified cursor displacement as viewing distance is changed.
Poor Preventive Care Achievement and Program Retention Among Low Birth Weight Infant Medicaid Enrollees
Authors: Shulman Shanna
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE. In this study, I examined the relative odds of achievement of preventive care goals during the first year of life and retention of Medicaid coverage at the end of the first year among Medicaid-enrolled low birth weight infants. Association with maternal prenatal health promotion was also considered.

METHODOLOGY. I used a retrospective case-control design. Low birth weight and normal birth weight infants in the Florida Medicaid program (1995–1999) matched on demographic factors were compared on their relative odds of achievement of preventive care goals and Medicaid program retention using multivariate logistic regression (n = 7510). A subsample of infants with linked maternal claims was used to measure the association of maternal health promotion during the prenatal period.

RESULTS. Low birth weight infants had lower relative odds of achieving preventive care goals during the first year and of retaining Medicaid coverage after the first year compared with infants of normal birth weight. However, when maternal health promotion during the prenatal care period was held constant, birth weight was no longer related to achievement of preventive care goals and program retention. Maternal health promotion was positively associated with achievement of preventive goals and program retention for all infants regardless of birth weight.

CONCLUSIONS. Some Medicaid-enrolled low birth weight infants are at risk for poor health supervision and poor continuity of care through failure to retain coverage. The disproportionate odds of poor health promotion among mothers of low birth weight infants explain much of this deficit. States may want to prioritize preventive care supervision and program reenrollment for children of mothers with evidence of low health promotion. This recommendation is particularly important for infants of low birth weight.
Display reflectance: Basics, measurement, and rating
Authors: Becker Michael E.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— In this paper, methods and instruments for measurement and evaluation of reflection characteristics are reviewed as needed for research and development of electronic displays and for material and surface modeling with ray‐tracing and rendering software packages. Contrast under ambient illumination and recognizability under daylight illumination are prime development targets in the electronic‐display field, while computation and synthesis of realistic scenes and objects are pushing the need for physical data in computer graphics applications. Three categories of instruments are available for detailed reflection analysis. They are based on (1) gonioscopic (mechanical) and conoscopic (optical) directional scanning, (2) imaging approaches, and (3) on arrangements with variable source or receiver aperture. The capabilities, advantages, and limitations of these methods are introduced and discussed in order to facilitate appropriate selection of methods and instruments. For illustration purposes we present typical results obtained from commercial electronic display screens. A basis for continued widespread implementation and standardization of reflection metrology as required for objective rating and comparison of electronic‐display screen performance under ambient illumination is provided.
LED backlight system with double‐prism pattern
Authors: Funamoto Akihiro , Aoyama Shigeru
Published: October 2006

Abstract— A LED backlight system with a double‐prism pattern for use in mobile phones to achieve thin and high luminance LED backlight systems is proposed. The double‐prism pattern is formed on the light guide of the proposed LED backlight system and simultaneously exhibited two optical functions: shifting of the light from the direction of the guided light toward the radiated light and controlling the directivity of the radiated light. Therefore, using the double‐prism pattern eliminates two prism sheets and a diffusive sheet, which are indispensable optical elements to exhibit the optical function that controls the directivity of light in conventional LED backlight systems. Consequently, the thickness of the proposed LED backlight system is reduced to 0.75 mm compared to that of the conventional system. A luminance of 3115 nits and a full‐width half maximum of 35° for radiated light, which are comparable to conventional LED backlight systems, were obtained.
Measurement of light incident on mobile displays in various environments
Authors: Kubota Satoru , Okada Sou , Sakai Eiji , Fujioka Takayuki
Published: October 2006

Abstract— By using a single‐lens digital camera with an attached 180° fisheye lens, the incident light at the surface of a mobile display in 112 different environments, including outdoor and indoor environments and inside an automobile, were measured. The data were analyzed for some typical environments in which mobile displays are used. The results of this research can be used in the design of reflective and transflective LCDs, making maximum use of ambient light.
A New Reactive Atom Plasma Technology (RAPT) for Precision Machining: the Etching of ULE® Surfaces
Authors: Fanara C. , Shore P. , Nicholls J.R. , Lyford N. , Kelley J. , Carr J. , Sommer P.
Published: October 2006

Results on reactive atom plasma etching performed on ULE® (Corning Ultra Low Expansion) glass samples at atmospheric pressure are presented for the first time. A reactive atomic plasma technology (RAPT®), has been developed by RAPT Industries and employed for the finishing of optical surfaces. An atmospheric pressure argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP) excites a reactive gas injected through its centre. The plume of hot neutral excited species reacts at the substrate yielding controlled and repeatable trenches. In the case of ULE a material removal (up to 0.55 mm3/s) is obtained without pre‐heating the samples. Among the factors influencing the results, an increase in gas concentration at the same power does not change the sample temperature, indicating that thermo‐chemical effects do not influence the removal rates. Due to the plasma constructive constrains, increasing the gas concentration is more practical and of wider effect than increasing the power. The benefits of the process are illustrated and the extension of the technology to large optical surfaces discussed.
Two‐Dimensional Rectangular and Three‐Dimensional Rhombic Grids Created by Self‐Organization of Random Nanoextrusions
Authors: Gordienko Y. G. , Gontareva R. G. , Schreiber J. S. , Zasimchuk E. E. , Zasimchuk I. K.
Published: October 2006

Nanoextrusions on single crystalline Al and Al‐Mg plates under constrained cyclic tension evolve from random arrangements to regular 2D surface rectangular grid (“tweed” – A) and through gradual evolution (B) to 3D porous rhombic grid of voids (“pullover” – C). The “tweed” spacing can be decreased by loading frequency and alloy content, that could allow for the new mechanically driven method for micro and sub‐micro fabrication of 2D and 3D electronic devices.
High‐Strength and ‐Toughness Electroconductive SiC‐Based Composites
Authors: Sciti D. , Silvestroni L. , Balbo A. , Guicciardi S. , Pezzotti G.
Published: October 2006

SiC‐based electroconductive composites containing 10 and 30 vol% MoSi2 particles were hot pressed at 1900°C. The MoSi2 particles, besides increasing the electrical conductivity of the silicon carbide matrix, acted as reinforcement for the material. For the composition containing 30 vol% of MoSi2 (see figure), the room‐temperature strength was 825 MPa, the fracture toughness 4.8 MPa·m0.5 and the electrical resistivity 1.3·10–3 Ohm·cm.
Variations of the mandibular shape in extant hominoids: Generic, specific, and subspecific quantification using elliptical fourier analysis in lateral view
Authors: Schmittbuhl Matthieu , Rieger Jean , Le Minor Jean‐Marie , Schaaf André , Guy Franck
Published: October 2006

While a number of studies have documented the mandibular variations in hominoids, few focused on evaluating the variation of the whole outline of this structure. Using an efficient morphometrical approach, i.e. elliptical Fourier analysis, mandibular outlines in lateral view from 578 adult hominoids representing the genera Hylobates, Pongo, Gorilla, Pan, and Homo were quantified and compared. This study confirms that elliptical Fourier analysis provides an accurate characterization of the shape of the mandibular profile. Differences in mandibular shape between hominoid genera, species, subspecies, and to a lesser extent between sexes were demonstrated. Mandibles in great apes and hylobatids subspecies were generally less distinct from each other than were species. However, the magnitudes of differences among subspecies of Gorilla and Pongo approached or exceeded those between Pan troglodytes and P. paniscus. The powerful discrimination between taxa from the genus down to subspecific level associated to the relatively low level of intrageneric mandibular polymorphism in great apes provides strong evidences in support of the taxonomic utility of the shape of the mandibular profile in hominoids. In addition, morphological affinities between Pongo and Pan and the clear distinction between Homo and Pan suggest that the mandibular outline is a poor estimate of phylogenetic relationships in great apes and humans. The sexual dimorphism in mandibular shape exhibits two patterns of expression: a high degree of dimorphism in Gorilla, Pongo, and H. s. syndactylus and a relatively low one in modern humans and Pan. Besides, degree of mandibular shape dimorphism can vary considerably among closely related subspecies as observed in gorillas, arguing against the use of mandibular shape dimorphism patterns as characters in phylogenetic analyses. However, the quantification of the mandibular shape and of the variations among hominoids provides an interesting comparative framework that is likely to supply further arguments for a better understanding of the patterns of differentiation between living hominoids. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biporous polymeric beads fabricated by double emulsification for high‐speed protein chromatography
Authors: Sun Guo‐Yong , Yang Zheng , Dong Xiao‐Yan , Sun Yan
Published: October 2006

Rigid biporous beads (BiPB) were fabricated by double emulsification. An aqueous suspension of superfine calcium carbonate granules and organic solvent were used as porogenic agents to create superpores and micropores, respectively. The polymerization of monomers, glycidyl methacrylate, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was initiated with benzoin ethyl ether by ultraviolet irradiation. Modified with diethylamine (DEA), the BiPB were derivatized into an anion‐exchange medium (which is denoted as DEA–BiPB). The DEA–BiPB with an average diameter of 46.3 μm was characterized to possess two types of pores, that is, micropores (20–200 nm) and superpores (500–5300 nm). Flow hydrodynamic experiments showed that the DEA–BiPB column had a smaller backpressure than that of the conventional microporous beads column at a given flow rate. The static adsorption capacity of the DEA–BiPB was close to that of the DEA–MiPB for bovine serum albumin. However, frontal analysis demonstrated that the dynamic binding capacity of the DEA–BiPB column was two times higher than that of the DEA–MiPB at a flow rate of 1800 cm/h. Moreover, the purification of the molecular chaperone GroEL was carried out with the DEA–BiPB column at two flow rates (150 and 1500 cm/h). This showed that the GroEL purification was nearly the same at the two flow rates tested. These results indicate that the DEA–BiPB column is promising for high‐speed protein chromatography. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 17–23, 2007
Nanoscratch testing to assess the fiber adhesion of short‐carbon‐fiber composites
Authors: King Julia A. , Miskioglu Ibrahim , Wright‐Charlesworth Debra D. , Van Karsen Charles D.
Published: October 2006

In a composite material, the degree of adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plays an important role in the overall performance of the material. Because the load between the fiber and the matrix is realized throughout the interphase region material, a lot of effort has gone into characterizing the strength of the interphase. In this study, nanoscratch tests on the composite samples were used to provide a relative measure of adhesion in different composite materials. Carbon‐filled nylon 6,6 and polycarbonate resins were evaluated with this method. The carbon fillers we used were polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fibers sized and surface‐treated for the respective matrix and pitch‐based carbon fibers without any sizing or surface treatment. Tensile and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data for the composites we considered are also presented to compare to the nanoscratch results. It is shown that nanoscratch testing on the composites, with the proposed data analysis, can be an effective tool for determining the relative degree of adhesion between different composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 328–335, 2007
The study of the grossing process in the grosses of fluted type
Authors: Abakacheva E. M. , Panov A. K. , Zaikov G. E.
Published: October 2006

This paper gives information about device of gross for fabrication of polymeric fluted sheet, capacity of grosses, the experimental study of the hydrodynamic characteristic of the melt form of the polymeric materials and the characteristic features of toughness of the fluted sheet. Authors gave special emphasis on reological features, factor of volume increasing, moisture cheese, toughness at spraining and density fluted sheet. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 72–80, 2007
Study on macromolecular metal complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and fluorescence properties of stoichiometric complexes for rare earth coordinated with poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Huang Fengqun , Zheng Yian , Yang Ying
Published: October 2006

Poly acrylic acid (PAA) and its stoichiometric complexes with trivalent rare earth (RE) have been synthesized and well characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, TG‐DTA, fluorescence spectra, etc. Chemical analysis indicated that the molar ratio of COO− and RE3+in the complex was closely dependent on the pH and the molar ratio of PAA and RE in the feed. The stoichiometric complexes in which the molar ratio of COO− and RE3+ is 3:1 can be formed under the conditions of pH 6.0 and PAA:RE = 3:1 (molar ratio in the feed). Spectroscopic studies suggested that the carboxylate bonded to the central metal ions was in the form of bidentate and these stoichiometric complexes possessed high‐temperature resistance. Due to efficient energy transfer from polymer to central metal ions, the emission intensity of Eu3+ and Tb3+complexes was stronger than that of simple compounds. Therefore, these complexes can be promising as potential fluorescent probes and photoluminous materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 351–357, 2007
Modification of melt, light, and heat stability of polyamide 6 by hindered piperidine amine and tertiary amine
Authors: Guo Xitao , Zhao Yaoming , Ning Ping , Li Linkai
Published: October 2006

Hindered piperidine amine (HPA) and tertiary amine (TA) were introduced into hydrolytic polymerization of caprolactam, and polyamide 6 (PA 6) modified by additives [HPA/TA = 1 : 1 (w/w)] was obtained. The effects of additives on the melt, light, and heat stability of PA 6 were studied. The results showed that with an increase in additive content, the viscosity of PA 6 increased and the elastic response decreased. Thus, the drawing property of PA 6 fibers during melt spinning was improved. With the addition of 0.1%–0.2% additives, the degree of variation in amino end group content and relative viscosity decreased during the process going from resin to fiber, indicating the modified PA 6 had improved melt stability. During light and heat aging, the ratio of retained fracture strength of PA 6 filament increased after modification by 0.1%–0.4% additives. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface morphology of the modified fiber remained almost the same, whereas that of the unmodified fiber was seriously destroyed when exposed to xenon light for 8 days or heated to 180°C in air for 1.5 h. The degree of variation of relative viscosity of the PA 6 fiber also decreased after modification by 0.1%–0.2% additives under oxidative degradation. All these results indicate PA 6 had better melt, light, and heat stability when modified by additives. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 538–544, 2007
Novel two‐stage phenol–formaldehyde resol resin synthesis
Authors: Monni Janne , Alvila Leila , Rainio Jouni , Pakkanen Tuula T.
Published: October 2006

The synthesis of phenol–formaldehyde resol resins was carried out in two stages to facilitate the start of a conventional batch process. In the first stage, the starting material solution was preprocessed in a continuous‐flow stirred‐tank reactor with a 5‐min residence time. In the second stage, synthesis was continued in a batch reactor. Samples were analyzed by titrimetric methods, gas chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Most of the starting materials were consumed in the preprocessing reactor, which allowed better control of the reactivity of the prepolymer solution in the second stage. The methylolation and condensation reactions proceeded steadily during the production process in the batch reactor. The results of the study indicated that dividing a conventional one‐stage batch process into two stages could facilitate the control of the initial stages of resol production. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:371–379, 2007
Polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel composed of chitosan and poly(γ‐glutamic acid) for biological application: Preparation, physical properties, and cytocompatibility
Authors: Kang Hahk‐Soo , Park Se‐Hoon , Lee Young‐Gi , Son Tae‐Il
Published: October 2006

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels composed of chitosan as a cationic polyelectrolyte and poly (γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) as an anionic polyelectrolyte were prepared from PEC dispersions based on a chitosan solution to which different amounts of γ‐PGA solutions were added to charge equivalency. The chemical structures of the PEC hydrogels were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The physical properties, fixed charge concentration, crystallinity, mechanical properties, micromorphology, and swelling properties of the PEC hydrogels were also investigated. The total fixed charge concentration of the PEC hydrogels varied as a function of pH on the pK intervals between chitosan (pK = 6.5) and γ‐PGA (pK = 2.27). The isoelectric points (IEP) were shifted to a lower pH with a higher weight ratio of γ‐PGA to chitosan. The elastic modulus was decreased with the weight ratio increasing from 0 : 1 to 1 : 1 (γ‐PGA/chitosan) by ionic crosslinking between the amino groups of chitosan and the carboxyl groups of γ‐PGA. The results of the swelling study showed that the swelling properties of PEC hydrogels were more affected by the change in the elastic restoring force than by the change in the fixed charge concentration depending on the pH. Also, the cytotoxicity of the PEC hydrogels was investigated using normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines, and the results showed the PEC hydrogels were not toxic. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:386–394, 2007
New polymeric materials for paper and textiles conservation. II. Grafting polymerization of ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers onto linen and cotton
Authors: Princi Elisabetta , Vicini Silvia , Pedemonte Enrico , Arrighi Valeria , McEwen Iain J.
Published: October 2006

In the preservation of Cultural Heritage items, the use of polymeric materials for the consolidation and protection of artifacts with historical and artistic value is widely accepted, except for cellulose‐based materials, since here there are no suitable products and appropriate application techniques. Grafting polymerization of acrylic monomers onto cellulose chains represents an innovative method of restoration for both artificially and naturally aged textiles. In this article, some results concerning the grafting polymerization of ethyl acrylate/ethyl methacrylate 75/25 and ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/trifluoroethyl methacrylate 73/24.5/2.5 polymers onto linen and cotton are reported. The effectiveness of grafting polymerization as a method for textiles conservation is discussed. The consolidating and protective effects were investigated by evaluating the mechanical properties and the wetting behavior of the grafted samples, and comparing them with the original and aged substrates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 90–99, 2007
Cellulose acetate reverse osmosis membranes: Optimization of preparation parameters
Authors: Duarte A. P. , Bordado J. C. , Cidade M. T.
Published: October 2006

Asymmetric cellulose acetate based membranes usually employed in reverse osmosis as well as in separations in aqueous systems can possibly be applied in the so‐called salinity process of energy generation. For these applications, membranes with a relatively high water permeability (sometimes also called water flux) and low salt permeability (or high salt rejection) are required. In this study the authors present the optimization of such membranes, which concerns the preparation parameters. The membranes studied were prepared from a solution whose composition were previously optimized.4 The authors concluded that the optimum preparation parameters are as follows: thickness of the liquid film of 100 μm; 30 s allowed for evaporation of the solvent; and temperature of coagulation bath of 0–4°C and 80–85°C as annealing temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 134–139, 2007
Durability of nano ZnO antibacterial cotton fabric to sweat
Authors: Li Qun , Chen Shui‐Lin , Jiang Wan‐Chao
Published: October 2006

In this article, an innovative method was put forward to evaluate the endurance of nano ZnO finished fabrics to sweat. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of zinc in immersion liquor, and at the same time, SEM experiments and biocidal tests were chosen to characterize the antibacterial performance. Half‐life time (t1/2) of zinc concentration on the fabric was introduced to evaluate the durability to sweat. The results indicated that nano ZnO antibacterial cotton fabric was relatively sensitive to acid artificial sweat while durable in saline or alkaline solution, the t1/2 exceeded 3000 min in them. SEM characterization and biocidal tests showed the same behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:412–416, 2007
A soft computing approach to model the structure–property relations of nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Chen Ting , Li Liqing , Koehl Ludovic , Vroman Philippe , Zeng Xianyi
Published: October 2006

A soft computing approach to model the structure–property relations of nonwoven fabrics for filtration use is developed. Because the number of samples is very limited, the artificial neural network model to be established must be a small‐scale one. Consequently, this soft computing approach includes two stages. In the first stage, the structural parameters are selected by using a ranking method, to find the most relevant parameters as the input variables to fit the small‐scale artificial neural network model. The first part of this method takes the human knowledge on the nonwoven products into account. The second part uses a data sensitivity criterion based on a distance method that analyzes the measured data of nonwoven properties. In the second stage, the artificial neural network model of the structure–property relations of nonwoven fabrics is established. The results show that the artificial neural network model yields accurate prediction and a reasonably good artificial neural network model can be achieved with relatively few data points by integrated with the input variable selecting method developed in this research. The results also show that there is great potential for this research in the field of computer‐assisted design in nonwoven technology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 442–450, 2007
Thermal characteristics and pyrolysis of methyl‐di(phenylethynyl)silane resin
Authors: Zhou Quan , Feng Xia , Ni Lizhong , Chen Jianding
Published: October 2006

Thermal stability of a recently synthesized polymeric methyl‐di(phenylethynyl)silane (MDPES) resin was studied using a number of thermal and spectrometric analytical techniques. The polymer exhibits extremely high thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the temperature of 5% weight loss (Td5) was 615°C and total weight loss at 800°C was 8.9%, in nitrogen atmosphere, while in air, Td5 was found to be 562°C, and total weight loss at 800°C was found to be 55.8% of the initial weight. Differential thermal degradation (DTG) studies show that the thermal degradation of MDPES resin was single‐stage in air and two‐stage in nitrogen. The thermal degradation kinetics was studied using dynamic TGA, and the apparent activation energies were estimated to be 120.5 and 114.8 kJ/mol in air, respectively, by Kissinger and Coats–Redfern method. The white flaky pyrolysis residue was identified to be silicon dioxide by FTIR and EDS, indicating that the thermal stability of polymer may be enhanced by the formation of a thin silicon dioxide film on the material surface. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl PolymSci 103: 605–610, 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of alternate copolymers containing N,N′‐bis(diphenylsilyl)tetraphenylcyclodisilazane
Authors: Zhu Yangping , Guo Li , Zhang Zhijie , Xie Zemin
Published: October 2006

Hexamethyldisilazane was used as the starting material to synthesize N,N′‐bis(hydroxydiphenylsilanyl)tetraphenylcyclodisilazane (BHPTPC). By condensation polymerization of BHPTPC with α,ω‐bis(dialkylamino)dimethylsiloxane, a series of alternate copolymers containing N,N′‐bis(diphenylsilyl)tetraphenylcyclodisilazane was synthesized. GPC studies show that the highest molecular weight was obtained at a ratio of 1.005 : 1 (BHPTPC: α,ω‐bis(dimethyl amino)dimethylsiloxane). Data of DSC indicate that the temperature of glass transition (Tg) and temperature of melting point (Tm) decreased with the increasing of dimethylsiloxane segments units. Three stages of degradation were found in the thermogravimetric analysis curves. The activation energy of the copolymer (with m = 2, 3, and 7) was calculated by using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The activation energy of the copolymer with m = 2, 3, and 7 at second stage is 214, 211, and 184 kJ/mol, respectively. Isothermal gravimetric analysis shows that for the same temperature and the same time, the weight loss of the alternate copolymer was greatly less than that of common polydimethylsiloxane. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 611–617, 2007
Three‐dimensional observation of phase‐separated poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene‐ran‐4‐bromostylene) blends by 3D NMR microscopy with X‐ray microscopy
Authors: Koizumi Satoshi , Yamane Yuji , Kuroki Shigeki , Ando Isao , Nishikawa Yukihiro , Jinnai Hiroshi
Published: October 2006

Three‐dimensional (3D) image patterns of phase‐separated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(styrene‐ran‐4‐bromostyrene) (PS‐Br) blends heated at 180°C for 6, 8, and 10 h were observed by 3D NMR microscopy with 3D X‐ray microscopy in order to characterize the 3D structure of the polymer blends using a standard 3D reconstruction protocol program for obtaining the 3D digital array of the PS‐Br/PMMA morphologies. The phase‐separated structure of the polymer blends in several 10‐μm scales was reasonably characterized. The phase‐separated structure of polymer blends by 3D NMR images was quantitatively consistent with that by 3D X‐ray images. It can be said that 3D NMR microscopy is a very useful means for analyzing the 3D structure of phase‐separated polymer blends as well as 3D X‐ray images. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 470–475, 2007
Antimicrobial finishing of wool fabrics with quaternary aminopyridinium salts
Authors: Zhao Tao , Sun Gang
Published: October 2006

Quaternary aminopyridinium salts were employed in antimicrobial finishing wool fabrics. The effects of alkyl chain length in the salts, pH conditions of finishing baths, finishing time and temperature, and salt concentrations were investigated. The incorporated quaternary aminopyridinium salt molecules on wool were characterized by FTIR. The quaternary ammonium salt could form ionic interactions with anionic groups on wool, which contribute to the durable antimicrobial functions. All the finished wool fabrics exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli. The washing durability of antimicrobial functions on the finished wool fabrics was also studied. ©2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 482–486, 2007
Visualization study and analysis on preform growth in polyethylene terephthalate stretch blow molding
Authors: Huang Han‐Xiong , Yin Zhan‐Song , Liu Ji‐Hu
Published: October 2006

In stretch blow molding (SBM) process, the preform growth during the stretching and blowing is critical to the thickness distribution and properties of the final bottle. Whereas the thickness distribution is one of the most important criteria in the production of bottles. So this work focused on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preform growth using a transparent mold, through which the instantaneous images of the preform in the stretching and blowing stage were captured. By changing the delay time of the preblow, the three preform growth types, referred to as dolphin, sandpile, and two‐bubble, were observed. The longitudinal and hoop stresses acting on the preform segment during the stretching and blowing were analyzed. Two parameters, on which the longitudinal and hoop stresses depend, respectively, were defined. Then combining the geometry and sizes of the preform, the stresses and temperature distribution on it, and the stress–strain curves of the PET material used, the cause for different preform growth types was systematically analyzed. On the basis of preform growth types, the thickness distributions of the bottles obtained under different delay times of the preblow were explained. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 564–573, 2007
Glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked chitosan beads for controlled release of diclofenac sodium
Authors: Kulkarni V. H. , Kulkarni P. V. , Keshavayya J.
Published: October 2006

An inexpensive and simple method was adopted for the preparation of chitosan beads, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA), for the controlled release of diclofenac sodium (DS). The beads were prepared by varying the experimental conditions such as pH, temperature, and extent of crosslinking. The absence of any chemical interaction among drug, polymer, and the crosslinking agent was confirmed by FTIR and thermal analysis. The beads were characterized by microscopy, which indicated that the particles were in the size range of 500–700 μm and SEM studies revealed smooth surface and spherical shape of beads. The beads produced at higher temperature and extended exposure to GA exhibited lower drug content, whereas increased drug loading resulted in enhanced drug release. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 211–217, 2007
Physical and mechanical properties of poly(L‐lactic acid) nucleated by dibenzoylhydrazide compound
Authors: Kawamoto Naoshi , Sakai Atsushi , Horikoshi Takahiro , Urushihara Tsuyoshi , Tobita Etsuo
Published: October 2006

Benzoylhydrazide compounds were evaluated as a nucleating agent for poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA). From the results of the differential scanning calorimetry, octamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide (OMBH) was found to be most effective for acceleration of PLA crystallization under higher cooling rate of −50°C min−1. PLA with OMBH of 1 wt % exhibited very short crystallization half‐time with wide range of isothermal temperature from 90 to 130°C. The molding cycle time of PLA with OMBH in injection molding was less than 3 min, and the cooling time was one‐third of ethylenebis(12‐hydroxystearylamide)/talc system as a nucleating agent. Physical and mechanical properties improved extremely, and the heat distortion temperature of 124°C, flexural modulus of 4.1 GPa, and Izod impact strength of 7.9 kJ m−2 were achieved. This indicates that the utilization of OMBH makes it possible to extend the application range of PLA as automotive parts and electric appliances, which require higher heat resistance and stiffness. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 244–250, 2007
Characteristic modeling of the wear particle formation process from a tribological testing of polyethylene with controlled surface asperities
Authors: Fang Hsu‐Wei
Published: October 2006

To study the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles‐induced osteolysis which leads to the failure of artificial joints, microfabricated surfaces with controlled asperities have been applied to generate narrowly distributed UHMWPE wear particles with various sizes and shapes. Our previous study further facilitated single wedge sliding tests to investigate the mechanism of the UHMWPE particle generation. In this study, the attempt was made to characterize the particle generation process into a mathematical model to predict particle volume with a given surface‐texture dimensions and mechanical loading conditions. The particle‐generation process is decomposed into two steps: (1) penetration of the cutting edge, and (2) lateral sliding of the cutting edge. By combining the indentation experimental data, the viscoelastic responses of UHMWPE was incorporated in the model. The effects of normal load, feature height, and cutting edge angle on the wear particle volume were illustrated from model predictions. Both experimental results and model predictions indicate the same trend of effects of surface‐texture geometry and mechanical conditions on the volume of particles. The results of the model predictions are close to the experimental results of the particle generation. However, the particle volume predicted by the model is larger than the experimental results. It is believed that the reprocessing of the generated particles and viscoelastic recovery of UHMWPE in the experiments account for this difference. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 587–594, 2007
The Reactive Intermediate of Catalytic Borohydride Reduction by Schiff Base–Cobalt Complexes
Authors: Iwakura Izumi , Hatanaka Miho , Kokura Ai , Teraoka Haruna , Ikeno Taketo , Nagata Takushi , Yamada Tohru
Published: October 2006

The key reactive intermediate of borohydride reduction catalyzed by Schiff base–cobalt complexes is proposed to be the dichloromethylcobalt hydride with a sodium cation, based on experimental and theoretical studies. It was revealed that chloroform is not the solvent but the reactant that activates the cobalt catalyst. The substrate carbonyl compounds are fixed and activated by the alkali cation, which is captured by the oxygen atoms of the planar ligand and the chlorine atom of the axial ligand, and attacked by the hydride on the cobalt atom via a six‐membered‐like transition state to afford the corresponding alcohol.
Stereoselective pharmacokinetic analysis of tramadol and its main phase I metabolites in healthy subjects after intravenous and oral administration of racemic tramadol
Authors: Quetglas Emilio García , Azanza Jose Ramón , Cardenas Ernesto , Sádaba Belén , Campanero Miguel Angel
Published: October 2006

The kinetics of tramadol enantiomers are stereoselective when doses of the racemic drug are given orally. To document whether the route of administration determines thestereoselectivekinetics of tramadol enantiomers, healthy volunteers received 100 mg oral or intravenous doses of racemic tramadol, and serial blood samples were obtained to assay tramadol enantiomers and their main phase I metabolites,O‐demethyltramadol andN‐demethyltramadol. To assess accurately the involvement of their metabolites in the pharmacokinetics of tramadol, it is essential to determine the rate and extent of the formation of the enantiomers of these metabolites. A simultaneous pharmacokinetic model describing the plasma concentration‐curves of the generated metabolites and the parent compounds after intravenous and oral drug administration is developed and presented. Tramadol andO‐demethyltramadol were the major compounds detected in plasma after intravenous administration. Nevertheless, theN‐demethylation of tramadol showed a significant increase when the oral route was used. After both oral and intravenous doses, the kinetics of the tramadol enantiomers were stereoselective. TheAUCfor (R)‐(+)‐tramadol was greater than theAUCfor (S)‐(−)‐tramadol. The formation ofN‐demethyltramadol also was enantioselective after oral administration of racemic tramadol, with a greaterAUCfor (R)‐(+)‐N‐demethyltramadol than for (S)‐(−)‐N‐demethyltramadol. In the opposite form, (S)‐(−)‐O‐demethyltramadol was formed faster than (R)‐(+)‐O‐demethyltramadol. The metabolism of tramadol was also route‐dependent with a different enantiomeric ratio for tramadol and its main phase I metabolites after intravenous and oral administration. The disposition ofN‐demethyltramadol was concentration‐dependent. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal ions‐ and pH‐induced conformational changes of acutolysin A from Agkistrodon acutus venom probed by fluorescent spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Chen Jiexia , Zhang Liyun , Liu Qingliang
Published: October 2006

Acutolysin A isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is a protein of 22 kDa with marked haemorrhagic and proteolytic activities. The metal ions‐ and pH‐induced conformational changes of acutolysin A have been studied by following fluorescence and activity measurements. Here, we provide evidence for the fact that native holo‐acutolysin A adopts two subtly different conformations, native state a (Na) stable in the weak acidic pH range from 6.0 to 7.0 with low activity and native state b (Nb) stable in the weak alkaline pH range from 7.5 to 9.0 with high activity. Holo‐acutolysin A has an optimum pH of 8.5 for caseinolytic activity, and the protein adopts the most stable conformation with the maximum fluorescence at pH 8.5. The Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions have significant effects on both the pH‐induced denaturing transition curve and the pH‐dependent activity curve. Addition of 1 mM Ca2+ to holo‐acutolysin A shifts both the acid‐induced denaturing transition curve and the end zone of acid‐induced inactivation curve towards lower pH value, and shifts both the alkali‐induced denaturing transition curve and the end zone of alkali‐induced inactivation curve towards higher pH value. Addition of 1 mM Zn2+ also shifts both the alkali‐induced denaturing transition curve and the end zone of alkali‐induced inactivation curve towards higher pH value and shifts the acid‐induced denaturing transition curve to lower pH value, but has little effect on the acid‐induced inactivation. Removal of Ca2+ and Zn2+ from the protein enhances its sensitivity to pH and significantly reduces its overall stability during acid‐induced denaturation. It is also evident from the present work that the free Zn2+‐induced inactivation in the pH range from 8.0 to 9.0 should be attributed to the effect of Zn(OH)2 precipitation on the protein. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 81–90, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Ba11In6O3: An Indide Oxide with Novel [In6] Building Units.
Authors: Wendorff Marco , Roehr Caroline
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Dimorphic CeZnPO and PrZnPO.
Authors: Lincke Hannes , Nilges Tom , Poettgen Rainer
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Lone‐Pair Interfaces that Divide Inorganic Materials into Ionic and Covalent Parts.
Authors: Mayerova Zuzana , Johnsson Mats , Lidin Sven
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Peculiarities in the Raman Spectra of ZrB12 and LuB12 Single Crystals.
Authors: Werheit H. , Paderno Yu. , Filippov V. , Paderno V. , Pietraszko A. , Armbruester M. , Schwarz U.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ho11ClTe16O48: An Extremly Chlorine‐Poor Chloride Oxotellurate(IV) of Trivalent Holmium.
Authors: Meier Steffen F. , Schleid Thomas
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The New Silver Thiostannate (1,4‐dabH2)Ag2SnS4: Solvothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Properties.
Authors: Pienack Nicole , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Grignard Reagents to Trisubstituted Enones. Construction of All‐Carbon Quaternary Chiral Centers.
Authors: Martin David , Kehrli Stefan , d'Augustin Magali , Clavier Herve , Mauduit Marc , Alexakis Alexandre
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.