bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape measures of rain shields as indicators of changing environmental conditions in a landfalling tropical storm
Authors: Matyas Corene 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe atmosphere and land surface can alter the structure of a landfalling tropical cyclone (TC), resulting in complex spatial patterns of rainfall. Rather than average observations from many TCs, this study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS) to spatially analyse radar reflectivity data that define the rain shield of TC Dennis (1999). The effects of the atmosphere and land surface upon the rain shield are quantified through the calculation of six shape metrics: areal coverage, elongation, compactness, fragmentation, orientation, and distance and bearing of the polygon centroid from the storm circulation centre. Analysis of the data in hourly intervals reveals the extent to which the landfall process, vertical wind shear, dry air intrusion, interaction with mountains, and extratropical transition (ET) affect the location, size, and shape of the rain shield. Results illustrate the influences that multiple forcings can have upon TC structure and demonstrate that the calculation of the shape metrics can provide a method to evaluate the effects of environmental conditions upon multiple TCs. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Yield design of dry‐stone masonry retaining structures—Comparisons with analytical, numerical, and experimental data
Authors: Colas A. S. , Morel J. C. , Garnier D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOver the past few years, there has been a steady increase in the interest in dry‐stone walling not only to preserve existing constructions but also to build new ones. Yet, dry masonry's expansion is slowed down by the lack of scientific knowledge to assess its reliability. This study aims at contributing to the construction of this scientific frame using a simplified model based on yield design and homogenization, which can be directly exploited for engineering purposes. A new analytical expression of the ultimate load is thus established. Then, the validity of the method is assessed by comparisons with limit equilibrium analysis, distinct element method, and field trials. Finally, possible improvements of the model are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Chinese version of ICIQ: A useful tool in clinical practice and research on urinary incontinence
Authors: Huang Liang , Zhang Song‐wen , Wu Shi‐liang , Ma Le , Deng Xiao‐hong 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAimsIn China, more and more research on the management of urinary incontinence (UI) is being conducted; a robust questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms and impact of UI will be very helpful. Thus, the Chinese version of The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) was developed.MethodsInitial translation and back translation of the ICIQ‐UI short form, the ICIQ‐FLUTS, the ICIQ‐FLUTS long form, the ICIQ‐LUTSqol, and the ICIQ‐FLUTSsex were completed by native Chinese and English speaker, respectively. Then, the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules, including the content/face validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were examined.ResultsThe back translation of the questionnaires was consistent with the original English questionnaires. The Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules was easily completed, and the missing data were less than 2.5%. The Cornbach's alpha coefficient was 0.71–0.96. In the test–retest, the agreement rate of the two tests exceeded 95% and the kappa values were 0.72–0.93 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules was easily understood, and had adequate internal consistency and reliability. It can be used in the study of Chinese‐speaking groups around the world. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:522–524, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resource prediction and management in active networks
Authors: Devi K. Vimala , Mehata K. M. , Radhakrishnan S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractActive networks provide a programmable user–network interface that supports dynamic modification of the network's behavior. Network nodes, in addition to forwarding packets, perform customized computation on the messages flowing through them. Resources in an active network mainly consist of CPU and bandwidth. The inherent unpredictability of processing times of active packet poses a significant challenge in CPU scheduling. It has been identified that prior estimation of the resource requirements of a packet is very difficult since it is platform dependent and also depends on processing load at the time of execution, operating system scheduling, etc. An efficient allocation is required for the optimal utilization of resources. In this paper, resources are estimated using prediction techniques such as single exponential smoothing (SES), adaptive‐response‐rate single exponential smoothing (ARRSES) and Holt's two‐parameter estimation models. The estimated results agreed most with the actual requirements. The estimation models were compared with model criteria. An algorithm was also designed for the allocation of resources. Effectiveness of the algorithm was measured through simulation and achieved almost perfect fairness for all flows and also provided much superior delay guarantees under a highly dynamic environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EAS concept for higher‐order finite shell elements to eliminate volumetric locking
Authors: Hommel J.‐H. , Meschke G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe deficiency of volumetric locking phenomena in finite elements using higher‐order shell element formulations based on Lagrangean polynomials and a linear finite shell kinematics cannot be avoided by the existent enhanced assumed strain (EAS) concept established for low‐order elements. In this paper a consistent modification of the EAS concept is proposed to extend its applicability to higher‐order shell elements. This modification, affecting the transversal normal strain for polynomial orders p>1, eliminates pathological modes caused by volumetric locking. The efficiency of the proposed extended EAS method is demonstrated by means of eigenvalue analyses and two representative numerical examples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiobjective optimization of polymerization reaction of vinyl acetate by genetic algorithm technique with a new replacement criterion
Authors: Sadi Maryam , Dabir Bahram , Shahrabadi Abbas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA multiobjective optimization procedure based on genetic algorithm has been developed to determine optimum operational conditions of polymerization reaction. In this article by using a new selection criterion to choose the next generation members with better quality, optimization efficiency is improved and the number of generations to obtain Pareto optimal set reduced. In this proposed method a novel replacement criterion based on ranking level information and proximity of solutions to the Pareto optimal front is used to choose the next generation members. The polymerization of vinyl acetate has been chosen as an example. Two objective functions, which used in this study, are maximization of the weight average molecular weight up to the desired value and minimization of the residual initiator concentration. A Pareto optimal set of objective functions has been obtained by application of a Pareto set filter operator. Furthermore, the influence of genetic algorithm parameters on the efficiency and convergence of genetic algorithm is studied by changing cross over and mutation probabilities. Because of the flexibility and generality of genetic algorithm, this optimization method is a useful technique with lots of potentials in determination of optimum value of operation parameters. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheology and curing kinetics of fumed silica/cyanate ester nanocomposites
Authors: Goertzen William K. , Sheng Xia , Akinc Mufit , Kessler M.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA low‐viscosity bisphenol E cyanate ester (BECy) monomer was combined with fumed silica with average primary particle diameters of 12 and 40 nm to form high‐temperature adhesives with processability at ambient temperatures. Rheological evaluation revealed that for silica loadings below 15 vol%, suspensions of both particle sizes exhibited shear thinning and thixotropic behavior. Samples with high silica loadings (>15 vol%) of 40‐nm silica also showed intense shear thickening at shear rates above 10 s−1. Thixotropy was most pronounced for the 12‐nm silica, but the formation of a gel was slow, indicating that the polar nature of the BECy monomer was responsible for disrupting hydrogen bonds between silica particles. Rheokinetic evaluation of catalyzed samples showed that increasing silica content reduced gel time and increased gel viscosity, and this effect was most pronounced for the 12‐nm silica. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed that the silica's hydroxyl groups have a minor catalytic effect on the polymerization kinetics, such that the activation energies of the catalyzed suspensions were decreased with increased nanoparticle loading and decreased particle size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of functionalized low density polyethylene matrix biocomposites
Authors: Katsoulotos G. , Pappa G. , Tarantili P.A. , Magoulas K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe incorporation of cellulosic fibers into polyethylene matrices was studied in this work, by dispersion of fluff pulp from maritime pine in a hot polymer solution, followed by co‐precipitation of the solid components by cooling at room temperature. The above method was found suitable for proper wetting and dispersion of fibers in the polymeric matrix, as compared with melt compounding. Unmodified low density polyethylene [LDPE], modified LDPE with maleic anhydride grafted linear low density polyethylene [M‐LLDPE] and a copolymer of acrylic acid and n‐butyl acrylate polyethylene [(AA/n‐BA)‐LDPE], were used as matrices for the preparation of fiber reinforced composites. The thermal properties of these composites were determined using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The incorporation of cellulosic fibers results in a decrease of the crystallinity of the polymer matrix, as they act as inert material. In addition, the appropriate tests were run in order to determine the density and tensile properties of the composite specimens prepared by compression molding, with filler content ranging from 10 to 40% (w/w). Composites based on modified LDPE showed improved mechanical properties. The Takayanagi model, applied to predict the Young's modulus of composites, was in very good agreement with the experimental data obtained in this work. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure and properties of novel PMDA/ODA/PABZ polyimide fibers
Authors: Gao Guanqun , Dong Liang , Liu Xiangyang , Ye Guangdou , Gu Yi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA series of random copolyamic acid were synthesized from various ratios of two diamines 4, 4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (PABZ) by polycondensation with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). Their inherent viscosities were in the range of 1.89–2.91 dl/g. The polyamic acid (PAA) solution drops were spun into fibers by the wet spinning process. The polyimide (PI) fibers were obtained from PAA fibers after drawn and treated in heating tube. The fibers were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), wide X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile testing. WAXD showed these PI fibers were basically amorphous. The tensile strength and initial modulus of the PI fiber reached 1.53 and 220.5 GPa when diamine ratio of PABZ/ODA was 7/3, which were almost three times and 30 times over that of the PMDA/ODA PI fibers. TGA showed that the PI fibers were thermally stable with 10% weight losses recorded in the range of 492–564°C under nitrogen atmosphere, and their glass transition temperature (Tg) were found to be 410–440°C by DMA with increasing PABZ content from 30 to 70%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of hot‐press on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes
Authors: Na Haining , Zhao Yuping , Zhao Chenguang , Zhao Ci , Yuan Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was electrospun into ultrafine fibrous membranes from its solutions in a mixture of N,N‐dimethylformamide and acetone (9:1, v/v). The electrospun membranes were subsequently treated by continuous hot‐press at elevated temperatures up to 155°C. Changes of morphology, crystallinity, porosity, liquid absorption, and mechanical properties of the membranes after hot‐press were investigated. Results of scanning electron microscopy showed that there were no significant changes in fibrous membrane morphology when the hot‐press temperature varied from room temperature to 130°C, but larger pores were formed because of fibers melting and bonding under higher temperatures. Analyses of X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter exhibited that the crystalline form of PVDF could transfer from β‐type to α‐type during hot‐press at temperatures higher than 65°C. Tensile tests suggested that the mechanical properties of the electrospun PVDF membranes were remarkably enhanced from 25 to 130°C, whereas the porosity and the liquid absorption decreased. The hot‐press at 130°C was optimal for the electrospun PVDF membranes. The continuous hot‐press post‐treatment could be a feasible method to produce electrospun membranes, not limited to PVDF, with suitable mechanical properties as well as good porosity and liquid absorption for their applications in high‐quality filtrations or battery separators. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A method for measuring two‐dimensional refractive index distribution by using Fresnel equations and phase‐shifting interferometry
Authors: Hsieh H. C. , Jian Z. C. , Chen Y. L. , Hsieh P. J. , Su D. C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBased on Fresnel equations and the phase‐shifting interferometry, an alternative method for measuring the two‐dimensional refractive index distribution of a material is presented. A linearly polarized light passes through a quarter wave‐plate and is incident on the tested material. The reflected light propagates through an analyzer, and then the interference signal can be obtained. The special equations to estimate the phase of the interferometric signal can be derived by using Fresnel equations. Next, the associated two‐dimensional phase distribution is measured by the four‐step phase‐shifting interferometry. Then, the measured data are substituted into the special equations derived previously, and the two‐dimensional refractive index distribution of the tested material can be obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ellipsometric studies of opal crystals
Authors: Reza A. , Tamasevicius R. , Babonas J. , Balevicius Z. , Vaicikauskas V. , Golubev V. , Kurdyukov D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSpectroscopic ellipsometry investigations have been performed on synthetic opal crystals containing SiO2 spheres having a diameter of D ∼250 nm. The optical features in the spectra of ellipsometric parameters Ψ and Δ were observed in the region of stop band (500‐550 nm). The ellipsometric spectra were separated due to diffraction and specular reflection. The data were interpreted by using effective homogeneous and stacked multi‐layer media models. The average index of refraction of the opal photonic crystal was estimated in the first model and the angle‐resolved spectra were qualitatively described by the second model. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A spectroscopic ellipsometry investigation of RF‐sputtered crystalline vanadium pentoxide thin films
Authors: Oukassi S. , Gagnard X. , Salot R. , Zahorski D. , Stehlé J. L. , Piel J. P. , Pereira‐Ramos J. P. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractVanadium pentoxide (V2O5) raised much interest, in several fields, especially relating to thin film lithium microbatteries. Yet, literature mentioned different results about a variation of electrochemical performance of these films with thickness. The present work is focused on the use of spectroscopic ellipsometry on V2O5 crystalline thin film during growth. Optical properties were determined in the near‐IR‐visible range (0.25‐2 µm). Effective media approximation based model was developed and was used to determine the optical constants of thin films. Thickness and roughness obtained corresponded well to respectively SEM and AFM results. Based on optical refractive index evolution, a density gradient was identified through the film thickness. These results could explain in parts the thickness influence on the electrochemical performance of V2O5 thin films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ellipsometry study of ultra thin layers of evaporated gold
Authors: Nabok Alexei , Tsargorodskaya Anna , Suryajaya  
Published: March 2008

AbstractOptical properties of ultra thin (from 1 to 40 nm) films of gold evaporated on glass and silicon were studied with the method of spectroscopic ellipsometry in both external and internal reflection configurations as well as with the UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained showed a gradual shift of the plasmon peak from 580 nm for 1 nm thick films to more than 1000 nm for thick (40 nm) gold films. Such phenomenon can be interpreted in terms of quantum confinement of surface plasmons in gold islands. The threshold of the metal‐dielectric transition was found at the film thickness between 4 and 5 nm. Thiolation of the surface of glass has resulted in a slight decrease in the effective thickness of gold layer and respective smaller blue shift of n (λ) and k (λ) dispersion curves, however no dramatic changes were observed in the film morphology. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polarimetric imaging for the diagnosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Anastasiadou M. , Martino A. De , Clement D. , Liège F. , Laude‐Boulesteix B. , Quang N. , Dreyfuss J. , Huynh B. , Nazac A. , Schwartz L. , Cohen H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe present a first evaluation of polarimetric imaging in the degree of polarization (DOP) mode for cervical cancer detection. The preliminary results obtained with exvivo biopsies justified the development of a DOP imaging system adapted to commercial colposcope, for invivo studies. A clinical trial of this device is underway in order to compare this imaging modality with classical colposcopy for the visualisation of cervical precancerous or cancerous lesions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Real‐time ellipsometric study of Ge+ ion implanted SiO2 layers during fast annealing
Authors: Shvets V. A. , Tyschenko I. E. , Chikichev S. I. , Prokopiev V. Yu. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn situ ellipsometric measurements were performed during fast high temperature annealing of Ge+ ion implanted SiO2 layers. Low temperature (up to 500 °C) evolution of ellipsometric parameters is governed by water evaporation from the sample surface and film pores. In the temperature interval of 500‐650 °C rapid change of ψ and Δ is observed. This may be explained by near interface crystallization of damaged silicon and defect recombination in implanted layer. On further heating (up to 950 °C) agglomeration of initially dispersed Ge atoms into amorphous clusters occurs, which finally crystallize and increase in size with temperature rising to 1150 °C without melting. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ellipsometric studies of diamond like carbon films prepared by PECVD using pulsed DC power supply
Authors: Rai D. K. , Datta Debjit , Gupta Rajeev , Kumar Satyendra 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDiamonds like carbon (DLC) films were deposited by DC and pulsed DC glow discharge plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique (PECVD). High deposition rates and uniform thin film were obtained using pulsed DC PECVD glow discharge deposition technique. The optical and surface properties of these films were investigated using transmission spectroscopy, spectroscopic Ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to examine the compositional properties and sp3/sp2 ratio in our films. Phase modulated Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) in wide range of 300‐1650 nm was used to determine the complex refractive index (ñ (λ) = n (λ) +ik (λ)) using Forouhi‐Bloomer amorphous model in the analyses of SE data. The extracted parameters are reported. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependent reflection anisotropy spectroscopy investigations of vanadyl phthalocyanine films
Authors: Fronk Michael , Bräuer Björn , Zahn Dietrich , Salvan Georgeta 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe optical anisotropy of VOPc films is investigated in the temperature range from 300 K to 10 K by reflection anisotropy spectroscopy in the energy range from 1.5 eV to 5.5 eV. With changing temperature all spectral features show reversible changes in their relative intensity. The most pronounced changes are observed in the sub‐structure of the Q band related feature when cooling down from 300 K to 100 K indicating a reversible structural modification of the films assisted by the illumination. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Non‐collimated beam ellipsometry
Authors: Juhász G. , Horváth Z. , Major C. , Petrik P. , Polgár O. , Fried M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA new method of polarization reflectometry for mapping purposes is presented. Two different optical arrangements were built to study the specific features of the new technique that uses non‐collimated illumination giving multiple‐angle‐of‐incidence information from rapid measurements of the whole area. The prototypes were built in the form of wide‐angle 3‐wavelength ellipsometers using film polarizers. Using pin‐hole‐CCD‐matrix detector arrangement, the detection is almost background free. It can provide real‐time polarization state parameter maps (and thicknesses and/or refractive index maps) over a relatively large area of the surface with 0.5‐1 mm lateral resolution. The speed of the measuring system makes it suitable for use even on production lines. The accuracy of the device is not higher than that of standard ellipsometers, but it is enough for determining the thickness of the silicon‐dioxide film with subnanometer and the angle‐of‐incidence with subtenthdegree precision. We used the prototype for mapping purposes in the case of homogeneity check of ion implantation in silicon, thickness and porosity mapping on electrochemically etched porous silicon layers, thickness mapping on a polysilicon/silicondioxide layer structure. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)