bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multicriteria evolutionary algorithm for mechanical design optimization with expert rules
Authors: Coelho R. Filomeno , Bouillard Ph. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of optimizing mechanical components during the first stage of the design process. While a previous study focused on parameterized designs with fixed configurations—which led to the development of the PAMUC (Preferences Applied to Multiobjectivity and Constraints) method, to tackle constraints and preferences in evolutionary algorithms (EAs)—, the models to be considered in this work are enriched by the presence of topological variables.In this context, in order to create optimal but also realistic designs, i.e. fulfilling not only technical requirements but also technological constraints (more naturally expressed in terms of rules), a novel approach is proposed: PAMUC II. It consists in integrating an inference engine within the EA to repair the individuals violating the user‐defined rules. PAMUC II is tested on mechanical benchmarks, and provides very satisfactory results in comparison with a weighted sum method with penalization to deal with the constraints. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation of equations of motion of finite element form for vehicle–track–bridge interaction system with two types of vehicle model
Authors: Lou Ping , Zeng Qing‐yuan 
Published: November 2004

AbstractVehicle, track and bridge are considered as an entire system in this paper. Two types of vertical vehicle model are described. One is a one foot mass–spring–damper system having two‐degree‐of‐freedom, and the other is four‐wheelset mass–spring–damper system with two‐layer suspension systems possessing 10‐degree‐of‐freedom. For the latter vehicle model, the eccentric load of car body is taken into account. The rails and the bridge deck are modelled as an elastic Bernoulli–Euler upper beam with finite length and a simply supported Bernoulli–Euler lower beam, respectively, while the elasticity and damping properties of the rail bed are represented by continuous springs and dampers. The dynamic contact forces between the moving vehicle and rails are considered as internal forces, so it is not necessary to calculate the internal forces for setting up the equations of motion of the vehicle–track–bridge interaction system. The two types of equations of motion of finite element form for the entire system are derived by means of the principle of a stationary value of total potential energy of dynamic system. The proposed method can set up directly the equations of motion for sophisticated system, and these equations can be solved by step‐by‐step integration method, to obtain simultaneously the dynamic responses of vehicle, of track and of bridge. Illustration examples are given. Copyright 2004 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of UV aging characteristics of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/carbon black mixture
Authors: Çopuroğlu Mehmet , Şen Murat 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this comparative study, the effect of carbon black (CB) on the UV aging characteristics of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) was investigated. EVA, containing 13% vinyl acetate (VA), and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/carbon black mixture (EVA/CB), containing 13% VA and 1% CB, were aged by means of UV light with a wavelength in the vicinity of 259 nm, in air, up to 400 hr. Sol‐gel analyses were made to determine the percentage gelation of both virgin and aged samples. FT‐IR measurements were performed to follow the chemical changes which took place in the samples during aging. Dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetry studies were performed for determination of the thermal stabilities of virgin and aged samples.Sol‐gel analysis results showed that EVA itself has a tendency to form a gel under UV irradiation. EVA/CB, however, becomes a gel to a smaller extent, comparatively, under the same conditions. As a result of FT‐IR measurements, some oxidation products such as ketone, lactone and vinyl species were observed through UV ageing of EVA and EVA/CB. Thermal analysis experiments exhibited that the thermal stabilities of EVA and EVA/CB decreased, to a similar extent through UV aging. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensile properties of natural fabric Hildegardia populifolia/polycarbonate toughened epoxy composites
Authors: Rajulu A. Varada , Rao G. Babu , Devi L. Ganga 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe environmentally friendly composites of natural fabric Hildegardia populifolia/polycarbonate toughened epoxy were prepared. The effect of fabric content and the orientation of the fibers in the fabric on the tensile properties of the composites was studied. The effect of alkali treatment of the fabric and a silane coupling agent on the tensile properties was also studied. The tensile properties improved with alkali treated fabric content when a coupling agent was used. Polym. Compos. 25:563–568, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Big returns from small fibers: A review of polymer/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Breuer O. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper reviews recent studies conducted on carbon nanotube/polymer composites. Carbon nanotubes are promising new materials for blending with polymers with potential to obtain low‐weight nanocomposites of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, thermal and multifunctional properties. The size scale, aspect ratio and properties of nanotubes provide advantages in a variety of applications, including electrostatically dissipative materials; advanced materials with combined stiffness, strength and impact for aerospace or sporting goods; composite mirrors; automotive parts that require electrostatic painting and automotive components with enhanced mechanical properties. The various processing methods for producing these nanocomposites are discussed, in particular melt mixing, solution processing andin‐situpolymerization. Some key results are summarized, relating to the mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and surface properties. Finally, the challenges for the future are discussed in terms of processing, characterization, nanotube availability, nanotube tailoring, and the mechanisms governing the behavior of these remarkable nanoscale composites. Polym. Compos. 25:630–645, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Implementing the NSF for Diabetes
Authors: Paynter Roger , Woodhead Patricia , Singhal Parag 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis meeting was part of a rolling programme of regional conferences to discuss and formulate recommendations about the implementation of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Diabetes. The first in the series was held in Kensington, London, on 3 December 2003, and further meetings have also recently been held in London and Sheffield. The conferences are co‐ordinated by Dr Arun Baksi on behalf of the Diabetes Industry Group, a non‐profit making organisation of UK pharmaceutical companies dedicated to raising the profile of diabetes and enhancing diabetes education. James Wroe reports. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of polymerization conditions ono‐phenylenediamine ando‐phenetidine oxidative copolymers
Authors: Huang Mei‐Rong , Li Xin‐Gui , Duan Wei 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA series of newo‐phenylenediamine (OPD)/o‐phenetidine (PHT) copolymers with partly phenazine‐like structures has been successfully synthesized at three polymerization temperatures by chemically oxidative polymerization in four different polymerization media. The molecular structures and properties of the resulting OPD/PHT polymers were investigated by IR, UV–vis and high‐resolution1H NMR spectroscopies, and DSC, in order to ascertain the effect of reaction temperature, comonomer ratio and acid medium. The copolymerization mechanism of OPD with PHT monomers has been proposed. It is found that the statistical OPD/PHT copolymer obtained at a temperature of 118 °C has a higher degree of polymerization than that obtained at 12–17 °C. The OPD content in the copolymers calculated from NMR spectroscopic analysis is higher than that in the feed OPD content, whereas the OPD content calculated from element analysis is slightly lower than the feed OPD content. It can be predicted that denitrogenation takes place in the OPD units during the polymerization process at OPD/PHT molar ratios of 90/10 and 100/0. These OPD/PHT copolymers exhibit a much better solubility than the OPD homopolymer, hence suggesting an incorporation of PHT units into the phenazine structure of the homopolymer. The thermal behavior of the copolymers was also studied. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersion polymerization of vinyl acetate in a mixture of ethanol and water
Authors: Okaya Takuji , Kikuchi Kenji , Suzuki Atsushi , Ikeda Naoto 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDispersion polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) was studied in a mixed solvent of ethanol and water using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a low degree of hydrolysis as a steric stabilizer. Six compositions were chosen from a homogeneous phase before the polymerization. In a composition with the highest solubility parameter, 450 nm particles with a size distribution close to monodispersity were obtained. With decreasing solubility parameters of the compositions, the particles became polydisperse. In the compositions with solubility parameter lower than 17.1, particles were not formed even at 100 % conversion. Degrees of polymerization obtained in this homogeneous phase were less than 100 and close to calculated values. With increasing solubility parameters of the system, degrees of polymerization increased but were still less than 200. Grafting of VAc onto PVA and grafted PVA were very small, indicating the presence of a competing reaction to the grafting. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and solubility of poly(N‐methylbenzimidazole) and poly(N‐ethylbenzimidazole): control of degree of alkylation
Authors: Pu Hongting , Liu Gaihua 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this paper, synthesis of poly(N‐methylbenzimidazole) (PNMBI) and poly(N‐ethylbenzimidazole) (PNEBI) with various alkylation degrees was achieved by adding enough LiH and controlling the amount of substituting reactant. The degree of substituted methyl or ethyl was determined by elemental analysis. Changes in infrared spectroscopy due to nature and degree of substitution can clearly be found. With the modification of PBI, the solubility of PNMBI and PNEBI is improved significantly. There is no significant change of chemical structure of PNMBI after 0.5 h thermal treatment in both N2 and air at a temperature lower than 250 °C. Compared with PBI, the methanol permeability of PNMBI and PNEBI is a little higher but still of the same order of magnitude. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal crosslinking behavior of poly (aryl ether ketone) copolymers containing naphthalene moieties
Authors: Niu Yaming , Wang Guibin , Zhang Suxia , Na Ying , Jiang Zhenhua , Dong Fengxia , Zheng Yingguang 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA series of poly[(ether ether ketone)‐co‐(ether naphthalene ether ketone)] (P(EEK‐co‐ENEK)) copolymers were heated under a variety of conditions. The thermal crosslinking behavior was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron spin resonance (ESR) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The results indicate that under a non‐oxidative environment such as nitrogen P(EEK‐co‐ENEK) is more stable, while under oxidative conditions a crosslinking reaction takes place that causes a reduction in the crystallizability of the copolymers, and an increase in the concentration of free radicals on the copolymer. ESR results suggest that the crosslinking reaction proceeds via free radicals. Subsequently two kinds of free radicals were characterized: one is an RO• type free radical and the other is a naphthalene ring free radical. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical and thermal properties of poplar wood polyacrylonitrile composites
Authors: Joshi TK , Zaidi MGH , Sah PL , Alam S 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWood polyacrylonitrile composite (WPC) from poplar wood was synthesized. The synthetic process was carried out through benzoyl peroxide (0.05 mol l−1) catalyzed impregnation polymerization of acrylonitrile (6.075 mol l−1) into poplar wood in benzene medium at 70 ± 1 °C. Modification of the properties of WPC over untreated wood was evaluated in terms of compression, impact strength and simultaneous differential thermogravimetry‐thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis (DTG‐TG‐DTA) in air. Compression, impact strength and resistance of wood against thermo‐oxidation were improved with impregnation of polyacrylonitrile. Impregnation of polyacrylonitrile into poplar wood was ascertained through UV‐vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal transformation and thermomechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Pramoda KP , Mohamed Ashiq , Yee Phang In , Liu Tianxi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe crystal transformation and thermomechanical properties of melt‐intercalated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/clay nanocomposites are reported in this study. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the thermal properties of PVDF and its nanocomposites with various clay concentrations. The incorporation of clay in PVDF results in the formation of β‐form crystals of PVDF. DSC study of melting behavior suggested the presence of only α‐phase crystals in neat PVDF and both α‐ and β‐phase crystals in the nanocomposite. This conclusion was corroborated by findings from Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated significant improvements in storage modulus over a temperature range of 20–150 °C. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreases with increasing clay loading. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression and early spontaneous abortion
Authors: Yu X.W. , Yan C.F. , Jin H. , Li X. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo compare tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) protein expression in women with unexplained early spontaneous abortion (UESA) and normal pregnancy.MethodsIn a prospective study, 62 women with UESA and 60 with normal pregnancy were studied. Decidual membrane TNFR1 was detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and serum soluble TNFR1 were by ELISA. Statistical analyses of resulting data employed the student's t test, the Fisher's Exact, and the nonparametric Wilcoxon testResultsThe percentage of membrane tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (mTNFR1) positive decidual cells was 16.42±7.1 for women with UESA and 12.47±5.3 for women with normal pregnancy (p<0.05). The number of mTNFR1 positive cells was more in decidual stromal and vessel endothelial cells in women with UESA, and serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) concentration was significantly higher than in women with normal pregnancy (554.56±126.7 pg/ml vs. 175.3±52.4 pg/ml; p<0.001).ConclusionThe overexpression of TNFR1 may contribute to the development of ESA.
Gender and sexual health in clinical practice in Lebanon
Authors: El‐Kak F. , Jurdi R. , Kaddour A. , Zurayk H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis study examines the readiness of obstetricians/gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) in Lebanon to provide sexual consultation, their degree of comfort when discussing issues of sexual health, and their attitudes regarding assessment, treatment, and referral. Data on these concepts were collected through face‐to‐face interviews with 286 randomly selected Ob/Gyns. Most Ob/Gyns reported feeling comfortable discussing sexuality during consultations, which they attributed much more to professional experience than to training. Most Ob/Gyns reported giving proper time for management of sexual health issues and follow‐up, as these issues are brought up frequently by their women clients. However, results suggest that only one‐third (31%) of Lebanese Ob/Gyns nearly always take the initiative in asking patients about their sexual health. Moreover, almost 45% of participating Ob/Gyns did not recognize a strong relationship between reproductive health and sexual functioning. Gender was not found to be an important predictor for any of the indicators measured in the present study. Ob/Gyns in Lebanon are significant consultants on various sexual issues, and they need better postgraduate training, continuing medical education, and access to medical congress resources on the topic of sexuality and its relationship to reproductive health.
Large loop excision and cold coagulation for management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Allam M. , Paterson A. , Thomson A. , Ray B. , Rajagopalan C. , Sarkar G. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the efficacy of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) combined with a single application of the cone probe of a Semm Cold Coagulator as a new treatment for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: Retrospective case‐record review of 666 women treated with large loop excision and cold coagulation (LLECC) from 1992 to 2000. Results: Of the women who had high‐grade CIN at their initial consultation, 4.2% had abnormal cytologic results 6 months after treatment and 0.6% had abnormal cytologic results at 12 months. Of the women who had low‐grade CIN at initial presentation, 3.8% had abnormal cytologic results 6 months after treatment and none (0%) at 12 months. Furthermore, there were no reported cases of cervical cancer in this cohort of women during the follow‐up period. Short‐term bleeding complications (within 24 h of the procedure) occurred in 1% of the women assessed. Conclusions: Large loop excision combined with cold coagulation is a new and effective treatment for CIN. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and determine the long‐term safety of the technique.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis and ‘savior siblings’
Authors: Dickens B.M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractFrom its emergence, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been opposed by religious, feminist, and disability‐rights advocates. PGD has developed, however, to extend beyond genetic diagnosis of embryos to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities. Evidence shows that PGD is safe, children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and PGD having no higher rate of birth defects than children of normal pregnancies. Laws may accommodate PGD directly or indirectly, but some prohibit PGD totally or except to identify sex‐linked genetic disorders. When children suffer severe genetic disorders and require stem‐cell transplantation, compatible donors may be unavailable. Then, IVF and PGD of resulting embryos may identify some whose gestation and birth would produce unaffected newborns, and placental and cord blood from which stem‐cells compatible for implantation in sick siblings can be derived. Ethical issues concern conscientious objection to direct participation, discarding of healthy but unsuitable embryos, and valuing savior siblings in themselves, not just as means to others' ends.
Identification of R(−)‐isomer of efonidipine as a selective blocker of T‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Furukawa Taiji , Miura Reiko , Honda Mitsuyoshi , Kamiya Natsuko , Mori Yasuo , Takeshita Satoshi , Isshiki Takaaki , Nukada Toshihide 
Published: November 2004

Efonidipine, a derivative of dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist, is known to block both L‐ and T‐type Ca2+ channels. It remains to be clarified, however, whether efonidipine affects other voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel subtypes such as N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐types, and whether the optical isomers of efonidipine have different selectivities in blocking these Ca2+ channels, including L‐ and T‐types.
To address these issues, the effects of efonidipine and its R(−)‐ and S(+)‐isomers on these Ca2+ channel subtypes were examined electrophysiologically in the expression systems using Xenopus oocytes and baby hamster kidney cells (BHK tk‐ts13).
Efonidipine, a mixture of R(−)‐ and S(+)‐isomers, exerted blocking actions on L‐ and T‐types, but no effects on N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐type Ca2+ channels.
The selective blocking actions on L‐ and T‐type channels were reproduced by the S(+)‐efonidipine isomer.
By contrast, the R(−)‐efonidipine isomer preferentially blocked T‐type channels.
The blocking actions of efonidipine and its enantiomers were dependent on holding potentials.
These findings indicate that the R(−)‐isomer of efonidipine is a specific blocker of the T‐type Ca2+ channel.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 1050–1057. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705944
Anaemia and iron deficiency during pregnancy in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hyder SM Ziauddin , Persson Lars-Åke , Chowdhury Mushtaque , Lönnerdal Bo , Ekström Eva-Charlotte 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjective:To study the prevalence of anaemia and its association with measures of iron deficiency (ID) among a group of pregnant women.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Pregnant women identified through house-to-house visits and participating in community-based antenatal care activities in a rural location of Mymensingh, Bangladesh.Subjects:The estimates are based on 214 reportedly healthy pregnant women in their second trimester. Information on socio-economic status and reproductive history were obtained through home visits and venous blood samples were collected at antenatal care centres. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was measured by HemoCue, serum ferritin (sFt) by radioimmunoassay and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. ID was defined as presence of either low sFt (<12 μg l−1) or high sTfR (>8.5 mg l−1).Results:The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <110 g l−1) was 50%, but severe anaemia (Hb >70 g l−1) was absent. Low sFt was observed in 42%, high sTfR in 25%, either low sFt or high TfR in 54% and both low sFt and high TfR in 13% of the pregnant women. Two out of three anaemic women had an indication of ID, which was present in 80% of women with moderate (Hb 70–99 g l−1) and 50% with mild (Hb 100–109 g l−1) anaemia. Four out of 10 non-anaemic women (Hb >110 g l−1) also had ID, but the prevalence was significantly lower than that observed in anaemic women (P=0.001).Conclusions:Despite the high prevalence of anaemia, severe cases were absent. The prevalence of ID increased at lower Hb. However, an increased prevalence was also found among women in the highest category of Hb.
The dominant role of adsorbed fluid layers on the polar surfaces of ZnO in ambient
atmospheric conditions
Authors: Fryar James , McGlynn Enda , Henry Martin O , Cafolla A Anthony , Hanson Claire J 
Published: November 2004

Polar ZnO surfaces with O- and Zn-termination were studied with atomic and lateral force
microscopy and force curves. Adsorbed fluid layers on both surfaces are found to dominate
their adhesion properties in air. The hydrophilic O-surface has a substantially
thicker adsorbed layer and larger residual particle densities. Our data suggest that
different preparation is required for the two surfaces before use in epitaxy, and
may resolve some contradictions in the literature. The data also indicate that
adsorbed fluid layers may be important in the growth of certain ZnO nanostructures.