Polyphenylene Dendrimer‐Templated In Situ Construction of Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Rice‐Shaped Architectures

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

Denoising of arterial spin labeling data: wavelet-domain filtering compared with Gaussian smoothing

Purpose  

To investigate a wavelet-based filtering scheme for denoising of arterial spin labeling (ASL) data, potentially enabling reduction of the required number of averages and the acquisition time.     

Development of Maillard Reaction Related Characteristics During Malt Roasting

Roasting trials with a modified coffee roaster revealed that the attained end‐temperature is the key parameter for control of non‐enzymatic browning during malt production. The development of the main Maillard reaction related malt characteristics (colour, antioxidative activity and flavour) was therefore assessed under mild, intermediate and intensive roasting conditions with end‐temperatures of 120, 150 and 180°C, respectively. Since maximal browning occurred between 125 and 160°C, the rate of colour formation during mild roasting significantly differed from the other two conditions (3.5 versus 15 European Brewery Convention (EBC) units/min). High molecular weight (HMW) mela‐noidins (> 70 kDa) were mainly generated by intensive roasting (between 157 and 166°C). The sudden formation of HMW mela‐noidins coincided with the abrupt decrease of the level of vicinal diketones and radical scavenging antioxidants, indicating a possible role for these compounds in the polymerisation reactions that lead to the formation of HMW melanoidins.     

Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite by a High Deformation Consolidation Process

Reinforcement geometry affects strengthening significantly for metal matrix composites. Using rule of mixtures, which assumes perfect stress transfer from matrix to reinforcement, as well as a differential CTE mechanism, which assumes a dislocation generation effect to strengthen the matrix, it can be shown that particulate reinforcement types are inherently inefficient for strengthening. As an alternative, a Ni pre-form fiber system has been used in this work as the reinforcement. The preform type eliminates the mixing problems inherent for a particulate system, but itself also introduces an additional binder burn-off step. Subsequent compaction was done using a cold isostatic press up to 3000 bars (^-300 MPa), with the consolidation achieved by means of a hot extrusion / hot pressing method.     

Configurable product views based on geometry user requirements

This paper describes an approach at Volvo Truck Corporation where geometry users' requirements are utilised to define configurable product views. The paper is derived from a research framework on geometry management. The objective of the research framework is to improve reuse of geometry by providing relevant geometry-based product information, so-called geometric product views, through application of configuration management. In order to provide relevant product views, specific fundamental product information must exist. This type of information will vary depending on the different types of product views. Several examples on product view are presented. The product views are realised by a developed configuration management system, an example of a configured product view is presented as proof of concept. The configuration management system is currently under industrial implementation.     

Sonographic features of mammary oil cysts

Mammographic lesions that are pathognomonic for oil cysts require no further evaluation. Oil cysts, however, may first be discovered by ultrasonography. Between 1988 and 1995, we performed sonography of 26 oil cysts in 15 patients. Sonography was used to evaluate a palpable finding when an oil cyst was not initially perceived on the mammogram (47%) or as an initial evaluation of a palpable lump (33%); in addition, oil cysts were identified incidentally in 20% of cases. Retrospective review showed that the sonographic appearance of oil cysts is highly variable; only 8% mimic simple apocrine cysts. Twelve percent mimic an intracystic mass. Most have smooth walls (88%), are hypoechoic (65%), and have neither enhancement or shadowing (50%). The sonographic appearance of oil cysts can be suggestive of a pathologic lesion such as an intracystic carcinoma. Unnecessary biopsy can be avoided using directed mammography.     

Mental health providers' perceptions of cultural variables in evaluating ethnically diverse clients.

The study assessed anonymously the perceptions of 107 mental health providers concerning the importance of considering cultural variables in the assessment of mental disorders in ethnic minority individuals. Although the providers overwhelmingly reported a belief in the importance of cultural variables, a relatively small percentage considered themselves highly successful in assessing the degree of the clients' assimilation and acculturation. Additionally, 73% of the respondents reported a high degree of need for more culturally focused training. The results indicate the need to increase such training in order to better serve minority individuals and the possible need to increase the numbers of mental health providers serving minority clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Framework for the Generation of Adaptive Courses Based on Semantic Metadata

This approach proposes the creation and management of adaptive learning systems by combining component technology, semantic metadata, and adaptation rules. A component model allows interaction among components that share consistent assumptions about what each provides and each requires of the other. It allows indexing, using, reusing, and coupling of components in different contexts powering adaptation. Our claim is that semantic metadata are required to allow a real reusing and assembling of educational component. Finally, a rule language is used to define strategies to rewrite user query and user model. The former allows searching components developing concepts not appearing in the user query but related with user goals, whereas the last allow inferring user knowledge that is not explicit in user model.John Freddy Duitama received his M.Sc. degree in system engineering from the University of Antioquia -Colombia (South America). He is currently a doctoral candidate in the GET – Institut National des Télécommunications, Evry France. This work is sponsored by the University of Antioquia, where he is assistant professor.His research interest includes semantic web and web-based learning systems, educational metadata and learning objects.Bruno Defude received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Grenoble (I.N.P.G) in 1986. He is currently Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the GET - Institut National des Télécommunications, Evry France where he leads the SIMBAD project (Semantic Interoperability for MoBile and ADaptive applications).His major field of research interest is databases and semantic web, specifically personalized data access, adaptive systems, metadata, interoperability and semantic Peer-to-peer systems with elearning as a privileged application area.He is a member of ACM SIGMOD.Amel Bouzeghoub received a degree of Ph.D. in Computer Sciences at Pierre et Marie Curie University, France.In 2000, she joined the Computer Sciences Department of GET-INT (Institut National des Telecommunications) at Evry (France) as an associate professor.Her research interests include topics related to Web-based Learning Systems, Semantic Metadata for learning resources, Adaptive Learning Systems and Intelligent Tutoring Systems.Claire Lecocq received an Engineer Degree and a Ph.D. in Computer Sciences respectively in 1994 and 1999. In 1997, she joined the Computer Sciences Department at GET-INT (Institut National des Télécommunications) of Evry, France, as an associate professor. Her first research interests included spatial databases and visual query languages. She is now working on adaptive learning systems, particularly on semantic metadata and user models.     

Determining Price Levels and Product Mix in a Rolling Mill: A Case Study

The decision model presented in this paper maximizes the firm's overall profit margin in a direct costing system. Price-demand relationships have to be considered for all combinations of sales markets and product groups. Because of the special structure of the production process, the problem can be formulated as a dynamic programming model, which yields detailed results for every product group and global results for every production unit.     

The influence of wort aeration and yeast preoxygenation on beer staling processes

The influence of oxygen on the beer staling process is considered to be of major importance. Therefore, the impact of wort aeration, which is thought to cause wort oxidation processes, on beer ageing, has been examined. Pilsner and ale beers were produced with the classical wort aeration technique or by the use of the yeast preoxygenation process, in which yeast cells are exposed to oxygen before fermentation. The staling of these beers was studied using P&T GC–MS and sensory analysis. GC–MS analyses of the natural and forced aged beers showed no significant differences between the two treatments. Sensory evaluation of natural and forced beers confirmed these results. Thus, normal wort aeration (8 mg/l) does not appear to determine flavour stability in a direct manner. This is probably due to the short contact of the wort with oxygen at low temperatures before the onset of fermentation.