The preparation and properties of segmented‐chain liquid crystalline polyesters based on 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl by interfacial polycondensation

Thermotropic homopolyesters were prepared through interfacial polycondensation of 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl with sebacoyl chloride. The optimal conditions of the process, in terms of the best yield, were studied through investigating the type of organic phase, amount of phase transfer agent, time and temperature of reaction, and volume ratio of aqueous to organic phase. The structure of the sample that had the best yield (53.235% ± 5%) was determined by means of elemental analysis, infrared spectra, and X‐ray. The effect of the molar ratio of the monomers on the yield and inherent viscosity was investigated. The inherent viscosity of the samples varied between 0.095 and 0.25 dL/g. The mesophase formed at elevated temperatures was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy, and depolarizing transmittance measurements. Our observations revealed that poly(4, 4′‐diphenyl sebacate), in contrast to previous reports that suggest this polymer is smectgenic, could produce nematic phase. It could be concluded that the chemical structure ordering of the poly(4, 4′‐diphenyl sebacate) plays a significant role in its liquid crystalline behavior. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1594–1606, 2005     

Synthesis of highly improved Ziegler‐Natta catalyst

The effects of media viscosity, mixing speed, and injection time on catalyst average particle size (APS), particle size distribution (PSD), and morphology in both conditions, with and without emulsifier, were investigated. Supports were prepared using a so‐called recrystallization method; then they were catalyzed under the same condition. To show the effects of emulsifier on the final product's properties such as catalyst activity, polymer isotacticity, and so on, two types of catalysts were polymerized and finally their results were compared. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs were used for morphological study. Results show that by increasing the media viscosity and injection time, APS of the catalyst support was decreased. But by increasing the mixing speed, APS was decreased and PSD was broadened. It was found that emulsifier reduces the sensitivity of APS and PSD of catalyst when the support preparation conditions are changed. Consequently, by employing emulsifier, highly improved catalyst was produced. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and its effects on oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) biometry parameters in the Asaluyeh port coasts,Persian Gulf,Iran

The current study examines biometric parameters and concentration of some heavy metals in soft tissues of Saccostrea cucullata in the Asaluyeh coast, Persian Gulf, Iran. The metals concentration in the soft tissue of the Saccostrea cucullata ranged as: Zn: 765–3411 mg kg^?1, Cu: 120.3–580.6 mg kg^?1, Cd: 0.13–3.5 mg kg^?1, As: 0.39–3.3 mg kg^?1, Pb: 0.05–1.64 mg kg^?1, Ni: 0.02–0.44 mg kg^?1, V: 0.06–0.32 mg kg^?1, Cr: 0.02–0.16 mg kg^?1 and Hg: 0.002–0.068 mg kg^?1. The results showed that the concentration of total heavy metals in oysters of the control station (CA) is usually lower. The results also indicated lack of correlation between oyster biometric parameters and bioaccumulated heavy metals, except between Cu and longitudinal diameter (R = 0.77). The concentration of heavy metals is higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organization, except for Cd and Pb.     

GPU-based point radiation for interactive volume sculpting and segmentation

Internal structures, features, and properties in volumetric datasets are mostly obscured and hidden. In order to reveal and explore them, appropriate tools are required to remove and carve the occluding materials and isolate and extract different regions of interest. We introduce a framework of interactive tools for real-time volume sculpting and segmentation. We utilize a GPU-based point radiation technique as a fundamental building block to create a collection of high-quality volume manipulation tools for direct drilling, lasering, peeling, and cutting/pasting. In addition, we enable interactive parallel region growing segmentation that allows multiple seed planting by direct sketching on different volumetric regions with segmentation results dynamically modified during the process. We use the same point radiation technique to create high-quality real-time feedback of the segmented regions during the seed growing process. We present results obtained from raw and segmented medical volume datasets.