Hollow latex particles as submicrometer reactors for polymerization in confined geometries

A method was developed for free‐radical polymerization in the confines of a hollow latex particle. Hollow particles were prepared via the dynamic swelling method from polystyrene seed and divinylbenzene and had hollows of 500–1000 nm. So that these hollow poly(divinylbenzene) particles could function as submicrometer reactors, the particles were filled with a monomer (N‐isopropylacrylamide) via the dispersion of the dried particles in the molten monomer. The monomer that was not contained in the hollows was removed by washing and gentle abrasion. Free‐radical polymerization was then initiated by γ radiolysis in the solid state. Transmission electron microscopy showed that poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) formed in the hollow interior of the particles, which functioned as submicrometer reactors. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5706–5713, 2004     

Latex particles bearing hydrophilic grafted hairs with controlled chain length and functionality synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer

A method is described for synthesizing latex particles with anchored hairs by the grafting of hydrophilic chains, synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer, onto functionalized latex particles. These have the potential to bind biologically active species. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1188–1195, 2003     

A local search approach to a circle cutting problem arising in the motor cycle industry

This paper is concerned with the development of a customized circle packing algorithm for a manufacturer of sprockets for the motor cycle industry. Practical constraints mean that the problem differs somewhat from those tackled elsewhere in the literature. In particular, the layouts need to conform to a given structure. This is achieved by using a local search algorithm with an appropriate starting solution and a series of neighbourhoods designed to preserve the layout structure. Empirical evidence based on real data shows that the quality of the resulting solutions closely matches that of cutting patterns currently produced by human experts. Computation times average around 20–30?s per order as compared to several hours for an equivalent manual solution.     

Strategic commitment to price to stimulate downstream innovation in a supply chain

It is generally in a firm’s interest for its supply chain partners to invest in innovations. To the extent that these innovations either reduce the partners’ variable costs or stimulate demand for the end product, they will tend to lead to higher levels of output for all of the firms in the chain. However, in response to the innovations of its partners, a firm may have an incentive to opportunistically increase its own prices. The possibility of such opportunistic behavior creates a hold-up problem that leads supply chain partners to underinvest in innovation. Clearly, this hold-up problem could be eliminated by a pre-commitment to price. However, by making an advance commitment to price, a firm sacrifices an important means of responding to demand uncertainty. In this paper we examine the trade-off that is faced when a firm’s channel partner has opportunities to invest in either cost reduction or quality improvement, i.e. demand enhancement. Should it commit to a price in order to encourage innovation, or should it remain flexible in order to respond to demand uncertainty. We discuss several simple wholesale pricing mechanisms with respect to this trade-off.     

The optimal coefficients in Daubechies wavelets

The construction of wavelets begins with a dilation equation (x) = Σc_k(2x-k). The choice of the coefficients c_k controls the accuracy and orthogonality of wavelet expansions. We show how the Daubechies coefficients, which give pth order accuracy with 2p coefficients (the minimum number), follow from orthogonality and accuracy conditions applied to the polynomial Σc_ke^ikξ.     

Construction,sur un anneau de Dedekind,d'une base reguliere de polynomes a valeurs entieres

Let A be a domain of field of fractions K, and A[X]_sub the ring of integral valued polynomials over A, i. e., polynomials P(X), with coefficients in K, such that P(A) is contained in A. In [2] and [3], P.-J. Cahen characterized the Dedekind domains A for which the A-module A[X]_sub admits a regular basis, i. e. a basis Q₀(X), Q₁(X), ..., Q_n(X), ... such that degQ_n(X)=n for any n.For these Dedekind domains, we give, in this paper, a method to construct explicitly such a basis.     

Use of solvent sorption to detect structural changes in rigid PVC compounds

The effects of type of PVC and its thermal history on solvent sorption behaviour were investigated. Samples were immersed in toluene at 25°C, and the equilibrium solvent uptake and sorption half-times were measured for a variety of samples. The shape of the sorption curve was also observed. Equilibrium sorption was found to decrease with increasing amount of crystallinity in the sample. Sorption half-time increased with increased crystallinity, but minimum equilibrium sorption did not correspond with maximum half-time, possibly due to the type of crystallinity present. The shape of the sorption curve (Fickian or Case II sorption) also depended on the ype of PVC used and is thermal history. The solvent sorption technique was shown to be a sensitive method for detecting small structural changes in PVC.     

Reproducibility of glass open tubular columns in a production environment — Two years of experience

Summary The problems associated with the preparation of glass open tubular (capillary) columns are well documented in the literature. These problems are even more evident if column production is done on a routine basis, in a production environment. On the other hand, from the point of the user who wants to rely on a supplier, the reproducible quality of the columns is crucial. Here quality does not only mean efficiency but also refers to the reproducibility of the average liquid film thickness (capacity ratio) and the relative retention, as well as the tube treatment influencing the polarity of the column tube. In a paper published one year ago [1] our investigation concerning the reproducibility of the column manufacturing process was reported. The present paper continues this investigation. Four different columns will be considered: two types of OV-101 columns with thin and thick liquid film as well as columns prepared with Carbowax 20M and DEGS liquid phases. The consistency of their characteristics and efficiency will be investigated. Column characteristics include the capacity ratio which is directly related to the thickness of the liquid phase film. Column efficiency is investigated with help of the HETP and peak resolution. The effective and theoretical plate numbers are compared and the incorrectness of the assumption that the former is better suited for column testing is demonstrated. Relative retention reproducibility of even difficult peak pairs shows the consistency of column wall treatment. Finally, the consistency and performance of shorter columns obtained by the breaking of long columns will be discussed.Paper presented at the Second International Symposium on Glass Capillary Chromatography, Hindelang, Allgäu, Federal Republic of Germany, May 2–6, 1977.     

Pharmacologically interesting compounds—I: High resolution mass spectra of phenothiazines

The mass spectra of twenty-six commercially available medicinal phenothiazines have been determined at high resolution. In each compound, the side chain attached to the 10-position of the phenothiazine ring contains nitrogen and fission of the C? C bond α to this nitrogen gives in most cases the base peak. Some of the compounds are also substituted at the 2-position and this substituent generally remains intact, though some substituents such as acetyl, propionyl, methoxyl and methylthio can undergo fragmentation. Fragmentations fall into three groups; those which give ions representing a part of the side chain; those which give ions representing the intact phenothiazine ring with part of the side chain attached; those which give ions representing a partially fragmented ring system.