Locating and counting bifurcation points of satellite components from the main component in the degree-n bifurcation set

The bifurcation point where a satellite component buds from another component is characterized by the existence of the common tangent line between the two osculating components appearing in the degree-n bifurcation set. We investigate the existence, location and number of bifurcation points for satellite components budding from the main component in the degree-n bifurcation set as well as a parametric boundary equation of the main component of the degree-n bifurcation set. Cusp points are also located on the boundary of the main component. Typical degree-n bifurcation sets and their components are illustrated with some computational results.     

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     

Focused ion beam Moiré method

A focused ion beam (FIB) Moiré method is proposed to measure the in-plane deformation of object in a micrometer scale. The FIB Moiré is generated by the interference between a prepared specimen grating and FIB raster scan lines. The principle of the FIB Moiré is described. The sensitivity and accuracy of deformation measurement are discussed in detail. Several specimen gratings with 0.14 and 0.20 μm spacing are used to generate FIB Moiré patterns. The FIB Moiré method is successfully used to measure the residual deformation in a micro-electro-mechanical system structure after removing the SiO₂ sacrificial layer with a 5000 lines/mm grating. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this method.     

Potent New Heterogeneous Asymmetric Catalysts

A set of new, air‐stable, Rh^I‐based heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts have been synthesised, characterised, and tested. Individual members of this new family all exhibit good enantioselectivity.     

Diffraction in a cylindrically orthotropic elastic solid containing a stress free crack

A cylindrically orthotropic elastic solid is excited by a point impulsive body force. The solid contains a semi-infinite stress free crack. The resulting anti-plane wave motion problem has been solved in the form of a finite series representing the incident and reflected pulses plus an integral representing the diffraction pulse. The series part of the solution has been previously treated. In the present investigation the diffraction integral is integrated when λ (which measures the anisotropy of the solid) is an odd integer number. The diffraction integral is also integrated when λ is half an odd integer, for the special case in which the source lies in the plane of the crack and parallel to the crack edge. The displacement jump across the circular diffraction wave front is given for unrestricted (positive) values of λ.     

Bodies of constant width in arbitrary dimension

We give a number of characterizations of bodies of constant width in arbitrary dimension. As an application, we describe a way to construct a body of constant width in dimension n, one of its (n – 1)‐dimensional projection being given. We give a number of examples, like a four‐dimensional body of constant width whose 3D‐projection is the classical Meissner's body. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Macrodefect-Free Materials: Modification of Interfaces in Cement Composites by Polymer Grafting

MDF materials are chemically bonded ceramic materials free of the macrodefects typical of hydraulic cement-based materials. MDF materials arising through reactions of sulfo-aluminate-ferrite belitic (SAFB) clinkers and/or Portland cements (PC) with two types of water-soluble polymer (hydroxy-propylmethyl cellulose {HPMC}, polyphosphate glass {poly-P}) are discussed. Mixes of low energy SAFB clinkers with Portland cement, HPMC and, especially poly-P comprise promising cross-linked compositions additional to the better known MDF materials formed from high alumina cement with polyvinylalcohol/acetate. The principles of co-ordination of P and C atoms (of the polymer) with Al and Fe atoms (originating from the cement) are highlighted from spectroscopic information on next-nearest-neighbour interactions, along with the effects of second co-ordination spheres. Polymers modify the interface through functional bonding/grafting of polymer chains onto the surfaces of cement grains. Both the cross-linked atomic structure and the interface coincide well with the model of functional polymers and represent a new type of atomic-level structure in polymer-modified cements. Interpretation is based on previous magnetic resonance and thermal analysis studies. The compactness of Al(Fe)-O-P cross-links reduces transport through the interfaces, increasing the interfacial interactions and resisting the unfavourable uptake of moisture and carbonation.