Thermally induced conformational changes in poly(vinyl chloride)

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used for the detection of thermally induced conformational changes in atactic poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Difference spectra emphasize changes in the distribution of gauche defects in the chains as functions of temperature and annealing. Specific bands in the ν(CCl) and δ(CH₂) regions varied with inverse temperature, allowing a calculation of the activation energies of the rotamer species. Conformational changes were also detected in quenched PVC films as a result of annealing below the glass transition temperature, T_g.     

Irreversible effects of moisture on the epoxy matrix in glass-reinforced composites

The irreversible effects of moisture exposure on anhydride-crosslinked epoxy resin films are investigated by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Hydrolytic attack of water at the ester linkages is accelerated in alkaline media and is a mechanically activated process. Matrix hydrolysis is also enhanced in the presence of inorganic fillers.     

Finding efficient solutions for rectilinear distance location problems efficiently

Given n planar existing facility locations, a planar new facility location X is called efficient if there is no other location Y for which the rectilinear distance between Y and each existing facility is at least as small as between X and each existing facility, and strictly less for at least one existing facility. Rectilinear distances are typically used to measure travel distances between points via rectilinear aisles or street networks. We first present a simple arrow algorithm, based entirely on geometrical analysis, that constructs all efficient locations. We then present a row algorithm which is of order n(log n) that constructs all efficient locations, and establish that no alternative algorithm can be of a lower order.     

Valuation of guaranteed annuity options using a stochastic volatility model for equity prices

Guaranteed annuity options are options providing the right to convert a policyholder’s accumulated funds to a life annuity at a fixed rate when the policy matures. These options were a common feature in UK retirement savings contracts issued in the 1970’s and 1980’s when interest rates were high, but caused problems for insurers as the interest rates began to fall in the 1990’s. Currently, these options are frequently sold in the US and Japan as part of variable annuity products. The last decade the literature on pricing and risk management of these options evolved. Until now, for pricing these options generally a geometric Brownian motion for equity prices is assumed. However, given the long maturities of the insurance contracts a stochastic volatility model for equity prices would be more suitable. In this paper explicit expressions are derived for prices of guaranteed annuity options assuming stochastic volatility for equity prices and either a 1-factor or 2-factor Gaussian interest rate model. The results indicate that the impact of ignoring stochastic volatility can be significant.     

A theoretical introduction to “Combinatory SYBR®Green qPCR Screening”, a matrix-based approach for the detection of materials derived from genetically modified plants

The detection of genetically modified (GM) materials in food and feed products is a complex multi-step analytical process invoking screening, identification, and often quantification of the genetically modified organisms (GMO) present in a sample. “Combinatory qPCR SYBR®Green screening” (CoSYPS) is a matrix-based approach for determining the presence of GM plant materials in products. The CoSYPS decision-support system (DSS) interprets the analytical results of SYBR®GREEN qPCR analysis based on four values: the C _t- and T _m values and the LOD and LOQ for each method. A theoretical explanation of the different concepts applied in CoSYPS analysis is given (GMO Universe, “Prime number tracing”, matrix/combinatory approach) and documented using the RoundUp Ready soy GTS40-3-2 as an example. By applying a limited set of SYBR®GREEN qPCR methods and through application of a newly developed “prime number”-based algorithm, the nature of subsets of corresponding GMO in a sample can be determined. Together, these analyses provide guidance for semi-quantitative estimation of GMO presence in a food and feed product.     

A Note on Dual-Curve Construction: Mr. Crab’s Bootstrap

The first three factors resulting from a principal components analysis of term structure data are, in the literature, typically interpreted as driving the level, slope and curvature of the term structure. Using slight generalizations of theorems from total positivity, we present sufficient conditions under which level, slope and curvature are present. These conditions have the nice interpretation of restricting the level, slope and curvature of the correlation surface. It is proven that the Schoenmakers–Coffey correlation matrix also brings along such factors. Finally, we formulate and corroborate a conjecture that the order present in correlation matrices cause slope.     

Solving covering problems and the uncapacitated plant location problem on trees

Given a tree network on n vertices, a neighborhood subtree is defined as the set of all points on the tree within a certain radius of a given point, called the center. It is shown that for any two neighborhood subtrees containing the same endpoint of a longest path in the tree one is contained in the other. This result is then used to obtain O(n²) algorithms for the minimum cost covering problem and the minimum cost operating problem as well as an O(n³) algorithm for the uncapacitated plant location problem on the tree.     

Crosslinking mechanism of an anhydride-cured epoxy resin as studied by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared spectra, including absorbance difference spectra, are presented which indicate that the accepted mechanism of tertiary amine-catalyzed copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxy resins requires modification. Results also show that the kinetic model is complicated by the lack of steady-state concentrations of the active species. The effect of silica filler and silane coupling agents on the reaction are also examined.     

Fourier-transform infrared study of the reversible interaction of water and a crosslinked epoxy matrix

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy is utilized to characterize the interaction of a crosslinked epoxy matrix with sorbed water vapor. The perturbations of the epoxy vibrational spectrum are evidence for weak H bonding between water molecules and polar groups in the resin. The epoxy-water interactions are reversible.     

The Structure and Moisture Stability of the Matrix Phase in Glass-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

The utilization of reinforced plastic composites is generally limited by their sensitivity to long-term environmental exposure. Glass-reinforced thermosetting polymers in particular are detrimentally affected, reversibly and/or irreversibly, by exposure to water vapor or liquid water. A reinforced composite consists of three mutually interacting regions: fiber, matrix, and the fiber/ matrix interface. Each region may, for purposes of convenience, be further subdivided according to its location or properties. Most common is the listing of regions comprising the “interface”: glass/ coupling agent interface, the coupling agent polymer itself, and the coupling agent/matrix interface. Even the amorphous cross-linked matrix nearby the filler is believed to possess properties dissimilar to those of the bulk. Each region and subregion is altered by moisture exposure to some extent; at this time studies on composite stability still focus on determining which regions are most affected by the environment and on the mechanisms of those effects, as well as on devising systems with minimal environmental sensitivity. Moisture effects on glass-reinforced epoxy composites, the most common of the reinforced plastic systems, will be emphasized in this paper. Multifunctional epoxy resins are typically cross-linked by acid anhydrides, forming 3-D polyesters, and by amine functional compounds, yielding 3-D amine-ether polymers. There are many structural varieties; the same hydrothermal degradation mechanisms apply universally, and hereafter the term “epoxy” matrix will be employed. The stability of the glass reinforcement itself and of the interface will first be briefly reviewed as a prelude to a more detailed consideration of the reversible and irreversible moisture effects on the cross-linked epoxy matrix.