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Simple Process (simple + process)
Selected AbstractsLayered Performance Animation with Correlation MapsCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2007Michael Neff Abstract Performance has a spontaneity and "aliveness" that can be difficult to capture in more methodical animation processes such as keyframing. Access to performance animation has traditionally been limited to either low degree of freedom characters or required expensive hardware. We present a performance-based animation system for humanoid characters that requires no special hardware, relying only on mouse and keyboard input. We deal with the problem of controlling such a high degree of freedom model with low degree of freedom input through the use of correlation maps which employ 2D mouse input to modify a set of expressively relevant character parameters. Control can be continuously varied by rapidly switching between these maps. We present flexible techniques for varying and combining these maps and a simple process for defining them. The tool is highly configurable, presenting suitable defaults for novices and supporting a high degree of customization and control for experts. Animation can be recorded on a single pass, or multiple layers can be used to increase detail. Results from a user study indicate that novices are able to produce reasonable animations within their first hour of using the system. We also show more complicated results for walking and a standing character that gestures and dances. [source] Addressable Protein Patterning via Switchable Superhydrophobic Microarrays,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2007J.-Y. Shiu Abstract We report on a simple process to create a switchable superhydrophobic surface where the water contact angle can be switched from a superhydrophobic state (ca.,167°) to a completely wetted state (<,10°). In the superhydrophobic state, the switchable superhydrophobic surface was resistant to the adsorption of proteins. However, once converted to a wetted state, the same surface promoted protein adsorption. We have developed a novel multicomponent protein-patterning technique based on this unique property of the switchable superhydrophobic surface. It is demonstrated that up to 100,×,100 protein spots can be created within one second. Each element on the switchable superhydrophobic microarray can be addressed individually and different types of biomolecules can be selectively deposited on the microarray without losing their activity. When integrated with microfluidic channels, the switchable superhydrophobic surface allows the parallel patterning of protein molecules to be carried out without cross contamination. [source] A Remarkable Titanium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Strecker Reaction using Hydrogen Cyanide at Room TemperatureADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 13 2010Balamurugan Ramalingam Abstract Close to perfect enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee) is obtained for the formation of amino nitriles using hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as the cyanide source at room temperature for the first time. In an operationally simple process, the catalyst generated from a partially hydrolyzed titanium alkoxide (PHTA) and (S)- N -salicyl-,-amino alcohol ligand, catalyzes the cyanation of imines in a short reaction time. [source] Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition of Pyrazolin-5-ones to Nitroolefins with Bifunctional Thiourea: Stereocontrolled Construction of Contiguous Quaternary and Tertiary StereocentersADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 5 2010Yu-Hua Liao Abstract The first organocatalytic diastereo- and enantioselective Michael addition reaction of 4-substituted-pyrazolin-5-ones to nitroolefins has been developed with a chiral bifunctional thiourea as organocatalyst. A wide variety of desired multi-substituted pyrazolin-5-one derivatives with contiguous quaternary and tertiary stereocenters are smoothly obtained in very good yields (up to 98%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to>99% ee) and acceptable diastereoselectivities (up to 80:20). This experimentally simple process facilitates the access to various enantioenriched, multiply substituted pyrazolin-5-one derivatives, potential biologically active molecules, starting from readily available starting materials. [source] Assessment of rampant genitalic variation in the spider genus Homalonychus (Araneae, Homalonychidae)INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Sarah C. Crews Abstract. Animal genitalia are often complex and thought to vary little within species but differ between closely related species making them useful as primary characters in species diagnosis. Spiders are no exception, with nearly all of the 40,462 (at the time of this writing) described species differentiated by genitalic characteristics. However, in some cases, the genitalia of putative species are not uniform, but rather vary within species. When intraspecific variation overlaps interspecific variation, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to place a name on a specimen. The quantification of shape variation in genitalia has not often been attempted, probably because until recently it was not a methodologically and computationally simple process. In the two currently recognized species of the spider genus Homalonychus, genitalic variation is rampant in both male and female structures, with some parts of the genitalia (e.g., the retrolateral tibial apophysis) differing in each specimen examined. In this study, geometric morphometric analysis employing landmark data is used to quantify both intra- and interspecific variation in this genus. The large amount of variation is condensed into two or three groups depending on the structures examined, and these groups correspond to either the two species or to previously established mitochondrial DNA clades within one of the species. The results also show that analyses of female structures do not separate the groups as readily as the analyses of the male structures. The large amount of variation present in some structures is not correlated with geography or population genetic structure. [source] A direct preparation of silica shell on polystyrene microspheres prepared by dispersion polymerization with polyvinylpyrrolidoneJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 8 2008Jinho Hong PS/silica core/shell structured microspheres were easily prepared in a simple process. Because of the acid-base interaction between the TEOS and seed particles prepared by dispersion polymerization, uniform silica shell was formed on the PVP-stabilized PS particles without additional PVP-coating process. [source] Timothy growth in Scandinavia: combining quantitative information and simulation modellingNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 2 2001M. Höglind Summary Timothy (Phleum pratense) is the most widely grown sown grass species for silage and hay production in the Nordic countries; it is also common in many other areas with a cold maritime climate. Research on timothy has identified many environmental factors and plant characteristics that determine timothy growth. However, much of the literature that analyses timothy growth presents only qualitative estimates of the importance of the different growth-determining factors. Here we present a review of quantitative information on timothy. Moreover, we analyse to what extent this quantitative information is sufficient to permit the construction of a simple process-based model of timothy growth. We then use such a model to identify the major growth-determining factors. Simulations with the model showed that the major processes to be elucidated in future research on timothy are tillering dynamics and the formation and loss of leaves from tillers. We conclude that a combination of literature review and analysis by means of simulation modelling, such as we attempted here, is an effective approach to identify and prioritize research goals. [source] Intercalation and exfoliation of talc by solid-state shear compounding (S3C) using pan-mill equipmentPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2005Weiguo Shao The intercalation and exfoliation of talc have been realized by solid-state shear compounding (S3C) using pan-mill equipment that can exert fairly strong shear forces and has multifunctions such as pulverizing, mixing, and activation on materials. The structural features of pan-mill also show prospective in delaminating layered minerals. The morphology and structure of talc were investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The characteristic peaks of talc interlayer spacing disappeared in the XRD pattern of PP/talc composite prepared by S3C, however, still remained in the XRD pattern of PP/talc prepared by the conventional mixing method. TEM confirms the intercalated and exfoliated structure of talc, and the well dispersion of talc in the PP matrix after talc and PP were co-milled. S3C is a new approach to prepare polymer/layered inorganic filler nanocomposite and has characteristics such as a simple process that needs neither organic ligands nor solvent. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:451,457, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Organizational energy: an empirical study in Indian R&D laboratoriesR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 5 2002Sunil K. Dhawan Analyzing the way organizations function and the processes that operate within these organizations is an important managerial responsibility. We have adopted a people,oriented approach called organizational energy to develop a simple process for diagnosing the level of satisfaction of scientists working in R&D laboratories. Psychic energy as reflected in different work activities in an organization is manifested in energy generating and energy draining activities that can be reduced to an energy count. The present study assesses the use of mental energy by scientific personnel working in three national laboratories in India with the objective of increasing the energy count for improving organizational effectiveness. We hope that the results can be used as the basis for initiating action to improve the motivation and utilization of scientists in India, to support the overall goal of self,reliance in science and technology. [source] LOWER SILURIAN "HOT SHALES" IN JORDAN: A NEW DEPOSITIONAL MODELJOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2009D. K. Loydell Data are presented from the Batra Formation (also known as the Mudawwara Shale Formation) of a core from well BG-14 in the Batna el Ghoul area, southern Jordan, which enable a new depositional model to be proposed for the middle Rhuddanian (lower Llandovery, Silurian) "hot shale" which may be applicable to other Arabian and North African "hot shales" of similar stratigraphical age. This "hot shale" probably results from rapid early burial of organic carbon associated with a minor regression during which anoxic bottom conditions were maintained for most, but not all, of the time. Evidence for regression comes from (1) increased sediment grain size within the "hot shale" by comparison with underlying shales; (2) palynological changes including a decrease in acritarch species diversity; an increase in the relative abundance of sphaeromorphs, veryhachiids with three processes and acritarchs with short, simple processes; and a decrease in the relative abundance of acanthomorphs; (3) a positive ,13Corg excursion (other Late Ordovician and Silurian positive ,13Corg excursions occur during regressions); and (4) very brief intervals of oxygenation (associated with sediment influx) reflected in the preservation of graptolites as three-dimensional pyrite internal moulds, rather than as flattened periderm. The minor regression reflects a eustatic sea-level fall, evidence for which has recently been presented from several regions, including Arctic Canada, Bohemia and Scotland. The BG-14 "hot shale" is shown to be thicker than estimated in previous studies. Previous TOC measurements from the upper part of the "hot shale" were affected by the weathering of overlying strata in the BG-14 core. ICP-MS measurements show that uranium content is high in these weathered levels, extending the stratigraphical extent of the "hot shale" interval into the middle Rhuddanian. Depositional models such as that presented here rely on a robust biostratigraphical framework; in the Ordovician and Silurian of Arabia and North Africa, this can be provided by graptolites and chitinozoans. [source] Effectual dispersion of carbon nanofibers in polyetherimide composites and their mechanical and tribological propertiesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2010Bin Li The use of proliferation of nanotechnology in commercial applications is driving requirements for minimal chemical processing and simple processes in industry. Carbon nanofiber (CNF) products possess very high purity levels without the need of purification processing before use and are in growing demand for this quality. Polyetherimide (PEI) has excellent mechanical and thermal performance, but its high viscosity makes its nanocomposites processing very challenging. In this study, a facile melt-mixing method was used to fabricate PEI nanocomposites with as received and physically treated CNFs. The dispersion of CNFs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmitted optical microscopy, and electrometer with large-area electrodes. The results showed that the facile and powerful melt-mixing method is effective in homogeneously dispersing CNFs in the PEI matrix. The flexural and tribological characteristics were investigated and the formation of spatial networks of CNFs and weak interfacial bonding were considered as competitive factors to enhanced flexural properties. The composites with 1.0 wt% CNFs showed flexural strength and toughness increased by more than 50 and 550%, respectively, but showed very high wear rate comparable with that of pure PEI. The length of the CNFs also exerted great influences on both mechanical and tribological behaviors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1914,1922, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] |