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News by Date: December 2004 Alcoa receives final approval to acquire fabricating facilities in the Russian Federation 31 December 2004 - Alcoa Alcoa has received final approval from the Government of the Russian Federation to proceed with its purchase of Rusal's controlling interests in two fabricating facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva in the Russian Federation. Ashland increases price of resins and low profile additives 29 December 2004 - Ashland Specialty Chemical Company Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group within Ashland Specialty Chemical, is increasing the price of its vinyl ester resins by 10 cents per pound and unsaturated polyester resins, gel coats and low profile additives by 6 cents per pound for North American customers. Flame retardant exposure linked to house dust 29 December 2004 - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Common house dust may be an important source of a potentially dangerous class of chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), according to an exploratory study* by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ashland completes purchase of DERAKANE epoxy vinyl ester resin business from Dow 29 December 2004 - Ashland Inc Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., has completed its purchase of the DERAKANE® epoxy vinyl ester resin business (which includes the DERAKANE MOMENTUM* product line) from The Dow Chemical Company. The purchase includes all technology and intellectual property assets associated with the DERAKANE resin business. No physical assets will transfer to Ashland. Major advance made in transparent electronics 28 December 2004 - Oregon State University Researchers at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard have reported their first example of an entirely new class of materials which could be used to make transparent transistors that are inexpensive, stable, and environmentally benign. This could lead to new industries and a broad range of new consumer products, scientists say. TOR Minerals International completes plant expansion in Corpus Christi 28 December 2004 - TOR Minerals International Producer of natural titanium dioxide pigments and speciality aluminas TOR Minerals International has completed the expansion its titanium dioxide plant based in Corpus Christi. The company has also introduced its new titanium dioxide product HITOX-SF (SuperFine). BASF-YPC successfully starts up first chemical plant in Nanjing, China 23 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft BASF-YPC Co Ltd has produced its first chemical product - methyl acrylate. The successful start-up of its methyl acrylate plant on 22 December 2004 marks the completion of the integrated petrochemical site in Nanjing, China, which was scheduled for the end of 2004. XL Generation uses Neopolen P in its new artificial turf 23 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft Neopolen P, a speciality foam made by BASF, is being employed as an elastic padding underneath the dense green fibres of an artificial turf. TWO NEW HIGH TEMPERATURE, LARGE-SCALE RENLAM® SYSTEMS FROM RENSHAPE® SOLUTIONS 23 December 2004 - SSAB Oxelosund Two new RenLam® liquid laminating systems designed specifically for large structures have been launched by RenShape Solutions. MIT presents an ultrafast holiday offering 23 December 2004 - National Science Foundation Most days, MIT chemist Keith Nelson and his team do cutting-edge research with femtosecond laser pulses, flashes of light that last about a thousandth-of-a-trillionth (10-15) of a second, or roughly the amount of time it takes a light beam to cross from one circuit feature to the next in a conventional computer chip. New vaccine for the next influenza pandemic 23 December 2004 - American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) For the first time in history, the virus subtype of a potential pandemic is known, H5N1, and a vaccine against it could be stored for immediate use if needed. Moldflow Corporation announces Moldflow Plastics Advisers 7.1 22 December 2004 - Moldflow Corporation Moldflow Corporation, the world leader in software and enabling hardware solutions for optimizing the design and manufacture of plastic products, today announced the immediate availability of Moldflow Plastics Advisers 7.1 software, Moldflow's easy-to-learn, 3D solids-based, plastics flow simulation product. MPA 7.1 contains new features and enhancements that allow users to obtain greater analysis and results resolution, model and analyze annular hot runners and networked runner systems, visualize surface defects more easily and expand the links to Moldflow Plastics Insight, Moldflow's in-depth simulation products. HSE issues warning over forged diver qualification certificate 22 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The warning comes after the prosecution of Nicholas Alfred Arrowsmith who had applied to HSE for a replacement Part II (AODC transitional certificate) commercial diving certificate. HSE carried out routine checks of Arrowsmith's qualifications and found he was only qualified to the lower Part I level. Further investigation revealed that the copy of the certificate Arrowsmith sent to HSE had been tampered with so as to make it appear that he had reached the Part II level. M&G to Build World’s Largest PET Plant in Brazil 22 December 2004 - M&G Group The M&G Group today confirmed plans to build the world’s largest PET plant near the town of Ipojuca which is in the State of Pernambuco, North Eastern Brazil. The new plant will have a capacity of 450kt/year (approximately 990 million lbs/year) and is expected to come on-stream in late 2006. Stencils smooth transition to lead-free processing 22 December 2004 - Tecan A combination of proven design features present the most efficient way of ensuring solder paste printing stencils offer the best possible performance when faced with present-day and future challenges facing PCB manufacturers, says Dorset based market leader, Tecan. Honeywell announces US price increase on refrigerants 22 December 2004 - Honeywell Specialty Materials Honeywell has announced price increases on refrigerants R-134a and R-22 and six refrigerant blends used as retrofit replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) R-12 and R-502. Honeywell completes sale of Performance Fibers business to Sun Capital Partners 22 December 2004 - Honeywell Specialty Materials Honeywell has completed the sale of its Performance Fibers business to Sun Capital Partners Inc. Alcoa signs agreement to expand Jamalco Alumina Refinery 22 December 2004 - Alcoa Alcoa has announced that its Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) affiliate and the Government of Jamaica have signed an agreement, in principle, to expand the Jamalco Alumina Refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica, by more than 1.5 million tonnes per year (mtpy). Deft surgical skills revealed that chromosomes unzip from their sisters when cells divide 22 December 2004 - Duke University By impaling individual chromosomes with glass needles one thousandth the diameter of a human hair, a Duke University graduate student has tested their 'stickiness' to one another during cell division. Her uncanny surgical skills have added a piece to the large and intricate puzzle of how one cell divides into two, a process fundamental to all organisms. Nanotubes form along atmoic steps 21 December 2004 - Weizmann Institute of Science The Weizmann Institute of Science has announced that a research group headed by Dr Ernesto Joselevich has developed a new approach to create patterns of carbon nanotubes by formation along atomic steps on sapphire surfaces. Polyisocyanate plant to be built in China 21 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft BASF is investing in a new polyisocyanate plant in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park in Caojing near Shanghai, China. Steel prices up by 150 percent in past three years 21 December 2004 - MEPS (International) We are completing the most tumultuous year that the world’s steel markets have ever seen. Production of crude steel will exceed 1 billion tonnes for the first time. Steel consumption is at record levels. It is scarcely surprising that steel prices have been at historic highs. This is reflected in a new price series that MEPS will soon be launching. Saving energy in the Middle East 21 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG The idea of thermal insulation with the aim of saving energy is increasingly taking hold in the countries of the Middle East. Insulation to prevent heat entering buildings from outside cuts the investment costs for air-conditioning systems and the power plants needed to supply them. Big investments in quenched steel at SSAB Oxelösund 21 December 2004 - SSAB SSAB´s Board of Directors approved yesterday an investment of 340 million SEK to create conditions for continued growth for quenched steel at SSAB Oxelösund. Bayer MaterialScience and Pearl Insulation Materials at the Gulf Construction Conference Week 2004 in Dubai 21 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Insulating panels made from Bayer MaterialScience polyurethane raw materials offer optimum heat insulation in the luxury Dubai Marina hotel complex in the United Arab Emirates. Big investments in quenched steel at SSAB Oxelösund 21 December 2004 - SSAB Oxelosund SSAB´s Board of Directors approved yesterday an investment of 340 million SEK to create conditions for continued growth for quenched steel at SSAB Oxelösund. Morgan do Brasil Achieves ISO Certification 21 December 2004 - Morgan Construction Company Morgan do Brasil, a subsidiary of Morgan Construction Company, has successfully passed its registration audit and has been certified for ISO 9001: 2000. Changes to the inspection of diving cylinders 21 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is advising owners of diving cylinders to note that from 1 July 2006 the regulations covering the periodic inspection and testing of their cylinders will change. In the future, persons conducting cylinder inspections in the UK will be subject to a third party conformity assessment. Blocking molecule protects health of implants 20 December 2004 - Yale University Blocking a key molecule protects breast implants, permanent catheters, pacemakers, artificial joints, glucose sensors for diabetics, and other biomaterials from rejection and damage by the body, according to a study published this month in The American Journal of Pathology. Researchers develop chemical process to use cotton gin residue 20 December 2004 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Tech researchers are working on technologies that could create a new industry from a problem in the state's cotton-growing region. 'Our goal is to add a value to the cotton crop by using the residue from the cotton to make a valuable product,' said Foster A. Agblevor, professor of biological systems engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. New 2004-05 'Pharmaceutical reference substances and impurities' catalogue. 20 December 2004 - LGC LGC Promochem's new 2004-05 edition of its Pharmaceutical reference substances and impurities catalogue has a massively expanded product range including primary pharmaceutical standards from the United States Pharmacopeia, European Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia as well as secondary impurity standards with detailed certificates of analysis. Steel belt is still running after 50 years 20 December 2004 - Sandvik Materials Technology UK A bakery in Tierp, north of Stockholm, producing gingerbread and many other types of biscuit has experienced many changes in its long history. However, for over 50 years it has benefited from one constant feature in its production process - a steel belt supplied by Sandvik Process Systems. New Engineering University Research Study Simplifies Selection Of Coatings For Cold Heading 20 December 2004 - Carpenter Technology Corporation When fasteners or any headable parts are upset, extruded or otherwise cold formed from stainless steels or high temperature alloys, results of the process ultimately depend on the proper use of lubrication to reduce friction. Heading Hints: About Cold Heading (Part 4) 20 December 2004 - Carpenter Technology Corporation This is the fourth in a six-part series on heading basics. This installment recommends practices when combining upsettings and extrusions and discusses warm and hot heading techniques. Ashland Inc. provides update on the proposed transfer of its interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC 20 December 2004 - Ashland Inc Ashland Inc. announced today that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has now indicated that it does not intend to provide all the rulings requested by Ashland Inc. and Marathon Oil Corporation in the proposed transaction to transfer Ashland’s 38-percent interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP) to Marathon. 'Rinspeed Senso', the most sensuous car in the world 20 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG The automotive sector can look forward to a world premiere on March 1, 2005 when the renowned Swiss car designer and solution specialist Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience, one of the largest producers of plastic in the world, will be presenting their ideas and visions for the next generation of cars with the 'Senso' concept car. Bayer MaterialScience and Rinspeed work together to develop concept vehicle 20 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayer MaterialScience and Rinspeed are working together to develop a new concept vehicle that they claim will be the most sensuous car in the world. New wireline steel grade offers operating and cost benefits 20 December 2004 - Sandvik Materials Technology UK A new stainless steel precision wire grade specially developed by Sandvik Materials Technology for sour service slicklines and logging cables offers both operating and cost benefits, including reduced down-time. Alcoa wheels drive new Ford designs 20 December 2004 - Alcoa Ford Motor Co will now offer a new line of 20-inch Alcoa wheels as Genuine Ford Accessories for Super Duty trucks. November 2004 crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute 20 December 2004 - International Iron and Steel Institute World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute stands at 945.2 million metric tonnes (mmt) for the first eleven months of 2004. This is 9.0% higher than for the same period of 2003. World produces billionth tonne of steel today 20 December 2004 - International Iron and Steel Institute The International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) estimates that production of the one-billionth tonne of steel will occur today, 20 December 2004. DTI looks to make the most of waste 20 December 2004 - Defra The DTI has recently announced the launch of its Technology Programme (Waste). There are many areas in common with the Sustainable Technologies Initiative. Non-halogenated epoxy resin system features outstanding flame resistance and minimal smoke generation 20 December 2004 - Master Bond Master Bond has developed a new non-halogenated epoxy resin system called EP21HTFR-1 which offers outstanding flame resistance and minimal smoke generation even upon prolonged exposure to open flames. BOC-led joint venture to expand facilities used to boost Mexican oil fields production 20 December 2004 - BOC Gases Mexico's ambitious and highly successful oil field pressurisation project will soon grow considerably larger thanks to additional supply from the world’s largest nitrogen production facility. Statistical physics approach to analysis of heartbeat pattern uncovers link to circadian cycle 20 December 2004 - Boston University In a newly reported, first-ever finding, physicists from Boston University and physiologists from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital have found that the body’s biological clock affects the patterns of heart-rate control in healthy individuals independent of sleep/wake cycle or other behavior influences. Their analysis of the heartbeat dynamics of the healthy individuals in the study showed significant circadian rhythm, including a notable response at the internal circadian phase corresponding to 10 a.m., the time of day most often linked to adverse cardiac events in individuals with heart disease. Thomas Swan certified as a approved carbon nanotube supplier 18 December 2004 - Thomas Swan Thomas Swan & Company announced today that it has been certified as an approved supplier of high-quality carbon nanotubes having passed a strict supply chain certification programme designed and managed by the US based Zyvex Corporation. OECD and IISI to Hold Special Meeting on Steel Issues 18 December 2004 - International Iron and Steel Institute The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in cooperation with IISI, will hold a special High-Level Group Meeting in January 2005. Chemical process developed to use cotton gin residue 17 December 2004 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Tech researchers are working on technologies that could create a new industry from a problem in the state's cotton-growing region. Alcoa opens plant in Egypt to produce plastic closures for beverage industry 17 December 2004 - Alcoa Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI) has opened a new plant outside of Cairo, Egypt, to support beverage customers in North Africa. Alcoa CSI produces plastic and aluminium bottle closures and packaging machinery for the beverage and food industries worldwide. Long-term outlook positive for plasticizer and flexible vinyl business 17 December 2004 - ExxonMobil Chemical Co The American plasticizer and flexible vinyl (or PVC-polyvinyl chloride) business segment continues to face ongoing economic and market challenges. However, the outlook for these products is sustainable in the long term. That is the key message participants heard at the inaugural ExxonMobil Chemical Plasticizer Symposium in November 2004. Toothbrush containing BASF's Luran plastic wins award 17 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft In Germany, the trade association of plastic consumer goods, Fachverband Kunststoff Konsumwaren (FVKK) has chosen Braun's Oral-B CrossAction Power electric toothbrush as product of the year 2004 in the category ‘General Requirements’. The handle is made of BASF's plastic material Luran S, and is available in blue, magenta, purple or green. DenTeC and DENTSPLY partner on dental innovations 17 December 2004 - Georgia Institute of Technology DenTeC, a non-profit, multidisciplinary research center focused on advancing dental science and technology, is bringing its engineering expertise to dentistry by integrating engineering and dental science to develop new products and technology for dentistry and craniofacial medicine. The center will pursue dentistry-related research in nanotechnology, photonics and optics, imaging, rapid prototyping, material development and testing, tissue-material interface evaluation and software and hardware development. Bayer MaterialScience and Teijin Chemicals Sign Letter of Intent to Supply Each Other With Polycarbonate Resins 17 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Teijin Chemicals Ltd., Japan, and Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to supply each other with specific polycarbonate resin grades on a regional basis. STRATEGO® Fungicide Granted Section 18 Exemption to control Asian soybean rust 17 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a Section 18 quarantine exemption for STRATEGO® Fungicide to control Asian soybean rust on soybeans in Minnesota and South Dakota. Other soybean-producing states are expected to grant similar approval in coming weeks. DSM raises price of powder and liquid polyester coating resins 17 December 2004 - DSM Coating Resins DSM Coating Resins has announced that it is increasing the price of its Uralac range of polyester coating resins. Children's anxiety prior to surgery linked to subsequent delirium and behavior changes 17 December 2004 - Yale University A child's level of anxiety prior to surgery is predictive of whether they will experience post-surgical delirium and maladaptive behavioral changes, including anxiety, nighttime crying, and bedwetting, according to a Yale study published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia. Scientists may have found a better way to sample bone calcium balance in humans 17 December 2004 - University of Wisconsin-Madison Adapting a technique used routinely by geologists to measure the chemical composition of rocks, scientists may have found a better way to sample bone calcium balance in humans. In a report to scientists here today (Dec. 17, 2004) at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union, University of Wisconsin-Madison paleontologist Joseph Skulan described the application of a standard geochemical technique to measure calcium isotopes in human urine. Screening for genetic disorders: Need to avoid anxiety 16 December 2004 - Cardiff University People screened for genetic disorders must have appropriate follow-up and monitoring to avoid stress and anxiety, according to new research sponsored by the ESRC. Bayer Helps 'Smart' Earplugs Prevent Hearing Loss 16 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG High technology, with the help of Bayer MaterialScience, allows Montreal-based Sonomax Hearing Healthcare, Inc. to successfully attack the highest occupational disease—noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Optimised cooling of injection mould tools cuts costs 16 December 2004 - Kistler Instruments A new system that automatically determines the optimum residual cooling time for injection moulding tools, developed by Kistler Instruments, can reduce cycle time by 20%, producing typical cost savings of £35,000 per annum per machine. The future's bright for diamond dust 16 December 2004 - University of Bristol Expensive, bulky TV screens could be a thing of the past thanks to a collaboration between the University of Bristol and Advance Nanotech announced today to develop new display technology made from diamond dust. Rapid progress reported in emerging field of molecular electronics 16 December 2004 - University of California, Los Angeles The emerging field of molecular electronics - using nanoscale molecules as key components in computers and other electronic devices - is in excellent health and has a bright future. Annual Report 2003 European Aluminium Association 15 December 2004 - European Aluminium Association The 2003 European Aluminium Association (EAA) Annual Report is out. It is a comprehensive overview of both the European Aluminium markets in 2003 and the progress made on our most relevant issues and projects. NOMAD - successful conclusion to European project 15 December 2004 - TWI (The Welding Institute) A public demonstration of the EU funded NOMAD project took place in November 2004 at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility in Gosselies, Belgium. The autonomous robotic arc welding system was demonstrated in front of an audience of representatives of the project partner organisations, members of the press and invited guests. Scientists 'PAD' their way to new metal-oxide film technology 15 December 2004 - DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory University of California scientists working with a researcher from Washington State University at Los Alamos National Laboratory's Superconductivity Technology Center have developed a novel method for creating high performance, inorganic metal-oxide films using polymer-assisted deposition, or PAD. The breakthrough could pave the way for a greater use of metal-oxide films into the electronics manufacturing industry. Research demystifies quantum properties of exotic materials 15 December 2004 - Rice University Physicists from Rice University, Rutgers University and the Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Germany, offers a new explanation of the way quantum effects could create some of the strange electronic properties that have been observed in the important class of 'heavy fermion' materials. Boothroyd Dewhurst announces new version of Design for Manufacture and Assembly Software 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst Boothroyd Dewhurst has announced a new release of the company’s internationally recognised Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) software. Bayer MaterialScience and Teijin Chemicals supply each other with polycarbonate resins 15 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Teijin Chemicals Ltd of Japan, and German company Bayer MaterialScience AG, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to supply each other with specific polycarbonate resin grades on a regional basis. Bayer MaterialScience and Teijin Chemicals sign letter of intent to supply each other with polycarbonate resins 15 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Teijin Chemicals Ltd., Japan, and Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to supply each other with specific polycarbonate resin grades on a regional basis. Boothroyd Dewhurst Announces New Version of Design for Manufacture and Assembly Software 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst Boothroyd Dewhurst, Inc. (Wakefield, R.I.), today announced a new release of the company’s internationally recognized Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA®) software. The new software release is DFMA® 2005A, which includes upgraded versions of both modules in the integrated DFMA suite: DFA Version 9.2, and DFM Concurrent Costing® Version 2.1. The Signal for Success 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst Nortel engineers dramatically lower product costs using DFX principles and design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA), a design analysis tool developed by Boothroyd Dewhurst, Inc. DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY APPLICATION ON THE DESIGN OF THE AH64D HELICOPTER 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst This study examines the effectiveness of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) methodology used by the design, manufacturing, quality, and supporting engineers for the development of the Longbow Apache Helicopter. DFMA Slashes Costs of Blood Analyzers 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst DFMA software from Boothroyd Dewhurst lets designers produce a significantly improved case molding for Ciba Corning's 800 Series blood-gas analyzer. The outer shells hinge together like a suitcase, making assembly easier and faster, with a closer fit than the previous 200 Series analyzer. Design for Environment announced as a winner of Industry Week's 4th Annual Technology & Innovation Awards 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst Today the idea of environmental issues influencing product design might seem as remote as a proposal in the early 1960's that pollution would become a constraint on manufacturing. So if anticipating change is a route to success, then Boothroyd Dewhurst's Design for Environment (DFE) software has potential for competitive opportunity as well as cost savings. Evaluation of Instrument Panel Designs for Cost of Manufacture and Environmental Impact 15 December 2004 - Boothroyd Dewhurst This paper considers possibilities for redesign of a current model Truck Instrument Panel in order to reduce manufacturing costs and to increase the likelihood of end-of-life material recovery. Hydro Capital Markets Day - Continued profitable growth 15 December 2004 - Hydro Aluminium 'Few 99-year-olds are more fit and better prepared to meet the future than Hydro,' says President and CEO Eivind Reiten in connection with the company’s annual Capital Markets Day. 'In the course of a few years Hydro has doubled its oil and gas production, achieving the same in Aluminium. And today we are presenting new, ambitious targets for the company.' OrigoTig machines offer go-anywhere portability 15 December 2004 - ESAB Group Go-anywhere welding flexibility is available with the ESAB OrigoTig 150 and 200 welding machines. Robust construction, including an IP23 enclosure, is combined with proven electronics technology and ease of set-up for TIG or MMA welding, with capability to weld materials from 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm thickness. Hancoportal provides new business opportunities and sheet metal profiling flexibility 15 December 2004 - ESAB Group H & JW Howells has established a strong reputation for high quality welding and metal fabrication sub-contract engineering. When the company was looking to invest in a cutting machine that would improve the scope of service capability it could offer to its customers, their choice was an ESAB Automation Hancoportal gas and plasma machine. Release of GAMBIT 2.2 takes CAD cleanup and CFD meshing to a new level 15 December 2004 - Fluent GAMBIT 2.1's semi-automatic Cleanup tools have been enhanced now in v2.2. Fully automatic cleanup options are available for the most critical bottlenecks like slivers, short edges and sharp angles. A new "Cleanup Duplicate" geometry functionality has been added helping to provide full Cleanup toolkit for rapid geometry conditioning. New smoothing and enhanced "Healing" operations also continue to produce higher quality geometries. Holes can easily be covered with an extended wire frame operation and flow domains can be created using the new, fully automatic, multi-volume stitch algorithm. Plants reach safety milestones 15 December 2004 - Akcros Chemicals Two joint venture operations involving Akzo Nobel's Energy business recently passed important safety milestones. World class performance from new ABB shelf-mounted robot 15 December 2004 - ABB Limited (Group Headquarters) ABB, the global power and automation technologies group, introduces the Shelf Robot (IRB 6650S), a unique robot with unprecendented reach and working envelope, which is perfect for mounting in elevated positions to maximise cell workspace, and is ideal for use in congested work areas. Bell team discovers biochemical pathway to type 2 diabetes 15 December 2004 - University of Chicago In a finding that provides valuable information for scientists studying diabetes or genetics, researchers from the University, the University of Texas-Houston Health Sciences Center and several supporting centers have identified the major susceptibility gene for type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Mexican Americans. The gene also plays a role in at least two separate European populations. Scientist uncovers secret lives of bacteria 15 December 2004 - University of Chicago A University of Chicago professor who upended the scientific world's long-held belief that bacteria are simple, single-celled organisms is challenging convention once again. New technology provides real-world data for distance athletes 14 December 2004 - University of Wisconsin-Madison Professional athletes, including cyclists and distance runners, soon will have a powerful new tool to predict energy expenditure and performance during a race, thanks to a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Saris Cycling Group of Madison. The technology also has potential medical applications, including helping to treat obese children and adults and cardiac patients. Concrete composed of waste materials promises environmentally friendly impact 14 December 2004 - University of Texas at Austin Environmentally friendly concrete is the goal of the $400,000 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development award granted Dr. Maria Juenger, civil engineering assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin. The grant is one of the most prestigious awarded to young faculty members. ABB Drives Alliance expands further with addition of Thrige-Scott 14 December 2004 - ABB Limited (Group Headquarters) Thrige-Scott in Belfast has become the latest company to join ABB Drives Alliance, providing round-the-clock support for users of variable speed drives in Northern Ireland. Write-down of book value of German primary aluminium plants 14 December 2004 - Hydro Aluminium Hydro will write down the book value of its German primary aluminium plants by approximately NOK 1.5 billion after tax due to weakened competitiveness caused by the strengthened EUR versus USD, and increasing energy costs. The write-down will be charged to the fourth quarter results this year, and will have no cash effect. Ashland Inc. provides update on its agreement to transfer its interest in MAP to Marathon Oil Corporation 14 December 2004 - Ashland Inc In its fiscal 2004 Form 10-K, which was filed today, Ashland Inc. stated that it continues to discuss with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the complex tax issues related to its previously disclosed agreement to transfer its interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP) to Marathon Oil Corporation. EU Steel strip prices will be higher in January 14 December 2004 - MEPS (International) The next move for European strip mill product prices will definitely be upwards. The tone of the market has become somewhat more hesitant, although still quite firm. Where the vision meets the metal 14 December 2004 - Matrox VITE Sensor Control in Västerås, Sweden was contacted by Severt Maschinenbau, a German robotics company, to help develop a vision system that automatically cuts sheet metal accurately. New CEO appointed for Great Lakes’ BioLab subsidiary 14 December 2004 - Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Great Lakes Chemical Corp has named Kevin Dunn President and CEO of its subsidiary BioLab Inc and Corporate Executive Vice President of Specialty Products, effective 4 January 2005. Simultaneous-shot injection moulded instrument panel for Mustang earns SPE automotive honours 13 December 2004 - Husky Injection Molding Systems Visteon and Husky have partnered to produce a two-colour instrument panel for the 2005 Ford Mustang that won top prize in the Process/Assembly/Enabling Technologies category at the recent SPE Automotive Innovation Awards. Carbon nanotubes yield a new class of biological sensors 13 December 2004 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Nanotechnology researchers at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated a tiny, implantable detector that could one day allow diabetics to monitor their glucose levels continuously-without ever having to draw a blood sample. Glass reveals secrets under pressure 13 December 2004 - DOE/Argonne National Laboratory Glass is a mysterious material, but when researchers apply pressure, it reveals secrets. Using a variety of techniques, researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory saw for the first time ever, the atomic structure of a dense, purely octahedral glass that has eluded scientists for decades. New network helps SMEs access new composites 13 December 2004 - DTI Globalwatch Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has announced the establishment of a National Composites Network to help UK organisations capitalise on the country’s world-leading research into composite materials, at a time when lighter, stronger composite technologies are increasingly being used in many sectors. Novel chemical surface coating for healthcare and life sciences 13 December 2004 - DTI Globalwatch Plasso Technology has developed and refined a novel chemical surface coating technique with huge potential in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Osprey Metals becomes Sandvik Osprey 13 December 2004 - Sandvik Materials Technology UK To reinforce its commitment to activities in the field of controlled expansion alloys, Sandvik Materials Technology has recently changed the name of its subsidiary Osprey Metals to 'Sandvik Osprey'. Originally formed in 1974, Osprey Metals has been a member of the Sandvik Group for almost 25 years. Morgan Receives Contracts to Upgrade Argentinean Rod Mill 13 December 2004 - Morgan Construction Company Morgan Construction Company has received two contracts from Acindar Industria Argentina de Aceros S.A., Argentina, for the design, manufacturer and installation of new equipment to upgrade Acindar’s two-strand rod mill. Kogenate®product line will remain in Bayer’s portfolio 13 December 2004 - Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayer AG today announced that an agreement has been signed to contribute the assets of its worldwide plasma products business to NPS BioTherapeutics, Inc., a newly formed corporation controlled by affiliates of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, and Ampersand Ventures, Wellesley, Massachusetts. New Ocean drilling research findings 13 December 2004 - National Science Foundation Scientists from around the globe will present research results on more than 200 discoveries made possible through scientific ocean drilling at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco from December 13-17, 2004. These papers, which draw upon three generations of ocean drilling programs supported in part by the National Science Foundation, provide new knowledge related to topics ranging from paleoclimatology to ocean sciences to volcanology. Research team discovers first evidence of microbes living in a rock glacier 13 December 2004 - National Science Foundation Scientists have discovered evidence of microbial activity in a rock glacier high above tree line in the Rocky Mountains, a barren environment previously thought to be devoid of life. Glucose sensor provides real-time readouts without the need to draw blood samples 13 December 2004 - National Science Foundation Nanotechnology researchers at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated a tiny, implantable detector that could one day allow diabetics to monitor their glucose levels continuously, without ever having to draw a blood sample. Vaccinating wildlife can reduce human risk for Lyme disease 13 December 2004 - Yale University Direct field evidence shows that Lyme disease in humans can be prevented by vaccinating wildlife, researchers in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. HSE Rail chief to lead HM Railway Inspectorate into ORR 13 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Dr Allan Sefton, head of the Health and Safety Executive's HM Railway Inspectorate, is remaining in post until HMRI's forthcoming merger with the Office of Rail Regulation. This extension to Dr Sefton's contract beyond his planned retirement date of 14 April 2005 has been agreed by both HSE Director General Timothy Walker and ORR Chairman Chris Bolt. The Jew as research object, Anthropology in Nazi Times 13 December 2004 - Austrian Science Fund (FWF) Scientific 'objectivity' is moulded by contemporaneous general conditions. That is the central finding of a research project conducted by the Department of Anthropology of the Museum of Natural History in Vienna. In the scope of this work, the fate of 440 Jews abused as research objects in September 1939 was documented and analysed. As the project shows, the anthropological study conducted at the time was meant as the proof for the 'racial' differentness of Jews. With this finding, the project aided by the Austrian Science Fund contributes a critical angle to look at the history of science. Scientists discover how some viruses take strong hold of cells 12 December 2004 - DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory As part of an ongoing effort to understand how viruses infect cells, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have deciphered the molecular-level interaction between coxsackievirus, which infects the heart, brain, pancreas, and other organs, and the human cell protein to which it attaches. Lower-cost anti-tumor drug from yew needles 12 December 2004 - Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Natural sources of the active principle used in the cancer drug Taxol are limited, and its chemical synthesis is complicated. A precursor can be produced simply and at low cost using an enzyme membrane reactor. The raw material is an extract derived from yew needles. Drug to treat ADHD has similar effect on children with reading disorders 10 December 2004 - Yale University The drug methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) increased activity in brains of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as those with a reading disorder, researchers at Yale report in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Sauber Petronas' new Supercomputer uses Fluent's CFD Software 10 December 2004 - Fluent Fluent Inc., world leader in computational fluid dynamics software and services, announced today that its software is to be used on the new Supercomputer 'Albert' of the Formula 1 Motor Racing Team Sauber Petronas in Hinwil, Switzerland. 'Albert' is powered by 530 AMD 64-bit Opteron T processors and is currently among the most powerful computers being used within Formula 1 and the automotive industry as a whole. CFD is already recognized as a key factor in the battle for valuable World Championship points in Formula 1 and it is gaining even more importance with this announcement by Team Sauber Petronas. Extending pH sensor life in steelworks effluent 10 December 2004 - Emerson Process Management Emerson has collaborated with engineers from the Corus steelworks at Port Talbot in the development of a novel installation approach for standard pH electrodes, improving their performance in effluent. Husky’s Robert Schad announces retirement plans 10 December 2004 - Husky Injection Molding Systems Company founder to step down as President and CEO in a year, will remain a director. Honeywell increases the price of MEKO and MEKO-silanes 10 December 2004 - Honeywell Specialty Materials Honeywell has increased the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime (MEKO) for orders shipped and invoiced on or after 1 January 2005. The price increase will be $0.24 per pound (US$0.53/kg.) on all package sizes of MEKO. Philips uses speciality plastic Terlux in its new electric shaver 09 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft Philips, the Dutch manufacturer of electric products, has just started to market its Philishave Coolskin, an electric shaver that owes its extraordinary appearance in part to the selection of Terlux, a transparent plastic developed by BASF. Alcoa extends its global supplier relationship with China’s Xian Aircraft Co 09 December 2004 - Alcoa Alcoa’s Global Extruded and End Products business has received a multi-year contract from the largest aircraft maker in China, Xian Aircraft Company (XAC). Scientists find atomic clues to tougher ceramics 09 December 2004 - DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Lab A collaboration of scientists led by researchers with the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has uncovered clues at the atomic level that could lead to a new generation of much tougher advanced ceramics to be used in applications like gas turbine engines. Statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations 09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain which meet Ministerial reporting criteria is reported to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Scotland and is published every quarter by the Health and Safety Executive. First Aid rules stay fit for purpose 09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The review, conducted by the Health and Safety Executiv, attracted a large number of responses from the first aid community and employers, revealing majority support for continuing with the current framework. The Regulations are regarded as a cost effective way of ensuring delivery of first aid provision, although further work could be done to improve understanding of the system and the way it operates. Language barriers mean new dangers at work 09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Concern that migrant workers could be missing out on crucial health and safety training because their employers are not providing safety material in any language other than English has prompted the Health and Safety Executive and the Trades Union Congress to produce new safety information translated into 21 different languages. Glass Polymer copolyester selected for Brazilian perfume packaging 09 December 2004 - Eastman Chemical Company Brazilian cosmetic maker Natura has selected Eastman's Glass Polymer copolyester for its new ‘Due’ perfume packaging. Natura has launched Due in both a women's and men's version. Each uses The Glass Polymer copolyester as a major package component. Eastman shows its wares at MDMW 2005 09 December 2004 - Eastman Chemical Company At Medical Device Manufacturers 2005 West, which is being held in Anaheim, California, USA, on 10-12 January 2005, Eastman Chemical Co will demonstrate that its expertise in speciality plastics is the clear choice for medical device designers. Cabot Corp. forms new joint venture in China 09 December 2004 - Cabot Corporation Cabot Corporation announced today the formation of a new joint venture with Shanghai Coking and Chemical Company, to be called Cabot Chemical (Tianjin) Company, Ltd. Cabot Tianjin will initially invest US$28 million to build a new world-class carbon black facility in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area. New DuPont™ Vamac® DHC makes durable seals, cures fast in the press 08 December 2004 - DuPont Engineering Polymers The newest addition to the DuPont™ Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomer family – Vamac® DHC – cures up to 30 percent faster than existing no-postcure grades while improving compression set and oil resistance. Vamac® DHC cures in the moulding press, eliminating the cost and delay of traditional oven curing. HSE issues warning on correct use of twin tailed lanyards 08 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has issued a warning on the importance of following manufacturers' instructions on the use of fall arrest equipment, in particular systems based on twin tailed energy absorbing lanyards. The warning has been prompted by a recent incident in Australia, where a worker was killed when his lanyard failed. New partnership for central and local government working 08 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine A high level agreement has been reached by the Health and Safety Commission, with the Health and Safety Executive and the Local Government Associations, representing local authority interests, about building a new partnership to deliver health and safety enforcement. Brain activity reflects complexity of responses to faces of other races 08 December 2004 - Yale University A region of the brain associated with emotional responses, the amygdala, is linked to a measure of unconscious race bias, especially when responding to faces presented subliminally, according to a study by researchers at Yale. Coal cleaning technology to be used to recover coal from waste 08 December 2004 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Billions of tons of coal that have been considered waste for decades can now become an energy source, thanks to the advanced separation technologies developed at Virginia Tech. Cardiff experts set world standards in micro-engineering 08 December 2004 - Cardiff University Micro-machining experts in Cardiff University’s award-winning Manufacturing Engineering Centre have created a vital component so small, it was previously believed impossible to produce. Advantech commits to comply with RoHS directive to contribute to preservation of global environment 08 December 2004 - Advantech UK Advantech, the global ePlatform Service Provider, continues to fulfill its social responsibility to global environmental preservation by committing to the European Union 'Restriction on Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment' or 'RoHS' directive before July 1, 2006. Sony also recognizes Advantech's effort toward environmental protection and Advantech was certified as a Sony Green Partner in 2004. Matrox announces new Parhelia APVe, a PCI Express graphics card designed for creative professionals 08 December 2004 - Matrox VITE Matrox Graphics Inc., the leading manufacturer of professional graphics solutions, is pleased to announce the Parhelia APVe, a PCI Express graphics card designed specifically for creative professionals. Featuring the industry's first Dual-display plus HDTV output from a single graphics card, the Parhelia APVe lets users extend and place timelines, tracks, windows and menus across two displays while providing remarkable HDTV support for a truly immersive set-up. Ethylene acrylic elastomer makes durable seals, cures fast in the press 08 December 2004 - DuPont Engineering Polymers The newest addition to the DuPont Vamac ethylene acrylic elastomer family - Vamac DHC - cures up to 30 percent faster than existing no-post-cure grades while improving compression set and oil resistance. Advantech commits to comply with RoHS Directive 08 December 2004 - Advantech UK Advantech fulfills its social responsibility to global environmental preservation by committing to the European Union 'Restriction on Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment' or 'RoHS' directive before July 1, 2006. A component so small, it was believed impossible to create 08 December 2004 - Cardiff University World-renowned mould-makers and precision engineers, A F Gaskin of High Wycombe, set the MEC the task of machining a tiny coring pin to fit into a mould tool. The pin had to be 1mm in diameter at one end narrowing to just 0.15 mm at the other. Software tool finds needles in data haystacks 08 December 2004 - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) When looking for a needle in a haystack, it's helpful to know what a needle looks like. A new software tool developed by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) makes it possible to find chemical 'needles' in data 'haystacks' without having to know anything about the 'needle' in advance. Molecular chains line up to form a new chemical state, called a protopolymer 07 December 2004 - Pennsylvania State University First observation of extended chains of molecules that exhibit a strong interaction without forming chemical bonds. New PID2-hot runner controller for up to 24 zones of control 07 December 2004 - Husky Injection Molding Systems Husky displayed its newest line of hot runner temperature controllers at EuroMold 2004 in Frankfurt, 1-4 December 2004. DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers and Terra Sports form strategic alliance 07 December 2004 - DSM Elastomers B.V. DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers BV and Terra Sports Technology BV have formed a strategic alliance to develop, produce and market dedicated thermoplastic materials (TPE) for use in artificial turf systems for football fields. Thousands of RAD modems to be deployed in major Indian Cellular Telecoms Project 07 December 2004 - RAD Data Communications Ltd RAD Data Communications has announced that thousands of its fiber optic modems will be deployed in one of the largest nationwide telecommunications projects that has ever been undertaken in India. Ashland introduces breakthrough SONOXIDE™ water treatment system 06 December 2004 - Ashland Inc Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., announces commercialization of its patented SONOXIDE water treatment system, a breakthrough in the effective technologies that are available for treating bacteria, algae and biofilm in industrial water systems. Morgan to Upgrade German Rod Mill 06 December 2004 - Morgan Construction Company Morgan Construction Company has received a contract from BES Brandenburger Elektrostahlwerke GmbH, of Brandenburg, Germany, for an upgrade of its four-strand rod mill. M&G Announces Acquisition of Chemtex International 06 December 2004 - M&G Group The Mossi and Ghisolfi Group (”M&G”) today announced that it has purchased, for an undisclosed amount, Chemtex International Inc. (“Chemtex”) from Mitsubishi Corporation, acquiring all its engineering, project implementation and business assets. BASF launches new Kollicoat pharmaceutical film coatings 06 December 2004 - BASF Aktiengesellschaft During the CPhI fair, BASF launched two new film-coating products --Kollicoat IR White and Kollicoat Protect. Borealis PP chosen for pipe installation in opera house refit 06 December 2004 - Borealis A/S Spectators at Italy's world-famous La Scala opera house will be kept in more comfort than ever before, thanks in part to the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system that uses plastic pipes and fittings made from Borealis polypropylene (PP). The existing metal pipe installation has been entirely replaced. Great Lakes increases the price of flame retardants 06 December 2004 - Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Great Lakes Chemical Corp is increasing the price worldwide by 20% for all of its bromine-based flame retardants, and by US$0.35/kg for all phosphorus-based flame retardants within its Polymer Additives Division. Great Lakes raises prices for clear brine fluids 06 December 2004 - Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Great Lakes Chemical Corp is increasing the list prices in all regions for calcium bromide, zinc bromide/calcium bromide solution, and sodium bromide for shipments beginning 1 January 2005, or as contracts allow. Qatar Petroleum and Hydro plan world-class aluminium project 05 December 2004 - Hydro Aluminium A Heads of Agreement between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro was signed in Doha today by HE Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy and Industry, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum and Hydro’s President and CEO, Eivind Reiten. ABB has launched a new concept designed to bring simplicity and flexibility to fieldbus applications 04 December 2004 - ABB Limited (Group Headquarters) The FieldBusPlug allows devices to be quickly connected to any bus for a 'plug and produce' solution. Instead of having to offer multiple variants to suit a large number of industrial fieldbuses, such as Profibus DP, DeviceNet, AS-i and so on, ABB is now able to offer control equipment such as its new FBP motor controllers and starters in one standard version, with a neutral fieldbus-independent interface. Delayed hospice care can increase depression among survivors after death of a loved one 03 December 2004 - Yale University Delayed enrollment in hospice can result in increased depression among family members after the death of their loved one, according to a study by Yale researchers published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. HSE V Savill Fabrications Limited: Plan safe and stop falls from height 03 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Savill Fabrications Limited was fined £4,000 at City of London Magistrates on 2 December 2004 following an HSE prosecution for a breach of health and safety law. The prosecution followed an HSE investigation into an incident on 25 May 2001 when Savill's employee Mr Robert Totham suffered serious injuries following a fall from height at a construction site at Kew Riverside, Surrey. Ashland announces innovative Design Services Center 03 December 2004 - Ashland Inc Ashland Casting Solutions, a business group within Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., announces the opening of its Design Services Center at the company's headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. The center is a 'one-stop shop' for the metal casting industry providing support from engineered drawings through casting and testing in Ashland's design-to-manufacture process. Cost of polymer stabilizers increases 03 December 2004 - Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Great Lakes Chemical Corp is increasing the prices worldwide for a range of its polymer stabilizers, effective for shipments after 1 January 2005, or where contracts allow. Ashland Casting Solutions opens design services centre 03 December 2004 - Ashland Specialty Chemical Company Ashland Casting Solutions, a business group within Ashland Specialty Chemical, has opened its design services centre at the company's headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA. EC Recycling Demands too simplistic ? 03 December 2004 - Delft University of Technology The European Union is becoming increasingly strict in its rules governing recycling i