bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signaling Pathways in T Follicular Helper Cells
Authors: Rolf Julia , Fairfax Kirsten , Turner Martin
Published: June 2010

Th cell functional subsets have unique transcriptional programs that form the molecular basis for T cell differentiation and functions. T follicular helper (TFH) cells have emerged as the main providers of T cell help to B cells during the germinal center (GC) reaction, where B cells undergo selection events through competition for Ag and for access to GC T cell-mediated prosurvival and differentiation signals. Because T cell help is one limiting factor for GC B cells, the molecular mechanisms controlling TFH cell abundance and functionality are central to the GC reaction and generation of long-term humoral immunity. Two signaling pathways are absolutely critical for TFH cells: phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway and the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule-associated protein. In this review, the molecular mechanisms constituting the signaling network in TFH cells will be explored.
The Baie D'Alembert showing, an example of base-metal mineralization in mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks of the Blake River Group, Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Quebec
Authors: Ross P -S
Published: June 2010

The Archean Blake River Group contains numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, many of which are spatially associated with rhyolite domes and related volcaniclastic rocks. Therefore, most base-metal exploration in the Blake River Group has
historically focused on rhyolite-rich areas. Yet the rhyolite-poor sectors may have VMS potential as well, and to illustrate this point, a recently discovered Cu-Zn showing, found in mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks, is described. Mineralization in the Baie D'Alembert showing occurs at, and
stratigraphically below, the contact between aphyric lavas (transitional basalts and basaltic andesites) and a plagioclase-rich volcaniclastic unit known as the D'Alembert tuff (calc-alkaline basaltic andesites and andesites). The sulphide minerals are found within a marker horizon at this contact,
and as stringers and impregnations below it. Mineralization formed in part by sub-seafloor replacement; several mafic to intermediate volcaniclastic units from the periphery of the Blake River Group could represent good hosts for replacement-style VMS mineralization.
Impact of adverse events of antiretroviral treatment on regimen change and mortality in Ugandan children
Authors: Malangu Ntambwe , Karamagi Yvonne
Published: June 2010

Background: Outcomes of antiretroviral treatment have been documented in both developed and developing countries. It has been reported consistently that the treatment is associated with many adverse events. However, little is known about their impact on the quality of life, clinical management, and survival in children aged less than 6 years in Uganda.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the adverse events of antiretroviral treatment, their impact on mortality and the change in regimens prescribed to children treated at Mildway Centre in Uganda.Method: A retrospective chart review was performed for children younger than 6 years, treated since the Mildway Centre was opened in 1999. In order to achieve a larger sample, the records of children treated from January 2000 to July 2005 were included in the study. A pre-tested data collection form was used to collate socio-demographic and clinical data of the patients. These included the documented adverse events, causes of death, stage of infection, duration of treatment, regimen prescribed, year of enrolment into the treatment program, as well as whether or not they were still alive. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data.Results: Of the 179 children, the majority were males and had a median age of 4 years. The majority (58.8%) of children had suffered from severe immune depression since they met the WHO clinical stage III and IV, 73.8% had a baseline CD4T of less than 15%. Four regimens were prescribed to the children. The most common was a regimen containing zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine (34.6%), followed by a regimen containing stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine (27.9%). Eleven children (6.1%) had their regimen changed, of which six (54.5%) were due to adverse events. The prevalence of adverse events was 8%; of the 14 documented adverse events, the most common were severe anaemia (3), vomiting (3), and skin rashes (3). After 12 months on treatment, 8% of the patients had died. The most common causes of death were infectious diseases (28.6%), severe anaemia (21.4%), and severe dehydration (21.4%).Conclusion: The prevalence of adverse events was 8%; they were responsible for 54.5% of regimen changes and 21.4% of deaths in children treated at the study site. These findings suggest the need for incorporating pharmacovigilance practices into the provision of antiretroviral treatment.
Blast Eye Injuries: A Review for First Responders
Authors: Morley Michael G. , Nguyen Jackie K. , Heier Jeffrey S. , Shingleton Bradford J. , Pasternak Joseph F. , Bower Kraig S.
Published: June 2010

As the rate of terrorism increases, it is important for health care providers to become familiar with the management of injuries inflicted by blasts and explosions. This article reviews the ocular injuries associated with explosive blasts, providing basic concepts with which to approach the blast-injured patient with eye trauma. We conducted a literature review of relevant articles indexed in PubMed between 1948 and 2007. Two hundred forty-four articles were reviewed. We concluded that ocular injury is a frequent cause of morbidity in blast victims, occurring in up to 28% of blast survivors. Secondary blast injuries, resulting from flying fragments and debris, cause the majority of eye injuries among blast victims. The most common blast eye injuries include corneal abrasions and foreign bodies, eyelid lacerations, open globe injuries, and intraocular foreign bodies. Injuries to the periorbital area can be a source of significant morbidity, and ocular blast injuries have the potential to result in severe vision loss.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:154-160)
Ambulatory Care by Disaster Responders in the Tent Camps of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 2010
Authors: Broach John P. , McNamara Mariah , Harrison Katherine
Published: June 2010

On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred approximately 10 miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and created one of the worst humanitarian disasters in history. The purpose of this report is to describe the types of illness experienced by people living in tent camps around the city in the immediate aftermath of this event. The data were collected by a team of medical personnel working with an international nongovernmental organization and operating in the tent camps surrounding the city from day 15 to day 18 following the earthquake. In agreement with the existing literature describing patterns of illness in refugee and internally displaced populations, the authors note a preponderance of pediatric illness, with 53% of cases being patients younger than 20 years old and 25% younger than 5 years old. The most common complaints noted by category were respiratory (24.6%), gastrointestinal (16.9%), and genitourinary (10.9%). Another important feature of illness among this population was the observed high incidence of malnutrition among pediatric patients. This report should serve as a guide for future medical interventions in refugee and internally displaced people situations and reinforces the need for strong nutritional support programs in disaster relief operations of this kind.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:116-121)
How valid are the rates of Down syndrome internationally? Findings from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research
Authors: Leoncini Emanuele , Botto Lorenzo D. , Cocchi Guido , Annerén Goran , Bower Carol , Halliday Jane , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bianca Sebastiano , Canessa Tapia Maria Aurora , Castilla Eduardo E. , Csáky‐Szunyogh Melinda , Dastgiri Saeed , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Gatt Miriam , Hirahara Fumiki , Landau Danielle , Lowry R. Brian , Marengo Lisa , McDonnell Robert , Mathew Triphti M. , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Pierini Anna , Poetzsch Simone , Ritvanen Annukka , Scarano Gioacchino , Siffel Csaba , Sípek Antonin , Szabova Elena , Tagliabue Giovanna , Vollset Stein Emil , Wertelecki Wladimir , Zhuchenko Ludmila , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo
Published: June 2010

Rates of Down syndrome (DS) show considerable international variation, but a systematic assessment of this variation is lacking. The goal of this study was to develop and test a method to assess the validity of DS rates in surveillance programs, as an indicator of quality of ascertainment. The proposed method compares the observed number of cases with DS (livebirths plus elective pregnancy terminations, adjusted for spontaneous fetal losses that would have occurred if the pregnancy had been allowed to continue) in each single year of maternal age, with the expected number of cases based on the best‐published data on rates by year of maternal age. To test this method we used data from birth years 2000 to 2005 from 32 surveillance programs of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research. We computed the adjusted observed versus expected ratio (aOE) of DS birth prevalence among women 25–44 years old. The aOE ratio was close to unity in 13 programs (the 95% confidence interval included 1), above 1 in 2 programs and below 1 in 18 programs (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that DS rates internationally can be evaluated simply and systematically, and underscores how adjusting for spontaneous fetal loss is crucial and feasible. The aOE ratio can help better interpret and compare the reported rates, measure the degree of under‐ or over‐registration, and promote quality improvement in surveillance programs that will ultimately provide better data for research, service planning, and public health programs. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factorial optimization of the effects of extrusion temperature profile and polymer grade on as‐spun aliphatic–aromatic copolyester fibers. I. Birefringence and overall orientation
Authors: Younes Basel , Fotheringham Alex , El‐Dessouky Hassan M.
Published: June 2010

The modeling of the relationship between the extrusion temperature profile and the polymer grade as well as the overall orientation of as‐spun aliphatic–aromatic copolyester (AAC) fibers has been proposed. Depending on rheological results, AAC fibers were spun. In terms of the extrusion temperature profile and polymer grade, an appropriate statistical analysis of the optical anisotropy of the as‐spun fibers was carried out. For measuring the fiber birefringence (optical anisotropy), an interferometric technique was employed. The interest of factorial design is in the restricted numbers of runs, 16 runs for a factorial design at 2 levels with 4 factors, and in the description of rheological mechanisms through mathematical interactions. The results obtained from the melt flow indexer give an explanation for the character of rheological properties and surface shape at different temperatures and loads at which recent analysis was performed. The overall orientation of the spun filaments has been modeled. The model allows a fast simulation to describe the behavior of factors‐response relationship. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Some parameter characteristics of thermally treated viscose fibers
Authors: Fouda I. M. , Oraby A. H. , Seisa E. A.
Published: June 2010

This article sheds light on some structural changes in thermally treated viscose fibers at a constant temperature of 100 ± 1°C at different time periods. The obtained optical parameters were used to calculate the crystallinity, density, Herman's orientation function, average orientation, and form birefringence. In addition, the stress optical coefficients, thermal stress, molar refractivity, specific refractivity, and polarizabilities along and across the axis and segment anisotropy were obtained. Measurements of the refractive indices helped us to calculate the dielectric constant, dielectric susceptibility, surface reflectivity, and transparency transmittances. The mechanisms of structural variation for the viscose fibers due to the annealing process were examined with the structural details for optothermal parameters. The relationships between the measured and calculated parameters are given in illustrations and curves. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Designing of fullers‐earth‐containing poly(vinyl alcohol)‐g‐poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) nanocomposites: Swelling and deswelling behaviors
Authors: Sancha Rachna , Bajpai J. , Bajpai A. K.
Published: June 2010

In this study, polymer–clay nanocomposites (PCNs) composed of poly(vinyl alcohol)s (PVAs), poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid), and fullers earth were prepared by the effective dispersal of inorganic nanoclays in the organic PVA matrix via in situ free‐radical polymerization with potassium persulfate as an initiator and N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The monomer, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid, was grafted onto the PVA backbone, and at the same time, fullers earth layers were intercalated and exfoliated into the grafted copolymer, especially at a low or moderate loading of the fullers earth. The synthesized PCN materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction techniques. The morphological features of the synthesized materials were studied by scanning electron microscopy; this revealed that the swelling ratio of this nanocomposite increased with increasing fullers earth content. The X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the fullers earth was exfoliated in the nanocomposite matrix, and its introduction into the polymer matrix enhanced the percentage crystallinity of the polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A water‐soluble amphoteric copolymer: Synthesis and its dispersion properties on cement particles
Authors: Weng Wei‐Hung , Hsu Kung‐Chung , Sheen Yeong‐Nain
Published: June 2010

A new water‐soluble amphoteric copolymer (PAC) was synthesized and evaluated as a dispersion agent for cement particles. PAC was prepared from acrylamide and 2‐(3‐carboxyacryloyloxy)‐N‐(carboxymethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyl ethanaminium (CAC) through free‐radical polymerization. The structure of the prepared polymer was verified by the IR spectra. The dispersion properties of PAC were evaluated by the minislump test on cement pastes. The test results indicate that this copolymer could disperse the cement particles and improve the fluidity of the cement pastes. Compared with a commercial superplasticizer, sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate, PAC showed better dispersion properties. This polymer, with about 16.7% CAC and a weight‐average molecular weight of about 1 × 105, was most effective in dispersing cement particles and enhancing the fluidity of the cement pastes. This was attributed to the interaction and adsorption behavior of this admixture with cement particles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Study on the synthesis of poly(ether‐block‐amide) copolymer based on nylon6 and poly(ethylene oxide) with various block lengths
Authors: Peyravi M. , Babaluo A. A. , Ardestani M. Akhfash , Aghjeh M. K. Razavi , Pishghadam S.R. , Hadi P.
Published: June 2010

Various segmented block copolyetheramides based on nylon6 (N6) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with different compositions and block length of the hard and soft segments were synthesized. The effect of composition of the hard and soft segments was studied via FTIR spectroscopy based on the characteristic peak of ester group at wave number of 1730 cm−1. The average block length of the hard and soft segments in block copolymers was determined from H‐NMR analysis. Differential thermal analysis thermograms confirmed a microphase separated morphology over a broad range of temperature, leading to two separated crystalline domains. An increase in the interconnectivity of the polyamide segments controlled by chain extension, greatly improved the formation of polyamide lamellae crystals determined by X‐ray diffractometry. Atomic force microscopy images indicated different morphologies of dispersed phase in the dominant phase, which plays an important role in their performance for membrane processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and evaluation of a star amphiphilic block copolymer from poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ethylene oxide) as load and release carriers for guest molecules
Authors: Jiang Guohua , Xu Hao
Published: June 2010

The use of polymeric materials as the carrier in the controlled release of guest molecules has become an important research area in the polymeric materials science, because of their advantages of the safety, efficacy and patient convenience. One of them, star amphiphilic polymer can self‐assemble into supermolecular structure (polymer micelles) by the balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interaction. In this study, star amphiphilic copolymer consisting of hydrophobic and biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks were synthesized by two‐step ring‐opening polymerization. The resultant polymer was characterizated by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and DSC to determine its chemical structure. The morpholoy of the polymer micelles was analyzed by TEM. Using star‐PCL‐b‐PEO as carriers and congo red as model guest molecules, the encapsulation and release properties were investigated by UV–visable analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Pyrrole‐based narrow‐band‐gap copolymers for red light‐emitting diodes and bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells
Authors: Sun Mingliang , Wang Li , Yang Wei
Published: June 2010

A series of narrow‐band‐gap conjugated copolymers (PFO‐DPT) derived from pyrrole, benzothiadiazole, and 9,9‐dioctylfluorene (DOF) is prepared by the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction with the molar feed ratio of 4,7‐bis(N‐methylpyrrol‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (DPT) around 1, 5, 15, 30, and 50%. The obtained polymers are readily soluble in common organic solvents. The solutions and the thin solid films of the copolymers absorb light from 300 nm to 600 nm with two absorbance peaks at around 380 nm and 505 nm. The PL emission consists mainly of DPT unit emission at around 624–686 nm depending on the DPT content in solid film. The EL emission peaks are red‐shifted from 630 nm for PFO‐DPT1 to 660 nm for PFO‐DPT50. Bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells fabricated from composite films of copolymer and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as electron donor and electron acceptor, respectively, in device configuration: ITO/PEDOT : PSS/PFO‐DPT : PCBM/Ba/Al shows power conversion efficiencies 0.15% with open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.60 V and short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.73 mA/cm2 under AM1.5 solar simulator (100 mW/cm2). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Stability study of inverse suspension copolymerization of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguandium acrylate and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide
Authors: Dong Jie , Wu Linbo , An Dong , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: June 2010

In a previous study, we synthesized crosslinked P(TMGA‐co‐MBA) via an inverse suspension copolymerization of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguandium acrylate (TMGA) and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and found that the product is a good SO2 sorbent. However, the polymerization stability appeared to be poor under some reaction conditions and is far from being elucidated. In this study, the inverse suspension copolymerization was carried out using cyclohexane as solvent, Span60 as dispersant, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The effects of the reaction conditions such as stirring speed, dispersant concentration, and temperature on the polymerization stability and particle size were systematically examined. It is found that the polymerization stability is a strong function of these parameters. Stable crosslinked poly(TMGA‐co‐MBA) particles from micrometer to millimeter diameters were synthesized under optimized conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Viscoelastic characteristics of shape memory polymers
Authors: Wang Zhengdao , Li Zhengfa , Wang Linyun , Xiong Zhiyuan , Zhengdao Wang , Li Zhengfa , Wang Linyun , Xiong Zhiyuan
Published: June 2010

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can keep a temporary state and subsequently recover to the original shape through a prescribed thermomechanical process. Although different theoretical models have been presented, the viscous effects were seldom considered. This article aims to provide an insight into the viscoelastic property of SMPs and its effect on the functional realization. Systematic thermomechanical experiments were performed. Special considerations were focused on the viscoelastic response of SMPs in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature Tg. The relations between shape switching transition temperature Ttran and Tg were also discussed. The results confirm that Ttran departs from Tg due to the viscoelastic effect and does not keep a constant value during heating and cooling processes. The viscoelastic effect reaches to maximum value at Tg, then decreases slowly at cooling and quickly at heating. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of biodegradation on thermal and crystalline behavior of polypropylene–gelatin based copolymers
Authors: Khanna N. Deepika , Kaur Inderjeet , Bhalla T. C. , Gautam Neena
Published: June 2010

Gelatin‐based graft copolymers of polypropylene (PP), has been synthesized by chemical method using benzoyl peroxide (BPO), as radical initiator. Biodegradation studies of pristine PP and PP‐g‐Gelatin have been carried out by soil burial test in simple soil and soil enriched with nitrogenous content by adding urea. The microbial degradation was substantiated by the direct attack of the microbes on the grafted samples. The rate of degradation by the direct attack was fast in comparison to the degradation in soil burial studies. The biochemical tests performed on the organisms isolated from the soil, identified these organisms as Bacillus circulans, Kurthia gibsonii, and Flavobacterium sp. which helped biodegradation of PP‐g‐Gelatin samples. The degradation of the grafted samples was further confirmed by carrying out the physical characterization of the original samples and the degraded samples by SEM, XRD, and TGA. The XRD and thermal data indicate an increase in the crystallinity of the degraded samples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
An investigation into the morphology and electro‐optical properties of 2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate polymer dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Chang Huey‐Ling , Chen Chih‐Ming
Published: June 2010

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films are fabricated using E7 liquid crystals, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate (TeGDA) crosslinking agent, and 0–66.49 mol % 2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The effects of different levels of HEMA addition on the microstructure and electro‐optical properties of the PDLC samples are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that the refractive index of the PDLC films is insensitive to the level of HEMA addition. However, an increasing HEMA content improves the degree of phase separation during the polymerization process and increases the size and uniformity of the liquid crystal domain. As a result, the electro‐optical properties of the PDLC films are significantly improved as the level of HEMA addition is increased. Overall, the results show that a PDLC comprising 40 wt % E7 liquid crystals, 33.51 mol % TeGDA and 66.49 mol % HEMA has a high contrast ratio (13 : 1) and a low driving voltage (10 V) and is therefore an ideal candidate for a wide variety of intelligent photoelectric applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis of new cationic surfactants based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) for deinking of solvent‐based ink from low‐density polyethylene surface
Authors: El‐Sherbiny Samya I. , Morsy Fatma A. , Atta Ayman M.
Published: June 2010

Water‐soluble oligomers based on poly‐(ethylene terephthalate) waste, PET, were prepared from transesterification of PET with diethanolamine and triethanolamine in the presence of manganese acetate as a catalyst at temperature of 200°C for 8 h. New cationic surfactants were prepared by reaction of the produced recycled oligomers with bromoacetic acid followed by quaternization with pyridine. The chemical structure of the prepared surfactants was confirmed by 1H‐NMR analysis. The surface tension, critical micelle concentration, and surface activities were determined at different temperatures. Surface parameters such as surface excess concentration (Γmax max), the area per molecule at interface (Amin), and the effectiveness of surface tension reduction (∏CMC) were determined from the adsorption isotherms of the prepared surfactants. The prepared surfactants were tested as ink removal for printed low‐density polyethylene surface. The effect of surfactants concentrations, pH, soaking time, and shaking time were investigated for deinking process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of styrene initiated from the surface of montmorillonite clay platelets
Authors: Shen Yongqian , Wang Yunpu , Chen Jiucun , Li Hongjun , Li Zhiwen , Li Chenglin
Published: June 2010

Polymer‐grafted montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid composites which possess a hard backbone of MMT and a soft shell of brush‐like polystyrene (PSt) were prepared via “grafting from” strategy based on nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) as mediator. Three steps were used to graft PSt chains to the surface of MMT: anchoring of methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) onto the surface of MMT by ion exchange reaction first. And then, the surface alkoxyamine initiator was produced in a one‐step process by reacting simultaneously TEMPO, BPO, and DMC in the presence of MMT. Next, PSt chains with controlled molecular weights and polydispersities were grown from the alkoxyamine functionalized MMT surface. The prepared PSt‐g‐MMT hybrid particles have been extensively characterized by FTIR, XPS, XRD, TGA, TEM, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Structure and properties of phase change materials based on HDPE, soft Fischer‐Tropsch paraffin wax, and wood flour
Authors: Mngomezulu M. E. , Luyt A. S. , Krupa I.
Published: June 2010

Phase‐change materials based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), soft Fischer‐Tropsch paraffin wax (M3), and alkali‐treated wood flour (WF) were investigated. The blend and composite samples were prepared by melt mixing using a Brabender Plastograph, followed by melt pressing. They were characterized in terms of their morphology, as well as thermal, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, and water absorption properties. Although SEM micrographs showed some evidence of intimate contact between the WF particles and the HDPE matrix as a result of alkali treatment, poor filler dispersion, and interfacial adhesion were also observed. Partial immiscibility of the HDPE and the M3 wax was noticed, with the WF particles covered by wax. There was plasticization of the HDPE matrix by the wax, as well as partial cocrystallization, inhomogeneity and uneven wax dispersion in the polymer matrix. The HDPE/WF/M3 wax composites were more homogeneous than the blends. The presence of wax reduced the thermal stability of the blends and composites. Both the presence of M3 wax and WF influenced the viscoelastic behavior of HDPE. The HDPE/M3 wax blends showed an increase in the interfacial amorphous content as the wax content increases, which resulted in the appearance of a β‐relaxation peak. The presence of M3 wax in HDPE reduced the mechanical properties of the blends. For the composites these properties varied with WF content. An increase in wax content resulted to a decrease in water uptake by the composites, probably because the wax covered the WF particles and penetrated the pores in these particles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The effect of adjuvant on the halogen‐free intumescent flame retardant ABS/PA6/SMA/APP blend
Authors: Lu Chengxiang , Wang Jun , Chen Lei , Fu Qiang , Cai Xufu
Published: June 2010

The adjuvant of organic bentonite (OBT), zinc oxide (ZnO), zeolite 4A (4A), aluminum phosphinate (AlPi), terephthaloyl‐biscaprolactam (TBC), 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxazoline) (BOZ), and manganese dioxide (MnO2) on flame retardant enhancement of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer (ABS)/polyamide 6 (PA6)/styrene‐maleic anhydride (SMA)/ammonium polyphosphate (APP) blends were investigated by using the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the UL‐94 (vertical flame) test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LOI datas and vertical flame tests showed that the synergistic flame retardant effect of OBT, ZnO, 4A, AlPi, BOZ, and MnO2 on the ABS/PA6/SMA/APP blend was good, and the LOI value of ABS/PA6/SMA/APP/MnO2 (55/15/5/25/2) system was 33% and class V‐0 of UL‐94 test was passed. The TGA data demonstrated that the incorporation of adjuvant was known to improve the fire properties essentially accompanied by only minor changes in thermal decomposition. The strong influence of oxygen on the thermal degradation of the ABS/PA6/SMA/APP system, and the oxygen could modify the carbonaceous structure. The microstructures observed by SEM indicated that the adjuvant can promote formation of compact intumescent inorganic‐carbonaceous char layers in ABS/PA6/SMA/APP blends. Furthermore, the effects of adjuvant on the mechanical properties of ABS/PA6/SMA/APP blends were also investigated. The Izod impact strength of the ABS/PA6/SMA/APP/Adj composite showed a little depressing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterization of PS‐PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films with novel properties of high transparency and UV‐shielding capacity
Authors: Ge Junlin , Zeng Xiaofei , Tao Xia , Li Xue , Shen Zhigang , Yun Jimmy , Chen Jianfeng
Published: June 2010

High transparent and UV‐shielding poly (styrene)‐co‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐PMMA)/zinc oxide (ZnO) optical nanocomposite films were prepared by solution mixing using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as a cosolvent. The films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Cross‐section HR‐TEM and AFM images showed that the ZnO nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix at the nanoscale level. The XRD and FTIR studies indicate that there is no chemical bond or interaction between PS‐PMMA and ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. The UV–vis spectra in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm showed that nanocomposite films with ZnO particle contents from 1 to 20 wt % had strong absorption in UV spectrum region and the same transparency as pure PMMA‐PS film in the visible region. The optical properties of polymer are greatly improved by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and properties of sulfonated aromatic fluoro‐polymers
Authors: Endo Kiyoshi , Yamade Takashi
Published: June 2010

Polycondensation of perfluorobiphenyl with α,α‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethylbenzene and/or 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)fluorene was investigated. The polycondensation of perfluorobiphenyl with α,α‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethylbenzene and/or 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)fluorene proceeded at low‐temperature to a give high‐molecular weight and thermal stable polymers. The 19F‐NMR spectra of the polymers indicate that the polymers consists of predominantly 1,4‐phenylene structure with respect to the perfluoro‐aromatic compound. The sulfonation of the polymers obtained from the polycondensation occurred at the phenyl groups and fluorenyl side chain. A tough and smooth film was prepared by a casting method from DMF solution of the sulfonated polymer. The films showed hydrolytic and oxidative stabilities, and a high‐proton conductivity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of low refractive index fluorinated materials for antireflection coatings
Authors: Liu Bo‐Tau , Yeh Wei‐De , Wang Wei‐Hong
Published: June 2010

Novel low refractive index fluorinated polymers were prepared from perfluoroalkylsilane and polyethoxysiloxane by a sol‐gel technique for antireflection applications. Perfluoroalkylsilane having low refractive index fluoroalkyl groups incorporate polyethoxysiloxane by condensation of their siloxane groups to improve the adhesion and hardness of the fluorinated polymers. Syntheses and characteristics of the fluorinated polymers were investigated by the studies of FTIR, GPC, UV–vis, ellipsometry, and mechanical tests. The experimental results reveal that the refractive index and hardness of the coating using the optimal fluorinated polymer were about 1.39 and 3H, respectively, which meet the requirements in practical applications. It was also found that the fluorinated polymer made from polyethoxysiloxane had a better hardness than that made from tetraethyl orthosilicate. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of carbon fillers on tensile and flexural properties in polypropylene‐based resins
Authors: López Gaxiola Daniel , Jubinski Mary M. , Keith Jason M. , King Julia A. , Miskioglu Ibrahim
Published: June 2010

A potential application for conductive resins is in bipolar plates for use in fuel cells. The addition of carbon filler can increase the electrical and thermal conductivities of the polymer matrix but will also have an effect on the tensile and flexural properties, important for bipolar plates. In this research, three different types of carbon (carbon black, synthetic graphite, and carbon nanotubes) were added to polypropylene and the effects of these single fillers on the flexural and tensile properties were measured. All three carbon fillers caused an increase in the tensile and flexural modulus of the composite. The ultimate tensile and flexural strengths decreased with the addition of carbon black and synthetic graphite, but increased for carbon nanotubes/polypropylene composites due to the difference in the aspect ratio of this filler compared to carbon black and synthetic graphite. Finally, it was found that the Nielsen model gave the best prediction of the tensile modulus for the polypropylene based composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation, characterization, and properties of sodium montmorillonite clay/poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) containing quaternary ammonium cations and photoinitiator nanocomposites via ultraviolet exposure
Authors: Wu Guoliang , Xie Yanyan , Ou Encai , Zhang Lala , Xiong Yuanqin , Xu Weijian
Published: June 2010

A functionalized graft copolymer {poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) (SBS)‐g‐4‐benzoyl‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐[2‐(2‐methyl‐1‐oxo‐2‐propenyloxy)ethyl]benzenemethanaminium bromide (4‐BBPDMAEMA)}, containing a photoinitiator, quaternary ammonium cations, and many CC double bonds, was synthesized to modify clays, such as Na+–montmorillonite (MMT) clay, for the preparation of organic–inorganic nanocomposite resins via radical photoinduced crosslinking polymerization. The structure of SBS‐g‐4‐BBPDMAEMA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The corresponding SBS‐g‐4‐BBPDMAEMA was found to have two functions: the capability to ionically exchange with sodium ions in the silicate gallery and the capability to synthesize exfoliated SBS/MMT nanocomposites by the UV crosslinking of intercalation polymerization. The results from the X‐ray diffraction primarily reveal that the clay platelets should have been exfoliated or completely disordered. However, the results from transmission electron microcopy confirmed that a mixture of partially exfoliated and intercalated structures presented in the nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis testing indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the polybutadiene phase and polystyrene phase moved to a lower temperature. Data of thermogravimetric analysis and testing of the mechanical properties showed that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of SBS‐g‐4‐BBPDMAEMA could be regulated by the crosslinking and content of MMT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
ChemInform Abstract: TaFn and TaCln Atomization Energies for n = 1—5
Authors: Bauschlicher Jr. Charles W.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: FP=S in the Gas‐Phase: Detection by Rotationally Resolved Infrared and Millimeter‐Wave Spectra Assisted by ab‐initio Calculations.
Authors: Beckers Helmut , Bogey Marcel , Breidung Juergen , Buerger Hans , Drean Pascal , Paplewski Peter , Thiel Walter , Walters Adam
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Reactivity of the [Nb2S11]4‐ Anion: Selective Substitution of Sulfur by Selenium on a Molecular Level.
Authors: Krause Oliver , Duerichen Peter , Naether Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Hydrate Magnesium Diphosphate Mg2P2O7×3.5H2O and Its High Temperature Variant Mg2P2O7×H2O.
Authors: Kongshaug Kjell Ove , Fjellvaag Helmer , Lillerud Karl Petter
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of AgPF6 and AgAsF6 at Ambient Temperatures.
Authors: Hagiwara Rika , Kitashita Kouichi , Ito Yasuhiko , Tamada Osamu
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Chromium(II) Pyrophosphate, Na2CrP2O7×0.5H2O.
Authors: Stock N. , Ferey G. , Cheetham A. K.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterization of Low‐Dielectric Silica Aerogel Films.
Authors: Hyung Sang H. , Kim Joong J. , Park Hyung H.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Characterization of Silica‐Gel Supported Pt—Cu Alloy Particles Prepared via the Sol—Gel Technique.
Authors: Serykh Alexander I. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Borovkov Victor Yu. , Kazansky Vladimir B. , Minachev Khahib M. , Hippe Christina , Jaeger Nils I. , Schulz‐Ekloff Guenter
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: 2,2,5,5,8,8‐Hexamethyl‐2,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydroimidazo [1,2‐a]pyrazine‐3,6‐dione, a Bicyclic Product of α‐Aminoisobutyric Acid Condensation.
Authors: Basiuk Vladimir A. , Van Meervelt Luc , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Basiuk Elena V.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of a Resin‐Bound Arene—Ruthenium Complex and Assessment of Its Use in Enol Formate Synthesis and Olefin Cyclopropanation.
Authors: Leadbeater Nicholas E. , Scott Kathryn A. , Scott Lucy J.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Synthesis of Amino Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl Alcohol and Its Application for Enantioselective Additions of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes.
Authors: Hanyu Naoto , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Samarium Diiodide Mediated Asymmetric Reactions of 8‐Phenylmenthyl Esters.
Authors: Fang Jim‐Min , Chen Ming‐Yi , Shiue Jiann‐Shyng , Lu Ling , Hsu Jue‐Liang
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A syn‐Selective Dihydroxylation of Cyclic Allylic Trichloroacetamides Using Catalytic Osmium Tetroxide.
Authors: Blades Kevin , Donohoe Timothy J. , Winter Jonathan J. G. , Stemp Geoffrey
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nitrogen Pronucleophiles in the Self‐Catalytic Michael Reaction.
Authors: Krawczyk Henryk
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nitrile Cleavage of Heterocycle in the Electrochemical Reduction of 1‐Chloro‐4‐(isopropylthio)phthalazine.
Authors: Buzykin B. I. , Yanilkin V. V. , Morozov V. I. , Eliseenkova R. M. , Maksimyuk N. I.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Double Annulation Route to Highly Substituted and Functionalized cis Bicyclic and Tricyclic δ‐Lactams and Imides.
Authors: Grossman Robert B. , Pendharkar Dhananjay S. , Rasne Ravindra M. , Varner Melissa A.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Use of Pentamethyldisiloxane in the Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyclization/Hydrosilylation of Functionalized Dienes.
Authors: Pei Tao , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Rearrangement of 3‐Ethoxycarbonyl‐5‐hydroxyimino‐2‐methyl‐4‐oxonaphtho[1,2‐b]furan and 3‐Ethoxycarbonyl‐5‐hydroxyimino‐2‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1‐phenylbenzo[g]indole by the Action of Benzenesulfonyl Chloride in an Alkaline Medium.
Authors: Stankyavichus A. P. , Stankyavichene L. M. M. , Terent'ev P. B.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cobalt(II) Chloride‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Sodium Borohydride Reduction of Azides in Water.
Authors: Fringuelli Francesco , Pizzo Ferdinando , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: New Quinolinic Derivatives as Centrally Active Antioxidants.
Authors: Dorey Gilbert , Lockhart Brian , Lestage Pierre , Casara Patrick
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Stereoselective Route to Polysubstituted Tetrahydroquinolines by Benzotriazole‐Promoted Condensation of Aliphatic Aldehydes and Aromatic Amines.
Authors: Talukdar Sanjay , Chen Chao‐Tsen , Fang Jim‐Min
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.