bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inequities in Coverage of Preventive Child Health Interventions: The Rural Drinking Water Supply Program and the Universal Immunization Program in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Mohan Pavitra
Published: January 2005

Objectives. I assessed whether the Rural Drinking Water Supply Program (RDWSP) and the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) have achieved equitable coverage in Rajasthan, India, and explored program characteristics that affect equitable coverage of preventive health interventions.

Methods. A total of 2460 children presenting at 12 primary health facilities in one district of Rajasthan were enrolled and classified into economic quartiles based on possession of assets. Immunization coverage and prime source of drinking water were compared across quartiles.

Results. A higher access to piped water by wealthier families (P< .001) was compensated by higher access to hand pumps by poorer families (P<.001), resulting in equal access to a safe source (P=.9). Immunization coverage was inequitable, favoring the wealthier children (P<.001).

Conclusions. The RDWSP has achieved equitable coverage, while UIP coverage remains highly inequitable. Programs can make coverage more equitable by formulating explicit objectives to ensure physical access to all, promoting the intervention’s demand by the poor, and enhancing the support and monitoring of frontline workers who deliver these interventions.
Injuries Among Older Americans With and Without Medicare
Authors: Clark David E. , DeLorenzo Michael A. , Lucas F.L. , Wennberg David E.
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We evaluated the generalizability of Medicare fee-for-service data for patients hospitalized with injuries.

Methods. We used 1998–2000 Medicare hospitalization data and National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) data to analyze patients aged 65 years and older with principal injury diagnoses.

Results. Demographics and injury patterns were similar in Medicare data and NHDS Medicare data. Injured patients without Medicare or health maintenance organization coverage were younger, less likely to have hip fractures, and more likely to have head or chest injuries. Mortality and discharge to long-term care were not significantly affected by insurance coverage, after we controlled for injury type and severity, age, gender, and comorbidity. Medicare patients had slightly longer hospital lengths of stay.

Conclusions. Hospital outcomes are generally similar among older patients with a given anatomic injury, regardless of insurance coverage.
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program: A Multicenter Trial of Outreach Through the Emergency Department
Authors: Gordon James A. , Emond Jennifer A. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We evaluated emergency department (ED)–based outreach for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Methods. We conducted a multicenter trial among uninsured children (≤ 18 years) who presented to 5 EDs in 2001 and 2002. On-site staff enrolled consecutive subjects for a control period followed by an intervention period during which staff handed out SCHIP applications to the uninsured. The primary outcome was state-level confirmation of insured status at 90 days.

Results. We followed 223 subjects (108 control, 115 intervention) by both phone interview and state records. Compared to control subjects, those receiving a SCHIP application were more likely to have state health insurance at 90 days (42% vs 28%; P<.05; odds ratio [OR]=3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.7, 8.6). Although the intervention effect was prominent among 118 African Americans (50% insured after intervention vs 31% of controls, P<.05), lack of family enrollment in other public assistance programs was the primary predictor of intervention success (OR=3.7; 95% CI=1.6, 8.4).

Conclusions. Handing out insurance applications in the ED can be an effective SCHIP enrollment strategy, particularly among minority children without connections to the social welfare system. Adopted nationwide, this simple strategy could initiate insurance coverage for more than a quarter million additional children each year.
Health Plan Liability and ERISA: The Expanding Scope of State Legislation
Authors: Hellinger Fred J. , Young Gary J.
Published: January 2005

The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) supersedes state laws as they relate to employer-based health care plans. Thus, cases brought under ERISA are heard in federal courts.

We examined the intent, scope, and impact of recent laws passed in 10 states attempting to expand the legal rights of health plan enrollees to sue their plans. In June 2004, the US Supreme Court ruled that state-law causes of action brought under the Texas Health Care Liability Act involving coverage decisions by Aetna Health Inc and CIGNA Health Care of Texas were preempted by ERISA. The full implications of this decision are not evident at present.
A Private-Sector Preferred Provider Network Model for Public Health Screening of Newly Resettled Refugees
Authors: Geltman Paul L. , Cochran Jennifer
Published: January 2005

US law and regulations stipulate a process for the health screening of refugees. The responsibility of caring for refugees resettled in the United States rests, in part, with public health or welfare departments. Massachusetts has met its screening responsibilities through the innovative creation of a network of private preferred providers.

We explore the Massachusetts model of public–private collaboration within the context of federal refugee health priorities and current state fiscal restraints affecting public health programs, and demonstrate the model’s accomplishments.
Language of lies in prison: linguistic classification of prisoners' truthful and deceptive natural language
Authors: Bond Gary D. , Lee Adrienne Y.
Published: January 2005

Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software was used to code truthful and deceptive words in prisoners' natural language. Reality Monitoring (RM) and Newman, Pennebaker, Berry, & Richards' (NP, 2003) models were used. NP indicates that lies contain fewer self‐references, other references, and exclusive words, and higher numbers of negative emotion and motion words. Higher sensory, spatial, temporal and affective RM terms were predicted for truths, and more cognitive mechanism words were predicted for lies. The RM model's hit rate was 71.1% and discriminability was 1.11 without spatial words, which were surprisingly higher in lies than in truth statements, and the NP model was 69.7%, d′ = 0.99. The software models were contrasted with humans' hit rates, and younger prisoners had 71% hits, d′ = 0.22, but older prisoners had 50% hits, d′ = 0.90. The software set unbiased criteria (β), but younger prisoners were biased in setting their criteria when judging statement veracity, β = −0.34. Without other references, found to be higher in truths than in lies, NP classified 59% of statements correctly. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The accuracy of footballers' frequency estimates of their own football heading
Authors: Rutherford A. , Fernie G.
Published: January 2005

A number of studies have suggested that football heading is associated with neuropsychological impairment. However, analyses indicating such a relationship have employed footballers' subjective estimations rather than objective measures of their heading frequency. This is despite frequency estimation research suggesting that such subjective estimations would be inaccurate. In two studies examining the relationship between footballers' heading frequency estimates and their observed heading frequency, footballers' estimates were found to be inaccurate, but positively related to their actual heading frequency. However, there were differences in estimate accuracy between studies. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed and recommendations are made for studies examining the relationship between heading frequency and neuropsychological impairment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suggestibility and source monitoring errors: blame the interview style, interviewer consistency, and the child's personality
Authors: Shapiro Lauren R. , Purdy Telisa L.
Published: January 2005

Sixty children were forced to confabulate or given misinformation about a simulated crime. Higher suggestibility in the forced confabulation group than in the suggestive group occurred even after 1 week. Interview source errors in the forced confabulation group were higher for confabulations when asked by the same person, but for control items when asked by a different person. Interview source errors in the suggestive group were higher for confabulations when asked by a different person, but for control items when asked by the same person. Confabulations were misattributed to the video by the forced confabulation more than the suggestive group. However, both groups mistakenly believed they had previously discussed control true‐event items. Suggestibility was high when imaginative and dissociative children were forced to confabulate. Control false‐event items were misattributed to the interview by compliant children and to the video by imaginative children in the forced confabulation group. Shy children in the forced confabulation group misattributed confabulations to the video, whereas distractible children in the suggestive group misattributed control false‐event items to both sources. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PM‐10 and Heavy Metals in Particulate Matter of the Province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy)
Authors: Buccolieri Alessandro , Buccolieri Giovanni , Cardellicchio Nicola , Dell'Atti Angelo , Florio Elena Tiziana
Published: January 2005

This paper shows the results of a preliminary study of air monitoring in the province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy). In particular, the attention has been focused on the determination of the PM‐10 level and of the concentration of nine metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) present on the filters which were collected in two towns (Lecce and Campi Salentina) from 2002 until 2003. The metals have been chosen on the basis of their toxicity and of their possible use as chemical tracers. The results have proved that PM‐10 values and metals concentrations did not show substantial difference between the two towns and that PM‐10 level and lead concentration are below the limit established by Italian law in force. The experiments have demonstrated a high correlation between iron and manganese in both sampling sites; this could be attributed to pollution of metallurgical origin.

Multivariate statistical analysis, carried out by HCA and PCA methods, has been used in order to differentiate samples in relation to sampling sites, sampling period and meteorological conditions.
Simultaneous Determination of Phenol and Mononitrophenol Isomers Using PLS Regression and Conventional and Derivative Spectrophotometry
Authors: Shamsipur Mojtaba , Ghavami Raoof , Sharghi Hashem , Hemmateenejad Bahram
Published: January 2005

The partial least squares regression method (PLS) was tested as a calibration procedure for the simultaneous determination of phenol, o‐nitrophenol, m‐nitrophenol and p‐nitrophenol by both conventional and first derivative UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The experiments were conducted in the acidic, neutral and basic media. The results obtained by the application of the PLS procedure on the conventional and first derivative spectra in two solvent media were compared. It was found that the results obtained in the basic medium have better performance characteristics than those obtained in the acidic or neutral media. Comparable results were obtained in the case of both conventional and first derivative absorbance data. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the four phenol derivatives in natural spiked water samples at concentration levels between 1.0 and 10.0 μg ml‐1 with average recoveries in the range 96% ‐ 99%.
Kinetic Spectrophotometric Determination of Rutin by Its Inhibitory Effect on the Oxidation of Amaranth by Potassium Periodate
Authors: Wang Shuhao , Du Lingyun , Yao Xingjun , Niu Xueli , Zhuang Huisheng
Published: January 2005

A novel kinetic spectrophotometric method is described for the determination of rutin. The method is based on the inhibitory effect of rutin on the oxidation reaction of amaranth by potassium periodate in acidic media at 100 °C. The linear range for the determination of rutin is 0.02 ∼ 0.50 μg/ml, and the detection limit is 0.014 μg/ml. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of rutin in medicine of rutin tablet and traditional Chinese medicine.
8.5 Mb deletion at distal 5p in a male ascertained for azoospermia
Authors: Rossi Elena , de Gregori Manuela , Grazia Patricelli Maria , Pramparo Tiziano , Argentiero Luisa , Giglio Sabrina , Sosta Katiuscia , Foresti Giovanni , Zuffardi Orsetta
Published: January 2005

We report on a 5p− azoospermic male not showing the clinical features diagnostic for the cri‐du‐chat syndrome but for a breathy, raspy voice. The 5p deletion breakpoint, determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with BAC clones, maps 8.5 Mb far from the short arm telomere in 5p15.31. Genotype/phenotype correlations in this subject, including his neuropsychological assessment, led us to define that the gene for the cat‐like cry and one gene responsible for mild mental retardation with speech delay map both in the distal 8.5 Mb of chromosome 5 short arm. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glucose metabolism and serotonin receptors in the frontotemporal lobe degeneration
Authors: Franceschi Massimo , Anchisi Davide , Pelati Oriana , Zuffi Marta , Matarrese Mario , Moresco Rosa Maria , Fazio Ferruccio , Perani Daniela
Published: January 2005

In patients with the frontal variant of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (fv‐FTLD), behavioral abnormalities may vary from apathy with motor slowness (apathetic form) to disinhibition with agitation (disinhibited form). These clinical presentations may be related to specific regional cerebral dysfunction and to deficit in the serotoninergic system. We studied cerebral glucose uptake using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography in 18 patients fulfilling clinical criteria for fv‐FTLD and showing, respectively, an apathetic or disinhibited behavioral syndrome. In eight of these patients, we also evaluated the 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐2A receptor cerebral receptor distribution with [11C]MDL and positron emission tomography. We found a reduction of frontal glucose metabolism in the whole group of fv‐FTLD patients. Apathetic syndrome was associated with a prevalent dorsolateral and frontal medial hypometabolism, whereas the disinhibited syndrome demonstrated a selective hypometabolism in interconnected limbic structures (the cingulate cortex, hippocampus/amygdala, and accumbens nucleus). The in vivo measurements of [11C]MDL indicated a significant reduction of 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐2A receptors in orbitofrontal, frontal medial, and cingulate cortices. These 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography changes can be considered as specific functional markers of the different behavioral presentations in fv‐FTLD. The serotoninergic system dysfunction provides a rationale for therapeutic trials with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Ann Neurol 2005;57:216–225
Early seizures after temporal lobectomy predict subsequent seizure recurrence
Authors: McIntosh Anne M. , Kalnins Renate M. , Mitchell L. Anne , Berkovic Samuel F.
Published: January 2005

Patients are understandably anxious if seizures occur immediately after temporal lobectomy. Such “neighborhood” seizures are commonly regarded as irrelevant to seizure outcome and discounted in outcome measurement. We conducted an in‐depth examination of early postoperative seizures (<28 days) and outcome. The risk of recurrence at one postoperative year was calculated using Poisson regression, and statistical adjustments were made for preoperative pathology. Of 321 patients, 69 (22%) experienced early postoperative seizures. These early seizures were associated with subsequent seizure recurrence (rate ratio [RR] 5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1–8.4). Among patients with early seizures, the only significant factor was the presence of seizure precipitants, which was associated with a lower recurrence risk. However, when compared with patients with no early seizures, those with precipitants to early seizures had a higher risk of recurrence (RR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8–5.2). The risk was higher again for patients without precipitants to early seizures (RR, 7.6; 95% CI, 5.0–11.5). Early seizures and other seizure recurrences in the first postoperative year did not differ in their effect on subsequent outcome (X2 [3] = 3.4, p = 0.33). We conclude that early postoperative seizures are associated with subsequent seizure recurrence. These findings have implications for patient counseling and the measurement of outcome. Ann Neurol 2005;57:283–288
Slow‐wave sleep and delta power in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Massicotte‐Marquez Jessica , Carrier Julie , Décary Anne , Mathieu Annie , Vendette Mélanie , Petit Dominique , Montplaisir Jacques
Published: January 2005

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by the loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep, leading to an increase of phasic muscle activity and complex motor behaviors during the night. There is some evidence that RBD patients have more of slow‐wave sleep (SWS) than healthy elderly subjects. No study has looked at quantitative electroencephalogram analysis during non‐REM sleep in either primary or secondary RBD. The aim of this study was to assess the increase of SWS and to analyze different electroencephalographic frequency ranges during non‐REM sleep in 28 idiopathic RBD patients compared with 28 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Idiopathic RBD patients spent more time in SWS (men: 1.4%; women: 5.9%) than control subjects (men: 0.4%; women: 0.6%; p = 0.004). Spectral analyses demonstrated that idiopathic RBD patients had increased all‐night δ power in comparison with control subjects (p = 002). This study shows an increase of SWS and power in the δ band during non‐REM sleep in idiopathic RBD patients compared with control subjects. Results are discussed about the possible nigrostriatal dopaminergic impairment in RBD patients and the association between RBD and neurodegenerative disorders. Ann Neurol 2005;57:277–282
Automated seizure abatement in humans using electrical stimulation
Authors: Osorio Ivan , Frei Mark G. , Sunderam Sridhar , Giftakis Jonathon , Bhavaraju Naresh C. , Schaffner Scott F. , Wilkinson Steven B.
Published: January 2005

The need for novel, efficacious, antiseizure therapies is widely acknowledged. This study investigates in humans the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of high‐frequency electrical stimulation (HFES; 100–500Hz) triggered by automated seizure detections. Eight patients were enrolled in this study, which consisted of a control and an experimental phase. HFES was delivered directly to the epileptogenic zone (local closed‐loop) in four patients and indirectly, through anterior thalami (remote closed‐loop), to the other four patients for every other automated seizure detection made by a validated algorithm. Interphase (control vs experimental phase) and intraphase (stimulated vs nonstimulated) comparisons of clinical seizure rate and relative severity (clinical and electrographic) were performed, and differences were assessed using effect size. Patients were deemed “responders” if seizure rate was reduced by at least 50%; the remaining patients were deemed “nonresponders.” All patients completed the study; rescue medications were not required. There were 1,491 HFESs (0.2% triggered after‐discharges). Mean change in seizure rate in the local closed‐loop group was −55.5% (−100 to +36.8%); three of four responders had a mean change of −86% (−100 to −58.8%). In the remote closed‐loop, the mean change of seizure rate was −40.8% (−72.9 to +1.4%); two of four responders had a mean change of −74.3% (−75.6 to −72.9%). Mean effect size was zero in the local closed‐loop (responders: beneficial and medium to large in magnitude) and negligible in the remote closed‐loop group (responders: beneficial and medium to large). HFES effects on epileptogenic tissue were immediate and also outlasted the stimulation period. This study demonstrates the feasibility and short‐term safety of automated HFES for seizure blockage, and also raises the possibility that it may be beneficial in pharmaco‐resistant epilepsies. Ann Neurol 2005;57:258–268
Synthesis of magnesium dicyclopentadienide catalyzed by titanium and vanadium derivatives
Authors: Maslennikov Stanislav V. , Ignatyev Roman A. , Piskounov Alexandr V. , Spirina Irina V.
Published: January 2005

Synthesis of magnesium dicyclopentadienide from metal and cyclopentadiene in THF is effectively catalyzed by the derivatives of vanadium and titanium. The kinetics of the synthesis, as well as thermodynamic parameters of reagents adsorption on the magnesium surface, have been determined. The process catalyzed by titanium derivatives is accompanied by the quantitative hydrogenation of cyclopentadiene to cyclopentene whereas the catalysis by vanadium derivatives leads to hydrogen gas evolution. A number of reaction intermediates including Cp2TiCl, Cp2TiH2MgCl, Cp2Ti(cyclo‐C5H7) and Cp2V, were identified by the electron spin resonance method. The equilibrium constants, enthalpies and entropies of adsorption of metal halides on the magnesium surface were calculated. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tricarbonylchromium complexes of styrenes in radical copolymerization
Authors: Grishin Dmitry F. , Semyonycheva Ludmila L. , Illichev Ilya S. , Artemov Alexander N.
Published: January 2005

The organometallic monomers styrenetricarbonylchromium and p‐methylstyrenetricarbonylchromium were copolymerized in ethyl acetate solutions with methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate using azobisisobutyronitrile at 50 °C and a binary system including di‐tert‐butylperoxytriphenylantimony at 30 °C as the free‐radical initiators. Comonomers are proposed to form a molecular complex based on the results of ultraviolet and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. A kinetic study shows that chromium‐containing monomers at high concentrations in the mixture reduce the rate of copolymerization. The addition of styrenetricarbonylchromium to butyl acrylate significantly slows down the autoacceleration. The reactivity ratios of the comonomer pairs, namely, styrenetricarbonylchromium–methyl methacrylate, styrenetricarbonylchromium–butyl acrylate and p‐methylstyrenetricarbonylchromium–methyl methacrylate, were determined using the method of Kelen–Tudos for low conversion polymerizations.Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diethyl‐ and dibutyltin dihalide complexes of 1‐methyl‐2(3H)‐imidazolinethione: synthesis, structure and antibacterial activity
Authors: Casas J. S. , Martínez E. García , Jorge M. L. , Russo U. , Sánchez A. , González A. Sánchez , Seoane R. , Sordo J.
Published: January 2005

The compounds [SnR2X2(Hmimt)] (R = Et, Bu; X = Cl, Br; Hmimt = 1‐methyl‐2(3H)‐imidazolinethione) and [SnEt2X2(Hmimt)2] (X = Cl, Br) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and IR, Raman, Mössbauer and NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectroscopy. An X‐ray study of the crystal structure of [SnEt2Cl2(Hmimt)2] shows all‐trans octahedral stereochemistry with the tin atom coordinated to two ethyl carbon atoms, two chlorine atoms and the sulfur atoms of the two Hmimt ligands. Hmimt exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 6.25 μg ml−1), and all the complexes inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as B. subtilis, with MIC values of 12.5 μg ml−1, 6.25 μg ml−1 and 3.12 μg ml−1 respectively, for the most active complex, [SnBu2Cl2(Hmimt)]. Only [SnEt2Cl2(Hmimt)] shows activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 50 μg ml−1). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and toxicity of new heterobimetallic complexes of platinum(II) and palladium(II)
Authors: Sharma Kripa , Fahmi Nighat , Singh R.V.
Published: January 2005

Heterobimetallic complexes of the type [M(C6H6N2)2(M′)2(R)4]Cl2 have been synthesized by the direct reaction of [M(C6H8N2)2]Cl2 with Group 4 or 14 organometallic dichlorides Ph2M′Cl2,Me2M′Cl2 or Cp2M″Cl2 in 1:2 molar ratio in MeOH (M = Pd or Pt, M′ = Si or Sn and M″ = Ti or Zr). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determination, electronic, 1H NMR and IR spectra, magnetic susceptibilities and conductivity measurements. These studies showed that the compounds are monomers and dimagnetic in nature, with a square‐planar geometry around palladium and platinum metals. Both the free ligands and their metal complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity on different species of pathogenic fungi and bacteria and were found active in this respect.Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption of aqueous inorganic mercury and methylmercury on suspended kaolin: influence of sodium chloride, fulvic acid and particle content
Authors: de Diego Alberto , Tseng Chun Mao , Dimov Nicolai , Amouroux David , Donard Olivier F. X.
Published: January 2005

The main tendencies in the adsorption of dissolved inorganic mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg+) on suspended kaolin particles have been investigated in synthetic aqueous solutions. The influence of NaCl, fulvic acid (FA) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the system has been studied at a constant pH of 7.2. The experiments were arranged according to a full factorial design with three factors (NaCl, FA SPM) at low (−) and high (+) levels. A central point (0) was repeated four times to estimate the reproducibility of the results. The low and high levels investigated were 0–35 g l−1, 0–10 mg l−1 and 0.5–5 g l−1 for the concentrations of NaCl, FA and kaolin respectively. In order to match the linear range of the analytical technique the total concentration of mercury (as Hg2+ or MeHg+) in the synthetic suspensions was 25 ng ml−1. After chemical stabilization of each suspension, the Hg2+ or MeHg+ content in the clear filtrate was determined by an automated hyphenated technique combining the following steps: (i) derivatization by hydride generation, (ii) preconcentration by cryogenic trapping, (iii) separation by packed column gas chromatography and (iv) detection by quartz furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The removal of Hg2+ and MeHg+ from the solution via adsorption on particles ranged, respectively, from 12.4 to 94.9% and from 1.7 to 45.6% of the total mercury compound concentration. High concentrations of NaCl led to lower adsorption rates of both mercury species. The adsorption of MeHg+ was enhanced in the presence of FA, whereas that of Hg2+ was clearly diminished. High levels of SPM promoted the adsorption of both Hg2+ and MeHg+ on kaolin particles. Several experiments were also conducted to check the adsorption rate of Hg2+ and MeHg+ on natural particles collected in the Gironde estuary. The results confirmed the general trends observed when using reference kaolin particles. The results presented here will be helpful for groups modelling the physico‐chemical behaviour of mercury in estuary conditions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dicumyl peroxide cross‐linking of nitrile rubbers with different content in acrylonitrile
Authors: Valentín J. L. , Rodríguez A. , Marcos‐Fernández A. , González L.
Published: January 2005

The scope of this article is the study of peroxide curing of two nitrile rubbers with low and high nitrile content. The peroxide efficiency can be much higher than one, and the polymer structure determines the mechanism of cross‐linking. In the rubber with low nitrile content, the peroxide radical may give rise to a polymerization reaction between adjacent double bonds generating a heterogeneous network with a negative effect on the vulcanizate properties. On the contrary, in the nitrile rubber with high nitrile content, this negative effect it is not present or is present to a lesser extent, and their vulcanizates show good physical properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1–5, 2005
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of two‐component amphiphilic polyoxyethylene–containing multiblock copolymers
Authors: Xie Hong‐Quan , Xie Dong , Chen Xian‐Yuan , Guo Jun‐Shi
Published: January 2005

Amphiphilic (oxyethylene–oxypropylene) and (oxyethylene–styrene) multiblock copolymers, both with high molecular weights, were synthesized by coupling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) or with telechelic dihydroxy polystyrene using 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate as a coupling agent, respectively. The polymerization conditions were investigated. The products were purified and characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, and membrane osmometry and identified as multiblock copolymers. Crystallinity of the two kinds of multiblock copolymers was determined by DSC. They showed good emulsifying properties. Their complexes with LiClO4 showed high room‐temperature conductivities from 3 × 10−5 to 4 × 10−4 S/cm at 30°C. High molecular weight (oxyethylene–oxypropylene) multiblock copolymers, at a weight ratio of PEG/PPG = 6/4, behave like thermoplastic elastomers. The (oxyethylene–styrene) copolymer functions as a good compatibilizer for the blend of chlorohydrin rubber and polystyrene. An amount of only 3 wt %, based on the blend, is needed to increase the tensile strength of the blend almost sixfold. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1295–1301, 2005
Chiral recognition ability of oligopeptide derivatives consisting of glutamyl residues
Authors: Yoshikawa Masakazu , Nagai Yasuharu , Moriguchi Koji , Hiraoka Satoshi
Published: January 2005

The effect of the constituting amino acid residue [Glu(OBzl)] number on the chiral recognition ability was investigated. Chiral recognition sites were prepared from oligopeptide derivatives (constituting amino acid residue number = three–five) by adopting alternative molecular imprinting. It was made clear that with a constituting amino acid residue number of four, the tetrapeptide derivative of Glu(OBzl) is the best candidate material to generate a chiral recognition site among eight types of oligopeptide derivatives in the study. The affinity constant between Ac‐L‐Trp and a chiral recognition site ranged from 3.4 × 103 to 1.08 × 104 mol−1 dm3, depending on the number of Glu(OBzl) residues in an oligopeptide derivative. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1302–1309, 2005
Dielectric relaxation spectra of chemically treated woods
Authors: Sugiyama M. , Norimoto M.
Published: January 2005

The changes in the dielectric properties of absolutely dried Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.) wood caused by chemical treatments were investigated. Eight kinds of chemical treatments with various levels of weight percentage gain (WPG) were performed. Through the application of the Cole–Cole circular arc law to the results of the dielectric measurements in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 1 MHz at −60°C, the relaxation spectrum was calculated. The relaxation magnitude (ε0 − ε∞) was reduced by formalization, acetylation, propylene oxide, and phenol–formaldehyde resin treatments, in which chemical reactions occurred between the OH groups in the cell wall and the added reagents. On the other hand, the generalized relaxation time (τm) decreased with increasing WPG, except for acetylation, for which τm decreased up to a WPG level of 20% and then increased. In poly(ethylene glycol) impregnation, (ε0 − ε∞) decreased with increasing WPG up to about 50% and then increased, whereas τm linearly decreased with increasing WPG. No significant changes in these parameters were recognized for the wood methyl methacrylate composite and heat treatment. With the steam treatment, τm increased. The distribution of the relaxation times was broad in acetylation and narrow in propylene oxide treatment and poly(ethylene glycol) impregnation. However, it remained almost unchanged in the other treatments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 37–43, 2005
Poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐β‐methyl hydrogen itaconate): Synthesis, characterization, and copper(II)‐ion‐binding properties
Authors: Pizarro Guadalupe del C. , Marambio Oscar G. , Jeria‐Orell Manuel , Huerta Margarita R. , Rivas Bernabé L.
Published: January 2005

The radical copolymerization of N‐phenylmaleimide was carried out with β‐methyl hydrogen itaconate at 70°C for 12 h. The copolymers were characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by the Kelen–Tüdös and Fineman–Ross methods. These values demonstrated that the copolymerization reaction produced statistical copolymers with a tendency to alternation. The retention capacity of the copolymers for Cu2+ ions varied from 296 to 348 mg/g at pHs 5 and 7. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1361–1367, 2005
Influence of zinc oxide during different stages of sulfur vulcanization. Elucidated by model compound studies
Authors: Heideman G. , Datta R. N. , Noordermeer J. W. M. , Baarle B. van
Published: January 2005

The addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) as an activator for the sulfur vulcanization of rubbers enhances the vulcanization efficiency and vulcanizate properties and reduces the vulcanization time. The first part of this article deals with the reduction and optimization of the amount of ZnO. Two different rubbers, solution‐styrene‐butadiene rubber and ethylene–propylene–diene rubber, have been selected for this study. The results demonstrate that the curing and physical properties can be retained when the level of ZnO (Red Seal) is reduced to 1 or 2 phr, respectively. Of particular interest is nano‐ZnO, characterized by a nanoscale particle distribution. The cure characteristics indicate that with nano‐ZnO, a reduction of zinc by a factor of 10 can be obtained. In the second part, model compound vulcanization is introduced to investigate the effects of ZnO during the different stages of vulcanization. Experiments are described with two models, squalene and 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butene, both with benzothiazolesulfenamide‐accelerated vulcanization systems. The results demonstrate the influence of ZnO during the different stages of the vulcanization. With ZnO present, a marked decrease can be observed in the sulfur concentration during an early stage of vulcanization, along with a slight delay in the disappearance of the crosslink precursor. The crosslinked product distribution is influenced as well. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1388–1404, 2005
Preparation, characterization, and metal binding behavior of novel chelating resins containing sulfur and polyamine
Authors: Qu Rongjun , Wang Chunhua , Ji Chunnuan , Sun Changmei , Sun Xiangrong , Cheng Guoxiang
Published: January 2005

Several kinds of polyamine‐type chelating resins containing sulfide were synthesized by the reaction of polyamines, such as ethanolamine (EA), ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), and triethylenetetramine (TETA), with poly[4‐vinylbenzyl (2‐benzenesulfonate ethyl) sulfide] (PSMP), which was itself prepared by the reaction of poly[4‐vinylbenzyl (2‐hydroxyethyl) sulfide] (PSME) with benzenesulfonal chloride in pyridine solution. Factors affecting syntheses of PSMP, such as solvents, reaction temperature and time, and ratio of reactants, were investigated. Structures of the above resins were confirmed by FTIR and elemental analysis. Their surface morphology and pore structures were observed on a SEM and determined by the BET method, respectively. Adsorption experiments showed that these resins exhibit better adsorption selectivity for noble metal ions and Hg(II) than other heavy ones. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1558–1565, 2005
Hydrazinium salts as thermally latent initiators in the polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether
Authors: Kim Moon Suk , Lee Sang Bong , Lee Kyu Wan , Endo Takeshi
Published: January 2005

Novel hydrazinium salts, N,N‐dimethyl N‐benzyl N′‐benzyl N′‐benzoyl hydrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (2) and N,N‐dimethyl N‐benzyl N′‐(2‐propyl) N′‐benzoyl hydrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (3) were synthesized from hydrazinium salt (1) with the corresponding alcohol. Their initiator activities were examined in the polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE). The polymerization of GPE did not proceed with 2 and 3 below 60 and 100°C but proceeded rapidly above those temperatures, respectively. It was found that 1–3 served as thermally latent initiators in the polymerization of GPE. The initiating species and terminating species were identified as the proton or alkyl cation and aminimide, respectively. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1439–1442, 2005
Spinning and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organomontmorillonite nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Guan Guo‐Hu , Li Chun‐Cheng , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2005

By in situ polycondensation, a intercalated poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organomontmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared after montmorillonite (MMT) had been treated with a water‐soluble polymer. This nanocomposite was produced to fibers through melt spinning. The resulting nanocomposite fibers were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The interlayer distance of MMT dispersed in the nanocomposite fibers was further enlarged because of strong shear stress during processing of melt spinning. This was confirmed by XRD test and TEM images. DSC test results showed that incorporation of MMT accelerated the crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), but the crystallinity of the drawn fibers just had a little increasing compared with that of neat PET drawn fibers. Also compared with pure PET drawn fibers, tensile strength at 5% elongation and thermal stability of the nanocomposite fibers were improved. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1443–1447, 2005
Use of epoxy–phenolic lacquers in food can coatings: Characterization of lacquers and cured films
Authors: Manfredi L. B. , Ginés M. J. L. , Benítez G. J. , Egli W. A. , Rissone H. , Vázquez A.
Published: January 2005

Liquid and cured epoxy–phenolic lacquers used as can coatings were characterized. Tinplate was used as the base material, which was coated with lacquers of different epoxy to phenolic ratios (EPRs) from a commercial source. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used together to obtain helpful information about the degree of curing and the composition of the lacquers. From FTIR analysis, we were able to infer that the lacquers were composed of a high‐molecular‐weight diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A type epoxy resin and a resol‐type phenolic resin. In addition, from FTIR spectra, we estimated the EPRs of lacquers applied on the tinplate and detected if they had been overcured. The EPRs of the applied lacquers were estimated also from DSC analysis. From TGA, we detected undercuring in the applied lacquers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1448–1458, 2005
Crosslinking and biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) prepolymers containing itaconic or maleic acid units in the main chain
Authors: Teramoto Naozumi , Ozeki Mayuka , Fujiwara Ikue , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: January 2005

Poly(butylene succinate)‐based prepolymers containing itaconic acid units or maleic acid units in the main chain were synthesized through the condensation reaction of 1,4‐butanediol, succinic acid, and itaconic acid or maleic acid. The resulting prepolymers, with weight‐average molecular weights in the several thousands, were cured at 115°C with benzoyl peroxide to produce crosslinked polyesters that were insoluble in chloroform. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the glass‐transition temperature rose with crosslinking and that the melting temperature and heat of melting decreased with crosslinking. These results implied that crosslinking was successfully carried out and that the crystallinity of the polymer decreased. The crosslinked polymer showed lower biodegradability in the biochemical oxygen demand assay with activated sludge but retained some biodegradability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1473–1480, 2005
New melamine–formaldehyde–ketone polymers. II. Dissolution of melamine in reactive solvents prepared from cyclohexanone
Authors: Głowacz‐Czerwonka Dorota , Kucharski Mieczysław
Published: January 2005

Reactive solvents of melamine were prepared from cyclohexanone and excess of formaldehyde in the presence of triethylamine catalyst. The solubility of melamine in the solvents was evaluated and the mechanism of dissolution explained on the basis of 1H‐NMR and IR spectroscopy. Attempts to cure the melamine solutions resulted in melamine–formaldehyde–cyclohexanone polymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 77–85, 2005
Synthesis and thermal behavior of inorganic–organic hybrid geopolymer composites
Authors: Hussain M. , Varely R. , Cheng Y. B. , Mathys Z. , Simon G. P.
Published: January 2005

Inorganic geopolymer potassium aluminosilicate was prepared at room temperature by the reaction of kaolin, potassium silicate, and potassium hydroxide solution and was dispersed in situ into an epoxy matrix by various proportions to fabricate novel inorganic–organic hybrid geopolymer composites. The formation of inorganic geopolymer with respect to time was monitored by X‐ray diffraction and FT‐IR analysis and confirmed that 30 min is required to complete the geopolymerization. When geopolymers were properly mixed at different ratios with organic polymers such as epoxy and cured, these hybrid polymers exhibit significant thermal stability. Pure kaolin was also incorporated into the epoxy matrix to compare the change in chemical and thermal properties. Cone calorimetry results showed about 27% decreased in rate of heat release (RHR) on addition of 20% pure kaolin. However, about 57% of RHR was decreased on addition of only 20% geopolymer. Evaluation of CO2 and CO were found to be minimum 2.0 and 0.7 kg/kg, respectively, for hybrid geopolymer composites compared to very high yield for epoxy at 3.5 kg/kg after 200 s of ignition. The current study shows that due to the high thermal stability of hybrid geopolymer composites, the novel hybrid geopolymer composites have the ability to be potential candidates to use in practical application where fire is of great concern. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 112–121, 2005
Drying biodegradable poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) gels in the elongated state to improve their mechanical properties
Authors: Venkitachalam Rajesh , Mark James E. , Noda Isao
Published: January 2005

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a class of biodegradable polymers that may be used more as environmentally friendly materials if their mechanical properties can be improved. We approached this goal by modifying poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) with a well‐established processing technique involving crosslinking the polymer chains and then drying a swollen gel of the network under uniaxial strain. The mechanical properties of the resulting oriented films were determined in continuous extension as a function of the degree of crosslinking and the extent of strain during the drying process. Crosslinking invariably improved the toughness. Similarly, the subsequent orientation of the process generally increased the toughness as well, but in some cases, a reduction in the extensibility offset the increase in the ultimate stress at break and yielded reduced values of the toughness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1519–1523, 2005
Acute effects of pulsed microwaves and 3‐nitropropionic acid on neuronal ultrastructure in the rat caudate‐putamen
Authors: Seaman Ronald L. , Phelix Clyde F.
Published: January 2005

Ultrastructure of the medium sized “spiny” neuron in rat dorsal‐lateral caudate‐putamen was assessed after administration of 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP) and exposure to pulsed microwaves. Sprague–Dawley male rats were given two daily intraperitoneal doses of 0 or 10 mg/kg 3‐NP and 1.5 h after each dose were exposed to microwave radiation at a whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0 (sham exposure), 0.6, or 6 W/kg for 30 min. Microwave exposure consisted of 1.25 GHz radiation delivered as 5.9 μs pulses with repetition frequency 10 Hz. Tissue samples taken 2–3 h after the second sham or microwave exposure showed no injury with light microscope methods. Blinded qualitative assessment of ultrastructure of randomly selected neurons from the same samples did reveal differences. Subsequent detailed, quantitative measurements showed that, when followed by sham exposure, administration of 3‐NP significantly increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) intracisternal width, ER area density, and nuclear envelope thickness. Microwave exposure at 6 W/kg alone also significantly increased these measures. Exposure of 3‐NP treated animals at 6 W/kg significantly increased effects of 3‐NP on ultrastructure. Although exposure at 0.6 W/kg alone did not affect ultrastructure measures, exposure of 3‐NP treated animals at 0.6 W/kg reduced the effects of 3‐NP. We concluded that 3‐NP changed neuronal ultrastructure and that the microwave exposures used here changed neuronal ultrastructure in ways that depended on microwave SAR and neuron metabolic status. The apparent cancellation of 3‐NP induced changes by exposure to pulsed microwaves at 0.6 W/kg indicated the possibility that such exposure can protect against the effects of mitochondrial toxins on the nervous system. Bioelectromagnetics 26:82–101, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Daily repeated magnetic field shielding induces analgesia in CD‐1 mice
Authors: Prato Frank S. , Robertson John A. , Desjardins Dawn , Hensel Jennifer , Thomas Alex W.
Published: January 2005

We have recently observed that a single exposure of mice to a magnetically shielded environment can attenuate opioid induced analgesia. Here, we report the effect of repeated exposures to the same magnetically shielded environment. Adult male Swiss CD‐1 mice were placed in a Mu‐metal™ lined box or an opaque Plexiglas™ box (sham condition) for 1 h per day for 10 consecutive days. Nociception was measured as the latency time to a foot lift/lick in response to an aversive thermal stimulus (hotplate analgesiometer, 50 ± 1 °C) before and immediately after exposure. Multiple experiments were conducted in which thermal latency was tested on each of the 10 days or on days 1, 5, and 10, with some utilizing post‐exposure testing only. It was shown that mice can detect and will respond to the repeated absence of the ambient magnetic field, with a maximum analgesic response occurring over days 4–6 of exposure and returning to baseline thereafter. The effect was robust, independent of pre‐exposure and intermittent testing, and seems to be opioid related, since the results obtained on day 5 were similar to those from a 5 mg/kg dose of morphine and were abolished with the opioid antagonist, naloxone. Bioelectromagnetics 26:109–117, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.