bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource use among patients with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, or diabetes with depression
Authors: Le Trong K , Able Stephen L , Lage Maureen J
Published: October 2006

Background

Diabetes is often associated with complications and comorbidities. The purpose of this research is to compare medical resources used by patients with the following diagnoses: diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetes mellitus combined with comorbid depression (DD).

Methods

Adult patients who were diagnosed with DM, DN, or DD were included in the study. There were 55,972 patients in the DM cohort, 2,146 in the DN, and 2,379 in the DD. P values for comparisons between the three mutually exclusive cohorts were conducted using the Tukey-Kramer method. Cost comparisons among the cohorts were conducted using a stepwise multivariate regression that controlled for patient characteristics and comorbid conditions.

Results

Individuals in the DM or DN cohorts were generally more likely to use antidiabetic medications than patients in the DD group. Those diagnosed with DN or DD generally used more pain medications than individuals in the DM cohort. The DM cohort had significantly lower diabetes-related total medical costs ($1,297 v $5,125, p < 0.0001) and lower total medical costs ($4,819 v $24,765, p < 0.0001) than the DN cohort. The DM cohort also had significantly lower diabetes-related total medical costs ($1,297 v $3,264, p < 0.0001) as well as significantly lower total medical costs ($4,819 v $19,298, p < 0.0001) than the DD cohort.

Conclusion

Results from this study indicated significant differences in demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use among individuals diagnosed with DM, DN, or DD. These differences translated into significant cost differences. Patients diagnosed with DN or DD had higher diabetes-related costs than patients diagnosed with DM.
Cancer control policy in Australia
Authors: Anderiesz Cleola , Elwood Mark , Hill David J
Published: October 2006

Australia has an evolving national cancer control agenda. In this paper, we review the history and development of cancer control policies in Australia up to the end of 2005, and discuss the principal publications produced by both government and non-government groups which have given rise to cancer control recommendations, goals and targets. These cancer control plans have arisen in response to the impact of cancer on the Australian community and in recognition of the health gains that can be made through effective cancer control. They have been developed either in the context of a broader framework of health policy or as specific endeavours in regard to cancer. The specific recommendations and strategies proposed have focused on reducing the impact of cancer in the Australian population. Most commonly, recommendations, goals, and targets within the cancer control plans have addressed points along the continuum of care, specific cancers, and frameworks and processes. The strength of these reports is their comprehensive approach in identifying priority cancers and areas where specific developments should impact on morbidity and mortality. In the future, cancer control plans should be better supported by economic evaluations, and greater financial support for implementation and regular assessment is needed to identify progress on cancer outcomes. The more recent national and State cancer control plans include the development of frameworks to foster a coordinated and cohesive approach to the delivery of cancer care. These plans represent important reforms in cancer care in Australia, and have the potential to reduce the impact of cancer on the community and improve health outcomes.
ASCO 2006 Update of Recommendations for the Use of Tumor Markers in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Locker Gershon Y. , Hamilton Stanley , Harris Jules , Jessup John M. , Kemeny Nancy , Macdonald John S. , Somerfield Mark R. , Hayes Daniel F. , Bast Robert C.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To update the recommendations for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance of gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

For the 2006 update, an update committee composed of members from the full Panel was formed to complete the review and analysis of data published since 1999. Computerized literature searches of Medline and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were performed. The Update Committee's literature review focused attention on available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published tumor marker studies.

Recommendations and Conclusion

For colorectal cancer, it is recommended that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) be ordered preoperatively, if it would assist in staging and surgical planning. Postoperative CEA levels should be performed every 3 months for stage II and III disease for at least 3 years if the patient is a potential candidate for surgery or chemotherapy of metastatic disease. CEA is the marker of choice for monitoring the response of metastatic disease to systemic therapy. Data are insufficient to recommend the routine use of p53, ras, thymidine synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, thymidine phosphorylase, microsatellite instability, 18q loss of heterozygosity, or deleted in colon cancer (DCC) protein in the management of patients with colorectal cancer. For pancreatic cancer, CA 19-9 can be measured every 1 to 3 months for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease receiving active therapy. Elevations in serial CA 19-9 determinations suggest progressive disease but confirmation with other studies should be sought. New markers and new evidence to support the use of the currently reviewed markers will be evaluated in future updates of these guidelines.
Tooth Retention, Tooth Loss and Use of Dental Care among Long-Term Narcotics Abusers
Authors: Fan Jing , Hser Yih-Ing , Herbeck Diane
Published: October 2006

This study examined tooth retention, tooth loss and use of dental care among aging male narcotics abusers being followed-up for more than 33 years. The cohort of 581 male narcotics addicts admitted to California Civil Addict Program in 1962-1964 was tracked until 1996-1997. As of 1997, 284 (48.9%) were confirmed to be dead. A total of 108 surviving participants completed the oral examination and survey of use of dental services. African American addicts showed the least number of remaining teeth; and African Americans and Hispanics were less likely to utilize dental services compare to Whites. Factors significantly related to tooth retention were abusers’ age (p = 0.0006), ethnicity (p = 0.01), income (p < 0.0001), smoking status (p = 0.03), and dental visits during the 12 months prior to the survey (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that settings such as prisons and drug treatment programs that include dental care referral and follow-up would be expected to enhance oral and general health among narcotics-addicted individuals.
Initial Steps Taken by Nine Primary Care Practices to Implement Alcohol Screening Guidelines with Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Miller Peter M. , Stockdell Ruth , Nemeth Lynne , Feifer Chris , Jenkins Ruth G. , Liszka Heather , Ornstein Steven , Nietert Paul J. , Wessell Andrea
Published: October 2006

Many medical conditions are caused or exacerbated by heavy drinking, necessitating alcohol screening and discussion in primary care practices. This is particularly true of hypertension, the most common primary diagnosis in the United States, which has been linked to the regular consumption of 3 or more standard alcoholic beverages a day.

The Accelerating Alcohol Screening-Translating Research into Practice (AA-TRIP) project was designed to improve detection and management of alcohol problems in primary care patients with hypertension. Medical providers are being trained using the Practice Partner Research Network's-Translating Research into Practice (PPRNet-TRIP) quality improvement model. This includes a multi-method intervention (electronic medical records, on-site academic detailing, practice feedback reports and annual network meetings) to help practices increase adherence to clinical guidelines.

Qualitative analyses of initial steps taken by nine primary care practices toward the routine implementation of alcohol screening guidelines are presented. Organizational factors and provider and patient characteristics all influenced the method and consistency of alcohol screening and intervention. Perceived time constraints, patient sensitivity to questions about alcohol, and possible stigma associated with a diagnosis of alcoholism were also relevant barriers requiring problem solving.
Torg Syndrome Is Caused by Inactivating Mutations in MMP2 and Is Allelic to NAO and Winchester Syndrome
Authors: Zankl Andreas , Pachman Lauren , Poznanski Andrew , Bonafé Luisa , Wang Fengqiang , Shusterman Yelena , Fishman David A , Superti-Furga Andrea
Published: October 2006

Torg syndrome is a multicentric osteolysis syndrome of unknown etiology. We identified mutations in the MMP2 gene in a patient with Torg syndrome that resulted in complete loss of MMP2 activity. MMP2 mutations were previously identified in patients with NAO and Winchester syndrome. Our findings suggest that Torg, NAO, and Winchester syndrome are allelic disorders.

Introduction: Torg, nodulosis-arthropathy-osteolysis (NAO), and Winchester syndrome are a group of autosomal recessive osteolysis syndromes with marked clinical and radiological overlap. It has been suggested that the three conditions are causally related, but molecular evidence for this assumption has been lacking. Recently, mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene (MMP2) have been reported in patients with NAO and Winchester syndrome.

Materials and Methods: We sequenced the MMP2 gene in a patient with clinical and radiographic findings of Torg syndrome. MMP2 activity was measured with gelatin zymography.

Results: Two mutations in the MMP2 gene were identified in this patient. Gelatin zymography indicated complete loss of MMP2 activity.

Conclusions: Torg, NAO, and Winchester syndrome are allelic disorders. The name Torg-Winchester syndrome is suggested as a common denominator for this group of disorders.
Predictors of Non-Spine Fracture in Elderly Men: The MrOS Study
Authors: Lewis Cora E , Ewing Susan K , Taylor Brent C , Shikany James M , Fink Howard A , Ensrud Kristine E , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Cummings Steven R , Orwoll Eric
Published: October 2006

We examined determinants of nonvertebral fracture in elderly men from six U.S. communities followed an average of 4.1 years. Six clinical risk factors predicted fracture risk independent of hip BMD: tricyclic antidepressant use, previous fracture, inability to complete a narrow walk trial, falls in previous year, age ≥80 years, and depressed mood.

Introduction: There are few prospective studies of fracture determinants in men. We examined the associations between a comprehensive set of clinical risk factors and risk of nonspine fracture in older men and whether determinants of fracture risk were independent of total hip BMD.

Materials and Methods: A total of 5995 men ≤65 years of age were recruited from six communities in the Unites States and followed prospectively for an average of 4.1 years. Baseline assessments of demographic, lifestyle, medical history, functional status, anthropometry, and cognitive, visual, and neuromuscular function were assessed by questionnaire or examination. Triannual mailed questionnaires ascertained incident fracture; reported fractures were adjudicated by physicians using medical records and X-ray reports. Proportional hazards models were used to develop multivariable models, selecting variables and controlling for BMD.

Results: Of 5876 men, 4.7% (N = 275) reported an incident nonspine fracture during follow-up (11.46/1000 person-years). Tricyclic antidepressant use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.36; 95% CI, 1.25–4.46), history of fracture at or after age 50 (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.62–2.65), inability to complete a narrow walk trial (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.23–2.34), falls in previous year (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.23–2.05), age ≤80 years (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01–1.76), depressed mood (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.00–2.95), and decreased total hip BMD (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.34–1.74) were independently related to increased risk. Compared with having none (48.0% of men), having three or more of the clinical risk factors (4.9% of men) increased fracture risk 5-fold, independent of BMD. Having three or more risk factors and being in the lowest tertile of BMD was associated with a 15-fold greater risk than having no risk factors and being in the highest BMD tertile.

Conclusions: Several clinical risk factors were independently associated with nonspine fractures in elderly men. The combination of multiple risk factors and low BMD was a very powerful indicator of fracture risk.
Speed Choice and Steering Behavior in Curve Driving
Authors: Van Winsum Wim , Godthelp Hans
Published: October 2006

The relation between speed choice and steering performance during curve negotiation was studied in a driving simulator. The hypothesis was that curve radius and steering competence both affect steering error during curve driving, resulting in compensatory speed choice. In this, the control of safety margins was assumed to operate as a regulatory mechanism. Smaller curve radii resulted in a larger required steering wheel angle, and steering error increased linearly with required steering wheel angle. Participants compensated for this by choosing a lower speed, such that the time to line crossing to the inner lane boundary was constant over all curve radii examined. Steering competence was measured during straight-road driving. Poorer steering competence also resulted in larger steering errors, which were compensated for by choosing a lower speed, such that the safety margin to the inner lane boundary was unaffected by steering competence.
Training Older Adults to Use Automatic Teller Machines
Authors: Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D. , Mead Sherry E. , Walker Neff , Cabrera Elizabeth Fraser
Published: October 2006

The present study assessed the success of several instructional programs in teaching the use of automatic teller machines (ATMs). Fifty-six older adults (aged 61 to 81) participated in the study, randomly assigned to each of four, 14-member groups. The description group received only a general overview of an ATM; the text guide group received written instructions for performing various transactions on an ATM; the pictorial guide group received written instructions accompanied by pictures of corresponding ATM screens; and the online tutorial group completed a step-by-step tutorial on a simulated ATM. Participants practiced on an ATM simulator. They were tested after a 24-h interval on their ability to perform familiar transactions on an unfamiliar ATM simulator and to perform completely novel transactions. Accuracy was best for the online tutorial group, intermediate for the text and pictorial guide groups, and worst for the description group. These data demonstrate both the importance of providing older adults with ATM training and the fact that the type of training influences the level of performance. The online tutorial. which provided specific practice on the task components, best facilitated acquisition and transfer performance.
Heterodyne method for determining the surface tilt angle of nematic liquid‐crystal displays
Authors: Hwang Shug June , Hsu Min Hua
Published: October 2006

Abstract—The high‐sensitivity pretilt‐angle measurement of liquid‐crystal displays, based on the modified crystal‐rotation configuration and the use of a common‐path heterodyne interferometer, is proposed. In this technique, environmental disturbance and surface reflection are eliminated to a large extend, thus providing advantages for both constructing a simple‐optics measurement system and achieving fast measurement with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Threshold‐voltage recovery of a‐Si:H digital circuits
Authors: Venugopal Sameer M. , Allee David R. , Li Zi , Clark Lawrence T.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— A‐Si:H thin‐film transistors demonstrate threshold voltage recovery of several volts after room‐temperature rest with no applied voltage. The extent to which this phenomenon can be used to extend the operational lifetime of a‐Si:H digital circuits is examined and is shown to be strictly limited.
Color measurement methods for medical displays
Authors: Saha Anindita , Liang Hongye , Badano Aldo
Published: October 2006

Abstract— The effect of different measurement methods on the characterization of display color, maximum color difference, and luminance uniformity of medical liquid‐crystal displays are reported. We use a telescopic colorimeter and a custom‐designed collimated probe with an internal lens attached to a spectrometer. The maximum color‐difference variations were found to be between 0.0047 to 0.0073, in the same range as variations among methods, displays, and screen locations.
Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites Based on Biomorphic Silicon Carbide
Authors: Herzog A. , Vogt U. F. , Siegmann S. , Beffort O.
Published: October 2006

Wood can be transformed into silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic by pyrolysing the wood to form a porous carbon template, infiltrating the template with SiO2 sol, and then performing a carbothermal reduction treatment. In this work, such highly‐porous ceramised wood replicas were infiltrated with molten aluminium via squeeze casting, thus creating biomorphic metal‐matrix composites (MMCs). The microstructure of these novel MMCs were characterised and the mechanical properties examined.
Self‐Assembly of a Micelle Structure from Graft and Diblock Copolymers: An Example of Overcoming the Limitations of Polyions in Drug Delivery
Authors: Lo C.‐L. , Lin K.‐M. , Huang C.‐K. , Hsiue G.‐H.
Published: October 2006

A novel mixed micelle with a multifunctional core and shell is successfully prepared from a graft copolymer, poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid)‐g‐poly(d,l‐lactide) (P(NIPAAm‐co‐MAAc)‐g‐PLA) and two diblock copolymers, poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactide) and poly (2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactide). This nanostructure completely screens the highly negative charges of the graft copolymer and exhibits multifunctionality because it has a specialized core/shell structure. An example of this micelle structure used in intracellular drug delivery demonstrates a strong relationship between drug release and the functionality of the mixed micelle. Additionally, the efficiency of the screening feature is also displayed in the cytotoxicities; mixed micelles exhibit higher drug activity and lower material cytotoxicity than micelles from P(NIPAAm‐co‐MAAc)‐g‐PLA ([NIPAAm]/[MAAc]/[PLA] = 84:5.9:2.5 mol/mol) copolymer. This study not only presents a new micelle structure generated using a graft–diblock copolymer system, but also elucidates concepts upon which the preparation of a multifunctional micelle from a graft copolymer with a single (or many) diblock copolymer(s) can be based for applications in drug delivery.
Osteoarthritis in Siberia's Cis‐Baikal: Skeletal indicators of hunter‐gatherer adaptation and cultural change
Authors: Lieverse Angela R. , Weber Andrzej W. , Bazaliiskiy Vladimir Ivanovich , Goriunova Olga Ivanovna , Savel'ev Nikolai Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2006

This examination of osteoarthritis in Siberia's Cis‐Baikal region focuses on the reconstruction of mid‐Holocene mobility and activity patterns with particular interest in an alleged fifth millennium BC biocultural hiatus. Five cemetery populations—–two representing the pre‐hiatus Kitoi culture (6800–4900 BC) and three the post‐hiatus Serovo‐Glaskovo (4200–1000 BC)—are considered. The objective is to investigate osteoarthritic prevalence and distribution (patterning) within and among these populations in order to reconstruct mobility and activity patterns among the Cis‐Baikal foragers, and to test for possible disparities that may reflect differing adaptive strategies. The data reveal that levels of activity remained relatively constant throughout the mid‐Holocene but that mobility and specific activity patterns did not. Although results are consistent with the current understanding of distinct Kitoi and Serovo‐Glaskovo subsistence regimes, specifically the lower residential mobility and narrower resource base of the former, they also draw attention to adaptive characteristics shared by all occupants of the Cis‐Baikal. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the structure transformation of wool fibers with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Hongling , Yu Weidong
Published: October 2006

Raman spectroscopy and tensile tests were used to investigate the structure transformation of stretched wool fibers with stretching ratios up to 110%. The typical bands analyzed in this article included the amide I region, the amide III region, the CC skeletal vibration region, and the SS and CS bond vibration region. To investigate the variations of the crystallinity and orientation of the wool fibers, the density and birefringence of the fibers were also measured. The results showed that the secondary structure of the wool fibers was transformed from an α‐helical structure to a β‐pleated‐sheet structure during the early stage of stretching. When the fiber was stretched more than 80%, the mechanism of stretching mainly relied on the slippage of the peptides. Meanwhile, the pretreatment of the wool fibers with sodium bisulfite and the setting processing resulted in the reduction of the concentration of the SS bonds. The results for the density and birefringence showed that the degree of crystallinity of the wool fibers decreased, whereas the degree of orientation increased during the stretching. The tensile behavior of the stretched wool also supported the α→β microstructure transformation. The diameter results showed that the extent of slenderization was about 25.3% when the stretching ratio was 80%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1–7, 2007
Characterization of end‐functionalized styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymers and their application in modified asphalt
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liao Mingyi , Wang Yurong , Ren Yan
Published: October 2006

End amino, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl functionalized styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) triblock copolymers were prepared with 1,5‐diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, carbon dioxide, and epoxy ethane as capping agents, respectively. The effects of the end polar groups on the morphology and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy images suggested that the group at the end of the polystyrene (PS) segment made the morphology of the PS domains disordered and incompact. Dynamic mechanical results showed that the storage and loss modulus increased after SBS was end‐functionalized. End amino and carboxylic acid groups improved the compatibility and storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt. However, the effect of the end‐hydroxyl group on the improvement of the storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt was not obvious. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis of SBS‐modified asphalt further showed that the compatibility and storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt were improved by the attachment of amino or carboxylic acid groups through the anionic polymerization method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 8–16, 2007
Flame retardancy afforded by polyaniline deposited on wood
Authors: Stejskal Jaroslav , Trchová Miroslava , Brodinová Jitka , Sapurina Irina
Published: October 2006

Wood scantlings were coated with polyaniline (PANI) during the in situ polymerization of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate in an aqueous medium. The coating was made in hydrochloric or phosphoric acid solutions in both the absence and presence of stabilizers, poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) or colloidal silica. The PANI‐coated wood was placed in a flame or in a furnace operating at 400 or 600°C, and the decrease in the mass was determined. The wood coated with PANI was less reduced in its mass than uncoated samples and was converted to charcoal rather than to ashes. The deposition of related polymers, polypyrrole and poly(1,4‐phenylenediamine), provided similar protection against heat exposure. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of the residues after the burning of PANI‐coated wood were compared. The soaking of wood in PANI colloids did not result in similar protection of wood against fire; the coating of the cellulose fibers with PANI during the polymerization was needed for the enhanced stability of wood at elevated temperatures. The concept of carbonization processes at the surface layer of PANI‐coated cellulose fibers leading to the formation of carbonaceous microtubes is offered to explain the improved stability of wood against flame and heat exposure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl PolymSci 103: 24–30, 2007
Tailoring of phase‐segregation structures in two‐soft‐segment urethane/urea polymer membranes
Authors: Queiroz Denise P. , Gonçalves Maria C. , de Pinho Maria Norberta
Published: October 2006

The synthesis of two‐soft‐segment urethane/urea polymeric membranes with various proportions of the two soft segments, poly(propylene oxide) and polybutadiene, yielded very distinct morphologies depending on the degree of phase segregation. The morphologies were identified with transmission electron microscopy. With a low concentration of polybutadiene, this soft segment segregated into ellipsoidal microdomains dispersed in a poly(propylene oxide) matrix. With an intermediate concentration of polybutadiene, the morphology was characterized by nanoscale phase separation and could be described as a disordered, wormlike domain structure. With a high concentration of polybutadiene, a single phase was observed. This was attributed to molecular mixing of the two soft segments and was associated with membranes that under the application of a shear stress developed bands that efficiently scattered light. These bands were identified by field emission scanning electron microscopy with a periodicity of approximately 4–5 μm. The change in the membrane morphology from microscale phase segregation to nanoscale phase segregation led to very different membrane gas‐permeation properties, that is, a reduction of the CO2 permeability from 191 to 90 Barrer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 315–320, 2007
Preparation and slow‐release property of a poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite/sodium humate superabsorbent composite
Authors: Li An , Zhang Junping , Wang Aiqin
Published: October 2006

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (APT)/sodium humate (SH) superabsorbent composite was synthesized through the graft copolymerization reaction of acrylic acid on APT micropowder and SH with N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator in an aqueous solution. Various effects on the water absorbency, including the amounts of the crosslinker, initiator, APT, and SH, were investigated. The superabsorbent composite was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The superabsorbent composite synthesized under optimal synthesis conditions with an APT concentration of 20% and an SH concentration of 20% exhibited absorption of 583 g of H2O/g of sample and 63 g of H2O/g of sample in distilled water and in a 0.9 wt % NaCl solution, respectively. The slow‐release property of SH from the superabsorbent composite into water was measured, and a test of the water retention of the superabsorbent composite in soil was also carried out experimentally with and without the superabsorbent composite. The results showed that the superabsorbent composite had not only good water retention but also an additional slow‐release property of SH. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 37–45, 2007
Polyaniline matrix containing nickel ferromagnet
Authors: Chowdhury Al‐Nakib , Islam M. Saiful , Azam M. Shafiul
Published: October 2006

Metallic nickel (Ni) was successfully dispersed onto a polyaniline (PANI) matrix by a simple one‐step electrochemical method. Ni particles as deposited onto the polymer seemed to be much smaller compared to those deposited onto bare Pt. The size of the Ni deposits was found to be influenced by the electrolytic bath composition and potential sweep rate. The PANI matrix thus dispersed with Ni particles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior and a lower electrical conductance. The decrease in conductivity may be attributed to the partial blockage of the conductive path by the Ni particles thus embedded in the polymer matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 321–327, 2006
Inline monitoring of styrene/butyl acrylate miniemulsion polymerization with attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Roberge Stéphane , Dubé Marc A.
Published: October 2006

The copolymerization of styrene/butyl acrylate in a miniemulsion was monitored inline with an attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) probe. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy was used to track the concentration of the monomers, thereby providing conversion and polymer composition data. Offline gravimetry and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy were used to provide a comparison with the ATR–FTIR data. Because of inconsistent results with a univariate method, a multivariate or partial least squares calibration method using the full spectra of the reactions was selected and gave excellent results. No statistically significant differences were found between the offline and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy data coupled with multivariate statistics, and this confirmed that ATR–FTIR spectroscopy is a reliable tool for monitoring the conversion and polymer composition in miniemulsion polymerizations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 46–52, 2007
Computer simulation of the damage evolution of fiber‐reinforced polypropylene‐matrix composites with matrix defects
Authors: Li Hongzhou , Jia Yuxi , Mamtimin Geni , Jiang Wei , An Lijia
Published: October 2006

The damage evolution of fiber‐reinforced polypropylene‐matrix composites with matrix defects was studied via a Monte Carlo technique combined with a finite element method. A finite element model was constructed to predict the effects of various matrix defect shapes on the stress distributions. The results indicated that a small matrix defect had almost no effect on fiber stress distributions other than interfacial shear stress distributions. Then, a finite element model with a statistical distribution of the fiber strength was constructed to investigate the influences of the spatial distribution and the volume fraction of matrix defects on composite failure. The results showed that it was accurate to use the shear‐lag models and Green's function methods to predict the tensile strength of composites even though the axial stresses in the matrix were neglected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 64–71, 2007
Synthesis and characteristics of an amphoteric semi‐IPN hydrogel composed of acrylic acid and poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride)
Authors: Wei Jia , Xu Shimei , Wu Ronglan , Wang Jide , Gao Yi
Published: October 2006

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, with acrylic acid (AA) and poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC), were constructed by a sequential IPN method. The characterizations of the IPN hydrogels were investigated by FTIR, DTA, and swelling tests under various conditions. The prepared semi‐IPN hydrogels exhibited relatively high swelling capacity, in the range of 477–630 g/g at 25°C. The results show that the swelling capacity of AA/PDMDAAC semi‐IPN hydrogels was pH and temperature dependent. Swelling behaviors were also studied in the different salt solutions. Swelling kinetic parameters are given. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 345–350, 2007
Preparation and applications of novel fluoroalkyl end‐capped sulfonic acid oligomers–silica gel polymer hybrids
Authors: Sasazawa Kazuo , Kurachi Jun , Narumi Tamikazu , Nishi Hajime , Yamamoto Yasuaki , Sawada Hideo
Published: October 2006

Fluoroalkyl end‐capped 2‐methacryloxyethanesulfonic acid homo‐oligomer [RF–(MES)n–RF] and 2‐methacryloxyethanesulfonic acid–N,N‐dimethylacrylamide co‐oligomers [RF–(MES)x–(DMAA)y–RF] reacted with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) under acidic conditions to afford RF–(MES)n–RF homo‐oligomer–SiO2 polymer hybrid and RF–(MES)x–(DMAA)y–RF co‐oligomer–SiO2 polymer hybrid, respectively. Thermogravimetric–mass spectra showed that the thermal stability of RF–(MES)n–RF homo‐oligomer–SiO2 polymer hybrid was superior to that of traditionally well‐known perfluorinated ion exchange polymers such as Nafion 112 (TR). The sol solutions of the fluorinated co‐oligomer–SiO2 polymer hybrid were applied to the surface modification of glass to exhibit not only a strong oleophobicity imparted by fluorine but also a good hydrophilicity on the glass surface. On the other hand, RF–(MES)x–(DMAA)y–RF co‐oligomer reacted with TEOS in the presence of a variety of silica nanoparticles (mean diameters: 11–95 nm) under alkaline conditions to afford fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers–silica nanoparticles (mean diameters: 32–173 nm) with a good dispersibility and stability in methanol. Similarly, a variety of fluorinated oligomers containing sulfo groups–silica nanoparticles were prepared by the homo‐ and co‐oligomerizations of fluoroalkanoyl peroxides with 2‐methacryloxyethane sulfonic acid (MES) and comonomers such as N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) and acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) in the presence of silica nanoparticles. Interestingly, these isolated fluorinated particle powders were found to afford nanometer size‐controlled colloidal particles with a good redispersibility and stability in aqueous and organic media such as methanol. These fluorinated nanoparticles containing sulfo groups were also applied to an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for Bronsted acid‐catalyzed transformations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 110–117, 2007
Preparation and antibacterial effects of PVA‐PVP hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Haijun , Xu Xiaoyi , Chen Xuesi , Lu Tiancheng , Zhang Peibiao , Jing Xiabin
Published: October 2006

The poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVA–PVP) hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles were prepared by repeated freezing–thawing treatment. The silver content in the solid composition was in the range of 0.1–1.0 wt %, the silver particle size was from 20 to 100 nm, and the weight ratio of PVA to PVP was 70 : 30. The influence of silver nanoparticles on the properties of PVA–PVP matrix was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, infrared spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy, using PVA–PVP films containing silver particles as a model. The morphology of freeze‐dried PVA–PVP hydrogel matrix and dispersion of the silver nanoparticles in the matrix was examined by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that a three‐dimensional structure was formed during the process of freezing–thawing treatment and no serious aggregation of the silver nanoparticles occurred. Water absorption properties, release of silver ions from the hydrogels and the antibacterial effects of the hydrogels against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were examined too. It was proved that the nanosilver‐containing hydrogels had an excellent antibacterial ability. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 125–133, 2007
Structure and properties of composites of polyethylene or maleated polyethylene and cellulose or cellulose esters
Authors: Kosaka P. M. , Kawano Y. , Petri H. M. , Fantini M. C. A. , Petri D. F. S.
Published: October 2006

Composites of linear low‐density poly(ethylene‐co‐butene) (PE) or maleated linear low‐density poly (ethylene‐co‐butene) (M‐PE) and cellulose (CEL), cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) were prepared in an internal laboratory mixer with 20 wt % polysaccharide. The structure and properties of the composites were studied with tensile testing, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, extraction with a selective solvent, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Composites prepared with M‐PE presented yield stress and elongation values higher than those of composites prepared with PE, showing the compatibilizer effect of maleic anhydride. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis performed for M‐PE–CEL, M‐PE–CA, M‐PE–CAP, and M‐PE–CAB composites showed one glass‐transition temperature (Tg) close to that observed for pure M‐PE, and for M‐PE–CAP, another Tg lower than that measured for the polysaccharide was observed, indicating partial mutual solubility. These findings were confirmed by the extraction of one phase with a selective solvent, gravimetry, and Raman spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction showed that the addition of CEL, CA, CAP, or CAB had no influence on the lattice constants of PE or M‐PE, but the introduction of the reinforcing material increased the amorphous region. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:402–411, 2007
Improvement of autohesive and adhesive properties of polyethylene plates by photografting with glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Yamada Kazunori , Takeda Shigeki , Hirata Mitsuo
Published: October 2006

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was photografted with the low‐ and high‐density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) plates to provide their surfaces with autohesive and adhesive properties. The chemical composition and wettability of the GMA‐grafted LDPE and HDPE (LDPE‐g‐PGMA and HDPE‐g‐PGMA) plates remained constant above full coverage of the surfaces with grafted PGMA chains. Autohesive strength obtained with 1,4‐dioxane as a good solvent of PGMA increased with an increase in the grafted amount and substrate breaking was observed at the grafted amount of 117 μmol/cm2. The grafted amount at substrate breaking was decreased by increasing the temperature and load during heat pressing. Adhesive strength was effectively enhanced by use of multi‐functional amine compounds because of the increase in the reaction between primary or secondary amine groups and epoxy groups appended to the grafted PGMA chains. In addition, the decrease in the amine compound concentration and the increase in the number of amino groups in the amine compounds used led to the decrease in the grafted amounts at substrate breaking. Substrate breaking occurred at lower grafted amounts for the HDPE‐g‐PGMA plates than for the LDPE‐g‐PGMA plates because the location of the photografting was restricted to the outer surface region for the HDPE plate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 493–500, 2007
Synthesis, structure, and properties of syndiotactic polystyrene catalyzed by Cp*Ti(OBz)3/MAO/TIBA
Authors: Huang Qigu , Sheng Yaping , Yang Wantai
Published: October 2006

The synthesis of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) catalyzed with Cp*Ti(OBz)3/MAO/TIBA and toluene as the solvent and the effects of polymerization temperature and the external addition of TIBA on polymerization behavior were investigated. The study revealed that catalytic activity increased with polymerization temperature. The greatest activity, 619 kg sPS mol−1 Ti h−1, was exhibited up to 90°C. TIBA also improved catalytic activity. The molecular weight of the polymer obtained decreased with polymerization temperature and the amount of TIBA. The structure and properties of syndiotactic polystyrene were characterized by 13C‐NMR, FTIR, DSC, and GPC methods. It was confirmed that the sPS obtained featured all‐trans planar zigzag conformation and higher syndiotacticity, molecular weight, and melting point. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 501–505, 2007
Nucleating agent for poly(L‐lactic acid)—An optimization of chemical structure of hydrazide compound for advanced nucleation ability
Authors: Kawamoto N. , Sakai A. , Horikoshi T. , Urushihara T. , Tobita E.
Published: October 2006

A series of compounds having hydrazide groups was prepared and evaluated as nucleating agent for poly(L‐lactic acid) by differential scanning calorimetry. Hydrazide compounds derived from benzoic acid, 2‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 3‐tert‐butylbenzoic acid, and 2‐aminobenzoic acid, where two of hydrazide compounds connected by four methylene chain were evaluated in series. Benzoylhydrazide type was found to be more effective on the enhancement of crystallization of poly(L‐lactic acid). Effects of connecting length of methylene chain numbers between two of benzoylhydrazide on the nucleation ability were also evaluated. Benzoylhydrazide‐type compound having 10 methylenes, that is, decamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide demonstrated excellent nucleation ability, and the resulted crystallization temperature and enthalpy of PLA with the compound of 1 wt % loading were 131°C and 46 J g−1. The achieved crystallization temperature and enthalpy were over 10°C and over 10 J g−1 higher than PLA with conventional nucleating agents, such as talc and ethylenebis (12‐hydroxystearylamide). Thus, the improvement in processability, productivity, and heat resistance of PLA is suggested to be achieved by using decamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide as a nucleating agent. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 198–203, 2007
Interfacial synthesis of long polyindole fibers
Authors: Koiry S. P. , Saxena Vibha , Sutar Dayanand , Bhattacharya S. , Aswal D. K. , Gupta S. K. , Yakhmi J. V.
Published: October 2006

Polyindole fibers upto a length of 1000 μm and ∼ 25 μm in diameter have been reproducibly synthesized by interfacial polymerization, which was performed at a stationary interface of aqueous (FeCl3 solution)/organic (indole in dichloromethane) biphasic system. On the other hand, disturbing the aqueous/organic interface by constant stirring of solution—termed as bulk polymerization—resulted in globular (average size ∼ 2 μm) polyindole. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that polymerization takes place at carbon atoms located at positions 2 and 3 in indole monomer, and this has explained origin of different polyindole morphology obtained in interfacial and bulk polymerization. Cyclic voltammograms recorded as a function of scan rate indicated a high electroactivity of the synthesized polyindole. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 595–599, 2007
Flourescent probe and ESEM morphologies of a acrylamide‐based terpolymer in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhong Chuanrong , Ye Lin , Dai Hua , Huang Ronghua
Published: October 2006

The terpolymer (PASA) of acrylamide with butyl styrene and sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonate was synthesized. The composition and molecular structure were characterized by elemental analysis, UV, FTIR, and 1H NMR. The aggregation behaviors of PASA were studied by means of the fluorescent probe analysis and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The flourescent probe analysis indicates that the PASA molecules form excellent hydrophobically associating structures in pure water and with the increase in PASA concentration at low concentrations, the nonpolarity of hydrophobic microdomains and the degree of intermolecular hydrophobic association increase in aqueous and brine solution. ESEM measurements show that gigantic aggregates have been formed in the PASA aqueous solution at the polymer concentration of 0.05 g dL−1, which is the critical association concentration of the polymer, and excellent solution properties of PASA are attributed to integrated network‐structures formed by PASA in aqueous solution, which are collapsed by the addition of salt, resulting in the decrease in apparent viscosity of PASA in brine solution. However, with the increase in the NaCl concentration or the PASA concentration, the number and size of aggregates increase, leading to the remarkable increase in the apparent viscosity of PASA in brine solution. These results are consistent with the AFM and viscosity study results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:277–286, 2007
Distribution of hydrophilic monomer units and its effect on the property of the water dispersion of polyurethaneurea anionomer
Authors: Dang Xiaorong , Wang Guiyou , Wang Dening , Pan Tieying , Zhou Lifang , Shi Xinmei
Published: October 2006

Water dispersion of polyurethaneurea anionomer based on polyurethane synthesized by using “one‐step process” and water dispersion of polyurethaneurea anionomer based on polyurethane synthesized by using “two‐step process” were prepared. Spectra of 13C‐NMR proved that the distribution of the hydrophilic monomer units along the macromolecular chain resulted from the latter process was more uniform than that by the former process. Uniform distribution of hydrophilic monomer units led to smaller average size and polydispersity of the polyurethaneurea particles dispersed in water, as well as higher stability of the water dispersion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 634–640, 2007
African‐American race is associated with a poorer overall survival rate for breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy and doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Woodward Wendy A. , Huang Eugene H. , McNeese Marsha D. , Perkins George H. , Tucker Susan L. , Strom Eric A. , Middleton Lavinia , Hahn Karin , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Buchholz Thomas A.
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND.

African‐American (AA) race has been associated with a worse outcome in breast cancer. It is unclear whether this is due to biological factors, socioeconomic factors, or both.

METHODS.

The records from 2 independent cohorts of breast cancer patients treated on institutional protocols with mastectomy and adjuvant (n = 1456) or neoadjuvant (n = 684) doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS.

The adjuvant (Adj) chemotherapy cohort included 1142 Caucasian (CA), 186 Hispanic (HI), and 128 (AA) patients. The neoadjuvant (Neo) chemotherapy protocols included 448 CA, 114 HI, and 122 AA patients. In both groups, AA patients had later‐stage tumors (Adj P = .017; Neo P = .051), a higher rate of estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative disease (Adj P = .054; Neo P = .039), and a worse 10‐year actuarial overall survival rate than CA or HI patients (Adj, 52%, 62%, and 62%, respectively, P = .009; Neo, 40%, 50%, and 56%, respectively, P = .015). In multivariate analyses, AA race remained independently associated with a poorer overall survival rate in both cohorts (Adj, hazard ratio = 1.39, P = .018; Neo, hazard ratio = 1.37, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS.

The data suggest that AA race is associated with less favorable biological tumor features, such as an increased likelihood of ER‐negative disease, than those found in CA and HI patients. Such differences in tumor biology, as well as previously described socioeconomic factors, likely contribute to the lower rate of survival in the AA breast cancer population. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.