bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery from rape and prior life stress
Authors: Burgess Ann Wolbert , Holmstrom Lynda Lytle
Published: April 2007

This longitudinal study on rape victims looks at four life stress events and their association with recovery from rape. Data from 88% of the original sample of 92 adult victims 4 to 6 years after rape suggest that life stress before rape may act to hasten or to inhibit the recovery process. Stress is not uniform in its effect. Different types of stress have different effects. Earlier victimization and chronic life stressors such as economic hardship, lack of social support, and pre‐existing biopsychosocial problems tend to delay recovery. In contrast, family grief stress may act as an energizing factor in that coping skills may have been developed through experiencing the grief process and are available to the victim for settlement of rape trauma. Recent life changes have a lack of association with recovery although they may be important in some individual cases.
Perceived situational control of daily activities: A new tool
Authors: Chang Betty L.
Published: April 2007

This article reports the development of a tool for the measurement of Situational Control of Daily Activities (SCD) in an institutional setting for the elderly. Specific items for the SCDA were derived from the analysis of field notes from an exploratory study Content validity was established by a panel of judges. Test‐retest reliability for 20 subjects was .96. Intercoder reliability (among the investigator and two independent coders) was 1.0 for the overall category of “self‐” or “other‐” determination for each respondent and .98 for categorization by activity for the respondents. Factor analysis of 79 subjects revealed the presence of two factors in the structure, Factor I, Control of Socializing and Privacy, and Factor II, Control of Physical Care. Further work is needed to refine the items and then the tool should be tested with larger samples.
Disengagement and Reinforcement in the Elderly
Authors: Henthorn Barbara S.
Published: April 2007

Misinterpretation of disengagement theory as the ideal way of aging has led to a laissez‐faire attitude in some settings. The problem is to determine the extent to which disengagement may be related to situational factors, and thus be potentially reversible, rather than the extent to which disengagement may be related to aging per se. In this study, disengagement is conceptualized in behavioral terms as an extinction phenomenon. The relationship between the degree of disengagement exhibited by elderly persons and the self‐reported reinforcement occurring in their lives was explored in a survey of two elderly groups. A disengagement index incorporating role‐set counts, role participation, role importance, and perceived life space was administered to 50 nursing home residents and 50 community registered voters. A Reinforcement Survey Schedule was used to identify positive reinforcers, level of reinforcement, and anticipated reinforcement. A significant correlation (p < .001) was found between disengagement and reinforcement for both groups: the greater the degree of disengagement, the lower the reported reinforcement. The findings indicate that the application of social learning principles may be useful in retarding disengagement and promoting engagement of the elderly, particularly in nursing homes.
Developing Research‐Based Innovation Protocols: Process, Criteria, and Issues
Authors: Haller Karen B. , Reynolds Margaret A. , Horsley Jo Anne
Published: April 2007

The criteria and issues involved in a process of transferring research‐based knowledge into innovation protocols for nursing practice are discussed. Three sets of criteria are identified: (a) criteria that pertain to evaluating and integrating studies that constitute a base, (b) criteria that address the issue of how relevant the base is for nursing practice, and (c) criteria related to the potential for evaluation in the clinical setting. The format of the innovation protocol is presented. It is suggested that the protocol may be seen as a form of methodological approximation between research and practice. It is also noted that the process involved in identifying research bases for utilization can serve to identify needs for the conduct of nursing research in the future.
A Factor Analysis of Attitudes of Rural Health Care Consumers Toward Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Zikmund William G. , Miller Stephen J.
Published: April 2007

The attitudes of 205 rural health care consumers toward nurse practitioners were measured. A factor analysis with orthogonal (varimax) rotation was applied to the 15 attitudinal variables. The rotated factors were labeled competency, interpersonal relations, and relative performance.
Effects of orientation information on spouses' anxieties and attitudes toward hospitalization and surgery
Authors: Silva Mary Cipriano
Published: April 2007

Based on cognitive dissonance theory, the effects of orientation information on spouses' anxieties and attitudes toward hospitalization and surgery were investigated using an experimental design. It was hypothesized that spouses given orientation information would experience fewer anxieties and show more favorable attitudes toward hospitalization and surgery than those who did not receive orientation information. The Solomon four‐group design was used, and 48 spouses were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental and control groups. The experimental treatment consisted of structured information and a question‐and‐answer session that oriented each spouse to the surgical experience. The control treatment consisted of each spouse visiting with the patient for 20 minutes. Immediately following the treatment, anxiety and attitude were measured by the State Anxiety Inventory, the Spouses' Perception Scale, and the Spouse Questionnaire. The results show that spouses in the experimental group had significantly more positive attitudes toward hospitalization and surgery and reported significantly fewer anxieties on one of two anxiety measures than did spouses in the control group.
Concurrent validity of three self‐report measures of assertiveness
Authors: Walbek Nancy H. , Gordon Verona C.
Published: April 2007

The relative validity of three self‐report measures of assertiveness was assessed by correlating the scores obtained by 88 student nurses with peer and faculty ratings of assertiveness. Self‐reported assertiveness failed to predict frequency of class participation within a subsample of 48 students. Type of instructional setting, however, did exert a significant effect on class participation.
Catheter management programs and postoperative urinary dysfunction
Authors: Oberst Marilyn T. , Graham Dennis , Geller Nancy L. , Stearns Maus W. , Tiernan Eileen
Published: April 2007

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of two approaches to urinary catheter management in controlling postoperative urinary dysfunction in 110 patients following abdominoperineal resection or low anterior bowel resection. Patients, stratified by sex and surgical procedure, were randomly assigned to either straight gravity drainage or a 6‐day progressive catheter clamping program. The bladder training program following abdominoperineal resection reduced significantly the urinary dysfunction rate in women but not in men. Marked differences in dysfunction rates were related to type of surgery, gender, and surgeon. Etiology of postoperative voiding dysfunction in various groups is discussed.
Personal space preferences of hospitalized adults
Authors: Geden Elizabeth A. , Begeman Ann V.
Published: April 2007

The questions addressed in this study were whether hospitalized adults' personal space preferences (PSP) differed between the hospital and home setting and whether these patients assigned different PSP to a nurse, doctor, family member, or stranger. The effects of age and sex of the subjects were also examined. Sixty subjects (30 men and 30 women) meeting selected criteria participated. The figure‐placement technique (Little, 1965; Guardo, 1976) was used to measure PSP. Data were analyzed using a four‐factor ANOVA (age X sex X role X setting) with repeated measures on the last two factors. Main effects were found for setting, F(1,54)=11.54, p < .001, and role, F(3,162)=112.95, p < .0001; no other variables approached statistical significance. The major findings indicated that preferred distances in the hospital were smaller than in the home and that in both settings the family member was placed closest to the “self” silhouette followed by a doctor, nurse, and stranger, respectively.
Group‐Self Identification and Physical Handicap:Implication for Patient Support Groups
Authors: Dixon Jane K.
Published: April 2007

Relationships between attitudes toward self and attitudes toward handicapped persons based on semantic differentials and social distance measures for one nonhandicapped and five handicapped subsamples (N = 142) are presented, Among persons characterized by amputation, spinal cord injury, or stroke, over one third of the variation in evaluation of self was accounted for by evaluation of persons with handicaps like one's own. Among persons characterized by arthritis or emotional disturbance and among the nonhandicapped, evaluation of self was most closely related to evaluation of the average person. These results indicate strong group identification on the part of persons with more visible handicaps and a tendency toward dissociation on the part of those with less visible handicaps. The finding of high levels of identification within three of the five conditions studied suggests that group techniques may be beneficial in dealing with stigma and quality‐of‐life issues; the finding of dissociation among persons with other conditions suggests that such techniques should be employed with caution.
Beckstrand's concept of practice theory: A critique
Authors: Collins Rosemarie J. , Fielder John H.
Published: April 2007

This article sets forth objections to Beckstrand's (1978a, 1978b, 1980) claim that the knowledge required for nursing practice is reducible to the knowledge of science, ethics, and logic. Her view overlooks the role of knowledge of individuals and of moral ideals in nursing, neither of which fits her conceptions of science and ethics. We conclude there are questions unique to nursing that a practice theory must address.
The effects of nursing education on job effectiveness: An overview of the literature
Authors: McCloskey Joanne Comi
Published: April 2007

An overview of the published studies on the effectiveness of a nursing education as it relates to job performance is presented. Selected literature is reviewed and divided into three areas of study: competency, performance, and quality of care. The literature revealed contradictory evidence on the value of baccalaureate nursing education. More important, the review demonstrates a lack of rigorous research in this area. Suggested research directions include the measurement of individual performance rather than the perception of group performance, the development of better instruments, and control of the setting and individual variables that affect job performance. It is recommended that nursing effectiveness be defined in terms of both patient outcomes and nurse performance.
Parents' views of the response of siblings to a pediatric hospitalization
Authors: Knafl Kathleen Astin
Published: April 2007

In this study, parents describe siblings' adjustments to a brother's or sister's hospitalization. The families of children hospitalized for relatively usual, non‐life‐threatening reasons were investigated. The relationship between patterns of sibling participation and family structure and sibling response were explored. Sibling responses were studied through intensive interviews with parents. Interviews were conducted using semistructured interview guides and took place within 24 hours of the child's admission and again from 4 to 6 weeks after the child's discharge from the hospital. Families (N = 59) were divided into those in which siblings participated actively in adjusting to the hospitalization and those in which siblings were passive participants in the adjustment process. Sibling participation was discussed as a function of family structure. Parents reported few negative sibling responses to hospitalization. The quality of sibling response was related to the amount of change experienced.
The effect of centralized decision‐making on work satisfaction among nursing educators
Authors: Grandjean Burke D. , Bonjean Charles M. , Aiken Linda H.
Published: April 2007

The relationship between work satisfaction and centralization of organizational decision‐making was examined using survey data from faculty members at four baccalaureate degree schools of nursing, supplemented by interviews with the deans. In a multiple regression analysis, centralization was a significant predictor of satisfaction (p < .01), with other relevant variables controlled. In tests for statistical interaction, the effect of centralization on satisfaction did not depend on the strength of faculty members' desires for professional autonomy. The results suggested the potential benefits of changes in organizational decision‐making to increase faculty participation.
Father participation in child care: A critical review
Authors: Cronenwett Linda R.
Published: April 2007

Nurses have provided much of the impetus for including fathers in perinatal activities during the last decade. Little is known, however, about what happens to father participation in child care after the family leaves the hospital. The major difficulty in interpreting father participation research is that no two studies use the same definition or measure of father participation. Findings are therefore, difficult to integrate into a meaningful conceptual framework which could guide practice. The purpose of this paper is to review past studies of father participation, extract the definitions of father participation implied by the measures used, discuss the methodological problems of measuring father participation, and develop guidelines for future measures that might advance this body of research.
Toward a construct of perimenstrual distress
Authors: Woods Nancy Fugate , Most Ada , Dery Gretchen Kramer
Published: April 2007

Recent research findings contradict the notion that premenstrual and menstrual symptoms constitute two mutually exclusive categories of perimenstrual distress. The purposes of this study were to describe the prevalence of distress associated with menstruation in a community population and to determine whether perimenstrual distress could be regarded as a single construct. Nonpregnant women (N = 193) between 18 and 35 were selected from five neighborhoods in a southeastern city in a way that allowed for variability in race and income. The women were interviewed in their homes and 179 were asked to complete the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). At least 30% of the women reported weight gain, skin disorders, backache, painful or tender breasts, irritability, depression, headache, cramps, fatigue, swelling, mood swings or tension in the perimenstruum. Cycle phase differences were not found for 31 MDQ symptoms, but were found for: weight gain, crying, lowered school or work performance, taking naps, headache, skin disorders, cramps, anxiety, backache, fatigue, painful or tender breasts, swelling, irritability, mood swings, depression, and tension. Although there were significant differences between the premenstrual and menstrual phases for certain symptoms, the magnitudes of the mean differences were small (< .3) except for cramps, weight gain, and fatigue. Furthermore, premenstrual and menstrual reports of the same symptoms were highly correlated. Thus, it appears reasonable to study perimenstrual distress as a single construct.
Ratings of physical and mental health in the older bereaved
Authors: Valanis Barbara G. , Yeaworth Rosalee
Published: April 2007

Subjective and objective ratings of mental and physical health were compared, using data from a larger study of older bereaved persons. Variation by age, race, and sex of subjects also was investigated. Sixty widowed individuals, aged 58–83, whose spouses died within the previous three months were identified through death certificates. Subjects were interviewed in their homes using a modification of the Older Americans' Resources and Services, Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (OARS), which provides objective and subjective ratings of mental and physical health. The Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale was used to quantify intensity of depression. Subjective ratings of physical health are primarily positive and significantly better than the objective ratings, particularly for women. In general, subjective and objective ratings of mental health do not differ. Interviewer ratings of physical health show significant variation by age of subjects rated. Findings are discussed in terms of reference group comparisons and of implications for design and interpretation of morbidity studies of widowed.
Continuing education and the professional orientation of nurses
Authors: Schoen Delores C.
Published: April 2007

The relationships among continuing education (CE) of nurses, their professional orientation, and selected background characteristics were examined. It was hypothesized that attitudes toward, and participation in, CE were related to professional orientation and not to background. Data were obtained from 82% of a random sample of 395 currently registered nurses living in a midwestern state. The results of a multiple regression analysis were consistent with the study hypotheses. Attitudes toward CE were predicted best by attitudes toward the professionalization of nursing and by future career intentions. Participation in CE was predicted best by current employment status, formal education beyond the initial nursing program, and independent learning activities. None of the four background variables (age, initial nursing program, parental status, and marital status) was a significant predictor. CE was seen, therefore, as an activity of professionally oriented nurses.
Professional association membership of nurses: Factors affecting membership and the decision to join an association
Authors: Yeager Samuel J. , Kline Mary
Published: April 2007

In this article factors such as education, employment characteristics, and association benefits which are associated with nurses joining and remaining in professional nursing associations are identified. The impact of these factors on association membership was determined through a survey of 225 nurses in one midwestern state. On the basis of these empirical results recommendations are made which should be useful to professional associations seeking to attract new members and keep their present ones.
Relationship of age, american college testing scores, grade point average, and state board examination scores
Authors: Aldag Jean , Rose Sharon
Published: April 2007

The relationships between age and American College Testing (ACT) scores to college grade point average (GPA), and State Board scores were studied. The sample consisted of 787 persons admitted by two different procedures to an associate degree nursing program over a 10‐year period. An age bias was found with significant negative correlations for each ACT score and age. The proportion of older students who graduated and passed the State Board examinations was significantly higher than the proportion of younger students. The two admission procedures resulted in similar rates for graduation and State Board passage. Age and ACT scores were not correlated with the GPA. Age and ACT scores, with the exception of mathematics, were positively correlated with the State Board scores.
Nurses with Doctoral Degrees: Education and Employment Characteristics
Authors: Brimmer Pauline F. , Skoner Martha M. , Pender Nola J. , Williams Carolyn A. , Fleming Juanita W. , Werley Harriet H.
Published: April 2007

Selected education and employment characteristics of nurses with doctorates were examined. Data were obtained in late 1979 and 1980 about three time periods in the 1,964 respondents' careers: (a) doctoral study, (b) first position, and (c) current position if different from first position. Of the nurses studied, 76% completed doctoral programs in the 1970s. Education was the major field of study most frequently reported, followed by social/behavioral sciences and nursing; federal monies were the major source of financial support. Nurses with doctorates were hired in their first position primarily for teaching in baccalaureate and higher degree programs in nursing with a sizable shift to administrative roles in academia among those reporting current positions different from first positions. Only 6% to 8% of doctorally prepared nurses were hired primarily for the conduct of research in either first or current position.
Contraceptive Use by Adolescent Females in Relation to Knowledge, and to Time and Method of Contraceptive Counseling
Authors: Marcy Shirley A. , Brown Julia S. , Danielson Ross
Published: April 2007

Contraceptive behavior of adolescent females was examined in relation to their level of knowledge, and time and method of contraceptive counseling. Subjects were 122 subscribers to a prepaid health plan, 13–18 years of age, unmarried, sexually active, and not desiring pregnancy. Contraceptive counseling was offered to 62 adolescents following receipt of a negative pregnancy test and to 60 adolescents following a routine medical visit. The 80 adolescents who chose to participate in the study were randomly assigned to a conventional or developmental method of counseling. The effectiveness of their contraceptive practice was measured 1 year later. Two hypotheses were not upheld: Sexually active adolescents were not more likely to accept contraceptive counseling at the time of a negative pregnancy test than at a time of a routine medical visit, and did not subsequently become more effective users of contraceptives. Two hypotheses were upheld: Effective and ineffective users of contraception did not differ in level of knowledge, and adolescents counseled by a developmental method practiced contraception more effectively than those counseled by a conventional method. Findings are discussed in terms of the theory of adolescent development and the proposition that a pregnancy scare motivates teenagers to control fertility.
Mother‐, Father‐, and Examiner‐Reported Temperament Across the First Year of Life
Authors: Jones Colette , Parks Peggy
Published: April 2007

The Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale (BNAS) was administered to 19 newborns, and their fathers completed the Broussard Neonatal Perception Inventory (NPI‐I); at 1 year of age, the infants' fathers and mothers completed the Perception of Baby Temperament (PBT) scale. The 19 infants were first born, full‐term, and the result of normal, vaginal deliveries. Relationships were found between examiner‐reported temperament (BNAS) and both father‐ and mother‐reported temperament at 1 year (PBT). Fathers were sensitive to the physical dimension of temperament and mothers were sensitive to the adaptive dimension. Three father‐reported newborn behaviors (NPI‐I) were related to father‐reported temperament at 1 year (PBT). Little relationship between father‐ and mother‐reported temperament (PBT) was found when infants were 1 year of age. Findings can be used to plan future research on newborn behavior, parental characteristics, and parental perceptions of 1‐year‐olds' temperaments.
Nurse Practitioner and Physician Roles: Delineation and Complementarity of Practice
Authors: Davidson Richard A. , Lauver Diane
Published: April 2007

Because of differences in education and role preparation, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians (MDs) may assume either complementary or substitutive roles in patient care. To describe role complementarity and similarity, the role perceptions of 15 NPs and 15MDs in joint practice were assessed. Ten NP and MD respondent pairs were selected from a variety of ambulatory primary care settings (urban, rural, public, private, and health maintenance organizations), and five NP‐MD pairs were chosen at random. A questionnaire of nine patient vignettes was created; respondents rated the appropriateness of their role in managing the clients described in each vignette using an 8‐point scale. Significant differences existed between NP and MD perceived roles for six vignettes, p < .05. NPs identified as highly role appropriate those vignettes necessitating psychosocial support and health education; MDs identified as highly role appropriate vignettes representing high risk physical conditions. The differences in NP and MD role perception were complementary.
Interpreting and Reporting Qualitative Research
Authors: Knafl Kathleen Astin , Howard Marion J.
Published: April 2007

The aims of this paper were to clarify the nature and purpose of qualitative research and to suggest specific guidelines for reporting the results of qualitative studies. Confusion about the purpose of qualitative research and the absence of a standardized format for reporting such research make it difficult to assess the validity of qualitative studies. Four general purposes of qualitative research were discussed: instrument development, illustration of results, description, and conceptualization. A framework for reporting qualitative research that provides a guide for assuring consistency across original study purpose, study design, and final report was presented and can be used for either evaluating or writing a report of qualitative research.
The Effect of Transition Modules on New Graduate Adaptation
Authors: Weiss Sandra J.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational modules to aid new graduate nurses in adapting to the work environment. An experimental group of new graduates (n = 63) and their controls (n = 58) from eight hospitals were given Corwin's Role Conception Scale, Seeman's Powerlessness Scale, Benner's Clinical Skills Inventory, and Munson's Job Satisfaction Index to measure adaptation at entry to work and 6 months later. The effects of the educational modules were determined by the adaptation measures, cognitive tests, and a Nursing Service Questionnaire. After 6 months in the work setting, the experimental group had less discrepancy between their desired and existing level of clinical skill (p < .05) and a greater orientation to bureaucratic expectations than controls (p < .01), as well as an increase in job satisfaction (p < .05) and a decrease in role deprivation (p < .05). In addition, the impact on turnover saved hospitals an average of £3, 178 for every 10 new graduates they hired.
Patients Perception of Care Under Primary and Team Nursing
Authors: Shukla Ramesh K. , Turner William E.
Published: April 2007

The relationship between the structure of nursing care and patient satisfaction is examined after equalizing the quantity and quality of nursing staff. An all‐registerednurse model of primary nursing is compared to team nursing. The nursing competency scores of registered nurses (as measured by the Slater scale) on two patient care units were equalized through 6 months of continuing education and staff development programs. A patient checklist was used to determine satisfaction with care and perceived omissions in care. No significant differences in satisfaction with care were found between the two units. The unit with primary nursing was perceived as having significantly higher omissions in care in three categories: dietary needs, reaction to therapy, and contact with nurses. The results suggest that the effect of nursing care structures on patient perception of care may be contingent upon the efficiency of the support systems and the competency of the nursing staff.
Reconceptualizing the Construct of Health: Integrating Emic and Etic Perspectives
Authors: Tripp‐Reimer Toni
Published: April 2007

Despite the importance of the health construct for nursing, there is not agreement on the nature of health. In this article, various conceptualizations of health are reviewed, the emic‐etic distinction between the concepts of disease and illness is delineated, and a new model of health is presented. This model is illustrated with examples from the folk and scientific domains of one cultural group, Greek Americans. Finally, implications for using this model in nursing practice are discussed and research directions are suggested.
Agitation and despair in relation to parents: activating emotional suffering in transference
Authors: Reznik Inga , Andersen Susan M.
Published: April 2007

Affect and motivation are known to arise in the social‐cognitive process transference, which occurs when a new person minimally resembles a significant other, implicitly activating the mental representation of this significant other (Andersen, Reznik, & Manzella, 1996) and indirectly, the relational self (i.e. Andersen & Chen, 2002). Triggering the significant‐other representation should also indirectly activate any self‐discrepancy held from this other's perspective, resulting in shifts in discrete affect and self‐regulation. Participants (n = 110; 34 men, 76 women) with an actual‐ideal or actual‐ought self‐discrepancy from their parent's perspective (Higgins, 1987) learned about a new person who did or did not minimally resemble this parent. As predicted, this evoked positive evaluation of the new person, that is, a positive transference, and yet, as a function of self‐discrepancy, also increased discrete negative mood with ideal‐discrepant individuals becoming more dejected and ought‐discrepant individuals more hostile and less calm. Self‐regulatory focus shifted as well in terms of motivation to avoid emotional closeness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structure and thermodynamic parameters of Nylon‐1010
Authors: Zhishen Mo , Qingbo Meng , Jinhua Feng , Hongfang Zhang , Donglin Chen
Published: April 2007

WAXD, SAXS, FTIR, DSC and density techniques have been used to investigate the crystal structure, crystal density ρc, amorphous densitypaequilibrium heat of fusion δH°mand equilibrium melting temperatureT°m. By extrapolating the straight lines in the FTIR absorbance against density plot to zero intensity. ρcand ρawere estimated to be 1.098 and 1.003 g/cm3respectively. The ρcobtained was too low in value. From X‐ray diffraction patterns of uniaxially oriented fibres, the crystal structure of Nylon‐1010 was determined. The Nylon‐1010 crystallized in the triclinic system, with lattice dimensions:a= 4.9 Å,b= 5.4 Å,c= 27.8 Å, α = 49°, β = 77°, γ = 63.5°. The unit cell contained one monomeric unit, the space group was P1, and the correct value of ρcwas 1.135 g/cm3. The degree of crystallinity of the polymer was determined as about 60% (at RT) using Ruland's method.

SAXS has been used to investigate the crystalline lamellar thickness, long period, transition zone, the specific inner surface and the electron density difference between the crystalline and amorphous regions for Nylon‐1010. The analysis of data was based upon a one‐dimensional electron‐density correlation function. δH°mwas estimated to be 244.0 J/g by extrapolation of δH°min the plot of heat of fusion against specific volume of semicrystalline specimens to the completely crystalline condition (V= 1/ρc). Owing to the ease of recrystallization of melt‐crystallized Nylon‐1010 specimens, the well‐known Hoffman'sTm‐Tcmethod failed in determiningT°mand a Kamide double extrapolation method was adopted. TheT°mvalue so obtained was 487 K.
Application of cellulosic fast‐flow column filters to protein immobilisation and recovery
Authors: Kennedy John F. , Paterson Marion
Published: April 2007

The suitability of a new paper‐like cellulosic rod as a support for the immobilisation of proteins has been studied as an alternative to the common, beaded supports. α‐Amylase was covalently immobilised on to this paper‐like cellulosic support using cyanogen bromide and 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole activation procedures. The enzymic activity of α‐amylase immobilised onto the activated support was measured by the initial rate of hydrolysis of starch. During the first three successive assays 60‐70% of the initial activity of the immobilised α‐amylase was lost (possibly due to non‐specific adsorption of the protein), then becoming stable. This enzymic activity was retained after long storage periods. The amounts of enzyme bound to cyanogen bromide and 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole‐activated supports, calculated from the specific catalytic activity of α‐amylase, were 0.52 and 0.59μgg−1 respectively. Proteins A and G were also coupled to the cellulosic support using 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole. The amounts of proteins A and G bound to the activated support, determined spectrophotometrically at 260 and 280nm, were 2.33 and 0.31 mg g−1, respectively. The binding between various radiolabelled immunoglobulins of the G class and immobilised proteins A and G were examined. The IgG binding profiles of immunophilic proteins coupled to paper‐like cellulosic rod and to commercially available beaded supports were similar. Therefore, this paper‐like cellulosic support is a potential matrix for bioseparators, bioreactors and affinity chromatography.
The photolysis of metal carbonyl polymers in solutions and polymer films
Authors: Bronshtein Ljudmila , Lemmetyinen Helge , Mirzoeva Elena , Valetsky Pjotr
Published: April 2007

The photochemical behaviour of VIB group metal carbonyl complexes of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and iron tricarbonyl complexes of poly(styrene‐butadiene) (SBS) block‐copolymer have been investigated in this study in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and/or in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMFA) solutions as well as in polymer films. In the case of metal carbonyl complexes with polyacrylonitrile the primary photochemical reactions have been shown to be the dissociation of pentaand tetracarbonyl complexes which result in the removal of one nitrile ligand followed by an exchange between the nitrile groups and the solvent molecules. The removal of CO has been shown to be the most probable photochemical reaction in films of these polymers. In the case of the iron tricarbonyl complex of SBS, laser photolysis leads to the fast isomerization of the complex followed by the replacement of the olefin groups of the polymer by CO.
Microencapsulation by coacervation of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)—II: Encapsulation of a dispersed aqueous phase
Authors: Nihant N. , Stassen S. , Grandfils C. , Jérǒme R. , Teyssié Ph.
Published: April 2007

This paper is related to the phase separation of different copolyesters of lactides and glycolide solutions induced by the addition of silicone oil in order to promote microencapsulation of proteins. This coating process can be divided in three successive steps: phase separation of the coating polymer; adsorption of the coacervate droplets around the drug phase, and microcapsule solidification. This paper focuses on the physico‐chemical analysis of the second step. The knowledge of the interfacial tensions between the three liquid phases allows understanding of the microscopic evolution of the phase separation medium.
Polyurethanes from renewable resources—I: Properties of polymers derived from glucose and xylose based polyols
Authors: Donnelly Michael J. , Stanford John L. , Still Richard H.
Published: April 2007

Carbohydrates and vegetable oils are considered as replacements for some petroleum oil derived polymer precursors. For polyurethane production, blending of ethylene glycol glucoside (alkoxylated to a low level in a solution reaction) with polytetrahydrofuran diol, yields high carbohydrate content polyols of low viscosity. Characterisation allows a representative structure to be derived for these complex mixtures. From a variety of polyol blends, solid polyurethanes were prepared which ranged from linear, soluble, weak elastomers to those of increased transition temperature, stiffness, decreased solubility and lower extension under tensile load. These effects are attributable to the rigidity of the glucose unit which also increases hydrogen bonding and potential for crosslinking. Polymers prepared with the higher levels of the glucoside are able to absorb significant amounts of water suggesting uses in the biological field.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene aspartate)‐metal complexes
Authors: Bajpai U. D. N. , Rai Sandeep , Bajpai Anjali
Published: April 2007

Poly(ethylene aspartate) [PEA] was synthesized by the melt condensation of D,L‐aspartic acid and ethylene glycol. PEA containing pendent amino and carbonyl groups in its repeating chain was used as the polymeric ligand for complexation with transition metal ions, viz. Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II). Complexation was found to be most effective in DMSO. The resulting polyester‐metal complexes were solid coloured materials which have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The thermal stability of the polyester‐metal complexes was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). On the basis of the physico‐chemical studies, an oxygen and nitrogen coordinated structure for the polyester‐metal complexes is proposed.
Azeotropy in terpolymerisation reactions of tributyltin acrylate or methacrylate with itaconic acid or dimethylitaconate and N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone
Authors: Azab M. M.
Published: April 2007

Ternary copolymerisations of tri‐n‐butyltin acrylate (TBTA) or tri‐n‐butyltin methacrylate (TBTMA) with itaconic acid (IA) or dimethylitaconate (DMI) and N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NVP) were carried out in solution at 70°C in the presence of a free radical initiator. Experimental, terpolymerisation data agreed with calculations based on the Alfrey‐Goldfinger equation. Ternary azeotropic compositions for TBTA‐IA‐NVP and TBTA‐DMI‐NVP systems were 52.60:14.80:32.60 and 56.60:26.60:16.80 mol%, respectively. Also ‘pseudoazeotropic’ regions were identified where the deviation between feed and polymer compositions is very small.
Characterisation of shrinkage in oriented PET films and containers by thermomechanical analysis (TMA)
Authors: Haworth B. , Dong Z. W. , Davidson P.
Published: April 2007

In this paper, we report from an extensive series of tests in which the thermal shrinkage behaviour of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) homopolymer and copolymer films and containers has been studied by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Several independent variables have been investigated, and the accuracy of dynamic TMA scans of temperature‐dependent shrinkage has been verified by parallel measurements made isothermally. Typical shrinkage levels of biaxially oriented films, of draw ratios between 2.7 and 4.1, are of the order of 5% at 100°C. The magnitude of shrinkage increases with draw ratio, and any evidence to suggest that PET copolymer is marginally more prone to shrinkage is thought to arise from differences in strain‐induced crystallinity induced by elongational deformations during processing. Correlations between measurements made on films and commercial containers are good enough to suggest that the simulation technique used is sufficiently valid for further experimentation on processing behaviour.
Microstructure and kinetics study of polymeric electrolytes precursor based on poly(ethylene oxide)/polyphosphazene blends
Authors: Herrero Consuelo R. , Acosta Jose Luis
Published: April 2007

This work reports on the microstructural study of the system: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and a poly(fluoroalkoxyphosphazene) (PPz) and comprises both isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics as a function of blend composition, as well as the analysis of spherulite growth, nucleating energy and nucleation density.

In addition, compatibility studies were conducted based on glass transition temperature on the one hand, and on the other hand on the determination of the Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter via melting point depression.
Rubber‐modified epoxies. II. A reaction‐induced phase separation observed in‐situ and a posteriori with different methods
Authors: Chen Dong , Pascault Jean Pierre , Sautereau Henry , Vigier Gerard
Published: April 2007

The reaction‐induced phase separation in epoxy systems modified with rubber was firstly observed in situ with small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), light transmission (LT), light scattering (LS), scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy techniques. The different observation windows of the SAXS, LT and LS methods allow us to follow the phase separation at two size levels. The selected system was bisphenol‐A diglycidylether cured with 4,4′‐diamino‐3,3′‐dimethyldicyciohexylmethane, in the presence of 15% wt of epoxy‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile random copolymers of different molecular weights. The phase separation inside the particles formed was followed first. Influences of precure temperature, rubber molecular weight, the postcure, vitrification and gelation on the evolution of the structure inside the particles are discussed. The real beginning of the phase separation is also discussed.
Solvolysis of methoxy‐substituted diaryliodonium tetrafluoroborates: attempted generation of a stabilized aryl cation
Authors: Fujita Morifumi , Mishima Eri , Okuyama Tadashi
Published: April 2007

Solvolyses of monomethoxy‐ and dimethoxyphenyl(phenyl)iodonium (ArI+Ph) tetrafluoroborates were carried out in methanol and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) at 130 °C. The solvolysis products include alkoxide substitution products (ArOR and PhOR) as well as iodoarenes (PhI and ArI). The ratios of ArOR/PhOR range from 8/2 to 4/6. The results are argued against formation of aryl cation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated approach to the study of the tautomerism of 4‐((Phenylimino)methyl) naphthalene‐1‐ol
Authors: Kamounah Fadhil S. , Antonov Liudmil , Petrov Vesselin , van der Zwan Gert
Published: April 2007

The aim of the current report is to shed light on the tautomerism of 4‐((Phenylimino)methyl) naphthalene‐1‐ol in solution, which was studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. It was found that this compound does not have the typical tautomeric behavior of its analog 4‐Phenylazo‐naphthalen‐1‐ol. The complicated equilibrium between the enol‐ and keto‐like forms and two kinds of dimers that can exist in solution, is strongly dependent on the proton acceptor/donor abilities of the solvent. Using advanced data treatment quantitative information about the tautomeric and dimeric equilibrium constants was obtained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and electrochemical study of nitrophenyl derivatives ofβ‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Gubica Tomasz , Stroka Jadwiga , Temeriusz Andrzej
Published: April 2007

A series of nitrophenylβ‐cyclodextrin derivatives:mono[6‐deoxy‐6‐(4‐nitrobenzamido)]‐per‐ O‐methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (R1PhNO2),mono[6‐deoxy‐6‐(3‐nitrobenzamido)]‐per‐O‐methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (R2PhNO2) andheptakis[6‐deoxy‐6‐(4‐nitrobenzamido)‐2,3‐di‐O‐methyl]‐β‐cyclodextrin [R3(PhNO2)7] were synthesized. Purity and composition of the obtained substances were checked. Electroreduction of nitro groups of the new synthesized compounds was investigated on mercury electrode using cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry. The parameters of the reduction processes of NO2groups of the investigated compounds were found not to be comparable to the reduction of nitrobenzene under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, the electroreduction of nitro groups in these nitrophenyl derivatives was dependent on pH, the type of the studied compound, and slightly on the solvent composition. All the reactants were strongly adsorbed on mercury electrode. In the case of R3(PhNO2)7, its seven nitro groups were reduced practically at the same potential, and no radical anion formation was observed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT study and NBO analysis of the mutual interconversion of cumulene compounds
Authors: Nori‐Shargh Davood , Deyhimi Farzad , Boggs James E. , Jameh‐Bozorghi Saeed , Shakibazadeh Romina
Published: April 2007

The B3LYP/6‐31G* method was used to investigate the configurational properties of allene (1,2‐propadiene) (1), 1,2,3‐butatriene (2), 1,2,3,4‐pentateriene (3), 1,2,3,4,5‐hexapentaene (4), 1,2,3,4,5,6‐heptahexaene (5), 1,2,3,4,5,6,7‐octaheptaene (6), 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐nonaoctaene (7), and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9‐decanonaene (9). The calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory showed that the mutual interconversion energy barrier in compounds 1–8 are: 209.73, 131.77, 120.34, 85.00, 80.91, 62.19, 55.56, and 46.83 kJ mol−1, respectively. The results showed that the difference between the average CC double bond lengths ($\bar d$) values in cumulene compounds 1 and 2, is larger than those between 7 and 8, which suggest that with large n (number of carbon atoms in cumulene chain), the $\bar d$ values approach a limiting value. Accordingly, based on the plotted data, the extrapolation to n = ∞, gives nearly the same limiting $\bar d$(i. e., $\bar d_{\lim } $). Also, NBO results revealed that the sum of π‐bond occupancies, $\bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}} $, decrease from 1 to 8, and inversely, the sum of π‐antibonding orbital occupancies, $\bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}}^* $, increase from compound 1 to compound 8. The decrease of $\Delta (\bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}} - \bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}}^* )$ values for compounds 1–8, is found to follow the same trend as the barrier heights of mutual interconversion in compounds 1–8, while the decrease of the barrier height of mutual interconversion in compounds 1–8 is found to follow the opposite trend as the increase in the number of carbon atom. Accordingly, besides the previously reported allylic resonant stabilization effect in the transition state structures, the results reveal that the $\bar d$ values, $\Delta (\bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}} - \bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}}^* )$, Δ(EHOMO − ELUMO), and the C atom number could be considered as significant criteria for the mutual interconversion in cumulene compounds 1–8. This work reports also useful predictive linear relationships between mutual interconversion energy barriers ($\Delta E_0^a $) in cumulene compounds and the following four parameters: ${\bar d}$, $\Delta (\bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}} - \bar \pi _{{\rm occupancy}}^* )$, Δ(EHOMO − ELUMO), and CNumber. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and mechanism of (salen)MnIII–catalysed hydrogen peroxide oxidation of alkyl aryl sulphides
Authors: Chellamani Arunachalam , Alhaji Nainamohamed Ismail , Rajagopal Seenivasan
Published: April 2007

The kinetics of (salen)MnIII complexes catalysed oxidation of aryl methyl and alkyl phenyl sulphides with hydrogen peroxide have been investigated at 25°C in 80% acetonitrile – 20% water spectrophotometrically. The reaction follows first‐order kinetics in (salen)MnIII complex and zero‐order kinetics in hydrogen peroxide. The order of the reaction with respect to sulphide is fractional and saturation in reaction rate occurs at higher sulphide concentrations. The pseudo first‐order rate constants have been analysed as per Michaelis–Menten kinetics to obtain the values of k2, the oxidant‐substrate complex decomposition rate constant, and K, the oxidant‐substrate complex formation constant. The effects of nitrogenous bases, free radical inhibitor and changes in solvent composition have also been studied. A suitable mechanism, supported by electronic‐oxidant and electronic‐substrate effect studies, involving a manganese(III)‐hydroperoxide complex as reactive species has been proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.