bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of the interface between carbon nanotubes and natural rubber
Authors: Jiang Hong‐Xia , Ni Qing‐Qing , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: August 2010

To design the interface between carbon nanotubes and natural rubber (NR), a silane coupling agent, bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT), was used to modify the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a two‐step method, and the silane‐modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (s‐MWCNTs) were combined with NR by solvent casting. The s‐MWCNTs with an amorphous layer were visualized by transmission electron microscopy, the functional groups of which were confirmed by Raman and Fourier transform infrared analyses, and the functionalization degree was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. The interface between s‐MWCNTs and NR was investigated by Raman analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Raman analysis showed a shift from 1,340 to 1,353 cm−1 of D band of s‐MWCNTs in the NR/s‐MWCNT composite, and FESEM observation indicated that s‐MWCNTs were embedded deeply in NR. All of these results proved that s‐MWCNTs were grafted with TESPT and they reacted with the active double bonds of NR to form a strong interface. The improved interface resulted in an extreme nonlinear viscoelastic behavior and enhanced dynamic mechanical property of NR/s‐MWCNT composite as compared to NR/MWCNT composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental validation of a regression‐based predictive model for elastic constants of open mesh tubular diamond‐braid composites
Authors: Ayranci Cagri , Carey Jason P.
Published: August 2010

The prediction of elastic constants of open‐mesh diamond braids has not been adequately studied. The objective of this work is to provide a further comparison of longitudinal elastic and shear moduli regression equations previously developed with experimental data from in‐house experiments; to determine the regression equations linearity limits; and to provide a validated predictive model for E
x, E
y and G
xy for large open mesh composites. The results of the model match well with experimental findings for close‐mesh braided composites; however, for open‐mesh braided composites the results show differences. Also, the lower linearity limit (LLL) of the model for different fiber‐matrix systems were calculated and discussed. The comparison of initial experimental findings of the open‐mesh structures and the model suggests a full characterization of the model can be possible by increasing the experimental data pool in the literature which is currently very limited. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reference range of birth weight with gestation and first‐trimester prediction of small‐for‐gestation neonates
Authors: Poon Leona C. Y. , Karagiannis George , Staboulidou Ismini , Shafiei Akram , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Firstly, to establish a reference range of birth weight with gestation at delivery; secondly, to identify maternal characteristics that are significantly associated with birth weight; and thirdly, to determine if combinations of maternal characteristics, fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT), and serum concentrations of free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) are significant predictors of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates in the absence of preeclampsia.

Method

Maternal characteristics were recorded; fetal NT, maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A were measured at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days in 33,602 women with singleton pregnancies. Regression analysis was used to determine the association of birth weight with gestation at delivery and to establish a reference range with gestation. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine if maternal factors, fetal NT, free β‐hCG, and PAPP‐A contribute significantly in predicting SGA in the absence of preeclampsia.

Results

Birth weight increased with maternal weight and height; it was higher in parous than in nulliparous women and in those with a medical history of pre‐pregnancy diabetes mellitus, and it was lower in cigarette smokers, in all racial groups other than in Caucasian women, and in those with a medical history of chronic hypertension and in those who previously delivered SGA neonates. In the SGA group compared with the unaffected group, there were lower median delta NT (0.10 vs 0.12 mm), free β‐hCG [0.9 vs 1.0 MoM (multiples of median)], and PAPP‐A (0.8 vs 1.0 MoM). The prediction of SGA provided by maternal factors was significantly improved by the addition of fetal NT and PAPP‐A (34.0 vs 37.0% at a false‐positive rate of 10%).

Conclusion

Prediction of the birth of SGA neonates in the absence of preeclampsia can be provided in the first trimester of pregnancy by a combination of maternal characteristics and measurements of parameters used in early screening for aneuploidies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of Alexithymia and music on the Incidental Memory for Emotion Words
Authors: Vermeulen Nicolas , Toussaint Julie , Luminet Olivier
Published: August 2010

Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct which encompasses difficulties in identifying and expressing feelings along with an externally oriented cognitive style. We investigated whether congruent vs. incongruent emotional musical priming (happy and angry music) during encoding would moderate the effects of alexithymia on recognition rates. We found that high alexithymia scorers recognized fewer joy and anger words than low scorers. Angry music decreased recognition rates in high alexithymia scorers compared to low alexithymia scorers. The congruency and incongruency effects between music and words depended on alexithymia level. The anger deficit in high alexithymia scorers and the possible support provided by happiness cues are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parent–Teacher Agreement on 7–Year–Old Children's Personality
Authors: Lönnqvist Jan–Erik , Verkasalo Markku , Vainikainen Mari–Pauliina
Published: August 2010

Agreement between multiple informants on child personality has received limited attention. Focusing on factor structure, gender differences and the influence of socially desirable responding (SDR), we compared parent and teacher Big Five personality ratings of around 600 7–year olds. Although parent ratings were more desirable than teacher ratings, differential agreement was generally similar to that found for adults, and especially high for ratings of boys. The more evaluative the personality item, the larger the mean–level difference between parents and teachers on that item. However, undesirable items showed the highest levels of differential agreement. In parent ratings, the two poles of Agreeableness formed separate factors. To view Pro–sociality as independent of Antagonism could enable parents to view their child more positively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance trends in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems for public and industrial use in Japan
Authors: Oozeki Takashi , Yamada Takao , Otani Kenji , Takashima Takumi , Kato Kazuhiko
Published: August 2010

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become popular globally as an important candidate in the establishment of low‐carbon electrical and civil systems. Since the early 1990s, globally, many PV systems have been installed, and their performance parameters such as annual yield, performance ratio, and system losses have been monitored in order to understand their basic characteristics; these data also help in the development of these systems and in analyzing their reliability. In Japan, the performance of residential PV systems was evaluated and reported. However, these evaluations were carried out using older systems, and the current status and the performance trend for each installation year have not been sufficiently evaluated and discussed. Therefore, this report aims to provide a macroscopic evaluation of the performance trends of PV systems by using the monitoring data of systems that were installed between the year 2000 and the year 2007. As a result of the evaluation, we have concluded that the performance ratio of these systems improved to an average of 0.72 until fiscal year 2000 and to 0.78 after fiscal year 2001. For investigating the factors behind this increase in performance ratio, we have focused on characteristics of the actual system capacity (capacity of each PV module measured at the point of shipment) and inverter efficiency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delinquent behaviour patterns in adolescence: Development and associated personality traits
Authors: Eklund Jenny M. , Liljeberg Jenny Freidenfelt , af Klinteberg Britt
Published: August 2010

The present study examined subgroups of delinquent adolescents and the short‐term development of delinquency and personality traits characterizing these subgroups. Participants were girls and boys examined at the beginning of the 8th grade and followed up at the end of the 9th grade (n = 901). Four delinquency subgroups were identified for boys and for girls on both occasions, primarily characterized by well‐adjusted behaviour, minor delinquency, serious delinquency or violent delinquency. The findings indicated that most adolescents displaying a certain delinquency pattern in 8th grade displayed a similar delinquency pattern in 9th grade. However, boys and girls involved in minor delinquency, and boys involved in violent delinquency, were more likely than expected to develop serious delinquency over time, indicating a progression towards more serious and versatile delinquency. Delinquent adolescents were in general more disinhibited, less adjusted and conforming, and more aggressive than well‐adjusted adolescents, whereas boys in the serious delinquency subgroup and girls in the violent delinquency subgroup also were characterized by somatic anxiety. The findings support making a distinction between antisocial behaviour subgroups and indicate some personality traits associated with certain subgroups of delinquent adolescents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Negative urgency fully mediates the relationship between alexithymia and dysregulated behaviours
Authors: Fink Erin L. , Anestis Michael D. , Selby Edward A. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: August 2010

Previous research documents a relationship between alexithymia and dysregulated behaviours, but fails to explore mechanisms that may account for this relationship. The current study sought to determine whether negative urgency would mediate the relationship between alexithymia and dysregulated behaviours. We hypothesized that positive relationships would exist among alexithymia, negative urgency and dysregulated behaviours. We also hypothesized that negative urgency would mediate the relationship between alexithymia and dysregulated behaviour. Results indicated that positive correlations exist between alexithymia, negative urgency and dysregulated behaviours. Additionally, our hypothesis that negative urgency would mediate the relationship between alexithymia and dysregulated behaviour was supported. The results suggest that negative urgency may be responsible for dysregulated behaviours that are observed in those who score high on alexithymia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 2‐year follow‐up of mentalization‐oriented group therapy following day hospital treatment for patients with personality disorders
Authors: Petersen Brian , Toft John , Christensen Nils B , Foldager Leslie , Munk‐jørgensen Povl , Windfeld Mette , Frederiksen Christina Kjaer , Valbak Kristian
Published: August 2010

Objective To analyse the effectiveness of mentalization‐oriented outpatient group therapy following 5‐month day hospital treatment.

Methods Twenty‐two patients with personality disorders participated. All were consecutively referred and diagnosed according to standardized criteria and had completed a 5‐month long psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment. Intervention consisted of once a week mentalization‐oriented group therapy for up to 3 years. Outcome on acute symptoms included hospitalizations and suicide attempts, the more enduring social and interpersonal problems were assessed by standardized questionnaires regarding symptoms, interpersonal problems, social functioning and vocational status. Outcome measures were analysed within the framework of generalized estimating equations at the beginning and at the end of treatment, and at 2 years follow‐up.

Results Average treatment length was 2 years. There was no dropout from treatment. Significant improvements were observed on the Symptom Checklist SCL‐90‐R, Personality Severity Index Score, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐Circumplex version, Clark's Personal and Social Adjustment Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, hospitalizations and vocational status. At follow‐up, these results further improved significantly.

Conclusion Long‐term mentalization‐oriented outpatient group therapy was associated with a reduction in both acute symptoms and the more long‐lasting social and interpersonal problems in this patient group. At follow‐up, results further improved, were paralleled by a level of hospitalizations which dropped to almost none, a marked decrease in the use of psychological treatment, and a clearly improved vocational status. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transannular additions of selectfluor and xenon difluoride: regioselectivity and mechanism
Authors: Serguchev Yurii A. , Ponomarenko Maxim V. , Lourie Lyudmila F. , Fokin Andrey A.
Published: August 2010

The addition of 1‐chloromethyl‐4‐fluoro‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis‐tetrafluoroborate (F‐TEDA) to unsaturated systems was modelled computationally at the ab initio levels and studied experimentally. The reaction of olefins with F‐TEDA is driven exclusively by charge transfer and displays the antibonding orbital picture in the transition structure for F‐transfer, similarly to that for the reactions of olefins with F‐radical. In contrast, the electrophilic and concerted fluorinations, respectively with H2O•••F+ complex and with F2, show strong bonding interactions between the fluorine and olefin moieties in the transition structures. The reaction with F‐TEDA involves an initial formation of highly delocalized charge‐transfer complexes in the first step with further low‐barrier (ca 4 kcal) migration of fluorine and is best described as an inner‐sphere electron transfer. This nonelectrophilic mechanism is operative for the transannular addition of F‐TEDA to 3‐methylene‐7‐ethylidenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane studied experimentally. The addition mode is determined by the formation of a more stable complex via the ethylidene fragment and demonstrates selectivities that differ from conventional electrophilic additions. This mechanistic scenario may be extended to the fluorination with xenon difluoride where similar products are formed in high yields. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of branched pyrroline chromophores
Authors: Liu Jialei , Hou Wenjun , Feng Shuwen , Qiu Ling , Liu Xinhou , Zhen Zhen
Published: August 2010

New tricyanopyrroline (TCP) chromophores with rigid–flexible dendron were prepared for second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) application. The chromophores were fully characterized using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the chromophores had excellent thermal stability. Large λmax and high solvate chromic effects revealed that the chromophores had large second‐order optical nonlinearity. The electro‐optic coefficients (r33) were measured in the chromophores‐doped poly(bisphenol A carbonate) films at the fundamental wavelength of 1310 nm, and the highest γ33 achieved was 217 pmV−1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stability and reactivity of activated acryloylcarbamates as reagents for the synthesis of N‐1 substituted thymine and uracil – an NMR and DFT study
Authors: Pohl Radek , Rulíšek Lubomír , Rejman Dominik
Published: August 2010

The mechanism of the decomposition of acryloylcarbamates 7a–b yielding highly reactive isocyanates 3a–b was proposed based on NMR measurements and quantum chemical calculations. A good agreement between the experimental kinetic data and DFT calculations allowed us to demonstrate that the stability of 7a–d depends on the presence of methyl in the acryloyl moiety and the position of the nitro group in the nitrophenolic part of the molecule. Furthermore, the reactivity of 7a–d with weakly nucleophilic and sterically hindered 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylaniline was explored by 1H NMR demonstrating the usefulness of reagents 7a–d offering access to a variety of 1‐N‐substituted uracils and thymines with potentially interesting biological properties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substituent effects on the conformational stability of allyl fluorides
Authors: Qiu Yongge , Han Daxiong
Published: August 2010

By the B3P86/6‐311G(3d,2p) method, remote substituent effects on trans‐YCHCHCH2F were investigated by examining their conformational stabilities, molecular geometries, and stereoelectronic interactions in this paper. The cis conformer is favored for YH, Cl, Me, Vinyl, CF3, CN, CHO, and NO2, whereas the gauche is favored for YOMe, OH. A correlation of ΔH with the substituent constants σ+(Y) shows that the increasing electron‐withdrawing ability of the substituent Y increases the relative stability of the cis conformer. It was found that the substituent effect on the molecule stabilization energies (relative to CH2CHCH2F) is more significant in the gauche conformers than in the cis conformers. In agreement, molecular structures of the gauche conformers were also observed to vary more significantly with the substitution than those of the cis conformers. By the second‐order perturbation energy (E(2)) in NBO analysis, it was found that the total C2–C3 vicinal hyperconjugation is determinant in the enthalpy difference and consequently controls the conformational stability. Further analysis shows that the substituent effect on the C2–C3 vicinal hyperconjugations is much higher in the gauche conformers than in the cis conformers. The highly sensitive πCC→σ*CF interaction to the substitution in the gauche conformers, is the leading factor in variation of molecular stability and geometry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catecholase and DNase activities of copper(II) complexes containing phenolate‐type ligands
Authors: Peralta Rosely A. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Szpoganicz Bruno , Brandão Tiago A. S. , Castellano Eduardo E. , de Oliveira Mauricio Bof , Severino Patrícia C. , Terenzi Hernán , Neves Ademir
Published: August 2010

Three new homodinuclear complexes containing substituted phenolate‐type ligands based on the N5O2 donor (2‐(N,N‐Bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)‐6‐(N′,N′‐(2‐hydroxybenzyl)(2‐pyridylmethyl))aminomethyl)‐4‐methylphenol (H2L‐H) were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Potentiometric titration studies in 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol show that all three complexes exhibit a common {CuII(µ‐phenoxo)(µ‐OH)CuII(OH)} core in solution. Kinetic studies on the oxidation reaction of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol revealed that the catalytic activity of the metal complexes increases toward the ligand containing an electron‐donating group. In addition, these complexes also carried out DNA cleavage by hydrolytic and oxidative pathways. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of well‐defined and end‐polymerizable star‐shaped polysulfides and their application to negative photoresist
Authors: Hirata Mitsuhiro , Abe Yutaka , Ochiai Bungo , Endo Takeshi
Published: August 2010

Various star‐shaped poly(phenoxy propylene sulfide)s (PPSs) bearing curable end groups were synthesized by the functionalization of the propagating ends of star‐shaped poly(PPS) with various electrophilies. The functionalization with chloromethyl styrene proceeded quantitatively, and afforded polymers with Mn almost agreed with theoretical value and narrow Mw/Mn. The photocuring conditions were optimized, and the addition of 10 wt % of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate was effective to attain sufficient crosslinking. The photocuring reaction of the end‐functionalized poly(PPS) films cast on silicon wafers was conducted by UV irradiation. The cured poly (PPS)s became insoluble in THF, supporting the sufficient crosslinking. Developing of a cured polymer yielded a negative photoresist pattern. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
“On–off” switching of dynamically controllable self‐assembly formation of double‐responsive block copolymers with tunable LCSTs
Authors: Kotsuchibashi Youhei , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuya , Aoyagi Takao
Published: August 2010

We report here a reversible self‐assembly formation system using block copolymers with thermo‐tunable properties. A series of double‐responsive block copolymers, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm))‐block‐poly(NIPAAm‐co‐N‐(isobutoxymethyl)acrylamide (BMAAm)) with two lower critical solution temperatures were synthesized by one‐pot atom transfer radical polymerization via sequential monomer addition. When dissolved in aqueous solution at room temperature, the block copolymers remained unimeric. Upon heating above room temperature, the block copolymers self‐assembled into micellar structures. The micelle formation temperature and the resulting diameter were controlled by varying the BMAAm content. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, dynamic light scattering, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectra revealed the presence of a monodisperse nanoassembly, and demonstrated the assembly formation/inversion process was fully reversible. Moreover, a model hydrophobic molecule, pyrene, was successfully loaded into the micelle core by including pyrene in the original polymer solution. Further heating resulted in mesoscopic micelle aggregation and precipitation. This dual micelle and aggregation system will find utility in drug delivery applications as a thermal trigger permits both aqueous loading of hydrophobic drugs and their subsequent release. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Solution, thermal and optical properties of novel poly(pyridinium salt)s derived from conjugated pyridine diamines
Authors: Nedeltchev Alexi K. , Han Haesook , Bhowmik Pradip K.
Published: August 2010

Several novel poly(pyridinium salt)s with heterocyclic pyridine moieties in their backbones with tosylate and triflimide counterions were prepared by either ring‐transmutation polymerization reaction of phenylated‐bis(pyrylium tosylate) with isomeric pyridine diamines of 4‐phenyl‐2,6‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)pyridine in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 48 h at 130–140 °C or by metathesis reaction of the respective tosylate polymers with lithium triflimide in DMSO at about 60 °C. Their chemical structures were characterized by FTIR, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Their number‐average molecular weights (Mn) were in the range of 8,000–51,000 and their polydispersities in the range of 1.18–2.13 as determined by gel permeation chromatography. They had excellent thermal stabilities of 340–458 °C and high glass transition temperatures >200 °C. As they showed good solubilities in common organic solvents, their solution properties were also characterized for their lyotropic liquid‐crystalline properties with polarizing optical microscopy (POM) studies. Their photoluminescent properties were examined by using a spectrofluorometer in both solution and solid states. Their quantum yields were rather low, which were in the range of 1.3–2.0%. Additionally, hand‐drawn fibers from the melts were examined to determine their morphologies with a number of microscopic techniques including POM, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Flocculation‐resistant multimolecular micelles with thermoresponsive corona from dendritic heteroarm star copolymers
Authors: Zheng Yongli , Zhong Ling , Huang Wei , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: August 2010

In this article, we report the self‐assembly of flocculation‐resistant multimolecular micelles with thermoresponsive corona from novel dendritic heteroarm star copolymers. The micelles have a core‐shell‐corona structure at room temperature according to pyrene probe fluorescence spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Increasing the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the micelles show high flocculation‐resistant ability resulting from a structure transition from core‐shell‐corona to core‐shell confirmed by a quantitative variable temperature 1H NMR analysis method using potassium hydrogen phthalate as an external standard. A big volume change of the micelles is observed during the LCST transition. The drug loading and temperature‐dependent release properties of the micelles are also investigated by using coumarin 102 as a model drug, which displays a rapid drug release at a temperature above the LCST. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
High‐rate crystallization of polycarbonate in spincast thin film
Authors: Ata Seisuke , Oka Toshitaka , He Chun‐Qing , Ohdaira Toshiyuki , Suzuki Ryouichi , Ito kenji , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: August 2010

Surface morphology of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate (BAPC) thin films, with thickness ranging from 30 to 1000 nm on silicon substrates was studied by atomic force microscopy. The films were prepared by spincasting from 1,2‐dichloroethane solutions of 0.25–5.0 wt % BAPC. Even though longer annealing than 250 h was necessary for complete crystallization for bulk BAPC, high crystallinity was observed for 30 nm thick film after annealing at 200 °C for 48 h in vacuum. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements showed that the free volume hole size in 30 nm thick film was larger than that of bulk at 200 °C. Comparison of the BAPC concentration in the precursor solution with the overlap concentration suggests that the high crystallinity of the 30 nm BAPC film is due to less entangled chains caused by rapid removal of the solvent from the dilute solution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Confinement effect of polystyrene on the relaxation behavior of polyisobutylene
Authors: Wu Jinrong , Huang Guangsu , Wang Xiaoan , He Xiaojun , Lei Hangxin
Published: August 2010

The dynamic mechanical loss tangent (tan δ) peak of polyisobutylene (PIB) reveals an asymmetrical broad structure with a maximum on the high‐temperature side and a shoulder on the low‐temperature side. By comparing with the literature results, it is suggested that the shoulder and the maximum originate from local segmental motion and Rouse modes, respectively. Blending polystyrene (PS) with PIB has two effects on the relaxation behavior of PIB. One effect is that the maximum and the shoulder are both suppressed, but the maximum is suppressed to a higher extent. After PS forms the continuous phase, the maximum becomes lower than the shoulder, and even almost disappears when the weight ratio of PIB/PS is under 20/80. The other effect is that, before PS forms the continuous phase, the temperature position of the maximum (Ts) and that of the shoulder (Tα) remains constant, but after PS forms the continuous phase, both of them are reduced with decreasing particle size of the PIB phase, in a way similar to nano‐confinement effect on the depression of glass transition temperature. The depression amplitude of Ts is larger than that of Tα. The aforementioned two effects can be interpreted in terms of the limited expansion of free volume of the PIB phase exerted by the PS phase, which affects the maximum to a higher extent than the shoulder because Rouse modes are more sensitive to the free volume than local segments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Micromechanical modeling of the elastic properties of semicrystalline polymers: A three‐phase approach
Authors: Sedighiamiri A. , Van Erp T. B. , Peters G. W. M. , Govaert L. E. , van Dommelen J. A. W.
Published: August 2010

The mechanical performance of semicrystalline polymers is strongly dependent on their underlying microstructure, consisting of crystallographic lamellae and amorphous layers. In line with that, semicrystalline polymers have previously been modeled as two and three‐phase composites, consisting of a crystalline and an amorphous phase and, in case of the three‐phase composite, a rigid‐amorphous phase between the other two, having a somewhat ordered structure and a constant thickness. In this work, the ability of two‐phase and three‐phase composite models to predict the elastic modulus of semicrystalline polymers is investigated. The three‐phase model incorporates an internal length scale through crystalline lamellar and interphase thicknesses, whereas no length scales are included in the two‐phase model. Using linear elastic behavior for the constituent phases, a closed form solution for the average stiffness of the inclusion is obtained. A hybrid inclusion interaction model has been used to compute the effective elastic properties of polyethylene. The model results are compared with experimental data to assess the capabilities of the two‐ or three‐phase composite inclusion model. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Pervaporation performance of novel chitosan‐POSS hybrid membranes: Effects of POSS and operating conditions
Authors: Xu Dan , Loo Leslie S. , Wang Kean
Published: August 2010

Four types of polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS)–octaanion, octaammonium, octanitrophenyl, and octaaminophenyl–were incorporated into chitosan (CS) to fabricate inorganic–organic hybrid membranes. The hybrid membranes were employed for the pervaporation dehydration of ethanol aqueous solutions. The performance of the hybrid membranes was found to be influenced by the type and loading amount of POSS. In comparison with the neat CS membranes which showed a separation factor of 65.2 for 10 wt % water in the feed at 303 K, the hybrid membranes containing 5 wt % of octaanion and octaaminophenyl POSS showed high separation factors of 305.6 and 373.3, respectively. The effects of the operating conditions such as the feed composition and temperature on the pervaporation performance of the membranes were investigated. Activation energies for permeation in the membranes were estimated from Arrhenius relationship. The activation energies for ethanol permeation in the hybrid membranes were much higher than that in the CS membrane, which may account for the large enhancements in the selectivity of the hybrid membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Properties of fracture surfaces of glassy polymers: Chain scission versus chain pullout
Authors: Fischer Hartmut
Published: August 2010

Fresh fracture surfaces formed by tensile failure of craze in molded polystyrene (PS) bars have been compared with the molded surfaces of the same bars, using an atomic force microscope with a thermal probe and operated in local thermal analysis. The results indicate that molecular weight is much higher in the interior of the sample than at the surface. No evidence was found for degradation of the PS chains via chain scission during crazing. Alternative explanations for the low‐molecular weights at the molded surface are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Annealing induced electrical conductivity jump of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene composites and influence of molecular weight of polypropylene
Authors: Pan Yongzheng , Cheng Henry Kuo Feng , Li Lin , Chan Siew Hwa , Zhao Jianhong , Juay Yang Kay
Published: August 2010

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by a micro melt mixing process. As‐prepared composites had relatively low electrical conductivity due to the disruption of MWCNT network by strong shear. The electrical conductivity jumped to high values throughout an annealing process above the melting temperature of PP. The significant enhancement of electrical conductivity was influenced by annealing time, temperature, and content of MWCNTs. In particular, molecular weight of PP played an important role in affecting the conductivity enhancement. The molecular weight of PP was varied from 190,000 to 340,000 to examine its effect on the electrical conductivity. By comparing the conductivity enhancement behavior of composites with different molecular weight PPs and observing the morphology evolution during annealing, it was found that reaggregation of MWCNTs and the subsequent formation of MWCNT network during annealing are the main reasons for the jump of electrical conductivity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Prognostic value of health‐related quality‐of‐life parameters in early‐stage breast cancer: an 8‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Bredal Inger Schou , Sandvik Leiv , Karesen Rolf , Ekeberg Oivind
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose was to investigate whether self‐reported health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) parameters at time of diagnosis and/or 1‐year follow‐up are prognostic for disease‐free survival (DFS) in early‐stage breast cancer patients.

Methods: Data from 195 women, diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer, who had filled in the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at time of diagnosis and 1 year after surgery, were analyzed.

Results: After a median follow‐up of 8.2 years (range 0.09–9.45), 27 (14.1%) deaths and 22 (11.5%) recurrences were observed. Using Cox multivariate regression analysis, appetite loss reported 1‐year following surgery (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.50–5.66),p=0.002) was significantly predictive for shorter DFS, even after controlling for age and depression. None of the clinical or biological prognostic factors was found to have a confounding effect.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that loss of appetite probably is of prognostic value in addition to well‐recognized clinical and biological data, in early‐stage breast cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of patient and patient–oncologist relationship characteristics on communication about health‐related quality of life
Authors: Rodriguez Keri L. , Bayliss Nichole K. , Alexander Stewart C. , Jeffreys Amy S. , Olsen Maren K. , Pollak Kathryn I. , Garrigues Sarah K. , Tulsky James A. , Arnold Robert M.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To test the effects of patient and patient–oncologist relationship factors on the time spent communicating about health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) during outpatient clinic encounters between oncologists and their patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: Using mixed methods, we coded for duration of HRQOL talk in a subset of audio‐recorded conversations from the Study of Communication in Oncologist–Patient Encounters (SCOPE) Trial. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to investigate the relationship between duration of HRQOL talk and gender concordance, race concordance, patient education status, patient marital status, and length of the patient–oncologist relationship (i.e. number of previous visits).

Results: Sixty‐six encounters were analyzed that involved 63 patients and 34 oncologists. Patients were more likely to be female (51%), white (86%), married (78%), and possess a college or more advanced degree (33%). Most oncologists were male (82%) and white (82%). Mean ages were 58.8 years for patients and 44.9 years for oncologists. Regression results showed that the number of a patient's previous visits with their oncologist was significantly associated with a longer duration of HRQOL talk during their audio‐recorded clinic visit. The remaining independent variables, gender concordance, race concordance, patient education status, and patient marital status were not significant predictors of duration of HRQOL talk.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that length of the patient–oncologist relationship is related to duration of HRQOL talk. Improvements in HRQOL communication may best be achieved through efforts directed at those in earlier stages of the doctor–patient relationship. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children
Authors: Sheehan Denice Kopchak , Draucker Claire Burke
Published: August 2010

Objective: Advanced cancer profoundly affects those with the illness and their families. The interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children are likely to influence how a family experiences a parent's dying process. There is little information on such interactions. This study aimed to develop an explanatory model that explains interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children and to identify strategies to prepare children for their lives after a parent dies.

Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 9 parents with advanced cancer, 7 of their spouses/partners, and 10 of their adolescent children. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a constructionist grounded theory approach.

Results: Twenty‐six family participants were interviewed. Their main concern was not having enough time together. In response, they described a four‐stage process for optimizing the time they had left together: coming to know our time together is limited, spending more time together, extending our time together, and giving up our time together to end the suffering. The adolescents and their ill parents did not change their interaction patterns until they realized their time together was limited by the advanced cancer. Then they spent more time together to make things easier for each other.

Conclusions: Time was of great importance to the parents and adolescents; all the participants structured their stories in relation to the concept of time. The model reflects the dynamic process by which families continuously adapt their relationships in the face of advanced cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The link between value motives, value success, and well‐being among people diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Ciarrochi Joseph , Fisher Danielle , Lane Lisbeth
Published: August 2010

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cancer patient's values and cancer related distress.

Method: A total of 107 patients with cancer diagnoses completed an anonymous questionnaire.

Results: Less self‐regulating motivation for health values was significantly related to poorer well‐being. Greater success at living one's values was significantly related to improved well‐being and distress‐related outcomes. Sex difference analysis suggested that success at friendship values was linked to less cancer‐related distress among women, but not men, whereas success at romantic relationship values was linked to less distress among men, but not women.

Conclusion: The results have important implications for values focused interventions, highlighting the importance of facilitating success at valued living and attending to sex differences among cancer patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distress levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy in Brazil
Authors: Decat Cristiane Sant'Anna , de Araujo Tereza Cristina Cavalcanti Ferreira , Stiles Jessica
Published: August 2010

Objective: The objective of this study was to measure distress at three points during the course of chemotherapy: beginning, middle, and the last day of therapy in a private cancer center in Brazil.

Methods: One hundred patients were assessed at three points during chemotherapy using the Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed with the support of SPSS 15.0 software.

Results: At the beginning of chemotherapy, patients mean scores were distress (82%), anxiety (78%) and depression (55%). In the middle of treatment, the percentages of distress, anxiety and depression decreased to 36.4, 25 and 25.3%, respectively. On the last day, the levels were 18.2% for distress and 14.3% for both anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: Distress is highest in these patients at the beginning of chemotherapy, suggesting that evaluation of patients for psychosocial needs is important. Screening with a simple rapid instrument such as the DT is feasible and useful. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical activity in women with ovarian cancer and its association with decreased distress and improved quality of life
Authors: Beesley Vanessa L. , Price Melanie A. , Butow Phyllis N. , Green Adèle C. , Olsen Catherine M. ,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study — Quality of Life Study Investigators, Webb Penelope M.
Published: August 2010

Objectives: To document levels of and changes in physical activity before and after ovarian cancer diagnosis and explore associations with psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: Of 1207 eligible Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) participants, 798 participated in an additional prospective Quality of Life (QoL) Study which measured anxiety, depression and QoL at 3–6 monthly intervals for 2 years beginning 3–48 months after diagnosis. AOCS asked about physical activity before diagnosis and 530 women also completed a one‐off lifestyle questionnaire 7–64 months after diagnosis which assessed activity during their first and, if relevant, second‐to‐third and fourth‐to‐sixth years following diagnosis. Analysis of variance was used to relate physical activity to psychosocial outcomes.

Results: Almost 40% of women decreased their physical activity in the first year after diagnosis. Approximately 25% still had lower levels after 2–3 and 4+years. Recent physical activity level was inversely associated with depression and positively associated with QoL (P<0.05). Also, women who maintained or increased their physical activity after diagnosis had better mean depression and QoL scores than women who decreased physical activity or remained inactive (P<0.05). Among women who received chemotherapy shortly prior to completing the lifestyle questionnaire, high versus low or medium physical activity was associated with significantly lower mean depression scores during both periods of treatment and non‐treatment (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Many women did not regain their pre‐morbid physical activity levels several years after ovarian cancer diagnosis. Low physical activity may simply be a consequence of poor well‐being but, alternatively, physical activity may improve psychosocial health of this group. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of communication skills training of nurses on the quality of life and satisfaction with healthcare professionals among newly diagnosed cancer patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Fukui Sakiko , Ogawa Keiko , Yamagishi Akemi
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The importance of effective communication skills to sustain the cancer patient quality of life (QOL) and their satisfaction with healthcare professionals is well documented. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of communication skills training (CST) of nurses for patient QOL and their satisfaction with healthcare professionals just after being diagnosed with cancer.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Eight nurses, who mainly provide psychological and informational support for patients soon after they were informed of their cancer diagnosis by physicians at a cancer screening center, were randomly assigned to an experimental group attending a CST program (four nurses) or to a control group (four nurses). Eighty‐nine patients with gastric, colorectal, or breast cancer were supported and assessed by either group of nurses during the study period. The effectiveness for patient QOL and their satisfaction with healthcare professionals was assessed by administering the Short Form‐8 Health Survey (SF‐8) and a single‐item VAS three times (1 week after diagnosis: T1; 1 month after diagnosis: T2; and 3 months after diagnosis: T3).

Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a group‐by‐time significant increase of the mental aspects of SF‐8 (F=3.48; P=0.03) and satisfaction with the nurse (F=3.18; p=0.04)

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of CST for healthcare professionals to improve the QOL of patients as well as their satisfaction with these professionals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meltwater infiltration into the frozen active layer at an alpine permafrost site
Authors: Scherler Martin , Hauck Christian , Hoelzle Martin , Stähli Manfred , Völksch Ingo
Published: August 2010

A coupled heat and mass transfer model simulating mass and energy balance of the soil‐snow‐atmosphere boundary layer was applied to simulate ground temperatures, together with water and ice content evolution, in the active layer of an alpine permafrost site on Schilthorn, Swiss Alps. Abrupt shifts and subsequent fluctuations in ground temperature observed in alpine permafrost boreholes at the beginning of the zero curtain phase in summer were explained by snowmelt and meltwater infiltration. Simulated water contents were compared to values derived from inverted electrical resistivity measurements and yielded a further independent validation of the model results. The study shows that infiltration into frozen soil takes place as an oscillating process in the model. This process is constrained by initial ground temperatures, infiltrability and the availability of meltwater from the snow cover. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene Chemical Weathering, Surface Lowering and Rock Weakening Rates on Glacially Eroded Bedrock Surfaces in an Alpine Periglacial Environment, Jotunheimen, Southern Norway
Authors: Matthews John A. , Owen Geraint
Published: August 2010

Indices of the rate of Holocene chemical weathering of pyroxene‐granulite gneiss and peridotite are estimated from bedrock surfaces deglaciated c. 9700 years ago. A mean surface lowering rate for pyroxene‐granulite gneiss of 4.8 ± 1.0 mm ka−1 is estimated from the mean height of upstanding quartz veins, and Schmidt hammer R‐values are used to validate the reference‐surface method. Microrelief development and crack‐widening rates for peridotite are 2.6 ± 1.1 mm ka−1 and 1.8 ± 0.4 mm ka−1, respectively. Well‐developed weathering rinds indicate a mean rind development rate for peridotite of 0.6 ± 0.1 mm ka−1. New indices of rock surface weakening (IRW) and the rock surface weakening rate (WR) are defined in relation to Schmidt hammer mean R‐values. IRW values from weathered and unweathered surfaces of known age are 38.7 per cent for gneiss and 34.1–59.2 per cent (depending on the texture of the weathered rock surface) for peridotite: corresponding WR values are 2.7 R‐units ka−1 and 2.1–3.7 R‐units ka−1, respectively. Our methods and results are evaluated, particularly in relation to previous research and other rock types in Scandinavia. The various indices, being affected in different ways by biochemical and biological mechanical weathering and micro‐erosion, are regarded as complementary aids in the investigation of both the effects of chemical weathering and its rate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.