bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statewide Quality Improvement Outreach Improves Preventive Services for Young Children
Authors: Shaw Judith S. , Wasserman Richard C. , Barry Sara , Delaney Thomas , Duncan Paula , Davis Wendy , Berry Patricia
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE. Although clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of quality improvement outreach in improving service delivery, evidence for broad community effectiveness has been lacking. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a statewide pediatric quality improvement outreach program in improving preventive services for children who are younger than 5 years.

METHODS. All pediatric practices in Vermont (n = 35) were invited to participate in a preventive services quality improvement initiative. Ninety-one percent agreed. Participating practices serve >80% of all Vermont children who are younger than 5 years. The main outcome measured was change in 9 preventive services areas: (1) immunizations up to date; (2) anemia screening; (3) tuberculosis risk assessment and indicated screening; (4) lead screening; (5) infant sleep position counseling; (6) environmental tobacco smoke–exposure risk assessment; (7) blood pressure screening; (8) vision screening; and (9) dental risk assessment.

RESULTS. All practices demonstrated improvement in 1 or more preventive services areas. The mean number of areas chosen was 5 (range: 1–9). Practices that selected a specific preventive service area as a quality improvement goal were more likely to demonstrate improvement in that area than practices that did not choose to focus on that preventive services area.

CONCLUSIONS. The work in this project has provided the evidence for an effective statewide pediatric quality improvement outreach program to improve preventive services for children who are younger than 5 years. Practices' decision to focus on a specific preventive service area as a quality improvement goal seems necessary for improvement in that area. This approach may be effective in other states or regions.
The Incidence of Anemia in an Israeli Population: A Population Analysis for Anemia in 34512 Israeli Infants Aged 9 to 18 Months
Authors: Meyerovitch Joseph , Sherf Michael , Antebi Felice , Barhoum-Noufi Marie , Horev Zeev , Jaber Lutfi , Weiss Dorit , Koren Ariel
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to use the comprehensive computerized database of Clalit Health Services to analyze the prevalence and contributing factors of anemia among the population of Clalit Health Services-insured Israeli infants aged 9 to 18 months, characterized by ethnic sector.

METHODS. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study for the year 2003 using the computerized database of Clalit Health Services for 34512 infants aged 9 to 18 months insured by the Clalit Health Services sick fund. Children with abnormal white blood counts at the time of the hemoglobin test and with chronic diseases were excluded. The data were analyzed for age, infant hemoglobin level, ethnic origin, district distribution, type of clinic where the infant received treatment, the number of iron prescriptions dispensed to each child, and the mother's last hemoglobin level before giving birth. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level <105 g/L.

RESULTS. The prevalence of anemia among Israeli infants is 15.5%. The prevalence is significantly higher in the non-Jewish population (22.5%) as compared with the Jewish population (10.5%). The lowest prevalence of anemia was found in pediatric health centers (10.7%). A significant correlation was found between the presence of anemia in infants and the presence of anemia found in their mothers. Infants with anemia used significantly less iron preparations.

CONCLUSIONS. This study is one of the first studies to use a comprehensive computerized database to perform a population-based analysis of anemic infants. We found a considerable percentage of infants to be anemic and identified a specific population to be at high risk for anemia. We describe 2 factors that have the potential to be altered through intervention: improving compliance of iron intake and maternal anemia. Major national efforts should be made to minimize the prevalence of anemia, especially in the non-Jewish population, and to learn more about the causes of iron-deficiency anemia in this group. This study provides a base for an intervention study.
Pneumocystis jiroveciInfection in Patients With Hyper–Immunoglobulin E Syndrome
Authors: Freeman Alexandra F. , Davis Joie , Anderson Victoria L. , Barson William , Darnell Dirk N. , Puck Jennifer M. , Holland Steven M.
Published: August 2006

The hyper–immunoglobulin E syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent pyogenic skin and lung abscesses, dermatitis, and elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels. Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) is not typically associated with hyper–immunoglobulin E syndrome. We identified 7 patients with hyper–immunoglobulin E syndrome with P jiroveci detected in respiratory or pulmonary pathology specimens. In 5 patients it was the sole pathogen, and in 2 other patients it contributed to a polymicrobial etiology. No consistent prophylaxis was given, and there have been no recurrences on long-term follow-up. Our experience suggests that P jiroveci can cause pneumonia in patients with hyper–immunoglobulin E syndrome both with and without chronic lung disease.
Abnormal Psychology Textbooks: Valid Science or Political Propaganda
Authors: Simon Laurence
Published: August 2006

It is argued that an examination of various abnormal psychology textbooks reveals that they read more like political propaganda than fair, valid science. All of the examined texts conformed closely to the psychiatric medical model as represented by the latest versionDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM). Occasional critiques were levied at the DSM, but they were invariably dismissed and not debated in any serious manner. All of the texts involved in this study invoked the name of psychiatric critic Thomas Szasz and either dismissed his ideas without adequate representation or stated that he need not be taken seriously because he is too radical or possibly disturbed. All manner of assertions were present in these tomes as to the validity of the biogenic etiology of the disorders discussed without either presenting valid empirical evidence to support the assertions or discussing the rich and varied literature that refutes the biogenic hypotheses. It is concluded that students are not being served by these expensive textbooks and should be exposed to a variety of primary source material representing the many sides of conflict within the mental health field.
The Mistreatment of Mood Disorders in Youth
Authors: Foltz Robert
Published: August 2006

Mood disorders in youth, specifically depression and bipolar disorder, have been increasingly prevalent. Treatment standards for youth essentially reflect those intervention strategies used with adults; however, there are serious concerns as to the effectiveness and safety of these interventions. Moreover, with growing pressures to use “evidence-based” treatments, clinicians are compelled to critically examine the literature to determine the most effective treatment course. This article examines current treatment approaches for mood disorders in youth and scrutinizes the justification for using psychotropic medications as a “front-line” intervention.
Numerical Simulation of Thick, Tight Fluvial Sands
Authors: Iwere F. O. , Moreno J. E. , Apaydin O. G.
Published: August 2006

This paper presents several workflows for constructing adequate flow models of a tight gas field located in Wyoming. The numerical flow models were built by integrating seismic, petrophysical, geological, and engineering data, including hydraulic fracture data. The reservoirs consist of several sand units over a gross thickness of 4,000 ft in a fluvial depositional environment. Reservoir rock permeabilities are in the microdarcy range. The overpressured reservoirs become economically viable only by hydraulic fracturing. Two major challenges of modeling the field are reservoir upscaling and appropriate representation of the hydraulic fractures.

A streamline-based flow model was used to upscale geological features. Some practical assumptions were made to apply this technology in our study. Multiple models were generated using different upscaling scenarios and techniques. The models were set up with the same boundary conditions (injector/producer pairs, injection/production rates, etc.), and their results were compared with the fine-grid geocellular-model results. Pseudofluid properties (low viscosity) and a very long time scale had to be used because of the low permeability of the sands. The fluid recovery and injected fluid breakthrough times for the flow models and the geo-cellular model were then compared. The flow model with the most reasonable volumetrics and flow characteristics was chosen for the numerical simulation study.

The producing wells are hydraulically fractured with multiple stages. Single-well and sector models were used to determine the ultimate fracture properties that were used in the final simulation model. First, local grid refinement was used to represent the fracture properties. Then, a parametric study was conducted to establish the effective global cell properties that are required to simulate the flow of hydrocarbons along the hydraulic fracture without using the local grid refinements. Production and pressure performance over a long period of time were compared. Effective permeability and pore-volume calculation yielded the best results, and they were used during the history matching of the wells' performances.
Immiscible Displacement of Non-Newtonian Fluids in Communicating Stratified Reservoirs
Authors: El-Khatib Noaman
Published: August 2006

The displacement of non-Newtonian power-law fluids in communicating stratified reservoirs with a log-normal permeability distribution is studied. Equations are derived for fractional oil recovery, water cut, injectivity ratio, and pseudorelative permeability functions, and the performance is compared with that for Newtonian fluids. Constant-injection-rate and constant-total-pressure-drop cases are studied.

The effects of the following factors on performance are investigated: the flow-behavior indices, the apparent mobility ratio, the Dykstra-Parsons variation coefficient, and the flow rate. It was found that fractional oil recovery increases for nw>no and decreases for nw<no, as compared with Newtonian fluids. For the same ratio of nw/no, oil recovery increases as the apparent mobility ratio decreases. The effect of reservoir heterogeneity in decreasing oil recovery is more apparent for the case of nw>no. Increasing the total injection rate increases the recovery for nw>no, and the opposite is true for nw<no. It also was found that the fractional oil recovery for the displacement at constant total pressure drop is lower than that for the displacement at constant injection rate, with the effect being more significant when nw<no.
Reservoir Management in a Deepwater Subsea Field—The Schiehallion Experience
Authors: Govan Alastair , Primmer Tim , Douglas Cameron , Moodie Neil , Davies Merv , Nieuwland Ferry
Published: August 2006

The Schiehallion field has experienced many reservoir management challenges since first production in 1998. Dynamic data such as formation pressures, pressure-transient analysis, interference testing, tracer analysis, and 4D seismic need to be interpreted with great care—Schiehallion has examples in which the data have been invaluable and others in which the data are ambiguous or misleading. It is essential to integrate several data types to obtain reliable conclusions. This paper describes some of the highlights and pitfalls experienced in Schiehallion.
The Effect of Bioterrorism Messages on Anxiety Levels
Authors: Lightstone Sandra N. , Swencionis Charles , Cohen Hillel W.
Published: August 2006

Public health messages sometimes use graphic language to discourage health-adverse behaviors. However, such messages could provoke adverse stress and anxiety reactions. To assess whether public health messages on bioterrorism might measurably increase stress and anxiety, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in which potent and neutral messages were randomly allocated to 116 graduate students. Pre- and post-message anxiety scores of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a validated instrument, were recorded, and within- and between-group score changes compared. Reading the potent message significantly ( p = .003) elevated STAI anxiety scores, while reading the neutral messages decreased scores ( p < .001). The between-group difference was also statistically significant ( p = .001). Potent smoking and drunk-driving cessation messages have clear benefits, but messages about bioterrorism do not. Our findings provide evidence that such messages have at least the potential of harm, so that weighing benefits and risks of such messages is warranted.
The Influence of Words as Determinants of U.S. International and Domestic Health Policy—Part I
Authors: Elwood Thomas W.
Published: August 2006

The power of words—and their context in the “American narrative,”—to affect international and domestic health policy, both proposal and implementation, is analyzed. The complexity of the implications for U.S. foreign policy as well as for disease outbreaks and potential bioterrorism are illustrated, with liberal references to the works of novelist James Joyce, film director Frederico Fellini, and economist/political activist Robert Reich.
A genetic cluster of early onset Parkinson's disease in a Colombian population
Authors: Pineda‐Trujillo Nicolas , Apergi Maria , Moreno Sonia , Arias William , Lesage Suzanne , Franco Alejandro , Sepulveda‐Falla Diego , Cano David , Buriticá Omar , Pineda David , Uribe Carlos Santiago , de Yebenes Justo Garcia , Lees Andrew J. , Brice Alexis , Bedoya Gabriel , Lopera Francisco , Ruiz‐Linares Andres
Published: August 2006

We previously identified in two families with early onset Parkinson's Disease (PD) from the isolated population of Antioquia (Colombia), a parkin Cys212Tyr substitution caused by a G736A mutation. This mutation was subsequently observed in a Spanish family, suggesting that it could have been taken to Antioquia by Spanish immigrants. Here we screened for the G736A mutation in additional Antioquian early onset PD cases and used haplotype analysis to investigate the relationship between Spanish and Antioquian G736A chromosomes. We confirmed the occurrence of an extensive founder effect in Antioquia. Thirteen individuals (10 homozygotes) from seven nuclear families were identified with the G736A mutation. Genealogical investigations demonstrated the existence of shared ancestors between six of these families four to five generations ago and no evidence of Spanish ancestry during this period. A second parkin mutation (a duplication of exon 3), was detected in the three G736A heterozygote carriers. Haplotype data exclude a recent common ancestry between the Spanish and Antioquian patients studied here and is consistent with the introduction of the G736A mutation in Antioquia during early colonial times (about 16 generations ago). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do blood pressure and heart rate responses to perceived stress vary according to endogenous estrogen level in women?
Authors: Pollard Tessa M. , Pearce Karen L. , Rousham Emily K. , Schwartz Joseph E.
Published: August 2006

The results of experimental studies suggest that estrogen may blunt blood pressure responses to stress, but increase heart rate responses. We investigated whether within‐person associations of perceived stress with blood pressure and heart rate during normal working life in 26 premenopausal and 7 postmenopausal women varied according to endogenous estrogen level. Each woman measured her own blood pressure and heart rate and completed a diary reporting perceived stress levels on six occasions on each of 2 working days. Premenopausal women were assessed once between days 4 and 6 of their menstrual cycle (low estrogen) and again between days 11 and 13 (high estrogen), and urine samples were taken to verify expected variation in estrogen level. Results showed that perceived stress was significantly positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate in the group as a whole. This association did not differ according to menopausal status. There was no difference in the association of perceived stress with SBP or DBP in premenopausal women according to day of assessment, but heart rate reactivity to perceived stress was significantly higher on the high‐estrogen day. Our findings thus provide evidence that heart rate responses to perceived stress during everyday working life vary according to estrogen level in premenopausal women, but no evidence that blood pressure responses to stress vary according to endogenous estrogen level in women. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of adding Mesocarbon Microbeads into C/C composites on microstructure and properties during carbonization
Authors: Hu Hsien‐Lin , Ko Tse‐Hao , Kuo Wen‐Shyong , Chen Sung‐Te
Published: August 2006

This work tests the effect on microstructure, flexural strength, flexural moduli, plus the electrical and thermal conductivity of carbon/carbon composites with Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMBs) content ranging 0–30% by weight during carbonization. These composites were reinforced by oxidative PAN Base fiber felts, and matrix precursor was resol‐type‐phenolic resin. MCMBs with a weight fraction of 0–30% were added to the matrix to elucidate the effect. Liquid‐phase impregnation was applied to reinforce matrix carbon. Cured composites were stabilized at 230°C, then heat‐treated at 400, 600, 800, 900 and 1000°C for carbonization. The measured flexural strength after heat‐treated at 1000°C was 51.20, 49.59, 43.55, and 38.76 MPa for MCMBs with 0, 10, 20, and 30% added to composites; mean flexural moduli were l.73, 1.24, 0.73, and 0.57 MPa, respectively. Adding MCMBs reduced both strength and modulus because of cracks and avoids caused by different shrinkage between resin and MCMBs; adding 30 wt % MCMBs raised thermal conductivity of C/C composites from 1.55 to 1.78 W/mK and reduced electric resistivity from 1.8 × 10−2 to 5.97 × 10−3 Ω cm. effect. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3102–3110, 2006
Preparation of polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites with an exfoliated structure by a designed route
Authors: Hong Haoqun , He Hui , Jia Zhixin , Ding Chao , Jia Demin
Published: August 2006

Nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP) and montmorillonites (MMT) were prepared by solid‐phase grafting reactive organomontmorillonite (ROMT) and polar monomers onto powdered PP and melt‐blending granule PP with the master batches as PP/MMT grafting copolymers (PPMG). The structure and properties of the PP/MMT nanocomposites (PPMN) were investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. GPC showed that the numerical molecular weight and polydispersity of the graft copolymers of PPMG were approximately 4793 and 2.197, respectively. FTIR confirmed the solid‐phase graft copolymerization. XRD and TEM indicated the formation of the exfoliated, layered silicates (tactoids). The mole ratio of compound alkylammoniums and the exothermic enthalpy from solid‐phase graft copolymerization played key roles in the formation of tactoids. The optimum mole ratio of organophilic alkylammonium to reactive alkylammonium was 3 : 1. The mechanical and thermal properties increased with the contents of PPMG, and a preferable state was achieved at approximately 8 phr PPMG (parts of reagent per 100 parts of PP) because of the plastification of the exfoliated silicates and the graft copolymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3889–3899, 2006
Compression, cleavage, and shear resistance of composite construction materials produced from softwoods and hardwoods
Authors: Kilic Murat , Celebi Gülser
Published: August 2006

The process of manufacturing laminated wood board is an effective technique for reducing or eliminating the negative properties of solid wood materials and for obtaining high‐performance materials. More economical composite laminated materials, which use different types of wood together and have the strength suitable for the purpose, can be produced with this technique. In the present study, composite laminated specimens containing beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), a type of hardwood, and poplar (Populus nigra), a softwood, were produced with layers of two thicknesses: 4 and 5 mm. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and polyurethane (PU) glues were used in gluing. The results of the tests were compared with those for the solid wood specimens, and it was found that new composite building materials with high mechanical strength and lower cost could be produced for the construction materials sector in Turkey instead of solid wood. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3673–3678, 2006
Thermostability and esterification of a polyethylene‐immobilized lipase fromBacillus coagulansBTS‐3
Authors: Kumar Satyendra , Ola Rajendra Prasad , Pahujani Shweta , Kaushal Rajeev , Kanwar Shamsher S. , Gupta Reena
Published: August 2006

Extracellular lipase fromBacillus coagulansBTS‐3 was immobilized on activated (alkylated, 2.5% glutaraldehyde) and native (nonactivated) polyethylene powder, and its thermostability and esterification efficiency were studied. Immobilization on activated support was found to enhance thermostability as well as esterification efficiency. The optimum time for immobilization on activated (AS) and nonactivated (NS) polyethylene support was found to be 10 min, and the binding of the lipase was markedly higher on AS. Lipase was more efficiently bound to AS (64%) than to NS (30%) at an optimum temperature of 37°C. The pH and temperature optima for AS‐ and NS‐bound lipase were 9.0 and 55°C and 8.5 and 55°C respectively. At 55°C the free lipase, which had a half‐life of 2 h, lost most of its activity at elevated temperatures. In contrast, AS‐bound lipase retained 60%–80% of its original activity at 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, and 70°C for 2 h. Exposure to organic solvents resulted in enhanced lipase activity inn‐hexane (45%) and ethanol (30%). Both AS‐ and NS‐bound biocatalysts were recyclable and retained more than 85% of their initial activity up to the fourth cycle of hydrolysis ofp‐nitrophenyl palmitate. The AS‐bound lipase efficiently performed maximum esterification (98%) of ethanol and propionic acid (300 mMeach, 1 : 1) inn‐hexane at 55°C. With free or NS‐bound lipase in similar conditions, the conversion of reactants into ester was relatively low (40%). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3986–3993, 2006
Long‐term water uptake behavior of lignocellulosic‐high density polyethylene composites
Authors: Najafi Saeed Kazemi , Tajvidi Mehdi , Chaharmahli Majid
Published: August 2006

Composites of different lignocellulosic materials and high‐density polyethylene were prepared and their long‐term water absorption behaviors were studied. Wood flour, rice hulls, newsprint fibers, and kenaf fibers were mixed with the polymer at 25 and 50 wt % fiber contents and 1 and 2% compatibilizer, respectively. Water absorption tests were carried out on injection‐molded specimens at room temperature for five weeks. Results indicated a significant difference among different natural fibers with kenaf fibers and newsprint fibers exhibiting the highest and wood flour and rice hulls the lowest water absorption values, respectively. Very little difference was observed between kenaf fiber and newsprint composites and between rice hulls and wood flour composites regarding their water uptake behavior. The difference between 25 and 50% fiber contents for all composite formulations increased at longer immersion times, especially for the composites with higher water absorption. Kenaf fiber composites containing 50% kenaf fibers exhibited the highest water diffusion coefficient. A strong correlation was found between the water absorption and holocellulose content of the composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3907–3911, 2006
Synergic influence of a surfactant and ultrasonication on the preparation of soluble, conducting polydiphenylamine/silica‐nanoparticle composites
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Pill , Gopalan Anantha Iyengar , Lee See‐Hee , Showkat Ali Md , Nho Young Chang
Published: August 2006

Conducting polydiphenylamine was used to encapsulate silica nanoparticles through the oxidative polymerization of diphenylamine in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation. The polymerization was performed in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant. Experiments performed in the absence of ultrasound clearly demonstrated that the application of ultrasonication played multiple roles in the preparation of a composite of polydiphenylamine with silica nanoparticles. Ultrasonication dispersed the silica nanoparticles, converted sodium lauryl sulfate to lauryl alcohol, and augmented the dispersion of the silica‐nanoparticle/polydiphenylamine composite in an organic medium. Silica‐nanoparticle/polydiphenylamine composites were also prepared in the absence of ultrasound and/or sodium lauryl sulfate. The silica‐nanoparticle/polydiphenylamine composites were characterized with Fourier trans form infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible/near‐infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3912–3918, 2006
Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks of novolac resin and poly(n‐butyl methacrylate)
Authors: Goswami Sudipta , Chakrabarty Debabrata
Published: August 2006

Novolac resin/poly(n‐butyl methacrylate), P(n‐BMA), sequential interpenetrating polymer networks (both semi and full types) were prepared and characterization of the various compositions (up to 40% by weight of PF incorporation) was performed in terms of mechanicals, namely, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percentage elongation at break (% E.B.), modulus, and toughness. Thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Crosslink densities of the IPNs were calculated using Flory‐Rehner equation. The morphological features were studied through scanning electron microscope. There was a gradual decrease of modulus and UTS with consequent increases in % E. B. and toughness with increasing proportions of P(n‐BMA). An inward shifting and lowering of the glass transition temperatures of the IPNs (compared with that of pure phenolic resin) with increasing proportions of P(n‐BMA) were observed. The TGA thermograms exhibit two‐step degradation patterns. A typical cocontinuous bi‐phasic morphology is evident in the micrographs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4030–4039, 2006
Synthesis and properties of novel macromolecular coupling agents prepared by ATRP
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Jiang Yan , Dong Yongquan , Li Hongtu , Zhang Kai , Wang Di , Wang Jingyuan
Published: August 2006

Novel block and graft macromolecular coupling agents with well‐defined structures have been synthesized successfully by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of those functional copolymers can be controlled because of the living/controlled ATRP. The structures and composition of block and graft copolymers with the monomers of butyl acrylate (BA), styrene (St), and 3‐methacryloxyl‐propyltrimethoxyl silicon (KH‐570) have been characterized by mean of 1H NMR, IR, GPC, and UV. Because the KH‐570 of macromolecular coupling agents owns strong affinity to surface hydroxyl of fillers, inorganic fillers that were treated by the macromolecular coupling agents possess some new properties, for example increasing the effect between matrix and fillers of composites. The mechanical properties and morphology of composites with macromolecular coupling agents have been investigated by the dynamic mechanical spectra and SEM. The results showed that the damping value and compatibility of composites with macromolecular coupling agents were improved greatly when compared with that of composite with small molecular coupling agent. Furthermore with different contents of BA, St, and KH‐570 in the macromolecular coupling agents, the damping value of the composites are different. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3919–3926, 2006
Polyelectrolyte multilayers of poly(vinylamine hydrochloride‐co‐N‐vinylformamide) with variable primary amine content and a weak polyacid poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Serizawa Takeshi , Kawanishi Nami , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: August 2006

Poly(vinylamine hydrochloride‐co‐N‐vinylformamide) [poly(VAm‐co‐NVF)] with variable VAm content, and a weak polyacid poly(acrylic acid) were assembled on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) substrate from their aqueous solutions, thus forming polyelectrolyte multilayers. The effects of varying the VAm content on assembly profiles and film structures were analyzed by quantitative QCM analysis, attenuated total reflection spectra techniques, and atomic force microscopic observation. At a VAm content of less than 40% of the total number of poly(VAm‐co‐NVF) units, the layer‐by‐layer assembly did not proceed, and the frequency shift of the QCM zigzagged with the step number. Above 40% VAm content, the frequency increased continuously with an increasing number of steps. The assembly amount was also maximal at 40% VAm content. The films obtained swelled with water molecules, and this swelling was followed by an increase in thickness in the aqueous phase. The results obtained were compared to those obtained from a combination of poly(VAm‐co‐NVF) and a strong polyacid, poly(sodium styrenesulfonate). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3927–3933, 2006
Rheological properties of high molecular weight (HMW) syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/HMW atactic PVA blend solutions
Authors: Lyoo Won Seok , Yeum Jeong Hyun , Kwon Oh Wook , Shin Dong Soo , Han Sung Soo , Kim Byoung Chul , Jeon Han Yong , Noh Seok Kyun
Published: August 2006

To identify the effect of blend ratios of syndiotacticity‐rich poly(vinyl alcohol) (s‐PVA)/atactic PVA (a‐PVA) having similar number‐average degrees of polymerization (Pn)s of 4000 and degrees of saponification (DS)s of 99.9% on the rheological properties of s‐PVA/a‐PVA/water solutions, water‐soluble s‐PVA and a‐PVA with different syndiotactic diad contents of 58.5 and 54.0%, respectively, were prepared by bulk copolymerization of vinyl pivalate and vinyl acetate (VAc) and solution polymerization of VAc, followed by saponifying the corresponding copoly(vinyl pivalate/vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl acetate). The blend ratios played a significant role in rheological behavior. Over the frequency range of 10−1–102 rad/s, s‐PVA/a‐PVA blend solutions with larger s‐PVA content show more shear thinning at similar (Pn)s and (DS)s of polymer, suggesting that PVA molecules are more readily oriented as s‐PVA content increases. Yield stress is higher for s‐PVA/a‐PVA blend solutions with larger s‐PVA content at similar (Pn)s and (DS)s of polymer. This indicates that more domains with internal order are produced at larger s‐PVA content in s‐PVA/a‐PVA blend solutions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3934–3939, 2006
Synthesis, characterization, and optoelectronic properties of two new polyfluorenes/poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)s copolymers
Authors: Yu Zongqiang , Tan Songting , Zou Yingping , Fan Benhu , Yuan Zhuliang , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2006

Two novel copolymers of polyfluorenes/poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)s copolymers with p‐tert‐butyl‐phenylenemethylene groups in the C‐9 position of alternating fluorene unit, poly[1,4‐(2,5‐dibutyloxyl)‐phenyleneviny lene‐alt‐9‐(p‐tert‐butyl‐phenylenemethylene)fluorene] and poly[1,4‐(2,5‐dioctyloxyl)‐phenylenevinylene‐alt‐9‐(p‐tert‐butyl‐phenylenemethylene)fluorine], have been synthesized via the Heck polycondensation reaction. The synthesized polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, UV–vis, and PL spectra. The polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and good thermal stability. A polymer light‐emitting diode with the configuration ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P2/Ca/Al has been fabricated. The device emitted a yellow light with a peak wavelength of 578 nm similar to the PL spectra of the copolymer film. A maximal luminance of 534 cd/m2 was obtained at a driving voltage of 24.5 V. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3955–3962, 2006
Superfine structure, physical properties, and dyeability of alkaline hydrolyzed soly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica nanocomposite fibers prepared by in situ polymerization
Authors: Yang Yongzhe , Gu Hongchen
Published: August 2006

In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/SiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization and melt‐spun to fibers. The superfine structure, physical properties, and dyeability of alkaline hydrolyzed PET/SiO2 nanocomposite fibers were studied. According to the TEM, SiO2 nanoparticles were well dispersed in the PET matrix at a size level of 10–20 nm. PET/SiO2 nanocomposite fibers were treated with aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide at 100°C for different time. The differences in the alkaline hydrolysis mechanism between pure PET and PET/SiO2 nanocomposite fibers were preliminarily investigated, which were evaluated in terms of the weight loss, tensile strength, specific surface area, as well as disperse dye uptake. PET/SiO2 nanocomposite fibers showed a greater degree of weight loss as compared with that of pure PET fibers. More and tougher superfine structures, such as cracks, craters, and cavities, were introduced, which would facilitate the certain application like deep dyeing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3691–3697, 2006
Effect of coal filler on the properties of soy protein plastics
Authors: Guang‐Heng Wang , An‐ning Zhou , Xiao‐Bing Hu
Published: August 2006

The influence of ultrafine coal filler (UFC) content on tensile properties, water absorption, and biodegradability of soy protein plastics were investigated. The addition of UFC in the soy protein plastics, with different content of glycerol as a plasticizer, was at different ratio varying from 10:0 to 6:4. Blend sheets of the soy protein composites were prepared by the compression molding processing. The results show that, with 23.08 wt % glycerol, the tensile strength and elongation at break for the soy protein sheet with coal filler (range from 5 to 30 parts) can be enhanced as compared with nonfilled soy protein plastics. Water resistance of the soy protein plastics improves with the increase in UFC content. The derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curves indicate a double‐stage degradation process for defatted soy flour (SPF), while three‐stage degradation process for soy plastics and the soy protein composites. FT‐IR, XPS, and SEM were applied to study the interfacial interaction between coal macromolecules and soy protein molecules in UFC filled soy protein plastics. The results demonstrated that there is strong interfacial interaction in the soy protein plastics caused by the compression molding processing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3134–3143, 2006
Sorption of Cr(III)‐containing cations on strongly basic anion exchangers
Authors: Drutsa Raisa , Gutsanu V. , Rusu V.
Published: August 2006

It is shown that strongly basic anion exchangers AV‐17 and Varion‐AD in definite conditions are able to retain Cr(III)‐containing ions from Cr(III) sulfate solution. It is found that the sorption of Cr(III)‐containing ions on the polymers is essentially dependent on the pH, temperature, and Cr(III) sulfate concentration. The maximum temperature dependence of sorption was found to be about 60°C. The sorption isotherms are well described by Langmuir's equations. The sorption kinetics is determined by the diffusion of Cr(III)‐containing ions into polymer's phase. It is assumed that the Cr(III)‐containing ions are retained through formation, in polymer's phase, of the jarosite‐type mineral compounds: R4N[Cr3(OH)6(SO4)2], H3O[Cr3(OH)6(SO4)2], and K[Cr3(OH)6(SO4)2]. For comparison of sorptional capacities, the sorption of Cr(III)‐containing ions was determined on different cation and anion exchangers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3978–3985, 2006
Mechanical and thermomechanical characterization of PVC/polyalkylacrylate blends
Authors: Chakrabarti Rupa , Chakraborty Debabrata
Published: August 2006

The effect of blending poly(ethyl acrylate) and poly(butyl acrylate) in various proportions with suitably stabilized and plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was studied with reference to their physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength indicated a rise initially, followed by their steady decrease with increasing concentration of the polyalkyl acrylates. A corresponding behavior of elongation at break and toughness are exhibited. The various polyblends exhibit thermal stability over unmodified PVC, as reflected from their thermomechanical studies, in which the penetration is also inversely related to the respective moduli. The biphasic cocontinuous systems as explicit from the morphological studies support phase mixing at the initial stages, with subsequent phasing‐out tendency, with increasing percentage of polyalkyl acrylate incorporation. The thermomechanical parameters are in conformity to their mechanical parameters, which have been further supported by their morphological studies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3698–3703, 2006
Hydrophobically graded polyester polyol acrylate polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and microencapsulation of sulfamethoxazole for controlled release application
Authors: Nivasu M. Venkata , Tammishetti Shekharam
Published: August 2006

Polyester polyol macromers were prepared by using diacid‐diol condensation reaction using succinic acid as the acid component and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) as the diol component. Replacing PEG 200 with increasing amounts of butanediol resulted in macromers, which upon acrylation of end hydroxy groups and polymerization resulted in polymers with graded hydrophobicity depending on the amount of butanediol present in the polymer. These polymers showed expected trends in water equilibrium swells, equilibrium water contact angles, and in vitro degradation times depending on the amount of modification with butanediol. These polymers were used to microencapsulate sulfamethoxazole as a model drug and the in vitro delivery of the drug also followed the expected trend depending on the polymer hydrophobicity. Thus, it was shown that it is possible to prepare polyesters of graded properties by judicious selection of diacids and diols. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4058–4065, 2006
Studies on blends of polychloroprene and polybutadiene rubber containing phosphorylated cardanol prepolymer: Melt rheology, cure characteristics, and mechanical properties
Authors: Menon A. R. R. , Visconte L. L. Y.
Published: August 2006

Melt rheology, cure characteristics, and mechanical properties of blends of polychloroprene (CR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR) in the presence and absence of phosphorylated cardanol prepolymer (PCP) were studied. The melt rheology parameters of the blends over a wide range of shear rates and temperatures were studied using a capillary rheometer (Rheoflixer SWO). The plasticizing effect of PCP in the blends was indicated by reduction in apparent melt viscosity and activation energy for melt flow. Good compatibility between the blend components (CR and BR) in the presence of PCP was evidenced by the lower values of principal normal stress difference. The self crosslinking behavior of the blends in the presence and absence of PCP was studied at different temperatures, using a Brabender Plasicorder and the kinetic parameters of crosslinking were evaluated. The cure characteristics of blends of CR and BR containing different dosages of PCP (0–10 phr) in a semi efficient vulcanization system were also studied at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 180°C, using an oscillating disk rheometer. The increase in tensile modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength of the vulcanizates in the presence of 5 phr of PCP is presumed to be an indication of reinforcement resulting from accelerated cross linking reaction as evidenced by higher chemical crosslink density index. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3195–3200, 2006
Experimental investigation of infrared rapid surface heating for injection molding
Authors: Chang Pei‐Chi , Hwang Sheng‐Jye
Published: August 2006

A low cost and practical infrared rapid surface heating system for injection molding is designed and investigated. The system was designed to assemble on the mold and a control system was used to operate the motion of the lamp holder. Four infrared halogen lamps (1 kW each) were used as the radiative source to heat the surface of mold insert. The temperature increase is verified on the mold plate with a thermal video system. Two types of specular reflectors combined with different bulb configurations were applied to study the heating ability of radiation heating. A modified spiral flow mold was used to test the enhancing filling ability of the rapid surface heating system. Three resins, PP, PMMA and PC were molded in the spiral flow injection molding experiments. If spherical reflector and centralized lamp configuration are used, the temperature at the center of the mold surface is the highest. The temperature of mold center surface is raised from 83°C to 188°C with 15 s of infrared heating. Because the surface temperature of the mold insert is higher than the glass transition temperature of resins before filling, the flow distance of resins in the modified spiral flow mold will be increased. The location effect of the infrared surface heating system on a thin‐long cavity was studied to demonstrate the possibility of using smaller infrared heating area on a large mold surface. A microprobe cavity also demonstrated that with the assistance of infrared heating technology the formability of a microprobe can be greatly improved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3704–3713, 2006
Accelerated aging versus realistic aging in aerospace composite materials. II. Chemistry of thermal aging in a structural composite
Authors: Dao B. , Hodgkin J. , Krstina J. , Mardel J. , Tian W.
Published: August 2006

Samples of an aerospace structural epoxy composite (8552/IM7) were subject to long‐term (≈ 1 year) thermal aging at temperatures of 70°, 120°, 170°, and 200°C (in air). The changes to the chemical and physicochemical structure of the composite were analyzed by a range of different techniques, including gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to compare the effects of different severities of degradation treatment. The results highlighted the large differences in chemical effects between the surface and the interior of the composite with very minor changes in the latter even at quite high aging temperatures and long aging times. The oxidative changes at the surface, however, varied from highly selective molecular changes for particular chemical groups at the lower aging temperatures (70° and 120°C), to quite general and extensive oxidative degradation at the higher aging temperatures (170° and 200°C). The results indicated that the mechanical changes in an aged composite of this type will vary greatly with the material thickness and surface protection as well as the aging temperature the composite is exposed to. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3221–3232, 2006
Development of novel film using paramylon prepared from Euglena gracilis
Authors: Kawahara Yutaka , Koganemaru Akihiro
Published: August 2006

A novel film was developed using paramylon from Euglena gracilis and its physical properties were investigated. Formic acid was suitable for the preparation of a solution of paramylon, and a transparent even yellow film was obtained by casting the solution on a glass plate and drying the cast film in air without using coagulation bath. However, the spinability of a paramylon solution was fairly low. The spinability was a little enhanced by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) up to 70%. The paramylon/PVA blend fibers were produced through wet spinning using coagulation bath of conc. Na2SO4 at a room temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3495–3497, 2006
Preparation and surface activity of modified soy protein
Authors: Lin Li‐Huei , Chen Keng‐Ming
Published: August 2006

A series of novel surfactants have been prepared by the reaction of hydrolyzed soy protein with alkyl succinic anhydride. These novel surfactants exhibit excellent surface active properties including surface tension, foaming, emulsifying, wetting power, and buffer ability. The hydrophobic modified protein exhibit more surface activity than original protein because of the enhanced hydrophobicity in structure. The increase in hydrophobic chain length leads to an increase in the surface activity. The surface tension reduction is correlated to the hydrophobicity of the modified molecule, which was determined by a fluorescent probe. In application on cotton bleaching procedures, these surfactants increase the whiteness of fabrics. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3498–3503, 2006
Barrier properties for short‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy foams
Authors: Alonso M. V. , Auad M. L. , Sorathia U. , Marcovich N. E. , Nutt S. R.
Published: August 2006

The barrier properties of short‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy foam are characterized and compared with unreinforced epoxy foam in terms of moisture absorption, flammability properties, and impact properties. Compression and shear properties are also included to place in perspective the mechanical behavior of these materials. Compared with conventional epoxy foam, foam reinforced with aramid fibers exhibits higher moisture absorption and lower diffusion, while glass‐fiber‐reinforced foam is significantly stiffer and stronger. In addition, the polymeric foam composites studied present superior fire‐resistance compared with conventional epoxy foam systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3266–3272, 2006
Red emission from Eu3+: PVA polymer film
Authors: Seeta Rama Raju G. , Buddhudu S. , Varada Rajulu A.
Published: August 2006

Bright red luminescent Eu3+ doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were made by solution casting technique. The emission performance of these films was studied from the measurement of excitation, emission, and lifetimes. On irradiation with an UV source, the doped films emitted bright red light. Such luminescent polymer films are expected to find potential applications as new optical materials. Emission process in the system was explained by an energy level scheme. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3273–3276, 2006