bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of interfacial adhesion in binary polymer blends: a new approach based on positron lifetime study
Authors: Ranganathaiah Chikkakuntappa 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA new method of characterizing the adhesion at the interface of partially miscible and immiscible binary polymer blends based on free volume concept is described here. The efficacy of the method is tested in four binary polymer blend systems namely PS/PMMA, PVC/EVA, PP/NBR and PVC/SAN. The usefulness of hydrodynamic interaction is exploited which is derived from free volume data to understand the changes at the interface. We understand that if the adhesion at the interface is good it exhibits large negative values for hydrodynamic interaction parameter α, a measure of excess friction at the interface. The thermal properties (indicated by Tg) also improve for this condition. To show that the method is sensitive to the changes at the interface, we modified the interface through microwave and e-beam irradiation and found from α characterization, that blends with polar groups exhibit interface stabilization for microwave irradiation while e-beam is good for blends with no polar or weak polar groups.
Performance enhancement of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane by blending with polyurethane hydrophilic polymer
Authors: Arthanareeswaran Gangasalam , Velu S. , Muruganandam Loganathan 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the effect of two solvents such as N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide (DMAc) used in the production of polysulfone (PSf) and polyurethane (PU) blend ultrafiltration membranes, influence permeability and selectivity. PSf/PU membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method using polymer concentrations of 100/0, 20/80 and 0/100 wt%. Permeation performance of the prepared membranes was evaluated in terms of pure water flux, water content and hydraulic resistance. It was found that the membrane composed of 20/80 wt% of PSf/PU in the presence of DMAc showed a water flux of 60.5 l m-2h-1 under transmembrane pressure of 345 kPa, and the water flux of 23.5 l m-2h-1 for 20/80 wt% of PSf/PU in the presence of DMF. With increasing the polarity of DMAc in the casting solution, an increase in porous layer thickness was observed, and then a good water flux of membranes can be obtained. It was found that the polar solvent caused the rapidly demixing of casting solution in coagulation bath and formed porous asymmetric membranes with defective skin layer. The permeation rates of proteins were measured with different molecular weights of the proteins.
Synthesis and characterization of modified poly(methyl methacrylate)/Al2O3nanocomposites as denture resins
Authors: Saboktakin Mohammad Reza , Tabatabaie Roya M. , Maharramov Abel , Ramazanov Mohammad Ali 
Published: August 2011

AbstractHybrid materials, which consist of organic-inorganic materials, are of profound interest owing to their unexpected synergistically derived properties. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles/polymer composites have been produced using a one-system polymer synthesis. The linear polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA,MW=15,000 g/mol) is applied for the stabilization of Al2O3nanoparticles. Fourier transfer infrared analysis data and scanning electron microscopy image reveal that the core shell structure of the Al2O3/PMMA nanocomposite has been synthesized. The ratio of concentration of the capping polymer material to the concentration of the Al2O3precursor could control the size of Al2O3nanoparticles. With specific concentration of the reductant, the core-shell nanostructure could be fluctuated in order.
Synthesis, characterization and corrosion protection properties of polyN-(p-bromophenyl)-2-methacrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate on low nickel stainless steel
Authors: Safiullah Sakvai Mohammed , Thirumoolan Deivasigamani , Basha Kottur Anver , Govindaraju K. Mani , Gopi Dhanraj , Kanai Tapan , Samui Asit Baran 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The synthesis of copolymers from different feed ratios of N-(p-bromophenyl)-2- methacrylamide (PBPMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was achieved by using free radical solution polymerization technique and characterized using FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the synthesized copolymers was studied using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular weight of the copolymer is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The corrosion performances of low nickel stainless steel specimens dip coated with different composition of copolymers were investigated in 0.5 M H2SO4 using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) techniques. The polarization and impedance measurements showed different corrosion protection efficiency with change in composition of the copolymers. It was found that the corrosion protection properties are owing to the barrier effect of the polymer layer covered on the low nickel stainless steel surfaces. However, it is observed that the mole ratio of PBPMA and GMA plays a major role in the protective nature of the copolymer.
Kinetic parameters estimation of ring-opening poly(lactic acid) polymerization by modeling and simulation
Authors: Mehta Rajeev , Kumar Vineet , Upadhyay Sidh Nath 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The modeling of ring-opening polymerization of lactide to poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been carried out. Carothers first synthesized PLA in 1932. Since then, hundreds of research papers and patents have appeared in the literature. However, there is a lack of data concerning the rate constants for initiation, propagation and termination steps of PLA polymerization, except some data about the apparent rate constant. This work investigates, theoretically, the individual rate constants using a simple numerical technique. The progress of lactide polymerization can be modeled by assuming a ring opening reaction mechanism comprising chain initiation, chain propagation, and chain termination. The simulator developed, based on the solutionof differential equations corresponding to the above-mentioned kinetic scheme, Generates a detailed molecular weight distribution that can be used to estimate average molecular weights (or average degree of polymerization) vs. polymerization time curves. These simulated curves, on matching with the reported experimental data (for different catalysts), yield the absolute values of rate constants. The values have been determined for zinc lactate. Rate constants could be determined by using the molecular weight and the polydispersity vs. polymerization data. This methodology offers greater opportunity for capturing high, non-equilibrium polymer yield through appropriately timed termination of the polymerization reaction.
Quality-of-Care Indicators for Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Wang C. Jason , Kavanagh Patricia L. , Little Alison A. , Holliman Jaime Bruce , Sprinz Philippa G. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:To develop a set of quality-of-care indicators for the management of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are cared for in a variety of settings by addressing the broad spectrum of complications relevant to their illness.METHODS:We used the Rand/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness method, a modified Delphi method, to develop the indicators. The process included a comprehensive literature review with ratings of the evidence and 2 rounds of anonymous ratings by an expert panel (nominated by leaders of various US academic societies and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). The panelists met face-to-face to discuss each indicator in between the 2 rounds.RESULTS:The panel recommended 41 indicators that cover 18 topics; 17 indicators described routine health care maintenance, 15 described acute or subacute care, and 9 described chronic care. The panel identified 8 indicators most likely to have a large positive effect on improving quality of life and/or health outcomes for children with SCD, which covered 6 topics: timely assessment and treatment of pain and fever; comprehensive planning; penicillin prophylaxis; transfusion; and the transition to adult care.CONCLUSIONS:Children with SCD are at risk for serious morbidities and early mortality, yet efforts to assess and improve the quality of their care have been limited compared with other chronic childhood conditions. This set of 41 indicators can be used to assess quality of care and provide a starting point for quality-improvement efforts.
Accuracy and Complications of Computer‐Designed Selective Laser Sintering Surgical Guides for Flapless Dental Implant Placement and Immediate Definitive Prosthesis Installation
Authors: Di Giacomo Giovanni A. , da Silva Jorge V. , da Silva Airton M. , Paschoal Gustavo H. , Cury Patricia R. , Szarf Gilberto 
Published: August 2011

Background: Computer‐aided dental implant placement seems to be useful for placing implants by using a flapless approach. However, evidence supporting such applications is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of and complications that arise from the use of selective laser sintering surgical guides for flapless dental implant placement and immediate definitive prosthesis installation.Methods: Sixty implants and 12 prostheses were installed in 12 patients (four males and eight females; age range: 41 to 71 years). Lateral (coronal and apical) and angular deviations between virtually planned and placed implants were measured. The patients were followed up for 30 months, and surgical and prosthetic complications were documented.Results: The mean ± SD angular, coronal, and apical deviations were 6.53° ± 4.31°, 1.35 ± 0.65 mm, and 1.79 ± 1.01 mm, respectively. Coronal and apical deviations of <2 mm were observed in 82.67% and 58.33% of the implants, respectively. The total complication rate was 34.41%; this rate pertained to complications such as pulling of the soft tissue from the lingual surface during drilling, insertion of an implant that was wider than planned, implant instability, prolonged pain, midline deviation of the prosthesis, and prosthesis fracture. The cumulative survival rates for implants and prostheses were 98.33% and 91.66%, respectively.Conclusions: The mean lateral deviation was <1.8 mm, and the mean angular deviation was 6.53°. However, 41.67% of the implants had apical deviation >2 mm. The complication rate was 34.4%. Hence, computer‐aided dental implant surgery still requires improvement and should be considered as in the developmental stage.
Birth Weight of Infants of Mothers With Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Schenkein Harvey A. , Koertge Thomas E. , Sabatini Robert , Brooks Carol N. , Gunsolley John C. 
Published: August 2011

Background: It was hypothesized that if periodontal infections predispose low birth weights and premature birth, then such outcomes should be apparent when the mother has aggressive periodontitis (AgP).Methods: Birth weight data were collected by questionnaire from females with AgP, their periodontally healthy siblings, and unrelated periodontally healthy women. Both prospective and retrospective birth outcome data were used. Because many of the periodontal evaluations were performed after the births, there were incomplete data regarding most of the risk factors for low birth weight. We determined associations between mothers’ periodontal diagnoses and clinical variables and the reported birth weights.Results: There were no significant differences in mean birth weights of babies born to control subjects or AgP patients. This was true whether all the births were considered or only those reported <1 or 2 years before periodontal examination. For periodontally healthy controls, 13.2% of babies born to siblings of AgP patients and 12.8% of babies born to unrelated mothers weighed <2,500 g, whereas 9.9% of those born to mothers with generalized AgP and 10.3% of those born to mothers with localized AgP weighed <2,500 g.Conclusions: Because of the relative rarity of AgP in the population, and attendant difficulties in performing a prospective study of its association with pregnancy outcomes, we used a compromised approach using prospective data as well as weaker retrospective data assuming that disease onset was likely before the births. Our results, within the limitations of this approach, indicate no evidence that AgP in the mother predisposes low birth weights. AgP has many unique biologic characteristics that differentiate it from chronic forms of periodontal disease, and the possible lack of its association with birth weight may be another such characteristic.
Reduced Serum Vitamin D–Binding Protein Levels Are Associated With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Blanton Dustin , Han Zhao , Bierschenk Lindsey , Linga-Reddy M.V. Prasad , Wang Hongjie , Clare-Salzler Michael , Haller Michael , Schatz Desmond , Myhr Courtney , She Jin-Xiong , Wasserfall Clive , Atkinson Mark 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have noted a specific association between type 1 diabetes and insufficient levels of vitamin D, as well as polymorphisms within genes related to vitamin D pathways. Here, we examined whether serum levels or genotypes of the vitamin D–binding protein (VDBP), a molecule key to the biologic actions of vitamin D, specifically associate with the disorder.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of VDBP levels used samples from 472 individuals of similar age and sex distribution, including 153 control subjects, 203 patients with type 1 diabetes, and 116 first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetic patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing for VDBP polymorphisms (SNP rs4588 and rs7041) was performed on this cohort to determine potential genetic correlations. In addition, SNP analysis of a second sample set of banked DNA samples from 1,502 type 1 diabetic patients and 1,880 control subjects also was used to determine genotype frequencies.

RESULTS
Serum VDBP levels were highest in healthy control subjects (median 423.5 µg/mL [range 193.5–4,345.0; interquartile range 354.1–]586), intermediate in first-degree relatives (402.9 µg/mL [204.7–4,850.0; 329.6–492.4]), and lowest in type 1 diabetic patients (385.3 µg/mL [99.3–1,305.0; 328.3–473.0]; P = 0.003 vs. control subjects). VDBP levels did not associate with serum vitamin D levels, age, or disease duration. However, VDBP levels were, overall, lower in male subjects (374.7 µg/mL [188.9–1,602.0; 326.9–449.9]) than female subjects (433.4 µg/mL [99.3–4,850.0; 359.4–567.8]; P &lt; 0.0001). It is noteworthy that no differences in genotype frequencies of the VDBP polymorphisms were associated with serum VDBP levels or between type 1 diabetic patients and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS
Serum VDBP levels are decreased in those with type 1 diabetes. These studies suggest that multiple components in the metabolic pathway of vitamin D may be altered in type 1 diabetes and, collectively, have the potential to influence disease pathogenesis.
Adiponectin and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Hispanics and African Americans
Authors: Hanley Anthony J.G. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Norris Jill M. , Bergman Richard , Anderson Andrea , Chen Y. Ida , Lorenzo Carlos , Haffner Steven M. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
A recent meta-analysis of 13 prospective studies reported that higher levels of adiponectin were significantly associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Most previous studies, however, were limited in their ability to adjust for appropriate confounding variables. Our objective, therefore, was to study this association after adjustment for directly measured adiposity and insulin sensitivity, expressed as the insulin sensitivity index (SI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The study included 1,096 Hispanic and African American participants free of diabetes at baseline (2000–2002) who returned for follow-up after 5 years. SI was determined from frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests with minimal model analysis. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area was determined by computed tomography. Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined using American Diabetes Association criteria. Multivariate generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were used to account for correlations within families.

RESULTS
A total of 82 subjects met criteria for incident diabetes. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, and smoking, adiponectin was significantly inversely associated with diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 0.54 per 1 SD difference [95% CI 0.38–0.76]). The association remained significant after additional adjustment in individual models for BMI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, or VAT (all P &lt; 0.05). However, adiponectin was no longer associated in separate models adjusted for SI or IFG (OR 0.81 [0.56–1.16] and 0.75 [0.53–1.06], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Adiponectin was inversely associated with incident diabetes after adjustment for conventional anthropometric and metabolic variables or VAT. Adjustment for detailed measures of SI attenuated this relationship, however, suggesting that the link between adiponectin and diabetes may operate at least in part through insulin resistance.
Random Blood Glucose Measurement at Antenatal Booking to Screen for Overt Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Church David , Halsall David , Meek Claire , Parker Richard A. , Murphy Helen R. , Simmons David 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
To assess random venous blood glucose (RBG) measurement at antenatal booking to detect “overt diabetes in pregnancy” (ODIP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of regional hospital obstetric data from 2004–2008 was performed. Universal RBG screening was included at booking. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered if RBG &gt;7.0 mmol/L or other indications, e.g., if a 50-g glucose challenge test was &gt;7.7 mmol/L at 26–28 weeks. ODIP was based upon World Health Organization plasma glucose criteria for diabetes.

RESULTS
RBG data were collected from 17,852/26,369 (67.7%) pregnancies around the initial antenatal visit; 3,007 women had an OGTT. The receiver operator curve area under the curve for RBG to detect ODIP was 0.86 (0.80–0.92) (assuming women without an OGTT did not have ODIP).

CONCLUSIONS
RBG at booking may provide a sufficiently sensitive screening tool for the detection of ODIP. We recommend further studies and comparison with fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Surgical Site Infections After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , McMillen Ryan L. , Lowery Nicholas J. , Frykberg Robert G. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
This prospective study was designed to evaluate the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after foot and ankle surgery in patients with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The study prospectively evaluated 1,465 consecutive foot and ankle surgical cases performed by a single surgeon.

RESULTS
The overall SSI rate in this study was 3.5%, with significantly more infections occurring in individuals with diabetes than in those without (9.5 vs. 2.4%, P &lt; 0.001). Peripheral neuropathy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, current or past smoking, and increasing length of surgery were significantly associated with SSI on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates significant associations between the development of SSI and chronic complications of diabetes. We confirm previous findings that it is peripheral neuropathy and not diabetes itself that most strongly determines the development of postoperative infections in these surgical patients.
Effect on clinical outcomes of patient pain expectancies and preoperative Mental Component Summary scores from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Carr Frances A. , Healy Kyle M. , Villavicencio Alan T. , Nelson E. Lee , Mason Alexander , Burneikiene Sigita , Hernández Theresa D. 
Published: August 2011

Object
The primary purpose of this study was to analyze what effect preoperative patient expectations and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores have on clinical outcomes. To the authors' knowledge, there are no prospective studies that have examined the effects of both preoperative pain expectations and SF-36 MCS scores on clinical outcomes and satisfaction with results following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods
This study analyzed 79 patients (38 men, 41 women) undergoing 1- to 3-level ACDF surgery. Preoperatively, patients were divided into 2 groups for the expectation analyses: patients who expected complete resolution of pain postoperatively (44 total) and those who expected some residual pain (35 total) postoperatively. Preoperative SF-36 MCS scores were used to test the possible effects of mental health on clinical outcomes and satisfaction. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scales (VASs) for neck/arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS)/MCS, and patient satisfaction with results scales. The mean follow-up duration was 38.8 months (range 7–59 months).

Results
All postoperative measures depicted significant improvement overall. Patients who expected no pain reported lower postoperative neck/arm pain scores (p < 0.02), higher SF-36 MCS scores (p = 0.04), and higher satisfaction with results scores (p = 0.01) compared with patients who expected some pain, after controlling for their respective preoperative scores. Higher preoperative SF-36 MCS scores predicted significantly lower postoperative neck pain (p = 0.003) and NDI (p = 0.004) scores, as well as higher postoperative SF-36 PCS (p = 0.002), SF-36 MCS (p = 0.001), and satisfaction (p = 0.03) scores, after controlling for their respective preoperative scores.

Conclusions
Patients who expected no pain postoperatively reported better scores on the nonstandardized outcome measure scales (VAS arm/neck, satisfaction with results), and higher SF-36 MCS scores. Higher preoperative MCS scores were related to better overall (standardized and nonstandardized) clinical outcomes (VAS neck, NDI, SF-36 PCS/MCS, and satisfaction with results). The results suggest that optimism in patients' expectations as well as mental well-being are related to improved clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.