bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interests and lobbying in Lithuania: a spectrum of development
Authors: Hrebenar Ronald J. , McBeth Courtney H. , Morgan Bryson B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBy focusing on the case of Lithuania, this paper develops a framework for understanding the development and characteristics of interest groups and the broader category of interest systems in the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe.Nearly two decades have passed since the transition to democracy in the former Baltic Soviet republics and Eastern Europe. These nations have established democratic elections, modern judicial systems, institutions of representative government and guarantees of civil rights and civil liberties. Successful democratization, however, also requires the construction of a civil society characterized by open channels of communication between citizens and interests and their governments. Recent studies of the democratization of the former Soviet republics and satellite states in Eastern Europe have rarely addressed the development and role of interest groups and lobbying in these nations. This paper fills this void by presenting the findings of the first major study of interest group politics and lobbying in Lithuania. The major findings are based upon interviews of nearly 50 Lithuanian political, academic, bureaucratic and media elites conducted in the July of 2005.Overall, the lobbying community in Lithuania is underdeveloped, often corrupt, and is negatively perceived by many Lithuanians elites. Much of this is due to the legacy of communism which heavily influences the perception and efficacy of interest groups and lobbying resulting in a suspicion among the public and government officials that has impeded the development of an effective lobbying community. Lithuanian interest groups do not use sophisticated practices or tactics of lobbying; access is largely based on personal connections and corrupt practices. The business community is the most effective lobby due to its contacts and extensive resources; in contrast, the labour lobby is weak due to a hangover from communist times. Looking to the future development of the Lithuanian lobbying community, it is unclear what effect the entry of Lithuania into the European Union (May 2004) will have on the development of interest group activities and lobbying.Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic interest groups and the consolidation of democracy in the Czech Republic
Authors: Evanson Robert K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses organized economic interest groups in the Czech Republic placed in the context of the development of interest group activity in the post communist era and how this bodes for the consolidation of Czech democracy. After a brief overview of Czech political and economic developments since the end of communist rule, the origins, evolution and present state of interest groups are outlined. There has been a proliferation of economic interest groups, particularly in the business arena. However, there are some concerns about interest groups activity, which are examined next. The paper then moves to its main focus—the examination of economic interests. It does this by explaining the interaction among business, labour and government in the policy‐making arena and explaining apparent contradictions in the perceived influence of business. This is followed by a similar look at Czech agriculture. The paper concludes with some speculation about the likely future development of interest groups and what this might mean for the nature of Czech democracy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business lobbies and policymaking in developing countries: the contrasting cases of India and China
Authors: Yadav Vineeta 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAmong the key decisions lobbies make are which political players to lobby, at what stage or stages to intervene in the policy process and which strategies and tactics to use. This paper addresses the lack of sources of knowledge beyond the United States for understanding these key decisions. It argues that the manner in which the design of legislative institutions establishes the balance of power between political parties and individual politicians has a significant influence on all three choices of the target of lobbying, the stage of the policymaking process in which to lobby and the strategies and tactics used by lobbies. Data to support the arguments are presented from a survey of groups in India and China.Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous occurrence of right adrenocortical tumor and left adrenal neuroblastoma in an infant with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Alsultan Abdulrahman , Lovell Mark A. , Hayes Kari L. , Allshouse Michael J. , Garrington Timothy P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractChildren with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) have increased risk for development of embryonal tumors. We present the case of an infant with BWS who has hypomethylation of LIT1 gene in the 11p15.5 chromosomal region and at 6 months of age presented with simultaneous occurrence of neuroblastoma arising from the left adrenal gland and a right adrenocortical tumor. She underwent surgical resection of both tumors and remains tumor free 18 months after surgery. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:695–698. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure–properties of electron beam irradiated and dicumyl peroxide cured low density polyethylene blends
Authors: Ali Zakaria , Youssef Hussein , Afify Tamer 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLow density polyethylene (LDPE) and its blends with styrene butadiene rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer were cured, using electron beam irradiation as well as dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The effect of blending was found to change the melt viscosity when compared with the virgin LDPE. Also, the influence of curing system on the various properties was investigated. It was found that either irradiation or DCP curing enhanced the gel content and crosslink density as well as the mechanical and hot set properties. The obtained data showed that the curing greatly influence the stress strain and hot set properties, in which there is a variation in such properties for both curing methods in spite of the gel contents were comparable. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Compatibilization of low‐density polyethylene/plasticized starch blends by reactive compounds and electron beam irradiation
Authors: Senna Magdy M. , Hossam Fatma M. , El‐Naggar Abdel Wahab M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBlends based on various compositions of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and plasticized starch (PLST) were prepared by melt extrusion and molding in the form of sheets under hot press. The rheology properties during mixing were studied in terms of torque and temperature against mixing time. The structural properties of LDPE/PLST blends before and after electron beam irradiation was characterized by IR spectroscopy, tensile mechanical testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The torque‐time curves during the mixing process showed that the values of torque in the first region of mixing for pure LDPE or LDPE/PLST blends are higher in the presence of the compatibilizer PEMA than that in the presence of EVA. In addition, the stability of mixing was attained after a short time in the presence of PEMA. The IR spectroscopy suggests that the compatibilization by EVA and PEMA compounds proceeds through the formation of hydrogen bonding during mixing and this compatibility was improved after electron beam irradiation. The stress–strain curves of pure LDPE and its blends with PLST showed the behavior of tough polymers with yielding properties. The SEM micrographs of the fracture surfaces give supports to the effect of EVA and PEMA as compatibilizers and the effect of electron beam irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic activity of Prussian blue/poly(N‐acetylaniline) composite film
Authors: Wu Shouguo , Wang Chuanqin , Wang Changqin , Zhang Xian , Wang Taoling 
Published: July 2008

AbstractElectrochemical preparation of the Prussian blue (PB)/poly (N‐acetylaniline) (PNAANI) composite film was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Its surface morphology, which was evaluated by Atom Force Microscope (AFM), revealed that PNAANI film provides lots of redox centers for PB growth so that the electrodeposition of PB showed high current densities, and the composite film is much denser than pure PB film. The surface microstructure of the composite film was also characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). Due to the existence of electrostatic interaction between the PNAANI (polycation) film and the PB (polyanion) film, the composite film cannot be considered as a simple adherent bilayer of PB film and PNAANI film. The electroactivity and stability of the PB/PNAANI composite film in acidic electrolytes containing potassium ions were comparatively higher than that of the pure PB film. The functional composite film is expected for use in the system capable of effective accumulation of charge, and for the analytical applications towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide due to its high electrocatalytic activity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Calcium polyphosphate fibers/unsaturated poly(ester‐amide) composites for bone‐fixation materials
Authors: Ai Yong‐Ping , Shi Zong‐Li , Guo Wen‐Xun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA new type of unsaturated poly(ester‐amide) viz maleic anhydride‐phthalic anhydride‐propylene glycol‐neopentylene glycol‐glycin copolymer was prepared by melt polycondensation and characterized after sealed end with cyclohexanol. Mechanical strength of the crosslinked unsaturated poly(ester‐amide) with different heat‐treatment conditions was measured. Calcium polyphosphate fibers (CPPF) were used to boost up the new unsaturated poly(ester‐amide), mechanical strength, degradation, and hydrolysis behavior of CPPF/unsaturated poly(ester‐amide) composites with different CPPF content were measured. All the preliminary results suggested that the CPPF/unsaturated poly(ester‐amide) composites might be potentially used as a new type of bone‐fixation material. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological behavior of LDPE/CaCO3 blends containing EAA
Authors: Dong Aiqin , Yin Qin , Xie Jie , Li Dan , Yin Yeping 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCalcium carbonate (CaCO3) filler particles were surface treated with organic titanate (TTS), a coupling agent. The composites were prepared by blending low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) with the surface‐modified fillers at various weight ratios. Ethylene‐acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) was added to improve the adhesion of LDPE to fillers. A capillary rheometer was used to evaluate rheological properties of the LDPE/CaCO3/EAA blends. The blends were shown to be pseudoplastic with shear thinning behavior. When CaCO3 was modified by TTS (<2 wt%), the viscosity of the blends decreased quickly, and, addition of a small amount of EAA (<6 wt%) could also decrease the viscosity of the blends. The thermal behavior of these materials is evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The addition of a small amount of EAA and TTS enhances the stabilization of the blends, which could be explained by the “ball belling” action. The effects of temperature, TTS content, CaCO3 granule size, and content on the rheological property were also studied. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characteristics of pH‐sensitive derivated dextran hydrogel nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wu Hong , Fan Li , Li Fei , Gu Chun‐hu , Jia Min 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn optimized procedure was used to prepare erythromycin (EM)‐loaded pH‐sensitive glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex‐GMA)/acrylic acid (AAc) nanoparticles. The size distribution and drug release profile at different pH demonstrated that poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles possessed pH‐sensitivity. At pH 1.2, the mean diameter of nanoparticles was about 60 nm. While at pH 7.4 it increased approximately to 250 nm. The release of EM was about 7% of initial loading after 2 h at pH 1.2. However, at pH 7.4 it reached to 17.8%, 30.9% after 2 and 6 h, respectively. The results demonstrated that poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles could release EM slightly while passing through acerbic stomach, whereas in the alkaline intestine the drug is released considerably. The prepared nanoparticles were partially degradable and also had satisfactory biocompatibility. This study suggests that the poly(dex‐GMA/AAc) nanoparticles are potential colon‐specific targeting carriers, which can keep promising pharmaceutical dosage form of EM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Concentration effect of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on the mechanical properties of glass fiber–epoxy composites
Authors: Sever Kutlay , Sarikanat Mehmet , Seki Yoldas , Tavman Ismail H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this study, glass fibers were modified using γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane of different concentrations to improve the interfacial adhesion at interfaces between fibers and matrix. Effects of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on mechanical properties and fracture behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composites were investigated experimentally. Mechanical properties of the composites have been investigated by tensile tests, short beam tests, and flexural tests. The short‐beam method was used to measure the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of laminates. The tensile and flexural properties of composites were characterized by tensile and three‐point bending tests, respectively. The fracture surfaces of the composites were observed with a scanning electron microscope. On comparing the results obtained for the different concentrations of silane solution, it was found that the 0.5% GPS silane treatment provided the best mechanical properties. The ILSS value of heat‐cleaned glass fiber reinforced composite is enhanced by ∼59% as a result of the glass fiber treatment with 0.5% γ‐GPS. Also, an improvement of about 37% in tensile strength, about 78% in flexural strength of the composite with the 0.5% γ‐GPS treatment of glass fibers was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymer/metal interpenetrating phase composites prepared via γ‐ray initiated in‐situ emulsion polymerization
Authors: Wang Mozhen , Geng Hongwei , Ge Xuewu , Li Jianrong , Kou Dongpeng 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe poly(methylmethacrylate)/metal and poly(butylacrylate‐co‐styrene)/metal interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) were prepared via γ‐ray irradiation in‐situ bulk and emulsion polymerization, respectively. The monomers were first introduced into open‐cell aluminum foam and aluminum alloy foam and were in‐situ polymerized by γ‐ray irradiation at room temperature. The characterization and compressive test results showed that this method expands the variety of the polymer component resulting in a useful range of physical properties of the IPCs, such as density and porosity. The PMMA/metal IPC has a high polymer filling ratio, modulus and exhibits a similar compressive behavior to that of PMMA. On the other hand, the P(BA‐co‐St)/metal IPC has a relatively low polymer filling ratio and its compressive behavior is similar to that of metal foam matrix, but it has wider plastic plateau than the component metal foams, like the case of metal foam filled with rubber. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Application of Scion image software to the simultaneous determination of curcuminoids in turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Authors: Sotanaphun Uthai , Phattanawasin Panadda , Sriphong Lawan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIntroductionCurcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin are bioactive constituents of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Owing to their different potency, quality control of turmeric based on the content of each curcuminoid is more reliable than that based on total curcuminoids. However, to perform such an assay, high‐cost instrument is needed.ObjectiveTo develop a simple and low‐cost method for the simultaneous quantification of three curcuminoids in turmeric using TLC and the public‐domain software Scion Image.MethodologyThe image of a TLC chromatogram of turmeric extract was recorded using a digital scanner. The density of the TLC spot of each curcuminoid was analysed by the Scion Image software. The density value was transformed to concentration by comparison with the calibration curve of standard curcuminoids developed on the same TLC plate.ResultsThe polynomial regression data for all curcuminoids showed good linear relationship with R2 > 0.99 in the concentration range of 0.375–6 µg/spot. The limits of detection and quantitation were 43–73 and 143–242 ng/spot, respectively. The method gave adequate precision, accuracy and recovery. The contents of each curcuminoid determined using this method were not significantly different from those determined using the TLC densitometric method.ConclusionTLC image analysis using Scion Image is shown to be a reliable method for the simultaneous analysis of the content of each curcuminoid in turmeric. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic conundrums of bipolar disorder
Authors: Pandarakalam James Paul 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBipolar disorder can be a destructive psychiatric condition with many faces. Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be a psychiatric detective mystery: early detection and appropriate treatment would help allow the illness to run a benign course, although complete recovery is the exception rather than the rule. Here, Dr Pandarakalam describes the main features of type I and type II bipolar disorder and discusses how diagnostic confusion may occur. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
National Phobics Society
Authors: O'Neill Catherine 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe National Phobics Society (NPS) is a charity led by sufferers and ex‐sufferers of anxiety to support fellow sufferers. Here, Catherine O'Neill, Service Co‐ordinator for the NPS, outlines the main aims of the society and discusses some of the work it is focusing on in 2008. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe Annual Conference 2008
Authors: Elswood Matthew , Hammond Phil 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCreating Mental WealthCreating Mental Wealth was the theme of Primhe's Annual Conference held jointly with Wales Mental Health in Primary Care Network (WaMHinPC) in Cardiff in April. Matthew Elswood, a Mental Health Pharmacist from Milton Keynes, reports on some of the highlights.What value health care?GP, writer and broadcaster, Phil Hammond, who chaired Primhe's annual conference, offers these observations on the meeting. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Synthesis and LCST‐type phase separation behavior in organic solvents of poly(vinyl ethers) with pendant imidazolium or pyridinium salts
Authors: Seno Ken‐Ichi , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito 
Published: July 2008

AbstractVinyl ether polymers with imidazolium or pyridinium salt pendants underwent sensitive lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase separation in organic media. Well‐defined poly(salts) were quantitatively prepared by reaction with corresponding imidazoles or pyridines and poly(2‐chloroethyl vinyl ether), which was synthesized by living cationic polymerization. For example, a solution of the homopolymer with butyl imidazolium salts exhibited a sharp and reversible transition in chloroform upon heating. Sensitive phase separation was also observed in nonpolar solvents, such as toluene, ethyl acetate, THF, containing a small amount of a good solvent, such as 1‐butanol (10–15 wt %). The dependency of the salt structures, molecular weight, and the concentration on this behavior was demonstrated. The cleavage of the hydrogen bond is a key factor in this phase separation, as indicated by DSC and 1H‐NMR measurements. On increasing the temperature, the interaction between the polymer pendant and the solvent became weaker, hence the pendant–pendant interaction was, in turn, induced through the counter anion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5724–5733, 2008
Large‐scale synthesis of arborescent polystyrenes
Authors: Munam Abdul , Gauthier Mario 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA method was developed for the large (100 g) scale synthesis of arborescent polystyrenes using acetyl coupling sites. Successive generations of dendritic graft polymers were obtained from cycles of polystyrene substrate acetylation with acetyl chloride and coupling in the presence of LiCl with “living” polystyryllithium chains capped with 2‐vinylpyridine units. The grafting yield for the synthesis of a generation zero (G0 or comb‐branched) arborescent polystyrene under the conditions previously reported for the 10 g scale reactions decreased from 95 to 75% when scaled up to 100 g. The lowered yield was linked to side chain dimerization and deactivation of the macroanions. The modified 100 g scale procedure, using end‐capping of the polystyryllithium with 1,1‐diphenylethylene and the addition of 3–6 equivalents per living end of 2‐vinylpyridine as a dilute solution, eliminated side chain dimerization and provided grafting yields of up to 95%. The large‐scale procedure developed was applied to the synthesis of arborescent polystyrenes of generations up to G2 with low polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.04) and molecular weights increasing in an approximately geometric fashion for each cycle. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5742–5751, 2008
Polyurethane–oligo(phenylenevinylene) random copolymers: π‐Conjugated pores, vesicles, and nanospheres via solvent‐induced self‐organization
Authors: Deepa P. , Jayakannan M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe report a new series of polyurethane–oligo(phenylenevinylene) (OPV) random copolymers and their self‐assembled nanomaterials such as pores, vesicles, and luminescent spheres. The polymers were synthesized through melt transurethane process by reacting a hydroxyl‐functionalized OPV with diurethane monomer and diol under solvent‐free and nonisocyanate conditions. The amount of OPV was varied up to 50 mol % in the feed to incorporate various amounts of π‐conjugated segments in the polyurethane backbone. The π‐conjugated segmented polymers were subjected to solvent induced self‐organization in THF or THF+water to produce variety of morphologies ranging from pores (500 nm to 1 μm) to spheres (100 nm to 2 μm). Upon shining 370‐nm light, the dark solid nanospheres of the copolymers transformed into blue luminescent nanoballs under fluorescence microscope. The mechanistic aspects of the self‐organization process were studied using solution FTIR and photophysical techniques such as absorption and emission to trace the factors which control the morphology. FTIR studies revealed that the hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in the copolymers with lower amount of OPV units. Time resolved fluorescent decay measurements of copolymers revealed that molecular aggregation via π‐conjugated segments play a major role in the samples with higher OPV content in the random block polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 46: 5897–5915, 2008