bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Northeast monsoon rainfall variability over south peninsular India vis‐à‐vis the Indian Ocean dipole mode
Authors: Kripalani R. H. , Kumar Pankaj 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWhereas the June through to September southwest summer monsoon season over the Indian subcontinent has been the main focus of research, the October through to December northeast monsoon season over south peninsular India has received less attention. Hence, this study focuses on the northeast monsoon rainfall (NEMR) variability using historical data for a 131 year period (1871–2001) and its relationship with the neighbouring Indian Ocean sea‐surface temperature (SST).Based on the observed available rainfall data, a time series of NEMR over the coherent south peninsular India has been developed. Similarly, an index to quantify the Indian Ocean dipole mode (IODM), exhibiting warm (cool) waters over the equatorial western (southeastern) Indian Ocean, has been developed using GISST data for the same period. The dynamics of the NEMR–IODM relationship are examined with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data.Interannual and decadal variabilities in NEMR reveal alternate epochs of above‐ and below‐normal rainfall. The epochs tend to last for about a decade or two. Rainfall epochs near the equatorial Indian Ocean tend to last for about a decade. No long‐term trends in NEMR are noted. On the other hand, the decadal variability in the IODM reveals a dominance of the negative phase during the earlier decades (1880–1920) and a positive phase during recent decades (1960–2000), with suppressed activity in between. Long‐term variability in the IODM clearly reveals an increasing trend, which could be related to greenhouse warming. Further, the NEMR variability is enhanced during the decades when the IODM exhibits its active phase, and is suppressed during the decades when the IODM is inactive.The NEMR and the IODM are directly related, suggesting that the positive (negative) phase enhances (suppresses) the northeast monsoon activity. During the positive phase, the anomalous flow pattern shows winds converging and suggesting moisture transport from the southeast Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal towards south peninsular India. In contrast, the negative phase reveals winds diverging and transporting moisture away from the south Indian region. The anomalous SST and circulation features associated with the positive IOD/excess rainfall and negative IOD/deficient rainfall are consistent and clearly bring out the coupled ocean–atmosphere dynamics over the Indian Ocean. These results show the direct influence of the IODM phenomenon on the interannual and decadal NEMR variability over south India. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Hypoglycaemia is uncommon with a combination of antidiabetic drugs and bedtime NPH insulin for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Allen KV , McAulay V , Sommerfield AJ , Frier BM 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to ascertain the risk of hypoglycaemia when treating type 2 diabetes with a single daily dose of isophane (NPH) insulin, administered at bedtime, in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs.The frequency of mild (self‐treated) and severe (requiring external help) hypoglycaemia was estimated, both retrospectively and prospectively, in 41 people with type 2 diabetes who were taking oral antidiabetic drugs in combination with bedtime isophane insulin. The median (range) age, duration of diabetes and insulin therapy of the group were 63 (33–79) years, 11 (1–34) years and 17 (1–60) months respectively, with a mean (±SD) HbA1c of 7.9 (±0.9)%.The results showed that 20 people (49%) had experienced one or more episodes of mild hypoglycaemia since commencing insulin therapy. None had experienced severe hypoglycaemia either since conversion to insulin therapy or during the three‐month prospective assessment. The frequency of symptomatic hypoglycaemia recorded prospectively was not related to age, HbA1c, or duration of diabetes. In those with a history of hypoglycaemia, impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia was sought using historical evidence and a validated scale, and was identified in only two (10%) individuals.In conclusion, satisfactory glycaemic control can be obtained using combination therapy in people with type 2 diabetes without being associated with severe hypoglycaemia, and mild symptomatic hypoglycaemia appears to be uncommon. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One way to reduce ophthalmology clinic waiting times for patients with diabetes
Authors: Shotliff K , Duncan G 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy screening with standardised grading of digital images may result in increased referral to ophthalmology clinics. We aimed to reduce the number of unnecessary referrals.We examined 644 consecutive patients, over a three‐month period, in a population based retinal screening programme to see if review of abnormal images, by physicians, the grader and an ophthalmologist with a special interest, rather than direct referral to an ophthalmology clinic resulted in a reduction in the number of patients requiring appointments.The results showed that of the 644 patients screened, 482 did not need secondary review and 35 had ungradable images needing direct referral to an ophthalmology clinic. In total, 127 patients images were reviewed in a combined meeting with 62 (48.8%) requiring repeat photos and 19 (15%) being referred directly to a laser clinic. Eight diabetic ophthalmology outpatient slots were saved per week.In conclusion, the introduction of an image review meeting with an ophthalmologist potentially freed 33 hours 15 minutes of diabetic eye clinic time. This highlights the potential benefit to both patients and secondary care Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost benefits of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation (SPK):the case for commissioning in the UK
Authors: Rowe BR , Bain SC , Mendelsohn R 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSimultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation is an important alternative to kidney transplantation alone for people with type 1 diabetes because of the benefits of normoglycaemia on other diabetic complications. The procedure is increasingly being requested in the UK and the decision to agree to a referral is an issue for primary care trusts (PCTs) who have to find funding. Commissioning of such treatment is currently at the discretion of individual PCTs who may have little experience of this procedure and who might be already struggling to fund current commitments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular phone transferred self blood glucose monitoring: prerequisites for positive outcome
Authors: Vähätalo MA , Virtamo HE , Viikari JS , Rönnemaa T 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe aim of this one‐year study was to assess transmission of glucose values by cellular phone in the treatment of type 1 diabetic patients. In total, 100 consecutive patients visiting a diabetes outpatient clinic were given a cellular phone containing a special menu for transmitting blood glucose values to a database. The doctors checked the results once a week and sent a text message to the patients giving instructions. The controls (100 consecutive diabetic patients) received standard treatment. All patients had a routine clinical visit every three months.The phone system worked well technically and none of the patients had any difficulties in transmitting their glucose values. The phone system was not associated with overall improvement in HbA1c, probably due to the patients' low measurement activity. Seven patients who were most active in measuring and transferring glucose values had a better outcome than the rest of the group.Sophisticated electronic systems are not beneficial to all patients, but should be restricted to those having high motivation to use them. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stevens–Johnson syndrome with visceral arteritis due to sulphonylurea therapy
Authors: Duncan C , Sommerfield AJ , Nawroz I , Campbell IW 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA 67‐year‐old male with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with clinical features characteristic of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and died from a haemorrhagic bronchopneumonia. Autopsy revealed features of granulomatous arteritis and an interface cholestatic hepatitis. The cause of these features was felt to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction to glibenclamide. Although unusual, drug hypersensitivity with sulphonylureas may be fatal. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe congestive cardiac failure and ischaemic hepatitis associated with rosiglitazone
Authors: Berry P 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA case of ultimately fatal ischaemic hepatitis secondary to congestive cardiac failure in the context of treatment with rosiglitazone and metformin is presented. The role of rosiglitazone in previous cases of hepatic dysfunction is discussed, and its tendency to cause fluid retention and cardiac decompensation in those with a history of cardiac failure is emphasised. The use of rosiglitazone in combination with other oral hypoglycaemic drugs is also discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of polystyrene/polyethylene/clay nanocomposites prepared by ultrasound‐assisted mixing process
Authors: Ryu J. G. , Kim H. , Lee J. W. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn this study, polymer‐clay nanocomposites of various concentrations were prepared by ultrasonically assisted polymerization and melt‐mixing processes. A sonication process using power ultrasonic waves was employed to enhance nano‐scale dispersion during melt‐mixing of polymer blends and organically modified clay. We expected enhanced breakup of layered silicate bundles and further reduction in the size of the dispersed phase, with better homogeneity compared to the different immiscible blend pairs. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the structures of the nanocomposites. The rheological behaviors of the obtained nanocomposites were measured with parallel plate rheometry. It was found that the ultrasound‐assisted process successfully generated exfoliated nanocomposites and promoted in‐situ compatibilization of the matrix comprising an immiscible pair of polymers in a blend. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited superior thermal stability and elastic modulus compared to the base polymer. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1198–1204, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Development of a new production method for a polypropylene‐clay nanocomposite
Authors: Kato Makoto , Matsushita Mitsumasa , Fukumori Kenzo 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA new production method for polypropylene‐clay nanocomposites has been successfully developed. This method did not require the pretreatment of the clay mineral with an organo‐cation. In this method we focused our attention on the nature of the clay mineral, which was exfoliated in water. Water was injected into a complex of melted polypropylene and a clay mineral in a twin‐screw extruder. By controlling the pressure of the water vapor, the exfoliation of the clay mineral was achieved in the twin‐screw extruder. Compatibilizers were added to the mixture of the clay mineral and the polypropylene to prevent aggregation, and we successfully prepared a polypropylene nanocomposite. The silicate layers of the clay mineral in this polypropylene nanocomposite were exfoliated and dispersed uniformly in the polypropylene matrix. This new type of polypropylene nanocomposite had almost the same properties as a conventionally prepared polypropylene‐clay nanocomposite. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1205–1211, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Polyolefin nanocomposites: Formulation and development
Authors: Ton‐That M.‐T. , Perrin‐Sarazin F. , Cole K. C. , Bureau M. N. , Denault J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe preparation of nanoclay‐reinforced polypropylene nanocom posites by means of melt processing was investigated. In order to optimize the dispersion of the nanoclay and the nanoclay‐matrix interface, experiments were performed with three different nanoclays, two different maleic‐anhydride–grafted PP coupling agents, and two different mixing procedures. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the prepared samples were characterized by means of various techniques. The coupling agents increase the degree of clay intercalation and exfoliation, the latter resulting in part from a “peeling off” mechanism. Significant improvements in tensile and flexural strength and modulus are obtained with Cloisite® 15A nanoclay and a coupling agent characterized by high molecular weight and low grafting content, and these improvements are also accompanied by an increase in Izod impact strength. Little difference was observed between the two mixing procedures used. The improvements were not as pronounced when the coupling agent was characterized by low molecular weight and high grafting content, or when Cloisite® 30B nanoclay was used. In the latter case, there was evidence of greater thermal instability than for Cloisite® 15A. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1212–1219, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Morphology of EVA based nanocomposites under shear and extensional flow
Authors: Prasad Ranjit , Pasanovic‐Zujo Vanja , Gupta Rahul K. , Cser Ferenc , Bhattacharya Sati N. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractShear and extensional rheological measurements were conducted in conjunction with laser light scattering (LLS) on ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) nanocomposites. The materials were prepared by melt‐mixing EVA and commercially acquired layered silicates. Wide Angle X‐Ray Scattering (WAXS) was used to ascertain the degree of layer swelling. This could be attributed to the intercalation of polymer chains into the interlayer of the silicates. The nanocomposites prepared were determined to be predominantly intercalated in nature. In shear rheological tests, the nanocomposites exhibited an increase in viscoelastic properties compared to the pure EVA. The extent of this property enhancement was not as pronounced as had been reported in many instances with respect to other polymer nanocomposites. This could be attributed to the absence of a network structure normally observed in an exfoliated system. The extensional rheological tests showed an increase in extensional flow properties. This was confirmed by the LLS, which indicated that the filled systems had higher deformability than the unfilled one. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1220–1230, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Influence of the initiation rate on the polymerization kinetics of hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) filled with HEMA‐grafted silica preformed nanoparticles
Authors: Kaddami H. , Pascault J. P. , Gerard J. F. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe polymerization kinetics of HEMA‐grafted silica nanoparticles and HEMA monomer mixtures was studied under thermal and UV cures. These two kinds of cure, which correspond to very different initiation rates, lead to opposite effects on the polymerization kinetics as methacrylate‐grafted silica nanoparticles are introduced. When the polymerization was done under UV, i.e., in the case of a high initiation rate, the introduction of grafted silica nanoparticles increases the polymerization rate. On the contrary, when the polymerization rate is thermally activated, an opposite effect is observed after the introduction of the grafted silica nanoparticles. Two phenomena having opposite effects on the polymerization kinetics are involved: (i) the high functionality of silica nanoparticles leads to an increase of the polymerization rate of the reactive system; (ii) the methacrylate groups at the silica surface have a lower reactivity, due to their reduced mobility, and are responsible for the formation of shielded radicals. The large difference in the initiation rates between the two types of polymerization gives evidence of these opposite effects: a high radical concentration leads to a high UV polymerization rate, whereas for the thermal polymerization, shielded radicals still exist but cannot completely mask the presence of the effect of high‐functionality species, i.e., grafted silica. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1231–1239, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Hybrid organic inorganic nylon‐6/SiO2nanocomposites: Transport properties
Authors: García Monserrat , Barsema Jonathan , Galindo Ramon E. , Cangialosi Daniele , Garcia‐Turiel Javier , van Zyl Werner E. , Verweij Henk , Blank Dave H. A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic hybrid membranes of nanosized SiO2‐filled polyamide composites were prepared via film casting and their transport properties were studied. Gas permeation measurements were performed at room temperature, and the membrane exhibited an increase in membrane permeability performance. In contrast to the performance of traditional dense filled polymer systems, the permeability increased with an increased number of nanosilica particles. The nanocomposites were studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). From the ortho‐positronium (o–Ps) lifetime (τ3), the size of the local free volume (holes) was estimated. The increase in permeability is ascribed to the additional free volume obtained. This is created by the presence of nanoparticles that alter the PA chain packing. Furthermore, wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns revealed that the incorporation of silica induced the structural modification of polymer chains by modifying the degree of crystallinity in comparison with the neat polymer. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1240–1246, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Dispersion, temperature and torque models for an internal mixer
Authors: Campanelli J. R. , Gurer C. , Rose T. L. , Varner J. E. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractModels based on kinetic, thermodynamic and rheological equations have been developed to compute dispersion extent, batch temperature and relative batch viscosity at discrete intervals during a mix cycle in an internal mixer. The calculated relative bulk viscosity can be linked empirically to a measured variable such as rotor torque or power consumption. Solution of the models over successive time intervals allows the computation of complete dispersion, temperature, and torque/power profiles for a mix cycle. The mix models exhibit good fits to experimental torque and temperature curves for mixing natural rubber with carbon black over a wide range of carbon black loadings (0 to 50 phr) for rotor speeds ranging from 40 to 70 RPM in two lab‐scale internal mixers. The models are shown to be suitable for moderately reinforcing (ASTM N660) as well as highly reinforcing (ASTM N121) grades of carbon black. Rate constants for filler dispersion, incorporation and erosion can be extracted from the models and can be interpolated to generate dispersion, temperature and torque curves at new conditions of carbon black loading and rotor speed. The mix models could thus be used for process‐control purposes and for specifying drop targets based on batch properties in addition to the time‐temperature‐energy criteria typically used today. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1247–1257, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Modeling of polymer melting, drop deformation, and breakup under shear flow
Authors: Chen Hongbing , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Nandakumar K. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractPolyethylene (PE) or polycarbonate (PC) drop deformation and the breakup mechanism in a PE melt under shear flow were investigated using numerical simulations. The volume of fluid (VOF) method in FIDAP was used to track the dynamic interface. Two models were built for the investigation of a PE/PE system and a PE/PC system. Experimental data of polymer properties, such as specific heat capacity, viscosity, and heat conductivity, were incorporated in the simulations. For the PE/PE system, a temperature‐dependent viscosity model was used for the matrix PE and the dispersed PE. For the PE/PC system, generalized viscosity models were used for PE and PC with time‐dependent moving boundaries. An erosion mechanism similar to that observed in previous experiments was found for deformation and breakup of both PE and PC in the PE melt under simple shear flow. Local flow information, such as temperature, shear rate, viscosity, and shear stress, was obtained from the simulation results. The shear stress at the interface was much higher than the shear stress either in the dispersed phase or in the matrix phase, which could explain the erosion breakup mechanism. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1258–1266, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Comparison of the dynamic thin shell and quasi‐cylindrical models for blown film extrusion
Authors: Pirkle J. Carl , Braatz Richard D. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractMost models of blown film extrusion are based on thin shell theory, which was first applied to these processes by Pearson and Petrie. There has been some contention in the literature as to the suitability of the thin shell model. More recently, Liu and co‐workers presented an alternative quasi‐cylindrical model that neglects longitudinal curvature but was reported to agree more closely with experiments. In later studies, other researchers used the quasi‐cylindrical model to investigate flow‐induced crystallization. The current paper presents finite difference solutions of the quasi‐cylindrical model and quantifies the differences in the steady‐state behavior, dynamics, and stability between the quasi‐cylindrical and the thin shell models. The differences in the steady‐state and dynamic behavior between the thin shell and quasi‐cylindrical models are found to be significant, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study should aid future researchers in developing dynamic simulation models that include more sophisticated descriptions of the underlying polymer physics. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1267–1276, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Photo polymerization of acrylamide onto calcium carbonate particle surfaces and filled nylon‐6
Authors: Gao Jun , He Guangjian , Lei Jingxin , Li Qiman 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe polymerization of acrylamide (AAM) onto calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particle surfaces induced by ultraviolet light and the properties of polyamide‐6 (PA6) filled with the surface‐treated CaCO3 were studied. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, impact strength and degree of polymerization measurements were determined. After AAM polymerization, a PAAM layer was formed on the CaCO3 surface. This layer tightly banded the CaCO3 particle and could not be washed away by acetone. A N1s peak was observed in the ESCA spectra of the treated CaCO3 particles. The average particle size of the treated CaCO3 increased compared to that of the original CaCO3. The interfacial interaction and impact strength of the treated CaCO3–filled PA6 were enhanced compared to those of the untreated CaCO3–filled PA6. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1277–1282, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Shear field induced diffusion and molecular weight fractionation during polymer processing
Authors: Shelby M. David , Caflisch George B. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that a high shear gradient induced during polymer processing could cause an increased migration of oligomer to the surface, thereby leading to “plateout” on mold and roll tooling. To test this hypothesis, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene‐co‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG) were extruded into film, and the molecular weight probed as a function of the depth from the surface by incremental milling. GPC analysis showed an 18% and 14% higher concentration of cyclic oligomer on the surface of these films as compared with the center for PET and PETG respectively. These results compare favorably with predictions from a theoretical shear field model based on a Convected Maxwell fluid. Results from this study should lead to a better understanding of how oligomer buildup at the die wall may relate to roll plateout, die drooling, die lubrication, and possibly even melt fracture. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1283–1294, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.