ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009
Arne Röttger
Abstract Within this work, HVOF sprayed coatings based on X220CrVMo13-4 cold work steel were applied to a S235JR construction steel substrate. The investigations focus on the influence of particle size and spray parameters on the coating microstructure, analyzed by means of optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additional XRD measurements and micro hardness plots across the interface between substrate material and coating were carried out. Furthermore, the influence of particle size on the detected phases and coating porosity was studied. The results were compared with an X220CrMoV13-4 reference sample produced by HIP. [source]

OBTURATOR INTERNUS PYOMYOSITIS: A DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR SEPTIC ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 9-10 2005
Shobha Iyer MBBS
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Hydrophobic ion pairing of isoniazid using a prodrug approach

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2002
Huiyu Zhou
Abstract Inhalation therapy for infectious lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, is currently being explored, with microspheres being used to target alveolar macrophages. One method of drug encapsulation into polymeric microspheres to form hydrophobic ion-paired (HIP) complexes, and then coprecipitate the complex and polymer using supercritical fluid methodology. For the potent antituberculosis drug, isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH), to be used in this fashion, it was modified into an ionizable form suitable for HIP. The charged prodrug, sodium isoniazid methanesulfonate (Na,INHMS), was then ion paired with hydrophobic cations, such as alkyltrimethylammonium or tetraalkylammonium. The logarithms of the apparent partition coefficients (log P,) of various HIP complexes of INHMS display a roughly linear relationship with the numbers of carbon atoms in the organic counterions. The water solubility of the tetraheptylammonium,INHMS complex is about 220-fold lower than that of Na,INHMS, while the solubility in dichloromethane exceeds 10 mg/mL, which is sufficient for microencapsulation of the drug into poly(lactide) microspheres. The actual logarithm of the dichloromethane/water partition coefficient (log P) for tetraheptylammonium,INHMS is 1.55, compared to a value of ,,1.8 for the sodium salt of INHMS. The dissolution kinetics of the tetraheptylammonium,INHMS complex in 0.9% aqueous solutions of NaCl was also investigated. Dissolution of tetraheptylammonium,INHMS exhibited a first-order time constant of about 0.28 min,1, followed by a slower reverse ion exchange process to form Na,INHMS. The half-life of this HIP complex is on the order of 30 min, making the enhanced transport of the drug across biological barriers possible. This work represents the first use of a prodrug approach to introduce functionality that would allow HIP complex formation for a neutral molecule. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:1502,1511, 2002 [source]

Hot Isostatic Pressing of Transparent Nd:YAG Ceramics

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2009
Sang-Ho Lee
This paper demonstrates that fine-grained (2,3 ,m), transparent Nd:YAG can be achieved at SiO2 doping levels as low as 0.02 wt% by the sinter plus hot isostatic pressing (HIP) approach. Fine grain size is assured by sintering to 98% density, in order to limit grain growth, followed by HIP. Unlike dry-pressed samples, tape-cast samples were free of large, agglomerate-related pores after sintering, and thus high transparency (i.e., >80% transmission at 1064 nm) could be achieved by HIP at <1750°C along with lower silica levels, thereby avoiding conditions shown to cause exaggerated grain growth. Grain growth was substantially limited at lower SiO2 levels because silica is soluble in the YAG lattice up to ,0.02,0.1 wt% at 1750°C, thus allowing sintering and grain growth to occur by solid-state diffusional processes. In contrast, liquid phase enhanced densification and grain growth occur at ,0.08,0.14 wt% SiO2, especially at higher temperatures, because the SiO2 solubility limit is exceeded. [source]

Photoluminescence of Cerium-Doped ,-SiAlON Materials

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2004
Rong-Jun Xie
Cerium-doped ,-SiAlON (MxSi12,(m+n)Alm+nOnN16,n) materials have been prepared by gas-pressure sintering and post-hot-isostatic-press (HIP) annealing, using four powder mixtures of ,-Si3N4, AlN, and either (i) CeO2, (ii) CeO2+ Y-,-SiAlON seed, (iii) CeO2+ Y2O3, or (iv) CeO2+ CaO. Cerium-containing CeAl(Si6,zAlz)(N10,zOz) (JEM) phase, rather than Ce-,-SiAlON phase, forms in the sample with only CeO2, whereas a single-phase ,-SiAlON generates in samples with dual doping (CeO2+ Y2O3 and CeO2+ CaO). On ultraviolet-light excitation, JEM gives one broad emission band with maximum at 465 nm and a shoulder at 498 nm; ,-SiAlON shows an intense and broad emission band that peaks at 500 nm. The unusual long-wavelength emissions in JEM and ,-SiAlON are due to increases in the nephelauxetic effect and the ligand-field splitting of the 5d band, because the coordination of Ce3+ in JEM and ,-SiAlON is nitrogen enriched. [source]

Manufacturing Silicon Carbide Microrotors by Reactive Hot Isostatic Pressing within Micromachined Silicon Molds

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 1 2002
Jing-Feng Li
A novel ceramic microfabrication process,based on the idea of silicon carbide (SiC) reaction sintering within a micromachined silicon mold,has been developed to produce a SiC microroter for miniaturized gas turbines. The new process involves the micromachining of silicon molds; filling the molds with powder mixtures of ,-SiC, graphite, and phenol resin; bonding the molds with an adhesive; reaction sintering by hot isostatic pressing (HIP); and the releasing of a reaction-sintered workpiece from the mold by wet etching. Using this process, we have successfully fabricated SiC microrotors with a diameter of 5 mm, whose complicated geometry was well transferred from the negative shape of the micromachined silicon mold. The reaction-HIPed SiC ceramics within Si molds showed reasonably good mechanical properties, which are comparable to those of the commercialized reaction-sintered SiC ceramics. [source]

Evolutionary models for two hyper-iron-poor low-mass stars

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 4 2007
Gregory J. Harris
ABSTRACT The possible origin of two low-mass hyper-iron-poor (HIP) stars, HE0107-5240 and HE1327-2326 are investigated. The three scenarios tested are as follows. (i) The star forms metal free (Population III) and accretes metals throughout its lifetime. (ii) A Population III binary star system forms, and the lower mass star accretes metals from the higher mass star during its asymptotic giant branch phase. (iii) An HIP Population II star is formed and evolves with no further pollution. Using the ng-elms code, stellar evolution models of these three scenarios are computed and fitted to the observed colours. Models are computed at 0.8 and 0.7 M,, and for several metal accretion rates. It is not possible to unambiguously identify the origin, evolutionary stage or mass for either star with the present observational data. Our evolutionary models indicate that HE0107,5240 is either a red giant or a subgiant close to the base of the red giant branch. In line with the study of Aoki et al., HE1327,2326 is found to be either a main-sequence or a subgiant star. If HE1327,2326 is a main-sequence star the fits indicate that it must have a mass less than 0.8 M,; if the star is assumed to have an age of around 12.5 Gyr it will have a mass closer to 0.7 M,. Main-sequence low-mass model Population III stars which have been polluted with metals are found to closely resemble Population II stars. However, the case is different for subgiants. The polluted and unpolluted Population III subgiants have luminosity up to twice that of a comparable Population II model. If HE1327,2326 is a subgiant, its distance is measured and if its mass can be reasonably well constrained, it should be possible to determine if it is a Population II or III star. [source]

Library portal images that positively influence their users' perception of the portal

PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2008
James P. Smith
This paper provides an example of how visual information , the images used on academic library Web portals (ALWPs) , transforms users' perceptions of, and preference for, the portal. As a result of the information derived from this research the manner in which visual information is presented in ALWPs may be transformed. The study reported here compared the effect that high-image-pertinent (HIP) academic library portals and low-image-pertinent (LIP) academic library portals have on the users' preference for one portal over the other. One hundred undergraduate students searched for the answers to two ten-question information retrieval exercises using matched-pairs of HIP and LIP academic library portals. The exercises were constructed of questions similar to those asked at an academic library's reference desk. Data collected and statistically analyzed included: the scores from the information retrieval exercises, the time to complete the information retrieval exercises, the mouse-clicks used to complete the information retrieval exercises and the users' stated portal preference. The HIP portals outperformed the LIP portals and the subjects preferred the HIP portals to the LIP portals in 3 out of 4 measures of performance and preference. [source]

STEROID-INDUCED AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE HIP IN NEUROSURGICAL PATIENTS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2005
George Kwok Chu Wong
Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is perceived to be a rare complication of short-term steroid therapy for neurosurgical conditions but its precise risk is unknown. Methods: Retrospective review of hospital records between 1994 and 2001. Results: The risk of developing AVN of the femoral head is 0.3% with an incidence of one per one thousand patients per year. Conclusions: It would be advisable to minimize both the dosage and the duration of steroid treatment where possible. [source]

Flare stars in the TW Hydrae association: the HIP 57269 system,

ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 6 2003
B. König
Abstract We discuss a new member candidate of the TW Hydrae association (TWA) among the stars of the Gershberg et al. (1999) flare star catalog. TWA is one of the closest known associations of young stars at about 60 pc. Three supposedly young flare stars are located in the same region of the sky as TWA. One of them (HIP 57269) shows strong lithium absorption with spectral type K1/K2V and a high level of chromospheric and coronal activity. It is located at a distance of 48.7 ± 6.3 pc in common with the five TWA members observed with Hipparcos (46.7 to 103.9 pc). HIP 57268 A has a wide companion C which also shows lithium absorption at 6707 Å and which has common proper motion with HIP 57269, as well as a close companion resolved visually by Tycho. HIP 57269 A&C lie above the main sequence and are clearly pre-main-sequence stars. The UVW-space velocity is more consistent with the star system being a Pleiades super cluster member. The two other flare stars in the TWA sky region do not show lithium at all and are, hence, unrelated. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Changes in the cytologic distribution of heparin/heparan sulfate interacting protein/ribosomal protein L29 (HIP/RPL29) during in vivo and in vitro mouse mammary epithelial cell expression and differentiation

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2002
Catherine B. Kirn-Safran
Abstract HIP/RPL29 is a small, highly basic, heparin/heparan sulfate interacting protein identical to ribosomal protein L29 and present in most adult epithelia. In the present study, we show that mouse HIP/RPL29 is ubiquitously present in adult mammary epithelia and is significantly increased during pregnancy and lactation. We observed for the first time that HIP/RPL29 intracellular expression and distribution varies, depending on the growth/differentiation state of the luminal epithelium. HIP/RPL29 was detected at low levels in mammary glands of virgin animals, increased markedly during lactation, and was lost again during involution. HIP/RPL29, preferentially found in the expanded cytoplasm of mature epithelial cells secreting milk, is present also in the nucleus of proliferating and differentiating ductal and alveolar elements. We used COMMA-D cells as an in vitro model for mammary-specific differentiation and examined similar intracellular redistribution of HIP/RPL29 associated with functional differentiation. However, no changes in HIP/RPL29 expression levels were detected in response to lactogenic hormones. Finally, the cellular distribution of HIP/RPL29 in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments was confirmed by transfecting a normal mammary epithelial cell line, NMuMG, with a fusion protein of HIP/RPL29 and EGFP. Collectively, these data support the idea that HIP/RPL29 plays more than one role during adult mammary gland development. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Fire hazard evaluation of thermoplastics based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method

FIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010
Baogang Yu
Abstract Combustibility performance of 14 compositions including five main thermoplastics (polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)) was tested by cone calorimeter. The fire growth index, total heat release amount index, total smoke release amount index and toxicity product index were calculated, based on which an index system for evaluating fire hazard was set up. All factors in this index system had been analyzed by the analytic hierarchy process, and the specific weight for each factor had been determined. Then fire hazard of thermoplastics was evaluated considering integrated fire hazard index. The results show that fire hazards of HIPS-phosphate fire retardant (PFR), PVC-non-flame retardant, ABS-brominated flame retardant (BFR) and PC/ABS-PFR are higher than PC-BFR and PP-non-halogenated flame retardant. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Toughening study of fire-retardant high-impact polystyrene

FIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2 2009
Cui Wenguang
Abstract Fire-retardant high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) was modified by melt blending with varying amounts of three types of tougheners. The effects of the tougheners on the properties of the fire-retardant HIPS were studied by mechanical, combustion tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphologies of fracture surfaces and char layers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the impact properties of styrene,butadiene,styrene (SBS)-containing composites were better than those of ethylene,propylene,diene monomer (EPDM)-containing or ethylene,vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)-containing composites. The tensile strength and flexural modulus of the fire-retardant HIPS decreased evidently with the addition of tougheners. It is found that the compatibility between SBS copolymer and HIPS matrix was best among the three types of tougheners. The addition of SBS had little influence on the thermal property, residue, flammability, and morphology of char layer of the fire-retardant HIPS, but the addition of EPDM rubber or EVA brought adverse influence on the residue, flammability, and morphology of char layer of the fire-retardant HIPS, especially for EPDM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Cone calorimeter analysis of UL-94 V-rated plastics,

FIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 4 2007
Alexander B. Morgan
Abstract Cone calorimeter analysis was conducted on 18 thermoplastics with different UL-94 vertical burn test (V) ratings. Ratings varied from V-0 to no rating (NR), and the types of thermoplastics included were polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile,butadiene,styrene (ABS), PC/ABS blends, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Our analysis of the cone calorimeter data found that there were correlations between UL-94 V rating and some cone calorimeter measurements (peak heat release rate (HRR) average and HRR at 60 s) and no relationship for other measurements (time to ignition and total heat release). However, no precise correlation was found due to significant differences in flame retardant mechanism and polymer fuel energy values. In this paper, we seek to explain further why a broad quantitative relationship between UL-94 V and cone calorimeter remains elusive, and also to show how the cone calorimeter can be used to understand why a material passes or fails a particular UL-94 V rating. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Effect of packaging materials and dissolved oxygen on the survival of probiotic bacteria in yoghurt

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
Akshat Talwalkar
Summary The effects of packaging materials on the dissolved oxygen and the survival of the probiotic bacteria in yoghurt were studied. Oxygen adapted and non-oxygen adapted strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. were incorporated in yoghurts, which were packaged in oxygen permeable high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), oxygen-barrier material (NupakTM) and NupakTM with an oxygen scavenging film (Zero2TM). During storage the dissolved oxygen increased steadily in HIPS packaged yoghurt whereas it remained low in yoghurts packaged in NupakTM and Zero2TM. In all yoghurts, no significant decreases were observed in the viability of either oxygen adapted or non-oxygen adapted cells of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. Thus, although the dissolved oxygen in yoghurt can be influenced by the type of packaging material, it may not affect the survival of probiotic bacteria in yoghurts. [source]

Toughening of recycled polystyrene used for TV backset

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008
Xiaoting Fu
Abstract The recycled polystyrene (rPS) was toughened with ethylene-octylene copolymer thermoplastic elastomer (POE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with various melt flow index (MFI), compatibilized by styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) to enhance the toughness of rPS for use as TV backset. The rPS/POE binary blends exhibited an increased impact strength with 5,10 wt % POE content followed by a decrease with the POE content up to 20 wt %, which could be due to poor compatibility between POE and rPS. For rPS/POE/SBS ternary blends with 20 wt % of POE content, the impact strength increased dramatically and a sharp brittle-ductile transition was observed as the SBS content was around 3,5 wt %. Rheological study indicated a possible formation of network structure by adding of SBS, which could be a new mechanism for rPS toughening. In rPS/POE/HDPE/SBS (70/20/5/5) quaternary blends, a fibril-like structure was observed as the molecular weight of HDPE was higher (with lower MFI). The presence of HDPE fibers in the blends could not enhance the network structure, but could stop the crack propagation during fracture process, resulting in a further increase of the toughness. The prepared quaternary blend showed an impact strength of 9.3 kJ/m2 and a tensile strength of 25 MPa, which can be well used for TV backset to substitute HIPS because this system is economical and environmental friendly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]

An fMRI Study of Number Processing in Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2010
Ernesta M. Meintjes
Background:, Number processing deficits are frequently seen in children exposed to alcohol in utero. Methods:, Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine the neural correlates of number processing in 15 right-handed, 8- to 12-year-old children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or partial FAS (PFAS) and 18 right-handed, age- and gender-matched controls from the Cape Coloured (mixed ancestry) community in Cape Town, South Africa, using Proximity Judgment and Exact Addition tasks. Results:, Control children activated the expected fronto-parietal network during both tasks, including the anterior horizontal intraparietal sulcus (HIPS), left posterior HIPS, left precentral sulcus, and posterior medial frontal cortex. By contrast, on the Proximity Judgment task, the exposed children recruited additional parietal pathways involving the right and left angular gyrus and posterior cingulate/precuneus, which may entail verbally mediated recitation of numbers and/or subtraction to assess relative numerical distances. During Exact Addition, the exposed children exhibited more diffuse and widespread activations, including the cerebellar vermis and cortex, which have been found to be activated in adults engaged in particularly challenging number processing problems. Conclusions:, The data suggest that, whereas control children rely primarily on the fronto-parietal network identified in previous studies to mediate number processing, children with FAS/PFAS recruit a broader range of brain regions to perform these relatively simple number processing tasks. Our results are consistent with structural neuroimaging findings indicating that the parietal lobe is relatively more affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and provide the first evidence for brain activation abnormalities during number processing in children with FAS/PFAS, effects that persist even after controlling statistically for group differences in total intracranial volume and IQ. [source]

Synthesis of HIPS using an A2B2 Star-Type Graft Copolymer (PB -g- PS)

MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 6-7 2010
Carlos de Anda
Abstract The properties of HIPS are largely related to the morphology of the disperse rubber particles developed during polymerization. Since the graft copolymer PB -g- PS formed in situ has the role of a compatibilizer between the disperse rubber particles and the continuous PS phase, through the control of the molecular characteristics of the grafting species, the rubber particles' morphology and distribution can be controlled. Several HIPS were synthesized by radical polymerization using a mixture of polybutadiene and model graft copolymers, PB -g- PS, and the final materials were characterized physicochemically and morphologically. Different ratios of PB/graft copolymer were used in order to study the effects on the molecular characteristics and morphology of the HIPS obtained. [source]

Novel Thermoplastic Composites from Commodity Polymers and Man-Made Cellulose Fibers

MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2006
Hans-Peter Fink
Abstract Summary: A new class of fibre reinforced commodity thermoplastics suited for injection moulding and direct processing applications has been developed using man-made cellulosic fibres (Rayon tire yarn, Tencel, Viscose, Carbacell) and thermoplastic commodity polymers, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as the matrix polymer. For compounding, a specially adapted double pultrusion technique has been employed which provides composites with homogeneously distributed fibres. Extensive investigations were performed with Rayon reinforced PP in view of applications in the automotive industry. The Rayon-PP composite is characterized by high strength and an excellent impact behaviour as compared with glass fibre reinforced PP, thus permitting applications in the field of engineering thermoplastics such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends (PC/ABS). With the PP based composites the influence of material parameters (e.g. fibre type and load, coupling agent) were studied and it has been demonstrated how to tailor the desired composite properties as modulus and heat distortion temperature (HDT) by varying the fibre type or adding inorganic fillers. Man-made cellulose fibers are also suitable for the reinforcement of further thermoplastic commodity polymers with appropriate processing temperatures. In case of PE modulus and strength are tripled compared to the neat resin while Charpy impact strength is increased five-fold. For HIPS mainly strength and stiffness are increased, while for TPE the property profile is changed completely. With Rayon reinforced PLA, a fully biogenic and biodegradable composite with excellent mechanical properties including highly improved impact strength is presented. [source]

Preparation of exfoliated high-impact polystyrene/MMT nanocomposites via in situ polymerization under controlling viscosity of the reaction medium

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 2 2008
Periyayya Uthirakumar
Exfoliated high-impact polystyrene (HIPS)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization of styrene in the presence of polybutadiene, using an intercalated cationic radical initiator-MMT hybrid (organoclay). In the solution polymerization in toluene, the silicate layers of the clay were well exfoliated, due to the low extra-gallery viscosity that can facilitate the diffusion of styrene monomers into the clay layers during the polymerization. The exfoliated HIPS/MMT nanocomposites were also successfully prepared by controlling the viscosity of the reaction medium with prolong swelling of the organoclay in styrene, prior to bulk polymerization. The HIPS/MMT nanocomposites, obtained from bulk polymerization, exhibited a significant improvement in thermal stability, compared to those obtained from solution polymerization as well as the pure polymer counterparts. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]

Flame retardancy and toughening of high impact polystyrene

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 4 2007
Wenguang Cui
Flame retardant high impact polystyrene (HIPS) was prepared by melt blending HIPS, nano-modified aluminum trihydrate (nano-CG-ATH), red phosphorus masterbatch (RPM), and modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO). Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) was used as a toughener in this research. The effects of nano-CG-ATH, RPM, MPPO, and SBS on properties of HIPS composites were studied by combustion test, mechanical tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphologies of fracture surfaces and char layers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The HIPS/nano-CG-ATH/RPM/MPPO (60/6/9/25) composite and its combustion residues at various temperatures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis. The results showed that the UL-94 rating of the HIPS/nano-CG-ATH/RPM/MPPO (60/6/9/25) composite reached V-0 and its char layer after flame test was integrated, but its impact strength was low. Addition of SBS improved its impact property and did not influence its thermal and flame retardant properties but lowered its tensile strength and flexural modulus to some extent. The FTIR spectra confirmed that the POC group was present in the charred substance. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:551,559, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]

Improved toughness in HIPS obtained from different styrene/butadiene-graded block copolymers through modification of the polydispersity index of the PS block,

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2006
Graciela Morales
The polymerization of styrene in the presence of graded block copolymers with a polystyrene/polybutadiene composition of 40/60, 30/70, and 20/80 and with a polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) in the polystyrene block varying from 1.1 to 1.6 was studied. As the polydispersity index of the polystyrene block increases, an improvement of up to 50% in the Izod impact toughness of the produced high-impact polystyrene was achieved. The rubber particle morphology type, the size, and the volume fraction of the rubber phase particles could be modified through changes in the composition of the graded block copolymer. The changes that occurred in the rubber phase were mainly generated by the variation in the interfacial tension between the phases, and this variation was principally attributed to an increase in the polydispersity index of the polystyrene block in the precursor copolymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:1333,1341, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]

Determination of orientational states in impact-polystyrene specimens by near-infrared polarization spectroscopy

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 3 2006
C. Schade
To measure the orientational state of opaque high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) samples, the dichroic ratios of different absorption bands have been determined in the near-infrared (NIR) transmission spectra measured with polarized radiation. For injection molded plates, dichroic ratios close to one were observed, indicating very low orientation effects in these specimens. However, a larger anisotropy was detected in the thermoformed cups and additionally different processing conditions could be discriminated by the dichroic effects in the NIR polarization spectra. Thus, NIR transmission spectroscopy with polarized radiation proved to be a convenient and rapid tool to determine orientation phenomena in HIPS samples and may also be implemented as a light-fiber-coupled on-line process control technique. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:381,383, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]

Electrical properties of structured HIPS/gamma-irradiated UHMWPE/carbon black blends

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2000
O. Breuer
HIPS/UHMWPE and HIPS/XL-UHMWPE containing carbon black (CB) are unique systems in which CB is attracted to the PE, and thus structuring takes place affecting the morphology and the resultant electrical properties. UHMWPE, having a very high viscosity, was chosen as the dispersed phase within HIPS in place of a conventional polymer in order to explore possibilities of obtaining unique structures that would induce the CB to segregate and form a conductive network. XL-UHMWPE particles also constitute an interesting dispersed phase, maintaming their highly porous and intricate structure even subsequent to melt processing. In both cases the CB is located at the interface; however, differences in resistivity values are observed. When low UHMWPE or XL-UHMWPE contents are incorporated, the HIPS/XL-UHMWPE/CB compositions have lower resistivities due to the heterogeneity of the interface, even at high shear rates. When high UHMWPE or XL-UHMWPE contents are utilized, the trends reverse: HIPS/UHMWPE/CB depict enhanced conductivity, due to the dominance of UHMWPE particle coalescence and the resultant decrease in surface area. This is contrary to what happens with the XL-UHMWPE particles, where the surface area increases with their higher contents, since they do not coalesce. [source]

Deformation mechanism of polystyrene toughened with sub-micrometer monodisperse rubber particles

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 11 2006
Guanghui Gao
Abstract Core,shell polybutadiene- graft -polystyrene (PB- g -PS) rubber particles with different ratios of polybutadiene to polystyrene were prepared by emulsion polymerization through grafting styrene onto polybutadiene latex. The weight ratio of polybutadiene to polystyrene ranged from 50/50 to 90/10. These core-shell rubber particles were then blended with polystyrene to prepare PS/PB- g -PS blends with a constant rubber content of 20 wt%. PB- g -PS particles with a lower PB/PS ratio (,70/30) form a homogeneous dispersion in the polystyrene matrix, and the Izod notched impact strength of these blends is higher than that of commercial high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). It is generally accepted that polystyrene can only be toughened effectively by 1,3 µm rubber particles through a toughening mechanism of multiple crazings. However, the experimental results show that polystyrene can actually be toughened by monodisperse sub-micrometer rubber particles. Scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surface and stress-whitening zone of blends with a PB/PS ratio of 70/30 in PB- g -PS copolymer reveal a novel toughening mechanism of modified polystyrene, which may be shear yielding of the matrix, promoted by cavitation. Subsequently, a compression-induced activation method was explored to compare the PS/PB- g -PS blends with commercial HIPS, and the result show that the toughening mechanisms of the two samples are different. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Analyse Expérimentale et Numérique du Comportement de Membranes Thermoplastiques en ABS et en HIPS dans le Procédé de Thermoformage

THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2005
Fouad Erchiqui
Abstract Dans cet article nous nous intéresserons, d'une part à la caractérisation biaxiale, en soufflage libre du comportement des membranes thermoplastiques circulaires en ABS et en HIPS et, d'autre part à la simulation numérique de la mise en forme d'une pièce creuse en ABS et en HIPS. Les modèles de comportement hyperélastique de Mooney-Rivlin et d'Ogden sont considérés. Dans un premier temps nous utilisons la méthode des différences finies à pas variables pour la résolution du problème d'équilibre de la membrane et un algorithme modifié de Levenberg-Marquardt pour minimiser la différence entre la pression calculée et celle mesurée. Ceci permet l'identification des constantes matérielles incorporées dans les modèles utilisés. Pour la modélisation numérique par la méthode dynamique des éléments finis, nous considérons une formulation lagrangienne, l'hypothèse de la théorie des membranes et une charge en pression, découlant de la loi des gaz parfaits, pour étudier l'influence des lois de comportements sur la distribution finale des épaisseurs et des contraintes dans une pièce thermoformée en ABS et en HIPS. In this work, we are interested, on the one hand in the characterization of circular polymeric ABS and HIPS membrane under biaxial deformation using the bubble inflation technique, on the other hand in modelling and numerical simulation of the thermoforming of ABS and HIPS materials using the dynamic finite element method. Hyperelastic models (Mooney-Rivlin, Ogden) are considered. First, the governing equations for the inflation of a flat circular membrane are solved using a variable-step-size-finite difference method and a modified Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to minimize the difference between the calculated and measured inflation pressure. This will determine the material constants embedded within the models used. For numerical simulation, the lagrangian formulation together with the assumption of the membrane theory is used. Moreover, the influence of the hyperalastic model on the thickness and on the stress distribution in the thermoforming sheet are analysed for ABS and HIPS materials. [source]

Grazing and landscape controls on nitrogen availability across 330 South African savanna sites

AUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
JOSEPH M. CRAINE
Abstract The availability of nitrogen (N) is an important determinant of ecosystem and community dynamics for grasslands and savannas, influencing factors such as biomass productivity, plant and herbivore composition, and losses of N to waters and the atmosphere. To better understand the controls over N availability at landscape to regional scales, we quantified a range of plant and soil characteristics at each of 330 sites in three regions of South Africa: Kruger National Park (KNP), private game reserves adjacent to KNP (private protected areas , PPAs) and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP). In comparing regions and sites within regions, grazing appeared to have a strong influence on N availability. Sites in the PPAs adjacent to KNP as well as sodic and alluvial sites in general typically had the highest N availability. The high N availability of these sites was not generally associated with greater potential N mineralization, but instead with less grass biomass and more forb biomass that indicated greater grazing pressure. Whereas sodic sites had a long history of high N availability as evidenced by their high soil ,15N, the greater N availability in the PPAs over the two parks appeared to be relatively recent. Grazer biomass, average potential mineralization rates and grass biomass for HiP were greater than KNP, yet there were no differences in N availability as indexed by soil and foliar ,15N between sites in the two parks. Although the short-term increase in N availability in PPAs is not necessarily deleterious, it is uncertain whether current productivity levels in those ecosystems is sustainable. With differences in management causing herbivore biomass to be 150% greater in the PPAs than the adjacent KNP, changes in plant communities and nitrogen cycling might lead to long-term degradation of these ecosystems, their ability to sustain herbivore populations, and also serve as an economic resource for the region. [source]

Synaptic and non-synaptic mechanisms of amygdala recruitment into temporolimbic epileptiform activities

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 10 2003
Julia Klueva
Abstract Lateral amygdala (LA) activity during synchronized-epileptiform discharges in temporolimbic circuits was investigated in rat horizontal slices containing the amygdala, hippocampus (Hip), perirhinal (Prh) and lateral entorhinal (LEnt) cortex, through multiple-site extra- and intracellular recording techniques and measurement of the extracellular K+ concentration. Application of 4-aminopyridine (50 µm) induced epileptiform discharges in all regions under study. Slow interictal-like burst discharges persisted in the Prh/LEnt/LA after disconnection of the Hip, seemed to originate in the Prh as shown from time delay analyses, and often preceded the onset of ictal-like activity. Disconnection of the amygdala resulted in de-synchronization of epileptiform discharges in the LA from those in the Prh/LEnt. Interictal-like activity was intracellularly reflected in LA projection neurons as ,-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A/B receptor-mediated synaptic responses, and depolarizing electrogenic events (spikelets) residing on the initial phase of the GABA response. Spikelets were considered antidromically conducted ectopic action potentials generated at axon terminals, as they were graded in amplitude, were not abolished through hyperpolarizing membrane responses (which effectively blocked evoked orthodromic action potentials), lacked a clear prepotential or synaptic potential, were not affected through blockers of gap junctions, and were blocked through remote application of tetrodotoxin at putative target areas of LA projection neurons. Remote application of a GABAB receptor antagonist facilitated spikelet generation. A transient elevation in the extracellular K+ level averaging 3 mm above baseline occurred in conjunction with interictal-like activity in all areas under study. We conclude that interictal-like discharges in the LA/LEnt/Prh spread in a predictable manner through the synaptic network with the Prh playing a leading role. The rise in extracellular K+ may provide a depolarizing mechanism for recruitment of interneurons and generation of ectopic action potentials at axon terminals of LA projection neurons. Antidromically conducted ectopic action potentials may provide a spreading mechanism of seizure activity mediated by diffuse axonal projections of LA neurons. [source]

Population Trends in BMD Testing, Treatment, and Hip and Wrist Fracture Rates: Are the Hip Fracture Projections Wrong?

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005
Susan B Jaglal PhD
Abstract A worldwide epidemic of hip fractures has been predicted. Time trends in BMD testing, bone-sparing medications and hip and wrist fractures in the province of Ontario, Canada, were examined. From 1996 to 2001, BMD testing and use of bone-sparing medications increased each year, whereas despite the aging of the population, wrist and hip fracture rates decreased. Introduction: If patients with osteoporosis are being diagnosed and effective treatments used with increasing frequency in the population, rates of hip and wrist fractures will remain stable or possibly decrease. We report here time trends in BMD testing, prescriptions for bone-sparing medications, hip and wrist fracture rates, and population projections of fracture rates to 2005 in the province of Ontario, Canada. Materials and Methods: Ontario residents have universal access to Medicare. To examine time trends in BMD testing, all physician claims for DXA from 1992 to 2001 were selected from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) database. Trends in prescribing were examined from 1996 to 2003 using data from the Ontario Drug Benefit plan, which provides coverage to persons ,65 years of age. Actual numbers of hip and wrist fractures were determined for 1992-2000 and population projections for 2001-2005 using time-series analysis. Wrist fractures were identified in the OHIP database and hip fractures through hospital discharge abstracts. Results: From 1992 to 2001, the number of BMD tests increased 10-fold. There has been a steady increase in the number of persons filling prescriptions for antiresorptives (12,298 in 1996 to 225,580 in 2003) and the majority were for etidronate. For women, the rate of decline for wrist fractures is greater than that for hip fractures. The rate of hip fracture was fairly constant around 41 per 10,000 women ,50 years between 1992 and 1996. In 1997, the hip fracture rate began to decrease, and the population projections suggest that this downward trend will continue to a rate of 33.1 per 10,000 in 2005. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that fracture rates may be on the decline, despite the aging of the population, because of increased patterns of diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis. [source]

Incidence of Hip and Other Osteoporotic Fractures in Elderly Men and Women: Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004
Kevin P Chang
Abstract In this prospective 12-year study in men and women 60 years of age and older, there was a 4,6% per year reduction in the incidence rate of overall osteoporotic fractures, but the study was unable to exclude any change in the hip fracture incidence rate. Approximately one-half of hip fractures occurred before 80 years in men and two-thirds before 85 years in women. The age distribution of hip fractures underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis. Introduction: Although hip fracture is the major osteoporotic fracture in terms of health outcomes, quality of life, and costs, there is a paucity of long-term data on secular changes in men and women within a defined community. This long-term prospective population-based study over 12 years from 1989 to 2000 specifically examined the age distribution and secular changes in the incidence rates of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in men and women 60 years of age and older in a predominantly white population in Dubbo, Australia. Materials and Methods: Hip and all other clinical fractures were ascertained by reviewing all radiography reports from the two area radiology services, ensuring complete ascertainment of all clinical osteoporotic fractures. Results and Conclusion: Among the 1055 symptomatic atraumatic fractures (after excluding pathological fractures), there was a significant reduction in the overall fracture incidence rate in women (4% per year; p = 0.0003) and men (6% per year; p = 0.0004) over the 12 years. There were 229 hip fractures (175 in women and 54 in men) within 39,357 person-years of observation. The overall rate ± SE of hip fracture was 759 ± 57 per 100,000 person-years in women and 329 ± 45 per 100,000 person-years in men, with an exponential increase with age. With advancing age, the incidence rate of hip fractures in men approached that in women; the female:male ratio fell from 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3,15.7) to 1.5 (0.9,2.5) and 1.9 (1.2,2.8) in the 60,69, 70,79, and 80+ year age groups, respectively. In women, the absolute number of fractures and incidence rate continuously increased with age; however, in men, the absolute number of hip fractures peaked at 80,84 years of age and then decreased. Most importantly, despite the continuing increase with age, almost one-half (48%) of the hip fractures occurred before the age of 80 years in men, and 66% of hip fractures occurred before the age of 85 years in women. The overall hip fracture incidence is comparable with other white (except Sweden) and Asian groups as well as two other Australian studies. This study could not exclude a change in hip fracture incidence rate, even in those 80 years of age and over among whom the incidence of hip fractures was the highest. The incidence data highlight the fact that a large proportion of hip fractures occurs in those under 80 years of age, particularly in men. This age distribution underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis in women and particularly in men to achieve the most cost-effective outcomes. [source]