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In 1999 the Institute of Medicine reported that most medical injuries relate to unavoidable human error in a context of system failure. Patient safety improves when healthcare providers facilitate blame-free reporting and organisational learning. This is at odds with fault-based civil liability law, which discourages a more open (doctorpatient) communication on medical injuries. The absence of a clear-cut definition of 'medical error' complicates litigation and hence swift, appropriate patient compensation. No-fault systems perform better in this respect. A dual track liability system for medical malpractice is challenging to implement and operate, yet may be the only option for Pan-European harmonisation of medical liability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysmal dilation of arteriovenous fistulae used for haemodialysis is a recognised complication but its clinical significance is a contentious issue. Our aims were to describe aneurysmal fistulae morphologically and clinically.Sixty patients underwent duplex scanning to measure the maximum diameter and skin thickness of their fistula. Haemodialysis function and bleeding risk were assessed clinically.The 75th percentile of maximum diameter was 2.05 cm. In addition to conventional diameter measurement, we describe a novel volume measurement technique which may be of value. No relationship was found between maximum diameter or volume and function, skin thickness or bleeding.Some studies define aneurysm at 2 cm (75th percentile); however, this definition and other arbitrary definitions lack clinical significance. This work suggests that fistula dilation should be considered together with clinical issues when determining the clinical significance of an aneurysm. Our finding that haemodialysis function, skin thickness and bleeding were not associated with diameter needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual stress (VS) affects reading in 5-12% of the general population and 31-36% of children with reading disorders. Symptoms include print distortions and visual discomfort when reading, and are exacerbated by fluorescent lighting. Prior research has indicated that VS can also affect proficient readers. We therefore examined levels of visual discomfort in a group of expert readers (n = 24) under both standard and spectrally-filtered fluorescent lighting. Participants rated their awareness of six symptoms of VS under each lighting condition. Under the standard condition, 4(16.7%) of the group recorded moderate to high levels of VS. Differences in symptom levels and reading speed between conditions were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Under the filter condition, the group reported less discomfort regarding all six symptoms of VS surveyed. The differences were significant with respect to three of the symptoms (p = .029 - p < .001), with a medium effect size in all of them (r = .31 - r = .46) and total score (p = .007; r = .39). Variations in reading proficiency included significantly fewer self-corrections (p = .019) and total errors (p = .004). Here we present evidence that VS-type symptoms of reading discomfort are not confined to populations with reading difficulties and may also occur in proficient readers, and that simple adaptations to fluorescent lighting may alleviate such symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University of New England, Australia A key stimulus behind the present review has been the growing debate among educational researchers, politicians, and the general public concerning apparent declines in the literacy and numeracy levels of school students. Recent years have also witnessed a plethora of research by educational psychologists investigating the underlying causes of key learning disorders. Most such studies have primarily focused upon reading and writing deficits in children with developmental dyslexia and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with others examining the respective incidences of these well-publicised disorders. At the same time, the very common visual processing disorder Meares-Irlen/Visual Stress Syndrome, which can also cause reading, writing, and attention problems, has been grossly under-researched. Although there remains some controversy surrounding this condition, there is sufficient evidence indicating that its prevalence exceeds those of dyslexia and ADHD combined. Thus, this review evaluates the latent role that Meares-Irlen/Visual Stress Syndrome may play in overall literacy and numeracy statistics, and whether increasingly brighter fluorescent lighting and visual media in school classrooms may be enhancing that contribution. To explore these issues further, the review also examines the literature relating to both recent and long term trends in the literacy and numeracy levels of school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acid profiles of Antarctic ( n = 7) and non-Antarctic yeasts ( n = 7) grown at different temperatures were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Antarctic yeasts were enriched in oleic 18:1 (20-60 %), linoleic 18:2 (20-50 %) and linolenic 18:3 (5-40 %) acids with lesser amounts of palmitic 16:0 (<15 %) and palmitoleic 16:1 (<10 %) acids. The non-Antarctic yeasts ( n = 4) were enriched in 18:1 (20-55 %, with R. mucilaginosa at 75-80 %) and 18:2 (10-40 %) with lesser amounts of 16:0 (<20 %), 16:1 (<20 %) and stearic 18:0 (<10 %) acids. By contrast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains ( n = 3) were enriched in 16:1 (30-50 %) and 18:1 (20-40 %) with lesser amounts of 16:0 (10-25 %) and 18:0 (5-10 %) acids. Principal component analysis grouped the yeasts into three clusters, one belonging to the S. cerevisiae strains (enriched in 16:0, 16:1 and 18:1), one to the other non-Antarctic yeasts (enriched in 18:1 and 18:2) and the third to the Antarctic yeasts (enriched in 18:2 and 18:3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore the value of reflection and its application to practice through the implementation of educational modules within a new Diabetes Care and Education Master Degree Programme in Kuwait, and to realise how this teaching intervention informs changes in practice. Methods: A small exploratory case study was conducted within the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. A qualitative approach using focus group interviews was carried out with seventeen participants all of whom are studying on the Diabetes Care and Education Master Degree Programme in Kuwait. An inductive approach to thematic analysis, which focused on examining themes within data, was performed. Results: The results indicate that participants value the opportunity to study through organised, structured and assessed reflection. The learning provides useful information and support to the participant by highlighting the role which reflection plays to enhance personal and professional development, the value of educational theory, continuing professional development, collaboration and enhancing patient education and practice. Conclusions: The significance of reflection is often seen in the literature as an important aspect of professional competence. This research has highlighted the value of reflection as a key component within a new educational programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from the traditional Australian medicinal plant Eremophila bignoniiflora, characterized chemically and then screened for bioactivity. Characterization and quantification were completed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-flame ionization detection, respectively. Antimicrobial capacity was assessed using disc diffusion and micro-titre plate broth dilution and further characterized using thin layer chromatography followed by bioautography to assign activity to separated individual active components. Antifungal capacity was investigated using micro-titre plate broth dilution against pathogenic Trichophyton species. Free radical scavenging ability was assessed using the diphenylpicrylhydradyl reaction in methanol. The predominant components of the essential oil were fenchyl-acetate and bornyl-acetate. However, bioautography indicated antimicrobial ability to be largely linked to the less abundant, more polar constituents. Oils displayed only modest antifungal ability against pathogenic Trichophyton species associated with dermatophytosis, but moderate to high antimicrobial activity, particularly against the yeast Candida albicans and the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis. Essential oils exhibited relatively low free radical scavenging ability. Speculation over the role of essential oils in the traditional medicinal applications of E. bignoniiflora follows, exploring correlations between traditional use and investigated bioactivities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediastinal fat necrosis (MFN) or epipericardial fat necrosis, as it is commonly referred to in the literature, is a rare self-limiting cause of chest pain of unclear etiology. MFN affects previously healthy individuals who present with acute pleuritic chest pain. Characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings include a fat attenuation lesion with intrinsic and surrounding increased attenuation stranding. There is often associated thickening of the adjacent pericardium and/or pleural effusions. We present two cases of MFN manifesting as ovoid fat attenuation lesions demarcated by a soft tissue attenuation rim with intrinsic and surrounding soft tissue attenuation stranding and review the clinical and pathologic features of these lesions. Knowledge of the clinical presentation of patients with MFN and familiarity with the characteristic imaging findings of these lesions should allow radiologists to prospectively establish the correct diagnosis and suggest conservative management and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior investigations of scotopic sensitivity or Meares-Irlen syndrome have identified several features also found in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a subtype of dyslexia in which visual recognition is the primary deficit. In particular, anomalies in lipid metabolism, including low essential fatty acid status and decreased serum cholesterol, have been identified in all three disorders. Genetic expression of the transporter molecule apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB) has been correlated with abnormal lipid metabolism, particularly in relation to levels of cholesterol. Cholesterol esters are important carriers of essential fatty acids entering the retina. The APOB gene coding for apolipoprotein B-100 is located on the short arm of Chromosome 2, and closely neighbours a gene (DYX3) known to confer susceptibility to dyslexia. The APOB locus is also recognised as being one of the most highly polymorphic regions of the human genome, and thus provides a promising tool for genetic researchers. In this pilot study, certain allelic variants of the APOB gene were more common in participants diagnosed with Meares-Irlen syndrome than in individuals without the condition. This study appears to be a first in which a condition known to cause reading difficulties has been associated with the APOB gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Leaf specimens of Eremophila longifolia were collected from western New South Wales, Australia. Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation. Characterizations using GC-MS and GC-FID were consistent with those reported in previous work, but demonstrated greater chemo-variability. Antimicrobial activity from disc diffusions and broth dilutions indicated that oils dominated by hydrocarbon monoterpenes and monoterpenols had moderate antimicrobial activity for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. Oils dominated by ketones demonstrated less activity but showed substantially greater yields in wet-weight leaves. Bioautography revealed the most active constituents to be related to the most abundant - karahanaenone and menthone - but active constituents also included d-limonene, borneol, sabinene, terpinolene and α-terpineol. Antifungal capacity for Trichophyton interdigitalis, rubrum and mentagrophytes was determined using an agar transplant method. Results indicated very high activity from oils rich in borneol and also for oils that were distilled from leaves accidentally burnt or partially pyrolysed during hydro-distillation. This serendipitous observation may have relevance given the traditional manner of use in smoking ceremonies. Free radical scavenging was determined using the DPPH method in methanol and antioxidant capacity with the FRAP assay. Results indicated that oils dominated by monoterpenols had moderate ability, but became very high when the oils were partially pyrolysed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide glaciers are annually retreating due to global overheating and this phenomenon determines the potential lost of microbial diversity represented by psychrophilic microbial population sharing these peculiar habitats. In this context, yeast strains, all unable to grow above 20°C, consisting of 42 strains from Antarctic soil and 14 strains isolated from Alpine Glacier, were isolated and grouped together based on similar morphological and physiological characteristics. Sequences of the D1/D2 and ITS regions of the ribosomal DNA confirmed the previous analyses and demonstrated that the strains belong to unknown species. Three new species are proposed: Mrakia robertii sp. nov. (type strain CBS 8912), Mrakia blollopis sp. nov. (type strain CBS 8921) and a related anamorphic species Mrakiella niccombsii sp. nov. (type strain CBS 8917). Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region revealed that the new proposed species were closely related to each other within the Mrakia clade in the order Cystofilobasidiales, class Tremellomycetes. The Mrakia clade now contains 8 sub-clades. Teliospores were observed in all strains except CBS 8918 and for the Mrakiella niccombsii strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic tri-substituted ethylene monomers, ring-tri-substituted 2-phenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, RC6H2CH=C(CN)2 (where R is 2,4,6-trimethyl, 2,3-dimethyl-4-methoxy, 2,4-dimethoxy-3-methyl, 2,3,4-trimethoxy, 2,4,5-trimethoxy, 2,4,6-trimethoxy and 3,4,5-trimethoxy), were synthesized by piperidine-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. Novel co-polymers of the ethylenes and vinyl acetate were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution co-polymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (ABCN) at 70°C. The composition of the co-polymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures and properties were analyzed by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, GPC, DSC and TGA. The high Tg of the co-polymers, in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate, indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the co-polymer due to the high dipolar character of the tri-substituted ethylene monomer unit. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the co-polymers decompose in the 190–700°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-disubstituted 2-phenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, RC6H3CH=C(CN)2 (where R is 2,3-dimethoxy, 2,4-dimethoxy, 2,5-dimethoxy, 3,4-dimethoxy, 3-ethyl-4-methoxy), were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-disubstituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 290-450°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted 2-phenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, RC6H4CH=C(CN)2 (where R is 2-methoxy, 3-methoxy, 4-methoxy, 4-ethoxy, 4-propoxy, and 4-butoxy), were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 290-450°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted 2-phenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, RC6H4CH=C(CN)2 (where R is 2-methyl, 3-methyl, 4-methyl, 4-ethyl, and 2,5-dimethyl), were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High Tg of the copolymers, in comparison with that of polystyrene, indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 290-450°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, dialkoxy ring‐substituted methyl 2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC 6 H 3 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 , (where R is 2,3‐, 2,4‐, 2,5‐, 3,4‐, 3,5‐dimethoxy, and 3‐ethoxy‐4‐methoxy), were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1 H‐ and 13 C‐NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 272–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsaturated amorphous copolyesters of varied composition were prepared by transesterification copolymerization of diethyl fumarate, and two diols, 1,2‐propanediol and 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol. The copolyesters were characterized by IR, 1 H‐ and 13 C‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. The glass transition is changing with composition from 0°C to 19°C as the content of 1,2‐propanediol residue in the copolyester increases. The copolyester structure and composition have an impact on the compressive strength and hydrolytic stability of the composites prepared by crosslinking the fumarate double bonds with N‐vinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of inorganic filler, calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the addition of a radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide, at ambient temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, alkyl ring substituted methyl 2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC 6 H 4 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 , where R is 2‐methyl, 3‐methyl, 4‐methyl, 4‐isopropyl, and 2,5‐dimethyl were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 260–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Unsaturated polyesters are prepared by transesterification polymerization of diethyl fumarate and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The structure of the polyesters was characterized by FT-IR and 1 H- and 13 C-NMR spectroscopy. Semicrystalline morphology of the polymers is suggested by DSC analysis with T g at 21°C and melting at 140°C. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset of degradation takes place at 300°C. The polyester's structure has significant impact on the properties of the composites prepared by crosslinking the fumarate double bonds with N-vinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of an inorganic filler, calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the addition of a radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide, at ambient temperatures. The compressive strength and hydrolytic stability of the cement compositions was correlated with structure of the polyesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-disubstituted 2-phenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, R 1 R 2 C 6 H 3 CH&dbnd;C(CN) 2 (where R 1 R 2 is 2,4-dichloro, 2,6-dichloro, 3,4-dichloro, 2,4-difluoro, and 2,5-difluoro), were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 200–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equimolar alternating co-polymers of vinyl acetate and electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, halogen ring-substituted methyl (E)-2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates, RC6H4CH=C(CN)CO2CH3 (where R = 2-Br, 3-Br, 4-Br, 2-Cl, 3-Cl, 4-Cl, 2-F, 3-F, 4-F), were prepared via co-polymerization in solution with radical initiation (ABCN) at 70°C. The compositions of the co-polymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. High glass transition temperatures of the co-polymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicate a decrease in chain mobility of the co-polymers due to the high dipolar character of the tri-substituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the decomposition of the co-polymers occurs in two steps. The first step is relatively fast weight loss in 227–370°C range, followed by very slow decomposition of the formed residue in 370–950°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equimolar alternating copolymers of vinyl acetate and electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring‐substituted methyl (E)‐2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC 6 H 4 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 (where R=4‐acetamido, 2‐cyano, 3‐cyano, 4‐cyano, 4‐diethylamino) were prepared via copolymerization in solution with radical initiation (ABCN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H‐ and 13 C‐NMR. High glass transition temperatures of the copolymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicate a decrease in chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the decomposition of the copolymers occurs in two steps. The first step is relatively fast weight loss in 257–370°C range followed by very slow decomposition of the formed residue in 370–950°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equimolar alternating copolymers of vinyl acetate and electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, halogen ring‐disubstituted methyl (E)‐2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC 6 H 3 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 (where R=2,3‐dichloro, 2,4‐dichloro, 2,6‐dichloro, 3,4‐dichloro, 3,5‐dichloro, 2,4‐difluoro, 2,5‐difluoro, 2,6‐difluoro, and 3,4‐difluoro) were prepared via copolymerization in solution with radical initiation (ABCN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H‐ and 13 C‐NMR. High glass transition temperatures of the copolymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicate a decrease in chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the decomposition of the copolymers occurs in two steps. The first step is relatively fast weight loss in 272–370°C range followed by very slow decomposition of the formed residue in 370–950°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted methyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl2-propenoates, RC6H4CH=C(CN)CO2 CH3 (where R = H, 2-CH3, 3-CH3, 4-CH3, 2-C2H5, 4-C2H5, 4-iC3H7, 4-C4H9 and 2,4,6-(CH3)3), were synthesized by the piperidine-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. Co-polymerization of the propenoates and vinyl acetate in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C yielded equimolar alternating co-polymers. The composition of the co-polymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, GPC, DSC and TGA. The high Tg of the co-polymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the co-polymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the co-polymers decompose in the 214–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, methoxy ring-substituted methyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates, RC 6 H 3 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 , (where R is 2,3-(CH 3 O) 2 , 2,4-(CH 3 O) 2 , 2,5-(CH 3 O) 2 , 2,6-(CH 3 O) 2 , 3,4-(CH 3 O) 2 , 3,5-(CH 3 O) 2 , 2,4,5-(CH 3 O) 3 , and 2,4,6-(CH 3 O) 3 ), were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR. Copolymerization of the propenoates and vinyl acetate in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C yielded equimolar alternating copolymers. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H-and 13 C-NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 240–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted methyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates, RC 6 H 4 CH&dbnd;C(CN)CO 2 CH 3 , (where R is 2-CH 3 O, 3-CH 3 O, 4-CH 3 O, 2-C 2 H 5 O, 3-C 2 H 5 O, 4-C 2 H 5 O, 4-C 3 H 7 O, 4-C 4 H 9 O, 4-C 6 H 11 O, and 4-CH 3 CO 2 ), were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR. Copolymerization of the propenoates and vinyl acetate in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C yielded equimolar alternating copolymers. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 200–400°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylenes, ring-substituted ethyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates, RC6H4CH[dbnd]C(CN)CO2C2H5 (where R is 2-CH3, 3-CH3, 4-CH3, 2-OCH3, 3-OCH3, and 4-OCH3) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene (ST). The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and ethyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with ST (M1) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r1) for the monomers is 3-OCH3 (0.88) > 4-CH3 (0.71) > 2-OCH3 (0.68) > 3-CH3 (0.55) > 2-CH3 (0.47) > 4-OCH3 (0.40). Higher Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the TSE structural unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 257–287°C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylenes (TSE), halogen ring-substituted ethyl 2-cyano-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-propenylcarbamates, RC6H4CH[dbnd]C(CN)CONHCO2C2H5 (where R is 3-Br, 4-Br, 3-Cl, 4-Cl, 2-F, 3-F, and 4-F) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene (ST). The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and N-cyanoacetylurethane, and characterized by CHN analysis, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with ST (M1) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r1) for the monomers is 2-F (3.81) > 3-Cl (1.36) > 4-Br (1.31) > 3-Br (1.13) > 4-F (0.90) > 3-F (0.63) > 4-Cl (0.37). Higher Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the TSE structural unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the range 303–319°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores evaporative loss kinetics, intrapulmonary distribution and dosing strategies during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation with perflubron. Replacement of vapor loss; Improvement of the oxygenation index; Reduction of tissue myeloperoxidase activity by lung injury scores.

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted N-(aminocarbonyl)-2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenamides, RC[sub 6]H[sub 4]CH C(CN)CONHCONH[sub 2] (where R = H, 2-CH[sub 3], 3-CH[sub 3], 4-CH[sub 3], 2-OCH[sub 3], 3-OCH[sub 3], 4-OCH[sub 3], 4-Br, 2-Cl, 3-Cl and 4-Cl), were synthesized by the piperidine-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and cyanoacetylurea, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, and [sup 1]H- and [sup 13]C-NMR. All the propenamides were copolymerized with styrene (M[sub 1]) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70 °C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR and [sup 1]H- and [sup 13]C-NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r[sub 1]) for the monomers is 4-Br (0.27) > H (0.20) > 2-Cl (0.16) > 3-Cl (0.12) > 3-OCH[sub 3] (0.11) > 3-CH[sub 3] (0.10) > 4-Cl (0.08) > 2-CH[sub 3] (0.06) > 4-OCH[sub 3] (0.05) > 4-CH[sub 3] (0.04) > 2-OCH[sub 3] (0.04). The elevated glass transition temperatures of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicate a decrease in the chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 200–400 °C range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylenes, ring-substituted ethyl 2-cyano-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-propenylcarbamates, RC6H4CH[dbnd]C(CN)CONHCO2[sbnd]C2H5 (where R is H, 2[sbnd]CH3, 3[sbnd]CH3, 4[sbnd]CH3, 2[sbnd]OCH3, 3[sbnd]OCH3, 4[sbnd]OCH3,4[sbnd]OC2H5) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene. The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and N-cyanoacetylurethane, and characterized by CHN analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with styrene (M1) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C[sbnd]NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r 1) for the monomers is 2[sbnd]CH3 (1.52) > H (1.20) = 3[sbnd]CH3 (1.20) > 2[sbnd]OCH3 (1.16) > 3[sbnd]OCH3 (0.88) > 4[sbnd]CH3 (0.48) = 4[sbnd]OC2H5 (0.48) > 4[sbnd]OCH3 (0.29). Higher Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the TSE structural unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the range 200–355°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) are immiscible fluids with a specific gravity greater than, water. When present, DNAPLs present a serious and long-term source of continued ground water and soil contamination (Pankow and Cherry 1996). Accurate characterization and delineation of DNAPL in the subsurface is critical for evaluating restoration potential and for remedy design at a site. However, obtaining accurate and definitive direct evidence of DNAPL is difficult. A field study was recently performed comparing several approaches to DNAPL characterization at a site where anecdotal and limited direct evidence of DNAPL exists. The techniques evaluated included a three-dimensional high-resolution seismic survey, field screening of soil cores with a flame ionization detector (FID)/organic vapor analyzer (OVA), hydrophobic (Sudan IV) dye-impregnated reactive FLUTe® (Flexible Liner Underground Technologies) liner material in combination with Rotasonic drill cores, centrifuged soil with Sudan IV dye, ultraviolet light (UV) fluorescence, a Geoprobe® Membrane Interface Probe (MIP®), and phase equilibrium partitioning evaluations based on laboratory analysis of soil samples. Sonic drilling provided reliable continuous cores from which minor soil structures could be evaluated and screened with an OVA, The screening provided reliable preliminary data for identifying likely DNAPL zones and for selecting samples for further analyses. The FLUTe liner material provided the primary direct evidence of the presence of DNAPL and reliable information on the thickness and nature of its occurrence (i.e., pooled or ganglia). The MIP system provided good information regarding the subsurface lithology and rapid identification and delineation of probable DNAPL areas. The three-dimensional seismic survey was of minimal benefit to this study, and the centrifuging of samples with Sudan IV dye and the use of UV fluorescence provided no benefit. Results of phase equilibrium partitioning concentration calculations for soil samples (to infer the presence of DNAPL) were in good agreement with the site screening data. Additionally, screening data compared well with previous ground water data and supported using 1% of the pure phase solubility limit of Freon 113 (2 mg/L) as an initial means to define the DNAPL study area. Based on the results of this study, the preferred approach for identifying and delineating DNAPL in the subsurface is to initially evaluate ground water data and define an area where dissolved concentrations of the target analyte(s) approach 1% of the pure phase solubility limit. Within this study area, the MIP device is used to more specifically identify areas and lithologic zones where DNAPL may have accumulated. Core samples (either Rotasonic or Geoprobe) are then collected from zones where MIP readings are indicative of the presence of DNAPL. Soil samples from the free-product portions of the core(s) are then submitted to a laboratory for positive analyte identification. Soil analyses are then combined with site-specific geotechnical information (i.e., fraction organic carbon, soil bulk density, and porosity) and equilibrium partitioning algorithms used to estimate concentrations of organic contaminants in soil samples that would be indicative of free product. Used in combination, the soil analysis and the MIP records appear to provide accurate DNAPL identification and delineation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, 2-halophenyl-1,1-dicyanoethylenes, RC6H4CH=C(CN)2 (where R is o-Cl, m-Cl, p-Cl, p-Br, and p-F) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene. The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C-NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with styrene (M1) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C-NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r1) for the monomers is p-Cl (14.8) >m-Cl (2.67)> o-Cl (1.82) > p-Br (1.52) > p-F (1.36). High Tg's of the copolymers (> 150°C) in comparison with that of polystyrene indicate a substantial decrease in the chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted monomer unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the range 300–400°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl 2-cyano-3-dihalophenyl-2-propenoates, R2C6H3CH=C(CN)CO2CH3 (R2= 2,4-difluoro, 2,5-difluoro, 2,6-difluoro, 3,4-difluoro, 3,5-difluoro, and 2-chloro-6-fluoro), were prepared by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of corresponding disubstituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate. Novel copolymers of the propenoates and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator. The order of relative reactivity (1/ r1) was 2,5-difluoro (2.11) > 2,6-difluoro (1.84) > 3,5-difluoro (1.71) > 2,4-difluoro (1.4) > 3,4-difluoro (0.65) > 2-chloro-6-fluoro (0.59). The copolymers were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, GPC, DSC and TGA. High glass transition temperatures of the copolymers compared that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, ring-substituted methyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates, RC6H4CHC(CN) CO2CH3 (where R is 4-C2H5O, 4-C3H7O, 4-C4H9O, 3-C6H5O, and 3-CN), were prepared and copolymerized with styrene. The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. All the propenoates were copolymerized with styrene (M1) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r1) for the monomers is 3-CN (1.21) > 3-C6H5O (1.16) > 4-C2H5O (0.94) > 4-C3H7O (0.8305) > 4-C4H9O (0.616). The high Tg's of the copolymers (> 130°C) in comparison with that of polystyrene indicate a substantial decrease in the chain mobility of the copolymers due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted monomer unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the range 300–400°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which discussed the preparation of a novel electrophilic trisubstituted ethylenes, ring-disubstituted methyl 2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates. Methodology; Results and discussion; Conclusion.