Ionomeric polyblends of zinc salts of maleated EPDM rubber and poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid). I. Effect of blend ratio

Ionomeric polyblends based on zinc salt of maleated EPDM rubber, abbreviated as Zn‐mEPDM and zinc salt of poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid), abbreviated as Zn‐PEA in the compositions of 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50, parts by weight, behave as ionic thermoplastic elastomers. The ionomeric polyblends show synergism in tensile strength, tear strength, and hardness, which is believed to be due to the formation of intermolecular ionic crosslinks, facilitating compatibilization in the blends. The ionomeric polyblend exhibits higher physical properties than the corresponding nonionomeric polyblend. Dynamic mechanical thermal analyses show a high temperature transition due to the presence of a rigid phase arising out of the restricted mobility regions of the polymer chains adjacent to the ionic aggregates. The reprocessability studies reveal that the ionomeric polyblend can be reprocessed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1247–1256, 1999     

The determination of monomers and oligomers from polyester-based can coatings into foodstuffs over extended storage periods

The polymeric coating used in metal packaging such as cans for foods and beverages may contain residual amounts of monomers used in the production of the coating, as well as unreacted linear and cyclic oligomers. Traditionally, although designed for use with plastic food contact materials, food simulants have been used to determine the migration of monomers from coatings into foodstuffs. More recently, food simulants have also been used to determine oligomeric species migrating from can coatings. In the work reported here, the migration of both monomers and oligomers from polyester-based can coatings into food simulants and foodstuffs, some of which were towards the end of their shelf-life, is compared. The concentrations of monomers and selected oligomers in canned foods at the end of their shelf life were found to be significantly lower than those in food simulants, which in turn was lower than those in the extraction solvent acetonitrile.     

Synthesis and characterization of stable iron-iron oxide core-shell nanoclusters for environmental applications

Iron-iron oxide core-shell nanoclusters are of great interest due to their potential applications as a remedy for environmental contamination. We report the room-temperature synthesis of core-shell iron-iron oxide nanoclusters using our novel cluster deposition system. Various types of measurements such as Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Photon Spectroscopy, and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy are conducted in characterizing nanoclusters. Stable, monodispersive iron-iron oxide core-shell nanocrystals are identified.     

Complementarity effect of governance mechanisms on environmental collaboration: does it exist?

This study evaluates the effect of pre-existing relational governance mechanisms on environmental collaboration. Specifically, our study distinguishes between structural and process dimensions of relational governance mechanisms so as to facilitate a more nuanced investigation into the inherent complementarities and performance implications. Using data collected from 145 US firms and a combination of methodologies – three-stage least squares and structural equation modelling, a number of direct, complementary and mediation effects are hypothesised and tested. The three-stage least squares methodology was adopted to overcome endogeneity and simultaneity issues inherent in the hypotheses covering complementarity. Contrary to conventional wisdom, structural and process governance mechanisms were not found to act as complements for environmental collaboration. Instead, the effect of structural mechanisms was found to be completely mediated by the process mechanisms. Thus, process mechanisms of relational governance were found to be much more important in promoting advanced practices such as environmental collaboration. Our results also document the significant mediating role of environmental collaboration. Implications for future research and practice are offered.     

Novel bis(methylimidazolium)alkane bolaamphiphiles as templates for supermicroporous and mesoporous silicas

A series of bis-cationic bolaamphiphiles were synthesized containing N-methylimidazolium head-groups, separated by alkyl chains of 12, 16 and 24 methylene units. Their critical micelle concentrations were determined with subsequent flooding experiments revealing the tendency for the formation of hexagonal mesophases at high surfactant concentrations. The surfactants were employed as templates for silica formation, at ca. four times their critical micelle concentrations, permitting super-microporous and nanoparticulate mesoporous silicas to be prepared. Silica surface areas ranged from 500 to 1000 m² g⁻¹, and pore diameters (D_TEM) from 10 to 22 Å. Analysis of the materials by small angle X-ray diffraction indicated that, in the case of the template possessing 24 methylene units, the silica obtained exhibited a 2D hexagonal pore arrangement.     

We feel, therefore we are: Emotion as a basis for self-categorization and social action.

Building on intergroup emotion research, we test the idea that intergroup emotion influences self-categorization. We report two studies using minimal (Study 1) and natural (Study 2) groups in which we measured participants' emotional reactions to a group-relevant event before manipulating the emotional reactions of other ingroup members and outgroup members (anger vs. happiness in Study 1; anger vs. indifference in Study 2). Results supported the hypotheses that (a) the fit between participants' own emotional reactions and the reactions of ingroup members would influence self-categorization, and (b) the specific content of emotional reactions would shape participants' willingness to engage in collective action. This willingness was greater when emotional reactions were not only shared with other group members, but were of anger (consistent with group-based action) rather than happiness or indifference (inconsistent with group-based action). Implications for the relationship between emotion and social identities are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correction à l'article de M. Antony (2011).

Reports an error in "Progrès récents dans le traitement des troubles anxieux" by Martin M. Antony (Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 2011[Feb], Vol 52[1], 10-19). In the CPA President’s Address article that appeared in the February issue of Canadian Psychology, “Recent advances in the treatment of anxiety disorders” by Martin M. Antony (Canadian Psychology, Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 10–19), the heading for the article incorrectly printed as “Honourary President’s Address—2010.” It should have read “President’s Address—2010.” The publisher apologizes for this unfortunate production error. The online version has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2011-04299-014.) Over the past several decades, evidence-based treatments have emerged for each major anxiety disorder. These include primarily behavioural, cognitive, and pharmacological approaches. In addition, researchers continue to develop new ways of treating anxiety disorders and to improve on existing treatments. This article discusses several new and emerging treatments for anxiety disorders, including attentional training, virtual reality-based treatments, mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies, enhancement of exposure using d-cycloserine, and the application of motivational interviewing strategies in anxiety disorders. For each of these treatments, the current status and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design and synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclophilin inhibitors showing a cyclosporin-A phenotype in C. elegans

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a member of the immunophilin family of proteins and receptor for the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA). Here we describe the design and synthesis of a new class of small-molecule inhibitors for CypA that are based upon a dimedone template. Electrospray mass spectrometry is utilised as an initial screen to quantify the protein affinity of the ligands. Active inhibitors and fluorescently labelled derivatives are then used as chemical probes for investigating the biological role of cyclophilins in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.