Subtle Structural Aspects of Propylene-Based Copolymers as Revealed by Raman Spectroscopy.

Raman spectroscopy is used to elucidate fine details of the rather complex microstructure of ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPCs). This paper is focused on a series of commercial EPCs (Versify by Dow) with well-characterized ethylene content. Particular emphasis is given on the analysis of crystal type and content and their relation with EPC chain microstructure.

Interphase evolution in polymer films by confocal Raman microspectroscopy.

Liquid-glassy polymer diffusion is an important topic in polymer physics, with several mechanistic aspects that still remain unclear. Here we describe the use of confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) to study directly several features of interphase evolution in a system of this type. The interphase studied was generated by contact between liquid polystyrene (PS) and glassy polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease: resources in Oklahoma.

Senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease (often considered a single process) rank as the fourth most common cause of death in the United States and outrank in cost to the nation the three leading causes of death combined. Autopsy studies of patients with the clinical diagnosis of dementia have clearly shown that a wide variety of pathological conditions can produce clinically similar symptomatology. In order to address the many possible causes and treatments of these various forms of dementia, the Alzheimer's Association (formerly known as the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association), the Oklahoma Autopsy Assistance Network at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and The Alzheimer's Foundation (also known as the Familial Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation) have begun a concerted effort to develop a regional network which can aid patients and their relatives in the diagnosis and management of dementia.

Dementia: the importance of clinical evaluation, autopsy confirmation, and research.

Because of the increasingly elderly population, dementia is a major public health problem, currently affecting over 50,000 Oklahomans at an approximate cost of one billion dollars annually. The marked overlap in symptomatology between Alzheimer's disease and other primary central nervous system degenerations makes antemortem diagnosis based on a clinical assessment tentative at best, with error rates of 25% commonly reported. Accurate diagnosis is of vital importance in improving our understanding of these illnesses, evaluating potential therapies, and providing appropriate genetic counseling to family members.