Toughening Immiscible Polymer Blends: The Role of Interface-Crystallization-Induced Compatibilization Explored Through Nanoscale Visualization.

This study explores the novel approach of interface-crystallization-induced compatibilization (ICIC) via stereocomplexation as a promising method to improve the interfacial strength in thermodynamically immiscible polymers. Herein, two distinct reactive interfacial compatibilizers, poly(styrene--glycidyl methacrylate)--poly(l-lactic acid) (SAL) and poly(styrene--glycidyl methacrylate)--poly(d-lactic acid) (SAD) are synthesized via reactive melt blending in an integrated grafting and blending process. This approach is demonstrated to enhance the interfacial strength of immiscible polyvinylidene fluoride/poly l-lactic acid (PVDF/PLLA) 50/50 blends via ICIC.

Additive Manufacturing of Polyolefins.

Polyolefins are semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers known for their good mechanical properties, low production cost, and chemical resistance. They are amongst the most commonly used plastics, and many polyolefin grades are regarded as engineering polymers. The two main additive manufacturing techniques that can be used to fabricate 3D-printed parts are fused filament fabrication and selective laser sintering.

[Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction: sex differences in risk profile, prognosis and referral by family physician].

Objective: To detect possible sex differences in risk factors, referrals and prognosis after angina pectoris (AP) and myocardial infarction (MI).

Design: Retrospective.

Method: From 4 general practices in/around Nijmegen, the Netherlands, patients were selected who in 1985-1989 had a first episode of AP or a first MI.

Effects of biotin and high copper levels on performance and immune response of weanling pigs.

Weanling crossbred pigs (n = 216, 6.9 kg initially) were used in three 5-wk trials to evaluate the effect of supplemental biotin (0, 220, 440 and 880 ppb) and Cu (0, 200 and 400 ppm) on performance, hemoglobin concentrations, serum and liver Cu levels and immune response (humoral and cell-mediated). Feeding 200 ppm Cu increased growth rate (P less than .

The changing structure of Dutch mental health care.

Current mental health care policy in The Netherlands emphasizes a major shift from intramural to extramural care. A decline in psychiatric hospital admissions is to result from intensified psychiatric care offered by non-residential provider agencies, an increase in sheltered housing and day care capacity and an integral role in mental health care for the general practitioner. To allow for such a far reaching change, fortification of the greatly fragmented non-residential sector of Dutch mental health care was necessary (in 1982 more than 300 agencies in a country of 14.