The results show that the organoclay layers are mainly intercalated and partially exfoliated in the PP-based nanocomposites. The additions of SEBS and OMMT have no significant effect on the crystallization behavior of PP. At the same time, it can be concluded that the polymer chains of PP and SEBS have intercalated into the organoclay layers and increase the gallery distance after blending process based on the analytical results
from TEM, XRD, and rheology, which result in the form of a percolated nanostructure in the PP-based nanocomposites. The results of mechanical properties show that SEBS filler AG-881 greatly improve the notched impact strength of PP, but with the sacrifice of strength and stiffness. OMMT can improve the strength and stiffness of PP and slightly enhance the notched impact strength of PP/PP-g-MA. In comparison with neat PP, PP/OMMT, and PP/SEBS binary composites, notched impact toughness of the PP/SEBS/OMMT ternary composites significantly increase. Moreover, the GSI-IX manufacturer stiffness and strength of PP/SEBS/OMMT ternary nanocomposites are slightly enhanced when compared with neat PP. It is believed that the synergistic effect of both SEBS elastomer and OMMT nanoparticles account for the balanced mechanical performance of the ternary nanocomposites. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 3016-3023, 2009″
“Background: The total artificial heart (TAH) replaces the heart with 2
pneumatic pumps and 4 tilting disk mechanical valves. It was hypothesized that patients receiving TAH support have persistent hemolysis that resolves after heart transplantation (HT).
Methods and Results: Hematocrit (HCT) was compared in patients on TAH to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support for bridge to HT. Data were compared with t tests. The TAH (n = 36; mean age 47 +/- 13 years) and LVAD patients (n = 11; mean age 53 +/- 12 years) were supported for a median of 83 (interquartile range [IQR] 43-115) and 106 days (IQR 84-134), respectively. Hematocrit was similar
between the TAH and LVAD patients (34 +/- 6% vs 37 +/- 5%; P = .07) at baseline. After placement, TAH patients had lower HCT at 2 (20 +/- 2% vs 24 +/- 3%), 4 (22 +/- 3% vs 26 +/- 3%), 6 (22 +/- 4% vs 30 +/- 4%), and 8 weeks (23 +/- 4% vs 33 +/- 5%; P < .001 for all). There were no differences in CHIR99021 HCT at 1 (30 +/- 4% vs 29 +/- 7%; P = .42) and 3 months (35 +/- 7% vs 35 +/- 4%; P = .98) after removal of the devices for HT. TAH patients had undetectable haptoglobin in 96% of assessments, increased lactate dehydrogenase (1,128 +/- 384 units/L), and detectable plasma free hemoglobin in 40% of measurements (21 +/- 15 mg/dL). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (52 +/- 50 mg/dL) was elevated, and reticulocyte production index was decreased (1.6 +/- 0.6).
Conclusions: Patients implanted with a TAH have persistent anemia that resolves only after HT.