No abstract

Investigated by nonradiative energy transfer (NRET), the state of mixing of PVC and s.PMMA which is on the dimensional scale of a few nanometers is significantly affected by the chain length. When PVC is blended with s.PMMA of increasing molecular weight (MW), the longest chains of s.PMMA are likely to segregate from a homogeneous blend formed by PVC and low‐MW s.PMMA. The phase separation should therefore be of purely entropic origin and strongly dependent on both the relative percentage and the chain length of each component. These results are in qualitative agreement with conclusions previously drawn from DSC and transmission electron microscopy. NRET is a more powerful tool in probing heterogeneities compared to DSC and the thermally stimulated depolarization current method; it provides evidence against the previously suggested model of a 1:1 PVC/s.PMMA aggregate.

No abstract

synopsisMiscibility of PVC with s.PMMA and SAN, respectively, has been investigated by nonradiative energy transfer. Blended by using a common solvent, the two polymer pairs are not homogeneous at a molecular level. They are likely to contain heterogeneities of a few nanometers depending on blend composition. A t a comparable number average molecular weight, but a different polydispersity, SAN i s seemingly less miscible with PVC than s.PMMA. That this behavior is of enthalpic or entropic origin, or mainly due to the method of mixing, cannot be settled so far.

Introduction: There is a lack of joint recommendations by healthcare professionals (HCP) and patient organizations when a partnership between high and low-income countries in the field of haemophilia is planned. Aim: To draft recommendations to clarify the methodology when a partnership between low-and high-income countries is planned with the objective of a long-term implication. This methodology is to be implemented for fulfilling both medical and associative aims. Methods: Based on the available literature, a first document was written, then diffused to AFATH (Alliance Franco-Africaine pour le Traitement de l'Hémophilie) members, and after a one-day meeting and further amendments, a second draft was approved by all members before submission for publication. Results: Based on 6 years experience, several recommendations regarding the joint and separate roles of patient association and HCP for a first mission in French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries have been established. The proposed methodology for establishing preliminary contacts, the first visit and the key points for diagnostic action, medical follow-up, patient education and advocacy strategy outlines a model of partnership between patients and HCP. Conclusion: This paper written jointly by patients and physicians underlines the importance of reciprocal expert guidance and a partnership based on complementary inputs.