We have studied the morphology of blends of PS/PMMA, PC/SAN24, and PMMA/EVA and compared the morphologies with and without modified organoclay Cloisite 20A or Cloisite 6A clays. In each case we found a large reduction in domains size and the localization of the clay platelets along the interfaces of the components. The increased miscibility was accompanied in some cases, with the reduction of the system from multiple values of the glass transition temperatures to one. In addition, the modulus of all the systems increased significantly. A model was proposed where it was proposed that in-situ grafts were forming on the clay surfaces during blending and the grafts then had to be localized at the interfaces. This blending mechanism reflects the composition of the blend and is fairly nonspecific. As a result, this may be a promising technology for use in processing recycled blends where the composition is often uncertain and price is of general concern.

BackgroundAnxiety is a common concern of cancer survivors during the transition from active cancer treatment to cancer survivorship (the re-entry phase). This paper presents the study protocol for a novel group-based behavioral intervention to improve mental health, well-being, and medical use outcomes among anxious cancer survivors at re-entry.Methods/DesignThis two-armed, prospective randomized controlled trial will randomize a minimum of 100 re-entry-phase cancer survivors with moderate to high anxiety to the intervention or a usual care control condition. The intervention is delivered in a group format over 7 weeks; content is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based intervention. Participants will be recruited from community cancer care centers and the intervention will be led by the onsite clinical social workers. Participants will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up. ACT participants will complete process measures before the beginning of group sessions 2, 4, and 6; all participants will complete the process measures during the regular assessments. The primary outcome is anxiety symptoms; secondary outcomes include anxiety disorder severity, fear of recurrence, depressive symptoms, cancer-related trauma symptoms, sense of life meaning, vitality/fatigue, and medical utilization.DiscussionThis clinical trial will provide valuable evidence regarding the efficacy of the group ACT intervention in community oncology settings.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02550925.

THE mechanism of function of distal urethral stenosis in relation to urinary tract infection is unclear. It is agreed that the calibre of the distal urethral ring is not obstructive in itself, yet its symptomatology and sequelae are, at least partly, of obstructive nature (Lyon and Smith, 1963;Lyon and Tanagho, 1965). Interest in the problem prompted us to do detailed physiological studies in order to define the obstructive mechanism.We studied 2 groups of patients: Group 1.-Girls with recurrent lower urinary tract infections (after failure to cure them)Group 1I.-Girls with distal urethral stenosis (studied both before and after treatment) Surprisingly, the findings in the 2 groups were very similar and incriminated a common -6 patients.-2 patients. aetiology.Material and Method of Study.-Group I.-Six girls were specifically selected because of persistence or recurrence of their urinary tract infections despite our repeated attempts with every known means of treatment. Urethral dilatation at least twice and adequate specific antibacterial therapy were tried. There was no demonstrable vesico-ureteral reflux.Group 11.-Two other girls who had presenting symptoms typical of distal urethral stenosis with urinary tract infection were also chosen for the present studies, which were done after clearance of their infections, yet before any diagnostic urethral calibration or endoscopic examination. Five to 6 months after urethral dilatation and treatment, the studies were repeated.The studies combined cineradiography with pressure measurements. Details of this technique have been reported before (Tanagho et al., 1966). In the present study, the following information was recorded:1. Intravesical pressure. 2. Proximal urethral pressure. 3. Midurethral pressure. 4. A profile of urethral pressure from the internal meatus to the external meatus. These 4 pressures were obtained with a specially constructed pressure-measuring catheter (modified from Enhorning) (Enhorning, 1961 ; Drouin and McCurry, 1969). 5. Rectal pressure indicating intra-abdominal pressure. 6. Anal sphincter pressure. The last 2 pressures were recorded using a special rectal catheter with one balloon at the end placed high in the rectum for recording intra-abdominal pressure. Another balloon in the anal sphincter region recorded its activity. This is also a measurement for the activity of the pelvic floor as a unit.7. Urine flow rate in C.C. per sec. and volume voided. 8. Cineradiographic image. 9. Measurements were timed and recorded with sound on video tape as well as o n motion