bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survey of fire testing of electrical cables
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe National Electrical Code (NEC) is the document which regulates electrical cables in the United States. It addresses two fire properties only for which it requires testing: flame spread and smoke obscuration. Thus, a hierarchy of tests exists which cables need to pass to be allowed in occupancies regulated by the NEC. On a flame spread basis they are, in increasing severity: UL VW‐1, UL 1581, UL 1666 and UL 910. For smoke obscuration only one test is mentioned in the NEC: UL 910. The /LS category (limited smoke) introduced in NEC '90, as a voluntary label, will probably be addressed in NEC '93 under the new standard UL 1685, a modification of UL 1581. Rate of heat release is measured for cables only for R&D purposes. However, it is by now well established that rate of heat release is the one most important fire property to assess fire hazard. Cable flame spread tests (except for VW‐1) have all been modified, in non‐standard ways, to measure rate of heat release, which gives much more useful results than char‐length determinations. Moreover, small‐scale RHR test instruments (cone calorimeter, OSU calorimeter) have also been used extensively to test cables. The results of such tests have been correlated with those of UL 1581 (and of similar cable tray tests) in several cases, with excellent outcome. Work is underway to develop algorithms to predict largescale cable test results from small‐scale compound tests. This area of research is very promising, and, once completed, would decrease product development costs considerably and allow faster introduction of advanced materials into the market. However, such work can only be completed by using rate of heat release techniques in both large‐ and small‐scale tests.
Optical measurement of smoke
Authors: Chow W. K. , Lai K. F. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe optical density of smoke liberated by burning seven samples of materials and six commercial plastic products was studied using different light sources in a modified NBS smoke chamber. Materials included plywood, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), PF (phenolformaldehyde), PE (polythene), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropene) and POM (acetal). The plastic products were a polyvinylchloride pipe, an unplasticized polyvinylchloride pipe, a telephone casing, an insulator, an electrical fitting and floor tiles. Light sources used were a helium‐neon laser, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp and a tungsten filament lamp. The errors in optical measurement of smoke due to a forward‐scattering effect and the frequency of light beam were investigated.
Ignition and flame propagation of electric cables in a laboratory‐scale gallery fire test
Authors: Nakagawa Yuichi , Komai Takeshi , Kohno Makoto 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe authors have conducted a laboratory‐scale gallery fire test on eight different samples of electric cable in a horizontal airflow. The number of speciments and the distances between them on the trestle were varied for each test. As a result, it was found that both ignitability and flame‐propagation properties depended on the distance between the specimens as well as on their number. Such flammability properties obtained for each cable sample were also found to be considerably consistent with the critical oxygen index. In addition, it is proposed that the flammability should be classified largely into five categories in this laboratory‐scale gallery fire test for fire‐retardance evaluation of solid combustible materials such as electric cables.
Burning rate of solid wood measured in a heat release rate calorimeter
Authors: Tran Hao C. , White Robert H. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBurning rate is a key factor in modeling fire growth and fire endurance of wood structures. This study investigated the burning rate of selected wood materials as determined by heat release, mass, loss and charring rates. Thick samples of redwood, southern pine, red oak and basswood were tested in a heat release rate calorimeter. Results on ignitability and average heat release, mass loss and charring rates are reported for a heat flux range between 15 and 55 kw m−2. In this range, burning rate increased linearly with heat flux. Burning rate was very species dependent. Heat release rate was related to mass loss by effective heat of combustion, which also increased with heat flux. Charring rate was related to mass loss rate and original wood density. Important char property data such as yield, density and contraction are reported. A simplified calculation method is proposed for calculating mass loss rate and charring rate based on heat release rate.
Irritancy of the smoke (non‐flaming mode) from materials used for coating wire and cable products, both in the presence and absence of halogens in their chemical composition
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M. , Purser David A. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractFour wire coating materials (two of them based on PVC and the two others based on XLPE) were assessed for the irritancy of their smoke, under non‐flaming conditions, by using the respiratory depression method, expressed as the RD50. The DIN 53 436 combustion tube was used as the fire model, at a temperature of 550°C (smouldering mode), and the animal model was the mouse. Animals were exposed for 10 min, at concentrations too low to cause lethality. It was found that there was relatively little difference between the irritancy of all four smokes. This was an unexpected result, since it had been predicted that PVC smoke would be much more irritating than XLPE smoke. In fact, the smoke from the PVC compounds had an RD50 roughly in the range of 100–1000 ppm, while the smoke from the XLPE compounds had an RD50 roughly in the range of 10–100 ppm. This means that PVC smoke is somewhat less irritating than XLPE smoke. The components in the smoke of all materials were determined by a combination of continuous gas analysis, ion chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, with the objective of understanding the factors causing the irritancy. Hydrogen chloride, one of the major decomposition products of PVC, is also the most important smoke constituent causing irritancy of the smoke. Its irritancy, however, was insufficient, by a considerable margin, to explain the full degree of irritancy found. The RD50 of HCl is, like that of PVC smoke, in the range of 100–1000 ppm. On the other hand, the only compound found in the smoke of XLPE compounds with an RD50 in the same 10–100 ppm range as he overall smoke is methyl vinyl ketone. Unfortunately, the concentration of methyl vinyl ketone was much too low to account for the irritancy levels encountered. Literature data indicate that polyethylene smoke is rich in long‐lived free radicals and that PVC smoke does not contain them. Moreover, such free radicals are associated with various illnesses, particularly with respiratory symptoms. Thus, it is speculated that such free radicals could be the cause of the high irritancy of the smoke from the XLPE wire coating materials.
Transient hot‐strip (THS) method for measuring thermal conductivity of thermally insulating materials
Authors: Log T. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe fast and precise transient hot‐strip (THS) method is well suited for thermal conductivity measurements on solid materials. The THS method may, however, give large experimental errors when applied to thermally insulating materials of low heat capacity per unit volume. Models to deal with those potential error sources and some indications about the precautions to be taken in order to minimize them are described in the present work. Measurements of thermal conductivity of a styrofoam insulating material (thermal conductivity 0.036 W m−1K−1, density 25.4 kg m−3) was performed to verify the models. The result obtained is in good agreement with the standard hot plate method, indicating that the THS method is also well suited for thermal conductivity measurements of thermal insulators.
Smoke data from the Cone Calorimeter for comparison with the room fire test
Authors: ÖOstman Birgit A.‐L. , Tsantaridis Lazaros D. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractSmoke production in the full–scale room fire test ISO 9705 (Commonly referred to as the Room Corner Test) and in the Cone Calorimeter ISO 5660 has been analysed for three sets of building products comprising a total of 28 products. The smoke production may be critical for the fire classification of surface products since some products produce large amounts of smoke in the room fire test even if they do not reach flashover within 20 min. Several smoke parameters in the Cone Calorimeter and the room fire test have been analysed. Good correlations have been obtained when the products are divided into two groups: products with more than 10 min to flashover in the room fire test and those with less than 10 min. These two time categories correspond to the two heat output levels in the room fire test: 100 kW for the first 10 min and then 300 kW up to 20 min. For products with more than 10 min to flashover the average rate of smoke production and the total smoke production seem to be useful parameters for predictions of smoke release in the room fire test. Both parameters have good correlations between data from the Cone Calorimeter and the room fire test. For products with less than 10 min to flashover no parameter seems to give useful predictions. For all products evaluated together, the correlations are not so good, but the same regression lines as for products with more than 10 min might be used as a first rough estimate. In this case the total smoke production in the Cone Calorimeter could be used to estimate the total smoke production in the room fire test for different building products, independent of their estimated time to flashover.It is suggested that the average rate of smoke production and the total smoke production from the Cone Calorimeter is reported in addition to the mass‐based specific extinction area. This will be helpful in predicting smoke release in the room fire test and will also make the data on smoke release analogous to those on heat release.
A study of spalling behaviour of PAN fibre‐reinforced concrete by thermal analysis
Authors: Sarvaranta Leena , Elomaa Matti , Järvelä Eliisa 
Published: May 2005

AbstractComparisons are made between polypropylene (PP) fibres and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres in order to relate the thermal properties of fibres with the respective fibre mortar behaviour under thermal exposure. Thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermochromatography (ThGC) are utilized. When a cementitious fibre mortar is being heated, several physical phenomena occur in the temperature range between 100°C and 200°C. There is a significant difference in the thermal behaviour between PP and PAN fibres. PP fibres melt at 160–170°C. The non‐melting behaviour of PAN fibre together with its rapid exothermic degradation reactions at around 300°C may add risk to the spalling of fibre mortar under rapid thermal exposure.
Current Japanese standards for flammability tests on electric cables
Authors: Nakagawa Yuichi , Komai Takeshi 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis paper outlines the flammability test methods and requirements for electric cables specified in some Japanese standards. Only two different methods of a small‐scale flame test as specified in Clause 28 of JIS C 3005 are applied to electric cables for general use, and whether or not the flammability test should be conducted and which method should be adopted depends on the type of cables, both of which are specified in each separate standard. Cables for electrical equipment of ships have to pass another small‐scale flame test as prescribed in Section 6.7 of JIS C 3410. A flame test method for flame‐retardant telecommunication cables has been introduced in JIS C 3521. This specifies a vertical open tray flame test on grouped cables, almost in accordance with IEEE Standard 383. In addition to the method for a vertical open tray flame test, one for a vertical closed duct flame test on grouped cables is also specified in a Japanese Cable Makers' Association Standard, i.e. JCS 366. Some flame‐retardance requirements for electric cables in Japan are listed and discussed.
Physical modelling fire performance of wall‐covering materials
Authors: Richardson L. R. , Cornelissen A. A. , Dubois R. P. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractA small‐scale enclosure was constructed for characterizing the contribution of interior finish wall‐lining materials to fire growth in compartments. The enclosure was based upon refinements to a design devised by scientists at the National Institute for Standards and Technology for quarter‐scale modelling of room fire tests on interior‐finish materials. A large volume of evidence is presented demonstrating how this small‐scale enclosure could provide the information about surface flammability, heat release, smoke generation and contribution to fire growth that is required for a reasonable assessment of the fire performance of interior wall‐finish materials.
Performance tests in human psychopharmacology (1): Test reliability and standardization
Authors: Parrott A. C. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractReliability, validity and standardization are well‐established principles in most areas of psychometrics, but are rarely mentioned in performance assessment within human psychopharmacology. Test reliability and standardization are examined here, while validity is covered in two succeeding articles. The undocumented reliability of human psychopharmacology performance tests makes the interpretation of findings difficult and ambiguous. Reliability, or consistency within and between test sessions is, however, easy to calculate. Several procedures for calculating reliability are described, with test–retest reliability recommended as the most appropriate single summary measure. Poor test standardization is another major problem, with many research groups using different tests. The extent of this problem is examined, and a set of standardization requirements proposed. They could comprise the basis for test manuals. The problems of undocumented reliability and unstandardized tests have been recognized within the field for many years, yet no moves have been made to remedy the situation. One simple solution would be for psychopharmacology journals to accept only documented tests, and to request test–retest reliability data.
TSH responsiveness to TRH (‘the TRH test’)—of no diagnostic value in depression
Authors: Vaughan J. A. , O'Malley B. P. , Barker S. , Woods K. L. , Palmer R. L. , Rosenthal F. D. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractSerum free T4, free T3 and TSH (IRMA), along with TSH responsiveness to TRH (500 μg i.v.), were investigated in 12 patients, initially when severely depressed and again upon recovery, and in a group of age‐matched controls. The TSH response to TRH did not differ significantly between patients and controls, nor did it alter with treatment of depression. There were no significant differences in basal TSH levels. Free T3 levels were very significantly lower in untreated patients than in controls (p = 0·004), as were free T4 levels (p = 0·02), and had not improved significantly at recovery. Basal TSH levels showed a strong association with the integrated TSH response to TRH (p < 0·001) in both patients and controls. Thus in depression, as in thyoid dysfunction, the TRH test can be abandoned in favour of sensitive basal TSH measurement but, more importantly, the TRH test has no value in the diagnosis of endogenous depression or in monitoring treatment response. However, there is a reduction in free thyroid hormone levels in depression which has not been rectified by the time of clinical recovery.
Effect of clonazepam on tardive akathisia
Authors: Kuniyoshi Masahiro , Arikawa Katsuyoshi , Miura Chishin , Inanaga Kazutoyo 
Published: May 2005

AbstractClonazepam was administered to nine patients with tardive akathisia which could not be controlled by antiparkinsonian drugs, and a good response was obtained in all cases. The daily dose of clonazepam given was only 1.0–3.0 mg. In two of the nine patients, akathisia recurred when the dose of clonazepam was reduced, but disappeared again after the dose was increased again. Clonazepam appears to be worth trying in patients with tardive akathisia, and is effective at relatively low doses. However, a dose reduction should be performed with caution, since there is the possibility that akathisia will recur.
Irritability in panic disorder: Effects of imipramine treatment
Authors: Nutt D. J. , Glue P. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTo establish the presence and magnitude of irritability in panic disorder, and its relationship with anxiety and depression, ratings of each variable were monitored in 18 patients with panic disorder before and during imipramine treatment. Pretreatment ratings of inward‐and outward‐directed irritability demonstrated borderline levels of morbidity. Over the duration of treatment, irritability ratings fell, and there were substantial reductions in ratings of depression, but only small reductions in ratings of state anxiety. There were a number of significant correlations between pre‐ and post‐treatment ratings of irritability and depression, but little association between these and ratings of anxiety.
Mouse strain‐dependent hepatic interaction of psychoactive agents with ethanol and biogenic aldehydes metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Messiha F. S. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe effect of multiple dose regimens of amantadine, reserpine, chlorpromazine alone or combined on liver alcohol (L‐ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (L‐ALDH) was studied in three strains of mice. A strain‐dependent difference between endogenous specific activity of these enzymes and their sensitivity to the agents studied was determined. The C57BL/6 mice showed most resistance to drug effect and possessed greater activity of mitochondrial L‐ALDH isoenzymes and L‐ADH than either ICR or BALB/C mouse strains, respectively. Amantadine induced both L‐ADH and mitochondrial L‐ALDH while reserpine inhibited them also as a function of mouse strain. Both reserpine‐and chlorpromazine‐mediated inhibition of albino ICR mouse L‐ADH and BALB/C mitochondrial L‐ALDH was alleviated by pretreatment with amantadine. This indicates antagonism between amantadine and these agents. The results suggest a genotypic sensitivity to drug action which may explain the individual sensitivity to the development of chlorpromazine and reserpine‐produced side‐effects, and the potency of amantadine in management of such drug‐induced adverse reactions.
PATENT NEWS
Authors: Solamon Donald D. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe patent literature can be a morass of confusion. It is complicated by legalese, often uncommunicative titles, and difficult, as well as cryptic, categorization. To kiip current with the broad arena of patents on biomaterials and medical devices is much more difficult than keeping current with the scientific literature of the international journals.It is the goal of my column to provide readers with techniques and tools to better utilize this rich source of scientific information. Also, I intend to provide focused surveys of recent patents in specific areas relating to biomaterials and medical devices. Finally, I will try to include discussion of what constitures patentable material and educate those of us who are new to patent literature and new to the requirements of applying for patents for our discoveries.I appeal to the readership to submit requests for specific areas to be addressed in this column. The interaction will enrich us all.
Research and development report: Production of fine particulate ultra high molecular weight poly(ethylene) for biological response studies
Authors: Leigh H. D. , Taylor P. , Swaney A. , Black Jonathan 
Published: May 2005

AbstractInterest in biological responses to particulate biomaterials has produced a need for well‐characterized submicron ultra high molecular weight poly(ethylene) (UHMWPE) debris. A new technique, cryogenic attrition, is described as well as a characterization of an initial ca. 65% submicron preparation of UHMWPE, termed grind S. Production of submicron particles from a common commercial medical grade of primary UHMWPE “grain” produces fractions with different densities, apparently reflecting the presence of crystalline and amorphous phases. Further process optimization and debris characterization is planned with eventual distribution of material as an interlaboratory comparison material for biological response experiments.
Pulsed laser deposition of hydroxylapatite thin films on Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: Cotell Catherine M. , Chrisey Douglas B. , Grabowski Kenneth S. , Sprague James A. , Gossett Charles R. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractPulsed laser deposition was used to deposit thin films of calcium hydroxylapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), or HA, on polished substrates of Ti‐6Al‐4V. Thin films of pure, crystalline HA, uncontaminated by other calcium phosphate phases, were deposited over a range of temperatures between 400 and 800°C. The HA films were polycrystalline with a preferred (001) crystallographic orientation, as determined by transmission electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction. Adhesion of the HA films to the Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates was excellent when films were deposited at temperatures ≤600°C; in a scratch test, mean pressures of ca. 1010 Nm−2 produced conformational cracking in a film deposited at 600°C, but no decohesion from the substrates.
Bioactive ceramics for periodontal treatment: Comparative studies in the patus monkey
Authors: Wilson June , Low Samuel B. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractFour bioactive ceramic materials currently recommended for regeneration of osseous tissues in treatment of periodontal disease have been compared with Bioglass® particulates, of equivalent size in two compositions, in a monkey model. Both Bioglass® materials were found to be easily manipulated, were haemostatic and osteoproductive allowing restoration of both alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Epithelial downgrowth was inhibited and epithelial attachment was close to the preimplantation level. The other materials were slower to act and epithelial downgrowth was to the same level as in unfilled control defects.
Plasma surface modification of synthetic absorbable sutures
Authors: Loh Ih‐Houng , Lin Hui‐Ling , Chu C. C. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the feasibility of using plasma surface modification technology to alter the hydrolytic degradation rate of commercial synthetic absorbable sutures. Size 2‐0 Dexon, Vicryl, PDSII, and Maxon sutures were tested. They were treated by two different surface modification techniques: parylene deposition and plasma gases (Methane, trimethylsilane, and tetrafluoroethene). The thickness of surface treatment ranges from 200 to 1000°AR. The treated sutures were subject toin vitrohydrolytic degradation in phosphate buffer of pH = 7.4 at 37°C for up to 120 days. The tensile breaking strength, weight loss, surface wettability, bending stiffness, and surface morphology were evaluated. The results indicated that the concept of plasma surface treatment for altering the hydrolytic degradation of synthetic absorbable sutures was feasible, and the level of improvement depended on the type of sutures, the treatment conditions, and the duration of hydrolysis. Vicryl and PDSII sutures showed overall the best improvement in tensile strength retention among the four commercial sutures. Dexon and Maxon sutures, however, exhibited only marginal improvement. The observed improvement in tensile strength retention appeared to be related to the increasing hydrophobicity of the sutures. The surface treatments did not adversely affect the bending stiffness of the sutures and no visible surface morphological changes were observed. Refinements and optimization of the surface treatment conditions are needed for achieving the maximum advantage of the proposed concept, particularly shielding the harmful effect of uv during plasma treatment.