bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of copper amine treatment on mechanical properties of PVC/wood‐flour composites
Authors: Jiang Haihong , Kamdem D. Pascal 
Published: June 2004

AbstractCopper amine–treated wood flour was added to PVC [poly(vinyl chloride)] matrix in order to manufacture PVC/wood‐flour composites. Effects of copper treatments on the mechanical properties of PVC‐wood composites were evaluated. Unnotched impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural toughness of the composites were significantly improved by the wood‐flour copper treatment. The optimum copper concentration range was 0.2 to 0.6 wt% of wood flour. Fractured surfaces were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). PVC/wood interfacial debonding was the main fracture mode of untreated wood‐flour composites, whereas wood‐particle pullout and breakage dominating the fractured surfaces of copper‐treated wood‐flour composites. On the fractured surfaces, more PVC could be found on the exposed copper‐treated wood particles than on untreated wood, a result suggesting improved PVC‐wood interfacial adhesion after copper treatments. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:70–78, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Antimony/iron interactions in chlorinated polymer blends
Authors: Carty Peter , Price Dennis 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe flammability properties of blends of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) have been investigated. Additive‐free ABS/CPVC blends, blends containing an iron(III) based smoke suppressant, basic iron(III) oxide (FeOOH) and blends containing equal amounts of the commercially available flame retardant, antimony(III) oxide (Sb2O3) and FeOOH were prepared. Char formation at 650°C, flammability (Oxygen Index) and smoke density (flaming‐mode‐NBS Smoke Density Chamber) data was obtained using standard procedures. Char formation in these systems was found to be linearly dependent on the chlorine content of the blends, even in the presence of antimony(III) oxide and basic iron(III) oxide. Oxygen index values for the additive‐free blends vary with blend composition (non‐linear) but the presence of FeOOH and Sb2O3/FeOOH combinations in the blends raise oxygen index values, especially at low (∼20%) chlorine concentrations. Smoke density values for the additive‐free blends are linearly dependent on chlorine content, but the additives have different effects on smoke formation, effects that also depend on the chlorine content of the blends. Attempts to relate these changes in flammability parameters to chemical interactions occurring between polymers and additives during thermal decomposition are discussed. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:88–94, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Extending the use of zinc‐containing biocides in PVC
Authors: Burley Joseph W. , Clifford Patrick D. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWhile zinc is a crucial element in the formulation of many PVC stabilizers, high levels negatively affect heat and shear stabilities of PVC formulations. Thus, the use of zinc‐containing biocides in PVC has been limited to plastisol formulations, which are not subjected to the heat and shear histories of calendered and extruded formulations. Patented technology has been developed that overcomes many of the stability issues raised by the addition of zinc‐containing biocides to PVC. Specifically, the use of hydrotalcites in combination with zinc pyrithione improves sensitivity to heat and shear as well as retention of the antimicrobial activity of the zinc additive. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:95–98, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Organophosphite transformations in flexible PVC formulations
Authors: Jakupca Michael R. , Harr Mark E. , Stevenson Don R. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOrganophosphites are a versatile component of liquid PVC heat stabilizers and stabilize PVC through a variety of mechanisms. Organophosphites can decompose peroxides, replace labile chlorines on the PVC backbone, scavenge HCl (via the Arbuzov rearrangement), complex Lewis acids, and add to double bonds. This paper attempts to identify the relative contributions of these mechanisms in both model systems and flexible PVC formulations. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:99–103, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
The emotional impact of performance‐related pay on teachers in England
Authors: Mahony Pat , Menter Ian , Hextall Ian 
Published: June 2004

This article reports on the emotional impact of Threshold Assessment on teachers and schools. Using data from an ESRC funded project, ‘The impact of Performance Threshold Assessment on teachers’ work' (ESRC R000239286), we seek to contribute to a growing literature on teachers' emotions by sharing some of the insights gained from 76 interviews undertaken in nine case study primary and secondary schools between 2001–2003. The research has revealed a number of (apparently) unintended consequences of Threshold Assessment as well as considerable variability of experience. We underline the significance of contextual factors in the way that the policy was handled in schools and in the degrees of vulnerability and exposure experienced by teachers as they struggled to come to terms with the demands of ‘performativity’.…social policy needs a subject in which mind and body, reason and passion, self and other, agent and object are held simultaneously in mind without splitting one from the other. (Hoggett, 2000a, p. 143)
Making the case for the BRAT (British Regiment Attached Traveller)
Authors: Clifton Grace 
Published: June 2004

Military brats and other global nomads (Book 1) M. G. Ender (Ed.), 2002The military family (Book 2) J. A. Martin, L. N. Rosen & L. R. Sparacino (Eds), 2000The military child—mobility and education (Book 3) M. M. Keller & G. T. Decoteau, 2000
Endovascular treatment of venous malformations in extremities: results of sclerotherapy and the quality of life after treatment
Authors: Rautio R. , Saarinen J. , Laranne J. , Salenius J.‐P. , Keski‐Nisula L. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the long‐term results of endovascular sclerotherapy in treating venous extremity malformations and to assess the quality of life after treatment. Material and Methods: Twenty‐four patients were included who had completed treatment with ethanol sclerotherapy and a minimum of one year observation period. Nineteen patients attended a clinical control. To evaluate the quality of life after treatment, 23 patients filled in a questionnaire which included 20 multiple‐choice questions exploring four dimensions: psychological, physical and social functioning, and pain. Results: At the clinical control seven patients had no clinical symptoms related to the malformation, six had slight, four moderate, and two severe symptoms. In 16 patients the symptoms had diminished after treatment. No deterioration of the initial situation was observed. The results concerning quality of life showed that most patients did well after endovascular treatment. Pain was the most important injurious factor for state of health among the four different dimensions. The poorest outcome was found in malformations that filled the whole muscle or muscle compartment and in larger lesions. The patients whose malformation at the clinical control caused swelling to the extremity affected had poorer quality indices than others. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for venous malformations is an effective treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy: sonographically measured hemodynamic alterations in ocular, carotid, and vertebral arteries
Authors: Päivänsalo M. , Pelkonen O. , Rajala U. , Keinanen‐Kiukaanniemi S. , Suramo I. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To compare local ophthalmic blood flow changes with flow changes in carotid and vertebral arteries in diabetic patients with retinopathy of different grades. Material and Methods: Ten patients with proliferative or preproliferative retinopathy, 10 with mild retinopathy, and 10 matched controls were prospectively studied with ultrasound. Color and duplex Doppler imaging was used to quantitate blood flow in the central retinal arteries (CRA), ophthalmic arteries (OA), common carotid (CCA) and vertebral arteries (VA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean velocity (MV), and resistance index (RI) in CRA, OA, CCA and VA, and volume flow (VF) were measured in CCA and VA. Results: There was a non‐significant increase in the CRA and OA velocities in mild retinopathies, a decrease of about 30% in MV, and a slightly increased RI in proliferative or preproliferative retinopathies. There was a decrease of about 15% in the carotid MV and a 20% decrease in the vertebral MV and a decrease of about 30% in VF in the CCA and VA in severe retinopathies. The MV ratio of CRA/CCA was lower in the severe retinopathy group than in the controls. Conclusion: The study showed a non‐significant increase of ocular blood flow velocities in mild diabetic retinopathy and a significant decrease of flow velocities in severe diabetic retinopathy. This decrease in flow primarily seems to reflect the general decrease of blood flow in the cervical arteries.
Can computed tomography scout radiography replace plain film in the evaluation of patients with acute urinary tract colic?
Authors: Ege G. , Akman H. , Kuzucu K. , Yildiz S. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) scout view in detecting ureteral stones and whether CT scout radiography can replace plain film in the evaluation of patients with acute urinary tract colic. Material and Methods: Between January 2000 and 2002, 110 patients with ureterolithiasis were prospectively evaluated for the detection of ureteral stones on CT scout radiographs. The findings were compared with those of plain films. All patients were examined with plain film, CT scout radiography, and unenhanced helical CT. CT scans were performed within 24 h of plain films. Each CT scout radiograph was interpreted without knowledge of the findings on plain film. Results: 111 stones were detected by unenhanced helical CT. Mean stone size was 3.9 mm (range 1–10 mm). Of all stones, 57 (52%) were visible on plain film; 44 (40%) were seen on CT radiographs. The sensitivity of 79 small stones (<5 mm) on CT scout radiography was 29% and of abdominal radiography 37%. For 32 big stones (>5 mm), the sensitivity of CT scout radiography was 66% and of abdominal radiography 87.5%. Conclusion: In this study, plain film was more sensitive than CT scout radiography in revealing ureteral calculi. However, the detection of stones 5 mm or larger had a sensitivity of 66% on CT scout radiographs; 77% (44/57) of the stones visible on plain films were also seen on CT scout radiographs. We therefore believe that CT scout radiography can be used as a baseline study in most patients with big ureteral stones.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the rotator cuff in destroyed rheumatoid shoulder: comparison with findings during shoulder replacement
Authors: Soini I. , Belt E. A. , Niemitukia L. , Mäenpää H. M. , Kautiainen H. J. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with respect to rotator cuff ruptures. Material and Methods: Thirty‐one patients with rheumatic disease underwent preoperative MRI before shoulder arthroplasty. The scans were reviewed independently by two experienced radiologists. Three surgeons performed all the replacements (hemiarthroplasties), and the condition of the rotator cuff was assessed. Complete and massive tears of the rotator cuff were recorded and compared at surgery and on MRI. Results: With MRI, 21 shoulders (68%) were classified as having complete or massive tears of the rotator cuff and at surgery 14 shoulders (45%). Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.16 to 0.72) and accuracy 0.71 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.86). Conclusion: In severely destroyed rheumatoid shoulder, the findings of soft tissues were incoherent both with MRI and at surgery. The integrity of tendons could not readily be elucidated with MRI because of an inflammatory process and scarred tissues; in surgery, too, changes were frequently difficult to categorize. Preoperative MRI of severely destroyed rheumatoid shoulder before arthroplasty turned out to be of only minor importance.
Evaluation of tumor angiogenesis using dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor, hemodynamic, and pharmacokinetic parameters
Authors: Ikeda O. , Nishimura R. , Miyayama H. , Yasunaga T. , Ozaki Y. , Tuji A. , Yamashita Y. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To assess whether tumor angiogenesis of breast cancers can be predicted on the basis of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods: Seventy‐one patients with 71 breast cancers underwent Gd‐DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI. Two regions of interest measurements were obtained in the periphery and in the center of the breast cancers. Hemodynamic parameters obtained by dynamic MRI included peak time, contrast enhancement ratio (CE ratio), and washout ratio. The triexponential concentration curve of Gd‐DTPA was fitted to a theoretical model based on compartmental analysis. The transfer constant (or permeability surface product per unit volume of compartment “k”) was obtained using this method. Tumor angiogenesis was assessed by plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (P‐VEGF). Results: The P‐VEGF was positive in 28 of 71 tumors (39%). The CE ratio, washout ratio, and k in the periphery in P‐VEGF positive breast cancers (mean 178%, 18%, and 1.5×10−2 (s−1)) were significantly greater ( P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.03)) than those for P‐VEGF negative breast cancers (mean: 151%, 14%, and 1.1×10−2 (s−1)). The peak time in the periphery in P‐VEGF positive breast cancers was more marked than for P‐VEGF negative breast cancers, but this difference was not significant. Conclusion: The hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic analysis of MRI provides valuable information about angiogenesis of breast cancers.
Duplex sonography of the carotid arteries in patients with pure aortic regurgitation: pulse waveform and hemodynamic changes and a new indicator of the severity of aortic regurgitation
Authors: Kervancioglu S. , Davutoglu V. , Ozkur A. , Soydinc S. , Adaletli I. , Sirikci A. , Bayram M. M. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To determine the changes of multiple hemodynamic parameters and pulse wave contour in pure aortic regurgitation (AR) and to present a new indicator of the severity of AR (shrink ratio of proximal common carotid artery). Material and Methods: The sonograms of 42 patients (31 M, 11 F; 16–68 years) with pure AR and 18 control subjects (15 M, 3 F; 20–47 years) were assessed for velocities and indices, and change of pulse wave contour (bisferious pattern, zero level and retrograde diastolic flow) in each carotid artery. Shrink ratio (maximum diameter–minimum diameter/maximum diameter) of each proximal common carotid artery was calculated. Results: Bisferious waveforms seen in patients with AR grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3–4 were 66%, 83%, and 88%, respectively. Diastolic reversed flow was determined in 7 (39%) of 18 patients with AR grade 3–4. Three patients (25%) with AR grade 2 and 4 patients (22%) with AR grade 3–4 had zero level diastolic flow in the common carotid artery. Statistically significant changes of decreased end‐diastolic velocity, increased peak systolic velocity/end‐diastolic velocity, resistivity index, and pulsatility index were revealed, especially in AR grade 3–4 compared to controls. Significantly increased shrink ratio was seen only in AR grade 3–4. Conclusion: Increased shrink ratio or changes in hemodynamics or pulse waveform can be used in recognition of AR.
Value of helical computed tomography in the management of upper esophageal foreign bodies
Authors: de Lucas E. Marco , Sádaba P. , García‐Barón P. Lastra , Ruiz‐Delgado M. L. , Sánchez F. González , Ortiz A. , Pagola M. Á. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To analyze the utility of helical computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of suspected upper esophageal foreign bodies. Material and Methods: A prospective study was performed on 36 patients (26 F, 10 M, mean age 70 years) with a history of foreign body impaction. All had negative findings at indirect laryngoscopy. Radiologic assessment included unenhanced helical CT and a barium contrast study. Patients with positive findings were taken to esophagoscopy. All patients had a posterior clinical surveillance. Results: Twenty patients had both normal CT and barium study and satisfactory clinical outcome. In 12 patients a foreign body was noted in the cervical esophagus by CT, barium study, and endoscopy. In one patient a fish bone was detected by CT (and not by barium) confirmed with esophagoscopy. Another patient had a fish bone esophageal perforation which was observed only by CT and confirmed at surgery. Two patients with normal barium and endoscopy presented a false‐positive CT result. Conclusion: Barium swallow is currently the first radiologic study, but may involve a risk of aspiration and can impede a subsequent esophagoscopy. Esophagoscopy is an invasive technique with a certain risk of serious complications that can be avoided with a satisfactory radiologic assessment. CT is easy, fast, has 100% sensitivity and is therefore the first choice technique for diagnosing suspected upper esophageal foreign bodies not expected to be visible on plain radiographs.
Sonographically guided 11‐g directional vacuum‐assisted breast biopsy as an alternative to surgical excision: utility and cost study in probably benign lesions
Authors: Alonso‐Bartolomé P. , Vega‐Bolívar A. , Torres‐Tabanera M. , Ortega E. , Acebal‐Blanco M. , Garijo‐Ayensa F. , Rodrigo I. , Muñoz‐Cacho P. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the utility and economic costs of the 11‐G vacuum‐assisted biopsy probe under ultrasound (US) guidance as an alternative to surgical excision in patients with probably benign lesions. Material and Methods: US‐guided 11‐G vacuum‐assisted biopsy was performed in 102 probably benign breast lesions in 97 women who refused radiological follow‐up. Complete removal of the lesion was intended in all cases. Open biopsy was done if questionable pathologic findings were present. Treatment was indicated if the diagnosis was malignant. Economic costs were estimated taking into consideration monetary expenses generated to the public health system, as well as expenses for the patients receiving percutaneous and open surgical biopsy. Results: Median patient age was 42 years (range 18–77). Median lesion size was 14.7 mm (range 6–30 mm). Complete removal of the lesion seen at imaging was achieved in 72.5% of cases. Adequate tissue samples for histopathological evaluation were obtained in all cases. Surgical biopsy was recommended in nine cases. One patient diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma underwent immediate surgical treatment. The remaining 87 women with 92 lesions were included in a follow‐up program. Economic cost of the 11‐G vacuum‐assisted percutaneous biopsy was 82% lower than the surgical biopsy (total savings in this series: €136,402.84). Time spent for the patient was 71% less in percutaneous biopsy than in surgery. Conclusion: Ultrasound‐guided 11‐G directional vacuum‐assisted breast biopsy is an accurate and less expensive procedure that can be used as an alternative to open surgical excision in a selected group of patients.
Short‐term reproducibility of computed tomography‐based lung density measurements in alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency and smokers with emphysema
Authors: Shaker S. B. , Dirksen A. , Laursen L. C. , Maltbaek N. , Christensen L. , Sander U. , Seersholm N. , Skovgaard L. T. , Nielsen L. , Kok‐Jensen A. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To study the short‐term reproducibility of lung density measurements by multi‐slice computed tomography (CT) using three different radiation doses and three reconstruction algorithms. Material and Methods: Twenty‐five patients with smoker's emphysema and 25 patients with α1‐antitrypsin deficiency underwent 3 scans at 2‐week intervals. Low‐dose protocol was applied, and images were reconstructed with bone, detail, and soft algorithms. Total lung volume (TLV), 15th percentile density (PD‐15), and relative area at −910 Hounsfield units (RA‐910) were obtained from the images using Pulmo‐CMS software. Reproducibility of PD‐15 and RA‐910 and the influence of radiation dose, reconstruction algorithm, and type of emphysema were then analysed. Results: The overall coefficient of variation of volume adjusted PD‐15 for all combinations of radiation dose and reconstruction algorithm was 3.7%. The overall standard deviation of volume‐adjusted RA‐910 was 1.7% (corresponding to a coefficient of variation of 6.8%). Radiation dose, reconstruction algorithm, and type of emphysema had no significant influence on the reproducibility of PD‐15 and RA‐910. However, bone algorithm and very low radiation dose result in overestimation of the extent of emphysema. Conclusion: Lung density measurement by CT is a sensitive marker for quantitating both subtypes of emphysema. A CT‐protocol with radiation dose down to 16 mAs and soft or detail reconstruction algorithm is recommended.
Volume rendering compared with maximum intensity projection for magnetic resonance angiography measurements of the abdominal aorta
Authors: Persson A. , Dahlström N. , Engellau L. , Larsson E.‐M. , Brismar T. B. , Smedby Ö. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose: To compare the volume rendering technique (VRT) with maximum intensity projection (MIP) for aortic diameter measurements in MR angiography (MRA) data sets. Material and Methods: Existing contrast‐enhanced 3‐dimensional MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data sets from 20 patients were analyzed. In each MRA data set, two aortic diameters were measured using MIP and VRT. Agreement with DSA measurements, dependence on rendering parameters, and interobserver agreement were assessed. Results: Diameters measured on MIP with fixed parameters showed no significant difference compared with DSA and with freely selected parameters a slight overestimation relative to DSA. Diameters measured on VRT were larger than on DSA. For both MIP and VRT, the measurements depended on the chosen parameters. The error relative to DSA was larger for VRT than for MIP with fixed parameters but not with freely chosen parameters. Interobserver agreement did not differ significantly. Conclusions: VRT is not suitable for diameter measurements of the abdominal aorta with fixed parameter settings but may be useful with user‐selected settings.