bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of pre-hospital communication between ambulances and an accident and emergency department
Authors: Rowlands Andrew 
Published: August 2003

summary We studied pre-hospital notification and the quality of data received from ambulance crews transporting seriously ill or injured patients to an accident and emergency department. During a two-month study period, pre-hospital notification was received for 54 patients. However, the department was notified about only 25 of 62 patients (40%) who, on arrival by ambulance, were triaged as emergencies. Despite developing a data protocol for emergency pre-hospital communication and being equipped to receive emergency ambulance calls directly, many such patients still arrived either unannounced or described in insufficient detail to allow appropriate preparations to be made for them.
A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of eating disorders via videoconferencing in north-east Scotland
Authors: Simpson Susan , Knox Jane , Mitchell Derek , Ferguson James , Brebner John , Brebner Eileen 
Published: August 2003

summary Until recently many remote communities in Scotland, especially on the northern islands, were unable to access specialist eating disorder services. The Grampian Eating Disorder Service, based in the north-east of Scotland, has developed a video-therapy service that offers specialist psychological and nutritional therapy for sufferers of eating disorders. Twelve patients have been treated via videoconferencing. Patients consistently rated high levels of satisfaction with all aspects of video-therapy, and after their last session 67% preferred video-therapy to face-to-face therapy. A number of patients commented that, compared with face-to-face therapy, they felt more in control and less intimidated in video-therapy. There was also a trend for patients to become more comfortable with video-therapy over the course of treatment. Nutritional knowledge increased for all patients, and the nutritional content of dietary intake also markedly improved over the course of therapy.
Use of the Internet to optimize self-management of type 1 diabetes: Preliminary experience with DiasNet
Authors: Cavan D A , Everett J , Plougmann S , Hejlesen O K 
Published: August 2003

summary Six patients with type 1 diabetes participated in a pilot trial. Their median age was 36 years (range 29–61) and the median duration of diabetes was 10 years (range 3–29). They were asked to enter, from their home or work PC, blood glucose values, insulin doses and a food diary. From the data entered, a computer model generated a simulation of the blood glucose concentration for the data collection period. It could then suggest alternative insulin doses (or regimes), or meal sizes, to reduce the risk of hypo- and hyperglycaemia. During a six-month study, patients entered a median of five sets of data (range two to eight). Feedback from participants revealed that while the system was helpful, difficulties with data entry hindered its use. Information gained from this exercise is shaping further development of the system.
User satisfaction with allied health services delivered to residential facilities via videoconferencing
Authors: Guilfoyle Clare , Wootton Richard , Hassall Stacey , Offer Jann , Warren Margo , Smith Debbie , Eddie Michelle 
Published: August 2003

summary We have investigated the role of videoconferencing in allied health service provision to high-care clients in rural residential facilities. Videoconferencing equipment was set up at a rural aged-care facility and a metropolitan allied health centre; ISDN transmission at 384 kbit/s was used to link the equipment. Twelve residents were assessed by both videoconference and face to face across five allied health disciplines (a total of 120 assessments). User satisfaction was measured using questionnaires and focus groups. Face-to-face assessment took significantly longer than videoconferencing assessment. However, the mean satisfaction ratings for face-to-face assessments were higher than for videoconferencing and the majority of the staff preferred the face-to-face format. Videoconferencing was particularly useful for consultations and the initial stages of the assessment process. A number of issues relating to the videoconferencing equipment, to the environment in which assessments were performed and to the clients themselves need to be addressed in order for this form of service delivery to be effective.
Realtime ultrasound screening by satellite telecommunication
Authors: Miyashita Toyohisa , Takizawa Masaomi , Nakai Keiji , Okura Hirofumi , Kanda Hirohito , Murase Sumio , Ichijo Tetsuya , Karaki Yoshiaki , Oue Toru , Yagi Kazuo 
Published: August 2003

summary Realtime ultrasound screening was carried out using a medical examination vehicle equipped with a diagnostic ultrasound scanner and a satellite telecommunication system. Screening was performed on 205 residents in a rural community in Japan and consisted of 57 cardiac, 57 abdominal, 60 thyroid and 31 breast ultrasound scans. The resolution of the realtime ultrasound images sent via communications satellite at 1.5 Mbit/s was almost identical to that of the original images taken by the ultrasound scanner. A disorder was diagnosed in 11 (19%) of the cardiac examinations, 28 (49%) of the abdominal, 19 (32%) of the thyroid and 7 (23%) of the breast examinations. Although some technical problems occurred, ultrasound screening by telemedicine appears to be a promising technique for those who live in rural communities.
Current legal and ethical concerns in telemedicine and e-medicine
Authors: Silverman Ross D 
Published: August 2003

summary Telemedicine and e-medicine have the potential to transform medical practice. However, while the benefits have long been known, many physicians and health systems have been reluctant to engage in such practices due to unresolved legal and ethical concerns. I conducted a systematic examination of US and European statutes, regulations and civil, criminal and administrative decisions pertaining to telemedicine and e-medicine, as well as a review of the ethical, legal and medical literature pertaining to the practice of telemedicine and e-medicine in the US and Europe. There appear to be four main areas of concern: the doctor-patient relationship; malpractice and cross-border licensure; standards; and reimbursement. The lack of generally agreed interstate and international standards of law and ethics means that telemedicine and e-medicine will continue to struggle to gain widespread support from providers, patients and regulatory bodies as an acceptable means of health service delivery. Progress may depend on federal and international leadership.
A preliminary assessment of Internet-based nuclear telecardiology to support the clinical management of cardiac disease in a remote community
Authors: Tually Peter , Janssen Johan , Cowell Simon , Walker John 
Published: August 2003

summary A portable nuclear medicine (NM) processing system was established in Kalgoorlie and an acute myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) service was provided for the local regional hospital. After scanning the patient, the data were processed on a laptop computer and JPEG images were transmitted to a secure Web server. A secure email message, with the URL link enclosed and a provisional indication of normal or abnormal findings, was sent to the referring clinician from the NM facility. Use of the Internet allowed for a group consultation between the NM technician, the referrer and the cardiologist in Perth. During a three-month study period, 42 patients were referred for exclusion of acute coronary syndrome. Of these, 21 (50%) demonstrated abnormal perfusion studies, two of which were classified as requiring urgent medical intervention. Seventeen studies were normal (41%) and four (10%) were designated equivocal. There was an alteration in the treatment plan for 32 patients (76%), including four for whom admission or further investigation was deemed unwarranted. The results suggest that MPS findings, distributed via the Internet, allow for earlier risk stratification and have a direct affect on clinical decision making.
Optical microscopy study on poly(p‐phenylene terephthalamide) fibers
Authors: Shahin M. M. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractTwo highly oriented poly(p‐phenylene terephthalamide) (PPT) fibers of different grades, commercially known as Kevlar and Twaron, were examined at high magnification under a transmission optical polarizing microscope in the extinction position between crossed polars. An image with regions of regular fine bands is produced for both classes of fibers, which is interpreted to be due to the passage of depolarized scattered light from a material with regularly spaced discontinuities. These bands reflect the periodic pleat structure of the fibers. The fibers were chemically etched, coated with gold, and investigated under a Nomarski differential interference contrast microscope in the extinction position between crossed polars. The observation for Kevlar fibers shows a clear periodicity of transverse bands perpendicular to the fiber axis, but this is much less evident for Twaron fibers. The etchant gives smooth, nearly flat sections through the Kevlar fibers, whereas it is not very effective for the Twaron fibers. The variable wavelength interferometry (VAWI) technique, which is valuable for studying highly oriented polymeric fibers, is used to measure the mean refractive indices and birefringence of a fiber as a function of light wavelength. The results show that these fibers absorb the surrounding liquid, which may change their optical properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 360–369, 2003
Water and water vapor sorption studies in poly(propylene)‐zeolite composites
Authors: Pehlivan H. , Özmihçi F. , Tihminlioğlu F. , Balköse D. , Ülkü S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWater and water vapor sorption to porous poly(propylene)zeolite composites prepared by hot pressing have been studied as a function of zeolite loading. This work presents the first report on the effect of the zeolite as a filler on the water sorption properties of PP composites. Water swelling experiments were conducted at 25°C using pure PP and PP‐zeolite film samples having different zeolite loadings (6–40 wt %). Since PP is a hydrophobic polymer, it does not sorp any water, but the composites having 10, 20, 30, and 40% zeolite sorbed 0.63, 1.00, 1.72 and 3.74 wt % water, respectively. The zeolite itself at the same conditions sorbed 24.5 wt % water. As the filler loading in the composites increased, equilibrium uptake values increased too. On the other hand, water vapor sorption and kinetics has been studied using a Cahn 2000 gravimetric sorption system. Within in the range 0.35–0.95%, water vapor was adsorbed by the composites containing 10–40 wt % zeolite. Experimental effective water vapor diffusivities of the composite films were about one order of magnitude higher than the experimental water diffusion coefficient in composites. The transport of water in composites was slower than that in the liquid water due to the longer diffusion pathway and adsorption on the surface of the composites. Although the liquid water may fill all the voids in the composite, water vapor is adsorbed on the surface of the zeolite only. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 352–359, 2003
In situ formation and compounding of polyamide 12 by reactive extrusion
Authors: Wollny A. , Nitz H. , Faulhammer H. , Hoogen N. , Mülhaupt R. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe anionic polymerization of lauryllactam was initiated at 270°C using sodium hydride as an initiator and N,N′‐ethylene‐bisstearamide (EBS) as an activator (NaH:EBS molar ratio of 2). Polymerization occurred in less than 2 min and was successfully performed in an internal mixer and a twin‐screw extruder with corotating intermeshing screws (Werner & Pfleiderer ZSK 25). The content of residual monomer, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, was lower than 0.5 wt %. Molecular weight, as measured by size exclusion chromatography, was governed by the lauryllactam:NaH molar ratio calculated on a Mn of 25 kg/mol at a constant NaH:EBS molar ratio of 2. Blends were prepared in situ by polymerization of lauryllactam solutions of various polymers. When poly(ethylene‐co‐butylacrylate) (Lotryl®; Atofina) was dissolved in lauryllactam, rubber‐toughened polyamide 12 blends were obtained. Mechanical properties of the injection‐molded polymers were examined by stress–strain as well as notched Charpy impact tests at different temperatures. Blend morphologies were imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 344–351, 2003
Recycled‐wool‐based nonwoven material as a sorbent for lead cations
Authors: Radetić M. , Jocić D. , Jovančić P. , Rajaković L. , Thomas H. , Petrović Z. L. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the sorption properties of a recycled‐wool‐based nonwoven material for lead cations. To improve sorption properties, the material was treated with low‐temperature air plasma and/or the biopolymer chitosan. The rate and extent of the uptake of lead cations by wool, the kinetics of adsorption, and the influence of concentration, pH, temperature, and mechanical agitation on the sorption process were determined. Changes in the electrokinetic properties of the sorbent were also investigated. Wool, even as a recycled material, efficiently bound lead cations in all of the investigated cases. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 379–386, 2003
Novolac resin–poly(ethyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks: Morphology and mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Goswami S. , Bandyopadhyay D. , Mandal P. K. , Chakrabarty D. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractFull interpenetrating networks (IPNs) and semi‐IPNs of Novolac (phenolic) resin and poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) were prepared by the sequential mode of synthesis. These were characterized with respect to their mechanical properties, that is, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percentage elongation at break, modulus, and toughness. Thermal properties were studied by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphological features were studied through polarizing light microscopy (PLM). The effects of variation of the blend ratios on the above‐mentioned properties were examined. There was a gradual decrease of modulus and UTS with consequent increases in elongation at break and toughness for both types of IPNs with increasing proportions of PEMA. An inward shift and lowering (with respect to pure phenolic resin) of the glass‐transition temperatures of the IPNs with increasing proportions of PEMA were observed, thus indicating a plasticizing influence of PEMA on the rigid and brittle matrix of crosslinked phenolic resin. The TGA thermograms exhibit two‐step degradation patterns. Although there was an apparent increase in thermal stability at the initial stages, particularly at lower temperatures, a substantial decrease in thermal stability was observed in the regions of higher temperatures. The surface morphology as revealed by PLM clearly indicates two‐phase structures in all the full and semi‐IPNs, irrespective of PEMA content. The matrix–PEMA domain interfaces are quite sharp at higher concentrations of PEMA. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 412–420, 2003
Effect of silica and rice husk ash fillers on the modulus of polysiloxane networks
Authors: Sereda Luciane , Visconte Leila L. Y. , Nunes Regina C. R. , Furtado Cristina R. G. , Riande Evaristo 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe preparation of polymethylvinylsiloxane rubbers with silica (SC) and black rice husk ash (BRHA) as fillers is reported. We conducted stress–strain experiments on these vulcanized rubbers to study the reinforcement properties of the fillers. Curves showing the dependence of the stress on the reciprocal of the elongation ratio displayed, in most cases, a slow upturn starting at rather low values of the elongation ratio attributed to a rather wide distribution of chain lengths between crosslinking points. Physical crosslinks between the hydroxyl groups of SC fillers and the polymer matrix seemed to enhance the modulus. BRHA–polymer interactions were rather weak in comparison with those occurring between SC and the polymer, presumably as a consequence of the carbon coating of the surface of the former fillers. These interactions were even less important for calcined BRHA. The absence of voids in the polymer–filler interfaces was proven by the analysis of gas diffusion across the rubbers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 421–429, 2003
UV curable pressure‐sensitive adhesives for fabricating semiconductors. I. Development of easily peelable dicing tapes
Authors: Ebe Kazuyoshi , Seno Hideo , Horigome Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn order to develop easily peelable dicing tapes from diced wafers, UV curing of various pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) was studied. After UV irradiation, the adhesive strength of a PSA composition including a diacrylourethane oligomer (UDA) decreased drastically compared with other compositions. Because of network formation via UV irradiation, this composition had a greater volume contraction that might yield microvoids at the interface between the adhesive and the wafer, resulting in the loose adhesion. Its storage modulus increased up to about 1000 times that before UV curing, which was due to the crosslinking of the UDA component. It was suggested that the increased crosslinking density and the high internal coagulant energy of the UDA backbone structure caused a remarkable decrease of the adhesive strength. Furthermore, it was ascertained that the UV‐irradiated UDA adhesives left few residual deposits on the wafer released from the tape. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 436–441, 2003
Release kinetics and diffusion coefficients of solid and liquid pesticides through interpenetrating polymer network beads of polyacrylamide‐g‐guar gum with sodium alginate
Authors: Kumbar Sangamesh G. , Dave Ashok M. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractGrafting of acrylamide onto guar gum is achieved by Ce(IV) induced free‐radical polymerization to prepare interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) beads of polyacrylamide‐g‐guar gum with sodium alginate by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Two widely used pesticides, solid chlorpyrifos and liquid fenvelarate, are loaded up to 60–70% efficiency in the IPN beads. The polymer and beads are characterized by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy to confirm grafting and to understand the possible interactions between the pesticides and the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the morphology of the beads. Equilibrium swelling experiments indicate that the swelling of the beads decreases with an increase in crosslinking, as well as an increase in pesticide loading. The in vitro release studies are performed under static conditions, and the release data are fitted to an empirical relationship to evaluate the transport parameters. Diffusion coefficients are calculated for the transport of pesticides through the polymeric beads using the initial and later time approximation methods. These values show a decrease with increasing crosslinking and increasing pesticide loading. Long‐term diffusion coefficients as computed by Fick's equations are found to be smaller in magnitude when compared to the initial time diffusion coefficients. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 451–457, 2003
Preparation and electrorheological characterization of suspensions of poly(urethane acrylate)/clay nanocomposite particles
Authors: Jun Jung‐Bae , Suh Kyung‐Do 
Published: August 2003

AbstractMicron‐sized poly(urethane acrylate) (PUA)/clay nanocomposite particles were synthesized by suspension polymerization. UA containing a poly(ethylene oxide) group in the main chain was first inserted into the silicate layers of montmorillonite clay through mixing the UA with the clay. Then, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and an oil‐soluble initiator were added into this UA/clay mixture, followed by the emulsification of the monomer mixture in an aqueous solution of polymeric stabilizer. Suspension polymerization was carried out at 60°C for 12 h to obtain the PUA/clay composite particles. The incorporation of clay into the polymer phase was verified by FTIR spectroscopy, and the intercalation structure of the clay composite was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Other characterizations including thermal analysis, morphological observation, and dielectric analysis were also performed. After suspensions of bare PUA and PUA/clay nanocomposite particles in silicone oil were prepared, their electrorheological properties were measured under various electric fields and compared. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 458–464, 2003
Adsorption of chromium (VI) on a novel quaternized chitosan resin
Authors: Qin Caiqin , Du Yumin , Zhang Zuqun , Liu Yi , Xiao Ling , Shi Xiaowen 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAn inverse emulsion method was used to prepare the chitosan microspheres, which were crosslinked with epichlorohydrin between the hydroxyl groups under protection of amino groups to obtain crosslinked chitosan resin. Further chemical modification with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride was used to form the quaternary ammonium ion resin. The resin had different adsorption ability for the chromium (VI) in anionic forms from that of the crosslinked chitosan beads. The crosslinked chitosan resin exhibited maximum adsorption for chromium (VI) at pH 3.0 and the adsorption capacity decreased sharply above pH 6, whereas the adsorption capacities of quaternized chitosan resin were significant over pH 3 to 11. The quaternized resin was more efficient than the crosslinked chitosan resin in media of pH above 5. The complete removal of chromium from the solution of K2Cr2O7was achieved with a column method using the quaternized chitosan resin, which was hard, and the decrease in pressure in the column was small. The breakthrough point of 10.0 mg L−1chromium in quaternized resin column was 3200 mL g−1resin greater than 600 mL g−1resin in the crosslinked chitosan resin column. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 505–510, 2003
Preparation and characterization of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate)–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Mook Choi Won , Wan Kim Tae , Ok Park O , Keun Chang Yong , Woo Lee Jin 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis study describes the microstructure and thermal and mechanical properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHB/HV)–organoclay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation using Cloisite 30B, a monotallow bis‐hydroxyethyl ammonium‐modified montmorillonite clay. X‐ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy analyses clearly confirm that an intercalated microstructure is formed and finely distributed in the PHB/HV copolymer matrix because PHB/HV has a strong hydrogen bond interaction with the hydroxyl group in the organic modifier of Cloisite 30B. The nanodispersed organoclay also acts a nucleating agent, increasing the temperature and rate of crystallization of PHB/HV; therefore, the thermal stability and tensile properties of the organoclay‐based nanocomposites are enhanced. These results confirm that the organoclay nanocomposite greatly improves the material properties of PHB/HV. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 525–529, 2003