Composites containing TC and VD fibers as filler showed the highest flexural strength at three test temperatures (-40, +20, and +40 degrees C) and flexural modulus and tensile strength at plus temperatures. On the other hand talc-filled PP exhibited greatest flexural modulus at minus temperature, greatest impact strength at room temperature and best flow ability. Significant difference was observed between PP composites with HW and VD fillers regarding water uptake in cyclic tests, however flexural strength

and modulus change of composites were reversible after drying. No weight loss of WDF/PP composites was observed after 6 week exposure to brown- and white-rot fungi, however, degradation of the surface of samples was detected by SEM. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 368-377, 2010″
“Objective. The aim was to evaluate a semirigid endoscopic technique for diagnosis and management ATM/ATR targets of sialolithiasis.

Study design. Diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopic

procedures were performed in 90 patients with sialoliths (78 submandibular glands and 12 parotid glands).

Results. Owing to its extreme flexibility and rigidity, the endoscope can be introduced easily into the ductal system. Sialoliths with a round or irregular shape were detected by endoscopy in all cases, including 84 radiopaque and 6 radiolucent stone cases. Of the 78 cases with sialoliths in the submandibular (Wharton’s) duct, 14 were present in the hilum of the main duct, 34 in the premolar region of the duct, 24 in the molar region of the buy SNS-032 duct, and 6 in both the premolar and the molar regions of the duct. Among these cases, we could remove the stones BMS-345541 NF-��B inhibitor intraductally in 44 cases by endoscopy alone. Additionally, 6 cases were treated with basket retrieval and endoscopic-assisted surgery, and the remaining 27 were treated with endoscopic-assisted surgery. Of the 12 cases of sialoliths in the parotid (Stensen’s)

duct, 9 were treated with basket retrieval and 1 with basket-capturing and open surgery via a buccal incision. In total, 87 of 90 cases were successfully treated, with (n = 34) or without (n = 53) endoscopic-assisted surgery. These patients were stone free at their last follow-up (3 to 30 months).

Conclusions. The semirigid endoscope permits a better visualization of sialoliths and coexisting obstructive pathologies. With minimally invasive procedures, most stones in the main duct of the salivary gland can be removed using either an intraductal or an extraductal approach. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 9-14)”
“The effects of surface treatments in H(2), N(2), and O(2) on electron emission have been investigated for a ferroelectric electron emitter with a unique porous electrode.