Novel Materials for Low-Contrast Phantoms for Computed Tomography.

Acceptance testing and quality control of computed tomography (CT) scanners are of great importance. While most procedures and phantoms for testing other parameters are widely accepted, there is still discussion and uncertainty about low-contrast (LC) performance tests that measure the capability of a CT scanner to discriminate low-contrast objects. This work investigated the development of LC phantoms with available, low-cost polystyrene resin materials and some selected additives.

Perinatal risk factors and neuromotor behaviour during the neonatal period.

Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk for neurological handicaps. The purpose of the present study has been: to investigate the influence of perinatal risk factors on early neuromotor development during the neonatal period; to specify the neuromotor parameters particularly sensitive to perinatal complications; and to analyse whether the infant's age at test influences the results. Beside examination of passive/active muscle tone and automatic movements (22 parameters) was performed at 36 (101 infants) and 40 (153 infants) gestational weeks.