bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic enantioselective transformations of borylated substrates: Preparation and synthetic applications of chiral alkylboronates
Authors: Hall Dennis G. , Lee Jack C. H. , Ding Jinyue
Published: June 2012

Organoboronic acid derivatives are well-established intermediates for the preparation of alcohols and amines, and in the formation of C–C bonds via different reactions, including homologations, carbonyl allylboration, or transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry. In the past decade, there has been great interest in the development of catalytic enantioselective methods for the preparation of chiral, optically enriched organoboronates as precursors of enantioenriched compounds. While the mainstream strategy remains the late-stage borylation of organic functional groups, our group has focused on an alternate strategy focused on modification of boron-containing substrates. In this way, acyclic and cyclic secondary alkyl- and allyl-boronates were prepared through catalytic enantioselective processes such as [4 + 2] cycloadditions, isomerizations, allylic substitutions, and conjugate additions. The resulting optically enriched boronates have been successfully utilized in the syntheses of complex natural products and drugs. One remaining challenge in the chemistry of secondary alkylboronate derivatives is their cross-coupling, especially with control of stereoselectivity. In this regard, our recent approach featured the conjugate asymmetric borylation of β-boronyl acrylates, providing the first enantioselective preparation of highly optically enriched 1,1-diboronyl derivatives. The chirality of these geminal diboron compounds is conferred through the use of two distinct boronate adducts, which can be coupled chemo- and stereoselectively with a variety of aryl and alkenyl halides under palladium catalysis.
Variation of Cardiac Troponin I and T Measured with Sensitive Assays in Emergency Department Patients with Noncardiac Chest Pain
Authors: Scharnhorst Volkher , Krasznai Krisztina , van 't Veer Marcel , Michels Rolf H
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND

New-generation high-sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin have lower detection limits and less imprecision than earlier assays. Reference 99th-percentile cutoff values for these new assays are also lower, leading to higher frequencies of positive test results. When cardiac troponin concentrations are minimally increased, serial testing allows discrimination of myocardial infarction from other causes of increased cardiac troponin. We assessed various measures of short-term variation, including absolute concentration changes, reference change values (RCVs), and indices of individuality (II) for 2 cardiac troponin assays in emergency department (ED) patients.

METHODS

We collected blood from patients presenting with cardiac chest pain upon arrival in the ED and 2, 6, and 12 h later. Cardiac troponin was measured with the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay (Roche Diagnostics) and a sensitive cTnI assay (Siemens Diagnostics). Cardiac troponin results from 67 patients without acute coronary syndrome or stable angina were used in calculating absolute changes in cardiac troponin, RCVs, and II.

RESULTS

The 95th percentiles for absolute change in cardiac troponin were 8.3 ng/L for hs-cTnT and 28 ng/L for cTnI. Within-individual and total CVs were 11% and 14% for hs-cTnT and 18% and 21% for cTnI, respectively. RCVs were 38% (hs-cTnT) and 57% (cTnI). The corresponding log-normal RCVs were +46%/−32% for hs-cTnT and +76%/−43% for cTnI. II values were 0.31 (cTnI) and 0.12 (hs-cTnT).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term variations and IIs of cardiac troponin were low in ED patients free of ischemic myocardial necrosis. The detection of cardiac troponin variation exceeding reference thresholds can help to identify ED patients with acute myocardial necrosis whereas variation within these limits renders acute coronary syndrome unlikely.
Product Quality, Trade, and Adjustment: The China-ASEAN Experience
Authors: Azhar A KM , Elliott Rob J. , Liu Junting
Published: June 2012

There is a fear among East Asian governments that China’s rapid export driven growth is significantly impairing the export performance of their own countries. The common belief among East Asian economies is that to remain competitive they must improve the quality of their exports relative to those of China. In this paper, we show how the emergence of China has affected the quality of its exports and imports to and from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Specifically, we combine a measure of marginal intra-industry trade (IIT) concerned with the adjustment implications of changes in matched trade, a measure of vertical and horizontal intra-industry trade concerned with the differences in product quality and a new dynamic measure of quality differentiated IIT. Our results suggest that Singapore and Malaysia have managed to maintain and even improve their position as the exporter of high quality varieties in bilateral trade with to China despite China’s rapid development and export orientated growth.
The Impact of Basel III on Emerging Economies
Authors: Abdel-Baki Monal A.
Published: June 2012

This research constructs a two-stage model to gauge the impact of Basel III on GDP growth rates in 47 emerging market economies (EMEs). The first stage detects a strong relationship between compliance with Basel III capital, liquidity and leverage ratios on the one hand and credit performance on the other hand. The second stage uses multiple regression analysis to estimate the direct and the indirect transmission effects. The results reveal that implementing Basel III would hamper growth by more than 3 percentage points, and that the recovery period from the shock requires 3 years and 3 quarters. Advanced EMEs are the most adversely impacted in comparison to secondary and frontier emerging markets. The paper concludes by proposing a set of recommendations and reforms at various levels: the Basle Committee for Banking Supervision, domestic regulators, national and regional trade unions of banks, and individual banking institutions.
Trends of Trade Interdependence and Prolifiration of FTAs in Asia: 1980-2010
Authors: Hamanaka Shintaro
Published: June 2012

In assessing the recent development of economic regionalism in Asia and elsewhere, it is important to carefully examine if the level of integration of intraregional trade is increasing or decreasing. However, it is not easy to answer this ostensibly simple question. There are two ways to assess the level of trade integration: de facto integration and de jure integration. With respect to de facto integration (actual level of interdependence in terms of trade flows), the answer depends on which Asian countries are being considered and which indicator is being used to measure trade interdependence. This paper compares the trade interdependence of different sets of Asian countries using various indices. With respect to de jure integration (the signing of free trade agreements [FTAs]), the number of signed FTAs in Asia is growing but the relation between trade interdependence and the signing of FTAs has not been sufficiently studied. The second half of this paper addresses whether de jure trade integration is ultimately brought about by high-level or low-level de facto trade integration. The analysis in this paper finds that a set of countries that have experienced de facto integration tend to sign a comprehensive agreement to solve issues associated with high levels of trade interdependence, while a set of countries whose level of economic interdependence is low or declining may require a goods-centered agreement to boost trade among members.
International Outsourcing and Wage Rigidity
Authors: Horgos Daniel
Published: June 2012

In industrialized economies, International Outsourcing is often blamed for destroying jobs and thus, inducing unemployment. Since most contributions examining International Outsourcing assume flexible wages, they do not address these concerns directly. This paper adopts a rigid wage approach and investigates the differences occurring. As theoretical results and the empirical panel data estimations for Germany show, effects depend on industry aggregation, the industry's skill intensity, and the labor market institution. Only in industries characterized by wage rigidity, outsourcing significantly increases low skilled unemployment. Consequently, not International Outsourcing but inflexible labor market institutions instead should be blamed for destroying low skill jobs.
Stabilization Policy in an Economy with Two Exchange Rate Regimes
Authors: Arndt Sven W.
Published: June 2012

This paper uses a flex-price open economy macro model to examine the effectiveness of U.S. monetary and fiscal policies when the dollar floats freely against the euro, but is fixed against the Chinese yuan. It is assumed that capital mobility is high between the U.S. and the Eurozone, but low between the U.S. and China. The model allows for short-run price flexibility and imperfect substitutability between domestic and foreign financial assets.

The focus is on the implications for the efficacy of U.S. macro stabilization policies of China's fixed-rate strategy. While many countries have pegged their currencies to the dollar, China is large enough to have an impact. It is shown that its large size enables China to impede the effectiveness of U.S. macroeconomic policies. Indeed, while the U.S. is officially tagged as an independent floater, Chinese intervention is capable of interfering with dollar-euro flexibility and thereby creates outcomes that are more consistent with policy under fixed rates.
Effect of Osmotic Pre-Treatment on Drying Characteristics of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Haq Muhammad Abdul , Hasnain Abid , Saeed Syed Asad
Published: June 2012

This study was conducted to determine the effect of osmotic dehydration on air drying characteristics of pomegranate arils. Osmotic dehydration was performed at different time and temperatures combinations. Mass transfer parameters were studied using response surface methodology. After osmotic dehydration, the arils were air dried till moisture content became 8.0%. Page model of drying was fitted on experimental data. Osmotic pretreatment decreased the exponential coefficient of the model. Osmotic dehydration conditions and air drying constant were combined in a single mathematical model with optimization at lowest time for overall dehydration. This goal was achieved when the arils were pretreated for 93 minutes at 39°C. This research might help to choose drying conditions for pomegranate arils on an industrial scale.
Studies of Carotene Extraction from Sweet Potato Variety CYY95-26, Ipomoea batatas, L
Authors: Lien Ching-Yi , Chan Chin-Feng , Huang Che-Lun , Lai Yung-Chang , Liao Wayne C.
Published: June 2012

The goal of this study was to extract β-carotene from CYY95-26 sweet potatoes. Acetone was used as the solvent to successfully extract β-carotene. To achieve better extraction results, acetone concentration was required to be higher than 75%. Two extraction parameters, including acetone concentration and extraction time, were evaluated with the response surface methodology. The process was optimized, and optimal extraction conditions were determined to be 91.1% of acetone and 19.6 min extraction. Acetone concentration was a significant factor of the β-carotene extraction. The multiple extraction improved the extraction performance. After the third extraction, 278.1 mg/kg of β-carotene was extracted. The major carotene of CYY95-26 sweet potatoes was all-trans-β-carotene. CYY95-26 also contained small amount of 9-cis-β-carotene and 13-cis-β-carotene which were carotene isomers.
Characterization of β-cyclodextrin Self-Aggregates for Eugenol Encapsulation
Authors: Chun Ji-Yeon , You Sung-Kyu , Lee Mi-Yeon , Choi Mi-Jung , Min Sang-Gi
Published: June 2012

The application of β-cyclodextrin(CD)-assisted molecular encapsulation of neutraceutical ingredients, functional food in food products, hydrophobic drugs, and volatile substances helps protect the active ingredients against oxidation, loss of volatile compounds and light-induced decomposition and increases the solubility of hydrophobic medicines. Self-assembly aggregation of CDs has been extensively investigated from the aggregation of native CDs to high-order complex aggregates. The increasing complex order of the aggregates is dependent on some parameters such as pH, temperature, time and concentration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the aggregation behaviour of β-cyclodextrin (CD)-eugenol complexes induced at shaking times on the release characteristic at various relative humidity and storage temperatures. The particle size started to increase after shaking for 8 h at 650 nm, and then, significant aggregation (1,110 nm) was observed after 24 h. The retention rate of eugenol significantly increased according to storage duration under various relative humidity and temperature conditions. Prolonged shaking time enhanced the self-aggregation of β-CD-eugenol complexes resulting in eugenol release behavior due to their effect on the aggregation mechanism, as assessed by TEM observation. The aggregation of β-CD-eugenol complexes could be attributed to the slow release of eugenol owing to the presence of a thick layer of β-CD aggregates.
Effect of Cooking Method on the Toughness of Bovine M. Semitendinosus
Authors: James Bryony J. , Yang Seo Won
Published: June 2012

Three cooking methods (conventional oven roasting, sous vide and high pressure processing) were compared for their impact on toughness of bovine M. semitendinosus. Oven roasting resulted in the greatest cooking loss (31%) and highest Warner-Bratzler peak shear force (103N) as a result of the greatest shrinkage of the myofibrils and greatest loss of water (via shrinkage and through the dry cooking environment). Sous vide and HPP resulted in similar, low, cooking loss (19% and 17% respectively) with similar shrinkage of the myofibrils. The increased gelatinisation of the connective tissue when using HPP processing resulted in the least toughening of the meat with a peak shear force of 54N compared to (46N for the raw meat). Sous vide cooking also resulted in gelatinisation of the connective collagen, though not to the same extent as HPP, leading to a relatively tender sample with a peak shear force of 75N. Microstructural analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy revealed the structural changes occurring during cooking including shrinkage and increasing crimp of the fibrils. Environmental SEM in particular was able to show the enhanced gelatinisation resulting from HPP processing.
Green Jobs and Renewable Electricity Policies: Employment Impacts of Ontario's Feed-in Tariff
Authors: Böhringer Christoph , Rivers Nicholas J. , Rutherford Thomas F. , Wigle Randall
Published: June 2012

Policy makers justify renewable energy promotion policies partly on the grounds that such policies have positive employment impacts. We apply a computable general equilibrium model to assess the labour market impacts of the feed-in tariff policy used by the Government of Ontario. We find that although the policy is successful at increasing the employment in the `green' sectors of the economy, the policy is also likely to increase the rate of unemployment in the province, and to reduce overall labour force participation. We conclude that policies designed to promote renewable energy should be promoted for the sake of their environmental impacts, not for their labour market effects.
Application of image analysis software to the morphometrics of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson
Authors: Rende Sante F. , Stroobant Mascha , del Pino Ángelo Santana , Polifrone Milena
Published: June 2012

Leaf biometrics are important parameters of seagrasses measured in coastal marine environment-monitoring programs. This study tested the application of several image analysis software packages to the biometry of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa leaves as an alternative to the commonly used manual technique. The biometrics of leaves and epiphytes measured using Image-Pro Plus image analysis software were significantly different from measures made with the manual technique; this was a reflection of the precision of the digital measurements related to the application of “best fit” measures to the shape of the leaves. Among the advantages of the digital method, we found enhanced precision and, presumably, higher accuracy in measurement, faster time of execution, availability of a wide range of free software for image analysis, the permanence of a photographic record, the ability to create data bases to compare new samples with older ones, and the possibility of analysing different morphometric variables on the same sample after a long period of time.
Morphological and molecular evidence demonstrates the amphi-Atlantic distribution of Laurencia catarinensis (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Machín-Sánchez María , Cassano Valéria , Díaz-Larrea Jhoana , Sentíes Abel , Fujii Mutue T. , Gil-Rodríguez María Candelaria
Published: June 2012

We performed morphological and molecular studies of Laurencia catarinensis from the Canary Islands. This species has an entangled habit, cushion-like tuft formation, cortical cell walls, slightly to markedly projecting near the apex, and lacking lenticular thickenings in medullary cells. We inferred its phylogenetic position by analyzing the chloroplast-encoded rbc L gene sequences from 41 samples. The results demonstrate that specimens of L. catarinensis from the Canary Islands, where it is referred to as L. intricata, and those from Brazil (including specimens from the type locality in Santa Catarina) form a monophyletic clade with low genetic divergence (0–0.9%). In contrast, specimens of L. intricata from the type locality in Cuba, Mexico, and the USA were clearly distinct from L. catarinensis collected in Brazil and the Canary Islands, as shown by high genetic divergence values (4.9–5.7%). The type material of L. catarinensis from Brazil allowed us to identify all samples from the Canarian Archipelago as L. catarinensis. These findings expand the known geographical distribution of L. catarinensis to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and demonstrate an amphi-Atlantic distribution of the species.
A novel method for phosphoprotein extraction from macroalgae
Authors: Parages María L. , Capasso Juan M. , Meco Victoriano , Jiménez Carlos
Published: June 2012

The extraction of proteins from macroalgae has always been difficult, primarily because of their high internal levels of polysaccharides and polyphenols. Several methods for protein extraction have been developed recently that allow the production of high quality extracts for 1-D SDS gel electrophoresis or 2-D SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for proteomic analysis. However, none of the existing methods are applicable to the study of the phosphorylation state of kinases involved in stress responses of macroalgae, primarily because trichloroacetic acid and phenol are used for protein precipitation. In this work, we describe a novel method for protein extraction from macroalgae based on the counterintuitive use of commercial RNA purification kits; this method maintains the phosphorylation state of the kinases intact, as demonstrated by either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against the phosphorylated forms of mitogen-activated protein kinases using Western blot methodology. This method may be appropriate for wider use in the analysis of phosphoproteomes.
Effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance, and nutrients on the development of carposporelings and tetrasporophytes in Gracilaria domingensis (Kütz.) Sonder ex Dickie (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales)
Authors: Ramlov Fernanda , de Souza Jonatas M.C. , Farias André , Maraschin Marcelo , Horta Paulo A. , Yokoya Nair S.
Published: June 2012

Different environmental factors play important roles in the growth, reproduction, and distribution of marine macroalgae. We investigated the effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance, and nutrients on the growth of carposporelings and tetrasporophytes of Gracilaria domingensis. Carposporelings grew at temperatures of 25°C and 30°C, but they did not survive at 15°C and 20°C. In contrast, tetrasporophytes grew over a wide range of temperatures (15–30°C) with optimum growth between 20°C and 25°C. Both carposporelings and tetrasporophytes tolerated a wide range of salinity (25–60 and 10–50, respectively), but carposporelings were more sensitive to lower salinities (10–20), while tetrasporophytes were more sensitive to higher salinities (60). The highest growth rates in basal discs of carposporelings occurred when they were grown in 25% strength von Stosch enriched medium (VSES) with an illumination of 150 μmol photons m-2 s-1; erect fronds grew best in 25% and 50% strength VSES with illumination of 100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. The VSES strength did not influence the growth of tetrasporophytes of G. domingensis. Highest growth rates of tetrasporophytes occurred at 100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. These results demonstrate very different physiological responses between carposporelings and tetrasporophytes of G. domingensis and, as such, they offer guidelines for the selection of potential areas for the cultivation of the species.
Antioxidants in mangrove plants and endophytic fungal associations
Authors: Ravindran Chinnarajan , Naveenan Thangaiah , Varatharajan Govindaswamy R. , Rajasabapathy Raju , Meena Ram Murthi
Published: June 2012

The manner in which fungal endophytes activate host stress response systems is unknown; the occurrence of additional mechanisms involved in symbiotically-conferred stress tolerance in mangrove plants (the primary producers of estuarine food chain) is also an unresolved issue. Here, we report antioxidant potentials of four different mangroves and their endophytic fungi. We elucidated the possible roles of antioxidants in symbiotic association between mangroves and their endophytic fungi. Four different mangrove species and the predominant endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus were analyzed using various in vitro assay systems (such as iron chelating capacity, reducing power, and hydroxyl radicals/hydrogen peroxide/l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation using the β-carotene–linoleate model system). In vitro models clearly established the antioxidant potency of extracts of mangrove plants and their respective endophytic fungi, which aids in understanding the mutualistic associations of plant and endophyte against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Re-infection analysis of endophytic A. flavus in tobacco plants confirmed the endophytic status of the fungus and its enhancement effect on plant growth.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in premature infants: is there an association with premature birth complications?
Authors: Safranow Krzysztof , Kotowski Maciej , Lewandowska Joanna , Machalińska Anna , Dziedziejko Violetta , Czajka Ryszard , Celewicz Zbigniew , Rudnicki Jacek , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: June 2012

Background: The most common morbidities in preterm infants are associated with vascular pathology. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been implicated in repair of the vasculature, but their role in the pathogenesis of prematurity complications is not clear.

Objectives: We prospectively investigated an association between the number of EPCs circulating in blood during delivery as well as 2 and 6 weeks afterwards, the level of growth factors regulating their migration/homing, and the incidence of premature birth complications.

Patients and methods: The study groups consisted of 90 preterm and 52 full-term infants. Early-EPCs (CD133+CD34+CD144+) and late-EPCs (CD133–CD34+CD144+) were analysed in cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB).

Results: We found higher early- and late-EPC counts in the CB of premature infants compared with full-term babies. The number of circulating early- and late-EPCs was inversely associated with the Apgar score of preterm infants. A positive association between the early-EPC count and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and infections was found. Nevertheless, multivariate analysis revealed that a higher number of EPCs was not an independent predictor of prematurity complications, which were directly related to lower gestational age. The EPC count in full-term infants maintained a constant, relatively low level over the 6-week follow-up, whereas the EPC population in preterm infants gradually decreased during this period. Furthermore, the number of CB late-EPCs in preterm infants positively correlated with VEGF concentration.

Conclusions: EPCs may play a considerable role in vascular development in preterm infants.
Three years’ experience of using a 29-gauge atraumatic needle for amniocentesis
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Arnold Carola , Oshovskyy Viktor , Heinrich Ulf-Rüdiger , Thäle Volker
Published: June 2012

Aims: To quantify the procedure-related complication rate after using modified technique of amniocentesis with a 29-gauge (29-G) pencil-point needle.

Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study of 316 amniocenteses that were performed by means of atraumatic 29-G pencil-point needle under ultrasound control.

Results: A total of 316 amniocenteses were observed through the postprocedural period. The median time needed to retrieve 15 mL of amniotic fluid was 4 min. A total of 19 pregnancies were terminated after genetic testing. No case was regarded as procedure-related fetal loss. No other complications were observed. Seventeen children were born before 37 completed weeks of gestation and five children had a birth weight <2000 g.

Conclusions: Amniocentesis with the 29-G atraumatic pencil-point needle seems to be a safe procedure with extremely low risk of complications and is a good alternative to the traditional 22-G Quincke needle.
Acquisition of full enteral feeds may depend on stooling pattern in very premature infants
Authors: de Pipaón Marcos Miguel Sáenz , Bueno Ma Teresa Montes , SanJosé Belén , Torralba Esmeralda , Gil Milagros , Parada Isabel , Amo Pilar
Published: June 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether acquisition of normal stooling pattern is associated with full enteral feeding and growth.

Study design: This is a prospective observational study of infants with a gestational age of <28 weeks (n=121). All infants admitted to our unit during the study period were managed using the same protocol for rectal stimulation and enemas: we used rectal stimulation if abdominal distension and no defecation occurred in the previous 24 h; enema administration was practiced if abdominal distension persists and no defecation had occurred after rectal stimulation. Age of normal bowel habit (T-NBH) is defined as days when two stools passed each day without enemas or stimulation for three consecutive days. Full enteral feeding is measured by time to receive 120 mL/kg/day (T-120). Multivariable linear regression estimated the contribution of T-NBH on T-120 and the effect of tolerance on growth.

Results: T-NBH was 16 days (12, 24 days) and T-120 was 16 days (12, 24 days). T-120 decreased with earlier normal bowel habit (r=0.625, P<0.0001). Change in weight z-score between 36 weeks postmenstrual age and birth was less pronounced with earlier full enteral feeding (r=–0.446, P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Normalization of bowel habit is an important determinant of full enteral feeding of very immature infants. Earlier full enteral feeding is associated with less postnatal growth failure.
Safety and efficacy of high-dose intravenous iron carboxymaltose vs. iron sucrose for treatment of postpartum anemia
Authors: Pfenniger Anita , Schuller Christine , Christoph Patricia , Surbek Daniel
Published: June 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) high-dose iron carboxymaltose (ICM) with iron sucrose (IS) for the treatment of postpartum anemia.

Study design: We performed a retrospective cohort study with 210 anemic inpatient women in the postpartum period who received IV high-dose ICM (15 mg/kg; maximum, 1000 mg) or IS (2×200 mg), respectively. Safety and tolerability of both groups were compared on the basis of reported systemic and local adverse events. The cohorts were matched for baseline characteristics and their initial hemoglobin (Hb) values. The secondary endpoint included drug efficacy assessment by measurement of Hb level increase up to 8 days after treatment.

Results: Rapid administration of high ICM doses was as well tolerated as IS with overall adverse events of 5% (ICM) vs. 6% (IS). The most common complaint was burning and pain at the injection site. ICM was as effective as IS in changing Hb levels from the baseline. There was no difference in the mean daily Hb increase between the groups. Women with severe anemia showed the most effective responsiveness.

Conclusions: IV ICM is as safe as IS in the management of postpartum (IDA) iron deficiency anemia despite five times of higher dosage. Both drugs are effective and offer a rapid normalization of Hb after delivery. The single application of ICM shows advantages of lower incidence of side effects at the injection site, a shorter treatment period, and better patient compliance.
The impact of length of second stage of labor on shoulder dystocia outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moragianni Vasiliki A. , Hacker Michele R. , Craparo Frank J.
Published: June 2012

Objective: To compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of vaginal deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia, according to the length of second stage of labor.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 177 shoulder dystocia cases that were divided into three categories according to second stage duration (1–20, 21–59, 60–180 min, respectively). The three categories were compared in terms of obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis utilized the χ2-test and analysis of variance where appropriate. The odds ratios of brachial plexus injury and having a 5-min APGAR score <7 across the second stage duration categories were calculated using logistic regression models that adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: The incidence of brachial plexus injury was 5.4% (1st category), 4.4% (2nd category) and 26.9% (3rd category); P<0.01. The higher incidence of brachial plexus injury in the group where second stage lasted >1 h was confirmed by logistic regression, with and without adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions: The incidence of brachial plexus injury increases with the length of second stage, even after controlling for confounders.
Fetomaternal hemorrhage in the second trimester
Authors: Merz Waltraut M. , Patzwaldt Franziska , Fimmers Rolf , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Gembruch Ulrich
Published: June 2012

Aims: To investigate fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) rate and quantity in the second trimester of pregnancies with fetal anomalies and to assess the impact of invasive prenatal and termination procedures.

Methods: Blood samples from women before termination of pregnancy were collected and analyzed by dual-color flow cytometry. Various clinical parameters were studied for their association with FMH.

Results: In total, 67 women were recruited; pre- and post-termination pairs were collected for 31 women. HbF cells were present in 91.0% of specimens, in 29.9% the transfused blood volume was ≥4.2 mL. FMH ≥30 mL was found in 3.0%, and chronic FMH, defined as FMH ≥40% of fetoplacental blood volume in 7.5%. At the limit of quantification (0.1%) none of the clinical parameters was associated with the presence of HbF cells, nor was there a difference in HbF cell concentrations between pre- and post-termination blood samples.

Conclusions: Compared to normal term pregnancy, transfer of fetal red blood cells into the maternal circulation is increased in second-trimester pregnancies with fetal anomalies. FMH is not associated with invasive procedures or surgery performed in the context of termination. We hypothesize that the abnormal pregnancy itself, by means of an abnormal uteroplacental interface, is causing the increased transfer.
Use of cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin for prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus disease: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Buxmann Horst , Stackelberg Otto M.v. , Schlößer Rolf L. , Enders Gisela , Gonser Markus , Meyer-Wittkopf Matthias , Hamprecht Klaus , Enders Martin
Published: June 2012

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the current prenatal “off-label use” of cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (CMV-HIG) in the prevention and treatment of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, including the long-term outcome of the children.

Methods: This retrospective observational study comprised mothers and their children, born between January 1, 2006, and October 30, 2010. Prenatal CMV-HIG was administered after diagnosis of primary CMV infection of the mother. Clinical and virological data were collected from maternal and pediatric medical and laboratory reports. Follow-up was 12–36 months after birth.

Results: Forty-two women and 43 children met the study criteria. In total, 40 mothers and six unborn infants received 115 doses of CMV-HIG. The treatment group (TG; CMV-DNA polymerase chain reaction-positive amniotic fluid) included four mothers; the multinomial group (MG; CMV-positive mother and unknown CMV status of fetus) included 38 mothers (39 infants). For the four unborn infants in TG, CMV-HIG was administered either intraumbilically or into the amniotic fluid; three of the four mothers received intravenous CMV-HIG. Three children in TG remained CMV-positive and were asymptomatic at birth and during follow-up. One infant in TG had symptomatic cCMV infection in utero, at birth, and during follow-up. In MG, 37 of 38 women received intravenous CMV-HIG and two of 39 infants received CMV-HIG in utero. In total, 9 (23.1%) of 39 children in MG were positive for cCMV (including a terminated pregnancy). All eight instances of cCMV infection at birth in MG were asymptomatic at birth and during follow-up. The fetus from the terminated pregnancy showed no sonographic symptoms of cCMV infection. No severe side effect occurred in 115 CMV-HIG applications.

Conclusion: CMV-HIG was well tolerated. Compared with published untreated mother-child pairs, we observed a trend toward a smaller risk for intrauterine CMV transmission following CMV-HIG application. Signs of prenatal cCMV disease were not reversed after CMV-HIG.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: current knowledge and novel insights
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Papantoniou Nikos , Kappou Dimitra , Antsaklis Aris
Published: June 2012

The noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is an actively researched area of prenatal medicine, as this is the most common aneuploidy compatible with life and a major cause of mental retardation. The isolation of intact fetal cells, and most importantly, the successful detection of fetal-origin nucleic acids (cell-free fetal DNA and RNA), in maternal plasma even from the early stages of pregnancy has inspired scientists to develop discriminative genetic markers for the prenatal detection of aneuploidy. In the near future, the development of epigenetic fetal-specific markers will possibly allow the universal application of a cell-free fetal DNA-based diagnostic test regardless of the gender of the fetus or its polymorphic status. Other promising approaches rely upon the detection of free placentally derived RNA transcribed from genes located on chromosome 21 and the application of highly sensitive techniques, such as digital polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput shotgun sequencing. However, irrespective of which strategy is selected for isolating or distinguishing fetal genetic material in maternal plasma, the small quantity of fetal origin nucleic acids poses severe technical challenges. In this review article, we present an overview of the current knowledge in the field of noninvasive prenatal assessment of fetuses with Down syndrome and the future perspectives regarding new fetal markers and novel molecular techniques that may eventually be applied in the clinical setting as a valid and safe option for women who opt for noninvasive accurate prenatal diagnosis.
Therapeutic hypothermia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: opinion and practice of pediatricians in South Africa
Authors: Joolay Yaseen , Harrison Michael C. , Horn Alan R.
Published: June 2012

Background: Recent newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend therapeutic hypothermia (TH) as a treatment to reduce long-term neurological deficit in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) survivors. In South Africa, varied resource constraints may present difficulties in the implementation of TH.

Objective: To determine the opinions and practice of South African pediatricians, regarding TH and the management of HIE.

Methods: We invited 288 South African pediatricians and neonatologists to participate in a web-based survey by e-mail. Practitioners were identified using the Medpages™ database.

Results: Responses were received from 37.8% of the e-mails. Seventy-six percent of respondents stated that hypothermia was either effective or very effective while 4% stated TH was ineffective in the management of HIE. Only 42% of respondents offered TH and a further 9% transferred patients to other units for cooling. Twenty-four percent had not implemented TH nor planned to introduce it into practice in the near future. Ninety-eight percent of respondents stated TH should be the standard of care in tertiary neonatal units.

Conclusion: Most pediatricians in South Africa who responded to the survey stated that TH is effective to reduce the neurological deficit in HIE, however, less than half offered it as a treatment.
Two vs. three or more primary recurrent pregnancy losses – are there any differences in epidemiologic characteristics and index pregnancy outcome?
Authors: Bashiri Asher , Ratzon Ronit , Amar Shimon , Serjienko Ruslan , Mazor Moshe , Shoham-Vardi Ilana
Published: June 2012

Objective: To compare obstetric characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients following two vs. three or more primary recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

Study design: A retrospective cohort study including 168 patients with primary RPL followed by subsequent (index) pregnancy, 124 patients with three or more consecutive RPL, and 60 patients with two consecutive RPL was performed. All patients were evaluated and treated in the RPL Clinic in the Soroka University Medical Center.

Results: Obstetric characteristics of the study groups were similar. Women with three or more RPL compared to women with two RPL had a higher rate of abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (16.3 vs. 2.6%; P=0.033), higher rates of spontaneous pregnancy (91.7 vs. 77.4%; P<0.05), and higher rates of Clexane treatment (40.3% vs. 18.6%; P=0.016). In the index pregnancy, live birth rate was not statistically different between the two groups (81.1% in the two-RPL groups vs. 70.6% in the three-RPL group) nor was neonatal mortality.

Conclusions: Patients with two RPL and three RPL had very similar obstetric characteristics and evaluation test results. Differences in index pregnancy outcomes were not statistically significant. Therefore, evaluation in primary RPL is recommended after two RPL.
Primary vs. secondary recurrent pregnancy loss – epidemiological characteristics, etiology, and next pregnancy outcome
Authors: Shapira Efrat , Ratzon Ronit , Shoham-Vardi Ilana , Serjienko Ruslan , Mazor Moshe , Bashiri Asher
Published: June 2012

Objective: To compare epidemiological and obstetric characteristics, etiology and next pregnancy outcomes of women with primary vs. secondary recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Study design: A retrospective cohort study, including 420 patients with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses followed by a subsequent (index) pregnancy, of whom 162 were primary RPL women and 258 were secondary RPL women. All patients were evaluated and treated in the RPL clinic at the Soroka University Medical Center.

Results: Live birth rate in the index pregnancy was not statistically different between primary and secondary RPL women (75.9 and 70.9%, respectively). The only significant difference in the etiology evaluation was in abnormal prolactin levels (14.1% of the primary and 1.4% of the secondary RPL group). Women with primary RPL had, at the index pregnancy, significantly higher rates of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, primary RPL adjusted for maternal age and gravidity, was an independent risk factor for preterm delivery compared with secondary RPL [adjusted OR 2.62, CI (95%) 1.30–5.26].

Conclusions: The prognosis of the two groups was similar regarding live birth rate at the index pregnancy; however, women with primary RPL were more prone to adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Characterization of sputtered Al-B-Si thin films produced with composite targets for device applications
Authors: Ramos Glorimar , Suárez O. Marcelo
Published: June 2012

Sputtered films were deposited over glass and silicon (Si) substrates by using homemade centrifuged aluminum (Al) targets containing boron (B) AlB2 and AlB12 particles as their constituents. Additional films were produced with an as-received aluminum target for comparison purposes. The composite targets were mounted in the magnetron sputtering system working at varying discharge powers, ranging from 200 to 450 W, to produce films with the smallest surface roughness. This roughness analysis showed that films deposited from the composite targets (fabricated by centrifugal casting) possessed lower surface roughness than the pure aluminum films if they were deposited over silicon substrates. Also, preliminary studies of film structure and mechanical properties revealed that the films produced with the composite targets had smaller grain size, dominant compression stresses, higher disorder in the crystalline structure, and higher hardness and elastic modulus, when compared with the films produced with the pure aluminum target.
The effect of multi-directional stiffness degradation on the non-linear analysis of composite laminates
Authors: Han Sung-Cheon , Lee Won-Hong , Park Weon-Tae
Published: June 2012

A formulation of element-based Lagrangian 9-node shell element based modified first-order shear deformation theory is improved for non-linear behaviors of composite laminates containing matrix cracking. Using the refined ANS (assumed natural strain) shell elements either show the optimum combination of sampling points with an excellent accuracy or remove the locking phenomenon. The multi-directional stiffness degradation caused by matrix cracking, which was proposed by Duan and Yao, is conducted. Natural coordinate based higher-order transverse shear strains are used in the present shell element. Numerical examples demonstrate that the present element behaves reasonably satisfactorily either for the linear or geometrical non-linear analysis of laminated composite structures. The results of laminated composite shells with matrix cracking may be the benchmark test for the non-linear analysis of damaged composite laminates.
Axial behaviour of HSS tubular sections strengthened by CFRP strips: an experimental investigation
Authors: Sundarraja Muthukamatchi Chelliah , Sivasankar Sandrasekaran
Published: June 2012

The main objective of this investigation is to assess the feasibility of strengthening square hollow steel tubular sections subjected to compression and to develop or predict the suitable wrapping scheme of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) to enhance the structural behaviour of it. For this study, compact mild steel tubes were used with the main variable being FRP characteristics. Carbon fibre has been considered and used as strips with several other parameters such as the number of layers, width and spacing of strips, the sectional area of strips, and wrapping scheme. Experiments were undertaken until column failure to fully understand the influence of FRP characteristics on the compressive behaviour of square hollow steel tubes including their failure modes, stress-strain behaviour, enhancement in load carrying capacity and effect of distribution of CFRP layers. The behaviour of externally bonded hollow steel tubular sections was compared with one another and also with the control specimen. From the test results, it was found that CFRP strengthening significantly increases the load carrying capacity and ductility of the hollow steel tubular members further.
Effect of shallow straight-joint braided fabric geometrical parameters on fiber volume fraction
Authors: Guan Tianru , Zhu Jianxun , Chen Zhaofeng , Liu Yong
Published: June 2012

This research paper establishes the relationship between fabric parameters and fiber volume fraction through analyzing the representative unit cell of the 2.5D shallow straight-joint preform. The effect of fabric parameters on the fiber volume fraction by theoretical study is also investigated. The 2.5D shallow straight-joint fabric was manufactured by quartz fiber to verify the fiber volume fraction by theoretical and experimental study. The errors between predicted and measured results is only 2.12% and 1.13%. It was also found that as warp density and linear yarn density of yarn decrease and fabric thickness increases, the overall fiber volume fraction and weft yarn fiber volume fraction increase, but warp yarn fiber volume fraction decreases. Weft yarn has greater influence on fiber volume fraction of fabric than warp yarn in the structure of shallow straight-joint.
Formation and characterization of silica-coated HAP particles
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Chen Xiaoming , Cheng Dongji
Published: June 2012

Nanophase hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles were coated with silica via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate after a dodecyl alcohol based esterification reaction. The nanocomposite particles were characterized by transmission electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, sedimentation time and zeta potential (ζ) studies. A sequential change in infrared spectral features characteristic of HAP was accompanied by an increase in features characteristic of silica as revealed by FTIR. The silica coating enhanced the colloidal stability of HAP in aqueous suspensions. This behavior can be explained based on a heterocoagulation coating mechanism in which silica clusters adsorb onto the HAP particle surface.
Nanocomposite synthesis by thermolysis of [Ag(hfac)(COD)] in amorphous polystyrene
Authors: Carotenuto Gianfranco , Palomba Mariano , Nicolais Luigi
Published: June 2012

Lightfast color filters (intensively and brightly colored) can be easily produced by dying optical plastics with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold. Here, color filters based on silver nanoparticles embedded in amorphous polystyrene have been prepared by dissolving and thermally decomposing (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(hexafluoro-acetylacetonate)silver(I) in amorphous polystyrene. The metal precursor quickly decomposes (10 s, at 180°C), leading to silver atoms that clusterize and produce a non-aggregated dispersion of silver particles in the polymer matrix. The intensity of the yellow coloration due to the SPR of nanoscopic silver can be widely tuned simply by varying the cluster numerical density in the polymer matrix that depends on the silver precursor concentration. The obtained nanocomposite films have been characterized by X-ray power diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.