bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Congenital Cardiac Defects Between 11 and 14 Weeks' Gestation in High‐Risk Patients
Authors: Weiner Zeev , Lorber Abraham , Shalev Eliezer
Published: January 2017

Objective. To examine the feasibility of diagnosing congenital cardiac defects between 11 and 14 Weeks' gestation in a high‐risk population. Methods. Fetal echocardiography was first offered at 11 to 14 Weeks' gestation to all patients at risk for congenital heart defects. Echocardiography performed at 11 to 14 weeks with normal results was repeated at 14 to 16 and 20 to 24 weeks. Final diagnoses of cardiac anomalies that had been observed at 11 to 14 weeks were established at 14 to 16 weeks or later. Fetal echocardiography performed at 14 to 16 weeks with normal results was repeated at 20 to 24 weeks. Ascertainment of cardiac anomalies was obtained by postnatal echocardiography or pathologic examination of the fetal heart after termination of pregnancy. Most of the examinations were performed transvaginally until 16 weeks. The transabdominal approach was used at this stage only when patients refused the transvaginal examination or because of technical difficulties. Three hundred ninety‐two fetal echocardiographic examinations were performed between 11 and 14 Weeks' gestation; 438 examinations were performed between 14 and 16 weeks; and 777 examinations were performed between 20 and 24 weeks. The major indications for fetal echocardiography at 11 to 14 weeks were maternal diabetes and previous pregnancy with congenital heart defects. Results. Six of 7 major fetal cardiac anomalies were detected. The only major cardiac anomaly that was not detected between 11 and 14 weeks was correctly diagnosed at 22 weeks. Only 1 of 5 minor fetal cardiac anomalies was detected between 11 and 14 weeks. Another 2 minor fetal cardiac anomalies were detected at 23 weeks. Four incorrect diagnoses of minor cardiac anomalies were excluded on repeated fetal echocardiography between 20 and 24 weeks. Conclusions. The initial attempt to diagnose congenital heart defects should be offered at 11 to 14 Weeks' gestation.
Complex Pelvic Mass as a Target of Evaluation of Vessel Distribution by Color Doppler Sonography for the Diagnosis of Adnexal Malignancies
Authors: Guerriero Stefano , Alcazar Juan Luis , Coccia Maria Elisabetta , Ajossa Silvia , Scarselli GianFranco , Boi Manuela , Gerada Marta , Melis Gian Benedetto
Published: January 2017

Objective. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of gray scale sonography and color Doppler imaging in the differential diagnosis of adnexal malignancies from benign complex pelvic masses in a multicenter prospective study. Methods. The study was performed as a collaborative work at 3 European university departments of obstetrics and gynecology. A total of 826 complex pelvic masses on which transvaginal sonography and evaluation of cancer antigen 125 plasma concentrations were performed before surgical exploration were included in the study. The scanning procedure was the same in the 3 institutions. An adnexal mass was first studied in gray scale sonography, and a probable histologic type was predicted. Second, solid excrescences or solid portions of the tumor were evaluated for vascular flow with color Doppler sonography (conventional or power). A mass was graded malignant if flow was shown within the excrescences or solid areas and benign if there was no flow. The overall agreement between the test result and the actual outcome was calculated by κ statistics. Results. Color Doppler evaluation was more accurate in the diagnosis of adnexal malignancies in comparison with gray scale sonography (κ = 0.82 and 0.65, respectively) because of significantly higher specificity (0.94 versus 0.84; P < .001). The evaluation of the cancer antigen 125 plasma concentration did not seem to increase the accuracy of either method. Conclusions. The evaluation of vessel distribution by color Doppler sonography in complex adnexal cysts seems to increase the diagnostic accuracy of gray scale sonography in the detection of adnexal malignancies in a large study population.
Enhancement of Hepatic Hemangiomas With Levovist on Coded Harmonic Angiographic Ultrasonography
Authors: Kim Jung Hoon , Kim Tae Kyoung , Kim Bong Soo , Eun Hyo Won , Kim Pyo Nyun , Lee Moon-Gyu , Ha Hyun Kwon
Published: January 2017

Objective. To evaluate the pattern of contrast enhancement with Levovist on coded harmonic angiographic ultrasonography of hepatic hemangiomas. Methods. Twenty hemangiomas were evaluated with coded harmonic angiographic ultrasonography and a microbubble contrast agent. Verification of the diagnosis of a hemangioma was made by means of dynamic computed tomography (n = 8), dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1), radionuclide scanning (n = 6), or follow‐up ultrasonography (n = 5). Ultrasonographic images were obtained before contrast agent administration and with a bolus injection of 2.5 g of a microbubble contrast agent (300 mg/mL Levovist; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) every 10 to 15 seconds for 5 minutes. The contrast enhancement patterns of the 20 hemangiomas were assessed. Results. The tumor diameters as measured on ultrasonography were 7 to 97 mm (mean, 26.7 mm). Of the 20 hemangiomas, peripheral globular enhancement with progressive centripetal fill‐in was shown in 15 (75%), rimlike enhancement with progressive centripetal fill‐in was shown in 2 (10%), and homogeneous enhancement was shown in 1 (5%). In the remaining 2 lesions (10%), the enhancement patterns could not be seen, because they were not found on coded harmonic angiographic ultrasonography. Conclusions. Coded harmonic angiographic ultrasonography with a microbubble contrast agent can depict the typical enhancement pattern in most hepatic hemangiomas.
Nasal Bone Evaluation in Fetuses With Down Syndrome During the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy
Authors: Lee Wesley , DeVore Greggory R. , Comstock Christine H. , Kalache Karim D. , McNie Beverley , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Conoscenti Giancarlo , Treadwell Marjorie C. , Johnson Anthony , Huang Raywin , Romero Roberto
Published: January 2017

Objective. This study examined the use of three‐dimensional ultrasonography for evaluating the fetal nasal bone, as a sonographic marker of Down syndrome, during the second and early third trimesters of pregnancy. Methods. Forty fetuses, including 20 with trisomy 21, were scanned once by three‐dimensional ultrasonography. A midline sagittal view of the facial profile was used to analyze the volume data. Independent examiners reviewed blinded and randomly allocated volume data sets for the nasal bone. Interobserver reliability was evaluated for the sonographic presence or absence of the nasal bone. Logistic regression determined the contribution of this parameter to the presence of Down syndrome. Results. Both examiners showed substantial agreement in scoring whether the nasal bone was visualized by three‐dimensional ultrasonography (P < .001). They identified 40% to 45% of fetuses with abnormalities using the absence of the nasal bone as a sonographic marker. However, a substantial number of fetuses with abnormalities were also found to have a nasal bone present. The nasal bone was visualized in 80% to 90% of fetuses without abnormalities. Conclusions. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the fetal nasal bone with substantial interobserver agreement during the second and early third trimesters of pregnancy. A nonvisualized nasal bone identified 40% to 45% of fetuses with Down syndrome in this study.
Early Assessment of the Therapeutic Response to Radio Frequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Dongil , Lim Hyo K. , Lee Won Jae , Kim Seung Hoon , Kim Young Han , Kim Seong Hyun , Lim Jae Hoon
Published: January 2017

Objective. To evaluate the utility of gray scale harmonic ultrasonography with a microbubble contrast agent in the early assessment of the therapeutic response to radio frequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods. Seventy‐five patients with 81 nodular hepatocellular carcinomas (1.3–4.8 cm) treated with percutaneous radio frequency ablation were evaluated with contrast‐enhanced gray scale harmonic ultrasonography after intravenous bolus injection of a galactose‐based microbubble contrast agent. The vascularity within the ablation zones was evaluated with a continuous scan for 3 to 5 seconds between 15 and 30 seconds after initiation of contrast agent injection. To evaluate the perfusion of the ablation zones, intermittent stimulated acoustic emission imaging was performed with a rapid sweeping technique from the end of the continuous scan. All patients underwent follow‐up 3‐phase helical computed tomography at 1 month after radio frequency ablation and were followed for at least 1 year. The results of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography were compared with those of follow‐up computed tomography in terms of the presence or absence of residual unablated tumors. Results. In 10 (12%) of the 81 treated hepatocellular carcinomas, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed either nodular or crescentic enhancing foci at the margins of ablation zones, suggesting residual unablated tumors. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography obtained 1 month after radio frequency ablation confirmed the residual unablated tumors in the same 10 lesions. Diagnostic agreement between 1‐month follow‐up computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography was achieved in all 81 cases (100%). Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced gray scale harmonic ultrasonography can be a reliable alternative to contrast‐enhanced computed tomography in the early assessment of the therapeutic response to radio frequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections Performed With Sonographic Guidance
Authors: Pekkafalı Mehmet Zekai , Kıralp Mehmet Zeki , Başekim Cıhat Çinar , Şilit Emir , Mutlu Hakan , Öztürk Ersin , Kızılkaya Eşref , Dursun Hasan
Published: January 2017

Objective. To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of sonographic guidance for therapeutic intra‐articular sacroiliac joint injections in patients with sacroiliitis. Methods. Thirty‐four consecutive patients with sacroiliitis were enrolled in this study. The synovial portions of 60 sacroiliac joints received injections under sonographic guidance. For treatment, a mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic was injected intra‐articularly. Fluoroscopic spot images were obtained to assess the accuracy of the sonographically guided technique. Results. Of the 60 sonographically guided injections, 46 (76.7%) were successful (i.e., intra‐articular), and 14 (23.3%) were missed. The successful intra‐articular injection rate was 60% in the first 30 injections, and it gradually improved, reaching 93.5% in the last 30 injections. The mean procedure time was 9 minutes. Conclusions. Our initial experience suggests that sonographically guided therapeutic injections to sacroiliac joints could be valuable alternatives to other guidance modalities in patients with sacroiliitis. In the hands of experienced radiologists, this technique is safe, rapid, and reproducible.
Volume Contrast Imaging
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Benachi Alexandra , Aubry Marie-Cecile , Dumez Yves , Dommergues Marc
Published: January 2017

Objective. To assess the potential of volume contrast imaging for evaluation of fetal intrathoracic structures. Methods. Volume contrast imaging is a new ultrasonographic method that increases the contrast between tissues. It consists of a 5‐ to 10‐mm‐thick slice‐shaped volume image projected on a 2‐dimensional screen. The rendering process applied on the slice smoothens the speckle pattern of the image by filling up the gaps with tissue information from the adjacent layers. To evaluate the potential of volume contrast imaging for enhancing the contrast between fetal lungs and surrounding tissues, we compared the ability of volume contrast imaging and conventional ultrasonography to image the fetal thymus in 50 controls. We also applied volume contrast imaging to prenatal imaging of 6 thoracic abnormalities (2 left congenital diaphragmatic hernias, 1 right diaphragmatic hernia, 2 congenital adenomatoid lung malformations, and 1 lung sequestration). Results. In controls, the thymus was identified in all cases by volume contrast imaging and in 42 cases (84%) by conventional 2‐dimensional ultrasonography. Clear images of macrocystic and microcystic congenital adenomatoid malformations were obtained by volume contrast imaging, which provided precise contouring of the lesions. In cases with congenital diaphragmatic hernias, volume contrast imaging provided clear images of the limits of the lungs ipsilateral to the hernia. Conclusions. Volume contrast imaging may enhance the contrast between fetal lungs and surrounding organs and can be applied to prenatal imaging of intrathoracic structures in cases with thoracic fetal abnormalities.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome in Association With 22q11 Deletion
Authors: Sleurs Elke , De Catte Luc , Benatar Abraham
Published: January 2017

Objective. To describe the prenatal sonographic appearances in cases of absent pulmonary valve syndrome and the importance of investigating the presence of 22q11 deletion. Methods. We describe 2 cases, which were referred because of a suspicion of a cardiac malformation. In both cases, a large anechoic mass emerging from the right ventricle was visualized and identified as an aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary trunk with hypertrophy of the right ventricle. The diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and a secondary diverticular dilatation of the pulmonary artery was made. A review of the literature revealed another 18 cases of prenatal diagnosis of absent pulmonary valve syndrome with or without knowledge of chromosomal abnormalities. Results. Pathologic examinations confirmed the diagnosis of absent pulmonary valve syndrome in both cases. Final results of fetal karyotyping revealed a 22q11 deletion in the first case. Conclusions. An abnormal 4‐chamber view with an aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary trunk should suggest the diagnosis of this rare congenital anomaly. Perinatal death occurs in more than 60% of cases and is usually associated with hydrops fetalis, the presence of other malformations, or both. Even in the absence of extracardiac malformations, investigation for 22q11 deletion in cases of conotruncal cardiac abnormalities is recommended.
Reliability of Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Velocity Measurements
Authors: Clark Erin A. S. , Lacoursiere D. Yvette , Byrne Janice L. B. , Ponder Rebecca , Silver Robert M. , Esplin M. Sean
Published: January 2017

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements at a tertiary care center and to evaluate the effect of targeted training for sonographers. Methods. Six sonographers were randomized to training modules for fetal MCA PSV or amniotic fluid volume (AFV) measurements. Six fetuses of uncomplicated pregnancies were selected for participation. Middle cerebral artery and AFV measurements were obtained before and after a training module. The intraobserver and interobserver variability (reliability) was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients and was compared between groups. Results. Administration of the MCA training module increased the number of technically adequate MCA images obtained (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–14.65). The intraobserver and inter‐observer variability for MCA measurements was significantly reduced after the targeted training module (P = .05). Conclusions. The reliability of fetal MCA PSV measurements improved after a targeted training program.
Maternal Obesity Limits the Ultrasound Evaluation of Fetal Anatomy
Authors: Dashe Jodi S. , McIntire Donald D. , Twickler Diane M.
Published: January 2017

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal habitus on adequate visualization of fetal anatomy during a standard second‐trimester ultrasound examination. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at 18 to 24 weeks that underwent sonography over a 5‐year period. Pregnancies complicated by an indication for targeted sonography were excluded. Standard ultrasound examinations were performed according to American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine criteria. Ten anatomic components were evaluated for adequacy of visualization: atria of the cerebral ventricles, posterior fossa, midline face, 4‐chamber view of the heart, spine, ventral wall, umbilical cord vessels, stomach, kidneys, and bladder. The body mass index (BMI) was based on the patient's weight at the first prenatal visit. Results. Of 10,112 women who underwent a standard ultrasound examination, 2% were underweight; 38% were of normal weight; 34% were overweight; and 26% were obese. Visualization of fetal anatomy decreased significantly with increasing maternal BMI for the complete survey as well as for each individual component with the exception of the fetal bladder (all P < .001). Among those with a normal or underweight BMI, an overweight BMI, and class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, all 10 anatomic components were adequately visualized at the initial examination in 72%, 68%, 57%, 41%, and 30% of cases, respectively (P < .001). Conclusions. Increasing maternal BMI limits visualization of fetal anatomy during a standard ultrasound examination at 18 to 24 weeks. In obese women, the fetal anatomy survey could be completed during the initial examination in only 50% of cases. Counseling may need to be modified to reflect the limitations of sonography in obese women.
Comparison of Sonographically Guided Intra‐articular Injections at 3 Different Sites of the Knee
Authors: Park Yongbum , Lee Sang Chul , Nam Hee-Seung , Lee Jihae , Nam Sang Hyun
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Sonographically guided injections show more accuracy than blind injections, but there are no reports comparing sonographically guided intra‐articular injection approaches. This study examined the accuracy of sonographically guided intra‐articular injections at 3 different sites of the knee using medial, midlateral, and superolateral portals.

Methods

Sonographically guided intra‐articular injections and radiology evaluations were performed on 126 knees with osteoarthritis (Kellgren‐Lawrence grade 2 or 3). Six milliliters of mixed material containing 1% lidocaine (1 mL), 20 mg of triamcinolone (1 mL), and a nonionic contrast agent (4 mL) was injected into the intra‐articular space of the knee through the medial, midlateral, and superolateral portals. After the sonographically guided intra‐articular injection into the knee joint, a radiographic image was taken to determine whether the injected material had reached the intra‐articular space or infiltrated into the soft tissue.

Results

Sonographically guided intra‐articular injections in the midlateral portal (95%; P < .05) and superolateral portal (100%; P < .05) showed significantly higher accuracy than injections in the medial portal (75%).

Conclusions

Sonographically guided intra‐articular injections in the midlateral or superolateral portal may increase the accuracy of knee joint injections.
Groin Pain in Women
Authors: Grant Thomas , Neuschler Erin , Hartz Wilson
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Symptomatic groin hernias in women may be difficult to assess clinically and commonly mimic pathologic musculoskeletal and gynecologic conditions. The objective of our study was to investigate the accuracy of sonography in women with groin pain and normal physical examination findings.

Methods

A consecutive group of 87 women (median age, 44.6 years; range, 19–82 years) with groin pain and normal physical examination findings were included in the study. All patients had a standardized sonographic examination of the groin performed by an experienced radiologist or a sonographer. If a groin hernia was identified, it was classified as indirect, direct, or femoral. Normal examination findings and alternate pathologic groin conditions were also recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the sonographic findings and compared to the findings for patients sent for surgery.

Results

Of the 87 women with groin pain, 37 groin hernias were diagnosed in 35 patients. Surgery was performed in 26 patients (27 groins). Sonography correctly depicted and classified groin hernias in 18 of the 21 groins that had surgical confirmation. Six women without groin hernias also had surgical exploration of the affected side. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the patients with surgical confirmation were 95%, 75%, 95%, and 75%, respectively. Groin pain in 26 patients was attributed to other causes. The remainder of the patients had normal examination findings or were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Groin hernias in women can be occult and confound the clinical diagnosis. In a woman with groin pain and normal or indeterminate physical examination findings, we have found that sonography can accurately depict and classify groin hernias and other pathologic processes.
Ultrasound Contrast Agents Affect the Angiogenic Response
Authors: Johnson Chenara A. , Miller Rita J. , O'Brien William D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The interaction of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) and ultrasound (US) provides a way to spatially and temporally target tissues. Recently, UCAs have been used therapeutically to induce localized angiogenesis. Ultrasound contrast agents, however, have been documented to induce negative bioeffects. To further understand the balance of risks and benefits of UCAs and to examine the mechanism of US‐UCA–induced angiogenesis, this study explored the role of UCAs, in particular Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc, North Billerica, MA), in producing an angiogenic response.

Methods

The gracilis muscles of Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 1‐MHz US. The rats were euthanized the same day or allowed to recover for 3 or 6 days post exposure (DPE). Ultrasound peak rarefactional pressures (Prs) of 0.25, 0.83, 1.4, and 2.0 MPa were used while rats were infused with either saline or Definity. Assessments for angiogenesis included capillary density, inflammation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), both acutely (0 DPE) and at 3 and 6 DPE.

Results

The results of this study suggest that the angiogenic response is dependent on infusion media, Pr, and DPE. While capillary density did not reach significance, VEGF expression was significant for infusion media, Pr, and DPE with inflammation co‐occurrence (P < .05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the angiogenic response is elicited by a mechanical effect of US‐UCA stimulation of VEGF that is potentially optimized when collapse occurs.
New clues on Sidt2 being a cation conducting protein in lysosomal membranes
Authors: Klugbauer Norbert
Published: January 2017

Read the original article at doi: 10.1002/1873-3468.12528
FAM83 family oncogenes are broadly involved in human cancers: an integrative multi‐omics approach
Authors: Snijders Antoine M. , Lee Sun‐Young , Hang Bo , Hao Wenshan , Bissell Mina J. , Mao Jian‐Hua
Published: January 2017

The development of novel targeted therapies for cancer treatment requires identification of reliable targets. FAM83 (‘family with sequence similarity 83’) family members A, B, and D were shown recently to have oncogenic potential. However, the overall oncogenic abilities of FAM83 family genes remain largely unknown. Here, we used a systematic and integrative genomics approach to investigate oncogenic properties of the entire FAM83 family members. We assessed transcriptional expression patterns of eight FAM83 family genes (FAM83A‐H) across tumor types, the relationship between their expression and changes in DNA copy number, and the association with patient survival. By comparing the gene expression levels of FAM83 family members in cancers from 17 different tumor types with those in their corresponding normal tissues, we identified consistent upregulation of FAM83D and FAM83H across the majority of tumor types, which is largely driven by increased DNA copy number. Importantly, we found also that a higher expression level of a signature of FAM83 family members was associated with poor prognosis in a number of human cancers. In breast cancer, we found that alterations in FAM83 family genes correlated significantly with TP53 mutation, whereas significant, but inverse correlation was observed with PIK3CA and CDH1 (E‐cadherin) mutations. We also identified that expression levels of 55 proteins were significantly associated with alterations in FAM83 family genes including a decrease in GATA3, ESR1, and PGR proteins in tumors with alterations in FAM83. Our results provide strong evidence for a critical role of FAM83 family genes in tumor development, with possible relevance for therapeutic target development.
Depletion of mesospheric sodium during extended period of pulsating aurora
Authors: Takahashi T. , Hosokawa K. , Nozawa S. , Tsuda T. T. , Ogawa Y. , Tsutsumi M. , Hiraki Y. , Fujiwara H. , Kawahara T. D. , Saito N. , Wada S. , Kawabata T. , Hall C.
Published: January 2017

We quantitatively evaluated the Na density depletion due to charge transfer reactions between Na atoms and molecular ions produced by high‐energy electron precipitation during a pulsating aurora (PsA). An extended period of PsA was captured by an all‐sky camera at the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar Tromsø site (69.6°N, 19.2°E) during a 2 h interval from 00:00 to 02:00 UT on 25 January 2012. During this period, using the EISCAT very high frequency (VHF) radar, we detected three intervals of intense ionization below 100 km that were probably caused by precipitation of high‐energy electrons during the PsA. In these intervals, the sodium lidar at Tromsø observed characteristic depletion of Na density at altitudes between 97 and 100 km. These Na density depletions lasted for 8 min and represented 5–8% of the background Na layer. To examine the cause of this depletion, we modeled the depletion rate based on charge transfer reactions with NO+ and
while changing the R value which is defined as the ratio of NO+ to
densities, from 1 to 10. The correlation coefficients between observed and modeled Na density depletion calculated with typical value R = 3 for time intervals T1, T2, and T3 were 0.66, 0.80, and 0.67, respectively. The observed Na density depletion rates fall within the range of modeled depletion rate calculated with R from 1 to 10. This suggests that the charge transfer reactions triggered by the auroral impact ionization at low altitudes are the predominant process responsible for Na density depletion during PsA intervals.
Spectral properties of Martian and other planetary glasses and their detection in remotely sensed data
Authors: Cannon Kevin M. , Mustard John F. , Parman Stephen W. , Sklute Elizabeth C. , Dyar M. Darby , Cooper Reid F.
Published: January 2017

Thirty silicate glasses were synthesized as realistic analogs to those expected to exist on Mars, the Moon, and Mercury. Samples were measured using visible/near‐infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopy to determine the effects of varying bulk chemistry, oxygen fugacity, and temperature on spectral properties. For Martian glasses, the fO2 during fusion strongly affects absorption band intensities in the spectra, while bulk chemistry has noticeable secondary effects on absorption band positions. Titanium and iron content drive spectral changes in lunar glasses, where Fe3+ is effectively absent. Iron‐free Mercury analog glasses have much higher albedos than all other samples, and their spectral shape is a close match to some pyroclastic deposits on Mercury. Synthetic glass spectra were used as inputs into a spectral unmixing model applied to remote orbital datasets to test for the presence of glass. The model is validated against physical laboratory mixture spectra, as well as previous detections of glass‐rich pyroclastic deposits on the Moon. Remote data were then used from suspected impact deposits and possible pyroclastic deposits on Mars as a new application of the model: the results reveal spatially coherent glass‐rich material, and the strong spectral match of the synthetic glasses to these remotely sensed data gives new insights into the presence and character of glasses on the Martian surface. The large library of glass spectra generated here, acquired from consistently synthesized and measured samples, can serve as a resource for further studies of volcanic and impact processes on planetary bodies.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Dearomatization of β‐Naphthols with Allyl Alcohols or Allyl Ethers
Authors: Tu Hang‐Fei , Zheng Chao , Xu Ren‐Qi , Liu Xi‐Jia , You Shu‐Li
Published: January 2017

An Ir‐catalyzed intermolecular asymmetric dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with allyl alcohols or allyl ethers was developed. When an iridium catalyst generated from [Ir(COD)Cl]2 (COD=cyclooctadiene) and a chiral P/olefin ligand is employed, highly functionalized β‐naphthalenone compounds bearing an all‐carbon‐substituted quaternary chiral center were obtained in up to 92 % yield and 98 % ee. The direct utilization of allyl alcohols as electrophiles represents an improvement from the viewpoint of atom economy. Allyl ethers were found to undergo asymmetric allylic substitution reaction under Ir catalysis for the first time. The diverse transformations of the dearomatized product to various motifs render this method attractive.
Synergistic Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Functionalization of Unactivated Alkyl Quinolines with α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Meazza Marta , Tur Fernando , Hammer Niels , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: January 2017

A novel alkyl functionalization of unactivated alkyl quinolines has been developed combining InCl3 activation with organocatalytic activation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes in a synergistic fashion. The reaction proceeds in a highly stereoselective manner as a sequence involving two consecutive synergistic catalytic cycles (Lewis acid‐ and iminium ion‐catalyzed) and requires neither pre‐activated alkyl quinoline substrates with electron‐withdrawing substituents nor highly activated electrophiles. The reaction provides selectively double‐ or mono‐addition products in good yields and high to excellent stereoselectivities. Furthermore, based on spectroscopic and labelling experiments, the mechanisms for the reactions are discussed.
A dielectric study of water uptake in epoxy resin systems
Authors: Garden Lisa , Pethrick Richard A.
Published: January 2017

The influence of epoxy resin formulation on the nature and extent of moisture is studied using dielectric and gravimetric analysis for samples cured at 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C and aged at 50 °C and 70 °C. The equilibrium moisture uptake depends on the difference between the glass transition and aging temperature. Dielectric relaxation data measured from 1 to 3 × 1010 Hz indicates the presence of water in at least two different environments. The high frequency relaxation ca. 1 × 1010 Hz is associated with water clustered in nano‐voids, whereas the relaxation at 105 Hz arises from a combination of OH pendant group reorientation motion coupled with that of molecularly dispersed water molecules. A correlation exist between the dielectric permittivity and the amount of moisture absorbed. Water initially resident in voids is re‐dispersed with aging into the resin matrix aiding plasticization and allowing densification of the matrix. The extent to which changes occur depends on the chemical functions forming the matrix and densification leads to a drop in the amount of water absorbed. In the complex resin systems, water interacts with both OH groups and polyether of the amine curing agent which is not possible with the aliphatic diamine in the simple system.] © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44717.
Crystallization behavior, heat resistance, and mechanical performances of PLLA/myo‐inositol blends
Authors: Shi Hui , Chen Xuan , Chen Wenkai , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Xu Nai , Li Tan
Published: January 2017

In this work, use of myo‐inositol as a biobased nucleating agent (NA) for PLLA was researched. Effects of myo‐inositol on non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization behaviors of PLLA at temperatures ranged from 85 °C to 130 °C were studied by using DSC, POM and WAXD. Isothermal crystallization kinetics results showed that the incorporation of myo‐inositol enhanced significantly the crystallization rate of the PLLA samples. It was confirmed that the optimum isothermal crystallization temperature range was 100 to 110 °C. The above results were instructive to confirm proper heat treatment time and temperature for compression or injection molding to fabricate highly crystallized PLLA articles. The relations among heat treatment time, crystallinity, heat resistance, and mechanical performances of the neat PLLA and PLLA/1% myo‐inositol specimens prepared by compression molding were investigated. Compared with the PLLA specimens, the PLLA/1% myo‐inositol specimens showed a shorter heat treatment time to reach the maximum crystallinity. Vicat softening temperature, as well as tensile strength, modulus, and toughness of the PLLA/1% myo‐inositol specimens was improved when crystallinity increased from 5.4% to 38.1%. Considering the nontoxicity and biocompatibility of myo‐inositol, PLLA/myo‐inositol blends would be potential to prepare some products, which are required higher health standard and can be used in elevated temperature environments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44732.
Preparation and characterization of core‐shell polystyrene/polyaniline/Pd composites and their catalytic properties for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Sun Libo , Sun Xun , Zheng Yuhua , Lin Qingquan , Su Huijuan , Wang Yunxia , Qi Caixia
Published: January 2017

Herein, polystyrene/polyaniline/Pd (PS/PANI/Pd) core‐shell composite catalysts were prepared by a facile swelling‐diffusion‐interfacial polymerization method. PS microparticles were firstly prepared by dispersion polymerization and were swollen by aniline monomer without any surface modification. H2PdCl4 acid was used as palladium precursor. The
was adsorbed on the surface of aniline‐swollen PS microparticles because of the electrostatic attraction between
and anilinium positive ions protonated by H+, which was diffused from the aniline‐swollen PS microparticles. Then HCl solution was added to control the diffusion rate of anilinium positive ions and ammonium persulfate (APS) was used to polymerize the anilinium ions to get PANI shell. Due to the redox activity between PANI and Pd ions, Pd nanoparticles can be in situ formed on the surfaces of PS. Therefore, the core‐shell PS/PANI/Pd composite catalysts were obtained. The morphology and structure of the obtained composites was characterized by TEM, FT‐IR and EDX. Results showed that the products presented excellent catalytic properties for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) in the presence of NaBH4 by virtue of the interaction between Pd nanoparticles and conducive PANI shell. The catalytic reaction obeyed the pseudo‐first‐order reaction equations and the reaction rate constants were also calculated in this article. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44812.
Effect of Mg doping in Sr2SiO4:Eu2+ nanophosphors for blue and white emission at near‐UV excitation
Authors: Dubey Sumit , Deshmukh Pratik , Satapathy S. , Singh M.K. , Gupta P.K.
Published: January 2017

Nanophosphors of (Sr0.98‐xMgxEu0.02)2SiO4 (x = 0, 0.18, 0.38, 0.58 and 0.78) were prepared through low temperature solution combustion method and their luminescence properties were studied. The emission peak for Eu2+ −doped Sr2SiO4 nanophosphor is observed at ~490 nm and ~553 nm corresponding to two Sr2+ sites Sr(I) and Sr(II) respectively for 395 nm excitation. However the addition of Mg2+ dopant in Sr2SiO4 leads to suppression of ~553 nm emission peak due to absence of energy levels of Sr (II) sites which results in a single broad emission at ~460 nm. It was shown that the emission peak blue shifted with increase in Mg concentration which may be attributed to change in crystal field environment around Sr(I) sites. Therefore, the (Mg0.78Sr0.20Eu0.02)2SiO4 nanophosphor can be used for blue emission and the Sr2SiO4:Eu0.042+ for green–yellow emission at 395 nm excitations. The Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates for mixed powders of (Mg0.78Sr0.20Eu0.02)2SiO4 and Sr2SiO4:Eu0.042+ (in a 1:1 ratio) fall in the white region demonstrating the possible use of the mixture in white light generation using near‐UV excitation source.
Li2NaV2(PO4)3/Hard Carbon Nanocomposite Cathodes for High‐Performance Li‐ and Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , He Wen , Zhang Xudong , Yue Yuanzheng , Yang Guihua , Yi Xinli , Wang Yaoyao , Wang Jichao
Published: January 2017

Rhombohedral Li2NaV2(PO4)3 (R‐LNVP) is a promising cathode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), owing to its open framework with large ion‐transport tunnels and high electrochemical stability. In this work, a new type of nanocomposite was synthesized by using waste lignins as the structure template and the sources of Na and hard carbon, in which the rhombohedral Li2NaV2(PO4)3 (R‐LNVP) nanoparticles (ca. 15–30 nm) are homogeneously embedded in the hard carbon networks. The influences ofpapermaking black liquor (PBL) on the structure and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanocomposite cathode exhibits high reversible capacities, that is, 137.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C in LIBs, but also 91.04 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C in SIBs. Moreover, the original fluid consumption rate of PBL reaches 2.36 L per kilogram of the nanocomposite through the synthesis process, which reduces the load of PBL to environment.
Diatoms as indicators of fine sediment stress
Authors: Jones J. Iwan , Douthwright Theresa A. , Arnold Amanda , Duerdoth Chas P. , Murphy John F. , Edwards Francois K. , Pretty James L.
Published: January 2017

Excessive delivery of fine sediments to water bodies has a detrimental impact on the biotic elements used for water body status classification. Although diatoms are typically used to assess stress from eutrophication, as fine sediment has the potential to impact diatoms in many ways, it is not surprising that an index based on benthic diatom assemblages has been proposed: the relative abundance of motile species. This measure is based on the fact that many raphid diatom species are capable of migrating through deposited sediment to avoid negative impacts. However, the use of such an index has yet to be fully tested.

Various data analysis techniques were used to explore how indices based on diatom assemblages (related to eutrophication and siltation), diatom species, the traits motility, and nutrient affinity responded to a gradient of percentage cover of fine sediment. Although diatom species showed marked variation in their affinity for percentage cover of fine sediment, the relationship between motility (both percent motile and the trait motility) and deposited fine sediment is not sufficiently strong to be used as a reliable indicator of fine sediment stress. We present an approach, which could potentially be used to develop a new index (diatom indicator of sediment conditions) on the basis of the response of diatoms to fine sediment, but caution that this index requires further development before use. Despite the hydromorphology having considerable potential to affect benthic diatoms, existing indices designed to assess eutrophication were robust to hydromorphological modification, reducing the possibility of false diagnosis of impacts.
Group 11 Metal Complexes with Unsymmetrical Bifunctional Ferrocene Ligands
Authors: Shi Yu‐Jun , Laguna Antonio , Villacampa M. Dolores , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: January 2017

Invited for this cover feature is the group of M. Concepción Gimeno from Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea, CSIC‐Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. The image shows the great potential of the ferrocene molecule for custom‐made ligands, especially asymmetric disubstituted species bearing phosphine ligands and their corresponding group 11 metal complexes.
Amniotic Fluid Creatinine Values in Anaemic Pregnant Nigerian Women
Authors: Ogunbode O. , Ayeni O. , Adadevoh B. Kwaku
Published: January 2017

Ogunbode, O., Ayeni, O. and Adadevoh, B. K. (Depts. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Preventive & Social Medicine, and Research & Training Programme in Reproductive Biomedicine, Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria). Amniotic fluid creatinine values in anaemic pregnant Nigerian women.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 206–208, 1975.

Maternal serum and amniotic fluid creatinine values were determined in anaemic and non‐anaemic pregnant women. Serum maternal creatinine levels remained relatively unchanged throughout pregnancy complicated by anaemia, compared with the levels found in normal non‐anaemic pregnancies. The amniotic fluid creatinine values, however, increase with advancing gestation. In anaemic pregnancies the levels tended to be higher than in non‐anaemic pregnancies of comparable gestation but this difference was not statistically significant. Thus, creatinine concentration changes with increasing gestation can be used as an index of foetal maturity even in areas where anaemia is prevalent.
Plasma Protein Changes Induced by Acute Inflammation of the Fallopian Tubes
Authors: Jacobson L. , Laurell C.‐B. , Gennser G. , Marholev K.
Published: January 2017

Jacobson, L., Laurell, C.‐B., Gennser, G. and Mar‐holev, K. (Depts, of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden). Plasma protein changes induced by acute inflammation of the Fallopian tubes.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 249–256, 1975.

In 72 patients, subjected to laparoscopy on the pre‐explorative, clinical diagnosis of acute salpingitis, the inflammatory plasma protein response was analysed and correlated with the visual findings. Of the “acute phase reactants” determined, antichymotrypsin, orosomucoid, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) provided diagnostic guidance significantly superior to that given by conventional clinical symptoms and signs in this disease. The antichymotrypsin plasma concentration showed the closest correlation with the degree of tubal inflammatory reaction as found at laparoscopy. Determination of these plasma proteins should be considered an important aid in the clinical diagnosis of acute salpingitis.
Pre‐conceptional Sex Selection
Authors: Lorrain Jacques
Published: January 2017

Lorrain, J. (Dept. of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Sacré‐Coeur, Montreal, Quebec, Canada).
A Comparative Study of Electrocoagulation and Tubal Rings for Tubal Occlusion at Laparoscopy
Authors: Aranda Cecilio , Broutin Adolofo , Edelman David A. , Goldsmith Alfredo , Mangel Teodoro , Prada Carlos , Solano A.
Published: January 2017

Aranda, C., Broutin, A., Edelman, D. A., Goldsmith, A., Mangel, T., Prada, C. and Solano, A. (Hospital México, San José, Costa Rica and International Fertility Research Program, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA). A Comparative study of electrocoagulation and tubal rings for tubal occlusion at laparoscopy.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 411–415, 1976.

The surgical and early postoperative complications and complaints associated with laparoscopic sterilization using electrocoagulation or tubal rings for tubal occlusion were evaluated in a comparative study. Procedures were randomly assigned to subjects (electrocoagulation to 151 subjects and tubal rings to 148 subjects). Difficulties in carrying out the sterilization procedures occurred more frequently when tubal rings were used (6.1%) than when electrocoagulation was used (2.0%). Rates of complications occurring at the time of surgery were similar for the two procedures. However, one patient in the electrocoagulation group had a bowel burn. Postoperative pelvic and abdominal pain were reported by a significantly higher proportion of the tubal ring cases (32.0%) than electrocoagulation cases (19.4%). It appears that although the incidence of surgical difficulties and pain may be somewhat more frequent with the tubal ring, the avoidance of such potentially serious complications as bowel burns may make female sterilization by the tubal ring method preferable.
Serum Gamma‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase in Hepatosis of Pregnancy and Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Suonoja L. , Ylöstalo P. , Kihniö M.
Published: January 2017

The series comprises 10 patients with hepatosis of pregnancy, 22 with pre‐eclampsia and 10 healthy pregnant patients, whose serum gamma‐GT levels at examinations during the third trimester of pregnancy were compared with the results of other liver function tests or enzymes. The gamma‐GT level was elevated in 50% in hepatosis of pregnancy and aminotransferases and AFOS in 80–90% at the same time. In pre‐eclampsia gamma‐GT was elevated in 2 cases (9%). Gamma‐GT determination has not appeared more sensitive than other tests in the diagnosis of cholestasis, hepatosis of pregnancy. On the other hand the results do not reduce its importance in the early diagnosis of liver cell damage and in the follow‐up of that pathologic process.
Basal Body Temperature Recordings in Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Cohen Jean , Iffy Leslie , Keyser Herbert H.
Published: January 2017

Basal body temperature charts taken during the cycle of conception of pregnancies that have resulted in spontaneous first trimester abortion, suggested the presence of ovulation defect and inadequate function of the early corpus luteum. Particularly prevalent were “stepwise midcycle temperature rise” patterns, suggesting cause and effect correlation between disturbances of the endocrine phenomena that control ovulation and ensuing chromosome abnormalities of the products of conception. The latter phenomenon was found relatively frequently among infertility clinic patients; a group known to be predisposed towards various abnormalities of pregnancy. The authors consider this BBT pattern as probably conducive to early abortion and fetal developmental and chromosome anomalies.
Carcinoma of the Cervix Uteri in Ibadan: Coital Characteristics
Authors: Adelusi B.
Published: January 2017

Carcinoma of the cervix uteri has been found to be the most common female malignancy in Ibadan, excluding the reticuloendothelial tumors. In a study to investigate associated etiological factors in this environment, it was demonstrated that certain coital characteristics of women with cervical cancer can be identified. These were a common denominator which could explain the frequency of the disease among some categories of patients who engage in early sexual practice, have intercourse frequently and with multiple partners, and have many pregnancies. Support was given to the view that a sexually transmitted factor might be important in the cause of carcinoma of the cervix.
Sociocultural Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer in Bendel State, Nigeria
Authors: Emovon A. C.
Published: January 2017

This is an analysis of data on 50 patients treated for cervical cancer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, from March 1973 to December 1976. The data were collected through a questionnaire designed to obtain information concerning various sociocultural factors about cervical cancer patients. Study results showed that 80% of the patients had no formal education and came from lower socioeconomic groups. Most of the patients (88%) married before the age of 20, and 76% reported frequent coitus. The patients were high‐parity women; but high parity is also typical of the general female population. Since the culture demands that the male population be circumcised, a low incidence of cervical cancer might be expected. The occurrence of 65 cases of cancer of the cervix out of a total of 15 049 hospital gynecologic cases examined during the study period is possible evidence of such a low incidence in this population.