bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial Fuel Cells for Organic‐Contaminated Soil Remedial Applications: A Review
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Wang Xin , Weng Liping , Zhou Qixing , Li Yongtao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEfficient noninvasive techniques are desired for repairing organic‐contaminated soils. Bioelectrochemical technology, especially microbial fuel cells (MFCs), has been widely used to promote a polluted environmental remediation approach, and applications include wastewater, sludge, sediment, and soil remediation. Soil MFC remediation has been of significant concern in recent years, and thus, several aspects, including reactor configuration, electrode materials, soil conductivity, mass transfer, and microbial activity, are reviewed. Recent studies and key issues of soil MFCs and perspectives of organic‐contamination remedial application are summarized, with the aim of assisting environmental scholars and engineers to gain a comprehensive understanding of MFC remediation. Insights are also offered on how to extend applications to help soil MFC remediation technology to advance and be applied in the future on a large scale.
Total organic carbon fluxes of the Red River system (Vietnam)
Authors: Le Thi Phuong Quynh , Dao Viet Nga , Rochelle‐Newall Emma , Garnier Josette , Lu XiXi , Billen Gilles , Duong Thi Thuy , Ho Cuong Tu , Etcheber Henri , Nguyen Thi Mai Huong , Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc , Nguyen Bich Thuy , Da Le Nhu , Pham Quoc Long 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRiverine transport of organic carbon from terrestrial ecosystems to the oceans plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. The Red River is located in Southeast Asia where river discharge, sediment loads and fluxes of elements (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) associated with suspended solids have been dramatically altered over past decades as a result of reservoir impoundment and land use, population, and climate change. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were measured monthly at four stations of the Red River system from January 2008 to December 2010. The results reveal that POC changed synchronically with total suspended solids (TSS) concentration and with the river discharge, whereas no clear trend was observed for DOC concentration. The mean value of total organic carbon (TOC = DOC + POC) flux in the delta of the Red River was 31.5 × 1013 ± 4.0 × 1013 MgC.yr−1 (range 27.9–35.8 × 1013 MgC.yr−1 which leads to a specific TOC flux of 2012 ± 255 kgC.km−2.yr−1 during this 2008–2010 period. About 80% of the TOC flux was transferred to the estuary during the rainy season as a consequence of the higher river water discharge. The high mean value of the POC:Chl‐a ratio (1585 ± 870 mgC.mgChl‐a−1) and the moderate C:N ratio (7.3 ± 0.1) in the water column system suggest that organic carbon in the Red River system is mainly derived from erosion and soil leaching in the basin. The effect of two new dam impoundments in the Red River was also observable with lower TOC fluxes in 2010 compared with 2008. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery of aquatic insect-mediated methylmercury flux from ponds following drying disturbance
Authors: Chumchal Matthew M. , Drenner Ray W. , Greenhill Frank M. , Kennedy James H. , Courville Ashlyn E. , Gober Charlie A.A. , Lossau Luke O. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Small ponds exist across a permanence gradient, and pond permanence is hypothesized to be a primary determinant of insect community structure and insect-mediated methylmercury (MeHg) flux from ponds to the surrounding terrestrial landscape. The present study describes the first experiment examining the recovery of insect-mediated MeHg flux following a drying disturbance that converted permanent ponds with insectivorous fish to semipermanent ponds without fish. Floating emergence traps were used to collect emergent insects for 10 wk in the spring and summer from 5 ponds with fish (permanent) and 5 ponds that were drained to remove fish, dried, and refilled with water (semipermanent). During the 73-d period after semipermanent ponds were refilled, total MeHg flux from semipermanent ponds was not significantly different than total MeHg flux from permanent ponds, indicating that insect-mediated MeHg flux had rapidly recovered in semipermanent ponds following the drying disturbance. Methylmercury fluxes from dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) and phantom midges (Diptera: Chaoboridae) were significantly greater from newly refilled semipermanent ponds than permanent ponds, but the MeHg fluxes from the other 8 emergent insect taxa did not differ between treatments. The present study demonstrates the impact of drying disturbance and the effect of community structure on the cross-system transport of contaminants from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1986–1990. © 2017 SETAC
Awareness of functional ability in people with early‐stage dementia
Authors: Martyr Anthony , Clare Linda 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesAssessment of functional ability in people with early‐stage dementia (PwD) is an important area of study because it forms part of the diagnostic process and may help in monitoring disease progression. Most researchers and clinicians rely on informant ratings rather than observing actual functional performance or employing self‐ratings. There has however been little research to verify whether informant ratings of functioning are accurate, and there has been even less research investigating the accuracy of self‐ratings of functional ability in PwD. No study has used the performance‐monitoring metacognitive approach to investigate awareness of functional ability.MethodsThirty‐seven people with early‐stage dementia completed an objective functional assessment and provided self‐ratings before and after completing each section of the objective test. Informants provided ratings of functioning and burden. Scores were converted to percentages to allow for direct comparison.ResultsObjectively assessed functional ability significantly correlated with self‐ratings and informant ratings. Self‐ratings did not correlate with informant ratings. For converted scores, self‐ratings were more similar than informant ratings to the objectively assessed mean scores. Burden was unrelated to functional assessments after correcting for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsSelf‐rated functional ability was more accurate than informant ratings when compared with objectively assessed ability, with informants tending to significantly underestimate the functional ability of PwD. The findings call into question the likelihood that informants will provide accurate ratings of functional ability and suggests that self‐ratings may offer a more accurate estimate of functional ability. Self‐ratings made by PwD should be more widely employed in clinical and research settings. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of Corporate International Expansion Beyond the Home Region: An Empirical Examination of U.S. Multinational Enterprises Expansion to Europe and Asia‐Pacific
Authors: Mauri Alfredo , Song Sangcheol , Neiva de Figueiredo João 
Published: January 2017

Research SummaryThis study extends Rugman and Verbeke (2001)'s model by examining how firm‐specific advantages (FSAs) and host region conditions affect multinational enterprise expansion at the inter‐regional level. We examine the impact of their three constructs (non‐location‐bound FSAs, location‐bound FSAs, and complementary resources in the host regions) on U.S. MNEs’ sales in Europe and Asia/Pacific. We also suggest and examine the impact of two additional factors (host market efficiency and FSA fragmentation). For empirical testing, we use U.S. industry‐ and firm‐level panel data and compare results from both datasets. We find that location‐bound FSAs and fragmented FSAs hinder expansion to other regions, while non‐location‐bound FSAs, host region complementary resources, and host market efficiencies facilitate expansion to other regions. Results from the two datasets are highly consistent.Managerial summaryThis study aims to provide guidelines for multinational enterprise (MNE) managers seeking to expand to areas beyond their home region. Some firm capabilities “travel” well to distant countries, to different cultures, and across economic levels, i.e., they are transferable. Others are not, i.e., they are more embedded in the firm's home‐country environment. Expansion of U.S. MNEs to Europe and Asia/Pacific is facilitated by (a) higher levels of intrafirm transfers, (b) access to complementary resources abroad, and (c) relative host market efficiencies. In contrast, such expansion is hindered by (a) higher productivity of labor at home relative to that abroad and (b) fragmentation of its product portfolio. This analysis is helpful for managers interested in building the systems, conditions, and mechanisms that increase the MNE's geographic reach. Copyright © 2017 Strategic Management Society.
Role of testosterone and Y chromosome genes for the masculinization of the human brain
Authors: Savic Ivanka , Frisen Louise , Manzouri Amirhossein , Nordenstrom Anna , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWomen with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) have a male (46,XY) karyotype but no functional androgen receptors. Their condition, therefore, offers a unique model for studying testosterone effects on cerebral sex dimorphism. We present MRI data from 16 women with CAIS and 32 male (46,XY) and 32 female (46,XX) controls. Methods: FreeSurfer software was employed to measure cortical thickness and subcortical structural volumes. Axonal connections, indexed by fractional anisotropy, (FA) were measured with diffusion tensor imaging, and functional connectivity with resting state fMRI. Results: Compared to men, CAIS women displayed a “female” pattern by having thicker parietal and occipital cortices, lower FA values in the right corticospinal, superior and inferior longitudinal tracts, and corpus callosum. Their functional connectivity from the amygdala to the medial prefrontal cortex, was stronger and amygdala‐connections to the motor cortex weaker than in control men. CAIS and control women also showed stronger posterior cingulate and precuneus connections in the default mode network. Thickness of the motor cortex, the caudate volume, and the FA in the callosal body followed, however, a “male” pattern. Conclusion: Altogether, these data suggest that testosterone modulates the microstructure of somatosensory and visual cortices and their axonal connections to the frontal cortex. Testosterone also influenced functional connections from the amygdala, whereas the motor cortex could, in agreement with our previous reports, be moderated by processes linked to X‐chromosome gene dosage. These data raise the question about other genetic factors masculinizing the human brain than the SRY gene and testosterone. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1801–1814, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hospital‐based study of intimate partner violence during pregnancy
Authors: Jain Sandhya , Varshney Khushboo , Vaid Neelam B. , Guleria Kiran , Vaid Keya , Sharma Neha 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and types of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, factors linked with IPV, and effects of IPV on maternal‐fetal outcomes.MethodsIn a prospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India, 400 women at 20–28 weeks of pregnancy were screened for IPV between December 2013 and April 2015. The women completed a detailed questionnaire and were followed up until delivery.ResultsOverall, 49 (12.3%) women experienced IPV during pregnancy. The most prevalent type of IPV was emotional (43/400 [10.7%]), followed by physical (40/400 [10.0%]) and sexual (7/400 [1.8%]). The most prevalent factor triggering IPV was intimate partner's desire for a son (17/49 [34.7%]). Women and their intimate partners were older in the IPV group than in the control group, and duration of marriage was longer (P<0.05 for all). Multigravidity, lower socioeconomic status, low education level of intimate partner, and partners’ addiction were more common in the IPV group (P<0.05 for all). Obstetric outcomes were similar in both groups. Depression was diagnosed in 19 (46.3%) women affected by IPV.ConclusionIPV was documented in approximately 12% of participants. Population‐based surveys need to be done to investigate further.
Spontaneous Rupture of Uterus in Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Jafari Kianoosh , Ruiz Gustavo , Cooperman Norman R. , Vargas Juan 
Published: January 2017

Jafari, K., Ruiz, G., Cooperman, N. R. and Vargas, J. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Ill. and Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Ill., USA). Spontaneous rupture of uterus in second trimester of pregnancy.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 219–221, 1975.Spontaneous rupture of a pregnant uterus in the second trimester is a rare condition. Most reported cases of ruptured uteri have occurred in the third trimester. We are adding 2 cases of second trimester uterine rupture to the literature, one due to placenta ac‐creta and the other with no demonstrable cause.
Effect of Isoxuprine on Uteroplacental Blood Flow in Normal and Hypertensive Patients during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Suonio S. , Jalkanen M. , Olkkonen H. , Castrén O. 
Published: January 2017

Suonio, S., Jalkanen, M., Olkkonen, H. & Castrén, O. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Central Hospital, Kuopio, Finland). Effect of isoxu‐prine on uteroplacental blood flow in normal and hypertensive patients during the last trimester of pregnancy.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 225–228, 1975.The uteroplacental blood flow was evaluated in 15 normal and 12 hypertensive patients in late pregnancy using the 99mTc accumulation method before and after a single i.m. dose of 5 mg of isoxuprine. In the group of normal patients there was a statistically significant 35 per cent mean increase in the accumulation rate, but in the group of hypertensive patients no significant change was found. Other haemodynamic variables measured were the maternal heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. There was a statistically significant increase in the heart rate in both patient groups after medication. No significant changes were observed in systolic pressure. In diastolic pressure a significant fall was found in normal, but not in hypertensive patients. According to the results, the therapeutically positive maternal vascular response to isoxuprine does not take place in pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disease.
Practicability of Ultrasonography for Assessing Fetal Age and Weight in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Mercer Jack P. , Brenner William E. , Bolan Jean C. , Dingfelder James R. , Edelman David A. , Staurovsky Linda G. 
Published: January 2017

Mercer, J. P., Brenner, W. E., Bolan, J. C., Dingfelder, J. R., Edelman, D. A. and Staurovsky, L. G. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, and International Fertility Research Program, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA). Practicability of ultrasonography for assessing fetal age and weight in early pregnancy.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 401–406, 1976.This study was conducted to evaluate (1) the feasibility and accuracy of the B‐Scan technique for measuring biparietal diameter (BPD) in utero, (2) the accuracy of the B‐Scan technique for predicting fetal age and weight, and (3) parameters of fetal growth in pregnancies of less than 21 weeks’ gestation. Forty‐one subjects underwent diagnostic ultrasonography before induction of therapeutic abortion with Prostaglandin F2α. Following abortion, fetal crown‐to‐rump length (CRL), crown‐to‐heel length (CHL), BPD, and fetal weight were measured directly. After 13 menstrual weeks’ gestation the BPD could be accurately measured by ultrasound. The relationship of BPD to gestational age and fetal weight and the indices of fetal growth as measured by the CRL and CHL were established. It is concluded that ultrasound is a useful adjuvant to clinical assessment of fetal age and weight in patients from 13 to 21 menstrual weeks’ gestation.
A Technique for the Induction of Labor by the Extraovular Administration of Prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshitsugu , Uneki Katsumi , Fukui Hideki , Futakawa Kiyoshi , Ogawa Tatsuhiro 
Published: January 2017

Ishikawa, Y., Uneki, K., Fukui, H., Futakawa, K. and Ogawa, T. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kobe Red Cross Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650, Japan). A technique for the induction of labor by the extraovular administration of prostaglandin F2α.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 439–444, 1976.Prostaglandin F2α (PG F2α) was administered to pregnant women at a dosage of 50 μg or 100 μg by extraovular route around the expected time of childbirth in order to induce labor. (1) PG F2α 50 μg or 100 μg dissolved in 10ml of physiological saline solution was infused by extraovular administration through the cervical canal of the uterus with the use of Nelaton catheter No. 9. The catheter was then immediately withdrawn and the patient allowed to return home. (2) Instillation of 10ml of physiological saline solution was carried out for control purposes. (3) Those who reported labor contractions within 24 hours after the infusion were regarded as cases of excellent response, and those who reported labor contractions more than 24 hours after the infusion, or those who showed dilatation and improvement in effacement of the uterine cervical canal though without the occurrence of labor contractions were deemed to be cases of good response. The overall positive response rate (excellent plus good) was 78.9% for Primiparae and 85.7% for multiparae in the group receiving 50 μg and 89.5% for primiparae and 100% for multiparae in the group receiving 100 μg. (4) Labor contractions were induced at a rate of almost 100% in those who showed dilatation of the cervical canal of the uterus to the extent of 3 cm or more and effacement to the extent of 50% or more. (5) It is advisable to perform reinfusion of PG F2α or instillation of PG F2α as a post‐treatment in patients with good responses. (6) The infusion of PG F2α is effective for the induction of labor in older Primiparae, cases of breech presentation and suspected cases of CPD. (7) There were some cases of enhanced response when PG F2αwas given as posttreatment.
Microbiology of the Female Genital Tract during Pregnancy and Parturition
Authors: Naderi Shahrokh , Gettner Seyedeh , Zeighami Elaine , Khairandish M. Hossein 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTTo study the pattern of vaginal flora during pregnancy and parturition, high vaginal cultures were taken from three groups of women: (1) cultures were taken from 42 pregnant women during routine antenatal visits; (2) in 111 women admitted in labour, vaginal cultures were obtained upon admission, prior to delivery, just after completion of delivery and on the first and second postpartum day, and; (3) cultures were obtained from 55 normal non‐pregnant women. The type of microbial inhabitants of the female genital tract in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods did not differ from the vaginal flora found in the normal non‐pregnant condition. Pathogenic and opportunist organisms increased in frequency during labour and through the postpartum period. Lactobacillus, fungi and Staph. albus were the only organisms showing a decrease during the intrapartum and postpartum period. They were also the only organisms which were more frequently cultured in pregnant than in non‐pregnant women. The pattern of change in the presence of organisms in the vagina was analysed according to length of labour. Length of labour appeared to have little effect on the probability of any organism gaining entrance into the vagina.
Changes in Menstrual Cycle Length and Regularity After Use of Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Taylor Robert N. , Berger Gary S. , Treloar Alan E. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThis is an analysis of changes in menstrual cycle length and regularity occurring for a group of 211 women who had discontinued use of oral contraceptives. The analysis is based on prospectively recorded histories from the Menstruation and Reproduction History Program. Post‐pill menstrual cycle length and regularity are compared with pre‐pill averages. In the first post‐pill cycle, there was an average increase of 6 days in cycle length. In subsequent cycles, however, cycle length and regularity were comparable to pre‐pill norms in most cases.
The Benefit of Lactation Amenorrhea as a Contraceptive
Authors: Hefnawi F. , Ismail H. , Younis N. , El‐Sheika Z. , Badraoui M. H. H. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTA group of 148 lactating women who delivered normally at El‐Galaa Hospital, Cairo, were followed up monthly for 1 year to study the pattern of lactation amenorrhea, the return of menstruation and ovulation, and the incidence of pregnancy. By the end of the sixth week postpartum, only 1.3% of the women had begun menstruating; the percentage gradually increased to 60.2% by the end of the first year. The amount of blood loss and the duration of menstruation increased gradually until the fourth postpartum menstrual period. Ovulation had occurred in 58.1% and pregnancy in 26.1% of all cases at the end of the 12th postpartum month. Among menstruating, lactating mothers, ovulation occurred in 86.5% and pregnancy in 32.6%, while in amenorrheic, lactating mothers only 6.1% had become pregnant at 1 year postpartum.
Postoperative Staging of Vulvar Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Friedrich Eduard G. , diPaola Guillermo R. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe clinical staging of malignant disease is necessary before initiating nonsurgical therapy. Unfortunately, such staging does not help answer critical questions about the course and natural history of the cancerous process. Answers to these questions are crucial to the planning of future therapeutic programs. A postoperative staging system, amenable to computer analysis, that can be retrospectively applied to a large series of invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva is presented. A review of the experience of a large oncologic service at the University of Buenos Aires, which used this new classification system, shows the system's applicability. Such a system could, in time, provide answers to many questions concerning invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Alpha‐Fetoprotein Concentration in Maternal Serum and Abortion via VA and PGF2α
Authors: Sande H. A. , Fagerhol M. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTMost women undergoing abortion by vacuum aspiration (VA), extraamniotic prostaglandin instillation or vaginal prostaglandin suppositories showed a significant rise in their serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations during the procedure. We suggest this rise is due to a fetomaternal hemorrhage during the abortion procedure. Few women undergoing VA before 9 weeks' gestation showed this rise in serum AFP. To avoid fetomaternal hemorrhage during pregnancy termination, we recommend abortion by VA in early pregnancy.
Menstrual Regulation in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ladipo O. A. , Ojo O. A. , James Sylvia , Stewart Karen Robb 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTMenstrual regulation (MR) (i.e., vacuum aspiration of the uterus with a small diameter, flexible cannula before pregnancy can be determined by a conventional pregnancy test) has been proven safe and effective in many clinics around the world. The present study, which we believe is the first such study of MR in Subsaharan Africa, shows that, for women in an urban African setting, MR is an acceptable backup for other contraceptive methods. Data on 507 MR patients treated at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, between January 1974 and April 1976, showed that the procedure was both safe and effective for 93.4% of the study subjects: there was an overall complication rate of 3.4% and MR failed in seven cases (3.2%). Data also showed that MR is an effective method of recruiting new contraceptive acceptors, as well as an effective back‐up procedure in case of contraceptive failure.