bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal‐Fetal Medicine Fellowship 3‐ and 4‐Dimensional Ultrasound Experience
Authors: Ness Amen , Blumenfeld Yair J. , Platt Lawrence D. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess maternal‐fetal medicine (MFM) fellowship 3‐ and 4‐dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound experience and training.MethodsA 53‐item prenatal diagnosis survey was emailed to 458 associate members of the Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine. Associate members include both MFM fellows and recent graduates who are not yet board certified in MFM.ResultsA total of 148 associate members completed the survey (32% response rate); 92% were at least in their second year of a fellowship, and 48.1% had completed a fellowship. About half (50.8%) were capable of performing 3D/4D ultrasound examinations (“performers”), whereas 49.2% were not (“nonperformers”). Among performers, about 80% were capable of only basic image acquisition. Overall, 39.5% of respondents received no official 3D/4D ultrasound training, and 55.5% stated that fewer than 1 in 5 of their MFM faculty routinely performed 3D/4D ultrasound examinations. Compared with performers, nonperformers had less formal 3D/4D ultrasound training (53% versus 26%; P = .018) and fewer MFM faculty who performed 3D/4D ultrasound examinations (43% versus 68%; P = .005), and fewer nonperformers were taught by ultrasound mentors (25% versus 47.8%; P = .011).ConclusionMost fellows are not trained in 3D/4D ultrasound. Greater emphasis on ultrasound mentorship and formalized ultrasound training by MFM faculty during fellowships is needed.
Effect of Maternal Hydration on the Amniotic Fluid Volume During Maternal Rest in the Left Lateral Decubitus Position
Authors: Ülker Kahraman , Çiçek Melek 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal hydration on amniotic fluid volume during maternal rest in the left lateral decubitus position.MethodsPregnant women (n = 79) with an amniotic fluid index between 6 and 24 cm and a singleton uncomplicated pregnancy at 35 to 40 weeks' gestation were randomized into hydration and control groups. Starting 30 minutes before the measurements, the hydration group drank 250 mL of water at 15‐minute intervals (1000 mL/h). After the initial amniotic fluid index measurements, the women in both groups were instructed to rest in the left lateral decubitus position, and the measurements were repeated at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes.ResultsThe amniotic fluid index increased at each interval in both groups. Although each amniotic fluid index value was higher than the preceding one, only the 15‐ and 30‐minute values in the left lateral decubitus position alone and the 15‐, 30‐, and 45‐minute values in the left lateral decubitus position with maternal hydration were significantly higher than the preceding measurements (P < .05). A similar increase in the amniotic fluid volume was present 15 minutes after assuming the left lateral decubitus position in both groups. However, after 30 minutes, the women in the left lateral decubitus position without maternal hydration needed another 60 minutes for a significant amniotic fluid index increase, whereas the women with maternal hydration needed only another 45 minutes for a significant increase.ConclusionsMaternal rest in the left lateral decubitus position with hydration and maternal rest in the left lateral decubitus position alone caused similar increases in the estimated amniotic fluid volume at 15 minutes. However, after 30 minutes, the amniotic fluid volume increased more rapidly in the group with hydration.
Increasing the Detection Rate of Congenital Heart Disease During Routine Obstetric Screening Using Cine Loop Sweeps
Authors: Scott Ted E. , Jones Judy , Rosenberg Herschel , Thomson Andrea , Ghandehari Hournaz , Rosta Neil , Jozkow Kim , Stromer Malka , Swan Hans 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate an increase in the detection rate of fetal cardiac defects using 2 cine loop sweeps.MethodsImage reviewers examined a series of 93 cases randomly sorted, including 79 studies with normal findings and 14 studies with abnormal findings. All of the images were assessed by 5 standard criteria. Cases were classified as normal, abnormal, or indeterminate. Reviewers using the conventional approach reviewed 3 still images: the 4‐chamber, left ventricular outflow tract, and right ventricular outflow tract views. Reviewers using the cine loop sweeps viewed 2 grayscale sweeps through the fetal heart in real time. The image sequences were reviewed independently by 2 experts, 3 nonexperts, and 2 sonographers blinded to each others' results.ResultsThe cine loop sweeps had an increased detection rate of 38% for the nonexperts and 36% for the experts compared with the conventional approach. The cine loop sweeps allowed identification of all cardiac defects by at least 2 of the 7 reviewers; the percentage of cases with false‐positive findings was 3.9%. With the conventional approach, 2 defects went undetected by all reviewers, and 4 defects were found by only 1 reviewer; the percentage of cases with false‐positive findings was 5.4%.ConclusionsThe use of cine loop sweeps has the potential to increase the detection of fetal cardiac defects without increasing the rate of false‐positive findings or increasing the interpretation and decision‐making times.
The Petrous Portion of the Temporal Bone as Shown on Sonography Between 14 and 40 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Odeh Marwan , Safa Wafa , Ophir Ella , Grinin Vitali , Hakim Marwan , Bornstein Jacob 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of sonographically identifying, measuring, and constructing nomograms of the fetal petrous bone, the part of the temporal bone that houses the auditory apparatus.MethodsA total of 248 consecutive pregnant women between 14 and 40 weeks' gestation were included. During a routine scan using transvaginal or transabdominal sonography, the fetal head was assessed in transverse sections. First, the parotid gland or external ear was identified, followed by the petrous bone. This annular echogenic structure, located medially and superior to the parotid gland or external ear, was measured at its largest anteroposterior diameter. The petrous bone on at least one side was measured; if both sides were visualized easily, both petrous bones were measured.ResultsIn 247 fetuses, at least one petrous bone was measured. The petrous bone measurement correlated well with the gestational age (R = 0.908; P < .001), biparietal diameter (R = 0.983; P < .001), and femur length (R = 0.913; P < .001).ConclusionsDepiction of the petrous bone is feasible at all gestational ages and correlates well with the gestational age, biparietal diameter, and femur length. The usefulness of the ability to depict this bone in prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations of the inner ear should be tested in prospective studies.
Intraoperative Sonographically Assisted Radioactive Iodine 125 Plaque Brachytherapy for Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Quinlan-Davidson Sean , AlMahmoud Tahra , Shenouda George , Evans Michael , Mansour Magdi , Edelstein Chaim , Pond Gregory , Deschênes Jean 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to present a retrospective series of cases from a single Canadian academic center assessing visual acuity outcomes after intraoperative sonographically assisted iodine 125 (125I) plaque brachytherapy treatment.MethodsThe cases of 28 patients (16 male and 12 female; mean age ± SD diagnosis, 62.3 ± 15 years) with choroidal melanoma treated with 125I plaque brachytherapy using intraoperative sonography between 1997 and 2002 were reviewed.ResultsThe mean longitudinal, transverse, and depth dimensions were 11.4, 10.6, and 4.7, respectively. The median follow‐up was 48 months (range, 3–102 months) for our cohort of patients. The prescribed dose was 85 Gy to a height of 5 mm (for an apex height ≤5 mm) or to the tumor apex (for an apex height >5 mm). Five years after 125I plaque brachytherapy, all tumors had regressed in their longitudinal, transverse, and depth dimensions. The prebrachytherapy tumor depth (P = .023) and sclera dose (P = .036) were found to significantly affect visual acuity after plaque brachytherapy at 24 months. One recurrence was recorded 6 years after plaque brachytherapy.ConclusionsThis study supports 125I plaque brachytherapy as an efficacious treatment for patients with choroidal melanoma, and intraoperative sonography may help with optimizing tumor control. In addition, to our knowledge, this study is the first to report the sclera dose as a significant predictor of visual acuity.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Graphite Oxide Reinforced Multifunctional Porous Cement Composites
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad A. , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Hashim Daniel P. , Sakhavand Navid , Shahsavari Rouzbeh , Vajtai Robert , Ajayan Pulickel M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of multifunctional cement and concrete composites filled with hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and graphite oxide (GO), is reported and their superior mechanical strength and oil adsorption properties compared to composites devoid of fillers are illustrated. GO is utilized to bridge the cement surfaces while h‐BN is used to mechanically reinforce the composites and adsorb the oil. Introduction of these fillers even at low filler weight fractions increases the compressive strength and toughness properties of pristine cement and of porous concrete significantly, while the porous composite concrete illustrates excellent ability for water separation and crude oil adsorption. Experimental results along with theoretical calculations show that such nanoengineered forms of cement based composites would enable the development of novel forms of multifunctional structural materials with a range of environmental applications.
Hydrogels for Two‐Photon Polymerization: A Toolbox for Mimicking the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Torgersen Jan , Qin Xiao‐Hua , Li Zhiquan , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Liska Robert , Stampfl Jürgen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe natural extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a complex and dynamic environment. It provides numerous spatio‐temporal signals mediating many cellular functions including morphogenesis, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The cell–ECM interaction is bidirectional. Cells dynamically receive and process information from the ECM and remodel it at the same time. Theses complex interactions are still not fully understood. For better understanding, it is indispensable to deconstruct the ECM up to the point of investigating isolated characteristics and cell responses to physical, chemical and topographical cues. Two‐photon polymerization (2PP) allows the exact reconstruction of cell specific sites in 3D at micro‐ and nanometer precision. Processing biocompatible synthetic and naturally‐derived hydrogels, the microenvironment of cells can be designed to specifically investigate their behavior in respect to key chemical, mechanical and topographical attributes. Moreover, 3D manipulation can be performed in the presence of cells, guiding biological tissue formation in all stages of its development. Here, advances in 2PP microfabrication of synthetic and naturally based hydrogels are reviewed. Key components of photopolymerizable hydrogel precursors, their structure–property relationships and their polymerization mechanisms are presented. Furthermore, it is shown how biocompatible 2PP fabricated constructs can act as biologically relevant matrices to study cell functions and tissue development.
p‐Type Beta‐Silver Vanadate Nanoribbons for Nanoelectronic Devices with Tunable Electrical Properties
Authors: Feng Mei , Luo Lin‐Bao , Nie Biao , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: May 2013

Abstractβ‐AgVO3, as a stable phase and a typical silver vanadium oxide, has performed special ionic and electrical properties. The construction of nanoelectronic devices based on ultralong β‐AgVO3 nanoribbons (NRs) is reported, including nano‐field‐effect transistor (nano‐FET) and nano‐Schottky barrier diode (nano‐SBD). Owing to the specific channel structure and ion conductivity, the nano‐FET exhibits typical p‐type semiconductor characteristics and the nano‐SBD with Al contacts performs a prominent rectifying behavior with an on/off ratio of up to 103. Besides, tunable electrical transport properties can be achieved by tailoring the material properties, and it is demonstrated that the bridging NR numbers and diameters have a positive effect on electrical transport properties, while a complex variation trend is observed in the case of surface modification by photo‐irradiation. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum further illuminates that the induced vacancies play an important role on the electrical transport properties of β‐AgVO3 nanoribbons. Easy access to the ultralong β‐AgVO3 NRs makes them a promising candidate for potential applications in nanoelectronic devices.
Functional Morphometric Analysis in Cellular Behaviors: Shape and Size Matter
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Lim Kee Pah , Xiong Sijing , Tan Lay Poh , Shim Winston 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCellular morphogenesis in response to biophysical and topographical cues provides insights into cytoskeletal status, biointerface communications, and phenotypic adaptations in an incessant signaling feedback that governs cellular fate. Morphometric characterization is an important element in the study of the dynamic cellular behaviors, in their interactive response to environmental influence exerted by culture system. They collectively serve to reflect cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation, which may serve as prognostic indices for clinical and pathological diagnosis. Various parameters are proposed to categorize morphological adaptations in relation to cellular function. In this review, the underlying principles, assumptions, and limitations of morphological characterizations are discussed. The significance, challenges, and implications of quantitative morphometric characterization of cell shapes and sizes in determining cellular functions are discussed.
Novel Carbon Nanotube‐Conjugated Polymer Nanohybrids Produced By Multiple Polymer Processing
Authors: Stranks Samuel D. , Habisreutinger Severin N. , Dirks Beate , Nicholas Robin J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe describe two methods in which we manipulate the binding of multiple conjugated polymers to single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to produce new and novel nanostructures. One method first utilizes the selective binding of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (PFO) to a narrow distribution of semiconducting SWNTs and then uses a polymer exchange to transfer this purity to other nanotube‐polymer combinations, using technologically useful polymers such as poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(9,9′‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) as first examples. The other method involves controlling the competitive binding of P3HT and F8BT to SWNTs to produce coaxial nanostructures consisting of both polymers simultaneously bound in ordered layers. We show that these two simple solution‐processing techniques can be carried out sequentially to afford new dual‐polymer nanostructures comprised of a semiconducting SWNT of a single chirality. This allows the favorable properties of both polymers and purified semiconducting SWNTs to be implemented into potentially highly efficient organic photovoltaic devices.
Low‐Dimensional Te‐Based Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Qisheng , Safdar Muhammad , Wang Zhenxing , He Jun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLow‐dimensional Te‐based nanomaterials have attracted intense attention in recent years due to their novel physical properties including surface‐state effects, photoelectricity, phase changes, and thermoelectricity. The recent development of synthesis methods of low‐dimensional Te‐based nanostructures is reviewed, such as van der Waals expitaxial growth and template‐assisted solution‐phase deposition. In addition, the unique properties of these materials, such as tunable surface states, high photoresponsivity, fast phase change, and high thermoelectricity figure of merit, are reviewed. The potential applications of low‐dimensional Te‐based nanostructures are broad but particularly promising for nanoscale electronic and photoelectronic devices.
Structure and tensile properties change of LDPE/UHMWPE blends via solid state shear milling
Authors: Chen Yang , Nie Xin , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei , Liu Pengbo 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTLDPE/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blends were prepared through a pan‐milling reactor in solid state at ambient temperature. The changes of structure and properties of LDPE/UHMWPE blends were investigated by melt flow index, mechanical properties, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. SEM photos showed that after pan‐milling treatment the dispersed approximately equiaxed UHMWPE particle became rodlike. DSC measurement illustrated that after pan‐milling treatment, the peaks of UHMWPE shift to lower temperatures while the peaks of LDPE kept stable. The more content of UHMWPE led to more evident shift. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystallinity of milled LDPE/UHMWPE blends decreased lightly, but the crystalline grain size decreased only for high content UHMWPE blends. The tensile properties of pan‐milled LDPE/UHMWPE blends also achieved significant improvement after pan milling treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2487–2493, 2013
Anionic bulk polymerization to synthesize styrene–isoprene diblock and multiblock copolymers by reactive extrusion
Authors: Yuan Xieyao , Guan Yong , Li Shuzhao , Zheng Anna 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, styrene–isoprene diblock and multiblock copolymers were synthesized with n‐butyllithium as the initiator, in an intermeshing, corotating twin‐screw extruder. The diameter (D) of this extruder was 36 mm, and the ratio of length/diameter was 56. The weight content of polyisoprene in these copolymers was above 50% although in the past studies it had not been possible to accomplish levels higher than 30%. Gel permeation chromatography results of samples and their degraded products show that there is only one long block polystyrene in the diblock copolymer chains; while in the multiblock copolymer molecules, there is a long block and large numbers of small blocks. Dynamic mechanical analysis and transmission electron microscopy show that the two phases in the diblock copolymer are completely incompatible, leading to sharp phase separation. In the multiblock copolymer, the two phases are partly compatible without an obvious phase boundary. The successful syntheses of styrene/isoprene diblock and multiblock copolymers with high‐isoprene contents provide a novel method to synthesize polystyrene rubbers and styrene–diene–styrene thermoplastic elastomers. Traditionally, these products were mainly synthesized by solution polymerization. The present work in this article provides the possibility to synthesize them with very little or no solvent using bulk polymerization. This method fits the environmentally friendly trend to use low amounts of carbon while allowing commercial profitability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39429.
Synthesis and Characterization of Low Viscosity Dimethacrylic Resin Based on Isosorbide
Authors: Łukaszczyk Jan , Janicki Bartosz , Kożuch Justyna , Wojdyła Henryk 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn this article, synthesis and properties of novel dimethacrylic resin (ISETDMA) based on human friendly, biobased isosorbide was described. Its potential as a possible diluting monomer for medical applications, mainly dental restorative systems was assessed. The resin was obtained in two‐step synthesis including ethoxylation of isosorbide and subsequent methacrylation with methacryloyl chloride. 1HNMR, FTIR, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI‐MS) techniques were used to identify products. ISETDMA as well as composition with 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane were polymerized using UV initiator IRGACURE 651. Double bond conversion, polymerization shrinkage, water sorption, and sol fraction of resulting polymers were determined. Selected mechanical (flexural strength and modulus, Brinell hardness) and thermomechanical (dynamic mechanical analysis) properties were also investigated. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2,2‐bis(4‐(2‐methacryloxyethyl‐1‐oxy)phenyl)propane based homopolymers and copolymers were prepared as reference for comparison of particular properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2514–2522, 2013
Tribological behaviors of polytetrafluoroethylene composites under dry sliding and seawater lubrication
Authors: Wang Shibo , Pan Li , Li Qian 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe composites of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with expanded graphite (EG), poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) (POB), and basalt fiber (BF) were prepared by heating compression and sintering molding. The tribological behavior of PTFE composites was investigated with a pin‐on‐disk tester under dry conditions and seawater lubrication. The worn surface of PTFE composites and the transfer film on the counterface were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that the incorporation of EG and POB improved the hardness of PTFE composites, and addition of BF led to greater load‐carrying capacity. Compared to pure PTFE, the coefficients of friction of PTFE composites slightly increased, but the wear rates were significantly reduced (the wear rate of composite with 3% EG being only 10.38% of pure PTFE). In addition, all the composites exhibited a lower coefficient of friction (decreases of about 0.03–0.07) but more serious wear under seawater lubrication than under dry sliding. The wear mechanism changed from serious abrasive wear of pure PTFE to slight adhesion wear of PTFE composites under both conditions. A transfer film was obviously found on the counterface in seawater, but it was not observed under dry conditions. Among all the materials tested, the PTFE‐based composite containing 20% POB (mass fraction), 2% EG, and 3% BF exhibited the best comprehensive performance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2523–2531, 2013
Fundamental study on the development of a surgical device for polymer‐tissue adhesion using vibration damping of polymeric materials
Authors: Nam Kwangwoo , Yamamoto Kenji , Kasahara Kosuke , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Funamoto Seiicihi , Shimizu Shigeru , Higami Tetsuya , Masuzawa Toru , Kishida Akio 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTTo develop a surgical handheld device that can be used to promote polymer‐tissue or tissue‐tissue adhesion, we designed a polymeric clamp material (PCM) that self‐heats as a result of vibration. By using the PCM, heat can be applied to the target biomaterial and the tissue simultaneously. The optimal temperature is high enough to promote adhesion but low enough to retain the native tissue's integrity. Furthermore, the PCM should not adhere to the target polymer or the native tissue. We found that the temperatures of fluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), increased within 60 s to 150°C and maintained a stable temperature thereafter. The heat that was transferred to the saucer attached to the potential PCM was slightly above 100°C, a temperature that promotes adhesion but does not damage the native tissue. No deformation or melting was observed during the experiment, indicating that PTFE or PFA possess desirable PCM characteristics for use as a surgical heating device. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2532–2537, 2013