bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Urogenital Cleaning with Paper Soap on Bacterial Contamination Rate While Collecting Midstream Urine Specimens
Authors: Shrestha Rashmi , Gyawali Narayan , Gurung Rajendra , Amatya Ritu , Bhattacharya Shyamal Kumar 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Context: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the major health problems. Urine culture is considered as a gold standard method for the diagnosis of UTI. But, improper sample collection can lead to contamination with normal urogenital flora. Use of any portable disinfectant that can reduce contamination rate would be the significant help in urine culture interpretation.
Aims: To observe the effect of urogenital cleaning with paper soap on bacterial contamination rate while collecting specimens.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done in 600 patients aged 15-45 years, equally divided into three groups. The first group was given sterile container and instructed to collect midstream clean catch urine (MSU) after urogenital cleaning with provided piece of paper soap. The second group was given sterile container and strictly instructed to collect the MSU sample after urogenital cleansing by tap water only. The third group was given the sterile container and asked for midstream urine. Collected specimens were inoculated in CLED media, incubated aerobically for overnight at 37°C. Reporting of culture was done according to the guideline of American Society of Microbiology.
Results: The contamination rate in the three groups were 6.0%, 13.0%, and 27.5%, respectively (P value < 0.05), which was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Contamination rate was significantly lower in group who provided urine specimen after urogenital cleaning with paper soap. Thus, cleaning the urogenital area may reduce the need of the repeat sample to rule out actual contamination and prevent from the unnecessary antibiotic treatment.
Limb Body Wall Complex: A Rare Anomaly
Authors: Chikkannaiah Panduranga , Dhumale Hema , Kangle Ranjit , Shekar Rosini 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWe present autopsy findings of a case of limb body wall complex (LBWC). The fetus had encephalocele, genitourinary agenesis, skeletal anomalies and body wall defects. The rare finding in our case is the occurrence of both cranial and urogenital anomalies. The presence of complex anomalies in this fetus, supports embryonal dysplasia theory of pathogenesis for LBWC.
The Impact of National Financial Regulation on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance after the 2007 Financial Shock – Econometric Analyses Based on Cross-Country Data
Authors: Hagen Tobias 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Using cross-country data, this paper estimates the impact of the 2007 financial shock on countries’ macroeconomic developments conditional on national financial regulations before the crisis. For this purpose, the “financial reform index” developed by Abiad et al. (A New Database of Financial Reforms, 2008a) is used. The econometric analyses indicate that countries with more deregulated financial markets experienced deeper recessions, stronger employment losses, and larger government budget deficits. Against the background of the ongoing global crisis and the results of other studies, the usefulness of liberalized financial markets for macroeconomic stability and economic development should be rigorously reconsidered.
Phenology and abundance of Enoicyla pusilla in conifer stands
Authors: Lombardero M. J. 
Published: August 2013

Aim of Study. We study the abundance of Enoicyla pusilla (Burmeister) in pine plantations and the effects of silvicultural thinning on insect population. This species is considered a rare member of the order Trichoptera, reported as absent or occasional in conifer forests. It has been suggested that the proliferation of conifer plantations may be a threat for this species by favoring population isolation. Area of study. Plantations of native and non-native pines in Galicia (NW of Spain).Material and Methods. We used different traps systems, including 28 pitfall traps, to compared populations of insects in 14 thinned and unthinned plots of Pinus pinaster and P. radiata distributed across 3 forest stands. Traps were checked every 15 days during one year.Main results. We caught 1.219 larvae of E. pusilla. It was the third most abundant species captured in pitfall traps. Larval activity extended from January to late July. They were more abundant in the stands of P. radiata, probably because the denser foliage produced limits sunlight and helped to maintain litter moisture. Additionally needles of P. radiata had lower toughness and higher nitrogen content, which probably makes it a higher quality resource for the detritivorous larvae. Thinning did not affect larvae population.Research highlights: Although managed forests cannot match the biodiversity value of native mixed species stands, if managed appropriately, they may provide habitat for native fauna while also allowing for forest productionKey words: caddisfly; Pinus pinaster; Pinus radiate; plantations; thinning.
The cognitive ability of extinct hominins: Bringing down the hierarchy using genomic evidences
Authors: Paixão‐Côrtes Vanessa R. , Viscardi Lucas Henriques , Salzano Francisco Mauro , Cátira bortolini Maria , Hünemeier Tábita 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe availability of the full genomes of Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis, and Denisovans, as well as modern bioinformatic tools, are opening new possibilities for the understanding of the differences and similarities present in these taxa.MethodsWe searched for cognitive genes, examined their status in the genomes of these three entities. All substitutions present among them were retrieved.ResultsWe found 93 nonsynonymous substitutions in 51 cognitive genes, in which the derived allele was present in archaic and modern humans and the ancestral allele in other nonhuman primates.ConclusionsThe general picture obtained is of similarity in cognitive genes between extinct and extant humans. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 25:702‐705, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for novel genetic loci associated with metabolic traits in Yup'ik people
Authors: Aslibekyan Stella , Vaughan Laura Kelly , Wiener Howard W. , Lemas Dominick J. , Klimentidis Yann C. , Havel Peter J. , Stanhope Kimber L. , O'brien Diane M. , Hopkins Scarlett E. , Boyer Bert B. , Tiwari Hemant K. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo identify genomic regions associated with fasting plasma lipid profiles, insulin, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin in a Yup'ik study population, and to evaluate whether the observed associations between genetic factors and metabolic traits were modified by dietary intake of marine derived omega‐3 polyunsaturated acids (n‐3 PUFA).MethodsA genome‐wide linkage scan was conducted among 982 participants of the Center for Alaska Native Health Research study. n‐3 PUFA intake was estimated using the nitrogen stable isotope ratio (δ15N) of erythrocytes. All genotyped SNPs located within genomic regions with LOD scores > 2 were subsequently tested for individual SNP associations with metabolic traits using linear models that account for familial correlation as well as age, sex, community group, and n‐3 PUFA intake. Separate linear models were fit to evaluate interactions between the genotype of interest and n‐3 PUFA intake.ResultsWe identified several chromosomal regions linked to serum apolipoprotein A2, high density lipoprotein‐, low density lipoprotein‐, and total cholesterol, insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Genetic variants found to be associated with total cholesterol mapped to a region containing previously validated lipid loci on chromosome 19, and additional novel peaks of biological interest were identified at 11q12.2–11q13.2. We did not observe any significant interactions between n‐3 PUFA intake, genotypes, and metabolic traits.ConclusionsWe have completed a whole genome linkage scan for metabolic traits in Native Alaskans, confirming previously identified loci, and offering preliminary evidence of novel loci implicated in chronic disease pathogenesis in this population. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 25:673‐680, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Effect of size biases in the coefficient of variation on assessing intraspecific variability in the prosimian skeleton
Authors: Fulwood Ethan L. , Kramer Andrew 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThis study examines the effect of a measurement size bias in coefficients of variation on the evaluation of intraspecific skeletal variability in a sample of eight prosimian species (Eulemur fulvus, Hapalemur griseus, Lemur catta, Varecia variegata, Galago senegalensis, Otolemur crassicaudatus, Nycticebus coucang, and Tarsius syrichta). Measurements with smaller means were expected to have higher coefficients of variation (CVs) due to the impact of instrumental precision on the ability to assess variability. This was evaluated by testing for a negative correlation between CVs and means in the total sample, within each species, and within each measurement, and by testing for the leveraging impact of small measurements on the significance of comparisons of variability between regions of the prosimian skeleton. Three comparisons were made: cranial versus postcranial variability, epiphysis versus diaphysis variability, and forelimb versus hindlimb variability. CVs were significantly negatively correlated with means within the total sample (r2= 0.208, P < 0.0001) and within each species. CVs and means were significantly correlated within only three of the measurements, which may reflect the relatively low body size range of the species studied. As predicted by the higher variability of smaller measurements, removing the smallest measurements from comparisons of variable classes containing measurements of different mean magnitudes pushed the comparisons below significance. These results indicate caution should be exercised when using CVs to assess variability across sets of measurements with different means. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:151–155, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of human upper airway epithelial progenitors
Authors: Bravo Dawn T. , Soudry Ethan , Edward Justin A. , Le Wei , Nguyen Alan L. , Hwang Peter H. , Sanyal Mrinmoy , Nayak Jayakar V. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundNew epithelial cells are generated through the proliferation and differentiation of resident progenitor cells in the nasal cavity. In several upper airway diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis, self‐renewing progenitor cells may be functionally defective, or compromised in their ability, to regenerate cells that maintain normal mucociliary clearance. Herein, we describe our early work to define and characterize a rare population of human nasal epithelial putative progenitors.MethodsSingle‐cell suspensions of human ethmoid sinus tissues were prepared following endoscopic sinus surgery. Cell surface antibodies were analyzed as candidate markers for detecting progenitor cells. A panel of antibodies, including epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, epithelial cells), CD45 (hematopoietic cells), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR/CD271), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM1/CD54), and integrin‐α6 (ITGA6/CD49f) were used to resolve epithelial progenitor candidates by high‐dimensional flow cytometry and the gating technique of fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls.ResultsA rare population of approximately 0.06% of total ethmoid cells was discriminated as EpCAM−CD45−NGFR+ICAM1+ by surface markers. Use of ITGA6 was excluded based on FMO control analysis. This lineage‐negative population was purified to 99% homogeneity by cell sorting and analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Sorted cells were subsequently confirmed to uniformly express the transcription factor p63. Upon in vitro culture, lineage‐negative clonal cells were confirmed to spontaneously differentiate into epithelial lineage‐positive cells.ConclusionUsing the NGFR and ICAM1 cellular coordinates, we have identified a promising population of native human nasal epithelial progenitor cells that require more formal investigation for their role in upper airway regeneration.
Characterization and anticorrosive properties of poly(2,3‐dimethylaniline)/Na+‐montmorillonite composite prepared by emulsion polymerization
Authors: Ma Li , Fu Dan‐Dan , Gan Meng‐Yu , Zhang Feng , Li Zhi‐Tao , Li Sha 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTComposites of Poly(2,3‐dimethylaniline) and inorganic Na+‐montmorillonite clay were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. The as‐synthesized composites (PDMA) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The protective performance against corrosion of the samples was evaluated by Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results showed that the composite containing 5 wt. % of clay loading (PDMA‐5%) displayed a better anticorrosive performance than other samples. The Epoxy(E) blend with PDMA‐5% (EPM5) coating was founded to have a higher corrosion potential and a lower current density than that of Epoxy blend P(2,3‐DMA) (EP) coating. The impedance value of EPM5 coating was about 6.68×106Ω·cm2 in 5 wt. % NaCl solution even after 288 h, compared to EP (4.26×105Ω·cm2) coating, which went to show that the corrosion inhibition of P(2,3‐DMA) could be effectively enhanced by incorporating MMT into the P(2,3‐DMA) matrix. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4528–4533, 2013
Effect of bamboo charcoal powder on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, and thermal properties of styrene–butadiene rubber with bamboo charcoal powder
Authors: Meng Xianghai , Zhang Yihe , Lu Jinbo , Zhang Zhilei , Liu Leipeng , Chu Paul K. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTCompounds of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with bamboo charcoal powders (BCPs) were prepared with a laboratory‐sized two‐roll mill. The effects of the BCP loading on the curing characteristics and mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The results indicate that the addition of BCP resulted in a longer curing time and a higher Mooney viscosity in the SBR materials. The incorporation of BCP into SBR improved the mechanical properties and dynamic properties. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates after thermal aging were also studied, and the experimental results indicate that most of the mechanical properties improved after thermal aging. The overall results indicate that BCP could be used as a cheaper filler for SBR materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4534–4541, 2013
Synthesis and characterization of a chitosan ligand for the removal of copper from aqueous media
Authors: Reddy Desireddy Harikishore Kumar , Lee Seung‐Mok 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTA novel chitosan derivative, 8‐hydroxyquinioline‐2‐carboxaldehydechitosan (CSHQ) Schiff base, was synthesized by a simple condensation process. The structure of the resulting product was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C‐NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Further, the synthesized CSHQ Schiff base was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto CSHQ was strongly dependent on the pH value, and the optimum pH value obtained was pH 5. Among the pseudo‐first‐order (PFO), pseudo‐second‐order (PSO), and intraparticle diffusion model simulation, the experimental data followed PSO kinetics well. The Cu(II) adsorption process onto CSHQ obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model well rather than the Freundlich and Sips isotherm models; this suggested that a monolayer adsorption occurred on the surface of CSHQ. From the overall results, we found that Cu(II) was adsorbed onto CSHQ through oxygen, nitrogen and pyridine nitrogen donor atoms and that CSHQ could be a promising adsorbent for water treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4542–4550, 2013
Near‐infrared activation of semi‐crystalline shape memory polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Le Duy M. , Tycon Michael A. , Fecko Christopher J. , Ashby Valerie S. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTRecently, indirect activation of the shape memory effect has become an increasingly popular triggering modality for shape memory polymer biomaterials. Amongst the known methods for remote activation, near‐infrared radiation (NIR) remains relatively unexplored, specifically for semicrystalline materials, which possess sharp thermal transitions. Herein, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) networks were photo‐polymerized from branched precursors doped with 150 nm surface modified gold nanoshells with a surface plasmon resonance of approximately 800 nm. The effect of nanoparticle loading on the thermal, mechanical, and shape memory properties of the PCL matrix were examined. The PCL nanocomposites exhibited excellent shape fixation and nearly quantitative shape memory recovery in response to low intensity NIR irradiation. Further, the heat dissipated by the irradiated nanocomposites to the surrounding medium was found to reach a maximum at biologically relevant temperatures. As such, this nanocomposite system represents a highly attractive candidate for many biomedical shape memory applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4551–4557, 2013
HDPE‐Fly Ash/Nano Fly Ash Composites
Authors: Satapathy Sukanya , Nando Golok Bihari , Nag Ahin , Raju K. V. S. N. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTFly ash (FA) based polymer composites are assuming increasing importance because of its potentiality, fine particle size and plenty availability of FA. FA is mainly a mixture of inorganic metal oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, TiO2, and so forth. This article highlights the results of the various modifications onto the HDPE‐FA/nano structured FA (NFA) composites. When FA and NFA are melt blended with HDPE it gives rise to improved flexural properties only. Further modifications, that is, Maleic anhydride (MA) grafting of the matrix, electron beam irradiation of the composite and irradiation of the FA/NFA studied separately to find their impact on the detail properties of the composite. Of the three modifications implemented the electron beam irradiation of HDPE‐FA/NFA composite yielded excellent physico‐mechanical, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties. Fracture surface analysis of the HDPE, unmodified and modified FA/NFA composites studied employing SEM correlated well with the physico‐mechanical properties. The results prove that FA is valuable reinforcing filler for HDPE and its size reduction to nano level is a more effective criterion for its future use. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4558–4567, 2013
Characterization of MAO‐Modified Silicas for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Mortazavi Mohamad Mehdi , Ahmadjo Saeid , Santos Joao Henrique Zimnoch Dos , Arabi Hassan , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Brambilla Rodrigo , Galland Griselda Barrera 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTA series of methylaluminoxane (MAO)‐modified PQ and EP 12 silicas, calcined at 110, 250, and 450°C, were prepared. The resulting MAO‐modified supports were characterized by a set of complementary techniques: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The Al/Si ratios of the MAO‐modified PQ and EP12 silicas were in the ranges of 0.19–0.27 wt % and 0.17–0.30 wt %, respectively. MAO‐modified silicas were used in the polymerization of ethylene using an Et2IndZrCl2 catalyst. The MAO‐modified PQ silica showed higher activity in comparison to the MAO‐modified EP12. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4568–4575, 2013
Plasticized poly(lactic acid) with low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol): Mechanical, thermal, and morphology properties
Authors: Chieng Buong Woei , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Yunus Wan Md Zin Wan , Hussein Mohd Zobir 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid) PLA was plasticized with low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) PEG‐200 to improve the ductility of PLA, while maintaining the plasticizer content at maximum 10 wt%. Low molecular weight of PEG enables increased miscibility with PLA and more efficient reduction of glass transition temperature (Tg). This effect is enhanced not only by the low molecular weight but also by its higher content. The tensile properties demonstrated that the addition of PEG‐200 to PLA led to an increase of elongation at break (>7000%), but a decrease of both tensile strength and tensile modulus. The plasticization of the PLA with PEG‐200 effectively lowers Tg as well as cold‐crystallization temperature, increasing with plasticizer content. SEM micrographs reveal plastic deformation and few long threads of a deformed material are discernible on the fracture surface. The use of low molecular weight PEG‐200 reduces the intermolecular force and increases the mobility of the polymeric chains, thereby improving the flexibility and plastic deformation of PLA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4576–4580, 2013
Catabolism of coffee chlorogenic acids by human colonic microbiota
Authors: Ludwig Iziar A. , Paz de Peña Maria , Concepción Cid , Alan Crozier 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSeveral studies have indicated potential health benefits associated with coffee consumption. These benefits might be ascribed in part to the chlorogenic acids (CGAs), the main (poly)phenols in coffee. The impact of these dietary (poly)phenols on health depends on their bioavailability. As they pass along the gastrointestinal tract, CGAs are metabolized extensively and it is their metabolites rather than the parent compounds that predominate in the circulatory system. This article reports on a study in which after incubation of espresso coffee with human fecal samples, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were used to monitor CGA breakdown and identify and quantify the catabolites produced by the colonic microflora. The CGAs were rapidly degraded by the colonic microflora and over the 6‐h incubation period, 11 catabolites were identified and quantified. The appearance of the initial degradation products, caffeic and ferulic acids, was transient, with maximum quantities at 1 h. Dihydrocaffeic acid, dihydroferulic acid, and 3‐(3′‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid were the major end products, comprising 75–83% of the total catabolites, whereas the remaining 17–25% consisted of six minor catabolites. The rate and extent of the degradation showed a clear influence of the composition of the gut microbiota of individual volunteers. Pathways involved in colonic catabolism of CGAs are proposed and comparison with studies on the bioavailability of coffee CGAs ingested by humans helped distinguish between colonic catabolites and phase II metabolites of CGAs. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(6):623–632, 2013