bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formative Assessment Based on an Audit and Feedback Improves Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound Image Quality
Authors: Chalouhi Gihad E. , Salomon Laurent J. , Fontanges Marianne , Althuser Marc , Haddad Georges , Scemama Olivier , Chabot Jean-Michel , Duyme Michel , Fries Nicolas 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this work was to study the impact of an audit and feedback on the quality of routine first‐trimester nuchal transparency ultrasound images.MethodsEighty‐eight sonographers were each sent 2 different series of 30 consecutive nuchal translucency images at a mean interval of 3 months to a dedicated, protected server for remote double‐blind independent analysis based on the new Collège Français d'Echographie Foetale/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique image‐scoring method (https://www.cfef.org/evaluation/ISMCFEFCNRS.pdf). The sonographers were classified as low (score below the median) or high (score above the median) scorers for each series. Before their second evaluation, 73 of the 88 sonographers received a feedback report on their first series of images, whereas the other 15 participants received no feedback. The baseline characteristics of the participants who did and did not receive feedback were comparable.ResultsParticipants who received feedback increased their average score significantly, from a mean ± SD of 11.1 ± 1.3 to 13.4 ± 1.4 among low scorers (P < .00001) and from 15.1 ± 1.2 to 16.0 ± 1.4 among high scorers (P < .001), whereas no significant change was seen among participants who received no feedback (low scorers, 10.9 ± 1.5 to 12.1 ± 2.0; P = .11; high scorers, 14.7 ± 1.3 to 14.6 ± 1.3; P = .99). The proportion of satisfactory images increased by 48% among low scorers who received feedback.ConclusionsFormative assessment based on a moderately intensive audit and feedback is feasible and effective for improving the quality of routine first‐trimester nuchal transparency ultrasound images.
Efficacy of the Genetic Sonogram in a Stepwise Sequential Protocol for Down Syndrome Screening
Authors: Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Ravangard Samadh F. , Turner Garry , Borgida Adam , Janicki Mary Beth , Campbell Winston A. , Zelop Carolyn , Shamshirsaz Amirhoushang A. , Spiel Melissa , Prabulos Anne Marie , Feldman Deborah , Rodis John , Ingardia Charles J. , Gurram Padmalatha , Fuller Kisti , Fang Yu M. , Benn Peter , Egan James F. X. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the genetic sonogram in Down syndrome screening for women who have received the stepwise sequential test.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included women with singleton pregnancies who underwent stepwise sequential (first‐trimester combined and second‐trimester serum) screening and then had a genetic sonogram between March 2005 and January 2010. Stepwise sequential Down syndrome risks were multiplied by either a positive or negative likelihood ratio based on the second‐trimester sonographic findings to determine the final Down syndrome risk. A final Down syndrome risk of 1:270 or higher was considered screen positive.ResultsA total of 6286 women fulfilled our criteria, including 17 with Down syndrome–affected fetuses. After stepwise sequential testing, the Down syndrome detection rate was 88.2% (15 of 17), and after the genetic sonogram, there was a non‐significant reduction in detection to 82.4% (14 of 17; P > .05). For the 6269 unaffected pregnancies, the genetic sonogram converted 58 screen‐negative results (1%) to positive and 183 screen‐positive results (3.1%) to negative. The net effect was a change in the false‐positive rate from 6.2% (390 of 6269) after stepwise sequential screening to 4.2% (266 of 6269) after the genetic sonogram.ConclusionsThe genetic sonogram should be applied cautiously for women who have received prior prenatal screening tests. Women with screen‐positive results need to be counseled that a negative sonographic result can be falsely reassuring. Conversely, for women with screen‐negative results who have a risk close to the cutoff, a sonographic examination could assist in the decision of whether to accept or reject amniocentesis.
Reference Values for the Right and Left Fetal Choroid Plexus at 11 to 13 Weeks
Authors: Abu-Rustum Reem S. , Ziade M. Fouad , Abu-Rustum Sameer E. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish reference values for the length, area, and circumference of the right and left fetal choroid plexus at 11 to 13 weeks with respect to the fetal biparietal diameter and to compare the right to the left side.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study on 114 fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks undergoing first‐trimester screening for aneuploidy and structural fetal abnormalities. After the establishment of the fetal situs, the plane of the “butterfly” was obtained on all fetuses, from which the length, area, and circumference of both the right and left choroid plexus were obtained and the right and left sides compared. Using a pairedttest, analysis of variance, scatterplots, and linear and logarithmic fittings, reference ranges and charts for the length, area, and circumference of the choroid plexus were then formulated according to their relationship to the fetal biparietal diameter.P< .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsReference values for the length, area, and circumference of the fetal choroid plexus, with respect to the fetal biparietal diameter, were established. There was a statistically significant difference between the right and left sides for all parameters, with all measurements statistically greater on the left side (P< .0001).ConclusionsReference values for the length, area, and circumference of the fetal choroid plexus at 11 to 13 weeks are presented. These may prove to be of clinical importance in the early screening for central nervous system abnormalities. In addition, the statistically significant difference between the right and left sides may be an early sign of “developmental” laterality.
Medial or Lateral Location of the Whirlpool Sign in Adnexal Torsion
Authors: Navve Daniella , Hershkovitz Reli , Zetounie Eti , Klein Zvi , Tepper Ronnie 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe whirlpool sign is used as a sonographic marker for adnexal torsion. The aims of this study were to describe the location of the whirlpool sign (lateral or medial to the ovary) and to evaluate the clinical importance of the location.Methods: Thirty patients with a confirmed surgical diagnosis of torsion and a positive whirlpool sign on sonography before surgery were included. We examined the sonographic clips of these patients. Classic signs of adnexal torsion were determined: ovarian edema, the presence of a mass, pelvic free fluid, and ovarian ischemia on Doppler imaging. The whirlpool sign was detected on grayscale and color Doppler sonography by moving the transducer to and fro along the axis of suspected torsion.ResultsSixteen of 30 patients had right‐sided torsion. Of these, 7 had a lateral whirlpool sign. All 7 of these patients had an ovarian or paraovarian mass. Nine of these 16 patients had a medial whirlpool sign. Of these, 7 had an ovarian or paraovarian mass, and 2 had no mass. Of the 14 patients with left‐sided torsion, all had a medial whirlpool sign. Nine of 14 these patients had an ovarian or paraovarian mass, and 5 had no mass. The mean volume of the masses among cases with the lateral whirlpool sign was significantly greater compared to those with the medial whirlpool sign (304 versus 108 cm3; P = .035). In 25 of 30 cases, the torsed components included the ovary.ConclusionsThe lateral whirlpool sign is associated with enlarged masses in comparison to the medial whirlpool sign. This finding indicates the need to search meticulously for the lateral whirlpool sign in cases with enlarged masses to decide whether to operate on these patients emergently.
Sonographic Visualization of the First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve (Baxter Nerve)
Authors: Presley James C. , Maida Eugene , Pawlina Wojciech , Murthy Naveen , Ryssman Daniel B. , Smith Jay 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe primary purpose of this investigation was to document the ability of high‐resolution sonography to accurately identify the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (FBLPN) using sonographically guided perineural injections in an unembalmed cadaveric model.Methodssingle experienced operator completed sonographically guided perineural FBLPN injections in 12 unembalmed cadaveric specimens (6 right and 6 left) obtained from 10 donors (5 male and 5 female) aged 47 to 95 years (mean, 71 years) with an average body mass index of 24.2 kg/m2 (range, 17.2–31.6 kg/m2). All injections were completed using 22‐gauge, 38‐mm stainless steel needles to deliver 1 mL of 50% diluted colored latex adjacent to the FBLPN in the abductor hallucis‐quadratus plantae (AH‐QP) interval. Six injections were completed using a cart‐based ultrasound (US) machine and a 17–5‐MHz transducer, and 6 were completed using a portable US machine and a 12–3‐MHz transducer. Nerve conspicuity was graded on a 4‐point scale (1, poor; 4, excellent). After a minimum of 24 hours, study coinvestigators dissected each specimen to assess injectate placement.ResultsAll 12 injections accurately placed latex onto the FBLPN within the AH‐QP interval, with 11 of 12 (91%) resulting in complete nerve coverage. Proximal latex overflow to the lateral plantar nerve occurred in 82% of cases (10 of 12). The average distance between the plantar fascia and injected latex was 1.2 cm (range, 1.0–1.75 cm). No vascular injury was seen in any specimen. The average nerve conspicuities were 3.7 (range, 3–4) using the cart‐based US machine and 1.8 (range, 1–4) using the portable US machine.ConclusionsSonographic visualization of the FBLPN in the AH‐QP interval is feasible and should be considered for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients presenting with chronic or atypical heel pain syndromes. Further clinical experience should refine the role of FBLPN sonography and explore the utility of sonographically guided diagnostic and therapeutic FBLPN perineural injections.
A comparison of septal stapler to suture closure in septoplasty: a prospective, randomized trial evaluating the effect on operative time
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J. , Wright Erin D. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundSeptoplasty requires coaptation of the mucosal flaps at the conclusion of the procedure; classically this is done with nasal packing. Quilting sutures provide a welcome alternative to packing, but can be time‐consuming to place. A septal stapler has recently been developed that provides a rapid alternative to quilting sutures but the timesaving has not been quantified.MethodsThis study was a prospective, randomized trial comparing a septal stapler to quilting suture for coaptation of mucosal flaps in septoplasty. After meeting inclusion criteria, patients underwent septoplasty and inferior turbinoplasty. The total operative time, surgical segment times, including time for closure was recorded. Preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were recorded. A sample size of 16 was determined to detect a difference of 5 minutes in closure time.ResultsA total of 16 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean time for closure with septal stapler was 35 ± 22 seconds vs 7 minutes ± 1 minute 10 seconds for suture closure (p < 0.0001). The mean total operative time using the septal stapler was 28 minutes ± 6 minutes whereas 43 minutes ± 13 minutes was required for suture (p = 0.014). No difference in postoperative complications or mucosal healing was seen; preoperative and postoperative improvement in NOSE scores was comparable.ConclusionCoaptation of the mucosal flaps in septoplasty with a septal stapler affords a timesaving in the operating room with no difference in operative outcome.
Epidermal growth factor receptor, p16, cyclin D1, and p53 staining patterns for inverted papilloma
Authors: Lin Giant C. , Scheel Adam , Akkina Sarah , Chinn Steven , Graham Martin , Komarck Christine , Walline Heather , McHugh Jonathan B. , Prince Mark E. , Carey Thomas E , Zacharek Mark A. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe aim of this study was better characterize the staining patterns of inverted papilloma (IP) with and without carcinoma by performing immunohistochemistry for p16, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, and cyclin D1 antibodies in a large patient cohort.MethodsA total of 162 IP specimens were collected from 147 patients treated at the University of Michigan between 1996 and 2011. Twenty‐two specimens contained carcinoma. Tumor was extracted for construction of 2 tissue microarrays and stained for p16, EGFR, p53, and cyclin D1. Tumor staining intensity and percentage staining were scored.ResultsBenign disease was positive for p16 in 64%, EGFR in 50%, p53 in 30%, and cyclin D1 in 76%. IP with carcinomatous degeneration was positive for p16 in 14%, EGFR in 71%, p53 in 62%, and cyclin D1 in 76%. The differences in staining positivity between benign and malignant disease reached significance for p16 and p53 only. Mean percentage staining by tumor surface area for IP and IP with carcinoma was 12% vs 7% for p16 (no statistical significance [NS]), 20% vs 34% for EGFR (NS), 4% vs 24% for p53 (p < 0.001), and 17% vs 21% for cyclin D1 (NS).ConclusionImportant characteristic staining pattern for IP with and without carcinoma are highlighted in this study. Unlike recent trends in human papilloma virus (HPV)‐related head and neck malignancies, low expression of p16 is a marker for malignancy in this series. Positive staining for p53 correlates with the development of carcinoma in IP.
DNA‐Assemblierung mittels Affinitätsbindung für die ultraempfindliche Proteindetektion
Authors: Zhang Hongquan , Li Feng , Dever Brittany , Wang Chuan , Li Xing‐Fang , Le X. Chris 
Published: August 2013

AbstractJüngste Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der DNA‐Assemblierung und der Affinitätsbindung haben zu aufregenden neuen Entwicklungen bei Nanosensoren und ultraempfindlichen Nachweismethoden für spezifische Proteine geführt.1–6 Diese Sensoren und Nachweissysteme haben drei attraktive Eigenschaften gemeinsam:1, 4, 7 1) Der Proteinnachweis gelingt mittelbar durch die Detektion amplifizierter DNA, wodurch die Empfindlichkeit drastisch erhöht wird. 2) Die Zusammenlagerung der DNA wird durch Affinitätsbindung von zwei oder mehr “Sonden” zu einem einzelnen Analytmolekül ausgelöst, was eine erhöhte Spezifität bedingt. 3) Der Nachweis erfolgt in Lösung ohne die Notwendigkeit einer vorherigen Abtrennung, was die Methodik für patientennahe Anwendungen attraktiv erscheinen lässt. Wir legen in diesem Kurzaufsatz das Prinzip dar, nach dem die Zusammenlagerung von DNA‐Molekülen mittels Affinitätsbindung erfolgt. Dabei stellen wir neuartige Anwendungen für den Nachweis von Proteinen beispielhaft heraus.
Flame retardancy and water resistance of novel intumescent flame‐retardant oil‐filled styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer/polypropylene composites
Authors: Zang Yuansheng , Li Bin , Xu Miaojun 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA novel halogen‐free flame‐retardant composite consisting of an intumescent flame retardant (IFR), oil‐filled styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (O‐SEBS), and polypropylene (PP) was studied. On the basis of UL‐94 ratings and limiting oxygen index (LOI) data, the IFRs consisted of a charring–foaming agent, ammonium polyphosphate, and SiO2showed very effective flame retardancy and good water resistance in the IFR O‐SEBS/PP composite. When the loading of IFR was only 28 wt %, the IFR–O‐SEBS/PP composite could still attain a UL‐94 V‐0 (1.6 mm) rating, and its LOI value remained at 29.8% after a water treatment at 70°C for 168 h. Thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that the IFR effectively enhanced the temperature of the main thermal degradation peak of the IFR–O‐SEBS/PP composites because of the formation of abundant char residue. The flammability parameters of the composites obtained from cone calorimetry testing demonstrated that water treatment almost did not affect the flammability behavior of the composite. The morphological structures of the char residue and fractured surfaces of the composites were not affected by the water treatment. This was attributed to a small quantity of IFR extracted from the composite. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 39575.
Fabrication and properties of nano indium tin oxide/wool keratin composites
Authors: Li Rong , He Jinsong , Wen Feng , Wang Dong 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA functional keratin/indium tin oxide (ITO) composite was prepared by a route involving an ionic liquid dissolving process and a wet‐chemical codeposition technique. The crystal structure and morphology of ITO were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The factors influencing the crystal structure and the size of the ITO were investigated in detail. The optimal In/Sn ratio, reaction temperature, and pH value were found to be 10:1, 70°C, and 7, respectively. The sheet resistance of the composite reached 0.39 kΩ/□. In addition, the composite films possessed a perfect UV protection ability with a UV protection factor of up to 43.78. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39641.
Synthesis, characterization, and flocculation performance of a sulfonated polytriazine
Authors: Tang Bingtao , Liu Hong , Cui Zhihua , Zhang Shufen 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA novel sulfonated polytriazine (SP) is synthesized by the condensation polymerization reaction of 2‐(4,6‐dichloro‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐ylamino)benzene‐1,4‐disulfonic acid (Compound I) and 1,4‐diaminobenzene. The structure of SP is characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The flocculation performances for the cationic dyes are evaluated. The experimental results show that SP can efficiently remove the color of wastewater containing cationic dyes. The rates of color removal from C.I. Basic red 18 and C.I. Basic blue 9 reach as high as 99.6% and 98.5%, respectively. The synthesized SP shows high adsorption capacities of 1719 and 1988 mg/g for C.I. Basic blue 9 and C.I. Basic red 18, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39669.
Investigation of mechanical properties of alumina nanoparticle‐loaded hybrid glass/carbon‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Mohanty Akash , Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Sastry Pulya Umamaheswara 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThis research work investigates the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the alumina nanoparticles, glass fiber, and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The first type composites were made by adding 1–5 wt % (in the interval of 1%) of alumina to the epoxy matrix, whereas the second and third categories of composites were made by adding 1–5 wt % short glass, carbon fibers to the matrix. A fourth type of composite has also been synthesized by incorporating both alumina particles (2 wt %) and fibers to the epoxy. Results showed that the longitudinal modulus has significantly improved because of the filler additions. Both tensile strength and modulus are further better for hybrid composites consisting both alumina particles and glass fibers or carbon fibers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39749.
Improvement of adhesion and continuity of polypyrrole thin films through surface modification of hydrophobic substrates
Authors: Gupta Namita Dutta , Das Swati , Das Nirmalya Sankar , Banerjee Diptonil , Sarkar Debabrata , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTConducting polymer polypyrrole is reported to have a poor adhesion to substrate which limits its applicability as thin films. In this article, we report synthesis of well‐formed and continuous film of polypyrrole through treatment of hydrophobic substrates. However, in place of the widely used organosilanes, the substrates were simply treated with surfactant cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) prior to vapor phase polymerization under controlled environment. Polypyrrole films formed on CTAB pretreated substrates were found to have improved adhesion and continuity compared to the films formed on untreated substrates. The improved adhesion results in better electronic properties as seen during Electron field emission studies. Based on contact angle analysis, we propose that CTAB molecules act as anchoring agents for the oxidant layer on the substrate and hence assist in the deposition of a more continuous polypyrrole film. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39771.
Acrylamide‐b‐N‐isopropylacrylamide block copolymers: Synthesis by atomic transfer radical polymerization in water and the effect of the hydrophilic–hydrophobic ratio on the solution properties
Authors: Wever Diego Armando Z. , Ramalho Graham , Picchioni Francesco , Broekhuis Antonius Augustinus 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA series of block copolymers of acrylamide and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) characterized by different ratios between the length of the two blocks have been prepared through atomic transfer radical polymerization in water at room temperature. The solution properties of the block copolymers were correlated to their chemical structure. The effect of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was investigated. The CMC increases at higher values for the solubility parameter, thus indicating a clear relationship between these two variables. In addition, the solution rheology (in water) of the block copolymers was studied to identify the effect of the chemical structure on the thermo‐responsiveness of the solutions. An increase in the length of the PNIPAM block leads to a more pronounced increase in the solution viscosity. This is discussed in the general frame of hydrophobic interactions strength. The prepared polymers are in principle suitable for applications in many fields, particularly in enhanced oil recovery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39785.
Synthesis and swelling behavior of pH‐responsive polyurethane/poly[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] hybrid materials
Authors: Pardini Francisco M. , Amalvy Javier I. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTPolyurethane (PU)/poly[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] hybrids, having a chemical bond between the PU and acrylic moieties and with different compositions, were prepared by the dispersion polymerization of 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEA) in the presence of preformed PU chains with polymerizable terminal vinyl groups. The PU dispersion was synthesized according to a prepolymer mixing process by the polyaddition of isophorone diisocyanate, poly(propylene glycol), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA). Then, it was dispersed in water by the prior neutralization of the carboxylic acid groups of DMPA with triethylamine, chain‐extended with ethylenediamine. The effect of the DEA content on the swelling properties (water uptake and dynamic swelling degree) at different pHs and at 37°C was determined. The samples were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental results indicate a higher water uptake when the DEA content was increased on the hybrid materials and a significant change in the kinetics of swelling at pH 4 compared to those at pH 7. The water content of the hydrogels depended on the DEA content, and it was inversely proportional to the pH value. The pure PU film did not show important changes over the pH range examined in this study. The synthesized hybrids were useful as drug‐delivery, pH‐sensitive matrices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39799.