bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile preparation of superhydrophobic polyester surfaces with fluoropolymer/SiO2 nanocomposites based on vinyl nanosilica hydrosols
Authors: Xu Lihui , Cai Zaisheng , Shen Yong , Wang Liming , Ding Ying 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTA facile method to prepare superhydrophobic fluoropolymer/SiO2 nanocomposites coating on polyester (PET) fabrics was presented. The vinyl nanosilica (VSiO2) hydrosols were prepared via one‐step water‐based sol‐gel reaction with vinyl trimethoxy silane as the precursors in the presence of the base catalyst and composite surfactant. Based on the VSiO2 hydrosol, a fluorinated acrylic polymer/silica (FAP/SiO2) nanocomposite was prepared by emulsion polymerization. The FAP/SiO2 nanocomposites were coated onto the polyester fabrics by one‐step process to achieve superhydrophobic surfaces. The results showed that silica nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the FAP/SiO2 nanocomposites, and a specific surface topography and a low surface free energy were simultaneously introduced onto PET fibers. The prepared PET fabric showed excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 151.5° for a 5 μL water droplet and a water shedding angle of 12° for a 15 μL. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40340.
Ageing and Community: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Provencher Claudine , Keating Norah , Warburton Jeni , Roos Vera 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPopulation ageing is one of the major contemporary issues facing societies across the world. Originally framed as a major social and economic challenge, demographic ageing is now beginning to be seen as offering huge potential to individuals as well as to their communities. It is this positive potential that we explore in this issue by utilising two key disciplinary approaches—social gerontology and social/community psychology. In this introduction, we argue that focus on only one or the other of these perspectives is limiting. Instead, a more critical approach is needed that incorporates the strengths of both disciplines in order to build a more complete and stronger understanding of ageing and community. Thus, a focus on social gerontology highlights ageing issues and explores the diversity of older people and their interactions with community. By incorporating a social/community psychology approach, there is potential to complement this body of work through a deeper level of analysis around community, as well as individual and relational dimensions. The result is a special issue that brings together these two perspectives to address some of the shortcomings of approaching ageing through solely one disciplinary lens. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation and incremental value of the hybrid algorithm for CTO PCI
Authors: Pershad Ashish , Eddin Moneer , Girotra Sudhakar , Cotugno Richard , Daniels David , Lombardi William 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the outcomes and benefits of using the hybrid algorithm for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).BackgroundThe hybrid algorithm harmonizes antegrade and retrograde techniques for performing CTO PCI. It has the potential to increase success rates and improve efficiency for CTO PCI. No previous data have analyzed the impact of this algorithm on CTO PCI success rates and procedural efficiency.MethodsRetrospective analysis of contemporary CTO PCI performed at two high‐volume centers with adoption of the hybrid technique was compared to previously published CTO outcomes in a well matched group of patients and lesion subsets.ResultsAfter adoption of the hybrid algorithm, technical success was significantly higher in the post hybrid algorithm group 189/198 (95.4%) vs the pre‐algorithm group 367/462 (79.4%) (P < 0.001). Procedural success in the post hybrid algorithm group 175/198 (88.3%) when compared to the pre‐algorithm group 360/462 (77.9%) (P < 0.001) was also significantly improved. Failure rates were significantly lower. Efficiency parameters including procedure time, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, and radiation doses all favored the post hybrid group but did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsThe validation of the hybrid algorithm has the potential to disseminate adoption of CTO PCI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity of brachial versus femoral vein injection of agitated saline to detect right‐to‐left shunts with Transcranial Doppler
Authors: Gevorgyan Rubine , Perlowski Alice , Shenoda Michael , Mojadidi M. Khalid , Agrawal Harsh , Tobis Jonathan M. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundTranscranial Doppler (TCD) can detect a right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) with high sensitivity but has a 5% chance of a false negative study. TCD is usually performed with injection of agitated saline into an arm vein. We compared the sensitivity of TCD performed from the brachial versus femoral veins.MethodsPatients presenting to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) were enrolled. Power M‐mode Transcranial Doppler (Terumo 150 PMD) was conducted. After injection of a mixture of 8 cc of agitated saline, 0.5 cc of air, and 1 cc of blood into the brachial vein, embolic tracks were counted over the middle cerebral arteries. The degree of RLS was evaluated by TCD at rest, and with Valsalva at 40 mmHg aided by visual feedback with a manometer device. The test was repeated using femoral venous injections.ResultsSixty five patients were enrolled, mean age 52, 43% male. TCD grades were significantly higher with femoral injections compared to brachial injections at rest (p<0.0001), and with the Valsalva maneuver (p<0.0001). The presence of a RLS was confirmed by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during cardiac catheterization in 62 (95.4%) patients.ConclusionThe sensitivity of TCD for detection of RLS is increased when agitated saline injections are performed through the femoral vein. In patients with a high clinical suspicion for RLS, low TCD grades obtained with traditional brachial venous access should be interpreted with caution. When possible, a repeat study using femoral venous access may be considered. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Organic Sulfide in Precursors on the Pore Structure of High‐Surface Area Activated Carbons
Authors: Zhang Huaihao , Jiang Yuanyuan , Gu Jiangna , Zhao Jing , Zhang Xiaoxing , Wang Chengyin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAnalogous precursors in the presence of sulfide dibenzothiophene (DBT) were employed to prepare high‐surface area activated carbons (HAC) by KOH chemical activation, in order to investigate the influence of the DBT content on the pore structure of the resultant HAC. The results indicate that the DBT in the precursor can react with and consume a certain amount of the activation agent KOH, thus reducing the actual KOH/coke ratio, which imposes a clear negative effect on the pore structure development. However, regardless of how high the DBT content is in the precursor, no residual sulfur is found in the obtained HAC. The HAC with developed porosity can also be achieved by just increasing the KOH dosage to compensate for the amount consumed in the DBT reaction during the activation process, which provides a high value‐added utilization way for organic sulfur‐containing minerals.
Career Exploration and Perceived Employability within an Emerging Economy Context
Authors: Forstenlechner Ingo , Selim Hassan , Baruch Yehuda , Madi Mohamed 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFollowing four decades of unprecedented economic, social, and cultural change, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) labor market is highly segmented: The native population is almost exclusively employed in the government sector, while the private sector is effectively outsourced to foreigners. This has created an unsustainable situation with growing numbers of young citizens reaching working age and with a public sector that has reached the saturation point. Policymakers repeatedly try to legislate to encourage private‐sector employers to hire citizens. These policies have had limited success. We explored the career attitudes of 2,267 United Arab Emirates citizens prior to their entry into the labor market. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the social contract and resulting expectations toward state employment have strong implications for willingness to work in the private sector. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromosomal microarray analysis as a first‐tier clinical diagnostic test: Estonian experience
Authors: Žilina Olga , Teek Rita , Tammur Pille , Kuuse Kati , Yakoreva Maria , Vaidla Eve , Mölter‐Väär Triin , Reimand Tiia , Kurg Ants , Õunap Katrin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractChromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is now established as the first‐tier cytogenetic diagnostic test for fast and accurate detection of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), multiple congenital anomalies (MCA), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We present our experience with using CMA for postnatal and prenatal diagnosis in Estonian patients during 2009–2012. Since 2011, CMA is on the official service list of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund and is performed as the first‐tier cytogenetic test for patients with DD/ID, MCA or ASD. A total of 1191 patients were analyzed, including postnatal (1072 [90%] patients and 59 [5%] family members) and prenatal referrals (60 [5%] fetuses). Abnormal results were reported in 298 (25%) patients, with a total of 351 findings (1–3 per individual): 147 (42%) deletions, 106 (30%) duplications, 89 (25%) long contiguous stretches of homozygosity (LCSH) events (>5 Mb), and nine (3%) aneuploidies. Of all findings, 143 (41%) were defined as pathogenic or likely pathogenic; for another 143 findings (41%), most of which were LCSH, the clinical significance remained unknown, while 61 (18%) reported findings can now be reclassified as benign or likely benign. Clinically relevant findings were detected in 126 (11%) patients. However, the proportion of variants of unknown clinical significance was quite high (41% of all findings). It seems that our ability to detect chromosomal abnormalities has far outpaced our ability to understand their role in disease. Thus, the interpretation of CMA findings remains a rather difficult task requiring a close collaboration between clinicians and cytogeneticists.
Massive Growth of the Invasive Algae Didymosphenia Geminata Associated with Discharges from a Mountain Reservoir Alters the Taxonomic and Functional Structure of Macroinvertebrate Community
Authors: Ladrera Rubén , Rieradevall Maria , Prat Narcís 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to determine the alteration of the taxonomic composition and functional structure of macroinvertebrate community associated with a massive growth of the invasive algae Didymosphenia geminata downstream of a mountain reservoir (Pajares Reservoir, La Rioja, Northern Spain). As the massive growth of the alga disappears a few kilometres downstream of the reservoir associated with the input of nutrients from a nearby village sewage, we may compare the community composition between nine stations in three different conditions: three stations heavily affected by the presence of D. geminata, three further downstream stations without the algal massive growth but affected by river regulation and three control stations (unregulated and without the algae). Results show a significant disturbance of the composition and structure of macroinvertebrate community in sites affected by the stream flow regulation downstream of the dam compared with unregulated streams, but the alterations are more dramatic in the area where the growth of D. geminata is massive because of the total substrate occupation by the algal filaments. Scrapers and others invertebrates living on the coarse substrate are especially affected at such sites. Moreover, an important increase in the relative abundance of chironomids is associated with the algal massive growth, especially in case of Eukiefferiella devonica and Cricotopus spp., reducing the assemblage diversity and leading to the taxonomic and functional homogenization of the community. Changes in the reservoir management (such as releasing the water from surface rather than from the hypolimnion) may be useful to control the massive growth of D. geminata and thus reducing the effects of river regulation on macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor: changes in anatomy during and after first pregnancy
Authors: van Veelen G. A. , Schweitzer K. J. , van der Vaart C. H. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo describe changes in the absolute values of levator hiatal dimensions and in the contractility and distensibility of the levator hiatus during pelvic floor contraction and Valsalva maneuver, using three/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) transperineal ultrasound in women during and after their first pregnancy.MethodsTwo‐hundred and eighty nulliparous pregnant women underwent ultrasound examination at 12 and 36 weeks' gestation and 6 months postpartum. Hiatal dimensions were measured at rest, on pelvic floor contraction and on Valsalva maneuver. The contractility and distensibility were determined by the difference between hiatal dimensions at rest and those on contraction or Valsalva, respectively. After exclusions, there were 231 datasets from women at rest, 199 for pelvic floor contraction and 230 for Valsalva maneuver. Data at 36 weeks' gestation and 6 months postpartum were compared with data at 12 weeks' gestation.ResultsAt 36 weeks' gestation, the absolute values of hiatal dimensions and the contractility and distensibility of the levator hiatus were significantly increased compared with those at 12 weeks' gestation. Women who delivered vaginally showed a persistent significant increase in hiatal dimensions on Valsalva, whereas women who delivered by prelabor or first‐stage Cesarean section showed no significant changes in hiatal dimensions on Valsalva. After both vaginal and Cesarean section delivery, there was a persistent increase in the distensibility of the hiatus during Valsalva compared with in early pregnancy.ConclusionDuring first pregnancy, the absolute values of levator hiatal dimensions and the contractility and distensibility of the levator hiatus increase. Regardless of delivery mode, increased distensibility of the levator hiatus during Valsalva persists after childbirth. This increased pelvic floor distensibility may play a role in the development of pelvic floor dysfunction in later life. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Increased aortic stiffness and blood pressure in non‐classic Pompe disease
Authors: Wens Stephan C. A. , Kuperus Esther , Mattace‐Raso Francesco U. S. , Kruijshaar Michelle E. , Brusse Esther , van Montfort Kees C. A. G. M. , de Boer Marjan Scheltens‐ , Sijbrands Eric J. G. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , van Doorn Pieter A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractVascular abnormalities and glycogen accumulation in vascular smooth muscle fibres have been described in Pompe disease. Using carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), the gold standard methodology for determining aortic stiffness, we studied whether aortic stiffness is increased in patients with Pompe disease. Eighty‐four adult Pompe patients and 179 age‐ and gender‐matched volunteers participated in this cross‐sectional case‐controlled study. Intima media thickness and the distensibility of the right common carotid artery were measured using a Duplex scanner. Aortic augmentation index, central pulse pressure, aortic reflexion time and cfPWV were assessed using the SphygmoCor® system. CfPWV was higher in patients than in volunteers (8.8 versus 7.4 m/s, p < 0.001). This difference was still present after adjustment for age, gender, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001), and was shown by subgroup analysis to apply to the 40‐59 years age group (p = 0.004) and 60+ years age group (p = 0.01), but not to younger age groups (p = 0.99). Except for a shorter aortic reflexion time (p = 0.02), indirect indicators of arterial stiffness did not differ between patients and volunteers. Relative to volunteers (20 %), more Pompe patients had a history of hypertension (36 %, p = 0.005), and the MAP was higher than in volunteers (100 versus 92 mmHg, p < 0.001). This study shows that patients with non‐classic Pompe disease have increased aortic stiffness and blood pressure. Whether this is due to glycogen accumulation requires further investigation. To reduce the potential risk of cardiovascular diseases, we recommend that blood pressure and other common cardiovascular risk factors are monitored regularly.
A prospective study of adolescent risk and protective factors for problem gambling among young adults
Authors: Scholes‐Balog Kirsty E. , Hemphill Sheryl A. , Dowling Nicki A. , Toumbourou John W. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThere is a paucity of research examining prospective predictors of problem gambling. The current study utilised a large longitudinal data set (N = 2328) to examine a large range of adolescent risk and protective factors for problem gambling in young adulthood. These risk and protective factors covered the domains of the community, family, school, peer group and individual. Numerous predictors associated with the family, school and peer‐individual were statistically significant in analyses adjusted for gender and age. However, in the fully adjusted multivariate analyses, only two predictors were statistically significant. Within this model, gender (female) was associated with a reduced risk of young adult problem gambling, while family rewards for prosocial involvement moderated the risk relationship between adolescent alcohol use and young adult problem gambling. These findings highlight the importance of adolescent alcohol use and family environment as potentially modifiable predictors of young adult problem gambling.
Risk factors for severe perineal lacerations during childbirth
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasileios , Vlachos Dimitrios , Protopapas Athanasios , Pappa Kaliopi , Vlachos Georgios 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundSevere perineal lacerations represent a significant complication of normal labor with a strong impact on quality of life.ObjectivesTo identify factors that lead to the occurrence of severe perineal lacerations.Search strategyWe searched MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and reference lists from all included studies.Selection criteriaWe included prospective and retrospective observational studies.Data collection and analysisPredetermined data were collected and analyzed with the Mantel–Haenszel fixed‐effects model or the DerSimonian–Laird random‐effects model.Main resultsThe meta‐analysis included 22 studies (n = 651 934). Women with severe perineal tears were more likely to have had heavier infants (mean difference 192.88 g [95% CI, 139.80–245.96 g]), an episiotomy (OR 3.82 [95% CI, 1.96–7.42]), or an operative vaginal delivery (OR 5.10 [95% CI, 3.33–7.83]). Epidural anesthesia (OR 1.95 [95% CI, 1.63–2.32]), labor induction (OR 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02–1.14]), and labor augmentation (OR 1.95 [95% CI, 1.56–2.44]) were also more common among women with perineal lacerations.ConclusionsVarious factors contribute to the occurrence of perineal lacerations. Future studies should consistently evaluate all examined parameters to determine their possible interrelation.
BELLIGERENT REPRISALS IN NON-INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS
Authors: Bílková Veronika 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe paper offers the first comprehensive treatment of the applicability and regulation of belligerent reprisals in non-international armed conflicts. It introduces three approaches to the topic (‘extralegal’, ‘permissive’ and ‘restrictive’ approaches) which all enjoy some support among States and scholars. The paper shows that international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties, IHL customs and other legal sources do not make it possible to decide between these approaches, as they are either silent on the topic or allow for several interpretations. It is the assessment of extralegal considerations and of the general framework of IHL which allows us to conclude that belligerent reprisals are inapplicable in non-international armed conflicts (‘extralegal’ approach). Yet, there are signs indicating that a gradual shift toward the ‘restrictive’ approach could be under way. The paper cautions against a premature acceptance of this approach drawing attention to its limits.
Molecular phylogeny resolves a taxonomic misunderstanding and placesGeisleriaclose toAbsconditellas. str. (Ostropales:Stictidaceae)
Authors: APTROOT André , PARNMEN Sittiporn , LÜCKING Robert , BALOCH Elisabeth , JUNGBLUTH Patricia , CÁCERES Marcela E. S. , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe phylogenetic position of the genusGeisleriaand its type speciesG. sychnogonioideswas reconstructed using sequence data of the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), the nuclear large subunit rDNA (nuLSU) and the first subunit of the RNA polymerase (RPB1). The species, previously classified inVerrucariaceae(Eurotiomycetes) andStrigulaceae(Dothideomycetes), is sister to the type of the genusAbsconditella,A. sphagnorum, and nested within the generaAbsconditellaandCryptodiscuscombined (which also includes the lichenizedBryophagus). At first glance it appears to be a further example of parallel evolution of perithecioid ascomata withinStictidaceae(Lecanoromycetes:Ostropales), besidesOstropaandRobergea, adding to the growing list of perithecioid forms nested within apothecioid lineages in Ostropomycetidae, and specificallyOstropales, with other examples known fromGraphidaceae(several genera),Gyalectaceae(Belonia), andPorinaceae. However, revision of type material collected by Nitschke revealed that the species actually develops typical apothecia with a narrowly exposed disc. We conclude thatGeisleria sychnogonoideswas erroneously considered a pyrenocarpous taxon, because in dry conditions the apothecia are closed and not recognizable as such. The species usually grows on unstable soil and therefore often only develops young, more or less closed ascomata (yet with mature ascospores), and has also been confused with the superficially similarBelonia incarnata, in which the ascomata remain closed even when mature.Geisleriasychnogonioideshas so far only been known as a rarely reported pioneer species from loamy soils in Europe and North America. Here it is reported to occur abundantly on lateritic soils in subtropical Brazil, suggesting that it is cosmopolitan and possibly common, but much overlooked.
Effekte sprachlicher Förderung sowie sozialer Aspekte auf sprachliche Lernzuwächse bei Kindern mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund im Vorschulalter
Authors: Schwab Susanne , Gasteiger-Klicpera Barbara , Patzelt Doreen , Riemenschneider Ingo C. , Knapp Werner , Kucharz Diemut 
Published: January 2014

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die Effekte von sozialen Aspekten, Alter, Förderung im Kindergartenalltag und spezieller Sprachförderung sowie des Ausgangsniveaus von Intelligenz und sprachlichen Fähigkeiten auf die sprachlichen Lernzuwächse von Vorschulkindern. Die Leistungsentwicklung von 1150 Kindergartenkindern wurde im Längsschnitt zu Beginn und am Ende eines Kindergartenjahres erfasst. Die sprachlichen Fähigkeiten wurden mit dem Sprachscreening für das Vorschulalter (SSV) getestet. Bei der multiplen Regressionsanalyse zur Vorhersage der Lernzuwächse im Satzgedächtnis zeigten neben dem Alter das phonologische Arbeitsgedächtnis für Nichtwörter, häuslicher Buchbestand sowie der Migrationshintergrund signifikante Einflüsse. Für Lernzuwächse im phonologischen Arbeitsgedächtnis erwiesen sich der Migrationshintergrund sowie die Ausgangsleistung im Satzgedächtnis als signifikante Prädiktoren. Einflüsse der Sprachförderung auf die sprachliche Leistungsentwicklung konnten nur bei geringen Ausgangsleistungen und bei Kindern mit Migrationshintergrund gefunden werden.