bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of a flexor digitorum superficialis motor branch for wrist extension reconstruction in C5–C8 root injuries of the brachial plexus: A case series
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto , Ghizoni Marcos Flávio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn brachial plexus injuries, though nerve transfers and root grafts have improved the results for shoulder and elbow reconstruction, wrist extension has received little attention. We operated on three young patients with C5–C8 root injuries of the left brachial plexus, each operated upon within 6 months of trauma. For wrist extension reconstruction, we transferred a proximal branch of the flexor digitorum superficialis to the motor branch of the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Twenty‐four months after surgery, all patients recovered some degree of active wrist motion, from full flexion to near neutral. Independent control of finger flexion and wrist extension was not observed. In C5–C8 root injuries of the brachial plexus, transfer of a flexor digitorum superficialis motor branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis produces limited recovery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Unsupported advance length in tunnels constructed using New Austrian Tunnelling Method and ground surface settlement
Authors: Nemati Hayati Ali , Ahmadi Mohammad Mehdi , Hajjar Mahdi , Kashighandi Aliakbar 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYTunnels constructed using New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) are always based on certain round (unsupported) advance lengths, after which, the temporary lining is placed. The settlement of the ground surface resulting from such construction is of high significance in design and practice. The existing data in this respect, however, is scarce. It is the aim of this paper to propose a semi‐analytical procedure based on three‐dimensional finite element analyses to predict the maximum surface settlement of the ground in NATM tunnels under different combinations of tunnel diameter, overburden depth, round length and soil and lining properties. The comparison of the results with three case histories of real tunnels reveals reasonable accuracy of the present solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD133 as a biomarker for putative cancer stem cells in solid tumours: limitations, problems and challenges
Authors: Grosse‐Gehling Philipp , Fargeas Christine A , Dittfeld Claudia , Garbe Yvette , Alison Malcolm R , Corbeil Denis , Kunz‐Schughart Leoni A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis, despite the limitations of the currently available models and assays, has ushered in a new era of excitement in cancer research. The development of novel strategies for anti‐tumour therapy relies on the use of biomarkers to identify, enrich, and/or isolate the cell population(s) of interest. In this context, various cell characteristics and antigen expression profiles are discussed as surrogate markers. The cell surface expression of the human prominin‐1 (CD133) antigen, in particular of the AC133 epitope, is among those that have been most frequently studied in solid cancers, although no mechanism has yet been proposed to link CD133 expression with the CSC phenotype. Some inconsistencies between published data can be ascribed to different analytical tools as well as methodological limitations and pitfalls, highlighted in the present review. Therefore, a comprehensive overview on the current state of knowledge in this growing and exciting field with an emphasis on the most recent studies is presented. We highlight the link between the tumour microenvironment, tumour cell plasticity, and CD133 expression, and evaluate the utility of CD133 expression as a prognostic marker. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal tissue Doppler imaging in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia with or without intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Zhou Qiongjie , Ren Yunyun , Yan Yingliu , Chu Chen , Gui Yonghao , Li Xiaotian 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study's aim was to evaluate the effect of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on fetal cardiac function, and the relationship of the latter with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Material and methodsWe did a cross‐sectional study of 132 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, 34 with preeclampsia without IUGR, and 12 with preeclampsia and IUGR. Fetal cardiac structure and function were evaluated using fetal two‐dimension ultrasound, pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Data were analyzed by t‐tests, ANOVA, Chi‐square tests, or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test.ResultsCompared with the normal pregnancy group, mitral/tricuspid early systolic peak velocity of annulus/late diastolic peak velocity of annulus (Sa) and left ventricular (LV)/right ventricular (RV) early diastolic peak velocity at the annulus (Ea) in TDI decreased in preeclampsia with or without IUGR (P < 0.05). LV/RV Ea underwent a gestational decrease in preeclampsia with or without IUGR (P < 0.05). The changes in mitral/tricuspid Sa and LV Sa associated with preeclampsia were even more pronounced with preterm delivery at less than 34 gestational weeks and stillbirth (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIntrauterine growth restriction influences fetal cardiac function in the presence of preeclampsia, and TDI may be a sensitive and preferable method to detect such changes. Fetal LV/RV Ea is a potential marker for early fetal cardiac diastolic impairment, and mitral/tricuspid Sa and LV Sa may be predictors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognosis and outcome of pregnancies exposed to renin–angiotensin system blockers
Authors: Spaggiari Emmanuel , Heidet Laurence , Grange Gilles , Guimiot Fabien , Dreux Sophie , Delezoide Anne‐Lise ,   Renin–Angiotensin System Blockers Study Group, Muller Françoise 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo study pregnancy outcomes and fetal renal prognosis markers in cases of exposure to renin–angiotensin system blockers.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of a series of 21 patients exposed to blockers of the renin–angiotensin system during pregnancy. Two markers were prenatally studied, fetal serum β2‐microglobulin and amniotic fluid volume. Poor renal prognosis evaluation was based on postnatal glomerular filtration rate or on the presence of renal histologic lesions.ResultsOf the 21 fetuses, only one had a normal postnatal renal function at birth (oligohydramnios regression and normal β2‐microglobulin). All fetuses with persistent oligohydramnios or β2‐microglobulin ≥5 mg/L presented an adverse renal outcome.ConclusionExposure to renin–angiotensin system blockers complicated by oligohydramnios is associated with a very poor outcome. We propose a prenatal management based on amniotic fluid volume monitoring and fetal serum β2‐microglobulin. However, our preliminary results have to be confirmed by a larger study. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated and first trimester prenatal screening in California: program implementation and patient choice for follow‐up services
Authors: Currier Robert , Wu Nerissa , Van Meter Karla , Goldman Sara , Lorey Fred , Flessel Monica 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe California Prenatal Screening Program serves over 350 000 women annually. This study examines utilization rates for the various screening options and patient choices regarding follow‐up services.MethodsThe study tracked patients with first trimester positive results for Down syndrome to examine patient decisions regarding follow‐up services and/or additional screening and to identify determinants of patient decisions. For first trimester screen positive women who elected further screening, second trimester integrated screening results were analyzed. The Genetic Disease Screening Program Chromosome Registry was used to identify Down syndrome cases.ResultsEthnicity, but not age, was a strong predictor of acceptance of prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 47% of first trimester screen positive women opted for further screening. Among these women, 46% percent received an integrated screen negative result. All but one confirmed Down syndrome case in this cohort were still screen positive.ConclusionsData from the California Prenatal Screening Program indicate that all of the major screening modalities continue to be utilized. The wide range of choices made by women with screen positive results demonstrate the importance of including multiple options within the Program. Providing integrated screening to first trimester Down syndrome screen positive women reduced the number of unnecessary invasive procedures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal forearm anomalies: prenatal diagnosis, associations and management strategy
Authors: Pajkrt Eva , Cicero Simona , Griffin David R. , van Maarle M. C. , Chitty Lyn S. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the underlying associations in fetuses with forearm anomalies, and to derive a management strategy to improve prenatal diagnosis and parental counselling.MethodsA retrospective review of fetal medicine unit records to identify all cases with an absent, short or abnormal radius and/or ulna. Cases with a generalised skeletal dysplasia were excluded. Fetal medicine, maternal, neonatal and, where appropriate, histopathological reports, were reviewed.ResultsSixty‐six cases were identified. Two were lost to follow‐up and subsequently omitted. Chromosomal anomalies accounted for 19 cases (29.7%), genetic syndromes for 19 (29.7%) and isolated forearm defects for 15 cases (23%). A definitive postnatal diagnosis was made in 54 cases (84%). In 45 of the 64 (70%) cases, a correct prenatal diagnosis was made. Cases with bilateral lesions had a significantly higher association with aneuploidy and genetic syndromes, while those with a sonographically isolated unilateral forearm defect had a very low incidence of other underlying pathology.ConclusionFetuses with bilateral forearm defects or those with unilateral lesions and other abnormalities detected prenatally have a high incidence of aneuploidy and genetic syndromes. Isolated, unilateral lesions usually have a good prognosis. A management strategy is presented to aid accurate prenatal diagnosis and parental counselling. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical computation and experimental study of air drawing model of polymers in spunbonding nonwoven process
Authors: Bo Zhao 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe air drawing model of polyethylene terephthalate polymer and the model of the air jet flow field in spunbonding process are established. The air jet flow field model is simulated with the help of the finite difference method. The numerical simulation computation results of distributions of the air velocity and air temperature are in agreement with the experimental data. The air drawing model of polymer is solved with the aid of the distributions of the air velocity measured by a particle image velocimetry. The predicted fiber diameters tally with the experimental data well. It can be concluded that the higher initial air temperature can generate finer filament fiber diameter, and the higher initial air velocity can yield the finer fiber diameter as well. The experimental results show that the agreement between the predicted results and the experimental data is very good, which confirms the reliability and the accuracy of these mathematical models. Also, they reveal great prospects for this work in the field of computer assisted design of spunbonding process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. ©2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly‐left‐lactic acid tubular scaffolds via diffusion induced phase separation: Control of morphology
Authors: Pavia Francesco Carfì , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Ghersi Giulio , Brucato Valerio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this work, tubular poly‐left‐lactic acid scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering applications were produced by an innovative two‐step method. The scaffolds were obtained by performing a dip‐coating around a nylon fiber, followed by a diffusion induced phase separation process. Morphological analysis revealed that the internal lumen of the as‐obtained scaffold is equal to the diameter of the fiber utilized; the internal surface is homogeneous with micropores 1–2 μm large. Moreover, a porous open structure was detected across the thickness of the walls of the scaffold. An accurate analysis of the preparation process revealed that it is possible to tune up the morphology of the scaffold (wall thickness, porosity, and average pore dimension), simply by varying some experimental parameters. Preliminary in vitro cell culture tests were carried out inside the scaffold. The results showed that cells are able to grow within the internal surface of the scaffolds and after 3 weeks they begin to form a “primordial” vessel‐like structure. Modeling predictions of the dip‐coating process display always an underestimate of experimental data (dependence of wall thickness upon extraction rate). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Environmental stress cracking: A review
Authors: Robeson Lloyd M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEnvironmental stress failure of polymers (specifically glassy thermoplastics) is a major failure mode in application end use. The environmental stress failure discussion will primarily be limited to non‐reactive environments. Crystalline polymers and even lightly crosslinked polymers can exhibit similar failure to glassy polymers but often require a much higher external applied stress. The mechanisms of environmental stress cracking proposed in the literature will be discussed in detail along with testing methods commonly employed. Approaches to resolve environmental stress failure have limited discussion in the open literature although a significant number of references can be found in the patent literature. Polymer blend approaches, fiberglass reinforcement, and impact modification are areas where industry has solved the environmental stress failure problems. An additional unique mode of failure with water exposure in glassy engineering polymers yielding microcavity formation will also be discussed. Environmental stress failure is an area of considerable concern to the utilization of polymers in a myriad of applications and the unsolved problems existing in the area will be detailed suggesting the need for additional research attention. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The tensile force oscillation of polycarbonate at elevated temperatures
Authors: Chiang Donyau , Tsai Meng‐Leung , Lee Sanboh 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTensile testing of polycarbonate (PC) with and without gamma‐ray irradiation at elevated temperatures was investigated. Two deformation mechanisms, the shear bands at low temperatures and the craze formation at high temperatures accompanied with force oscillation, were responsible for the deformation. The tensile force oscillation was observed during the tensile testing in air, but not in water or oil. This difference is attributed to the periodic variation in the elastic modulus of PC, caused by local temperature change during the deformation process. Note that air is a poor medium for heat conduction, whereas water and oil are good conductors. In addition to the test environment, the effect of the crosshead speed on the force oscillation was also investigated. The oscillation was preferably observed at lower crosshead speeds within the testing range, and was more pronounced for the irradiated specimens. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the thermodynamics of solid solutions of polymer and salt
Authors: Chan Chin Han , Kammer Hans‐Werner , Sim Lai Har , Nasir N.H. Abdul , Winie Tan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSolid solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) of different molecular masses (Mη from 6 × 105 to 4 × 106 g mol−1) and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) were prepared by solution casting method. Salt concentrations of solutions vary between around 2 and 13 wt%. Thermodynamic properties of these solutions are reported in the range of low salt content. The solutions represent two‐phase systems mostly not in equilibrium at room temperature. They consist of neat crystalline PEO and an amorphous mixture of salt and polymer. Crystallinity of PEO in salt solutions stays constant with increasing salt content and is independent of molecular mass. Crystallinities serve determining share and composition of the amorphous phase. Glass transition temperature increases linearly with salt content in the amorphous phase. Depression of equilibrium melting points by addition of salt provides activity coefficients in solutions and allows for estimation of degrees of dissociation. Rate of crystallization of poly(ethylene oxide) depends exponentially on inverse undercooling. In that way, it is also coined by equilibrium melting point depression. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular simulations of poly(2,5‐benzimidazole): Effect of water concentration, phosphoric acid doping, and temperature on hydrogen bonding and vehicular diffusion
Authors: Li Shuo , Fried J.R. , Colebrook John 
Published: August 2012

AbstractResults of atomistic simulations of neat, hydrated, and phosphoric acid (PA)‐doped poly(2,5‐benzimidazole) (ABPBI) are reported in this article, with an emphasis on the effect of water concentration, PA‐doping level, and temperature on the hydrogen bond network and vehicular diffusion. Analysis of radial distribution functions indicates that varying water concentrations and PA‐doping levels does not have a significant effect on hydrogen bond lengths; however, high temperature causes hydrogen bond lengths to increase reflecting lower bond strength. Calculations of the number of hydrogen bonds indicate those involving PA increase with PA‐doping level, decrease with increasing temperature, and increase with decreasing water content. Sorption calculations using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo indicate the number of water molecules absorbed per 100 ABPBI repeat units is 141.5 at 298 K, in agreement with the experimental value. Vehicular diffusion coefficients in PA‐doped ABPBI decrease in the order: water > PA > ABPBI. Specifically, the vehicular diffusion of PA increases with PA‐doping level, temperature, and water content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and release of avermectin‐loaded cellulose acetate ultrafinefibers
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Zhang Yanhong , Lv Lili , Li Jian 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, avermectin (AVM) was successfully dispersed in a cellulose acetate (CA) solution. CA/AVM composite fibers were fabricated by electrospinning the blending solution containing different amounts of AVM. Further investigation indicated that the composite fibers showed continuously changed morphologies with the concentration of AVM increasing. The electrospun fibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The release behavior of the composite fibers was studied at pH = 7.4 and buffer media at 27°C and the amounts of AVM at different release steps were determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Furthermore, AVM release from the CA/AVM samples showed two stages‐initial fast and later slow release. The two stages supplied a continuous release to achieve the effective utilization of AVM. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of nanoclay‐carbon black hybrid fillers on cure and properties of natural rubber compounds
Authors: Sapkota Janak , Poikelispää Minna , Das Amit , Dierkes Wilma , Vuorinen Jyrki 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe influence of organically modified nanoclay‐carbon black (CB) hybrid filler on the curing behavior of natural rubber (NR) was explored in this investigation. Here an effort was paid to understand the curing kinetics of organomodified nanoclay filled rubber compounds. On the basis of two different types of modified clay, NR nanocomposites were prepared and cured by a conventional vulcanization system. A faster curing rate and lower torque values were found when the modification was done by quaternary ammonium compounds. The activation energy of the rubber curing process decreased with the incorporation of nanoclay. In addition, it was revealed that the quaternary ammonium compounds used as modifier in the clay show a plasticization effect. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction studies indicated, that the basal spacing of the clay minerals was increased in both cases after incorporation in the rubber matrix. The dynamic mechanical analysis using a strain sweep mode showed that the Payne effect decreases because of an improved dispersion of CB induced by the presence of nanoclay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flow and thermally induced birefringence in gas‐assisted tubular injection moldings: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Carrillo Antonio J. , Isayev A.I. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractVarious components of birefringence in polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC) tubular moldings, obtained by gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM), are measured and simulated considering both flow‐ and thermally induced stresses. The flow‐ and thermally induced stresses are calculated using nonlinear and linear viscoelastic theories, respectively, based on the flow and temperature histories that the polymer experiences during the GAIM cycle. Flow‐induced birefringence components are calculated from flow stresses using the stress optical rule, while thermally induced birefringence components are calculated from thermal stresses using a photoviscoelastic model. The simulated total residual birefringence takes into account the contributions of both flow‐ and thermally induced birefringence generated during the melt injection, gas injection, and cooling stages of GAIM. The simulated results are in better agreement with the measured birefringence in PS moldings than in PC moldings. Considering both thermal and flow birefringence, simulations provides a better description of the experimental results indicating that, in GAIM moldings, the birefringence near the mold was caused mainly by flow stresses while that located towards the polymer/gas interface was caused mainly by thermal stresses. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
‘It's all bad news’: the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Arber Anne , Spencer Lesley 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.MethodsThis study uses a grounded theory approach with semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.ResultsThe key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ‘ it's all bad news’, ‘good and bad days’ and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short‐term perspective on their illness but worried about the long‐term outcome and the speed of their deterioration.ConclusionsPatients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.