bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The transvaginal probe as a uterine manipulator: a new technique to simplify transabdominal chorionic villus sampling in cases with difficult access to the trophoblast
Authors: Bertucci E. , Pati M. , Cani C. , Volpe A. , Mazza V. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of using the transvaginal probe to manipulate the uterus and change the position of the trophoblast, and to simplify access to the chorionic villus under difficult conditions.MethodsOne thousand five hundred and thirty‐nine procedures were performed in our centre in 1524 pregnant women from September 2006 to September 2009. In 90 of these, a difficult access to the trophoblast was observed and uterine manipulation under continuous ultrasound guidance with a double needle technique, was applied to obtain the sample. Of these, 86 samples were taken from singleton pregnancies and 4 from two bichorionic twin pregnanciesResultsOne thousand five hundred and thirty‐nine transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA‐CVS) procedures were conducted on 1524 pregnant women. As many as 1449 were performed without manipulation with the transvaginal probe and in 90 cases the manipulation was carried out. In 89 cases, access to the trophoblast was difficult and the uterus was manipulated, which enabled an adequate TA‐CVS to be performed with a single aspiration. In one case, TA‐CVS was not performed due to significant pelvic pain in a patient with a fixed, retroflexed uterus and a previous history of endometriosis.ConclusionsUterine manipulation with the transvaginal probe may be a useful solution in cases where TA‐CVS is limited by difficult access to the trophoblast. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second trimester fetal nasal bone length in a low‐risk Turkish population
Authors: Yanik Filiz Fatma , Eroglu Derya , Baser Eralp , Dursun Polat , Kisa Karakaya Burcu 
Published: June 2011

ObjectiveTo define normal values of second trimester fetal nasal bone length (NBL) in a low‐risk Turkish population.MethodPrenatal records of singleton fetuses who underwent second trimester ultrasonographic examination in the 16 to 23 weeks of pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed for NBL and biometric measurements (BPD, FL and HL). The relationship among NBL and gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL) and humerus length (HL) was determined. Additionally, percentile values of NBL for each gestational week were provided.ResultsA total of 1467 fetuses were included in this study. There was a significant linear association among NBL and GA (R2 = 0.709), BPD (R2 = 0.752), FL (R2 = 0.742) and HL (R2 = 0.747). Fifth percentile values of fetal NBL were 3.11 mm for 16th, 3.50 mm for 17th, 3.70 mm for 18th, 4.10 mm for 19th, 4.50 mm for 20th, 4.62 mm for 21st, 5.24 mm for 22nd and 5.37 mm for 23rd gestational weeks.ConclusionThe study provides normal ranges of NBL between 16 and 23 weeks of pregnancy in a low‐risk Turkish population. Future studies with larger sample sizes including pregnancies carrying high risk for aneuploidy are needed to define cut‐off values for NBL. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing security and privacy concerns over data storage in healthcare research
Authors: Mackenzie Isla S. , Mantay Brian J. , McDonnell Patrick G. , Wei Li , MacDonald Thomas M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeIssues surrounding data security and privacy are of great importance when handling sensitive health‐related data for research. The emphasis in the past has been on balancing the risks to individuals with the benefit to society of the use of databases for research. However, a new way of looking at such issues is that by optimising procedures and policies regarding security and privacy of data to the extent that there is no appreciable risk to the privacy of individuals, we can create a ‘win–win’ situation in which everyone benefits, and pharmacoepidemiological research can flourish with public support. We discuss holistic measures, involving both information technology and people, taken to improve the security and privacy of data storage.MethodsAfter an internal review, we commissioned an external audit by an independent consultant with a view to optimising our data storage and handling procedures.ResultsImprovements to our policies and procedures were implemented as a result of the audit.ConclusionsBy optimising our storage of data, we hope to inspire public confidence and hence cooperation with the use of health care data in research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear and networked polymers formed by the near simultaneous occurrence of etherification and esterification under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Parthiban Anbanandam , Ming Choo Foo , Chai Christina L L 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDespite the large difference in their nucleophilicity, phenoxide and carboxylate anions take part nearly simultaneously in the aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reaction with 1,4‐dibromo‐2‐butene. This leads to the formation of ether (O) and ester (COO) linkages simultaneously under mild reaction conditions when hydroxyl benzoic acids are employed as nucleophiles. The process yields a new class of polymer broadly classified as unsaturated poly(ether ester) which are potentially functionalizable. This methodology has also been extended for preparing networked polymers by making use of 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid as A3 type monomer. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Micromechanical modeling of the deformation kinetics of semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Sedighiamiri A. , Govaert L. E. , van Dommelen J. A. W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of semicrystalline polymers is strongly dependent on their crystallinity level, the initial underlying microstructure, and the evolution of this structure during deformation. A previously developed micromechanical constitutive model is used to capture the elasto‐viscoplastic deformation and texture evolution in semicrystalline polymers. The model represents the material as an aggregate of two‐phase layered composite inclusions, consisting of crystalline lamellae and amorphous layers. This work focuses on adding quantitative abilities to the multiscale constitutive model, in particular for the stress‐dependence of the rate of plastic deformation, referred to as the slip kinetics. To do that, the previously used viscoplastic power law relation is replaced with an Eyring flow rule. The slip kinetics are then re‐evaluated and characterized using a hybrid numerical/experimental procedure, and the results are validated for uniaxial compression data of HDPE, at various strain rates. A double yield phenomenon is observed in the model prediction. Texture analysis shows that the double yield point in the model is due to morphological changes during deformation, that induce a change of deformation mechanism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1297–1310, 2011
Sleep problems in cancer patients: prevalence and association with distress and pain
Authors: Sharma Neelom , Hansen Christian Holm , O'Connor Mark , Thekkumpurath Parvez , Walker Jane , Kleiboer Annet , Murray Gordon , Espie Colin , Storey Dawn , Sharpe Michael 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundAlthough it is increasingly recognized that cancer patients often have sleep problems, we lack data on their prevalence and associations in representative clinical populations. We aimed to determine (i) the prevalence of sleep problems amongst outpatients of a cancer centre and (ii) the association with medical variables, emotional distress and pain.MethodsSecondary analysis of self‐report and medical data on 2862 cancer centre outpatients. Sleep problems were identified using the sleep item from the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9: ‘Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much?’ scored on a four‐point frequency scale. Emotional distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and pain using the subscale of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core 30 questionnaire. Medical data were obtained from the cancer centre clinical database.ResultsSleep problems (bothered more than half the days during the previous 2 weeks) were reported by 30.2% (865/2862, 95% CI = 28.5 to 31.9) of the patients. They were common in both patients with active cancer (34.5%) and in cancer survivors (28.0%). There was only a modest association with cancer site and treatment status, but there was a strong association with pain (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.2 to 3.4) and emotional distress (odds ratio = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.7 to 5.6).ConclusionsSleep problems are common in cancer outpatients and are strongly associated with pain and emotional distress. A combined approach to the management of sleep, pain and emotional distress is indicated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐cultural validation of a Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator measure: a multi‐site patient navigation research study
Authors: Jean‐Pierre Pascal , Fiscella Kevin , Winters Paul C. , Paskett Electra , Wells Kristen , Battaglia Tracy ,   The Patient Navigation Research Program Group
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundPatient navigators are trained to help patients effectively access and use healthcare resources in order to facilitate timely completion of recommended cancer screening, diagnostic care, and treatment. Patient navigators provide logistic, instrumental, and psychosocial support to cancer patients. Yet few studies have examined patient–navigator relationships, particularly for Spanish‐speaking patients with low English proficiency. We aimed to validate a Spanish version of the Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator (PSN‐I‐Sp) scale.MethodsWe translated and back‐translated the PSN‐I into Spanish and administered the resulting PSN‐I‐Sp to 222 Spanish‐fluent participants. We conducted a principal components analysis and assessed Cronbach's coefficient alpha (α) to evaluate the latent structure and the internal consistency of the PSN‐I‐Sp. We also completed correlation analyses to examine divergence and convergence of the PSN‐I‐Sp with the Spanish version of the Patient Satisfaction with Cancer‐Related Care (PSCC‐Sp) and the patients' demographics.ResultsThe principal components analysis revealed a one‐dimensional PSN‐I‐Sp measure that explained 82.0% of the variance. The reliability assessment revealed high internal consistency (α = 0.97). The PSN‐I‐Sp demonstrated good face validity and adequate convergent and divergent characteristics as indicated by a moderate correlation with scores on the PSCC‐Sp (all ps < 0.0001) and a non‐statistically significant correlation with marital status (all p > 0.05).ConclusionThe PSN‐I‐Sp is a valid and internally consistent measure of satisfaction with interpersonal relationship with a patient navigator for Spanish‐speaking participants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GC‐MS Investigation of Hexamethyldisiloxane–Oxygen Fed Cold Plasmas: Low Pressure Versus Atmospheric Pressure Operation
Authors: Fanelli Fiorenza , d'Agostino Riccardo , Fracassi Francesco 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study deals with the investigation by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of the exhaust gas of an rf low pressure (LP) glow discharge and of an atmospheric pressure (AP) FDBD fed with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), O2, and Ar. The influence of feed composition on monomer depletion and on the qualitative–quantitative distribution of stable by‐products formed by recombination of plasma intermediates is investigated. Without O2 addition to the feed almost comparable values of HMDSO depletion are observed both at low and AP. Oxygen addition does not influence the monomer depletion at LP while it induces a slight decrease of the depletion at AP. Whatever the working pressure, O2 controls the overall chemistry of the plasma, since it influences the concentration of by‐products (e.g., silanes, silanols, linear, and cyclic methylsiloxanes). At AP evidences of the importance of methyl abstraction from HMDSO molecule have been obtained, while at LP the prevalence of Si–O bond rupture, of fragmentation, and oligomerization reactions is observed. The comparison of results from the GC‐MS investigation of the exhaust gas with FT‐IR spectra of the deposited coatings allows to enhance hypotheses on the formation of silanols in the gas phase and in the deposit. magnified image
PLP‐dependent enzymes as entry and exit gates of sphingolipid metabolism
Authors: Bourquin Florence , Capitani Guido , Grütter Markus Gerhard 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSphingolipids are membrane constituents as well as signaling molecules involved in many essential cellular processes. Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate lyase (SPL), both PLP (pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate)‐dependent enzymes, function as entry and exit gates of the sphingolipid metabolism. SPT catalyzes the condensation of serine and a fatty acid into 3‐keto‐dihydrosphingosine, whereas SPL degrades sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) into phosphoethanolamine and a long‐chain aldehyde. The recently solved X‐ray structures of prokaryotic homologs of SPT and SPL combined with functional studies provide insight into the structure–function relationship of the two enzymes. Despite carrying out different reactions, the two enzymes reveal striking similarities in the overall fold, topology, and residues crucial for activity. Unlike their eukaryotic counterparts, bacterial SPT and SPL lack a transmembrane helix, making them targets of choice for biochemical characterization because the use of detergents can be avoided. Both human enzymes are linked to severe diseases or disorders and might therefore serve as targets for the development of therapeutics aiming at the modulation of their activity. This review gives an overview of the sphingolipid metabolism and of the available biochemical studies of prokaryotic SPT and SPL, and discusses the major similarities and differences to the corresponding eukaryotic enzymes.
Green fluorescent protein: A perspective
Authors: Remington S. James 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA brief personal perspective is provided for green fluorescent protein (GFP), covering the period 1994–2011. The topics discussed are primarily those in which my research group has made a contribution and include structure and function of the GFP polypeptide, the mechanism of fluorescence emission, excited state protein transfer, the design of ratiometric fluorescent protein biosensors and an overview of the fluorescent proteins derived from coral reef animals. Structure‐function relationships in photoswitchable fluorescent proteins and nonfluorescent chromoproteins are also briefly covered.
Toxicities and sublethal effects of seven neonicotinoid insecticides on survival, growth and reproduction of imidacloprid‐resistant cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii
Authors: Shi XiaoBin , Jiang LiLi , Wang HongYan , Qiao Kang , Wang Dong , Wang KaiYun 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Imidacloprid has been a major neonicotinoid insecticide for controlling Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Homoptera: Aphididae) and other piercing–sucking pests. However, the resistance to imidacloprid has been recorded in many target insects. At the same time, cross‐resistance of imidacloprid and other insecticides, especially neonicotinoid insecticides, has been detected.RESULTS: Results showed that the level of cross‐resistance was different between imidacloprid and tested neonicotinoid insecticides (no cross‐resistance: dinotefuran, thiamethoxam and clothianidin; a 3.68–5.79‐fold cross‐resistance: acetamiprid, nitenpyram and thiacloprid). In the study of sublethal effects, imidacloprid at LC20 doses could suppress weight gain and honeydew excretion, but showed no significant effects on longevity and fecundity of the imidacloprid‐resistant cotton aphid, A. gossypii. However, other neonicotinoid insecticides showed significant adverse effects on biological characteristics (body weight, honeydew excretion, longevity and fecundity) in the order of dinotefuran > thiamethoxam and clothianidin > nitenpyram > thiacloprid and acetamiprid.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dinotefuran is the most effective insecticide for use against imidacloprid‐resistant A. gossypii. To avoid further resistance development, the use of nitenpyram, acetamiprid and thiacloprid should be avoided on imidacloprid‐resistant populations of A. gossypii. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a low‐density DNA microarray for diagnosis of target‐site mutations of pyrethroid and organophosphate resistance mutations in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Chung In‐Hyuk , Kang Soyoung , Kim Ye Rim , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Jung Jin Wook , Lee Seunghwan , Lee Si Hyeock , Hwang Seung Yong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate detection of mutations related to insecticide resistance is essential for development of resistance management strategies to support sustainable agriculture. The M918V, L925I and T929V mutations of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene (vgsc) and the F392W mutation of the acetylcholinesterase I gene (ace1) are reportedly associated with resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates, respectively, in Bemisia tabaci. In order to detect known base substitutions in the ace1 and vgsc genes, a low‐density microarray with an allele‐specific probe was developed.RESULTS: Specific regions of the ace1 and vgsc gene mutations were amplified by multiplex asymmetrical PCR using Cy3‐labelled primers, and then the PCR products were hybridised on the microarray. After analysing the probe signal data, the microarray containing 12 allele‐specific probes produced a unique pattern of probe signals for field DNA samples of B. tabaci. To determine the optimal cut‐off value of each probe, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted using SPSS. Among 60 individual samples, microarray data for 57 samples were consistent with direct sequencing data.CONCLUSION: Although many molecular detection methods have been employed to monitor insecticide resistance, the present microarray provides rapid and accurate identification of target mutations in B. tabaci for resistance management. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Uncommon associations in target resistance among French populations of Myzus persicae from oilseed rape crops
Authors: Fontaine Séverine , Caddoux Laëtitia , Brazier Christine , Bertho Corentin , Bertolla Paul , Micoud Annie , Roy Lise 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWithin the framework of a molecular exploration of target resistance in populations of Myzus persicae on oilseed rapes in France, (1) the S431F mutation (coding gene ace2), although previously reckoned to be rare, revealed to be frequent, (2) M918L (phenotypically characterised) and L932F (both on para) were found for the first time in M. persicae, and (3) a linkage was revealed between M918L and S431F. While until recently populations developing on French oilseed rapes were dominated by genotypes possessing pyrethroid target resistance and esterase overproduction, to date a different type of dominating genotype, equipped with carbamate and pyrethroid target resistance, seems to be invading such fields. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Triterpene saponins of Quillaja saponaria show strong aphicidal and deterrent activity against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: De Geyter Ellen , Smagghe Guy , Rahbé Yvan , Geelen Danny 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Saponins are a class of secondary plant metabolites consisting of a sugar moiety glycosidically linked to a hydrophobic aglycone (sapogenin) that often possess insecticidal activities. Four saponins were selected: two triterpene saponins, Q. saponaria saponins and aescin, and two steroidal saponins, digitonin and diosgenin. Their effects were investigated on an important pest species and a model piercing‐sucking insect, the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. The triterpene Q. saponaria saponins bark saponin received special attention because of its high activity. Aphids were challenged by oral and contact exposure to demonstrate aphicidal activities, and in choice experiments to support use as a natural deterrent.RESULTS: When aphids were exposed to supplemented artificial diet for 3 days, a strong aphicidal activity was recorded for three of the four saponins, with an LC50 of 0.55 mg mL−1 for Q. saponaria saponins, 0.62 mg mL−1 for aescin and 0.45 mg mL−1 for digitonin. The LT50 values ranged between 1 and 4 days, depending on the dose. For diosgenin, only low toxicity (14%) was scored for concentrations up to 5 mg mL−1. In choice experiments with treated diet, a deterrence index of 0.97 was scored for Q. saponaria saponins at 1 mg mL−1. In contrast, direct contact showed no repellent effect. Spraying of faba bean plants with Q. saponaria saponins resulted in an LC50 of 8.2 mg mL−1. Finally, histological analysis in aphids fed with Q. saponaria saponins demonstrated strong aberrations of the aphid gut epithelium, and exposure of midgut CF‐203 cell lines to Q. saponaria saponins in vitro confirmed the cytotoxic effect.CONCLUSIONS: The present insect experiments provide strong evidence that saponins, as tested here with triterpene Q. saponaria saponins, can be useful as natural aphicides and deterrents. Furthermore, the insect midgut epithelium is suggested to be a primary target of saponin activity.Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
DFT studies of OH‐functionalized open‐ended zigzag, armchair, and chiral single wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chełmecka E. , Pasterny K. , Kupka T. , Stobiński L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe functionalization of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by attaching various molecules or molecular groups to the exterior walls or tips has attracted much attention, because it offers a possible way to modify their electronic, chemical, optical and mechanical properties. In this contribution the results of DFT studies of pristine and OH‐modified open‐ended zigzag (9,0), armchair (5,5) and chiral (8,2) nanotubes are reported. The calculations have been performed for partially and fully functionalized at one end model SWCNTs with dangling bonds saturated with hydrogen atoms and a nonadditive dependence of attachment energy on the number of substituents was observed.
Structure, morphology, and aging of Ag–Fe dumbbell nanoparticles
Authors: Elsukova Anna , Li Zi‐An , Möller Christina , Spasova Marina , Acet Mehmet , Farle Michael , Kawasaki Masahiro , Ercius Peter , Duden Thomas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDumbbell‐shaped or Janus‐type nanocomposites provide multifunctional properties with various diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedicine. We have prepared dumbbell Ag–Fe nanoparticles by magnetron sputtering with subsequent in‐flight annealing. Structural properties and chemical compositions of freshly prepared and 5‐month aged particles were examined by means of transmission electron microscopy including high‐resolution imaging, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and 3D electron tomography. Fresh particles consist of a faceted Ag part on a Fe‐Fe3O4 composite particle of more spherical shape. Aging changes the crystallinity and morphology of the particles. The aged nanocomposite consists of a silver spherical particle that is attached to a hollow iron oxide sphere containing one or several silver clusters inside.magnified imageTEM images of the fresh (a) and aged (b) Ag–Fe nanoparticles. (c) 3D reconstructed image of an aged Ag–Fe particle with color segmentation.