bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic evaluation of the fetal conus medullaris at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation
Authors: Perlitz Yuri , Izhaki Ido , Ben‐Ami Moshe 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the normal level of the conus medullaris (CM) of the spinal cord of normal fetuses at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation using abdominal sonography.MethodsUsing a 4 to 8 MHz ultrasound abdominal transducer, CM was imaged in the midsagittal plane with the fetal spine facing toward the transducer. The CM ending level was located by counting the vertebrae caudal starting at T12, which was identified by lowest fetal rib. The CM locations were defined according to their positions relative to the vertebrae.ResultsOne hundred and ten consecutive pregnant women were included in the study. The CM was clearly demonstrated in 78 (71%) of these cases. Most of the scanned fetuses had the CM ending height adjacent to vertebrae L2, L2–3 inter‐space and L3 (73/78, 93%). The L1–2, L2, L2–3, and L3 vertebral groups did not differ in mean gestational weeks, maternal age, or fetal gender.ConclusionThe level of the CM can be determined at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation in about 70% of fetuses. Most of the scanned fetuses had the CM ending height adjacent to vertebrae L2, L2–3 vertebral space, and L3 (73/78, 93%). When detected lower than the third lumbar vertebra it should prompt prenatal and postnatal surveillance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using multiobjective evolutionary algorithms in the optimization of operating conditions of polymer injection molding
Authors: Fernandes C. , Pontes A.J. , Viana J.C. , Gaspar‐Cunha A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA Multiobjective Optimization Genetic Algorithm, denoted as Reduced Pareto Set Genetic Algorithm with Elitism (RPSGAe), has been applied to the optimization of the polymer injection molding process. The aim is to implement an automatic optimization scheme capable of defining the values of important process operating conditions (such as melt and mould temperatures, injection time, and holding pressure), yielding the best performance in terms of prescribed criteria (such as temperature difference on the molding at the end of filling, the maximum cavity pressure, the pressure work, the volumetric shrinkage and the cycle time). The methodology proposed was applied to some case studies. The results produced have physical meaning and correspond to a successful process optimization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1667–1678, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sag in thermoforming
Authors: Giacomin A.J. , Mix A.W. , Mahmood O. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn thermoforming, flat sheets of plastics are transformed into complex shapes by first softening the sheet, and then by shaping it. While softening, the sheet can extend under its own weight, making it concave. Called sag, this affects how each element of the sheet surface views the heater bank. This can worsen the variations in the heat flux distribution across the sheet. It can also cause the heat flux over and under each element on the sheet to differ. The resulting temperature gradients, either across the sheet or through its thickness, can complicate processability. To suppress sag, practitioners stretch the sheet laterally, using cambered transfer rails to keep the sheet taut. In this article, we model sag analytically, using transport phenomena in cylindrical coordinates, for a thin wide rectangular Newtonian isothermal sheet. We uncover a universal dimensionless relation between sag and time, and a useful dimensionless group that we call sagability. We find that the middle of the sagging sheet, unsuppressed, descends, to leading order, with the cube root of time, and our experiments confirm this. Also, we discover that at a particular time the sag increases rapidly without bound, and we call this phenomenon sag runaway. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:2060–2068, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of the consolidation degree on the fracture and failure behavior of self‐reinforced polypropylene composites as assessed by acoustic emission
Authors: Izer András , Stocchi Ariel , Bárány Tamás , Pettarin Valeria , Bernal Celina , Czigány Tibor 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn this work, the fracture and failure behavior of self‐reinforced polypropylene composites (SRPPC) was studied. As reinforcement woven fabric, whereas as matrix materials α and β crystal forms of isotactic polypropylene (PP) homopolymer and random PP copolymer (with ethylene) were used. Composite sheets were produced by a film‐stacking method and compression molded for constant holding time and at constant pressure but at different processing temperatures to obtain SRPPC sheets with different consolidation quality. The failure behavior of tensile specimens was assessed by the acoustic emission (AE) technique and the typical failure behavior was deduced for the differently consolidated composites. Both the number of AE events and the shape of the cumulative AE events versus deformation curve depend on the adhesion between phases. Correlations between the dominant failure mechanisms and AE events amplitude for model specimens were established which can be used to monitor the damage growth process in SRPPCs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Organic–inorganic hybrid copolymer fibers and their use in silicone laminate composites
Authors: Swart Morne , Olsson Richard T. , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Mallon Peter E. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractNonwoven organic–inorganic fiber mats of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐graft‐poly(dimethyl siloxane) copolymers with various PDMS contents were produced by the electrospinning process. The average fiber diameter increased from 0.7 to 3 μm with increasing PDMS content. The fiber mats were used in the preparation of silicone‐laminated composite materials by distributing them (single, double and triple layer mats) in a silicone matrix prior to thermal curing. The composites showed a remarkably good fiber distribution in the silicone matrix. In general the stiffness and strength increased in the presence of fiber, and surprisingly, so did the toughness/extensibility. An interesting feature was that the most silicon‐rich fibers showed clear signs of yielding after tensile testing and failure. This, together with the greater compatibility of the fibers with the matrix because of the higher PDMS content, most probably favored composite toughness. All composite fracture surfaces were characterized by clear signs of fiber pull‐out. Fracture initiation areas were difficult to locate, and this is accredited to an even distribution of the individual fibers in the matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal conductivity and tribological properties of POM‐Cu composites
Authors: He Junqing , Zhang Ling , Li Chunzhong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe polyoxymethylene (POM) composites with different copper contents were prepared by extrusion. The thermal conductivity and tribological behavior of POM‐Cu composites with various contents of copper particles were investigated by a hot disk thermal analyzer and an M‐2000 friction and abrasion testing machine, respectively. The effect of copper particles on the thermal conductivity of POM composites was negligible when copper content was below 10 wt %. As the copper content increased, the thermal conductivity of composites increased and reached 0.477 W m−1 K−1 for POM‐25 wt % Cu composite, which increased by 35.9% compared with that of unfilled POM. The incorporation of copper particles into POM reduced the friction coefficient of POM composites. The wear mechanisms of POM‐Cu composites were adhesive and abrasive wear. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation and management of pulmonary disease in ataxia‐telangiectasia
Authors: McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Gower W. Adam , Rothblum‐Oviatt Cynthia , Brody Alan S. , Langston Claire , Fan Leland L. , Lefton‐Greif Maureen A. , Crawford Thomas O. , Troche Michelle , Sandlund John T. , Auwaerter Paul G. , Easley Blaine , Loughlin Gerald M. , Carroll John L. , Lederman Howard M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAtaxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATM gene, resulting in faulty repair of breakages in double‐stranded DNA. The clinical phenotype is complex and is characterized by neurologic abnormalities, immunodeficiencies, susceptibility to malignancies, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and cutaneous abnormalities. Lung disease is common in patients with A‐T and often progresses with age and neurological decline. Diseases of the respiratory system cause significant morbidity and are a frequent cause of death in the A‐T population. Lung disease in this population is thought to exhibit features of one or more of the following phenotypes: recurrent sinopulmonary infections with bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, and lung disease associated with neurological abnormalities. Here, we review available evidence and present expert opinion on the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of lung disease in A‐T, as discussed in a recent multidisciplinary workshop. Although more data are emerging on this unique population, many recommendations are made based on similarities to other more well‐studied diseases. Gaps in current knowledge and areas for future research in the field of pulmonary disease in A‐T are also outlined. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:847–859. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum early prostate cancer antigen (EPCA) as a significant predictor of incidental prostate cancer in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Zeng Guohua , Zhong Wen 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDEarly prostate cancer antigen (EPCA), a nuclear matrix protein, has been recently suggested as a novel biomarker in malignant lesions of the prostate. This study was to determine whether preoperative serum EPCA levels predicted the presence of incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) in patients undergoing TURP for BPH.METHODSSerum EPCA levels were measured by ELISA in 449 consecutive patients with symptomatic BPH treated with TURP and 112 healthy men. Predictive performance of serum EPCA levels for IPCa were evaluated.RESULTSWith a cutoff of 10 ng/ml, serum EPCA protein had a 100% specificity for the healthy men and a 98% specificity and a 100% sensitivity in separating men with IPCa from those without. Serum EPCA levels in patients with IPCa were significantly higher than in those without and in healthy controls (17.63 ± 2.42 ng/ml vs. 5.58 ± 1.61 ng/ml and 4.95 ± 1.43 ng/ml, all P < 0.001), whereas an indwelling transurethral catheter presence and 5α‐reductase inhibitor therapy had no effect on EPCA levels (P = 0.144 and P = 0.238, respectively). The area under ROC curves (AUC) showed that serum EPCA level had the best predictive accuracy of all IPCa (AUC: 0.952, 95% CI: 0.912–0.981, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses further demonstrated the independently predictive performance by preoperative serum EPCA (Hazards Ratio: 4.23, 95% CI: 3.62–6.46, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThis study firstly shows that EPCA might be used as a highly sensitive and specific serum biomarker to predict IPCa presence and to help reduce the unnecessary biopsies taken before TURP in patients with BPH. Prostate 70: 1788–1798, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) mitigation in seedling cotton using strip tillage and winter cover crops
Authors: Toews Michael D , Tubbs R Scott , Wann Dylan Q , Sullivan Dana 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Thrips are the most consistent insect pests of seedling cotton in the southeastern United States, where symptoms can range from leaf curling to stand loss. In a 2 year study, thrips adults and immatures were sampled at 14, 21 and 28 days after planting on cotton planted with a thiamethoxam seed treatment in concert with crimson clover, wheat or rye winter cover crops and conventional or strip tillage to investigate potential differences in thrips infestations.RESULTS: Densities of adult thrips, primarily Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), peaked on the first sampling date, whereas immature densities peaked on the second sampling date. Regardless of winter cover crop, plots that received strip tillage experienced significantly fewer thrips at each sampling interval. In addition, assessment of percentage ground cover 42 days after planting showed that there was more than twice as much ground cover in the strip‐tilled plots compared with conventionally tilled plots. Correlation analyses showed that increased ground cover was inversely related to thrips densities that occurred on all three sampling dates in 2008 and the final sampling date in 2009.CONCLUSIONS: Growers who utilize strip tillage and a winter cover crop can utilize seed treatments for mitigation of early‐season thrips infestation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved antimicrobial activity of h‐lysozyme (107–115) by rational Ala substitution
Authors: González Rodrigo , Albericio Fernando , Cascone Osvaldo , Iannucci Nancy B. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe most challenging target in the design of new antimicrobial agents is the development of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides are good candidates as lead compounds for the development of novel anti‐infective drugs. Here we propose the sequential substitution of each Ala residue present in a lead peptide with known antimicrobial activity by specific amino acids, rationally chosen, that could enhance the activity of the resultant peptide. Taking the fragment 107–115 of the human lysozyme as lead, two‐round screening by sequentially replacing both Ala residues (108 and 111) by distinct amino acids resulted in a novel peptide with 4‐ and 20‐fold increased antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, respectively. These results reinforce the strategy proposed, which, in combination with simple and easy screening tools, will contribute to the rapid development of new therapeutic peptides required by the market. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wogonin inhibits osteoclast formation induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Jang Sungil , Bak Eun Jung , Kim Minyoung , Kim Jin Moon , Chung Won‐Yoon , Cha Jeong‐Heon , Yoo Yun‐Jung 
Published: June 2010

AbstractTo evaluate the inhibitory activity of wogonin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption, we investigated the effect of wogonin on osteoclastogenesis induced by LPS. Wogonin inhibited LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis in co‐cultures of mouse calvaria‐derived osteoblasts and bone marrow‐derived pre‐osteoclasts. Wogonin also suppressed osteoclastogenesis in LPS‐injected mouse calvaria. In osteoblasts, the upregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (RANKL) expression and the downregulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression by LPS were inhibited by wogonin. Wogonin and NS‐398, a COX‐2 inhibitor, suppressed LPS‐stimulated PGE2 production in osteoblasts. NS‐398 inhibited the effect of LPS on RANKL and OPG expression in osteoblasts. These results suggest that wogonin acts as an inhibitor of LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis through downregulation of RANKL and upregulation of OPG expression via blockage of PGE2 production. Based on these results, wogonin has potential for use as a therapeutic agent in bacteria‐induced bone resorption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach to the reduction of hydrocarbon contamination in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Postek Michael. T. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe deposition of electron beam‐induced specimen contamination in both the transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) has remained a problem since the beginning of these forms of microscopy. Generally, sources of SEM contamination can be attributed to one or a combination of three major contributors: (1) the pumping system; (2) outgassing of other internal SEM component parts (i.e., specimen stage, stage lubricants, O‐rings, etc.), or (3) the sample (including its preparation and handling). Generally, because of the nature of SEM, specimen contamination can be minimized but is difficult to avoid fully. This work outlines three approaches taken with instruments at NIST to reduce the deposition of contamination in high‐resolution cold‐field emission SEMs. With some modification these techniques could be applied to any SEM. These approaches have been in successful operation for several years, resulting in a reduction in electron beam‐induced hydrocarbon contamination.
Electron‐gas interactions in the environmental scanning electron microscopes gaseous detector
Authors: Meredith P. , Donald A. M. , Thiel B. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe construction of high signal‐to‐noise, artefact‐free secondary electron images in the elevated pressure conditions of an environmental SEM is a nontrivial process. The interactions of information carrying species, as well as probe beam electrons, with the chamber gas are the major reasons for such complications. In this paper, we discuss and review the present understanding of these phenomena. In addition, we outline procedures for assessing the signal‐amplifying and charge‐neutralising capabilities of an environmental gas. It is only with a knowledge of such parameters and an appreciation of the gas‐electron collision processes that one can optimise the microscope's operating parameters. Moreover, such information enables the separation of topographic detail from artefactual features in the detected electron images.
Fibre rising and surface roughening in lightweight coated paper—An environmental scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: de Roever Emon D. W. F. , Cosper David R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPrinting with water‐based ink may suffer from fibre rising and associated surface roughening due to the wetting involved. These detrimental changes were simulated in commercial lightweight coated (LWC) paper by wetting and drying in the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) sample chamber. Most fibres in the basesheets [made from thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and groundwood] were flat and ribbon‐like. They swelled upon wetting and shrank upon drying, but remained flat. These changes were reversible. Other fibres were hollow and tube‐like. They also expanded upon wetting, but showed different behaviour upon drying: (1) flattening and collapse; or (2) retention of the tube shape and, in some cases, movement of loose fibre ends. Some fibre ends rose out of the sheet surface upon drying. Rewetting returned the fibre ends to a position largely within the sheet surface. Further drying resulted in rising again. Isolated groundwood and TMP fibres with tube shape showed the same types of contrasting behaviour, that is, collapse upon drying or retention of the tube shape. From these observations we conclude that fibre rising is limited to comparatively stiff fibres that maintain their shape upon wetting and drying. Rising occurred during drying, not during wetting and swelling. Fibre rising might be avoided by eliminating the tube‐like fibres, or by further refining to reduce their stiffness to an acceptable level. As evidence of this, we observed that some of the TMP fibres collapsed upon drying instead of showing rising. Fibre rising was thus observed here in fibres which retain their tube‐like shape (despite refining and calendering) and not, as suggested in the literature, in ribbon‐like fibres returning to an uncollapsed tube‐like shape when wetted. Fibre rising was less common in the sheets than expected from the strong gloss reduction and surface roughening of the LWC paper seen upon wetting (outside the ESEM). In other words, gloss reduction and roughening may be caused in part by processes other than fibre rising. Roughening might also result from the association of flat and tube‐like fibres in the sheet. Tube‐like fibres swell radially (vertically) much more than do flat, collapsed fibres, which leads to thin zones in the coating over the raised fibres and coating cracks along their edges. These types of damage of the coating were quite common. This mode of sheet roughening does not require fibre rising in the strict sense, that is, rising of fibre ends out of the sheet surface, but the tube‐like fibres causing it might show fibre rising at their tails to some extent.
Environmental microscopy in stone conservation
Authors: Rao Sudeep M. , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Ross Timothy. J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe natural weathering of stone is accelerated by the combined effects of acid rain, salt crystallization, and the freeze‐thaw cycles of water. Since weathering will take place until the system reaches chemical equilibrium, we can mitigate the loss to historic stone monuments and structures by treatments of the stone that retard hydrolysis and impart mechanical strength. While macroscopic studies of stone weathering have been performed addressing the causes, the reactions, and the kinetics involved, the mechanisms of weathering, and the chemical remediation of stone need to be better understood at a microscopic level. Our approach uses environmental scanning electron microscopy where samples can be imaged in their wet, natural state, thus facilitating the in situ study of the weathering processes. The environment in the microscope is set up to simulate the conditions of degradation by introducing corrosive liquids and gases and varying the temperature, pressure, and water content in the environmental chamber of the microscope. In this study, we observed specimens of limestone, treated calcite, and sandstone. We have characterized the morphology, structure, and chemical constituents of the samples for comparison at a later stage when protective coatings will be applied. In situ leaching tests were performed on limestone samples to study the mechanisms of degradation. Granular disintegration due to leaching of the binding material between the grains was seen. We have also observed, in situ, the changes in the structure of sodium sulfate, used in salt crystallization tests, during hydration and dehydration cycles; it changed from that of dense grains to hydrated mesoporous granules with the generation of new surface area.
Image sharpness measurement in scanning electron microscopy—part II
Authors: Vladár Andrá E. , Postek Michael T. , Davidson Mark. P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images forthe determination of sharpness is presented in this paper. Described is a procedure for qualitative analysis based on a software program called SEM Monitor that can be applied to research or industrial SEMs for day‐to‐day performance monitoring. The idea is based on the fact that, as the electron beam scans the sample, the low‐frequency changes in the video signal show information about the larger features and the high‐frequency changes give data on finer details. The image contains information about the primary electron beam and about all the parts contributing to the signal formation in the SEM. If everything else is kept unchanged, with a suitable sample, the geometric parameters of the primary electron beam can be mathematically determined. An image of a sample, which has fine details at a given magnification, is sharper if there are more high frequency changes in it. In the SEM, a better focused electron beam yields a sharper image, and this sharpness can be measured. The method described is based on calculations in the frequency domain and can also be used to check and optimize two basic parameters of the primary electron beam, the focus, and the astigmatism.