bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of DNA and RNA from retroviruses using ribonuclease A
Authors: Kuznetsov Yuri G. , McPherson Alexander 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRetroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can be disrupted with chemical agents and made to disgorge their encapsidated nucleic acid. The products can be visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Retroviruses may contain both viral genomic RNA and reverse transcribed DNA produced prior to integration into the host cell genome. It is necessary to know which molecules are RNA and which are DNA in order to interpret the events that transpire during infection. DNA, when imaged by AFM, is generally between one and two nanometers in thickness, more regular in its contours, and it is relatively uniform in height over its entire length; RNA, on the other hand, is less than a nanometer in thickness within single stranded regions, but varies dramatically in height over its length due to the presence of secondary structural domains. These observations, however, are often not definitive. Nonetheless, we have been able to tell one from the other using AFM, by exposing the molecules, in buffer, to moderate concentrations of RNase A. Upon exposure to the enzyme, the DNA, which cannot be cleaved, becomes coated with the protein, and the nucleic acid‐protein complex exhibits a height of about three times that of the native molecule, appearing as thick cords. RNA, however, is degraded by the single strand specific RNase A into short, stable, presumably double‐stranded segments, reflecting its pattern of secondary structure. Using this approach, we obtained evidence that reverse transcription of RNA into DNA may occur within the retroviral capsid.
Pressure effect of growing with electron beam‐induced deposition with tungsten hexafluoride and tetraethylorthosilicate precursor
Authors: Choi Young R. , Rack Philip D. , Randolph Steven J. , Smith Daryl A. , Joy David C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractElectron beam‐induced deposition (EBID) provides a simple way to fabricate submicron‐ or nanometerscale structures from various elements in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The growth rate and shape of the deposits are influenced by many factors. We have studied the growth rate and morphology of EBID‐deposited nanostructures as a function of the tungsten hexafluoride (WF6) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) precursor gas pressure and growth time, and we have used Monte Carlo simulations to model the growth of tungsten and silicon oxide to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the EBID growth. The lateral radius of the deposit decreases with increasing pressure because of the enhanced vertical growth rate which limits competing lateral broadening produced by secondary and forward‐scattered electrons. The morphology difference between the conical SiOx and the cylindrical W nanopillars is related to the difference in interaction volume between the two materials. A key parameter is the residence time of the precursor gas molecules. This is an exponential function of the surface temperature; it changes during nanopillar growth and is a function of the nanopillar material and the beam conditions.
Microstructural characterization of degradation in a high‐chromium alloy in the sugar industry
Authors: Zumelzu E. , Parada A. , Goyos L. , Bobadilla C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA new high (24%)‐chromium alloy was experimentally manufactured by combining the particular chemical composition of various materials with the use of thermal treatments to produce pump impellers for the sugar industry. The alloy metal was tested in situ in a sugar medium and then evaluated by electrochemical measurements; the two former procedures were associated with a nontraditional method to assess the susceptibility and resistance to corrosion. Potentiostatic and atomic absorption measurements were carried out to characterize the degradation and damage morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. The trials proved a good performance for the new alloy in the sugar medium in spite of nonsignificant localized damages involving erosion‐corrosion mechanisms and surface microcrackings of the material.
Detection of lip, alveolar ridge and hard palate abnormalities using two‐dimensional ultrasound enhanced with the three‐dimensional reverse‐face view
Authors: Sommerlad M. , Patel N. , Vijayalakshmi B. , Morris P. , Hall P. , Ahmad T. , Campbell S. , Lees C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess conventional two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound enhanced with a three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound technique, the ‘reverse‐face’ view (3D‐RF) in prenatal evaluation of the involvement of the lips, alveolar ridge and secondary palate in suspected isolated orofacial clefting.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐four cases of suspected orofacial clefting diagnosed by a routine 2D ultrasound scan were referred for specialist ultrasound at 20–34 weeks' gestation for a detailed assessment of the lips and palate using both 2D and 3D ultrasound. For the 3D examination the lips and alveolar ridges were examined both in profile and in the frontal plane. The palate was then assessed in the reverse coronal view by rotating the face through 180° on the vertical axis to produce the 3D‐RF view. Antenatal diagnoses were compared with postnatal findings. Left and right lip and alveolar ridge defects were counted separately according to the Kernohan ‘striped Y’ classification.ResultsOf 124 patients, 110 had isolated facial clefts and were available for follow‐up; in 10, 3D‐RF views were not successfully obtained, leaving 100 cases for assessment. The sensitivity of the 2D enhanced with 3D‐RF technique for the diagnosis of cleft of the lip was 116/122 (95%), false‐positive rate (FPR) 7.7%; for alveolar ridge was 87/103 (84.5%), FPR 7.2%; and for hard palate was 61/68 (89.7%), FPR 15.6%.ConclusionThe data reported represent the largest series of orofacial abnormalities diagnosed by 2D ultrasound and enhanced with 3D imaging to refine the detection of clefts of the hard palate. The technique is feasible in 90% of patients in whom almost 90% have a correct classification of clefts of the lip, alveolar ridge and palate. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐trimester assessment of gestational age in twins: validation of singleton biometry charts
Authors: Dias T. , Arcangeli T. , Bhide A. , Mahsud‐Dornan S. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of dating twin pregnancies, of between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation, using singleton head circumference (HC) formulae.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 269 singleton and 119 twin non‐anomalous pregnancies conceived by in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) with a known embryo transfer date. Fetal ultrasound biometry data for HC, obtained using different formulae, were compared with expected fetal HC size for gestation calculated from the date of conception. Similar comparisons were undertaken for femur length (FL) and for transverse cerebellar diameter.ResultsThe mean differences in HC between observed ultrasound measurements and those expected from the IVF history were small (1–4 mm) and within the measurement error for both singletons and twins for all formulae. All measurements from the larger and the smaller twins straddled those of singletons, regardless of biometry and formula used. Negative skewing of FL measurements in the smaller twin suggests that fetal growth restriction may occur at this gestation and supports the practice of dating using the HC of the larger twin.ConclusionsSingleton pregnancy HC charts can be used to date reliably twin pregnancies. The data of the study also suggest that the HC of the larger twin is the most reliable measurement for use in dating. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between uteroplacental three‐dimensional power Doppler indices and true uterine blood flow: evaluation in a pregnant sheep model
Authors: Morel O. , Pachy F. , Chavatte‐Palmer P. , Bonneau M. , Gayat E. , Laigre P. , Evain‐Brion D. , Tsatsaris V. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectivesThree‐dimensional (3D) Doppler quantification within the uteroplacental unit could be of great help in understanding and screening for pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Yet the correlation between 3D Doppler indices and true blood flow has not been confirmed in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate this correlation in a pregnant sheep model.MethodsA blood flow quantitative sensor and a controllable vascular occlusion system were placed around the common uterine artery in seven sheep in late pregnancy, while all the other arterial supplies were ligated. Several occlusion levels were applied, from 0 to 100%, simultaneously with 3D Doppler acquisitions of several placentomes, using standardized settings. Each placentome was analyzed using VOCAL™ (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) software. The correlation between true blood flow and Doppler indices (vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI)) was evaluated, together with measurement reproducibility.ResultsForty‐eight acquisitions were analyzed. All 3D Doppler indices were significantly correlated with true blood flow. Higher correlations were observed for VI and VFI (r = 0.81 (0.74–0.87), P < 0.0001 and r = 0.75 (0.67–0.82), P < 0.0001) compared with FI (r = 0.53 (0.38–0.64) P < 0.0001). Both intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility were high, with intraclass correlation coefficients of at least 0.799.ConclusionThis is the first in‐vivo experimental study confirming a significant correlation between true blood perfusion and quantitative 3D Doppler indices measured within the uteroplacental unit. These results confirm the potential usefulness of 3D Doppler ultrasound for the assessment of placental vascular insufficiency both in clinical cases and in a research setting. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductus venosus velocimetry in monitoring pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wong S. F. , Petersen S. G. , Idris N. , Thomae M. , McIntyre H. D. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to assess the ability of ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry to predict adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by pre‐existing diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral obstetric facility in Brisbane, Australia. The study group included women with pregestational diabetes mellitus who delivered in the hospital between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2006. The DV Doppler index was defined as abnormal if the DV peak velocity index for veins (PVIV) was equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for gestation. Adverse perinatal outcome included one or more of the following criteria: small‐for‐gestational‐age infant; Cesarean section for non‐reassuring fetal status; fetal acidemia at delivery; a 1‐min Apgar score of ⩽ 3; a 5‐min Apgar score of < 7; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; and stillbirth or neonatal death. The maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with normal or abnormal DV Doppler indices were compared.ResultsEighty‐two pregestational diabetic pregnancies were studied and an abnormal DV‐PVIV was identified in 25 (30.5%). Adverse perinatal outcome was identified in eight of 25 (32.0%) pregnancies with an abnormal DV‐PVIV compared to seven of 57 (12.3%) pregnancies with a normal DV‐PVIV (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the DV‐PVIV in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in pregestational diabetic pregnancies was 53.3%, the specificity was 74.6%, the positive predictive value was 32.0% and the negative predictive value was 87.7%.ConclusionIt may be useful to include DV‐PVIV in the antenatal screening of pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dynamic population model for tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae) area‐wide integrated pest management
Authors: Barclay Hugh J. , Vreysen Marc J. B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA spatial model of tsetse (Glossina palpalis ssp. and G. pallidipes) life cycle was created in FORTRAN, and four control measures [aerial spraying of non‐residual insecticides, traps and targets, insecticide‐treated livestock (ITL) and the sterile insect technique] were programmed into the model to assess how much of each of various combinations of these control tactics would be necessary to eradicate the population. The model included density‐independent and ‐dependent mortality rates, temperature‐dependent mortality, an age‐dependent mortality, two mechanisms of dispersal and a component of aggregation. Sensitivity analyses assessed the importance of various life history features and indicated that female fertility and factors affecting survivorship had the greatest impact on the equilibrium of the female population. The female equilibrium was likewise reduced when dispersal and aggregation were acting together. Sensitivity analyses showed that basic female survivorship, age‐dependent and temperature‐dependent survivorship of adults, teneral‐specific survivorship, daily female fertility, and mean temperature had the greatest effect on the four applied control measures. Time to eradication was reduced by initial knockdown of the population and due to the synergism of certain combinations of methods [e.g., traps‐targets and sterile insect technique (SIT); ITL and SIT]. Competitive ability of the sterile males was an important parameter when sterile to wild male overflooding ratios were small. An aggregated wild population reduced the efficiency of the SIT, but increased it with increased dispersal. The model can be used interactively to facilitate decision making during the planning and implementation of operational area‐wide integrated pest management programs against tsetse.
Experimental evidence for density‐dependent reproductive output in a coral reef fish
Authors: Forrester Graham , Harmon Lindsay , Helyer Jason , Holden William , Karis Rebecca 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe tested for density‐dependent reproduction in a small coral reef fish using field manipulations of density and observational data. Males of the study species, the bridled goby (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum Gill), defend benthic nest sites, within which they spawn with females, and females can spawn repeatedly over an extended breeding season. In small areas, usually only a single male nested at any one time regardless of how many males were present, so the probability of nesting was inversely proportional to density. Nesting males were almost always the largest in the vicinity, suggesting that, for males whose home ranges overlap, social interactions dictate opportunities to nest. Both the per capita rate at which clutches were laid and the number of eggs produced per clutch declined with increasing density, so the per capita rate of egg production was also density dependent. All three measures of fecundity were better predicted by numerical density (numbers per unit area) than biomass (mass of fish per unit area), and were well described as an inverse function of the number of gobies in the vicinity. A simple hypothesis consistent with these results is that a constant number of females spawn, regardless of density. Alternately, the effect of crowding may depend primarily on the number of interacting individuals and affect all females relatively equally. This density dependence could thus contribute to population regulation at the spatial scale over which populations become reproductively closed.
Palm Oil Removal from Fabric Using Microemulsion‐Based Formulations
Authors: Tanthakit Parichat , Ratchatawetchakul Pantipa , Chavadej Sumaeth , Scamehorn John F. , Sabatini David A. , Tongcumpou Chantra 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLaundry detergency of palm oil on a polyester/cotton blend was measured using an anionic extended surfactant/nonionic secondary alcohol surfactant blend under conditions corresponding to ultralow oil/water interfacial tension microemulsion formation. The oil removal for the surfactant blend could exceed 90%, which was greater than that for either component surfactant alone or for a commercial liquid laundry detergent. Presoaking produced better detergency than increasing the number of wash cycles beyond two due to fabric abrasion (leading to a brightness decrease) with an excessive number of wash cycles. Higher oil contact angles and shorter oil droplet detachment times were found to correspond to higher detergency. High speed photography showed that snap‐off occurred rather than roll‐up for these systems.
Analysis of HapMap tag-SNPs in dysbindin (DTNBP1) reveals evidence of consistent association with schizophrenia
Authors: Voisey J. , Swagell C.D. , Hughes I.P. , Lawford B.R. , Young R.M. , Morris C.P. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1), or dysbindin, is thought to be critical in regulating the glutamatergic system. While the dopamine pathway is known to be important in the aetiology of schizophrenia, it seems likely that glutamatergic dysfunction can lead to the development of schizophrenia.DTNBP1is widely expressed in brain, levels are reduced in brains of schizophrenia patients and aDTNBP1polymorphism has been associated with reduced brain expression. Despite numerous genetic studies noDTNBP1polymorphism has been strongly implicated in schizophrenia aetiology. Using a haplotype block-based gene-tagging approach we genotyped 13 SNPs inDTNBP1to investigate possible associations withDTNBP1and schizophrenia. Four polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with schizophrenia. The strongest association was found with an A/C SNP in intron 7 (rs9370822). Homozygotes for the C allele of rs9370822 were more than two and a half times as likely to have schizophrenia compared to controls. The other polymorphisms showed much weaker association and are less likely to be biologically significant. These results suggest thatDTNBP1is a good candidate for schizophrenia risk and rs9370822 is either functionally important or in disequilibrium with a functional SNP, although our observations should be viewed with caution until they are independently replicated.
Vaginal pH versus cervical length in the mid‐trimester as screening predictors of preterm labor in a low‐risk population
Authors: Matijevic Ratko , Grgic Ozren , Knezevic Mario 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of a sign of bacterial vaginosis and a sign of cervical insufficiency in predicting preterm labor (PTL, occurring in the 37th week or earlier) and early PTL (occurring in the 34th week or earlier) in a low‐risk cohort of 316 pregnant women.MethodVaginal pH was assessed using test gloves and cervical length (CL) was measured by transvaginal ultrasound. A pH value less than 5.0 (the 95th‐percentile threshold) and a CL greater than 26 mm (the 5th‐percentile threshold) were considered normal.ResultsThere were 14 participants (4.4%) with an elevated vaginal pH and 15 (4.7%) with a shortened CL. The incidence of PTL (< 37 weeks) was 7.2%, while incidence of early PTL (≤ 34 weeks) was 2.5%. A shortened CL was significantly correlated with PTL (likelihood ratio [LR] weighted by prevalence; 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.7) but not with early PTL (LR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4–1.8). An elevated vaginal pH was a better predictor of PTL (LR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3–10.4) and early PTL (LR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–3.1).ConclusionAn elevated vaginal pH was a better predictor of early PTL than a shortened CL in this cohort of pregnant women at low risk.
Organizational Renewal and Strategic Planning: A Winning Combination
Authors: Cercone R. , McDonald D. , Tarrant L. , Tremblay K. 
Published: July 2010

Several approaches to organizational renewal have been described, but few are reported for health care institutions in Canada. In contrast, approaches to strategic planning in health care facilities have been well documented. From our experience over the past six years, the theory and practice of organizational renewal complement the focused activities of strategic planning. This combination can be an effective means to enhance organizational performance, employee commitment and a shared vision among the various stakeholders within the hospital and community. This article outlines the process and benefits that can accrue through such efforts. It demonstrates how the investment of organizational renewal strategies can produce sustainable, operational and strategic planning benefits for community hospitals.
Préparation et implantation d'un changement: L'expérience d'un centre d'hébergement et de soins de longue durée
Authors: Villeneuve Sylvie , Thivierge Marie-Josée , Collerette Pierre 
Published: July 2010

Cet article présente la méthodologie et les approches qui ont été privilégiées pour préparer le milieu, concevoir les contenus de changement et en faciliter la mise en oeuvre. Il a été rédigé à la suite d'observations dans l'établissement, d'une recherche documentaire et d'entrevues réalisées auprès des cadres et du consultant impliqué dans la démarche de changement. Le contenu a été validé par la direction générale de La Pietà. La première section de l'article, présente la problématique à laquelle l'établissement était confronté. La seconde section est consacrée à la description du cadre de référence ayant inspiré la démarche du Centre. La dernière section, quant à elle, relate l'expérience de La Pietà à la lumière des principes et des éléments du cadre de référence.
More Than “Bandaids”: Emotional Support and Education during the Downsizing Process
Authors: Arndt Erika M. , Duchemin Kay F. 
Published: July 2010

This paper illustrates the importance of giving emotional support and education to patients, families, staff and managers at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Toronto during the spring 1992 downsizing effort. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is a 601-bed, two-site facility which provides complex specialized rehabilitative and supportive care, teaching and research, as well as specialty programs in rehabilitation, geriatric service, geriatric psychiatry and long-term care. Downsizing at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital meant the consolidation and closure of 82 long-term beds, on one nursing unit at each site, to offset a projected budget deficit of $5.4 million. Internal restraint over the past year and during the budget process reduced this deficit to $2.8 million, thus necessitating further downsizing consideration. Background information includes a review of the recent downsizing literature. This paper describes the informal and formalized support activities that took place during the two-month process and the educational sessions that were provided on a regular basis. It gives specific attention to methodology and rationale. The authors also make recommendations for the successful implementation of a downsizing process which can be beneficial to any health care setting involved in bed closure.