bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetomaternal hemorrhage in the second trimester
Authors: Merz Waltraut M. , Patzwaldt Franziska , Fimmers Rolf , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Gembruch Ulrich 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Aims: To investigate fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) rate and quantity in the second trimester of pregnancies with fetal anomalies and to assess the impact of invasive prenatal and termination procedures.

Methods: Blood samples from women before termination of pregnancy were collected and analyzed by dual-color flow cytometry. Various clinical parameters were studied for their association with FMH.

Results: In total, 67 women were recruited; pre- and post-termination pairs were collected for 31 women. HbF cells were present in 91.0% of specimens, in 29.9% the transfused blood volume was ≥4.2 mL. FMH ≥30 mL was found in 3.0%, and chronic FMH, defined as FMH ≥40% of fetoplacental blood volume in 7.5%. At the limit of quantification (0.1%) none of the clinical parameters was associated with the presence of HbF cells, nor was there a difference in HbF cell concentrations between pre- and post-termination blood samples.

Conclusions: Compared to normal term pregnancy, transfer of fetal red blood cells into the maternal circulation is increased in second-trimester pregnancies with fetal anomalies. FMH is not associated with invasive procedures or surgery performed in the context of termination. We hypothesize that the abnormal pregnancy itself, by means of an abnormal uteroplacental interface, is causing the increased transfer.
Use of cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin for prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus disease: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Buxmann Horst , Stackelberg Otto M.v. , Schlößer Rolf L. , Enders Gisela , Gonser Markus , Meyer-Wittkopf Matthias , Hamprecht Klaus , Enders Martin 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the current prenatal “off-label use” of cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (CMV-HIG) in the prevention and treatment of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, including the long-term outcome of the children.

Methods: This retrospective observational study comprised mothers and their children, born between January 1, 2006, and October 30, 2010. Prenatal CMV-HIG was administered after diagnosis of primary CMV infection of the mother. Clinical and virological data were collected from maternal and pediatric medical and laboratory reports. Follow-up was 12–36 months after birth.

Results: Forty-two women and 43 children met the study criteria. In total, 40 mothers and six unborn infants received 115 doses of CMV-HIG. The treatment group (TG; CMV-DNA polymerase chain reaction-positive amniotic fluid) included four mothers; the multinomial group (MG; CMV-positive mother and unknown CMV status of fetus) included 38 mothers (39 infants). For the four unborn infants in TG, CMV-HIG was administered either intraumbilically or into the amniotic fluid; three of the four mothers received intravenous CMV-HIG. Three children in TG remained CMV-positive and were asymptomatic at birth and during follow-up. One infant in TG had symptomatic cCMV infection in utero, at birth, and during follow-up. In MG, 37 of 38 women received intravenous CMV-HIG and two of 39 infants received CMV-HIG in utero. In total, 9 (23.1%) of 39 children in MG were positive for cCMV (including a terminated pregnancy). All eight instances of cCMV infection at birth in MG were asymptomatic at birth and during follow-up. The fetus from the terminated pregnancy showed no sonographic symptoms of cCMV infection. No severe side effect occurred in 115 CMV-HIG applications.

Conclusion: CMV-HIG was well tolerated. Compared with published untreated mother-child pairs, we observed a trend toward a smaller risk for intrauterine CMV transmission following CMV-HIG application. Signs of prenatal cCMV disease were not reversed after CMV-HIG.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: current knowledge and novel insights
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Papantoniou Nikos , Kappou Dimitra , Antsaklis Aris 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is an actively researched area of prenatal medicine, as this is the most common aneuploidy compatible with life and a major cause of mental retardation. The isolation of intact fetal cells, and most importantly, the successful detection of fetal-origin nucleic acids (cell-free fetal DNA and RNA), in maternal plasma even from the early stages of pregnancy has inspired scientists to develop discriminative genetic markers for the prenatal detection of aneuploidy. In the near future, the development of epigenetic fetal-specific markers will possibly allow the universal application of a cell-free fetal DNA-based diagnostic test regardless of the gender of the fetus or its polymorphic status. Other promising approaches rely upon the detection of free placentally derived RNA transcribed from genes located on chromosome 21 and the application of highly sensitive techniques, such as digital polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput shotgun sequencing. However, irrespective of which strategy is selected for isolating or distinguishing fetal genetic material in maternal plasma, the small quantity of fetal origin nucleic acids poses severe technical challenges. In this review article, we present an overview of the current knowledge in the field of noninvasive prenatal assessment of fetuses with Down syndrome and the future perspectives regarding new fetal markers and novel molecular techniques that may eventually be applied in the clinical setting as a valid and safe option for women who opt for noninvasive accurate prenatal diagnosis.
Therapeutic hypothermia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: opinion and practice of pediatricians in South Africa
Authors: Joolay Yaseen , Harrison Michael C. , Horn Alan R. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: Recent newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend therapeutic hypothermia (TH) as a treatment to reduce long-term neurological deficit in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) survivors. In South Africa, varied resource constraints may present difficulties in the implementation of TH.

Objective: To determine the opinions and practice of South African pediatricians, regarding TH and the management of HIE.

Methods: We invited 288 South African pediatricians and neonatologists to participate in a web-based survey by e-mail. Practitioners were identified using the Medpages™ database.

Results: Responses were received from 37.8% of the e-mails. Seventy-six percent of respondents stated that hypothermia was either effective or very effective while 4% stated TH was ineffective in the management of HIE. Only 42% of respondents offered TH and a further 9% transferred patients to other units for cooling. Twenty-four percent had not implemented TH nor planned to introduce it into practice in the near future. Ninety-eight percent of respondents stated TH should be the standard of care in tertiary neonatal units.

Conclusion: Most pediatricians in South Africa who responded to the survey stated that TH is effective to reduce the neurological deficit in HIE, however, less than half offered it as a treatment.
Two vs. three or more primary recurrent pregnancy losses – are there any differences in epidemiologic characteristics and index pregnancy outcome?
Authors: Bashiri Asher , Ratzon Ronit , Amar Shimon , Serjienko Ruslan , Mazor Moshe , Shoham-Vardi Ilana 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: To compare obstetric characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients following two vs. three or more primary recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

Study design: A retrospective cohort study including 168 patients with primary RPL followed by subsequent (index) pregnancy, 124 patients with three or more consecutive RPL, and 60 patients with two consecutive RPL was performed. All patients were evaluated and treated in the RPL Clinic in the Soroka University Medical Center.

Results: Obstetric characteristics of the study groups were similar. Women with three or more RPL compared to women with two RPL had a higher rate of abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (16.3 vs. 2.6%; P=0.033), higher rates of spontaneous pregnancy (91.7 vs. 77.4%; P<0.05), and higher rates of Clexane treatment (40.3% vs. 18.6%; P=0.016). In the index pregnancy, live birth rate was not statistically different between the two groups (81.1% in the two-RPL groups vs. 70.6% in the three-RPL group) nor was neonatal mortality.

Conclusions: Patients with two RPL and three RPL had very similar obstetric characteristics and evaluation test results. Differences in index pregnancy outcomes were not statistically significant. Therefore, evaluation in primary RPL is recommended after two RPL.
Primary vs. secondary recurrent pregnancy loss – epidemiological characteristics, etiology, and next pregnancy outcome
Authors: Shapira Efrat , Ratzon Ronit , Shoham-Vardi Ilana , Serjienko Ruslan , Mazor Moshe , Bashiri Asher 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: To compare epidemiological and obstetric characteristics, etiology and next pregnancy outcomes of women with primary vs. secondary recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Study design: A retrospective cohort study, including 420 patients with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses followed by a subsequent (index) pregnancy, of whom 162 were primary RPL women and 258 were secondary RPL women. All patients were evaluated and treated in the RPL clinic at the Soroka University Medical Center.

Results: Live birth rate in the index pregnancy was not statistically different between primary and secondary RPL women (75.9 and 70.9%, respectively). The only significant difference in the etiology evaluation was in abnormal prolactin levels (14.1% of the primary and 1.4% of the secondary RPL group). Women with primary RPL had, at the index pregnancy, significantly higher rates of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, primary RPL adjusted for maternal age and gravidity, was an independent risk factor for preterm delivery compared with secondary RPL [adjusted OR 2.62, CI (95%) 1.30–5.26].

Conclusions: The prognosis of the two groups was similar regarding live birth rate at the index pregnancy; however, women with primary RPL were more prone to adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Characterization of sputtered Al-B-Si thin films produced with composite targets for device applications
Authors: Ramos Glorimar , Suárez O. Marcelo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSputtered films were deposited over glass and silicon (Si) substrates by using homemade centrifuged aluminum (Al) targets containing boron (B) AlB2 and AlB12 particles as their constituents. Additional films were produced with an as-received aluminum target for comparison purposes. The composite targets were mounted in the magnetron sputtering system working at varying discharge powers, ranging from 200 to 450 W, to produce films with the smallest surface roughness. This roughness analysis showed that films deposited from the composite targets (fabricated by centrifugal casting) possessed lower surface roughness than the pure aluminum films if they were deposited over silicon substrates. Also, preliminary studies of film structure and mechanical properties revealed that the films produced with the composite targets had smaller grain size, dominant compression stresses, higher disorder in the crystalline structure, and higher hardness and elastic modulus, when compared with the films produced with the pure aluminum target.
The effect of multi-directional stiffness degradation on the non-linear analysis of composite laminates
Authors: Han Sung-Cheon , Lee Won-Hong , Park Weon-Tae 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA formulation of element-based Lagrangian 9-node shell element based modified first-order shear deformation theory is improved for non-linear behaviors of composite laminates containing matrix cracking. Using the refined ANS (assumed natural strain) shell elements either show the optimum combination of sampling points with an excellent accuracy or remove the locking phenomenon. The multi-directional stiffness degradation caused by matrix cracking, which was proposed by Duan and Yao, is conducted. Natural coordinate based higher-order transverse shear strains are used in the present shell element. Numerical examples demonstrate that the present element behaves reasonably satisfactorily either for the linear or geometrical non-linear analysis of laminated composite structures. The results of laminated composite shells with matrix cracking may be the benchmark test for the non-linear analysis of damaged composite laminates.
Axial behaviour of HSS tubular sections strengthened by CFRP strips: an experimental investigation
Authors: Sundarraja Muthukamatchi Chelliah , Sivasankar Sandrasekaran 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe main objective of this investigation is to assess the feasibility of strengthening square hollow steel tubular sections subjected to compression and to develop or predict the suitable wrapping scheme of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) to enhance the structural behaviour of it. For this study, compact mild steel tubes were used with the main variable being FRP characteristics. Carbon fibre has been considered and used as strips with several other parameters such as the number of layers, width and spacing of strips, the sectional area of strips, and wrapping scheme. Experiments were undertaken until column failure to fully understand the influence of FRP characteristics on the compressive behaviour of square hollow steel tubes including their failure modes, stress-strain behaviour, enhancement in load carrying capacity and effect of distribution of CFRP layers. The behaviour of externally bonded hollow steel tubular sections was compared with one another and also with the control specimen. From the test results, it was found that CFRP strengthening significantly increases the load carrying capacity and ductility of the hollow steel tubular members further.
Effect of shallow straight-joint braided fabric geometrical parameters on fiber volume fraction
Authors: Guan Tianru , Zhu Jianxun , Chen Zhaofeng , Liu Yong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis research paper establishes the relationship between fabric parameters and fiber volume fraction through analyzing the representative unit cell of the 2.5D shallow straight-joint preform. The effect of fabric parameters on the fiber volume fraction by theoretical study is also investigated. The 2.5D shallow straight-joint fabric was manufactured by quartz fiber to verify the fiber volume fraction by theoretical and experimental study. The errors between predicted and measured results is only 2.12% and 1.13%. It was also found that as warp density and linear yarn density of yarn decrease and fabric thickness increases, the overall fiber volume fraction and weft yarn fiber volume fraction increase, but warp yarn fiber volume fraction decreases. Weft yarn has greater influence on fiber volume fraction of fabric than warp yarn in the structure of shallow straight-joint.
Formation and characterization of silica-coated HAP particles
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Chen Xiaoming , Cheng Dongji 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNanophase hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles were coated with silica via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate after a dodecyl alcohol based esterification reaction. The nanocomposite particles were characterized by transmission electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, sedimentation time and zeta potential (ζ) studies. A sequential change in infrared spectral features characteristic of HAP was accompanied by an increase in features characteristic of silica as revealed by FTIR. The silica coating enhanced the colloidal stability of HAP in aqueous suspensions. This behavior can be explained based on a heterocoagulation coating mechanism in which silica clusters adsorb onto the HAP particle surface.
Nanocomposite synthesis by thermolysis of [Ag(hfac)(COD)] in amorphous polystyrene
Authors: Carotenuto Gianfranco , Palomba Mariano , Nicolais Luigi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLightfast color filters (intensively and brightly colored) can be easily produced by dying optical plastics with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold. Here, color filters based on silver nanoparticles embedded in amorphous polystyrene have been prepared by dissolving and thermally decomposing (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(hexafluoro-acetylacetonate)silver(I) in amorphous polystyrene. The metal precursor quickly decomposes (10 s, at 180°C), leading to silver atoms that clusterize and produce a non-aggregated dispersion of silver particles in the polymer matrix. The intensity of the yellow coloration due to the SPR of nanoscopic silver can be widely tuned simply by varying the cluster numerical density in the polymer matrix that depends on the silver precursor concentration. The obtained nanocomposite films have been characterized by X-ray power diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Aluminum reinforcement by gas tungsten arc welding
Authors: Sarajan Zohair 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAluminum is a light metal and is widely used in a variety of industries. Aluminum-silicon has good casting properties but does not offer any suitable tribological properties. Therefore, in this study surface composite coating was performed by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, which increased hardness up to 34 HV, which is nearly two times compared to untreated specimens. This process is done by composite manufacturing with the silicon carbide reinforcement particles in the matrix of eutectic aluminum-silicon alloy. The mixed powder is deposited on the surface during melting by travelling the arc of GTAW. The desired optimum performance condition is achieved by arc current 75 amp, 1 g of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) binder, 65 wt.% of aluminum powder and 15 wt.% of silicon carbide.
The Financial Performance of Global Information and Communication Technology Companies
Authors: Bauer Tim D. , Dehning Bruce , Stratopoulos Theophanis C. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
This study examines the cross-sectional financial performance among firms from the global information and communication technology (ICT) sector over the period 1998–2007. Using a pooled linear regression, the results show that U.S.-based ICT companies are on average underperforming the rest of the world after controlling for firm-specific variables known to affect firm financial performance. The results also show that characteristics of the firm's host country explain a statistically significant portion of the variation in firm performance, incremental to firm-level characteristics. More specifically, firms located in countries with attractive tax environments and high-government subsidies outperform their competitors in countries with less attractive tax environments and subsidies. Firms in financial markets that provide ICT firms with relatively favorable cost of capital underperform those in markets with a cost of capital less conducive to business development, which may suggest the cost of capital attracts new market competition that reduces overall profit. Countries with the best performing ICT firms are those with the highest industry focus, where a few industries dominate rather than an even distribution of firms across a broad range of industries. The findings have important implications for policymakers, business strategists, and investors.
Floristic analysis of a high-speed railway embankment in a Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Filibeck Goffredo , Cornelini Paolo , Petrella Paolo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
- We analyzed the floristic composition of a 4.5 km-long segment of a high- -speed railway in Lazio, central Italy, which travels on an artificial embankment through an intensively-farmed landscape. In total, 287 vascular plant species were recorded. The life-form distribution was found to be similar to that of the regional species pool, with high percentages of therophytes (38%) and phanerophytes (13%). In the chorological spectrum the Mediterranean floristic element prevailed (44%), while alien species were 8% of the flora. The phytosociological spectrum showed a high diversity of characteristic species from the class Stellarietea mediae or its subordinate syntaxa (26%), and in particular from the order Thero-Brometalia (Mediterranean, sub-nitrophilous annual communities). Species from forest syntaxa had a relatively high diversity (9%). These results suggest that the ecological filtering provided by the Mediterranean regional climate controlled species assemblage even in a completely artificial habitat, preventing floristic homogenization: the flora of the studied railway section is only partially »ruderalized«, while it keeps strong links with the regional (semi-) natural plant communities. However, in contrast to what is observed in central and north Europe, the railway sides studied in the present paper do not seem to represent a refugial habitat for rare species from grassland communities, mainly because in Italy semi-natural dry grasslands are still widely represented.
Soil seed bank of the invasive Robinia pseudoacacia in planted Pinus nigra stands
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Csontos Péter 
Published: June 2012

Abstract-Pinus nigraandRobinia pseudoacaciaare exotic trees used for afforestation in Hungary.Pinus nigrawas non-invasive, howeverR. pseudoacaciaescaped from cultivation and invaded several vegetation types including pine plantations. It has recently been planned to cutP. nigraplantations and replace them by native tree stands, especially in nature reserves. The scattered presence ofR. pseudoacaciaspecimens in pine stands might place constraints on planned tree replacement because of their vegetative resprouting and recolonization from an established seed bank. The aim of this study was to investigate the soil seed bank under the canopy of solitaryR. pseudoacaciaspecimens found inP.nigraplantations. Altogether 250 soil samples were collected from the 0-6 and 6-12 cm soil layers under solitaryRobiniatrees of varying ages (with basal areas between 62.4 and 1089.3 cm2). Seeds were separated by sieving then scarified and germinated. Seed bank density ranged between 640 and 2285 seedsm-2 with an average distribution of 82.7% and 17.3% in the upper and lower soil layer, respectively. Total density of the seed bank and also the seed bank ratio of the lower soil layer increased with tree age. The accumulated seed bank ofR. pseudoacaciashould be considered in the careful planning of tree replacement operations inPinus nigrastands.
Distribution of Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. et DC.) Brid. ex Moug. et Nestl. (Bryophyta) in Montenegro
Authors: Dragićević Snežana , Papp Beáta , Erzberger Peter 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
- The present paper is a contribution to the knowledge of the distribution of the moss species Buxbaumia viridis in Montenegro. The records are from 14 known sites at elevations over 1300 m a.s.l. in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country. Population size is remarkable in Durmitor National Park at Crno jezero lake, where sporophytes can be found on ca 50 tree trunks.