bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A medical tactile sensing instrument for detecting embedded objects, with specific application for breast examination
Authors: Hosseini Sayyed Mohsen , Kashani Seyed Mohsen Towliat , Najarian Siamak , Panahi Farzad , Naeini Seyed Morteza Mousavi , Mojra Afsaneh 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn this paper, having considered the tactile sensing and palpation of a physician in order to detect abnormal masses in the breast, we simplified and then modelled the tissue containing a mass and used contact elements to analyse the tactile sensor function.MethodsBy using the finite element method, the effects of the mass existence appeared on the surface of the tissue. This was due to exerting mechanical load on the modelled tissue surface. Following this, a tactile sensing instrument called the ‘tactile tumour detector’ (TTD) was designed and constructed. This device is able to detect abnormal objects in the simulated models by making contact with model surfaces. In order to perform a series of precise experiments, a robot that could hold the tactile probe was used. The velocity of the linear movement of the probe is low enough to ensure that the tissue behaves in the linear elastic range, so that dynamic effects can be neglected.Results and DiscussionThe maximum value of stresses was chosen as the comparison criterion. The variation of this criterion vs. the mass parameter changes was investigated and good agreements between numerical and experimental results were obtained. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of TTD and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the detection of breast masses, in comparison to sonography as the ‘gold standard’, were calculated by performing clinical trials on 55 cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward Engineering a Human Neoendothelium with Circulating Progenitor Cells
Authors: Allen Josephine B. , Khan Sadiya , Lapidos Karen A. , Ameer Guillermo A. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts may one day provide a solution to many of the limitations associated with using synthetic vascular grafts. However, identifying a suitable cell source and polymer scaffold to recreate the properties of a native blood vessel remains a challenge. In this work, we assess the feasibility of using endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) found in circulating blood to generate a functional endothelium on poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC), a biodegradable elastomeric polyester. EPCs were isolated from human blood and biochemically differentiated into endothelial-like cells (HE-like) in vitro. The differentiated cell phenotype and function was confirmed by the appearance of the characteristic endothelial cell (EC) cobblestone morphology and positive staining for EC markers, von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial cadherin, flk-1, and CD31. In addition, HE-like cells cultured on POC express endothelial nitric oxide synthase at levels comparable to aortic ECs. Furthermore, as with mature endothelial cells, HE-like cell populations show negligible expression of tissue factor. Similarly, HE-like cells produce and secrete prostacyclin and tissue plasminogen activator at levels comparable to venous and aortic ECs. When compared to fibroblast cells, HE-like cells cultured on POC show a decrease in the rate of plasma and whole-blood clot formation as well as a decrease in platelet adhesion. Finally, the data show that HE-like cells can withstand physiological shear stress of 10 dynes/cm2 when cultured on POC-modified expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) vascular grafts. Collectively, these data are the foundation for future clinical studies in the creation of an autologous endothelial cell-seeded vascular graft.
Perinatal outcome following fetal chest shunt insertion for pleural effusion
Authors: Yinon Y. , Grisaru‐Granovsky S. , Chaddha V. , Windrim R. , Seaward P. G. R. , Kelly E. N. , Beresovska O. , Ryan G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate perinatal outcome of fetuses with primary pleural effusions following pleuroamniotic shunting.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 88 fetuses with large pleural effusions referred to a tertiary fetal medicine unit between 1991 and 2008 which, after a thorough work‐up, underwent pleuroamniotic shunting.ResultsAt presentation, 59 (67.0%) fetuses were hydropic and 67 (76.1%) had bilateral effusions. In 17 (19.3%) fetuses, pleural fluid was aspirated prior to shunting and in 71 (80.7%), shunts were inserted directly as the first procedure. Mean gestational age at shunting was 27.6 (range, 18–37) weeks and at delivery 34.2 (range, 19–42) weeks. Seventy‐four (84.1%) babies were born alive, of whom 52 (70.3%) survived the neonatal period. Of 59 hydropic fetuses, 10 (16.9%) died @ in utero and 18 neonates (30.5%) died, resulting in perinatal survival of 52.5%, whereas of 29 non‐hydropic fetuses, perinatal survival was 72.4%. Hydrops resolved following shunting in 28 fetuses, of whom 71% survived, compared to 35% survival in 31 fetuses where hydrops persisted (P = 0.006). Of 22 neonatal deaths, seven were related to pulmonary hypoplasia, five to genetic syndromes, two to aneuploidy and one to a congenital anomaly (truncus arteriosus). Overall 13 (14.8%) were diagnosed with a chromosomal, genetic or other condition, several of which could not have been diagnosed antenatally.ConclusionCarefully selected fetuses with primary pleural effusions can benefit from pleuroamniotic shunting, allowing hydrops to resolve with a survival rate of almost 60%. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital diarrhea
Authors: Colombani M. , Ferry M. , Toga C. , Lacroze V. , Rubesova E. , Barth R. A. , Cassart M. , Gorincour G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveCongenital diarrhea is very rare, and postnatal diagnosis is often made once the condition has caused potentially lethal fluid loss and electrolyte disorders. Prenatal detection is important to improve the immediate neonatal prognosis. We aimed to describe the prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging findings in fetuses with congenital diarrhea.MethodsThe study reports the pre‐ and postnatal findings in four fetuses that presented with generalized bowel dilatation and polyhydramnios. We analyzed the fetal ultrasound and MRI examinations jointly, then compared our provisional diagnosis with the amniotic fluid biochemistry and subsequently with the neonatal stool characteristics.ResultsIn each of the four cases an ultrasound examination between 22 and 30 weeks' gestation showed moderate generalized bowel dilatation and polyhydramnios suggesting intestinal obstruction. MRI examinations performed between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation confirmed that the dilatation was of gastrointestinal (GI) origin, with a signal indicating intraluminal water visible throughout the small bowel and colon. The expected hypersignal on T1‐weighted sequences characteristic of physiological meconium was absent in the colon and rectum. This suggested that the meconium had been completely diluted and flushed out by the water content of the bowel. The constellation of MRI findings enabled a prenatal diagnosis of congenital diarrhea. The perinatal lab test findings revealed two cases of chloride diarrhea and two of sodium diarrhea.ConclusionCongenital diarrhea may be misdiagnosed as intestinal obstruction on prenatal ultrasound but has characteristic findings on prenatal MRI enabling accurate diagnosis; this is important for optimal neonatal management. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of restrictive cardiomyopathy presenting in fetal life with an isolated pericardial effusion
Authors: Sekar P. , Hornberger L. K. , Smallhorn J. S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe describe the evolution during pregnancy of a case of restrictive cardiomyopathy which first presented at 22 weeks' gestation with a large pericardial effusion. Measurements of cardiac function were normal and remained near normal until late in the third trimester, when pulsed and tissue Doppler data suggested impairment in ventricular relaxation. This disease progressed in postnatal life to symptomatic restrictive cardiomyopathy by 2 years of age necessitating cardiac transplant. To our knowledge, this is the first time this unusual association has been reported. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasound in the prediction of bowel obstruction in infants with gastroschisis
Authors: Contro E. , Fratelli N. , Okoye B. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B. , Bhide A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the value of prenatal ultrasound in predicting bowel obstruction requiring surgery in fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis.MethodsThe database of our center was searched for cases with an antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The ultrasound images were reviewed blindly to assess the presence of intra‐ or extra‐abdominal bowel dilatation. Details of surgical procedures were noted and the discharge letters were obtained. Pediatric follow‐up was also obtained from pediatric surgeons, general practitioners or parents.ResultsIn the 10‐year period between November 1998 and September 2008 there were 62 cases with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. Postnatal outcome was not available for five cases, four pregnancies underwent termination and intrauterine fetal demise occurred in five cases. A final population of 48 liveborn infants was available for analysis. Intra‐abdominal bowel dilatation was identified in 14 of these 48 fetuses (29.2%) and extra‐abdominal bowel dilatation in 30 (62.5%) fetuses on prenatal ultrasound images. Eight fetuses (16.7%) had bowel obstruction. The relative risk of bowel obstruction with intra‐abdominal bowel dilatation was 4.05 (95% CI, 1.12–14.70). On the other hand, the relative risk of bowel obstruction with extra‐abdominal bowel dilatation was 1.0 (95% CI, 0.37–3.70). Four babies died, two of whom had intra‐ and one had extra‐abdominal bowel dilatation.ConclusionsIntra‐abdominal dilatation of the bowel on prenatal ultrasound examination appears to predict postnatal bowel obstruction and the need for surgical resection. Extra‐abdominal bowel dilatation is observed frequently on prenatal ultrasound scans, but is not predictive of bowel obstruction. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid angiogenic factors and their receptors in monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Fox C. E. , Lash G. E. , Pretlove S. J. , Chan B. C. , Holder R. , Kilby M. D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveAngiogenic factors play a role in human placentation and may be aberrant in severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal plasma and amniotic fluid angiogenic factor and receptor concentrations in twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS and to evaluate the effects of fetoscopic laser ablation.MethodsA prospective cohort of monochorionic (MC) twins complicated by severe TTTS (n = 23) was studied between October 2006 and December 2007. A cohort of uncomplicated dichorionic (DC) (n = 12) and MC (n = 7) pregnancies were studied for comparison. Circulating angiogenic factors and their receptors were measured in the maternal plasma and the recipient twin's amniotic fluid by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or FAST Quant human angiogenesis array.ResultsPlasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C concentrations were significantly lower in TTTS than in uncomplicated twin pregnancies (P < 0.0001). In contrast, plasma angiopoietin (Ang)‐2 levels and the ratio of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (sVEGFR‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were significantly increased in TTTS (P < 0.01). Plasma VEGF‐D was significantly increased in advanced stage TTTS (Stage III/IV cohort; P < 0.01). This was independent of fetal size, amniotic fluid volumes or the number of apparent placental arteriovenous anastomoses. In TTTS pregnancies, amniotic fluid VEGF‐C, VEGF‐A, Ang‐1 and the sVEGFR‐1/PlGF ratio were increased compared to paired maternal plasma concentrations (P < 0.0001) while amniotic fluid concentrations of PlGF, Ang‐2 and soluble tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin‐like/epidermal growth factor‐like domains 2 (sTie‐2) were significantly lower than plasma concentrations (P < 0.0001). No significant association between maternal plasma and amniotic fluid concentrations of angiogenic factors was noted. Plasma PlGF was transiently decreased after fetoscopic laser ablation, returning to baseline by 1 week (P = 0.0314). Fetoscopic laser ablation also affected plasma sVEGFR‐1/PlGF ratio with a transient increase after therapy, followed by a significant reduction to below basal concentrations by 1 week (P = 0.0102). Only VEGF‐D was significantly different (+8.3%; P = 0.0155) in amniotic fluid immediately after the completion of fetoscopic laser ablation.ConclusionMaternal angiogenic activity is decreased in severe TTTS, with an increased sVEGFR‐1/PlGF ratio and concentrations of Ang‐2 and VEGF‐D in the maternal plasma compared to uncomplicated MC twin pregnancies. Maternal circulating PlGF concentrations decrease and the sVEGFR‐1/PlGF ratio increases transiently in response to fetoscopic laser ablation, but in general the angiogenic factor and receptor concentrations studied are altered little by this therapy. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Birth‐weight prediction by two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging
Authors: Bennini J. R. , Marussi E. F. , Barini R. , Faro C. , Peralta C. F. A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the accuracies of birth‐weight predicting models derived from two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound parameters and from total fetal thigh volumes measured by three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging; and to compare the performances of these formulae with those of previously published equations.MethodsA total of 210 patients were evaluated to create a formula‐generating group (n = 150) and a prospective‐validation group (n = 60). Polynomial regression analysis was performed on the first group to generate one equation based on 2D ultrasound measurements, one based on fetal thigh volume measured by the multiplanar technique (ThiM) and one based on fetal thigh volume obtained by the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) method (ThiV). Paired‐samples t‐tests with Bonferroni adjustments were used to compare the performances of these equations in the formula‐finding and the prospective‐validation groups. The same approach was used to compare the accuracies of the new 2D and 3D formulae with those of both original and modified 2D equations from previous publications, as well as the 3D model reported by Chang et al.ResultsThe formulae with the best fit for the prediction of birth weight were: estimated fetal weight (EFW) = − 562.824 + 11.962× AC × FDL + 0.009 × BPD2× AC2 (where AC is abdominal circumference, FDL is femur diaphysis length and BPD is biparietal diameter), EFW = 1033.286 + 12.733 × ThiM, and EFW = 1025.383 + 12.775 × ThiV. For both the formula‐generating and the prospective‐validation groups, there were no significant differences between the accuracies of the new 2D and 3D models in the prediction of birth weight. When applied to our population, the performances of the modified and original versions of the previously published 2D equations and the performance of the original 3D formula reported by Chang et al. were all significantly worse than our models.ConclusionsWe believe that the greatest sources of discrepancy in estimation of birth weight are the phenotypic differences among patients used to create each of the formulae mentioned in this study. Our data reinforce the need for customized birth‐weight prediction formulae, regardless of whether 2D or 3D measurements are employed. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of high‐temperature‐resistant drilling fluids incorporating acrylamide/(acrylic acid)/(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid) terpolymer and aluminum citrate as filtration control agents
Authors: Peng Bo , Peng Shangping , Long Bo , Miao Yongjing , Guo Wen‐Yu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA terpolymer of acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) was synthesized by a free‐radical solution polymerization technique, characterized by FTIR methods, and applied together with aluminum citrate in oilfield drilling as a high‐temperature‐resistant filtration control agent. Before and after thermal aging for 16 h at 180°C, the combined effect of the terpolymer and aluminum citrate on the Bingham‐type rheological and fluid‐loss properties of the corresponding fresh‐water and salt‐water muds was further investigated. The results showed that before the thermal aging, there was a similar changing trend in the rheological and fluid‐loss properties of the muds with terpolymer concentration, regardless of the presence of aluminum citrate. After the thermal aging, some hydrophilic polycomplexes of AM‐AA‐AMPS terpolymer with aluminum citrate may have been formed and consequently inhibited viscosity loss of the muds, thereby improving the fluid‐loss properties. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the improvement. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Wind tunnel test on airfoil Risø‐B1‐18 with an Active Trailing Edge Flap
Authors: Bak Christian , Gaunaa Mac , Andersen Peter B. , Buhl Thomas , Hansen Per , Clemmensen Kasper 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA wind tunnel test of the wind turbine airfoil Risø‐B1‐18 equipped with an Active Trailing Edge Flap (ATEF) was carried out. The ATEF was 9% of the total chord, made of piezo electric actuators attached to the trailing edge of a non‐deformable airfoil and actuated using an (electric) amplifier. The airfoil was tested at Re = 1.66 × 106. Steady state and dynamic tests were carried out with prescribed deflections of the ATEF. The steady state tests showed that deflecting the ATEF towards the pressure side (positive β) translated the lift curve to higher lift values and deflecting the ATEF towards the suction side (negative β) translated the lift curve to lower lift values. Testing the airfoil for a step change of the ATEF from β = −3.0 to +1.8 showed that the obtainable Δcl was 0.10 to 0.13 in the linear part of the lift curve. Modeling the step response with an indicial function formulation showed that the time constant in the step change and in sinusoidal deflections in dimensionless terms was T0* = 0.6. Testing the ability of the ATEF to cancel out the load variations for an airfoil in sinusoidal pitch motion of ΔAOA = ±0.7 showed that it was possible to reduce the amplitude with around 80% from Δcl = 0.148 to Δcl = 0.032. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of wind turbine wake interaction using the vorticity transport model
Authors: Fletcher Timothy M. , Brown Richard E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aerodynamic interactions that can occur within a wind farm can result in the constituent turbines generating a lower power output than would be possible if each of the turbines were operated in isolation. Tightening of the constraints on the siting of wind farms is likely to increase the scale of the problem in the future. The aerodynamic performance of turbine rotors and the mechanisms that couple the fluid dynamics of multiple rotors can be most readily understood by simplifying the problem and considering the interaction between only two rotors. The aerodynamic interaction between two rotors in both co‐axial and offset configurations has been simulated using the Vorticity Transport Model. The aerodynamic interaction is a function of the tip speed ratio, and both the streamwise and crosswind separation between the rotors. The simulations show that the momentum deficit at a turbine operating within the wake developed by the rotor of a second turbine is governed by the development of instabilities within the wake of the upwind rotor, and the ensuing structure of the wake as it impinges on the downwind rotor. If the wind farm configuration or wind conditions are such that a turbine rotor is subject to partial impingement by the wake produced by an upstream turbine, then significant unsteadiness in the aerodynamic loading on the rotor blades of the downwind turbine can result, and this unsteadiness can have considerable implications for the fatigue life of the blade structure and rotor hub. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Evaluation of an Observational Tool for Assessing Surgical Flow Disruptions and Their Impact on Surgical Performance
Authors: Parker Sarah E. Henrickson , Laviana Aaron A. , Wadhera Rishi K. , Wiegmann Douglas A. , Sundt Thoralf M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundMany researchers have previously explored the correlation between surgical flow disruptions and adverse events in cardiac surgery; however, there is no reliable tool to prospectively categorize surgical flow disruptions and the conditions that predispose a surgical team to adverse events.MethodsTwo independent raters of different medical and human factors expertise observed 12 cardiovascular operations and iteratively designed a surgical flow disruption tool (SFDT) to characterize surgical flow disruptions and the latent factors that contribute to adverse events. Categories to characterize surgical flow disruptions were created based on human factors models of human error. After the design period, both raters observed ten surgical cases using the tool to assess validity and inter‐rater reliability.ResultsRating agreement (weighted kappa) for each category across the ten surgeries was moderate to very high, resulting in strong inter‐rater reliability for each category on the surgical flow disruption tool. Use of the SFDT was simple and clear for observers of diverse backgrounds, including human factors experts and medical personnel.ConclusionsThis research depicts the development and utility of a tool to analyze surgical flow disruptions in the cardiovascular operating room with satisfactory inter‐rater reliability. This tool is an important first step in systematically categorizing and measuring surgical flow disruptions and their impact on patient safety in the operating room.
Some Imidazoline Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Aiad Ismail Abdelrhman , Hafiz A. A. , El‐Awady M. Y. , Habib A. O. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this study, cationic surfactants having different alkyl chain lengths were prepared by amidation of lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic acids with diethylene triamine. The products were quaternized using chloroacetic acid. The chemical structure of the prepared compounds was elucidated using different spectroscopic techniques. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the free energy of the micellization and adsorption of these compounds were determined by surface tension and conductivity measurements. The products were evaluated as surface‐active agents as well as corrosion inhibitors for steel alloy in 1 M hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, the results indicate that these materials have a high efficiency as corrosion inhibitors and as surface active agents. These results were correlated with the chemical structure of the prepared compounds.
Ivory gulls breeding on ice
Authors: Boertmann David , Olsen Kent , Gilg Oliver 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTA breeding colony of ivory gulls was discovered on an ice floe in northeast Greenland in August 2008. The ice floe resembled nearby islands in that it was covered with a thick layer of gravely moraine, and furthermore its position was fixed throughout most of the breeding season as the surrounding first year ice only broke up in mid August when most of the gull chicks had fledged.