bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal reduction of triplet pregnancy: one or two?
Authors: Kuhn‐Beck F. , Moutel G. , Weingertner A. S. , Kohler M. , Hornecker F. , Hunsinger M. C. , Kohler A. , Mager C. , Neumann M. , Nisand I. , Favre R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo review outcomes following reductions in trichorionic triplet pregnancies at our institution.MethodRetrospective analysis of the outcome of trichorionic triamniotic triplets reduced to singletons (group I, n = 44) or twins (group II, n = 136) at 10 and 12 weeks of gestation.ResultsReduction to one or two was based on parent's preference, hence unrelated to any specific obstetrical or maternal issue. Early fetal loss rate (e.g. <24 weeks) was 9.1% in group I versus 5.1% in group II (p = 0.83). In group I, the take‐home baby rate was 86.4% versus 91.9% in group II (p = 0.8). In group I, 17.5% of the women gave birth between 33 and 36+6 weeks of gestation versus 40.6% in group II (p = 0.026). Delivery beyond 37 weeks was 72.5% in group I and 46.9% in group II (p = 0.01). Intrauterine growth restriction rate was 27.0% in group I versus 45.0% in group II (p = 0.049).ConclusionReduction to one rather than two fetuses led to significantly higher term delivery rate without significant differences in fetal loss rate or take‐home baby rate. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of placental syndecan‐1 expression in early pregnancy as a predictive fetal factor for pregnancy outcome
Authors: Schmedt Anna , Götte Martin , Heinig Jörg , Kiesel Ludwig , Klockenbusch Walter , Steinhard Johannes 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveEarly expression of syndecan‐1, a regulator of growth factor and chemokine function, in animal and human abortuses or placenta at delivery suggests a potential role during embryonic development. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between early placental syndecan expression and fetal outcome in ongoing pregnancies.MethodsProspective immunohistochemical analysis of 203 chorionic villus sampling specimens obtained during a 4‐year period (2001–2004). The chorionic villi were processed for paraffin‐embedded immunohistochemistry. Scores of intensity of syndecan‐1 expression in chorionic villi were correlated with maternal cofactors and pregnancy outcome.ResultsSyndecan‐1 immunostaining was significantly related to villus size, maternal tobacco use, and fetal biometry at ultrasonography. After correcting the above confounders, scores of syndecan‐1 expression correlated with preterm birth and low birth weight.ConclusionsPlacental syndecan‐1 expression is associated with premature birth and fetal growth. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can anomalies of fetal brain circulation be useful in the management of growth restricted fetuses?
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade Edgar , Benavides Serralde Jesus Andres , Cruz‐Martinez Rogelio 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAssessment of the fetal cerebral circulation provides important information on the hemodynamic changes associated with chronic hypoxia and intrauterine growth restriction. Despite the incorporation of new US parameters, the landmark for the fetal brain hemodynamic evaluation is still the middle cerebral artery. However, new vascular territories, such as the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries, might provide additional information on the onset of the brain sparing effect. The fractional moving blood volume estimation and three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound indices are new techniques that seem to be promising in indentifying cases at earlier stages of vascular deterioration; still, they are not available for clinical application and more information is needed on the reproducibility and advantages of three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound blood flow indices. In the past, the brain sparing effect was considered as a protective mechanism; however, recent information challenges this concept. There is growing evidence of an association between brain sparing effect and increased risk of abnormal neurodevelopment after birth. Even in mild late‐onset intrauterine growth restriction affected fetuses with normal umbilical artery blood flow, increased cerebral blood perfusion can be associated with a substantial risk of abnormal neuroadaptation and neurodevelopment during childhood. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Klinefelter twins presenting with discordant aneuploidies, acardia, forked umbilical cord and with different gonadal sex despite monozygosity
Authors: Rehder Helga , Schoner Katharina , Kluge Britta , Louwen Frank , Schwinger Eberhard , Neesen Juergen 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveA higher frequency of twin births in sibships of Klinefelter syndrome patients and also monozygotic or dizygotic twins, themselves being affected by Klinefelter syndrome have been noted repeatedly. To address this issue, we evaluated type and frequency of twinning among Klinefelter fetuses that we had received for autopsy within a ‘Prenatal Diagnosis’ program.MethodWe performed fetal autopsies, and genetic analyses on DNA extracted from stained histological slides.ResultsAmong 41 prenatal diagnoses of a 47, XXY karyotype we observed four twin pairs. One was dizygotic with discordant Klinefelter and Down syndrome. Three twin pairs were monozygotic as concluded from monochorial placentation. In two monozygotic pairs one twin partner was an acardiac monster and in one of these the acardiac twin showed a female gonadal sex and missing Y‐chromosomal SRY‐sequences as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.ConclusionsThere is a high rate of twinning and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence among our Klinefelter fetuses. Forked umbilical cords at the placental insertion site in one case allowed classification as conjoined twins in the sense of a ‘funiculopagus’. Anaphase lagging or semidizygosity by second polar body twinning are proposed as explanations for the gonadal sex discordance and the excessive developmental disadvantage in the one acardiac. Problems may arise with regard to non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies in twin pregnancies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of the anisotropic morphology of latex nanocomposites containing single montmorillonite clay particles prepared by conventional and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer based emulsion polymerization
Authors: Mballa Mballa Monique A , Ali Syed I , Heuts Johan PA , van Herk Alex M 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSingle montmorillonite platelets have been successfully encapsulated by polymer through both a conventional and a reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) based emulsion polymerization. For both synthetic methods, the encapsulation process basically consisted of three steps: (i) adsorption of cationic RAFT copolymers (RAFT approach) or surfactant (conventional approach); (ii) high shear dispersion of the stabilized clay in aqueous solutions; (iii) starved‐feed addition of monomers starting the polymerization. In the conventional approach, the morphology of the latex/clay nanocomposites was close to the dumbbell shapes previously reported and did not depend on the presence of organic modifier as evidenced by cryotransmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In the RAFT approach a completely different morphology was obtained which has been coined the cornflake morphology. With these two new approaches we can control the orientation of the clay platelets inside the latex particles which in turn can control the orientation of the clay platelets in a film. A perspective on possible applications of these different morphologies is given, e.g. their use in high barrier coatings. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Absorption properties of organic tandem solar cells for different wavelengths by computational simulation
Authors: Namvar Maryam , Hatami Mohsene , Borhani Mahmud 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this work, we have been investigating an organic tandem solar cell composed of P3HT:PCBM and CuPc:C60 by using optical modeling and a simulation method to investigate the optimal design for different wavelengths. Energy dissipation flow per time is an important factor that can represent the absorption process in solar cells and plays an important role as a main source for exciton generation. The distribution of energy dissipation in terms of z, the distance in depth of the active‐layer thickness, was analyzed for the different wavelengths. From the simulation, photon‐absorbed profiles were derived in terms of front and back active‐layer thicknesses for different wavelengths. In ideal tandem solar cells, with a series configuration, each subcell must be engineered so that photocurrent can be accurately controlled by light absorption to balance the system. For this reason, in order to find the materials with appropriated absorption, we have identified a set of parameters including optical constants so that it gives an indication of the materials with desirable matching for an active layer with optimal thickness.
Coherent states as consequences of keto‐amino→ enol‐imine hydrogen bond arrangements driven by quantum uncertainty limits on amino DNA protons
Authors: Cooper W. Grant 
Published: March 2012

AbstractExperimental and theoretical evidence supporting the Löwdin model of DNA specificity is presented. Molecular genetic measurements by the transcriptase demonstrate that time‐dependent point lesions, G‐C → G′‐C′ and G‐C → *G‐*C, are consequences of keto‐amino → enol‐imine arrangement. Product enol‐imine protons are shared between two sets of indistinguishable electron lone‐pairs, and thus, participate in coupled quantum oscillation at frequencies of ∼1013s−1. Transcriptase genetic specificity is determined by components contributing to the formation of complementary hydrogen bonds, which in these cases are variable because of coupled quantum oscillations. In an interval Δt< 10−13s, genetic specificities are measured and executed before an entanglement is created between coherent protons and the transcriptase. The ensuing entanglement causes a decoherent transition from quantum to classical, yielding a statistical ensemble of decohered enol and imine isomers that participate in Topal–Fresco substitution replication. Coherent states within *A‐*T sites are deleted. Using approximate quantum methods for timest< ∼ 100 years, the probability,P(t), of keto‐amino → enol‐imine arrangement is$ {\rm P}_\rho (t) = {\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$} \kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em \lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}}(\gamma _\rho /\hbar )^2 t^2 $where γρis the energy shift between states. This model illustrates biological consequences of coherent states populating inherited (CAG)nrepeats in human genomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantal cumulant mechanics and dynamics for multidimensional quantum many‐body clusters
Authors: Shigeta Yasuteru , Inui Tomoya , Baba Takeshi , Okuno Katsuki , Kuwabara Hiroyuki , Kishi Ryohei , Nakano Masayoshi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe developed the quantal cumulant mechanics for treating multidimensional quantum many‐body clusters including two‐body interaction such as the Morse potential. To evaluate an effective potential appearing in the actual calculation, a Gaussian fitting method was adopted to approximate the Morse potential. The number of the Gaussians that are required to reproduce the total energy of a classical three‐dimensional (3D) Morse 3 (M3) cluster is 31, where the error is 10−6. We compared structures of the classical M3 cluster with those of quantum counterpart and found that the quantum structure have broad distribution due to zero point vibration effects. The symmetry of the cluster becomes lower from D3h to D2h by applying the diagonal approximation to the cumulant matrices. Conversely, the original and spherical approximation holds the symmetry constraint. We also perform the same analyses on 2D M4 cluster with two different stable structures, where one has D3h symmetry and the other D2h symmetry. In the latter case, the diagonal approximation accidentally gives the same results as the original one, when two of three Cartesian axes coincide with the cluster symmetric axes. When the cluster rotates with respect to these axes, the results of the diagonal approximation deviate from those by the original one and the artificial symmetry breaking is also found. We also evaluate the optimized structures of the highly symmetric small Morse clusters Mn ranging from n = 4–7 and compare with those with the corresponding classical ones. We found that the errors of both the diagonal and spherical approximations in total energy decrease with the number of particles. This fact indicates that these approximations will be useful to investigate static and dynamical properties of many‐particle quantum clusters with low computational cost. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SPHERES interact—Human–machine interaction aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Stoll Enrico , Jaekel Steffen , Katz Jacob , Saenz‐Otero Alvar , Varatharajoo Renuganth 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe deployment of space robots for servicing and maintenance operations that are teleoperated from the ground is a valuable addition to existing autonomous systems, because it will provide flexibility and robustness in mission operations. In this connection, not only robotic manipulators are of great use, but also free‐flying inspector satellites supporting the operations through additional feedback to the ground operator. The manual control of such an inspector satellite at a remote location is challenging, because navigation in three‐dimensional space is unfamiliar and large time delays can occur in the communication channel. This paper shows a series of robotic experiments, in which free flyers are controlled by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Synchronized Position Hold Engage Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) were utilized to study several aspects of a remotely controlled inspector satellite. The focus in this case study is investigating different approaches to human–spacecraft interaction with varying levels of autonomy under zero‐gravity conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The endocrine pancreas: insights into development, differentiation, and diabetes
Authors: Mastracci Teresa L. , Sussel Lori 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the developing embryo, appropriate patterning of the endoderm fated to become pancreas requires the spatial and temporal coordination of soluble factors secreted by the surrounding tissues. Once pancreatic progenitor cells are specified in the developing gut tube epithelium, epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, as well as a cascade of transcription factors, subsequently delineate three distinct lineages, including endocrine, exocrine, and ductal cells. Simultaneous morphological changes, including branching, vascularization, and proximal organ development, also influence the process of specification and differentiation. Decades of research using mouse genetics have uncovered many of the key factors involved in pancreatic cell fate decisions. When pancreas development or islet cell functions go awry, due to mutations in genes important for proper organogenesis and development, the result can lead to a common pancreatic affliction, diabetes mellitus. Current treatments for diabetes are adequate but not curative. Therefore, researchers are utilizing the current understanding of normal embryonic pancreas development in vivo, to direct embryonic stem cells toward a pancreatic fate with the goal of transplanting these in vitro generated ‘islets’ into patients. Mimicking development in vitro has proven difficult; however, significant progress has been made and the current differentiation protocols are becoming more efficient. The continued partnership between developmental biologists and stem cell researchers will guarantee that the in vitro generation of insulin‐producing β cells is a possible therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetes. WIREs Dev Biol 2011. doi: 10.1002/wdev.44For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Effects of extreme wind shear on aeroelastic modal damping of wind turbines
Authors: Skjoldan P.F. , Hansen M.H. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWind shear is an important contributor to fatigue loads on wind turbines. Because it causes an azimuthal variation in angle of attack, it can also affect aerodynamic damping. In this paper, a linearized model of a wind turbine, based on the non‐linear aeroelastic code BHawC, is used to investigate the effect of wind shear on the modal damping of the turbine. In isotropic conditions with a uniform wind field, the modal properties can be extracted from the system matrix transformed into the inertial frame using the Coleman transformation. In shear conditions, an implicit Floquet analysis, which reduces the computational burden associated with classical Floquet analysis, is used for modal analysis.The methods are applied to a 2.3 MW three‐bladed pitch‐regulated wind turbine showing a difference in damping between isotropic and extreme shear conditions at rated wind speed when the turbine is operating closest to stall. The first longitudinal tower mode decreases slightly in damping, whereas the first flapwise backward whirling and symmetric modes increase in damping. This change in damping is attributed to an interaction between the periodic blade mode shapes and the azimuth‐dependent local aerodynamic damping in the shear condition caused by a beginning separation of the flow. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interconnector capacity allocation in offshore grids with variable wind generation
Authors: Schröder Sascha Thorsten 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTDifferent capacity allocation regimes have a strong impact on the economics of offshore wind farms and on interconnectors in offshore grids. Integrating offshore generation in offshore grids is currently a subject of discussion for different regions, e.g. the North Sea. A novel question is how the interconnector capacity should be allocated for wind generation and for international power trading. The main difficulty arises from the stochastic nature of wind generation: in a case with radial connections to the national coast, the wind park owner has the possibility of aggregating the offshore wind park with onshore installations to reduce balancing demand. This is not necessarily the case if the interconnector capacity is sold through implicit or explicit auctions. Different design options are discussed and quantified for a number of examples based on Danish, Dutch, German and Norwegian power markets. It is concluded that treating offshore generation as a single price zone within the interconnector reduces the wind operator's ability to pool it with other generation. Furthermore, a single offshore price zone between two markets will always receive the lower spot market price of the neighbouring zones, although its generation flows only to the high‐price market. Granting the high‐price market income for wind generation as the opposite design option reduces congestion rents. Otherwise, compensation measures through support schemes or different balancing responsibilities may be discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic clustering with soft computing
Authors: Peters Georg , Weber Richard 
Published: March 2012

AbstractClustering methods are one of the most popular approaches to data mining. They have been successfully used in virtually any field covering domains such as economics, marketing, bioinformatics, engineering, and many others. The classic cluster algorithms require static data structures. However, there is an increasing need to address changing data patterns. On the one hand, this need is generated by the rapidly growing amount of data that is collected by modern information systems and that has led to an increasing interest in data mining as its whole again. On the other hand, modern economies and markets do not deal with stable settings any longer but are facing the challenge to adapt to constantly changing environments. These include seasonal changes but also long‐term trends that structurally change whole economies, wipe out companies that cannot adapt to these trends, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs who establish large multinational corporations virtually out of nothing in just one decade or two. Hence, it is essential for almost any organization to address these changes. Obviously, players that have information on changes first possibly obtain a strategic advantage over their competitors. This has motivated an increasing number of researchers to enrich and extend classic static clustering algorithms by dynamic derivatives. In the past decades, very promising approaches have been suggested; some selected ones will be introduced in this review. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining
Algorithmic Development > Structure Discovery
Technologies > Computational Intelligence
Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Protein synthesis in gilthead sea bream: response to partial fishmeal replacement
Authors: Carter Chris G. , Mente Elena , Barnes Robin (Katersky) , Nengas Ioannis 
Published: March 2012

The present study aimed to measure tissue protein synthesis in sea bream fed isonitrogenous diets that contained 63, 55 and 50 % fishmeal; in the latter two diets, 16 and 27 % of the fishmeal protein was replaced with plant protein. Over a 35 d period, there were no differences in feed intake, growth or feed efficiency among the three diets. Protein metabolism was then measured in the liver and white muscle tissue as rates of protein synthesis and as the capacity for protein synthesis before feeding (0 h) and at different times after feeding (4–48 h). Diet did not have a significant effect on protein synthesis or on the capacity for protein synthesis in either tissue. The capacity for protein synthesis was not affected by time after feeding, and overall mean values were 81·02 (se1·68) and 4·07 (se0·94) mg RNA/g protein for the liver and white muscle, respectively. Liver and white muscle fractional rates of protein synthesis were significantly higher at 4–8 h, intermediate at 12 h and were not different among pre-feeding (0 h), 24 and 48 h. Overall, the indices of protein metabolism measured at various times over 48 h following feeding were closely aligned with measurements of feeding, growth and growth efficiency established over a longer time scale.
Zinc combined with vitamin A reduces upper respiratory tract infection morbidity in a randomised trial in preschool children in Indonesia
Authors: Kartasurya Martha I. , Ahmed Faruk , Subagio Hertanto W. , Rahfiludin Muhammad Z. , Marks Geoffrey C. 
Published: March 2012

Zn supplementation has shown inconsistent effects on respiratory morbidity in young children in developing countries. Few studies have focused on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), a frequent cause of morbidity in this group, and potential benefit from Zn supplementation or factors that influence its efficacy. We investigated the effects of Zn supplementation on URTI before and after vitamin A supplementation. This randomised double-blinded controlled Zn supplementation study was conducted on 826 children aged 2–5 years. Placebo or Zn (10 mg/d) was given in syrup daily for 4 months, with 200 000 IU vitamin A (60 mg retinol) given to all children at 2 months. Health workers visited children every 3 d for compliance and morbidity information. We found that 84 % of children experienced URTI during the study. Zn supplementation reduced the percentage of days with URTI (12 % reduction;P = 0·09), with greater impact following vitamin A supplementation (20 % reduction;P = 0·01). Vitamin A supplementation was associated with a decreased number but an increased duration of URTI episodes. We conclude that Zn combined with vitamin A supplementation significantly reduced the percentage of days with URTI in a population of preschool Indonesian children with marginal nutritional status. The results suggest that vitamin A status modifies the efficacy of Zn supplementation on URTI.