bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis for thalassaemia in Egypt: what changed parents' attitude?
Authors: El‐Beshlawy A. , El‐Shekha A. , Momtaz M. , Said F. , Hamdy M. , Osman O. , Meshaal S. , Gafaar T. , Petrou M. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo present the current status of the prenatal diagnosis services and results from the largest thalassaemia center in Egypt treating 3000 patients. Traditionally, prenatal diagnosis has not been successful in reducing the births of affected children in Egypt, because the majority of women undergoing prenatal diagnosis continued to have affected pregnancies.MethodsSeventy‐one pregnant mothers at risk for β‐thalassaemia underwent prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling (n = 57) or amniocentesis (n = 14) between 11 to 14 weeks of gestation. Molecular characterization of fetal DNA by reverse dot blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction‐amplification refractory mutation system techniques was conducted in all cases.ResultsTwenty‐four women (33.8%) were found to have affected fetuses; 100% of these women opted to terminate the pregnancy. The change in attitude towards termination of pregnancy was related to in‐depth counseling of the religious aspects towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy. Forty‐eight women (66.2%) with normal or carrier fetuses for β‐thal requested human leukocyte antigen typing of the fetal material to determine if the fetus was a human leukocyte antigen match for their existing thalassaemic siblings.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis is feasible and acceptable in Egypt, a Muslim country, provided an in‐depth discussion, which also addresses the religious considerations of prevention, is held with the couples. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indole‐based polymer and its silver nanocomposite as advanced antibacterial agents: synthetic path, kinetics of polymerization and applications
Authors: Srivastava Ambika , Singh Pooja , Kumar Rajesh , Verma Satish Kumar , Kharwar Ravindra Nath 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAtom transfer radical polymerization of 1‐allylindole‐3‐carbaldehyde (AIC) was studied by employing 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide as initiator in toluene. It led to controlled radical polymerization of AIC, with an increase of molecular weight along with the conversion of the monomer, and a relatively narrow molar mass distribution was obtained, as determined by gel permeation chromatography. The living nature of poly(1‐allylindole‐3‐carbaldehyde) (PAIC) was confirmed by the chain extension polymerization whereas 1H NMR analysis showed that the major population of PAIC retained the chain‐end functional group. PAIC and its silver nanocomposite were found to be biologically active against some tested bacterial pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentration tests revealed that PAIC exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonae whereas PAIC/Ag nanocomposite showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and K. pneumonae. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Doping of polyvinylidene difluoride with cobalt nitrate: Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties
Authors: Fontaine Katie , Lopez Wendy , Crisman Everett , Derov John , Euler William B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPolyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) doped with a few percentage of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate induces transition into the ferroelectric β‐phase. Infrared spectra show peaks indicative of β‐phase PVDF at 1277 cm−1 and loss of the α‐phase peak at 790 cm−1 while polarization measurements show loops consistent with relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Electronic spectroscopy shows that the Co2+ ion is in a six‐coordinate environment, and this is confirmed by magnetic susceptibility. Thermal measurements show that the PVDF melts near 155 °C, depending on the Co2+ content, and that there are several other thermal features that are associated with the hydrated cobalt nitrate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Etching and Deposition Mechanism of an Alcohol Plasma on Polycarbonate and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate): An Adhesion Promotion Mechanism for Plasma Deposited a:SiOxCyHz Coating
Authors: Hall Colin J. , Murphy Peter J. , Griesser Hans J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractFavourable properties of polycarbonate have led to it replacing glass in many applications; however it does require a protective coating. Plasma deposited protective coatings of amorphous SiOxCyHz have, however, shown marginal adhesion to polycarbonate. This study has shown that plasma pre‐treatments using vapours from the alcohol family improved the coating adhesion on two types of polycarbonate. It is suggested that these plasmas both etch the polycarbonate and deposit a thin plasma polymer layer. It was previously reported that a similar adhesion improvement was obtained on PMMA, however under shorter treatment times. The variation has been linked to the difference in etch rates of the two polymers. This has led to an improved understanding of the etching mechanism of both polymers when exposed to radicals.magnified image
Growth mechanism of thermally processed Cu(In,Ga)S2 precursors for printed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 solar cells
Authors: Klugius Ines , Miller Rebekah , Quintilla Aina , Friedlmeier Theresa M. , Blázquez‐Sánchez David , Ahlswede Erik , Powalla Michael 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe investigate a process used for the selenisation of particle‐based precursors to prepare low‐cost Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) solar cells. It is suitable for high throughput with a short optimum selenisation duration of 3–5 min and employs a rapid thermal annealing system with elemental selenium vapour. Homogeneous crack‐free Cu(In,Ga)S2 precursor films of up to 1 µm are obtained via doctor blading. The high selenium vapour pressure in the selenisation reaction chamber results in the formation of a compact Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 layer on top of a carbon‐rich underlayer. In order to investigate the phase development in the film, the selenisation process was interrupted at different stages and the samples were monitored via XRD and surface‐sensitive Raman measurements. We find the formation of a polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2 phase already after 1 s at the target temperature of 550 °C. Furthermore, the effect of initial precursor thickness on solar cell parameters is discussed. Complete solar cells are prepared by conventional methods, leading to conversion efficiencies well above 8%. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Daytime urban breeze circulation and its interaction with convective cells
Authors: Ryu Young‐Hee , Baik Jong‐Jin , Han Ji‐Young 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe structure and evolution of daytime urban breeze circulation (UBC) and its interaction with convective cells in two dimensions are examined through high‐resolution numerical model simulation. The UBC is the thermally forced, solenoidal circulation that results from the difference in surface energy balance between the urban and rural areas. As the temperature excess in the urban area increases, the UBC becomes larger and stronger with time and the two urban‐breeze fronts (the leading edges of the UBC) that initially form at the urban‐rural boundaries in the morning move toward the urban centre. Meanwhile, due to strong surface heating in the daytime, a number of convective cells form in both the rural and urban areas and the different characteristics between rural and urban convective cells are identified. The aspect ratio of the urban cells is smaller than that of the rural cells, which is partly attributed to the deeper urban boundary layer. The cell updrafts originating from the urban area are stronger, warmer and drier than those from the rural area. As the UBC develops, the convective cells that form in the rural area are advected toward the urban area by the UBC. Under the influence of the UBC, the cell updrafts originating from the rural area weaken and the water vapour mixing ratio in the updrafts decreases. As the cell updrafts originating from both the rural and urban areas merge with the urban‐breeze front, the front intensity increases and the water vapour mixing ratio at the front is modulated. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Coherent quantum processes in thermal and nonequilibrium environments
Authors: Martens Craig C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this article, we describe recent work on investigating the role of the environment in influencing coherent quantum dynamics. We review numerical methodology based on a semiclassical limit of the quantum Liouville equation for simulating quantum coherent processes using classical‐like molecular dynamics simulation and ensemble averaging and apply the approach to simulate vibrational dephasing of I2 in cryogenic rare gas matrices and the quantum vibrations of OH stretches of HOD in D2O. We then describe a simple analytic and numerical model that highlights novel behavior that can be exhibited by quantum coherent processes in the presence of an environment that is not at thermal equilibrium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Airway Epithelial Progenitors Are Region Specific and Show Differential Responses to Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Chen Huaiyong , Matsumoto Keitaro , Brockway Brian L. , Rackley Craig R. , Liang Jiurong , Lee Joo-Hyeon , Jiang Dianhua , Noble Paul W. , Randell Scott H. , Kim Carla F. , Stripp Barry R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMechanisms that regulate regional epithelial cell diversity and pathologic remodeling in airways are poorly understood. We hypothesized that regional differences in cell composition and injury-related tissue remodeling result from the type and composition of local progenitors. We used surface markers and the spatial expression pattern of an SFTPC-GFP transgene to subset epithelial progenitors by airway region. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression ranged from undetectable to high in a proximal-to-distal gradient. GFPhi cells were subdivided by CD24 staining into alveolar (CD24neg) and conducting airway (CD24low) populations. This allowed for the segregation of three types of progenitors displaying distinct clonal behavior in vitro. GFPneg and GFPlow progenitors both yielded lumen containing colonies but displayed transcriptomes reflective of pseudostratified and distal conducting airways, respectively. CD24lowGFPhi progenitors were present in an overlapping distribution with GFPlow progenitors in distal airways, yet expressed lower levels of Sox2 and expanded in culture to yield undifferentiated self-renewing progeny. Colony-forming ability was reduced for each progenitor cell type after in vivo bleomycin exposure, but only CD24lowGFPhi progenitors showed robust expansion during tissue remodeling. These data reveal intrinsic differences in the properties of regional progenitors and suggest that their unique responses to tissue damage drive local tissue remodeling.
Ante‐situm hepatic resection for tumors involving the confluence of hepatic veins and IVC
Authors: Yamamoto Yuzo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundFor patients with bulky liver tumors that have invaded all three hepatic veins at the hepatic venous confluence to the inferior vena cava (IVC), reconstruction of at least one hepatic vein outlet to the IVC is necessary.MethodsTo effectively treat these tumors, we performed 7 ante‐situm liver resections. The ante‐situm position provides surgeons with excellent visualization of the anatomical structures that should be maintained in the remnant liver. In addition, replacement of the involved IVC by a ringed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft can be safely completed.ResultsBecause of the far‐advanced malignancies of our 7 patients, the survival periods after surgery were limited, but the survival benefits of the procedure were not disappointing. From what has been reported in the literature, the survival periods in our patients appear to justify the employment of the procedure even when compared with survivals in patients who have less complex tumor extensions.ConclusionBecause of the complexity of this procedure, a team of surgeons familiar with liver surgery and liver transplantation in a specialized hepatobiliary center is required. However, we anticipate that this procedure will be feasible and justified for selected patients in whom tumor invasion at the confluence of all three hepatic veins and the IVC is too extensive to treat with other surgical procedures.
Mechanistic Studies of Particulate Soil Detergency: II: Hydrophilic Soil Removal
Authors: Rojvoranun Sureeporn , Chavadej Sumaeth , Scamehorn John F. , Sabatini David A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this work, the removal mechanism of kaolinite and ferric oxide (model hydrophilic particulate soils) from hydrophilic (cotton) and hydrophobic (polyester) fabrics was studied using three surfactant types: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), octylphenol ethoxylate (OP(EO)10), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). This work investigated the relations between zeta potential, surfactant adsorption, contact angle, solid/liquid spreading pressure, and dispersion stability in washing solutions as compared to detergency performance and antiredeposition as a function of surfactant concentration and pH level. The SDS showed the best detergency for both particulate soils, followed by OP(EO)10, with CTAB being the least effective surfactant. For SDS, the electrostatic repulsion between fabric and soil was found to be the dominant force for hydrophilic particulate soil removal. For the nonionic surfactant OP(EO)10, electrostatics are also important and steric effects aid particulate soil detergency. Electrostatic forces and solid/liquid interfacial tension reduction aids CTAB detergency. These same detergency mechanisms have previously been found for the case of hydrophobic soil removal from fabrics. Dispersion stability did not prove to be a dominant mechanism governing particulate soil detergency. From the SEM photos of soiled fabric, ferric oxide attaches to the fabric surface with no entrapment between fabric yarns; moreover, ferric oxide tends to form larger aggregates on cotton compared to polyester fabric. The adhesion of larger particles is hypothesized to be weaker than the smaller ones. Therefore ferric oxide can be more easily removed from cotton fabric than polyester. The SEM photos for kaolinite show little visual difference in particle agglomeration on polyester compared to cotton. Removal of kaolinite from cotton was found to be higher than from polyester, but there is less difference than for ferric oxide.
The Body Plan Concept and Its Centrality in Evo-Devo
Authors: Willmore Katherine E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA body plan is a suite of characters shared by a group of phylogenetically related animals at some point during their development. The concept of bauplane, or body plans, has played and continues to play a central role in the study of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). Despite the importance of the body plan concept in evo-devo, many researchers may not be familiar with the progression of ideas that have led to our current understanding of body plans, and/or current research on the origin and maintenance of body plans. This lack of familiarity, as well as former ties between the body plan concept and metaphysical ideology is likely responsible for our underappreciation of the body plan concept in its own right, as well as its role in evo-devo. My aim in this review is to outline how we have arrived at our modern definition of body plan, the controversies associated with the concept, its role in evo-devo, and how current research is informing us on body plans. To this end, I integrate concepts such as the nature of phyla, the Cambrian explosion, constraint, evolvability, and results from recent research on gene regulatory networks with the much older concept of the body plan.
Post-operative care following primary optical urethrotomy: towards an evidence based approach
Authors: Beckley Ian , Garthwaite Mary 
Published: June 2012

Introduction: Optical urethrotomy (OU) is the commonest procedure performed for primary bulbar urethral strictures. Recurrence rates of up to 50% are reported, but data is lacking on the influence of post-operative management regimes on patient’s outcomes. The aim of this study was to quantify the variation in treatment approaches within a region and determine from the literature what constitutes best practice. Methods: A survey regarding post-operative management following OU was sent to urologists in the Yorkshire Deanery. The questions related to post-operative catheter usage, intermittent self dilatation (ISD) regimes and follow-up investigations. A literature review regarding these aspects of post-operative care was subsequently performed. Results: Questionnaires were sent to 70 urologists, of which 42 urologists replied. All respondents insert a urethral catheter following OU. Two thirds of respondents advise patients to perform ISD but one third of those advise continuing for only 6 months. Uroflowmetry and post micturition residual estimation are the mainstay of follow up investigations. Conclusions: The practice in our region largely reflects the best available evidence. The literature suggests that catheter size/material has no effect on outcome. Catheter duration should be for less than 3 days due to increased risk of recurrence. ISD should be performed for at least one year as this is associated with significantly lower recurrence rates than 6 months treatment. Urethrography is more accurate than uroflowmetery for follow up but results must be correlated with patient symptoms.
A cross‐sectional study of contraceptive use among married women living in rural China
Authors: He Dian , Zhang Ying , Ji Ning , Zhou You , Mao Qunxia , Cheng Yimin 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of contraceptive use in rural China and to determine factors that influence choice of contraceptive method.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted using multistage cluster sampling to identify married women aged 20–49 years residing in Shaanxi Province, China. Data on demographics and contraceptive use were collected via detailed questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of contraceptive use in the study population was 93.9% (19 599/20 878 eligible women). Among the women using contraceptives, 10 408 (53.1%) used sterilization (female and male) and 6947 (35.4%) chose an intrauterine device. In total, 2244 (11.4%) women used short‐acting contraceptive (SAC) methods: condoms and pills accounted for 8.7% (n = 1712) and 1.0% (n = 216), respectively. Young age; high level of education; low parity; increased number of abortions; low frequency of sexual intercourse; long duration between marriage and delivery; and marriage after 1994 were all associated with SAC usage.ConclusionAlthough contraceptive use was high in rural China, the participants’ awareness of free selection of contraceptive method and the rate of SAC use were both low. Appropriate and diverse family‐planning services should be provided to meet the needs of women living in rural areas.
RETRACTED: Impact of preoperative rectal misoprostol on blood loss during and after elective cesarean delivery
Authors: Elsedeek Mervat S.‐E.‐A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of rectal misoprostol on blood loss during and after elective cesarean delivery.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted among 400 women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. The study group (n = 200) received 400 μg of misoprostol. The control group (n = 200) received placebo. Study medications were administered rectally after catheter insertion and shortly before skin incision. The main outcome measures were intra‐operative blood loss, postpartum blood loss at 24 hours, and difference between preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values.ResultsThe mean intra‐operative and postpartum blood loss was significantly lower in the study group than the control group: 429 ± 234 mL and 185 ± 95 mL versus 620 ± 375 mL and 324 ± 167 mL, respectively (P = 0.001 for both comparisons). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values was also significantly lower in the study group than the control group (4.62 ± 2.45 versus 8.15 ± 3.84; P = 0.02). Admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were comparable between the 2 groups.ConclusionPreoperative treatment with 400 μg rectal misoprostol significantly reduced blood loss related to elective cesarean delivery.Clinical trial registration No.: ACTRN12611000638932.
Internal bores: an improved model via a detailed analysis of the energy budget
Authors: Borden Zachary , Meiburg Eckart , Constantinescu George 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInternal bores, or internal hydraulic jumps, arise in many atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena. The classic single-layer hydraulic jump model accurately predicts the bore height and propagation velocity when the difference between the densities of the expanding and contracting layers is large (i.e. water and air), but fails in the Boussinesq limit. A two-layer model, which conserves mass separately in each layer and momentum globally is more accurate in the Boussinesq limit, but it requires for closure an assumption about the loss of energy across a bore. It is widely believed that bounds on the bore speed can be found by restricting the energy loss entirely to one of the two layers, but under some circumstances, both bounds overpredict the propagation speed. A front velocity slower than both bounds implies that, somehow, the expanding layer is gaining energy. We directly examine the flux of energy within internal bores using two- and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations and find that although there is a global loss of energy across a bore, a transfer of energy from the contracting to the expanding layer causes a net energy gain in the expanding layer. The energy transfer is largely the result of turbulent mixing at the interface. Within the parameter regime investigated, the effect of mixing is much larger than non-hydrostatic and viscous effects, both of which are neglected in the two-layer analytical models. Based on our results, we propose an improved two-layer model that provides an accurate propagation velocity as a function of the geometrical parameters, the Reynolds number, and the Schmidt number.