bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomic analysis of proteins involved in oocyte meiotic maturation in mice
Authors: Cao Senyang , Guo Xuejiang , Zhou Zuomin , Sha Jiahao 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAfter birth, oocytes stay at the diplotene stage in prophase of meiosis I. Meiosis resumes about 1 day before ovulation, and arrests in metaphase II (MII) after ovulation. The mature, MII oocytes are then ready for fertilization and to provide materials for early embryonic development. Proteomic characterization of oocytes can help identify proteins that are important for female meiotic maturation and early embryonic development. In this study, we compared the proteomic profiles between the germinal vesicle and MII mouse oocytes by two‐dimensional electrophoresis; 95 differentially expressed protein spots corresponding to 63 proteins were identified. Many of these proteins are known to be essential for oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development, such as adenylosuccinate synthetase, nucleoplasmin‐2, and protein–arginine deiminase type‐6. Of the 12 proteins that were identified and are highly expressed in oocytes, a novel protein, E330034G19Rik, was found to be oocyte‐specific. According to analysis by bioinformatics, it may regulate chromosome segregation during meiosis or cleavage. An in‐depth study of these proteins will help us better understand the mechanisms of oocyte meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. It will also help us understand the mechanisms of diseases that stem from abnormal oocyte maturation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovary failure. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:413–422, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pregnant women's and their partners' perception of an information model on prenatal screening
Authors: Wätterbjörk Inger , Blomberg Karin , Nilsson Kerstin , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveExtended verbal information on prenatal screening was given when combined ultrasound and biochemistry screening test was offered at Örebro County Council, Sweden, in 2008. The aim of this study was to describe pregnant women's and her partners' perceptions of this information model.MethodThe interviews were semi‐structured, and altogether, 26 interviews were performed with pregnant women and partners. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe result consists of two main categories, ‘form and content’ and ‘managing the information’, to describe the couples' perceptions of the information given. Nine categories describe the information model in: voluntariness, a separate visit, a special midwife, the content, missing information, ethical considerations, a visit on equal terms, communication within the couple, communication with other people, and emotional management.ConclusionThe information model helps expecting parents to focus on prenatal screening. Only information about prenatal screening and diagnosis was not enough for everybody; some couples want this to be an opportunity to discuss with a professional the pros and cons of prenatal screening as well as ethical considerations. The information visit gives the partner a chance to be involved and an opportunity for the couple to discuss the subject. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of intracranial translucency using three‐dimensional ultrasound and Volume IT™
Authors: Lee Mi‐Young , Won Hye‐Sung , Jeong Ba‐Da , Hyun Min‐Kyung , Lee Hee‐Young , Shim Jae‐Yoon , Lee Pil‐Ryang , Kim Ahm 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo establish the reference range of intracranial translucency (IT) in the Korean population, and to evaluate whether Volume IT™ is a reliable technique for measuring IT.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the IT of 93 singleton fetuses at 10.5 to 12.6 weeks of gestation using previously obtained three‐dimensional volume data. The IT was measured manually and automatically using Volume IT™ in each fetus by one experienced and one beginner operator. We measured the IT values according to the crown–rump length and evaluated whether Volume IT™ can successfully measure the IT. Inter‐observer agreement and intra‐observer reproducibility were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and the IT measurements obtained by the experienced operator using the manual and automated methods were then compared using the Bland–Altman plot and ICC.ResultsAmong 93 cases, 2 were lost to follow‐up after the first trimester scan and were excluded from further evaluation. Both operators identified the fourth ventricle in all 91 cases using Volume IT™. The experienced and beginner operators were able to measure the IT in 89 (98%) fetuses, with 4 and 13, respectively, requiring adjustments. The IT values increased with gestational age (correlation coefficient, r = 0.491, P <0.0001). Inter‐operator agreement was moderate (ICC = 0.580 for automated and 0.546 for manual measurements), and intra‐operator reproducibility was highest for automated measurements by the experienced operator (ICC = 0.944). Agreement of the IT values between the manual and automated methods was high (ICC = 0.950).ConclusionsOur results provide the reference range of IT in the Korean population. The Volume IT™ may be a reliable technique for measuring IT. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal anxiety and pain during prenatal diagnostic techniques: a prospective study
Authors: Bot‐Robin Virginie , Sendon Sylvie , Bourzoufi Karim , Vaast Pascal , Deken Valérie , Dutoit Patricia , Houfflin‐Debarge Véronique 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore anxiety and pain felt by women undergoing chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (AC).MethodWe prospectively questioned 254 women (67 undergoing CVS, 187 AC) before the procedure on their anxiety, after the procedure on their pain felt, and the support they received or desired. The medical team collected technical information concerning each procedure.ResultsThe level of anxiety was significantly higher in women undergoing CVS than AC, in those who had received complete information before the procedure, and when indication for the procedure was fetal structural abnormalities. The level of pain was significantly higher in cases of anxious women, those undergoing a CVS rather than AC, those who had undergone invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures in previous pregnancies, in procedures deemed difficult by the operator, and with needle insertion in the lateral part of the uterus. About 30% of women undergoing CVS and 8% of those undergoing AC would have desired some form of pain prevention, mostly with nonpharmacologic therapy.ConclusionPrenatal diagnosis is frequently associated with anxiety and pain. We identified factors that could exacerbate either one. When questioned, patients would desire a nonpharmacologic means for pain prevention. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wrinkling instabilities in polymer films and their applications
Authors: Chen Chi‐Mon , Yang Shu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSurface wrinkles are commonly observed in polymer films driven by mechanical instability when the stress exceeds a critical value. Recently, wrinkling instability has been utilized as a versatile patterning platform to create unique surface patterns for a wide range of applications that are related to surface topography and its dynamic tuning. In this review, we discuss three mechanisms to create large‐area surface wrinkles via thermal stress, osmotic pressure and mechanical stress applied on bilayer and gradient polymer films. We briefly compare the governing physics in each system, and how to control the wrinkle pattern order, characteristic wavelength and amplitude, orientation and interactions under different geometrical confinements. We then present various technological applications that harness wrinkling effects, including optical components, responsive microfluidic channels, thin‐film metrology, tunable wetting and directed assembly of liquid crystal molecules, flexible electronics and particle sorting.
Environmental life cycle assessment of roof‐integrated flexible amorphous silicon/nanocrystalline silicon solar cell laminate
Authors: Mohr N. J. , Meijer A. , Huijbregts M. A. J. , Reijnders L. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an environmental life cycle assessment of a roof‐integrated flexible solar cell laminate with tandem solar cells composed of amorphous silicon/nanocrystalline silicon (a‐Si/nc‐Si). The a‐Si/nc‐Si cells are considered to have 10% conversion efficiency. Their expected service life is 20 years. The production scale considered is 100 MWp per year. A comparison of the a‐Si/nc‐Si photovoltaic (PV) system with the roof‐mounted multicrystalline silicon (multi‐Si) PV system is also presented. For both PV systems, application in the Netherlands with an annual insolation of 1000 kWh/m2 is considered. We found that the overall damage scores of the a‐Si/nc‐Si PV system and the multi‐Si PV system are 0.012 and 0.010 Ecopoints/kWh, respectively. For both PV systems, the impacts due to climate change, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, and fossil resources depletion together contribute to 96% of the overall damage scores. Each of both PV systems has a cumulative primary energy demand of 1.4 MJ/kWh. The cumulative primary energy demand of the a‐Si/nc‐Si PV system has an uncertainty of up to 41%. For the a‐Si/nc‐Si PV system, an energy payback time of 2.3 years is derived. The construction for roof integration, the silicon deposition, and etching are found to be the largest contributors to the primary energy demand of the a‐Si/nc‐Si PV system, whereas encapsulation and the construction for roof integration are the largest contributors to its impact on climate change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controllable synthesis of novel sandwiched polyaniline/ZnO/polyaniline free‐standing nanocomposite films
Authors: Huang Gui‐Wen , Xiao Hong‐Mei , Shi Han‐Qiao , Fu Shao‐Yun 
Published: April 2012

AbstractControllable synthesis of novel sandwiched polyaniline (PANI)/ZnO/PANI free‐standing nanocomposite films is reported via spin coating of ZnO quantum‐dot interlayer on PANI base layer and then PANI surface layer on the ZnO interlayer. The thickness of the ZnO interlayer and the PANI surface layer can be easily controlled by adjusting spin time and spin speed, respectively. The effects of the ZnO interlayer thickness and the PANI surface layer thickness are examined in detail on the photoluminescence (PL) property. It is worth noting that coverage of the PANI surface layer on the ZnO interlayer can not only lead to great enhancement in the PL property but also to a maximum PL intensity at a medium PANI surface layer thickness. This maximum PL property is caused by the combined ZnO/PANI carrier transportation and PANI shielding effects. In addition, the nanocomposite films show reasonably good conductivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Fampridine for the improvement of walking in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Dobson Ruth 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFampridine (Fampyra) is a selective potassium channel blocker licensed for the improvement of walking in multiple sclerosis. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects and Dr Ruth Dobson discusses its potential role in the treatment of walking disability in multiple sclerosis. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Photogeneration and recombination of charge carrier pairs and free charge carriers in polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction films
Authors: Sliaužys Gytis , Arlauskas Kęstutis , Gulbinas Vidmantas 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPhoto‐generation and recombination of free charge carriers in poly‐3 (hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend films has been studied at different PCBM concentrations by means of fluorescence spectroscopy and transient photocurrent methods. We show that more than 80% of excitons form charge transfer (CT) states at PCBM concentrations above 4%. Efficiency of the CT state dissociation into free charge carries strongly depends on the PCBM concentration; the dissociation efficiency increases more than 30 times when PCBM concentration increases from 1 to 32%. We attribute the strong concentration dependence to formation of PCBM clusters facilitating electron migration and/or delocalization. Reduced charge carrier recombination coefficient has also been observed at high PCBM concentrations. We suggest that this may be partly caused by the reduced stability of reformed Coulombicaly bound charge pairs.
The effect of temperature on the compressive buckling of boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Shokuhfar Ali , Ebrahimi‐Nejad Salman , Hosseini‐Sadegh Amin , Zare‐Shahabadi Abolfazl 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInspired by the stability at high temperature and the high mechanical strength of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), the effect of temperature on the compressive buckling of BNNTs has been investigated in this paper. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of BNNTs subjected to high temperatures (up to 3000 K) were performed and their structures were analyzed by studying their optimized structures at different temperatures through the radial distribution function (RDF). Then, the structural stability and compressive resistance properties of these nanotubes were investigated and the critical buckling loads and critical buckling strains of the nanotubes and their susceptibility to high temperatures were determined. The gradual decrease in the sharpness of the peaks of RDF plots of non‐loaded nanotubes implies that at higher temperatures the structure displays greater deviations from that at room temperature. Results of buckling simulations also indicate a general weakening of the nanotubes and lower critical buckling loads and critical buckling strains at increased temperatures. The decrease in the critical buckling load is more significant for the longer nanotube (L ∼ 6 nm) than the shorter one (L ∼ 3 nm). The critical buckling strain experienced a drop of about 35–50% at temperatures higher than 1500 K. A transitional behavior was observed between T = 1000 and 2000 K.magnified image
Temperature‐dependent axial buckling behavior of boron nitride nanotubes.
Thirty‐Femtogram Detection of Iron in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Galimard Aymeric , Safi Malak , Ould‐Moussa Nawel , Montero David , Conjeaud Hélène , Berret Jean‐François 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInorganic nanomaterials and particles with enhanced optical, mechanical, or magnetic attributes are currently being developed for a wide range of applications. Safety issues have developed however concerning their potential cyto‐ and genotoxicity. For in vivo and in vitro experimentations, recent developments have heightened the need for simple and facile methods to measure the amount of nanoparticles taken up by cells or tissues. In this work, a rapid and highly sensitive method for quantifying the uptake of iron oxide nanoparticles in mammalian cells is reported. The approach exploits the digestion of incubated cells with concentrated hydrochloric acid reactant and a colorimetric‐based UV–visible absorption technique. The technique allows the detection of iron in cells over 4 decades in masses from 0.03 to 300 picograms per cell. Applied on particles of different surface chemistry and sizes, the protocol demonstrates that the coating is the key parameter in the nanoparticle/cell interactions. The data are corroborated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the results stress the importance of resiliently adsorbed nanoparticles at the plasma membrane.
Effect of Maillard reaction products prepared from glucose–glycine model systems on starch digestibility
Authors: Chung Soo Yeon , Han Sung Hee , Lee Seog Won , Rhee Chul 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe Maillard reaction is one of the most important phenomena occurring spontaneously during food processing and storage. However, research on the effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on starch hydrolysis remains insufficient. To investigate the effects of MRPs on in vitro starch digestibility, the characteristics of glucose–glycine model system containing MRPs and digestive enzyme activities by MRPs were measured. MRPs were prepared by heating of glucose–glycine mixture solution at 90°C for different times (0, 1, 3, 9, 18, 24, and 48 h). As the Maillard reaction proceeded, browning intensity, and furosine and hydroxymethylfurfural content increased, whereas pH value decreased. The reducing power of MRPs was increased as the Maillard reaction progressed, and MRPs produced in 18 and 24 h showed the highest values (both 1.2). In MRPs heated for 48 h, the reducing sugar content and hydrolysis index were lowest values (88.6 and 87.0%) among the samples. The activity of digestive enzymes significantly decreased by adding of MRPs, as the browning of added MRPs increased. Therefore, MRPs seem to be contributed to decrease in starch digestibility, as shown by an enzymatic digestion result.
On the structural topology of wind turbine blades
Authors: Buckney Neil , Green Steven , Pirrera Alberto , Weaver Paul M. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTAs wind turbines continue to grow in size, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that they are as structurally efficient as possible to ensure that wind energy can be a cost‐effective source of power generation. A way to achieve this is through weight reductions in the blades of the wind turbine. In this study, topology optimization is used to find alternative structural configurations for a 45 m blade from a 3 MW wind turbine. The result of the topology optimization is a layout that varies along the blade length, transitioning from a structure with trailing edge reinforcement to one with offset spar caps. Sizing optimization was then performed on a section with the trailing edge reinforcement and was shown to offer potential weight savings of 13.8% when compared with a more conventional design. These findings indicate that the conventional structural layout of a wind turbine blade is sub‐optimal under the static load conditions that were applied, suggesting an opportunity to reduce blade weight and cost. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogeological Condition and Assessment of Groundwater Resource Using Visual Modflow Modeling, Rajshahi City Aquifer, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque  , Mamunul M. Al , Jahan C. S. , Mazumder Q. H. , Nawaz S. M. S. , Mirdha G. C. , Mamud P. , Adham M. I. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The Rajshahi city is the fourth largest metropolitan city in Bangladesh on the bank of the River Padma (Ganges). Here an upper semi-impervious layer overlies aquifer – the source for large-scale groundwater development. The groundwater resource study using Visual MODFLOW modeling shows that recharge occurs mainly due to infiltration of rainfall and urban return flow at low rate, and water level fluctuates seasonally in response to recharge and discharge. Hydraulic connection between river and aquifer which indicates inflow from high river water levels beyond its boundaries. The total groundwater abstraction in 2004 (15000 million liters) is lower than total input to aquifer reveals an ample potentiality for groundwater development with increasing demand. But groundwater shortage (1000 million liter/year) especially in the vicinity of the River Padma in dry season happens due to its increasing use and fall of river water level resulting in reduced inflows and hence decline in groundwater level. The conjunctive use of surface water-groundwater and its economic use will help for sustainable groundwater supply to avoid adverse impact.
Structural Study of Meghalaya Plateau through Aeromagnetic Data
Authors: Sharma Rajendra , Gouda H. C. , Singh R. K. , Nagaraju B. V. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The study of aeromagnetic data over parts of Assam-Meghalaya has delineated major discontinuities representing faults/ fractures/ contacts/ shears and magnetic body axes, which helped in understanding the regional and structural setup of the area. The known Barapani and Dapsi Thrusts, Dudhnai Fault and three strong magnetic anomalies with reverse magnetisation have been delineated. The quantitative analysis of aeromagnetic data brought out the depths of magnetic interfaces and the magnetic picture of different layers, which also helped in understanding the regional and structural setup. The contact modeling across few profile sections showed the depths to the top of contacts and the map of magnetic-basement-depth-model revealed the undulations of the basement. Magnetic body axes of several magnetic anomalies and also several magnetic discontinuities representative of faults/ fractures/ contacts/ shears system in the area along with five potential blocks for mineral prospecting are the main outcome of this exercise. The seismotectonic activity associated with the magnetic features has also been studied to understand the structural setup.
Partially labeled data stream classification with the semi-supervised K-associated graph
Authors: Bertini João Roberto , Lopes Alneu de Andrade , Zhao Liang 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Regular data classification techniques are based mainly on two strong assumptions: (1) the existence of a reasonably large labeled set of data to be used in training; and (2) future input data instances conform to the distribution of the training set, i.e. data distribution is stationary along time. However, in the case of data stream classification, both of the aforementioned assumptions are difficult to satisfy. In this paper, we present a graph-based semi-supervised approach that extends the static classifier based on the K-associated Optimal Graph to perform online semi-supervised classification tasks. In order to learn from labeled and unlabeled patterns, here we adapt the optimal graph construction to simultaneously spread the labels in the training set. The sparse, disconnected nature of the proposed graph structure gives flexibility to cope with non-stationary classification. Experimental comparison between the proposed method and three state-of-the-art ensemble classification methods is provided and promising results have been obtained.
Distribution and conservation status of the Critically EndangeredScrophularia takesimensis, a plant endemic to Ulleung Island, Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Hyeok Jae , Jang Hyun Do , Isagi Yuji , Un Oh Byoung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractScrophularia takesimensisNakai is a Critically Endangered plant species endemic to Ulleung Island, Republic of Korea. We provide updated information on the distribution and conservation status of this species. We located 39 subpopulations and counted a total of 443 individuals, including some reintroduced. Observations of dried and broken branches, with fruits, ofS. takesimensisalong the coast may indicate dispersal by sea. The construction of coastal roads is the main threat to the species. To conserve this species more effectively we recommend that: (1) the two habitats identified as a priority for conservation should be afforded special protection, (2) habitats to the seaward side of coastal roads are more suitable than habitat on the landward side for in situ conservation, and (3) the presently known subpopulations require continuous protection and monitoring.