bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rigid Polyurethane Foam Production from Palm Oil‐Based Epoxidized Diethanolamides
Authors: Lee C. S. , Ooi T. L. , Chuah C. H. , Ahmad S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA new type of rigid polyurethane foam was produced by incorporating oxazolidone heterocyclic rings on to polyurethane backbones. Epoxidized diethanolamides were synthesized by reacting palm oil blends of epoxidized palm olein and refined bleached deodorized palm kernel olein with diethanolamine to produce rigid polyurethane foams. Epoxides, retained in the diethanolamides, reacted with isocyanate during foam production in the presence of AlCl3–THF complex catalyst to form oxazolidone linkages in the polyurethane network. The carbonyl stretch of oxazolidone was identified at 1,750 cm−1 through Fourier Transform Infra Red analysis. Chemical modifications of the polyurethane network also improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the foams. In addition, isocyanate index 1.4 was determined to be the most suitable in the production of foams from this newly synthesized epoxidized diethanolamides.
Association of intimate partner physical and sexual violence with unintended pregnancy among pregnant women in Peru
Authors: Cripe Swee May , Sanchez Sixto E. , Perales Maria Teresa , Lam Nally , Garcia Pedro , Williams Michelle A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the associations between lifetime physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) with pregnancy intent among pregnant women in Lima, Peru.MethodsA total of 2167 women who delivered at the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Peru were interviewed during the postpartum recovery period. Logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsLifetime physical or sexual violence (40.0%) and unintended pregnancies (65.3%) were common in the study population. Compared with non‐abused women, abused women had a 1.63‐fold increased risk for unintended pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy risk was 3.31‐fold higher among women who experienced both physical and sexual abuse compared with non‐abused women. The prevalence and severity of physical violence during pregnancy was greater among women with unintended pregnancies compared with women with planned pregnancies.ConclusionThe findings indicate the need to include IPV screening and treatment in prenatal care and reproductive health settings.
Inheritance and perinatal consequences of inherited thrombophilia in Greece
Authors: Karakantza Marina , Androutsopoulos Georgios , Mougiou Athina , Sakellaropoulos Georgios , Kourounis Georgios , Decavalas Georgios 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of inherited thrombophilic factors on the gestational outcome of unselected pregnant women.MethodA total of 392 women with spontaneous pregnancy were investigated for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were recorded.ResultsThrombophilic genotypes were significantly higher in women with placental abruption. Heterozygocity for Factor V Leiden increased the risk for placental abruption 9.1 times. The MTHFR T677T genotype increased the risk for placental abruption 4.8 times despite folate supplements, and normal serum folate and B12 levels. Women with inherited thrombophilia and previous obstetric complications were at significant risk for complications in a subsequent pregnancy (P < 0.05).ConclusionWomen with placental abruption should be screened for thrombophilic factors and plasma homocysteine should be measured. Subgroups of women with inherited thrombophilia and obstetric complications might benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation in subsequent pregnancies.
Cord blood cardiac troponin I, fetal Doppler velocimetry, and acid base status at birth
Authors: Alexandre Sandra Maria , D'Almeida Vânia , Guinsburg Ruth , Nakamura Mary U. , Tufik Sérgio , Moron Antonio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the association between umbilical cord cardiac troponin I (cTnI), obstetric Doppler, and birth acidemia. Method: This prospective observational study was conducted on 58 singleton pregnancies at 3 Brazilian hospitals. Umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry were performed 24 h prior to birth. At delivery, cord blood was collected for pH, blood gas analysis, and cTnI measurement. Results: Cardiac troponin I ≥ 0.20 ng/mL was detected in 5 neonates (8.6%). Centralization was recorded in 12 fetuses; 4 of these (33.3%) had detectable cTnI compared with 1/46 (2.2%) fetuses with normal Doppler (P = 0.005). Acidemia was present in 60% of the neonates with detectable cTnI, compared with 15% of the neonates with undetectable cTnI (P = 0.042). Conclusion: Centralization and birth acidemia are associated with detectable cTnI in cord blood supporting the possibility of myocardial ischemia in these fetuses.
Misoprostol for the termination of pregnancy up to 12 completed weeks of pregnancy
Authors: Faúndes A. , Fiala C. , Tang O.S. , Velasco A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim was to review the current knowledge about the use of misoprostol alone for abortion induction during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Publications reporting experiences with misoprostol alone for pregnancy termination within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were included in the analysis. Vaginal administration of 800 μg repeated up to three times at 6, 12 or 24 h intervals has an 85% to 90% effectiveness, defined as complete abortion, in most studies. Oral administration is less effective, but sublingual administration at 3‐hour interval has the same effectiveness, with more frequent side effects. The oral and sublingual routes appear to be better accepted than vaginal administration. Most studies are limited to the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. The experience on pregnancy termination between 10 and 12 weeks is not yet sufficient for a recommendation.
Misoprostol for the termination of pregnancy with a live fetus at 13 to 26 weeks
Authors: Ho P.C. , Blumenthal P.D. , Gemzell‐Danielsson K. , Gómez Ponce de León R. , Mittal S. , Tang O.S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is the regimen of choice for termination of pregnancy between 13 to 26 weeks. In many countries, mifepristone is still not available, and misoprostol has to be used alone. Many misoprostol‐alone regimens have been reported in the literature with apparently good results. Most of the trials were conducted in pregnancies between 13 and 22 weeks. For this gestational period, we recommend the regimen of 400 μg of vaginal misoprostol every 3 h up to 5 doses, as it appears to be effective without excessive side effects or complications. There is inadequate data to recommend a regimen for the gestational period of 23 to 26 weeks but it is advisable to reduce the dose and frequency of administration of misoprostol. Common side effects of misoprostol‐induced termination of pregnancy include gastrointestinal side effects, abdominal cramps, bleeding, fever and chills. Complications may include infection or rarely rupture of uterus.
Misoprostol for induction of labor with a live fetus
Authors: Weeks A. , Alfirevic Z. , Faúndes A. , Hofmeyr G.J. , Safar P. , Wing D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractInduction of labor is common in clinical practice. Many different medical and mechanical methods have been used, but the current gold standard is vaginal dinoprostone. Misoprostol has been used for the induction of labor since 1987. In early studies with large misoprostol doses (e.g. 200 μg) there were high rates of uterine hyperstimulation. Cochrane meta‐analysis, however, shows that when used in low doses it is as effective as vaginal dinoprostone and with no excess of hyperstimulation. 25 μg vaginal misoprostol 4‐hourly, 50 μg oral misoprostol 4‐hourly or 20 μg oral misoprostol solution 2‐hourly are all safe and effective regimens. Reports of uterine rupture in women with previous cesarean sections mean that it remains contraindicated in this group.
Treatment of postpartum hemorrhage with misoprostol
Authors: Blum J. , Alfirevic Z. , Walraven G. , Weeks A. , Winikoff B. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA literature review was conducted to determine whether misoprostol is an effective treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and in what dose. All English language articles published before March 2007 reporting on misoprostol for treatment of PPH were reviewed. Unpublished data previously presented at international scientific meetings were also included in the review. Little evidence exists in support of misoprostol for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Nonetheless, PPH remains a major killer of women worldwide, and new treatment options are widely sought. For this reason, we recommend a single dose of misoprostol 600 μg oral or sublingual for PPH treatment in instances when other treatments have either failed to work or are not available.
Miniaturizing the laparoscope: Current applications of micro‐ and minilaparoscopy
Authors: Tu Frank F. , Advincula A.P. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTechnological advancements have enabled miniaturization of the endoscope without significant compromise to either diagnostic or operative abilities. With a complement of instruments < 5 mm in diameter, newer minimally invasive techniques have been developed to decrease the pain and trauma associated with surgical procedures. These advancements involve additional options for peritoneal access as well as facilitating diagnostic evaluation of the pelvis. Although the robustness and durability of the smaller instruments is an area of concern, a thorough understanding of the clinical advantages and disadvantages has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Very high rates of vitamin D insufficiency in women of child-bearing age living in Beijing and Hong Kong
Authors: Woo Jean , Lam Christopher W. K. , Leung Jason , Lau Winny Y. , Lau Edith , Ling Xu , Xing Xiaoping , He Zhao Xi , Murray Skeaff  C. , Bacon Catherine J. , Rockell Jennifer E. P. , Lambert Aaron , Whiting Susan J. , Green Timothy J. 
Published: October 2007

We aimed to describe the vitamin D status of young women living in two Chinese cities in the spring – Beijing in the north (latitude 39° north) and Hong Kong (latitude 22° north) in the south. We also examined the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations to determine a threshold for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D above which there is no further suppression of PTH. Finally, we examined whether dietary Ca intake influences this relationship. Non-pregnant women aged 18–40 years (n441) were recruited between February and June. Fasting blood was collected and dietary intakes were assessed using 5 d food records. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was lower in Beijing than Hong Kong women (29v.34 nmol/l;P < 0·001). Vitamin D deficiency ( ≤ 25 nmol/l) was indicated in 40 % of Beijing and 18 % of Hong Kong women, and over 90 % of women in both cities were insufficient ( ≤ 50 nmol/l). Mean Ca and vitamin D intakes were 478 mg/d and 2·0 μg/d, respectively. The relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and PTH was linear throughout the range with a slope of − 0·36 (different from 0;P < 0·001;R0·26), with no apparent threshold. There was no influence of Ca intake on the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and PTH concentration. Vitamin D deficiency is common and insufficiency is very common in non-pregnant women in Hong Kong and Beijing during spring. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated with PTH with no apparent threshold. Strategies such as vitamin D fortification or supplementation may be required.
In the Name ofAdat: Regional Perspectives on Reform, Tradition, and Democracy in Indonesia
Authors: HENLEY DAVID , DAVIDSON JAMIE S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis article examines the revival ofadat(custom) in post-Suharto Indonesia, a movement which few Indonesia-watchers predicted. Four general reasons for the rise ofadatrevivalism are identified. The first is the support, both ideological and concrete, of international organizations and networks committed to the rights of indigenous peoples. The second is the uncertainty, together with the opportunities, attendant on the processes of democratization and decentralization which followed the end of Suharto's authoritarian rule. The third is the oppression of marginal population groups under the New Order. The fourth root is historical, having to do with the positive role whichadathas played in the country's political imagination since the beginning of Indonesian nationalism.Adatas a political cause involves a set of loosely related ideals which, rightly or wrongly, are associated with the past: authenticity, community, order, and justice. These ideals have been invoked in varying proportions to pursue a wide variety of political ends, including the control of resources and the exclusion of rivals as well as the protection, empowerment, and mobilization of underprivileged groups.
The Account of Persia and Cyrus's Persian Education in Xenophon'sCyropaedia
Authors: Whidden Christopher 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTheCyropaediais a biographical account of what Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, knew in order to rule human beings. This essay focuses on Cyrus's twofold Persian education, which consisted of his conventional and heterodox educations. The former emphasized the rule of law, while the latter stressed the need for absolute rule by a single leader. In order to evaluate Cyrus's revolution, one must grasp the relative strengths and weaknesses of the Persian regime that educated him, especially in light of the impressive but short-lived empire he founded. In the end, theCyropaediaunfolds as a deeply ironic work. Despite Cyrus's prodigious wisdom, the empire he founded was for Xenophon neither unequivocally lasting nor good. In this sense, Xenophon's own knowledge rivals and supercedes that of Cyrus, insofar as Xenophon realized that wisdom is no match for the chaotic world of politics, a sobering and realistic outlook still applicable today.
Evolutionary design of modular robotic arms
Authors: Chocron O. 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a method for task based design of modular serial robotic arms using evolutionary algorithms (EA). We introduce a 3D kinematics and a global optimization for both topology and configuration from task specifications. The search features revolute as well as prismatic joints and any number of DOF to build up a solution without using any design knowledge. A study of the evolution dynamics gives some keys to set evolution parameters that enable artificial evolution. An adapted algorithm dealing with the topology/configuration search tradeoff is proposed, descibed, and discussed. Illustrations of the algorithms results are given and conclusions are drawn from their analysis. Perspectives of this work are given, extending its reach to control and complex system design.
Cross-species infection of hepatitis E virus in a zoo-like location, including birds
Authors: ZHANG W. , SHEN Q. , MOU J. , YANG Z. B. , YUAN C. L. , CUI L. , ZHU J. G. , HUA X. G. , XU C. M. , HU J. 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which several species of animals are considered to be reservoirs. Thirty-eight faecal samples, obtained from 22 species of animals including birds in a wildlife first-aid centre in Eastern China, were tested for HEV RNA. Our survey revealed that in total 28·9% (95% confidence interval 14·5–43·4) of the faecal samples from various mammals and birds were HEV RNA positive. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the 11 isolates demonstrated that all sequences clustered in genotype 4 with 96–100% identity to each other. In addition, serum samples from seven animal handlers have shown that five (71·4%) were seropositive. The findings imply that cross-species infection of HEV had probably occurred in this zoo-like location, and moreover, birds can be infected naturally with mammalian HEV.
The rapid identification ofClostridium perfringensas the possible aetiology of a diarrhoeal outbreak using PCR
Authors: LOH J. P. , LIU Y. C. , CHEW S. W. , ONG E. S. , FAM J. M. , NG Y. Y. , TAYLOR M. B. , OOI E. E. 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYA gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in a military camp where a laboratory and epidemiological investigation was carried out. The early onset of symptoms indicated probable food contamination withClostridium perfringens. Stool samples collected from affected patients were tested within 4 h via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of theC. perfringens plcgene. Ten out of the 12 stool samples were positive. Confirmation of the molecular test results was carried out by enumeration ofC. perfringensin stool by culture and shown to be in excess of 106spores/g stool. The isolates obtained from culture were further analysed by PCR for the presence of the chromosomal enterotoxin (cpe) gene. Based on the clinical symptoms, epidemiological and laboratory investigations,C. perfringenswas implicated as the aetiological agent. The ability to conduct real-time PCR analysis greatly shortens the time to diagnosis and allows for preventive and control measures to be effected quickly.
Identification of quantitative trait loci controlling seed physical and nutrient traits in cotton
Authors: Song Xian-Liang , Zhang Tian-Zhen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important source of edible oil and protein meals. Complex genetics and strong environmental effects hinder progress in seed quality trait breeding in this species. The use of molecular markers can improve an understanding of the genetic factors conditioning seed quality traits, and is expected to assist in selection of superior genotypes. This study was conducted to identify quantitative trail loci (QTL) associated with seed physical and nutrient traits in cotton. To achieve this objective, a population of 140 BC1S1 lines developed from a cross between ‘TM-1’ and ‘Hai7124’ was evaluated in 2003 and 2004. A linkage map consisting of 918 markers from this population was used to identify QTL using QTLNetwork-2.0 software. Eleven single QTL were identified for kernel percentage, kernel oil percentage, kernel protein percentage and seven amino acids (Asp, Ser, Gly, Ile, Leu, Phe and Arg). Phenotypic variation explained by each individual QTL ranged from 10.89 to 46.28%. Two epistatic QTL for Cys and Leu were detected, explaining 9.55 and 4.43% of the phenotypic variation. These QTL detected for seed quality traits in cotton are expected to be useful for further breeding programmes targeting development of cotton with improved nutrient quality.
Nymphaeaceae: a basal angiosperm family (ANITA grade) with a fully developed embryo
Authors: Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRudimentary, broad and small linear embryos occur among members of the most primitive (basal) extant angiosperms, collectively called the ANITA grade (i.e.Amborella,NymphaealesandAustrobaileyales).Amborella(rudimentary) andAustrobaileyales(rudimentary inAustrobaileyaceae,IlliciaceaeandSchisandraceaeand small linear inTrimeniaceae) have kinds of embryos that are known to be underdeveloped; consequently, they must grow inside the seed prior to radicle emergence (germination). On the other hand, it is not known if broad embryos need to grow before radicles can emerge, and whether they are underdeveloped or fully developed. Thus, we addressed the question: ‘Is the broad embryo ofNymphaealesalso underdeveloped?’. Although the embryo length : seed length ratios inNymphaeaAlbert Greenburg,N.capensisvar.zanzibariensisandN.immutabiliswere 0.311, 0.349 and 0.234, respectively, embryos did not grow prior to radicle emergence. Thus, they are fully developed at seed maturity. IfAmborellaandNymphaealesare equally the most basal angiosperms, as some molecular phylogenetic studies indicate, then we must conclude that the broad and rudimentary embryos are equally primitive.
Molecular cloning and characterization of aLEAFY-like gene highly expressed in developing soybean seeds
Authors: Meng Qingchang , Zhang Chunhong , Huang Fang , Gai Junyi , Yu Deyue 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLEAFY (LFY)-like proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in plant growth and development. In this study, aLEAFYhomologue in soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.], designated asGmLFY, was cloned from inflorescences by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. Sequence analysis showed thatGmLFYcDNA contained a 1221 bp open reading frame, encoding 407 amino acid residues with typical characteristics of transcription factors. Subcellular localization in onion epidermal cells indicated that GmLFY protein was located in the nucleus. Analysis of theGmLFYgenomic structure showed that theGmLFYgene has two introns with similar spliced sites asLFY-like genes in other plants. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated thatGmLFYwas predominantly expressed in reproductive organs, such as inflorescences, pods and developing seeds. Further analysis showed that the expression level ofGmLFYwas higher in the middle stage than in the early or late stages of seed development, suggesting an essential regulatory role of GmLFY in soybean seed development.
Loss of desiccation tolerance during germination in neo-tropical pioneer seeds: implications for seed mortality and germination characteristics
Authors: Daws Matthew I. , Bolton Sheina , Burslem David F.R.P. , Garwood Nancy C. , Mullins Christopher E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractOrthodox, desiccation-tolerant seeds lose desiccation tolerance during germination. Here, we quantify the timing of the loss of desiccation tolerance, and explore the implications of this event for seed mortality and the shape of germination progress curves for pioneer tree species. For the nine species studied, all seeds in a seedlot lost desiccation tolerance after the same fixed proportion of their time to germination, and this proportion was fairly constant across the species (0.63–0.70). The loss of desiccation tolerance after a fixed proportion of the time to germination has the implication that the maximum number of seeds in a seedlot that can be killed by a single drying event during germination (Mmax) increases with an increasing time to 50% germination (t50) and an increasing slope of the germination progress curve. Consequently, to prevent the seed population from becoming highly vulnerable to desiccation-induced mortality, species with a greatert50would be expected to have a shallower germination progress curve. In conclusion, these data suggest that the loss of desiccation tolerance during germination may constitute a significant, but previously unexplored, source of mortality for seeds in seasonal environments with unpredictable rainfall.