bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatally detected trisomy 20 mosaicism
Authors: Robinson W. P. , McGillivray B. , Lewis M. E. S. , Arbour L. , Barrett I. , Kalousek D. K. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundTrisomy 20 is one of the more common mosaic trisomies detected on amniocentesis and presents with a normal outcome in over 90% of reported cases. Trisomic cells are almost never confirmed in newborn blood and are only rarely found in other fetal or placental samples. Nonetheless, some abnormal outcomes have been reported, including unexplained fetal demise, intrauterine growth restriction, and multiple congenital anomalies. Because of the lack of molecular studies on such cases, it is unknown whether the origin of trisomy or presence of uniparental disomy (UPD) could have some influence on outcome.MethodsWe present data on six cases of trisomy mosaicism, two detected by chorionic villous sampling (CVS) and four by amniocentesis (AF), submitted to our laboratory for molecular studies.Results and ConclusionsA meiotic origin of the trisomy could be confirmed in only one of these cases. In addition, uniparental disomy was excluded in all four cases for which parents were available for testing. The four cases with low levels of trisomy in amniotic fluid (0%, 10%, 11%, and 12%) were associated with a normal outcome. The remaining two cases of trisomy 20 had high levels of trisomy in amniotic fluid (96% and 58%) and had abnormal outcomes (developmental delay in one and stillbirth with IUGR and severe oligohydramnios in the other). Including previously published cases, there is a clear association with the level of trisomy and outcome, with only 4% abnormal outcomes when <40% trisomic cells were detected. Higher levels of trisomy were also observed in male fetuses as compared to female fetuses (p = 0.01); however, there were no sex differences in frequency of abnormal outcomes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a cystic type IV sacrococcygeal teratoma mimicking a cloacal anomaly: contribution of MR
Authors: Garel C. , Mizouni L. , Menez F. , Luton D. , Guibourdenche D. , Aigrain Y. , Sebag G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo report a case of pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus without visibility of the rectum and which is not a cloacal anomaly.MethodsUltrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed respectively at 27 and 27.5 weeks' gestation and the findings of these examinations were compared with post‐mortem examination after termination of pregnancy (TOP).ResultsUS showed a pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus with mild enlargement of the left ureter and renal pelvis. MRI did not show the T1 hypersignal of meconium in the rectum. The analysis of MR findings were suggestive of the diagnosis of a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Pregnancy was terminated because of the possibility of severe sphincterial disorders and the fetopathological examination confirmed this diagnosis.ConclusionThis observation illustrates the diagnostic problems generated by the detection of a pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus. The absence of visibility of the T1 hypersignal of the meconium in the rectum is traditionally supposed to be highly suggestive of a cloaca, but may also be explained by the emptiness of the rectum, compressed by the mass. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal degradation of poly(acrylic acid) containing metal nitrates and the formation of YBa2Cu3O7−x
Authors: Dubinsky Stanislav , Lumelsky Yulia , Grader Gideon S. , Shter Gennady E. , Silverstein Michael S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe use of polymers containing metal salts as ceramic high‐temperature superconductor (HTSC) precursors may provide a relatively simple and rapid method for producing materials that can take advantage of advanced polymer processing and then be pyrolyzed to HTSCs. The mechanisms of thermal degradation in these precursors, which have not been characterized, can be used to optimize the pyrolysis conditions for HTSC production. This article describes the degradation of a precursor based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) containing yttrium, barium, and copper nitrates in the proportions needed for the formation of the HTSC YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO). This article also describes the effects of the pyrolysis process on the resulting materials. The degradation of the precursor is a complex, multistage process. The presence of the metal ions and HNO3 reduces the thermal stability of PAAc and increases the degradation rate. The results indicate that the initial stages of the pyrolysis should be conducted in argon or nitrogen to inhibit BaCO3 formation and that the final stages should be conducted in air/oxygen to enhance oxidation. Optimization of the pyrolysis conditions produces a YBCO film with minimal contamination. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J PolymSci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1168–1176, 2005
Plasma Chemistry in an Atmospheric Pressure Ar/NH3 Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Fateev Alexander , Leipold Frank , Kusano Yukihiro , Stenum Bjarne , Tsakadze Erekle , Bindslev Henrik 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: An atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in Ar/NH3 (0.1–10%) mixtures with a parallel plate electrode geometry was studied. The plasma was investigated by emission and absorption spectroscopy in the UV spectral range. Discharge current and voltage were measured as well. UV absorption spectroscopy was also employed for the detection of stable products in the exhaust gas. To clarify the different processes for ammonia decomposition, N2 (2–10%) was added to the plasma. Modeling of the chemical kinetics in an Ar/NH3 plasma was performed as well. The dominant stable products of an atmospheric pressure Ar/NH3 DBD are H2, N2 and N2H4. The hydrazine (N2H4) concentration in the plasma and in the exhaust gases at various ammonia concentrations and different discharge powers was measured. Thermal N2H4 decomposition into NH2 radicals may be used for NOx reduction processes.The differences in the optical emission spectra of NH radicals formed in Ar/NH3 plasma with various ammonia concentrations (0.7, 2, and 10%) were associated with different excitation mechanisms of NH radicals.magnified imageThe differences in the optical emission spectra of NH radicals formed in Ar/NH3 plasma with various ammonia concentrations (0.7, 2, and 10%) were associated with different excitation mechanisms of NH radicals.
Influence of Dimensions and Materials of Coplanar Arrangements on Ozone Production
Authors: Hulka Lutz , Pietsch Gerhard J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Coplanar discharge arrangements consist of one or several pairs of parallel electrodes that are embedded in a dielectric close to a surface. The discharge occurs on the surface of the dielectric in between the electrodes. The influence of electrode distance, thickness, and the type of dielectric on ozone yields has been investigated. The working gas was dry air and oxygen at atmospheric pressure. The power‐voltage characteristic and its effect on ozone concentration have been studied for different devices. The kinetic curves of ozone formation show a distinct maximum in ozone concentration if air is used as feed gas. The value of this maximum depends on the configuration. The ozone concentration is about four times higher in oxygen than in air. The electric characteristics change, when different dielectrics are used. Photographs of the discharge activity on the dielectric surface taken were compared with the corresponding energy density and ozone production. The production was compared with those in other dielectric barrier discharge arrangements as well.Sketch of a coplanar discharge arrangement.magnified imageSketch of a coplanar discharge arrangement.
Removal of 2‐Heptanone by Dielectric Barrier Discharges – The Effect of a Catalyst Support
Authors: Blin‐Simiand Nicole , Tardiveau Pierre , Risacher Aurore , Jorand François , Pasquiers Stéphane 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: 2‐heptanone is representative of a class of odorous molecules. Recent studies have shown that by adding a catalyst to a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, the elimination of 90% of this molecule can be achieved with low consumption of electric energy, at room temperature, for concentrations below 1 000 ppm. In the presented work, the removal of the ketone by DBD, both in dry air and within a slice of a honeycomb monolith of cordierite without a catalyst, was studied. In both experiments, the discharge was operated in a plane‐to‐plane geometry with a discharge volume of 10 cm3. A high voltage, bipolar pulse generator (40 kV max, 1–140 Hz frequency range) was used. In dry air, it was found that 2‐heptanone is almost totally removed (>95%) for a specific deposited energy of about 500 J · l−1, but this elimination is less effective in the porous cordierite reactor (80%) for the same energy. This effect is explained by the very different spatial distribution of the plasma within the discharge volume, as seen using a CCD camera. Moreover, the adsorption‐desorption equilibrium of the molecule at the surface of the material is greatly influenced by the discharge.2‐Heptanone removal as a function of the specific energy for the DBD both in dry air and in the cordierite catalyst support.magnified image2‐Heptanone removal as a function of the specific energy for the DBD both in dry air and in the cordierite catalyst support.
Atmospheric Pressure Deposition of Micropatterned Nitrogen‐Rich Plasma‐Polymer Films for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Girard‐Lauriault Pierre‐Luc , Mwale Fackson , Iordanova Mihaela , Demers Caroline , Desjardins Patrick , Wertheimer Michael R. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: A novel atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐polymerised thin film material has been deposited on various substrates using a pilot scale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. Deposition kinetics and physico‐chemical characterisation data of nitrogen‐rich plasma‐polymerised ethylene (PPE:N) films, obtained using feed gas mixtures of N2 (ca. 10 slm) and C2H4 (ca. 10 sccm) are described. Nitrogen concentrations, [N], in the PPE:N films up to ca. 40% were determined by XPS; the concentrations of N‐functionality of greatest interest, primary amines, were determined by chemical derivatisation with 4‐trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde. The PPE:N films were further characterised by attenuated total reflectance infra‐red spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), contact angle goniometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Square arrays of PPE:N “islands”, for example 30 μm in diameter repeated every 200 μm, were deposited on polymers, for example biaxially oriented poly(propylene) (BOPP), through specially‐prepared Kapton® polyimide masks. Cell culture experiments were then conducted on these micro‐patterned surfaces, using various cell types of interest in orthopaedics, for example growth plate and articular chondrocytes, or human U937 macrophages, the latter of which do not adhere to existing cell culture dishes. In all these cases the cells rapidly adhered and proliferated on the PPE:N islands, but not elsewhere on the polymer surfaces. In an effort to gain insight into cell adhesion mechanisms, adhesion of both macrophages and chondrocytes was tested against films with different [N] values. U‐937 macrophages adhered to films containing 25% or more [N], but not at all to films with lower values of [N], suggesting the existence of a “critical” value, [N]crit, necessary to induce cell adhesion.Adhesion of U‐937 macrophages on PPE:N‐micropatterned biaxially oriented poly(propylene) substrates.magnified imageAdhesion of U‐937 macrophages on PPE:N‐micropatterned biaxially oriented poly(propylene) substrates.
A tele‐experiment on rover motor control via internet
Authors: Schilling Klaus , Roth Hubert , Spilca Cristina 
Published: March 2005

AbstractModern Internet and multimedia techniques enable experiments with remote hardware. This way engineering students can gather practical experience even in areas where their own university does not have the related equipment in place. The focus of this paper is on an experiment to develop a motor controller for a remote mobile robot. Implementation details of such an experiment are addressed with emphasis placed on the subject of tuning a PID controller for steering and speed adaptation of a rover. The complete experiment is conceived as a self‐explaining learning unit on the web. The learning unit comprises material on theory, exercises to provide feedback to the student about his learning progress, simulations to study motor control effects, and finally the experiment with remote robot hardware. This paper presents software techniques to realize a robust system implementation, the educational considerations necessary to present the experiment material properly for the tele‐education context, and experiences obtained during the use of this remote experiment in previously taught classes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of system thinking skills in the context of earth system education
Authors: Assaraf Orit Ben‐Zvi , Orion Nir 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe current study deals with the development of system thinking skills at the junior high school level. The sample population included about 50 eighth‐grade students from two different classes of an urban Israeli junior high school who studied an earth systems‐based curriculum that focused on the hydro cycle. The study addressed the following research questions: (a) Could the students deal with complex systems?; (b) What has influenced the students' ability to deal with system perception?; and (c) What are the relationship among the cognitive components of system thinking? The research combined qualitative and quantitative methods and involved various research tools, which were implemented in order to collect the data concerning the students' knowledge and understanding before, during, and following the learning process. The findings indicated that the development of system thinking in the context of the earth systems consists of several sequential stages arranged in a hierarchical structure. The cognitive skills that are developed in each stage serve as the basis for the development of the next higher‐order thinking skills. The research showed that in spite of the minimal initial system thinking abilities of the students most of them made some meaningful progress in their system thinking skills, and a third of them reached the highest level of system thinking in the context of the hydro cycle. Two main factors were found to be the source of the differential progress of the students: (a) the students' individual cognitive abilities, and (b) their level of involvement in the knowledge integration activities during their inquiry‐based learning both indoors and outdoors. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychological outcome in women undergoing termination of pregnancy for ultrasound‐detected fetal anomaly in the first and second trimesters: a pilot study
Authors: Davies V. , Gledhill J. , McFadyen A. , Whitlow B. , Economides D. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain and compare psychological morbidity following first‐ and second‐trimester termination for fetal anomaly.MethodsThis was a cohort study of 30 women aged 20–40 years in a north London teaching hospital, 14 of whom had had a first‐trimester termination and 16 a second‐trimester termination for fetal anomaly. The main outcome measures were questionnaire data (General Health Questionnaire‐28, Beck Depression Inventory, Perinatal Grief Scale, Impact of Event Scale (IES)) at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after termination.ResultsThere were high levels of psychological distress in both groups at each time point, and for the combined group the mean total scores on the IES remained above the cut‐off for the entire study period. Those having second‐trimester terminations had a significantly higher level of post‐traumatic stress symptomatology 6 weeks after termination (14/16 vs. 6/14; odds ratio = 9.3; 95% CI, 1.5–57.7).ConclusionsPsychological morbidity following termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly is prevalent and persistent. Our data suggest that in the short term (as assessed at a 6‐week follow‐up), second‐trimester termination may be more stressful compared with first‐trimester termination. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound‐assisted laparoscopic cryomyolysis: two‐ and three‐dimensional findings before, during and after treatment
Authors: Exacoustos C. , Zupi E. , Marconi D. , Romanini M. E. , Szabolcs B. , Piredda A. , Arduini D. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of two‐ and three‐dimensional (2D and 3D) ultrasound and power Doppler before, during and after surgery in monitoring the effects of uterine fibroid laparoscopic cryomyolysis.MethodsThis prospective study involved 10 premenopausal patients with a sonographic diagnosis of a single subserosal and/or intramural uterine myoma, who underwent laparoscopic cryomyolysis. All patients suffered from symptoms due to fibroids (menometrorrhagia, bulk‐related symptoms, pelvic pain). During laparoscopy transvaginal sonography was performed to guide the insertion of the cryoprobe, monitor extension of the iceball and evaluate the reduction of the blood supply of the myoma. All patients underwent 2D and 3D sonographic and power Doppler imaging evaluation of the myoma 1 week before treatment, during cryomyolysis, and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment; size, echostructure and vascularization were recorded.ResultsWith cryomyolysis, we achieved selective vessel and tissue damage within the fibroid alone. Eight patients were free of symptoms and two had improved after 3 months. Progressive shrinkage of the treated myoma was observed during follow‐up with a reduction percentage after 1 month of 22.2%, after 3 months of 37.5% and after 6 months of 52.6%. After cryomyolysis a significant reduction in central blood flow of the myoma was observed. 2D and 3D power Doppler evaluation of vascularization did not differ although subjectively findings were best evaluated by 3D images.ConclusionSonography can aid the safe accomplishment of cryomyolysis by assessing myomata preoperatively, guiding the freezing procedure during laparoscopy, and helping to monitor postoperative progress. The use of ultrasound in this new treatment of fibroids will permit the physician to modulate and individualize treatment. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence and clinical significance of amniotic fluid ‘sludge’ in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes
Authors: Espinoza J. , Gonçalves L. F. , Romero R. , Nien J. K. , Stites S. , Kim Y. M. , Hassan S. , Gomez R. , Yoon B. H. , Chaiworapongsa T. , Lee W. , Mazor M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and clinical significance of amniotic fluid (AF) ‘sludge’ observed during transvaginal ultrasound examination of the cervix in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes, and in those with uncomplicated pregnancies.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with preterm labor and intact membranes (n = 84) and those with uncomplicated term pregnancies (n = 298). The outcome variables included the occurrence of documented microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), histological chorioamnionitis, examination‐to‐delivery interval, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a composite neonatal morbidity, perinatal death, and delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and < 35 weeks and < 32 weeks. Statistical analysis included Chi‐square test, stepwise logistic regression analysis and survival analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of AF ‘sludge’ was 1% (3/298) in patients with uncomplicated term pregnancies and 22.6% (19/84) in those with preterm labor and intact membranes. Among patients with preterm labor and intact membranes: (1) cervical length ⩽ 15 mm was present in 58.3% (49/84) of the patients; (2) the prevalence of MIAC and histological chorioamnionitis was 12.1% (7/58) and 32.9% (25/76), respectively; (3) the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and < 32 weeks and < 35 weeks of gestation was 13.6% (8/59), 28.8% (17/59), 39.5% (17/43) and 50.8% (30/59), respectively; (4) patients with AF ‘sludge’ had a higher frequency of positive AF cultures [33.3% (6/18) vs. 2.5% (1/40), P = 0.003] and histological chorioamnionitis [77.8% (14/18) vs. 19% (11/58), P < 0.001] than those without AF ‘sludge’; (5) a higher proportion of neonates born to patients with AF ‘sludge’ was admitted to the NICU [64.3% (9/14) vs. 12.9% (8/62), P < 0.01], had a composite neonatal morbidity [36.8% (7/19) vs. 13.8% (9/65), P = 0.04] and died in the perinatal period [36.8% (7/19) vs. 4.6% (3/65), P = 0.001] than those born to women without ‘sludge’; (6) a higher proportion of patients with AF ‘sludge’ had spontaneous delivery within 48 h [42.9% (6/14) vs. 4.4% (2/45), P = 0.001], within 7 days [71.4% (10/14) vs. 15.6% (7/45), P < 0.001], < 32 weeks [75% (9/12) vs. 25.8% (8/31), P = 0.005] and < 35 weeks [92.9% (13/14) vs. 37.8% (17/45), P < 0.001] than those without AF ‘sludge’; and (7) patients with AF ‘sludge’ had a shorter examination‐to‐delivery interval than those without AF ‘sludge’ [AF ‘sludge’ median, 1 (IQR, 1–5) days vs. no AF ‘sludge’ median, 33 (IQR, 18–58) days; P < 0.001].ConclusionThe presence of AF ‘sludge’ in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes is a risk factor for MIAC, histological chorioamnionitis and impending preterm delivery. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe ductal constriction in the third‐trimester fetus following maternal self‐medication with nimesulide
Authors: Paladini D. , Marasini M. , Volpe P. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveThis was a multicenter series of 10 cases of constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus occurring after maternal ingestion of one or two oral doses of nimesulide, which led to emergency delivery in four cases.MethodsThe computerized databases of three referral centers were searched for all cases of ductal constriction detected during the last 8 years in association with maternal ingestion of nimesulide. Ten cases were retrieved and represent the study population. The following variables were analyzed: gestational age at diagnosis, reason for nimesulide ingestion, total nimesulide dose, time interval between drug intake and ultrasound examination, indication for echocardiography, presence of right ventricular hypertrophy, presence of tricuspid valve regurgitation, ductal systolic and diastolic peak velocities, ductal pulsatility index, signs of fetal heart failure, pregnancy and feto‐neonatal outcome, and ductal status at neonatal echocardiography.ResultsNimesulide ingestion was the result of self‐medication in all cases. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 36.3 weeks and the mean time interval between nimesulide intake and echocardiographic examination was 2.9 days. The five cases with ductal peak velocities > 2.5 m/s showed right ventricular dysfunction with significant tricuspid regurgitation. At echocardiography performed immediately after birth, the ductus appeared closed in all cases and two neonates showed persistent pulmonary hypertension requiring intermittent positive pressure ventilation and nitric oxide therapy for 1 week.ConclusionsAlthough the true incidence of the adverse effect of nimesulide ingestion during pregnancy cannot be deduced, we believe that patients and their clinicians should be alerted to the possibility that clinically significant ductal constriction may follow maternal self‐medication with just one or two oral doses of nimesulide, at least if the drug is taken near term. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.