bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OpenNucleome for high-resolution nuclear structural and dynamical modeling
Authors: Lao Zhuohan , Kamat Kartik D , Jiang Zhongling , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2024

The intricate structural organization of the human nucleus is fundamental to cellular function and gene regulation. Recent advancements in experimental techniques, including high-throughput sequencing and microscopy, have provided valuable insights into nuclear organization. Computational modeling has played significant roles in interpreting experimental observations by reconstructing high-resolution structural ensembles and uncovering organization principles. However, the absence of standardized modeling tools poses challenges for furthering nuclear investigations. We present OpenNucleome—an open-source software designed for conducting GPU-accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of the human nucleus. OpenNucleome offers particle-based representations of chromosomes at a resolution of 100 KB, encompassing nuclear lamina, nucleoli, and speckles. This software furnishes highly accurate structural models of nuclear architecture, affording the means for dynamic simulations of condensate formation, fusion, and exploration of non-equilibrium effects. We applied OpenNucleome to uncover the mechanisms driving the emergence of ‘fixed points’ within the nucleus—signifying genomic loci robustly anchored in proximity to specific nuclear bodies for functional purposes. This anchoring remains resilient even amidst significant fluctuations in chromosome radial positions and nuclear shapes within individual cells. Our findings lend support to a nuclear zoning model that elucidates genome functionality. We anticipate OpenNucleome to serve as a valuable tool for nuclear investigations, streamlining mechanistic explorations and enhancing the interpretation of experimental observations.
CyAbrB2 is a nucleoid-associated protein in Synechocystis controlling hydrogenase expression during fermentation
Authors: Kariyazono Ryo , Osanai Takashi
Published: February 2024

The hox operon in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, encoding bidirectional hydrogenase responsible for H2 production, is transcriptionally upregulated under microoxic conditions. Although several regulators for hox transcription have been identified, their dynamics and higher-order DNA structure of hox region in microoxic conditions remain elusive. We focused on key regulators for the hox operon: cyAbrB2, a conserved regulator in cyanobacteria, and SigE, an alternative sigma factor. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed that cyAbrB2 binds to the hox promoter region under aerobic conditions, with its binding being flattened in microoxic conditions. Concurrently, SigE exhibited increased localization to the hox promoter under microoxic conditions. Genome-wide analysis revealed that cyAbrB2 binds broadly to AT-rich genome regions and represses gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrated the physical interactions of the hox promoter region with its distal genomic loci. Both the transition to microoxic conditions and the absence of cyAbrB2 influenced the chromosomal interaction. From these results, we propose that cyAbrB2 is a cyanobacterial nucleoid-associated protein (NAP), modulating chromosomal conformation, which blocks RNA polymerase from the hox promoter in aerobic conditions. We further infer that cyAbrB2, with altered localization pattern upon microoxic conditions, modifies chromosomal conformation in microoxic conditions, which allows SigE-containing RNA polymerase to access the hox promoter. The coordinated actions of this NAP and the alternative sigma factor are crucial for the proper hox expression in microoxic conditions. Our results highlight the impact of cyanobacterial chromosome conformation and NAPs on transcription, which have been insufficiently investigated.
SENSES-ASD: a social-emotional nurturing and skill enhancement system for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Abu-Nowar Haya , Sait Adeeb , Al-Hadhrami Tawfik , Al-Sarem Mohammed , Noman Qasem Sultan
Published: February 2024

This article introduces the Social-Emotional Nurturing and Skill Enhancement System (SENSES-ASD) as an innovative method for assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Leveraging deep learning technologies, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNN), our approach promotes facial emotion recognition, enhancing social interactions and communication. The methodology involves the use of the Xception CNN model trained on the FER-2013 dataset. The designed system accepts a variety of media inputs, successfully classifying and predicting seven primary emotional states. Results show that our system achieved a peak accuracy rate of 71% on the training dataset and 66% on the validation dataset. The novelty of our work lies in the intricate combination of deep learning methods specifically tailored for high-functioning autistic adults and the development of a user interface that caters to their unique cognitive and sensory sensitivities. This offers a novel perspective on utilising technological advances for ASD intervention, especially in the domain of emotion recognition.
Does Political Polarization Lead to a Rise in Government Debt?
Authors:   Bay Area International Business School, Beijing Normal University, Lee Insook
Published: February 2024

: Existing politico-economic theories offer two mutually conflicting predictions on whether an increase in the degree of political polarization entails a rise or a decline in government debt. This article estimates the effect of political polarization on government debt, utilizing panel data of the OECD countries from 1962 to 2015. The empirical analysis finds that an increase in the degree of political polarization leads to an increase in government debt, which provides supportive evidence for Alesina and Tabellini (1990) and the like. This finding remains the same across different estimation models, without and with instrumenting the explanatory variable of political polarization.
Secondary Metabolite Profiling of the Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum L2D2 Isolated from Anaphalis contorta
Authors: Nongthombam Kistu Singh , Mutum Shyamkesho Singh , Pandey Radha Raman
Published: February 2024

In the last few decades, research on endophytic fungi has been increasing due to its applications in agriculture, medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry. Many studies indicate that fungal endophytes produce various types of bioactive compounds. In this study, the endophytic fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum L2D2 was isolated from the leaf of the medicinal plant Anaphalis contorta and secondary metabolites were collected. The crude extract was analyzed for the presence of seven phytochemicals, and it was observed that alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids were produced. It was also found that the endophyte extract had a total flavonoid content of 126.07 (µg of quercetin equivalent/mg) and a total phenolic content of 43.97 (µg of gallic acid equivalent/mg). The Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis reveals the presence of the major compound Dithiooxamide, which has a retention time (RT) of 50.030%, and the Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) study shows the most abundant compounds as Hexanal (RT of 3.687 min) in positive ionization and Rosamultin (RT of 24.387 min) in negative ionization. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis also shows the presence of alcohol, aldehyde, aliphatic ether, aliphatic primary amine, alkene, alkyl halide, amine, aromatic amine, aromatic compound, carboxylic acid, ketone, phenol, and sulfoxide as functional groups. Further studies, like the purification of bioactive compounds and their biological activities, will reveal the applicability of T. longibrachiatum L2D2 in industries.
Online Shopping System
Authors: N. Baggyalakshmi , Priya M. Janani Shree , R. Revathi
Published: February 2024

The main objective of this system is to make global shopping possible, were the customers buy things from anywhere in India. The customer will be displayed with the available products of the company, and the customer will be asked to select the items based on his choice and all information about the product like price, product id model will be given to the customer based on his requirements they make an order of the product. The modules are: Product Master, Customer Module, Purchase Module, Order Module, Billing Module. Daily, special and emergency deliveries are available. At any time during off-hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we can provide your record. As days goes offline shopping has reduced and online shopping is increased. This Software will help you know the various products, product description, price range, discounts so that the customers can easily identify which product will suit best for them. The Web model that was used in the implementation of the On-Line Shopping Database Application is very simple each request from the webpage invokes a request, which then communicates with the Objectivity/DB to retrieve the requested data. The resulting data is passed by a request object to. The client-side HTML that displays the result to the user.
Rheology of chemically modified triglycerides
Authors: La Scala John , Wool Richard P.
Published: December 2004

The rheology of chemically modified plant oils was determined to aid in their processing for polymers and other applications. Epoxidized and acrylated triglycerides were derived from various plant oils and model triglycerides. The viscosity of the unmodified oils decreased as the level of oil unsaturation increased. However, the viscosity of the epoxidized oils increased slightly as the level of epoxidation increased. Furthermore, the viscosity of the acrylated oils increased exponentially as the level of acrylation increased because of increased polarity. In addition, the viscosity of the acrylated oils increased as the average distance of the acrylate groups from the fatty acid chain ends decreased. Chemically modified and unmodified oils did not exhibit any shear‐thinning behavior or any memory of shear history. The temperature dependence of the viscosity followed the Arrhenius law, and the activation energy decreased linearly with the level of acrylation. The addition of comonomers, such as styrene, reduced the viscosity of the acrylated oils exponentially as the comonomer concentration increased. However, the glass‐transition temperature and modulus of the triglyceride‐based polymers decreased as the styrene content decreased. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 774–783, 2005
Novel oxidants for polymerization and crystallization of aniline
Authors: Bhat Narendra V. , Seshadri Devender T.
Published: December 2004

By using novel oxidants, namely, sodium salt of para‐toluene sulfonic acid, lithium perchlorate, and potassium ferricyanide, and varying the oxidant to monomer ratio from as low as 1/100 to 1/20 in the presence of concentrated HCl, it has been possible to simultaneously polymerize aniline and crystallize the polyaniline at room temperature. The crystals thus obtained have been characterized using FTIR, GPC, XRD, and Optical Microscope. It was found that highly crystalline substituted oligo‐polyanilines were obtained. The studies indicate that the use of even weaker oxidants, like pTS‐Na, LiClO4, and K3[Fe(CN)6], can bring about simultaneous polymerization and crystallization of aniline, as we observed earlier using ammonium persulphate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 640–646, 2005
Temperature responsive fibers with anisotropic transitional behavior
Authors: Agrawal Ashwini K. , Jassal Manjeet , Vishnoi Amrish , Save Ninad S.
Published: December 2004

Temperature sensitive polymer hydrogels are being extensively studied because of their potential applications in the biomedical, robotics, and chemical industries. However, major hurdles in their development have been their slow response, low efficiency (swelling/deswelling ratios), and poor mechanical properties due to difficulty in processing them into mechanically strong and fine structures. Fibers made from such polymers would be highly desirable. A temperature sensitive random linear copolymer of N‐tert‐butylacrylamide (NTBA) and acrylamide (Am) was synthesized by the solution polymerization method, using regulated dosing of comonomers. Using a novel approach, a high molecular weight poly(N‐tert‐butylacrylamide‐ran‐acrylamide::27 : 73) has been converted to insoluble strong fibers with fineness of 30–50 microns by solution spinning, drawing, and subsequent crosslinking. Fibers were solution spun in acetone using a 14% copolymer solution in acetic acid with polycarboxylic acid as a crosslinker and sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst. The crosslinks were formed, subsequent to drawing, between reactive amide side groups of the acrylamide moiety of the polymer and the carboxylic acid group of the crosslinker by thermal treatment at 160°C. The transition temperatures of the crosslinked fibers were found to shift towards the lower temperature from 37°C (in linear copolymer) to 22–25°C. These engineered fibers display sharp temperature sensitivity, extremely high reversible change in dimensions (1000% in diameter and ∼ 70% in length), and extremely fast response time (< 20 s for expansion and < 2 s for contraction). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 681–688, 2005
Weld‐line characteristics of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blends. I. Effect of the processing temperature
Authors: Lim Jong Cheol , Park Jung‐Ki
Published: December 2004

The effects of the processing temperature on the morphology and mechanical properties at the weld line of 60/40 (w/w) polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer blends were investigated. The influences of the incorporation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a compatibilizer and an increase in the viscosity of the dispersed ABS domain phase were also studied. The ABS domain was well dispersed in the region below the V notch, and a coarse morphology in the core region was observed. When tensile stress was applied perpendicularly to the weld line, the fracture propagated along the weak region behind the weld part; there, the domain phase coalescence was significant because of the poor compatibility between PC and styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN). Phase coalescence became severe, and so the mechanical strength of the welded specimen decreased with an increasing injection‐molding temperature. The domain morphology became stable and the mechanical strength increased as the viscosity of the domain phase increased or some SAN was replaced with PMMA. That the morphology was well distributed behind the weld line and the mechanical properties of PC/ABS/PMMA blends were improved was attributed to the compatibilizing effect of PMMA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 689–699, 2005
Transport of cadmium and iron through a carboxylic membrane based on a poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐divinyl benzene) system
Authors: Alexandrova I. , Iordanov G.
Published: December 2004

The transport of cadmium and iron through a poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐divinyl benzene) carboxylic ion‐exchange membrane was investigated with a system containing HCl as the receiver solution and CdCl2 or FeCl3 as the feed solution. Transport of the ions through the membrane depended on the H+ concentration in the receiver solution and the metal concentration in the feed solution. The rate of transfer for cadmium was about 35% higher than that for iron under the same conditions (0.5 mol/dm3 of HCl, 0.1 mol/dm3 of CdCl2 or FeCl3, and 5 h of dialysis). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 705–707, 2005
Study of propylene polymerization catalyzed by a spherical MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst system: The effects of external donors
Authors: Ma Zhenli , Wang Li , Wang Wenqin , Feng Lianfang , Gu Xueping
Published: December 2004

Spherical MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts containing internal donors, such as diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, and di‐n‐octyl phthalate, have been prepared. The effects of external donors, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, and diphenyldimethoxylsilane, on the propylene polymerization catalyzed by these catalysts were studied. The results indicate that the external donors not only led to an increase in the isotactic index, but also affected the morphology of resultant polymer particles. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 738–742, 2005
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose ethers/Eu(III)
Authors: Xiong Jian , Ye Jun
Published: December 2004

The coordination complexes of the crystalline structure of cellulose ethers/Eu(III) with fluorescence emission, viz CMC/Eu(III), MC/Eu(III), and HEC/Eu(III), were synthesized and characterized. Results showed the emission spectra of Eu3+ ions in these coordination compounds, which originates from electric dipole transition. The main emission peak at 615 nm generated from 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions. Their absorption and excitation spectra were different, because the effect of the high polarity of water and having both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor properties on the excited molecule is different from the effect on the ground state of the molecule. Our study demonstrated that the Degree of Substitute (DS) of CMC could influence the fluorescence intensity (FI) of CMC/Eu(III). The emission intensity of CMC/Eu(III) varies with the DS of CMC. For example, when the DS of CMC was 0.89, the FS (fluorescent spectra) of solid CMC/Eu(III) displayed three emission peaks Eu(III): the strongest emission peak at 615 nm (5D0→7F2 transition) and other two weaker peaks at 583 nm (5D0→7F1 transition) and at 652 nm (5D0→7F3 transition), respectively. The concentration of Eu(III) could also affect the FI of these coordination complexes. The FI of the coordination complexes peaked at 615 nm all reached maximum when Eu3+ concentration was at 5% (wt/wt). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 743–747, 2005
Toughening of polycarbonate: Effect of particle size and rubber phase contents of the core‐shell impact modifier
Authors: Cho Kilwon , Yang Jaeho , Yoon Soong , Hwang Minku , Nair Sobha V.
Published: December 2004

The toughening behavior of polycarbonate modified with core‐shell type particles was investigated. The alloys were found to exhibit maximum impact strength upon addition of a modifier with a poly(butyl acrylate) rubbery core of 0.25 μm diameter. The incorporation of particles with diameter greater than 0.25 μm resulted in decreased impact strength. The influence of rubber phase contents on toughness was also studied. It was observed that the alloys exhibited maximum impact strength upon addition of 4 wt % rubber phase. Further increase in the rubber phase content resulted in reduced impact strength. Fractography of the samples showed that, below 4 wt % rubber phase content, the fracture occurs mainly by internal crazing and, from 4 wt % onward, only by shear deformation. When the effect of dual particle size distribution was analyzed, it was found that there was only a moderate increase in toughness compared with alloys containing monosized particles. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 748–755, 2005
Greening the Swedish Defence Material Administration – a case study on the force of industry in environmental policy‐making
Authors: Sandström Johan
Published: December 2004

This paper discusses the greening of the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV). As the national procurer of defence materials, FMV respondents categorized their organization as lagging behind business organizations. Greening was, hence, perceived as a process particularly influenced by an industry‐driven institutionalization of greening and environmental policy‐making. Building on the tensions in greening a defence organization and, to some extent, in copycatting an industry approach, the paper discusses the force of industry as policy‐maker. In the conclusions, based on the case analysis, opportunities and threats in future environmental policy‐making are addressed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Democracy, markets and sustainable development: the European Union as an example
Authors: Söderbaum Peter
Published: December 2004

Development issues are discussed in specific ways in the European Union and in various local, regional and international arenas. For some actors, economic growth in GDP terms and international (or inter‐regional) competitiveness still appears as the main vision; others refer to sustainable development (SD) as their ideological orientation. However, SD is ambiguous and the interpretation of SD differs from ‘business as usual’ through ‘ecological modernization’ to more radical ideas of progress.

If we wish to take SD seriously as a multidimensional and ethical development concept, then research efforts and debate have to include what can be described as ‘protected zones’ in the development dialogue. These refer to more fundamental issues about theory of science, paradigms in economics, ideological orientations and institutional arrangements that too often have been taken for granted rather than being openly discussed in terms of alternatives. It is believed that our possibilities of approaching an SD path will improve considerably if we systematically introduce the mentioned areas into our dialogue about the future. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Supplier integration into new product development: coordinating product, process and supply chain design
Authors: Petersen Kenneth J. , Handfield Robert B. , Ragatz Gary L.
Published: December 2004

In many industries, firms are seeking to cut concept to customer development time, improve quality, reduce the cost of new products and facilitate the smooth launch of new products. Prior research has indicated that the integration of material suppliers into the new product development (NPD) cycle can provide substantial benefits towards achieving these goals. This involvement may range from simple consultation with suppliers on design ideas to making suppliers fully responsible for the design of components or systems they will supply. Moreover, suppliers may be involved at different stages of the new product development process. Early supplier involvement is a key coordinating process in supply chain design, product design and process design.

Several important questions regarding supplier involvement in new product development remain unanswered. Specifically, we look at the issue of what managerial practices affect new product development team effectiveness when suppliers are to be involved. We also consider whether these factors differ depending on when the supplier is to be involved and what level of responsibility is to be given to the supplier. Finally, we examine whether supplier involvement in new product development can produce significant improvements in financial returns and/or product design performance. We test these proposed relationships using survey data collected from a group of global organizations and find support for the relationships based on the results of a multiple regression analysis.
An evaluation of heuristic methods for determining the best table mix in full‐service restaurants
Authors: Kimes Sheryl E. , Thompson Gary M.
Published: December 2004

Little research has been done on the optimal mix of supply in service businesses that maximizes revenue. Our research context is the full‐service restaurant table mix problem. This problem, which is quite new to the literature, finds the optimal number of different size tables for a restaurant to maximize its value (revenue or contribution) generating potential. Specifically, we examine the effectiveness of eight heuristic techniques for the problem using two experiments. The first experiment uses data from a 240‐seat full‐service restaurant to evaluate all eight heuristics, while the second experiment investigates the performance of selected heuristics under a broader set of environmental factors. The results of our first experiment showed that the better of the simulated annealing heuristic variants yielded the optimal solution in seven of eight test problems, averaging within 0.1% of optimal. Our second experiment showed that the simplest of the models we investigated yielded solutions within 1% of the simulated annealing solution. Finally, we observed that altering the table mix on a daily basis increased performance by over 1% compared to maintaining the optimal weekly table mix.
Intrauterine infection may be a major cause of stillbirth in Sweden
Authors: Tolockiene Egle , Morsing Eva , Holst Elisabeth , Herbst Andreas , Ljungh Åsa , Svenningsen Nils , Hägerstrand Inga , Nyström Lennarth
Published: December 2004

Aim of the study. To investigate intrauterine infection as a cause for unexplained stillbirth.

Methods. Chorioamnionitis was studied in a material of stillbirths (117 subjects from the years 1985–1994) from a region in the south Sweden. Control material (126 alive and healthy newborns and with healthy mothers) was gathered from the same region.

Results. Chorioamnionitis was a common diagnosis both with stillbirths and ‘healthy’ deliveries (82 and 68%, respectively). Extension of the inflammation to decidua basalis was seven times more common among stillbirths than among controls (odds ratio 7.2, confidence interval 2.8–21.9). The most common bacteria found at cultures were Escherichia coli, Coagulase negative staphylococcus, Enterococcus faecalis and group B Streptococcus. The risk for stillbirth was doubled if both inflammation and bacteria were present (odds ratio 2.3, confidence interval 0.92–5.8). Meconium discharge was more common among stillbirths than controls (odds ratio=4.7, confidence interval 1.7–14). There were no differences in any respect regarding macerated and non‐macerated stillbirths. Our findings are similar to the results from studies in developing countries except for the higher incidence of stillbirths in such countries.

Conclusions. Thus, a large part of otherwise unexplained stillbirths might be due to ascending infections.
Medical abortion at 57 to 63 days’ gestation with a lower dose of mifepristone and gemeprost
Authors:   WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TASK FORCE ON POST‐OVULATORY METHODS OF FERTILITY REGULATION (, )
Published: December 2004

Objective. To compare the abortifacient efficacy and side‐effects of 200 mg and 600 mg of mifepristone, followed by gemeprost 1 mg vaginally, at 57 to 63 days’ gestation.

Design. Double‐blind, randomized controlled trial.

Setting. Ten international centers.

Subjects. Eight hundred and ninety‐six healthy women requesting medical abortion.

Interventions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single oral dose of mifepristone of either 200 mg or 600 mg followed in 48 h by gemeprost 1 mg vaginally. The allocation sequence was concealed by using a central pharmacy, and double masking was maintained throughout the study.

Main outcome measures. Complete abortion rate was the principal outcome measure. We also evaluated the incidence of side‐effects and time to abort.

Results. The complete abortion rate with the lower dose of mifepristone was similar to that with the higher dose (92.4% vs. 91.7%). The relative risk of failure to achieve a complete abortion with the 200 mg dose compared to 600 mg dose was 0.9 (95% CI 0.6–1.4). The timing of the abortion and the incidence of side‐effects were comparable in both groups, with the exception of reported nausea at one‐week follow‐up which was reported more frequently by women in the higher‐dose group.

Conclusions. The 200 mg dose of mifepristone is equally as effective as the 600 mg dose in the antiprogestogen‐prostaglandin regimen for pregnancy termination. With vaginal gemeprost, the abortifacient efficacy of the regimen remains high at 57–63 days’ gestation.
Are complications after an induced abortion associated with reproductive failures in a subsequent pregnancy?
Authors: Zhou Weijin , Olsen Jørn
Published: December 2004

Background. We have previously shown that induced abortions result in a slightly increased risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery in subsequent pregnancies. Danish records show that approximately 4% of women who undergo surgically induced abortions have complications related to the procedure. We examined whether it was women who had the short‐term complications that carried an excess risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery in the subsequent pregnancy.

Methods. Two cohorts of women who had had an induced abortion and a subsequent pregnancy were followed. The cohort with no reported complications comprised 12 972 women, and the cohort with complications 605 women.

Results. The cohort with complications did not have more spontaneous abortions or preterm births. They did, however, have a higher risk of stillbirth, mainly seen in women whose induced abortion had been complicated by an infection.

Conclusion. Most of the women who had had an induced abortion with reported complications did, however, carry a subsequent pregnancy to term with no more complications than other women of similar parity and age.
Induced abortion in the Nordic countries: special emphasis on young women
Authors: Knudsen Lisbeth B. , Gissler Mika , Bender Soley S. , Hedberg Clas , Ollendorff Ulla , Sundström Kajsa , Totlandsdal Kristina , Vilhjalmsdottir Sigridur
Published: December 2004

Background. To analyze the trends in legally induced abortions among women younger than 30 years in the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, since the liberalized abortion laws came into force.

Methods. Data stem from national registrations of vital events. Some have been published in the national vital statistics while others have been retrieved for this study. General and age‐specific abortion rates are used to analyze the trends. Further, an index has been calculated by dividing the age‐specific abortion rates by the Nordic average.

Results. The analysis reveals an overall reduction in the general abortion rates in the Nordic countries, apart from Iceland. The rates have been highest in Denmark and Sweden and lowest in Finland since the early 1980s. In the mid‐1980s, the abortion rates increased among 15–19‐year‐old women in Sweden and among 20–24‐year‐old women in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, followed by a reduction. In Iceland the very low age‐specific abortion rates for all age groups under 30 years at the beginning of the study period increased and Iceland had the highest rate for 15–19‐year‐old women in the late‐1990s.

Conclusions. The relatively low abortion rates in Finland demonstrate effective preventive efforts, although the recent increase challenges further studies on the relationship between abortion rates and counseling activities. The rise in abortion rates in Iceland indicate a need for improved sex education, contraceptive services and availability of contraceptive methods for young people.
Unexplained antepartum fetal death in Norway, 1985–97: diagnostic validation and some epidemiologic aspects
Authors: Rasmussen Svein , Albrechtsen Susanne , Irgens Lorentz M. , Dalaker Knut , Maartmann‐Moe Helga , Vlatkovic Ljiljana , Markestad Trond
Published: December 2004

Objective.  To validate the diagnosis of an unexplained antepartum fetal death in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway against data obtained from hospital records, alone and combined with autopsy data. To compare epidemiologic characteristics of an unexplained fetal death based on cases recorded by the three data sources.

Methods.  Data on unexplained fetal deaths in the Registry were compared with clinical and autopsy data from 108 457 singletons with a gestational age ≥ 28 weeks or a birthweight ≥ 1000 g delivered in 1985–97 at Haukeland Hospital in Bergen and Aker Hospital in Oslo.

Results.  Compared with clinical data, the positive and negative predictive values of a Registry diagnosis of an unexplained fetal death were 88% and 86%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 93%, respectively. Compared with clinical and autopsy data combined, the positive and negative predictive values of a Registry diagnosis of an unexplained fetal death were 77% and 89%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 88%, respectively. High agreement was observed in comparisons between the data sources of risks according to various independent variables.

Conclusions.  The validity of a diagnosis of an unexplained antepartum fetal death based on the Medical Birth Registry of Norway is sufficiently high to justify future large‐scale epidemiologic studies based on this database.
Effects of aging on generic SF‐36 quality of life measurements in Hong Kong Chinese women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Ho‐Yin Peter Leung , Man‐Wah Pang , Shing‐Kai Yip
Published: December 2004

Background. To evaluate the relationship between aging, urodynamic diagnosis and generic quality of life measurement in Chinese women with urinary incontinence.

Methods. A total of 170 women presented to a university teaching hospital with urinary incontinence were recruited. The women completed the medical outcome survey, short form‐36 (SF‐36), immediately before they had the urodynamic investigation. The women were classified into either (1) genuine stress incontinence (n = 94) or (2) detrusor instability (n = 76). The relationships between aging, the transformed subscale scores, the population standardized component summary scores of the SF‐36, and the two groups of women were studied using simultaneous multiple regression analysis.

Results. There was no significant difference in the age distribution between the two groups of patients (median age: 47 vs. 48, p = 0.18). However, aging causes significant impairment in the physical functioning (p < 0.001), role physical (p = 0.002) and bodily pain (p = 0.047) domains as well as the physical component scale (p < 0.001) of generic SF‐36 quality of life measurements. There was no significant difference in the transformed subscale scores and the component summary scores with respect to different urodynamic diagnoses after adjustment for the effect of age.

Conclusions. Aging causes significant deterioration on physical performance for Chinese women suffering from urinary incontinence. The generic SF‐36 questionnaire was unable to detect a significant difference in quality of life measurement between women suffering from genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability.
Decreased serum leptin levels in women with uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Su Jinu‐Huang , Chung Yueh‐Fang , Chang Hsueh‐Ling , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F.
Published: December 2004

Objective. To analyze the possible involvement of leptin in uterine leiomyomas.

Study design. Serum leptin levels, determined by radioimmunoassay, were compared in myomatic (n = 50) and the normal (n = 50) women.

Results. A significant correlation was found between serum leptin levels and body mass index in both the myomatic women (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) and the normal women (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Serum leptin levels in the myomatic women (9.3 ± 0.6 ng/mL) were significantly lower ( p < 0.001) than those in the normal women (13.6 ± 1.2 ng/mL). In addition, the ratios of serum leptin levels/body mass index in the myomatic women (0.38 ± 0.02) were significantly lower than those in the normal women (0.57 ± 0.04) ( p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the ratios of serum leptin levels/body mass index and body mass index (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) in the normal women, but not in the myomatic women (r = 0.27, p = 0.061).

Conclusion. The lower plasma leptin levels observed in the women with myomas were independent of body mass index, and unlike the normal women there was no significant up‐regulation of leptin production in response to increased adiposity.
Hysteroscopy to detect Stage IA well‐differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium
Authors: Iha Tadashi , Shen Hong , Kanazawa Koji
Published: December 2004

Background. Well‐differentiated Stage IA endometrial carcinoma may be managed conservatively with progestin treatment. However, even advanced imaging methods cannot overcome limitations in the correct determination of the absence of early microscopic myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma. Hysteroscopy has not yet been investigated as a tool for this purpose.

Methods. Of 97 patients with well‐differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 87 whose tumors were clinically confined to the uterine corpus were enrolled for inclusion in this study. The preoperative hysteroscopic appearance was correlated with the histological findings of the hysterectomy specimen.

Results. Post‐surgical FIGO stage was Stage IA in 36 cases, IB in 29, IC in 16, IIA in one, and Stage IIIA/C in five cases. Before surgery, the growth pattern of the disease was hysteroscopically diagnosed as pedunculated in 69.0% and sessile nodular in 31.0%. Surface ulceration was observed in 23.3% of the pedunculated tumors and in 74.1% of the sessile tumors ( p < 0.0001), and in 39.1% of all tumors. The incidence of absent myometrial invasion was significantly higher in the pedunculated tumors (56.3%) than in the sessile tumors (3.7%) ( p < 0.0001) and was higher in the nonulcerated tumors (64.2%) than in the ulcerated tumors (5.9%) ( p < 0.0001). When the statistical parameters were calculated in combination with the tumor growth pattern and the absence or presence of ulceration, the nonulcerated pedunculated growth pattern had a sensitivity of 92% and a positive predictive value of 72% for correct selection of Stage IA disease with no myometrial invasion.

Conclusion. Well‐differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma was categorized by hysteroscopy into two growth patterns of pedunculated or sessile and with or without surface ulceration. This provided useful pretreatment diagnosis of Stage IA disease confined to the endometrium.
Involvement of the glycoproteic meshwork of cervical mucus in the mechanism of sperm orientation
Authors: Chrétien FranÇois C.
Published: December 2004

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the solid phase of the mucus hydrogel in facilitating the upward movement of spermatozoa during the menstrual cycle.

Methods. A total of 171 sperm migration experiments using 47 selected ovulatory mucus samples were performedin vitroin tubes of various shape and diameter. Physical constraints applied to cervical mucus combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques permitted analysis of the mechanism of sperm orientation within cervical mucus submitted to capillary constraints simulating the various conditions of sperm orientationin vivo.

Results. The results support the theory according to which spermatozoa entering the cervical canal are constrained to follow the oriented micellar lines of strain. Stretched ovulatory mucus exhibits noticeable prevalent orientation of most filaments aligned in a manner roughly parallel to the traction axis. By contrast, even after strong stretching applied to luteal‐type mucus and longer contact periods, the alignment of glycoproteic meshes was not sufficiently marked to allow spermatozoa to orient themselves and to move rapidly. The results are discussed as a function of the variations occurring in the three‐dimensional macromolecular arrangement of the glycoproteic framework subjected to flow constraints.

Conclusions. The study confirms that there is a close relationship between the three‐dimensional arrangement of the mucus framework and the ability of spermatozoa to move rapidly in a given direction. The high resolution and three‐dimensional aspect of SEM micrographs support the correlation of sperm orientation with current data on rheologic properties of biologic hydrogels.
Microbial invasion and cytokine response in amniotic fluid in a Swedish population of women in preterm labor
Authors: Jacobsson Bo , Mattsby‐Baltzer Inger , Andersch Björn , Bokström Hans , Holst Rose‐Marie , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Hagberg Henrik
Published: December 2004

Background. Previous studies indicate an association between intra‐amniotic microbial invasion and/or inflammation and spontaneous preterm birth, but there is a limited amount of data available from Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of intra‐amniotic microorganisms and cytokines (interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8) in a Swedish population of women in preterm labor and their correlation with preterm birth.

Methods. Amniotic fluid was retrieved transabdominally from 61 patients in preterm labor before 34 weeks of gestation. Polymerase chain reaction analyses for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis and culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were performed. Interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 were analyzed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results. Microorganisms in amniotic fluid were detected in 10 patients (16%). Patients with detected bacteria in the amniotic fluid had significantly higher levels of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8. There was also an association between interleukin‐6/‐8, the amniocentesis‐delivery interval (≤ 7 days) and preterm birth (<34 weeks). An amniotic fluid concentration of interleukin‐6 ≥ 1.5 ng/mL or interleukin‐8 ≥ 1.3 ng/mL was associated with an increased risk of delivery within 7 days (interleukin‐6: relative risk 7.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.8–19; sensitivity 83%, specificity 87%; interleukin‐8: relative risk 14, 95% confidence interval: 3.6–55, sensitivity 91%, specificity 87%).

Conclusions. The occurrence of intra‐amniotic microbial invasion and inflammation in this population of Swedish women in preterm labor was similar to data reported from populations with a higher incidence of preterm delivery. Amniotic interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 correlated with the presence of microorganisms and with preterm birth.
Evaluation of an Internet‐based database on infectious disorders during pregnancy: INFPREG
Authors: Petersson Karin , Forsgren Marianne , Sjödin Marie , Kublickas Marius , Westgren Magnus
Published: December 2004

Objective. To evaluate the use of an Internet‐based information system on infectious disorders (INFPREG) in antenatal care in Sweden.

Methods. A postal questionnaire was sent to all antenatal clinics in Sweden in 2000 (n = 515) and 2002 (n = 503). The questionnaire consisted of sections covering use of computers, availability of Internet connections and the use of INFPREG in patient care.

Results. We received 404 completed questionnaires in 2000 and 501 in 2002. In 2000, 81% of the midwives had access to computers at their antenatal clinics, and this number had increased to 93% in 2002. Sixty‐eight percent and 88% in 2000 and 2002, respectively, had computers with an Internet connection.

Of the responding midwives, 74% in 2000 and 84% in 2002 had received information concerning INFPREG. In 2000, 29% of the midwives had visited INFPREG and this figure had increased to 58% in 2002. Of the midwives that had used INFPREG, 67% in 2000 and 81% in 2002 reported that the information obtained from the site was implemented in the patient care.

Of the responders, 45% in 2000 and 43% in 2002 claimed that they needed more information on how to use INFPREG.

Conclusions. A majority of midwives at antenatal clinics in Sweden have access to the Internet and are confident in using an Internet‐based knowledge center on infectious disorders in pregnancy. The present study indicates a rapid acceptance among health care providers in antenatal care in Sweden of this new method for dissemination of information and guidelines. However, many midwives still want more information and knowledge on how to use an Internet‐based information system.
Serial serum ferritin estimation in pregnant women at risk of preterm labor
Authors: Goel Anupam , Jain Vanita , Gupta Indu , Varma Neelam
Published: December 2004

Background. To estimate serial serum ferritin (SF) concentrations after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women at risk of having a preterm labor and to correlate them with the outcome of pregnancy.

Methods. Venous blood samples were drawn serially at 26, 30 and 34 weeks of gestation in one hundred pregnant women who were at risk of having a preterm delivery. Samples were analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb), leukocyte count, hemotocrit serum iron (SI), total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), SF and transferrin saturation. Seventy‐six subjects delivered at term and 24 subjects delivered before 37 weeks. The various parameters were compared between the term and the preterm groups.

Results. Mean SF at different gestations in the term and the preterm group was not statistically different. Serial SF levels in subjects in the term group showed a declining trend with advancing gestation as seen in normal pregnancies. However, in the preterm group, a rising trend was observed. Further, SF levels of > 30 µg/dl at 26 weeks and > 40 µg/dl at 34 weeks were found to have a reasonable sensitivity and specificity for predicting preterm delivery.

Conclusion. A SF concentration of > 40 µg/dl and a rise in SF concentration with increasing gestation should alert the clinician regarding the possibility of preterm delivery.
Long CAG repeats in theARgene are not associated with infertility in Finnish males
Authors: Lund Annastiina , Tapanainen Juha S. , Lähdetie Jaana , Savontaus Marja‐Liisa , Aittomäki Kristiina
Published: December 2004

Background.The modulatory domain of the human androgen receptor gene contains a polymorphic CAG repeat coding for a polyglutamine tract. The length of the polyglutamine tract is inversely correlated with transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor. As androgens are crucial to spermatogenesis, decreased transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor associated with a long polyglutamine tract could lead to failure in spermatogenesis. Accordingly, long CAG repeats within the normal range have been suggested to be more common in infertile males than in the control population.

Methods.To test this hypothesis, we examined the CAG repeat number of 192 Finnish males with moderate or severe spermatogenic failure and 149 control males.

Results.Our results did not support the hypothesis, the controls harbored slightly longer CAG repeats than the infertile males.

Conclusion.At least in the present study population from Finland, long CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene do not play a significant role in spermatogenic failure.
Shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury: a case–control study
Authors: Christoffersson Magnus , Kannisto Paivi , Rydhstroem Hakan , Stale Håkan , Walles Bengt
Published: December 2004

Objective and background. To evaluate risk factors for shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury using a case–control study at the departments of obstetrics and gynecology at the four largest hospitals in southern Sweden. All cases of shoulder dystocia between 1987 and 1993 inclusive were identified. For each case, two control infants with similar birthweight (± 100 g) and identical year of birth were randomly selected.

Methods. Original maternal records were reviewed and information regarding 10 potential risk factors was extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel method. Stratification was made for year of delivery, parity (0, I, II, III+), and maternal age (5‐year class).

Results. In all, 107 infants with shoulder dystocia and 198 controls were included. The OR was greater than unity for all risk factors except gestational age. Three of the risk factors, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, and instrumental delivery, reached statistical significance. Thirty‐four infants also suffered brachial plexus injury, giving a brachial plexus injury rate of 32% among the shoulder dystocia cases. We also made a separate analysis of the nine risk factors for brachial plexus injury following a shoulder dystocia, however none reached statistical significance.

Conclusion. In this case–control study based on more than 100 000 deliveries at four large hospitals during a 7‐year period, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, and instrumental delivery turned out to be significant risk factors for shoulder dystocia. For brachial plexus injury following shoulder dystocia, no significant risk factor was identified.