bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of the moment of mouse sperm–egg fusion and dynamic localization of IZUMO1
Authors: Satouh Yuhkoh , Inoue Naokazu , Ikawa Masahito , Okabe Masaru
Published: September 2012

Gene disruption experiments have proven that the acrosomal protein IZUMO1 is essential for sperm–egg fusion in the mouse. However, despite its predicted function, it is not expressed on the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa. Here, we report the dynamics of diffusion of IZUMO1 from the acrosomal membrane to the sperm surface at the time of the acrosome reaction, visualized using a fluorescent protein tag. IZUMO1 showed a tendency to localize in the equatorial segment of the sperm surface after the acrosome reaction. This region is considered to initiate fusion with the oolemma. The moment of sperm–egg fusion and the dynamic movements of proteins during fusion were also imaged live. Translocation of IZUMO1 during the fertilization process was clarified and a fundamental mechanism in mammalian fertilization is postulated.
Rac1 activation upon Wnt stimulation requires Rac1 and Vav2 binding to p120-catenin
Authors: Valls Gabriela , Codina Montserrat , Miller Rachel K. , Valle-Pérez Beatriz Del , Vinyoles Meritxell , Caelles Carme , McCrea Pierre D. , de Herreros Antonio García , Duñach Mireia
Published: September 2012

A role for Rac1 GTPase in canonical Wnt signalling has been recently demonstrated, being required for β-catenin translocation to the nucleus. In this article we have investigated the mechanism of Rac1 stimulation by Wnt. Up-regulation of Rac1activity by Wnt3a temporally correlates with enhanced p120-catenin binding to Rac1 and Vav2. Vav2 and Rac1 association with p120-catenin is modulated by phosphorylation of this protein: it is stimulated upon serine/threonine phosphorylation by CK1 and inhibited by tyrosine phosphorylation by Src or Fyn. Acting on these two post-translational modifications, Wnt3a induces the release of p120-catenin from E-cadherin, enables p120-catenin interaction with Vav2 and Rac1 and facilitates Rac1 activation by Vav2. Since p120-catenin depletion disrupts gastrulation in Xenopus, we analysed p120-catenin mutants for their ability to rescue this phenotype. In contrast to the wild-type protein or other controls, p120-catenin point mutants deficient in the release from E-cadherin or in Vav2- or Rac1-binding failed to rescue p120-catenin depletion. Collectively, these results indicate that p120-catenin binding to Vav2 and Rac1 is required for the activation of this GTPase upon Wnt signalling.
PINCH-1 promotes Bcl-2-dependent survival signalling and inhibits JNK-mediated apoptosis in the primitive endoderm.
Authors: Montanez Eloi , Karaköse Esra , Tischner Denise , Villunger Andreas , Fässler Reinhard
Published: September 2012

The focal adhesion (FA) protein PINCH-1 is required for the survival of primitive endoderm (PrE) cells. How PINCH-1 regulates this fundamental process is not known. Here, we use embryoid bodies (EBs) and isolated EB-derived PrE cells to investigate the mechanisms by which PINCH-1 promotes PrE survival. We report that loss of PINCH-1 in PrE cells leads to a sustained activity of JNK and the pro-apoptotic factor Bax. Mechanistically, the sustained JNK activation was due to diminished levels of the JNK inhibitory factor Ras suppressor protein-1 (RSU-1), whose stability was severely reduced upon loss of PINCH-1. Chemical inhibition of JNK attenuated apoptosis of PrE cells but failed to reduce Bax activity. The increased Bax activity was associated with reduced integrin signalling and diminished Bcl-2 levels, which were shown to inhibit Bax. Altogether our findings show that PINCH-1 is a pro-survival factor that prevents apoptosis of PrE cells by modulating two independent signalling pathways; PINCH-1 inhibits JNK-mediated apoptosis by stabilizing the PINCH-1 binding protein RSU-1, and promotes Bcl-2-dependent pro-survival signalling downstream of integrins.
A Kinetic Study on Nucleophilic Displacement Reactions of Phenyl Y-Substituted-Phenyl Carbonates with Alkali Metal Ethoxides: Metal Ion Effect and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Um Ik-Hwan , Seo Ji-Yoon , Kang Ji-Sun , An Jun-Sung
Published: September 2012

Pseudo-first-order rate constants (kobsd) have been measured for reactions of phenyl Y-substituted-phenyl carbonates with alkali metal ethoxides (EtOM, M = Li, Na, and K). The plot of kobsd vs. [EtOM] curves upward for the reaction of diphenyl carbonate with EtOM but is linear for that with EtOK in the presence of 18-crown-6-ether (18C6), indicating that the reaction is catalyzed by M+ ions and the catalytic effect disappears in the presence of 18C6. The kobsd values for the reactions with EtOK have been dissected into kEtO and kEtOK, i.e., the second-order rate constants for the reactions with dissociated EtO− and ion-paired EtOK, respectively. The Hammett plots correlated with σ− and σ constants exhibit highly scattered points, while the Yukawa–Tsuno plots result in an excellent linear correlation with ρ = 2.11 and r = 0.21 for kEtO -, and ρ = 1.62 and r = 0.26 for kEtOK, implying that the reaction proceeds through a concerted mechanism. The catalytic effect (i.e., the kEtOK/kEtO - ratio) is independent of the electronic nature of the substituent Y. Thus, it has been concluded that K+ ion catalyzes the reaction by increasing the electrophilicity of the reaction center.
Comparative Spectroscopic Studies of Iron(III) and Manganese(III) Salen Complexes Having a Weakly Coordinating Triflate Axial Ligand
Authors: Kurahashi Takuya , Fujii Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

We thoroughly compared spectroscopic and magnetic properties of mononuclear iron(III) and manganese(III) complexes with symmetric and nonsymmetrical salen ligands, in order to investigate the relation between spectroscopic properties and electronic structures. Magnetic susceptibility and dual-mode electron paramagnetic resonance data show the assignment of [FeIII(salen)(OTf)] and [MnIII(salen)(OTf)] as high-spin S = 5/2 and S = 2 electronic configurations, respectively, irrespective of the electron-donating properties and symmetry of the salen ligand. Further insights into electronic structures of central metal are obtained from 2H NMR spectra of selectively deuterated complexes, in which [FeIII(salen)(OTf)] and [MnIII(salen)(OTf)] exhibit well-resolved paramagnetic NMR signals of quite different shift patterns, due to the presence or absence of the unpaired electron in the dx2 - y2 orbital expected for S = 5/2 iron(III) or S = 2 manganese(III) centers.
BAXgene over-expression via nucleofection to induce apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Fang Yanwen , Mo Xiaofen , Luo Yi , Lu Yi
Published: September 2012

Despite significant advances in cataract surgery techniques, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains a common complication. In PCO, remaining epithelial cells cloud the lens capsule and impair postoperative vision. This in vitro study was designed to investigate the potential of a gene-based approach, specifically over-expression of the proapoptotic BAX gene, to prevent PCO. Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were transfected by nucleofection with a plasmid encoding a fusion protein of green fluorescent protein and human BAX. The expression levels of BAX and its antiapoptotic counterpart BCL2 were determined by realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. BAX over-expression-induced cell death was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using the Annexin V antibody. Fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess changes in morphology and ultrastructure. Differential expression of the downstream apoptosis-related factor, caspase 3, was detected by Western blotting. Nucleofection efficiency was high (nearly 80%). BAX-transfected HLECs showed remarkably enhanced BAX gene expression and BAX:BCL2 ratio, but relatively little change in endogenous BCL2 expression. BAX over-expression also led to significant cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis-related characteristics and activation of caspase 3. In conclusion, our results indicate that BAX gene over-expression can trigger cell death in HLECs via an apoptotic pathway. Thus, BAX may be a promising candidate for human gene therapy to treat PCO.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity modulates the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Nashed Mary , Chisholm Jeffrey W , Igal R Ariel
Published: September 2012

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), the main enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, is a key factor in the mechanisms of cancer cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenesis. Evidence indicates that SCD1 activity regulates these events in part by targeting the phosphatidylinositol-3 phosphate kinase/Akt and Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We now show that in H460 lung cancer cells, the suppression of SCD activity with CVT-11127, a specific small molecule SCD inhibitor, impairs the ligand-induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, causing the inactivation of its downstream targets Akt, ERK and mammalian target of rapamycin. Importantly, the mitogenic response to EGF was markedly defective in SCD-depleted cancer cells. The inactivation of EGF receptor (EGFR) promoted by SCD inhibition may be caused by perturbations in the lipid microenvironment surrounding the receptor, since we detected significant alterations in the lateral mobility of plasma lipid microdomains. Finally, incubation of lung cancer cells with SCD blockers potentiated the antigrowth effect of gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor employed in cancer treatment. Altogether, our data indicate that SCD activity may control cancer cell metabolism, proliferation and survival by modulating the EGFR→Akt/ERK signaling platforms. Our studies also suggest a value for SCD inhibitors as novel pharmacological agents in lung cancer, one of the most common and lethal forms of cancer for which therapeutic options remain very limited.
Intellectual poverty and theory building in African mass communication research
Authors: M’ Bayo Ritchard Tamba , Sunday Oloruntola , Amobi Ifeoma
Published: September 2012

After years of heated controversy over philosophical orientations among communication researchers, a consensus seems to have emerged that recognizes the value of both the American and Europeans traditions. It was in the wake of the ‘ferment’ debates among communication scholars
in the late 1970s and early 1980s that African communication scholars also started to take stock of their field and take a closer look at their historical and cultural experiences. In trying to situate their own unique perspectives within the study of communication, these scholars lamented
the paucity of authentic African theoretical perspectives.

All human communication behaviour is grounded in culture. Hence, authentic African communication theories attempt to explain such behaviour from the African cultural context. Over the years, however, African communication researchers
engaged more in ‘reactive scholarship’ than in original theory building and relied largely on Eurocentric theories to explain African realities. Our study seeks to assess what progress has been made towards theory building among African communication scholars, and to determine
whether such efforts still remain largely ‘reactive’, consist-ing mainly of criticisms of Eurocentric models and theories.

The data revealed that after 30 years of debate on the ferment in communication research, there is still a gaping hole in African communication research,
one that is devoid of authentic African communication theories that reflect the cultural, linguis-tic and social cleavages of the African society.
The revelation of TV memories in The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975
Authors: Wahlberg Malin
Published: September 2012

The timely subject of revolutionary struggle and the exotic record of films intended for a Swedish TV audience propelled the recent success of The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975 by Göran Hugo Olsson (2011). The film exemplifies the processes of selection and re-enactment that
are immanent to compilation aesthetics, while drawing attention to the overlooked archive memory of public television.
More than films and dragon awards: The Göteborg International Film Festival as a meeting place
Authors: Redvall Eva Novrup
Published: September 2012

This article discusses how the largest film festival in the Nordic countries, the Göteborg International Film Festival (GIFF), is much more than a setting for bringing quality films to local audiences.With retrospectives, an extensive programme of seminars and master classes, a
film lab for upcoming talent, a film market as well as a television industry day, and recent initiatives such as co-organizing a university course on Swedish film policy and publishing a Ph.D. thesis as part of the festival’s line of publications, the festival is an important link not
only between film-makers and audiences, but also between the industry, policy-makers and scholars.
Killer research: Scandinavian crime fiction scholarship since 2008
Authors: Nestingen Andrew
Published: September 2012

Scandinavian crime fiction has received intense popular attention since the English-language publication of Stieg Larsson’s Män som hatar kvinnor/Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2005/2008).Scholarship on film, television and literary crime fiction in Scandinavia has been prolific
at the same time. Cultural studies and film studies methods have shown how revisions of genre, character and the representation of place have contributed to debates about globalization,the welfare state and gender.
Anarcho-punk and resistance in everyday life
Authors: Dunn Kevin
Published: September 2012

Punk and anarchism have frequently been linked within the popular imagination. Many of the original punks employed the circle-A symbol for its shock value, but for many bands and individuals who followed, anarchism came to mean more than a symbolic affectation. Inspired by bands such
as Crass, an anarcho-punk culture evolved that connected punk’s do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos with anarchism’s perpetual struggle against hierarchies. Today, anarcho-punk continues to be vibrant across the globe, though often outside of the mainstream gaze. Drawing upon extensive
global research, this article explores the ways in which anarcho-punk offers its adherents opportunities for political resistance within their daily lives. The article begins with a brief summary of the development of anarcho-punk, then explores how various anarcho-punks conceive of ‘anarchism’.
The article contends that anarcho-punks are currently important in reviving and sustaining anarchism as a political way of being. The article then examines some of the ways in which anarcho-punks practice anarchism and resistance in their everyday lives, focusing on squats, youth houses, touring
bands, and DIY record labels and distros. The article concludes with a critical examination of the potential of anarcho-punk for a sustained project of political resistance.
Dependence properties of dynamic credit risk models
Authors: Bäuerle Nicole , Schmock Uwe
Published: September 2012

We give a unified mathematical framework for reduced-form models for portfolio credit risk and identify properties which lead to positive dependence of default times. Dependence in the default hazard rates is modeled by common macroeconomic factors as well as by inter-obligor links. It is shown that popular models produce positive dependence between defaults in terms of association. Implications of these results are discussed, in particular when we turn to pricing of credit derivatives. In mathematical terms our paper contains results about association of a class of non-Markovian processes.
Moderate deviations and intermediate efficiency for lack-of-fit tests
Authors: Mason David M. , Eubank Randy
Published: September 2012

We illustrate a new technique for establishing moderate deviation principles for lack-of-fit tests. The method is applied to the problem of comparing two tests using intermediate asymptotic relative efficiency.
Low-level phenolic estrogen pollutants impair islet morphology and β-cell function in isolated rat islets
Authors: Song Liqiong , Xia Wei , Zhou Zhao , Li Yuanyuan , Lin Yi , Wei Jie , Wei Zhengzheng , Xu Bing , Shen Jie , Li Weiyong , Xu Shunqing
Published: September 2012

Phenolic estrogen pollutants, a class of typical endocrine-disrupting chemicals, have attracted public attention due to their estrogenic activities of imitating steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) effects. Exposure to these pollutants may disrupt insulin secretion and be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the direct effects of phenolic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) on rat pancreatic isletsin vitro, whose estrogenic activities were DES>NP>OP>BPA. Isolated β-cells were exposed to E2, DES, OP, NP, or BPA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 25, and 250 μg/l) for 24 h. Parameters of insulin secretion, content, and morphology of β-cells were measured. In the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test, E2and DES increased insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner in a 16.7 mM glucose condition. However, for BPA, NP, or OP with lower estrogenic activity, the relationship between the doses and insulin secretion was an inverted U-shape. Moreover, OP, NP, or BPA (25 μg/l) impaired mitochondrial function in β-cells and induced remarkable swelling of mitochondria with loss of distinct cristae structure within the membrane, which was accompanied by disruption of mRNA expression of genes playing a key role in β-cell function (Glut2(Slc2a2),Gck,Pdx1,Hnf1α,Rab27a, andSnap25), and mitochondrial function (Ucp2andOgdh). Therefore, these phenolic estrogens can disrupt islet morphology and β-cell function, and mitochondrial dysfunction is suggested to play an important role in the impairment of β-cell function.
Congenital Fibrosarcoma and History of Prenatal Exposure to Petroleum Derivatives
Authors: Ortega-García Juan A. , Soldin Offie P. , López-Hernández Fernando A. , Trasande Leonardo , Ferrís-Tortajada Josep
Published: September 2012

Congenital fibrosarcoma (CFS) is a rare fibrous tissue malignancy that usually presents in the first few years of life. It is unique among human sarcomas in that it has an excellent prognosis. We describe a temporal clustering of a number of cases of CFS and investigate the possible associated prenatal risk factors. The Pediatric Environmental History, a questionnaire developed in our clinic that is instrumental in determining environmental risk factors for tumor-related disease, was essential in documenting the presence or absence of risk factors considered as human carcinogens. We found a history of exposure to petroleum products in four cases of CFS that occurred at a greater than expected rate in a short time frame–an apparent cancer cluster. We call attention to the possibility that exposure to petroleum products raises the risk of developing CFS. While future studies should focus on systematic investigation of CFS and its underlying mechanisms, this report suggests the need for proactive measures to avoid exposure to solvents and petroleum products during pregnancy.
Attributable Risks for Childhood Overweight: Evidence for Limited Effectiveness of Prevention
Authors: Plachta-Danielzik Sandra , Kehden Britta , Landsberg Beate , Schaffrath Rosario Angelika , Kurth Bärbel-Maria , Arnold Christiane , Graf Christine , Hense Sabrina , Ahrens Wolfgang , Müller Manfred James
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Calculation of attributable risks (ARs) of childhood overweight to estimate effectiveness of prevention strategies.

METHODS:

We used pooled data of 4 population-based German studies including 34 240 children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years to calculate the impact of familial, social, “early life”, and lifestyle factors on overweight. ARs (joint for all determinants as well as partial risks) were calculated.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of childhood overweight was 13.4%. Successfully tackling all determinants can reduce overweight by 77.7% (ie, from 13.4% to 3.0%; = joint AR) with partial effects of treating parental overweight (42.5%); improving social status (14.3%); reducing media time to <1 hour per day (11.4%); and not smoking during pregnancy, low weight gain during pregnancy, and breastfeeding (together 9.5%), respectively. Improving all preventable risk factors (ie, early life factors and lifestyle) the effect is 9.2%. Media time has the strongest effect.

CONCLUSIONS:

The determinants identified explained 78% of the prevalence of overweight. Taking into account the partial ARs, the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to prevent overweight in children is limited. Our data argue in favor of interventions aimed at families and social environments, with a major focus on promoting a lower screen time and computer use in children.
A Framework for Elimination of Perinatal Transmission of HIV in the United States
Authors: Nesheim Steven , Taylor Allan , Lampe Margaret A. , Kilmarx Peter H. , Fitz Harris Lauren , Whitmore Suzanne , Griffith Judy , Thomas-Proctor Melissa , Fenton Kevin , Mermin Jonathan
Published: September 2012

The availability of effective interventions to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission and the significant reduction in the number of HIV-infected infants in the United States have led to the concept that elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission (EMCT) is possible. Goals for elimination are presented. We also present a framework by which elimination efforts can be coordinated, beginning with comprehensive reproductive health care (including HIV testing) and real-time case-finding of pregnancies in HIV-infected women, and conducted through the following: facilitation of comprehensive clinical care and social services for women and infants; case review and community action; allowing continuous quality research in prevention and long-term follow-up of HIV-exposed infants; and thorough data reporting for HIV surveillance and EMCT evaluation. It is emphasized that EMCT will not be a one-time accomplishment but, rather, will require sustained effort as long as there are new HIV infections in women of childbearing age.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome and Functional and Structural Brain Impairments in Adolescence
Authors: Yau Po Lai , Castro Mary Grace , Tagani Adrian , Tsui Wai Hon , Convit Antonio
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) parallels the rise in childhood obesity. MetS is associated with neurocognitive impairments in adults, but this is thought to be a long-term effect of poor metabolism. It would be important to ascertain whether these brain complications are also present among adolescents with MetS, a group without clinically manifest vascular disease and relatively short duration of poor metabolism.

METHODS:

Forty-nine adolescents with and 62 without MetS, matched on age, socioeconomic status, school grade, gender, and ethnicity, received endocrine, MRI, and neuropsychological evaluations.

RESULTS:

Adolescents with MetS showed significantly lower arithmetic, spelling, attention, and mental flexibility and a trend for lower overall intelligence. They also had, in a MetS-dose–related fashion, smaller hippocampal volumes, increased brain cerebrospinal fluid, and reductions of microstructural integrity in major white matter tracts.

CONCLUSIONS:

We document lower cognitive performance and reductions in brain structural integrity among adolescents with MetS, thus suggesting that even relatively short-term impairments in metabolism, in the absence of clinically manifest vascular disease, may give rise to brain complications. In view of these alarming results, it is plausible that obesity-associated metabolic disease, short of type 2 diabetes mellitus, may be mechanistically linked to lower the academic and professional potential of adolescents. Although obesity may not be enough to stir clinicians or even parents into action, these results in adolescents strongly argue for an early and comprehensive intervention. We propose that brain function be introduced among the parameters that need to be evaluated when considering early treatment of childhood obesity.
Communication During Pediatric Asthma Visits and Self-Reported Asthma Medication Adherence
Authors: Sleath Betsy , Carpenter Delesha M. , Slota Catherine , Williams Dennis , Tudor Gail , Yeatts Karin , Davis Stephanie , Ayala Guadalupe X.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Our objectives were to examine how certain aspects of provider-patient communication recommended by national asthma guidelines (ie, provider asking for child and caregiver input into the asthma treatment plan) were associated with child asthma medication adherence 1 month after an audio-taped medical visit.

METHODS:

Children ages 8 through 16 with mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at 5 pediatric practices in nonurban areas of North Carolina. All medical visits were audio-tape recorded. Children were interviewed 1 month after their medical visits, and both children and caregivers reported the child’s control medication adherence. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine if communication during the medical visit was associated with medication adherence 1 month later.

RESULTS:

Children (n = 259) completed a home visit interview ∼1 month after their audio-taped visit, and 216 of these children were taking an asthma control medication at the time of the home visit. Children reported an average control medication adherence for the past week of 72%, whereas caregivers reported the child’s average control medication adherence for the past week was 85%. Child asthma management self-efficacy was significantly associated with both child- and caregiver-reported control medication adherence. When providers asked for caregiver input into the asthma treatment plan, caregivers reported significantly higher child medication adherence 1 month later.

CONCLUSIONS:

Providers should ask for caregiver input into their child’s asthma treatment plan because it may lead to better control medication adherence.
EEG for Predicting Early Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Hayashi-Kurahashi Naoko , Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Kubota Tetsuo , Maruyama Koichi , Kato Yuichi , Kato Toru , Natsume Jun , Hayakawa Fumio , Watanabe Kazuyoshi , Okumura Akihisa
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To clarify the prognostic value of conventional EEG for the identification of preterm infants at risk for subsequent adverse neurodevelopment in the current perinatal care and medicine setting.

METHODS:

We studied 780 EEG records of 333 preterm infants born <34 weeks’ gestation between 2002 and 2008. Serial EEG recordings were conducted during 3 time periods; at least once each within days 6 (first period), during days 7 to 19 (second period), and days 20 to 36 (third period). The presence and the grade of EEG background abnormalities were assessed according to an established classification system. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at a corrected age of 12 to 18 months.

RESULTS:

Of the 333 infants, 33 (10%) had developmental delay and 34 (10%) had cerebral palsy. The presence of EEG abnormalities was significantly predictive of developmental delay and cerebral palsy at all 3 time periods: the first period (n = 265; odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–9.4), the second period (n = 278; OR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.6–16), and the third period (n = 237; OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.8–13). The grade of EEG abnormalities correlated with the incidence of developmental delay or cerebral palsy in all periods (P < .001). After controlling for other clinical variables, including severe brain injury, EEG abnormality in the second period was an independent predictor of developmental delay (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.1–9.7) and cerebral palsy (OR, 6.8; 95% CI 2.0–23).

CONCLUSIONS:

EEG abnormalities within the first month of life significantly predict adverse neurodevelopment at a corrected age of 12 to 18 months in the current preterm survivor.
Breast Cancer Classification Using Nanochannel Arrays
Authors: Flanagan Kelly , Vattipalli Krishna , Selvam Anjan Panneer , Prasad Shalini
Published: September 2012

The ability to design a diagnostics platform that can achieve cellular level as well as molecular level classification of targeted biomarkers may be critical toward understanding the fundamental basis of disease initiation and proliferation in breast cancer. In this context, we have looked at breast cancer diagnostics and present the design of a biomedical microdevice for evaluating and classifying cellular samples based on their risk towards metastasis. Primary breast cancer tumors have been shown to contain heterogeneous populations of neoplastic cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that subpopulations of these cells can cooperate in the initiation of collective invasion and metastasis. The role of the sensor we present is to identify the type of cells as non-invasive/”follower” cells that do not result in metastasis or invasive “leader” cells that are thought to be responsible for metastasis, from breast cancer cell lysate samples, thus enabling more selective classification of samples, with the eventual goal of early diagnosis. The device is an electrical immunoassay that incorporates the PDGF- receptor to screen the cell lysate samples for the PGDF binding protein that is preferentially expressed in the invasive, “leader” cells. The sensor comprises of alumina nanochannel arrays integrated on to a microelectronic platform operating on the principle of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to quantify the PGDF protein from the cell lysates.
A New Species of Sclerodermus (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) Parasitizing Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from China, with a Key to Chinese Species in the Genus
Authors: Yang Zhong-Qi , Wang Xiao-Yi , Yao Yan-Xia , Gould Juli R , Cao Liang-Ming
Published: September 2012

A new parasitoid reared from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), Sclerodermas pupariae n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), is described from China. S. pupariae was reared from A. planipennis in China attacking velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina Torr. ), a tree native to North America. Life-history studies of S. pupariae in the field and laboratory indicated it is a gregarious idiobiont ectoparasitoid of pupa and larva of A. phnipennis and has up to five generations per year. Parasitism rate in the field was 13%. Adult wasps reared from single host pupa or mature larva ranged from 24 to 56 individuals. Based on laboratory rearing, the emerging adult female to male ratio was 22:1. The new parasitoid species has a high potential as a biocontrol agent for emerald ash borer. Diagnosis of the new species with comparisons to Sclerodermas harmandi (Buysson) and a key to Sclerodermas known in China are provided.
Redescription of the Holotype of Sinea sericea, Supplemented with Description of Additional Males and First Description of Females
Authors: McPherson J E
Published: September 2012

I here redescribe, and expand the original description of, the holotype of Sinea sericea Hussey; correct misinformation based on the holotype; supplement the original description with additional males; and add the first description of adult females.
Laboratory Rearing of Callitettix versicolor (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cercopidae), with Descriptions of the Immature Stages
Authors: Chen Xu , Liang Ai-Ping
Published: September 2012

Callitettix versicolor (F., 1794) (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cercopidae) was reared from egg to adult under controlled laboratory conditions and the immature stages were described. Adults of this spittlebug were collected from a maize field and were reared in the laboratory on fruits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Nymphs were reared on roots of rice seedlings. Adults, eggs, and nymphs were all maintained in an artificial climate chamber at 27 ± 1°C, photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h, and 70 ± 5% relative humidity. The incubation period averaged 102.63 d. The five stadia averaged 5.36, 5.48, 7.06, 7.92, and 12.67 d, respectively. Instars can be distinguished by differences in morphological features, body size, and body color.
New and Simple Methods for Studying Hemipteran Stylets, Bacteriomes, and Salivary Sheaths in Host Plants
Authors: Ammar El-Desouky , Hall David G
Published: September 2012

Many hemipteran insects are important agricultural pests because they cause direct feeding damage to their host plants and / or transmit plant disease agents including viruses and bacteria. Microscopic and behavioral studies on five hemipteran species from four families (Psyllidae, Aphididae, Cicadellidae, and Aleyrodidae) showed that their exuviae (molted skins) normally had either fully or partially extended stylets in a feeding-like position. In most cases these stylets were still partially embedded in their host plants after ecdysis, which indicated that plant-feeding hemipteran nymphs use their stylets to anchor themselves to host plants during molting. This phenomenon was used here to study the stylet length and ultrastructure in exuviae of various instars, which is normally more difficult in nymphs than in adults because of the fragility and smaller size of nymphs. Additionally, autofluorescence was used for studying the hemipteran salivary sheaths of nymphs and adults in their host plants. This method is based on fixation of free hand sections of plant parts on which hemipteran insects have been feeding, then mounting and examination of these sections with epifluorescence or confocal microscopy. No embedding, microtomy, or staining is necessary for this method that makes it much faster and simpler than other methods. Autofluorescence was also used to study the location and size of bacteriomes/mycetomes (organs containing symbionts) in hemipteran eggs and nymphs. The above methods were applied successfully with the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), melaleuca psyllid (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Moore), oleander aphid (Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolomb), the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and/or the glassy-winged sharpshooter leafhopper (Homalodisca vitripennis Germar).
Key parameters for tensile and compressive strength of silt–lime mixtures
Authors: Consoli N. C. , Dalla Rosa Johann A. , Gauer E. A. , dos Santos V. R. , Moretto R. L. , Corte M. B.
Published: September 2012

A dosage methodology for lime-treated soils has previously been established based on rational criteria where the porosity/lime ratio plays a fundamental role in the assessment of the target unconfined compressive strength (qu). The present research extends this previous work by quantifying the influence of the amount of lime, the porosity and the porosity/lime ratio in the assessment on tensile strength (qt) of soil–lime mixtures, as well as in the evaluation of the qt/qu relationship. A programme of splitting tensile tests and unconfined compression tests considering three distinct dry unit weights and four lime contents, varying from 3 to 9%, was carried out in the present study. The results show that a power function fits qt and qu values well with increasing volumetric lime content and a power function fits qt and qu values well with reducing porosity of the compacted mixture. The porosity/lime ratio is demonstrated to be an appropriate parameter to assess both qt and qu of the silt–lime mixture studied. Finally, the qt/qu relationship is unique for the silt–lime studied, being independent of the porosity/lime ratio.
When small changes matter: the role of cross‐scale interactions between habitat and ecological connectivity in recovery
Authors: Thrush Simon F. , Hewitt Judi E. , Lohrer Andrew M. , Chiaroni Luca D.
Published: September 2012

Interaction between the diversity of local communities and the degree of connectivity between them has the potential to influence local recovery rates and thus profoundly affect community dynamics in the face of the cumulative impacts that occur across regions. Although such complex interactions have been modeled, field experiments in natural ecosystems to investigate the importance of interactions between local and regional processes are rare, especially so in coastal marine seafloor habitats subjected to many types of disturbance. We conducted a defaunation experiment at eight subtidal sites, incorporating manipulation of habitat structure, to test the relative importance of local habitat features and colonist supply in influencing macrobenthic community recovery rate. Our sites varied in community composition, habitat characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions, and we conducted the experiment in two phases, exposing defaunated plots to colonists during periods of either high or low larval colonist supply. In both phases of the experiment, five months after disturbance, we were able to develop models that explained a large proportion of variation in community recovery rate between sites. Our results emphasize that the connectivity to the regional species pool influences recovery rate, and although local habitat effects were important, the strength of these effects was affected by broader‐scale site characteristics and connectivity. Empirical evidence that cross‐scale interactions are important in disturbance–recovery dynamics emphasizes the complex dynamics underlying seafloor community responses to cumulative disturbance.
Stress and Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Bhandari S
Published: September 2012

Stress has long been suspected as a possible cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriage. But while a relationship has been noted, we didn't know exactly how a woman's stress could cause miscarriage. Three “Super-systems”-the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems engage in multiple interactions during the body’s response to stress. Here we briefly discuss the possible mechanisms of stress induced changes on these systems leading to miscarriage. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 2-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6747
Assessment of Osteoporosis in Post Menopausal Women: A Clinical Study
Authors: Najam R , Huda N
Published: September 2012

Aims: Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder of the bones that is characterized by decreased bone density which predisposes to increased fracture risk. The disease can exist undiagnosed for a long time as it produces no distinct symptoms and is detected when a fracture has already occurred. There is sufficient evidence to state that the risk of osteoporosis and fracture increases with age and after menopause, that bone density measurements accurately predict the risk for fractures in the short-term, and that treating asymptomatic women with osteoporosis reduces their risk for fracture. The present cross sectional study was undertaken to assess osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: This is a prospective study, conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College, Moradabad. India. Post menopausal women were included in the study. Women who had undergone hysterectomy or who were on hormone replacement therapy or calcium or vitamin D preparations were excluded from the study. The participants underwent BMD measurement by Achilles Ultrasound bone densitometer. The results of BMD were analysed on the basis of T-Scores and were represented in the form of a graph. Results: Of the 90 patients that were included in the study 42.2 %( n=38) were in the age group of 45-55years. In almost 50% of patients the duration of menopause was 6-10 years. Of the 90 patients 10%(n=9)were normal, 44.4%(n=40) were osteopenic, 33.3%(n=30) were osteoporotic and 12.2%(n=11) were severely osteoporotic. Backache was the commonest presenting symptom in the study population. Conclusions: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a rapid and inexpensive method of measuring bone density. In our study 90% of the postmenopausal women had subnormal T scores. We recommend regular BMD measurements in postmenopausal subjects for early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in this vulnerable group. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 11-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6749
Ethnic Disparities in Contraceptive Use and its Impact on Family Planning Program in Nepal
Authors: Mishra MK
Published: September 2012

Aims: Regardless of three decades of implementation of family planning program in Nepal, need of family planning services is largely unmet. Systematic studies, evaluating the impact of family planning program on several ethnic groups of Nepal has not been carried out in large scale. This study sheds light on the investigation of, whether the use of contraceptives varies among different ethnic groups in Nepal and what are the predictors of contraceptive variance in ethnic groups in Nepal. Methods: The study is based on data collected from Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2006. Multilevel logistic regression analyses of 10793 married women of reproductive age nested within 264 clusters from the surveys were considered as the sample size. Individual, household, and program variables were set and a multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to analyse the variables, using GLLAMM command in STATA-9. Results: Multilevel logistic regression analysis indicated that Muslims, Dalits and Terai Madheshi women were significantly less likely to use modern contraceptives compared to the Brahmins and Chhetries (Higher Castes). Women who were exposed to family planning information on radio were more likely to use modern contraceptives than women not exposed to radio information (OR=1.22, P> 0.01). An odd of using contraceptives by Newars was (OR 1.09, P>0.05), the highest among all ethnic groups. Exposure of women to family planning messages through health facilities, family planning workers and means of communication, increased the odds of using modern contraceptives. However, impact of the family planning information on contraceptive use varied among ethnicity. Conclusions: Special attention needs to be paid, in particular to the ethnicity, while formulating family planning policies in Nepal, for better success rate of family planning intervention programs. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 14-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6750
Dinoprostone Use and Rupture of Uterus in Primigravida: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Upadhyaya I
Published: September 2012

Two cases of complete and incomplete uterine rupture following the use of dinoprostone gel for induction of labor (IOL) at 41 weeks of pregnancy in primigravidas; one of the two being diagnosed after vaginal delivery is presented herewith to alert cautious use of this important agent. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 49-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6758
Carbon-Hydrogen Bond Activation of Phenyldi(2- Thienyl)Phosphine at A Triruthenium Cluster Center
Authors: Rana Shahed , Ghosh Shishir , Kabir Shariff E
Published: September 2012

Ketyl-initiated reaction between Ru3(CO)12 and phenyldi(2-thienyl)phosphine (PhPTh2) furnished simple phosphine-substituted triruthenium clusters [Ru3(CO)10(PhPTh2)21 and [Ru3(CO)9(PhPTh2)3] 2. Heating 1 in boiling benzene afforded [Ru3(CO)8{?3- PhThP(C4H2S)}(PhPTh2)] 3 by carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage of a coordinated thienylphosphine ligand. All three new clusters have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopic data.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i1.11764 Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(1), 1-6, 2012
Synthesis of Schiff Base having a Heterocyclic Moiety along with its Cyclized Derivatives and Study of their Antifungal Activities
Authors: Khatun Rabeya , Islam AS Mansarul , Hai MA
Published: September 2012

Syntheses of Schiffs base1 1-[(2, 4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1H-1, 2, 4-triazol-1-yl)] ethanone thiosemicarbazone (1A) prepared by condensation of 1-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-2-[1(H)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl] ethanone with thiosemicarbazide, followed by cyclization2 to 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[(1H)-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)]-3-acetyl-5-acetylamino- thiadiazoline ( 2A), using acetic anhydride, and finally hydrolysis3 of (2A) to form 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[(1H)-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)]-3-acetyl-5-amino-thiadiazoline (3A), using hydrazine hydrate, all compounds having anti-fungal activities, are reported. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i1.11765 Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(1), 7-14, 2012
The Stability Constants and Thermodynamic Parameters of Borate - Carbohydrate Complexes by pH Measurements
Authors: Akhtar Farida , Rahman Md Anisur , Islam DM Shafiqul , Hoque Md Anamul
Published: September 2012

The complexation of borate with carbohydrates was studied potentiometrically at  temperatures 298.15-328.15K in aqueous medium at constant ionic strength, I = 0.1M  KCl. The stability constants (?) and thermodynamic parameters of borate-carbohydrate  complexes were determined using the technique proposed by Verchere and Hlaibi.  Carbohydrates such as D-fructose, D-Sorbitol, D-Mannitol, D-Galactose, D-Glucose and  D-Raffinose were used as ligands in this study. The ?1 values for the complexes at  different temperatures were found to follow the order: D-fructose > D-Sorbitol > DMannitol > D-Galactose > D-Glucose > D-Raffinose. The ?G0 values were found to be  negative and the negative values increased according to the above order. The values of  ?H0 and ?S0 were both negative which indicated that the complex formation was an  exothermic process and the spontaneity of its formation is driven by enthalpic  contribution overcoming the negative contribution of ?S0. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i1.11766 Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(1), 15-20, 2012
Smooth Dearomatization of Some Phenols by BAIB and Facile Aerial Oxidation of Two γ-Hydrogen Containing Anthraquinones
Authors: Roy H N , Roy Pijush K , Shumi SA , Rahman MM , Islam MN
Published: September 2012

At ambient condition bis(acetoxy)iodo benzene (BAIB) oxidized phenol and substituted phenols and the oxidized products undergo easy annulation reaction with cyanophthalide at ice cold temperature. Methyl or ethyl group at position C-1 in anthraquinone system has participated smooth aerial oxidation under sunlight. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i1.11767 Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(1), 21-29, 2012
Mobilization of Arsenic with Iron, Manganese and Copper in Borehole Sediments of the River Jamuna
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Siddique Nur-E-Alam , Alam AM Shafiqul
Published: September 2012

Boreholes sediments (to a depth of 1-6 m) from the Jamuna River area in Bangladesh were collected for arsenic concentration and geochemical analysis. Chemical analysis reveals that Mn and Fe hydroxides and organic matter are the major leachable solids carrying As. High levels of arsenic concentration in aquifers are associated with fine grained sediments. Moreover, it is clearly shows that As is closely associated with Fe and Mn in sediments. Arsenic mobilized in sediments with Fe, Mn and organic matter from upper stream to lower stream of the river Jamuna. There was no significant relationship observed between arsenic and Cu in borehole sediments. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i1.11768 Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(1), 30-37, 2011