bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic violence in a genitourinary medicine setting – an anonymous prevalence study in women
Authors: Loke W C , Bacchus L , Torres C , Fox E
Published: October 2008

Domestic violence (DV) affects around one in four women in the UK. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DV and the associations with sociodemographic and sexual behaviour variables in female attendees of an inner-city genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic. In this cross-sectional survey, 177 of 380 women (46.6%) disclosed a history of abuse and 17.4% reported DV in the preceding 12 months. Women with a history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) were more likely to have experienced DV at some point in their lives (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58–3.63). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being black compared with white, (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 2.4–12.5) current cohabitation with a partner (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.06–4.75), increasing number of sexual partners in the last year (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.5) and consumption of illicit drugs (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.02–4.11) were significantly associated with DV in the last 12 months but age, current occupation, history of STIs, age of coitarche and condom use were not. DV was common in this GU medicine clinic population and associated with STIs. We recommend that health practitioners undergo training to increase awareness of the links between partner violence and sexual health problems.
Nausea and vomiting in HIV: a symptom review
Authors: Chubineh S , McGowan J
Published: October 2008

Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms experienced by those with HIV. While the causes are most commonly attributed to medication side effects, infectious causes, gastroparesis and psychosomatic, therapy aimed at controlling symptoms has not been well studied. Since nausea and vomiting have been identified as the most common cause of discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) therapy, and due to the extensive morbidity associated with these symptoms, we sought to review and discuss causes and management of these symptoms in HIV-infected patients and demonstrate the need for further research in this area. Such studies could include investigation into the prophylactic use of antiemetics with initiation or modification of HAART therapy to monitor patient compliance. In addition, anticipatory nausea and vomiting should be further studied, as it could prove to be quite prevalent, as in cancer patients.
Minimum Test Specimen Mass for Moisture Content Determination
Authors: Howard AK
Published: October 2008

Minimum test specimen masses are recommended for determining the moisture content of soils. The specimen mass is dependent on the accuracy required, the maximum particle size present in the soil being tested, and the estimated moisture content of the soil. Equations are presented to calculate the minimum specimen mass required and nominal values are shown in a table.
The Vane Cone: A New Device for Soil Shear Strength Measurement
Authors: Youssef A-FA
Published: October 2008

A considerable number of in-situ tests have been devised for measuring field soil shear strength parameters. These tests include, among many others, cone penetration and vane shear devices. The conventional form of each of these two devices controls the type of soil deformation, which may limit the use of the measured soil shear resistance data. In this study both vane and cone devices were combined together in one device known as vane-cone apparatus. The use of this apparatus allows deforming the soil vertically and tangentially. Consequently, the related vertical and tangential soil shear resistances can be measured. Theoretical plasticity analysis of cohesive soil is used to predict the radial and tangential stress distribution around a cone with different apex angles. Using both of these stress distributions, a relation between vane-cone resistances and soil shear strength parameters is developed. Experimental data are used to verify the developed analysis and to compare between the vane, cone, and vane-cone devices.
Horizontal and Vertical Swell Pressures from a Triaxial Test: Feasibility Study
Authors: Johnson LD
Published: October 2008

Horizontal and vertical swell pressures of some anisotropic undistrubed soil specimens are measured in a double chamber triaxial cell. The equipment is also capable of measuring consolidation and strength parameters of the soil. Preliminary test results indicate no difference in swell pressure between vertical and horizontal orientations of the specimen when subject to no volume change.
Temperature Effect on Preconsolidation Pressure
Authors: Tidfors M , Sällfors G
Published: October 2008

A change in temperature is known to affect the deformation properties of a clay specimen. In order to study the effect quantitative y and its dependence on clay type a number of oedometer tests were carried out. Conventional incremental oedometer tests as well as constant-rate-of-strain tests were used. Test results clearly show that the preconsolidation pressure decreases with increasing temperature; the compression modulus is little affected. Five different clays were tested, and the change in preconsolidation pressure was found to be larger for higher clay content of the specimen. The research shows that laboratory testing at different temperatures gives the necessary information for the calculation of temperature induced settlements.
Status of the AASHTO Accreditation Program
Authors: Steele GW
Published: October 2008

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) approved the establishment of the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) in February 1988 and the first laboratory was accredited in June 1988. The objective of the AAP is to provide a mechanism for formally recognizing the competency of construction materials testing laboratories to carry out specific tests on soils, asphalt cements, cutback asphalts, emulsified asphalts, bituminous concrete mixtures, concrete aggregates. AAP is structured to comply with ASTM Standards, Guide for Laboratory Accreditation Systems (E 994) and Practice for Generic Criteria for Use in the Evaluation of Testing and Inspection Agencies (E 548), and International Standards Organization (ISO) Guide 25. AASHTO has assigned responsibility for administering the program to its Highway Subcommittee on Materials. Information on the program scope, operational procedures, and current status are given.
X-Ray Radiographic Investigation of Perchloroethylene Migration at the Livingston Derailment Site
Authors: Ferrell RE , Arman A , Grosch JJ
Published: October 2008

X-ray radiography of soil cores was used as the primary test method to determine the reasons for the permeation of perchloroethylene into apparently impermeable clay layers at a hazardous chemical spill site. X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analysis were also performed to characterize the materials and structures observed in the soil cores through X radiography and to verify the presence or absence of perchloroethylene.

X-ray radiography proved to be an invaluable tool in the examination of the soil structure and in the solution of the problem. Results showed the presence of a three-dimensional network of iron-lined fissures, concretions, and roots in otherwise low permeability clay. These conduits were responsible for the rapid permeation of the perchloroethylene.
Dynamic Behavior of the Bumpy Road Shaking Table System
Authors: Lee F-H , Schofield AN
Published: October 2008

Vibration tests were performed on the “bumpy road shaking table” system at the Cambridge University Geotechnical Centrifuge to investigate its dynamic behavior under operating conditions. In these tests, steel plates of known weights were fastened onto the base of the model container. The container was then subjected to “earthquake motions” simulated by the shaking table system and the accelerations of various parts of the system measured by means of accelerometers. The test results show that the bumpy road wheel acceleration has a substantial amount of high-frequency components. During earthquake tests, the bumpy road container is isolated from this high-frequency motion by the flexibility of the package-transmission assembly. The results also suggest that the bumpy road package-transmission assembly has a resonance mode at about 85 Hz while the centrifuge arm has a resonance mode at about 104 Hz. If the excitation frequency is close to the package-transmission frequency of 85 Hz, a strong response is obtained from the bumpy road system, and package motion is highly harmonic and relatively “clean.” On the other hand, if the excitation frequency is close to the resonance frequency of the centrifuge arm, the latter is excited into motion instead of the container and soil model.
Model Studies of Pressuremeter Testing in Soft Rock
Authors: Haberfield CM , Johnston IW
Published: October 2008

In order to simulate pressuremeter testing in soft rock, a series of detailed model tests were undertaken under carefully controlled conditions in the laboratory. The technique employed made use of a modified triaxial cell in which thick walled cylindrical specimens of a synthetic soft rock, subjected to constant external confining pressures, were tested to failure. Pressure was applied in increments to the internal cavity, and measurements were made of cavity and specimen volume changes under fully drained conditions. This paper describes the pressuremeter simulation tests, giving details of test techniques and results.
Chemical Impregnation of Cohesionless Soils
Authors: Schneider HR , Chameau J-L , Leonards GA
Published: October 2008

Existing methods to obtain and test high-quality undisturbed samples of cohesionless soil below the water table depend at some stage on freezing. This limits the range of application to relatively clean sands, and even for those soils the freezing operation is delicate, time-consuming, and costly. Moreover, there is no direct way to check, independently, the effects of the freezing process on the subsequent behavior of the sample. Recognition of these limitations motivated the search for an alternate method, namely, chemical impregnation. After many trials, agar, a natural polymer, has been identified as a potential impregnation material for developing an alternate sampling technique.

Agar powder dissolves readily in water at a temperature of about 85 to 95°C to form a clear solution of low viscosity. On cooling, the solution remains liquid until a gelation temperature of 35 to 40°C is reached, when the mass sets to a rigid gel even at low concentrations, such as 1% or less. The gel does not melt again when immersed in water or during handling, but it can be reliquefied at a temperature above the gelation temperature.

This paper presents the results of tests to examine the suitability of agar as an impregnation material to permit undisturbed sampling of sands below the water table. Field trials were made to demonstrate the feasibility of the impregnation process.
Moisture Content and Density of Smectites
Authors: Post JL
Published: October 2008

The measured density of smectites, using ASTM Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soils (D 854) and ASTM Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures (D 2216), vary as a function of heating temperature and time. For example, the measured moisture content of air-dry Otay bentonite, heated to 110°C, varied from 16.48% moisture to 19.0% moisture for 18- to 96-h heating time giving a calculated specific gravity varying from 2.679 to 2.785, and a measured variation in equilibrium temperature from 100 to 130°C gave a calculated specific gravity varying from 2.744 to 2.857. Measured specific gravity values of these smectite clays, for constant mass at 110°C, range from 2.785 to 3.150, whereas the calculated values for the smectites, including the essential bound water, range from 1.98 to 2.14. The maximum oven-dry density of compacted Otay bentonite varied from 1354 to 1384 kg/m3 (84.5 to 86.4 lb/ft3), with optimum moisture contents from 29.0 to 27.2% when possible temperature and time variations in moisture determination were observed, using ASTM Test Method for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures Using 10-lb (4.54-kg) Rammer and 18-in. (457-mm) Drop (D1557). The bound water of the smectite is considered part of the moisture content when a compaction curve is prepared.
Pulse Shapes from Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Reames FM
Published: October 2008

A number of technical reports have discussed the use of ground penetrating radar equipment in examining highway structures for deterioration. Several of these reports provide expressions or calculational techniques that purport to describe the shape of the radar pulse returning from voids within the structure, such as the thin air gap at a delamination within a concrete bridge deck or the larger voids that can develop between a concrete slab and the soils beneath. None of the theories has been developed with the use of correct electromagnetic theory (Maxwell's equations and a two-interface reflection coefficient); it is not surprising, therefore, that the pulse shape computations and observed pulse shapes sometimes fail to agree. In this paper the correct means of computing the shape of radar pulses returning from voids is presented with some results, and new approaches for computerized detection of structural defects are discussed.
A Cyclic Undrained Simple Shear Testing Method for Soils
Authors: Tatsuoka F , Pradhan TBS , Yoshi-ie H
Published: October 2008

An undrained simple shear testing method for soils using a torsional shear apparatus is described, in which a hollow cylindrical specimen is sheared under plane strain conditions without deforming and rotating all horizontal planes. In this testing method, the simple shear deformation mode is achieved only by several mechanical means without using an automated pressure control system. Typical results of cyclic undrained simple shear tests using uniform cyclic shear stresses on one-dimensionally consolidated saturated sand are presented. A similar undrained testing method with the same inner and outer lateral confining pressures, in which the simple shear condition is satisfied only in an approximated way, is also described. The test results show that the deviation of the stress-strain behavior in the approximate testing method from that under the exact simple shear condition increases as the shear strain increases. However, it was also found that for the purpose of evaluating cyclic undrained simple shear strength values defined by the amplitude of cyclic shear strain, the use of this approximate testing method is justified.

Some typical stress-strain relationships are also presented in detail. It is shown that despite large changes in the effective axial stress during cyclic undrained loading, the relationships between the ratio of the shear stress to the effective axial stress and the shear strain are of a smooth hyperbolic type. Further, it is shown that in a cyclic undrained simple shear test, the angles of the directions of the major principal strain increments rotate discontinuously between ± 45° relative to the axial stress direction. Consequently, the angles of the directions of the principal stress also change rather discontinuously, and at relatively large strains, it becomes almost ± 45° relative to the axial stress direction.
The Use of Proximity Transducers for Local Strain Measurements in Triaxial Tests
Authors: Hird CC , Yung PCY
Published: October 2008

A description is given of an instrumentation system suitable for measuring axial and radial strains locally in the central region of a triaxial specimen. The system is primarily intended to measure small strains and is one of several that may be employed to avoid errors associated with conventional measurements. A theoretical assessment is made of the accuracy achieved at strains of up to 0.1%. Experimental results are also presented to illustrate the extent of various random errors.
In Situ EIS Measurements of Irradiated Zircaloy-4 Post-Transition Corrosion Kinetic Behavior
Authors: Rishel D. M. , Eklund K. L. , Kammenzind B. F.
Published: October 2008

Under irradiation the post-transition corrosion rates of Zircaloy are enhanced relative to out-of-flux rates. In an effort to better understand the effects of different mixed-field radiation environments and the variables that may contribute to this enhancement a series of in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests were conducted in the Halden Test Reactor under PWR type conditions. The EIS tests were conducted using five identically fabricated electrode cells, which employed Zircaloy-4 tipped working electrodes. Approximately 30 μm thick oxides were prefilmed on the electrode tips prior to test insertion. The electrode test train was designed in a manner that enabled a wide range of gamma and neutron radiation flux conditions to be evaluated. Gamma fluxes (E ≥1 MeV) ranged from 1.7×1013 to 1.3×1014 cm−2 s−1 while the fast neutron fluxes (E ≥1 MeV) ranged from 2.9×1010 to 3.2×1013 cm−2 s−1. In addition, the EIS tests were conducted over temperatures ranging from 250 to 335°C. Electrode sets were situated into two basic radiation environments, which were differentiated by the magnitude and relative proportion of the mixed radiation field. In one environment, where the fast neutron flux was low, the relative gamma radiation component was high (i.e., high gamma-to-neutron ratio environment). In the other environment, where the fast neutron flux was high, the relative gamma radiation component was low (i.e., low gamma-to-neutron ratio environment). Based on the low frequency limits, the impedance moduli and inferred corrosion rates were found to be a complex function of temperature, and the relative proportion of gamma and neutron radiation. At low temperatures of 250°C it was found that the electrode sets which were exposed under high gamma-to-neutron ratios exhibited low frequency impedances that were almost 2.5 times lower than the case for the electrode sets which were placed in low gamma-to-neutron ratio. This occurred even though the absolute magnitude of the gamma and neutron flux fields decreased. This would imply that the corrosion rate is higher under high gamma-to-neutron ratios than under low gamma-to-neutron ratios. Conversely, at high temperatures, 335°C, only very small differences in impedance were noted as a function of radiation environment. Post-test destructive examination of the Zircaloy tipped electrodes indicates that the growth of the oxide formed during the in-pile phase of testing is consistent with the in situ EIS measurements obtained in-pile. The porous nature of the post-transition oxide coupled with the apparent correlation with gamma radiation suggests that heterogeneous radiolysis within the corrosion product film plays an important role in enhancing post-transition corrosion kinetics.
Safety in Big Jumps: Relationship Between Landing Shape and Impact Energy Determined by Computer Simulation
Authors: Böhm Harald , Senner Veit
Published: October 2008

With the increasing popularity of freestyle skiing and snowboarding many ski resorts constructed their own terrain parks including several jumps, rails, and pipes. In order to prevent risks of high-impact injuries in jumping, an adequate construction of the landing hill is very important. In professional ski jumping this can be achieved by designing the landing area profile so that its curvature follows the flight path of the jumping athlete. Classical kicker shapes do not follow this principle. They consist of a ramp subsequently followed by a flat table and a descending landing area. Construction of these kickers is commonly made by trial and error. To make the construction process safer and reduce unnecessary risks, a guideline for save kicker construction based on multiple simplifications of the real situation was published in the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate how this guideline applies to the situation in a real kicker. Two skiers and three snowboarders performed a total of eleven jumps on one expert’s kicker (table length 17 m, transition angle 20°, and kick-off height 2.5 m). Computer simulations, based on the take-off velocities of the eleven jumps measured, were used to calculate the impact energy during landing on different table lengths combined with different landing slopes. If the jumper fails to adjust take-off velocity to account for the shorter deck length, the sum of the impact energies of the simulated jumps will increase dramatically at table lengths smaller than 15 m combined with a landing steepness greater than 20. The predictions based on the guideline (16 m table length and 33° landing steepness) are within a safe region. The guideline is therefore applicable for the experts kicker investigated.
Assessment of the Ozone Formation Potential from Pesticide Solvents Using a Mobile Ozone Chamber Assay Approach
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Yang Wenli , Howard Cody J. , Kleeman Michael J. , Derrick Doniche , Green Peter G.
Published: October 2008

The use of pesticides in California’s agricultural industry plays a role in air quality with emissions of organic compounds thought to contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. Ozone levels in many regions of California exceed the prescribed Federal and State standards every year. The actual contribution from pesticide applications (as well as other agricultural sources) is largely unknown, and relies on assumptions of reactivity and tendency to evaporate. Progress on accurate determinations of either parameter is limited by many factors, including the proprietary nature of formulations. We have developed an approach which can measure the ozone formation potential of many agricultural sources, in the field. This approach was previously validated and described during a recently completed and published study of emissions from dairy cattle, their feed, as well as their fresh waste. With accompanying measurements of the most abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) involved there, we showed agreement between laboratory studies, field measurements, and a computer model of atmospheric photochemical reactions that improves upon past efforts, which were limited to urban/industrial VOCs. Our goal is to reach the same level of understanding for VOCs contained in pesticide formulations.

Two sets of field experiments were performed to assess the ozone formation potential of pesticide solvents using a set of transportable smog chambers in the summer of 2007. The first set of experiments were conducted for a solvent-based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) base-spray on a one-acre bare field, and the second set of experiments were conducted for an agricultural application of Lorsban 4E in a three-acre citrus orchard. By comparing the upwind and downwind measurements, the experiments indicated that the emission of pesticide solvent after field application led to increased ozone formation. After a 180 min UV exposure, the ozone formation potential measured at the downwind side averaged 14 ppb higher than that of upwind air, while the average difference was around 3 ppb for background levels on both the day before and the day after pesticide spray. Laboratory experiments were also conducted for different doses of EC base with various levels of nitrogen oxides using the transportable smog chambers. The experimental isopleth demonstrates that VOCs emitted from the EC base could result in high ozone formation. Future work will provide full VOC speciation and application of the results in a regional photochemical model to predict ozone impacts.
Elastic-Plastic Finite-Element Analyses of Compression Precracking and Its Influence on Subsequent Fatigue-Crack Growth
Authors: Yamada Y. , Newman J. C. , Newman J. C.
Published: October 2008

Compression precracking has been used in a renewed effort to generate fatigue-crack growth rates in the threshold and near-threshold regimes, as an alternative to the traditional load-reduction procedure. But concerns have been expressed on the influence of tensile residual stresses resulting from compressive yielding at the crack-starter notch. This paper uses elastic-plastic, finite-element analyses to study the influence of the tensile residual stresses induced by compression precracking on simulated crack growth under constant-amplitude loading. High-fidelity finite-element models (60 000 to 160 000 DOF) using two-dimensional plane-stress analyses were used to model plastic yielding during compressive loading and simulated fatigue-crack growth through the tensile residual-stress field. The finite-element code was ZIP2D and the course mesh had an element size of 2 μm. A refined mesh had an element size four times smaller (0.5 μm) than the course mesh. Fatigue-crack growth and crack-closure effects were simulated over a wide range in stress ratios (R=0 to 0.8) and load levels, after compression precracking. The crack-tip-opening displacement (CTOD) concept was used to judge the extent of the influence on the tensile residual stresses and the stabilization of the crack-opening loads. It was found that the tensile residual stress field decayed as the crack grew under cyclic loading. Once the crack had reached one compressive plastic-zone size, the tensile residual-stress field had dissipated. However, the stabilization of the crack-opening loads and merging of the CTOD values with and without compression precracking was found to be about 1.5 to 2 times the compressive plastic-zone size at R=0 loading. The effects dissipated at smaller distances from the notch tip for the higher stress ratios. The present results have validated the crack-extension criterion that had been proposed for use in the compressive precracking threshold test method, beyond which, cracks are growing under constant-amplitude (steady-state) behavior.
Percent Shear Area Determination in Charpy Impact Testing
Authors: Manahan M. P. , McCowan C. N. , Manahan M. P.
Published: October 2008

The Charpy test is used throughout the world in a wide range of industries because of its low cost and the fact that notching and dynamic loading produces a crack tip stress field that is conservative for many applications. As a result of its widespread use, there is a compelling motivation to extract as much data as possible from the Charpy test. In a Charpy impact test, three key measurements are typically made: total absorbed energy, lateral expansion, and percent shear fracture area. At present, the measurements of absorbed energy and lateral expansion are quantitative and well defined, but the methods used by most laboratories in the measurement of percent shear are qualitative at best. This is ironic for a 100–year-old test because, as discussed in this paper, it can be reasonably argued that percent shear is the most fundamental and physically meaningful of the three Charpy parameters for brittle fracture characterization. Digital image analysis for shear fracture area is shown to have low uncertainty and be both repeatable and easy to use on a routine basis. Recommendations for changes to the ASTM E23 standard are provided.
Optimization of the Heat Treatment of a 17-4 PH Stainless Steel by Dilatometric Technique
Authors: Gerosa R. , Rivolta B. , Sala A.
Published: October 2008

The precipitation-hardening steels are generally required when high mechanical performances at high temperatures are requested both statically and dynamically. The requested combination of mechanical strength and toughness is achieved by means of an age-hardening treatment which can be carried out at different temperatures and times. Aging 17-4 PH (precipitation-hardening) in the temperature range of 480–620°C results in a precipitation hardening due to the formation of a submicroscopic, copper-rich phase. In the technical literature, the investigation of the phase transformation and the age-hardening behavior of the steel has been carried out at different stages of aging by different techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy studies and x-ray diffraction of the precipitates together with optical and scanning electron microscope analysis of the microstructure. In this paper an alternative method based on dilatometric experiments is proposed to study the kinetics of the age hardening of the steel. The experiments have been carried out at different temperatures on quenched samples and the transformation of the structure during aging has been continuously followed up to 8 h. For a better investigation of the data obtained from the dilatometric analysis, mechanical tests, notch impact tests, and microstructural analysis have been carried out at different and selected parameters of the aging.
Isolation and Characterization of Pluripotent Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Derived Cells
Authors: Kossack Nina , Meneses Juanito , Shefi Shai , Nguyen Ha Nam , Chavez Shawn , Nicholas Cory , Gromoll Joerg , Turek Paul J. , Reijo-Pera Renee A.
Published: October 2008

Several reports have documented the derivation of pluripotent cells (multipotent germline stem cells) from spermatogonial stem cells obtained from the adult mouse testis. These spermatogonia-derived stem cells express embryonic stem cell markers and differentiate to the three primary germ layers, as well as the germline. Data indicate that derivation may involve reprogramming of endogenous spermatogonia in culture. Here, we report the derivation of human multipotent germline stem cells (hMGSCs) from a testis biopsy. The cells express distinct markers of pluripotency, form embryoid bodies that contain derivatives of all three germ layers, maintain a normal XY karyotype, are hypomethylated at the H19 locus, and express high levels of telomerase. Teratoma assays indicate the presence of human cells 8 weeks post-transplantation but limited teratoma formation. Thus, these data suggest the potential to derive pluripotent cells from human testis biopsies but indicate a need for novel strategies to optimize hMGSC culture conditions and reprogramming.
Gli2 Is a Novel Regulator of Sox2 Expression in Telencephalic Neuroepithelial Cells
Authors: Takanaga Hiromi , Tsuchida-Straeten Nobuko , Nishide Kenji , Watanabe Akira , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kondo Toru
Published: October 2008

Multipotential neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central nervous system (CNS) proliferate indefinitely and give rise to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. As NSCs hold promise for CNS regeneration, it is important to understand how their proliferation and differentiation are controlled. We show here that the expression of sox2 gene, which is essential for the maintenance of NSCs, is regulated by the Gli2 transcription factor, a downstream mediator of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling: Gli2 binds to an enhancer that is vital for sox2 expression in telencephalic neuroepithelial (NE) cells, which consist of NSCs and neural precursor cells. Overexpression of a truncated form of Gli2 (Gli2ΔC) or Gli2-specific short hairpin RNA (Gli2 shRNA) in NE cells in vivo and in vitro inhibits cell proliferation and the expression of Sox2 and other NSC markers, including Hes1, Hes5, Notch1, CD133, and Bmi1. It also induces premature neuronal differentiation in the developing NE cells. In addition, we show evidence that Sox2 expression decreases significantly in the developing neuroepithelium of Gli2-deficient mice. Finally, we demonstrate that coexpression of Gli2ΔC and Sox2 can rescue the expression of Hes5 and prevent premature neuronal differentiation in NE cells but cannot rescue its proliferation. Thus these data reveal a novel transcriptional cascade, involving Gli2 → Sox2 → Hes5, which maintains the undifferentiated state of telencephalic NE cells.
A comparative study on the performance of limestone-blended cement mortars exposed to cold curing conditions
Authors: Felekoğlu B. , Tosun K.
Published: October 2008

In recent years concrete producers have increasingly preferred limestone-blended cements as they offer some technical and economical advantages as well as environmental benefits. The long-term performance of these cement types in extreme conditions such as acidic or basic environments in cold regions may, however, be problematic if the blend includes a large amount of limestone powder. In the present study, the effects of different pH environments on the mechanical performance of limestone-blended cement mortars at normal (20°C) and low (5°C) temperatures were investigated. For this purpose, prismatic mortar samples (40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm) were prepared with limestone-blended cements (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% limestone powder was replaced by cement) and cured under different solutions (acidic, neutral and basic) at 5°C. In addition, standard curing at 20°C was also performed. Compressive and flexural strength developments of mortars were monitored at different ages and microstructure studies using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were performed on selected samples. It was concluded that the addition of limestone decreased both the strength and rate of strength development of the mortars at standard conditions. For cold and acidic solutions, the compressive strength loss was more significant than flexural strength loss as the amount of limestone replacement increased. The possible causes of strength loss were investigated using microstructure analysis.
Lessons learned from the bridge collapse in Palau
Authors: Burgoyne Chris , Scantlebury Richard
Published: October 2008

The collapse of a record-breaking 240 m span prestressed-concrete bridge in the Pacific island nation of Palau occurred without warning in 1996. The parties involved were subject to a confidentiality agreement, so no definitive statement has been made as to the cause of the collapse. This paper reports on a study carried out using information in the public domain. It condudes that a repair carried out six weeks before the collapse was not to blame, but did expose weaknesses in the original design. It is recommended that the construction industry should not shelter behind confidentiality clauses but, like the aircraft industry, publish its mistakes so lessons can be learned.
Learning from disaster to prevent progressive collapse
Authors: Corley Gene
Published: October 2008

When the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City was destroyed by a terrorist bomb in 1995, its progressive collapse compounded the blast damage and increased loss of life. Subsequent studies suggested ways that structural design changes might have improved the building's performance as well as that of other buildings subject to similar attacks. This paper reports on how the original structural design could be virtually ‘retrofitted’ to meet current codes for areas of high seismicity. Three different strengthening schemes are analysed for their responses to the 1995 blast, two of which substantially reduce the degree of blast-induced damage and subsequent progressive collapse.
Petrologic diversity of Plio-Quaternary post-subduction volcanism in northwestern Mexico: An example from Isla San Esteban, Gulf of California
Authors: Calmus Thierry , Pallares Carlos , Maury René C. , Bellon Hervé , Pérez-Segura Efrén , Aguillón-Robles Alfredo , Carreño Ana-Luisa , Bourgois Jacques , Cotten Joseph , Benoit Mathieu
Published: October 2008

During the Plio-Quaternary, numerous volcanic centres of contrasted compositions were emplaced in the Baja California Peninsula and adjacent Gulf of California. The 43 km2 Isla San Esteban (28o 42 N and 112o 34’ W), located in the central part of the gulf near the Pliocene extinct spreading centre of Lower Tiburón basin, is mostly made of andesitic, dacitic and rhyolitic subaerial lava flows, domes, and pyroclastic deposits. A new geological sketch map of the island is presented, as well as new K-Ar ages ranging from 4.5 to 2.5 Ma. Isla San Esteban lavas belong to two nearly contemporaneous magmatic series emplaced within an extensional tectonic framework related to the continental breakoff followed by the progressive oceanization along the Gulf of California. The first one is medium-K calc-alkaline, and its magmas evolved from basaltic andesites to rhyolites by fractionation of plagioclase, pyroxenes, titanomagnetite and apatite. The second one includes genuine adakites, and dacites derived from them through separation of plagioclase plus amphibole. We propose that these adakites originated from the partial melting of oceanic crust slivers, incorporated to the subcontinental lithospheric mantle during the Late Miocene opening of a slab window followed by the detachment of the deep part of the Farallon slab. The high thermal flux linked to the opening of the Gulf would have triggered their melting, as well as that of the subduction-modified mantle, which represents the likely source of the associated calc-alkaline lavas.
Thankfulness for Grief and Grieving: Exploring Paradoxes
Authors: Bowman Ted
Published: October 2008

This article explores the legitimacy of linking thankfulness and grieving. Without minimizing the pain and suffering losses can engender, the case is made for attention to thankfulness in the midst of grieving. Three examples are developed and discussed, drawing on memoirs and poems of loss, as well as the grief and bereavement literature. Additional links between thankfulness and grieving are suggested for future exploration.
Mystory: Personal Experience in Public Discourse
Authors: Smith Kathy A.
Published: October 2008

The death of a child is the most devastating event in a parent's life. Yet, every day in the United States, hundreds of parents hear some variation of the words, “we did everything possible; but nothing worked; I am truly sorry; your child is dead.” When a murderer is the causal agent of a child's death, the parent's experience becomes multilayered. Yet, the literature lacks insight into how parents act and react during such a crisis. What coping strategies do parents employ to deflect seemingly innocuous platitudes, experience the emotional pain, to live a private tragedy in the public's eye? Through public discourse, addressing such issues can be cathartic; it can expose a certain vulnerability of the narrator; it evokes myriad images for others.
Identity and the Need to Belong: Understanding Identity Formation and Place in the Lives of Global Nomads
Authors: Killguss Béate Mariam
Published: October 2008

This article is based on a review of the literature and Websites, which examine the lives of global nomads, covering emotional and relational issues such as sense of belonging, identity and the nature of relationships formed. This article makes extensive use of direct quotes from sources published by global nomads about their personal experience and insights on being a global nomad. In addition, quotes are drawn from a larger study on this topic that was conducted by this author (Killguss, 2002).
Treatment of Diabetes in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Primary Care Approach
Authors: Johnson Eric L. , Brosseau James D. , Soule Matt , Kolberg Jon
Published: October 2008

IN BRIEF

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes now affects 190 million people globally,with numbers continuing to grow. In long-term care facilities, ∼ 25% of residents have diabetes, a great majority with type 2 diabetes. Appropriate guidelines and medication use are examined for members of this population,accounting for their unique needs and comorbidities.
Learning What it Is to Be a Christian
Authors: Salamone Franck A.
Published: October 2008

F. A. Salamone — Apprendre à être chrétien. Comparaison de la réceptivité au prosélytisme missionnaire chrétien dans deux sociétés du Nigeria septentrional, en utilisant la méthode « -étique/-émique » : la conversion répond à la nécessité d'une meilleure insertion du prosélyte dans sa « niche » écologique.
Note sur Jean Bayol, 1849-1905
Authors: Ganier Germaine
Published: October 2008

G. Ganier — Jean Bayol 1849-I905. Biography of Dr. J. Bayol (Navy Médical corps), explorer and administrator of French West Africa (today's Guinée, Mali and Dahomey) in the days of the conquest.
Typologie des contes africains du Décepteur
Authors: Paulme Denise
Published: October 2008

D. Paulme — A Typology of African Trickster Tales. In African folk-literature the deceiver or trickster differs markedly from his Amerindian counterpart: while the latter generally is a chief or ancestor whose adventures take place in the mythical past, the former is rather an astute weakling—Hare, Tortoise, Spider, Jackal, Duiker, etc.—whose tricks are set in everyday life and social context. The taie motifs are classified according to the opposition and alternance of amélioration (A+, A—) and détérioration (D + , D—) in the position and/or status of the characters, as viewed from the trickster's perspective.
The Xhosa Cattle Killings, 1856-57.
Authors: Zarwan John
Published: October 2008

J. Zarwan — Le massacre du bétail chez les Xhosa, 1856-1857. Pendant la guerre de Crimée, les révélations du prophète Mhlakaza convainquirent les Xhosa de massacrer leur bétail et de détruire leurs réserves de grains, ce qui devait permettre la résurrection des ancêtres et l'élimination des Blancs. Il en résulta en fait une famine qui diminua considérablement la capacité de résistance des Xhosa à la colonisation. Une fois écartée l'hypothèse, formulée par les observateurs contemporains, d'un complot politique destiné à pousser à la guerre contre les Anglais, l'explication du mouvement doit être recherchée dans la situation sociale des Xhosa à l'époque : bouleversement résultant des empiétements coloniaux, épizootie grave, action des missionnaires créant une dysphorie manifestée par la multiplication des accusations de sorcellerie et propre à faciliter l'apparition de mouvements prophétiques et de revitalisation. Les sacrifices de bétail jouent un rôle essentiel dans la culture xhosa, d'où la signification d'une hécatombe générale qui trouve sa rationalité dans la perspective d'un retour à l'âge d'or — ou plutôt d'une accession à l'univers ancestral actualisé.
Note sur les échanges dans le Baule précolonial.
Authors: Chauveau Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2008

J.-P. Chauveau—Exchanges in Pre-Colonial Baule. The Baule economy was dominated by inter-personal relation-ships in conformity with the so-called 'general principles of Akan States' which excluded the formation of a merchant class. While external exchanges played an important part in the genesis of internai changes of Baule society, there were definite attempts to neutralize this influence, e.g. through the institution of 'filtering' transit markets on the periphery of the country. Nevertheless, in spite of the segmentary structure of the society and of its self-sufficient economy, there is some evidence of drastic changes in the ofring at the time of colonial penetration.
L'igname, bonne à manger et bonne à penser. Quelques aspects de l'agriculture ahouan (Côte d'Ivoire).
Authors: Visser Léontine Elisabeth
Published: October 2008

L. E. Visser—Yam: Good for Eating, Good for Thinking. A description of the religious concepts relating to the spatial configuration of Ahouan (Ivory Coast) villages and settlements and the central position of yam cultivation in the social life of the Ahouan. Government-sponsored efforts towards a diversification of crops—chiefly by the introduction of dry rice—may well have unforeseeable and adverse effects on traditional values and eventually on the ecological balance.
Postface à quelques préfaces.
Authors:   GERTRUDE (GROUPE D'ÉTUDE ET DE RÉFLEXION THÉORIQUES SUR LES RECHERCHES UNIVERSITAIRES ET LES DIPLÔMES D'ÉTAT
Published: October 2008

Gertrude—A Postface to a Few Prefaces. For Gertrude, without whose help this issue would never have been put together.—P. A.
Pouvoir et société chez les Ochollo d'Ethiopie méridionale. à Demeke Dejasse et Salanon Wenjela
Authors: Abélès Marc
Published: October 2008

M. Abeles — Power and Society among the Ochollo of Southern Ethiopia. The Ochollo of Gamo are a stateless and classless society with a complicated political organisation. Residential divisions are governed by assemblies 'chaired' by title-holders (halaka) whose political power is more or less balanced or complemented by the ritual power of the sacrificers (ka'o). While any citizen can eventually become a halaka, ka'o must belong to specifie lineages. There is a permanent tension between the two groups neither of which have been able to acquire a political hegemony, the citizens' assembly remaining in control of village affairs.
Secret Societies and Colonial Change : A Nigerian Example.
Authors: Nwaka Geoffrey I.
Published: October 2008

G. I. Nwaka. Sociétés secrètes et politique coloniale : un exemple nigérian. Au début de l'occupation de la région orientale du Nigeria, l'administration britannique, en partie sous l'influence des missions chrétiennes, en partie mue par une méfiance due à une incompréhension de leur nature et de leur fonction, s'attaqua aux associations initiatiques qui constituaient l'armature politico-rituelle réelle de ces sociétés sans chefs. Cette attitude changea après la Première Guerre mondiale : au nom de l'Indirect Rule, l'administration adopta une attitude de tolérance bienveillante qui permit aux dignitaires de ces associations de noyauter les Native Authorities et les tribunaux de droit local, soulevant des protestations puis des réactions violentes parmi les Africains christianisés. A l'approche de l'indépendance, l'attitude administrative redevient méfiante puis hostile, surtout lorsque se développe une flambée de criminalité (Hommes-Léopards) liée aux tensions politiques de l'époque.
À propos de Vigné d'Octon : peut-on parler d'anticolonialisme avant 1914 ?
Authors: Suret-Canale Jean
Published: October 2008

J. Suret-Canale. About Vigne d'Octon: Can 'Anticolonialism' Be Mentioned before 1914 ? In CEA 54 (XIV-2, 1974), H. Brunschwig made the point that the French writer and politician Vigne d'Octon could not be taxed with 'anticolonialism', since this notion is anachronistic when applied to events or doctrines prior to the First World War. J .S.-C. objects that, if the term itself was not in use, and could not, in any case, have been applied to Vigne d'Octon before 1906, there was, nevertheless, a real opposition to the very principle of colonial expansion, which can be defined as anticolonialism, even if it differs from present attitudes and actions. Such were J. S.-C.'s grounds for a theoretical discussion of anachronism in history, using as a typical example the case of atheism.
La situation linguistique en Casamance et Guinée-Bissau.
Authors: Kihm Alain
Published: October 2008

A. Kihm—Linguistic Situation in Casamance and Guine-Bissau.

A sketch of the different social positions of Portuguese Creole in Senegal—where it is not a lingua franca but rather the language of one specifie group—and Guine-Bissau where its situation is far closer to that of 'classical' creoles and pidgins. The second part deals with the theoretical and practical problems encountered in the author's attempt to write a modem linguistic description of Kriyol.
Situations urbaines et pratiques sociales en Afrique.
Authors: Gibbal Jean-Marie , Le Bris Emile , Marie Alain , Osmont Annick , Salem Gérard
Published: October 2008

J.-M. Gibbal, E. Le Bris, A. Marie, A. Osmont, G. Salkm—Urban Situations and Social Practices in Africa.

Editorial presentation of the second special issue of CEA on African towns (not on 'the African town'). In this issue the methodological accent is put on microanalyses concerned mainly with small social groups and qualitative rather than quantitative descriptions of social practices and processes, resulting into three principal themes: strategies of insertion into the urban milieu;'informal' economie actions; a provisional and partial attempt towards a wider synthesis on social stratification processes.