bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human herpesvirus 6 infection impairs Toll-like receptor signaling
Authors: Murakami Yuichi , Tanimoto Kazushi , Fujiwara Hiroshi , An Jun , Suemori Koichiro , Ochi Toshiki , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Yasukawa Masaki
Published: May 2010

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has a tropism for immunocompetent cells, including T lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) suggesting that HHV-6 infection affects the immunosurveillance system. Toll-like receptor (TLR) system plays an important role in innate immunity against various pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HHV-6 infection on the expression and intracellular signaling of TLRs in DCs. Although expression levels of TLRs were not decreased or slightly elevated following HHV-6 infection, the amounts of cytokines produced following stimulation with ligands for TLRs appeared to be dramatically decreased in HHV-6-infected DCs as compared to mock-infected DCs. Similarly, phosphorylation levels of TAK-1, IκB kinase, and IκB-α following stimulation of HHV-6-infected DCs with lipopolysaccharide, which is the ligand for TLR4, appeared to be decreased. These data show that HHV-6 impairs intracellular signaling through TLRs indicating the novel mechanism of HHV-6-mediated immunomodulation.
NF-κB dependent and independent mechanisms of quartz-induced proinflammatory activation of lung epithelial cells
Authors: van Berlo Damien , Knaapen Ad M , van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Schins Roel PF , Albrecht Catrin
Published: May 2010

In the initiation and progression of pulmonary inflammation, macrophages have classically been considered as a crucial cell type. However, evidence for the role of epithelial type II cells in pulmonary inflammation has been accumulating. In the current study, a combined in vivo and in vitro approach has been employed to investigate the mechanisms of quartz-induced proinflammatory activation of lung epithelial cells. In vivo, enhanced expression of the inflammation- and oxidative stress-related genes HO-1 and iNOS was found on the mRNA level in rat lungs after instillation with DQ12 respirable quartz. Activation of the classical NF-κB pathway in macrophages and type II pneumocytes was indicated by enhanced immunostaining of phospho-IκBα in these specific lung cell types. In vitro, the direct, particle-mediated effect on proinflammatory signalling in a rat lung epithelial (RLE) cell line was compared to the indirect, macrophage product-mediated effect. Treatment with quartz particles induced HO-1 and COX-2 mRNA expression in RLE cells in an NF-κB independent manner. Supernatant from quartz-treated macrophages rapidly activated the NF-κB signalling pathway in RLE cells and markedly induced iNOS mRNA expression up to 2000-fold compared to non-treated control cells. Neutralisation of TNFα and IL-1β in macrophage supernatant did not reduce its ability to elicit NF-κB activation of RLE cells. In addition the effect was not modified by depletion or supplementation of intracellular glutathione.

The results from the current work suggest that although both oxidative stress and NF-κB are likely involved in the inflammatory effects of toxic respirable particles, these phenomena can operate independently on the cellular level. This might have consequences for in vitro particle hazard testing, since by focusing on NF-κB signalling one might neglect alternative inflammatory pathways.
The distribution of four trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) in forage and the relation to scrapie in Iceland
Authors: Eiríksson Tryggvi , Björnsson Hólmgeir , Gudmundsdóttir Kristín Björg , Kristinsson Jakob , Jóhannesson Torkell
Published: May 2010

Background

Previous studies indicated that the iron (Fe)/manganese (Mn) ratio in forage of sheep was significantly higher on scrapie-afflicted farms than on farms in other scrapie categories. This study was conducted to examine whether Fe and Mn in forage of sheep varied in general according to the scrapie status of different areas in the country. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were also included because of a possible relation to scrapie.

Methods

The country was subdivided into seven Areas (I-VII). Three Areas (I, IV, VII) were designated scrapie-free (never diagnosed or eradicated) and three as scrapie-endemic (II, III, VI); status of Area V was taken as unsettled. Of the harvest 2007 1552 samples were analysed from 344 farms all over the country, mostly grass silage from plastic bales (>90%) and from the first cut (70% or more). Results were expressed as mg kg-1 dry matter.

Results

Fe varied enormously from less than 100 mg kg-1 to 5000 mg kg-1. Mn varied nearly thirtyfold (17-470 mg kg-1). Fe concentration was significantly lower in Area I than in Areas II, V and VI. Mn concentration was significantly higher in Areas I, IV and VII than in Areas II, III, V and VI. The Fe/Mn ratio was significantly less in Area I than in the other areas (except Area IV). Mean Cu concentration was 6.6-8.3 mg kg-1 and the mean Zn concentration was 24-29 mg kg-1. They differed significantly in some areas.

Conclusions

1) Fe tended to be in lower amounts in sheep forage in scrapie-free than in endemic areas; 2) Mn was in higher amounts in forage in scrapie-free than endemic areas; 3) the Fe/Mn ratio was lower in scrapie-free than in endemic areas; 4) the Fe/Mn ratio may possibly be used as an indicator of scrapie status; 5) Cu and Zn in sheep forage were not related to scrapie; 6) further study on the role of Fe and Mn in the occurrence of scrapie in Iceland is needed.
Functional tissue engineering of ligament healing
Authors: Hsu Shan-Ling , Liang Rui , Woo Savio LY
Published: May 2010

Ligaments and tendons are dense connective tissues that are important in transmitting forces and facilitate joint articulation in the musculoskeletal system. Their injury frequency is high especially for those that are functional important, like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee as well as the glenohumeral ligaments and the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. Because the healing responses are different in these ligaments and tendons after injury, the consequences and treatments are tissue- and site-specific. In this review, we will elaborate on the injuries of the knee ligaments as well as using functional tissue engineering (FTE) approaches to improve their healing. Specifically, the ACL of knee has limited capability to heal, and results of non-surgical management of its midsubstance rupture have been poor. Consequently, surgical reconstruction of the ACL is regularly performed to gain knee stability. However, the long-term results are not satisfactory besides the numerous complications accompanied with the surgeries. With the rapid development of FTE, there is a renewed interest in revisiting ACL healing. Approaches such as using growth factors, stem cells and scaffolds have been widely investigated. In this article, the biology of normal and healing ligaments is first reviewed, followed by a discussion on the issues related to the treatment of ACL injuries. Afterwards, current promising FTE methods are presented for the treatment of ligament injuries, including the use of growth factors, gene delivery, and cell therapy with a particular emphasis on the use of ECM bioscaffolds. The challenging areas are listed in the future direction that suggests where collection of energy could be placed in order to restore the injured ligaments and tendons structurally and functionally.
Geophysical evidence of deep hydrocarbon flow in Mottled Zone areas, Dead Sea Transform zone
Authors: Khesin Boris , Vapnik Yevgeny , Itkis Sonya
Published: May 2010

The origin of unusual magnetic initially sedimentary rocks of the Mottled Zone (MZ) in Israel and Jordan remained enigmatic for several decades until integrated characterization of the MZ area was achieved by ground magnetic measurements and geologic observations along representative profiles in parallel with reprocessing and reinterpretation of available aeromagnetic and gravity data. Micromagnetic profiling was combined with gamma-radioactivity measurements, and representative samples were selected to determine rock physical properties. Results of field measurements, reduction and transformation of geophysical fields, anomaly inversion, and forward modeling accompanied by geologic analysis suggest that two types of magnetic anomalies and local gravity minima in the MZ areas are related to the same event, i.e., deep hydrocarbon flow associated with fossil mud volcanism. Physicochemical interaction of deep hydrocarbon flow and surrounding sedimentary rocks caused widespread weak magnetization and corresponding aeromagnetic anomalies. Other scattered heterogeneous magnetization and linked ground magnetic anomalies are common for surface/near-surface local sources and are caused by the burning of combustible gases ejected by mud volcanoes; such origin of the magnetization is confirmed by magnetic measurements of burned rocks in mud volcano areas of the Caucasus. Increased radioactivity of the lower part of the MZ likely indicates mud ejection from a deep uranium-enriched source. Locations of MZ outcrops commonly coincide with residual gravity minima, showing zones of disintegration and possible hydrocarbon accumulations. Seismic prospecting data support the existence of disintegration zones at depth. Results show the need for additional geophysical studies and a potential for revealing hydrocarbon accumulations in the MZ areas, particularly at the Halamish, Nevatim, Ma’ale Adumim, and Nabi Musa sites.
Can a random serum cortisol reduce the need for short synacthen tests in acute medical admissions?
Authors: Kadiyala R , Kamath C , Baglioni P , Geen J , Okosieme O E
Published: May 2010

Background

Short synacthen tests (SSTs) are frequently performed in medical inpatients with suspected adrenocortical insufficiency. The utility of a random or baseline serum cortisol in this setting is unclear. We determined random cortisol thresholds that safely preclude SSTs in acute medical admissions.

Methods

We analysed SSTs in acute non-critically ill general medical patients ( n = 166, median age 66, range 15–94 y; men 48%, women 52%). The SST was defined according to the 30-min cortisol as ‘pass’ (>550 nmol/L) or ‘fail’ (≤550 nmol/L). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to determine the predictive value of the basal cortisol for a failed SST.

Results

Of 166 SSTs, a pass was seen in 127 (76.5%) tests, while 39 (23.5%) tests failed the SST. ROC curves showed that no single cut-off point of the baseline cortisol was adequately both sensitive and specific for failing the SST despite a good overall predictive value (area under curve 0.94; 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.98). A basal cortisol <420 nmol/L had 100% sensitivity and 54% specificity for failing the SST, while a basal cortisol <142 nmol/L had 100% specificity and 35% sensitivity. Restricting the SST to patients with a basal cortisol <420 nmol/L would have prevented 44% of SSTs while correctly identifying all patients who failed the SST.

Conclusion

A baseline serum cortisol may prevent unnecessary SSTs in medical inpatients with suspected adrenocortical insufficiency. However, SSTs are still indicated in patients with random cortisol <420 nmol/L, or where the suspicion of adrenal insufficiency is compelling.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Voß Christian
Published: May 2010

Handbuch der deutschen Sprachminderheiten in Mittel- und Osteuropa. Hrsg. von Ludwig M. Eichinger, Albrecht Plewnia, Claudia M. Riehl. Tübingen: Gunter Narr 2008, 392 S., ISBN 978-3-8233-6298-2
Reprodução: o desafio feminista para uma política social
Authors: Sen Gita
Published: May 2010

Este trabalho defende a idéia de que os programas estatais do bem-estar social, tanto histórica quanto contemporaneamente, são o resultado de teorias políticas que reforçam freqüentemente as disparidades de gênero, classe e de raça/etnia na sociedade, através da forma com que se referem ou não à reprodução.
Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of pesticide indoxacarb to sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius)
Authors: Wang H. , Huang H. H. , Ding J. , Wang Y. H.
Published: May 2010

Sperm cell and embryo toxicity tests using the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (S. intermedius) were performed to assess the toxicity of indoxacarb, a new widely used insecticide. New toxicity data for indoxacarb expressed as median effective concentration (EC50) were reported for the sea urchin species. When sperms and cells were exposed to the pesticide before fertilization, no significant inhibition in the fertilization success of S. intermedius (up to 40 mg/L) was observed. Developmental toxicity of the pesticide displayed a significant dose-related increase of larval malformations and differentiation arrest at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L to 40.0 mg/L at each cleavage, including the 2-cell stage, 4-cell, blastula, gastrula, prism and 4-arm pluteus stages. It seems that 4-arm pluteus is the most sensitive to indoxacarb with the EC50 of 3.73 mg/L, two times less than that of the first cleavage stage. All these results indicate that more attentions should be paid to the potential marine pollutions caused by this pesticide indoxacarb.
Potential role of Bacillus endospores in soil amended by olive mill wastewater
Authors: Naclerio Gino , Falasca Antonio , Petrella Emma , Nerone Valentina , Cocco Federica , Celico Fulvio
Published: May 2010

The main aim of this work was to know how spread is laccase activity in spores of Bacillus species isolated from a soil where Italian law allows olive mill wastewater (OMW) spreading, and to investigate the potential role of such autochthonous soil microorganisms in degradation of OMW phenols, and prevention of groundwater pollution. Laccase activity was detected for the first time in spores of wild-type Bacilluspumilus, B. cereus sensu lato, and B. amyloliquefaciens strains. Because B. pumilus, B. cereus sensu lato, and B. amyloliquefaciens, together with B. subtilis account for a total of 93% of Bacillus isolates at the study site, the nearly totality of Bacillus spores reveals laccase activity. Thus, taking also into consideration that Bacillus spores are more abundant (about 100-fold) than white-rot fungi (that possess a well known extracellular, radical-based ligninolytic enzyme system capable of degrading OMW phenols) in the studied soil, these spores may contribute to in-situ degradation of OMW phenols. This role is further emphasized by dilution of crude OMW during infiltration of rainwater through soil that allows to minimize the antibacterial activity of phenols. The widespread presence of Bacillus spores in soils indicates a potential detoxifying role of these spores in a broader context.
Filterability assessment in membrane bioreactors using an in-situ filtration test cell
Authors: de la Torre Teresa , Mottschall Moritz , Lesjean Boris , Drews Anja , Iheanaetu Andrew , Kraume Matthias
Published: May 2010

A new method for the assessment of the filterability in membrane bioreactors was tested for five months in four MBR units in Berlin. The new method BFM (Berlin Filtration Method) for filterability assessment uses a small membrane filtration test cell which can be submerged directly in the biological tanks to determine the filterability of the activated sludge in-situ. The test cell contains an aerated flat-sheet membrane which operates at similar conditions as in the plant. Filterability is expressed in terms of critical flux obtained by performing flux-stepping experiments. The ultimate goal of monitoring the filterability with the device is to detect in real time fouling occurrences due to changes in sludge composition and to adapt accordingly the operating conditions. The usefulness of the device for this purpose was evaluated for five months after monitoring four MBR plants in Berlin with different activated sludge characteristics (MLSS from 5 to 21 g/L, SRT 12–35 d and COD in the supernatant 30–400 mg/L). The first results show a good agreement between the filterability of the sludge with the portable filtration test cell and the filtration performance of the plant. Critical flux values varied between 3 and 30 L/m2 h during the studied period. Useful information concerning the irreversibility of the fouling was provided by looking at the hysteresis curve of the flux-stepping experiments.
Combination of extremum-seeking algorithms with effective hydraulic handling of equalization tanks to control anaerobic digesters
Authors: Alferes J. , Irizar I.
Published: May 2010

The benefits of upgrading extremum-seeking controllers with an effective exploitation of the buffer capacity of equalization tanks have been investigated and applied to anaerobic digesters. In this respect, a Fuzzy-based supervisory module that monitors the state of the equalization tank has been designed and built on top of an extremum-seeking algorithm in charge of automatically regulating the wastewater fed into the anaerobic digester. The extremum-seeking controller guarantees good disturbance rejection and methane production around an upper limit set-point. The on-top Fuzzy module optimizes the long-term methane production by modifying this upper limit set-point as a function of the state of the equalization tank. A systematic simulation study has been carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed control solution. Thus, on the basis of existing simulation benchmarks for assessment of control strategies in wastewater treatment plants, a dedicated simulation protocol for anaerobic digesters has been defined and implemented. Simulation results have shown that, compared with manual operation, effluent quality and methane production improvements of 10–15% are achieved using the proposed control approach.
Monitoring of CaSO4 deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration via ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR)
Authors: Hou Y. L. , Li J. X. , Gao Y. N. , Xu X. C. , Cai Y. , Yang N.
Published: May 2010

The ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) as a non-destructive real-time method was employed to monitor the CaSO4 deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration (NF). Two parallel experiments were performed to compare the different behaviors of CaSO4 deposition with and without biofilm on the membrane. Results showed that the flux decline during combined fouling was slower than that in case of CaSO4 fouling alone. The Ca2 +  rejection obtained with biofilm was higher than that without. A larger acoustic differential signal obtained by UTDR in the combined fouling revealed a denser and thicker layer formed on the membrane surface. Furthermore, the amount of CaSO4 deposition on the biofouled membrane was more than that on non-biofouled membrane as a result of microorganisms as crystal nucleus to induce CaSO4 crystallization and deposition. SEM images indicate that the CaSO4 crystals deposited in order on the non-biofouled membrane, whereas on the biofouled membrane they were embedded in the biofilm. The denser and thicker fouling layer formed with biofilm was impermeable, resulting in a high Ca2 +  rejection. The complexation of Ca with polysaccharide in biofilm would eliminate the cake-enhanced osmotic pressure effect leading to a slow flux decline. To sum up, the independent measurements corroborate the ultrasonic measurements.
The influence of the share of recycled tire on the rubber mixture properties
Authors: Djekic Petar , Radenkovic Goran
Published: May 2010

Rubber granules of different sizes were obtained by mechanical recycling of waste rubber, which can be used as a substitute for black fillers. The aim of this paper is to estimate the influence of the share of recycled rubber in the static (hardness, wear, repulsive elasticity, permanent deformation by stretching, compression permanent deformation) and dynamic (dynamic modulus of elasticity, damping, hysteresis and Yerzley?s elasticity) properties of mixtures. The study determined the proportion of recycled rubber which does not significantly change the properties of mixtures.
Strength analysis of filament-wound composite tubes
Authors: Vasovic Ivana
Published: May 2010

The subject of this work is focused on strength analysis of filament-wound composite tubes made of E glass/polyester under internal pressure. The primary attention of this investigation is to develop a reliable computation procedure for stress, displacement and initial failure analysis of layered composite tubes. For that purpose we have combined the finite element method (FEM) with corresponding initial failure criterions. In addition, finite element analyses using commercial code, MSC/NASTRAN, were performed to predict the behavior of filament wound structures. Computation results are compared with experiments. Good agreement between computation and experimental results are obtained.
Dielectrical properties of composites LDPE+CB
Authors: Skipina Blanka , Dudic Dusko , Kostoski Dusan , Dojcilovic Jablan
Published: May 2010

There is currently great interest in the technological properties of conductive polymer composites because their cost-performance balance. They have a wide range of industrial applications -in anti-static materials, self regulating heaters, current overload and overheating protection devices, and materials for electromagnetic radiation shielding. Measurements of the electrical properties of polymer composites are one of the most convenient and sensitive methods for studying polymer structure. A polymer composite differs substantially from a free polymer in a wide range of properties. The presence of filler affects both the electrical, as well as mechanical properties. One of the most important characteristics of conductive polymer composites is that their electrical conductivity increases nonlinearly with the increase of the concentration of filler particles. When the concentration of filler particles reaches a certain critical value, a drastic transition from an electrical insulator to a conductor is exhibited. This conductivity behavior resulting in a sudden insulator-conductor transition is ascribed to a percolation process, and the critical filler concentration at which the conductivity jump occurs is called ?percolation threshold?. In the past few years, a lot of studies have been carried out to analyze the percolation phenomenon and mechanisms of the conductive behavior in conductive polymer composites. It has been established that the electrical conductivity of conductive polymer composites uncommonly depends on the temperature. Some of such composites show a sharp increase and/or decrease in electrical conductivity at specific temperatures. The conductive temperature coefficient (CTC) of conductive polymer composites has been widely investigated. In these work we investigated how concentration of the CB affects the dielectrical properties of the composite LDPE+CB. The ac electrical conductivity, ?ac, for such composites was measured. The temperature and frequency dependence of the dissipation factor were analyzed. It was found that the ac conductivity and dissipation factor were highly affected by the concentration of the filler.
Decreased Circulating Progenitor Cell Number and Failed Mechanisms of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Mediated Bone Marrow Mobilization Impair Diabetic Tissue Repair
Authors: Tepper Oren M. , Carr Jacquelyn , Allen Robert J. , Chang Christopher C. , Lin Clarence D. , Tanaka Rica , Gupta Sanjeev M. , Levine Jamie P. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Warren Stephen M.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

Progenitor cells (PCs) contribute to postnatal neovascularization and tissue repair. Here, we explore the mechanism contributing to decreased diabetic circulating PC number and propose a novel treatment to restore circulating PC number, peripheral neovascularization, and tissue healing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cutaneous wounds were created on wild-type (C57BL/J6) and diabetic (Leprdb/db) mice. Blood and bone marrow PCs were collected at multiple time points.

RESULTS

Significantly delayed wound closure in diabetic animals was associated with diminished circulating PC number (1.9-fold increase vs. 7.6-fold increase in lin−/sca-1+/ckit+ in wild-type mice; P < 0.01), despite adequate numbers of PCs in the bone marrow at baseline (14.4 ± 3.2% lin−/ckit+/sca1+ vs. 13.5 ± 2.8% in wild-type). Normal bone marrow PC mobilization in response to peripheral wounding occurred after a necessary switch in bone marrow stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) expression (40% reduction, P < 0.01). In contrast, a failed switch mechanism in diabetic bone marrow SDF-1α expression (2.8% reduction) resulted in impaired PC mobilization. Restoring the bone marrow SDF-1α switch (54% reduction, P < 0.01) with plerixafor (Mozobil, formerly known as AMD3100) increased circulating diabetic PC numbers (6.8 ± 2.0-fold increase in lin−/ckit+, P < 0.05) and significantly improved diabetic wound closure compared with sham-treated controls (32.9 ± 5.0% vs. 11.9 ± 3% at day 7, P > 0.05; 73.0 ± 6.4% vs. 36.5 ± 7% at day 14, P < 0.05; and 88.0 ± 5.7% vs. 66.7 ± 5% at day 21, P > 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful ischemia-induced bone marrow PC mobilization is mediated by a switch in bone marrow SDF-1α levels. In diabetes, this switch fails to occur. Plerixafor represents a potential therapeutic agent for improving ischemia-mediated pathology associated with diabetes by reducing bone marrow SDF-1α, restoring normal PC mobilization and tissue healing.
Review of Autopsies of Stillborn Infants with Retroplacental Hematoma or Hemorrhage
Authors: Bendon Robert W.
Published: May 2010

Intrathoracic petechiae are a potential marker of acute asphyxia in stillborn infants. Retroplacental hematoma (RPH) is a cause of acute asphyxia. The histological features of RPH can be timed using criteria for intrauterine duration of fetal death. Autopsies of stillborn infants of >26 weeks in gestation with RPH were evaluated for gross or microscopic evidence of petechiae. Placental gross and microscopic features were recorded. Eleven controls from other mechanisms of death were randomly selected. Intrathoracic petechiae were present in all 17 infants with RPH of >50% of the placental area, in 3 of 7 infants with <50% area RPH, and in 2 of 11 infants with other diagnoses. The placenta demonstrated basal plate neutrophils in all cases of RPH ( N = 21). Early coagulation necrosis in the villi overlying the RPH was present in 5 of 13 cases after 4 to 24 hours, and complete coagulation necrosis was present in 3 of 4 cases after 24 hours. Infants with RPH underlying >50% of the placenta demonstrate intrathoracic petechiae, but controls and infants with smaller RPH do so much less frequently. This is consistent with the hypothesis that intrathoracic petechiae are a marker for intrauterine asphyxia. Basal plate neutrophils are a useful early marker of retroplacental hemorrhage. Early coagulation necrosis of the placenta over RPH begins in 4 to 24 hours but is not complete after more than 24 hours.
Reliability of Ankle Isometric, Isotonic, and Isokinetic Strength and Power Testing in Older Women
Authors: Webber Sandra C. , Porter Michelle M.
Published: May 2010

Background

Ankle strength (force-generating capacity) and power (work produced per unit of time or product of strength and speed) capabilities influence physical function (eg, walking, balance) in older adults. Although strength and power parameters frequently are measured with dynamometers, few studies have examined the reliability of measurements of different types of contractions.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine relative and absolute intrarater reliability of isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic ankle measures in older women.

Design

This was a prospective, descriptive methodological study.

Methods

The following dorsiflexion (DF) and plantar-flexion (PF) measures were assessed twice (7 days apart) by the same examiner in 30 older women (mean age=73.3 years, SD=4.7): isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD), isotonic peak velocity, average acceleration and peak power, and isokinetic peak torque and peak power (30°/s and 90°/s). Several statistical methods were used to examine relative and absolute reliability.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the DF tests (ICC=.76–.97) were generally higher than ICCs for matched PF tests (ICC=.58–.93). Measures of absolute reliability (eg, coefficient of variation of the typical error [CVTE]) also demonstrated more reliable values for DF tests (5%–18%) compared with PF tests (7%–37%). Isotonic peak velocity tests at minimal loads were associated with the lowest CVTE and ratio limits of agreement values for both DF (5% and 14%, respectively) and PF (7% and 18%, respectively). Isometric RTD variables were the least reliable (CVTE=16%–37%).

Limitations

This study was limited to a relatively homogeneous sample of older women.

Conclusions

Test-retest reliability was adequate for determining changes at the group level for all strength and power variables except isometric RTD. Minimal detectable change scores were determined to assist clinicians in assessing meaningful change over time in ankle strength and power measurements within individuals.
Border towns in the Tarai: Sites of migration
Authors: Hausner Sondra L.
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v10i0.1148Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.10 2007 p.107-123
All in the family: Money, kinship and Theravada monasticism in Nepal
Authors: Gellner David N , LeVine Sara
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v10i0.1150Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.10 2007 p.141-173
Economic modernization in a Chepang Village in Nepal
Authors: Gurung Ganesh Man
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v2i0.1067Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.2 1990 p.32-39
Anthropological perspectives on grassroots development in Nepal
Authors: Devkota Padam Lal
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 3,199 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v4i0.1085Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.4 1994 p.50-71
Deforestation and rural society in the Nepalese Terai
Authors: Regmi Rishikeshab Raj
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,485 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v4i0.1086Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.4 1994 p.72-89
The current socioeconomic status of untouchables in Nepal
Authors: Cox Thomas E
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,669 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v4i0.1087Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.4 1994 p.90-109
Gender roles and activities among the rural poor households: Case studies from hill villages
Authors: Pokharel Binod
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,520 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v7i0.1111Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.7 2001 p.65-82
The social world of Nepalese women
Authors: Luitel Samira
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,016 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v7i0.1113Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.7 2001 p.101-114
Editorial
Authors: Regmi Rishikeshab Raj
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v8i0.1116
Changing pattern of forest consumption: a case study from an eastern hill village in Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Binod
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,541 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v8i0.1120Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.8 2003 p.41-58
Strategies and practices of advocacy: Gender advocacy against trafficking in women in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Meena , Luintel Youba R
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 2,626 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v8i0.1121Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.8 2003 p.59-76
Social equity in farmer-managed irrigation in the Terai of Nepal
Authors: Uprety Laya Prasad
Published: May 2010

The PDF of this file is 4,081 kbytes in size and therefore will take a long time to download if you click on the PDF link below. If you would like the file to be sent to you by email, please send a request to info@nepjol.info. Please include the citation below in your request. DOI: 10.3126/opsa.v9i0.1139Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology Vol.9 2005 p.141-175
Scar formation in the carotid sheath identified during carotid endarterectomy in patients with previous cardiac surgery: significance of history of intraoperative Swan-Ganz catheter insertion
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Kobayashi Masakazu , Tsuboi Junichi , Okabayashi Hitoshi , Ogawa Akira
Published: May 2010

Object

Scar formation in the carotid sheath is often identified during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with previous cardiac surgery, and dissection of the carotid sheath and exposure of the carotid arteries in such patients are difficult. The purpose of the present study was to investigate factors related to scar formation identified during CEA in patients with previous cardiac surgery.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (≥ 70%) and previous cardiac surgery underwent CEA. A patient was prospectively defined as having scar formation during CEA when scissors were required throughout dissection of the carotid sheath and exposure of the carotid arteries.

Results

Scar formation was identified during dissection of the carotid sheath in 7 patients (30.4%). In all 7 patients, the side of CEA was identical to the side on which the Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted during cardiac surgery, and the incidence of previous ipsilateral Swan-Ganz catheter insertion was significantly higher in patients with the scar formation (100%) than in those without (31.3%). Seven (58.3%) of 12 patients with a history of ipsilateral Swan-Ganz catheter insertion had scar formation. Two of the 7 patients with scar formation experienced complications after CEA, including one patient with hemiparesis due to artery-to-artery embolism during surgery, and another patient with transient vocal cord paralysis.

Conclusions

A history of Swan-Ganz catheter insertion during previous cardiac surgery is associated with the presence of scar tissue in the ipsilateral carotid sheath and a higher risk of complications during CEA.
Quantification of clival and paraclival exposure in the Le Fort I transmaxillary transpterygoid approach: a microanatomical study
Authors: Boari Nicola , Roberti Fabio , Biglioli Federico , Caputy Anthony J. , Mortini Pietro
Published: May 2010

Object

The authors describe a modified Le Fort I maxillotomy with medial and posterior antrectomy and removal of the pterygoid plates, aimed at improving the lateral surgical exposure during open transmaxillary surgery for pathological conditions involving the clivus. A cadaveric microanatomical study was conducted to compare the planimetric exposures allowed by the transmaxillary transpterygoid (TMTP) approach and the standard Le Fort I maxillotomy (STM).

Methods

Six cadaveric specimens that had been fixed with glutaraldehyde and injected with latex were dissected to obtain morphometric measurements after both TMTP and STM approaches. The anatomical areas exposed by the surgical approaches were calculated using ImageJ 1.37a software.

Results

As expected, the TMTP approach allowed for a greater surgical exposure, with an incremental area exposed ranging from 4.9 to 7.6 cm2 (mean ± standard deviation 6.4 ± 1.2 cm2, 95% CI 5.4–7.4 cm2). The amount of additional anatomical area visualized, as recorded as a percentage increase after the TMTP approach when compared with the STM approach, ranged from 83 to 109% (mean 99%).

Conclusions

The lateral surgical exposure allowed by the STM approach is limited by the pterygoid plates. The TMTP approach significantly improves the exposure of the anatomical regions lateral to the clivus, allowing access to the pterygopalatine and medial infratemporal fossae. In comparison with the STM, the TMTP approach allows for a surgical exposure that is nearly double. The authors conclude that the TMTP approach provides a significant improvement in the surgical exposure of the lateral paraclival areas, when compared with the STM approach.
Angiography and selective microcatheter embolization of a falcine meningioma supplied by the artery of Davidoff and Schechter
Authors: Hart Jonathan L. , Davagnanam Indran , Chandrashekar Hoskote S. , Brew Stefan
Published: May 2010

Angiographic demonstration of the meningeal branch of the posterior cerebral artery, or the artery of Davidoff and Schechter, is extremely rare. The authors describe a case of successful selective catheterization and embolization of a pathologically enlarged artery of Davidoff and Schechter, permitting successful preoperative devascularization of a large falcine meningioma.
Aspects culturels de la néolithisation en Méditerranée occidentale : le Cardial et l'Épicardial
Authors: van Willigen Samuel
Published: May 2010

Le Cordial franco-ibérique se forme vers 5400 cal. ВС аu contact des groupes culturels du Néolithique ancien de l'aire liguro-tyrrhénienne. Au même moment apparaît dans l'arrière pays méditerranéen une céramique décorée de cannelures et de coups de poinçon interprétée comme représentant une phase tardive du Cardial franco-ibérique et regroupée sous le nom d'Epi-cardial. Cependant, un certain nombre d'arguments d'ordre typologique, chorologique et chronologique vont à l'encontre de ce modèle évolutif.
Un site moustérien dans le Jura suisse : la grotte de Cotencher (Rochefort, Neuchâtel) revisitée
Authors: Bernard-Guelle Sébastien
Published: May 2010

Known for a long time, the cave of Cotencher is among the rare high altitude Mousterian sites which have yielded an abundant lithic industry (approximately 450 artefacts) and Neanderthal remains (an upper maxilla). The lithic industry, collected in two distinct layers inside the cave, could finally correspond to a single archaeological level originally localized at the entrance to the cave. The horizontal and vertical dispersion of the artefacts probably results from various phenomena posterior to the human occupation. The sedimentological, palynological and palaeontological data situate the human occupations during a Würm interstadial corresponding either to the beginning of the Würm (end of isotopic stage 5) or following the lower Full Glaciation (isotopic stage 3). A recent study of the lithic industry made it possible to approach some still unknown aspects of the human fréquentation of this Jurassian cavity. This industry shows a mixed economic fades, with production and consumption of blanks at the site. The occupants drew widely on a flint outcrop close to the cave, even if raw materials represented on the site are numerous and from varied origins, sometimes more than 60 km away from the site. The main production system depends on Discoid knapping aimed at obtaining blanks with particular morpho-technical characteristics (blank with back opposed to a sharp edge) which can be presumed to be related to specialised activities practised on the site. Retouched tools are well represented (17.2% of the totality of the studied material) including an important proportion of scrapers, often convergent forms, sometimes thinned. The short semi-abrupt scaled retouch is predominant and the stepped retouch is rarer. The Discoid technology associated with the characteristics of the tools bring this industry closer to the family of Charentian Mousterians of the Eastern Quina type. The techno-economic analysis shows that Cotencher was a temporary dwelling, with diversified activities, perhaps frequented on several occasions by groups coming from zones located to the north of the Jura or by groups maintaining privileged contacts with this area. More than a simple hunting halt, this site was probably used as a seasonal camp related to the exploitation of the various biotopes present close to the cave.
Pigeon-vole ! Re-connaissance d'une gravure armoricaine du Ve millénaire
Authors: Cassen Serge
Published: May 2010

A "flushed " bird is engraved on the Bronzo stela, in full flight, its head turned to the exterior, superposed over a white quartz vein; a crook, equally treated in cut-away engraving, bars its passage. At a first reading, a plausible identification of the bird seemed to prevail and the Columbidae met with our approval. However, more deliberate analysis and an effort at the graphic deconstruction of the motif allows the identification to be reconsidered and improved, by describing the various filters authorising the rejection of such or such a category, finally preserving the best claimants to the only possible confrontation, opposing Corvidae to Columbidae. The Bronzo representation is equivalent in substance and in structure to the scenes on the neighbouring stelae where a phallus is opposed to the sharp edge of an axe blade (Mané Rutual), while a sperm-whale confronts the coalition of animals and human tools (Table des Marchand). However Bronzo is a deformed toponym, untranslatable as such; why not search in a more or less recent past, through some unavoidable semantic or linguistic evolution, for traces of a probable or possible mutation of the word ? At the end of a brief investigation, we suggest that the expression Men Bran Sao, "The Stone of the Standing Raven", known from the early 19th century, is the name of this monolith.

Nevertheless, the last time that a bird was directly observed on this stela was during the 5th millennium; the two closely connected fragments, on the model of the neighbouring Grand Menhir, prove that the stone has not been displaced since that distant period. We consequently propose this explanatory hypothesis to explain in Bronzo such a radical change of name: a zoomorphic mythical entity that we recognize as a pigeon, attached since time immemorial to the stela in question, passed under the influence of the Brittonic language and the new culture to the designation of another ornithological entity, the raven. If a bird as clearly identified as the Bronzo has played a determining role in the mythical Neolithic Armorican bestiary, like the sperm-whale, a scientific step is now necessary to find some hidden occurrences in other poorly understood signs, since such an important representation in our interpretive schema, unique in Brittany, cannot remain isolated. We correspondingly claim, in this coherent and logical research prolonging the Bronzo discovery, that the only possible appropriate solution for the famous "horn" signs is a bird shown full on, inflight, with spread wings.
Rondelles crâniennes. Une enquête bibliographique
Authors: Cordier Gérard
Published: May 2010

Les rondelles crâniennes issues de la trépanation au Néolithique sont entrées dans la littérature en 1873 avec les découvertes de Prunières dans les dolmens de la Lozère et de de Baye dans les grottes sépulcrales de la Marne. Dès l'origine, ces pièces donnèrent lieu à des interprétations rituelles ou thérapeutiques. De nombreux exemplaires, plus ou moins assurés, furent signalés par la suite, même dans les contextes post-néolithiques. On en donne ici un inventaire purement bibliographique.
La percussion bipolaire sur enclume dans l'Ouest de la France de la fin du Paléolithique au Chalcolithique : une lecture économique et sociale
Authors: Guyodo Jean-Noël , Marchand Grégor
Published: May 2010

Sur le Massif armoricain, la mise en œuvre d'une percussion bipolaire sur enclume est couramment observée pour débiter les galets fluviaux ou marins, de l'Épipaléolithique à l'Âge du Bronze. Cette manière défaire semble la plus évidente à un observateur actuel pour l'exploitation des petits galets de forme sphérique ou ovoïde. Or, ce déterminisme naturel simpliste ne résiste pas à une analyse comparative réalisée sur l'ensemble du Massif armoricain. On observe ainsi d'importantes variations au sein d'une même culture, qui ne s'expliquent pas par l'abondance ou la rareté des ressources proches. Par ailleurs, autour d'un même lieu d'approvisionnement, les choix techniques vont différer radicalement au cours du temps. Comme pour des débitages complexes, il convient de distinguer plusieurs paramètres : les territoires d'acquisition, le niveau technique de la culture étudiée, l'organisation sociale ou encore les activités réalisées sur l'habitat. De manière générale, cette méthode est caractéristique des cultures néolithiques et non de celles du Mésolithique.
Le Bronze final de la Suisse occidentale : révision du cadre chronotypologique, grâce aux découvertes de la nécropole de Lausanne-Vidy (canton de Vaud, Suisse)
Authors: David-Elbiali Mireille , Moinat Patrick
Published: May 2010

Some forty funerary structures from the Late Bronze Age (approximately 1050 - 800 ВС), were unearthed between 1958 and 1992 on the ancient lake terrace of Vidy, below Lausanne in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland). The majority of these structures were cremations; a few were inhumations or pits. Fifteen tombs provided typological assemblages consisting of pottery, frequently associated with bronze artefacts. To obtain relative and absolute dates for each assemblage, they were compared with other funerary assemblages dated by traditional funerary chronotypology, and with similar pottery collections from lakeshore settlements which have been dated by dendrochronology. On this basis we can propose an updating of the last five phases of the Late Bronze Age for western Switzerland (early and classical HaBl, HaB2, early and late НаВЗ).
Du temps ordonné au temps quantifié : application d'outils mathématiques au modèle d'analyse stratigraphique d'Edward Harris
Authors: Desachy Bruno
Published: May 2010

Le diagramme stratigraphique (Harris Matrix) est un outil de synthèse de la chronologie des sites archéologiques stratifiés. Cet article propose, à l'aide de notions de recherche opérationnelle et de théorie des graphes, une formalisation du processus de réalisation du diagramme, incluant la gestion des erreurs et des données incertaines, ainsi que la formalisation de l'étape suivante d'inscription de la chronologie relative dans une chronologie quantifiée, en prenant en compte les notions archéologiques de terminus post quem et terminus ante quern, et les indications de durée qu'il est parfois possible d'évaluer sur les unités stratigraphiques ou les interfaces.