bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Androgen Receptor in the Smooth Muscle of the Seminal Vesicles Impairs Secretory Function and Alters Its Responsiveness to Exogenous Testosterone and Estradiol
Authors: Welsh Michelle , Moffat Lindsey , Jack Laura , McNeilly Alan , Brownstein David , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Sharpe Richard M. , Smith Lee B.
Published: May 2010

The seminal vesicles (SVs), like much of the male reproductive tract, depend on androgen-driven stromal-epithelial interactions for normal development, structure, and function. The primary function of the SVs is to synthesize proteins that contribute to the seminal plasma and this is androgen dependent. However, the cell-specific role for androgen action in adult SVs remains unclear. This study analyzed the SV in mice with targeted ablation of androgen receptors specifically in smooth muscle cells (PTM-ARKO) to determine in vivo whether it is androgen action in a subset of the SV stroma, the smooth muscle cells, that drives epithelial function and identity. These mice have significantly smaller SVs in adulthood with less smooth muscle and reduced epithelial cell height. Less epithelial cell proliferation was observed in adult PTM-ARKO SVs, compared with controls, and production of seminal proteins was reduced, indicating global impairment of epithelial cell function in PTM-ARKO SVs. None of these changes could be explained by altered serum testosterone or estradiol concentrations. We also demonstrate altered SV responsiveness to exogenous testosterone and estradiol in PTM-ARKO mice, indicating that smooth muscle androgen receptors may limit the SV epithelial proliferative response to exogenous estrogens. These results therefore demonstrate that the smooth muscle cells play a vital role in androgen-driven stromal-epithelial interactions in the SV, determining epithelial cell structure and function as well as limiting the SV epithelial proliferative response to exogenous estrogens.
Regulation of (Pro)Renin Receptor Expression by Glucose-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor-κB, and Activator Protein-1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Jiqian , Siragy Helmy M.
Published: May 2010

Renal (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression is increased in diabetes. The exact mechanisms involved in this process are not well established. We hypothesized that high glucose up-regulates PRR through protein kinase C (PKC)-Raf-ERK and PKC-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-c-Jun signaling pathways. Rat mesangial cells exposed to 30 mmd-glucose demonstrated significant increase in PRR mRNA and protein expression, intracellular phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK, JNK, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and EMSA, high glucose induced more functional NF-κB and activator protein (AP)-1 dimers bound to corresponding cis-regulatory elements in the predicted PRR promoter to up-regulate PRR transcription. Conventional and novel PKC inhibitors Chelerythrine and Rottlerin, Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074, MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, JNK inhibitor SP600125, NF-κB inhibitor Quinazoline, and AP-1 inhibitor Curcumin, respectively, attenuated glucose-induced PRR up-regulation. Chelerythrine and Rottlerin also inhibited glucose-induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK1/2, JNK, NF-κB p65 (S536), and c-Jun (S63). GW5074 and U0126 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65 (S536). SP600125 inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). We conclude that high glucose up-regulates the expression of PRR through mechanisms dependent on both PKC-Raf-ERK and PKC-JNK-c-Jun signaling pathways. NF-κB and AP-1 are involved in high-glucose-induced PRR up-regulation in rat mesangial cells.
Reversal of New-Onset Diabetes through Modulating Inflammation and Stimulating β-Cell Replication in Nonobese Diabetic Mice by a Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor
Authors: Tian Lei , Gao Jie , Hao Jianqiang , Zhang Yu , Yi Huimin , O'Brien Timothy D. , Sorenson Robert , Luo Jian , Guo Zhiguang
Published: May 2010

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) activity by NVP-DPP728, a DPP-IV inhibitor, improves the therapeutic efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). CD26 is a membrane-associated glycoprotein with DPP-IV activity and is expressed on lymphocytes. We investigated the effect of NVP-DPP728 on reversing new-onset diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and modulating the inflammatory response and stimulating β-cell regeneration. New-onset diabetic NOD mice were treated with NVP-DPP728 for 2, 4, and 6 wk. Blood glucose level was monitored. Regulatory T cells in thymus and secondary lymph nodes, TGF-β1 and GLP-1 in plasma, and the insulin content in the pancreas were measured. Immunostaining for insulin and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were performed. The correlation of β-cell replication with inflammation was determined. In NVP-DPP728-treated NOD mice, diabetes could be reversed in 57, 74, and 73% of mice after 2, 4, and 6 wk treatment, respectively. Insulitis was reduced and the percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells was increased in treated NOD mice with remission. Plasma TGF-β1 and GLP-1, the insulin content, and both insulin+ and BrdU+ β-cells in pancreas were also significantly increased. No significant correlations were found between numbers of both insulin+ and BrdU+ β-cells in islets and β-cell area or islets with different insulitis score in NOD mice with remission of diabetes. In conclusion, NVP-DPP728 treatment can reverse new-onset diabetes in NOD mice by reducing insulitis, increasing CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, and stimulating β-cell replication. β-Cell replication is not associated with the degree of inflammation in NVP-DPP728-treated NOD mice.
Adrenomedullin Regulates Sperm Motility and Oviductal Ciliary Beat via Cyclic Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A and Nitric Oxide
Authors: Chiu Philip C. N. , Liao S. , Lam Kevin K. W. , Tang F. , Ho James C. M. , Ho P. C. , O W. S. , Yao Y. Q. , Yeung William S. B.
Published: May 2010

Cilium and flagellum beating are important in reproduction and defects in their motion are associated with ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a polypeptide present in the reproductive system. This report demonstrates a novel action of ADM in enhancing the flagellar/ciliary beating of human spermatozoa and rat oviductal ciliated cells. At the concentration found in the seminal plasma, it increases the progressive motility of spermatozoa. ADM binds to its classical receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor/receptor activity-modifying protein complex on spermatozoa. ADM treatment increases the protein kinase A activities, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and nitric oxide levels of spermatozoa and oviductal cells. Pharmacological activators and inhibitors confirmed that the ADM-induced flagella/ciliary beating was protein kinase A dependent. Whereas nitric oxide donors had no effect on sperm motility, they potentiated the motility-inducing action of protein kinase A activators, demonstrating for the first time the synergistic action of nitric oxide and protein kinase A signaling in flagellar/ciliary beating. The ADM-induced motility enhancement effect in spermatozoa also depended on the up-regulation of intracellular calcium, a known key regulator of sperm motility and ciliary beating. In conclusion, ADM is a common activator of flagellar/ciliary beating. The study provides a physiological basis on possible use of ADM as a fertility regulation drug.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Is Associated with Activation of the Innate Immune System Independently of Central Adiposity and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Viardot Alexander , Sze Lisa , Purtell Louise , Sainsbury Amanda , Loughnan Georgina , Smith Ellie , Herzog Herbert , Steinbeck Katharine , Campbell Lesley V.
Published: May 2010

Background: Subjects with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have a reduced life expectancy due to cardiovascular disease. Increased systemic low-grade inflammation is postulated as a contributor, despite reported lower visceral fat mass and increased insulin sensitivity.

Objectives: Our aim was to compare inflammatory markers and arterial stiffness in PWS and adiposity-matched obese control subjects.

Design: We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study comparing 12 PWS subjects, 12 obese subjects matched for percentage body fat and central abdominal fat mass, and 10 healthy normal-weight subjects.

Main Outcome Measures: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition, flow cytometry to quantify activation markers on immune cells, and ELISA for measurement of C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and IL-6. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment and arterial stiffness by applanation tonometry.

Results: PWS and obese subjects had similarly increased homeostasis model assessment and arterial stiffness. Nevertheless, PWS subjects showed significantly higher IL-6 (4.9 ± 1.0 vs. 2.5 ± 0.4 pg/ml; P = 0.02) and nonsignificantly higher C-reactive protein (10.5 ± 3.2 vs. 4.0 ± 1.0 ng/ml; P = 0.08). Neutrophil activation markers CD66b and CD11b were higher in PWS compared to obese subjects (P < 0.01), reflecting an activated innate immune system. These markers were positively related to central adiposity in lean and obese subjects (r = 0.49; P < 0.05), but not in PWS subjects.

Conclusions: PWS subjects compared to adiposity-matched obese subjects demonstrate similar insulin resistance but increased low-grade inflammation. The dissociation of inflammation and central adiposity suggests that activation of innate immunity may be either a specific genetic feature of PWS or linked to the commonly associated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and might offer a treatment target to reduce cardiovascular disease.
Estrogen Deficiency after Menopause Does Not Result in Male Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism Phenotype
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Fabbrini Elisa , Mohammed B. Selma , Patterson Bruce W. , Klein Samuel , Mittendorfer Bettina
Published: May 2010

Context: Sex differences in lipid metabolism result in a less proatherogenic plasma lipid profile in premenopausal women than men. The mechanisms responsible for this are unclear but are thought to be related to differences in the sex hormone milieu in men and women.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of endogenous sex hormones on very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) metabolism.

Experimental Design and Main Outcome Measures: We measured basal VLDL-TG and VLDL-apoB-100 concentrations and kinetics by using stable isotope-labeled tracers.

Setting and Participants: Eight premenopausal women [age, 43 ± 8 yr; body mass index (BMI), 35 ± 4 kg/m2; mean ± sd], eight postmenopausal women (age, 55 ± 4 yr; BMI, 34 ± 4 kg/m2), and eight men (age, 41 ± 13 yr; BMI, 34 ± 4 kg/m2) were studied at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.

Results: VLDL-TG secretion rate was approximately double (P < 0.05) in postmenopausal women and men compared with premenopausal women but not different in postmenopausal women and men. The secretion rate of VLDL-apoB-100 was not different in pre- and postmenopausal women but was greater (P < 0.05) in men than in women.

Conclusions: Endogenous ovarian sex steroids are responsible for sexual dimorphism in VLDL-TG secretion, whereas VLDL-apoB-100 secretion is not regulated by female reproductive hormones.
Expert evidence and quantum issues in DVT claims
Authors: Heyes Caron , Latimer-Sayer William
Published: May 2010

This article examines the use of expert evidence, and quantum tools in a failure to appropriately treat DVT claim based on a case recently conducted by the authors. Particular issues and problems are highlighted, and the procedural tactics employed by the Claimant's legal representatives to overcome those problems.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome
Authors: Dimmock David , Tang Lin-Ya , Schmitt Eric S , Wong Lee-Jun C
Published: May 2010

Background: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndromes (MDDSs) are autosomal recessive disorders characterized by a reduction in cellular mtDNA content. Mutations in at least 9 genes [POLG, polymerase (DNA directed), gamma; DGUOK, deoxyguanosine kinase; TK2, thymidine kinase, mitochondrial; TYMP, thymidine phosphorylase; MPV17, MpV17 mitochondrial inner membrane protein; SUCLA2, succinate-CoA ligase, ADP-forming, beta subunit; SUCLG1, succinate-CoA ligase, alpha subunit; RRM2B, RRM2B, ribonucleotide reductase M2 B (TP53 inducible); and C10orf2, chromosome 10 open reading frame 2 (also known as TWINKLE)] have been reported to cause mtDNA depletion. In the clinical setting, a simple method to quantify mtDNA depletion would be useful before undertaking gene sequence analysis.

Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure the mtDNA content in blood, muscle, and liver samples and in skin fibroblast cultures from individuals suspected of mitochondrial disorders, with or without deleterious mutations in genes responsible for MDDS.

Results: The mtDNA content was quantified in 776 tissue samples (blood, n = 341; muscle, n = 325; liver, n = 63; skin fibroblasts, n = 47) from control individuals. mtDNA content increased with age in muscle tissue, decreased with age in blood samples, and appeared to be unaffected by age in liver samples. In 165 samples (blood, n = 122; muscle, n = 21; liver, n = 15; skin fibroblasts, n = 7) from patients with molecularly proven MDDSs, severe mtDNA depletion was detected in liver and muscle tissue with high specificity and sensitivity. Blood samples were specific but not sensitive for detecting mtDNA depletion, and skin fibroblasts were not valuable for evaluating mtDNA depletion. Mutations in the POLG, RRM2B, and MPV17 genes were prospectively identified in 1 blood, 1 liver, and 3 muscle samples.

Conclusions: Muscle and liver tissues, but not blood or skin fibroblasts, are potentially useful for rapid screening for mtDNA depletion with real-time qPCR.
A WHO Reference Reagent for the Serum Transferrin Receptor (sTfR): international collaborative study to evaluate a recombinant soluble transferrin receptor preparation
Authors: Thorpe Susan J. , Heath Alan , Sharp Giles , Cook James , Ellis Richard , Worwood Mark
Published: May 2010

Background: The usefulness of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) as a marker of iron deficiency is limited by lack of standardization of commercial immunoassays for sTfR. An international collaborative study was performed to evaluate a lyophilized preparation of recombinant soluble transferrin receptor (rsTfR) for its suitability to serve as a World Health Organization (WHO) Reference Reagent to standardize immunoassays for sTfR.

Methods: The concentration of pure rsTfR was determined from the A280 nm using the adjusted theoretical extinction coefficient and molecular weight calculated from its sequence, before dilution and lyophilization in a sTfR-depleted serum matrix. Six manufacturers and a health protection laboratory assayed the candidate Reference Reagent, coded 07/202, along with three lyophilized serum samples, using commercial assays for sTfR.

Results: Dose-response plots demonstrated acceptable overall parallelism between 07/202, manufacturers' in-house standards, and serum samples. However, there was poor agreement on the estimated (r)sTfR content of 07/202 and serum samples. Expressing the sTfR content of the serum samples relative to 07/202 markedly improved agreement between methods.

Conclusions: Use of 07/202 would reduce inter-method variability. The preparation was established as the 1st WHO Reference Reagent for sTfR with assigned free rsTfR monomer values of 21.7 mg/L and 303 nmol/L (0.5 mL reconstitution).

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:815–20.
Establishing National Priorities for Australian Occupational Health and Safety Research
Authors: Smith Derek R.
Published: May 2010

Establishing National Priorities for Australian Occupational Health and Safety Research: Derek R. Smith. WorkCover New South Wales Research Centre of Excellence, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Australia

Objectives

This study aimed to identify current and emerging issues relevant to Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) research in Australia, and to formulate strategic research directions and strategies for the future.

Methods

A national research forum was held which included leading OHS academics, employer and employee representative groups, as well as executives from state (New South Wales) and national (Safe Work Australia) representative bodies. A modified Delphi technique was used for collecting data in three phases.

Results

When ranked according to group consensus, the top three priorities for future OHS research in Australia were identified as being psychosocial and soft tissue injury hazards, work / life issues, and the impact of multiple, long‐term exposures. Strategies to enhance collaboration despite limited research funding included the need to focus on complementary skills, to make the best use of Safe Work Australia's role (particularly to link with strategic and operational plans), and to foster closer engagement with research communities.

Conclusions

While certain research priorities appear to be similar to those of other countries, the current study did identify some unique characteristics within an Australian context. High quality investigations of these issues should now be considered, in conjunction with greater cooperation between governments, regulators, employers and employee groups for the more effective facilitation of applied OHS research in the coming years.
From the Positivist to the Hermeneutic University: Restoring the Place of Meaning and Liberal Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Mackler Stephanie
Published: May 2010

This article argues that the university must shift from a positivist model, which emphasizes knowledge production and job training, to a hermeneutic one, which emphasizes understanding and meaning. Such a shift would be a response to two interrelated problems. First, the university suffers from an identity crisis in that it no longer holds a monopoly on the production and dissemination of knowledge. Second, Western culture at large suffers from a crisis of meaning both in a visceral sense and in the use of language to express meaning. Both of these crises are related to the increasing access to information and globalization. This article endeavors primarily to understand and assess these interrelated crises, but it also concludes with preliminary suggestions for how to begin to think about reformulating higher learning in hermeneutic terms.
The Cosmopolitan University: The Medium toward Global Citizenship and Justice
Authors: George-Jackson Casey E.
Published: May 2010

This article promotes the idea of universities adopting cosmopolitanism as a way to manage the changing demands on the system of higher education in the USA, namely to improve the inclusion of international students, minority students and other historically underrepresented groups, often referred to as the ‘Other’, which will in turn improve the quality of their experience in college. The population of college students served by these institutions, both on American soil and abroad, has undergone serious transformations in recent decades as a result of internationalization, globalization and increased access to a more diverse group of students. Universities should seek to be respectful and inclusive of these cultures via cosmopolitanism. Cosmopolitan universities can and should become a medium from which to promote global citizenship and global justice. This article also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with a cosmopolitan university.
Cultural Democracy: Universities in the Creative Economy
Authors: Araya Daniel
Published: May 2010

The influence of globalization on institutions of higher education is one of the leading topics in educational policy today. As the nexus of innovation increasingly moves from labor-intensive ‘smokestack industries' to ‘mind work’, education is becoming critical to policy discussions on economic growth. Tracing current discourse on the ‘corporatization’ of higher education, this article suggests that the challenge for reconceptualizing the university today is linked to changes in the global economy. Alongside discourse on a global knowledge economy, many scholars now point to the increasing importance of creativity and a creative economy. Examining higher education from the perspective of a creative economy, the author explores the need to better understand the linkages between democracy and innovation.
Fractionation of Trace Metals between Catchment Soils and Associated Wetland Sediments of Selected Wetlands of Lake Victoria, East Africa
Authors: Henry Leonia , Omutange Elijah
Published: May 2010

The aim of this work was to study the trace metals transfer between soil aquifers and the immediate sediments of the selected wetlands of Lake Victoria. The study covered five trace metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Mn as these are associated with vehicular traffic and with the combustion of fossil fuels which could both be significant sources of pollution within the wetlands of Lake Victoria basin. Three types of trace metal analyses from various locations of Katonga, Simiyu and Nyando catchments of Lake Victoria were performed: total concentrations, the concentrations in the non-residual fraction and the concentration in the exchangeable fraction. The soil characteristics: texture, pH and organic matter contents, were studied in relation to Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) to assess the rate of movement of the metals between the soil and the wetland sediments. Eventually, the potential retention and leaching capacity of trace metals within the catchment soils and its possible impact on the composition of the receiving sediments of the wetlands were studied. The comparison between Nyando and Simiyu wetlands showed high variations in the soil characteristics and hence in leaching capacity of the studied metals. In general most areas in Nyando wetland required some measures to improve the CEC of the soil for higher agricultural productivity. Key Words: Trace metals; fractionation; CEC; leaching capacity; soil properties DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2222 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) Vol. 3, pp 68-76
Influence of Limiting Factors on Phytoplankton and Coliform Population in an Inundated, Isolated Wetland
Authors: Kumar JI Nirmal , Oommen Cini
Published: May 2010

The relationships of phytoplankton with physical (temperature, pH), chemical (dissolved oxygen, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate) and biotic (total and fecal coliforms) parameters were analysed for the year September 2007 to August 2008 in a seasonally inundated, isolated wetland - Malwar which is situated between 22° 36'55.78" N and 72°54'58.01" E; about 7 kilometres from Anand, near Kanjari- Boriyavi railway station, Central Gujarat, India. Phytoplankton species belonged to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Cyanophyceae members accounted for 68% of the total phytoplankton population, followed by Chlorophyceae which accounted for 23% and the rest 9% were the members of Bacillariophyceae and a single species of Euglenophyceae. ANOVA indicated significant variation in phytoplankton species richness between the two study sites (P ≤ 0.001). Significant temporal variation for Cyanophyceae density (P ≤ 0.05) was also recorded. Correlation coefficients (r) among the various hydro-chemical properties and different phytoplankton groups (densities) were calculated (correlation matrix). Key words: Phytoplankton; total coliform; fecal coliform; hydro-chemical parameters DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2225 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) Vol. 3, pp 43-55
Warpage of Film Insert Molded Parts and Optimum Processing Conditions
Authors: Kim S. Y. , Lee S. H. , Youn J. R.
Published: May 2010

Three dimensional flow and structural analyses were carried out for film insert injection molding in order to evaluate the warpage and long term viscoelastic deformation of the film insert molded (FIM) tensile specimen. The predicted warpage after ejection and annealing was utilized as the input to the orthogonal array in order to obtain priority of significant factors and optimum molding conditions. Various injection molding factors influenced the degree of shrinkage of the injected substrate, i.e., packing pressure and mold wall temperature difference determined warpage of the FIM part after ejection. Warpage of the annealed FIM part was affected mainly by heat treatment conditions of the inserted film and annealing time of the part because annealing conditions had larger effects than the other processing factors. Optimum processing conditions and the relative significance of processing factors were obtained for warpage of FIM parts by using the Taguchi's method.
Effect of Annealing Conditions on Thermal Properties and Crystallization Behavior of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Lyu M.-Y.
Published: May 2010

Thermal properties and crystallization behav-ior of PET were investigated by controlling the annealing conditions, such as relative humidity, annealing temperature, and annealing time. The variations of moisture content, glass transition temperature (Tg) and cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) were analyzed after annealing the PET specimens. Crystallization processing was performed with annealed PET specimens, and then the degree of crystallinity and the heat distortion temperature (HDT) were examined. Moisture content in the PET specimens increased with increasing the relative humidity, annealing temperature, and annealing time. Tg and Tcc of the annealed PET specimens decreased with increasing moisture content. The degree of crystallinity increased as increasing moisture content in the PET specimens. Although the moisture contents in the specimens after annealing were the same, the degree of crystallinity varied. The degree of crystallinity was affected by residual stress for constant moisture content. The relaxation of residual stress in the PET specimens differed depending on the annealing conditions, and the maximum degree of crystallinity increased with decreasing residual stress in the PET specimens.
Strain Field Measurement on 3D Surfaces: Application to Petaloid Base of PET Bottles under Pressure
Authors: Chevalier L. , Luo Y.-M. , Monteiro E. , Plantamura B.
Published: May 2010

Validation of stretched blown bottles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by using numerical simulation is an important industrial goal. This necessitates the identification of the PET material characteristics. Because the biaxial elongation of macromolecules induces great modifications of the mechanical properties of the material, it is difficult to manage an accurate simulation: properties are not well known in the base or neck region of the bottles.

The aim of the work presented here is to provide an identification tool for the orthotropic elastic properties in the 3D regions of PET bottles of carbonated soft drinks. More specifically, we focus on the behavior of the petaloid bases when bottles are submitted to internal pressure like during burst or ESC (environmental stress cracking) tests. A stereo correlation tool has been developed in order to build digital 3D surface; comparing the initial surface with the same surface when the bottle is under pressure, it is possible to evaluate the membrane strains at each point of the petaloid surface. Two bases, one with large valleys (LV) between the five feet and one with small valleys (SV) which highlight very different behavior at the ESC test, are compared with this tool. Coupled with a finite element simulation managed on the same bases, these results allow the identification of the induced mechanical properties. The LV case presents specific characteristics that are discussed in the last section of the paper.
Effect of the Control of Polymer Flow in the Vicinity of Spinning Nozzle on Mechanical Properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Fibers
Authors: Masuda M. , Takarada W. , Kikutani T.
Published: May 2010

In the melt spinning of PET, effects of the variation of flow behavior in the vicinity of spinning nozzle on the mechanical properties of as-spun fibers and drawn fibers were investigated. The variation of flow behavior was introduced by the change of spinning nozzle diameter and by the irradiation of CO2 laser to the spin-line at a position immediately below the spinneret. The curve representing the correlation between strength and elongation at break of as-spun fibers shifted toward the upper-right direction by the applications of small diameter nozzle and laser irradiation, indicating that the toughness of as-spun fibers was improved. The two-stage continuous drawing of as-spun fibers with various draw ratios revealed that the correlation between strength and elongation of drawn fibers also shifted toward the upper-right direction by the application of small diameter nozzle and laser irradiation. In other words, improved toughness in the as-spun fibers was preserved in the drawn fibers. Accordingly, by the drawing of the as-spun fibers prepared by the combination of small-diameter nozzle and laser irradiation, high-strength and high-toughness PET fibers with the tensile strength of 1.68 GPa (12.1 cN/dtex) and the elongation at break of 9.1% was obtained. Numerical simulation of the melt spinning process incorporating the effects of nozzle diameter variation and laser irradiation heating indicated that the maximum Deborah number in the spin-line decreased by the applications of small diameter nozzle and laser irradiation heating. Accordingly, it was speculated that the variation of the state of molecular entanglement caused by the difference of polymer flow in the melt spinning process has significant effect on the mechanical properties of resultant fibers.
Study of Spectrum of Rheumatic Diseases in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Al Hasan Suzon , Rahim Md Abdur , Siddiq M Abu Bakar , Hossain Md Shawkat , Taslim Abu , Paul Sujat , Barua Anupam , Hassan Md Mahtab Uddin , Islam Md Nazrul , Haq Syed Atiqul
Published: May 2010

Key words: rheumatic disorder; spectrum; teaching hospitalDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4927 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):6-11
Distribution and Clinical Significance of Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Antibody with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Barua Anupam , Paul Sujat , Chowdhury MA Hasan , Rabbani Golam , Al Hasan Suzon , Islam Md Nazul , Dutta Prodip Kumar , Choudhury MA Jalil , Alam MN
Published: May 2010

Key words: Systemic lupus erythematosus; lupus anticoagulant; anticardiolipin antibody; thrombosis; neuropsychiatric manifestations; pregnancy loss; thrombocytopenia DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4929 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):16-22
Sociodemographic Study of Posterior Circulation Stroke Survival
Authors: Hakim Maliha , Hayee Md Abdul , Saha Chinmoy Kumar , Ali Zahed , Al Hasan Suzon
Published: May 2010

Key words: Stroke; posterior circulation; sociodemography DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4930 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):23-26
A Comparative Study of Terazosin and Tamsulosin in Medical Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Salam Abdus , Islam AKM Anwarul , Karim Kazi Mohammed Monwarul , Monowar-Ul-Hoque Mohammed
Published: May 2010

Key words: Tamsulosin; Terazosin; IPSS; Qmax; PVR DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4933 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):34-40
Salmonella Neck Abscess: A Case Report
Authors: Anwar Mostafa Mahfuzul , Ahmed Tareq Uddin
Published: May 2010

Due to errors in this paper, a corrected version is reprinted in Vol.20(2) 2009 p.51-52.Key words: salmonella; abscess; neck DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4939 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):61-63
Residential field site training project abstracts - 47th Batch Session: 2004-2005, 4th year MBBS students, CMC
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i1.4943 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(1):72-75
Nearest Neighbor Estimates of Entropy for Multivariate Circular Distributions
Authors: Misra Neeraj , Singh Harshinder , Hnizdo Vladimir
Published: May 2010

In molecular sciences, the estimation of entropies of molecules is important for the understanding of many chemical and biological processes. Motivated by these applications, we consider the problem of estimating the entropies of circular random vectors and introduce non-parametric estimators based on circular distances between n sample points and their k th nearest neighbors (NN), where k (≤ n – 1) is a fixed positive integer. The proposed NN estimators are based on two different circular distances, and are proven to be asymptotically unbiased and consistent. The performance of one of the circular-distance estimators is investigated and compared with that of the already established Euclidean-distance NN estimator using Monte Carlo samples from an analytic distribution of six circular variables of an exactly known entropy and a large sample of seven internal-rotation angles in the molecule of tartaric acid, obtained by a realistic molecular-dynamics simulation.
A Net-Present Value Analysis for a Wind Turbine Purchase at a Small US College
Authors: Johnson Nicholas H. , Solomon Barry D.
Published: May 2010

Wind power is becoming an increasingly attractive method of electric power generation due to concerns with global climate change, increasing uncertainty of future oil supplies, and energy security. While most large-scale wind turbines are part of wind farms, which help states meet state renewable energy standards, several colleges and universities in the United States have purchased wind turbines for financial and educational purposes. This paper gives details of a cost-benefit analysis completed for a small liberal arts college in Illinois, Principia College, which is considering buying a single large-scale turbine. The process set forth here can easily be adapted to any college, university, or school. It is found that the project has a positive net present value for both a 20-year scenario and a 30-year scenario. Assuming the project did not receive any grants, Principia College would need to have an annual real return rate of about 6% on its initial investment to gain the same economic benefits.
Surveillance of Summer Mortality and Preparedness to Reduce the Health Impact of Heat Waves in Italy
Authors: Michelozzi Paola , De’ Donato Francesca K. , Bargagli Anna Maria , D’Ippoliti Daniela , De Sario Manuela , Marino Claudia , Schifano Patrizia , Cappai Giovanna , Leone Michela , Kirchmayer Ursula , Ventura Martina , Di Gennaro Marta , Leonardi Marco , Oleari Fabrizio , De Martino Annamaria , Perucci Carlo A.
Published: May 2010

Since 2004, the Italian Department for Civil Protection and the Ministry of Health have implemented a national program for the prevention of heat-health effects during summer, which to-date includes 34 major cities and 93% of the residents aged 65 years and over. The Italian program represents an important example of an integrated approach to prevent the impact of heat on health, comprising Heat Health Watch Warning Systems, a mortality surveillance system and prevention activities targeted to susceptible subgroups. City-specific warning systems are based on the relationship between temperature and mortality and serve as basis for the modulation of prevention measures. Local prevention activities, based on the guidelines defined by the Ministry of Health, are constructed around the infrastructures and services available. A key component of the prevention program is the identification of susceptible individuals and the active surveillance by General Practitioners, medical personnel and social workers. The mortality surveillance system enables the timely estimation of the impact of heat, and heat waves, on mortality during summer as well as to the evaluation of warning systems and prevention programs. Considering future predictions of climate change, the implementation of effective prevention programs, targeted to high risk subjects, become a priority in the public health agenda.
Adolescents et éducateurs : du « choc des mondes » à l'entrecroisement de cultures
Authors: Dray Dominique
Published: May 2010

Résumé Les foyers qui accueillent des adolescents des cités sont ici envisagés comme des lieux de contact entre deux cultures – de choc entre deux cultures. Il revient aux éducateurs de créer des liaisons structurelles entre le monde des adolescents et celui de l’éducatif, de travailler à transformer le choc en un entrecroisement de cultures. Ce qui implique un remaniement du cadre institutionnel. Le placement en foyer est ici envisagé comme une situation proche de la migration. Sans que la pertinence de l’interprétation habituelle des comportements transgressifs des adolescents comme autant de symptômes soit niée, une lecture différente, complémentaire, est ici proposée. Ces comportements sont une tentative qu’opèrent les adolescents pour maintenir leur inscription dans le monde dont ils viennent et, plus généralement, pour régler un conflit de normes. L’exemple de la fugue illustre le propos.
En matière de santé mentale à l'INSERM : les expertises nouvelles sont arrivées !
Authors: Golse Bernard
Published: May 2010

Résumé Les expertises en matière de santé mentale effectuées à l’INSERM ont donné lieu à bien des débats et posé de graves problèmes. L’auteur plaide pour que le modèle (pédo)psychiatrique conserve une place originale et présente les nouvelles ouvertures proposées en ce sens par l’élaboration des futures expertises collectives de l’INSERM.
L'énigme du Féminin côté femme
Authors: Ouvry Olivier
Published: May 2010

Résumé À travers des exemples cliniques, est abordée la question du Féminin du côté des femmes. La question de « qu’est-ce que “ la femme ” ? », classique du côté des hommes, s’avère partagée aux membres des deux sexes, notamment par les femmes qui se retrouvent en position sexuelle subjective masculine. Un parallèle entre les quatre positions définies par le croisement des deux positions sexuelles subjectives et des deux sexes anatomiques, et les quatre discours définis par J. Lacan est tenté en fin d’article pour montrer en quoi rien ne peut se dire de la position de la femme.
La rencontre avec l'adolescent en cure d'adulte dans la clinique psychanalytique contemporaine
Authors: Richard François
Published: May 2010

Résumé Dans cet article les nouvelles formes de contradiction-conflits résultant des changements relatifs à la perception des limites que rencontrent de nos jours les psychanalystes dans leur pratique, sont envisagées du point de vue des notions de travail du négatif et de subjectivation, à partir de cas cliniques présentant à la fois des fonctionnements névrotiques et cas-limites. L’accent est mis sur l’importance de la rencontre avec l’adolescent dans l’adulte, ainsi que sur la nécessité d’analyser après-coup dans les cures d’adultes, la mise en place lors de l’adolescence de systèmes défensifs spécifiques empêchant l’accès aux détresses infantiles primitives. L’hypothèse d’un trouble précoce de l’identification primaire aux fondements de ces fonctionnements amène à souligner l’importance de la reconnaissance par l’analyste de ses propres résistances à son implication subjective dans la rencontre analytique et, à partir de là, à envisager les modalités de l’interprétation et du dispositif. La présentation d’un cas de « psychanalyse de face à face » tend à montrer que les nécessaires aménagements de la technique, ainsi qu’un rapport bien problématisé à la théorie, rendent possible un vrai travail psychanalytique avec les patients souffrant de fonctionnements limites.
L'héritage freudien dans la psychanalyse de l'adolescent : le travail de Moses Laufer
Authors: Grieve Patricia
Published: May 2010

Résumé Cet article explore certaines contributions que Moses Laufer a apportées aux idées freudiennes sur la puberté et l’adolescence. Ses concepts du breakdown développemental et du fantasme masturbatoire central sont traités ici de manière à souligner leur intérêt pour la clinique. Est présenté le cas d’un jeune adulte qui vit un breakdown adolescent tardif, dans lequel une idée obsessionnelle-délirante apparaît comme un conteneur des dérivés d’un fantasme masturbatoire central.
« Tête en l'air » ou quelques questions à partir du traitement d'un adolescent migraineux
Authors: Pellion Tatiana
Published: May 2010

Résumé La question de la migraine comme événement de corps chez un adolescent est abordée à partir de son articulation avec la pulsion. Les points communs entre la douleur et la pulsion dans leur intrication au corps propre sont ainsi interrogés. Une intervention de l’analyste au cours d’une séance et ses conséquences cliniques pour le sujet dans son rapport à la pulsion « invocante » et à son objet voix est mise au travail. La fonction de la voix et de son articulation pulsionnelle comme médiante entre l’autorité parentale primitive et la constitution du surmoi du sujet est développée. On insiste particulièrement sur la fonction d’extraction de l’objet voix du corps propre, faisant appel à la notion de chose chez Freud et au concept d’objet petit a lacanien dans sa dimension d’abord pulsionnelle. Le rapport entre pulsion et objet petit a à l’adolescence est souligné.
La communauté des frères branchés
Authors: Forest Frédéric
Published: May 2010

Résumé Éclairé par la théorie psychanalytique, cet article analyse le phénomène des communautés virtuelles ( Seconde Life et Cryopolis ) en reconnaissant dans leur fonctionnement la prépondérance de motifs impersonnels et collectifs : complexes ou imagines paternelles, maternelles ou fraternelles organisant les représentations et déterminant les comportements. Au sein de ces communautés virtuelles, nous montrerons, sur la base d’entretiens auprès de membres et d’administrateurs de ces sites, que la place accordée à l’autorité, à la justice, à la conception de la réalité ou encore à la généalogie indique l’effritement du complexe paternel (ou métaphore paternelle dans la théorie lacanienne) au profit du complexe fraternel. Nous proposons enfin « l’hydre numérique » comme métaphore de ces « communautés de frères branchés ».
Des façons de nommer « les jeunes » dans la presse quotidienne nationale
Authors: Moirand Sophie
Published: May 2010

Résumé On s’appuie sur un corpus constitué des mots qui désignent et caractérisent ‘ les jeunes ’, acteurs principaux de deux événements récents (la crise des banlieues de l’automne 2005 et la crise des universités de l’hiver 2006), pour montrer comment l’acte de nommer participe à la représentation des événements. On liste d’abord les différentes « façons de nommer » ‘ les jeunes ’ sur l’aire de deux doubles pages de quodidiens nationaux ; on dégage ensuite des corpus recueillis différents paradigmes de désignations, qui fonctionnent comme autant de catégorisations des jeunes acteurs impliqués dans ces deux événements. Le traitement d’un troisième événement à titre de vérification conduit à s’interroger sur les représentations discursives véhiculées par la circulation des nominations et sur le rôle de la mémoire (mémoire interdiscursvie ou mémoire collective) dans la représentation des événements et des jeunes acteurs de ces événements.
Nomadisme et transhumance, chronique d'une mort annoncée ou voie d'un développement porteur ?
Authors: Jullien François
Published: May 2010

Résumé L’élevage (presque exclusivement nomade ou transhumant), qui regroupe l’essentiel du cheptel du pays, joue un rôle capital dans l’économie tchadienne. Contrairement à certains présupposés, les systèmes ancestraux centrés sur la mobilité des parcours font la preuve de leur efficacité environnementale et économique, tout en contribuant à la réduction des risques dans un contexte de très grande incertitude, notamment sur le plan des précipitations. Les projets d’« hydraulique pastorale » appuyés par l’Agence Française de Développement dans le Nord et l’Est du Tchad démontrent que des aides bien ciblées permettent d’accroître les performances économiques (augmentation du cheptel grâce à l’ouverture de pâturage autour des nouveaux points d’eau) tout en contribuant à améliorer l’environnement (diminution du surpâturage par l’amélioration de la mobilité). Enfin, les appuis apportés en matière organisationnelle, reposant pour une large part sur des organisations traditionnelles et non sur la création de structures institutionnelles nouvelles, ont fait la preuve de leur pertinence et de leur capacité à réduire les conflits.
La migration chinoise en Afrique : accélérateur du développement ou « sanglot de l'homme noir » ?
Authors: Bredeloup Sylvie , Bertoncello Brigitte
Published: May 2010

Résumé L’arrivée de ressortissants de la Chine Populaire est signalée un peu partout sur le continent africain, au point qu’ils sont parfois (un peu rapidement) qualifiés de nouveaux « envahisseurs ». Cent trente mille ressortissants chinois vivraient ainsi en Afrique. Ces arrivées récentes des populations chinoises en Afrique de l’Ouest demandent à être expliquées. Après avoir rappelé l’évolution de la coopération sino-africaine, il s’agira, à partir d’exemples sénégalais et capverdiens, de retracer l’itinéraire de ces entrepreneurs chinois, d’apprécier les modalités de leur installation dans les capitales de Dakar et de Praia, puis de repérer les réactions que suscite leur arrivée, à la fois auprès des commerçants et des consommateurs nationaux.
Légitimité, droit et action publique
Authors: Duran Patrice
Published: May 2010

Une définition du pouvoir politique comme tout à la fois pouvoir sur (power over) et pouvoir de (power to) conduit à reconsidérer les registres de justification sur lesquels se construit la légitimité politique. Longtemps, l’idéal type webérien de la légitimité légale rationnelle a caractérisé le mode de domination politique propre aux États occidentaux. Il est aujourd’hui la cible de beaucoup de critiques qui le considèrent comme inadapté et incapable de rendre compte des transformations de la régulation politique dans les sociétés contemporaines. Dans une période d’érosion du pouvoir d’État, le droit et la bureaucratie qui étaient au cœur du modèle wébérien auraient perdu leur centralité. Non seulement ces critiques ne tiennent pas compte de l’analyse webérienne de la responsabilité politique qui montre que la légitimité ne peut être pensée en dehors de l’exercice du pouvoir, mais les travaux empiriques n’attestent ni la fin du mode d’organisation bureaucratique ni l’irrémédiable déclin de la place du droit dans la gestion des affaires publiques. Une réflexion approfondie sur la légitimité politique passe plus par un renouvellement du modèle wébérien que son simple abandon.
Le commerce de rue, ambulant ou informel et ses rapports avec la métropolisation : une ébauche de modélisation
Authors: Monnet Jérôme
Published: May 2010

L’article porte sur le commerce de rue, ambulant ou informel, défini par les situations d’échange économique caractérisées par l’occupation temporaire ou précaire d’un espace de circulation ouvert au public. Il propose une ébauche de modélisation systémique et contextuelle des rapports entre les transactions ambulantes et la métropolisation, saisie du point de vue du client, dans la perspective de l’intensification des mobilités, de la multiplication des interstices socio-spatiaux, et d’une citadinité éclatée entre les différentes dimensions de l’expérience métropolitaine.