bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Reproductive Condition of Female Gelada Baboons Following the Takeover of One‐Male Units
Authors: Mori Umeyo , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract and Summary

Takeover of a social unit is known to affect the reproductive condition of the females of some primate species as a result of infanticide. Gelada females, however, come into oestrus even though infanticide does not occur. Although females with very young infants do not undergo a change in reproductive state, pregnant females will usually abort their foetuses even though these may be nearly full term.

Following the takeover of a one‐male unit, most gelada females show their acceptance of the intruding male quite soon after his initial approach by presenting to him, after which he mounts them. Bond formation between the new male and the females goes through a series of behavioural stages that culminate in copulation. In contrast to other species, infanticide by the new male was not observed. The former harem male remains in the unit as a follower, though without sexual access to the females. The order in which the females come into oestrus is not significantly correlated to their dominance ranks. Females with infants of 6–24 months old come back into oestrus much sooner than expected after a takeover; females with younger infants seldom come back into oestrus. Five abortions were observed following the takeover of 3 units; the females in question subsequently came back into oestrus and mated with the new male. It is suggested that females probably balance the cost of wasting the investment in an offspring against the risks of failing to bond with the new male.
Supporting Women in Labor: Analysis of Different Types of Caregivers
Authors: Rosen Patricia
Published: December 2015

Continuous labor support offers multiple benefits for mothers and infants. The type of caregiver that is the best support person in labor has not been identified. A critical review of the English language literature was conducted to describe the current state of knowledge on different types of labor support persons. Randomized trials and other published reports were identified from relevant databases and hand searches. Studies were reviewed and assessed by using a structured format. Eight randomized trials met the selection criteria for inclusion in this analysis. These trials investigated untrained and trained lay women, female relatives, nurses, lay midwives, and student lay midwives as labor support persons. Support by untrained lay women starting in early labor and continuing into the postpartum period demonstrates the most consistent beneficial effect on childbirth outcomes. However, more randomized controlled trials are warranted before firm conclusions may be drawn.
Clinician Perspectives on Participation in Research
Authors: Albers Leah L. , Sedler Kay D.
Published: December 2015

Midwifery practice settings offer ideal opportunities to conduct research on normal childbearing. Increasing the output of midwifery research would benefit midwives, as well as the women they serve. But finding ways to add research activities to a busy clinical schedule is a challenge. Factors thought to promote clinician participation in research are as follows: perceived relevance of the research topic, a relationship with a lead researcher, regular feedback to clinicians, minimal impact of a study on usual clinical care, and some level of compensation for clinicians who participate in research. Barriers include time constraints, lack of research updates and support, and limited research skills of clinicians. Joint projects by academic researchers teamed with active clinician groups are suggested as one way to move a midwifery research agenda forward.
Factor V Leiden and Contraception
Authors: Ament Lynette
Published: December 2015

Factor V Leiden is the most common genetic cause of primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism in women. It is an inherited thrombophilia that results from a genetic mutation. A college‐aged woman who presented for care and had a positive family history of venous thrombosis tested positive for Factor V Leiden. Laboratory tests and plans for continuing care are discussed.
Redesigning Prenatal Care Through CenteringPregnancy
Authors: Rising Sharon Schindler , Kennedy Holly Powell , Klima Carrie S.
Published: December 2015

CenteringPregnancy is a model of group prenatal care that provides more than 20 hours of contact time between the childbearing care provider and a cohort of pregnant women with similar due dates. During this time, each woman has the opportunity to build community with other pregnant women, learn self‐care skills, get assurance about the progression of her pregnancy, and gain knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Ten essential elements have been defined, which contribute to the success of this model of prenatal care delivery. These elements correspond with the Institute of Medicine's 2001 challenge to improve the quality of health care in the United States. Foundational perspectives provide potential explanations for the model's growing influence and success. Implications for clinical practice and further research to link it with perinatal health outcomes are suggested.
Immunological Specificity of Hexosaminidases From Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: KAPUR DEEPAK K. , GUPTA G.S.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Two isozymes of hexosaminidases (Hex) were purified from human seminal plasma and found to be homogeneous as revealed by immunoelectropho‐resis and immunodiffusion experiments. Anti‐Hex A antibodies were precipitated with isozyme B and vice versa. Though the precipitin arcs were equally stained for protein in these two antigen and antibody systems, enzyme activity was weakly stained in the reverse systems (ie, Anti‐Hex A with Hex B and Anti‐Hex B with Hex A). Thus, some common sequential antigenic determinants were indicated in two isozymes of Hex. On the other hand, loss of enzyme activity in the precipitate of reverse antigen‐antibody complexes as compared to direct system (Anti‐Hex A with Hex A and Anti‐Hex B with Hex B) revealed that the two isozymes are present in different sequential and conformational states near the active sites. Moreover, antibodies of both forms of Hex cross‐reacted with human sperm and reproductive and other vital organs such as kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and spleen. Though monkey tissues also cross‐reacted with human seminal plasma Hex‐antisera, mouse, rat, and goat testis and epididymis extracts failed to show any cross‐reaction. It is concluded that human Hex(s) are tissue nonspecific but appear to be specific to the human and the subhuman primates.
Antibodies to Spermatozoa: XI. The Use of Immunobeads for the Detection of Sperm Antibodies in Serum
Authors: SHULMAN SIDNEY , PRETORIUS ELIZE , KEANE THOMAS
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Two procedures were developed and evaluated that used either larger or smaller volumes for the detection of sperm antibodies in serum by means of an indirect immunobead test (IBT). The immunobeads, coated with rabbit antibody to each of the major human immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, or IgM), were mixed with preparations of donor sperm, onto which antibody had been coated by passive transfer from various serum samples. The results of the IBT could be evaluated in various ways: (1) positive or negative; (2) if positive, whether binding is to the tail, the head, or the head and tail of the sperm cells; (3) if positive, whether binding is by IgG, IgA, or IgM. The diverse IBT results were obtained from a group of 50 serum samples; these sera were also tested by two sperm agglutination methods; the gelatin agglutination test (GAT) and the tube‐slide agglutination test (TSAT). There was an excellent agreement between the IBT and the GAT; it was not as good between the IBT and the TSAT. However, considering both agglutination methods together, 90% of the IBT‐positive sera were agglutination‐positive. In terms of morphological sites, tail binding occurred in 27 of 31 sera, head binding in 12 of 31 sera, and head‐tail binding in 15 of 31 sera. The number with tail binding was very close to the number that were GAT‐positive (26). As for the immunoglobulins, the most frequent class was IgG. IgA was 83% as frequent and IgM was only 25% as frequent as IgG. In a larger group with only IgG and IgA, of 31 IBT‐positive sera, 26 showed IgG and 23 showed IgA; 18 showed both. Hence, only eight showed IgG exclusively, and only five showed IgA exclusively. One final point is that several sera with GAT titers of only 4 were IBT‐positive, adding strength to the concept that such a low GAT titer does have antibody significance.
The Sensitivity of Placental Trophoblast Cells to Intraplacental and Allogeneic Cytotoxic Lymphocytes
Authors: Pross Hugh , Mitchell Hugh , Werkmeister Jerome
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The NK‐susceptibility of trophoblast cells to allogeneic and autologous intraplacental natural killer (NK), antibody‐dependent (K), and mitogen‐induced cell‐mediated cytotoxicity was studied, using untreated and neuraminidase‐treated trophoblast cells from normal, full‐term deliveries. The work was preceded by systematic studies of placental cell separation and labelling techniques, and the effects of these techniques on the NK target, K562. The results indicated that maternal NK cells are present among intraplacental lymphocytes, but that their activity is lower than that of peripheral blood lymphocytes and they are not stimulated by interferon to the same extent as peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Trophoblast cells were rarely susceptible to allogeneic NK cells, with low cytotoxicity at high effector‐target cell ratios in only two of five experiments. Interferon (IF)‐boosted NK cells mediated some cytolysis of trophoblasts in three of four experiments, but high effector/target cell ratios were also required for the effect to be observed. The trophoblast cells could be lysed, however, by K cells and lectin‐induced cytotoxicity. Removal of surface sialic acid by neuraminidase treatment of the trophoblast cells had little effect on the susceptibility of these cells to unstimulated NK cells (one of four experiments), but resulted in susceptibility to IF‐boosted NK cells in four of four experiments. Normal trophoblast cells did not compete in IF‐NK(K562) assays and neuraminidase‐treated cells competed weakly in only one of three such experiments, indicating that the NK “target structure” is only weakly expressed on human trophoblast cells. Intraplacental lymphocytes lysed autologous trophoblast cells to a lower extent than allogeneic PBL. This lysis was markedly increased if antibody against the target cells was present in the assay. These data indicate that a) the trophoblast cell is susceptible to maternal cell‐mediated lysis by several mechanisms that could potentially be activated in vivo, b) NK cells are present in the intraplacental lymphocyte pool, and c) the access of NK cells and interferon activated NK cells to the NK cell target structure is blocked by cell surface sialic acid residues. This target structure may be similar to that found on other susceptible cells, and in similarity to the tumor—NK interaction, the cell surface sialic acid is ineffective in blocking cytotoxicity if the appropriate antibody is present. Assuming NK cells mediate ADCC, this indicates that sialic acid does not mask the target site of the lytic molecule. These data are relevant to the understanding of the NK– target interaction in a situation where it is known that the target is nonself.
Ultrastructural Alterations of Term Human Amnionic Epithelium Following Incubation With Group B Beta‐Hemolytic Streptococci
Authors: Varner Michael W. , Turner J. Wesley , Petzold C. Rosemarie , Galask Rudolph P.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The association between the group B beta‐hemolytic streptococcus (GBBHS) and premature labor, premature rupture of the membranes, and chorioamnionitis with intact membranes is well known. However, the mechanisms involved in this association remain unclear. In this study we incubated term chorioamniotic membranes from patients undergoing elective repeat cesarean section in double‐armed incubation vessels that isolated the maternal from the fetal surfaces. The GBBHS was placed adjacent to the maternal surface and incubated for 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hr. Control membrane specimens from the same patient were incubated under identical conditions for identical time periods but without the presence of GBBHS. Examination of the specimens by transmission electron microscopy revealed progressive nuclear and basement membrane alteration in the study group that was maximal at 12 hr. There was also a progressive decrease in desmosome counts in the study membranes. These in vitro changes support the in vivo association of GBBHS with the aforementioned obstetric complications.
Antiendometrial Antibodies in Patients With Endometriosis
Authors: WILD ROBERT ALLEN , SHIVERS CHARLES ALEX
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Sera from 42 patients complaining of infertility were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies to the endometrium. The presence or absence of antibodies was matched with the findings at laparoscopy. Of the 42 patients examined for infertility, 28 (66.7%) had laparoscopic findings that corresponded to the presence or absence of endometriosis. Of 28 patients with positive antibody tests, 24 (85.7%) were found to have endometriosis. No correlation between the degree of immunofluorescence and the clinical severity of endometriosis could be determined. These findings suggest the possibility of developing a noninvasive immunological test for the presence of endometriosis.
Inhibition of lnterleukin‐2 Production by Retroplacental Sera: A Possible Mechanism for Human Fetal Allograft Survival
Authors: NICHOLAS N.S. , PANAYI G.S.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Fetal tolerance may be a consequence of a local nonspecific serum factor(s) having immunomodulatory activity on maternal cellular effector responses. Paired peripheral and retroplacental sera were collected from 15 healthy patients having elective caesarean section and the sera were studied for their abilities to inhibit the uptake of tritiated thymidine by activated lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). We found that:

Twenty‐eight percent of peripheral blood (PB) and all retroplacental sera (RP) could inhibit the MLR.

Conditioned medium (MLRS) could completely overcome the inhibition by RP sera.

Ultrapure interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) could not reverse the inhibitory effect.

Recombinant interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) (100 units/culture) completely reversed the inhibition.

Inhibition by RP sera occurred between 0 and 24 hours of cell‐cell interactions in the MLR and,

The inhibition was both on stimulator and responder cells.

Thus, factor(s) in RP sera may act to inhibit IL‐2 production at the fetomaternal interface. These findings are discussed in the context of fetal allograft rejection.
The Mechanism of the Inhibitory Effect of Progesterone on Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity: I. Progesterone‐Treated Lymphocytes Release a Substance Inhibiting Cytotoxicity and Prostaglandin Synthesis
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , KILAŔ F. , FALKAY G. , CSERNUS V. , TÖRÖK A. , PACSA A.S.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT:Progesterone‐treated lymphocytes (generator lymphocytes) of healthy pregnant women release a nondialyzable factor that inhibits both cytotoxic activity and prostaglandin F2α synthesis of test lymphocytes. Production of this factor is blocked by protein synthesis inhibitors (cycloheximide and actinomycin D). Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis of the partially purified material revealed a main 34,000 MW protein band. Progesterone‐treated lymphocytes of pregnant women showing clinical symptoms of threatened preterm delivery (risk group) failed to release this substance.
Immunoregulatory Activities of Human Trophoblasts IVIediated by Polyamine Complexes
Authors: REMACLE‐BONNET M. , CULOUSCOU J.M. , POMMIER G. , RANGE R. , DEPIEDS R.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: In a previous publication we described the presence in human placenta (HP) of immunosuppressive factors inhibiting the lymphoproliferative responses to mitogen. The results of further study reported herein indicate that the substance involved is of a syncytiotrophoblastic origin, that it is thermostable to 100°C for 1 hr, and of low molecular weight, i.e. 3,500. It was defined as a polyamine conjugate with nucleic acids. Trophoblast cell extracts lost their immunosuppressive ability after heating in cultures of human lymphocytes supplemented with 5% autologous serum. These effects were, however, preserved both in cultures assayed in 5% fetal calf serum and in those to which purified polyamine oxidase (PAO) was added to autologous serum. Trophoblast cell extract was found to contain polyamine oxidases. Placental PAO can be inhibited by quinacrin a typical inhibitor of flavoprotein enzymes but not by isoniazid, an inhibitor of pyridoxal enzymes; this would suggest that the enzymes in human placenta are of a tissular rather than seric origin. The implication of these observations is that immunosuppression is mediated by oxydative products issued from an interaction between polyamine and polyamine oxidase in the syncytiotrophoblast cytosol. This interaction may constitute the basis for a local immunological barrier and may be involved in the protection of the fetus against maternal immune rejection.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Human Choriocarcinoma
Authors: YAMASHITA KOHKI , NAKAMURA TAKAFUMI , SHIMIZU TETSUYA , OHNO HIDEKI
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We have established two monoclonal antibodies (TM7‐3 and TM3‐8) that react to choriocarcinoma cells. Both of these monoclonal antibodies have shown a similar reactive pattern to human cell lines, normal and neoplastic trophoblast tissues, and other fetal and adult tissues. They have reacted to nine of the ten choriocarcinoma cell lines, as well as to Hela cells (a cervical carcinoma cell line). During a cellular radioimmunoassay, neither TM7‐3 nor TM3‐8 reacted to two T lymphoblastoid cell lines or three B lymphoblastoid cell lines. Immunofluorescence and immunoper‐oxidase staining showed that both monoclonal antibodies reacted selectively to the cytotrophoblast‐like tumor cells of a choriocarcinoma and a hydatidiform mole but not to syncytiotrophoblast‐like tumor cells. TM7‐3 and TM3‐8 also reacted slightly to the normal cytotrophoblast of early human chorionic villi under the same conditions as they did to choriocarcinoma tissue, but not to syncytiotrophoblast. In various normal tissues, TM7‐3 and TM3‐8 bind only to a part of the urinary tubles of the kidney and to the ducts of the pancreas of both adult and fetus.
Antisperm Antibodies Detected by ZER Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit Are Not Those Detected by Tray Agglutination Test
Authors: STEDRONSKA‐CLAEK JITKA , CLARK DAVID A. , HENDRY WILLIAM F.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Antisperm antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of infertility, particularly in the male. One of the standardized methods for detecting antisperm antibodies is the tray agglutination test (TAT). Unfortunately, this assay requires fresh motile spermatozoa. Tests for binding of antibody to fixed sperm or sperm extracts have been developed as enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and we compared the results of using one such ELISA method with the TAT to detect antisperm antibodies in a panel of known positive and negative sera from infertile and control patients. With respect to the TAT assay, the ELISA gave a 75% false‐positive test rate and a 63% false‐negative rate. It is important to validate new assays such as the ELISA before widespread application to patient screening particularly since patients judged to have antisperm antibodies may be treated with high‐dose corticosteroid drugs that are not without significant side effects.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human Sperm Antigens by Immunoassays Including Sperm Function Assays and Epitope Evaluation
Authors: MENGE ALAN C. , SHOULTZ GREGORY K. , KELSEY DIANE E. , RUTHERFORD PETER , LEE C.‐Y. GREGORY
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Fifteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against human sperm cells were evaluated for reactions against human sperm by indirect immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, agglutination, complement‐dependent immobilization, cervical mucus penetration, and hamster egg penetration assays. The MAbs were analyzed for specificity by immunofluorescent reactions with peripheral blood lymphocytes and sperm and classified into three main groups based on regional staining, ie, acrosome, plasma membrane, or tail. One MAb (218) bound to the sperm neck. Three MAbs, (80, 85, and HS‐126) were found to react with lymphocytes. Three of five acrosome‐reactive MAbs (11, 63, 106), two of five tail‐staining MAbs (97, HS‐30), and the neck reactor (218) showed significant to highly significant inhibition of sperm penetration of eggs but without significant effects on sperm agglutination, immobilization, or the mucus penetration assay. The three nonspecific MAbs gave strong plasma membrane reactions in the agglutination and immobilization assays and also caused highly significant inhibition of sperm penetration of both cervical mucus and zona‐free ova. Preliminary analysis of the complementary antigens suggested that epitopes reacting with MAbs 33 (acrosome) and 85 (plasma membrane) were carbohydrate chains on glycoproteins. Three of five MAbs recognizing tail antigen, the neck‐staining MAb, and the nonspecific MAb (HS‐126) appeared to be reactive against glycolipid moieties. Seven of the 12 specific MAbs also reacted in indirect immunofluorescence with mouse and rabbit sperm in patterns similar to those observed with human sperm.
Blastogenic Response of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes From Multiparous Pregnant Ewes
Authors: RAI‐EL‐BALHAA G. , ABDULLAH A. , PELLERIN J.L. , THIBAUD D. , BODIN G.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The immunocompetence of pregnant multiparous ewes was investigated with respect to the blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes of (PBL) to three mitogens: PHA, Con A, and PWM. The profile of PBL responses shows 1) progressive suppression at 36 and 66 days of gestation, 2) enhanced response at 97 days of gestation, which approaches the mean values observed at the premating period, and 3) a redecline of the response at 137 days of gestation to depressed values lower than observed at 36 and 66 days of gestation.

The results suggest that mitogen‐treated lymphocytes were depressed and that the immunodepressive factor(s), which can influence lymphocytes at the systemic level, may be involved in the maintenance of the ovine fetal semiallograft.
Treatment of Sheep With Prostaglandin F2α Enhances Production of a Luteal Chemoattractant for Eosinophils
Authors: MURDOCH W.J.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Eosinophils were quantitated in sections of luteal tissue obtained from sheep treated with a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin (PG) F2α. Increased numbers of cells were detected before the onset of either functional (decline in sera or tissue concentrations of progesterone) or morphological regression. Luteal tissue was shown to produce a specific chemoattractant for eosinophils as assessed by a linear under‐agarose migration assay. Eosinophils were responsive toward leukotriene B4, but not toward PGF2α or a synthetic N‐formyl peptide. Because eosinophils are capable of mediating tissue damage in immune/inflammatory conditions, it is suggested that these cells could play a similar role in the mechanics of luteolysis.
ABH Blood Group Antigens in Human Semen
Authors: HAAS GILBERT G. , D'CRUZ OSMOND J.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Human sperm, erythrocytes, and seminal plasma from the blood and semen of 20 men of known ABH, Lewis, and secretor phenotypes were assayed for ABH blood group antigens. A 1:1 correlation was found between the presence of ABH antigens in seminal plasma and on sperm and if the man had a secretor phenotype. Sperm from nonsecretors or from men of dissimilar ABO blood type could adsorb A antigen when incubated with A antigen‐containing seminal plasma. The level of ABH antigens in seminal plasma correlated with the level of ABH antigens on the sperm surface. ABH antigens in semen were present only on a minority of spermatozoa as detected by flow cytometry, and the majority of these sperm were not in the swimup fraction. ABH antigens were not present on sperm within the seminiferous tubules of human testicular material. It was hypothesized that ABH antigens found on human sperm were adsorbed from seminal plasma on a minority of the sperm in an ejaculate.
Studies on Sperm Survival and Motility in the Presence of Cytotoxic Sperm Antibodies
Authors: MATHUR SUBBI , ROSENLUND CHRISTAL , CARLTON MARGUERITE , CALDWELL JODY , BARBER MICHELE , RUST PHILIP F. , WILLIAMSON H. OLIVER
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The effect of cytotoxic sperm antibodies and native complement in the serum and secretions from 40 fertile and 93 infertile couples on in vitro sperm survival and motion characteristics was studied. Sperm survival in vitro was unaffected by sera from fertile and infertile subjects without cytotoxic sperm antibodies and from infertile men with antibodies to control but not to autologous sperm. Sperm survival was reduced (P < .001) by sera from infertile men with antibodies to autologous sperm or to antologous and control sperm and from women with cytotoxic antibodies to sperm from both. Sera from fertile couples without sperm antibodies enhanced sperm swimming speed and motility index (P < .0001). Sera from infertile women with or without cytotoxic sperm antibodies did not affect sperm motility. Sperm survival and motility were reduced by seminal plasma from infertile men with cytotoxic antibodies to autologous and/or control sperm. Seminal plasma from fertile men enhanced sperm survival. Cervical mucus from infertile women with antibodies to autoimmune husbands' sperm or to husbands' and control sperm inhibited sperm motion, whereas cervical mucus from infertile women without sperm antibodies and women with antibodies to control sperm failed to have any effect. It is concluded that cytotoxic sperm antibodies developed through exposure to sperm antigens in autoimmune infertile men decrease in vitro sperm survival and/or motility.
Human Placenta—An Antibody Sponge?
Authors: INNES A. , STEWART G.M. , THOMSON M.A.R. , CUNNINGHAM C. , CATTO G.R.D.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Maternal IgG antibodies in sera and placenta eluates were studied by a cellular enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA) method. Antibodies were not detectable in any of the serum samples obtained before or after delivery from nine normal primigravid women. Antibody activity was, however, present in five of nine placental eluates and two of nine neonatal sera tested in CELISA. Lymphocytotoxic antibodies were not detected in any of the samples tested. These results support the concept that the absence of antibody activity in maternal sera may be caused by the immunosorbent effect of the placenta.
Monoclonal Antibody GB24 Recognizes a Trophoblast‐Lymphocyte Cross‐Reactive Antigen
Authors: HSI BAE‐LI , YEH CHANG‐JING G. , FÉNICHEL PATRICK , SAMSON MICHEL , GRIVAUX CATHERINE
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: GB24 is a mouse monoclonal antibody (IgG1) raised against human term placental microvilli. This antibody displayed pan‐trophoblast reactivity pattern. In addition, GB24 recognized normal peripheral leukocytes and transformed cell lines (Daudi, HL‐60, Jurkat, AV3, BeWo, HT‐29) by using membrane immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. By SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, this antibody immunoprecipitated two proteins of 62 kilodaltons (kDa) and 75 kDa from placental microvilli. Isoelectrofocusing analysis revealed that these two bands exhibited different isoelectric points: 4.7 for the 62 kDa protein, 4.6 and 4.4 for the two spots corresponding to the 75 kDa protein. Microvilli from different placentae revealed substantial differences regarding the intensity of the labeling of these two bands, suggesting that the antigens recognized by GB24 are probably allotypic.
Ovarian Histopathology of Bitches Immunized With Porcine Zonae Pellucidae
Authors: MAHI‐BROWN CHERRIE A. , YANAGIMACHI RYUZO , NELSON MARITA L. , YANAGIMACHI HIROKO , PALUMBO NICOLAS
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The ovarian histopathology of bitches immunized with crude (cPZP) or partially purified (pPZP) porcine zona pellucida proteins was examined in order to determine the cause of abnormal estrous cycles. The majority of immunized bitches had ovarian cytes. Those immunized with cPZP had follicular cysts lined with a thin layer of granulosa cells, while in those immunized with pPZP, the cysts were lined by a basement membrane with a clump of luteinized cells. In two bitches immunized with cPZP, oocytes were present only in primordial follicles. Similar abnormalities were not found in a bitch immunized with human serum albumin or in 12 untreated bitches. Oocytes flushed from the oviducts of mated, immunized bitches were degenerating, which may have been a primary cause of infertility in such bitches. Ovaries studied 2–6 weeks after immunization showed no loss of gap junctional communication between oocytes and granulosa cells, nor was any inflammatory reaction seen. IgG was bound to the zona as revealed by fluoresceinated protein A staining of frozen sections of those ovaries. Abnormal estrous cycles in PZP‐immunized bitches appear to result from follicular dysgenesis or cyst formation, but the etiology of these conditions is unresolved.
Bootstrap Methods for Time Series
Authors: Härdle Wolfgang , Horowitz Joel , Kreiss Jens‐Peter
Published: December 2015

The bootstrap is a method for estimating the distribution of an estimator or test statistic by resampling one's data or a model estimated from the data. The methods that are available for implementing the bootstrap and the accuracy of bootstrap estimates depend on whether the data are an independent random sample or a time series. This paper is concerned with the application of the bootstrap to time‐series data when one does not have a finite‐dimensional parametric model that reduces the data generation process to independent random sampling. We review the methods that have been proposed for implementing the bootstrap in this situation and discuss the accuracy of these methods relative to that of first‐order asymptotic approximations. We argue that methods for implementing the bootstrap with time‐series data are not as well understood as methods for data that are independent random samples. Although promising bootstrap methods for time series are available, there is a considerable need for further research in the application of the bootstrap to time series. We describe some of the important unsolved problems.

Le bootstrap est une méthode pour estimer la distribution d'un estimateur en rééchantillonnant ses données ou un modéle estiméà partir des données. Les méthodes disponibles pour mettre en oeuvre le bootstrap et la précision des estimateurs de bootstrap dépendent de ce que les données proviennent d'un échantillon aléatoire indépendant ou d'une série temporelle. Cet article concerne l'application du bootstrap aux données des séries temporelles quand on ne dispose pas de modéle paramétrique de dimension finie qui réduise le processus de génération des données à l'échantillonnage aléatoire indépendent. Nous examinons les méthodes qui ont été proposées pour mettre en oeuvre le bootstrap dans cette situation et discutons la precision de ces méthodes comparativement à celle des approximations asymptotiques de premier ordre. Nous montrons que les méthodes pour mettre en oeuvre le bootstrap avec les données des séries temporelles ne sont pas aussi bien comprises que les méthodes pour les données des échantillons aléatoires indépendants. Bien que des méthodes de bootstrap prometteuses pour les séries temporelles soient disponibles, il y a un besoin considérable de recherche supplémental re dans leur application. Nous décrivons quelques problémes importants non résolus.
The Future Direction of Statistical Training for the Promotion of Cooperation between Government and Academy
Authors: Ahn Yunkee , Nam Buhn , Kim Chul Eung
Published: December 2015

A survey was carried out showing that the knowledge of academic statisticians about the governmental data needs to be improved. We also state the current cooperative activities between government and academy, university education program, and statistical training program by the Korean National Statistical Office. We present some suggestions to promote cooperation between academia and government.

L'enquête a été effectuée et il est découvert que les connaissances des statisticiens de l'académie sur les données gouvernementales ont besoin d'être améliorées. Nous présentons aussi les activités coopératives actuelles entre le gouvernement et l'académie, le programme de l'éducation universitaire, le programme d'apprentissage pour la statistique par le Bureau Statistique National de Corée (Korean National Statistical Office). Nous proposons quelques suggestions pour promouvoir la coopération entre l'académie et le gouvernement.
Shifting Patterns of Deadly Violence
Authors: Seiden Richard H. , Freitas Raymond P.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: To the casual observer, it would seem that the United States' suicide rate has been remarkably steady in recent years. However, this stability may be more apparent than real. While it is true that the total suicide rate has varied little, this composite figure masks a dramatic shift in the risk of suicide by age. In recent years there has been a reduction of suicide at older ages reciprocated by an unprecedented increase of suicide (and homicide) at younger ages. The extent of this change during the ten‐year period 1966–75 is explored along with possible explanations for the increase of aggressive violent death among young people.
Offender‐Victim Relationships in Criminal Homicide Followed by Offender's Suicide, North Carolina, 1972–1977
Authors: Palmer Stuart , Humphrey John A.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: An analysis of 90 cases of criminal homicide followed by suicide in North Carolina, 1972 to 1977. Homicidal victim‐offender relationships were investigated in regard to age, sex, race and whether victim and offender were member of the same family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. These results were compared with victim‐offender relationships in 994 criminal homicide cases in North Carolina in which offenders did not commit suicide. Married white males over 30 years were much more involved in homicide‐suicide than they were in homicide alone. In these homicide‐suicide cases, the victim was usually the spouse. Except for marital status, characteristics of homicide offenders who killed themselves resembled those of suicide‐only individuals much more than those of homicide‐only offenders. In the homicide‐suicide cases, the killing of someone in close relationship to the offender, often a wife, appeared to be part of the evolving process of suicide. This clearly has implications for intervention into marital strife and also for immediate treatment of homicide offenders who kill spouses and other family members.
The Choice of Weapons: A Study of Methods of Suicide by Sex, Race, and Region
Authors: Taylor Maurice C. , Wicks Jerry W.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT:The relationship of sex, race and region to methods of suicide are used to test the validity of two theories which attempt to explain the choice of methods among suicide victims. The two theories, lethality of intent and differential socialization with firearms, are briefly discussed. Data are collected from official death certificates in five cities during a three year period, 1969 through 1971. The findings provide little support for the lethality of intent theory. Although the differential socialization theory receives partial support, one can argue for a broader sociocultural perspective on methods of suicide which includes location in the social structure as well as regional socialization.
Acceptance of Conditional Suicide and Euthanasia among Adult Americans
Authors: Johnson David , Fitch Starla D. , Alston Jon P. , McIntosh William Alex
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Analysis of the attitudes of a 1977 cross‐sectional sample of 1,530 American adults concerning euthanasia and suicide indicates that sex, age, and education are significant variables. Males, those who are younger and those who are better educated, are more likely to approve of euthanasia and suicide when a person has an incurable disease. Religious affiliation was not an important variable, although those who were frequent church‐service attenders or who were high on religiosity were highly likely to reject euthanasia and suicide.
Personality, Life Situation, and Life Expectancy
Authors: Reynolds David K. , Nelson Franklyn L.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: This study explores demographic, medical, and psychological variables which appear to be related to survival in institutionalized elderly chronically ill patients. Patients who died within 12 months of an assessment procedure were compared with patients who were still alive over 12 months later. Those who died within the year tended to be younger and less religious, to have a somewhat poorer prognosis, greater cognitive impairment, lower life satisfaction, and higher scores on a suicide potential scale and on an observation checklist of indirectly self‐destructive behaviors.
Suicidal Behaviors among Clients at an Outpatient Psychology Clinic versus the General Population
Authors: Linehan Marsha M. , Laffaw Julie A.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The focus of this paper is on the comparison of suicidal behaviors among two populations in the same geographical area: clients at a psychology clinic vs. individuals from the general population sampled at an area shopping center. In both samples, 10 percent of the individuals reported prior parasuicidal behavior; the two populations were also quite similar on reports of prior suicidal ideation: 31 percent in the clinical and 24 percent in the general population reported never, or only briefly, considering suicide at any point in their lives. Suicidal behavior was related to sex and income in the general population.
Life‐Threatening Indicators among the Indochinese Refugees
Authors: Alley James Curtis
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The Indochinese refugees have experienced more devastation than most Americans will know in a lifetime. The tremendous turmoil of war, the risking of one's life, the forced separation of families and relocation into the American culture have drastically changed the lives of every Indochinese individual. Nor do the emotional scars imprinted into the minds of these people disappear upon arrival into a neutral country. Rather, these psychological problems can show themselves as suicidal preoccupation, or attempts. This paper stresses related variables observed in those Indochinese people contemplating suicide. Of 4,192 Indochinese refugees sampled, ten suicidally inclined refugees were identified. Clinical findings revealed that multiple determinants were operating conjointly in creating the high risk of any particular refugee in relation to suicide.
The National Incidence Of Juvenile Suicide In Adult Jails And Juvenile Detention Centers
Authors: Flaherty Michael G.
Published: December 2015

Federal policy currently permits children to be placed in adult jails if they are kept separate from adult prisoners. However, past research suggests that facility and staff limitations at jails often result in juveniles being held in isolation without supervision. Based upon a national probability sample, the following hypotheses are tested: the suicide rate among children held in adult jails is higher than the suicide rate among children held in secure juvenile detention centers, and the latter rate is higher than the suicide rate among juveniles in the general population of the United States.
Suicide Among Older People: Projections for the Future
Authors: Haas Ann Pollinger , Hendin Herbert
Published: December 2015

Guided by recent demographic analyses of birth cohort effects, the authors demonstrate the relationship between cohort size and longitudinal suicide rates, with reference to four particular cohorts which have entered adulthood at various periods throughout the present century. Combining this perspective with a look at projected population increases among older age groups, estimates are made of the scope of the problem of suicide among older people which is likely to be encountered during the early decades of the next century.
Suicidal Ideation and the Residual Capacity to Promote Inclusive Fitness: A Survey
Authors: de Catanzaro Denys
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: It has been argued that suicide relates to a diminished residual capacity to promote inclusive fitness, defined as the welfare and reproduction of self and kin. The present study examined whether this relationship is reflected in suicidal and sub‐suicidal ideation in the general population. A questionnaire concerning parameters of inclusive fitness, suicidal ideation and experience, and attitudes toward the value of life was distributed to samples of the general public and university undergraduates. Analyses indicated significant moderate relationships between inclusive fitness and suicidal ideation in both samples. Among items most strongly related to reported suicidal ideation were expectations of poor future health, perceptions of being burdensome, and unstable heterosexual relationships, with importance of other factors depending on age.
Suicide and Rurality in Urban Society
Authors: Wilkinson Kenneth P. , Israel Glenn D.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Recent findings suggest that suicide increases with rurality, but research on rural suicide leaves many questions unanswered. This study specifies problems of community organization as a reason for expecting a positive effect of rurality on the suicide rate. A multiple regression analysis of county data shows that rurality has a substantial positive effect and is, in fact, the best predictor of the suicide rate among several variables selected from the previous literature. Additional research is needed to test the interpretation that rurality contributes to an incomplete, fragmented form of community organization which influences the suicide rate by disrupting primary relationships.
Occupational Status and Suicide
Authors: Lampert Dominique I. , Bourque Linda B. , Kraus Jess F.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The relationship between occupational status and suicide was examined using data from Sacramento County, California. Data were obtained from coroner's records filed routinely on all cases of sudden, violent, or unexpected death since 1925. Occupation‐ and age‐specific suicide rates were calculated for males and age‐adjusted for overall comparison for the decades 1945–1954, 1955–1964, and 1965–1974. Findings show an inverse relationship between occupational status and suicide for all age groups over the past 30 years. Over time, male suicide rates have increased particularly for employed males over 65, employed males aged 14 to 24, and males in low‐status occupations. General economic insecurity among workers of low socioeconomic status (SES), particularly the elderly, is suggested as a contributing factor to these trends.
Regional Variation in Suicide and Homicide
Authors: Lester David
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Violence in American cities was examined by classifying each city as high versus low in its homicide rate and high versus low in its suicide rate. Four groups of cities were identified on the basis of this classification, and their characteristics were explored. Differences were found in crime rates, poverty, population density, racial composition, latitude, and longitude. The implications of the results were examined.
The Prevalence of Suicidal Behaviors, Attitudes and Associated Social Experiences in an Urban Population
Authors: Ramsay Richard , Bagley Christopher
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The development of an epidemiological study of mental health, social background factors, suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideas, deliberate self‐harm, and attempted suicide), values concerning suicide, and experience of suicide in others is described. 679 adult respondents in a stratified random sample of residents of a large Canadian city were interviewed. Results indicate a more accepting attitude to suicide than reported in previous studies; considerable experience of suicide in others; and a much higher rate of suicidal ideas and action than has been reported in previous work. Thirteen percent of the sample had made plans for suicide in their lifetime, 6% had deliberately harmed themselves, and a further 4% had attempted suicide in their lifetime. In the past year, 4% had made plans for suicide, and 2% had deliberately harmed themselves or had attempted suicide.
Suicide among Police in a Federal Force
Authors: Robert Loo PhD
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Suicide among police has gained the attention of numerous police forces over the past two decades. The great variation in reported police suicide rates and caveats concerning such statistics are addressed. The paper reports the results of a study of suicide among members (n = 35) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RMCP) between 1960 and 1983. The average annual rate (14.1 per 100,000) of suicide in this force was approximately half that of the comparable general population, and the most common means of suicide was by service revolver (77% of cases). Recommendations are made for suicide prevention and postvention actions in police forces. Finally, the need for reliable, long‐term police suicide data bases is stressed.
A Drop in Suicides around Major National Holidays
Authors: Phillips David P. , Wills John S.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: To study the fluctuation of suicides around the holidays, we examined 188,047 U.S. suicides from 1973 to 1979. Correcting for the effects of extraneous variables, such as seasons and days of the week, we found that suicides dropped by an annual average of −102.5 in the period surrounding the holidays. One set of holidays (Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) was associated with an unusually low risk of suicide before, during, and after the holiday. Another set of holidays (New Year's Day, July 4th, and Labor Day) was associated with a low risk of suicide before the holiday and a high risk just afterwards. Almost all demographic groups experienced a low risk of suicide around the holidays: whites, blacks, males, females, retired persons, and persons of working age. Only white teenagers deviated from this pattern. Thus, the evidence does not support the widespread popular assumption that holidays are a risk factor in suicide.
Suicide in Japan: Socioeconomic Effects on Its Secular and Seasonal Trends
Authors: Araki Shunichi , Murata Katsuyuki
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Changes in male and female suicide death rates for 33 years following the end of World War II in Japan were analyzed. The death rates for men and women decreased during periods of economic prosperity and then increased during the years preceding economic depression; that for men also increased after economic depression. When examined by profile analysis, the seasonal variation was slightly but significantly different in the four time periods (1950–1955, 1955–1967, 1967–1974, and 1974–1982) in both sexes except between the last two periods (p < .05). We suggest that death by suicide and its seasonal variation in Japan were affected by changes in socioeconomic conditions.