bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Role for Plasma Placental Growth Factor in Predicting Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Women
Authors: Cassidy Aedín , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Manson JoAnn E. , Rexrode Kathyrn M. , Girman Cynthia J. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: October 2008

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to examine placental growth factor’s (PlGF) predictive value in relation to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in healthy women.

Methods and Results—

Among 32 826 women from the Nurses’ Health Study who provided blood samples at baseline, 453 CHD events were documented during 14 years of follow-up. Controls were matched to cases (2:1) for age, smoking, fasting status, and date of blood sampling. PlGF was inversely correlated with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and positively correlated with several coronary risk factors. In multivariate models, women in the highest versus lowest quintile of PlGF had a greater risk of CHD (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.41). Additional adjustment for many coronary risk factors did not substantively alter this relationship, but HDL-C attenuated the association (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.94). In exploratory time to event analysis, higher PlGF levels, measured >10 years before CHD event, but not <10 years preclinical event, were associated with increased risk of CHD, even after adjustment for comorbid conditions and HDL-C levels (RR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.19 to 6.56).

Conclusions—

Elevated prediagnostic PlGF levels were modestly associated with subsequent risk of CHD events and results were attenuated after controlling for HDL-C. PlGF may be most strongly associated with long-term prediction of CHD, consistent with a potential role in early plaque formation and growth.
Stroke Outcome in Clinical Trial Patients Deriving From Different Countries
Authors: Ali Myzoon , Atula Sari , Bath Philip M.W. , Grotta James , Hacke Werner , Lyden Patrick , Marler John R. , Sacco Ralph L. , Lees Kennedy R.
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

Stroke incidence and outcome vary widely within and across geographical locations. We examined whether differences in index stroke severity, stroke risk factors, mortality, and stroke outcome across geographical locations remain after adjusting for case mix.

Methods—

We analyzed 3284 patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA). We used logistic regression to examine the incidence of mild index stroke, functional, and neurological outcomes after accounting for age, medical history, year of trial recruitment, and initial stroke severity in the functional and neurological outcome analyses. We examined mortality between geographical regions using a Cox proportional hazards model, accounting for age, initial stroke severity, medical history, and year of trial recruitment.

Results—

Patients enrolled in the USA and Canada had the most severe index strokes. Those recruited in Austria and Switzerland had the best functional and neurological outcomes at 90 days (
P
<0.05), whereas those enrolled in Germany had the worst functional outcome at 90 days (
P
=0.013). Patients enrolled in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Spain, and Portugal had a significantly better survival rate when compared with those enrolled in USA and Canada. Patients enrolled in trials after 1998 had more severe index strokes, with no significant difference in outcome compared with those enrolled before 1998.

Conclusion—

We identified regional variations in index stroke severity, outcome, and mortality for patients enrolled in ischemic stroke clinical trials over the past 13 years that were not fully explained by case mix. Index stroke severity was greater in patients enrolled after 1998, with no significant improvement in outcomes compared to those enrolled before 1998.
Cerebral White Matter Lesions, Gait, and the Risk of Incident Falls
Authors: Srikanth Velandai , Beare Richard , Blizzard Leigh , Phan Thanh , Stapleton Jennifer , Chen Jian , Callisaya Michele , Martin Kara , Reutens David
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

The association between cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) and the risk of falls in older people is uncertain, with no supporting prospective evidence. We aimed to determine the risk of incident falls associated with WML volume, and the interactions between WML volume, gait, and other sensorimotor factors leading to falls.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective, population-based study (n=294, mean age 72.3 years, independently mobile). Volumetric MRI, computerized gait measures, and sensorimotor measures of falls risk were obtained at baseline. Incident falls were recorded prospectively over a 12-month period. Using regression modeling, we estimated the risk of incident falls associated with baseline WML volume.

Results—

Increasing baseline WML volume was independently associated with any incident fall (
P
=0.01) and multiple incident falls (
P
=0.02). The risk of incident falls was doubled in people with lesion volumes in the highest quintile of its distribution compared with the lowest (adjusted relative risk, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.28–4.14). Greater lesion volume was also associated with poorer gait and greater gait variability (both
P
<0.001). The effect of WML volume on the risk of falls was magnified in people with poorer quadriceps muscle strength (
P
=0.03) and greater gait variability (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

These data provide the first prospective evidence to our knowledge demonstrating that WMLs are strong risk factors for falls in the general older population. WMLs present potential therapeutic targets for interventional trials in falls prevention.
A Bi-Prototype Theory of Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Chang Fu , Chou Chien-Hsing
Published: October 2008

The attractiveness of human faces can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy if we represent the faces as feature vectors and compute their relative distances from two prototypes: the average of attractive faces and the average of unattractive faces. Moreover, the degree of attractiveness, defined in terms of the relative distance, exhibits a high degree of correlation with the average rating scores given by human assessors. These findings motivate a bi-prototype theory that relates facial attractiveness to the averages of attractive and unattractive faces rather than the average of all faces, as previously hypothesized by some researchers.
Design and analysis of mismatch probes for long oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Deng Ye , He Zhili , Van Nostrand Joy D , Zhou Jizhong
Published: October 2008

Background

Nonspecific hybridization is currently a major concern with microarray technology. One of most effective approaches to estimating nonspecific hybridizations in oligonucleotide microarrays is the utilization of mismatch probes; however, this approach has not been used for longer oligonucleotide probes.

Results

Here, an oligonucleotide microarray was constructed to evaluate and optimize parameters for 50-mer mismatch probe design. A perfect match (PM) and 28 mismatch (MM) probes were designed for each of ten target genes selected from three microorganisms. The microarrays were hybridized with synthesized complementary oligonucleotide targets at different temperatures (e.g., 42, 45 and 50°C). In general, the probes with evenly distributed mismatches were more distinguishable than those with randomly distributed mismatches. MM probes with 3, 4 and 5 mismatched nucleotides were differentiated for 50-mer oligonucleotide probes hybridized at 50, 45 and 42°C, respectively. Based on the experimental data generated from this study, a modified positional dependent nearest neighbor (MPDNN) model was constructed to adjust the thermodynamic parameters of matched and mismatched dimer nucleotides in the microarray environment. The MM probes with four flexible positional mismatches were designed using the newly established MPDNN model and the experimental results demonstrated that the redesigned MM probes could yield more consistent hybridizations.

Conclusion

This study provides guidance on the design of MM probes for long oligonucleotides (e.g., 50 mers). The novel MPDNN model has improved the consistency for long MM probes, and this modeling method can potentially be used for the prediction of oligonucleotide microarray hybridizations.
Use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth in four South East Asian countries within the SEA-ORCHID project
Authors: Pattanittum Porjai , Ewens Melissa R , Laopaiboon Malinee , Lumbiganon Pisake , McDonald Steven J , Crowther Caroline A ,   The SEA-ORCHID Study Group
Published: October 2008

Background

There is strong evidence supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth to promote fetal lung maturation and reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. This audit aimed to assess the use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth in the nine hospitals in four South East Asian countries participating in the South East Asia Optimising Reproductive Health in Developing Countries (SEA-ORCHID) Project.

Method

We reviewed the medical records of 9550 women (9665 infants including 111 twins and two triplets) admitted to the labour wards of nine hospitals in four South East Asian countries during 2005. For women who gave birth before 34 weeks gestation we collected information on women's demographic and pregnancy background, the type, dose and use of corticosteroids, and key birth and infant outcomes.

Results

Administration of antenatal corticosteroids to women who gave birth before 34 weeks gestation varied widely between countries (9% to 73%) and also between hospitals within countries (0% to 86%). Antenatal corticosteroids were most commonly given when women were between 28 and 34 weeks gestation (80%). Overall 6% of women received repeat doses of corticosteroids. Dexamethasone was the only type of antenatal corticosteroid used.

Women receiving antenatal corticosteroids compared with those not given antenatal corticosteroids were less likely to have had a previous pregnancy and to be booked for birth at the hospital and almost three times as likely to have a current multiple pregnancy. Exposed women were less likely to be induced and almost twice as likely to have a caesarean section, a primary postpartum haemorrhage and postpartum pyrexia.

Infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids compared with infants not exposed were less likely to die. Live born exposed infants were less likely to have Apgar scores of < 7 at five minutes and less likely to have any lung disease.

Conclusion

In this survey the use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth varied between countries and hospitals. Evaluation of the enablers and barriers to the uptake of this effective antenatal intervention at individual hospitals is needed.
Evidence for reduced lymphatic CSF absorption in the H-Tx rat hydrocephalus model
Authors: Rammling Matthias , Madan Meenu , Paul Leena , Behnam Babak , Pattisapu Jogi V
Published: October 2008

Background

There is mounting evidence that spinal fluid absorption takes place not only at the arachnoid villi, but also at several extracranial sites, which might serve as a reserve mechanism for, or be primarily involved in the absorption of CSF in hydrocephalus.

Methods

We compared the nasal lymphatic pathway in congenital Hydrocephalus-Texas (H-Tx) rats in unaffected and affected hydrocephalic (HC) siblings with that of control Sprague Dawley (SD) rat pups. The animals were examined after immediate post mortem injection of Evan's blue dye into the cisterna magna at 6 and 10 days of age. The specimens were evaluated for amount of dye penetration into the nasal passages.

Results

We found more dye visualization in the olfactory regions of control SD (14/16 at P6, 14/16 at P10) and unaffected H-Tx (13/17 at P6, 13/16 at P10) compared with HC animals (0/14 at P6, 3/15 at P10). This difference was more pronounced at 10 days of age. The dye was not visualized in the cervical lymph nodes or venous channels in these acute experiments.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that nasal lymphatic cerebrospinal fluid absorption is reduced in the H-Tx rat hydrocephalus model.
Antibody ligation of murine Ly-6G induces neutropenia, blood flow cessation, and death via complement-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Abbitt Katherine B , Cotter Matthew J , Ridger Victoria C , Crossman David C , Hellewell Paul G , Norman Keith E
Published: October 2008

Ly-6G is a member of the Ly-6 family of GPI-linked proteins, which is expressed on murine neutrophils. Antibodies against Ly-6G cause neutropenia, and fatal reactions also develop if mice are primed with TNF-α prior to antibody treatment. We have investigated the mechanisms behind these responses to Ly-6G ligation in the belief that similar mechanisms may be involved in neutropenia and respiratory disorders associated with alloantibody ligation of the related Ly-6 family member, NB1, in humans. Neutrophil adhesion, microvascular obstruction, breathing difficulties, and death initiated by anti-Ly-6G antibodies in TNF-α-primed mice were shown to be highly complement-dependent, partly mediated by CD11b, CD18, and FcγR and associated with clustering of Ly-6G. Neutrophil depletion, on the other hand, was only partly complement-dependent and was not altered by blockade of CD11b, CD18, or FcγR. Unlike other neutrophil-activating agents, Ly-6G ligation did not induce neutropenia via sequestration in the lungs. Cross-linking Ly-6G mimicked the responses seen with whole antibody in vivo and also activated murine neutrophils in vitro. Although this suggests that the responses are, in part, mediated by nonspecific properties of antibody ligation, neutrophil depletion requires an additional mechanism possibly specific to the natural function of Ly-6G.
Regulation of Megalin Expression in Cultured Proximal Tubule Cells by Angiotensin II Type 1A Receptor- and Insulin-Mediated Signaling Cross Talk
Authors: Hosojima Michihiro , Sato Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Keiko , Kaseda Ryohei , Soma Taeko , Kobayashi Asako , Suzuki Akiyo , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Takeyama Aya , Ikuyama Kenji , Iino Noriaki , Nishiyama Akira , Thekkumkara Thomas J. , Takeda Tetsuro , Suzuki Yoshiki , Gejyo Fumitake , Saito Akihiko
Published: October 2008

Impairment of proximal tubular endocytosis of glomerular-filtered proteins including albumin results in the development of proteinuria/albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, the mechanisms regulating the proximal tubular function are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of angiotensin II type 1A receptor (AT1AR)- and insulin-mediated signaling pathways in regulating the expression of megalin, a multiligand endocytic receptor in proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Opossum kidney PTC-derived OK cells that stably express rat AT1AR but are deficient in endogenous angiotensin II receptors (AT1AR-OK cells) were used for this study. Treatment of the cells with angiotensin II suppressed mRNA and protein expression of megalin at 3- and 24-h incubation time points, respectively. Cellular uptake and degradation of albumin and receptor-associated protein, megalin’s endocytic ligands were suppressed 24 h after angiotensin II treatment. The AT1AR-mediated decrease in megalin expression was partially prevented by ERK inhibitors. Insulin competed with the AT1AR-mediated ERK activation and decrease in megalin expression. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a major component of insulin signaling, also suppressed megalin expression, and activation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/PI3K system was prevented by angiotensin II. Collectively the AT1AR-mediated ERK signaling is involved in suppressing megalin expression in the OK cell line, and insulin competes with this pathway. Conversely, the insulin-IRS/PI3K signaling, with which angiotensin II competes, tends to stimulate megalin expression. In conclusion, there is AT1AR- and insulin-mediated competitive signaling cross talk to regulate megalin expression in cultured PTCs.

Angiotensin II type 1A receptor- and insulin-mediated competitive signaling cross-talk regulates the expression of megalin, a multi-ligand endocytic receptor, in cultured proximal tubule cells.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Inhibits Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Activation and Promotes Cell Proliferation of Primary Granulosa Cells in Culture through an Akt-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Kayampilly Pradeep P. , Menon K. M. J.
Published: October 2008

FSH, acting through multiple signaling pathways, regulates the proliferation and growth of granulosa cells, which are critical for ovulation. The present study investigated whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which controls the energy balance of the cell, plays a role in FSH-mediated increase in granulosa cell proliferation. Cells isolated from immature rat ovaries were grown in serum-free, phenol red free DMEM-F12 and were treated with FSH (50 ng/ml) for 0, 5, and 15 min. Western blot analysis showed a significant reduction in AMPK activation as observed by a reduction of phosphorylation at thr 172 in response to FSH treatment at all time points tested. FSH also reduced AMPK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner with maximum inhibition at 100 ng/ml. The chemical activator of AMPK (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, 0.5 mm) increased the cell cycle inhibitor p27 kip expression significantly, whereas the AMPK inhibitor (compound C, 20 μm) and FSH reduced p27kip expression significantly compared with control. FSH treatment resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK at ser 485/491 and a reduction in thr 172 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation using Akt inhibitor VIII reversed the inhibitory effect of FSH on thr 172 phosphorylation of AMPK, whereas ERK inhibitor U0126 had no effect. These results show that FSH, through an Akt-dependent pathway, phosphorylates AMPK at ser 481/495 and inhibits its activation by reducing thr 172 phosphorylation. AMPK activation by 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside treatment resulted in a reduction of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D2 mRNA expression, whereas FSH increased the expression by 2-fold. These results suggest that FSH promotes granulosa cell proliferation by increasing cyclin D2 mRNA expression and by reducing p27 kip expression by inhibiting AMPK activation through an Akt-dependent pathway.

FSH stimulates granulosa cell proliferation by reducing cell cycle inhibitor p27 kip through AMP kinase inhibition.
Correlated patterns of tracheal compression and convective gas exchange in a carabid beetle
Authors: Socha John J. , Lee Wah-Keat , Harrison Jon F. , Waters James S. , Fezzaa Kamel , Westneat Mark W.
Published: October 2008

Rhythmic tracheal compression is a prominent feature of internal dynamics in multiple orders of insects. During compression parts of the tracheal system collapse, effecting a large change in volume, but the ultimate physiological significance of this phenomenon in gas exchange has not been determined. Possible functions of this mechanism include to convectively transport air within or out of the body, to increase the local pressure within the tracheae,or some combination thereof. To determine whether tracheal compressions are associated with excurrent gas exchange in the ground beetle Pterostichus stygicus, we used flow-through respirometry and synchrotron x-ray phase-contrast imaging to simultaneously record CO2 emission and observe morphological changes in the major tracheae. Each observed tracheal compression (which occurred at a mean frequency and duration of 15.6±4.2 min–1 and 2.5±0.8 s, respectively) was associated with a local peak in CO2 emission, with the start of each compression occurring simultaneously with the start of the rise in CO2 emission. No such pulses were observed during inter-compression periods. Most pulses occurred on top of an existing level of CO2release, indicating that at least one spiracle was open when compression began. This evidence demonstrates that tracheal compressions convectively pushed air out of the body with each stroke. The volume of CO2emitted per pulse was 14±4 nl, representing approximately 20% of the average CO2 emission volume during x-ray irradiation, and 13% prior to it. CO2 pulses with similar volume, duration and frequency were observed both prior to and after x-ray beam exposure, indicating that rhythmic tracheal compression was not a response to x-ray irradiation per se. This study suggests that intra-tracheal and trans-spiracular convection of air driven by active tracheal compression may be a major component of ventilation for many insects.
To bend a coralline: effect of joint morphology on flexibility and stress amplification in an articulated calcified seaweed
Authors: Martone Patrick T. , Denny Mark W.
Published: October 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated that fleshy seaweeds resist wave-induced drag forces in part by being flexible. Flexibility allows fronds to `go with the flow', reconfiguring into streamlined shapes and reducing frond area projected into flow. This paradigm extends even to articulated coralline algae, which produce calcified fronds that are flexible only because they have distinct joints (genicula). The evolution of flexibility through genicula was a major event that allowed articulated coralline algae to grow elaborate erect fronds in wave-exposed habitats. Here we describe the mechanics of genicula in the articulated coralline Calliarthron and demonstrate how segmentation affects bending performance and amplifies bending stresses within genicula. A numerical model successfully predicted deflections of articulated fronds by assuming genicula to be assemblages of cables connecting adjacent calcified segments (intergenicula). By varying the dimensions of genicula in the model, we predicted the optimal genicular morphology that maximizes flexibility while minimizing stress amplification. Morphological dimensions of genicula most prone to bending stresses (i.e. genicula near the base of fronds) match model predictions.
Centrifuge Modeling: A Study of Similarity
Authors: Santamarina JC , Goodings DJ
Published: October 2008

Data are presented of geotechnical centrifuge models of reinforced soil retaining walls in which the effects on wall behavior of differences between prototype and model, boundary effects, stress paths, instrumentation, and model repeatability are studied.
A Model Study of the Influence of Stress on the Thermal Conductivity of Dry Sand
Authors: Wetzel RA , Rolle KC
Published: October 2008

An equivalent resistor model was investigated to determine its suitability for describing the thermal conductivity of dry granular soils. The suitability of the model for incorporating the influence of stress on thermal conductivity was also examined. The parameters necessary to specify the model were determined experimentally by fitting the model to measured values of thermal conductivity from two different granular soils. Measurements were made with a thermal probe located in the center of cylindrical specimens of dry sand which were subjected to isotropic compressive stresses in a modified triaxial cell. It was found that the model provides a convenient and accurate method to determine the thermal conductivity of dry granular soils.
The Use of a Centrifuge in Geotechnical Engineering Education
Authors: Craig WH
Published: October 2008

Geotechnical centrifuges have been seen to date principally as research machines. A role is now suggested in which centrifuges of modest size and cost can contribute usefully to the education and training of geotechnical engineers in college laboratories. One such machine, which has been used in teaching for 15 years, is described, and examples of the results of a series of simple demonstrations are shown.
Crevice Corrosion of Grade-12 Titanium
Authors: He X. , Noël J. J. , Shoesmith D. W.
Published: October 2008

The crevice corrosion of ASTM grade-12 titanium (Ti-12; 0.8 wt  % Ni, 0.3 wt  % Mo) has been studied in neutral 0.27 mol/L NaCl at temperatures up to 120°C using a galvanic coupling technique. The results were compared to those of similar experiments conducted on ASTM grade-2 titanium (Ti-2) specimens containing various amounts of iron impurity. The microstructural properties of the Ti-12 were determined by standard metallographic techniques and transmission electron microscopy. Penetration depth profiles were determined using metallographic and image analysis techniques. The redistribution of alloying elements (Ni, Mo) and impurities (Fe), and the location of absorbed hydrogen, were determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging. The rate and extent of crevice propagation were significantly suppressed on Ti-12 compared to Ti-2, especially at higher temperature (120°C). Up to 97 % of the total amount of crevice propagation was driven by proton reduction inside the creviced area rather than by oxygen reduction outside the crevice. SIMS imaging shows that Ni accumulates on the corroding surface, probably in the form of residual Ti2Ni particles. Proton reduction is catalyzed on these particles, leading to their hydriding and an increase in the relative area of internal cathodes compared to available anodic surface area. This self-induced “cathodic modification” effect leads to repassivation of the corroded site before extensive damage can be sustained.
The Use of the Foam Index Test to Predict AEA Dosage in Concrete Containing Fly Ash: Part I—Evaluation of the State of Practice
Authors: Harris Nathan J. , Hover Kenneth C. , Folliard Kevin J. , Ley M. Tyler
Published: October 2008

Foam index tests can be used to predict the air-entraining admixtures dosages for concrete containing fly ash. No industry-accepted foam index test standard exists and widely different methods have been used in research and industry. Four foam index test variants were compared to determine if variations of the test method alter the results or change the decisions one makes on the basis of the test. This is Part I of a three-part series that compares existing foam index methods, identifies factors to which the tests are most sensitive, and proposes detailed guidelines for a standard test method.
Influence of Microstructure on the Mechanical Properties of Thixomolded® Magnesium Alloys
Authors: D’Errico F. , Rivolta B. , Gerosa R. , Perricone G.
Published: October 2008

Thixomolding® processes of magnesium have been highlighted in research and applications in the last decade. While in the past its use was mainly driven by consumer goods and electronic applications by Asian manufacturers (such as notebook computer cases, digital camera bodies, chain saw housings, etc.), currently Thixomolding® has been widely extended to other applications. Some examples are in automotive and sports equipment, such as automotive shift cams, bicycle saddles, fishing reels, snowboard bindings, etc. Wider applications of Thixomolding® magnesium alloys mainly depend on various advantages such as a simple and completely automatic manufacturing process, high productivity, and repeatability of the mechanical properties of parts. Moreover, due to low molding temperatures and laminar flow of the semisolid injected material, longer die life and dimensional precision are expected. In addition, complex geometry and net shape forming are possible, thus avoiding any further machining. Finally, residual porosity, which is one of the typical defects of cast parts (due to gas entrapment in turbulent flow), is avoided because of the laminar flow injection molding in tool-die. In this work, the thixomolded AZ91D and AM60B alloys have been investigated. A complete analysis has been conducted on the as-supplied material, by investigating the microstructure, tensile properties and axial fatigue (fatigue ratio R=0.1) performance. To improve mechanical characteristics, the Tx heat treatment has been performed on the thixomolded material and its effect on the microstructure has been analyzed and documented as a partial dissolution of brittle β-Mg17Al12 phase. The effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of the material has been investigated and documented including the evaluation of a toughness index.
Summary of Dose-Response Modeling for Developmental Toxicity Studies
Authors: Hunt Daniel L. , Rai Shesh N. , Li Chin-Shang
Published: October 2008

Developmental toxicity studies are an important area in the field of toxicology. Endpoints measured on fetuses include weight and indicators of death and malformation. Binary indicator measures are typically summed over the litter and a discrete distribution is assumed to model the number of adversely affected fetuses. Additionally, there is noticeable variation in the litter responses within dose groups that should be taken into account when modeling. Finally, the dose-response pattern in these studies exhibits a threshold effect. The threshold dose-response model is the default model for non-carcinogenic risk assessment, according to the USEPA, and is encouraged by the agency for the use in the risk assessment process. Two statistical models are proposed to estimate dose-response pattern of data from the developmental toxicity study: the threshold model and the spline model. The models were applied to two data sets. The advantages and disadvantages of these models, potential other models, and future research possibilities will be summarized.
Linear and Non-Linear Dose-Response Functions Reveal a Hormetic Relationship between Stress and Learning
Authors: Zoladz Phillip R. , Diamond David M.
Published: October 2008

Over a century of behavioral research has shown that stress can enhance or impair learning and memory. In the present review, we have explored the complex effects of stress on cognition and propose that they are characterized by linear and non-linear dose-response functions, which together reveal a hormetic relationship between stress and learning. We suggest that stress initially enhances hippocampal function, resulting from amygdala-induced excitation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, as well as the excitatory effects of several neuromodulators, including corticosteroids, norepinephrine, corticotropin-releasing hormone, acetylcholine and dopamine. We propose that this rapid activation of the amygdala-hippocampus brain memory system results in a linear dose-response relation between emotional strength and memory formation. More prolonged stress, however, leads to an inhibition of hippocampal function, which can be attributed to compensatory cellular responses that protect hippocampal neurons from excitotoxicity. This inhibition of hippocampal functioning in response to prolonged stress is potentially relevant to the well-described curvilinear dose-response relationship between arousal and memory. Our emphasis on the temporal features of stress-brain interactions addresses how stress can activate, as well as impair, hippocampal functioning to produce a hormetic relationship between stress and learning.
Quality of life and brain damage after microsurgical clip occlusion or endovascular coil embolization for ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: neuropsychological assessment
Authors: Proust François , Martinaud Olivier , Gérardin Emmanuel , Derrey Stéphane , Levèque Sophie , Bioux Sandrine , Tollard Eléonore , Clavier Erick , Langlois Olivier , Godefroy Olivier , Hannequin Didier , Fréger Pierre
Published: October 2008

Object

For anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms, endovascular coil embolization constitutes a safe alternative therapeutic procedure to microsurgical clip occlusion. The authors' aim in this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL), cognitive function, and brain structure damage after the treatment of ruptured ACoA aneurysms in a group of patients who underwent microsurgical clipping (36 patients) compared with a reference group who underwent endovascular coiling (14 patients).

Methods

At 14 months posttreatment all patients underwent evaluations by independent observers. These observers evaluated global efficacy, executive functions using a frontal assessment battery of tests (Trail making test, Stroop tasks, dual task of Baddeley, verbal fluency, and Wisconsin Card Sorting test), behavior dysexecutive syndrome (the Inventaire du Syndrome Dysexécutif Comportemental questionnaire [ISDC]), and QOL by using the Reintegration To Normal Living Index. Brain damage was analyzed using MR imaging.

Results

In the microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling groups, the distribution on the modified Rankin Scale (p = 0.19) and mean QOL score (85.4 vs 83.4, respectively) were similar. Moreover, the proportion of executive dysfunctions (19.4 vs 28.6%, respectively) and the mean score on the ISDC questionnaire (8.9 vs 8.5, respectively) were not significant, but verbal memory was more altered in the microsurgical clipping group (p = 0.055). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the incidence of local encephalomalacia and the median number of lesions per patient increased significantly in the microsurgical clipping group (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In the 2 groups, no significant difference was observed regarding QOL, executive functions, and behavior. Despite the significant decrease in verbal memory after microsurgical clipping, the interdisciplinary approach remains a safe and useful strategy.
Effect of spinal cord stimulation in Type I complex regional pain syndrome with 2 rare severe cutaneous manifestations
Authors: Rijkers Kim , van Aalst Jasper , Kurt Erkan , Daemen Marc A. , Beuls Emile A. M. , Spincemaille Geert H.
Published: October 2008

The authors present the case of a 49-year-old female patient with complex regional pain syndrome–Type I (CRPSI) who was suffering from nonhealing wounds and giant bullae, which dramatically improved after spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The scientific literature concerning severe cutaneous manifestations of CRPS-I and their treatment is reviewed. Nonhealing wounds and bullae are rare manifestations of CRPS-I that are extremely difficult to treat. Immediate improvement of both wounds and bullae after SCS, such as in this case, has not been reported previously in literature. Considering the rapidly progressive nature of these severe skin manifestations, immediate treatment, possibly with SCS, is mandatory.
Toward a Theory of One-Party Government in Africa.
Authors: Tunteng Kiven
Published: October 2008

K. Tunteng — Vers une théorie du parti unique en Afrique. En dépit de la prévalence des systèmes politiques à parti unique en Afrique, le phénomène reste assez peu étudié sur le plan théorique. Parmi les causes favorisantes il faut relever les tendances centrifuges (tribalisme v. nationalisme, etc.) manifestées après l'indépendance. Le parti, en tant qu'institution, ne se confond pas avec l'attitude pratique de l'élite politique ; il y a une certaine confusion entre stabilité institutionnelle et maintien d'une même équipe au pouvoir. Cette dernière exigence est génératrice de contradictions, la suppression totale de l'opposition menant à des conflits de fait au sein de l'élite politique. La possibilité d'intervention des masses est réduite à néant par une contradiction analogue. En fait les méthodes mêmes des partis uniques contredisent leurs objectifs officiels.
État matrimonial, mobilité conjugale et fécondité chez les Nyakyusa. Une étude socio-démographique dans une région rurale en Tanzanie.
Authors: Jonge Klaas de
Published: October 2008

DE JONGE Matrimonial Status Conjugal Mobility and Fecondity among the Nyakyusa Sociodemographic Study in Rural Area of Tanzania Among this group marriage is all but universal girls marry at very young age there is high incidence of both polygyny and divorce woman has 43 chance of marrying more than once This may seem anomalous in patrilineal kinship system but is partly explained by the rules of residence and the early age of marriage
Une ville précoloniale au Nigeria : Ondo.
Authors: Camara Camille
Published: October 2008

C. Camara — Ondo, a Pre-Colonial City in Nigeria. Geo-graphy, short history, and description of social and political institutions of a Yoruba town.
Kazi : Conceptualizations of Labor in a Charismatic Movement among Swahili-Speaking Workers.
Authors: Fabian Johannes
Published: October 2008

J. Fabian — Kazi : concepts relatifs au travail dans un mouvement charismatique parmi des travailleurs zaïrois de langue swahili. Étude socio-sémantique de la notion de « travail » (kazi) chez des membres du mouvement religieux (chrétien) jamaa. Introduction méthodologique critiquant les approches classiques de l'étude de l'adaptation des Africains au travail salarié dans les zones en voie d'industrialisation. Textes en swahili avec traduction, commentaire et analyse du champ sémantique des termes fondamentaux.
Patriarchal Structures and Factional Politics. Toward an Understanding of the Dualist Society.
Authors: Willame Jean-CLaude
Published: October 2008

J.-C. Willame — Structures patriarcales et factions politiques. Politique moderne et chefferies traditionnelles chez les Yaka du Kwango (Zaïre). Historique de la période coloniale. Depuis l'indépendance les conflits politiques ont essentiellement opposé des membres de l'élite, le kiamfu (chef supérieur) restant en retrait. Case studies de diverses personnalités.
Quelques principes du choix des noms individuels dans certaines sociétés bantu.
Authors: Mateene Kahombo
Published: October 2008

K. Mateene — Principles of Personal Name Choice in Some Bantu Societies of Zaïre. Male, female and epicene names ; twins' names ; birth order ; technonyms ; matrimonial status. Hunde, Luba, Kongo, Lega, Nande, Nyanga, Bashi.
A Note on Jean-Baptiste Douville.
Authors: Miller Joseph C.
Published: October 2008

J. C. Miller — Note sur J.-B. Douville. Commentaire de l'article d'A. Stamm paru in CEA, 37, PP- 5-39. L' étude des archives portugaises paraît démontrer la fausseté de beaucoup des allégations de Douville concernant ses prétendus voyages dans l'arrière-pays.
Processus de formation d'une classe sociale dans une société africaine précapitaliste.
Authors: Botte Roger
Published: October 2008

R. Botte — Social class formation in an African pre-capitalist society. In pre-colonial Burundi unequal economic relations, stemming especially from Mehrarbeit bound with landholding, allow for the appearance of a landless peasantry—i.e. a social class. Economic processes, based on the king's political control of landrights, may lead to dispossession, insofar as the control of men— expressed in actual Mehrarbeit is fundamentally based upon the control of land. Mehrarbeit, especially in war, makes for subjects' reproduction qua freemen or self-sustaining peasants. Its refusai, demonstrated by the deliberate relinquishing of land and freedom, appears as an expression of antagonistic social relationships. When a landless peasant (umushumba) enters the service of a master (shebuja) this constitutes both a class- and a person-to-person relationship. According to the dominant ideology the mushumba becomes both a 'son', due to his introduction into the field of kinship/production relationships, and a useless person, insofar as his refusai of Mehrarbeit expresses his refusai to ensure the reproduction of the social system.
La tortue et le léopard chez les Fang du Gabon (Hypothèse de travail sur les contes traduits).
Authors: Mbot Jean-Emile
Published: October 2008

J.-E. Mbot — Tortoise and Leopard among the Gabonese Fang: An Hypothesis about Translated Folktales. Most studies of African folktales are based upon translations which have the advantage of allowing thematic comparisons between various societies. Nevertheless a real understanding of any of these tales must needs be based upon an 'ecological' approach, i.e. one taking into account the particular meaning of a general theme in a given social context.
Population Density and Rural Market Provision.
Authors: Wood L. J.
Published: October 2008

L. J. Wood — Densité de population et marchés ruraux. Étude de la relation entre densité de population et distribution géographique des marchés ruraux à partir de matériaux kenyans. Le plus ou moins grand nombre des sites de marché paraît directement lié à la densité (sauf dans les zones d'exploitation européenne), la modernisation agricole paraissant en faire diminuer le nombre. Une comparaison avec la Chine pré-communiste paraît permettre de généraliser ces observations.
Résidence, tenure foncière, alliance dans une société bilinéaire (Serer du Sine et du Baol, Sénégal).
Authors: Dupire Marguerite , Lericollais André , Delpech Bernard , Gastellu Jean-Marc
Published: October 2008

M. Dupire, A. Lericollais, B. Delpech et J.-M. Gastellu — Residence, Land Tenure and Marriage in a Double-Descent Society: The Serer from the Sine and Baol Regions of Senegal. This society is characterized by virilocal residence, double-descent, and matrilineal inheritance of non-consumable goods. Residential compounds are inherited in both the agnatic and the uterine lines, the relative proportion of each type of succession varying in the four villages under study. A compound may be divided into 'wards', 'kitchens', and, further down, 'uterine huts', each of these units corresponding to a specifie economic function. Starting from K. Gough's five types of residential categories, we define seven different patterns, the form most frequently found being the patrilocal extended family, the elementary family and a composite type of avuncular family, in that order. There is a significant correlation between residence patterns and inheritance of traditional offices. 'Kitchens' differ from compounds insofar as they can be matrilocal and chiefly consist of elementary families. While married sons often live in the same 'kitchen' with their fathers, nephews seldom cohabit with their MB. The 'uterine hut' is the primary unit of economic accumulation. The bilineal pattern of inheritance is also found in the four-level System of land-rights, with a correlation between land-rights and residence. Residential patterns and pre-ferential marriages tend to counterbalance the dispersal of a matrilineage's women resulting from virilocality.
Indian Trade with Ethiopia, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries.
Authors: Pankhurst Richard
Published: October 2008

R. Pankhurst — Le commerce indien avec l'Ethiopie, le golfe d'Aden et la Corne de l'Afrique au XIXe siècle et au début du XXe. Les courants commerciaux entre la côte occidentale de l'Inde et la « Corne » de l'Afrique, aux mains de « banyans » (commerçants hindous), ont subsisté et se sont même parfois renforcés jusqu'après l'intervention directe européenne, pénétrant très avant dans l'intérieur. Témoignages de voyageurs sur l'importance de ce trafic et le statut de ces commerçants.
Le « parti colonial » français pendant la Première Guerre mondiale. Deux tentatives de programme commun.
Authors: Grupp Peter
Published: October 2008

P. Grupp — The French 'Colonial Party' during World War I: Two Attempts for a Common Program. The so-called 'colonial party' was in fact a loose, informal organization of various voluntary unofficial bodies. Two attempts were made, under the aegis, respectively, of the Paris Geographical Society and Deputy E. Etienne, to coordinate their action so as to define a post-war policy. Both failed, and the real leadership of the colonial lobby remained in the hands of a few individuals.
Les formes historiques de la dépendance personnelle dans l'État rwandais
Authors: Rwabukumba Joseph , Mudandagizi Vincent
Published: October 2008

J. Rwabukumba & V. Mudandagizi - Historical forms of personal dependency in the Rwanda kingdom. At the beginning of the 19th century the network of personal dependency between the mwami and the Tutsi lineages was based upon the 'armies' and the ritual functions. It is only at the end of Yuhi Gahindiro's reign (ca. 1830) that other types of personal dependency, especially ubuhake, were established, as shown by the traditional record of a lineage of Tutsi diviners.
Différenciations socio-économiques dans une société à vocation égalitaire : Masaka dans le paysannat de l'Icyanya
Authors: Silvestre Victor
Published: October 2008

V. Silvestre — Socio-economic differences in an equality-oriented society. The officiai regulations governing paysannats were intended to turn them into equalitarian islands in a hierarchical society. Nevertheless after only a few years important differences have appeared between the members of Masaka paysannat. The factors of inequality are shown through a series of case studies: differences in soil fertility, availability of supplementary labour, supple-mentary income from non-agricultural work. There are also prestige factors such as strength of personality, literacy, etc., which resuit in the emergence of a recognized privileged group. Finally a rich man in Masaka is one who takes little part in the agricultural pursuits which are supposed to be essential in the paysannat.
Ritual and History : the Case of Nyabingi
Authors: Freedman Jim
Published: October 2008

J. Freedman — Rite et histoire : le cas de Nyabingi. En dépit de contradictions apparentes, résolues par le caractère cyclique des noms royaux, on peut établir que le personnage central et les événements qui servent de base au culte de Nyabingi, ont un caractère historique (fin du XVIIIe et début du XIXe siècle) plutôt que purement mythologique.
Les campagnes de Rwabugiri : chronologie et bibliographie
Authors: Newbury David
Published: October 2008

D. Newbury — Rwabugiri's war-campaigns: a chronology and bibliography. A chronological and typological analysis of the military ventures of a mid-19th century mwami.
À la recherche d'un absolu missionnaire : Mgr. Truffet, vicaire apostolique des Deux-Guinées (1812-1847)
Authors: Brasseur Paule
Published: October 2008

P. Brasseur — In Searchfor a Missionary Absolute: Letters from Mgr. Truffet, Bishop of the Two-Guineas (1812-1847). Mgr. B. Truffet was the second R.C. missionary bishop in French West Africa, from May 1847 to his death, in November of the same year. During this short space he tried to initiate an original missionary policy, setting the Church well apart from the colonial administration and attacking the slave trade.
Military Recruitment in the Gold Coast during the First World War.
Authors: Thomas Roger
Published: October 2008

R. Thomas — Recrutement militaire en Gold Coast pendant la Première Guerre mondiale. Remise en cause de l'opinion reçue selon laquelle le recrutement dans les colonies britanniques d'Afrique occidentale a été exclusivement basé sur le volontariat. Dans le sud de la Gold Coast certains chefs ont usé d'une « persuasion » contraignante pour enrôler des soldats, tandis que dans le nord l'administration coloniale elle-même a étendu à la conscription les méthodes employées en temps de paix pour le recrutement de la main-d'œuvre. Discussion de l'opinion exprimée à l'époque comme quoi ces méthodes portaient atteinte à l'autorité du gouvernement colonial.
Stéréotypes ethniques et domination coloniale : l'image du Blanc dans la littérature orale africaine
Authors: Görög-Karady Veronika
Published: October 2008

V. Görög-Karady — Ethnic Stereotypes and Colonial Domination: the White Man's Image in African Oral Literature. An analysis of the qualities and faults attributed to the white people in African oral texts, collected mainly during the colonial heyday, shows them to be quite close to the colonial European self-image stereotypes. A likely explanation would seem to lay in a feedback of these stereotypes brought over by colonial institutions such as schools, missions, etc.
Un conte doayo : Singe rouge et Lièvre
Authors: Casu Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2008

J.-C. Casu — A Doayo (Namchi) Tale: Red Monkey and Hare. A two-level analysis of a typical trickster tale showing that, at deep level, it alludes to the circumcision rites.
La toponymie ancienne de la côte entre la Volta et Lagos
Authors: Person Yves
Published: October 2008

Y. Person — Ancient Toponymy of the Atlantic Coast between the Volta River and Lagos. Identification and localisation of place-names in books, archives, maps, etc., mainly Portuguese, since the 16th century.