bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol Synthesis Is Associated with Hepatic Lipid Content and Dependent on Fructose/Glucose Intake in Healthy Humans
Authors: Silbernagel Guenther , Lütjohann Dieter , Machann Juergen , Meichsner Sabrina , Kantartzis Konstantinos , Schick Fritz , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Stefan Norbert , Fritsche Andreas
Published: November 2011

Visceral obesity and fatty liver have been related to high synthesis and low absorption of cholesterol. This study aimed to investigate the associations of cholesterol metabolism with liver and visceral fat content in healthy humans. Another objective was to explore the effects of very-high-fructose and very-high-glucose diets on cholesterol homeostasis. We report on a cohort of 20 people (12 males, 8 females; age30.5±2.0years; body mass index25.9±0.5 kg/m2) who completed a four-week dietary intervention study. Between the baseline and the followup examination the study participants in addition to a balanced weight-maintaining diet received 150 g of either fructose or glucose per day. Visceral and liver fat were measured with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and1H-MR spectroscopy, respectively. Cholesterol absorption and synthesis were estimated from the serum noncholesterol sterol concentrations. Performing cross-sectional analyses the lanosterol and desmosterol to cholesterol ratios were positively correlated with visceral and liver fat content (allP<.03). The lathosterol to cholesterol ratio decreased in response to high-fructose diet (P=.006) but not in response to high-glucose diet. To conclude, visceral and liver fat content are associated with cholesterol synthesis in healthy humans. Furthermore, cholesterol synthesis appears to be dependent on fructose/glucose intake.
Sitting Behaviors and Mental Health among Workers and Nonworkers: The Role of Weight Status
Authors: Proper Karin I. , Picavet H. Susan J. , Bemelmans Wanda J. E. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Wendel-Vos G. C. Wanda
Published: November 2011

Objective. To explore the associations between sitting time in various domains and mental health for workers and nonworkers and the role of weight status.Design. Cross-sectional analyses were performed for 1064 respondents (47% men, mean age 59 years) from the Doetinchem Cohort Study 2008-2009. Sedentary behavior was measured by self-reported time spent sitting during transport, leisure time, and at work. Mental health was assessed by the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5). BMI was calculated based on measured body height and weight.Results. Neither sitting time during transport nor at work was associated with mental health. In the working population, sitting during leisure time, and particularly TV viewing, was associated with poorer mental health. BMI was an effect modifier in this association with significant positive associations for healthy-weight non-workers and obese workers.Conclusion. Both BMI and working status were effect modifiers in the relation between TV viewing and mental health. More longitudinal research is needed to confirm the results and to gain insight into the causality and the underlying mechanisms for the complex relationships among sedentary behaviors, BMI, working status, and mental health.
4G/5G Polymorphism of the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Gene Is Associated with Multiple Organ Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Huq Muhammad Aminul , Takeyama Naoshi , Harada Makoto , Miki Yasuo , Takeuchi Akinori , Inoue Sousuke , Nakagawa Takashi , Kanou Hideki , Hirakawa Akihiko , Noguchi Hiroshi
Published: November 2011

Objective: Impaired fibrinolysis is associated with a higher incidence of both multiple organ dysfunction and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 is the chief inhibitor of fibrinolysis. We investigated the influence of the 4G/5G polymorphism (rs1799768) of the PAI-1 gene on the plasma PAI-1 level and the outcome of critically ill patients. Methods: In 41 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU, PAI-1 gene polymorphism was assessed, plasma PAI-1 and arterial lactate concentrations were measured and clinical severity scores were recorded. Results: Homozygotes for the 4G allele had higher plasma levels of PAI-1 antigen. The mean ± SD PAI-1 antigen level was 193.31 ± 167.93 ng/ml for the 4G/4G genotype, 100.67 ± 114.16 ng/ml for the 4G/5G genotype and 0.43 ± 0.53 ng/ml for the 5G/5G genotype. There was a significant correlation between plasma PAI-1 and arterial lactate concentrations, as well as between PAI-1 and severity scores. The mortality rate was 63, 33 and 0% for patients with the 4G/4G, 4G/5G and 5G/5G genotypes, respectively. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene affects the plasma PAI-1 concentration, which could impair fibrinolysis and cause organ failure, and thus the presence of the 4G allele increases the risk of death.
Closely related Campylobacter jejuni strains from different sources reveal a generalist rather than a specialist lifestyle
Authors: Gripp Eugenia , Hlahla Daniela , Didelot Xavier , Kops Friederike , Maurischat Sven , Tedin Karsten , Alter Thomas , Ellerbroek Lüppo , Schreiber Kerstin , Schomburg Dietmar , Janssen Traute , Bartholomäus Patrick , Hofreuter Dirk , Woltemate Sabrina , Uhr Markus , Brenneke Birgit , Grüning Petra , Gerlach Gerald , Wieler Lothar , Suerbaum Sebastian , Josenhans Christine
Published: November 2011

Background

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are human intestinal pathogens of global importance. Zoonotic transmission from livestock animals or animal-derived food is the likely cause for most of these infections. However, little is known about their general and host-specific mechanisms of colonization, or virulence and pathogenicity factors. In certain hosts, Campylobacter species colonize persistently and do not cause disease, while they cause acute intestinal disease in humans.

Results

Here, we investigate putative host-specificity using phenotypic characterization and genome-wide analysis of genetically closely related C. jejuni strains from different sources. A collection of 473 fresh Campylobacter isolates from Germany was assembled between 2006 and 2010 and characterized using MLST. A subset of closely related C. jejuni strains of the highly prevalent sequence type ST-21 was selected from different hosts and isolation sources. PCR typing of strain-variable genes provided evidence that some genes differed between these strains. Furthermore, phenotypic variation of these strains was tested using the following criteria: metabolic variation, protein expression patterns, and eukaryotic cell interaction. The results demonstrated remarkable phenotypic diversity within the ST-21 group, which however did not correlate with isolation source. Whole genome sequencing was performed for five ST-21 strains from chicken, human, bovine, and food sources, in order to gain insight into ST-21 genome diversity. The comparisons showed extensive genomic diversity, primarily due to recombination and gain of phage-related genes. By contrast, no genomic features associated with isolation source or host were identified.

Conclusions

The genome information and phenotypic data obtained in vitro and in a chicken infection model provided little evidence of fixed adaptation to a specific host. Instead, the dominant C. jejuni ST-21 appeared to be characterized by phenotypic flexibility and high genetic microdiversity, revealing properties of a generalist. High genetic flexibility might allow generalist variants of C. jejuni to reversibly express diverse fitness factors in changing environments.
Auto-aggressive metallic mercury injection around the knee joint: a case report
Authors: Friesenbichler Joerg , Maurer-Ertl Werner , Sadoghi Patrick , Wolf Elisabeth , Leithner Andreas
Published: November 2011

Background

Accidental or intentional subcutaneous and/or intramuscular injection of metallic mercury is an uncommon form of poisoning. Although it does not carry the same risk as mercury vapour inhalation, it may cause destructive early and late reactions.

Case Presentation

Herein we present the case of a 29-year-old male patient who developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder causing auto-aggressive behaviour with injection of elemental mercury and several other foreign bodies into the soft tissues around the left knee about 15 years before initial presentation. For clinical examination X-rays and a CT-scan of the affected area were performed. Furthermore, blood was taken to determine the mercury concentration in the blood, which showed a concentration 17-fold higher than recommended. As a consequence, the mercury depots and several foreign bodies were resected marginally.

Conclusion

Blood levels of mercury will decrease rapidly following surgery, especially in combination with chelating therapy. In case of subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of metallic mercury we recommend marginal or wide excision of all contaminated tissue to prevent migration of mercury and chronic inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged clinical and biochemical monitoring should be performed for several years to screen for chronic intoxication.
The chemopreventive effect of Ginkgo biloba and Silybum marianum extracts on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats
Authors: El Mesallamy Hala O , Metwally Nadia S , Soliman Mahmoud S , Ahmed Kawkab A , Abdel Moaty Mai M
Published: November 2011

Background/objective

This study was designed to evaluate the potential chemopreventive activities of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) and Silybum marianum extract (silymarin) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 served as normal control rats. Group 2 animals were intragastrically administrated NDEA at a dose of 10 mg/kg five times a week for 12 weeks to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Groups 3 and 4 animals were pretreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. Groups 5 and 6 animals were posttreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. The investigated parameters in serum are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The investigated parameters in liver tissue are malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and comet assay parameters.

Results

In NDEA group, MDA level was elevated with subsequent decrease in GSH level and SOD, GPx and GR activities. In addition, NDEA group revealed a significant increase in serum ALT, AST and GGT activities and VEGF level. Furthermore, NDEA administrated animals showed a marked increase in comet assay parameters. These biochemical alterations induced by NDEA were confirmed by the histopathological examination of rat livers intoxicated with NDEA that showed an obvious cellular damage and well differentiated HCC.

In contrast, silymarin+NDEA treated groups (3&5) and EGb+NDEA treated groups (4&6) showed a significant decrease in MDA level and a significant increase in GSH content and SOD, GPx and GR activities compared to NDEA group. Silymarin and EGb also beneficially down-regulated the increase in serum ALT, AST, GGT activities and VEGF level induced by NDEA. In addition, silymarin and EGb significantly decreased comet assay parameters. Histopathological examination of rat livers treated with either silymarin or EGb exhibited an improvement in the liver architecture compared to NDEA group.

Conclusions

The obtained findings suggested that silymarin and EGb may have beneficial chemopreventive roles against hepatocarcinogenesis through their antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antigenotoxic activities.
Interrogating population structure and its impact on association tests
Authors: Qin Huaizhen , Elston Robert C , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2011

We found from our analysis of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data that the population structure of the 697 unrelated individuals was an important confounding factor for association studies, even if it was not explicitly considered when simulating the phenotypes. We uncovered structures beyond the reported ethnicities and found ample evidence of phenotype–population structure associations. The first 10 principal components of the genotype data of the 697 individuals demonstrated much stronger associations with Q1, Q2, and the disease than did the individuals’ ethnicities. In addition, we observed that population structure was a confounding factor for the Q1-gene association when identifying the significant genes both with and without adjusting for the causal single-nucleotide polymorphisms, the ethnicities, and the principal components. Many false discoveries remained after adjusting for the causal single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Adjusting for the principal components appeared more effective than did adjusting for ethnicity in terms of preventing false discoveries. This analysis was performed with knowledge of the causal loci.
Large-scale laboratory tests on artificial ground freezing under seepage-flow conditions
Authors: PIMENTEL E. , SRES A. , ANAGNOSTOU G.
Published: November 2011

A high seepage-flow velocity represents a potential problem for artificial ground freezing (AGF), as it may hinder the growth of an ice body and the development of a closed ice wall. To avoid such difficulties, careful thermal hydraulic analysis is necessary. This presupposes, of course, that the reliability of the underlying computational models has been verified by means of comparisons with the results of appropriate field tests or physical models. As there are scarcely any results of such tests available in the literature, a new large-scale physical model for AGF under conditions of high seepage-flow velocities has been developed. The present paper documents in detail the experimental set-up, the thermodynamic properties of the soil material, the boundary conditions, and the results of six experiments. These data are valuable as a reliable basis for the evaluation of numerical or analytical prediction models. Additionally, the paper discusses existing closed-form solutions for AGF with and without seepage flow in the light of the experimental results, from the perspective of the refrigeration time and the cooling power required for the merger of a freeze-pipe row.
Paratuberculosis in breeding stock of red Holstein cows
Authors: Prodanovic Radisa , Vujanac Ivan , Kirovski Danijela , Ivetic Vojin , Savic Bozidar , Zutic Milenko , Kureljusic Branislav , Radanovic Oliver
Published: November 2011

This paper describes paratuberculosis in an isolated breeding herd of 25
high-yield dairy cows of the Red Holstein breed. The animals were examined
clinically and then given the test for ldelayed type hypersensitivity and
their blood serum was examined for the presence of specific antibodies
against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The clinical
examination revealed that two cows exhibited symptoms of the disease that
indicated an advanced stage of paratuberculosis. The following parameters
were examined in the blood of the cows that showed clinical signs of the
disease: leukocytes and erythrocytes count, concentrations of total proteins,
albumin, iron, sodium, potassium, and activity of creatine kinase. The
analysis of the red blood cell count revealed certain digressions that
indicated the existence of hypochromic microcytic anaemia. The number of
leukocytes was within the physiological values, but the neutrophil-lymphocyte
ratio was disrupted and stood at almost 1:1. The results of the biochemical
analyses of the blood serum of diseased cows indicated hypoproteinaemia,
hypoalbuminaemia, hypoferremia, hyposodiumaemia, hypokalemia, and increased
activities of creatine kinase enzymes. A suspect reaction on the site of
application of avian tuberculin was determined in two animals. Animals with
clinical signs of the disease reacted negative to the test of delayed type
hypersensitivity. The presence of specific antibodies against the cause of
paratuberculosis was proven in four animals (16%), including two animals with
clinical signs of the disease and one that had a suspect reaction on the site
of application of avian tuberculin. Furthermore, one animal that died
exhibited macroscopic and microscopic changes regarding the intensity and
distribution of lesions, the type of cellular infiltrate, and the number of
present acidresistent bacteria, and the changes were characterized as diffuse
changes of multibacillary type. The cause of bovine paratuberculosis was
isolated from the altered organs.
Investigation of presence of α haemolytic streptococci, enterococci and streptococci-like bacteria in different materials originating from pigs
Authors: Stanojkovic Aleksandar , Asanin Ruzica , Asanin Jelena , Palic Ksenija , Stanojkovic Aleksandra , Zutic Jadranka
Published: November 2011

The aim of this investigation was to establish the presence and prevalence of
streptococci, enterococci and streptococci-like bacteria in various materials
originating from healthy, slaughtered and dead pigs belonging to different
categories from several farms and slaughterhouses in the Republic of Serbia.
The total number of investigated samples comprised 226 swabs of tonsils and
noses from clinically healthy breeders, swabs of tonsils from piglets 5-20
days old, parts of nasopharyngeal tonsils from breeders slaughtered in a
slaughterhouse, parts of nasopharyngeal tonsils from piglets slaughtered in a
slaughterhouse, swabs of slaughtered pig carcasses from a slaughterhouse,
swabs from knives for evisceration in a slaughterhouse, as well as swabs of
lungs, abdominal cavity and organs from piglets which died suddenly. The
standard microbiological methods were used for investigations of the presence
of the listed microorganisms. Commercial biochemical tests were used for the
identification of the isolated bacteria and specific sera for capsular
antigenes were used for serological determination of the isolated S. suis
strains. It was established that the great majority of the isolated strains
belonged to the genus Streptococcus (36) (75%), and the minority of the
strains belonged to the following genera: Enterococcus (6) (10.4%),
Aerococcus (3) (6.2%), Lactococcus (2) (4.2%) and Globicatella (2) (4.2%).
The great majority of Streptococcus species belonged to S. suis. The presence
of other ? haemolytic streptococci was established in the swabs of
nasopharyngeal tonsils: Streptococcus sanguinis (13.8%), Streptococcus
salivarius (5.6%), Streptococcus mitis (5.6%), Streptococcus parasanguinis
(2.7%) and Streptococcus oralis (2.7%). Also, S. bovis was isolated in a
smaller percentage (5.6%). The greatest number of isolated bacteria from the
genus Enterococcus belonged to Enterococcus faecalis (80%), while the
minority of isolated strains belonged to Enterococcus faecium (20%). The
following from the streptococci-like bacteria were isolated: Aerococcus
viridans, Globicatella sanguinis and Lactococcus lactis ssp.cremoris.
Arcanobacterium pyogenes: Virulence factors, importance in mastitis etiology and therapeutic (im)possibilities
Authors: Milanov Dubravka , Petrovic Jelena , Kapetanov Milos , Suvajdzic Ljiljana
Published: November 2011

Arcanobacterium pyogenes is an opportunistic pathogen, a causative agent of
suppurative infections of organs and tissues in economically important
livestock species. Most frequently this bacteria is isolated from inflamed
lung lesions in pigs and cattle, in samples of uterine mucus of cows with
endometritis and milk from cows with clinical mastitis. A. pyogenes possesses
a number of virulence factors: cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (pyolysin),
two neuraminidases, several proteases, extracellular matrix-binding proteins,
DNases, fimbriae. The virulence factors are well studied in laboratory
conditions, but the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of A. pyogenes
infections remains to be elucidated. Lately, the ability of A. pyogenes to
form biofilm in vivo has also been implicated as a virulence factor and a
possible cause of therapeutic failure. Despite the fact that A. pyogenes milk
isolates in cows with mastitis in vitro are very sensitive to ?-lactam drugs
and tetracycline, experience has shown that therapy is usually ineffective,
prognosis is poor and the affected quarter is lost for milk production.
Fernblock, a Nutriceutical with Photoprotective Properties and Potential Preventive Agent for Skin Photoaging and Photoinduced Skin Cancers
Authors: Gonzalez Salvador , Gilaberte Yolanda , Philips Neena , Juarranz Angeles
Published: November 2011

Many phytochemicals are endowed with photoprotective properties, i.e., the capability to prevent the harmful effects of excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. These effects include photoaging and skin cancer, and immunosuppression. Photoprotection is endowed through two major modes of action: UV absorption or reflection/scattering; and tissue repair post-exposure. We and others have uncovered the photoprotective properties of an extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos (commercial name Fernblock). Fernblock is an all-natural antioxidant extract, administered both topically (on the skin) or orally. It inhibits generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by UV including superoxide anion. It also prevents damage to the DNA, inhibits UV-induced AP1 and NF-κB, and protects endogenous skin natural antioxidant systems, i.e., CAT, GSH, and GSSR. Its photoprotective effects at a cellular level include a marked decrease of UV-mediated cellular apoptosis and necrosis and a profound inhibition of extracellular matrix remodeling. These molecular and cellular effects translate into long-term inhibition of photoaging and carcinogenesis that, together with its lack of toxicity, postulate its use as a novel-generation photoprotective nutriceutical of phytochemical origin.
Dietary Lipoic Acid Influences Antioxidant Capability and Oxidative Status of Broilers
Authors: Chen Peng , Ma Qiu-Gang , Ji Cheng , Zhang Jian-Yun , Zhao Li-Hong , Zhang Yong , Jie Yong-Ze
Published: November 2011

The effects of lipoic acid (LA) on the antioxidant status of broilers were investigated. Birds (1 day old) were randomly assigned to four groups and fed corn-soybean diets supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg LA, respectively. The feeding program included a starter diet from 1 to 21 days of age and a grower diet from 22 to 42 days of age. Serum, liver and muscle samples were collected at 42 days of age. For antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum, liver and breast muscle significantly increased in chickens fed with LA. The concentration of malondiadehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was significantly lower in serum, liver and leg muscle in birds that received LA than in the control group. Treatments with LA significantly increased glutathione (GSH) content in liver and increased α-tocopherol content in leg muscle as compared to the control. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 300 mg/kg LA may enhance antioxidant capability and depress oxidative stress in broilers.
Comparative Study Using Different Infrared Zones of the Solventless Activation of Organic Reactions
Authors: Córdova María Olivia Noguez , Ramírez Carlos I. Flores , Bejarano Benjamín Velasco , Razo Gabriel A. Arroyo , Flores Francisco J. Pérez , Tellez Vladimir Carranza , Ruvalcaba René Miranda
Published: November 2011

In this work, the results of a study comparing the use of irradiation from different regions of the infrared spectrum for the promotion of several organic reactions, are presented and discussed. This use of eco-conditions provides a green approach to chemical synthesis. A set of ten different organic reactions were evaluated, including the Knoevenagel, Hantzsch, Biginelli and Meldrum reactions. It is important to highlight the use of a commercial device that produces infrared irradiation in the near infrared region and its distribution by convection providing heating uniformity, significantly reducing reaction times, achieving good yields and proceeding in the absence of solvent. It is also worth noting that a variety of different reactions may be performed at the same time. Finally, the products obtained were identified using TLC, together with corresponding MS-data, complementarily in comparison of NMR 1H and 13C data with literature information.
Connaître les migrations
Authors: Desplanques Guy
Published: November 2011

To know the migrations

As there are no population registers in France, most of the information on residential mobility is given by censuses. Although this source is very rich, it does not answer all the questions. It only measures mobility over a long period of time: seven or eight years. It suffers from memory errors. Other statistical surveys can give information on this topic. Among them, the Labour Force survey is the best one. Because it is undertaken every year, because it measures mobility during the last year, and collects information on the situation before migration it can be used to appreciate the evolution of mobility and to understand the migratory behaviours. It is so possible to analyse interaction between activity and mobility. Active woman have a lower mobility, but in some couples, to change place of residence allows a woman to find a job. Mobility of couples is not always related to the man's occupation.
Géographie de la santé, santé de la géographie.
Authors: Salem Gérard
Published: November 2011

Geography of Health, Health of Geography.

In France, Geography of Health remains an underdeveloped part of the discipline. Yet, health seems to be a major social, economical and political stake both in the developed and in the developing countries. The contribution of geographers to the understanding of sanitary conditions of societies is a sociopolitical view of the geography of diseases and of the geography of health care. This approach contributes to a non bio-medical definition of health cases and more generally of health systems.
Géographie de la violence urbaine en banlieue
Authors: Joly Jacques
Published: November 2011

A Geography of Urban Violence in the French suburbs.

In the French urban peripheries, about a thousand districts said «disadvantaged» or «sensitive» are registered, in which are concentrated the most serious social difficulties, particularly unemployment and deliquency. The urban violence (defined as the whole attacks against institutions and officers that are representative of the State and the various authorities) is being significantly developed since the early 1990s. From original sources of the ministère de l'Intérieur (the French «Home Office»), the author attempts to delimit this phenomenon of anti-institutional violence, to understand its level, its forms and its evolution, and to find its geographical distribution in France. A strong but non exclusive relationship is seen between drug and violence demonstrations.
Inertie et localisation des immigrés dans l'espace parisien.
Authors: Guillon Michelle
Published: November 2011

Inertia and Residential Location of Immigrants within the Parisian Space.

The knowledge of the history of immigration, allowing to take into account heritages, is necessary to understand the present location of immigrants within the Parisian space. When one reads a map locating todays various immigrant populations, it is helpful to keep in mind which were the settling areas that the first immigrants of a group adopted depending on employment and housing opportunities in the economic context on their arrival. That historical background also allows to understand the development process of new incomers' settling areas in which the various migratory waves keep succeeding.
Les fluctuations de la fécondité en Europe : Etats et régions.
Authors: Decroly Jean-Michel , Grimmeau Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

Fertility Changes in Europe: States and Regions.

The paper analyses the annual evolution of the Total Fertility Rate for whole Europe (except the ex-USSR) on the scale of the states (since 1950) and of the regions (since 1960). It shows the periods of coherent evolution and the turning points. The chronology at the regional level does not differ from that of states. The fertility evolution is very homogeneous inside three supra-national entities. Any regional diffusion processes can be observed.
De la variabilité des paramètres démographiques pour les petites populations.
Authors: Eggerickx Thierry , Poulain Michel
Published: November 2011

Différents obstacles tels que l'absence de données, une variabilité excessive des paramètres ou des problèmes de confidentialité empêchent généralement les possibilités de développement de l'analyse démographique des populations locales. Cet article concerne plus particulièrement le problème de la variabilité des paramètres quand on traite des petits nombres. C'est généralement le cas des populations locales, même lorsque l'on regroupe plusieurs années d'observations. L'étude conclut en donnant des formules d'estimation d'intervalles de fiabilité pour différents paramètres démographiques et propose quelques exemples à partir d'un panel de communes belges aux effectifs de population différents.
A geography of the sex ratio in India / Une géographie du sex-ratio en Inde
Authors: Atkins P. J. , Townsend J. G. , Raju S. , Kumar N.
Published: November 2011

A Geography of the Sex Ratio in India.

The 1991 Census of India found that for every 1000 males there were only 927 females. This sex ratio shows that the country has one of the lowest proportions of girls and women in its population in the world. The paper seeks to explain why and also broadens the discussion by investigating the male/female balance in different regions, between the city and the countryside, and among scheduled castes and tribus.
Comparison of a new hydro-surgical technique to traditional methods for the preparation of full-thickness skin grafts from canine cadaveric skin and report of a single clinical case
Authors: Ralphs S. C. , Coronado G , Sweet D. C. , Ward J. , Bloch C. P. , Townsend III F. I.
Published: November 2011

Objective: To compare the hydro-surgical technique to traditional techniques for removal of subcutaneous tissue in the preparation of full-thickness skin grafts.

Study design: Ex vivo experimental study and a single clinical case report.

Sample population: Four canine cadavers and a single clinical case.

Methods: Four sections of skin were harvested from the lateral flank of recently euthanatized dogs. Traditional preparation methods used included both a blade or scissors technique, each of which were compared to the hydro-surgical technique individually. Preparation methods were compared based on length of time for removal of the subcutaneous tissue from the graft, histologic grading, and measurable thickness as compared to an untreated sample.

Results: The hydro-surgical technique had the shortest skin graft preparation time as compared to traditional techniques (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the histological grading or measurable subcutaneous thickness between skin specimens.

Clinical significance: The hydro-surgical technique provides a rapid, effective debridement of subcutaneous tissue in the preparation of full-thickness skin grafts. There were not any significant changes in histological grade and subcutaneous tissue remaining among all treatment types. Additionally the hydro-surgical technique was successfully used to prepare a full-thickness meshed free skin graft in the reconstruction of a traumatic medial tarsal wound in a dog.

Presented at the ACVS symposium during the resident seminar, Seattle, Washington,USA on October 22, 2010.
Recent advances in direct C–H arylation: Methodology, selectivity and mechanism in oxazole series
Authors: Verrier Cécile , Lassalas Pierrik , Théveau Laure , Quéguiner Guy , Trécourt François , Marsais Francis , Hoarau Christophe
Published: November 2011

Catalytic direct (hetero)arylation of (hetero)arenes is an attractive alternative to traditional Kumada, Stille, Negishi and Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions, notably as it avoids the prior preparation and isolation of (hetero)arylmetals. Developments of this methodology in the oxazole series are reviewed in this article. Methodologies, selectivity, mechanism and future aspects are presented.
Semantic Integration of Structured and Unstructured Data in Data Warehousing and Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Haak Liane
Published: November 2011

Nowadays, increasing information in enterprises demands new ways of searching and connecting the existing information systems. This chapter describes an approach for the integration of structured and unstructured data focusing on the application to Data Warehousing (DW) and Knowledge Management (KM). Semantic integration is used to improve the interoperability between two well-known and established information systems in the business context of nowadays enterprises. The objective is to introduce a semantic solution in the field of Business Intelligence based on ontology integration. The main focus of this chapter is not to provide a complete literature review of all existing approaches or just to point put the motivation for such an approach. In fact, it presents, under consideration of the most important research approaches, a solution for how a Semantic Integration could be technically achieved in this specific application area. After pointing out the motivation, a short introduction to Semantic Integration, the problems and challenges occurring from it, and the application area of Knowledge Management and Data Warehousing are given. Besides the basic ideas of ontologies and ontology integration are introduced. The approach itself starts with a short overview on the determined requirements, followed by a concept for generating an ontology from a Data Warehouse System (DWS) to be finally integrated with Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) ontology. Finally SENAGATOR, an exemplarily system for semantic navigation based on integrated ontologies, is shortly introduced.
EPCs Annotated with Lexical and Semantic Labels to Bridge the Gap between Human Understandability and Machine Interpretability
Authors: Bögl Andreas , Karlinger Michael , Schrefl Michael , Pomberger Gustav
Published: November 2011

Labels of EPC functions and events are the key to understanding EPC models by humans and by machines. Empirical studies show that the current labeling practice of model elements is conducted rather arbitrarily which inherently causes potential threats for understanding by humans. Thus, refactoring of model element labels is suggested either human-driven or with automated support while semantic annotation using domain-ontologies is well-recognized to approach the understanding of model elements by machines. Current research either focuses on improving the quality of labels or on semantic annotation to facilitate machine interpretability. To the best of our knowledge, there is a significant lack of approaches that facilitate to exploit the potentials and benefits arising from bridging the gap between approaches that improve human understandability and that facilitate machine interpretability. This work introduces a comprehensive, formalized approach that enables the modeling tasks automated refactoring of model elements and automated semantic annotation by bridging the gap between informal and formal representation of model elements.
Archetypes of memory and amnesia in South African soap opera
Authors: Marx Hannelie
Published: November 2011

This essay investigates the relationship between memory, or rather amnesia, in the South African context and soap opera. South Africa has only recently celebrated ten years of democracy and the past still affects the lives of its inhabitants. The country has undergone far-reaching shifts in its political, economic and cultural paradigms. These also manifest in the production of meaning in popular visual culture, and more particularly, in soap opera. South Africans remember in different ways - processes that are reflected in the narratives of local soap opera. The genre is popular and its viewers invariably identify with the extended story plots. Amnesia often comprises a large part of soap opera narrative. This essay suggests that archetypes and myths of amnesia may shed some light on these recurring themes of memory and amnesia. Initially, archetypes and myths pertaining to memory and amnesia are discussed, followed by the exploration of its manifestation in local soap opera.
From spirit cult to artistic creation: The case of the genie Toula or Toulé
Authors: Seyni Ali
Published: November 2011

...
Two favourite themes in Nigérien literature
Authors: Daouda Abdoul-Aziz Issa
Published: November 2011

Critics tend to generalise in their analysis of African literature by presenting it from two main angles: anti-colonial literature and the literature of disenchantment focused on a criticism of the political regimes that came out of independence. However, not only did Nigérien literature emerge after independence, but writers from Niger tend to emphasise certain themes addressing practical concerns that are specific to their community; they do not focus on political satire per se. Hence, Niger’s novelists pay attention to essential themes like drought and famine, rural exodus and emigration. Such themes, while constituting the originality of their writing, unfortunately also preclude the usual generalisations of which critics are so enamoured. Key words: Key words: Nigérien novel,drought, famine, rural exodus / migration, emigration
“Ons kan maar net versin. En aan ons versinsels glo. Glo wat ander aan ons versin”: Die herinnerde verlede in Elsa Joubert se Die reise van Isobelle.
Authors: Burger Willie
Published: November 2011

The experience of the passage of time and our attempts to remember the past is central in Elsa Joubert’s Die reise van Isobelle (1995) (translated in English as Isobelle’s Journey). In this novel memory and the importance of remembering is contemplated. The novel starts with the end of an era (the Victorian era – described as an era of “innocence” of which we can only recognise the “pattern” afterwards) and closes with the end of an era (the end of apartheid). The ending of two eras draws attention to the passage of time. Remembering the past is a flawed process, often brings a sense of loss, but also contributes finding a way of looking towards the future. In this article the problems with remembering and forgetting is traced in the novel, but also how memory brings new possibilities to confront an uncertain future of which the patterns are not yet discernable. The novel deals specifically with autobiographic memory and the way in which this kind of memory contributes to morality. Ways in which memory can be employed to engage meaningfully with the current situation are indicated.
75 jaar van Tydskrif vir Letterkunde – ’n voorlopige verkenning
Authors: Stander Jan
Published: November 2011

Tydskrif vir Letterkunde was founded in 1936 as the Jaarboek van die Afrikaanse Skrywerskring (Yearbook of the Afrikaans Writers’ Circle). This article explores the history of the Skrywerskring and its journal, particularly its establishment and early history, as well as its surrounding political and literary environment. Primary research for this study was undertaken in the archives of the National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre in Bloemfontein and the documentary holdings on the Afrikaanse Skrywerskring at the Universities of Stellenbosch and South Africa. In this study, particular attention is paid to the so-called North-South divide in Afrikaans literature, the political milieu, the writers’ organisation’s attitude to censorship, its withdrawal from PEN International and lastly, a brief overview of the role of its six editors since 1936. In its initial years the Skrywerskring demonstrated a proximity to the political powers of the day, suggesting a lack of critical distance. With the demise of the Skrywerskring during the last decade of the 20th century the journal almost floundered. Since 2003 the journal was fundamentally repositioned to reflect not only Afrikaans Literature but also literatures from the rest of the African continent and African diaspora.
Hybridische zelfpositionering en performance in Breytenbachs reisverhalen
Authors: Moon Jihie
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on the hybrid self-representation and liminal self-positioning of Breyten Breytenbach as presented in his twotravelogues, Return to Paradise (1993) and Dog Heart (1998). Firstly, the form of travel writing is shown to be a suitable genrefor the manifestation of a nomadic or ‘travelling’ subject. Secondly, his liminal self-positioning toward Afrikaner society reflects theproblem of identity in post-apartheid South Africa, as well as the writer’s performance of a future agency for rehabilitating thecollective self within a new South African community. Breytenbach is seen to manifest his cultural identity on the one hand, whileattempting to position this identity within the multicultural society on the other. Key words: autobiography, BreytenBreytenbach, hybridity, identity, self-positioning.
The Significance of Early Pregnancy Units in the Practice of a Busy Obstetric Unit
Authors: Abushama Mandy , Almuhanadi Halima
Published: November 2011

A significant proportion of women experience bleeding in early pregnancy resulting in considerable distress. Early pregnancy unit (EPAU) should promote the sensitive and efficient management of women with early pregnancy problems and we believe this is best achieved by the establishment of a dedicated unit with dedicated staff. This paper outlines the experience of setting up an early pregnancy unit in a busy obstetrical unit.
Food Deprivation and Social Stratification in Prewar Hungary
Authors: Sozan Michael
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to examine patterns of nutrition within a village community in Hungary during the interwar years (1919-1945). At that time Hungary acquired its present-day borders and came to be ruled by an inflexible government reluctant to carry out badly needed reform. Hungarians experienced a wide range of problems, one of which was rural poverty. One index of poverty is food deprivation which can be assessed from contemporary documents as well as the testimony of those who experienced it. Peasants during these years suffered grave food shortages and became the most discontented segment of society. Had the regime listened to their complaints, the post-World War II communist regime would have had less reason and fewer allies to apply the amount of force it did for the reorganization of rural society.
Growth and Regional Variations in Unemployment in Yugoslavia: 1965-80
Authors: Katz Arnold
Published: November 2011

There is scarcely an aspect of Yugoslavia's self-managed economy which has not been studied for its insights into the performance of a labor-managed market economy. Of the many potential indicators, an impressive postwar record of economic growth may be the greatest success and the persistently high levels of unemployment the worst failure of self-management. This paper discusses an empirical study showing that although rapid growth and unusually high unemployment have been intimately related. it has been for reasons largely unconnected to Yugoslavia's labor-managed system.
Planning Refinements and Combine Formation in East German Economic "Intensification"
Authors: Bryson Phillip J. , Melzer Manfred
Published: November 2011

In recent years, the formation of industrial combines (Kombinate) and the introduction of economic planning innovations appear to have been responsible for a surprisingly strong economic performance on the part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The positive recent record seems to have convinced the GDR political and intellectual elite (and given them courage to suggest in private) that their country, rather than Hungary, for example, has become the model for further socialist development.
Leo Tolstoi's Christian Pacifism: The American Contribution
Authors: Sokolow Jayme A. , Roosev Priscilla R.
Published: November 2011

In 1869, shortly after completing War and Peace and in seemingreaction to an intense spiritual crisis known as "the Arzamas terror," Lev NikoJaevich Tolstoi appears to have decided to abandon the narrative fiction at which he excelled. Within a decade he had begun to produce the religious and didactic writings which were to bring him equal fame as a Christian moralist and philosopher. By 1883, when he published What I Believe (V chem moia vera?), Tolstoi was counseling absolute nonresistance to evil. In subsequent years he quarreled with the Russian Orthodox Church, rejected the state and its coercive apparatus, and became a corrosive critic of his society.
An Interdisciplinary Focus Group Study on Students' Perceptions of Preparedness for Upper-Division Coursework in Teaching and Nursing
Authors: Dunlap Karen , Anderson Gina B. , Rademacher Joyce , McMenamy Nancy
Published: November 2011

Many universities positively impact student retention rates by aligning state competencies and undergraduate coursework with specific learning outcomes known to contribute to success. Faculty from teaching and nursing conducted interdisciplinary focus group research to gather student perceptions concerning whether skills obtained through core class instruction prepared them for professional coursework.
Balancing Participation Across Students in Large College Classes via Randomized Participation Credit
Authors: McCleary Daniel F. , Aspiranti Kathleen B. , Foster Lisa N. , Blondin Carolyn A. , Gaylon Charles E. , Yaw Jared S. , Forbes Bethany N. , Williams Robert L.
Published: November 2011

The study examines the effects of randomized credit on the percentage of students participating at four predefined levels. Students recorded their comments on specially designed record cards, and days were randomly selected for participation credit. This arrangement balanced participation across students while cutting instructor time for recording participation in half.
Antikoagulation bei Vorhofflimmern
Authors: Bode C. , Moser M.
Published: November 2011

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most frequent reasons for therapeutic anticoagulation in everyday practice. Oral vitamin K antagonists such as Marcumar have been state of the art anticoagulants to prevent thrombembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation and additional risk factors. But these drugs are accompanied by disadvantages such as increased bleeding risk and impaired quality of life caused by interactions with food or other medications as well as frequent controls of INRs.

The new anticoagulants apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran are direct antagonists of coagulation factors (FXa or FIIa) and demonstrate a promising risk/benefit profile in large clinical trials compared with vitamin K antagonists.Their approval for clinical use will open up new therapeutic perspectives for patients with atrial fibrillation and indication for anticoagulation.
Synthesis of Group 9 Metal‐Olefin Complexes with Identical Ligand Frameworks and Comparison of their Catalytic Activity in [2+2+2] Cycloaddition and other Addition Reactions
Authors: Weding Nico , Jackstell Ralf , Jiao Haijun , Spannenberg Anke , Hapke Marko
Published: November 2011

The preparation and catalytic evaluation of the three group 9 (cyclopentadienyl)metal(trimethylvinylsilane) complexes of the type C5H5M(H2CCHSiMe3)2 (M=cobalt, rhodium and iridium) are reported. The complexes were investigated in [2+2+2] cycloaddition as well as in hydrogenation, hydroformylation and hydroboration reactions. Despite the identical organic frameworks and structural parameters, the complexes display remarkable reactivity and stability differences.