bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin F2α Represses IGF-I-Stimulated IRS1/Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/AKT Signaling in the Corpus Luteum: Role of ERK and P70 Ribosomal S6 Kinase
Authors: Arvisais Edward , Hou Xiaoying , Wyatt Todd A. , Shirasuna Koumei , Bollwein Heinrich , Miyamoto Akio , Hansen Thomas R. , Rueda Bo R. , Davis John S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractLittle is known about the early intracellular events that contribute to corpus luteum regression. Experiments were designed to determine the effects of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling in the corpus luteum in vivo and in vitro. Treatment of midluteal-phase cows with a luteolytic dose of PGF2α resulted in a rapid increase in ERK and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K1) signaling and a rapid suppression of Akt phosphorylation in luteal tissue. In vitro treatment of primary cultures of luteal cells with PGF2α also resulted in an increase in ERK and mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling and a diminished capacity of IGF-I to stimulate PI3K, Akt, and protein kinase C ζ activation. Accounting for the reductions in PI3K and Akt activation observed in response to PGF2α treatment, we found that PGF2α promoted the phosphorylation of serine residues (307, 612, 636) in the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) peptide sequence in vivo and in vitro. Serine phosphorylation of IRS1 was associated with reduced formation of IGF-I-stimulated IRS1/PI3Kp85 complexes. Furthermore, treatment with inhibitors of the MAPK kinase 1/ERK or mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling pathways prevented PGF2α-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS1 and abrogated the inhibitory actions of PGF2α on Akt activation. Taken together, these experiments provide compelling evidence that PGF2α treatment stimulates IRS1 serine phosphorylation, which may contribute to a diminished capacity to respond to IGF-I. It seems likely that the rapid changes in phosphorylation events are among the early events that mediate PGF2α-induced corpus luteum regression.
Evaluation criteria of the constitutive law formulation for the metal-cutting process
Authors: Shi B , Attia M H 
Published: February 2010

Modelling of the cutting process is necessary to predict cutting forces, residual stresses, and burr formation. A major difficulty in this modelling process is the description of the material behaviour in the primary and the secondary deformation zones, which is characterized by severe plastic deformation at high temperatures and strain rates. The description of the material behaviour requires correct formulation of the constitutive law. Although a number of formulations have been proposed to capture the flow stress behaviour, the assessment of these formulations for the cutting process is still a very difficult task owing to the lack of direct measurements of the high strains, strain rates, and temperatures encountered in the cutting process. This paper presents novel evaluation criteria to assess the degree of accuracy of the constitutive equation under machining conditions. Different existing constitutive laws are identified for Inconel 718, and then evaluated using the proposed criteria. To better describe the plastic behaviour of Inconel 718, new constitutive relationships are formulated and evaluated. From the evaluation results, an accurate description of the constitutive relationship for Inconel 718 is established. This constitutive law is further validated using high-speed split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests and orthogonal cutting tests in conjunction with finite element simulations.
On the Zeros of the Transfer Function of Flexible Link Manipulators and Their Non-Minimum Phase Behaviour
Authors: Vakil M , Fotouhi R , Nikiforuk P N 
Published: February 2010

In this article, a study of the zeros of the transfer function, between the base torque and the end-effector displacement, for flexible link manipulators is performed. The analysis is carried out on a single flexible link manipulator with the initial part of the link being rigid. This type of manipulator is referred to as a slewing single rigid—flexible link manipulator (SRFLM). A new method for finding the zeros of the transfer function of an SRFLM without using the corresponding transfer function is introduced. The changes of the locations of the zeros of an SRFLM owing to the changes in all the physical parameters (PPs) are investigated. It is shown that there are PPs where the increase in their values moves the zeros further from the imaginary axis; while by increasing the values of some other PPs the zeros become closer to the imaginary axis. Finally, there are PPs where the locations of the zeros are independent of their values. These findings will be beneficial in the design as well as control of flexible link manipulators and are among the main contributions of this work.
Cadaver procurement for anatomy teaching: legislative challenges in a transition-related environment
Authors: Stimec Bojan V , Draskic Marija , Fasel Jean H D 
Published: February 2010

Background Human gross anatomy is one of the cornerstones of a medical curriculum and cannot be performed without adequate cadaver procurement, which is a particular challenge for medical schools with a large student enrolment. The authors present the situation in a country with a low public awareness for willed body donor programmes and the prior absence of adequate legislation. Aim Against this background, a comprehensive proposition of a whole-body procurement procedure was elaborated in the health-care law. Resolving the problem The main goals of the proposition were: (a) identification of options for cadaver procurement (body bequeathal programme, unclaimed bodies and body donated with the permission of the next-of-kin); (b) defining the chain of order and responsibility of institutions in informing the medical school of the possible candidate for body procurement; (c) body storage and related procedures; (e) confidentiality of the deceased's personal data; (f) burial procedure of the deceased's remains. Conclusions The authors are convinced that the willed programme for whole-body donation is a definite aim of such a legislation. However, we suggest that the acquisition of unclaimed bodies is maintained as a temporary solution, until a satisfactory level of public awareness of the problem has been reached.
Study of suicides reported to the Coroner in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Ravindra , Hewagama Medhani , Priyangika W D D , Range Sonali , Karunaratne Shashi 
Published: February 2010

Introduction Deaths from suicide reached a peak in Sri Lanka in 1995. Several interventions reduced the suicide rate of 48.7 per 100,000 in 1995 to 23 per 100,000 in 2006, though it is still a major socioeconomic problem. All suicides have to be reported to the Inquirer of Sudden Death (ISD) or ‘Coroner’, according to the Criminal Procedure Code. Method All deaths where a verdict of ‘suicide’ was given after an inquest at the Coroner's Court, Colombo, in 2006 were studied. Close relations or friends who attended the inquest were interviewed by medically qualified research assistants. Age, sex, marital and occupational status, level of education, living circumstances and method and reasons for the suicide were studied. Results During 2006, 151 deaths from suicide were documented, of which 93 (62%) were men. The majority (47%) were aged between 20 and 29 years. One-third of the victims was unemployed. At the time of committing suicide, 75% were living with family; 89 (59%) were married and 46 (31%) were single. Poisoning was the cause of death in 66 (44%), 48 (70%) of which were due to pesticides. Burns caused 51 (34%) deaths. Other common causes of death included hanging (11%), jumping in front of a train (7%) and drowning (3%). The commonest reason for suicide was dispute with the spouse/marital disharmony (30%). Other reasons were dispute with parents (8%), financial matters (7%), organic diseases (7%), alcoholism (7%), psychiatric illnesses (6%) and disputes in love affairs (5%). In 29 cases (19%), no definite reason for the suicide was evident. Discussion Self-poisoning and self-immolation were the commonest methods used to commit suicide. Marital disharmony was the main reason (30%). Psychiatric illnesses were responsible for only 6%. Future interventional activities should include secure access and restriction of the availability of pesticides and drugs, empowering people to manage anger and conflicts, and recognition and treatment of alcoholism and psychiatric illnesses. The success story of the reduction in the incidence of suicides in Sri Lanka should be a lesson to many developing countries where suicide is a major socioeconomic and health issue.
Psychiatric Treatment in Prison: A missed opportunity?
Authors: Smith S S , Baxter V J , Humphreys M S 
Published: February 2010

National Health Service Executive guidelines require psychiatric services to maintain links with prisoners previously subject to the Care Programme Approach (CPA) and to participate in discharge planning. We are unaware of previous studies assessing the involvement of general psychiatric services with patients in prison or prisoners' perceptions of their needs. Consecutive referrals to a prison psychiatric liaison service over a three-month period were screened for previous psychiatric contact. Half of those interviewed reported previous psychiatric contact. Two-thirds were in contact with services at the time of detention. One-third believed services knew of their imprisonment. Ninety-three per cent believed they would require psychiatric support after release. Few patients received input from general psychiatric services during imprisonment despite a high level of perceived need. Improved liaison would help facilitate both care in prison and discharge planning in the spirit of CPA and the government directive.
Suicide Trends In Singapore: Two decades down the road
Authors: Ng David Wei Liang , Lau Gilbert 
Published: February 2010

In this study, recent trends in the incidence and methods of suicide in Singapore, over the period 1991-2000, were compared with the results of a previous study covering the period 1975-1984 (Tan, 1986). The present study included a total of 3,834 suicidal deaths reported to the coroner and investigated by the Centre for Forensic Medicine of the Health Sciences Authority. The results showed that the crude suicide rate had stabilised over the last decade and that the rate was highest among elderly males. The three most common methods employed were falls from a height (69.3%), hanging (20.7%) and poisoning (5.5%). Comparison of the results of both studies showed that the crude suicide rate had stabilised over the last two decades. However, there was an increase in the suicide rates among males, as compared with the previous study, and a marginal decrease in suicide rates among females over this time. There was also an appreciable change in the methods of suicide employed, in that there was an increase in the proportion of deaths due to falls from a height and corresponding reductions in the proportions of deaths by hanging and poisoning.
Women's Rights in Pakistan: A forensic perspective
Authors: Hadi Sibte 
Published: February 2010

Pakistan is a large and an important West Asian country which came into being in the name of Islam and therefore Islamic tenets remain the core of its constitution. The laws of the state have to conform to Islamic law so that they can have a positive impact on the society. Unfortunately, in Pakistan today not all men enjoy the rights and facilities to which they are entitled and women are doubly disadvantaged by poverty and gender. With their own political agendas, various governments have promulgated laws which affect the society in various ways. The laws which directly influence women's rights merit mention, as women comprise more than 50% of the population of Pakistan and are still kept on the sidelines by the male dominant society. The Muslim Family Law Ordinance, 1961, and the Hudood Ordinance, 1979 were both promulgated by military dictators with different visions. The former codified the rights of women bestowed by Islamic law; the latter repealed laws for sexual offences according to the injunctions of Islam and had a negative impact. Both laws need the assistance of forensic medicine as age estimation and medical examinations are necessary if they are to be followed in the right perspective. However, a legal need for an examination by an expert in forensic medicine is sadly lacking in both laws. This has happened due to lack of training of forensic physicians and therefore a lack of research in important areas of forensic medicine in the country. This paper examines these laws and the interaction they have with forensic medicine and proposes that the laws need revision in accordance with modern science, incorporating forensic sciences as well as the injunctions of Islam.
Gender-Related Traumatic Deaths in Transkei: Incidence and causes
Authors: Meel B L 
Published: February 2010

This study is unique in that it strives to unfold, perhaps for the first time, the problem of female mortality due to trauma in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study was carried out in the Umtata and Ngqeleni magisterial districts which have a combined population of about 400,000. Most of the people have very few resources and have historically relied on money repatriated by migrant workers. The objective was to establish the incidence and the causes of deaths due to gender-related trauma and to formulate recommendations which could probably help prevent or reduce these deaths. The study reviewed cases of female traumatic death during the period January 1993 to December 1999 that were brought to the mortuary in Umtata General Hospital (UGH). There were 1,054 (23%) traumatic deaths recorded in females between 1993 and 1999. Of these 486 (28%) were related to motor vehicle collisions, 219 (18%) due to gunshot injuries, 152 (19%) due to stab wounds and 139 (21%) as a result of blunt trauma. The male to female ratio was 3.3:1 in traumatic deaths. In homicides the male: female ratio was 4.4:1, gunshot 4.5:1, stab 4.2:1 and blunt injuries 3.7:1. In motor vehicle collisions (MVC's) the ratio was 2.5:1. There is an increasing incidence of traumatic deaths in women. Gun shot injuries are the commonest among traumatic deaths in females. This article recommends stricter measures to protect women in the form of legislation. Social uplifting and economic support should be carried out as part of the process of social change. In this case educating the entire community is necessary to safeguard women and their future survival.
The Cresta Run: A uniquely evolving tradition
Authors: OGILVIE-HARDY E T 
Published: February 2010

The Cresta Run is a unique toboggan run and exists in only one place in the world, namely, St. Moritz, Switzerland. The height of the resort is over 6,000 feet (1828 metres). Therefore there is a diminution of oxygen content in the air. Normally it takes from three to seven days for a person from lower habitat altitudes, visiting the resort, to become fully acclimatized if they are to be involved in energetic competitive sport. The age and fitness of the toboggan rider is a factor. The Cresta Run takes place each year and has, since its inception under the auspices of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club, been built from virgin snow to a formula determined by a brilliant 22-year-old Swiss geometrician, Peter Bonorand, who devised the first Run in 1884. Using his exceptional mathematical knowledge to determine a course from St. Moritz to Celerina, he drew up plans and drawings for the first Cresta Run. The Run therefore is constructed to a known formula and it is significant that in over 115 years the times on the Run have only improved on average by a few tenths of a second progressively each year despite improvements to riding equipment. Since the Run's inception in 1885 there has always been an element of danger, but accidents have invariably occurred on the section of the Run that comprises the competition course between the start line and the finish line. During the past few seasons, an increasing number of accidents have taken place after the finish line. The problem is short-term blackout while riding (Reader, 1978). There is now a need to investigate what changes have been made or have evolved to cause this. However, certain immutable facts have remained constant and these must be identified and then considered in the context of recent changes as a result of improvements in equipment. Considerable improvements have been made over the past 25 years to safety helmets. These are the result of different materials, their suitability and ease of manufacture, particularly with regard to the full-face type helmet. The full-face helmet could be a significant contributing factor to the problem of accidents, particularly after the finish line, on the Cresta Run.
The Criminal Careers of Arsonists
Authors: SOOTHILL KEITH , ACKERLEY ELIZABETH , FRANCIS BRIAN 
Published: February 2010

This paper replicates a 1973 study of the criminal careers of arsonists (Soothill and Pope, 1973). It compares the original series of those convicted at the high court of arson in England and Wales in 1951 (n=74) with three new series of all those convicted in any court in England and Wales in 1963-5 (n=1352), in 1980-1 (n=5584) and in 2000-1 (n=3335). The profile of convicted arsonists has significantly shifted over the years, with an increasing proportion of females and a rise in the average age of both males and females. Previous convictions for violence and criminal damage (including arson) are much more evident in the later series. The proportion of medical disposals has declined, while the 1:2 ratio for custodial/non-custodial sentences has remained constant. With a 20-year follow-up the proportion reconvicted for arson has more than doubled – from 4.5% in the 1951 series to 10.7% for the 1980-1 series. The indications are that the situation in relation to arson has deteriorated significantly over the past forty years.
1. Dissection of the Vertebral Artery During a Basketball Game
Authors: GIORGIO F DE , VETRUGNO G , MERCURIO D DE , PASCALI V L , RAINIO J , CARBONE A , FERNANDEZ E 
Published: February 2010

Dissection of the vertebral artery represents a significant potential cause of strokes among young and middle-aged people. We present a case of dissection of the vertebral artery observed at the forensic autopsy of a professional basketball player who was suddenly taken ill during a practice game and died seven days after the event. A medico-legal autopsy was performed in order to establish an essential causal relationship between arterial dissection and basketball activity. No preceding trauma possibly contributing to the dissection was discovered. The histology of the arterial wall did not show specific alterations in the adventitia, the muscular layer, or the intima. In addition, the toxicological examination excluded any effects of drugs of abuse. We describe macroscopic and microscopic findings in the autopsy, and discuss possible mechanisms of the arterial rupture as well as the autopsy procedure in similar cases.
Fatal Poisoning in Jamaica: A coroner's autopsy study from the University Hospital of the West Indies
Authors: ESCOFFERY CARLOS T , SHIRLEY SUZANNE E 
Published: February 2010

This study reviewed cases of fatal poisoning in a coroner's autopsy series at the University Hospital of the West Indies and represented the first such study reported from Jamaica. The autopsy protocols of all coroner's autopsies performed over the 20-year period January 1980 to December 1999 were reviewed retrospectively; 22 (1.0%) cases were identified and relevant clinical and pathological data analysed. There were 13 males and nine females (M:F ratio 1.4:1) with an age range of 2- 69 years (mean ± SD = 27 ± 16.1 years). The 20-29 year group was most commonly affected and five patients (22.7%) were children (<18 years of age). Pesticides (herbicides/insecticides) were implicated in nine (41%) cases: paraquat was the most common, found in six (27%) cases. Prescription drugs were the next most prevalent group with six (27%) cases, followed by anti-psychotic drugs in four (18%) cases. Cocaine and ackee were each implicated in two (9%) cases. The manner of death was suicidal in 14 (64%) cases and accidental in eight (36%) cases. Seven patients had documented psychiatric illnesses, six of whom committed suicide. Autopsy findings were largely non-specific. The relatively small number of cases was consistent with the low incidence of fatal poisoning in Jamaica.
Homicidal and Dyadic Falls From a Height: Rarities in Singapore
Authors: LAU G 
Published: February 2010

A review of homicidal falls from a height, over a ten-year-period (1991-2000), demonstrated the rarity of such deaths in Singapore, despite the high frequency of fatal falls from a height that prevails in the city-state. During that time, there were four cases (involving five individuals) of pure homicide and nine episodes (involving 19 individuals) of dyadic death involving vertical deceleration from a considerable height in the approximate range of 17-31 m (6-11 floors) and 17-50 m (6-18 floors), respectively. The index cases were gleaned from a total of 533 homicides and 3,963 fatal falls from a height. Hence, the corresponding ten-year prevalence rates of homicidal falls were 0.9% in terms of all homicidal deaths and 0.1% in relation to all fatal falls, and 3.6% and 0.5% for dyadic falls, respectively. The majority of victims were children, with almost equal numbers of males and females, aged between two months and six years for pure homicides and between 20 months and 13 years for homicide-suicides. Over a third (9/24) of these subjects attained the maximum Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 75. With respect to the dyadic deaths, the majority of the perpetrators (6/9) were females, comprising four mothers and two live-in maids. It would appear that strained or broken relationships, probable or actual mental illness, or a combination of both factors, had largely predisposed them to these tragic events which may, potentially, carry diplomatic implications when foreign nationals are involved.