26 research outputs found
Cauchy's infinitesimals, his sum theorem, and foundational paradigms
Cauchy's sum theorem is a prototype of what is today a basic result on the
convergence of a series of functions in undergraduate analysis. We seek to
interpret Cauchy's proof, and discuss the related epistemological questions
involved in comparing distinct interpretive paradigms. Cauchy's proof is often
interpreted in the modern framework of a Weierstrassian paradigm. We analyze
Cauchy's proof closely and show that it finds closer proxies in a different
modern framework.
Keywords: Cauchy's infinitesimal; sum theorem; quantifier alternation;
uniform convergence; foundational paradigms.Comment: 42 pages; to appear in Foundations of Scienc
Cognitive functions and cognitive reserve in relation to blood pressure components in a population-based cohort aged 53 to 94 years.
In 288 men and women from general population in a cross-sectional survey, all neuropsychological tests were negatively associated
with age; memory and executive function were also positively related with education. The hypertensives (HT) were less efficient
than the normotensives (NT) in the test of memory with interference at 10 sec (MI-10) (−33%, P
=
0.03), clock drawing test
(CLOX) (−28%, P < 0.01), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (−6%, P
=
0.02). Lower MMSE, MI-10, and CLOX were
predicted by higher systolic (odds ratio, OR, 0.97, P
=
0.02; OR 0.98, P < 0.005; OR 0.95, P < 0.001) and higher pulse blood
pressure (BP) (OR 0.97, P
=
0.02; OR 0.97, P < 0.01; and 0.95, P < 0.0001). The cognitive reserve index (CRI) was 6% lower in the
HT (P
=
0.03) and was predicted by higher pulse BP (OR 0.82, P < 0.001). The BP vectors of lower MMSE, MI-10, and CLOX were
directed towards higher values of systolic and diastolic BP, that of low CRI towards higher systolic and lower diastolic. The label of
hypertension and higher values of systolic or pulse BP are associated to worse memory and executive functions. Higher diastolic
BP, although insufficient to impair cognition, strengthens this association. CRI is predicted by higher systolic BP associated to
lower diastolic BP
The C825T GNB3 Polymorphism, Independent of Blood Pressure, Predicts Cerebrovascular Risk at a Population Level.
BACKGROUND
The role of C825T polymorphism of the candidate GNB3 gene in
predicting cerebrovascular outcome has been poorly explored in
longitudinal setting at a population level.
METHODS
In an epidemiological setting, 1,678 men and women from
general population were genotyped for C825T polymorphism of
GNB3 gene and follow-up for 10 years to detect nonfatal and fatal
cerebrovascular events (CE). Established cerebrovascular risk factors
were used to adjust the multivariate Cox analysis for confounders.
RESULTS
Seventy-three nonfatal and 30 fatal CE were recorded. Incidence
of CE was higher in TT than in C-carriers (fatal: 2.6 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.03;
nonfatal: 7.8 vs. 3.9%, P < 0.03; fatal recurrences: 1.6 vs. 0.6%, P < 0.03).
In Cox analysis, the TT genotype predicted nonfatal (hazard ratio 1.99,
95% confidence interval 1.05\u20133.79, P = 0.03), fatal (2.91, 1.05\u20138.12,
P = 0.04), and fatal recurrent CE (6.82, 1.50\u201331.1, P = 0.02) also after
adjustment for age, gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressure,
body adiposity, atherogenetic blood lipids, serum uric acid, diabetes,
calories, caffeine and ethanol intake, and coronary events at baseline.
Further adjustment for historical CE made the association between
TT genotype and incident fatal CE nonsignificant (hazard ratio 2.72,
95% confidence interval 0.96\u20137.22, P = 0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
The TT genotype of GNB3 gene predicts incident CE independent
of blood pressure and other established risk factors at a population
level. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature and pathways
of this association