bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence Of Promoter Polymorphisms Of The Tnf-α (-308g/A) And IL-6 (-174g/C) Genes On Therapeutic Response To Etanercept In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jančić Ivan , Šefik-Bukilica Mirjana , Živojinović Slađana , Damjanov Nemanja , Spasovski Vesna , Kotur Nikola , Klaassen Kristel , Pavlović Sonja , Bufan Biljana , Arsenović-Ranin Nevena
Published: August 2014

Background:The study was undertaken to assess the influence of functional -308G/A TNF-α (rs 1800629) and -174G/C IL-6 (rs1800795) promoter polymorphisms on the therapeutic response to etanercept, a TNF-α blocker, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:Seventy-three patients suffering from active RA were studied, at baseline and 6 and 12 months after therapy. The therapeutic response was estimated according to the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. Patients were genotyped for -308G/A TNF-α and -174G/C IL-6 polymorphisms by the PCR-RFLP method, and the influence of genotype on etanercept response was assessed.

Results:No difference in the percentage of responders (patients who had DAS28 improvement > 1.2) between patients with the TNF-α-308GG and GA and AA genotype was detected after 6 and 12 months of treatment. After 12 months of treatment the percentage of responders was significantly increased in patients with the IL-6 -174GG genotype compared with those with the GC or CC genotype (p=0.006 by Chi-square test). Evaluation of the patients according to their combined IL-6/TNF-α genotypes showed that patients with the IL-6 -174GG / TNF-α -308GG genotype were more frequent among the responders compared to those with other combined genotypes (p=0.022 by Chisquare test). More precisely, all patients with the combined IL-6 -174GG / TNF-α -308GG genotype were responders after 12 months of etanercept treatment.

Conclusions:The study suggests that patients who are genetically low TNF-α and IL-6 producers are the best responders to etanercept therapy.
Sichere Thermoprozessanlagen*
Authors: Treptow F. , Steck-Winter H.
Published: August 2014

Kurzfassung

Die häufigsten Gefährdungen und Unfallursachen sind auch an Thermoprozessanlagen mechanische Risiken und Stromschlag. Spezifische Gefährdungen kommen hinzu, weil die meisten beim Betrieb von Thermoprozessanlagen verwendeten Medien zu Explosionen, Eruptionen, Bränden, Verbrennungen, Vergiftungen oder Erstickungen führen können. Die Sicherheit von Thermoprozessanlagen basiert auf den von den Herstellern bei der Konstruktion und Fertigung realisierten technischen Schutzmaßnahmen und der ergänzenden Betriebsanleitung. Der Betreiber muss eine umfeld- und einsatzspezifische Gefährdungsbeurteilung und daraus resultierend Betriebsanweisungen erstellen. Die regelmäßig durchzuführenden präventiven Maßnahmen beinhalten die Wartung, Inspektion (Prüfung auf Wirksamkeit), Instandsetzung und Modernisierung der technischen Schutzeinrichtungen, Qualifikation der Mitarbeiter, Sicherheitsunterweisungen sowie die Bereitstellung der persönlichen Schutzausrüstung. Der oberste Grundsatz dabei ist immer: Der Betrieb der Thermoprozessanlage muss sicher sein!
Vergleichende Untersuchung von Öl- und Polymerabschreckung hinsichtlich des Verzugs von dünnwandigen Wälzlagerringen*
Authors: Wolfrath T. , Lübben Th. , Frerichs F.
Published: August 2014

Kurzfassung

In der Industrie werden für das Härten von metallischen Bauteilen häufig verdampfende Medien verwendet. Ein Hauptgrund sind die, im Vergleich zur Gas- und Salzbadabschreckung, deutlich höheren erzielbaren Abkühlraten. Als problematisch erweisen sich beim Einsatz verdampfender Medien aber oftmals die mit dem Leidenfrost-Phänomen verbundenen drei Abschreckphasen, die zu einem zeitlich wie örtlich stark variierenden Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten und daraus resultierend zu erhöhten Formabweichungen führen können. Hierbei ist insbesondere der Übergang von der Film- zur Kochphase, die sogenannte Wiederbenetzung, als kritisch anzusehen, da er nicht gleichzeitig auf der gesamten Bauteiloberfläche stattfindet. Durch den Einsatz von Hochleistungshärteölen, die eine verkürzte Filmphase aufweisen, kann das Auftreten von Formänderungen zwar reduziert, aber nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Eine Reduzierung der Formänderungen könnte auch dadurch erzielt werden, dass die Wiederbenetzung gleichzeitig auf der gesamten Bauteiloberfläche stattfindet. Wässrige Polymerlösungen könnten hier ein Schritt in die richtige Richtung sein, da die Wiederbenetzung im Vergleich zu reinem Wasser oder Abschreckölen sehr schnell, sozusagen explosionsartig, über die gesamte Bauteiloberfläche erfolgen kann. Zur Überprüfung dieser Ansätze wurden das Verzugsverhalten von dünnwandigen Wälzlagerringen aus 100Cr6 untersucht, die in Polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP) basierten wässrigen Polymerlösungen, in einem Hochleistungshärteöl und in einem Gasdüsenfeld mit Stickstoff abgeschreckt wurden. Neben dieser Variation der Abschreckmedien wurden auch die Einflüsse durch die Chargierung der Bauteile und die Temperatur des Polymerabschreckmittels analysiert. Anhand der verzugsempfindlichen Wälzlageringe wird gezeigt, dass durch Verwendung bestimmter Parameter die Abschreckung im eingesetzten PVP basierten Polymerabschreckmittel zu vergleichbaren bis besseren Werten hinsichtlich der Formänderungen führen als bei Verwendung von Hochleistungsabschrecköl.
A Comparative Study of Magnetic Resonance Angiography & Digital Subtraction Angiography in Diagnosis of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Chowdhury AH , Islam M , Rahman A , Chowdhury SJH , Islam MN , Khan S , Rahman KM , Mohammad QD , Sarker R , Mondol G
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose: Although phase-contrast MR angiography (MRA) provides some information regarding hemodynamics of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), but mos t Conventional MR angiographic techniques have not been helpful in this respect. We attempted to determine the value of MR digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in assessing AVM hemodynamics. Soin this retrospective observational study was carried out to compare MRA and DSA in diagnosis of cerebral AVM. Methods and materials: It was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Neurology Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka during the period of January 2010 to December 2010. Thirty patients with haemorrhagic stroke age ranging from 13 to 65 years were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria as the study sample. MRA and DSA were done in all the selected patients. Results: The mean age of the patients of haemorrhagic stroke was 30.3±14.3years and male female ratio was 2.7:1.The venous drainage of AVM 13 and 12 were superficial and deep respectively evaluated 100% by MRA. In the diagnosis of cerebral AVM  nidussize S1<3, S2:6 cm sensitivity 100% but accuracy 100% and 73.3% respectively. Sensitivity 33.3% found in diagnosis of cerebral AVM nidus size S3:>6cm, 100% sensitive in the diagnosis of superficial and deep venous drainage AVM. Regarding the eloquence of brain area 15 was no eloquence by both MRA and DSA and identification of eloquence of brain area sensitivity 73.3% and accuracy 86.7%.The feeding vessels main vessels was found 22(73.3%) in both DSA and MRA findings. Distal vessels was seen 8(26.7%) in DSA but not seen in MRA findings. Intranidal aneurysm and Angiopathic AVM were seen 3(10.0%) and 4(13.3%) respectively in DSA, Conclusion: This study was carried out to diagnose the patients presented with cerebral AVM by MRA and DSA. MRA could not be evaluated flow status of AVM, distal feeding arteries, intranidal aneurysm and angiopathic AVM which could be detected by DSA. So, DSA is superior to MRA in diagnosis of cerebral AVM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i2.18699 Bangladesh J Medicine 2013; 24 : 51-58
Co-morbidities among epilepsy patients: experience in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Rahman Kazi Mohibur , Deb Sudip Ranjan
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine comprehensively all the major comorbid diseases observed among epilepsy patients. Methods: In this observational study, 1168 patients were recruited from outpatient based epilepsy clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Four categories of comorbid conditions namely neuropsychiatric, developmental (mental retardation, cerebral palsy), pain disorder (migraine) and others (hypertension, diabetes, stroke) were evaluated in these patients through a prefilled questionnaire and data were then analyzed. Epilepsy were broadly classified into generalized epilepsy (GE), localization related epilepsy (LRE), symptomatic and unclassified. Result: Among the 1168 subjects we included in this study, 71.5% were male. The most common age group at the time of interview was 11-20 years (36.8%). Only 29 (2.5%) respondents were older than 60 years. Among the listed comorbid conditions, mental retardation was the most common entity (15.5%), followed by psychiatric disorder (12.8%), hypertension (5.6%), migraine (5.4%) and cerebral palsy (5.0%). Only 1.5% had diabetes and 0.6% had stroke. Mental retardation and cerebral palsy were more common and significantly associated (p=0.0001 and 0.005) with GE patients (95 and 44), psychiatric disorder was also common among GE patients (108)) with a p value of 0.0001. But migraine was more common and significantly associated (p=0.0001) with LRE patients (46). Stroke was only present in symptomatic epilepsy group (7) and diabetes was present only in GE patients (19). Both were significant (p= 0.0001 and 0.01). But hypertension among different epilepsy groups was not significant (p=0.08). Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric, developmental and pain disorder are common comorbid associations within different epilepsy syndromes which may need special care during management of epilepsy patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i2.20219 Bangladesh J Medicine 2013; 24 : 65-69
Impact of decision-making power index on fertility behavior among women of different age cohorts in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Naznin , Haque M Ershadul , Sumi Nahid Sultana , Hossain Md Akhtar
Published: August 2014

Utilizing the 2007 BDHS data, this study examined the differential effect of decisionmaking power index on the use of contraception across different age cohorts of women. The findings indicated more pronounced impact of womens decision making power to increase contraception use aged above 25 than below 25 aged women. This implies more needs of promoting decision making power among the younger women (below 25) than the older women (above 25) for the betterment of family planning. However, decision making power did not show significant influence on decision of stopping womens childbearing in any of the younger and older women cohorts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v26i1-2.20232 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 26(1-2): 61-73, December-2013
Yield response of a mustard mutant variety to different times of irrigation
Authors: Mila AJ , Sarkar AA , Karim NN , Islam N
Published: August 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v26i1-2.20236 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 26(1-2): 89-93, December-2013
On the Habitability of Aquaplanets
Authors: Cardenas Rolando , Perez Noel , Martinez-Frias Jesus , Martin Osmel
Published: August 2014

An Aquatic Habitability Index is proposed, based on Quantitative Habitability Theory, and considering a very general model for life. It is a primary habitability index, measuring habitability for phytoplankton in the first place. The index is applied to some case studies, such as the habitability changes in Earth due to environmental perturbations caused by asteroid impacts.
A Novel Geo-Broadcast Algorithm for V2V Communications over WSN
Authors: Anaya José , Talavera Edgar , Jiménez Felipe , Gómez Nuria , Naranjo José
Published: August 2014

The key for enabling the next generation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the cooperative systems, is the availability of vehicular communication technologies, whose mandatory installation in cars is foreseen in the next few years. The definition of the communications is in the final step of development, with great efforts on standardization and some field operational tests of network devices and applications. However, some inter-vehicular communications issues are not sufficiently developed and are the target of research. One of these challenges is the construction of stable networks based on the position of the nodes of the vehicular network, as well as the broadcast of information destined to nodes concentrated in a specific geographic area without collapsing the network. In this paper, a novel algorithm for geo-broadcast communications is presented, based on the evolution of previous results in vehicular mesh networks using wireless sensor networks with IEEE 802.15.4 technology. This algorithm has been designed and compared with the IEEE 802.11p algorithms, implemented and validated in controlled conditions and tested on real vehicles. The results suggest that the characteristics of the designed broadcast algorithm can improve any vehicular communications architecture to complement a geo-networking functionality that supports a variety of ADAS.
Alternative Zoning Scenarios for Regional Sustainable Land Use Controls in China: A Knowledge-Based Multiobjective Optimisation Model
Authors: Xia Yin , Liu Dianfeng , Liu Yaolin , He Jianhua , Hong Xiaofeng
Published: August 2014

Alternative land use zoning scenarios provide guidance for sustainable land use controls. This study focused on an ecologically vulnerable catchment on the Loess Plateau in China, proposed a novel land use zoning model, and generated alternative zoning solutions to satisfy the various requirements of land use stakeholders and managers. This model combined multiple zoning objectives, i.e., maximum zoning suitability, maximum planning compatibility and maximum spatial compactness, with land use constraints by using goal programming technique, and employed a modified simulated annealing algorithm to search for the optimal zoning solutions. The land use zoning knowledge was incorporated into the initialisation operator and neighbourhood selection strategy of the simulated annealing algorithm to improve its efficiency. The case study indicates that the model is both effective and robust. Five optimal zoning scenarios of the study area were helpful for satisfying the requirements of land use controls in loess hilly regions, e.g., land use intensification, agricultural protection and environmental conservation.
The Adenosine Deaminase Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Chronic Heart Failure Risk in Chinese
Authors: He Hai-Rong , Li Yuan-Jie , He Gong-Hao , Wang Ya-Jun , Zhai Ya-Jing , Xie Jiao , Zhang Wei-Peng , Dong Ya-Lin , Lu Jun
Published: August 2014

Adenosine (Ado) is an important cardioprotective agent. Since endogenous Ado levels are affected by the enzyme Ado deaminase (ADA), polymorphisms within the ADA gene may exert some effect on chronic heart failure (CHF). This study applied a case-control investigation to 300 northern Chinese Han CHF patients and 400 ethnicity-matched healthy controls in which nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADA were genotyped and association analyses were performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the association. Overall, rs452159 polymorphism in ADA gene was significantly associated with susceptibility to CHF under the dominant model (p = 0.013, OR = 1.537, 95% CI = 1.10–2.16), after adjustment for age, sex, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. No difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency for the rs452159 according to the functional New York Heart Association class was found. Furthermore, the values of left ventricular ejection fraction, left-ventricle end-diastolic diameter or left-ventricle end-systolic diameter did not differ significantly among the different rs452159 genotype CHF patients. Although further studies with larger cohorts and other ethnicities are required to validate the conclusions, the findings of this study potentially provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of CHF.
Embedded Memory Hierarchy Exploration Based on Magnetic Random Access Memory
Authors: Cargnini Luís , Torres Lionel , Brum Raphael , Senni Sophiane , Sassatelli Gilles
Published: August 2014

Static random access memory (SRAM) is the most commonly employed semiconductor in the design of on-chip processor memory. However, it is unlikely that the SRAM technology will have a cell size that will continue to scale below 45 nm, due to the leakage current that is caused by the quantum tunneling effect. Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a candidate technology to replace SRAM, assuming appropriate dimensioning given an operating threshold voltage. The write current of spin transfer torque (STT)-MRAM is a known limitation; however, this has been recently mitigated by leveraging perpendicular magnetic tunneling junctions. In this article, we present a comprehensive comparison of spin transfer torque-MRAM (STT-MRAM) and SRAM cache set banks. The non-volatility of STT-MRAM allows the definition of new instant on/off policies and leakage current optimizations. Through our experiments, we demonstrate that STT-MRAM is a candidate for the memory hierarchy of embedded systems, due to the higher densities and reduced leakage of MRAM.We demonstrate that adopting STT-MRAM in L1 and L2 caches mitigates the impact of higher write latencies and increased current draw due to the use of MRAM. With the correct system-on-chip (SoC) design, we believe that STT-MRAM is a viable alternative to SRAM, which minimizes leakage current and the total power consumed by the SoC.
What Happens during Natural Protein Fibre Dissolution in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Vongsanga Kylie , Wang Xungai , Byrne Nolene
Published: August 2014

Here, we monitor the dissolution of several natural protein fibres such as wool, human hair and silk, in various ionic liquids (ILs). The dissolution of protein-based materials using ILs is an emerging area exploring the production of new materials from waste products. Wool is a keratin fibre, which is extensively used in the textiles industry and as a result has considerable amounts of waste produced each year. Wool, along with human hair, has a unique morphology whereby the outer layer, the cuticle, is heavily cross linked with disulphide bonds, whereas silk does not have this outer layer. Here we show how ILs dissolve natural protein fibres and how the mechanism of dissolution is directly related to the structure and morphology of the wool fibre.
Synthesis, Leishmanicidal and Cytotoxic Activity of Triclosan-Chalcone, Triclosan-Chromone and Triclosan-Coumarin Hybrids
Authors: Otero Elver , Vergara Sebastián , Robledo Sara , Cardona Wilson , Carda Miguel , Vélez Ivan , Rojas Carlos , Otálvaro Felipe
Published: August 2014

Twelve hybrids derived from triclosan were obtained via Williamson etherification of O-triclosan alkyl bromide plus chalcone and O-coumarin or O-chromone alkyl bromide plus triclosan, respectively. Structures of the products were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antileishmanial activity against L. (V) panamensis amastigotes. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated against mammalian U-937 cells. Compounds 7–9 and 17, were active against Leishmania parasites (EC50 = 9.4; 10.2; 13.5 and 27.5 µg/mL, respectively) and showed no toxicity toward mammalian cells (>200 µg/mL). They are potential candidates for antileishmanial drug development. Compounds 25–27, were active and cytotoxic. Further studies using other cell types are needed in order to discriminate whether the toxicity shown by these compounds is against tumor or non-tumor cells. The results indicate that compounds containing small alkyl chains show better selectivity indices. Moreover, Michael acceptor moieties may modify both the leishmanicidal activity and cytotoxicity. Further studies are required to evaluate if the in vitro activity against Leishmania panamensis demonstrated here is also observed in vivo.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Induction in the Antitumorigenic and Neurotoxic Effects of 2-Methoxyestradiol
Authors: Gorska Magdalena , Kuban-Jankowska Alicja , Zmijewski Michal , Gorzynik Monika , Szkatula Michal , Wozniak Michal
Published: August 2014

Objective: 2-Methoxyestradiol, one of the natural 17β-estradiol derivatives, is a novel, potent anticancer agent currently being evaluated in advanced phases of clinical trials. The main goal of the study was to investigate the anticancer activity of 2-methoxy-estradiol towards osteosarcoma cells and its possible neurodegenerative effects. We used an experimental model of neurotoxicity and anticancer activity of the physiological agent, 2-methoxyestradiol. Thus, we used highly metastatic osteosarcoma 143B and mouse immortalized hippocampal HT22 cell lines. The cells were treated with pharmacological (1 μM, 10 μM) concentrations of 2-methoxyestradiol. Experimental: Neuronal nitric oxide synthase and 3-nitrotyrosine protein levels were determined by western blotting. Cell viability and induction of cell death were measured by MTT and PI/Annexin V staining and a DNA fragmentation ELISA kit, respectively. Intracellular levels of nitric oxide were determined by flow cytometry. Results: Here we demonstrated that the signaling pathways of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer may overlap. We presented evidence that 2-methoxyestradiol, in contrast to 17β-estradiol, specifically affects neuronal nitric oxide synthase and augments 3-nitrotyrosine level leading to osteosarcoma and immortalized hippocampal cell death. Conclusions: We report the dual facets of 2-methoxyestradiol, that causes cancer cell death, but on the other hand may play a key role as a neurotoxin.
Self-Assembled Nanoparticles of Glycyrrhetic Acid-Modified Pullulan as a Novel Carrier of Curcumin
Authors: Yuan Roufen , Zheng Fuchun , Zhong Shuping , Tao Xiaojun , Zhang Yanmei , Gao Fenfei , Yao Fen , Chen Jiaxiong , Chen Yicun , Shi Ganggang
Published: August 2014

Glycyrrhetic acid (GA)-modified pullulan nanoparticles (GAP NPs) were synthesized as a novel carrier of curcumin (CUR) with a degree of substitution (DS) of GA moieties within the range of 1.2–6.2 groups per hundred glucose units. In the present study, we investigated the physicochemical characteristics, release behavior, in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the particles. Self-assembled GAP NPs with spherical shapes could readily improve the water solubility and stability of CUR. The CUR release was sustained and pH-dependent. The cellular uptake of CUR-GAP NPs was confirmed by green fluorescence in the cells. An MTT study showed CUR-GAP NPs with higher cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells than free CUR, but GAP NPs had no significant cytotoxicity. GAP is thus an excellent carrier for the solubilization, stabilization, and controlled delivery of CUR.
Resource Use in the Production and Consumption System—The MIPS Approach
Authors: Liedtke Christa , Bienge Katrin , Wiesen Klaus , Teubler Jens , Greiff Kathrin , Lettenmeier Michael , Rohn Holger
Published: August 2014

The concept Material Input per Service Unit (MIPS) was developed 20 years ago as a measure for the overall natural resource use of products and services. The material intensity analysis is used to calculate the material footprint of any economic activities in production and consumption. Environmental assessment has developed extensive databases for life cycle inventories, which can additionally be adopted for material intensity analysis. Based on practical experience in measuring material footprints on the micro level, this paper presents the current state of research and methodology development: it shows the international discussions on the importance of accounting methodologies to measure progress in resource efficiency. The MIPS approach is presented and its micro level application for assessing value chains, supporting business management, and operationalizing sustainability strategies is discussed. Linkages to output-oriented Life Cycle Assessment as well as to Material Flow Analysis (MFA) at the macro level are pointed out. Finally we come to the conclusion that the MIPS approach provides relevant knowledge on resource and energy input at the micro level for fact-based decision-making in science, policy, business, and consumption.
Exploitation, chasse et régénération naturelle sont-elles compatibles en Guyane française ?
Authors: Forget Pierre-Michel , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Vannière Bernard
Published: August 2014

Studies carried out in the Neotropics, and especially French Guiana, have shown that animals regulate tree survival and assist in maintaining plant diversity in tropical rain forests through their selective dispersal and prédation of seeds. Among the many tree species which are key sources of food for frugivores and granivores, in the form of leaves, flowers or fruits, some are also harvested as commercial timber. The tracks and roads built to harvest that timber also serve as corridors facilitating the incursion of professional hunters. Their activity, combined with that of the loggers themselves who gather game before and during logging operations, weigh heavily on the local fauna. This raises the issue of whether sustainable forest management for wood production is not indissolubly linked to the protection and conservation of the Guianese fauna, on which tree recruitment so vitally depends. In other words, are such activities as logging and hunting compatible with the maintenance of processes which allow for long-term recruitment of trees ?
Impacts écologiques de la riziculture dans la région de la Basse-Mana et conservation des écosystèmes littoraux
Authors: Garrouste R.
Published: August 2014

In northwestern French Guiana, the coastal area presents highly diverse wetland ecosystems supporting a biodiversity, notably endangered species, of international significance not only for the marine turtle species, but also as regards natural resources for the population. Single-crop farming on an industrial scale over the last fifteen years has interfered with conservation management in this area, but coexistence may be feasible by applying integrated management.
L'activité aurifère dans la commune de Maripasoula, impact écologique et humain
Authors: Orru Jean-François
Published: August 2014

The village of Maripasoula is located in southwestern French Guiana, in the Upper Maroni region. A land formerly settled by Amerindians and runaway Blacks, at the end of the sixties it became a « commune », France's smallest administrative subdivision. In recent years, the Ministry of the Environment has envisaged several possibilities for creating a nature refuge in southern French Guiana. While exact boundaries have not yet been officially defined, the project as planned already encompasses most of the area of the village of Maripasoula. Predating this governmental commitment to the conservation of a protected area, the land was traditionally exploited for subsistence. These two claims on the space draw on the wealth of the natural environment, but come up against the gold mining industry's lobby. Since the beginning of this century, the discovery of gold ore in the Upper Maroni region has set off a series of mining phases, the most recent in the early nineteen-nineties. However, what was once very small-scale has become today, with the new gold diggers and their modern mining equipment, a more efficient activity but also much more detrimental to the environment.
La pollution mercurielle liée à l'orpaillage en Guyane : contamination des systèmes aquatiques et impact sanitaire chez les Amérindiens du Haut-Maroni
Authors: Grasmick C. , Cordier S. , Fréry N. , Boudou A. , Maury-Brachet R.
Published: August 2014

L'orpaillage, qui s'est développé en Guyane depuis la fin du XIXe siècle, avec un regain d'activité ces dernières années, a entraîné le rejet de plusieurs centaines de tonnes de mercure dans l'environnement. La bioamplification du métal le long des chaînes trophiques, entraîne une accumulation du mercure dans les espèces en fin de chaîne alimentaire, notamment chez les poissons carnivores. Une enquête épidémiologique réalisée en 1994, a montré une imprégnation élevée chez les populations amérindiennes, particulièrement sur le Haut-Maroni, notamment à Twenké et Antécume Pata. Chez les habitants de ces villages, les teneurs en mercure dans les cheveux (1 1,7 ug/g chez les adultes, et 14 ug/g chez les enfants) sont supérieures aux recommandations de l'OMS (10 ug/g). Des investigations complémentaires d'ordre environnemental, afin de mieux connaître la dispersion et l'accumulation du mercure dans le milieu et la chaîne alimentaire, et d'ordre sanitaire (enquêtes nutritionnelles et effets neurotoxiques du mercure chez l'enfant) ont été entreprises.
Conserver les spécificités de l'ichtyofaune guyanaise
Authors: Meunier François J. , Keith Philippe , Le Bail Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2014

The French Guiana freshwaters present a specific richness comparable or even greater than in the other Neotropical basins, but with a high degree of endemism. The authors describe two types of specialized ichthyofauna in French Guiana, the first west of Kourou River and the second to the east. Knowledge of the ichthyofauna from upper basins is still incomplete, and as a result any risk of diminishing their biodiversity through indiscriminate human activities should be avoided. Strict conservation measures must be enacted to protect and manage this original ichthyological heritage.
Écotourisme et protection du patrimoine naturel dans le centre de la Guyane française
Authors: Mori Scott A. , Gracie Carol A. , Mitchell John D.
Published: August 2014

L'écotourisme est une source de revenus pour les populations locales et aussi pour les économies nationales et internationales tout en protégeant les écosystèmes. Plusieurs atouts font du centre de la Guyane française, un lieu idéal de développement de l'écotourisme : une forêt humide non-perturbée avec une grande diversité de plantes et d'animaux relativement bien connus, une infrastructure pour l'hébergement des touristes, un environnement relativement sain, des habitants accueillants vivant dans un département français politiquement stable et des moyens de transport sûrs et fiables.
La translocation de la faune sauvage de Petit Saut : apport pour la connaissance scientifique et la conservation de la nature en Guyane
Authors: Vié Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2014

Many wildlife rescues have been carried out over the past few decades, but most were not documented and remain controversial. However, we believe that such operations are useful, providing the risks are evaluated and elementary guidelines are followed. Not only do they benefit the rescued animals and appear reasonable from an ethical standpoint, but, we also argue, such operations, if well prepared and documented, can be very useful in terms of biology and conservation and are far preferable to the other option - looking on and doing nothing. After reviewing previous translocations, the article describes the operation conducted in French Guiana during the filling of the Petit Saut reservoir and discusses its objectives, methods, results and financial aspects. Around 5,500 mammals and reptiles were captured, sampled and translocated to a protected area where a post-release survey was undertaken. The good results of the translocation, the large amount of original data, the interest shown by scientists in our samples and the new conservation approach coming to the fore in the political arena corroborate our initial conviction that this operation was well worthwhile.
Apports scientifiques à la conservation des tortues luths en Guyane française
Authors: Chevalier Johan , Cazelles Bernard , Girondot Marc
Published: August 2014

The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) population in French Guiana and Suriname accounts for more than half of the species' females, and the vast majority of them currently nest on Awala-Yalimapo beach. The global population has declined sharply and the leatherback may be the most threatened of all the sea turtles. This makes conservation of the Guyanese population vital, especially since the number of eggs laid in French Guiana has also declined over recent years. The reasons for that decline in French Guiana are not always clear, but certain fishing methods may have a considerable impact. As the situation stands, the scientific work to monitor the population and discover the causes for its decline is cardinal to the Leatherback conservation strategy.
Quelques arguments en faveur d'un Parc national situé dans le Centre Nord
Authors: Hallé Francis
Published: August 2014

Although the project to create a national Park in Guiana has been well received by scientists, some of them regret its location in the south of the Department. The author has already given the reasons for his disagreement in this matter on several occasions. Here he expresses his viewpoint as a biologist and citizen, and argues in favor of a Park that would encompass the most vulnerable part of Guiana.
Gestion de la chasse en forêt tropicale amazonienne
Authors: Richard-Hansen Cécile , Hansen Eric
Published: August 2014

Malgré un contexte socio-économique différent, les pays du bassin amazonien présentent de grandes similitudes avec la Guyane en ce qui concerne la gestion de la faune sauvage. Une analyse des diverses législations, recherches et expériences mises en oeuvre dans ces pays s'avère donc constructive pour identifier les possibilités et axes prioritaires de recherches ou d'outils de gestion à développer en Guyane. Par rapport à ses voisins, la réglementation de la chasse apparaît comparativement assez permissive en Guyane. Par ailleurs, des modèles de gestion durable des ressources animales semblent intéressants à appliquer dans le contexte local de mise en place du parc dans la zone sud.
Les populations du Haut-Maroni et le projet de Parc national de la Guyane
Authors: Fleury Marie
Published: August 2014

Le projet de création d'un Parc national dans le Sud de la Guyane concerne environ un tiers du département, c'est-à-dire trois millions d'hectares répartis sur quatre communes (Maripasoula, Saül, Régina et Camopi). Différentes ethnies, amérindiennes (Wayana, Emerillon, Wayāpi), et busi-nenge (Noirs marrons aluku) vivent sur ce territoire depuis plusieurs siècles. Une enquête a été réalisée en février 1998 sur le Haut-Maroni, entre les villages de Kotika et de Pelea, sur la perception de la mise en place de cette aire protégée, et sur différentes questions liées à la gestion de l'environnement. À travers les entretiens avec une centaine de personnes, amérindiennes et busi-nenge, sont apparues les différentes questions que soulevaient la création du Parc : d'abord une incompréhension liée à des représentations différentes de la nature, ensuite des questions d'accès aux ressources et de territorialité. L'article aborde ces différents thèmes, en confrontant sans cesse les points de vue occidentaux avec ceux des acteurs locaux.
Droits des peuples autochtones à la terre et au patrimoine
Authors: Tiouka Alexis , Karpé Philippe
Published: August 2014

Cet article se propose en premier lieu d'évaluer le lien particulier existant entre les Peuples autochtones et la terre, sur la base de la situation des Peuples autochtones de la Guyane Française ; puis d'éclaircir leur situation sur le plan du droit national et international en ce qui concerne le droit à la terre et au patrimoine. Le texte s'attarde ensuite sur des exemples juridiques visant à mettre en évidence la situation actuelle et le rôle que les Etats nationaux jouent dans le non-respect des droits des populations autochtones. Ainsi, sont successivement analysés 1) le statut des Amérindiens de Guyane, 2) la question de la délimitation des territoires, 3) les déplacements de populations autochtones et 4) la question de l'environnement. La dernière partie de l'article développe le thème du droit au patrimoine. Il rappelle tout d'abord de quelle manière les Peuples autochtones sont spoliés de leurs droits dans ce domaine ; puis il situe ce problème dans le cadre d'un débat plus général sur le droit à la propriété intellectuelle. Enfin, pour conclure, l'auteur propose des solutions visant à l'élaboration de systèmes de protection et de reconnaissance des droits des Peuples autochtones.
La diversification agricole en Océanie : Peut-on faire du nouveau avec de l'ancien ?
Authors: Lebot Vincent , Siméoni Partricia
Published: August 2014

A brief historical review of the agricultural sector is presented. The local constraints to the agricultural development in the Pacific are summarised. Official statistics indicate that for the last twenty years the trends of agricultural productions are on the decline while imports of foods are in the increase. Data supporting the current situation is presented. There is an obvious need for more political support to the agricultural sector but does not seem to be an agricultural policy to support local food productions. The high cost of local processing is identified as a major constraint. The need to target all traditional crops of high value and low volume is identified as a priority as well as market research and organic development. Developing traditional crops as cash crops will be possible only if food processing research is strengthen.
Transformation de la sphère alimentaire au Vanuatu : des moyens nouveaux pour des objectifs identiques
Authors: Walter Annie , Greindl Delphine , Tzerikiantz Fabienne , Allen Mathew
Published: August 2014

This paper is about agrarian change in Kanak society of New Caledonia. While more than 70% of Kanak population is still living in rural areas, the decline of farming activities have been observed among this population for many years. This decline is frequently related to the development of non farming salaried work and urban migration.

In the first part, we are proposing a survey of historical changes in Kanak farming systems. We then, turn to an analysis of the changing place of agriculture, both in people representation and rural households economy. In the final part, we suggest an explanation - based on a rural survey conducted in Northern Province of New Caledonia - about how households manage to secure incomes in their rural settings, while agriculture is declining.
Le kava du Pacifique : une culture traditionnelle comme culture de rente
Authors: Siméoni Partricia
Published: August 2014

Le kava, Piper methysticum, a probablement été domestiqué au Vanuatu il y a plus de 3 000 ans. Il a été distribué, lors des migrations polynésiennes, sur toutes les îles hautes du Pacifique Sud. Aujourd'hui, six des pays situés dans l'aire géographique de dispersion du kava : le Vanuatu, Fidji, Tonga, les Samoa Occidentales, Ponapé et Hawaï, se lancent dans la production intensive de cette plante pour répondre à la demande croissante de nouveaux marchés. Chacun de ces pays, aux héritages agricoles multiples, a rapidement révolutionné son agriculture pour y faire une place au kava. Il en résulte une explosion des surfaces cultivées en kava, celles-ci s'élèvent à plus de 12 000 hectares en 1998. De nouveaux systèmes de production suscités par un besoin d'intensification de la culture permettent aux horticulteurs du Pacifique Sud de pratiquer une véritable agriculture de rente. A la fin de l'année 1998, le résultat est remarquable, les pays producteurs de kava dans le Pacifique ont exporté pour un record historique de plus de 2 000 tonnes de racines sèches de kava. Le bilan monétaire de la filière est extrêmement motivant pour l'ensemble des acteurs impliqués, et surtout le kava devient désormais la première source de revenu pour les agriculteurs.
« Après nous le déluge » : Les effets de la présence d'une compagnie minière sur le système agricole et le commerce des produits cultivés dans la région de Oksapmin (Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée)
Authors: Brutti Lorenzo
Published: August 2014

Le principal produit de l'agriculture traditionnelle oksapmin (Papouasie-Nouvelle- Guinée) est la patate douce. Depuis une vingtaine d'années, les agriculteurs de la région d'Oksapmin ont appris à cultiver les légumes (pommes de terre, choux, tomates, brocolis, poivrons, carottes, oignons, etc.). Le Oksapmin Vegetable Market, un des rares exemples de coopérative agricole en Papouasie, vend au centre minier de Tabubil (Ok Tedi Mining Limited), à quarante minutes de vol de Oksapmin. Ce type d'agriculture de marché a donné naissance à un processus de monétarisation et à l'installation d'une économie de marché à petite échelle. Les populations vivant à Tabubil et dans des régions limitrophes, parmi lesquelles les Oksapmin, ont été encouragées à entreprendre des cultures de rente pour satisfaire les besoins de la ville qui venait de se créer, habitée principalement par les employés de la minière.
Transformations agraires et systèmes ruraux mélanésiens en Grande Terre de Nouvelle-Calédonie
Authors: Djama Marcel
Published: August 2014

Cet article aborde la situation des agricultures kanakes contemporaines de Nouvelle-Calédonie, sous l'angle de leurs transformations, des représentations sociales liées à ces mutations, et des réponses mobilisées par les acteurs sociaux. Le déclin des agricultures vivrières et commerciales kanakes est généralement associé au développement du salariat et des migrations urbaines qui en découlent. Pourtant, l'ancrage rural des Kanaks reste fort et concerne directement plus de 70 % de la population mélanésienne de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Après avoir présenté les grandes phases d'évolution de l'agriculture Kanake depuis le contact colonial, nous proposons une analyse de la place de l'agriculture contemporaine au sein de systèmes ruraux d'activité diversifiés.
Paysages, usages et voyages d'Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels (IXe-Xe siècles)
Authors: El Alaoui Narjys
Published: August 2014

L'arganier, Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, arbre endémique du sud-ouest du Maroc a connu depuis le Xe siècle un intérêt digne de ses multiples propriétés. Dès le XVIIIe siècle, l'Europe cherche à l'acclimater hors son aire d'origine et à introduire son bois et son huile alimentaire, extraite des amandons de manière artisanale. L'arbre continue d'assurer aux usufruitiers et à leurs animaux une autosubsistance séculaire, surtout en période de disette. Aujourd'hui, l'huile d'argan est exportée dans le monde entier.
Les insectes Hémiptères représentés sur les urnes dynastiques de Huê (Viêt-nam)
Authors: Sueur Jérôme
Published: August 2014

Les neuf urnes dynastiques de Huê sont décorées de 153 bas-reliefs représentant les richesses du Viêt-nam en 1836. Des cigales et des bélostomes figurent respectivement sur deux bas-reliefs. Nous avons donc recherché en quoi ces insectes hémiptères pouvaient évoquer une partie du patrimoine vietnamien de cette époque. D'une part, les larves et les adultes de cigales sont consommés, utilisés dans la pharmacopée populaire, et symbolisent la résurrection pour une vie éternelle. D'autre part, les glandes odorifères, les œufs et la chair des bélostomes sont cuisinés et ces insectes aquatiques représentent le nord du Viêt-nam. Les cigales et les bélostomes des urnes dynastiques sont dessinés avec huit pattes : il est possible que cette polypodie soit l'expression d'un lien entre la nation et le monde céleste.
Caractérisation d'un prélèvement cynégétique de subsistance sur un chantier de route forestière de Guyane française
Authors: Mauffrey Jean-François
Published: August 2014

Un séjour d'un mois (27 jours d'observation) dans la base-vie du chantier de la piste Régina / Saint-Georges a permis de caractériser de façon exhaustive le prélèvement cynégétique effectué par les ouvriers du chantier. Sur un total de 24 ouvriers, 12 chasseurs sont responsables d'un prélèvement de 85 animaux (20 espèces de mammifères, oiseaux et tortues) pour une biomasse totale estimée à 720 kilogrammes. Cette chasse présente deux modalités distinctes, une première de type nocturne, après la journée de travail (22 sorties) et une seconde, diurne et de plus longue durée pendant le week-end (29 sorties).
Polenta, cassoulet et piperade, l'introduction des plantes du Nouveau Monde dans les cuisines régionales
Authors: Marchenay Philippe , Barrau Jacques , Bérard Laurence
Published: August 2014

L'arrivée en Europe d'un ensemble nouveau de plantes cultivées a induit des modifications considérables dans le paysage alimentaire français. Certaines furent acceptées rapidement, car elles s'inscrivaient dans des catégories familières, d'autres connurent des difficultés avant de faire partie de notre complexe alimentaire, cultural, culturel et social. Cette insertion s'est accompagnée d'une nouvelle diversification variétale, donnant ainsi lieu à des « néo-domestications ». Les gastronomies régionales ont incorporé progressivement ces nouvelles venues jusqu'à transformer certaines en aliments emblématiques et à leur faire jouer un rôle de premier plan dans les systèmes alimentaires locaux.
L'arbre miamba et la maison cérémonielle iatmul (Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée)
Authors: Coiffier Christian , Orliac Catherine
Published: August 2014

Les maisons cérémonielles du fleuve Sépik sont des monuments imposants érigés dans la plupart des villages iatmul. La découverte au village de Palimbeï de trois piliers d'un ancien édifice a conduit les villageois à s'interroger sur leur passé. La datation et la détermination botanique de ces vestiges archéologiques ont confirmé la véracité des mythes d'origine et permis aux populations locales de renforcer leur identité sociale autour d'ancêtres communs.
Origine des légumes en Chine
Authors: Métailié Georges
Published: August 2014

Partant de la constatation énoncée par Jacques Barrau « que la plupart des plantes de nos potagers et vergers ont une origine étrangère plus ou moins lointaine », nous avons voulu voir quelle était la situation en Chine. Dans cette perspective nous présentons un aperçu de l'histoire de l'apparition dans les sources historiques de la mention des plantes légumières. Ce survol de trois millénaires révèle une attitude très différente de la part des Chinois par rapport à celle des Européens puisque l'arrivée de nouveaux produits n'a pas entraîné de bouleversements par remplacement mais au contraire un enrichissement progressif du fond ancien.
Five-membered ring annelation in [2.2]paracyclophanes by aldol condensation
Authors: Hopf Henning , Narayanan Swaminathan Vijay , Jones Peter G
Published: August 2014

Under basic conditions 4,5,12,13-tetraacetyl[2.2]paracyclophane (9) cyclizes by a double aldol condensation to provide the two aldols 12 and 15 in a 3:7 ratio. The structures of these compounds were obtained from X-ray structural analysis, spectroscopic data, and mechanistic considerations. On acid treatment 12 is dehydrated to a mixture of the condensed five-membered [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives 18–20, whereas 15 yields a mixture of the isomeric cyclopentadienones 21–23. The structures of these elimination products are also deduced from X-ray and spectroscopic data. The sequence presented here constitutes the simplest route so far to cyclophanes carrying an annelated five-membered ring.
A new charge-tagged proline-based organocatalyst for mechanistic studies using electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Willms J Alexander , Beel Rita , Schmidt Martin L , Mundt Christian , Engeser Marianne
Published: August 2014

A new 4-hydroxy-L-proline derivative with a charged 1-ethylpyridinium-4-phenoxy substituent has been synthesized with the aim of facilitating mechanistic studies of proline-catalyzed reactions by ESI mass spectrometry. The charged residue ensures a strongly enhanced ESI response compared to neutral unmodified proline. The connection by a rigid linker fixes the position of the charge tag far away from the catalytic center in order to avoid unwanted interactions. The use of a charged catalyst leads to significantly enhanced ESI signal abundances for every catalyst-derived species which are the ones of highest interest present in a reacting solution. The new charged proline catalyst has been tested in the direct asymmetric inverse aldol reaction between aldehydes and diethyl ketomalonate. Two intermediates in accordance with the List–Houk mechanism for enamine catalysis have been detected and characterized by gas-phase fragmentation. In addition, their temporal evolution has been followed using a microreactor continuous-flow technique.