bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-Target Effect of Endogenous siRNA Derived from RMRP in Human Cells
Authors: Maida Yoshiko , Kyo Satoru , Lassmann Timo , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Masutomi Kenkichi
Published: April 2013

Endogenous siRNAs (endo-siRNAs) are key regulators of RNA silencing in plants and worms; however, the biogenesis and function of endogenous siRNAs in mammals remain largely unknown. We previously demonstrated that human telomerase reverse transcriptase produces a self-targeting endogenous siRNA from non-coding RMRP RNA via RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity. Here, we investigated whether the endo-siRNA derived from RMRP targets other genes in addition to RMRP. Four algorithms for microRNA target prediction were used to identify possible targets of the endo-siRNA, and the phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase-interacting protein-like gene (PHYHIPL) was identified as the most promising candidate. The 3' UTR of PHYHIPL was found to contain three possible target sites with perfect seed pairing; deletion of each of these sites resulted in recovery of upstream luciferase expression. In addition, sequence-specific inhibition of the RMRP-derived endo-siRNA increased expression of PHYHIPL mRNA. The results described here suggest that the endo-siRNA uses silencing mechanisms that are similar to those used by microRNAs for gene silencing. To our knowledge, this study is the first confirmation of the off-target effect of human endogenous siRNA produced by RdRP activity.
Effects of Nanotoxicity on Female Reproductivity and Fetal Development in Animal Models
Authors: Sun Jianling , Zhang Qiu , Wang Zhiping , Yan Bing
Published: April 2013

The extensive application of nanomaterials in industry, medicine and consumer products has raised concerns about their potential toxicity. The female population is particularly vulnerable and deserves special attention because toxicity in this group may impact both female reproductivity and fetal development. Mouse and zebrafish models each have their own unique features and studies using these models to examine the potential toxicity of various nanoparticles are compared and summarized in this review. Several nanoparticles exhibit detrimental effects on female reproductivity as well as fetal development, and these adverse effects are related to nanoparticle composition, surface modification, dose, exposure route and animal species. Limited studies on the mechanisms of nanotoxicity are also documented and reviewed herein.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, DNA Binding and Apoptosis of Rhein-Phosphonate Derivatives as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Ye Man-Yi , Yao Gui-Yang , Wei Jing-Chen , Pan Ying-Ming , Liao Zhi-Xin , Wang Heng-Shan
Published: April 2013

Several rhein-phosphonate derivatives (5a–c) were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG-2, CNE, Spca-2, Hela and Hct-116 cell lines. Some compounds showed relatively high cytotoxicity. Especially compounds 5b exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against HepG-2 and Spca-2 cells (IC50 was 8.82 and 9.01 µM), respectively. All the synthesized compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity against HUVEC cells. Further experiments proved that 5b could disturb the cell cycle in HepG-2 cells and induce apoptosis. In addition, the binding properties of a model conjugate 5b to DNA were investigated by methods (UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD spectroscopy). Results indicated that 5b showed moderate ability to interact ct-DNA.
Characterization of Rice NADPH Oxidase Genes and Their Expression under Various Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wang Gang-Feng , Li Wen-Qiang , Li Wen-Yan , Wu Guo-Li , Zhou Cong-Yi , Chen Kun-Ming
Published: April 2013

Plasma membrane NADPH oxidases (Noxs) are key producers of reactive oxygen species under both normal and stress conditions in plants. We demonstrate that at least eleven genes in the genome of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were predicted to encode Nox proteins, including nine genes (OsNox1–9) that encode typical Noxs and two that encode ancient Nox forms (ferric reduction oxidase 1 and 7, OsFRO1 and OsFRO7). Phylogenetic analysis divided the Noxs from nine plant species into six subfamilies, with rice Nox genes distributed among subfamilies I to V. Gene expression analysis using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real-time qRT-PCR indicated that the expression of rice Nox genes depends on organs and environmental conditions. Exogenous calcium strongly stimulated the expression of OsNox3, OsNox5, OsNox7, and OsNox8, but depressed the expression of OsFRO1. Drought stress substantially upregulated the expression of OsNox1–3, OsNox5, OsNox9, and OsFRO1, but downregulated OsNox6. High temperature upregulated OsNox5–9, but significantly downregulated OsNox1–3 and OsFRO1. NaCl treatment increased the expression of OsNox2, OsNox8, OsFRO1, and OsFRO7, but decreased that of OsNox1, OsNox3, OsNox5, and OsNox6. These results suggest that the expression profiles of rice Nox genes have unique stress-response characteristics, reflecting their related but distinct functions in response to different environmental stresses.
Exploration of Sub-VT and Near-VT 2T Gain-Cell Memories for Ultra-Low Power Applications under Technology Scaling
Authors: Meinerzhagen Pascal , Teman Adam , Giterman Robert , Burg Andreas , Fish Alexander
Published: April 2013

Ultra-low power applications often require several kb of embedded memory and are typically operated at the lowest possible operating voltage (VDD) to minimize both dynamic and static power consumption. Embedded memories can easily dominate the overall silicon area of these systems, and their leakage currents often dominate the total power consumption. Gain-cell based embedded DRAM arrays provide a high-density, low-leakage alternative to SRAM for such systems; however, they are typically designed for operation at nominal or only slightly scaled supply voltages. This paper presents a gain-cell array which, for the first time, targets aggressively scaled supply voltages, down into the subthreshold (sub-VT) domain. Minimum VDD design of gain-cell arrays is evaluated in light of technology scaling, considering both a mature 0.18 μm CMOS node, as well as a scaled 40 nm node. We first analyze the trade-offs that characterize the bitcell design in both nodes, arriving at a best-practice design methodology for both mature and scaled technologies. Following this analysis, we propose full gain-cell arrays for each of the nodes, operated at a minimum VDD. We find that an 0.18 μm gain-cell array can be robustly operated at a sub-VT supply voltage of 400mV, providing read/write availability over 99% of the time, despite refresh cycles. This is demonstrated on a 2 kb array, operated at 1 MHz, exhibiting full functionality under parametric variations. As opposed to sub-VT operation at the mature node, we find that the scaled 40 nm node requires a near-threshold 600mV supply to achieve at least 97% read/write availability due to higher leakage currents that limit the bitcell’s retention time. Monte Carlo simulations show that a 600mV 2 kb 40 nm gain-cell array is fully functional at frequencies higher than 50 MHz.
Adhesion and Growth of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Nanostructured and Biofunctionalized Polyethylene
Authors: Novotna Katarina , Bacakova Marketa , Kasalkova Nikola , Slepicka Petr , Lisa Vera , Svorcik Vaclav , Bacakova Lucie
Published: April 2013

Cell colonization of synthetic polymers can be regulated by physical and chemical modifications of the polymer surface. High-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) were therefore activated with Ar+ plasma and grafted with fibronectin (Fn) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The water drop contact angle usually decreased on the plasma-treated samples, due to the formation of oxidized groups, and this decrease was inversely related to the plasma exposure time (50–300 s). The presence of nitrogen and sulfur on the polymer surface, revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and also by immunofluorescence staining, showed that Fn and BSA were bound to this surface, particularly to HDPE. Plasma modification and grafting with Fn and BSA increased the nanoscale surface roughness of the polymer. This was mainly manifested on HDPE. Plasma treatment and grafting with Fn or BSA improved the adhesion and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells in a serum-supplemented medium. The final cell population densities on day 6 after seeding were on an average higher on LDPE than on HDPE. In a serum-free medium, BSA grafted to the polymer surface hampered cell adhesion. Thus, the cell behavior on polyethylene can be modulated by its type, intensity of plasma modification, grafting with biomolecules, and composition of the culture medium.
Effect of SiC Content on the Ablation and Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2-Based Ultra High Temperature Ceramic Composites
Authors: Hu Ping , Gui Kaixuan , Yang Yang , Dong Shun , Zhang Xinghong
Published: April 2013

The ablation and oxidation of ZrB2-based ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) composites containing 10%, 15% and 30% v/v SiC were tested under different heat fluxes in a high frequency plasma wind tunnel. Performance was significantly affected by the surface temperature, which was strongly dependent on the composition. Composites containing 10% SiC showed the highest surface temperature (>2300 °C) and underwent a marked degradation under both conditions. In contrast, composites with 30% SiC exhibited the lowest surface temperature (<2000 °C) and demonstrated excellent ablation resistance. The surface temperature of UHTCs in aerothermal testing was closely associated with the dynamic evolution of the surface and bulk oxide properties, especially for the change in chemical composition on the exposed surface, which was strongly dependent on the material composition and testing parameters (i.e., heat flux, enthalpy, pressure and test time), and in turn affected its oxidation performance.
In Vivo Anti-Leukemia, Quantum Chemical Calculations and ADMET Investigations of Some Quaternary and Isothiouronium Surfactants
Authors: El-Henawy Ahmed , Khowdiary Manal , Badawi Abdelfattah , Soliman Hussein
Published: April 2013

Anti-leukemia screening of previously prepared isothiouronium and quaternary salts was performed, and some salts exhibited promising activity as anticancer agents. Quantum chemical calculations were utilized to explore the electronic structure and stability of these compounds. Computational studies have been carried out at the PM3 semiempirical molecular orbitals level, to establish the HOMO-LUMO, IP and ESP mapping of these compounds. The ADMET properties were also studied to gain a clear view of the potential oral bioavailability of these compounds. The surface properties calculated included critical micelle concentration (CMC), maximum surface excess (Γmax), minimum surface area (Amin), free energy of micellization (ΔGomic) and adsorption (ΔGoads).
Natural Products as a Source for New Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Compounds through the Inhibition of Purinergic P2X Receptors
Authors: Soares-Bezerra Rômulo , Calheiros Andrea , Da Silva Ferreira Natiele , Da Silva Frutuoso Valber , Alves Luiz
Published: April 2013

Natural products have reemerged in traditional medicine as a potential source of new molecules or phytomedicines to help with health disorders. It has been established that members of the P2X subfamily, ATP-gated ion channels, are crucial to the inflammatory process and pain signalization. As such, several preclinical studies have demonstrated that P2X2R, P2X3R, P2X4R and P2X7R are promising pharmacological targets to control inflammatory and pain disorders. Several studies have indicated that natural products could be a good source of the new specific molecules needed for the treatment of diseases linked to inflammation and pain disorders through the regulation of these receptors. Herein, we discuss and give an overview of the applicability of natural products as a source to obtain P2X receptors (P2XR) selective antagonists for use in clinical treatment, which require further investigation.
Between Critical and Uncritical Understandings: A Case Study Analyzing the Claims of Islamophobia Made in the Context of the Proposed ‘Super-Mosque’ in Dudley, England
Authors: Allen Chris
Published: April 2013

Research highlights how usage and claims of Islamophobia tend to be simplistic and without nuance. Using a case study approach, this article considers the claims of Islamophobia made in relation to the proposed Dudley ‘super-mosque’. Setting out a narrative of the ‘super-mosque’, this article draws upon primary and secondary research to consider the claims and discourses of the major actors in the Dudley setting: the Dudley Muslim Association, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, the far-right especially the British National Party and the English Defence League, as well as individual political figures. Considering each in detail, this article seeks to evaluate the extent to which each of the actors and the claims of Islamophobia made against them might be valid. As well as exploring claims of Islamophobia within a ‘real’ environment, this article seeks to critically engage the opposition shown towards the mosque, the way in which the opposition campaigns were mobilized and engineered, and how the ideological meanings of Islamophobia was able to be readily utilized to validate and justify such opposition. In doing so, this article concludes that the claims and usage of Islamophobia was weak and that a more critical and nuanced usage of the term is urgently required.
Bioenergy Consumption and Biogas Potential in Cambodian Households
Authors: Mustonen Suvisanna , Raiko Risto , Luukkanen Jyrki
Published: April 2013

Residential bioenergy consumption and bioenergy resources based on by-products of residential agricultural production and animal husbandry have been analyzed statistically, based on a nationwide residential livelihood and energy survey conducted in Cambodia in 2009. Furthermore, the potential for biomethanation, residential biogas consumption and small-scale power generation for non-electrified rural areas has been assessed. Household potential of biogas substrates in Cambodia, based on nationally representative data has not been presented earlier. This paper proposes mixtures of substrates for biogas production for various livelihood zones of Cambodia. The occurrence of biomass suitable for biomethanation is most favorable in unelectrified rural areas, except for fishing villages. The theoretical daily biogas potential from animal dung and rice husk appears to be promising for households in unelectrified rural villages, both for household digesters and units designed for small-scale electricity generation. Theoretical CH4 content of biogas was 63.9% and specific biogas yield 0.41 Nm3/kg for households in unelectrified villages. Based on the survey, the energy content of biogas potential is 25.5 PJ per year. This study shows that biogas has nationally significant technical potential in Cambodia.
An Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay for Aflatoxin M1 in Milk, Based on Extraction by Magnetic Graphene and Detection by Antibody-Labeled CdTe Quantumn Dots-Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite
Authors: Gan Ning , Zhou Jing , Xiong Ping , Hu Futao , Cao Yuting , Li Tianhua , Jiang Qianli
Published: April 2013

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) for aflatoxins M1 (ATM1) in milk using magnetic Fe3O4-graphene oxides (Fe-GO) as the absorbent and antibody-labeled cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) as the signal tag is presented. Firstly, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were immobilized on GO to fabricate the magnetic nanocomposites, which were used as absorbent to ATM1. Secondly, aflatoxin M1 antibody (primary antibody, ATM1 Ab1), was attached to the surface of the CdTe QDs-carbon nanotubes nanocomposite to form the signal tag (ATM1 Ab1/CdTe-CNT). The above materials were characterized. The optimal experimental conditions were obtained. Thirdly, Fe-GO was employed for extraction of ATM1 in milk. Results indicated that it can adsorb ATM1 efficiently and selectively within a large extent of pH from 3.0 to 8.0. Adsorption processes reached 95% of the equilibrium within 10 min. Lastly, the ATM1 with a serial of concentrations absorbed on Fe-GO was conjugated with ATM1 Ab1/CdTe-CNT signal tag based on sandwich immunoassay. The immunocomplex can emit a strong ECL signal whose intensity depended linearly on the logarithm of ATM1 concentration from 1.0 to 1.0 × 105 pg/mL, with the detection limit (LOD) of 0.3 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The method was more sensitive for ATM1 detection compared to the ELISA method. Finally, ten samples of milk were tested based on the immunoassay. The method is fast and requires very little sample preparation, which was suitable for high-throughput screening of mycotoxins in food.
Assessment of Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize, Peanut Meal and Poultry Feed Mixtures from Different Agroecological Zones in Cameroon
Authors: Kana Jean , Gnonlonfin Benoit , Harvey Jagger , Wainaina James , Wanjuki Immaculate , Skilton Robert , Teguia Alexis
Published: April 2013

Mycotoxins affect poultry production by being present in the feed and directly causing a negative impact on bird performance. Carry-over rates of mycotoxins in animal products are, in general, small (except for aflatoxins in milk and eggs) therefore representing a small source of mycotoxins for humans. Mycotoxins present directly in human food represent a much higher risk. The contamination of poultry feed by aflatoxins was determined as a first assessment of this risk in Cameroon. A total of 201 samples of maize, peanut meal, broiler and layer feeds were collected directly at poultry farms, poultry production sites and poultry feed dealers in three agroecological zones (AEZs) of Cameroon and analyzed for moisture content and aflatoxin levels. The results indicate that the mean of the moisture content of maize (14.1%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than all other commodities (10.0%–12.7%). Approximately 9% of maize samples were positive for aflatoxin, with concentrations overall ranging from <2 to 42 µg/kg. Most of the samples of peanut meal (100%), broiler (93.3%) and layer feeds (83.0%) were positive with concentrations of positive samples ranging from 39 to 950 µg/kg for peanut meal, 2 to 52 µg/kg for broiler feed and 2 to 23 µg/kg for layer feed. The aflatoxin content of layer feed did not vary by AEZ, while the highest (16.8 µg/kg) and the lowest (8.2 µg/kg) aflatoxin content of broiler feed were respectively recorded in Western High Plateau and in Rainforest agroecological zones. These results suggest that peanut meal is likely to be a high risk feed, and further investigation is needed to guide promotion of safe feeds for poultry in Cameroon.
Structure, Function, and Biology of the Enterococcus faecalis Cytolysin
Authors: Van Tyne Daria , Martin Melissa , Gilmore Michael
Published: April 2013

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive commensal member of the gut microbiota of a wide range of organisms. With the advent of antibiotic therapy, it has emerged as a multidrug resistant, hospital-acquired pathogen. Highly virulent strains of E. faecalis express a pore-forming exotoxin, called cytolysin, which lyses both bacterial and eukaryotic cells in response to quorum signals. Originally described in the 1930s, the cytolysin is a member of a large class of lanthionine-containing bacteriocins produced by Gram-positive bacteria. While the cytolysin shares some core features with other lantibiotics, it possesses unique characteristics as well. The current understanding of cytolysin biosynthesis, structure/function relationships, and contribution to the biology of E. faecalis are reviewed, and opportunities for using emerging technologies to advance this understanding are discussed.
The Toxicological Impacts of the Fusarium Mycotoxin, Deoxynivalenol, in Poultry Flocks with Special Reference to Immunotoxicity
Authors: Awad Wageha , Ghareeb Khaled , Böhm Josef , Zentek Jürgen
Published: April 2013

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common Fusarium toxin in poultry feed. Chickens are more resistant to the adverse impacts of deoxynivalenol (DON) compared to other species. In general, the acute form of DON mycotoxicosis rarely occurs in poultry flocks under normal conditions. However, if diets contain low levels of DON (less than 5 mg DON/kg diet), lower productivity, impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infectious diseases can occur. The molecular mechanism of action of DON has not been completely understood. A significant influence of DON in chickens is the impairment of immunological functions. It was known that low doses of DON elevated the serum IgA levels and affected both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in animals. DON is shown to suppress the antibody response to infectious bronchitis vaccine (IBV) and to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in broilers (10 mg DON/kg feed) and laying hens (3.5 to 14 mg of DON/kg feed), respectively. Moreover, DON (10 mg DON/kg feed) decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the plasma of broilers. DON can severely affect the immune system and, due to its negative impact on performance and productivity, can eventually result in high economic losses to poultry producers. The present review highlights the impacts of DON intoxication on cell mediated immunity, humoral immunity, gut immunity, immune organs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in chickens.
Are Recent Medical Graduates More Skeptical of Vaccines?
Authors: Hughes Michelle , Omer Saad , Pan William , Navar-Boggan Ann , Orenstein Walter , Marcuse Edgar , Taylor James , DeHart M. , Carter Terrell , Damico Anthony , Halsey Neal , Salmon Daniel
Published: April 2013

Rates of delay and refusal of recommended childhood vaccines are increasing in many U.S. communities. Children’s health care providers have a strong influence on parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccines. Provider attitudes towards immunizations vary and affect their immunization advocacy. One factor that may contribute to this variability is their familiarity with vaccine-preventable diseases and their sequelae. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of health care provider year of graduation with vaccines and vaccine-preventable disease beliefs. We conducted a cross sectional survey in 2005 of primary care providers identified by parents of children whose children were fully vaccinated or exempt from one or more school immunization requirements. We examined the association of provider graduation cohort (5 years) with beliefs on immunization, disease susceptibility, disease severity, vaccine safety, and vaccine efficacy. Surveys were completed by 551 providers (84.3% response rate). More recent health care provider graduates had 15% decreased odds of believing vaccines are efficacious compared to graduates from a previous 5 year period; had lower odds of believing that many commonly used childhood vaccines were safe; and 3.7% of recent graduates believed that immunizations do more harm than good. Recent health care provider graduates have a perception of the risk-benefit balance of immunization, which differs from that of their older counterparts. This change has the potential to be reflected in their immunization advocacy and affect parental attitudes.
Écritures imitées dans les livres et les documents du haut Moyen Âge (VIIe-XIe siècle)
Authors: Vezin Jean
Published: April 2013

L’imitation des écritures, souvent fidèle et habile, présente des modalités variées qui répondent à autant de motivations. Dans le développement et l’expansion de la minuscule caroline, on peut repérer des filiations directes entre scriptoria, liées aux circonstances et aux personnes: ainsi autour de 800 entre Saint-Amand-en-Pévèle et Salzbourg, puis entre Saint-Vaast d’Arras et Lorsch. Quant aux différents types d’écriture perfectionnés à Tours au ixe siècle, ils servent encore de modèle dans les deux siècles suivants, à Cluny comme à Angers. L’Angleterre a reçu du continent plusieurs écritures successivement: l’onciale romaine reproduite dans le Codex Amiatinus (VIIe siècle), la minuscule caroline liée aux Bénédictins (Xe siècle), enfin les modèles des copistes normands (xie siècle). L’Espagne, à la fin du XIe siècle, apprend de même, non sans hésitations, les usages graphiques français (formes mais aussi abréviations). D’autres phénomènes d’imitation touchent la mise en page et les écritures d’apparat ou épigraphiques. Quant aux écritures documentaires, elles sont imitées non tant pour leur beauté ou leur lisibilité que pour leur valeur d’authenticité: c’est ce qu’illustrent des souscriptions dessinées par des illettrés d’après un modèle, les copies figurées dans les cartulaires et, surtout, le vaste champ des falsifications, dont l’abbaye de Saint-Denis offre des exemples remarquables.
L’évolution de l’écriture épigraphique en France au Moyen Âge et ses enjeux historiques
Authors: Debiais Vincent , Favreau Robert , Treffort Cécile
Published: April 2013

Trotz beachtlicher Fortschritte der mittelalterlichen Epigraphik in Frankreich, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Anzahl der Editionen und Rekonstruktionen der Inschriften, hat bislang noch keine Synthese zur Paläographie der Inschriften die inzwischen in die Jahre gekommene von Paul Deschamps (1929) zu ersetzen vermocht. Ebenso fehlt es an regionalen Synthesen, die vergleichbar wären mit denjenigen, die in Deutschland erstellt wurden. Zwischen dem 6. und dem 15. Jahrhundert entwickeln sich die Form der Buchstaben, der Gebrauch der Zeichensetzung, das Layout und die künstlerische Ausgestaltung der Inschriften, Bildhauereien etc., und zwar nach wechselnden Kriterien: Wir können beobachten, dass sich derWunsch nach Lesbarkeit (sichtbar etwa in Karolingerzeit mit seinen «klassischen» Formen) und der nach Ästhetik (verkörpert beispielsweise durch die freieren Formen der ornamentalen Erneuerung in der romanischen Zeit) entweder gegenüberstehen oder vereinbar gemacht werden. Die vorliegende Studie thematisiert neben der Beschreibung graphischen Haupteigenschaften jeder Epoche deren historischen Kontexte (kulturell, sozial und politisch), in die die Inschriften eingebunden sind. Deren Entwicklung verläuft zum Teil parallel zu den Manuskriptschriften, zum Teil aber, aufgrund der Tatsache, dass die Inschriften sich an ein größeres Publikum wenden, auch eigenständig.
Aux origines de l’écriture liée : les avatars de la mixte (XIVe-XVe siècles)
Authors: Poulle Emmanuel
Published: April 2013

Formalised in the early fourteenth century at the French royal chancery, a particular stylisation of Caroline minuscule letter forms, the French document script known as

mixte, was soon to become an extraordinary laboratory for the technical improvement of those letters, in order to turn them into a fluent cursive. This transformation was achieved by giving priority to internal connections within each letter («ligatures de séquence»), over external, top-down connections («de tête en pied») between neighbouring letters. In the thirteenth century, the latter mode, linking the last stroke of a letter with the first stroke of the following one, had led to letters being broken up into a series of separate, more or less identical strokes, quite the contrary of fluent cursivity. In several letters, the new way of connecting also brought about changes in the sequence of strokes, even reversing the usual direction of single strokes. By achieving these tiny revolutions in single letters, both minuscule and majuscule, the French mixte

was made fully functional as a fluent cursive; later, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it broke with the past and sought new directions in light of the cursive scripts developed by Italian humanists.
Une diététique monastique liégeoise du XIVe siècle. Le Régime de santé du frère Léonard de Saint-Jacques
Authors: Xhayet Geneviève
Published: April 2013

Parmi les manuscrits ayant appartenu à la bibliothèque abbatiale de Saint-Jacques de Liège figure un traité aujourd’hui conservé à la bibliothèque universitaire de Leyde, BPL 191C, rédigé pro documento volentibus conservare suam sanitatem. Le texte conjugue des traits propres aux régimes de santé secundum ordinem anni et d’autres qui rappellent les régimes établis selon les «choses non naturelles». Il est attribué à un religieux de l’abbaye, frère Léonard, également connu comme l’auteur d’un traité de la goutte dédié à son abbé. Datable de la seconde moitié du XIVe siècle, le régime est rédigé dans un latin truffé d’emprunts au parler vernaculaire, le wallon de Liège, où se mêlent les mots français et flamands. Il fut manifestement destiné à l’usage interne de la communauté, et peut-être à un moine en particulier : des allusions récurrentes à la qualité de la voix suggèrent qu’il pourrait s’agir du chantre. Au-delà de son intérêt médical, le régime de Léonard, publié en appendice, offre des aperçus multiples et inhabituels de la vie quotidienne, de la sociabilité, des menus ou des manières de table d’une communauté religieuse urbaine dans l’Europe du nord-ouest au XIVe siècle.
Un traité de la noblesse dédié au roi René. Le «Tractatus aureus de nobilitate» de Giovanni Ludovico de’ Vivaldi
Authors: Giordanengo Gérard
Published: April 2013

Den aus dem Piemont stammende Dominikaner Giovanni Ludovico de’ Vivaldi, dessen Wirken zwischen 1475 und 1520 belegt ist, kennen die Historiographen der Prinzenratgeber und der Münzkunde von seinen Werke über die Lilie auf dem Écu de France und von seines moraltheologischen Abhandlungen zur Bußfertigkeit und zur unbefleckten Empfängnis (1503 und 1507). Bisher nicht bekannt war sein Tractatus de nobilitate (1475-1480), den er König René (1409-1480) gewidmet hat und der hier im Anhang ediert ist. Man weiß von dem in einem einzigen Manuskript erhaltenen Text nicht einmal, ob er dem Graf der Provence jemals präsentiert worden ist. Obgleich er sich tadellos in den seit dem Ende des vorhergehenden Jahrhunderts begonnenen Diskurs über den Adel und die Tugend einfügen lässt, ignoriert er seine Vorgänger, und auch in den Werken der nachkommenden Autoren findet sich keine Erwähnung des Werks. René wird darin als mustergültiger Adliger geschildert, da er drei Noblessen sein eigen nennen kann : Die des Bluts, die der Tugend und die des Muts. Der Autor vergleicht ihn sodann mit sieben Personen des Altertums, deren Anfangsbuchstaben seinen Namen (renatus) bilden, und er entwickelt, unterlegt mit einer großen Zahl von Zitaten antiker und mittelalterlicher Autoritäten, die drei Tugenden des Königs von Neapel.
Pour une approche diplomatique des commissions des subdélégués d’intendance au XVIIIe siècle. L’exemple du Hainaut (1765- 1788)
Authors: Glineur Cédric
Published: April 2013

The commissions issued by the French intendants to their subdelegates have received little notice from historians ; yet they offer useful evidence on specific administrative practices of Ancien Régime monarchy. The present study focuses on some fifteen commissions, mainly from Hainault ; a handful from other generalités (provinces) provide an opportunity for comparison, so that it is possible to outline some common institutional features. Firstly, the commissions were drafted according to an established form based on those received by the intendants themselves, or on those issued by the royal Chancery to the subdelegates general of intendances. The intendants progressively defined a more regular status for the benefit of their subdelegates, whose condition was constantly described in the same terms. Specific diplomatic and legal uses, typical of Ancien Régime monarchy, were thus propagated down to the lesser administrative entities - a further illustration of the rôle of the intendants as agents of monarchical centralisation.
Les origines de Bohain-en-Vermandois dans l'Aisne
Authors: Ziegler Sébastien
Published: April 2013

Recent preventive archaeological operations - sounding works and excavations - carried out in Bohain- en-Vermandois are a good opportunity to update our knowledge of this small town situated on the borders of the Vermandois region. Our study focuses more particularly on the mediaeval period during which Bohain, born of a small village community, developed into something bigger than a countryside village. We therefore describe some of the mechanisms underlying feudal society, together with their consequences on both the forest landscape and the urban landscape.
Continuous parallel ESI-MS analysis of reactions carried out in a bespoke 3D printed device
Authors: Mathieson Jennifer S , Rosnes Mali H , Sans Victor , Kitson Philip J , Cronin Leroy
Published: April 2013

Herein, we present an approach for the rapid, straightforward and economical preparation of a tailored reactor device using three-dimensional (3D) printing, which can be directly linked to a high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) for real-time, in-line observations. To highlight the potential of the setup, supramolecular coordination chemistry was carried out in the device, with the product of the reactions being recorded continuously and in parallel by ESI-MS. Utilising in-house-programmed computer control, the reactant flow rates and order were carefully controlled and varied, with the changes in the pump inlets being mirrored by the recorded ESI-MS spectra.
The Role of the Clinical Preceptor: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: McClure Emily , Black Lisa
Published: April 2013

The clinical learning environment has been identified as being central to nursing education. The clinical learning environment provides undergraduate nursing students with the opportunity to combine cognitive knowledge with the development of psychomotor and affective nursing skills. The preceptor role in undergraduate nursing education is complex and multifaceted. Undergraduate nursing students identify preceptors as key to their learning in the clinical setting; however, staff nurse preceptors often feel unprepared to serve in this role. This integrative literature review explores the role of the staff nurse preceptor through the perspective of undergraduate nursing students, nursing faculty, and staff nurses who are assigned to precept students as a function of their nursing role. Recommendations are made to facilitate the preparation of clinical preceptors to fulfill this essential role in preparing nursing students for clinical practice. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(6):335–341.]
Developing and Testing the Nurse Educator Scale: A Robust Measure of Students’ Intentions to Pursue an Educator Role
Authors: Abou Samra Haifa , McGrath Jacqueline M. , Estes Tracy
Published: April 2013

No instrument exists that measures student perceptions of the faculty role. Such a measure is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of interventions aimed at attracting students to the faculty career path. We developed the Nurse Educator Scale (NES). The initial scale items were generated using the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) constructs and were reviewed by an expert panel to ensure content validity. Exploratory factor analysis was used. The optimized 25-item, 7-point Likert scale has a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.85, with a total variance of 42%. The underlying factor structure supported three defining characteristics congruent with SCCT: outcome expectations (alpha = 0.79), relevant knowledge (alpha = 0.67), and social influence (alpha = 0.80). A stand-alone, item-measuring goal setting was also supported. The NES provides a valid and reliable measure of students’ intentions and motivations to pursue a future career as a nurse educator or scientist. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(6):323–329.]
Notas sobre la informatización y el diseño de Arquitectura
Authors: Sevilla Corella Carlos
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
Tres obras del equipo de arquitectos Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum/EE.UU.
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: April 2013

En este artículo se describen tres obras recientes del equipo de arquitectos Hellmuth, Obata y Kassabaum.
La primera corresponde al Centro Cívico Decatur que, en un único edificio, organiza tres funciones totalmente distintas: una pista de patinaje sobre hielo, un teatro y el Ayuntamiento de la ciudad.
La segunda, la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Western, Illinois, consta de cuatro pabellones de cinco alturas desarrollados en torno a un amplio espacio central de comunicaciones y servicios.
La última trata de la ampliación, mediante dos nuevos edificios, de un antiguo hospital y su adaptación a las nuevas funciones de enseñanza que tenía que satisfacer.
La resistencia a esfuerzo cortante en la instrucción EH-80
Authors: Serrano Beltrán Teófilo
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
Algunas notas sobre rehabilitación y nuevas construcciones en viejos soportes
Authors: Pérez Arroyo Salvador
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
Conjunto residencial comercial y de oficinas «Las Francesas» Valladolid/España
Authors: Lamela Estudio
Published: April 2013

Obra en situación urbana, en trama de casco antiguo, con edificios monumentales en su interior.
Reconstrucción y restauración de los monumentos, que se integran en el conjunto y a la vida urbana cotidiana mediante su funcionalidad.
La arquitectura actual, de buscada sobriedad, sirve de marco para potenciar funcional y visualmente los monumentos.
Rehabilitación y reforma estructural de edificios antiguos
Authors: Buzón Rafael
Published: April 2013

Las Ordenanzas Municipales de la mayor parte de las ciudades exigen que se respeten las edificaciones con cierto carácter tradicional o histórico, rehabilitándolas o reconstruyéndolas, con la obligación de conservar íntegramente las fachadas en su mismo aspecto arquitectónico.
Un porcentaje importante del volumen futuro de construcción estará dirigido a estos edificios.
Barrios enteros edificados en una misma época con características constructivas similares, se encuentran en igual grado de deterioro o envejecimiento por el transcurso de los años, con un estado resistente precario, precisando de una pronta rehabilitación, si se quiere evitar el desalojo masivo y la pérdida irreversible de los inmuebles.
Se hace preciso conocer la técnica utilizada, el comportamiento de los materiales, los daños más frecuentes, por vicio o envejecimiento y la práctica de reparación eficaz para abordar este campo olvidado de la construcción.
Determinación de la resistencia del hormigón mediante ensayos no destructivos realizados con esclerómetro y ultrasonidos
Authors: Delibes Liniers Adolfo
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
El hormigón material estructural arquitectónico
Authors: Adam Miguel
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
Dos centros de atención a minusválidos físicos/España
Authors: Alvarez Puerto Francisco , Fabra Utray Leopoldo , Humanes Bustamante Alberto
Published: April 2013

Se presentan dos obras promovidas por el S.E.R.E.M. (Ministerio de Sanidad y Seguridad Social) para atención a minusválidos. La primera de ellas, en Granada, se trata de un centro de carácter provincial con funciones de tipo administrativo, médico, rehabilitador y recuperador principalmente. La segunda, en Lardero (La Rioja), es un centro de ámbito regional dedicado a la rehabilitación integral de minusválidos físicos. En él se desarrollan funciones de recuperación, rehabilitación física, cultural, laboral y social, teniendo una compleja organización funcional y espacial que permite un variado cúmulo de actividades.
Nuevos planteamientos para la integración del tráfico en la arquitectura
Authors: Santos de Quevedo Ignacio , Grijalba Peso Julio
Published: April 2013

Es curioso que un artilugio del que se puede afirmar que prácticamente todo el mundo lo utiliza de continuo, al que la mayoría asea con primor y cuida con el máximo cariño, que despierta casi inconfesables deseos de superación, y por el que muchos nos hemos endeudado alguna vez o estamos incondicionalmente dispuestos a hacerlo, sea al mismo tiempo uno de los blancos constantes de las iras de nuestra sociedad actual. Naturalmente nos estamos refiriendo al artefacto denominado «coche» que, pese a todas las consideraciones anteriores, debe sin embargo tener muy perversas cualidades a juzgar por las críticas, denuestos y desprecios de que es objeto continuamente.
Se quiera o no admitir, el hecho real evidente es que el coche se nos ha hecho Imprescindible en la vida actual, y habrá que empezar a suponer que esta servidumbre, voluntariamente aceptada por la mayor parte de la sociedad civilizada, estará en función de las virtudes y ventajas ofrecidas por el coche y no de sus defectos tan aparentemente manifiestos.
Acondicionamiento de la delegación de Zaragoza del Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Aragón y La Rioja Zaragoza/España
Authors: García Lorza Isabel , Fernández Ramírez Manuel
Published: April 2013

El acondicionamiento de este edificio alcanzó a todas aquellas obras necesarias para su adecuación a las nuevas funciones de organización colegial, así como a los refuerzos estructurales y de renovación de cubiertas que su estado exigió realizar.
Los elementos arquitectónicos de gran importancia histórico-artística (patio central, artesonado, etc.) han sido respetados y revalorizados en todas sus posibilidades, intentando recuperarlos a su verdadero estado primitivo.
Pasarela metálica sobre el Río Magro en Algemesi/España
Authors: Martínez Lasheras Carlos A. , Rechea Alberola Manuel
Published: April 2013

La pasarela peatonal, construida para dar acceso al nuevo Colegio de HH.MM. de Algemesú es una obra metálica de vigas trianguladas, de un solo vano e isostática.
La sección escogida, pentagonal, posee cantos similares en las dos direcciones principales, caras laterales relativamente poco inclinadas, aprovechamiento interior óptimo y la posibilidad de cubrirla sin estructura adicional.
Esta pasarela obtuvo el premio de Sercometal-1981
Aditivos para hormigones, morteros y pastas: generalidades, clasificación y definiciones
Authors: Gaspar-Tebar Demetrio
Published: April 2013

El empleo de aditivos en la fabricación de hormigones, morteros y pastas, hechos a base de cemento, proporciona una serie de ventajas al mejorar al menos alguna de sus propiedades y, porque además, contribuye a conseguir una calidad constante. De este modo se obtienen productos más competitivos en los aspectos técnicos y económicos frente a otros materiales; de aquí, el incremento que ha experimentado el consumo de aditivos en los últimos años.
Torres e icebergs
Authors: Martínez de Velasco Emilio F.
Published: April 2013

Se ofrece en este artículo una visión personal del proyectista de la torre de TVE, en Madrid, pasando revista a todos los aspectos que han incidido en el resultado estético final, y el papel del arquitecto dentro del equipo pluridisciplinar de técnicos de diferentes especialidades, que aparece en palabras del autor como la punta de un iceberg de grandes dimensiones, pero no por esto su intervención es menos importante, ya que si bien el diseño es en este caso un problema sobredeterminado; por los condicionantes del entorno y sobre todo tecnológicos, es preciso superar esta barrera para conseguir que los elementos que componen el conjunto, fuste, plataformas, cubiertas y mástil formen una unidad plástica satisfactoria.
Nuevas inyecciones químicas estructurales de base silicato en la ingeniería geotécnica
Authors: López Ruiz Álvaro
Published: April 2013

Se presentan las propiedades de los suelos granulares estabilizados in situ mediante dos «inyecciones químicas» estructurales, de base silicato sódico, utilizadas por primera vez en la Ingeniería Geotécnica por el autor, y se describen las primeras obras importantes ejecutadas con ellas, en Milán, Barcelona y Madrid, Una de estas soluciones químicas, que produce un gel duro, y que utiliza básicamente como reactivo una mezcla de formamida-acetato de etilo, soluble en el sistema líquido, ha sido tratada ampliamente en el reciente congreso sobre inyecciones, organizado por la ASCE, de Nueva Orleans (Febrero 1982) y se consideran sus resultados en este trabajo. Se describe la utilización para la estabilización de suelos, de otro tipo de solución, también de base silicato, que expansiona durante el proceso de gelificación, y que es compatible con la primeramente indicada, es decir, que se pueden obtener productos con propiedades intermedias. Se pone especial énfasis en la necesidad de un mejor conocimiento de los procesos físico-químicos y reológicos en estos sistemas y de la influencia del factor tiempo sobre su estabilidad y comportamiento intrínsecos y su relación con el medio, que se debieran interpretar a partir de su estructura químico-molecular, de la que dependen también sus propiedades mecánicas.
La cubierta plana. Influencia del aislamiento térmico sobre la temperatura de la membrana
Authors: Ruiz Duerto Antonio , Bernabé Rafael
Published: April 2013

No disponible.
Viviendas de muy bajo coste
Authors: Lemus V. , López H. , Olvera H.
Published: April 2013

En el Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, se está desarrollando un área de investigación sobre tecnología de materiales y tecnología de sistemas constructivos, la cual está integrada por diversos proyectos encaminados a solucionar problemas relativos a la vivienda. El presente trabajo consiste en el desarrollo de materiales compuestos a base de desechos agrícolas e industriales, con características tales como baja densidad, resistencia adecuada, excelentes propiedades térmicas y acústicas y, fundamentalmente, bajo costo y gran disponibilidad. Los resultados obtenidos son bastante alentadores debido a la durabilidad y resistencia mecánica obtenidos a base del tratamiento proporcionado a la materia orgánica. Se comentan las aplicaciones actuales y futuras de estos nuevos materiales.
Desarrollo, tecnologías apropiadas y prácticas en la producción de viviendas de bajo costo
Authors: Provisor H.
Published: April 2013

Desde hace unos diez años y, más sistemáticamente, después de la Conferencia de Vancouver, se ha venido evidenciando una estrecha relación entre la vivienda de bajo costo y la noción de «tecnologías apropiadas ». En cambio, se encuentra un tanto oculta la relación que dichas tecnologías han de tener con el desarrollo. Tal como suele entenderse, dicha noción resulta de un razonamiento aparentemente muy lógico: en los países en desarrollo, faltan los recursos financieros y sobra la mano de obra; además, varias materias primas casi gratuitas se pueden transformar por poco costo en materiales de construcción que sustituyan los actualmente importados o producidos en cantidad insuficiente, o a precio demasiado alto; de ahí la necesidad de empeñarse en concebir y llevar a cabo tecnologías que a la vez aprovechen los recursos locales disponibles, tengan en cuenta la escasez de fondos y logren un ahorro de divisas. Y eso más aún si se observa que, en muchos casos, la importación de fábricas «llave en mano» resulta un fracaso. Pero, en tal acercamiento a la problemática de la vivienda económica, se toma poco en consideración la selección de materiales y técnicas de construcción que hacen los operadores efectivos (bancos, directores de obras, empresas, etc., por el sector institucionalizado, y habitantes-constructores por el sector informal). De ello puede resultar un desajuste difícil de resolver entre las soluciones elaboradas por los organismos de investigación y las prácticas vigentes. Aclarar la relación entre desarrollo y tecnología apropiada, por un lado, y examinar cuáles son los materiales y técnicas elegidos por los operadores efectivos, por otro lado, son los dos temas fundamentales de esta ponencia, la cual se presenta en dos partes: desarrollo y tecnologías apropiadas; prácticas vigentes en la producción de vivienda de bajo costo.
Vida útil de puentes
Authors: Grattesat Guy
Published: April 2013

La vida residual de los puentes depende del estado de la estructura y de sus características funcionales, así como de las modificaciones previstas depende principalmente de las medidas que se tomen para prolongarla. Generalmente resulta más económico reparar y, eventualmente, reforzar un puente que sustituirlo. La decisión se toma en cada caso particular. Algunas veces es difícil tomarla por causa de las incertidumbres residuales. Se trata un tema complejo que requiere mucha investigación y cooperación internacional.