bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion and Serration Behaviors of TiZr0.5NbCr0.5VxMoy High Entropy Alloys in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Li Jiemin , Yang Xiao , Zhu Ruanli , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2014

The corrosion and serration behaviors of TiZr0.5NbCr0.5, TiZr0.5NbCr0.5V and TiZr0.5NbCr0.5Mo high entropy alloys (HEAs) in NaCl and H2SO4 solutions were studied by potentiodynamic polarizations (PP) and immersion tests. The results show that all the alloys display excellent corrosion resistance no matter in NaCl solution or in H2SO4 solution. The additions of V and Mo increase the pitting corrosion resistance for the three alloys in NaCl solution slightly and greatly improve the corrosion resistance in H2SO4 solution. The corrosion behaviors of TiZr0.5NbCr0.5 and TiZr0.5NbCr0.5Mo alloys are more sensitive to temperature than that of TiZr0.5NbCr0.5V alloy. After immersion, the surface of TiZr0.5NbCr0.5 alloy appears some pitting holes, this may be related to the electrochemical noise and serration behavior on PP curves; localized corrosion initiates mainly on the boundaries of the BCC and Cr2Zr Laves phase for TiZr0.5NbCr0.5V alloy; while for the TiZr0.5NbCr0.5Mo alloy, the dendrites with Mo element rich region exhibit poor corrosion resistance.
Aortic Relaxant Activity of Crataegus gracilior Phipps and Identification of Some of Its Chemical Constituents
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Abigail , Bah Moustapha , Ibarra-Alvarado César , Rivero-Cruz José , Rojas-Molina Alejandra , Rojas-Molina Juana , Cabrera-Luna José
Published: December 2014

This study focused on the assessment of the vasorelaxant activity of the organic and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves and fruits of a Mexican hawthorn (Crataegus gracilior) on isolated rat aorta, and on the purification and identification of some of their secondary metabolites by the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained showed that the methanol extract has a significantly more potent and effective vasorelaxant effect than the other tested extracts, with an EC50 = 8.69 ± 4.34 µg/mL and an Emax = 94.6% ± 11.30%, values that are close to that of acetylcholine, the positive control. From the same extract, two major triterpenes were isolated and identified as ursolic and corosolic acids by comparison of their experimental NMR spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and (+)-catechin were also identified using HPLC coupled with PDAD. All these compounds have already been proven to possess on their own antihypertensive effect and other benefits on cardiovascular diseases and they can support, at least in part, the traditional use of this plant species.
Comparative Study of the Structural and Vibroelectronic Properties of Porphyrin and Its Derivatives
Authors: Aydin Metin
Published: December 2014

Density functional theory (DFT and time-dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) were employed to investigate the vibroelectronic structural properties of porphyrin and some derivatives: unsubstituted porphyrin (TPyr), meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP), protonated-TPyr (H2TPyr), deuterated-H2TPyr (D4TPyr), protonated-TPP (H2TPP) and deuterated-H2TPP (D4TPP), protonated TSPP (H2TSPP), deuterated-H2TSPP (D4TSPP), dicationic TSPP (H6TSPP) and deuterated-H6TSPP (D8TSPP). The possible internal conversion (IC) and intersystem crossing (ISC) processes of these compounds were investigated. Finally, the relaxed ground state potential energy surface (PES) (S0), and singlet (Sn, n = 1–24) and triplet (Tn) excited state PESs of the TSPP molecule were calculated as function of the dihedral angle (Cα-Cm-Cϕ-C(ph)) rotation. The results of the calculations indicated that while the meso-substitutions caused a significant shift in frequencies when the meso-carbons within the parent-porphine (or TPyr) are involved in the vibrational motion of molecules; the protonation of the N atoms at the porphine/porphyrin core causes a significant blue shift when the H on the N atoms within the pyrroline are dominantly involved in the vibrational motions. The deuteration of N atoms not only caused a red-shift in the frequencies of the corresponding peaks below 1600 cm−1, but also produced new vibrational modes of frequencies in the 2565–2595 cm−1 range caused by the N-D bond stretching. Similarly, the deuteration of O atoms within the sulfonato groups (-SO3−) exhibited a new peak at around 2642 cm−1 due to O-D bond stretching. The measured Raman spectrum of the H2TSPP is assigned based on the predicted Raman spectra of the compounds studied here and measured Raman spectrum of the TPP (from our previous work). The IR spectrum is assigned based on our calculations and measured IR spectra obtained from the literature. The results of the TD-DFT calculations did not only indicate that the meso-substitution and protonation of the porphyrin bring about a significant read shift in the electronic transitions; but also provided a strong evidence for the IC from the Soret band to Q-bands beside possibility of the ISC process; its existence depend on the other excited state process such as much faster vibrational relaxation; the IC and etc. The ground state PES curve (S0) of the ionic TSPP exhibited two minima at the dihedral angle (Cα-Cm-Cϕ-C) of about 66° (corresponds to the lowest ground state) and 110° (corresponds to next energetically stable state or the local minima). The energy deference between these two minima is 0.0132 eV (or 106 cm−1) and the highest potential energy barrier when undergoing from the lowest ground state to this local state is only 0.0219 eV (177 cm−1; which is compatible with the thermal energy (kT) at 298 K is 207.2 cm−1.
Efficient Synthesis and Reaction Kinetics of Readily Water Soluble Esters Containing Sulfonic Groups
Authors: Idzik Krzysztof , Nödler Karsten , Maier Friedrich , Licha Tobias
Published: December 2014

A series of various readily water soluble esters were synthesized by a very efficient procedure. These compounds can be useful as thermosensitive tracers for studying the cooling progress in a low enthalpy georeservoir exploitable by double flash geothermal power plant systems. The kinetics of their hydrolysis was investigated. Acylation of primary alcohols or phenols was carried out by a method based on a single-phase solvent system consisting of ethyl acetate acting as an organic solvent and triethylamine acting as a catalyst. Products were characterized by 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR.
Stability of Anthocyanins from Red Grape Skins under Pressurized Liquid Extraction and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Conditions
Authors: Liazid Ali , Barbero Gerardo , Azaroual Latifa , Palma Miguel , Barroso Carmelo
Published: December 2014

The stability of anthocyanins from grape skins after applying different extraction techniques has been determined. The following compounds, previously extracted from real samples, were assessed: delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside, malvidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-acetylglucoside, malvidin 3-acetylglucoside, malvidin 3-caffeoylglucoside, petunidin 3-p-coumaroylglucoside and malvidin 3-p-coumaroylglucoside (trans). The techniques used were ultrasound-assisted extraction and pressurized liquid extraction. In ultrasound-assisted extraction, temperatures up to 75 °C can be applied without degradation of the aforementioned compounds. In pressurized liquid extraction the anthocyanins were found to be stable up to 100 °C. The relative stabilities of both the glycosidic and acylated forms were evaluated. Acylated derivatives were more stable than non-acylated forms. The differences between the two groups of compounds became more marked on working at higher temperatures and on using extraction techniques with higher levels of oxygen in the extraction media.
Crystallographic Studies Evidencing the High Energy Tolerance to Disrupting the Interface Disulfide Bond of Thioredoxin 1 from White Leg Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Campos-Acevedo Adam , Rudiño-Piñera Enrique
Published: December 2014

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a small 12-kDa redox protein that catalyzes the reduction of disulfide bonds in proteins from different biological systems. A recent study of the crystal structure of white leg shrimp thioredoxin 1 from Litopenaeus vannamei (LvTrx) revealed a dimeric form of the protein mediated by a covalent link through a disulfide bond between Cys73 from each monomer. In the present study, X-ray-induced damage in the catalytic and the interface disulfide bond of LvTrx was studied at atomic resolution at different transmission energies of 8% and 27%, 12.8 keV at 100 K in the beamline I-24 at Diamond Light Source. We found that at an absorbed dose of 32 MGy, the X-ray induces the cleavage of the disulfide bond of each catalytic site; however, the interface disulfide bond was cleaved at an X-ray adsorbed dose of 85 MGy; despite being the most solvent-exposed disulfide bond in LvTrx (~50 Å2). This result clearly established that the interface disulfide bond is very stable and, therefore, less susceptible to being reduced by X-rays. In fact, these studies open the possibility of the existence in solution of a dimeric LvTrx.
Alternatives to Antibiotics in Semen Extenders: A Review
Authors: Morrell Jane , Wallgren Margareta
Published: December 2014

Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to be used for artificial insemination (AI) in livestock breeding to control bacterial contamination in semen arising during collection and processing. The antibiotics to be added and their concentrations for semen for international trade are specified by government directives. Since the animal production industry uses large quantities of semen for artificial insemination, large amounts of antibiotics are currently used in semen extenders. Possible alternatives to antibiotics are discussed, including physical removal of the bacteria during semen processing, as well as the development of novel antimicrobials. Colloid centrifugation, particularly Single Layer Centrifugation, when carried out with a strict aseptic technique, offers a feasible method for reducing bacterial contamination in semen and is a practical method for semen processing laboratories to adopt. However, none of these alternatives to antibiotics should replace strict attention to hygiene during semen collection and handling.
Persistent Scatterer Interferometry Processing of COSMO-SkyMed StripMap HIMAGE Time Series to Depict Deformation of the Historic Centre of Rome, Italy
Authors: Cigna Francesca , Lasaponara Rosa , Masini Nicola , Milillo Pietro , Tapete Deodato
Published: December 2014

We processed X-band COSMO-SkyMed 3-m resolution StripMap HIMAGE time series (March 2011–June 2013) with the Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterers (StaMPS), to retrieve an updated picture of the condition and structural health of the historic centre of Rome, Italy, and neighbouring quarters. Taking advantage of an average target density of over 2800 PS/km2, we analysed the spatial distribution of more than 310,000 radar targets against: (1) land cover; (2) the location of archaeological ruins and restoration activities; and (3) the size, orientation and morphology of historical buildings. Radar interpretation was addressed from the perspective of conservators, and the deformation estimates were correlated to local geohazards and triggering factors of structural collapse. In the context of overall stability, deformation was identified at the single-monument scale, e.g., for the Roman cistern and exedra in the Oppian Hill. Comparative assessment against InSAR processing of C-band imagery (1992–2010) published in the literature confirms the persistence of ground motions affecting monuments and subsidence in southern residential quarters adjacent to the Tiber River, due to the consolidation of compressible deposits. Vertical velocity estimated from COSMO-SkyMed PS exceeds −7.0 mm/y in areas of recent urbanization.
Evaluation of Multi-Resolution Satellite Sensors for Assessing Water Quality and Bottom Depth of Lake Garda
Authors: Giardino Claudia , Bresciani Mariano , Cazzaniga Ilaria , Schenk Karin , Rieger Patrizia , Braga Federica , Matta Erica , Brando Vittorio
Published: December 2014

In this study we evaluate the capabilities of three satellite sensors for assessing water composition and bottom depth in Lake Garda, Italy. A consistent physics-based processing chain was applied to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and RapidEye. Images gathered on 10 June 2014 were corrected for the atmospheric effects with the 6SV code. The computed remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) from MODIS and OLI were converted into water quality parameters by adopting a spectral inversion procedure based on a bio-optical model calibrated with optical properties of the lake. The same spectral inversion procedure was applied to RapidEye and to OLI data to map bottom depth. In situ measurements of Rrs and of concentrations of water quality parameters collected in five locations were used to evaluate the models. The bottom depth maps from OLI and RapidEye showed similar gradients up to 7 m (r = 0.72). The results indicate that: (1) the spatial and radiometric resolutions of OLI enabled mapping water constituents and bottom properties; (2) MODIS was appropriate for assessing water quality in the pelagic areas at a coarser spatial resolution; and (3) RapidEye had the capability to retrieve bottom depth at high spatial resolution. Future work should evaluate the performance of the three sensors in different bio-optical conditions.
Recognizing Objects in 3D Point Clouds with Multi-Scale Local Features
Authors: Lu Min , Guo Yulan , Zhang Jun , Ma Yanxin , Lei Yinjie
Published: December 2014

Recognizing 3D objects from point clouds in the presence of significant clutter and occlusion is a highly challenging task. In this paper, we present a coarse-to-fine 3D object recognition algorithm. During the phase of offline training, each model is represented with a set of multi-scale local surface features. During the phase of online recognition, a set of keypoints are first detected from each scene. The local surfaces around these keypoints are further encoded with multi-scale feature descriptors. These scene features are then matched against all model features to generate recognition hypotheses, which include model hypotheses and pose hypotheses. Finally, these hypotheses are verified to produce recognition results. The proposed algorithm was tested on two standard datasets, with rigorous comparisons to the state-of-the-art algorithms. Experimental results show that our algorithm was fully automatic and highly effective. It was also very robust to occlusion and clutter. It achieved the best recognition performance on all of these datasets, showing its superiority compared to existing algorithms.
Sustainability Assessment of Solid Waste Management in China: A Decoupling and Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Chen Xingpeng , Pang Jiaxing , Zhang Zilong , Li Hengji
Published: December 2014

As the largest solid waste (SW) generator in the world, China is facing serious pollution issues induced by increasing quantities of SW. The sustainability assessment of SW management is very important for designing relevant policy for further improving the overall efficiency of solid waste management (SWM). By focusing on industrial solid waste (ISW) and municipal solid waste (MSW), the paper investigated the sustainability performance of SWM by applying decoupling analysis, and further identified the main drivers of SW change in China by adopting Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model. The results indicate that China has made a great achievement in SWM which was specifically expressed as the increase of ISW utilized amount and harmless disposal ratio of MSW, decrease of industrial solid waste discharged (ISWD), and absolute decoupling of ISWD from economic growth as well. However, China has a long way to go to achieve the goal of sustainable management of SW. The weak decoupling, even expansive negative decoupling of ISW generation and MSW disposal suggests that China needs timely technology innovation and rational institutional arrangement to reduce SW intensity from the source and promote classification and recycling. The factors of investment efficiency and technology are the main determinants of the decrease in SW, inversely, economic growth has increased SW discharge. The effects of investment intensity showed a volatile trend over time but eventually decreased SW discharged. Moreover, the factors of population and industrial structure slightly increased SW.
Dental Caries in the Qafzeh 3 Middle Paleolithic Modern Human
Authors: Trinkaus Erik , Pinilla Beatriz
Published: December 2014

La denture incomplète de Qafzeh 3, un homme moderne ancien du Paléolithique moyen, présente quatre défauts antemortem de l’émail : sur les faces mésiale et distale de la I1 supérieure, sur la face occlusale de la I2 supérieure et sur la face distale de la M 1 inférieure. L’observation directe des dents complétée par une analyse au microscope électronique à balayage montrent que l’une des lésions (celle de la face distale de la I1) est une fracture antemortem de la dent et que les trois autres correspondent à des caries. Ces lésions viennent augmenter le petit nombre de caries dentaires connues chez les fossiles archaïques récents et modernes anciens du Paléolithique moyen du pourtour méditerranéen. La fréquence de caries chez ces hommes fossiles reste cependant très faible.
New Metallurgic Findings from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic: Tell Halula (Euphrates Valley, Syria)
Authors: Molist Miquel , Montero-Ruiz Ignacio , Clop Xavier , Rovira Salvador , Guerrero Emma , Anfruns Josep
Published: December 2014

Depuis quelques années, l’un des axes de recherche sur le site de Tell Halula porte sur la caractérisation des pratiques mortuaires durant les phases d’occupation les plus anciennes du site, attribuées au PPNB moyen et récent. Ces pratiques se sont révélées être constantes et très homogènes : le corps était déposé en inhumation primaire, dans une fosse individuelle, creusée à l’intérieur des maisons, près de l’entrée. Plus d’une centaine de sépultures ont été découvertes ; elles sont en cours d’étude en vue d’une publication exhaustive. Pour l’instant, l’un des aspects les plus intéressants est la présence de mobilier funéraire dans plus de la moitié d’entre elles ; il s’agit de parures, telles que des perles en pierre et des coquillages qui entrent dans la composition de colliers, de bracelets et de diadèmes, mais également des plaquettes en pierre incisée et des outils en silex et en os. Parmi ces objets, il importe de signaler, dans onze de ces sépultures, la présence exceptionnelle d’objets en cuivre dont l’analyse approfondie est présentée dans cet article.
New Light on Final Pleistocene Settlement Diversity in the Azraq Basin (Jordan): Recent Excavations at ‘Ayn Qasiyya
Authors: Richter Tobias , Allcock Samantha , Jones Matthew , Maher Lisa , Martin Louise , Stock Jay T. , Thorne Brittany
Published: December 2014

Les fouilles du site daté de l’Épipaléolithique ancien de ‘ Ayn Qasiyya dans l’oasis d’Azraq (Est de la Jordanie) fournissent des données nouvelles et importantes pour notre compréhension des causes de la sédentarisation, des effets écologiques sur l’évolution culturelle, des pratiques funéraires et des relations sociales en Asie du Sud-Ouest à la fi n du Pléistocène. Cet article présente un résumé du travail sur ce site et il fournit les résultats préliminaires de l’analyse de la faune, des artefacts et des restes humains. En outre, il discute de l’importance de ces résultats dans le contexte de la séquence culturelle locale et régionale à la fi n du Pléistocène. Nos données offrent un aperçu de la relation entre les industries lithiques du Nébékien et du Kébarien. Elles suggèrent que l’environnement local de l’oasis d’Azraq a facilité le début de la pédogénèse vers 21 000-20 000 cal. BP. Enfin, elles confirment la nature éphémère des pratiques funéraires de l’Épipaléolithique ancien.
The Zagros Frontiers of Susa during the Late 5th Millennium
Authors: Wright Henry T.
Published: December 2014

Small sites on the peripheries of regions can be informative about political and economic organization. Here, evidence is presented from two small sites of the Suse I period of the late 5th millennium BC located in the front ranges of the central Zagros Mountains. This evidence suggests that these contemporary sites represent different political and economic strategies in Susian frontier zone.
The Organization of Ceramic Production during the Susa I Period
Authors: Hole Frank
Published: December 2014

Mondialement connues et illustrées dans les livres d’art préhistorique, les céramiques de Suse I manifestent un très haut niveau de perfection dans le style, les proportions et les représentations. Cependant, les vases publiés ne représentent qu’une fraction de l’ensemble découvert dans la nécropole de Suse. Environ mille céramiques ont été restaurées montrant ainsi une grande gamme de styles et de compétences artistiques. La nécropole a probablement été aménagée et utilisée pour un épisode unique d’inhumation. Dans tous les cas, elle n’a fonctionné que durant un court laps de temps, vers la fi n du Ve millénaire avant J.-C. L’étude de l’une des formes céramiques, les bols ouverts à décor peint interne, offre de nouvelles données sur l’organisation de la production, sur les étapes d’apprentissage et sur la reproduction du style de Suse I.
Toitures de basalte : encorbellement et portique dans l’architecture du Hawran (Syrie) du IVe au IIe millénaire
Authors: Braemer Frank , Sorin Sabine
Published: December 2014

In Southern Syria, the buildings in basalt stone were roofed exclusively with basalt slabs using new techniques : corbelling and system of portico and slabs. These techniques are noticed since the middle of the 4th millennium. Corbelling was mainly developed on Early Bronze Age Ia apsidal houses, and porticos in the 3rd and 2nd millennia on pillared houses. Then the house plans follow the Early Bronze major models and the roofing technique adapted to the use of basalt slabs instead of wood beams. Herder’s communities were mainly concerned with these “ inventions.” Two social contexts appear to give a frame to these developments : egalitarian herders communities during the 4th millennium, and building of prestige housing in the 3rd millennium. Afterwards theses building techniques became the common ones until the beginning of the 20th century AD.
The Chalcolithic Period in the Golan Heights: A Regional or Local Culture
Authors: Kafafi Zeidan A.
Published: December 2014

The archaeological field work conducted in the Golan Heights proves that the region was densely occupied during the Chalcolithic period (Late 5th and Early 4th millennia BC). Some of the archaeological materials from excavations and surveys show similarities with others excavated in the surrounding areas. This presentation will discuss Chalcolithic architecture, flint industries, pottery vessels, and basalt stands and vessels. In addition, economic and ritual aspects will be discussed.
The Glyptic of the Middle-Late Halaf Period at Domuztepe, Turkey (ca 5755-5450 BC)
Authors: Carter Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

The Middle-Late Halaf (ca 5755-5450 BC) stamp seals from Domuztepe in Southeastern Turkey are presented. Four major types of stamp seals are described : 1. Bead seals ; 2. Seals with suspension loops ; 3. Seal-pendants ; 4. Block Seals. The most common seals are those with suspension loops (Type II) made in geometric shapes with incised lines that cross and re-cross each other decorating the seal face. The design principles, such as centering the pattern on the seal face around parallel, intersecting diagonal or intersecting perpendicular lines, were used across the Halaf horizon, suggesting that the seals like the pottery may indicate the participation of the residents of Domuztepe in a larger trans-regional cultural network. Only a few very fragmentary sealings are known from Domuztepe, but they indicate that the seals were used in ways similar to those found at Arpachiyah in the Burnt House where multiple impressions of the same and different seals were discovered. These finds point to a complex system of accountability and/ or exchange in which multiple parties or commodities were involved. Future work at Domuztepe will no doubt clarify the development of glyptic art and administrative practices in the Late 6th through Early 5th millennia. The messages transmitted by intricate geometric patterns that crosscut media and were trans-regional in their distribution will remain difficult to decipher.
Craft Specialisation and its Relation with Social Organisation in the Late 6th to Early 4th Millennium BCE of the Southern Levant
Authors: Kerner Susanne
Published: December 2014

Economic, social and political organisation in the Southern Levant are often stated, but seldom defined or explained. Craft specialization and social complexity are connected. After a definition of craft specialisation and an attempt to define archaeologically recognizable evidence for it, a brief discussion of the different conditions of production for consumer goods and prestige goods follows. The concrete situation in the Southern Levant from the Late Neolithic to the Late Chalcolithic is studied with pottery and metal as the main materials. The standardisation of pottery through time is presented. Metal production follows different rules than pottery, as most of it has played a different role in the social structure and creation of identity. The political complexity of the Southern Levant at the end of the period can be described in terms of chiefdoms, although the individual form of social organisation in the various regions will have differed.
Un « Très Long Mur » dans la steppe syrienne
Authors: Geyer Bernard , Awad Nazir , Al-Dbiyat Mohamed , Calvet Yves , Rousset Marie-Odile
Published: December 2014

Dans la steppe syrienne, à l’est de Hama, a été découvert un très long mur de plus de 220 km de long, dessinant un arc de cercle tourné vers l’est. Construit en pierres sèches avec des matériaux locaux, large en moyenne de 0,8 à 1,1 m et d’une hauteur qui ne devait pas dépasser 1 m ou 1,5 m, il sépare les terres potentiellement exploitables par les sédentaires de celles dévolues principalement au pastoralisme itinérant. Considéré comme remontant à l’âge du Bronze ancien IV, il s’agirait d’un ouvrage limitatif, et non d’un ouvrage défensif, marquant la « frontière » orientale d’un des royaumes – Hama, Ebla ? – du Croissant fertile à la fi n du IIIe millénaire. Nous aurions donc là la plus ancienne matérialisation d’une limite de territoire qui soit connue à ce jour.
Contribution de la documentation cunéiforme à la connaissance du « Très Long Mur » de la steppe syrienne
Authors: Lafont Bertrand
Published: December 2014

En écho à l’article de B. Geyer et de son équipe dans cette revue, on tente ici de replacer le « Très Long Mur » (TLM) de la steppe syrienne dans son contexte historique, en faisant notamment appel à la documentation cunéiforme. Trois sources différentes sont principalement mises à contribution : les archives palatiales d’Ebla, la documentation relative à l’époque d’Ur III et les archives royales du palais de Mari. Le contexte chronologique et historique dans lequel s’inscrit le TLM (Bronze ancien IV-Bronze Moyen II, entre 2400 et 1600 av. J.-C.) amène à replacer sa construction et son utilisation dans le cadre plus vaste de ce que l’on appelle parfois la « question amorrite » . Il est proposé que son édification ait été entreprise ou encouragée par le royaume proto-syrien d’Ebla (XXIVe siècle avant notre ère), dans un contexte de rivalité avec le royaume euphratique de Mari pour le contrôle de la steppe.
Upper Paleolithic Levels XIII-VI (A and B) from the 1937-1938 and 1947-1948 Boston College Excavations and the Levantine Aurignacian at Ksar Akil, Lebanon
Authors: Williams John K. , Bergman Christopher A.
Published: December 2014

The rockshelter of Ksar Akil in Lebanon witnessed the most prolonged occupation of any single location during the Levantine Upper Paleolithic. Investigations began at the site in the early 1920s and have spanned almost 90 years. This paper examines the upper portion of the stratigraphic sequence, including the Levantine Aurignacian, and for the first time, correlates data collected in both the 1937-1938 and 1947-1948 field seasons of Boston College. In general, there appears to be little divergence in the description of assemblage types reported by most scholars. Where differences do occur, they involve interpretation of these data, specifi cally in terms of related groupings of levels, phase designations, and cultural affi liations. A significant observation concerns the characterization of the Levantine Aurignacian from the perspective of Ksar Akil. Each level studied in the present research is comprised of numerous blades and bladelets as reported in the 1969-1975 investigations of J. Tixier. This includes Ksar Akil Phase 5 that is generally acknowledged as representing the “ classic Aurignacian,” an industry which has been widely described as oriented toward flake production in other parts of the Levant.
Dating the Early Middle Palaeolithic Laminar Industry from Djruchula Cave, Republic of Georgia
Authors: Mercier Norbert , Valladas Hélène , Meignen Liliane , Joron Jean-Louis , Tushabramishvill Nicholas , Adler Daniel S. , Bar-Yosef Ofer
Published: December 2014

Middle Palaeolithic blade industries have been known for many years from the southern part of the Great Caucasus. Recently published technological studies demonstrate strong affinities between the laminar assemblages from Djruchula Cave (Republic of Georgia) and those from several Near Eastern Early Middle Paleolithic sites. A series of new thermoluminescence dates from Djruchula Cave indicate at least two distinct human occupation phases (between 210/ 260 ka for Layer 2 and later around 140 ka for Layer 1), with a long chronological gap in between. Combined with the available dates from Near Eastern laminar assemblages, these new results illustrate the use of the same production systems of blades across these two large regions between 260 and 140,000 years ago.
Huzuq Musa – A Preliminary Report on the Test Excavation at a Final Epipalaeolithic/PPNA Site in the Jordan Valley
Authors: Rosenberg Danny , Yeshurun Reuven , Groman-Yaroslavski Iris , Winter Haim , Zertal Adam , Brown-Goodman Rachael , Nadel Dani
Published: December 2014

La transition d’un mode de vie de chasseurs-cueilleurs nomades vers celui d’agriculteurs sédentaires au Proche-Orient est l’un des paliers d’évolution cruciaux dans l’évolution humaine. De nombreux sites appartenant à l’Épipaléolithique récent ou au début du Néolithique ont été étudiés dans la vallée du Jourdain, l’une des régions majeures pour cette importante mutation. Toutefois, les sites correspondant à la phase de transition sont rares. Cet article présente les résultats préliminaires sur un site de ce type : Huzuq Musa. Le matériel découvert se rapporte tant à l’Épipaléolithique récent/ final (Natoufien) qu’au début du PPNA, attestant une occupation qui remonte très probablement à un stade final de l’Épipaléolithique et/ ou au tout début du PPNA local. Seul le site de Nahal Ein Gev II témoigne d’une telle industrie lithique. Huzuq Musa s’avérerait donc être l’un des sites les mieux conservés qui comblerait le hiatus entre le Natoufien récent/ final et le PPNA dans la vallée du Jourdain.
Les enfants et la séparation des parents
Authors: Douchy-Oudot Mélina
Published: December 2014

The international mobility appropriate for the market of the employment leads inevitably to a modification of the family landscape in the concerned States. More particularly, the idea of a Mediterranean union passes by the confrontation of the legal systems concerned in personal and family status. This study reveals the anchorpoints of these civilizations and the difficulties of determination of the law applicable to the child in a context of family crisis. The opposition of the confessional countries or pluriconfessionnels and the laic countries remains at the moment inflexible and will influence the applicable solutions in the disputes cross-border.
Législation antiterroriste et "état d’exception". L’État de droit italien à l’épreuve des Années de Plomb
Authors: Laffaille Franck
Published: December 2014

L’Italie, durant les «années de plomb » , adopte une batterie de dispositions législatives antiterroristes, à un point tel qu’une partie de la doctrine parle alors de panpénalisme. S’il est logique de critiquer une telle évolution car l’État de droit se nourrit par essence de la critique de son droit, il s’avère impossible d’adhérer aux théories de «l’état d’exception » (Negri et Agamben, enfants illégitimes de Schmitt). Loin d’être une démocratie autoritaire, l’Italie respecte les principes fondamentaux inhérents à un État de droit digne de ce nom.
La nouvelle législation belge relative à la piraterie maritime
Authors: le Hardÿ de Beaulieu Louis
Published: December 2014

La piraterie demeure une forme moderne de la criminalité maritime, mais les législations nationales destinées à y faire face sont souvent assez anciennes. Jusqu’à ces derniers mois, c’était le cas de la législation belge. En 2009, la Belgique a donc décidé de modifier son arsenal législatif. Elle a entendu redéfinir les contours de l’infraction de piraterie en se calquant sur la Convention des Nations Unies sur le Droit de la mer. Pour mieux correspondre à la réalité présente de la menace, elle en a toutefois quelque peu élargi le cadre, dans le strict respect des dernières résolutions adoptées par le Conseil de Sécurité de l’ONU. La nouvelle législation s’est, par ailleurs, inspirée du droit comparé, de la jurisprudence internationale et des expériences de terrain étrangères afin de tracer un cadre nouveau tant pour la compétence de police que pour la compétence de juridiction. Par ailleurs, elle introduit quelques innovations susceptibles de retenir l’attention d’autres législateurs. On songera ainsi à l’usage des technologies modernes de la communication en vue de combiner harmonieusement l’efficacité de l’action publique et la préservation des Droits de la défense ; on pensera également à la prise en compte des conséquences que certains faits peuvent avoir sur l’environnement marin. La nouvelle législation belge présente donc des éléments intéressants et ouvre la voie à une réflexion plus globale sur la prévention et la répression de la criminalité maritime internationale.
Pour une déconstruction du concept de propriété dans les Andes centrales
Authors: Míguez Núñez Rodrigo
Published: December 2014

Les représentations de la culture juridique européenne sur la nature et l’organisation de la propriété foncière errent historiquement à travers la région sud-américaine. Mais l’importation ne s’est pas faite sans contrecoups, tout comme la mise en oeuvre, en Europe, de certains programmes exprimés par le Code civil. Il existe des résistances, des obstacles quant à la réalisation des modèles désignés par le code et par la doctrine «officielle » . Dans le sud de l’Amérique, ces problèmes dérivent du réel manque de connaissance de formes alternatives de tenure foncière des sociétés traditionnelles, qui sont aujourd’hui le fondement des revendications des peuples autochtones. Ce travail est focalisé dans la région haute andine des actuels territoires du Pérou et de la Bolivie. Nous nous concentrerons sur un récit historique comparatif qui se propose d’élaborer une approche critique sur le phénomène de transplantation juridique du modèle de la propriété individualiste dans la région.
Introduction furtive au droit civil innu
Authors: Loiseau Pierre
Published: December 2014

Les innus ont-ils un droit ou des droits ? Délicate question s’il en est, et bien présomptueux celui qui s’y attelle. «Qui donc a accroché cet homme à cette épée ? » aurait dit Cicéron. Si c’est le droit romain qui vient à la rescousse, et si «tout le droit, que nous utilisons, se rapporte soit aux personnes, soit aux choses, soit aux actions » , alors cette utilisation doit se vérifier au nord du 50° parallèle… En serait-il ainsi que les innus auraient sans doute un droit civil – et peut-être même un droit…
To the Novel Paradigm of Proteome-Based Cell Therapy of Tumors: Through Comparative Proteome Mapping of Tumor Stem Cells and Tissue-Specific Stem Cells of Humans
Authors: Bryukhovetskiy Andrey , Shevchenko Valeriy , Kovalev Sergey , Chekhonin Vladimir , Baklaushev Vladimir , Bryukhovetskiy Igor , Zhukova Maria
Published: December 2014

We performed proteome mapping (PM), cataloging, and bioinformation analysis of protein lysates of human neural (CD133+) progenitor and stem cells (NPSCs) isolated from the olfactory sheath of a nose, multipotent mesenchymal (CD29+, CD44+, CD73+, CD90+, CD34-) stromal cells (MMSCs) isolated from human bone marrow, and tumor (CD133+) stem cells (TSCs) isolated from the human U87 glioblastoma (GB) cell line. We identified 1,664 proteins in the examined lysates of stem cells (SCs), 1,052 (63.2%) of which are identical in NPSCs and TSCs and 607 proteins (36.47%) of which are identical in MMSCs and TSCs. Other proteins in U87 GB TSCs are oncospecific or carcinogenesis associated. The biological processes, molecular functions, cell localization, and protein signal pathways of the proteins available in all three proteomes were annotated by PubMed ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ), PANTHER ( http://www.pantherdb.org/ ), GeneOntology ( http://www.geneontology.org/ ), and KEGG ( http://www.genome.jp/kegg/ ) databases. It was shown that gliomaspheres of U87 GB had only 10 intracellular signal transduction pathways (ISTP) that were not modified by the neoplastic process, but only two of them (integrin and focal adhesion pathways) were accessible for regulatory action on gene candidates in the TSC nucleus. Carcinogenesis-free membrane proteins, IPST, and genes expressing proteins of these pathways in U87 GB TSCs can be viewed as main targets for regulatory effects on TSCs. We offer a novel concept of proteome-based complex therapy of tumors. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Comparison of Neurological and Functional outcomes after Administration of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factor in Motor-Complete versus Motor-Incomplete Postrehabilitated, Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Phase I/II Study
Authors: Saberi Hooshang , Derakhshanrad Nazi , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed
Published: December 2014

Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a major growth factor in the activation and differentiation of granulocytes. This cytokine has been widely and safely employed in different disease conditions over many years. The administration of the growth factors in spinal cord injury (SCI) has been reported elsewhere; here we have tried to see the effect of SCI severity on the neurological outcomes after neuroprotective treatment for SCI with G-CSF. Seventy-four consecutive patients with SCI of at least 6 months' duration, with stable neurological status in the last 3 months, having informed consent for the treatment were included in the study. All the patients had undergone at least 3 months of standard rehabilitation. Patients were assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III, and International Association of Neurorestoratology-Spinal Cord Injury Functional Rating Scale (IANR-SCIFRS) just before intervention and periodically until 6 months after subcutaneous administration of 5 μg/kg per day of G-CSF for 7 consecutive days. Multiple linear regression models were performed for statistical evaluation of lesion completeness and level of injury on changes in ASIA motor, light touch, pinprick, IANR-SCIFRS, and SCIM III scores, as a phase I/II comparative study. The study consisted of 52 motor-complete and 22 motor-incomplete SCI patients. There was no significant difference regarding age and sex, chronicity, and level of SCI between the two groups. Motor-incomplete patients had significantly more improvement in ASIA motor score compared to the motor-complete patients (7.68 scores, p < 0.001); also they had significant improvement in light touch (6.42 scores, p = 0.003) and pinprick sensory scores (4.89 scores, p = 0.011). Therefore, G-CSF administration in motor-incomplete SCIs is associated with significantly higher motor improvement, and also the higher the initial ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, the less would be the final AIS change, and incomplete cases are more welcome into the future studies. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Neural Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Protects Neurons and Promotes Propriospinal Neurons Relay Neural Circuit Reconnection after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Liang Peng , Liu Jiaren , Xiong Jinsheng , Liu Qing , Zhao Jiaxin , Liang Hongsheng , Zhao Liwei , Tang Haitao
Published: December 2014

Human fetal neural stem cells (hNSCs) are used to treat a variety of neurological disorders involving spinal cord injury (SCI). Although their mechanism of action has been attributed to cell substitution, we examined the possibility that NSCs may have neuroprotective activities. The present article studied the action of hNSCs on protecting neurons and promoting corticospinal tract (CST) axon regeneration after SCI. hNSCs were isolated from the cortical tissue of spontaneously aborted human fetuses. The cells were removed from the NSC culture medium to acquire NSCM, thus excluding the effect of cell substitution. Continuous administration of the NSCM after the SCI resulted in extensive growth of the CST in the cervical region and more than tripled the formation of synaptic contacts between CST collaterals and propriospinal interneurons that project from the cervical level of the spinal cord to the lumbar level. NSCM reduced the number of caspase 3-positive apoptotic profiles at 7 days and protected against loss of the neurons 6 weeks after injury. NSCM promoted locomotor recovery with a five-point improvement on the BBB scale in adult rats. Thus, hNSCs help to set up a contour neural circuit via secretory factors, which may be the mechanism for their action in SCI rats. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Intra-Arterial Delivery of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells is a Safe and Effective Way to Treat Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Du Shiwei , Guan Jian , Mao Gengsheng , Liu Yang , Ma Sihai , Bao Xinjie , Gao Jun , Feng Ming , Li Guilin , Ma Wenbin , Yang Yi , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Wang Renzhi
Published: December 2014

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a very common condition that can cause death and disability. Studies have confirmed that stem cells have therapeutic effects if administered after a stroke. There is still a great deal of debate regarding the best route for cell transplantation. Intravascular delivery is the most commonly used one. In this study, the therapeutic effects of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) delivered by intra-arterial (IA) and intravenous (IV) injection in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) are compared. Histological analysis demonstrated that the IA route bypasses the pulmonary system and directs the cells to the ischemic parts of the brain more efficiently. The BMSCs delivered via the IA route promoted angiogenesis and improved functional recovery. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the rats was monitored during the IA injection process. No reduction in CBF or microstrokes was detected. Brain perfusion and metabolism, as evaluated by SPECT and PET, were better in rats treated with cells delivered via IA. Results showed that the IA route is a safe and effective way to transplant hBMSCs. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants and qnrS expression in Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates
Authors: Jiang Xiaobing , Li Jun , Zhang Yunshan , Yan He , Wang Yuxiao , Shi Lei , Zhou Lijun
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Rapid dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) has been reported in clinical isolates. Methodology: A total of 149 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were collected in Beijing and screened for PMQR genes usingpolymerase chain reaction (PCR). Real-time quantitative PCR was used to study the expression of qnrS. Results: The rates of qnr and aac(6’)-Ib-cr genes were 7.4% and 8.1%, respectively. The higher basal expression of qnrS was observed in transconjugant strains, which had higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of quinolones. Furthermore, qnrS expression levels increased in all three isolates when a quinolone was present. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the level of qnrS expression was associated with quinolone resistance.
Costs of treatment of children affected by severe malaria in reference hospitals of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ilunga-Ilunga Félicien , Levêque Alain , Okenge Ngongo Léon , Tshimungu Kandolo Félicien , Dramaix Michèle
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Malaria remains a real problem of public health. Its hospital care generates important expenditures for affected households. The present study aimed to estimate direct and indirect costs of severe child malaria in reference hospitals in Kinshasa. Methodology: This prospective study included 1,350 children under 15 years of age suffering from severe malaria. The study was performed between 1 January and 30 November, 2011. Data were collected in nine reference hospitals. The studied parameters were direct pre-hospital costs, direct hospital costs, and indirect costs. Costs were assessed from the household point of view. Results: Median costs associated with the disease ranged from 114 USD in confessional hospitals to 173 USD in state hospitals and 308 USD in private hospitals. Direct pre-hospital median costs ranged between 3 and 11 USD. Direct hospital costs reached 72 USD in confessional hospitals, 139 USD in state hospitals, and 254 USD in private hospitals. Indirect costs ranged from 22 USD in state hospitals to 30 USD in confessional hospitals and 46 USD in private hospitals, regardless of the status of the accompanying parent or guardian. Factors explaining the variability of costs were the neurological form of malaria, indirect recourse to hospital, socioeconomic level, type of prescribing person, child’s status upon leaving the hospital, and child’s transfusion status. Conclusions: The care of severe child malaria appeared to be expensive in private and state hospitals. A state subsidy of health care and regulation of the private sector would contribute to the reduction of malaria’s financial impact.
First report of chronic hepatitis E in renal transplant recipients in Portugal
Authors: Breda Filipe , Cochicho Joana , Mesquita João Rodrigo , Bento Ana , Oliveira Rui Pedro , Louro Emília , Nascimento Maria São José , Leitão Jorge , Gomes Henrique Vieira , Carvalho Armando
Published: December 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be responsible for chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients, and can rapidly evolve into fibrosis and/or hepatic cirrhosis. We present two cases of chronic hepatitis E, emphasizing the need to be aware of this entity as a growing etiology of hepatitis in transplant and immunocompromised patients.