bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Une poésie pour tous les langages artistiques : poéticité et lecture numériques
Authors: Regueiro Salgado Begoña
Published: July 2012

Ce travail examine les concepts de poéticité et de littérarité appliqués aux poètes numériques : il analyse de façon comparatiste les œuvres de Philippe Bootz, Belén Gache et Óscar Martín Centeno afin de distinguer les traits qui définissent la poésie numérique. L’article montre quels éléments de poéticité sont restés immuables, nous permettant de continuer à appeler poésie ces nouvelles formes numériques, et quels sont les traits qui ont fait avancer le concept de poéticité au point de nous obliger à redéfinir certaines des caractéristiques de ce que nous considérons traditionnellement comme littérature.
The Metaphysical Correspondence between Nature and Spirit in the Visions of the American Transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
Authors: Runkwitz Vesselina
Published: July 2012

La question qui porte sur la manière de résoudre la question de notre existence – du soi et de notre rapport au monde – a occupé l’homme depuis ses origines. La religion et la philosophie ont précisément pour centre cette interrogation. D’après son caractère et ses expériences personnelles, chaque homme se crée sa propre philosophie. Ainsi du transcendentaliste Ralph Waldo Emerson : nous voulons interroger sa vision du monde par rapport à celles d’Henri Thoreau et de Johann Wolfgang Goethe à partir de la question de la correspondance mystique entre l’homme et la Nature.
Négativité narrative. Remarques sur la relation entre topos et logos chez Kafka et Beckett
Authors: Wagner Eva Sabine
Published: July 2012

Les tentatives entreprises par la plupart des théories narratives pour saisir les qualités constitutives de la narration ont tendance à définir celle-ci à travers des termes positifs : une histoire est censée présenter une unité close pourvue de sens (G. Prince), un énoncé qui exprime une ‹experientiality› (M. Fludernik) ou un récit caractérisé de ‹eventfulness› (P. Hühn). Ces définitions du narratif nous permettent de comprendre pourquoi l’écriture de Kafka et de Beckett représente non seulement un défi au lecteur amateur, mais aussi à l’analyse narrative : des narrations comme Das Schloß, Vor dem Gesetz et En attendant Godot remplacent l’événement par l’attente, le progrès par la répétition, la présence par l’absence présente et constituent ainsi une ‹narrativité› qui met en question des catégories positives.
Beyond the Limits
Authors: Wolfson Lisa
Published: July 2012

Comment les humains artificiels tels que les robots, les androïdes et les cyborgs, en tant qu’êtres bâtards de la modernité, mettent-ils au défi les dichotomies fondamentales de la philosophie occidentale, comme celle entre sujet et objet ? Comment peuvent-ils nous aider à comprendre l’ambiguïté de l’être humain ? Avec quelles théories et méthodes, ces êtres se laissent-ils saisir de façon adéquate ? Quels liens pouvons-nous découvrir entre fiction et non-fiction, entre les mythes archaïques de différentes cultures, la théorie, la littérature et surtout les images en mouvement qui ont ceci d’extraordinaire qu’elles permettent de visualiser des pensées théoriques et de simuler des scénarios alternatifs ?
Porte : un dialogue par le livre. François Cheng et Claude Garanjoud
Authors: Bauer Sidona
Published: July 2012

Cet article sur le dialogue par le livre a pour sujet l’échange entre le poète contemporain François Cheng (1929 Nanchang, Chine) et le peintre lyrique abstrait Claude Garanjoud (1926 Isère – 2005 Lyon). Nous analysons le rapport entre les encres et les poèmes à travers un livre que les artistes ont réalisé en commun, Porte (1994), notamment à partir de leurs conceptions respectives des deux modes d’expression, la peinture et l’écriture étant considérés comme à égalité dans ce qu’on nomme un livre de dialogue (Yves Peyré).
Toujours dire je : la confusion des genres
Authors: Fournier Mat
Published: July 2012

Dans son essai intitulé Ne jamais dire je, le critique américain Michael Lucey analyse les implications de la célèbre injonction de Proust à Gide : "Vous pouvez tout raconter, mais à condition de ne jamais dire je". Les relations complexes entre le tabou de l’homosexualité, la pratique de l’écriture et l’usage de la première personne façonnent le paysage littéraire du début du XXe siècle. C’est dans cette perspective que j’examine les oeuvres de Klaus Mann (1906-1949) et d’Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908-1942), qui se caractérisent justement par cette exposition de la première personne (ou de la personne de l’auteur) que Proust déconseillait à Gide. Brouillant les frontières qui séparent ordinairement l’autobiographie de la fiction et la fiction du journalisme, Mann et Schwarzenbach façonnent un espace textuel où la déviance sexuelle et la disruption du genre sont dicibles. Ecrire à la première personne, écrire en son nom propre, devient l’opérateur d’une déterritorialisation des normes sociales, selon le terme de Deleuze et Guattari, qui permet d’échapper en dehors des limites imposées à la subjectivité ordinaire.
Les reprises gothiques : musique et idéologie
Authors: Mueller Charles
Published: July 2012

Dans la musique populaire britannique, la manière dont un artiste reprend une chanson à l’origine enregistrée par un autre groupe contient souvent une composante idéologique. C’est d’autant plus vrai pour les reprises faites par des groupes issus des subcultures anglaises. Les groupes goths passèrent maîtres dans l’appropriation de chansons afin d’y refléter leur sensibilité et d’exprimer leurs préoccupations. Après une présentation générale du mouvement goth britannique et de sa musique (pourquoi cette subculture adopta ce style dans les années 1980 et comment elle s’en servit pour exprimer ses craintes et donner voix à son exaspération), cet article montre ce qu’une analyse minutieuse des reprises goths nous apprend sur une subculture et un genre musical souvent mal compris. À travers un corpus de reprises gothiques de chansons des Beatles, de T-Rex, des Rolling Stones et de Brian Eno, ainsi que l’album Through the Looking Glass (Siouxsie and the Banshees), on défend l’idée que, même marginales dans l’ensemble d’un répertoire, l’analyse des reprises peut permettre de révéler les qualités insoupçonnées d’un genre assez efficace pour inspirer toute une subculture.
L’Ontologie du rock de Roger Pouivet
Authors: Guesdon Maël
Published: July 2012

Dans « L’Ontologie du rock », Roger Pouivet définit ontologiquement les œuvres rock comme enregistrements-artefacts. Nous nous proposons d’examiner les présupposés théoriques implicites sur lesquels se fonde cette thèse et de souligner quelques interrogations concernant ses choix épistémologiques et la détermination de son objet, le rock.
Frank Zappa ou le « fait musical total »
Authors: Perrenoud Marc
Published: July 2012

Dix ans après la mort du compositeur - guitariste, la démarche créatrice de Frank Zappa et l’univers musical qu’il a engendré restent sans équivalent. Sur un mode aussi peu hagiographique que possible, on tentera ici de donner une interprétation sociologique du cheminement artistique et intellectuel de Zappa à travers l’examen de sa colossale discographie. On s’intéressera spécialement aux principes régissant les formes musicales récurrentes chez le guitariste comme dans l’orchestre entier ainsi qu’au positionnement politico-social adopté par Zappa entre 1965 et 1993.
Éléments pour une appréhension structurale et socio-historique de la représentation sociale de la musique dans les courants techno et punk
Authors: Seca Jean-Marie , Voisin Bertrand
Published: July 2012

Les appellations stylistiques évoquées dans cet article sont à resituer dans le contexte historique de genèse des musiques populaires des années 1960 à 1990. Elles sont théorisées en termes de pratiques underground. Dans l’analyse des représentations sociales des punks et des garage bands, nous avons tenté de décrire des modalités de socialisation analogues. En dépit de leur esthétique innovante, les courants de la techno impliquent aussi des moments de rupture et de renouvellement, fondés sur les mêmes finalités artistiques et commerciales. Les comportements, images et symboles employés forment alors un système de représentations dont sont porteurs les divers acteurs de ces mondes de l’art. Le modèle, mis en évidence dans les travaux empiriques de Seca (2001), sert de fil conducteur d’une partie de cette approche comparative.
Exploding Plastic Inevitable, ou le rock et le cinéma comme techniques du corps
Authors: Leveratto Jean-Marc
Published: July 2012

À bien y réfléchir, l’objet de la sociologie de l’art et de celui de l’esthétique sont identiques. Dans les deux cas, il s’agit de comprendre quelle est la nature des expériences que nous vivons lorsque nous produisons ou recevons une œuvre. À partir de la captation par Nameth d’une performance d’Andy Warhol, incluant le Velvet Underground, Jean Marc Leveratto et Cyril Neyrat s’interrogent, chacuns à leur manière, sur ce que nous voyons et entendons lors de la projection d’un film et/ou d’un concert rock.
Sonic Youth, du style au geste ou la prétention esthétique d’un groupe de rock
Authors: Bonniol Marie-Pierre
Published: July 2012

L’expérience esthétique hédoniste du rock’n’roll, en tant que musique populaire, a longtemps été réfutée par Adorno et l’école de Francfort pour son inauthenticité, sa visée de divertissement et l’acceptation hébétée qu’elle recherche. Une lecture des réalisations de Sonic Youth par la philosophie post-moderniste de Shusterman – à la suite de la réhabilitation de l’expérience par John Dewey – nous permettra de définir si les compositions de ce groupe peuvent prétendre au statut d’œuvres, par-delà les mécanismes culturels, et s’il existe un espace interstitiel, entre le style et le geste, où peuvent s’inscrire les musiques dites « nouvelles ».
Bitch et Beurette, quand féminité rime avec liberté
Authors: Ramdani Karima
Published: July 2012

Il s’agira dans cet article d’analyser la représentation du corps féminin noir, notamment dans la musique rap. Il sera particulièrement question des rappeuses et de l’exposition du corps des femmes (celles que l’on appelle les « video girls ») dans les vidéoclips de rap aussi bien aux États-Unis qu’en France, en soulignant toutefois les similitudes et les différences. Dans le contexte socio-historique du rap français vient en effet s’ajouter — à côté de la représentation du corps noir — une autre figure : celle de la « Maghrébine » particulièrement apparente dans un autre type de musique qui a connu la même expérience de réappropriation de la culture musicale africaine-américaine par une jeunesse postcoloniale en France, à savoir le R&B. Comment ces deux figures révèlent deux dimensions hétéro-normatives et antagonistes de la féminité ? Comment à travers ce dispositif (des techniques qui s’articulent ensemble et jouent ensemble) sont exprimées des normes de genre racisées qui participent de la construction identitaire de tous les groupes ?
“Blackness à la demande”. Production narrative de l’“authenticité raciale” dans l’industrie du rap américain
Authors: Freitas Franck
Published: July 2012

Cet article porte sur les effets de la rencontre de deux types de storytelling au sein d’un style de rap – gangsta rap – qui a connu un succès commercial sans précédent aux États-Unis et dans le monde. S’inscrivant dans la tradition orale africaine-américaine de transmission de connaissances sur soi et son milieu, le succès fulgurant du rap a progressivement donné lieu à un repositionnement stratégique de sa production narrative via sa connexion avec un nouvel outil de commercialisation : le marketing narratif. L’« authenticité raciale » fièrement affichée dans les paroles et vidéos de rap répond-elle simplement à l’expression « innocente » de son expérience vécue ou n’est-elle pas une performance de soi assujettie aux intérêts commerciaux escomptés ? Mes propos vont s'appuyer sur une analyse de la carrière de l'artiste 50 Cent et de son célèbre clip « In Da Club » qui souligne à la fois la continuité entre expérience vécue et mise en récit de celle-ci à des fins commerciales, et déconstruit la présupposé « naturalité » d’une masculinité noire, « label de qualité » dans cette musique, habillement manufacturée par l'« industrie du rap ».
Typologie de la reprise
Authors: Kihm Christophe
Published: July 2012

Le terme de reprise est communément employé pour désigner une forme musicale. Il faut alors l’entendre comme un équivalent du terme anglais cover, qui désigne toute nouvelle version d’un morceau obtenue à partir d’un original. Le problème posé par l’ensemble formel désigné par le terme « reprise » ainsi entendu réside dans sa capacité à accueillir, sans les distinguer ni les interroger, de nombreuses pratiques musicales pourtant hétérogènes. C’est l’une des raisons pour laquelle cet ensemble a fini par désigner un genre où se perdent les spécificités de la reprise comme « art de refaire », mais aussi, et plus encore, comme « art de revivre ». Pour éviter le piège de l’indistinction propre à cette approche et préciser ce qu’il en est de la reprise en musique, il faut repenser le problème depuis les pratiques musicales, mais aussi le reprendre sur un plan théorique, à partir des acceptions qu’il a pu trouver dans différentes disciplines.
Microbial methane oxidation at the redoxcline of the Gotland Deep (Central Baltic Sea)
Authors: Schmale O. , Blumenberg M. , Kießlich K. , Jakobs G. , Berndmeyer C. , Labrenz M. , Thiel V. , Rehder G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Methane concentrations in the stratified water column of the Gotland Deep (Central Baltic Sea) show a strong gradient from high values in the saline deep water (max. 504nM) to low concentrations in the less dense, brackish surface water (about 4 nM). The steepest gradient is present within the redoxcline (between 115 and 135 m water depth) that separates the anoxic deep part from the oxygenated surface water, implying a methane consumption rate of 0.28 nM d−1. The process of microbial methane oxidation within the redoxcline is mirrored by a shift of the stable carbon isotope ratio of methane between the bottom water (δ13C CH4 = −82.4‰) and the suboxic depth interval (δ13C CH4 = −38.7‰). A water column sample from 100 m water depth was studied to identify the microorganisms responsible for the methane turnover at the redoxcline. Notably, methane monoxygenase gene expression analyses for the specific water depth demonstrated that accordant methanotrophic activity was due to only one microbial phylotype. An imprint of these organisms on the particular organic matter was revealed by distinctive lipid biomarkers showing bacteriohopanepolyols and lipid fatty acids characteristic for aerobic type I methanotrophic bacteria (e.g. 35-aminobacteriohopane-30,31,32,33,34-pentol). In conjunction with earlier findings, our results support the idea that biogeochemical cycles in Central Baltic Sea redoxclines are mainly driven by only a few microbial key species.
An underestimated record breaking event: why summer 1540 was very likely warmer than 2003
Authors: Wetter O. , Pfister C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. This paper challenges the argument obtained from the analysis of grape harvest (GHD) and maximum latewood density (MXD) data that the 2003 heat-wave in Western Europe was the most extreme warm anomaly in the last millennium. We have evidence that the heat and drought in 1540 known from numerous contemporary narrative documentary reports is not adequately reflected in these estimates. Vines severely suffered from the extreme heat and drought which led vine-growers to postpone the harvest in hope for a rain spell. At the time of harvest many grapes had already become raisins. Likewise, many trees suffered from premature leaf fall probably as a result of a decreased net photosynthesis, as it was measured in 2003. To more realistically assess 1540's spring–summer (AMJJ) temperature we present a new Swiss series of critically evaluated GHD. Basing on three different approaches considering the drought effect on vines, temperatures were assessed between 4.3 °C and 6.3 °C (including the Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) of 0.52 °C) above the 1901–2000 mean which is significantly higher than the value of 2.9 °C measured in 2003. Considering the significance of soil moisture deficits for extreme heat-waves this result still needs to be validated with estimated seasonal precipitation from independent evidence.
A new perspective on the spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture: temporal dynamics versus time-invariant contributions
Authors: Mittelbach H. , Seneviratne S. I.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Knowledge about the spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture is essential to understand and predict processes in climate science and hydrology. A significant body of literature exists on the characterization of the spatial variability and the rank stability (also called temporal stability) of absolute soil moisture. Yet previous studies were generally based on short-term measurement campaigns and did not distinguish the respective contributions of time-varying and time-invariant components to these quantities. In this study, we investigate this issue using measurements from 14 grassland sites of the SwissSMEX soil moisture network (spatial extent of approx. 150 × 210 km) over the time period May 2010 to July 2011. We thereby decompose the spatial variance of absolute soil moisture over time in contributions from the spatial variance of the mean soil moisture at all sites (which is time-invariant), and components that vary over time and are related to soil moisture dynamics. These include the spatial variance of the temporal soil moisture anomalies at all sites and the covariance between the site anomalies to the spatial mean at a given time step and those for the temporal mean values. The analysis demonstrates that the time-invariant term contributes 50–160% (on average 94%) of the spatial soil moisture variance at any point in time, while the covariance term generally contributes negatively to the spatial variance. On the other hand, the spatial variance of the temporal anomalies, which is overall most relevant for climate and hydrological applications because it is related to soil moisture dynamics, is relatively limited and constitutes at most 2–30% (on average 9%) of the total variance. Nonetheless, this term is not negligible compared to the temporal anomalies of the spatial mean. These results suggest that a large fraction of the spatial variability of soil moisture assessed from short-term campaign may be time-invariant if other regions present a similar behavior. Moreover, we find that the rank (or temporal) stability concept, when applied to absolute soil moisture at the sites, mostly characterizes the time-invariant patterns. Indeed, sites that best represent the mean soil moisture dynamics of the network are not the same as those that best reflect mean soil moisture at any point in time. Overall, this study shows that conclusions derived from the analysis of the spatio-temporal variability of absolute soil moisture need not generally apply to temporal soil moisture anomalies, and hence to soil moisture dynamics.
Touching God
Authors: Dau Duc
Published: July 2012

Touching God: Hopkins and Love is the first book devoted to love in the writings of Gerard Manley Hopkins, illuminating our understanding of him as a romantic poet. Discussions of desire in Hopkins poetry have focused on his unrequited attraction to men. In contrast, Duc Dau turns to Luce Irigaray and Maurice Merleau-Pontys theories of mutual touch to uncover the desire Hopkins cultivated and celebrated: his love for Christ. Touching God demonstrates how descriptions of touching played a vital role in the poets vision of spiritual eroticism. Forging a new way of reading desire and the body in Hopkins writings, the work offers fresh interpretations of his poetry.
Une tentative de réhabilitation du patrimoine théâtral acadien : l’édition critique de Subercase ou les Dernières années de la domination française en Acadie d’Alexandre Braud (1902, 1936)
Authors: Gérin Pierre
Published: July 2012

À l’exclusion du Théâtre de Neptune de Marc Lescarbot (1609) et des Acadiens à Philadelphie de Pascal Poirier (1875), c’est sur les scènes des collèges que débute le théâtre acadien dont le chef-d’oeuvre est assurément Subercase – Drame historique en trois actes, d’Alexandre Braud (1902). À cette époque, le théâtre collégial prend un grand essor au Canada français où il se distingue dans le genre dramatique. Cette oeuvre, louée par la critique et publiée en feuilleton dans Le Moniteur acadien, la même année, a une histoire mouvementée. Ayant perdu le manuscrit original, l’auteur réécrit partiellement, à Québec où il réside, la pièce qui est jouée sur une scène paroissiale de cette ville, en 1936, et qui appartient donc aussi au théâtre québécois. Après un long purgatoire, elle ressort de l’oubli : elle est présentée, citée et commentée dans des travaux d’histoire littéraire acadienne et dans des thèses. Pourtant, un obstacle à sa lecture et à sa diffusion réside dans son inaccessibilité. L’édition critique de ce drame est l’occasion de mettre celui-ci à la disposition du public lecteur dans la communauté acadienne et ailleurs dans la francophonie. Cependant, des choix éditoriaux s’imposent quant à l’établissement du texte, à la notation des variantes et à la constitution des appendices. Cette édition vise à faire connaître ou redécouvrir une forme d’art dramatique, certes tombée en désuétude, mais qui ressortit aux patrimoines culturels acadien, québécois et canadien-français.
Composite Materials: Ablative
Authors: Natali Maurizio , Torre Luigi
Published: July 2012

Ablative materials play a strategic role in the aerospace industry. The concept of ablation can be related to a geological term at least 160 years old. It is derived from the suppletive past participle of the Latin “auferre” which means to carry away. Ablative materials are used to produce the thermal protection system (TPS) that protects a body from severe heating encountered during hypersonic flight through a planetary atmosphere. The TPS protects the structure, the aerodynamic surfaces, and the payload of missiles, space vehicles, and probes. Ablative materials are also used to produce passively cooled rocket combustion chambers and nozzles, as well as to protect propulsion devices from very high temperature environments.
Emotion‐Based Learning is Biased by Brand Logos
Authors: Peatfield Nicholas , Parkinson John , Intriligator James
Published: July 2012

Although decision making has historically been regarded as a cold and rational process, recent research has suggested that emotional factors are actually quite central to this fundamental process. By using a modified version of the Iowa gambling task, we measured how such brands impact decision making. Participants were asked firstly to rate their liking/loyalty towards numerous brands. Some of these rated brands were later superimposed onto the card decks in a subsequent Iowa gambling task. Results demonstrate that an individual's decision making is altered depending on the congruency between brand valence (liked/not) and the deck reward structure. This bias was sometimes advantageous and led to faster and more accurate decisions. From an applied perspective, the study suggests several ways in which brands can either enhance or inhibit new product success. More broadly, the research demonstrates a seemingly irrational effect of brands on behaviour. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of Graded Materials by Particle Reinforcement During Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Schmidt Christian W. , Ruppert Mathis , Höppel Heinz Werner , Nachtrab Frank , Dietrich Anja , Hanke Randolf , Göken Mathias
Published: July 2012

Graded distributions of copper particles in ultrafine‐grained aluminium sheets are produced by accumulative roll bonding and particle reinforcement. The metallic copper particles are sprayed on the sheet surfaces under variation of spray distance and/or relative velocity of the spray gun to the sheet. Therewith, the particle content could be varied by a factor of three. After solutionizing, the successful gradation is clearly proven by tensile tests showing a steady and monotonous gradient along the rolling direction. By a systematic analysis of the spraying process, the particle content profile is calculated. Accuracy of the calculation is confirmed by electrical resistivity measurements. The presented method enables the production of tailored sheets by graded particle reinforcement. The graded sheets are also used for basic investigation of materials properties along graded compositions.
Visualizing Strain Evolution and Coordinated Buckling within CNT Arrays by In Situ Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Maschmann Matthew R. , Ehlert Gregory J. , Park Sei Jin , Mollenhauer David , Maruyama Benji , Hart A. John , Baur Jeffery W.
Published: July 2012

Spatial mapping of strain fields within compressed carbon nanotube (CNT) array columns is achieved using digital image correlation (DIC) analysis of in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image sequences. Full‐field displacement and strain maps are generated based upon the motion of the constituent CNTs, which serve as a traceable high‐contrast speckle pattern for DIC analysis. The deformation modes and CNT array buckling characteristics vary systematically as a function of column aspect ratio, including bending, crushing, and bottom‐up buckle accumulation behaviors. In spite of disparate appearing deformation modes, strain maps indicate that CNT array buckling consistently initiates at 5% local principal strain (ϵ2) for all columns. The ability to quantitatively assess the deformation modes and buckling behavior of CNT arrays at the nanoscale will enable their improved design for high‐strain electrical contacts, compliant thermal interfaces, force sensors, energy‐absorbing foams, or other applications.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Affects Vasculature Development in the Neonatal Brain
Authors: Jégou Sylvie , El Ghazi Faiza , de Lendeu Pamela Kwetieu , Marret Stéphane , Laudenbach Vincent , Uguen Arnaud , Marcorelles Pascale , Roy Vincent , Laquerrière Annie , Gonzalez Bruno José
Published: July 2012

Objective:

In humans, antenatal alcohol exposure elicits various developmental disorders, in particular in the brain. Numerous studies focus on the deleterious effects of alcohol on neural cells. Although recent studies suggest that alcohol can affect angiogenesis in adults, the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain microvasculature remains poorly understood.

Methods:

We used a mouse model to investigate effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the cortical microvascular network in vivo and ex vivo and the action of alcohol, glutamate, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) on activity, plasticity, and survival of microvessels. We used quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, calcimetry, and videomicroscopy. We characterized the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the cortical microvascular network in human controls and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)/partial FAS (pFAS) patients at different developmental stages.

Results:

In mice, prenatal alcohol exposure induced a reduction of cortical vascular density, loss of the radial orientation of microvessels, and altered expression of VEGF receptors. Time‐lapse experiments performed on brain slices revealed that ethanol inhibited glutamate‐induced calcium mobilization in endothelial cells, affected plasticity, and promoted death of microvessels. These effects were prevented by VEGF. In humans, we evidenced a stage‐dependent alteration of the vascular network in the cortices of fetuses with pFAS/FAS. Whereas no modification was observed from gestational week 20 (WG20) to WG22, the radial organization of cortical microvessels was clearly altered in pFAS/FAS patients from WG30 to WG38.

Interpretation:

Prenatal alcohol exposure affects cortical angiogenesis both in mice and in pFAS/FAS patients, suggesting that vascular defects contribute to alcohol‐induced brain abnormalities. Ann Neurol ANN NEUROL 2012;72:952–960
A New Observer‐Type Consensus Protocol for Linear Multi‐Agent Dynamical Systems
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wen Guanghui , Duan Zhisheng , Xu Xiang , Chen Guanrong
Published: July 2012

The consensus problem is investigated in this paper for a class of multi‐agent systems with general linear node dynamics and directed communication topologies. A new distributed observer‐type consensus protocol is designed based only on the relative output measurements of neighboring agents. Compared with existing observer‐type protocols, the one presented here does not require information about the relative states of the observers. Tools from small gain theory and matrix analysis, some sufficient conditions are obtained for achieving consensus in such multi‐agent systems where the underlying network topology contains a directed spanning tree. Finally, some numerical examples including an application in low‐Earth‐orbit satellite formation flying are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Problem‐solving test: The role of ubiquitination in epidermal growth factor receptor trafficking
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: July 2012

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: growth factor signaling, epidermal growth factor, tyrosine protein kinase, tyrosine phosphorylation, ubiquitin, monoubiquitination, polyubiquitination, site‐directed mutagenesis, transfection, expression vector, cDNA, immunoprecipitation, SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, radioactive labeling, receptor‐mediated endocytosis.
Inhibition of Lipopolysaccharide Transport to the Outer Membrane in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Peptidomimetic Antibiotics
Authors: Werneburg Martina , Zerbe Katja , Juhas Mario , Bigler Laurent , Stalder Urs , Kaech Andres , Ziegler Urs , Obrecht Daniel , Eberl Leo , Robinson John A.
Published: July 2012

The asymmetric outer membrane (OM) of Gram‐negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet and phospholipid in the inner leaflet. During OM biogenesis, LPS is transported from the periplasm into the outer leaflet by a complex comprising the OM proteins LptD and LptE. Recently, a new family of macrocyclic peptidomimetic antibiotics that interact with LptD of the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa was discovered. Here we provide evidence that the peptidomimetics inhibit the LPS transport function of LptD. One approach to monitor LPS transport involved studies of lipid A modifications. Some modifications occur only in the inner membrane while others occur only in the OM, and thus provide markers for LPS transport within the bacterial envelope. We prepared a conditional lptD mutant of P. aeruginosa PAO1 that allowed control of lptD expression from the rhamnose promoter. With this mutant, the effects caused by the antibiotic on the wild‐type strain were compared with those caused by depleting LptD in the mutant strain. When LptD was depleted in the mutant, electron microscopy revealed accumulation of membrane‐like material within cells and OM blebbing; this mirrored similar effects in the wild‐type strain caused by the antibiotic. Moreover, the bacterium responded to the antibiotic, and to depletion of LptD, by introducing the same lipid A modifications, consistent with inhibition by the antibiotic of LptD‐mediated LPS transport. This conclusion was further supported by monitoring the radiolabelling of LPS from [14C]acetate, and by fractionation of IM and OM components. Overall, the results provide support for a mechanism of action for the peptidomimetic antibiotics that involves inhibition of LPS transport to the cell surface.
Repeat balloon aortic valvuloplasty effectively delays surgical intervention in children with recurrent aortic stenosis
Authors: Petit Christopher J. , Maskatia Shiraz A. , Justino Henri , Mattamal Raphael J. , Crystal Matthew A. , Ing Frank F.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is the primary therapy for congenital aortic stenosis (AS). Recurrent AS following initial BAV or initial surgical valvotomy (SV) may require a second BAV (BAV2). We sought to determine the longterm outcomes of BAV2.

Design

We reviewed all cases of BAV2, defined as BAV following primary BAV or SV between 1988 and 2009. Cases were reviewed for pre‐ and post‐BAV2 echocardiographic and procedural details.

Setting

Tertiary care dedicated children's hospital.

Patients

Between 1985 and 2009, 43 patients underwent BAV2 (23 primary SV, 20 primary BAV) at median age 1.9 years (1 month–21 years) and median weight 15 (3.3–55) kg.

Interventions

BAV2 performed following primary SV or primary BAV. Main Outcome

Measures

We evaluated the following endpoints: ≥ moderate AI post‐BAV2, aortic valve replacement (AVR), additional BAV or SV post‐BAV2, death and heart transplantation.

Results

The gradient decreased from 61.4 ± 16.0 mm Hg to 26.0 ± 13.6 post‐BAV2 (P < 0.01). Gradient prior to BAV2 was higher in primary SV patients (66 ± 13 mm Hg) than in primary BAV patients (56 ± 18 mm Hg, P = 0.04). 24 patients had no further events after BAV2, while 19 patients (44%) experienced 23 events including: AVR (n = 8), SV (n = 6), BAV3 (n = 2), death (n = 5), and transplant (n = 1). Regression demonstrated that adverse events were associated with higher post‐BAV2 gradient (P < 0.01). Repeat intervention on the aortic valve and AVR were associated with higher post BAV2 gradient (P = 0.04, P = 0.01). Prior to BAV2, 7 patients (17%) had AI > mild, compared to 21 (51%) patients after BAV2. Cox regression revealed that primary BAV was associated with development of AI > mild after BAV2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

BAV2 is associated with decreased valve gradient, though with an increase in AI. However, residual AS, not AI, is associated with poor outcomes following BAV2. BAV2 effectively treats recurrent AS and postpones need for surgical intervention. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Efficient Way for the Recognition of Zinc Ion via the Fluorescence Enhancement
Authors: Sang Qiuguang , Yang Jingkui
Published: July 2012

This study concentrates on the spectral and complexing properties of a tetraoxycalix[2]arene[2]triazine derivative bearing two bipyridines (Calix‐BIPY2) in a mixture of acetonitrile:chloroform (4:1, V:V). The results show that Calix‐BIPY2 has a highly selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ over various competing cations (K+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Ag+, Al3+ and Pb2+). The complexation of Zn2+ induces a remarkable fluorescence enhancement due to combination effects of the binding strength, electron spins state of metal ions, photoinduced charge transfer (PCT) and the rigidity of the complexing unit offered by calixarene‐based hosts.
Effect of Vacancy Defects on the Young's Modulus and Fracture Strength of Graphene: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Zhu Jian , He Ming , Qiu Feng
Published: July 2012

The Young's modulus of graphene with various rectangular and circular vacancy defects is investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. By comparing with the results calculated from an effective spring model, it is demonstrated that the Young's modulus of graphene is largely correlated to the size of vacancy defects perpendicular to the stretching direction. And a linear reduction of Young's modulus with the increasing concentration of mono‐atomic‐vacancy defects (i.e., the slope of −0.03) is also observed. The fracture behavior of graphene, including the fracture strength, crack initiation and propagation are then studied by the molecular dynamics simulation, the effective spring model, and the quantized fracture mechanics. The blunting effect of vacancy edges is demonstrated, and the characterized crack tip radius of 4.44 Å is observed.
Postnatal expression of TrkB receptor in rat vestibular nuclear neurons responsive to horizontal and vertical linear accelerations
Authors: Ma Chun‐Wai , Zhang Fu‐Xing , Lai Chun‐Hong , Lai Suk‐King , Yung Ken Kin‐Lam , Shum Daisy Kwok‐Yan , Chan Ying‐Shing
Published: July 2012

We examined the maturation expression profile of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor in rat vestibular nuclear neurons that were activated by sinusoidal linear acceleration along the horizontal or vertical axis. The otolithic origin of Fos expression in these neurons was confirmed with labyrinthectomized controls and normal controls, which showed only sporadically scattered Fos‐labeled neurons in the vestibular nucleus. In P4–6 test rats, no Fos‐labeled neurons were found in the vestibular nucleus, but the medial and spinal vestibular neurons showed weak immunoreactivity for TrkB. The intensity of TrkB immunoreactivity in vestibular nuclear neurons progressively increased in the second postnatal week but remained low in adults. From P7 onward, TrkB‐expressing neurons responded to horizontal or vertical otolithic stimulation with Fos expression. The number of Fos‐labeled vestibular nuclear neurons expressing TrkB increased with age, from 13–43% in P7 rats to 85–90% in adult rats. Our results therefore suggest that TrkB/neurotrophin signaling plays a dominant role in modulating vestibular nuclear neurons for the coding of gravity‐related horizontal head movements and for the regulation of vestibular‐related behavior during postnatal development. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:612–625, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SLP‐76 is required for optimal CXCR4‐stimulated T lymphocyte firm arrest to ICAM‐1 under shear flow
Authors: Lee Dooyoung , Kim Jiyeon , Baker Rebecca G. , Koretzky Gary A. , Hammer Daniel A.
Published: July 2012

Rapid arrest of T cells at target sites upon engagement of chemokine receptors is crucial to the proper functioning of the immune system. Although T‐cell arrest always occurs under hydrodynamic forces in vivo, most studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of arrest have been performed under static conditions. While the requirement of the adapter protein SLP‐76 (Src homology 2‐domain containing leukocyte‐specific phosphoprotein of 76 kDa) in TCR‐induced integrin activation has been demonstrated, its role in chemokine‐triggered T‐cell adhesion is unknown. Using a flow chamber system, we show that SLP‐76 plays an important role in regulating the transition from tethering and rolling to firm adhesion of T cells under physiological shear flow in response to CXCL12α (stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α); SLP‐76‐deficient primary T cells exhibited defective adhesion with a significant decrease in the number of firmly arrested cells. We further demonstrate the N‐terminal phosphotyrosines of SLP‐76 play a critical role in T‐cell adhesion under flow. These findings reveal a novel role for SLP‐76 in CXCR4‐mediated T lymphocyte trafficking.
The CD20 homolog Ms4a8a integrates pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory signals in novel M2‐like macrophages and is expressed in parasite infection
Authors: Schmieder Astrid , Schledzewski Kai , Michel Julia , Schönhaar Kathrin , Morias Yannick , Bosschaerts Tom , Van den Bossche Jan , Dorny Pierre , Sauer Andrea , Sticht Carsten , Géraud Cyrill , Waibler Zoe , Beschin Alain , Goerdt Sergij
Published: July 2012

Recently, we identified the CD20 homolog Ms4a8a as a novel molecule expressed by tumor‐associated macrophages that directly enhances tumor growth. Here, we analyzed Ms4a8a+ macrophages in M2‐associated infectious pathologies. In late‐stage Trypanosoma congolense and Taenia crassiceps infections, Ms4a8a expression was detected in hepatic and peritoneal macrophages respectively. Innate immunity in these infections is modulated by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling and TLR2/4/7 agonists strongly induced Ms4a8a expression in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) treated with M2 mediators (glucocorticoids/IL‐4). LPS/dexamethasone/IL‐4‐induced Ms4a8a+ BMDMs were characterized by strong expression of mRNA of mannose receptor (Mmr), arginase 1, and CD163, and by decreased iNOS expression. Coinduction of Ms4a8a by M2 mediators and TLR agonists involved the classical TLR signaling cascade via activation of MyD88/TRIF and NF‐κB. Forced overexpression of Ms4a8a modulated the TLR4 response of RAW264.7 cells as shown by gene expression profiling. Upregulation of Hdc, Tcfec, and Sla was confirmed both in primary LPS/dexamethasone/IL‐4‐stimulated Ms4a8a+ BMDMs and in peritoneal macrophages from late‐stage Taenia crassiceps infection. In conclusion, we show that TLR signaling skews the typical alternative macrophage activation program to induce a special M2‐like macrophage subset in vitro that also occurs in immunomodulatory immune reactions in vivo, a process directly involving the CD20 homolog Ms4a8a.
The inflammatory cytokine, GM‐CSF, alters the developmental outcome of murine dendritic cells
Authors: Zhan Yifan , Vega‐Ramos Javier , Carrington Emma M. , Villadangos Jose A. , Lew Andrew M. , Xu Yuekang
Published: July 2012

Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is a major cytokine that drives development of dendritic cells (DCs) under steady state, whereas GM‐CSF becomes a prominent influence on differentiation during inflammation. The influence GM‐CSF exerts on Flt3L‐induced DC development has not been thoroughly examined. Here, we report that GM‐CSF alters Flt3L‐induced DC development. When BM cells were cultured with both Flt3L and GM‐CSF, few CD8+ equivalent DCs or plasmacytoid DCs developed compared to cultures supplemented with Flt3L alone. The disappearance of these two cell subsets in GM‐CSF + Flt3L culture was not a result of simple inhibition of their development, but a diversion of the original differentiation trajectory to form a new cell population. As a consequence, both DC progeny and their functions were altered. The effect of GM‐CSF on DC subset development was confirmed in vivo. First, the CD8+ DC numbers were increased under GM‐CSF deficiency (when either GM‐CSF or its receptor was ablated). Second, this population was decreased under GM‐CSF hyperexpression (by transgenesis or by Listeria infection). Our finding that GM‐CSF dominantly changes the regulation of DC development in vitro and in vivo has important implications for inflammatory diseases or GM‐CSF therapy.
Next generation sequencing for TCR repertoire profiling: Platform‐specific features and correction algorithms
Authors: Bolotin Dmitry A. , Mamedov Ilgar Z. , Britanova Olga V. , Zvyagin Ivan V. , Shagin Dmitriy , Ustyugova Svetlana V. , Turchaninova Maria A. , Lukyanov Sergey , Lebedev Yury B. , Chudakov Dmitriy M.
Published: July 2012

The TCR repertoire is a mirror of the human immune system that reflects processes caused by infections, cancer, autoimmunity, and aging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) is becoming a powerful tool for deep TCR profiling; yet, questions abound regarding the methodological approaches for sample preparation and correct data interpretation. Accumulated PCR and sequencing errors along with library preparation bottlenecks and uneven PCR efficiencies lead to information loss, biased quantification, and generation of huge artificial TCR diversity. Here, we compare Illumina, 454, and Ion Torrent platforms for individual TCR profiling, evaluate the rate and character of errors, and propose advanced platform‐specific algorithms to correct massive sequencing data. These developments are applicable to a wide variety of next generation sequencing applications. We demonstrate that advanced correction allows the removal of the majority of artificial TCR diversity with concomitant rescue of most of the sequencing information. Thus, this correction enhances the accuracy of clonotype identification and quantification as well as overall TCR diversity measurements.
Apolipoprotein B100 is a suppressor of Staphylococcus aureus‐induced innate immune responses in humans and mice
Authors: Sigel Stefanie , Bunk Sebastian , Meergans Thomas , Doninger Bianca , Stich Karin , Stulnig Thomas , Derfler Kurt , Hoffmann Julia , Deininger Susanne , von Aulock Sonja , Knapp Sylvia
Published: July 2012

Plasma lipoproteins such as LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) are important therapeutic targets as they play a crucial role in macrophage biology and metabolic disorders. The impact of lipoprotein profiles on host defense pathways against Gram‐positive bacteria is poorly understood. In this report, we discovered that human serum lipoproteins bind to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Staphylococcus aureus and thereby alter the immune response to these bacteria. Size‐exclusion chromatography and solid‐phase‐binding analysis of serum revealed the direct interaction of LTA with apolipoproteins (Apo) B100, ApoA1, and ApoA2. Only ApoB100 and the corresponding LDL exerted biological effects as this binding significantly inhibited LTA‐induced cytokine releases from human and murine immune cells. Serum from hypercholesterolemic mice or humans significantly diminished cytokine induction in response to S. aureus or its LTA. Sera taken from the patients with familial hypercholesterolemia before and after ApoB100‐directed immuno‐apheresis confirmed that ApoB100 inhibited LTA‐induced inflammation in humans. In addition, mice in which LDL secretion was pharmacologically inhibited, displayed significantly increased serum cytokine levels upon infection with S. aureus in vivo. The present study identifies ApoB100 as an important suppressor of innate immune activation in response to S. aureus and its LTA.
BaSi4O6N2 – A Hexacelsian‐Type Layered Oxonitridosilicate
Authors: Braun Cordula , Ehrenberg Helmut , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

With BaSi4O6N2 it was possible to synthesize a new compound in the hexacelsian structure type that has not been observed for nitrido‐ or oxonitridosilicates before. BaSi4O6N2 was obtained by employing the multi‐anvil technique at pressures of 12–15 GPa and temperatures between 900 and 1200 °C starting from BaSi2O2N2. The crystal structure of BaSi4O6N2 was solved on the basis of X‐ray powder diffraction data [P6/mmm, no. 191, a = 5.3512(2) Å, c = 7.5235(4) Å, V = 186.57 Å3, Z = 1, Rwp = 0.065] and was refined by the Rietveld method employing difference Fourier analyses. BaSi4O6N2 represents a nonbranched double‐layer silicate with a high degree of condensation [κ = 0.5, i.e. the atomic ratio n(Si)/n(O,N)]. The layers of BaSi4O6N2 are made up of vertex‐sharing SiO3N tetrahedra forming hexagonal double layers that exhibit Sechser‐rings as fundamental building units (FBU). Unlike most known nitrido‐ and oxonitridosilicates, no N[3] but only double bridging N[2] atoms are found in the silicate substructure. All of the oxygen atoms (O[2]) bridge two Si atoms as well. Along [001] the Ba2+ ions are located in the Sechser‐ring channels. The cations are coordinated by twelve O and six N atoms and are situated between and within the double layers. In‐situ high‐temperature investigations at low pressure with synchrotron radiation indicated that decomposition reactions occurred. Attempts to dope BaSi4O6N2 with Eu2+ are described; however, no luminescence was observed.