bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children and Family Service Agencies' Experience with the Initial Council on Accreditation Process: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lee Madeline Y.
Published: April 2013

Accreditation is widespread among human service agencies, yet it remains understudied. To build a strong evidence base, the accreditation experience needs to be understood from agencies' perspectives. This study focused on 5 child and family service agencies' experiences to explore the challenges, costs, and lessons learned from undergoing the accreditation process through the Council on Accreditation (COA). In-depth interviews, focus groups, document reviews, and limited observations reveal agencies' different approaches to delegating the work and variance in the length of the process according to COA's recommendations. While the self-study was the most demanding component, many employees described a positive site visit experience. Results highlight implications for agencies and COA. The policy context and need for further research are also discussed.
Civil Legal Services and Domestic Violence: Missed Service Opportunities
Authors: Hartley Carolyn Copps , Renner Lynette M. , Mackel Shellie
Published: April 2013

Domestic violence can have a negative effect on multiple areas of a woman's life. While much focus has been on criminal legal interventions for domestic violence, civil legal services can provide a unique constellation of responses to the needs of women who experience domestic violence, which may be unfamiliar to many social workers. Civil legal services can greatly improve a woman's circumstances when targeting material needs such as housing, employment, and economic conditions. This article describes the differences in focus and impact of criminal and civil legal interventions for domestic violence, provides an in-depth illustration of how civil legal services can address a myriad of needs for women who experience domestic violence, and addresses the role social workers can play in assisting clients in the civil legal process.
Grandmothers and Coresident Grandchildren
Authors: Caputo Richard K.
Published: April 2013

This article reports findings of a national study examining characteristics of coresident grandmothers and their grandchildren between 1967 and 1992 (n = 1099). Findings suggested that coresident grandmotherhood may be more prevalent than previously indicated, and of longer duration, over the life course. Among the study sample of ever coresident grandmothers (n = 753), age, income status (having an income less than 50% of the median family income), and race were found to be negatively correlated with coresidency in 1992, while number of children and years of coresident grandparenthood were found to be positively related to coresidency. Among the study sample of coresident families in 1992 (n = 285), age and income status were found to be negatively correlated with the likelihood of living in a three-generation household, while number of coresident grandchildren and marital status (being single) were found to be positively correlated with three-generation households. In addition, sizable minorities of both three- and skipped-generation households had low income. Policy and program implications are discussed.
On Writing for Publication
Authors: Goldstein Howard
Published: April 2013

People who use their erudition to write for a learned minority… don't seem to me favored by fortune but rather to be pitied for their continuous self-torture They add, change, remove, lay aside, take up, rephrase, show to their friends … and are never satisfied. And their futile reward, a word of praise from a handful of people they win at such a cost –so many late nights,… and so much sweat and anguish…
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
Authors: Markward Martha J.
Published: April 2013

The author examines the negative behaviors of children in milieus in which sheltered women report and do not report the occurrence of child abuse. The sample of women was randomly selected from those sheltered in a midwestern regional family-violence center at some point during a 22-month period. Data on children's negative behaviors were collected from women ex post facto by examining the intake forms they completed with shelter workers. The results of the study suggest that social work practitioners take a social-constructivist approach in working with children in milieus in which children observe and/or experience abuse and further suggest that social work practitioners work with public/community health professionals on behalf of those children. In addition, the findings indicate that the heuristic nature of the social-constructivist approach in working with children in abusive situations might provide insights into their interpretations of the violence occurring around them.
Foster Children at Risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Risley-Curtiss Christina
Published: April 2013

Past studies have documented multiple health problems among foster children. However, one potential problem seldom addressed is that of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The author discusses the risk of foster children having or contracting STDs and presents general information on the incidence, consequences, and symptoms, especially for females, of five of the most common sexually transmitted diseases—syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital human papillomavirus. Recommendations for intervention by social workers in health care and child-welfare settings are presented.
Wellness Theory: A Discussion and Application to Clients with Disabilities
Authors: Jones Gwyn C. , Kilpatrick Allie C.
Published: April 2013

The wellness process encompasses the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of person-in-environment functioning. The authors offer a definition of wellness and describe a practice perspective centered on wellness theory. Wellness theory is discussed and evaluated according to the Practitioner's Evaluative Framework proposed by Dixon and colleagues. Practice interventions are discussed in relation to working with people who have long-term disabilities or chronic medical problems. Implications for social work education and future research are presented.
Parental Custody Negotiations and Health Insurance Access for Children
Authors: Ellis Walter L.
Published: April 2013

Family practitioners who provide divorce education programs should be aware that a child in a sole-custody household (especially one headed by the father) is highly likely to lack insurance coverage for access to health care services for healthy development. Examining 543 divorce records in New Hampshire, the author analyzed coverage across divergent family types following custody negotiations and found that a child in a sole-custody household was at higher risk for lacking coverage than was one in a shared-custody household. These results were confirmed by a chi-square test and logical regression statistical analysis. In a multivariate analysis, the author found that teenagers, children whose parents earned high incomes, and those with working mothers were likely to be covered, although the likelihood was lower in the case of daughters.
Motivating Persons with Dual Disorders: A Stage Approach
Authors: Smyth Nancy J.
Published: April 2013

Assessment of and intervention with persons with coexisting psychiatric and substance-use disorders can be complex, particularly because outcome research offers little guidance. Because clients may vary in the degree to which they recognize both disorders as problems, practitioners need strategies to help clients identify and accept their need for help. The author describes the integration and application of two conceptual models from addictions research, stages of change and motivational interviewing, to help engage and motivate clients to make the changes necessary for recovery from both disorders. The presentation of each model is followed by a discussion of their integration and use with this special population.
The effect of a proprietary inorganic coating on compressive strength and carbonation depth of simulated fire-damaged concrete
Authors: Li Qingtao , Li Zhuguo , Yuan Guanglin , Shu Qianjin
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the effect of an inorganic coating of concrete (ICC) on the residual compressive strength and carbonation depth of fire-damaged concrete. The concrete specimens were cooled by water-spraying, which is usually used for fire extinguishing in a real fire. The ICC was applied to enhance the residual compressive strength and to reduce the carbonation depth of fire-damaged concrete at different recuring periods. The results showed that the performance of concrete with ICC was better than that of uncoated concrete. After being exposed to 150, 300, 450, 600 and 750°C, compared to uncoated concrete, the compressive strength of concrete with ICC was enhanced by 3·8%, 3·7%, 11·0%, 17·3% and 6·1%, respectively. For concrete exposed to temperatures below 750°C, the carbonation depth of concrete with ICC was reduced significantly compared to the uncoated concrete. In the case of 750°C, the concrete was neutralised completely for both uncoated and coated concrete. The most obvious enhancement of the compressive strength and the most significant reduction of carbonation depth of concrete with ICC can be found after the concrete was exposed to 600°C. Similar results were confirmed with the other two types of concrete with different compressive strength.
Hepatitis C viral infection among prisoners
Authors: Kostic Velimir , Radovic Jelena , Djordjevic Jovana , Vujic Stevan
Published: April 2013

Background/Aim. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important
sociomedical problem worldwide because the chronification of the disease is
frequent and the occurance of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
can be expected. The aim of this study was to determine the way of infection,
pathohistological changes of the liver, virus genotype presence and sustained
virological response after pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in
prison inmates. Methods. The study included 52 patients with chronic HCV
infection classified in two groups managed during 2008-2010. The first group
consisted of prisoners (n = 22) and the second one of ?non-prisoners? (n =
30). The patients from both groups underwent diagnostic preparation
(biochemical analyses, liver biopsy, hepatitis virus detection and
genotypisation using polymerase chain reaction issue). The treatment lasted
for 24 weeks for virus genotypes 2 and 3, and 48 weeks for genotypes 1 and 4.
Results. All the patients were males, approximately the same age (35 ? 4.1
and 31 ? 7.6 years). Virus genotype 1 was significantly more frequent in the
prisoners (p < 0.05), that demanded longer treatment (48 weeks). At the same
time, statistically significant higher number of patients, ?non-prisoners?,
achieved a sustained virological response (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Intravenous
drug abuse and tattoos, separately or together, are the most frequent way of
infection in prisoners. Dominant presence of virus genotype 1 resulted in
lower number of patients with sustained virological response, probably
regardless prison environment and regime.
Microwave-assisted and conventional sol-gel preparation of photocatalytically active ZnO/TiO2/glass multilayers
Authors: Kaneva Nina , Stambolova Irina , Blaskov Vladimir , Eliyas Alexander , Vassilev Sasho
Published: April 2013

For the first time a combination of microwaves and/or the conventional treatment method was used to dry and heat multilayered sol-gel ZnO/TiO2/glass structures. Compact or porous TiO2 films were deposited as a bottom layer, covered with a ZnO film. The structures were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Only peaks of wurtzite ZnO crystalline phase were registered on the X-Ray diffractograms. The microwave irradiation leads to a formation of poorly crystallized multilayers with very small crystallites and enhanced surface roughness. This results in a better photocatalytic activity of these structures than the structures of the samples treated conventionally. It was established that the morphology of the bottom titania layer affects the reaction of photocatalytic degradation of Malachite Green dye (MG). The structures with the compact bottom TiO2 films showed higher activities than those on porous TiO2 films. This study offers an energy saving method of producing ZnO/TiO2/glass multilayered structures of various morphologies and pronounced photocatalytic properties. The method does not involve any calcination step, normally applied to achieve a good degree of crystallization. This makes the method suitable for protecting substrates of low thermal stability.
Development of antimicrobial packaging materials with immobilized glucose oxidase and lysozyme
Authors: Hanušová Kristýna , Vápenka Lukáš , Dobiáš Jaroslav , Mišková Linda
Published: April 2013

Packaging based on immobilization of antimicrobial enzymes provides a promising form of active packaging systems applicable in food processing. Glucose oxidase and lysozyme were immobilized by the Ugi reaction with cyclohexyl isocyanide and glutaraldehyde on polyamide and ionomer films partially hydrolysed by hydrochloric acid. The immobilization of the enzymes on the surface of films was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and the films were characterized by the specific activity of the immobilized enzymes. The enzyme migration into model solutions and the effect of pH, temperature and storage time on the activity of immobilized enzyme were also evaluated. Immobilization of lysozyme onto polyamide and ionomer films resulted in the loss of enzyme activity. The polyamide and ionomer films with immobilized glucose oxidase inhibited the growth of bacteria Escherichia coli CNCTC 6859, Pseudomonas fluorescens CNCTC 5793, Lactobacillus helveticus CH-1, Listeria ivanovii CCM 5884 and Listeria innocua CCM 4030 on agar media.
Impurity profile analysis of drug products containing acetylsalicylic acid: a chemometric approach
Authors: Ronowicz Joanna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Mydłowska Joanna , Budzisz Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

In this work attention is focused on impurity profile analysis in combination with infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods. This approach is considered as an alternative to generally complex and time-consuming classic analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography. Various strategies for constructing descriptive models able to identify relations among drug impurity profiles hidden in multivariate chromatographic data sets are also presented and discussed. The hierarchical (cluster analysis) and non-hierarchical segmentation algorithms (k-means method) and principal component analysis are applied to gain an overview of the similarities and dissimilarities among impurity profiles of acetylsalicylic acid formulations. A tree regression algorithm based on infrared spectra is used to predict the relative content of impurities in the drug products investigated. Satisfactory predictive abilities of the models derived indicate the possibility of implementing them in the quality control of drug products.
Silylated gallium and indium chalcogenide ring systems as potential precursors to ME (E=O, S) materials
Authors: Medina-Ramírez Iliana , Floyd Cynthia , Mague Joel , Fink Mark
Published: April 2013

The reaction of R3M (M=Ga, In) with HESiR′3 (E=O, S; R′3=Ph3, iPr3, Et3, tBuMe2) leads to the formation of (Me2GaOSiPh3)2(1); (Me2GaOSitBuMe2)2(2); (Me2GaOSiEt3)2(3); (Me2InOSiPh3)2(4); (Me2InOSitBuMe2)2(5); (Me2InOSiEt3)2(6); (Me2GaSSiPh3)2(7); (Et2GaSSiPh3)2(8); (Me2GaSSiiPr3)2(9); (Et2GaSSiiPr3)2(10); (Me2InSSiPh3)3(11); (Me2InSSiiPr3)n(12), in high yields at room temperature. The compounds have been characterized by multinuclear NMR and in most cases by X-ray crystallography. The molecular structures of (1), (4), (7) and (8) have been determined. Compounds (3), (6) and (10) are liquids at room temperature. In the solid state, (1), (4), (7) and (9) are dimers with central core of the dimer being composed of a M2E2 four-membered ring. VT-NMR studies of (7) show facile redistribution between four- and six-membered rings in solution. The thermal decomposition of (1)–(12) was examined by TGA and range from 200 to 350°C. Bulk pyrolysis of (1) and (2) led to the formation of Ga2O3; (4) and (5) In metal; (7)–(10) GaS and (11)–(12) InS powders, respectively.
Flasque resolutions of reductive group schemes
Authors: González-Avilés Cristian
Published: April 2013

We generalize Colliot-Thélène’s construction of flasque resolutions of reductive group schemes over a field to a broad class of base schemes.
Generalized weak peripheral multiplicativity in algebras of Lipschitz functions
Authors: Jiménez-Vargas Antonio , Lee Kristopher , Luttman Aaron , Villegas-Vallecillos Moisés
Published: April 2013

Let (X, d
X) and (Y,d
Y) be pointed compact metric spaces with distinguished base points e
X and e
Y. The Banach algebra of all $\mathbb{K}$-valued Lipschitz functions on X — where $\mathbb{K}$ is either‒or ℝ — that map the base point e
X to 0 is denoted by Lip0(X). The peripheral range of a function f ∈ Lip0(X) is the set Ranµ(f) = {f(x): |f(x)| = ‖f‖∞} of range values of maximum modulus. We prove that if T
1, T
2: Lip0(X) → Lip0(Y) and S
1, S
2: Lip0(X) → Lip0(X) are surjective mappings such that $Ran_\pi (T_1 (f)T_2 (g)) \cap Ran_\pi (S_1 (f)S_2 (g)) \ne \emptyset $ for all f, g ∈ Lip0(X), then there are mappings φ1φ2: Y → $\mathbb{K}$ with φ1(y)φ2(y) = 1 for all y ∈ Y and a base point-preserving Lipschitz homeomorphism ψ: Y → X such that T
j(f)(y) = φ
j(y)S
j(f)(ψ(y)) for all f ∈ Lip0(X), y ∈ Y, and j = 1, 2. In particular, if S
1 and S
2 are identity functions, then T
1 and T
2 are weighted composition operators.
Historical mortars dating from OSL signals of fine grain fraction enriched in quartz
Authors: Stella Giuseppe , Fontana Dorotea , Gueli Anna , Troja Sebastiano
Published: April 2013

In the last years the mortar dating through Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) techniques has become a viable support for chronological estimations (date of construction or restoration episodes) of historical buildings. However, the dating of mortar has still open issues mainly regarding the assessment of the bleaching degree of quartz, the analysis of the OSL processes for this type of samples and the need to do appropriate tests for the most correct evaluation of the equivalent dose. This paper discusses the results obtained by OSL dating (blue diode stimulation) on the polymineral fine grain phase, enriched in quartz, extracted from lime mortar samples collected from different sites. Thermal transfer effects, through the behaviour of Equivalent Dose (ED) and recovery tests, degree and time of bleaching were studied. For each mortar sample the adjacent brick was collected; in some cases, sampling of the bricks bracketing a mortar layer was a possibility, thus obtaining a direct comparison with the standard thermoluminescence (TL) dating on the bricks.

The results obtained show, for this set of samples, the possibility of dating the mortars through the use of the fine grain fraction provided of a suitable chemical-physical preparation procedure and the verification of the bleaching conditions.
Une langue, une nation. Contexte et corpus de codification du finnois moderne
Authors: Havu Jukka , Klippi Carita
Published: April 2013

Finland is one of the latest independent states of Europe. The expression «land without history» illustrates well certain Finnish sentiments for the past of their country which was dominated from the 13th century onwards right to 1917 by foreign forces, first by Sweden, then by the Russian empire. The emergence of a sense of identity and nationality was a slow and complex process in which the question of language played an important role.
La place de l’industrie osseuse dans la néolithisation au Levant Sud
Authors: Le Dosseur Gaëlle
Published: April 2013

Cet article traite du processus de néolithisation (13 000-5000 cal. BC) dans le Levant, à travers l’exploitation des matières osseuses. En adoptant l’approche techno-économique, dans une optique palethnologique, nous avons pu obtenir des résultats importants lors d’un premier travail dans le Levant Sud sur les trois étapes initiales de la néolithisation (Natoufi en, PPNA, PPNB). Ils concernent aussi bien l’évolution des équipements et des activités, les relations entre l’homme et l’animal, l’émergence de la spécialisation technique, que les dynamiques régionales lorsque les contacts s’intensifient entre le Nord et le Sud du Levant.
Tombes féminines et pratiques funéraires en Asie centrale protohistorique. Quelques réflexions sur le « statut social » des femmes dans la civilisation de l’Oxus
Authors: Luneau Élise
Published: April 2013

Even if the methods of sex estimation and the concept of wealth are not that reliable, it can be interesting to try a gender archaeological study for the Oxus Civilisation. The comparative analysis between female burials and male burials excavated in three major urban sites of Bronze Age in Central Asia (Sapallitepe, Dzharkutan, Gonur-depe 1) reveals a distinct differentiation between funeral practices connected to each sex. This leads us to think about the distribution of activities and the forms of social relations between genders, and to note that social interpretations suggested up to now about womens' social position in the Oxus Civilisation are unfounded. Some observations enable us to consider in a novel way the place of women : possibly, they had an unconventional position and a strong social prestige within this society.
New Evidence for Significant Use of Bitumen in Middle Palaeolithic Technical Systems at Umm el Tlel (Syria) around 70,000 BP
Authors: Boëda Eric , Bonilauri Stéphanie , Connan J. , Jarvie Daniel , Mercier Norbert , Tobey Mark , Valladas Hélène , Al-Sakhel Heba
Published: April 2013

Mousterian tools with traces of bitumen on their surfaces discovered at Umm el Tlel (Syria) have been dated to 40,000 years (BP). Until now tools with traces of bitumen were known only from the 8th millennium BC, but this new discovery shows usage 30,000 years earlier. Mousterian complex VI 3, dated to 71,000-72,000 BP, has yielded fragments of black cobbles and eleven Levallois artefacts with traces of black material demonstrated to be bituminous. Herein we present the geochemical and microscopy results on materials from artefact and a cobble. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of both C 15+ alkanes and C 15+ aromatics demonstrates that the black substance is natural asphalt. The source of this asphaltic material or bitumen found on the tools is related to natural outcrops located around 40 km east of Umm el Tlel in the Bichri Massif. For the fi rst time, microscopic analysis of 300 Levallois artefacts with no macro-traces of bitumen visible to the naked eye, has demonstrated that two-thirds of these artefacts have black micro-residues. These micro-traces that were identifi ed on artefacts recovered from a strata in complex VI 3, have been identified as bitumen-bearing following analyses. Thus, rather than being a material used occasionally, bitumen is shown to be of key importance in the technological system of these populations, hypothesized to have been used as an adhesive to attach hafts made of organic matter or bone to tools. These new results extend the oldest known date for the use of natural bitumen by early hominids from 40,000 BP to 71,000 BP and show that older Middle Palaeolithic populations were already acquainted with the use of bitumen as adhesive to attach hafts to fl int tools or for other similar uses.
Flaked Stone Discs of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods in the Southern Levant
Authors: Rosenberg Danny , Assaf Ali Abou , Getzov Nimrod , Gopher Avi
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a detailed study of a unique groundstone (henceforth-stone) tool — the flaked stone disc. The study presents the result of an attribute analysis conducted on 703 flaked discs found in stratified contexts during excavations and as surface finds, all from sites in northern Israel. The discs are described in detail and some provisional suggestions regarding their function are discussed.
Croissance démographique, développement économique et politique extérieure : Le cas de la Chine populaire
Authors: Joyaux François
Published: April 2013

La situation démographique, par les contraintes qu'elle impose au développement économique, doit être considérée comme l'un des facteurs fondamentaux de la puissance (ou de l'impuissance) des Etats en matière de relations internationales. Le cas de la Chine est particulièrement intéressant en raison de l'importance qu'y revêt le problème de la population mais aussi particulièrement difficile à saisir en raison des insuffisances statistiques.

« L'analyse des tendances démographiques actuelles de la Chine continentale, écrit le démographe J.S. Aird, est essentielle (...) pour évaluer le rôle de la Chine dans les affaires mondiales », mais il précise aussitôt : « Cependant toute analyse de ce type est, dès le départ, rendue difficile par le fait que les renseignements démographiques sur la Chine sont peu nombreux et peu sûrs (...) ». On peut néanmoins admettre, à titre d'hypothèse, que la population chinoise a probablement franchi le cap des 800 millions vers 1970 et que son taux d'accroissement annuel est de l'ordre de 2 °/o, ce dernier chiffre ayant été confirmé par les autorités chinoises elles-mêmes.

Pour en apprécier l'impact sur le développement économique du pays et, par là même, sur la puissance de la Chine, on peut d'abord s'interroger sur l'évolution comparée de la population et de la production vivrière. La conclusion essentielle, sur ce point, paraît bien être que les résultats chinois, comparables ou inférieurs à ceux de bon nombre de pays d'Asie orientale, ont souvent été jugés comme très positifs à l'étranger compte tenu de la dimension du problème à résoudre. L'économie chinoise en est apparue d'autant plus forte.

Par ailleurs, la pression démographique a certainement détourné une grande partie des investissements vers des secteurs non déterminants du point de vue diplomatico-stratégique : agriculture ou enseignement primaire par exemple.

Au total, le nombre, considéré en soi, a probablement été un élément de faiblesse économique. Mais la nature du régime a permis à la Chine de détourner vers des « investissements de puissance » les ressources qu'un autre régime aurait dû affecter aux « investissements démographiques ». Par ailleurs elle a su, dans une certaine mesure, faire admettre l'idée selon laquelle le nombre (et même le surnombre ?) peut être synonyme de force.

Autant d'éléments qui, pour la Chine, ont fait reculer les limites que sa démographie pléthorique aurait normalement imposées à ses possibilités diplomatiques et stratégiques.
Réflexions sur la politique économique chinoise en matière de commerce extérieur
Authors: Mah Feng-hwa
Published: April 2013

Reflections on the political economy of Mainland China's foreign trade.

According to certain Chinese policy makers «foreign trade is a weapon in the international political struggle». With this in mind, the author points out the relative importance of political and economic factors in Chinese foreign trade policies, economic considerations often being put aside particularly in China's dealings with developing countries.

The question of the policy adopted in dealings with advanced countries is then raised, followed by an analysis of the changes that took place in the climate surrounding exchanges between China and the USSR (during the fifties), with Japan (during the sixties) and the problems which arose or may arise in trading with the USA.

Since exchanges between China and the USSR are of a political nature, a deterioration has been noticeable in the terms of exchange as well as a reduction in the number of transactions, coinciding with the chill in political relations between the two countries.

If there was no perceptible price discrimination on the part of the URSS before 1958, the situation changed rapidly after that time. The drop in trade between the two nations is evidently more attributable to political than to economic factors.

Due to the difficulties encountered in relations with the Soviet Union, China was forced to give new impetus to foreign trade and turned to Japan. Since 1965, the latter has been China's principal trading partner. In the case of relations between these two countries, economic considerations seem to have priority, because little by little trade with Japan has become indispensable to China.

As to trade between the USA and China, it is still too early to foresee what the course of development will be or to anticipate the volume of exchanges, there being no precise indications concerning the policy projected by the Chinese government. Where the two nations are concerned it seems essentially a political problem stemming from the desire to improve mutual relations. However, the opening of new commercial outlets in China would be of considerable economic interest to US firms although it is expected that competition from other Western countries will make it impossible for any one country to corner the Chinese market.
Les moyens d'information en Chine : aperçu des sources occidentales et est-européennes
Authors: Mond Georges H.
Published: April 2013

Cette étude présente succinctement l'histoire de la presse, de la radio et de la télévision chinoises pour passer ensuite à la description de la situation actuelle des moyens d'information chinois et de leurs rapports avec le pouvoir. L'auteur insiste sur les liens existant entre la politique gouvernementale (celle de la direction du parti), la mission des moyens d'information et la situation socio-économique du pays, issue de l'époque écoulée et des traditions millénaires de la presse en Chine.

L'article aborde également la question du non-conformisme et des attitudes oppositionnelles parmi les journalistes professionnels et plus largement parmi les intellectuels.

Enfin, rédigée par un auteur qui ne connaissait pas la langue chinoise, cette étude tend à dresser une sorte de bilan rapide des sources bibliographiques accessibles, écrites en français, en anglais, en allemand, en russe et en polonais qui constituent un complément de l'article publié ici par M. Patrice Gélard.
Microsatellite loci for an old rare species, Pseudotaxus chienii, and transferability in Taxus wallichiana var. mairei (Taxaceae)
Authors: Deng Qi , Su Ying‐Juan , Wang Ting
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Pseudotaxus chienii, an old rare species endemic to China, and which provided a useful tool for investigating the patterns of population genetic structure, phylogeography, evolutionary history, and adaptive potential. Transferability was assayed in the related species, Taxus wallichiana var. mairei.

• Methods and Results: A total of 15 microsatellite loci were targeted in P. chienii using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining Repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Polymorphism was evaluated in five populations of P. chienii and five populations of T. wallichiana var. mairei. Of these loci, 13 were polymorphic in P. chienii, whereas 15 were polymorphic in T. wallichiana var. mairei.

• Conclusions: The 15 microsatellite loci developed lay a solid foundation for further studies on population genetic variability and investigations of local adaptation. Additionally, cross‐species amplification in T. wallichiana var. mairei showed that these loci may also have potential utility in other genera of Taxaceae.
The Restricted DH Gene Reading Frame Usage in the Expressed Human Antibody Repertoire Is Selected Based upon its Amino Acid Content
Authors: Benichou Jennifer , Glanville Jacob , Prak Eline T. Luning , Azran Roy , Kuo Tracy C. , Pons Jaume , Desmarais Cindy , Tsaban Lea , Louzoun Yoram
Published: April 2013

The Ab repertoire is not uniform. Some variable, diversity, and joining genes are used more frequently than others. Nonuniform usage can result from the rearrangement process, or from selection. To study how the Ab repertoire is selected, we analyzed one part of diversity generation that cannot be driven by the rearrangement mechanism: the reading frame usage of DH genes. We have used two high-throughput sequencing methodologies, multiple subjects and advanced algorithms to measure the DH reading frame usage in the human Ab repertoire. In most DH genes, a single reading frame is used predominantly, and inverted reading frames are practically never observed. The choice of a single DH reading frame is not limited to a single position of the DH gene. Rather, each DH gene participates in rearrangements of differing CDR3 lengths, restricted to multiples of three. In nonproductive rearrangements, there is practically no reading frame bias, but there is still a striking absence of inversions. Biases in DH reading frame usage are more pronounced, but also exhibit greater interindividual variation, in IgG+ and IgA+ than in IgM+ B cells. These results suggest that there are two developmental checkpoints of DH reading frame selection. The first occurs during VDJ recombination, when inverted DH genes are usually avoided. The second checkpoint occurs after rearrangement, once the BCR is expressed. The second checkpoint implies that DH reading frames are subjected to differential selection. Following these checkpoints, clonal selection induces a host-specific DH reading frame usage bias.
Catecholamine-Induced β2-Adrenergic Receptor Activation Mediates Desensitization of Gastric Cancer Cells to Trastuzumab by Upregulating MUC4 Expression
Authors: Shi Ming , Yang Zhengyan , Hu Meiru , Liu Dan , Hu Yabin , Qian Lu , Zhang Wei , Chen Hongyu , Guo Liang , Yu Ming , Song Lun , Ma Yuanfang , Guo Ning
Published: April 2013

Trastuzumab is currently used for patients with Her2+ advanced gastric cancer. However, the response rate to trastuzumab among the patients is low. The molecular mechanisms underlying trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer are unknown. Our in vitro data show that activation of β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) triggered by catecholamine caused “targeting failure” of trastuzumab in gastric cancer cells. The antitumor activities of trastuzumab were significantly impeded by chronic catecholamine stimulation in gastric cancer cells and in the mice bearing human gastric cancer xenografts. Mechanistically, catecholamine induced upregulation of the MUC4 expression at both transcription and protein levels via activating STAT3 and ERK. The effects of catecholamine could be effectively blocked by β2-AR antagonist ICI-118,551, indicating that β2-AR–mediated signaling pathway plays a key role in upregulation of MUC4, which was previously demonstrated to interfere with the recognition and physical binding of trastuzumab to Her2 molecules. Moreover, a significant elevation of the MUC4 level was observed in the xenograft tissues in nude mice chronically treated with isoproterenol. Knockdown of MUC4 restored the binding activities of trastuzumab to Her2-overexpressing gastric cancer cells. In addition, coexpression of β2-AR and MUC4 were observed in gastric cancer tissues. Our data indicated a novel trastuzumab resistance mechanism, by which catecholamine-induced β2-AR activation mediates desensitization of gastric cancer cells to trastuzumab through upregulating the MUC4 expression.
Reversal of Global CD4+ Subset Dysfunction Is Associated with Spontaneous Clinical Resolution of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Oswald-Richter Kyra A. , Richmond Bradley W. , Braun Nicole A. , Isom Joan , Abraham Susamma , Taylor Thyneice R. , Drake John M. , Culver Daniel A. , Wilkes David S. , Drake Wonder P.
Published: April 2013

Sarcoidosis pathogenesis is characterized by peripheral anergy and an exaggerated, pulmonary CD4+ Th1 response. In this study, we demonstrate that CD4+ anergic responses to polyclonal TCR stimulation are present peripherally and within the lungs of sarcoid patients. Consistent with prior observations, spontaneous release of IL-2 was noted in sarcoidosis bronchoalveolar lavage CD4+ T cells. However, in contrast to spontaneous hyperactive responses reported previously, the cells displayed anergic responses to polyclonal TCR stimulation. The anergic responses correlated with diminished expression of the Src kinase Lck, protein kinase C-θ, and NF-κB, key mediators of IL-2 transcription. Although T regulatory (Treg) cells were increased in sarcoid patients, Treg depletion from the CD4+ T cell population of sarcoidosis patients did not rescue IL-2 and IFN-γ production, whereas restoration of the IL-2 signaling cascade, via protein kinase C-θ overexpression, did. Furthermore, sarcoidosis Treg cells displayed poor suppressive capacity indicating that T cell dysfunction was a global CD4+ manifestation. Analyses of patients with spontaneous clinical resolution revealed that restoration of CD4+ Th1 and Treg cell function was associated with resolution. Conversely, disease progression exhibited decreased Th1 cytokine secretion and proliferative capacity, and reduced Lck expression. These findings implicate normalized CD4+ T cell function as a potential therapeutic target for sarcoidosis resolution.
Multiplex B Cell Characterization in Blood, Lymph Nodes, and Tumors from Patients with Malignancies
Authors: Zirakzadeh A. Ali , Marits Per , Sherif Amir , Winqvist Ola
Published: April 2013

B lymphocytes contribute to immune surveillance, by tumor-specific Abs and Ag presentation to T lymphocytes, but are insufficiently studied in humans. In this article, we report a flow cytometric investigation of B lymphocyte subpopulations in blood, lymph nodes (LNs), and malignant tissues from 20 patients operated on because of advanced solid tumors. The CD19+ compartment in peripheral blood was essentially unaltered in patients, as compared with healthy control subjects. In metastatic LNs, signs of B lymphocyte activation were observed, as evidenced by increased proportions of plasmablasts and CD86-expressing cells. In tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIL-B), both switched memory cells and plasmablasts were expanded, as compared with nonmalignant epithelium. Moreover, pronounced skewing of Igλ/Igκ ratio was evident among TIL-Bs. By spectratype analysis on IgH, we confirmed a monoclonal expansion of the Vh7 family in TIL-B, also present in a tumor-associated LN. Sequencing the clonally expanded Vh7 revealed signs of somatic hypermutation. In conclusion, B lymphocytes in cancer patients exhibit signs of activation in tumor-associated tissues, likely induced by recognition of tumor Ags. Increased numbers of switched memory cells and plasmablasts in combination with clonal expansion and signs of somatic hypermutation suggest a CD4+ T lymphocyte–dependent antitumoral response, which may be exploited for immunotherapy.
Yersinia enterocolitica Provides the Link between Thyroid-Stimulating Antibodies and Their Germline Counterparts in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Hargreaves Chantal E. , Grasso Marco , Hampe Christiane S. , Stenkova Anna , Atkinson Steve , Joshua George W. P. , Wren Brendan W. , Buckle Ashley M. , Dunn-Walters Deborah , Banga J. Paul
Published: April 2013

Graves’ disease results from thyroid-stimulating Abs (TSAbs) activating the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR). How TSAbs arise from early precursor B cells has not been established. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to pathogenesis, including the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica. We developed two pathogenic monoclonal TSAbs from a single experimental mouse undergoing Graves’ disease, which shared the same H and L chain germline gene rearrangements and then diversified by numerous somatic hypermutations. To address the Ag specificity of the shared germline precursor of the monoclonal TSAbs, we prepared rFab germline, which showed negligible binding to TSHR, indicating importance of somatic hypermutation in acquiring TSAb activity. Using rFab chimeras, we demonstrate the dominant role of the H chain V region in TSHR recognition. The role of microbial Ags was tested with Y. enterocolitica proteins. The monoclonal TSAbs recognize 37-kDa envelope proteins, also recognized by rFab germline. MALDI-TOF identified the proteins as outer membrane porin (Omp) A and OmpC. Using recombinant OmpA, OmpC, and related OmpF, we demonstrate cross-reactivity of monoclonal TSAbs with the heterogeneous porins. Importantly, rFab germline binds recombinant OmpA, OmpC, and OmpF confirming reactivity with Y. enterocolitica. A human monoclonal TSAb, M22 with similar properties to murine TSAbs, also binds recombinant porins, showing cross-reactivity of a spontaneously arising pathogenic Ab with Y. enterocolitica. The data provide a mechanistic framework for molecular mimicry in Graves’ disease, where early precursor B cells are expanded by Y. enterocolitica porins to undergo somatic hypermutation to acquire a cross-reactive pathogenic response to TSHR.
When culture offers a suggestion to Medicine
Authors: Cagli Vito
Published: April 2013

Not available
A New Higher Order Shear Deformation Model for Static Behavior of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Daouadji Tahar Hassaine , Tounsi Abdelouahed , Bedia El Abbes Adda
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a new displacement based high-order shear deformation theory is introduced for the static response of functionally graded plate. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. The theory presented is variationally consistent, has strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, does not require shear correction factor, and gives rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness satisfying shear stress free surface conditions. The mechanical properties of the plate are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction by a simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Numerical illustrations concerned flexural behavior of FG plates with Metal-Ceramic composition. Parametric studies are performed for varying ceramic volume fraction, volume fraction profiles, aspect ratios and length to thickness ratios. The validity of the present theory is investigated by comparing some of the present results with those of the classical, the first-order and the other higher-order theories. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the static behavior of functionally graded plates.
Rare Case of Disseminated Cysticercosis and Taeniasis in a Japanese Traveler after Returning from India
Authors: Kobayashi Ken-ichiro , Nakamura-Uchiyama Fukumi , Nishiguchi Takeshi , Isoda Kenichi , Kokubo Yasumasa , Ando Katsuhiko , Katurahara Masaki , Sako Yasuhito , Yanagida Tetsuya , Ito Akira , Iwabuchi Sentaro , Ohnishi Kenji
Published: April 2013

We report disseminated cysticercosis concurrent with taeniasis in a 31-year-old male Japanese, who had visited India three times and stayed for 1 month each time during the previous 1 year. The patient presented increasing numbers of subcutaneous nodules and expelled proglottids, although numerous cysts were also found in the brain in imaging findings, though no neurological symptoms were observed. Histopathological and serological findings strongly indicated cysticercosis. We found taeniid eggs in his stool by microscopic examination and revealed them as the Indian haplotype of Taenia solium by mitochondrial DNA analysis. We concluded that disseminated cysticercosis was caused by the secondary autoinfection with eggs released from the tapeworm carrier himself. After confirming the absence of adult worms in the intestine by copro-polymerase chain reaction, the patient was successfully treated with albendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Subcutaneous and intracranial lesions had completely disappeared by the end of the treatment period.
Influence of bottom water anoxia on nitrogen isotopic ratios and amino acid contributions of recent sediments from small eutrophic Lonar Lake, central India
Authors: Menzel Philip , Gaye Birgit , Wiesner Martin G. , Prasad Sushma , Stebich Martina , Das Brijraj Krishna , Anoop Ambili , Riedel Nils , Basavaiah Nathani
Published: April 2013

Lonar Lake is a eutrophic, saline soda lake with permanently anoxic deep water. The high pH and deoxygenation result in very elevated δ15N of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments due to denitrification and pH‐related loss of gaseous ammonium. SPM and sinking particles are predominantly aquatic in origin, whereas surface sediments are of mixed terrestrial plant and planktonic source. An indicator of degradation intensity was derived from a principal component analysis of the spectral distribution of amino acids and named Lonar degradation index (LI). A ratio of individual amino acids (Ox : Anox ratio) was additionally used to determine the relative degree of aerobic vs. anaerobic degradation. These two biogeochemical indicators can be used to detect changes in degradation intensity and redox conditions in the geological history, and thus the paleoclimatic interpretation of Lonar sediments. Surface sediments can be divided into three zones: (1) a nearshore, oxic zone of predominantly aquatic organic matter, in which oxidation leads to a strong diagenetic increase of δ15N; (2) an alluvial zone with a predominance of isotopically depleted land plant and soil organic matter degraded under oxic conditions; and (3) an anoxic, deep zone, which receives aquatic organic matter and land plant‐derived material transported near the bottom and in which organic matter is well preserved due to anoxic diagenetic conditions.
Towards an automatic Lidar cirrus cloud retrieval for climate studies
Authors: Larroza E. G. , Nakaema W. M. , Bourayou R. , Hoareau C. , Landulfo E. , Keckhut P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In the present study, a methodology to calculate lidar ratios for distinct cirrus clouds has been implemented for a site located in the Southern Hemisphere. The cirrus cloud lidar data processing has been developed to consider a large cloud variability with the final aim of cirrus cloud monitoring through a robust retrieval process. Among the many features lidar systems can extract for cirrus detection, we highlight: cloud geometrical information and extinction-to-backscatter ratio (also called lidar ratio – LR). LR's can, in general, provide important information on cirrus cloud microphysics due to the presence of ice crystals and their properties such as shape, size, composition and orientation of particles and their effect on LR values. Conditions for LR calculations and their resulting uncertainty have been improved as their analysis requires identifying cirrus cloud stationary periods through the use of a specific statistical approach well-established in the literature and employed here with good results, allowing for the study of specific cases with multi-layer cirrus cloud occurrence. The results from the measurements taken in the region of the Metropolitan City of São Paulo – MSP have been used to implement and test the methodology developed herein. In addition to the geometrical parameters extracted, improved values of LR's were calculated and showed significantly different values for the different layers inspected, varying between 19 ± 01 sr and 74 ± 13 sr. This large value interval allowed us to indirectly verify the presence of different ice crystal sizes and shapes and those associated with different air mass sources for the cirrus cloud formation.