bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Antioxidant Treatment With α-Lipoic Acid Over 4 Years in Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Ziegler Dan , Low Phillip A. , Litchy William J. , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Vinik Aaron I. , Freeman Roy , Samigullin Rustem , Tritschler Hans , Munzel Ullrich , Maus Joachim , Schütte Klemens , Dyck Peter J.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of α-lipoic acid (ALA) over 4 years in mild-to-moderate diabetic distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a multicenter randomized double-blind parallel-group trial, 460 diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate DSPN were randomly assigned to oral treatment with 600 mg ALA once daily (n = 233) or placebo (n = 227) for 4 years. Primary end point was a composite score (Neuropathy Impairment Score [NIS]–Lower Limbs [NIS-LL] and seven neurophysiologic tests). Secondary outcome measures included NIS, NIS-LL, nerve conduction, and quantitative sensory tests (QSTs).

RESULTS

Change in primary end point from baseline to 4 years showed no significant difference between treatment groups (P = 0.105). Change from baseline was significantly better with ALA than placebo for NIS (P = 0.028), NIS-LL (P = 0.05), and NIS-LL muscular weakness subscore (P = 0.045). More patients showed a clinically meaningful improvement and fewer showed progression of NIS (P = 0.013) and NIS-LL (P = 0.025) with ALA than with placebo. Nerve conduction and QST results did not significantly worsen with placebo. Global assessment of treatment tolerability and discontinuations due to lack of tolerability did not differ between the groups. The rates of serious adverse events were higher on ALA (38.1%) than on placebo (28.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Four-year treatment with ALA in mild-to-moderate DSPN did not influence the primary composite end point but resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement and prevention of progression of neuropathic impairments and was well tolerated. Because the primary composite end point did not deteriorate significantly in placebo-treated subjects, secondary prevention of its progression by ALA according to the trial design was not feasible.
Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Inner-City Minority Patients
Authors: Randall Lori , Begovic Jovan , Hudson Megan , Smiley Dawn , Peng Limin , Pitre Njalalia , Umpierrez Denise , Umpierrez Guillermo
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a bedside study to determine the factors driving insulin noncompliance in inner-city patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed socioeconomic and psychological factors in 164 adult patients with DKA who were admitted to Grady Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, including demographics, diabetes treatment, education, and mental illness. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Short Form-36 surveys were used to screen for depression and assess quality of life.

RESULTS

The average number of admissions was 4.5 ± 7 per patient. A total of 73 patients presented with first-time DKA, and 91 presented with recurrent DKA; 96% of patients were African American. Insulin discontinuation was the leading precipitating cause in 68% of patients; other causes were new-onset diabetes (10%), infection (15%), medical illness (4%), and undetermined causes (3%). Among those who stopped insulin, 32% gave no reasons for stopping, 27% reported lack of money to buy insulin, 19% felt sick, 15% were away from their supply, and 5% were stretching insulin. Compared with first-time DKA, those with recurrent episodes had longer duration of diabetes (P < 0.001), were a younger age at the onset of diabetes (P = 0.04), and had higher rates of depression (P = 0.04), alcohol (P = 0.047) and drug (P < 0.001) abuse, and homelessness (P = 0.005). There were no differences in quality-of-life scores, major psychiatric illnesses, or employment between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor adherence to insulin therapy is the leading cause of recurrent DKA in inner-city patients. Several behavioral, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and educational factors contribute to poor compliance. The recognition of such factors and the institution of culturally appropriate interventions and education programs might reduce DKA recurrence in minority populations.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Causes Changes in the Concentrations of Adipocyte Fatty Acid–Binding Protein and Other Adipocytokines in Cord Blood
Authors: Ortega-Senovilla Henar , Schaefer-Graf Ute , Meitzner Katrin , Abou-Dakn Michael , Graf Kristof , Kintscher Ulrich , Herrera Emilio
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To determine the concentrations of adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP) and other adipocytokines in maternal and cord serum of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and of control subjects and to relate them to indexes of insulin sensitivity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 86 control and 98 GDM pregnant women, venous blood was collected before vaginal delivery and arterial blood from cord immediately after delivery. Serum insulin and adipocytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

GDM women had higher prepregnancy BMI, and data were adjusted for it. Maternal serum insulin, insulin-to-glucose ratio, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), AFABP, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) were higher and adiponectin was lower in GDM than in control subjects, whereas serum glucose, insulin, insulin-to-glucose ratio, HOMA, nonesterified fatty acids, and RBP4 were higher and glycerol, AFABP, and adiponectin were lower in cord blood serum of GDM than of control subjects. AFABP and adiponectin in cord serum of control subjects were higher than in maternal serum; in GDM women no difference was found for AFABP in cord versus maternal serum, although adiponectin remained higher in cord. Values of leptin in both groups were lower in cord than in maternal serum, and those of RBP4 were lower in only GDM women.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that fetal tissues are the main source of cord arterial serum AFABP, and in GDM fetuses AFABP values correlate with adiposity markers. A downregulation of adiponectin and upregulation of RBP4 in GDM mothers and their fetuses may be related to their insulin-resistant condition, whereas changes in AFABP do not seem to be related.
Effect of Desensitizing Agents on the Microtensile Bond Strength of a Two-step Self-etch Adhesive to Dentin
Authors: Arısu HD , Dalkıhç E , Üçtaşlı MB
Published: July 2011

Clinical Relevance

Adhesive composite resin restorations may be performed after dentin hypersensitivity treatment procedures. However, the effect of desensitizers on the bond strength of adhesive restorations is controversial.
Class II Composite Restorations: Importance of Cervical Enamel In Vitro
Authors: Laegreid T , Gjerdet NR , von Steyern PV , Johansson A-K
Published: July 2011

Clinical Relevance

The presence of enamel at the cervical margin of a class II preparation increases the fracture strength of the composite restoration at the marginal ridge, but fractures are more complicated when they occur.
Effects of Common Dental Materials Used in Preventive or Operative Dentistry on Dentin Permeability and Remineralization
Authors: Sauro S , Thompson I , Watson TF
Published: July 2011

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The bioactive glass (Sylc) reacts with saliva depositing hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) within the demineralized collagen fibrils and occluding dentinal tubules. Therefore, it may be used as a suitable desensitizing bioactive material for the treatment of DH and as an air-cutting powder before bonding procedures to remineralize tooth structure and/or prevent further demineralization within the resin–dentin interface.
Experimental determination of force and displacement of a car suspension
Authors: Janković Aleksandra , Đukić Rade
Published: July 2011

In this paper, a dynamical laboratory testing of experimental car body connection with real elastic suspension system (ESS) is described. During the experiment a horizontal force in longitudinal direction was applied, in order to simulate an acceleration and deceleration regime of a vehicle. The experiment was carried out on the example of two car bodies, with identical geometric behavior but implemented engine compartment was made of different materials: in one case it was made of steel and in another one of Al-alloys. The obtained displacement results were compared.
Nepal's Economic Growth in the Context of Absorption, Trade Imbalance and the Fixed Exchange Rate
Authors: Basyal Tula Raj
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v1i1.5138 Banking Journal Vol.1(1) 2011: 1-12
WTO and Nepalese Financial Institutions
Authors: Kafle Narayan Prasad
Published: July 2011

This article attempts to unveil the possible consequences that have emerged due to Nepal’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and the preparedness to be demonstrated by the Nepalese financial institutions in reference to their efforts of capacity enhancement so as to set up themselves at par with the international standards. Beginning from the agreed General Agreements on Trade and Services (GATS) provisions on Financial Sector Service (FSS), this paper shall attempt to expose the gap between the expected accommodations and the existing realities. The fundamental assumption manifested through this article is the requirement to perform in urgency so as to take the potential benefits of WTO provisions since there is no way out as Nepal has already signed the agreement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v1i1.5139 Banking Journal Vol.1(1) 2011: 13-18
Urban Poverty: A Study of Income Patterns and Processes of the Poor Families in Kathmandu
Authors: Dahal Kedar
Published: July 2011

The poor are highly migrate from the surrounding districts of Kathmandu valley and largely dependent on direct cash income from the informal activities. Casual wage labor, petty trade and private and professional services are common livelihood activities. However, availability of income generation activities remains largely irregular and depends on the season, gender, age of person, ethnic and education background. Foreign employment, skill-based activities and petty trade fetch the highest return. It is also found that the level of family income is determined not only by ethnic background; but there are other factors, for example family structure, working hours, nature of work and seasonality. There is a significant impact of education and working hour in household income. Poor are assets of urban economy. We could not neglect them. They are hard working and decent people. But poor policy and attitude makes them highly vulnerable in the urban environment. However, all people living in the squatter or slum are not only poor but some of them are economically well-off, though they have poor accessed of modern banking and financial institutions, in many cases, banking policies discouraged them for providing credit facilities. Key Words: Poverty Pockets; Communities; Urban; Livelihood DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v1i1.5142 Banking Journal Vol.1(1) 2011: 29-45
Beneficial Effects of Ethanol Consumption on Insulin Resistance Are Only Applicable to Subjects Without Obesity or Insulin Resistance; Drinking is not Necessarily a Remedy for Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Yokoyama Hirokazu
Published: July 2011

Although moderate drinking has been shown to lower insulin resistance levels, it is still unclear whether alcoholic beverages could be remedies for insulin resistance. To elucidate this, the correlation between levels of ethanol consumption and insulin resistance were cross-sectionally examined in 371 non-diabetic male Japanese workers. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the ethanol consumption level was inversely correlated with the insulin resistance level assessed by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR, p = 0.0014), the serum insulin level (p = 0.0007), and pancreatic β-cell function, also assessed by HOMA (HOMA-β, p = 0.0002), independently from age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure, liver function tests, and lipid profiles status, as well as serum adiponectin. The correlations were true in subjects with normal BMIs (up to 25.0 kg/m2, n = 301) or normal HOMA-IR (up to 2.0 µIU·mg/µL·dL n = 337), whereas all of them were non-significant in those with excessive BMIs (n = 70) or in those with HOMA-IR of more than 2.0 (n = 34). Although it is still unclear whether the reductions of these parameters by ethanol consumption are truly due to the improvement of insulin resistance, at least, these effects are not applicable to subjects with obesity and/or insulin resistance. Thus, alcoholic beverages could not be remedies for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.
Epigenetics: New Questions on the Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Perez-Perri Joel I. , Acevedo Julieta M. , Wappner Pablo
Published: July 2011

Reduction in oxygen levels below normal concentrations plays important roles in different normal and pathological conditions, such as development, tumorigenesis, chronic kidney disease and stroke. Organisms exposed to hypoxia trigger changes at both cellular and systemic levels to recover oxygen homeostasis. Most of these processes are mediated by Hypoxia Inducible Factors, HIFs, a family of transcription factors that directly induce the expression of several hundred genes in mammalian cells. Although different aspects of HIF regulation are well known, it is still unclear by which precise mechanism HIFs activate transcription of their target genes. Concomitantly, hypoxia provokes a dramatic decrease of general transcription that seems to rely in part on epigenetic changes through a poorly understood mechanism. In this review we discuss the current knowledge on chromatin changes involved in HIF dependent gene activation, as well as on other epigenetic changes, not necessarily linked to HIF that take place under hypoxic conditions.
Calcium Sulfate with Stearic Acid as an Encouraging Carrier for Reindeer Bone Protein Extract
Authors: Tölli Hanna , Birr Elli , Sandström Kenneth , Jämsä Timo , Jalovaara Pekka
Published: July 2011

Various bone proteins and growth factors in specific concentrations are required for bone formation. If the body cannot produce sufficient quantities of these factors, bone trauma can be healed with an implant that includes the required factors in a carrier. This study was designed to evaluate various calcium salt candidates that can be used as carrier with reindeer bone protein extract to induce ectopic bone formation in the muscle pouch model of mouse. The bone protein extract was either impregnated into the disc form of carrier or mixed with carrier powder before implantation. The radiographic analysis indicated increased bone formation in all of the active groups containing the bone protein extract compared to the controls within 21 days follow-up. The highest bone formation was seen in the group with calcium sulfate with stearic acid where new bone and calcified cartilage were clearly visible. The greatest bone formation occurred in the groups that had bone protein extract readily available. This indicates that the bone forming factors in sufficient concentrations are required at the early stage of bone formation. The calcium sulfate with stearic acid was the most suitable and effective carrier for reindeer bone protein extract.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Immunomodulatory Activities of Three Polysaccharide-Protein Complexes of Longan Pulp
Authors: Yi Yang , Liao Sen Tai , Zhang Ming Wei , Shi John , Zhang Rui Fen , Deng Yuan Yuan , Wei Zhen Cheng
Published: July 2011

Three polysaccharide-protein complexes of longan pulp (LP1-3) were isolated in this work. Their physicochemical characteristics and immunomodulatory effects on splenocytes, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages in vitro were investigated. The carbohydrate portions of LP1-3 were principally composed of glucose, arabinose and mannose. LP3 displayed the maximal moisture absorption, and the thermal stability of LP2 was obviously higher than that of LP1 and LP3. All of them showed the characteristic polysaccharide and protein bands in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum. For a certain dose, all the fractions could significantly stimulate splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis against neutral red, and NK cell cytotoxicity against YAC-1 lymphoma cell (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the polysaccharide-protein complexes of longan pulp have medical potential as immunotherapeutic adjuvants due to their immunomodulatory activities.
Spatial Patterns of Aflatoxin Levels in Relation to Ear-Feeding Insect Damage in Pre-Harvest Corn
Authors: Ni Xinzhi , Wilson Jeffrey P. , Buntin G. David , Guo Baozhu , Krakowsky Matthew D. , Lee R. Dewey , Cottrell Ted E. , Scully Brian T. , Huffaker Alisa , Schmelz Eric A.
Published: July 2011

Key impediments to increased corn yield and quality in the southeastern US coastal plain region are damage by ear-feeding insects and aflatoxin contamination caused by infection of Aspergillus flavus. Key ear-feeding insects are corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, and brown stink bug, Euschistus servus. In 2006 and 2007, aflatoxin contamination and insect damage were sampled before harvest in three 0.4-hectare corn fields using a grid sampling method. The feeding damage by each of ear/kernel-feeding insects (i.e., corn earworm/fall armyworm damage on the silk/cob, and discoloration of corn kernels by stink bugs), and maize weevil population were assessed at each grid point with five ears. The spatial distribution pattern of aflatoxin contamination was also assessed using the corn samples collected at each sampling point. Aflatoxin level was correlated to the number of maize weevils and stink bug-discolored kernels, but not closely correlated to either husk coverage or corn earworm damage. Contour maps of the maize weevil populations, stink bug-damaged kernels, and aflatoxin levels exhibited an aggregated distribution pattern with a strong edge effect on all three parameters. The separation of silk- and cob-feeding insects from kernel-feeding insects, as well as chewing (i.e., the corn earworm and maize weevil) and piercing-sucking insects (i.e., the stink bugs) and their damage in relation to aflatoxin accumulation is economically important. Both theoretic and applied ramifications of this study were discussed by proposing a hypothesis on the underlying mechanisms of the aggregated distribution patterns and strong edge effect of insect damage and aflatoxin contamination, and by discussing possible management tactics for aflatoxin reduction by proper management of kernel-feeding insects. Future directions on basic and applied research related to aflatoxin contamination are also discussed.
Viruses, Autophagy Genes, and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Hubbard Vanessa M. , Cadwell Ken
Published: July 2011

The etiology of the intestinal disease Crohn’s disease involves genetic factors as well as ill-defined environmental agents. Several genetic variants linked to this disease are associated with autophagy, a process that is critical for proper responses to viral infections. While a role for viruses in this disease remains speculative, accumulating evidence indicate that this possibility requires serious consideration. In this review, we will examine the three-way relationship between viruses, autophagy genes, and Crohn’s disease and discuss how host-pathogen interactions can mediate complex inflammatory disorders.
La Rencontre de deux destins. L'expansion vers le sud du Japon et l'Indochine française en juin 1940
Authors: Michelin Franck
Published: July 2011

1940, the 29th of June, General Nishihara Issaku, chief of a Japanese observation mission, lands at Hanoi : the process that will lead to the Japanese occupation of French Indochina, takes shape, as Japan realizes that the collapse of France in Europe, might be a godsend regarding to the Japanese aims in Asia. General Georges Catroux, governor-general of the colony, helpless, gives up to Japanese demands in order to keep Indochina to France. He closes the border between China and Indochina, and accepts a Japanese observation mission whose task will be to negotiate the occupation of northern Indochina. The main cause of this new Japanese policy is an half-century old project : the expansion southward. The expansion southward is then considered by the majority of Japanese leaders as the only way to alleviate the isolation of their country without returning to the hated status quo which prevailed before the outburst of war with China in 1937. The position of French Indochina as the first step on the road to South-East Asia, and the defeated and isolated France in June 1940, were the main causes of Japanese decision to execute of the long cherished project.
La Grossesse et l'Accouchement de la princesse impériale : une mise en scène médiatique
Authors: Kitahara Megumi , Ladmiral Guillaume
Published: July 2011

Dans cet article, il est question de « représentation » dans un autre discours de type national tenu eparallèlement à de celui produit à la suite du 1 1 septembre, à savoir le discours concernant la princesse Masako durant sa grossesse jusqu'à son accouchement. Ce ne sont pas seulement des scènes de batailles qui mènent un peuple à la guerre, mais également la construction et la production d'une mémoire collective. (Je n'est pas seulement la « mort », mais également la célébration de la « vie » que nous nous proposons de considérer ici. Débutant mon analyse sur la base d'images de la princesse durant sa grossesse, j'étudie comment les médias ont présenté dans l'histoire la fonction reproductrice des femmes de la famille impériale.
Des Empereurs et des Tombes. Une archéologie de l'archéologie protohistorique japonaise à l'époque d'Edo
Authors: Nespoulous Laurent
Published: July 2011

Archaeology, at least at its very beginning, in Europe as well as elsewhere, has always been one of the cornerstones of a Nation's past inquiry process. As an academic discipline, it is part and parcel of a Nation-state rising context and therefore matches the same purposes of national identity determination and national legitimacy recognition. Japan is no exception in this respect. This paper specifically deals witn archaeology before archaeology, with the archaeology ol archaeology. It indeed appears crucial, as a preliminary reflexion about « national archaeology » in Japan during Meiji, Taishô, and Shôwa periods, to lay emphasis upon the Edo period's first returns to the past history. Within such a context, we focus our attention on IIIr to Vil1 centuries' keehole shaped mounds (kofun), which had been studied by confucianist scholars of Edo before the rise of social sciences and archaeology during Meiji. We try to determine the status and the pre-modern meaning or these tombs frequently related to the imperial image, as well as their role in the imperial image crafting process, even before the rise of a « national archaeology » in Japan.
L'Adoption à Kyoto aux XVIIIe et XIXe siècles
Authors: Nagata Mary Louise
Published: July 2011

Dans les études spécialisées, l'adoption est couramment perçue en termes de stratégie successorale. L'examen attentif de sources comme les registres de populations, les contrats et d'autres documents produits au cours des accords d'adoption dans un quartier de la ville de Kyoto à la fin du xvme siècle et dans la premiere moitié du xixe siècle, révèle que l'héritage était loin d'être le seul mobile. L'auteur signale entre autres l'importance de deux autres fonctions de l'adoption : le placement et l'éducation des enfants trouvés ; le placement en apprentissage, qui prit graduellement la place de la vente temporaire pour services dans certaines ramilles spécialisées - ni l'une ni l'autre n'excluant d'ailleurs que l'adopté puisse hériter dans sa famille d'adoption. Enfin, l'auteur examine les liens sociaux sous- tendus par les accords d'adoption : liens entre familles matérialisés par la dot de l'adopte, liens entre les habitants d'un quartier s'entendant pour désigner le parent fictird'un enfant trouvé, pour le confier derechef à une famille adoptive ; liens ville-campagne suggérés par la géographie des placements dans la périphérie de Kyoto.
De fillettes en amazones : maturation et transformation des générations Shibuya
Authors: Reisel Marie-Louise
Published: July 2011

The Shibuya girls known as kogyaru or ko-gals are a known phenomenon on Tokyo's cultural map for over 10 years now. During the years, they have created a unique youth sub-culture, whole feminine, which has filtered into various layers of culture, influencing values, beliefs and mainly gender status. The kogyaru are very young, mostly high-school girls, but they already follow an ideology of freedom for women and changes in the traditional values of society. One of the dominant features of the kogyaru sub-culture is the practice of enjo-kosai, a form of prostitution, as part of the ideology of the group. Ènjo-kosai has become a central feature of the kogyaru, being their flag of freedom of women over men by using the body as a symbol of power.

This article is based on a research conducted in Shibuya during the years 2000-2002. The research was based on observations and interviews and it tried to follow and explain how enjo-kosai became a major symbolic pattern of the kogyaru and the reasons for practicing it.
Débats autour des fouilles archéologiques à Osaka, 1917-1920
Authors: Nanta Arnaud
Published: July 2011

Modern anthropology and archaeology appear in Japan at the end of the xixth century, in the context of state modernization. Centered on the Imperial university of Tokyo and on the Imperial Museum, the scholars of this scientific field consider the Japanese settlement as the result of an invasion of the archipelago : the Japanese would have repulsed the Ainos to the north, putting an end to the prehistoric times.

After the chair of Archaeology has been created, at the Imperial university of Kyoto, a new group of scholars centered on Hamada Kôsaku, maintain on the contrary that the Japanese settlement does possess some continuity with that of the prehistoric times, and imagine « Japanese prehistoric times » upon the archipelago. In 1917-1919, this new group of anthropologists and archaeologists rally other scholars of the provinces, like the Imperial university of Tôhoku, and oppose the capital's academism about the interpretation of the excavations in the site of Ko, in the suburbs of Osaka. The « Kyoto School » try to re-think the accepted paradigm of the alternance of the settlement, and substitute for a continuist interpretation of the Japanese people on the archipelago. This new discourse, opposed to the predominant one of the capital, does not have large echoes. In fact, at the same time, the annexionnism does maintain the idea of the common origins of Japanese and Korean, according to which the Japanese's origins are on the continent.
La Bande dessinée du moi, un genre singulier
Authors: Maréchal Béatrice
Published: July 2011

La « bande dessinée du moi » est un genre narratif apparu à la fin des années 60. Après-guerre, le marché de la bande dessinée se concentrait sur le public des enfants mais à la fin des années 1950, un groupe de jeunes auteurs créaient une nouvelle forme, le gekiga, pour un lectorat plus mûr, que le magazine avant-gardiste Garo allait légitimer. La « bande dessinée du moi » naissait dans ce cadre. Elle allait être adoptée par la génération du baby-boom et louée par la critique. Au-delà des années 1970, l'expression disparaît du discours, et si les bandes dessinées du moi continuent d'être lues aujourd'hui, le genre lui, appartient désormais à l'histoire.
La naissance de la politique sociale au Japon. De l'assistance aux marges à un « nouvel ordre » social (1868-1945)
Authors: Thomann Bernard
Published: July 2011

Dans cet article, nous voyons comment les conceptions de l'assistance aux pauvres, qui avaient dominé la période Edo, mais aussi le début de l'ère Meiji, durent être revues avec la naissance de la question sociale provoquée par l'introduction de l'économie de marché et l'industrialisation. Nous cherchons alors à comprendre comment les élites en vinrent à penser un mode d'intégration sociale de la classe ouvrière reposant, non pas sur les syndicats, mais sur un nouveau lieu de solidarité communautaire, intermédiaire entre l'Etat et la famille : l'entreprise. Nous voyons enfin comment ce mode d'intégration sociale et de solidarité ne s'imposa réellement qu'avec une critique radicale du capitalisme développée dans le cadre d'un « nouvel ordre » mis en place à l'occasion de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
Un autre point de vue sur « l'histoire tragique des ouvrières ». Le monde des fileuses de soie dans le Japon de la première moitié du XXe siècle
Authors: Schaal Sandra
Published: July 2011

Another Point of View on the « Pitiful History of Women Workers ». The Life- World of the Women Workers in Prewar Japan's Silk Spinning Industry.

Many researchers have studied the condition of the women who worked in the silk spinning industry in prewar Japan. Still, because they investigated this topic in the macroeconomic context of the Japanese industrialization, they mainly criticized its negative consequences and argued that these workers led a horrendous life in these mills. Therefore, most people remember them as victims and commonly refer to the history of their lives as the "pitiful history of women workers". However, this study, which is essentially based on the analysis of oral testimonies by ex- spinning mills' operatives, reveals that a positive representation of these women workers is also possible. If the informants often describe their work as hard, they do not go as far as presenting themselves as victims of the factory system. On the contrary, many of them not only teach us that life in those times was harsh for many rural people, but also that there were some good aspects in factory life. In this perspective, one can think that "the factory experience" may have been perceived as a good opportunity or at least as a lesser evil.
Derrière les représentations de l'infanticide ou mabiki ema
Authors: Jolivet Muriel
Published: July 2011

Le présent article examine la question de l'infanticide ou mabiki, à partir d'un ensemble de représentations conservées dans les temples, les ema, mais aussi de documents écrits ou recueillis oralement. Il présente successivement les trois personnages principaux de cette pratique qui s'est perpétuée bien après la restauration Meiji et même jusqu'au début de l'ère Shôwa : la mère, la sage-femme, et l'enfant que sa famille avait décidé d'éliminer. Il présente les conditions dans lesquelles l'infanticide avait lieu, et les croyances qui l'entouraient. Il montre en particulier le double jugement porté sur cet acte : si une grande partie de la population le considérait comme un mal inévitable, destiné à assurer la survie des autres membres de la maisonnée, il était réprouvé par les autorités publiques et religieuses, qui insistaient au contraire sur la monstruosité de la mère ou des protagonistes éventuels (sage-femme, belle-mère), la responsabilité du père étant parfois suggérée.
Le niveau de vie des Japonais a-t-il augmenté pendant le miracle économique de Meiji ?
Authors: Bassino Jean-Pascal
Published: July 2011

Did Japanese Living Standards Improved during the Meiji Economic Miracle?

This paper proposes a review of evidence based on various data available for analyzing changes in living standards in Japan between the early 19th and the early 20th century. The first part compares per capita income estimates for Japan and other Asian countries and examines a number of problems related to this indicator. The second part analyzes changes in real wages, and the third part the growth of food supply and stature.
La traduction et la circulation des termes de droit international en Asie orientale, en particulier du Wanguo gongfa / Bankoku kôhô
Authors: Lee Keun-Gwan
Published: July 2011

Partant de la première traduction intégrale d'un manuel anglais de droit international en chinois, l'auteur analyse la formation du glossaire juridique en caractères chinois (Wanguo gongfa). Malgré ses imprécisions et ses équivoques, cette traduction a joué un rôle essentiel dans l'introduction du droit occidental en Chine, en Corée, au Japon. Dans une deuxième partie, l'auteur analyse l'impact des concepts et pratiques du droit international sur les relations entre ces trois pays de l'ancien « monde sinisé », et montre comment le Japon a tiré avantage du glossaire juridique qu'il avait su réaliser à partir des ébauches chinoises.
Le Japon et l'Organisation des Nations Unies : efforts récompensés et espoirs frustrés
Authors: Jallais Bérénice
Published: July 2011

Japan and the United Nations.

By withdrawing from the League of Nations in 1933, Japan has chosen isolation, thus freeing itself from any treaty constraint in the purpose of dominating the Far East. In 1945, its defeat has led it to ostracism. Held apart from the international society, during as well as after the American occupation, it has wished to become a full member of the United Nations in order to reintegrate the community of nations. Admitted in 1956, it has acted like an USA ally, remaining in the background but constantly proving its belonging to the Western camp. Thanks to its economic power, its importance now enables it to be on an equal footing with the most powerful countries in the United Nations. By a growing involvement in the activities of the world organization, it now strives to impose the legitimacy of its ambition to get the status of a « special member » in the Security Council.
Le corps donné à voir : les expositions hygiénistes dans le Japon moderne
Authors: Ukigaya Sachiyo
Published: July 2011

Les infections épidémiques du choléra, de la tuberculose et de la syphilis exercèrent un grand rôle dans le cadre du développement et de la consolidation du système d'hygiène publique de l'Etat japonais moderne. Le gouvernement de Meiji ne se contenta pas d'impulser la mise en place d'un tel système, mais eut conscience de la nécessité de diffuser la pensée hygiéniste dans la population. L'intégration de cette pensée produisit un grand bouleversement dans les modes de vie issus de la période prémoderne, ainsi que dans le regard vis-à-vis du corps. Nous analysons ici l'étonnement, l'effroi et le regard sexuel vis-à-vis du corps humain, en étudiant les expositions hygiénistes, fréquemment tenues dans les années 1910-1940, et les modèles anatomiques qui y furent présentés, dans le cadre d'une vulgarisation de l'idée d'hygiène. Nous nous intéressons ensuite aux spectacles urbains et aux mannequins réalistes, qui connurent un grand succès entre la fin du shôgunat et l'ère Meiji. L'étude de ces deux types de représentation suggère que le changement dans la manière de percevoir le corps ou dans les modes de vie, au travers du regard anatomique de la médecine occidentale, ne remplaça pas tout à fait les perceptions et les mentalités des individus, qui perdurèrent en continuité avec la période prémoderne.
Conflits entre « création » et « tradition » dans une fête urbaine
Authors: Nakano Kiwa
Published: July 2011

Most of the researchers think Japanese festivals as a place which overcomes heterogeneity and plurality in urban society. Therefore, they often neglect to consider the process through which this heterogeneity appears. As a matter of fact, heterogeneity is built through various conflicts, caused by economic and political factors. In this paper, I focus on the Gion festival of the drums in Kokura, which was in the past the "summer festival of the Yasaka shrine". At first held by the inhabitants of the down town of Kokura castle, it began to attract more participants from other parts of Japan at the beginning of the 90's. Beyond the differences in the costumes and the rythms, the former define themselves as the "holders" of the tradition, whereas the latter assume their innovative way of doing, legitimized by their popularity among the public. These conflicts bring into light many nuances, which are given a new meaning, influencing in return the actions of individuals.
Journal de campagne
Authors: Delapierre Rémy
Published: July 2011

Vivre une campagne électorale en tant que secrétaire d'un député japonais est une chance peu commune. M. Kakizawa Koji, ancien ministre des Affaires étrangères et personnage très francophile, a pour habitude d'accueillir des jeunes stagiaires français, et leur offre ainsi de découvrir les coulisses de ce monde méconnu. Ce journal est un témoignage d'une campagne électorale au Japon vécue sur le terrain dans son intégralité, depuis le « Banzai ! » collectif des députés lors de la dissolution de la Chambre basse jusqu'au suspense insoutenable du dépouillement des votes. C'est le récit au jour le jour d'une campagne en zone urbaine au marketing politique exacerbé, lors de laquelle toute l'énergie de chacun est déployée de façon parfois étonnante en mêlant aussi bien registre enfantin que registre guerrier pour attirer le moindre suffrage.
Le tour d'un grand magasin en 80 jours
Authors: Patin Cléa
Published: July 2011

Japanese department stores differ deeply from their European counterparts by their external appearance, the quantity of items they offer and the variety of products they sell. In fact, each of them, on a certain level, looks like a small, independent city. Even though the visitors understand that the displays, the polite manners of the sales assistants and the delicate wrapping aim more at arousing the desire to consume rather than expressing any special Japanese sensitivity, they are amazed by how smoothly and efficiently everything seems to be working. Until recently, very few foreigners had the chance to see what is going on behind the scenes of this big machine ; but from April 1st to July 15th 2001, I had the opportunity to see things from the inside, during an internship in the department store Kintetsu, in Yokkaichi. In this paper, I would like to present my discoveries about the way the store functions and the employer-employee relationships, the latter mainly from the point of view of the employees, the part-time workers in the counters and those working in the office.
Le consommateur japonais face aux produits biologiques : leçons d'un système de commercialisation diversifié
Authors: Ôyama Toshio
Published: July 2011

The organic movement in Japan emerged in the early 1970's. The history of Japanese organic agriculture over the last thirty years provides a number of lessons drawn from diversification in marketing and distribution systems of organic products, such as 1) "teikei" partnership - a prototype system based on the human relationship between producer and consumer, 2) specialized organic distributor, 3) organic and natural foods store, 4) consumer "sanchoku" Co-op, and 5) supermarket.

In July 2000, the JAS Organic program as a national regulation for organic certification came into force. Some consumer survey results show that there is a significant level of recognition of JAS Organic according to consumer category. In fact, the members of Co-ops and the subscribers to specialized distributors have a higher level of recognition of the JAS Organic. This means that such consumers have better access to information and have a higher level of awareness of food safety and quality. It might be expected that they could pay premium prices for buying organic products. For a growing organic market, it is crucial to educate and organize such consumers.
L'agriculture biologique japonaise depuis les années 1990 : législations et politiques officielles
Authors: Sawanobori Sanae , Babicz Lionel
Published: July 2011

Japanese organic farming has developed as a grass-root movement based on "teike ? . Initially, teikei was a consumers' and producers' co-partnership from which Community Supported Agriculture developed. Organic foods were in the past mainly distributed via direct marketing channels. For the last 15 years, however, they have been extensively supplied through conventional open market channels. The Japan Agriculture Standard was amended in 1999 to set up new regulations for organic labels, and this was put into operation in 2001. It was effective in preventing improper labelling. It has, however, created many difficulties for domestic organic producers and resulted in large increases in the importation of organic foods, due to the fact that there is no policy or measures to support organic farming in Japan. The organic foods market keeps growing, but domestic organic production remains very low -less than 1% of production. Government policy and relevant measures to promote organic farming in Japan are urgently required. Educational practices within central Tokyo show that organic farming can be a powerful education tool in promoting good eating habits, and also sound personality development.
Le mouvement antialcoolique au Japon, de 1880 à 1920, et l'adoption de la législation antialcoolique pour les mineurs
Authors: Aoki Takahiro , Terrail-Lormel Sarah
Published: July 2011

Soumise à certaines limitations jusque dans les années 1860, la production d'alcool fut libéralisée au Japon en 1871. Pendant les dix années qui suivirent, un grand nombre de producteurs apparut et le volume d'alcool produit décupla. La consommation d'alcool augmenta en conséquence, devenant souvent excessive, et fut la source de nombreux problème sociaux.

Prenant conscience de cette situation, les églises protestantes, qui ne parvenaient pas à accroître le nombre de leurs fidèles, créèrent des sociétés de tempérance dans tout le pays, dans un but évident de prosélytisme. La figure centrale de ces sociétés prohibitionnistes était Nemoto Shô. Député à la Chambre basse, il n'aura de cesse d'y présenter, à partir de 1901, une loi pour l'interdiction de la consommation d'alcool aux mineurs. Bien que le but affiché de cette proposition de loi fût la mise en pratique d'une véritable éducation publique, l'objectif en était, en vérité, de faire passer l'habitude de boire aux Japonais.

Le gouvernement, qui s'était d'abord opposé à cette proposition de loi, en vint à considérer que la consommation excessive d'alcool était la cause de l'appauvrissement de la population qui avait suivi la première guerre sino-japonaise, laissant de côté l'augmentation des impôts qui en était le véritable facteur. Par ailleurs, l'introduction des thèses eugénistes popularisa à tort l'idée que les dommages sur la santé dus à l'alcool étaient héréditaires. C'est ainsi que la loi sur l'interdiction de la consommation d'alcool aux mineurs finit par être adoptée en 1922.
Une lectrice des Thibault en bande dessinée : Kiiroi Hon de Takano Fumiko (1999)
Authors: Morita Naoko
Published: July 2011

Cet article est l'analyse d'une bande dessinée de Takano Fumiko - (née en 1957), Kiiroi hon : Jakku Chibô to iu na no yûjin (Le livre jaune : un ami nommé Jacques Thibault, 1999). L'héroïne est une lycéenne de la fin des années I960 lancée dans la lecture des Thibault en traduction japonaise. L'auteur met en scène l'époque où, au Japon, la culture du livre est en train de connaître de profonds changements. Depuis cette période, la hiérarchie entre littérature et bande dessinée est de moins en moins visible. Notre analyse s'effectue de deux points de vue : d'une part, celui des techniques propres à la bande dessinée, que Takano met en valeur pour représenter la lecture comme activité physique et intellectuelle ; et d'autre part, celui des implications culturelles que l'ouvrage engendre à travers son autoréflexivité en tant que bande dessinée.
Les « spécialistes de la Chine » et l'armée impériale : le cas de Sasaki Tôichi
Authors: Guex Samuel
Published: July 2011

Sasaki Tōichi was one of the most prominent China experts in the Japanese army (shina-tsu). Very early, he showed a strong interest in China and was attracted by the personality of Sun Yat-sen. Like Miyazaki Tôten, Sasaki was a fervent supporter of the Chinese nationalist movement. That enthusiasm however was shattered during the Jinan Incident, in April 1928. Sasaki was captured and almost beaten to death by Chinese soldiers while attempting to get a cease-fire on both sides. Humiliated by the Chinese, and regarded as a traitor at home by his countrymen, Sasaki lost faith in the Chinese revolution. Persuaded now that the conflict with China would be unavoidable, he became a supreme military counsellor for the Manchurian Army, and went on to command a brigade during the attack against Nanjing in December 1937. In many ways, Sasaki Tôichi embodies the contradictions of the Japanese who tried to improve Sino- Japanese relations during the first half of the 20th century.
Familles et communautés villageoises du Japon pré-moderne, diversité géographique et évolutions historiques
Authors: Ochiai Emiko
Published: July 2011

Exploitant les résultats de la recherche en démographie historique, cet article tente de rendre une image fidèle des réalités de l'ie et des communautés rurales du Japon à l'époque Tokugawa (ou pré-moderne). Sous l'influence des thèses de Karl Marx et Max Weber sur les sociétés paysannes d'Europe, le paradigme dit « ie-mura ron » — littéralement, « théorie de la famille et du village » — a occupé jusqu'ici une place centrale dans l'étude de la société japonaise traditionnelle. Or, il n'est pas certain que l'« ie-mura ron » permette de restituer les réalités de la famille et des villages de l'époque. Nous confrontons les 1 1 propositions fondamentales constitutives de cette théorie aux résultats de l'analyse des données factuelles réalisée en démographie historique. L'analyse distingue trois ensembles de phénomènes : la reproduction de la population, les migrations, puis les structures familiales et la composition des groupes domestiques. L'examen révèle une importante diversité régionale et au moins trois sous- ensemble géographiques (le Japon du nord-est, du centre et du sud-ouest) notablement dissemblables et un phénomène de convergence, à la fin de l'époque Tokugawa, des structures familiales vers celle la famille-souche en tant que l'ie typique
Population, ménage et succession au nord-est du Japon : Aizu, 1750-1850
Authors: Akira Hayami , Okada Aoi
Published: July 2011

Cet article est une analyse des caractéristiques démographiques et du système de reproduction des familles dans une région montagneuse du nord-est du Japon, le district d'Aizu. Cette analyse repose sur une exploitation des registres de déclaration de foi, shûmon aratame-chô (SAC), de quatre villages entre 1750 et 1850. Il met en évidence l'existence d'une relation étroite entre modèles démographiques et modèles d'organisation des familles et des ménages.

Le type d'organisation familiale le plus fréquent était le ménage à famille-souche, habituellement considéré comme un système propre au Japon et généralement caractérisé par la transmission de la maison, l'ie, à un seul héritier. Les auteurs mènent une analyse détaillée de la succession des chefs de ménage, de la composition des ménages ainsi que des rapports familiaux. Si les plus grandes différences observées entre les modèles cycliques de reproduction renvoient à des différences de classes sociales, il ressort que les familles de cette région partageaient l'idéal de l'ie et s'y conformaient, en particulier dans les classes les plus aisées.
Transmettre une maison : le système successoral des Pyrénées centrales et du nord-est du Japon
Authors: Fauve-Chamoux Antoinette
Published: July 2011

Le système de la famille-souche a beaucoup à nous apprendre, qu'il s'agisse des mécanismes auxquels obéit la reproduction familiale en milieu rural ou du rôle, important, qui y était dévolu aux femmes, qu'elles fussent mères, filles héritières ou cadettes. Deux sociétés rurales régies par ce système « à maison » - toutes deux situées en zone de montagne - sont comparées ici, l'une en France méridionale (dans les Pyrénées centrales), l'autre dans le nord-est du Japon (domaines Aizu et Nihonmatsu)

L'auteur étudie les modalités de la transmission du pouvoir familial à la tête de la maison selon que le chef précédent (homme ou femme) meurt ou se retire. Il évoque également le rôle joué par les veuves, par les fils, par les gendres et, le cas échéant, par les fils adoptés.