bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definitive Setup of Clinical Scale Procedure for Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Cells for Transplantation
Authors: Duchez Pascale , Chevaleyre Jean , Vlaski Marija , Dazey Bernard , Milpied Noel , Boiron Jean-Michel , Ivanovic Zoran
Published: December 2012

We recently developed a clinical grade ex vivo cord blood expansion procedure enabling a massive amplification of hematopoietic progenitors without any loss of stem cell potential. This procedure, based on day 14 liquid cultures of cord blood CD34+cells, in medium Macopharma HP01 and in the presence of stem cell factor (SCF; 100 ng/ml), fms-related tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (Flt-3L; 100 ng/ml), megakaryocyte growth and developmental factor (MGDF; 100 ng/ml), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; 10 ng/ml) had to be modified due to the commercially unavailability of clinical grade MGDF molecule. So MGDF was replaced by thrombopoietin (TPO) in fivefold lower dose (20 ng/ml), and culture time was reduced to 12 days. That way, a mean expansion fold of 400, 80, and 150 was obtained for total cells, CD34+cells, and colony-forming cells (CFCs), respectively. This amplification was associated with a slight enhancing effect on stem cells [Scid repopulating cells (SRCs)]. These are the ultimate preclinical modifications of a clinical grade expansion protocol, which is already employed in an ongoing clinical trial.
Environmental Biomechanics Substantiated by Defined Pillar Micropatterns Govern Behavior of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Proksch S. , Steinberg T. , Schulz S. , Sauerbier S. , Hellwig E. , Tomakidi P.
Published: December 2012

While evidence on the impact of the biomechanical environment elasticity on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior is growing, the aspect of micropatterning is still poorly understood. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the influence of defined environmental micropatterning on hMSC behavior. Following characterization, hMSCs were grown on defined pillar micropatterns of 5, 7, 9, and 11 μm. With respect to cell behavior, primary hMSC adhesion was detected by indirect immunofluorescence (iIF) for paxillin, vinculin, integrin αV, and actin, while proliferation was visualized by histone H3. Morphogenesis was monitored by scanning electron microscopy and the expression of stem cell-specific biomarkers by real-time PCR. Favoritism of primary adhesion of hMSCs on pillar tops occurred at smaller pillar micropatterns, concomitant with cell flattening. While vinculin, integrin αV, and paxillin appeared initially more cytoplasmic, high pillar micropatterns favored a progressive redistribution with polarization to cell tension sites and at cell borders. Accomplishment of morphogenesis at day 3 revealed establishment of fully rotund cell somata at 5 μm, while hMSCs appeared progressively elongated at rising micropatterns. The hMSC proliferation capacity was influenced by pillar micropatterns and gene expression analysis of stem cell- and differentiation-associated biomarkers disclosed clear modulation by distinct pillar micropatterns. In response to environmental biomechanics, our results show that hMSC behavior is governed by pillar micropatterning. In turn, these findings may form the basis to prospectively direct lineage specificity of hMSCs in a customized fashion.
Chondrogenesis of Adipose Stem Cells in a Porous Polymer Scaffold: Influence of the Pore Size
Authors: Im Gun-Ii , Ko Ji-Yun , Lee Jin Ho
Published: December 2012

This study examined how the difference in pore size of porous scaffolds affected the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of seeded adipose stem cells (ASCs) and the in vivo cartilage repair of ASC/scaffold construct. ASCs were isolated from 18 rabbits and seeded in a porous poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with different pore sizes (100, 200, 400 μm). The ASCs underwent in vitro chondrogenic induction under TGF-β2and BMP-7 for 21 days before analysis. The ASC/scaffold construct was also implanted on the osteochondral defect created on the distal femur of the same rabbits, and the quality of cartilage regeneration was analyzed after 8 weeks. At day 21, the ASCs proliferated and spread on the surface of the scaffolds with a pore size 100 and 200 μm, whereas there were many lumps of conglomerated ASCs on those with a pore size of 400 μm. The DNA content was significantly lower in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 or 200 μm. Proteoglycan production was significantly greater in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 and 200 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 μm. The chondrogenic marker gene expression including SOX9 and COL2A1 was greatest in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm followed by 200 μm. Immunofluorescent imaging showed that, while SOX9 was localized to nucleus, type II collagen was observed on the cytoplasm and secreted matrix around the cells most abundantly in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm followed by 200 μm. The gross and histological findings from the osteochondral defects showed that the cartilage repair was better in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 and 200 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 μm.
Posttransplant Cellular Immune Reactivity against Donor Antigen Correlates with Clinical Islet Transplantation Outcome: Towards a Better Posttransplant Monitoring
Authors: Lacotte Stéphanie , Borot Sophie , Ferrari-Lacraz Sylvie , Villard Jean , Demuylder-Mischler Sandrine , Oldani Graziano , Morel Philippe , Mentha Gilles , Berney Thierry , Toso Christian
Published: December 2012

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of cell-based immune assays in the detection of alloreactivity after islet transplantation and to correlate these results with clinical outcome. Mixed lymphocyte cultures were performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from recipients ( n = 14), donors, or third party. The immune reactivity was assessed by the release of IFN-γ (ELISpot), cell proliferation (FACS analysis for Ki67), and cytokine quantification (Bioplex). Islet function correlated with the number of IFN-γ-secreting cells following incubation with donor cells ( p = 0.007, r = –0.50), but not with third party cells ( p = 0.61). Similarly, a high number of donor-specific proliferating cells was associated with a low islet function ( p = 0.006, r = −0.51). Proliferating cells were mainly CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes and CD3-CD56+ natural killer cells (with low levels of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes). Patients with low islet function had increased levels of CD4+Ki67+cells ( p ≤ 0.0001), while no difference was observed in CD8+Ki67+ and CD56+Ki67+ cells. IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-17 levels were increased in patients with low islet function, but IL-10 levels tended to be lower. IFN-γ-ELISpot, proliferation, and cytokines were similarly accurate in predicting clinical outcome (AUC = 0.77 ± 0.088, 0.85 ± 0.084, and 0.88 ± 0.074, respectively). Cellular immune reactivity against donor cells correlates with posttransplant islet function. The tested assays have the potential to be of substantial help in the management of islet graft recipients and deserve prospective validation.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN LITHUANIA COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Barakauskaitė-Jakubauskienė Neringa
Published: December 2012

The paper presents the definition of quality of life and its relationship with sustainable development. The paper analyses and compares the indicators of quality of life in Lithuania with other countries. A quality of life is an explicit or implicit policy goal. Various measurements and indicators to evaluate a quality of life were proposed during the recent years however there are no widely accepted objective indicators of quality of life able to compare countries. Sustainable development concept proposes new approach to measure quality of life. Therefore the aim of sustainable development is to increase quality of life. Quality of life can be addressed in terms of people health, the state of economy, employment, infrastructure development, crime and environment. All these indicators are interrelated as economic development creates preconditions to maintain public health, develop social and technical infrastructure, to increase employment, to ensure quality of environment, to tackle with crime etc. From the other point of view healthy and satisfied with the quality of life nation have positive impact on stable economic growth.
Réforme de la famille : une égalité inachevée
Authors: Borrillo Daniel
Published: December 2012

Le projet de loi ouvrant le droit au mariage pour les personnes de même sexe vise à l’égalité des couples en France. Or cette égalité ne semble pas achevée si l’on examine point par point les termes de cette réforme. Et, surtout, on peut se demander si elle prévaudra quand il s’agira de couples binationaux ou composés de personnes étrangères, auxquels elle ouvrira de nouveaux droits.
Couples de même sexe : que dit la loi ?
Authors: Ostier Florence , Salcedo Manuela , Raz Michal
Published: December 2012

Les couples binationaux de même sexe pacsés naviguent en plein brouillard législatif. La loi ne dit rien du droit au séjour du conjoint étranger et il faut démêler l’écheveau des circulaires, des textes européens et de la jurisprudence qui en découle pour faire valoir ses droits. Si des représentations fortes hétéronormatives sous-tendent ces textes juridiques, elles influent surtout sur les pratiques administratives au mépris du droit à la vie privée et familiale.
Le Troisième Collectif. L'Internationale des sans-papiers ?
Authors: Terray Emmanuel
Published: December 2012

À l’intérieur du mouvement des sans-papiers, le Troisième Collectif apparaît, entre 1996 et 2006, comme une expérience relativement originale dans la mesure ou quelque trente-cinq nationalités y étaient représentées et que, pour la première fois, des sans-papiers chinois s’engageaient dans la lutte. Avec quel succès ?
Dimensionamiento en rotura a flexión de secciones de hormigón armado. Un planteamiento compacto
Authors: Gil-Martín L. M. , López-Martín D. , Hernández-Montes E. , Aschheim M. A.
Published: December 2012

Este artículo es una revisión general del procedimiento tradicional de dimensionamiento en rotura de secciones de hormigón armado. El procedimiento que recogen la mayor parte de los libros de texto actuales data de los años 50 del siglo XX y es susceptible de ser simplificado. En este artículo el planteamiento se reformula y se presenta de una manera más compacta, lo que supone un cambio tanto desde el punto de vista docente como desde el punto de vista profesional del hormigón armado. El Teorema de Armado a Flexión confirma que las ingeniosas soluciones propuestas por Whitney o Wuczkowsky, corresponden a los mínimos de un problema general que puede ser planteado de una forma más racional. El hecho de presentar el problema de forma compacta, empleando los diagramas RSD permite poder elegir soluciones alternativas de armado de menor impacto medioambiental.
Levantamiento arquitectónico de la Puerta de Antioquía (Alepo)
Authors: Núñez M. A. , Buill F. , Regot J. , De Mesa A.
Published: December 2012

Desde el siglo XVII hasta la actualidad los levantamientos arquitectónicos han cambiado enormemente debido al avance en las técnicas e instrumentos de medida. En la última década las aplicaciones que permiten trabajar sin demasiadas dificultades con datos 3D han desencadenado la necesidad de generar y visualizar datos de este modo. Se ha pasado de técnicas de captura discreta (métodos topográficos, fotogrametría analógica y analítica) donde el operador debía decidir que elemento tomaba, a técnicas de captura masiva como la fotogrametría digital y el láser escáner terrestre, donde el instrumento captura automáticamente la información 3D. Este avance ha cambiado la forma de representar elementos arquitectónicos, evolucionando en paralelo al desarrollo de la técnica y pasando de representaciones 2D a 3D, en las que se dispone de información de color y textura además.

Toda esta información puede tener dos claras aplicaciones: la obtención de modelos virtuales realistas de las ciudades, de claro valor urbanístico y constituir la información clave para actuación a nivel de edificio (catalogación, proyectos de rehabilitación,...).
El movimiento en la ejecución de recalces con inyección armada. Análisis de tres casos con movimientos previos
Authors: Da Casa F. , Echeverría E. , Celis F.
Published: December 2012

En la intervención en la cimentación de una edificación se pueden producir movimientos en la estructura sobre rasante, más en los casos en los que el edificio ya sufre un movimiento previo, normalmente de carácter patológico. En el presente trabajo se estudia el resultado del estudio realizado en la aplicación de una técnica concreta de intervención: las inyecciones armadas. Como muestra se presenta el análisis de tres casos en los que se ha intervenido en su cimentación mediante esta técnica, y con la premisa que los tres sufrían movimientos continuados por un largo periodo de tiempo previo. El análisis parte del seguimiento de los movimientos datados en el control realizado en la ejecución del recalce de cada edificio, unificando los criterios de análisis, para luego realizar la comparación entre los resultados. Como principal conclusión, se obtiene que los edificios responden de un modo similar ante la actuación ejecutada en ellos pudiendo por tanto considerarse tal comportamiento como la respuesta “normal” del sistema de tratamiento de terreno en estos casos.
Bioclimatismo en la arquitectura de Le Corbusier: El Palacio de los Hilanderos
Authors: Requena-Ruiz I.
Published: December 2012

A consecuencia de la crisis del internacionalismo en arquitectura, a partir de los años treinta la obra de Le Corbusier giró para establecer vínculos con el lugar, representado por la cultura y el clima. Estudiar sus proyectos, métodos y obras mediante los actuales mecanismos de análisis energético, permite conocer de un modo objetivo aproximaciones a la sostenibilidad anteriores a nuestros días.

El trabajo experimental se centra sobre el Palacio de los Hilanderos en Ahmedabad como edificio significativo de este cambio, arrojando luz sobre la funcionalidad medioambiental de las propuestas del arquitecto suizo.

Soluciones como el brise-soleil, el aerateur o la cubierta ajardinada eran parte de una respuesta global hacia el clima, en la que el trabajo sobre los aspectos formales y constructivos de la arquitectura desde una perspectiva científica, constituyó el núcleo de su adaptación al medio.
Broad RNA Interference–Mediated Antiviral Immunity and Virus-Specific Inducible Responses in Drosophila
Authors: Kemp Cordula , Mueller Stefanie , Goto Akira , Barbier Vincent , Paro Simona , Bonnay François , Dostert Catherine , Troxler Laurent , Hetru Charles , Meignin Carine , Pfeffer Sébastien , Hoffmann Jules A. , Imler Jean-Luc
Published: December 2012

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a good model to unravel the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity and has led to some important discoveries about the sensing and signaling of microbial infections. The response of Drosophila to virus infections remains poorly characterized and appears to involve two facets. On the one hand, RNA interference involves the recognition and processing of dsRNA into small interfering RNAs by the host RNase Dicer-2 (Dcr-2), whereas, on the other hand, an inducible response controlled by the evolutionarily conserved JAK-STAT pathway contributes to the antiviral host defense. To clarify the contribution of the small interfering RNA and JAK-STAT pathways to the control of viral infections, we have compared the resistance of flies wild-type and mutant for Dcr-2 or the JAK kinase Hopscotch to infections by seven RNA or DNA viruses belonging to different families. Our results reveal a unique susceptibility of hop mutant flies to infection by Drosophila C virus and cricket paralysis virus, two members of the Dicistroviridae family, which contrasts with the susceptibility of Dcr-2 mutant flies to many viruses, including the DNA virus invertebrate iridescent virus 6. Genome-wide microarray analysis confirmed that different sets of genes were induced following infection by Drosophila C virus or by two unrelated RNA viruses, Flock House virus and Sindbis virus. Overall, our data reveal that RNA interference is an efficient antiviral mechanism, operating against a large range of viruses, including a DNA virus. By contrast, the antiviral contribution of the JAK-STAT pathway appears to be virus specific.
Induction of Rapid T Cell Death and Phagocytic Activity by Fas-Deficient lpr Macrophages
Authors: Oura Ritsuko , Arakaki Rieko , Yamada Akiko , Kudo Yasusei , Tanaka Eiji , Hayashi Yoshio , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: December 2012

Peripheral T cells are maintained by the apoptosis of activated T cells through the Fas–Fas ligand system. Although it is well known that normal T cells fail to survive in the Fas-deficient immune condition, the molecular mechanism for the phenomenon has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that rapid cell death and clearance of normal T cells were induced by Fas-deficient lpr macrophages. Transfer of normal T cells into lpr mice revealed that Fas expression on donor T cells was promptly enhanced through the IFN-γ/IFN-γR. In addition, Fas ligand expression and phagocytic activity of lpr macrophages were promoted through increased NF-κB activation. Controlling Fas expression on macrophages plays an essential role in maintaining T cell homeostasis in the peripheral immune system. Our data suggest a critical implication to the therapeutic strategies such as transplantation and immunotherapy for immune disorder or autoimmunity related to abnormal Fas expression.
Recirculating Memory T Cells Are a Unique Subset of CD4+ T Cells with a Distinct Phenotype and Migratory Pattern
Authors: Bromley Shannon K. , Yan Sha , Tomura Michio , Kanagawa Osami , Luster Andrew D.
Published: December 2012

Several populations of memory T cells have been described that differ in their migration and function. In this study, we have identified a unique subset of memory T cells, which we have named recirculating memory T cells (TRCM). By exposing Kaede transgenic mouse skin to violet light, we tracked the fate of cutaneous T cells. One population of memory CD4+ T cells remained in the skin. A second population migrated from the skin into draining lymph nodes (LNs) in a CCR7-dependent manner. These migrating CD4+ T cells expressed a novel cell surface phenotype (CCR7int/+CD62LintCD69−CD103+/− E-selectin ligands+) that is distinct from memory T cell subsets described to date. Unlike memory T cell subsets that remain resident within tissues long-term, or that migrate either exclusively between lymphoid tissues or into peripheral nonlymphoid sites, CD4+ TRCM migrate from the skin into draining LNs. From the draining LNs, CD4+ TRCM reenter into the circulation, distal LNs, and sites of non-specific cutaneous inflammation. In addition, CD4+ TRCM upregulated CD40L and secreted IL-2 following polyclonal stimulation. Our results identify a novel subset of recirculating memory CD4+ T cells equipped to deliver help to both distal lymphoid and cutaneous tissues.
Cutting Edge: IL-17–Secreting Innate Lymphoid Cells Are Essential for Host Defense against Fungal Infection
Authors: Gladiator André , Wangler Nicolette , Trautwein-Weidner Kerstin , LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé
Published: December 2012

IL-17–mediated immunity has emerged as a crucial host defense mechanism against fungal infections. Although Th cells are generally thought to act as the major source of IL-17 in response to Candida albicans, we show that fungal control is mediated by IL-17–secreting innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and not by Th17 cells. By using a mouse model of oropharyngeal candidiasis we found that IL-17A and IL-17F, which are both crucial for pathogen clearance, are produced promptly upon infection in an IL-23–dependent manner, and that ILCs in the oral mucosa are the main source for these cytokines. Ab-mediated depletion of ILCs in RAG1-deficient mice or ILC deficiency in retinoic acid–related orphan receptor c−/− mice resulted in a complete failure to control the infection. Taken together, our data uncover the cellular basis for the IL-23/IL-17 axis, which acts right at the onset of infection when it is most needed for fungal control and host protection.
Spatial Variability of Heavy Metal Contamination in Alluvial Soils in Relation to Flood Risk Zones in Southern Québec, Canada
Authors: Saint-Laurent Diane , Gervais-Beaulac Vernhar , Baril Francis , Matteau Claudia , Berthelot Jean-Sébastien
Published: December 2012

The contamination of rivers and riparian soils is a growing problem for several catchments in southern Quebec due to agricultural pollutants and other sources of pollution. This study deals with the concentration of heavy metals in alluvial soils and their spatial variability following the various flood return periods (0-20 years and 20-100 years) and outside flood zones. The heavy metal concentration of some soils exceeds levels in government standards. The elements with the highest concentrations are mainly Ni, Pb and Zn. For instance, the levels of Zn and Pb can be as high as 310 and 490 mg kg-1. In general, heavy metal concentrations are highest in active sedimentation zones (0-20 yrs). In this instance, the ANOVA test was conducted to determine whether the differences in heavy-metal concentrations in the soils could be significant between the three zones (Frequent Flood (FF), Moderate Flood (MF), and No Flood (NF)). With the increase in the flood return rate and current hydroclimatic changes, a downstream remobilization of contaminants can be expected, leading to a larger riparian area of contamination.
The Minimal Growth Rate of Cocompact Coxeter Groups in Hyperbolic 3-space
Authors: Kellerhals Ruth , Kolpakov Alexander
Published: December 2012

Due to work of W. Parry it is known that the growth rate of a hyperbolic Coxeter group acting cocompactly on H3 is a Salem number. This being the arithmetic situation, we prove that the simplex group (3,5,3) has the smallest growth rate among all cocompact hyperbolic Coxeter groups, and that it is, as such, unique. Our approach provides a different proof for the analog situation in H2 where E. Hironaka identified Lehmer's number as the minimal growth rate among all cocompact planar hyperbolic Coxeter groups and showed that it is (uniquely) achieved by the Coxeter triangle group (3,7).
Stochastic precipitation modeling using circulation patterns to analyze climate impact on floods
Authors: Belli A. , Haberlandt U.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This paper presents the conditioning of a precipitation model to objectively classified circulation patterns (CP). The application of CPs is considered useful with regards to model accuracy improvement and preparation of a downscaling model by using CPs classified with climate model data. As this study aims to produce rainfall as input for derived flood frequency analyses, the validation focuses on extreme values and precipitation events. The analysis is carried out by modifications of a well tested alternating renewal precipitation model.
Measurements of air pollution emission factors for marine transportation
Authors: Alföldy B. , Balzani Lööv J. , Lagler F. , Mellqvist J. , Berg N. , Beecken J. , Weststrate H. , Duyzer J. , Bencs L. , Horemans B. , Cavalli F. , Putaud J.-P. , Janssens-Maenhout G. , Pintér Csordás A. , Van Grieken R. , Borowiak A. , Hjorth J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The chemical composition of the plumes of seagoing ships was investigated during a two weeks long measurement campaign in the port of Rotterdam, Hoek van Holland, The Netherlands, in September 2009. Altogether, 497 ships were monitored and a statistical evaluation of emission factors (g kg−1 fuel) was provided. The concerned main atmospheric components were SO2, NO2, NOx and the aerosol particle number. In addition, the elemental and water-soluble ionic composition of the emitted particulate matter was determined. Emission factors were expressed as a function of ship type, power and crankshaft rotational speed. The average SO2 emission factor was found to be roughly half of what is allowed in sulphur emission control areas (16 vs. 30 g kg−1 fuel), and exceedances of this limit were rarely registered. A significant linear relationship was observed between the SO2 and particle number emission factor. The intercept of the regression line, 0.5 × 1016 (kg fuel)−1, gives the average number of particles formed during the burning of 1 kg zero sulphur content fuel, while the slope, 2 × 1018, provides the average number of particles formed with 1 kg sulphur burnt with the fuel. Water-soluble ionic composition analysis of the aerosol samples from the plumes showed that ~144 g of particulate sulphate was emitted from 1 kg sulphur burnt with the fuel. The mass median diameter of sulphate particles estimated from the measurements was ~42 nm.
Seamount physiography and biology in North-East Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Morato T. , Kvile K. Ø. , Taranto G. H. , Tempera F. , Narayanaswamy B. E. , Hebbeln D. , Menezes G. , Wienberg C. , Santos R. S. , Pitcher T. J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This work aims at characterising the seamount physiography and biology in the OSPAR Convention limits (North-East Atlantic Ocean) and Mediterranean Sea. We first inferred potential abundance, location and morphological characteristics of seamounts, and secondly, summarized the existing biological, geological and oceanographic in-situ research, identifying examples of well-studied seamounts. Our study showed that the seamount population in the OSPAR area (North-East Atlantic) and in Mediterranean Sea is large with around 1061 and 202 seamount-like features, respectively. Similarly, seamounts occupy large areas of about 1 116 000 km2 in the OSPAR region and of about 184 000 km2 in the Mediterranean Sea, which is much larger than previously thought. The presence of seamounts in the North-East Atlantic has been known since the late 19th Century but overall knowledge regarding seamount ecology and geology is still relatively poor. Only 37 seamounts in the OSPAR area (3.5% of all seamounts in the region), 22 in the Mediterranean Sea (9.2% of all seamounts in the region) and 25 in the North-East Atlantic south of the OSPAR have in-situ information. Seamounts mapped in both areas are in general very heterogeneous, showing diverse geophysical characteristics. These differences will likely affect the biological diversity and production of resident and associated organisms.
Africana Religious Studies
Authors: Diakité Dianne M. Stewart , Hucks Tracey E.
Published: December 2012

Our position in this essay is provisional and dialogical as we hope to begin a conversation that will inspire productive exchange and innovative agendas for the future of Africana religious studies. We elaborate our vision for ARS as a field of study by emphasizing the accomplishments and limitations of major research lineages that intersect with its priorities. We find our voice in the emergent conversations on Africana religions by asking (1) How will the field of Africana religious studies enhance knowledge production on the religious cultures of African-descended peoples worldwide? And (2) how will the field of Africana religious studies address theoretical and methodological inadequacies of longer-standing fields and disciplinary arenas in which scholars have conducted research on African-descended peoples and their religious cultures?
What Is Africa to Me?
Authors: Long Charles H.
Published: December 2012

This essay explores the construction of Africa as a critical aspect of modernity. Tracing the consequences of Africa's modern mapping, it reveals how the emergence and rise of Europe affected the temporal and spatial orientation of Africa, Africans, and religion in modern, objective knowledge. The essay goes on to propose an agenda for the study of Africa that pays attention to both cultural unity and diversity. Such an agenda includes the study of the African diaspora and its religious dimensions. While mysterious in meaning, the term Africana symbolizes the ways in which this academic enterprise can challenge the elitism and exclusivity that previous claims of objective scholarship sometimes fostered.
Individual Returns to Education in the Spanish Tourism Sector during the Economic Crisis
Authors: Lillo-Bañuls Adelaida , Casado-Díaz José M.
Published: December 2012

This paper analyses individual returns to education in the Spanish tourism sector. The results, which are robust to different specifications of Mincer earnings regressions, show that the earnings returns to schooling for tourism workers are only half those for all other sectors, and that the difference in returns between these two groups has increased significantly during the economic crisis. This has happened at a time when the earnings range between those with lower and higher qualifications has narrowed in tourism while it has remained stable in other sectors, and when tourism has been capable of retaining most of its workforce while the rest of the economy has experienced a sharp decrease in employment.
Willingness to Pay for Frills When Travelling with Low-Cost Airlines
Authors: Correia Antónia , Pimpão Adriano , Tão Manuel
Published: December 2012

The success of low-cost companies is based on the economic principle that there is no free lunch. In this paper, by means of a stated preference experiment, the authors examine individuals' preferences for the main attributes defining the service offered by low-cost airlines. The empirical research is supported by a randomly collected sample of 525 passengers travelling to the Algarve for leisure purposes throughout the spring of 2009, using low-cost carriers. The results reveal not only the implicit values of service attributes, but also the preference differences in attributes between passengers. The policy and management implications of these results are discussed.
Effect of Price Instability on Hotel Profitability
Authors: Chen Chiang-Ming , Chang Kuo-Liang
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates the influence of price instability on hotel profitability based on Taiwanese international tourist hotel operation data from 1996 to 2008. According to Tisdell (1963), price instability leads to a decrease in the profits of an entrepreneur if the output, once planned, is unalterable. The inflexible supply and volatile demand of the hotel industry offer an ideal case study to confirm Tisdell's theory. This paper provides an empirical test of Tisdell's model, and the authors find that price instability has a statistically significant and negative effect on hotel profitability. The study results lend support to the validity of the price instability hypothesis in Tisdell's model.
Analgesic and Toxicity Studies of Aminoacetylenic Isoindoline-1,3-dione Derivatives
Authors: Shakir Raghad , Muhi-eldeen Zuhair A. , Matalka Khalid Z. , Qinna Nidal A.
Published: December 2012

We have developed a series of aminoacetylenic isoindoline-1,3-dione compounds and showed their anti-inflammatory activities by reducing carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and modulating proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In the present study and due to efficacy reasons, we are exploring only two of these compounds, namely, ZM4 and ZM5, to reveal their analgesic activity and toxicity. Following oral administration, both compounds were effective in reducing significantly (P<0.05–0.001) acetic acid-induced writhing behavior, hot plate latency test, and formalin-induced paw licking time as antinociceptive indicators in mice and rats, respectively. Regarding the toxicity, the acute (20, 50, and 150 mg/kg) and repeated oral administration (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg) of these compounds for ten days did not produce any mortality and the compounds were considered well tolerated. However, repeated oral administration of 50 mg/kg of both compounds induced erythropoiesis by means of increasing significantly red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Moreover, these compounds did not induce gastric lesions in the stomach of experimental animals at the doses that exhibited analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity compared to indomethacin as a positive control. The results indicate that ZM4 and ZM5 possess potential analgesic activity while being preliminarily safe and have minimal ulcerogenic activity.
Characterization and Electrical Properties of [C6H9N2]2CuCl4 Compound
Authors: Hamdi M. , Oueslati A. , Chaabane I. , Hlel F.
Published: December 2012

We report measurements of X-ray powder diffraction, vibrational study, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the electric properties of a made-up [C6H9N2]2CuCl4 sample. The alternative current (ac) conductivity of the compound [C6H9N2]2CuCl4 has been measured in the temperature range 356–398 K and the frequency range 209 Hz–5 MHz. The Cole-Cole (the imaginer part (Z′′) versus real part (Z′) of impedance complex) plots are well fitted to an equivalent circuit model which consists of a parallel combination of a bulk resistance (R) and constant phase elements (CPE). The single semicircle indicates only one primary mechanism for the electrical conduction within [C6H9N2]2CuCl4. The variation of the value of these elements with temperatures confirmed the result detected by DSC and dielectric measurements. Thus the conduction in the material is probably due to a hopping or a small polaron tunneling process.
Thromboelastometry guided therapy of severe bleeding
Authors: Vorweg M. , Hanke A. , Görlinger K. , Lier H.
Published: December 2012

Both, severe haemorrhage and blood transfusion are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is of particular importance to stop perioperative bleeding as fast and as possible to avoid unnecessary transfusion. Viscoelastic test (ROTEM® or TEG®) allow for early prediction of massive transfusion and goal-directed therapy with specific haemostatic drugs, coagulation factor concentrates, and blood products. Growing consensus points out, that plasma-based coagulation screening tests like aPTT and PT are inappropriate for monitoring coagulo pathy or guide transfusion therapy. Increasing evidence of more than 5000 surgical or trauma patients points towards the beneficial effects of a thrombelastography or –metry based approach in diagnosis and goal-directed therapy of perioperative massive haemorrhage. The Essener Runde task force is a group of clinicians of various specialties (anaesthesiology, intensive care, haemostaseology, haematology, internal medicine, transfusion medicine, surgery) interested in perioperative coagulation management. The ROTEM diagnostic algorithm of the Essener Runde task force was created to standardise and simplify the interpretation of ROTEM® results in perioperative settings and to present their possible implications for therapeutic interventions in severe bleeding. To exemplify, this text mainly focuses on coagulation management in trauma.
The Politics of Austerity and the Conservative Offensive against US Public Sector Unions, 2008-2012
Authors: Cantin Étienne
Published: December 2012

Since the onset of the Great Recession, anti-union conservatives have been hammering out an arguably bogus yet politically potent argument: collective bargaining with government workers is unaffordable as their wages, health benefits, and pensions are driving states into deficits. Whilst evidence does not support the politically motivated attacks on public sector workers and their unions, a confluence of political-economic factors has been abetting efforts to scapegoat public employees and their unions.

The first section of this essay places the 2011 wave of anti-public-sector-collective-bargaining statutes in its broad political and economic context. Whilst resulting from a longstanding hostility of the USA’s conservative movement to unionism and collective bargaining, recent anti-public-sector-collective-bargaining statutes are also the outcome of three political-economic developments galvanising anti-union GOPers—first, the fact that most US union members are now government workers, which makes it easier for anti-unionists to characterize them as a “privileged” elite; second, the Great Recession and ensuing deficit crisis; and third, the rousing of the conservative movement that led to the 2010 electoral “shellacking” of the Democrats. The second section focuses specifically on Wisconsin and argues that what is going on there ought to be seen for what it is: an attempt to exploit the economic crisis to win an eminently political victory over organised labour and allied Democrats.
Is the Union Employment Suppression Effect Diminishing? Further Evidence from Canada
Authors: Walsworth Scott , Long Richard J.
Published: December 2012

That unions suppress employment growth among their employers has been such a ubiquitous finding that it has been dubbed “the one constant” in industrial relations research (Addison and Belfield, 2004). However, all of the empirical findings on which this conclusion is based come from data collected in 1998 or earlier, and the Canadian findings (Long, 1993) date from more than twenty-five years ago. Noting this, Walsworth (2010a) utilized data from the Statistics Canada Workplace and Employee Survey (WES) covering the period 1999-2005 to investigate the more recent magnitude of the employment growth suppression effect in Canada. He found that, compared to Long’s (1993) findings, the union employment suppression effect has apparently diminished in Canada. However, we note that Walsworth’s (2010a) analysis is not comparable to that conducted by Long (1993) in several ways. For example, Walsworth (2010a) did not segment his analysis by establishment size, or by industrial sector.

Moreover, Walsworth (2010a) attempted no analysis of the reasons behind a possible diminution in the union employment growth suppression effect, an omission that we address by examining employee earnings growth and the union wage premium as possible contributing factors. We analyze WES data collected during 2001-2006 and, like Long (1993), find important differences when segmenting our analysis according to establishment size, as the union employment suppression effect was evidenced in large manufacturing establishments, but not in smaller manufacturing establishments. However, unlike Long (1993), we also find important differences between the manufacturing sector and the service sector, where we find no union employment suppression effect among larger service establishments, and a significant positive union effect on employment growth among smaller service establishments—the first finding of a positive union employment growth effect in any context. Our analysis suggests that a declining union wage premium may have played a role in these results.
Quitter, rester ou progresser ? Les profils d’intentions des agents en centre d’appels
Authors: Cossette Michel , Gosselin Alain
Published: December 2012

La théorie de l’action raisonnée et les modèles du roulement volontaire ont toujours considéré l’intention de quitter son emploi pour un autre employeur comme le meilleur prédicteur du roulement de personnel. Cependant, dans les faits, les employés disposent de deux autres options, à savoir progresser vers un autre emploi au sein de leur entreprise (roulement interne) ou encore rester dans leur emploi actuel pour une certaine période. Dans une perspective de prévention du roulement, la recherche aurait avantage à identifier des profils d’intentions en fonction de ces trois options. La présente étude vise à vérifier si les employés présentent des profils d’intentions différents et si leur satisfaction au travail, leurs comportements de recherche d’emploi et les taux de roulement volontaire et interne diffèrent selon ces profils.

L’analyse des résultats recueillis auprès de 434 agents issus de trois centres d’appels suggère l’existence de quatre profils d’intentions à peu près équivalents en nombre : (1) rester dans l’emploi actuel (forte intention de rester dans l’emploi actuel, faible intention de progresser à l’interne et faible intention de quitter à l’externe); (2) rester en attendant de progresser (forte intention de rester dans l’emploi actuel, mais forte intention de progresser à l’interne et faible intention de quitter à l’externe); (3) priorité à la progression (faible intention de rester dans l’emploi actuel, forte intention de progresser à l’interne et faible intention de quitter à l’externe); (4) priorité à la mobilité (faible intention de rester dans l’emploi actuel, forte intention de progresser à l’interne et de quitter à l’externe).

Les résultats de l’étude montrent que ces quatre profils d’intentions présentent des niveaux de satisfaction au travail et des comportements de recherche d’emploi différents. De même, les taux de roulement volontaire du personnel et le taux de roulement interne, mesurés un an plus tard, diffèrent selon les profils d’intentions.
Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals in Biomedical Research
Authors: Jones‐Bolin Susan
Published: December 2012

This unit provides a general overview on topics related to the practical care and use of laboratory animals in biomedical research. These topics are briefly described and provide Web sites and/or research articles that can be accessed for more detailed information. While the primary focus is on the care and use of rats and mice bred for biomedical research, many of the Web sites listed provide information on other species used for this purpose. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 59:A.4B.1‐A.4B.9. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of PCB and attached line of hardware on electromagnetic (EM) information leakage
Authors: Hayashi Yu‐Ichi , Ohmura Kouhei , Mizuki Takaaki , Sone Hideaki
Published: December 2012

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation from information hardware under normal operating conditions can compromise secret information (EM, information leakage), such as operations or processed data contained in the hardware. Methods for analyzing EM radiation with the intention of extracting secret information have been proposed, and EM side‐channel attacks on cryptographic hardware are a major concern. This paper investigates how EM information leakage changes with the configuration of the information hardware, focusing on the frequency characteristics of the hardware. We assume that the frequency characteristics of the EM radiation correspond to physical aspects of the hardware configuration. To address the issue of information leakage, this paper presents a novel analysis of EM radiation from information hardware by using a model circuit board. Using this model, we show that the intensity of the EM emissions can be correlated to the layout of the hardware. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(4): 1–9, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22386
Climate change during the past 1000 years: a high‐temporal‐resolution multiproxy record from a mire in northern Finland
Authors: Finsinger Walter , Schoning Kristian , Hicks Sheila , Lücke Andreas , Goslar Tomasz , Wagner‐cremer Friederike , Hyyppä Heidi
Published: December 2012

We present a record of peatland development in relation to climate changes and human activities from the Palomaa mire, a remote site in northern Finland. We used fine‐resolution and continuous sampling to analyse several proxies including pollen (for vegetation on and around the mire), testate amoebae (TA; for mire‐wetness changes), oxygen and carbon isotopes from Sphagnum cellulose (δ18O and δ13C; for humidity and temperature changes), peat‐accumulation rates and peat‐colour changes. In spite of an excellent accumulation model (30 14C dates and estimated standard deviation of sample ages <1 year in the most recent part), the potential to determine cause–effect (or lead–lag) relationships between environmental changes and biotic responses is limited by proxy‐specific incorporation processes below the actively growing Sphagnum surface. Nevertheless, what emerges is that mire development was closely related to water‐table changes rather than to summer temperature and that water‐table decreases were associated with increasing peat‐accumulation rates and more abundant mire vegetation. A rapid fen‐to‐bog transition occurred within a few years around AD 1960 when the water table decreased beyond the historical minimum, supporting the notion that mires can rapidly shift into bogs in response to allogenic factors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of chloroperoxidase from Musa paradisiaca stem juice
Authors: Yadav Pratibha , Yadav Meera , Yadav K. D. S. , Sharma J. K. , Singh V. K.
Published: December 2012

Chloroperoxidase from Musa paradisiaca stem juice has been purified to homogeneity using a concentration obtained by ultrafiltration and anion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose. The purified enzyme gave a single protein band in SDS‐PAGE analysis corresponding to molecular mass of 43 kDa. The native PAGE analysis result has also given a single protein band, confirming the purity of the enzyme. The purified enzyme was chlorinated and brominated with monochlorodimedone, the substrate used for measuring the halogenating activity of chloroperoxidases. The Km and kcat values using monochlorodimedone as the substrate were 20 μM and 1.64 s−1, respectively, giving a kcat/Km value of 8.2 × 104 M−1 s−1. The pH and temperature optima of the chlorinating activity were 3.0 and 25°C, respectively. The Km values for the peroxidase activity using pyragallol and H2O2 as the variable substrates were 89 and 120 μM, respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the peroxidase activity using pyrogalllol as the substrate were the same as the pH and temperature optima of the halogenating activity. The peroxidase activity of the enzyme is competitively inhibited by sodium azide, indicating that it is a hemeperoxidase different from nonheme peroxidases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 92–100, 2013
PLA/PHBV Films with Improved Mechanical and Gas Barrier Properties
Authors: Boufarguine Majdi , Guinault Alain , Miquelard‐Garnier Guillaume , Sollogoub Cyrille
Published: December 2012

Blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with a small amount of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV; 10 wt%) using a custom multilayer co‐extrusion process increases both ductility and gas barrier properties of extruded films compared with neat PLA and classical blending methods. The co‐extrusion process allows multiplication of the number of alternate layers of PLA and PHBV within a film. It was observed that for a critical number of theoretical layers, PHBV layers are broken into lamellas. A well‐developed lamellar morphology, with thin and long lamellas of highly crystalline PHBV in PLA matrix was obtained. A balance between aspect ratio and crystallinity of the lamellas, and their dispersion within the PLA matrix was needed to obtain films with improved permeability and mechanical properties.
Motifs utilitaires et autonomie artistique. La forme architecturale et ses fonctions
Authors: Thibault Estelle
Published: December 2012

Dans les théories esthétiques de la fin du XIXe siècle, l’exemple de l’architecture appuie une inversion progressive des hiérarchies entre le beau et l’utile, confortée par la montée des approches sociologiques et anthropologiques de l’art. Du côté des architectes, les débats sur l’origine et l’évolution des styles, depuis leurs manifestations primitives dans les industries d’art vers les formes plus évoluées de l’art monumental, infléchissent la compréhension des relations entre détermination matérielle et expression artistique.