bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution des activités agropastorales du Haut Jura (France) au cours des trois derniers millénaires
Authors: Gauthier Emilie
Published: October 2009

The settlement of the second plateau, in the Jura range (above 700 meters altitude), remains dubious until Xle century, for lack of archaeological or textual data sufficient. In order to answer uncertainties, as well geographical as chronological, palynological analysis, performed in two peat bogs, allowed to reconstitute the fluctuations of human influence on vegetation since the Iron Age. Anthropogenic indicators show that this zone was populated during Protohistory Human impact increases slightly during Gallo-Roman period Regression of human influence is recorded at the transition between the Lower Empire and the Early Middle Age Human activities reappear in a stable way and forest clearings emphasize from Xle century. A last agricultural crisis is perceived in XlVe century, consequence of the various disorders, which strike the area at this time. The recovery started in XVe century involves an overexploitation of environment
Une phase de sédimentation alluviale au Préboréal initial dans la vallées de l'Escaut (Nord de la France)
Authors: Deschodt Laurent
Published: October 2009

At Fresnes-sur-Escaut, a partial cross-section of the Schelde's right bank alluviums is marked out, under the holocene silt, peat and calcarous tufa deposits, by a thick sandy bedded deposit with vegetal remains (3 m), of which the higher half is dated from the Lateglacial-Holocene transition or the early Holocene (10040 ± 50 BP). It could be a quick sedimentary accumulation (favored by local factors) m response to the major climatic oscillation pointing out the begining of the Holocene.
Changements hydrologiques holocènes enregistrés sur le site de la station IX du grand lac de Clairvaux (Jura, France) [Reconstruction of holocène palaeohydrological changes at station IX, grand lac de Clairvaux (Jura, France)]
Authors: Magny Michel
Published: October 2009

Trenches excavated for the construction of a camping place on the south-eastern shore of the grand lac de Clairvaux have given the opportunity to observe and sample a sediment sequence documenting lake-level changes from 6300 to 1500 14C yr BP It shows an alternation of peaty layers corresponding to low lake levels at ca 63 10, 4925, 4585-3520, 3000-2885, 21 10 et 1680-1475 14C yr BP, and carbonate deposit layers recording high lake levels. These lacustrine carbonate sediments also include allochthonous detritic components suggesting, that the phases of higher lake level coincided with an increase in run-off and erosion processes on the slopes surrounding the lake. The palaeohydrological changes reconstructed at station IX agree with the regional phases of changes in lake level defined from lake sediment-sequences in the Jura mountains, the northern French Pre-Alps and in the Swiss Plateau.
Reconstitution de l'expansion glaciaire de peidmont des stades. A et D des glaciers würmiens du Rhône et de l'Isère : implication et origine de leur disparité [Reconstitution of spatial extension of the Rhône Isère würmiens piedmont glaciers (stade A and D): implication and cause of their disparity.]
Authors: Mandier Pierre
Published: October 2009

Une reconstitution de l'extension du glacier de piedmont du Rhône (lobe lyonnais) permet de proposer que les glaces îséroises transfluentes ont encore alimenté notablement le glacier du stade D à travers les cluses d'Annecy et de Chambéry.
Evidence for early Devensian (Weichselian) fluvial sedimentation: geochronological and palaeoenvironmental data from the upper pleistocene deposits at deeping St James, Lincolnshire, England [ Mise en évidence d'une sédimentation fluviatile du Devensien (Wechselien) ancien : données géochronologiques et paléoenvironnementales des dépôts du Pléistocène supérieur de deeping St James, Lincolnshire, Angleterre.]
Authors: Briant Rebecca M. , Coope Geoffrey Russell , Preece Richard C. , Gibbard Philip
Published: October 2009

La détermination du fonctionnement du système fluvial au Devensien (Weichselien) nécessite l'utilisation de plusieurs méthodes de datation, les recherches antérieures ayant été gênées par les limites de la technique de datation au carbone 14. Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude dans laquelle les datations au carbone 14 et par luminescence stimulée optiquement (OSL) ont été réalisées simultanément sur des paires d'échantillons de sédiments de remplissage de chenaux contemporains et sur des échantillons plus dispersés. Cette recherche géochronologique a été entreprise en relation avec une description sédimentologique et paléontologique détaillée des sédiments pour déterminer la réponse du système fluvial à différentes échelles de changements climatiques pendant le Devensien. La succession sédimentaire sous la " Première Terrasse " de la rivière Welland à Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, se divise en trois associations de faciès sur la base de leur sédimentologie et des caractéristiques de leurs surfaces de contact. Les deux associations de faciès inférieures suggèrent une mise en place du dépôt dans un contexte climatique periglaciaire peu sévère, avec une abondance significative de végétation herbacée. Au contraire, la troisième association est attnbuée à une modification significative du climat périglaciaire. Des datations par OSL sur la partie inférieure de la séquence la datent du Devensien ancien (60-110 000 ans), et l'interprétation de l'environnement de dépôt est en accord avec les témoignages climatiques extérieurs pour cette période. Au contraire, les datations au carbone 14 pour la sequence sont toutes différentes de celles obtenues par OSL et sont regroupées entre -35 et -40 000 ans BP. Cela reflète une distorsion systématique de la technique radiocarbone à ce pas de temps, ce que l'on peut reconnaître seulement quand plusieurs méthodes de datation sont utilisées.
The Thames valley sediment conveyor: fluvial system development over the last two interglacial-glacial cycles [ Le " convoyeur sédimentaire " de la vallée de la Tamise]
Authors: Lewis Simon , Maddy Darrel , Glenday Stuart
Published: October 2009

The fluvial archive of the River Thames over the last two interglacial-glacial cycles is examined in terms of the spatial distribution of fluvial sediments across the basin and the temporal patterns of aggradation and incision. The spatial distnbution of fluvial sediments can be interpreted as a series of sedimentation zones and intervening sediment transfer zones. The factors that control the distnbution of fluvial sediments are considered. The notion of a "jerky conveyor" is utilised to develop a conceptual model of the Thames Valley Sediment Conveyor and the operation of this conveyor over the last two interglacial-glacial cycles is discussed. The model incorporates the sedimentation zones identified here and also the effects of the formation of a coastal pnsm dunng lnterglacial high-stands in sea level. The model is compared with the sedimentary record for the last interglacial-glacial cycle in the Lower Thames and its implications for understanding fluvial behaviour and the stratigraphie record are discussed.
Alluviation in the Meurthe and Moselle valleys (Eastern Paris Basin, France): Lithological contribution to the study of the Moselle capture and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations
Authors: Cordier Stephane , Harmand Dominique , Losson Benoît , Beiner Monique
Published: October 2009

Geomorphological and lithostratigraphic analysis allow the definition of a record of eleven alluvial stepped units in the Meurthe valley downstream from the Vosges Massif. The deposits are mainly composed of sands derived from Permo-Triassic strata. A similar system of stepped terraces is identified in the Moselle valley near Toul, where the deposits are coarser and contain more crystalline sediments than those of the Meurthe. A distinction is made in these units between the levels deposited before the capture of the Upper Moselle river by the Paleo-Meurthe, which follow the former course towards the Meuse valley, and the post-capture levels, which follow the modern valley Downstream from the present Moselle-Meurthe confluence, the higher deposits (above 25 m relative height) are similar to the Meurthe sediments (Permo-Tnassic origin), as opposed to the youngest deposits (0 to 25 m relative height) which contain crystalline sediments from the Upper Moselle basin. This contrast allows the Moselle capture to be positioned between formations F4 and F3 of the alluvial system downstream from the present confluence. The correlation between these sections of valley underlines the parallelism of the terraces and the weakness of the syn-capture altitudinal gradient between the Upper-Moselle and the Paleo-Meurthe rivers.

In certain parts of the valleys, a contrast is shown between sandy hthofacies from the Permo-Tnassic cover and coarse hthofacies with crystalline elements. The deposition of the sandy series is attributed to full-glacial episodes, while that of the coarse series is correlated with periods of retreat of the Vosgian glaciers, especially during lateglacial episodes.

The consensus of absolute dates of the capture (250-300 000 years B P) allows the incision rate for the Meurthe and the Moselle valleys to be estimated at 0 1 1 mm/y-1 since the capture. This rate is comparable with the rate already obtained for the Moselle valley in Germany.
Holocene fluctuations of the Rhône river in the alluvial plain of the Basses Terres (Isère, Ain, France) [ Fluctuations du Rhône à l'Holocène dans la plaine alluviale de Basses Terres (Isère, Ain, France).]
Authors: Salvador Pierre Gil , Berger Jean François , Gauthier Emilie , Vannière Boris
Published: October 2009

Des investigations paléoenvironnementales et archéologiques sont entreprises depuis 2 ans dans la plaine alluviale du Haut-Rhône, à 70 km en amont de Lyon. Une équipe pluri-disciplinaire (paléogéographie, paléoécologie, archéologie) est rassemblée dans le cadre d'un programme collectif de recherche (PCR) intitulé " Peuplement et milieux en Bas-Dauphiné ". L'objectif est d'identifier les fluctuations morphologiques et paléohydrologiques du Rhône et d'en déterminer les causes (contrôles locaux, anthropiques, climatiques). L'étude repose en partie sur l'analyse d'une série de paléoméandres conservés à la surface de la plaine alluviale. Une approche cartographique a permis de reconnaître plusieurs méandres recoupés depuis l'Atlantique récent jusqu'au Subatlantique (époque moderne). Une analyse systématique des paléoméandres est en cours de réalisation. Le colmatage sédimentaire et organique de 6 paléochenaux fait l'objet d'analyses détaillées. Un cadre chronologique est en cours d'établissement (datations radiocarbone, palynologie). Les premiers résultats montrent une parenté certaine des modes d'alluvionnement présidant au colmatage des paléoméandres mais aussi une grande diversité de détail. Ils apportent de nouvelles informations sur la dynamique fluviale de ce secteur Une reconstitution de l'édification holocène de la plaine alluviale est proposée. Cette approche est couplée à des investigations archéologiques, dans le but d'évaluer l'importance de l'activité humaine sur le secteur et les interrelations avec le fleuve.
Weichselian and Holocene fluvial evolution of the Vézère river valley (Dordogne, France) [ Évolution de la vallée de la Vézère au Weichselien et à l'Holocène (Dordogne, France).]
Authors: Mol Joanne , Roebroeks Wil , Kamermans Hans , Van Kolfschoten Thijs , Turq Alain
Published: October 2009

La vallée de la Vézère est une région clé de la préhistoire mondiale pour la construction d'une chronologie du Paléolithique tant par les fouilles de gisements éponymes importants que par la découverte de sites ornés pariétaux. Presque toutes les fouilles ont concerné les sites en abri et il existe peu d'informations sur le mode d'occupation de la plaine alluviale.

Cette étude s'intéresse au développement de la plaine alluviale au Pléistocène supérieur et à l' Holocène. La Vézère a créé plusieurs terrasses quaternaires et la terrasse Fyl, située à une altitude de 4 m au dessus de la plaine alluviale, est la plus basse terrasse et date probablement du début du Glaciaire.

Plusieurs séries de carottages manuels ont été entrepris entre 1997 et 2001, dans la plaine alluviale actuelle, perpendiculairement à la Vézère. Les profils montrent que deux terrasses et des dépôts de chenaux récents sont recouverts par plusieurs mètres de dépôts fins de débordement. La terrasse la plus haute est à 3 m au dessous de la surface, la plus basse à 5,5 m au dessous. Les dépôts de chenaux (sub)récents sont à 6,5 m au dessous de la plaine alluviale.

La terrasse enfouie supéneure a été datée par une datation OSL de sables recouvrant sa partie supéneure. La datation de 12+0,9 ka indique un âge pléniglaciaire final pour la terrasse en dessous. Cette datation est en accord avec l'âge Weichselien ancien-moyen de la terrasse Fyl qui lui est anténeure. La terrasse enfouie la plus basse n'est pas datée mais il est probable qu'elle date du Weichselien final. Le chenal actuel a été daté par deux dates 14C et par OSL indiquant un âge récent pour cette incision. Cette phase finale est accompagnée d'un changement de type de dépôt ; il devient plus grossier et résulte de l'érosion des dépôts anténeurs. Il est donc peu probable que des sites paléolithiques existent à la surface du complexe fluviatile de fond de vallée. Le sommet des deux terrasses enfouies peut au contraire contenir des sites de plein air bien conservés parce qu'ils ont été recouverts par les dépôts fluviatiles fins.
The micromammal fauna of the Dnieper modern channel alluvium: taphonomic and biostratigraphic implications [ La faune des petits mammifères des alluvions du lit fluvial actuel du Dniepr : implications taphonomiques et biostratigraphiques.]
Authors: Popova L.V.
Published: October 2009

Cet article présente une étude des restes des petits mammifères des alluvions du lit fluvial actuel du Dniepr. L'obtention d'une information pertinente à partir de cette taphocénose mixte est rendue possible grâce à l'existence d'une relation entre le degré de fossilisation des os et leur âge géologique relatif. II existe ainsi trois stades de fossilisation selon l'âge géologique des restes. Les âges des groupes de fossiles déterminés sur la base des indices du niveau d'évolution des Arvicolidés sont rapportés à l'Eémien et au Weichselien ancien, au Weichselien moyen et récent et à l'Holocène. Quoique les fossiles holocènes soient les plus proches de la période de formation des alluvions, les fossiles les plus anciens (première moitié du Pléistocène supérieur) dominent dans la structure de cette taphocénose. Il est évident qu'ils ont été redéposés dans l'actuelle plaine d'inondation à partir de terrasses du Pléistocène récent (Ie, IIe, et peut-être IIIe). Cela permet d'espérer trouver de petits mammifères dans les dépôts de ces terrasses qui jusqu'à présent n'ont pratiquement pas fourni de caractérisation microthériologique. II est à supposer que la composition des associations et les mécanismes de leur formation sont communs à la plupart des taphocénoses mixtes. Ainsi dans leur étude il faut attacher une grande attention à la partie la plus jeune de l'ensemble général des fossiles, la plus avancée du point de vue d'évolution. C'est elle qui sera synchrone au moment de la formation de la séquence alluviale , les fossiles plus anciens seront considérés comme redéposés même s'ils dominent quantitativement.

En outre, l'analyse morphotypique des fossiles de Arvicola terrestris de la taphocénose des alluvions actuelles du Dniepr et l'étude des Arvicola récents des diverses zones climatiques de l'Europe orientale démontrent la possibilité de certaines fluctuations des indices du niveau d'évolution chez les Arvicolidae sous l'influence des changements de l'environnement. Ce phénomène doit ainsi influer sérieusement sur la précision de la date des sédiments, sur la base des indices du niveau d'évolution des Arvicolidae.
La Formation de Loon : les dépôts pléistocènes marins profonds de la plaine maritime du Nord de la France [ The Loon formation : the marine pleistocene deep deposits in the coastal plain of northern France ]
Authors: Sommé Jean , Cunat-Bogé Nicole , Vanhoorne Roger , Wouters Karel
Published: October 2009

The stratigraphy of the quaternary deeper marine and terrestnal deposits of the North Sea coastal plain in France is descnbed from the profile of the excavation of west outer-harbour of Dunkerque at Loon-Plage (Nord) The age - holocene or pleistocene - of the mollusc fauna of the lower manne pebbly and shelly sands is discussed , it is actually asenbed to an interglacial. The recent regional data incite also to consider as Eemian this Loon Formation, widely preserved m depths, underlying Weichselian eolian loams overlain by Boreal basal peat which marks the beginning of the manne holocene sequence
DNA damage in lymphocytes after irradiation with 211At and 188Re
Authors: Wendisch M. , Wunderlich G. , Freudenberg R. , Kotzerke J. , Runge R.
Published: October 2009

Aim: Ionising radiation produces many types of DNA lesions of different complexity. High linear energy transfer (LET) types of radiation are biological more effective than low LET radiation. In the present work we applied the single cell gel electrophoreses (comet assay) to study the induction of initial DNA damage, efficiency of repair and residual DNA damage in lymphocytes after treatment with 211At and 188Re. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from heparinized blood of healthy donors and irradiated with 211At and 188Re at different doses. The comet assay was performed under alkaline and neutral conditions in order to detect the initial DNA damage and its repair. The measure of damage was % tail DNA (percentage of DNA in the tail). Results: After treatment of cells with 188Re the initial DNA damage (% tail DNA) detected with the alkaline comet assay was higher than the damage measured for 211At. The neutral comet assay estimated higher tail intensities for 211At in contrast to 188Re. Compared with the complete repair (10%) after irradiation with 188Re, the radiotoxicity of alpha particles indicated reduced rejoining of DNA strand breaks (60–80% residual damage). Rejoining of DNA damage measured by the neutral comet method detected about 70% unrepaired strand breaks for 211At and 188Re. Conclusions: There are major differences between the repair of strand breaks caused by 188Re and 211At detected by the alkaline comet assay. The DNA-damage induced by the high LET Emitter 211At remains nearly unrepaired detected by both alkaline and neutral comet assay. Represented data following irradiation of lymphocytes with alpha and beta particles demonstrated higher biological effectiveness of 211At by factors of 2.0–2.5.
The Determinants of Tourism Demand in South Africa Using a Dynamic Panel Data Approach
Authors: Durbarry Ramesh , Nicolas J. F. , Seetanah Boopen
Published: October 2009

This article models inbound tourism demand for South Africa using a theoretical framework that is based on the gravity model and provides elasticity estimates that are useful for policy purposes. It uses a well-established gravity model following Anderson and van Wincoop's model (2003)
to explain tourism flows. The article departs from most of the existing work estimating tourism demand and builds on the recent work of Durbarry, but employs a dynamic panel data setting. The results show that tourists are not too sensitive to changes in the tourism price of South Africa,
indicating that it offers a unique product and experience to tourists. In fact, evidence tends to suggest that competing destinations may imploy tourism products that are unique to their destinations in the region. The level of development and tourism infrastructure also affect arrivals. It
is also found that distance negatively affects arrivals, but common border and language play an important role. The dynamic model supports the presence of repeat tourism and positive word-of-mouth, particularly from European and American origins.
Coaxial electrospinning of liquid crystal-containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone) microfibres
Authors: Enz Eva , Baumeister Ute , Lagerwall Jan
Published: October 2009

With the relatively new technique of coaxial electrospinning, composite fibres of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) with the liquid crystal 4-cyano-4′-octylbiphenyl in its smectic phase as core material could be produced. The encapsulation leads to remarkable confinement effects on the liquid crystal, inducing changes in its phase sequence. We conducted a series of experiments to determine the effect of varying the relative flow rates of inner and outer fluid as well as of the applied voltage during electrospinning on these composite fibres. From X-ray diffraction patterns of oriented fibres we could also establish the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules to be parallel to the fibre axis, a result unexpected when considering the viscosity anisotropy of the liquid crystal kept in its smectic phase during electrospinning.
Comparison of Postoperative Wavefront Aberrations After NIDEK CXIII Optimized Aspheric Transition Zone Treatment and OPD-guided Custom Aspheric Treatment
Authors: Hantera Mohamed
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

To compare higher order aberrations of aspheric or wavefront-guided myopic LASIK.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized study of a myopic LASIK cohort that was subdivided into two groups; 12 eyes were treated with the optimized aspheric transition zone algorithm (OATz group) and 11 eyes were treated with wavefront-guided optimized path difference custom aspheric treatment (OPDCAT group). Corneal asphericity and higher order aberrations root-mean-square were compared between groups before, 1 month, and 3 months after LASIK. Student
t
test was used to assess differences between groups.
P
<.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

At 3 months postoperatively, all eyes in both groups had spherical equivalent refraction of ±0.50 diopters (D). Mean higher order aberration increased by 0.18 µm postoperatively in the OATz group (
P
<.05) and decreased by 0.04 µm in the OPDCAT group (
P
=.819). A statistically significant increase in spherical aberration was noted in the OATz group only (
P
<.05). Asphericity showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups postoperatively (
P
<.05). There was a greated tendency for increased higher order aberrations in eyes with <0.30 µm of higher order aberrations preoperatively in the OPDCAT group. The reverse tendency was observed in the OATz group.

Conclusions:

OPDCAT induced minimal changes in spherical aberration due to lower changes in corneal asphericity compared to the OATz group. Eyes with <0.30 µm of higher order aberrations preoperatively are likely better candidates for the OATz algorithm than OPDCAT. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S922–S926.]
LASIK With the Optimized Aspheric Transition Zone and Cross-cylinder Technique for the Treatment of Astigmatism From 1.00 to 4.25 Diopters
Authors: Gamaly Tamer
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

The predictability and safety of LASIK with the optimized aspheric transition zone (OATz) and cross-cylinder technique were evaluated for the surgical correction of myopia with 1.00 to 4.25 diopters (D) of astigmatism.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 74 eyes of 48 consecutive LASIK patients with astigmatism ranging from 1.00 to 4.25 D were evaluated. All eyes underwent laser ablation with profile 7 of the OATz algorithm with the NIDEK CXIII excimer laser platform. Refractive outcomes, visual acuity, and patient satisfaction were assessed based on 6-month postoperative data.

Results:

Preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) was −2.10±1.19 D (range: −0.50 to −5.75 D) and mean cylinder was −1.94±0.89 D (range: −1.00 to −4.25 D). At 6 months postoperatively, the mean MRSE for all eyes was 0.01−0.37 D (range: −0.75 to −1.00 D). Postoperatively, 78.3% (58/74) of eyes achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, and 97.3% (72/74) of eyes achieved UCVA of 20/40 or better. Regarding predictability, 94.6% (70/74) of eyes were within −0.50 D of intended MRSE and 98.6% (73/74) of eyes were within −1.00 D of intended MRSE. Four (5.3%) eyes lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months. Stability was reached between 1 and 3 months and verified at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

LASIK with OATz and the cross-cylinder technique is safe and predictable for the treatment of patients with astigmatism up to 4.25 D. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S927–S930.]
Visual and Optical Performance Before and After Rotation of a Misaligned STAAR Toric Implantable Collamer Lens
Authors: Hamdi Islam Mahmoud
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

To document the use of the NIDEK OPDScan II/Station as a monitoring tool and clinical aid in the evaluation and re-rotation of a misaligned STAAR Toric Implantable Collamer Lens (TICL).

Methods:

A 22-year-old man underwent bilateral TICL implantation. Emmetropia was achieved in the left eye after TICL implantation; however, the right eye showed residual compound myopic astigmatism. Both eyes were evaluated using the OPD-Scan II/Station, and re-rotation of the TICL in the right eye was planned using the internal wavefront and corneal topography maps. The remaining residual error after re-rotation was treated using photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Results:

The left eye showed excellent axis alignment and optical quality. The right eye showed a difference of 8° to 10° in axis of orientation and an under-calculation of the lens power, which resulted in poor optical quality. After rotation of the lens and PRK, emmetropia was achieved and the patient reported resolution of symptoms. Higher order aberrations were reduced by 0.535 µm and the modulation transfer function increased 42% compared to initial TICL implantation.

Conclusions:

Internal and corneal surface aberrometry allowed proper evaluation and precise realignment of a TICL. The objective assessment of the internal astigmatism, optical quality, and visual performance aids in planning complicated surgical cases that require combination surgery to restore visual quality. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S934–S938.]
Keratoconus Detection Using Corneal Topography
Authors: Holladay Jack T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

To review the topographic patterns associated with keratoconus suspects and provide criteria for keratoconus screening.

Methods:

Case study using maps from the NIDEK OPD-Scan II and OPD Station to highlight patterns seen in keratoconic corneas.

Results:

Five criteria are listed for the detection of keratoconus: 1) apex of the cone is not centered at the 6-o'clock semi-meridian, 2) cone should appear round on the tangential map, 3) keratometry >45.00 diopters, 4) corneal thickness at the apex of the cone is approximately 30 µm thinner than the corresponding distance above the pupil center, and 5) topographic patterns are not symmetric.

Conclusions:

Standard corneal topography maps and simple clinical evaluation criteria are fundamental to detect keratoconus suspects and keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S958–S962.]
Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 Inhibits Mast Cell Activation and Reduces Histamine Content
Authors: Tagen Michael , Elorza Alvaro , Kempuraj Duraisamy , Boucher William , Kepley Christopher L. , Shirihai Orian S. , Theoharides Theoharis C.
Published: October 2009

Mast cells are immune effector cells that are involved in allergies and inflammation through the release of mediators such as histamine, PGs, and cytokines. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial protein that inhibits insulin secretion from β cells, possibly through down-regulation of reactive oxygen species production. We hypothesized that UCP2 could also regulate mast cell activation. In this study, we show that mouse bone marrow mast cells (BMMCs) and human leukemic LAD2 mast cells express UCP2. BMMCs from Ucp2−/− mice exhibited greater histamine release, whereas overexpression of UCP2 in LAD2 cells reduced histamine release after both allergic and nonallergic triggers. Ucp2−/− BMMCs also had elevated histamine content and histidine decarboxylase expression. Histamine content was reduced by overexpression of UCP2 or treatment with the mitochondrial-targeted superoxide dismutase-mimetic (TBAP) tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin manganese(III). Furthermore, Ucp2−/− BMMCs also had greater production of both IL-6 and PGD2 as well as ERK phosphorylation, which is known to regulate PG synthesis. Intradermal administration of substance P, an activator of skin mast cells, and challenge with DNP-human serum albumin after passive sensitization induced significantly greater vascular permeability in the skin of Ucp2−/− mice in vivo. Our results suggest that UCP2 can regulate mast cell activation.
Targeting a Mimotope Vaccine to Activating Fcγ Receptors Empowers Dendritic Cells to Prime Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Gil Margaret , Bieniasz Magdalena , Wierzbicki Andrzej , Bambach Barbara J. , Rokita Hanna , Kozbor Danuta
Published: October 2009

A major challenge for inducing antitumor immune responses with native or modified tumor/self-Ags in tumor-bearing hosts relates to achieving efficient uptake and processing by dendritic cells (DCs) to activate immune effector cells and limit the generation of regulatory T cell activity. We analyzed the ability of therapeutic DC vaccines expressing a CD166 cross-reactive mimotope of the GD2 ganglioside, 47-LDA, to selectively expand adoptively transferred, tumor-specific T cells in NXS2 neuroblastoma tumor-bearing syngeneic mice. Before the adoptive cell transfer and DC vaccination, the tumor-bearing mice were lymphodepleted by nonmyeloablative total body irradiation or a myeloablative regimen that required bone marrow transplantation. The 47-LDA mimotope was presented to DCs either as a linear polypeptide in conjunction with universal Th epitopes or as a fusion protein with the murine IgG2a Fc fragment (47-LDA-Fcγ2a) to deliver the antigenic cassette to the activating Fcγ receptors. We demonstrate that immunization of adoptively transferred T cells in tumor-bearing mice with the 47-LDA mimotope expressed in the context of the activating Fc fusion protein induced higher levels of antitumor immune responses and protection than the 47-LDA polypeptide-DC vaccine. The antitumor efficacy of the therapeutic 47-LDA-Fcγ2a-DC vaccine was comparable to that achieved by a virotherapy-associated cancer vaccine using a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing the 47-LDA-Fcγ2a fusion protein. The latter treatment, however, did not require total body irradiation or adoptive cell transfer and resulted in induction of antitumor immune responses in the setting of established tolerance, paving the way for testing novel anticancer treatment strategies.
Nonhemopoietic Cell TLR4 Signaling Is Critical in Causing Early Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Ileus
Authors: Buchholz Bettina M. , Chanthaphavong R. Savanh , Bauer Anthony J. M.
Published: October 2009

Endotoxin-mediated ileus is poorly understood. Our objective was to mechanistically investigate the role of cell-specific TLR4 expression/signaling in causing gastrointestinal dysmotility. TLR4 chimeras and CSF-1-dependent macrophage-deficient mice were subjected to i.p. ultrapure (UP)-LPS (5 mg/kg). At 6 h, gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit assessed in vivo motility, and jejunal circular muscle contractility was measured in vitro. Muscularis infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes were counted, and intestinal muscularis inflammatory mediators were quantified by quantitative PCR. Demonstrating TLR4 dependency, UP-LPS-induced gastric stasis and ileus of TLR4WT mice were absent in mutant TLR4LPS-d mice. Unexpectedly, engraftment of TLR4-mutant bone marrow into TLR4-competent mice (bmTLR4LPS-d/TLR4WT) exhibited a significant transit delay to UP-LPS similar to bmTLR4WT/TLR4WT mice. CSF-1−/− mice were not protected from ileus. Contrary, UP-LPS-treated bmTLR4WT/TLR4LPS-d and bmTLR4LPS-d/TLR4LPS-d mice had normal transit. No leukocytic infiltration was detected at 6 h. Spontaneous jejunal contractions were markedly suppressed in UP-LPS-treated TLR4-competent mice, but bethanechol-stimulated contractions were not altered by UP-LPS in any group. UP-LPS-induced inflammatory mRNAs in a TLR4-dependent manner, but TLR4 mRNA itself was not significantly altered. In chimera mice, UP-LPS induction of IL-1β and IL-10 were hemopoietic dependent, and GM-CSF was nonhemopoietic dependent, whereas IL-6 and inducible NO synthase were derived from both cell types. Hemopoietic and nonhemopoietic cells contribute to TLR4-sensitive muscularis inflammatory signaling, but nonhemopoietic TLR4 signaling plays an exclusive primary role in causing functional UP-LPS-induced gastric stasis and ileus. Direct LPS suppression of spontaneous contractility participates in mediating early TLR4-transduced dysmotility.
Cysteinyl-Leukotriene Receptor Type 1 Expression and Function Is Down-Regulated during Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Maturation with Zymosan: Involvement of IL-10 and Prostaglandins
Authors: Thivierge Maryse , Stankova Jana , Rola-Pleszczynski Marek
Published: October 2009

TLRs sense microbial products and initiate adaptive immune responses by activating dendritic cells (DCs). DCs have been shown to produce leukotrienes and, conversely, leukotrienes are known to modulate several DC functions. In this study, we examined the modulation of expression and function of cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor type 1 (CysLT1) on human monocyte-derived DCs during their differentiation and subsequent maturation with zymosan, a TLR2 agonist. Maturation of DCs with zymosan reduced CysLT1 mRNA levels and protein expression in a time-dependent fashion and was associated with a diminution of functional responsiveness to leukotriene D4 as assessed by intracellular calcium mobilization, CCL2 and CCL3 production, and chemotaxis. The effect of zymosan was mediated by both TLR2 and dectin-1 activation. Zymosan also induced a rapid expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and the production of PGE2 and IL-10. Addition of an anti-IL-10 neutralizing Ab or inhibitors of cyclooxygenase greatly reduced the ability of zymosan to down-regulate CysLT1 expression. Down-regulation of CysLT1 expression by zymosan could be reproduced by a combination of IL-10 and PGE2, and was dependent on MAPK activation. Taken together, our findings indicate that zymosan down-regulates CysLT1 expression in DCs with consequently reduced functional responsiveness of the cells to leukotriene D4 stimulation. This effect is partially dependent on an endogenous production of PGs and IL-10 by DCs.
A classification and description of the shrubland vegetation on Platberg, Eastern Free State, South Africa
Authors: Brand Robert F. , Du Preez Pieter J. , Brown Leslie R.
Published: October 2009

The natural environment is constantly under threat from human-related activities. Platberg, overlooking the town of Harrismith in the Free State, is an inselberg that presents a refuge for indigenous plants and animals. The natural vegetation of the area is threatened by various farming and grazing practices, as well as by commercial development. In order to obtain baseline data and to obtain an improved understanding of the long-term ecological processes, the vegetation of Platberg was investigated to establish Afroalpine floristic links to the Drakensberg, as well as for the management of natural resources. From a Two-Way Indicator-Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) classification, refined by Braun–Blanquet methods, four major plant communities were identified, which were subdivided into fynbos, wetland, woody/shrub and grassland. A classification and description of the shrubland is presented in this article. The analysis showed the shrubland divided into 20 different plant communities, which are grouped into eight major communities, 13 sub-communities and eight variants. A total of 450 species was recorded from 109 relevés. A total of 24 endemic, or near-endemic, and Red Data species belonging to the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC) was collected, with 22 alien (introduced) species also being recorded. Numerous floristic links with the DAC, the Cape Floristic Region and the Grassland Bioregions to the north and west were found.Conservation implications: The floristic composition and community analysis proves Platberg to be an important centre for plant diversity, with high species richness, a variety of habitats, and complex ecosystems. This description of the woodland communities can be used to assist with the setting of criteria for the management and protection of inselbergs in the province.
HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the impact on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness: The South African manufacturing industry as a case study
Authors: Van Zyl Gerhardus , Lubisi Carol
Published: October 2009

The aim of the article was to determine the extent of the negative impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness. The South African manufacturing sector was used as a case study. The above-mentioned research was deemed necessary, as very limited research has been published specifically on the technical measuring of the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness in South Africa. A survey questionnaire was designed for use in the research in order to capture the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on all levels of firm efficiency and firm competitiveness. A detailed statistical analysis of the results of the survey questionnaire and the parameter estimates of impact log-linear econometric power functions indicated that the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness was becoming more prevalent and serious, as it is underpinned by the statistical significance of the results and the high elasticity coefficients of the estimated log-linear power functions. It is recommended that human resource managers implement and manage HIV/AIDS programmes more effectively in order to counter the extent of the negative impact on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness.
The Duality Problem for the Class of AM-Compact Operators on Banach Lattices
Authors: Aqzzouz Belmesnaoui , Nouira Redouane , Zraoula Larbi
Published: October 2009

We prove the converse of a theorem of Zaanen about the duality problem of positive AM-compact operators.
A Remark on Extensions of CR Functions from Hyperplanes
Authors: Baracco Luca
Published: October 2009

In the characterization of the range of the Radon transform, one encounters the problem of the holomorphic extension of functions defined on ℝ2 \ Δℝ (where Δℝ is the diagonal in ℝ2) and which extend as “separately holomorphic” functions of their two arguments. In particular, these functions extend in fact to ℂ2 \ Δℂ where Δℂ is the complexification of Δℝ. We take this theorem from the integral geometry and put it in the more natural context of the CR geometry where it accepts an easier proof and amore general statement. In this new setting it becomes a variant of the celebrated “edge of the wedge” theorem of Ajrapetyan and Henkin.
The Minimal Number of Three-Term Arithmetic Progressions Modulo a Prime Converges to a Limit
Authors: Croot Ernie
Published: October 2009

How few three-term arithmetic progressions can a subset S ⊆ ℤN := ℤ/Nℤ have if |S| ≥ υN (that is, S has density at least υ)? Varnavides showed that this number of arithmetic progressions is at least c(υ)N2 for sufficiently large integers N. It is well known that determining good lower bounds for c(υ) > 0 is at the same level of depth as Erdös's famous conjecture about whether a subset T of the naturals where Σn∈T 1/n diverges, has a k-term arithmetic progression for k = 3 (that is, a three-term arithmetic progression).

We answer a question posed by B. Green about how this minimial number of progressions oscillates for a fixed density υ as N runs through the primes, and as N runs through the odd positive integers.
A Note on Integer Symmetric Matrices and Mahler's Measure
Authors: Dobrowolski Edward
Published: October 2009

We find a lower bound on the absolute value of the discriminant of the minimal polynomial of an integral symmetric matrix and apply this result to find a lower bound on Mahler's measure of related polynomials and to disprove a conjecture of D. Estes and R. Guralnick.
Følner Nets for Semidirect Products of Amenable Groups
Authors: Janzen David
Published: October 2009

For unimodular semidirect products of locally compact amenable groups N and H, we show that one can always construct a Følner net of the form (Aα × Bβ) for G, where (Aα) is a strong form of Følner net for N and (Bβ) is any Følner net for H. Applications to the Heisenberg and Euclidean motion groups are provided.
COMPETENCY-BASED UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING MANAGEMENT: PROPOSAL FOR A CONCEPTUAL MODEL
Authors: Schmal Rodolfo , Schffernicht Martin , Tagle Andres Ruiz
Published: October 2009

The human resources societies and their organizations can count on are more and more relevant. In that sense, a major challenge faced by universities is to give students the appropriate background to be professionals with the profile the current scenario requires. This article focuses the management of university careers. Historically, many careers have emphasized knowledge, especially abstract knowledge. Today, the trend is to address aspects that reach beyond cognition, and focus the attention in effective competencies that include procedures and attitudes. Such approach allows the opportunity of defining a holistic management of careers, reaching beyond the sheer teaching of disciplines. Concurrently, the availability of information methods and tools will contribute for the definition and implementation of a design process that can work with explicit criteria and transformations. The article proposes a conceptual model to represent the objects, and their attributes and associations that are considered of interest for the management of university teaching under a competency focus. A second stage should implement such model through the construction of an information system that supports the management of corresponding careers.
Workability of a Management Control Model in Service Organizations: A Comparative Study of Reactive, Proactive and Coactive Philosophies
Authors: Onome Imoniana Joshua
Published: October 2009

The main objective of this study was to compare and contrast the three philosophies of management control models in the process of decision-making, namely reactive, proactive and the coactive. Research methodology was based on literature review and descriptive/exploratory approach. Additionally, a survey of 20 service organizations was carried out in order to make the analysis wider-reaching. In order to do that, the following steps were followed: firstly, fundamentals of reactive, proactive and coactive models were highlighted; secondly, management behaviors in the three approaches were compared, with concepts and their practical application being highlighted, thus retrieving managerial relationships in the organization. In so doing, we draw the hypothesis that middle and top managers who adopt control models that are distant from a more coactive one, usually spend a greater number of working hours in problem-solving, leaving little or no time for planning purposes. Finally, for study consolidation purpose, we have adopted qualitative data collection, whereby a content analysis was carried out with the assistance of six categories. Results have shown the need for a change in management paradigms so that firms are not only compared through financial perspectives, without considering the analysis of management control models which, according to this study, directly influence the operational results of the organizations.
Tools of Knowledge Dissemination Within a National Defense Institution for Innovation, Technology and Science
Authors: Ramalho de Souza Carvalho Antonio , De Mascarenhas Carlos Cezar , Aparecida de Araújo Querido Oliveira Edson
Published: October 2009

This paper describes and analyzes in a National Defense Institution for Innovation, Technology and Science its tools of knowledge dissemination. The methodology contemplates the period of 2004 and 2005. Qualitative and quantitative information orientate the research in order to understand focal aspects on knowledge dissemination, in comparison with theoretical references of renowned authors and other elaborated research searching for elements to perform an organizational diagnosis, focused on the knowledge dissemination as well as on the forces which promote or obstruct the organizational development. Conclusions are that the tools of knowledge dissemination must suitable to spread the tacit knowledge in such a way as the explicit ones and that, in a National Defense Institution, other important aspects must be considered, a time that, being the spread knowledge of wrong form can, besides bringing damages for the organization, to compromise the national sovereignty.
Information Systems Adherence in the Decision Taking: a Multicase Study With Business Games
Authors: Antônio Maccari Emerson , Sauaia Antonio
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study is to identify the adherence of the Information Systems (IS) to the variables of an experiment based on business games. This relation was measured by means of the companies financial performance indicator ROE - Return on Equity. A multi-case study method was adopted to compare seven companies. Six out of seven developed an ISs - Information System. A strong adherence of the IS to the variables of the experiment and the performance reached by the companies was observed. The results reinforce the Fritzsche, Rodich and Cotter's (1987) research discoveries, pointing to a direct relation between the use of Information Systems and the financial performance measured by ROE.
An Integrated Methodology for Customer Relationship Management Customization
Authors: Palacios Ricardo Colomo , Berbís Juan Miguel Gómez , Crespo Ángel García
Published: October 2009

The importance and presence of technological solutions in organizations supporting CRM are a vital business fact from the late nineties. Presently, the manufacturers figure in the market has dramatically decreased because of continuous takeovers and merges, but it has on the other hand gained momentum because of the sudden open-source and on-demand solutions appearance. In this scope, a unified methodology centered on CRM solutions is of paramount importance since it has traditionally been linked to either system integration or overall solution design. Based on the two de-facto complementary standards for the implementation and development of Information Systems, namely the ESA and Dyché CRM systems implementation methodology, in this paper, we provide a CRM business solutions customization methodology which pertains independently to the integration and tool maker perspective.
Impacts of Bovine Traceability Implantation in Computerized Rural Companies: Case Studies
Authors: Cócaro Henri , Jesus José Carlos dos Santos
Published: October 2009

This study looked into evaluating the impacts that the adhesion to the bovine traceability caused in four agricultural companies that adopted or used ITs for tracked herd management. After comparing the case studies it was concluded that the adhesion to traceability caused the adoption of ITs, mainly of the management and traceability system for beef cattle and the electronic scale; the zoo technical changes that happened were, the individual identification of the animals, the control of animal stock and the possibility to determine performance and reproductive indexes; the management changes that happened were the development of new controls by filing the animal identification document (DIA), the documentation of the purchase, use and exit of inputs (nutritional and sanitarian), and the documentation of animal movements. It was not verified the return of managerial or zoo technical information by SISBOV that aided the companies in their decision-taking process.