bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing transoceanic migration patterns of Pacific bluefin tuna using a chemical tracer toolbox
Authors: Madigan Daniel J. , Baumann Zofia , Carlisle Aaron B. , Hoen Danielle K. , Popp Brian N. , Dewar Heidi , Snodgrass Owyn E. , Block Barbara A. , Fisher Nicholas S.
Published: December 2013

Large pelagic predators play important roles in oceanic ecosystems, and may migrate vast distances to utilize resources in different marine ecoregions. Understanding movement patterns of migratory marine animals is critical for effective management, but often challenging, due to the cryptic habitat of pelagic migrators and the difficulty of assessing past movements. Chemical tracers can partially circumvent these challenges by reconstructing recent migration patterns. Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis; PBFT) inhabit the western and eastern Pacific Ocean, and are in steep decline due to overfishing. Understanding age‐specific eastward transpacific migration patterns can improve management practices, but these migratory dynamics remain largely unquantified. Here, we combine a Fukushima‐derived radiotracer (134Cs) with bulk tissue and amino acid stable isotope analyses of PBFT to distinguish recent migrants from residents of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The proportion of recent migrants to residents decreased in older year classes, though the proportion of older PBFT that recently migrated across the Pacific was greater than previous estimates. This novel toolbox of biogeochemical tracers can be applied to any species that crosses the North Pacific Ocean.
Chlorophyll Meter Readings, Leaf Area Index, and Their Stability as Assessments of Yield and Quality in Sugar Beet Cultivars Grown in Two Contrasting Environments
Authors: Tsialtas J. T. , Baxevanos D. , Maslaris N.
Published: December 2013

Across 2 yr and two locations in central Greece, 12 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars were tested for yield (fresh root weight [FRW], sugar yield [SY], and white sugar yield [WSY]), sucrose content (SC) (% in fresh root weight), and their stability. Cultivar differences in photosynthetic machinery were nondestructively assessed by leaf chlorophyll (soil plant analysis development [SPAD] readings) and leaf area index (LAI) measurements on four occasions during the growing season, within the first week of June, July, August, and September 2004 and 2005. Values over the four measurements conducted during the growing season of the physiological parameters (SPAD value over the four measurements conducted during the growing season [SPADM] and LAI value over the four measurements conducted during the growing season [LAIM]) and measurements of SPAD in June (SPAD1) and LAI in July (LAI2) showed broad‐sense heritability similar or even higher than those of yields. Both SPAD1 and LAI2 correlated positively with SPADM and LAIM, respectively, indicating that a single measurement, at a certain time point, might assess cultivar performance over the growing season. Three cultivars (Corsica, Palma, and Creta) performed best among the 12 genotypes, combining the highest WSY and stability as a genotype and genotype × environment biplot analysis depicted. Despite the fact that no relationship between SPAD and yields (FRW, SY, and WSY) or SC was found, cultivars instable in SPAD, as assessed by the Shukla stability variance (σ2i) (σ2i of SPAD1 and σ2i of SPADM), were shown to be the high yielding ones. On the contrary, cultivars with high and stable LAIs (LAI2 and LAIM) had the highest and more stable yields. Under the Mediterranean conditions of this work, where sugar beets suffer successive defoliations and regrowths, cultivars to yield better are those that sustain high LAI canopies with adapting “greenness” to the prevailing environmental conditions.
Evaluation of Turf‐type Interspecific Hybrids of Meadow Fescue with Perennial Ryegrass for Improved Stress Tolerance
Authors: Barnes Brent D. , Kopecký David , Lukaszewski Adam J. , Baird James H.
Published: December 2013

Broadening the genetic pool of crop species by wide hybridization is an established practice in plant breeding. Festuca × Lolium hybrids (Festulolium) are already established as commercial forage grasses around the world. By recurrent selection for drought and heat tolerance we developed turf‐type populations of FL with increased stress tolerance. This improvement appeared associated with the presence of an introgression of meadow fescue [Festuca pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.] chromatin on chromosome 3 of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). To determine if deeper and more extensive root characteristics were responsible for increased stress tolerance, a greenhouse study was conducted on FL both with and without the introgression, parental controls, and tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.). In two experiments in sand‐filled tubes, meadow fescue (MF) produced the deepest roots, most root biomass, and highest root:shoot ratio; FL and perennial ryegrass (PR) were intermediate while tall fescue (TF) ranked at or near the bottom for these traits. The results suggested that drought tolerance in FL was not a consequence of altered root depth or biomass. In a 2‐yr field study of drought tolerance at deficit irrigation (50–70% ETo), turf quality of FL and PR was significantly greater compared to the fescues; FL populations appeared to offer greater turf quality during drought conditions than the fescues, but they did not differ from PR itself. In only 1 yr were mature TF stands equal to PR and FL in recovery rates. While the actual mechanism is still obscure, it appears that, with additional breeding and selection, FL hybrids have the potential to withstand water deficit at least as well as TF, while providing better turf quality.
Survey of Plant Density Tolerance in U.S. Maize Germplasm
Authors: Mansfield Brian D. , Mumm Rita H.
Published: December 2013

A broad range of U.S. maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm was evaluated for plant density tolerance (PDT) to identify potential sources of favorable alleles and to obtain a better understanding the underlying genetics involved. Thirty‐two hybrids created using a set of inbreds representing parentage of key heterotic subgroups were evaluated at plant densities ranging from 47,000 (19,000 plants per acre [ppA]) to 133,000 plants ha−1 (54,000 ppA). Forty‐eight phenotypic traits from five categories (photosynthetic capability, plant architecture, growth responses, source–sink relationship, and general stress tolerance) as well as grain yield were evaluated in three environments that differed for levels of soil moisture availability. The relationship between plant density and grain yield was assessed for each hybrid, with a wide range of responses observed. Five hybrids showed substantial tolerance to plant densities ≥116,000 plants ha−1 based on grain yield performance. Phenotypic trait correlations revealed a subset of traits associated with grain yield across plant densities, with all five categories of traits implicated directly; the subset included leaf angle, upper stem diameter, leaf area required to produce a gram of grain, kernel rows per ear, days to canopy closure, barrenness, kernels per plant, kernel length, leaf number, upper leaf area, staygreen, zipper effect, kernels per row, and anthesis–silking interval. Analysis of gene action for grain yield across plant densities emphasized the prominence of additivity, the increasing importance of nonadditivity as plant density and environmental stress levels increased, and genotype by environment interaction. This work paves the way for further characterization of PDT through quantitative trait locus mapping and candidate gene approaches.
Genes and Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Biomass Yield and Forage Quality Traits in Perennial Wildrye
Authors: Larson Steven R. , Jensen Kevin B. , Robins Joseph G. , Waldron Blair L.
Published: December 2013

Native perennial grasses have potential as low‐input biomass feedstocks. Basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) Á. Löve] is the largest native grass in western North America but is susceptible to defoliation. Creeping wildrye [Leymus triticoides (Buckley) Pilg.] is a shorter less productive grass with durable rhizomes and higher forage quality. Two creeping wildrye pseudo‐backcross populations derived from interspecific hybrids were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling plant height, rhizome spreading, flowering, postanthesis biomass yield, cellulosic fiber, lignin, and protein traits using a linkage map comprising 376 expressed sequence tags and 423 other DNA markers. Biomass yields of the F1 hybrids and pseudo‐backcross populations were significantly greater than creeping wildrye with some genotypes nearly equal to or greater than basin wildrye. Rhizome spreading and forage quality of the creeping wildrye pseudo‐backcross populations were significantly greater than basin wildrye. Six of nine plant height QTL overlap with biomass QTL. Three flowering QTL detected in both populations overlap with fiber QTL. Plant height and flowering QTL were aligned to genes controlling dwarfing, photoperiod response, and vernalization in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using the Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv. genome reference sequence. Evidence suggests that genetic mechanisms controlling plant height and flowering are conserved among temperate grasses and reveals pathways for improving biomass production and forage quality.
Cattle Grazing Preference among Tetraploid and Diploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars
Authors: Solomon Juan K. Q. , Macoon Bisoondat , Lang David J. , Vann Rhonda C. , Ward Stephanie
Published: December 2013

Determination of animal preference in the early stages of the evaluation process of new forages may provide insights into potential animal performance as well as plant responses to grazing. A 2‐yr study was conducted at Raymond, MS, to determine grazing preference of cattle between tetraploid and diploid annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cultivars and its relationship with morphological and chemical characteristics. Treatments were two tetraploid cultivars, Maximus and Nelson, and two diploid cultivars, Marshall and Gulf, arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Eight Angus crossbred yearling steers (Bos taurus) (initial body weight of 320 ± 19 kg) were used to determine grazing preference based on herbage disappearance, the Chesson–Manly (CM) index, and amount of time spent grazing. In both years, herbage disappearance was greater for the tetraploid (1380 kg ha−1) than diploid cultivars (895 kg ha−1), with greater CM index for the tetraploid than for the diploid cultivars (8.1 vs. 5.8% in Year 1 and 6.9 vs. 5.5% in Year 2). Also, animals spent about 10% greater time grazing the tetraploid than diploid cultivars during both years. During the first year, the tetraploid cultivars had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (556 vs. 589 g kg−1) and less acid detergent fiber (ADF) (341 vs. 359 vs. g kg−1) than the diploid cultivars and Nelson had greater water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration (184 g kg−1) than the other three cultivars (152 g kg−1). In the second year, NDF, ADF, and WSC were not different among cultivars. Tetraploid cultivars had a greater proportion of leaf than diploid cultivars. The results indicate that cattle showed greater preference for tetraploid cultivars, which appeared to be linked mainly with pregraze herbage mass and the proportion of leaf.
Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an efficient heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for phenol removal at relatively wide pH values
Authors: Wang Wei , Mao Qiong , He Huanhuan , Zhou Minghua
Published: December 2013

In order to promote the practical application of the heterogeneous Fenton process in wastewater treatment, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared and used to degrade organic pollutants efficiently over a wide pH range, using phenol as a model. During fabrication, the effects of Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio and thermal treatment temperature were investigated and optimized. Using a transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, the nanoparticles were found in the form of Fe3O4 with an average size of 15 nm. The effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticle concentration H2O2 concentration, and pH on the removal efficiency and chemical oxygen demand (COD) abatement efficiency of phenol were investigated. Under optimized conditions, the nano-Fe3O4 heterogeneous Fenton system could achieve phenol and COD removal efficiencies of 100 and 70% respectively. This nanocatalyst was observed to have a high efficiency at a wider pH range (2–9), and a possible mechanisms for this effect was proposed.
Hydraulics characteristics of tipping sediment flushing gate
Authors: Bong C. H. J. , Lau T. L. , Ab. Ghani A.
Published: December 2013

This paper highlights a preliminary study on the potential of a tipping flush gate to be used in an open storm drain to remove sediment. The investigation was carried out by using a plasboard model of the tipping flush gate installed in a rectangular flume. A steady flow experiment was carried out to determine the discharge coefficients and also the outflow relationship of the tipping flush gate. The velocity produced by the gate at various distances downstream of the gate during flushing operation was measured using a flowmeter and the velocity at all the points was higher than the recommended self-cleansing design available in the literature. A preliminary experiment on the efficiency of flushing was conducted using uniform sediment with d50 sizes of 0.81, 1.53 and 4.78 mm. Results generally showed that the number of flushes required to totally remove the sediment from the initial position by a distance of 1 m increased by an average of 1.50 times as the sediment deposit bed thickness doubled. An equation relating the number of flushes required to totally remove the sediment bed for 1 m with the sediment bed deposit thickness was also developed for the current study.
Steroid oestrogens in the environment: an Australian perspective
Authors: Sutcliffe Sarah , Clarke Bradley O. , Jones Oliver A. H.
Published: December 2013

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been in the scientific spotlight since the 1980s. However, there has been much less research reported in Australia than in other developed countries and little information is known about how these compounds interact with native Australian species compared to European and North American fauna. This is of concern because Australia has distinct wildlife and environments that face increasing intensity and frequency of extreme, climatic events compared to northern hemisphere countries. Since oestrogenic compounds cannot be prevented from entering wastewater their management and removal must occur at wastewater treatment plants. Biological treatment is the most effective tool in this regard; however the financial and environmental costs must be balanced with the environmental benefit to effectively plan treatment options. Since standard risk assessment models and procedures developed internationally are unlikely to translate well to Australian ecosystems, new, novel and localised research on both the monitoring and assessment of EDCs in Australian wastewater and receiving aquatic environments is recommended. This includes the development of relevant bioassays and application of treatment technologies that reflect the local community and climate.
Influence of process parameters on phosphorus recovery by struvite formation from urine
Authors: Liu Xiaoning , Hu Zhengyi , Zhu Chunyou , Wen Guoqi , Meng Xianchao , Lu Jia
Published: December 2013

Batch experiments were conducted to examine the influence of various process parameters on phosphorus (P) recovery by struvite formation from urine. The results showed that the Mg/P molar ratio is one of the most important parameters affecting P recovery. The Mg/P molar ratio of 1.3 was found the most reasonable for struvite formation, and the P removal efficiency reached more than 96.6%. An increase in pH of urine solutions from 8.7 to 10.0 did not significantly affect P removal, but the quality of crystal formed at pH 10.0 was poor based on scanning electron microscopy analysis. A longer mixing time positively affected struvite formation, and compared to without mixing, the P removal efficiency increased from 72.7 to 97.3% after 5 min of mixing. The addition of seed material had no influence on the P removal efficiency, but contributed to the formation of struvite clusters.
Suitability of ozone pre-treatment for amoxicillin wastewater
Authors: Lefebvre O. , Shi X. , Tein J. G. , Ng H. Y.
Published: December 2013

This study deals with the ozonation of amoxicillin in real pharmaceutical wastewater and its efficacy as a pre-treatment, prior to biological degradation by a mixed culture of bacteria in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). An ozone utilization of 0.27 g/g-COD (chemical oxygen demand) lowered the pH of the wastewater to 6.6, reduced the specific ultraviolet absorption by 43% and increased the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentration by 37%. The BOD:COD ratio became equal to 0.89, making the ozonated wastewater seemingly suitable for biological treatment; however, when the ozonated effluent was fed to the SBR, the reactor performance degraded, an effect which was attributed to ozonation by-products. In conclusion, ozonation might not be a suitable pre-treatment for pharmaceutical wastewater containing amoxicillin, and biotreatment with properly acclimated biomass may be a better option for treatment of such pharmaceutical wastewater.
Copper(II) removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption on non-treated and chemically modified cactus fibres
Authors: Prodromou M. , Pashalidis I.
Published: December 2013

The adsorption efficiency of a biomass by-product (cactus fibres) regarding the removal of copper(II) from aqueous solutions has been investigated before and after its chemical treatment. The chemical treatment of the biomass by-product included phosphorylation and MnO2-coating. The separation/removal efficiency has been studied as a function of pH, Cu(II) concentration, ionic strength, temperature and contact time. Evaluation of the experimental data shows that the MnO2-coated product presents the highest adsorption capacity, followed by the non-treated and phosphorylated material. Regarding the effect of ionic strength/salinity on the adsorption, in contrast to the removal efficiency of the phosphorylated product, which is significantly affected, the MnO2-coated and non-treated material don't show any effect, indicating the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes. The adsorption reaction is in all cases endothermic and relatively fast, particularly the adsorption on the MnO2-coated product. The results of the present study indicate that for the removal of bivalent metal-ions from contaminated waters the MnO2-coated material is expected to be the most effective adsorbent and an alternative to MnO2 resins for the treatment of environmentally relevant waters.
The photoconversion of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane under UV irradiation in water, snow and ice
Authors: Xue Honghai , Tang Xiaojian , Kang Chunli , Liu Jia , Shi Lei , Wang Hongliang , Yang Ting
Published: December 2013

The photochemistry of organic pollutants has received increasing attention in ice and snow. In this work, the photoconversion of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) under UV irradiation was investigated in water, snow and ice. The photoconversion rate, products and mechanisms were inspected, and the effect of inorganic ions (NO2−, NO3−, HCO3− and Fe2+) was discussed. The results showed that γ-HCH could be photoconverted in water, snow and ice, with the photoconversion rate being fastest in snow, and slowest in ice. All photoconversion could be described by the first-order kinetics model. In water, snow and ice, the common photoproducts of γ-HCH were alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) and pentachlorocyclohexene. α-HCH was generated by a change in the bonding of a chlorine atom in γ-HCH; pentachlorocyclohexene was generated by the removal of a molecule of chlorine hydride from a molecule of γ-HCH. Different concentrations of NO2−, NO3− and HCO3− all inhibited the photoconversion of γ-HCH, and the inhibition effect decreased with increasing concentrations of NO2− and NO3−, but increased with the increasing concentrations of HCO3−. Different concentrations of Fe2+ promoted the photoconversion of γ-HCH in water and ice, but had little effect in snow.
Intraspecific Morphological Variation in Two Common Marine Fish Species from South Africa
Authors: Mattson Eric , Belk Mark C.
Published: December 2013

Intraspecific morphological variation in fish is typically associated with sexual dimorphism, or one of three
common environmental gradients: variation in intensity of predation, variation in water velocity, or variation in feeding
niche. The preponderance of examples of environment-associated morphological variation within fish species has been
documented in freshwater systems. It is not clear whether environment-associated intraspecific morphological variation is
less common in marine fishes or whether there has just been a lack of investigation. We used geometric morphometric
analysis to quantify shape variation in two species of South African marine fish commonly harvested for human consumption,
Pterogymnus laniarius (panga), and Argyrosomus inodorus (silver kob). Neither species exhibited significant sexual
dimorphism, but both species exhibited significant intraspecific morphological variation. This variation appears consistent
with patterns expected from variation along the benthic-pelagic feeding niche continuum.
Synthesis and characterization of bioactive binuclear transition metal complexes of Schiff base ligand derived from 4-amino-pyrimidine-2-one, diacetyl and glycine
Authors: Srivastava Abhay , Singh Netra , Shriwastaw Chandra
Published: December 2013

A series of novel binuclear transition metal complexes was synthesized by
reaction of a Schiff base ligand
(1-Methyl-2-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyrimidin-4-ylimino)-propylideneamino-acetic
acid) (LaH) derived from 4-amino-pyrimidine-2-one, diacetyl, glycine and
corresponding chloride salt of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) metals in
1:1 (metal : ligand) molar ratio. The compounds were characterized by
elemental analyses, molar conductance measurement, magnetic moment
measurement and various spectral studies viz. IR, UV-visible, 1H-NMR,
13C-NMR, EPR and ESI-MS. Molar conductance measurement data revealed
non-electrolytic nature of metal complexes. Electronic absorption spectral
data, electronic paramagnetic resonance parameters and magnetic moment values
revealed an octahedral geometry for binuclear metal complexes. Cyclic
voltammetric study of Ni(II) complex shows a couple of one electron anodic
responses near 0.70 V and 1.10 V. In vitro biological activity of Schiff base
ligand and binuclear complexes has been checked against bacteria
(Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella
typhi) and fungi (Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis) to assess their
antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Study on efficient removal of clopyralid from water using resorcinol-formaldehyde carbon cryogel
Authors: Momcilovic Milan , Randjelovic Marjan , Onjia Antonije , Zarubica Aleksandra , Babic Biljana , Matovic Branko
Published: December 2013

Resorcinol-formaldehyde carbon cryogel has been prepared, characterized and
used for the removal of commonly used herbicide clopyralid from the aqueous
solutions under varying experimental conditions. Carbon has shown a
relatively high specific surface area, significant mesoporosity and an
amorphous structure. A set of the following isotherm models has been used to
interpret the equilibrium data: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin,
Dubinin-Radushkevich, Jovanovic, Hurkins-Jura, and Helsey model. Several
models have fitted well although the calculated values for qmax poorly
correlate with the data obtained experimentally. The kinetic models of the
pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order, the models of Elovich, Bangham and the
intraparticle diffusion model have been used for fitting the kinetic data.
The rate of the process is fast in the beginning while adsorption equilibrium
is attained not until 24 hours. Adsorption was found to be pH dependent and
favored in acidic solutions.
Two-dimensional simulation of laser ablation with 235 nanosecond pulses
Authors: Ghalamdaran Sousan , Parvin Parviz , Javad Torkamany Mohamad , Sabbagh Zadeh Jamshid
Published: December 2013

A two-dimensional thermal model of nanosecond pulsed laser ablation is developed to describe the physical processes, the plasma absorption, the crater profile, and the temperature distribution on a gold target and below the surface. The surface temperature and the plasma plume are coupled to the target through the Knudsen layer at the target–vapor interface. The simulation results of crater shape have been compared with the experimental outcomes obtained by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser having 1064 nm wavelength, 235 ns duration, 70 μm spot size on the target, and pulse energy of 2.5 mJ leading to the intensity less than 109 W/cm2. According to the model results the material removal process continues for a long time after the end of pulse irradiation, about 1200 ns after the beginning of the laser pulse irradiance. This model is valid when the phase explosion does not occur; it means that the target surface temperature is less than the critical value.
Cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases caused by Legionella longbeachae serogroup 1, Scotland, August to September 2013
Authors: Potts A , Donaghy M , Marley M , Othieno R , Stevenson J , Hyland J , Pollock K G , Lindsay D , Edwards G , Hanson M F , Helgason K O
Published: December 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus seroprevalence in domestic livestock in Saudi Arabia, 2010 to 2013
Authors: Hemida M G , Perera R A , Wang P , Alhammadi M A , Siu L Y , Li M , Poon L L , Saif L , Alnaeem A , Peiris M
Published: December 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Optical characterization of aminosilane-modified silicon dioxide surface for biosensing
Authors: Terracciano M. , Rea I. , Politi J. , De Stefano L.
Published: December 2013

Silicon dioxide surfaces, functionalized by two aminosilane compounds (3-amino-propyl-triethoxysilane, APTES; 3-amino-propyl-dimethyl-ethoxysilane, APDMES) both dissolved in different solvents (dry ethanol and toluene), have been investigated by standard techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), water contact angle (WCA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Silane thicknesses between 5 and 80 Å have been found, depending on deposition conditions; surface wettabilities change, accordingly. These organic-inorganic interfaces have also been modified by a cross-linker (bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate) in order to covalently bind a fluorescein labeled protein A. The amount of protein linked to functional surfaces has been quantified by SE and fluorescence microscopy. These results could be very useful in developing new platforms for optical biosensing.
Label-free discrimination of cells undergoing apoptosis by hyperspectral confocual reflectance imaging
Authors: Bertani F. R. , Botti E. , Costanzo A. , Ferrari L. , Mussi V. , D’Alessandro M. , Selci S.
Published: December 2013

Among the optical techniques used for exploring the properties of cells and tissues, those based on hyperspectral label-free analysis are particularly interesting due to their non-invasive character and their ability to fast collect a huge number of information on the different sample constituents and their spatial distribution. Here we present results obtained with a novel hyperspectral reflectance confocal microscope of label-free discrimination of cells undergoing apoptosis. Our data, analyzed by means of a powerful statistical method, enable to obtain information on the biological status at a single cell level through the local measurement of reflectivity. Furthermore, an optical model of the local dielectric response gives an additional insight of the parameters linking the optical responsivity to the biological status.
Improved magnetic resonance myelography of the lumbar spine using image fusion and volumetry
Authors: Eberhardt Knut , Ganslandt Oliver , Stadlbauer Andreas
Published: December 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to investigate the usefulness and diagnostic potential of an improved MR myelography approach using a dedicated, heavily T2-weighted, 3D MRI sequence in combination with image fusion. A further aim was to compare dural areas and volumes of normal and pathological altered lumbar spine levels, and accuracy in the assessment of the stenoses, with those obtained by postmyelographic CT.

Methods

Fifty patients underwent myelography, postmyelographic CT, and the improved MR myelography approach using a dedicated, heavily T2-weighted, 3D MRI sequence and image fusion. Dural cross-sectional areas and volumes for normal lumbar levels and levels with stenosis were calculated for postmyelographic CT and MR myelography data. The significant differences and Pearson correlations between dural cross-sectional areas and volumes from L1–2 to L5–S1 of postmyelographic CT and MR myelography were analyzed. The 99% CIs for normal and stenotic levels in patients with claudication distances less than 100 meters were calculated.

Results

For both dural areas and volumes in normal lumbar levels, the authors found no significant differences and strong correlations between postmyelographic CT and MR myelography. For the lower lumbar levels (L4–5 and L5–S1) they found significantly larger dural areas on MR myelography compared with postmyelographic CT, but not for the upper levels (L2–3 and L3–4). Dural volume analysis revealed significantly larger volumes for MR myelography at all 4 lumbar levels with stenoses in the cohort (L2–3 to L5–S1). Complete separation with no overlap was found between the 99% CIs for normal levels and stenotic levels.

Conclusions

Differences in dural areas and volumes in this study may have been caused by the fact that in the case of a severely compressed thecal sac, the viscosity of the intrathecally applied contrast agent is too high in the framework of myelography. The gravitationally dependent component is thus too low to achieve sufficient fluid contrast. An optimized MR myelography approach—a dedicated 3D MR myelography sequence with high spatial resolution in combination with image fusion—is required to achieve a more reliable diagnosis of lumbar spine stenoses, especially with severe compression, compared with postmyelographic CT. This MR myelography approach may be helpful in preventing overestimation of lumbar spine stenoses. The upper limits of 99% CIs for stenotic levels can be interpreted as an indication for surgical treatment. However, further studies that include postoperative outcomes are required.
La vie à Gorée de 1677 à 1789
Authors: Knight-Baylac Marie-Hélène
Published: December 2013

During the period 1677-1789, the population of the island of Groree increased considerably ; consequently, the occupation extended and improved. Europeans, who first lived in the forts, left them on the XVIIIe century and neglected their maintenance ; they built their homes and différent edifices on the lower part of the island, mingling with the natives. In 1786, the town occupied almost the whole plain ; there were 85 hard constructions, but most of the Negroes lived in straw houses.

At the same time, the population passed from 257 inhabitants in 1749 to 1840 in 1785. This expansion is due mostly to the increase of free Negroes and Mulattoes possessing more and more captives. While the mulatto women were frequently wealthy and played an important role, the Negroes, some of them employed by the French, were poor. The white population was composed of the garnison, members of the administration, employées and servants. A director was in charge of ail that population by the time companies were appointed by the King ; after 1763, there was a governor, and, after 1778, a commander ; an administrator was sometimes appointed at the same time. Besides this permanent population, there were the slaves bought on the continent and awaiting their departure towards the New World. The island being barren, supplying it was a real problem. Provisions coming from France were unsufficient ; white people depended upon the Negroes of the continent for supplies of water, food, wood and materials. Some treaties were concluded to resolve the difficulties but they had no results. Hence the idea of abandonning Goree for Dakar pointed out at the end of the xvme century.
La politique religieuse de Gallieni à Madagascar pendant les premières années de l'occupation française (1896- 1900), d'après les documents du dépôt des Archives d'Outre-Mer à Aix
Authors: Gontard Maurice
Published: December 2013

Plusieurs missions protestantes (London Missionary Society, Friends Foreign Mission Association, mission luthérienne norvégienne, mission anglicane)et la mission catholique exerçaient leur activité à Madagascar en 1896. Les missions protestantes, et en particulier la L.M.S., avaient été en faveur sous le gouvernement royal. La mission catholique dirigée par les Jésuites compte, en 1896, sur l'occupation militaire française pour obtenir des avantages et étendre son influence.

Gallieni, en accord avec le gouvernement français, se prononce au contraire pour une politique de stricte neutralité religieuse (circulaire du 5 octobre 1896). Il s'efforce en même temps d'affaiblir les missions les plus puissantes, celles dont l'affrontement menace la paix religieuse, L.M.S. et Jésuites ; il intervient en particulier pour substituer la Mission protestante française aux Anglais de la L.M.S. Il exige enfin de toutes les missions qu'elles suivent les directives scolaires de l'administration et introduisent rapidement l'enseignement du français dans leurs écoles.Gallieni réussit à maintenir la paix religieuse dans la Grande Ile, avec des phases alternées d'apaisement et d'effervescence, liées aux développement de la politique internationale. Le général reproche à la Mission protestante française, qui s'est partiellement substituée à la L.M.S. en 1897, de rester inféodée à la mission britannique. Il reproche à toutes les missions de n'accepter qu'à contre-cœur les directives sur l'enseignement et développe de plus en plus un enseignement public laïque plus docile aux instructions du pouvoir.
L'échec de l'éthiopianisme dans les églises malgaches
Authors: Kœrner Francis
Published: December 2013

Madagascar a été l'une des terres favorites des missions d'évangélisation. Comme à Tahiti et au Lesotho, l'action des missions protestantes fut prépondérante. Le gouverneur général Gallieni renforça encore cette tendance en faisant appel à la Mission protestante de France (M.P.F.). Pour des raison politico-religieuses, les missions protestantes se heurtèrent à la fois aux missions catholiques et à l'administration. Les missions catholiques estimaient que leur renforcement, à la suite de la victoire militaire de 1895, leur donnait une priorité sur les missions anglaises. L'administration de son côté, n'appréciait pas du tout le front commun des missions protestantes (L.M.S., F.F.M.A., M.P.F.), qui ne cessaient de défendre la cause des Malgaches. Gallieni s'attacha, dès lors, à briser l'influence des missions protestantes anglaises dans l'île (1903-1904). Sous couvert d'une fausse neutralité, il encouragea les mouvements de dissidence, dans les temples, au profit de la mission malgache Tranozozoro (« maison de roseaux » ; le temple prit par la suite le nom de Tranobiriky, « maison en briques »). Les missionnaires européens et malgaches réagirent avec vivacité, et obtinrent, après la crise anti-religieuse sous Augagneur (1905-1910), la loi de séparation de l'Église et de l'Etat (1913) et la publication des statuts des églises (1915). Une ère nouvelle semblait s'annoncer. Certains pasteurs, influencés par le congrès d'Edimbourg, songeaient à un véritable éthiopianisme, avec transfert des responsabilités aux pasteurs malgaches, quand éclata la première Guerre mondiale. L'administration du gouverneur général par intérim Garbit mit fin à cette intéressante expérience, en compromettant toute l'élite malgache, dans le complot imaginaire de la société secrète V.V.S. (Vy, Vato, Sakelika : « fer, pierre, ramification »), en 1916.
Portraits de chefs casamançais du XIXe siècle
Authors: Roche Christian
Published: December 2013

I. Fodé Kaba naquit au Boundou vers 1818. Fils d'un marabout diakhanké, il s'établit avec son père sur la rive gauche de la Gambie et participa à des guerres entre clans gabunké rivaux. Un conflit avec les Peul amena Alfa Molo à tuer le père de Fodé Kaba et à incendier son tata. Ennemis irréductibles, les deux chefs tentèrent en vain de se détruire. Vers 1870, Fodé Kaba parut en Moyenne Casamance et participa à une guerre sainte contre les Balant, mais l'opposition des Français du poste de Sedhiou l'incita à se diriger vers l'ouest, dans le Fogni où il combattit les Diola. En 1893, il accepta de cesser ses razzias en échange d'une rente annuelle versée par les Français et la reconnaissance de sa souveraineté sur le Kiang. Il mourut en 1901 sous les décombres de son tata, détruit par les Français, pour avoir refusé de livrer les meurtriers d'officiers britanniques, tués en 1900. II. Au milieu du XIXe siècle, les Peul de Haute Casamance se révoltèrent contre leurs maîtres manding à la suite de l'un d'entre eux, Molo Egué dit Alfa Molo. Avec l'aide des Peul du Labé, ils réussirent à se libérer et Alfa établit sa domination sur la Haute Casamance et au delà des frontières actuelles de la Gambie et de la Guinée portugaise. En 1883 son fils Moussa accepta le protectorat français en échange d'une aide militaire contre ses rivaux et les Peul du Labé. Auxiliaire précieux des Français en 1887 contre Mamadou Drame du Boundou et en 1901 contre Fodé Kaba, il s'enfuit en Gambie en 1903 pour ne pas répondre devant le gouverneur de nombreuses accusations portées contre lui par ses sujets. Il mourut en exil en 1931.
Contribution à l 'étude de la succession d'Andrianampoinimerina
Authors: Valette Jean
Published: December 2013

La présente étude se propose, à partir de la façon dont Andrianampoinimerina a réglé sa propre succession, de contribuer à l'étude de la dévolution du trône de l'Imerina.

Après avoir étudié la façon dont les sources actuellement connues (les Tantara, , Hugon, Raombana, Rainandriamampandry) exposent le déroulement des événements et les choix successifs d'un successeur, l'auteur se livre à une critique interne de ces sources, puis recherche, toujours à partir des sources, les motifs pour lesquels tel ou tel successeur a été désigné.

Enfin, il essaie d'interpréter les choix d'Andrianampoinimerina et l'élimination des héritiers les uns après les autres, pour en arriver à Radama. Il propose d'y voir d'une part l'influence des mères des héritiers et d'autre part le fait que les héritiers, à travers leurs mères, représentaient chacun une force politique prenant sa source dans le clan dont la mère était On aurait donc eu affaire, plus qu'à des règles strictes de dévolution, à des luttes d'influence, à des tentatives de groupes soumis par Andrianampoinimerina pour reprendre, à l'aide de leur « champion », l'autorité dont ils avaient été dépossédés.
Gambetta et la reprise de l'expansion coloniale
Authors: Ageron Charles-Robert
Published: December 2013

Was the origin of the colonial policy's revival after 1878 due to Gambetta ? His friends asserted that it was, and this is not unlikely ; but it would be somewhat rash to accept this statement without going into the question. The purpose here is therefore to draw out the evolution of Gambetta's way of mind (he adopted the colonial expansion policy as early as 1878), to define his colonial doctrine and to size up his various public or underlying activities, through which he strove, as he said himself, for the reconstruction of our colonial empire. He (at his own, not Courcel's prompting) headed the French intervention in Tunisia. While in power, he simultaneously provided for an important expedition into Tonkin and for an expeditionary force to Egypt. The colonization of Black Africa and Madagascar was also one of the Great Cabinet's designs. Spuller was right then, when he said that Jules Ferry based his colonial policy upon Gambetta's. Though he was not alone to make use of this opening, Gambetta was the only man who could win the Republicans over to such a cause. The colonial policy was Gambetta's political testament to the Third Republic.
Des colonisateurs sans enthousiasme : les années françaises au Damergou (suite et fin)
Authors: Rash Yehoshua
Published: December 2013

The Damergou, that ruthless and monotonous pasture and millet-sown land, is dominated by the Touareg Imouzourag, who, in return for payment in kind, set themselves up as the protectors of the sedentary Hausa and Beri-Beri ; and by the Touareg Kel-Owey who, besides their intense caravaneering activities, willingly go in for acts of looting which provide them with captives and provisions. Neighbours and adversaries, they have contested one another's predominance in the country for a long time, the Imouzourag basing their claims on their « seniority », the Kel-Owey putting forward their economic and fighting powers. Alone, the status of the villager, that sedentary peasant, is firm but hardly to be envied : he is the harassed and raided one. The clash between the two Touareg groups becomes more violent when Moussa heading the Imouzourag decides that the Kel-Owey alone should not have entire control of the profitable Saharan trade. Using a minor conflict as a shield, the Kel-Owey give battle to the Imouzourag « before Moussa becomes too powerful », but they are defeated and will go in search of allies to get their own back. Asked for help by both antagonists, Foureau and Lamy promise it to the one who can provide the camels necessary for their advance on Lake Tchad. The Kel-Owey alone are in a position to furnish thèse mounts and the French proclaim them « our allies » resulting, at Tanamari, in the fall of Moussa's archers, brought about by the Kel-Owey, helped by skirmishers with firearms. Such an event could neither be forgotten nor forgiven by the Imouzourag who at Farak, barely a year later (July 1901), put a considerable Kel-Owey caravan to flight. But relentiessly tracked down by groups of French skirmishers, the Imouzourag led by Denda take flight, are exposed to serious supply difïiculties (they have, to the East, no one to « protect ») and are obliged to suffer, in their want and weariness, the consécration by the French of the Anastafidet (chief) Jatau of the Kel-Owey at the head of the Damergou. Yet the Saharan trade is jeopardized mainly due to the disappearance of its principal objective, slaves. Without any ambitions, right from the moment when lake Tchad was reached, the colonial authorities aspire only to maintaining order in an outcast and austère land. The most dynamic local element is thus in full decline and the newly-arrived European is limited to dull routine tasks : from then on, the region is to become bogged down in profound apathy.
Permanence d'une structure monarchique en Asie : le royaume de Champassak
Authors: Lintingre Pierre
Published: December 2013

Un tout petit royaume asiatique cerné par d'entreprenants et belliqueux voisins, cambodgiens, annamites, siamois ; l'histoire discrète d'un peuple paisible et toujours opprimé ; les vestiges ruinés d'un brillant passé : c'est le royaume de Champassak — Bassac pour les premiers voyageurs européens — aujourd'hui simple province du Sud-Laos dont seul est connu outre-mer le prestigieux ensemble architectural du temple-montagne de Wat Phou. Cela justifie-t-il que les historiens parlent avec suspicion ou ironie de ce royaume et de ses rois, rois champa, rois tchenla, rois khmer, rois lao ? « Quand je songe, écrivit en 1866 le vicomte Louis de Carné (membre de l'expédition Doudart de Lagrée-Francis Garnier), que je suis dans une capitale où réside encore le descendant des anciens rois, je me sens envahi par la tristesse en visitant ces temples délabrés ». L'héritier des douze rois lao qui firent le royaume de Champassak continue à résider dans sa capitale: mais depuis 1946 il a renoncé à tous ses droits sur le trône quinze fois séculaire de ses ancêtres. L'histoire du royaume de Champassak, si mince soit-elle, est un morceau inséparable de l'histoire du royaume du Laos, de son édification, de ses déchirements, de son unification.
La société créole à Saint-Paul de Loanda dans les années 1838-1848
Authors: Stamm Anne
Published: December 2013

Dans la pittoresque ville de Saint-Paul de Loanda, en ces années où se décide l'abolition de l'esclavage, vit une population mêlée, caractérisée par une extrême mobilité sociale. Issus de races et de milieux les plus divers, s'ils n'ont pas trop de scrupules, les habitants de la cité peuvent alors presque tous espérer réaliser leurs ambitions. Pour peu qu'ils aient quelques talents, les hommes, noirs, blancs ou métis, peuvent tous faire carrière dans l'armée ou l'administration ou bien réussir dans le commerce ; si elles sont jolies et ont quelque astuce, les femmes, même si elles ont le teint très foncé, peuvent s'imposer dans les affaires et même se faire admettre dans le « meilleur monde » ; en revanche les négriers éhontés et millionnaires, les fonctionnaires enrichis par la concussion ne sont plus sûrs de l'impunité et se retrouvent un jour emprisonnés, exilés, ruinés. En retraçant les vicissitudes de l'existence de quelques Angolais célèbres et surprenants, l'auteur explique les luttes entre les différentes forces économiques et politiques du pays, les difficultés de l'administration, les insuffisances des hommes. Elle s'attache à décrire le climat de l'époque, le parfum d'aventures et de rébellion qu'on respire à Loanda, les tentatives de fraudes des trafiquants, la résistance opposée à la Loi par la grande masse de la population. Elle souligne les efforts entrepris par les gouverneurs généraux pour attacher les citadins à leur ville, pour améliorer leurs d'existence et les intéresser au développement de leur province. Elle montre comment les autorités ont pu éviter la guerre civile et amorcer la suppression de la traite.