bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Architecture and Limited Liability
Authors: Couwenberg Oscar
Published: December 2008

This paper studies the effect of limited liability on corporate architecture. Corporate architecture is to be interpreted as the organizational instruments firms use to organize themselves into a coordinating, hierarchical ordered association of people. In this paper, it specifically refers to the use of four governance instruments within the firm to control the behavior of employees. These four are decision control rights, reward schemes, information systems and conflict resolution rules. Limited liability influences the way in which an incorporated group of firms employs each of these instruments. The most important effects are that limited liability makes it advantageous to allocate decision rights lower in the organization, use higher-powered reward schemes and economize on information systems. The effects lead to a saving of coordination costs within incorporated groups compared to unincorporated groups. Corporate groups thus differ in their governance arrangement from firms that have not organized in corporate groups. Alternatives that restrict limited liability have the effect of centralizing rights, flattening reward schemes and increasing investment in information systems. If corporate groups have attuned their architecture optimally, then restricting, or abolishing, limited liability generates additional coordination costs.
The Demographics of Tort Reform
Authors: Rubin Paul H. , Shepherd Joanna M.
Published: December 2008

Tort reform may not affect all segments of society equally. Studies have shown that many tort reforms disproportionately reduce compensation to women, children, the elderly, disadvantaged minorities, and less affluent people. This study goes beyond tort reform’s disproportionate effect on compensation, to explore whether tort reform also has a disproportionate effect on accidental death rates. We explain that, theoretically, tort reform’s care-level effects and activity-level effects may disproportionately impact the accident rates of different groups. Using the most accurate, comprehensive data on medical malpractice tort reforms and state-level data from 1980-2000, we examine empirically whether tort reforms indeed have such a disproportionate effect. The results from our empirical analysis are consistent with our theoretical predictions. We find that the impact of tort reform varies substantially among demographic groups. When we consider the net effect of all the reforms in our study together, our results suggest that women, children, and the elderly do not enjoy tort reform’s benefits as much as men and middle-aged people. In fact, they might even be harmed by reform.
RC Model-based Comparison Tests of the Added Compliance Method with Computer Simulations and a Standard Method
Authors: Pałko Krzysztof , Rogalski Andrzej , Zieliński Krzysztof , Glapiński Jarosław , Kozarski Maciej , Pałko Tadeusz , Darowski Marek
Published: December 2008

RC Model-based Comparison Tests of the Added Compliance Method with Computer Simulations and a Standard Method

Ventilation of the lungs involves the exchange of gases during inhalation and exhalation causing the movement of respiratory gases between alveolars and the atmosphere as a result of a pressure drop between alveolars and the atmosphere. During artificial ventilation what is most important is to keep specific mechanical parameters of the lungs such as total compliance of the respiratory system Cp
(consisting of the lung and the thorax compliances) and the airway resistance Rp
when the patient is ventilated. Therefore, as the main goal of this work and as the first step to use our earlier method of added lung compliance in clinical practice was: 1) to carry out computer simulations to compare the application of this method during different expiratory phases, and 2) to compare this method with the standard method for its accuracy.

The primary tests of the added-compliance method of the main lung parameters measurement have been made using the RC mechanical model of the lungs.
Mathematical Modelling of the Infusion Test
Authors: Cieslicki Krzysztof
Published: December 2008

Mathematical Modelling of the Infusion Test

The objective of this paper was to improve the well established in clinical practice Marmarou model for intracranial volume-pressure compensation by adding the pulsatile components. It was demonstrated that complicated pulsation and growth in intracranial pressure during infusion test could be successfully modeled by the relatively simple analytical expression derived in this paper. The CSF dynamics were tested in 25 patients with clinical symptoms of hydrocephalus. Basing on the frequency spectrum of the patient's baseline pressure and identified parameters of CSF dynamic, for each patient an "ideal" infusion test curve free from artefacts and slow waves was simulated. The degree of correlation between simulated and real curves obtained from clinical observations gave insight into the adequacy of assumptions of Marmarou model. The proposed method of infusion tests analysis designates more exactly the value of the reference pressure, which is usually treated as a secondary and of uncertain significance. The properly identified value of the reference pressure decides on the degree of pulsation amplitude growth during IT, as well as on the value of elastance coefficient. The artificially generated tests with various pulsation components were also applied to examine the correctness of the used algorithm of identification of the original Marmarou model parameters.
Measurement of Transit Time of a Gammamed-Plus Remote Afterloading High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Source
Authors: Supe Sanjay , Shwetha B. , Bijina T. , Varatharaj C. , Sathiyan S. , Ganesh K. , Arunkumar T. , Ravikumar M.
Published: December 2008

Measurement of Transit Time of a Gammamed-Plus Remote Afterloading High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Source

Accurate measurement of transit time of the HDR brachytherapy source of a remote after-loading unit is necessary to calculate the total radiation dose given to the treatment volume. Presently, most of the HDR brachytherapy treatment planning systems neglect the transit time in the computation of dose. The aim of this investigation is to use a well type ionization chamber to measure the transit time during the source movement between two dwell positions. As well type ionization chamber and a precision electrometer (manufacturer CD instruments, Bangalore) were used to measure the charge generated during the movement of the Ir-192 source of a Gammamed HDR brachytherapy unit with an interstitial needle. Effective transit time and effective speed were determined on the basis of methodology described by Sahoo [2]. Corrections were done on the basis of relative sensitivity values for varaious dwell position in the ionization chamber. In the present study the variation of effective speed with interdwell distance was minimal as compared with that of Sahoo [2]. The effective transit times were 0.129, 0.182, 0.301, 0.402, 0.701, and 0.993 seconds for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm interdwell separations respectively. The effective transit times in the present study were higher than those of Sahoo [2]. Software modification accounting for the dynamic dose should be incorporated into all HDR planning systems. Such an improvement would enhance the safety and accuracy of HDR brachytherapy.
A Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Physiological and Malignant Breast Tissues Imaged by an Optical Polarimeter
Authors: Soltysiński Tomasz , Golnik Andrzej , Pałko T.
Published: December 2008

A Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Physiological and Malignant Breast Tissues Imaged by an Optical Polarimeter

There are indications in the literature that polarimetric observations of neoplastic changes in biological tissues may support early diagnosis of cancer. In the present studies, samples of human breast tissue were observed in a polarized light. The images of healthy and malignant tissues were decomposed by a à trous wavelet algorithm. When a multiscale representation of tissue images is determined, their autocorrelation functions are also compared. A comparison of new observables, multiscale entropy and mean entropy vectors are presented. It was found that these observables might be considered as possible indicators of the malignant transformation in tissue.
The Procedure for SPECT and BEAM Images Adjustment Visualisation of EEG Electrodes in SPECT Images
Authors: Goszczyńska Hanna , Królicki Leszek , Bajera Adam , Zalewska Ewa , Kowalczyk Leszek , Walerjan Piotr , Rysz Andrzej , Kolebska Krystyna
Published: December 2008

The Procedure for SPECT and BEAM Images Adjustment Visualisation of EEG Electrodes in SPECT Images

Preliminary results of research to devise a method allowing spatial alignment of BEAM maps obtained from EEG examinations with SPECT data are presented. The main concept of the method presented lies in simultaneous recording of multi-channel EEGs during SPECT examination, and also in visualizing location of EEG electrodes on SPECT images that provide spatial three dimensional coordinates assignment. The proposed methodology of simultaneous SPECT and EEG examinations could be a significant complement to results of epileptic focus localisation obtained with the ISAS method used for the last few years. The ISAS method allows localisation of focuses with 80% confidence, but it requires carrying out MRI examinations for alignment of compared anatomical structures on two SPECT images. Complementing these results with a BEAM map analysis would improve significantly the effectiveness of the examinations. This work presents results of experiments carried out on the Jaszczak phantom.
Exit Dose Measurement in Therapeutic High Energy Photon Beams and Cobalt-60 Gamma Rays
Authors: Sathiyan S. , Ravikumar M.
Published: December 2008

Exit Dose Measurement in Therapeutic High Energy Photon Beams and Cobalt-60 Gamma Rays

To estimate the skin dose to the patient from the treatment planning, the knowledge about exit dose is essential, which is calculated from the percentage depth dose. In this study 6 MV and 18 MV beams from linear accelerator and cobalt-60 beams were used. The ionometric measurements were carried out with parallel plate chamber of sensitive volume 0.16 cc. Parallel plate chamber was fitted in to 30 x 30 cm2 polystyrene phantom at a fixed FSD with the measuring entrance window facing farther from the source. The field size for this measuring condition was maintained at 10 x 10 cm2. The ionization measurements were also carried out by changing the thickness of the polystyrene phantom at the entrance side of the point of measurement. In order to find out the variation of relative exit dose (RED) with field size the measurements were carried out without and with the full back-scattering material (27.2 gm/cm2) placed beyond the entrance window of the chamber. The measurements were also done for the entrance polystyrene phantom thicknesses of 10, 20 and 30 cm for the field size ranging from 5 x 5 cm2 to 30 x 30 cm2. The dose at the exit surface with no backscatter material is about 4.4%, 3.7% and 5.8% less than the dose with the full backscatter material present beyond the point of measurement for 6 MV, 18 MV X-rays and cobalt-60 gamma rays. The reduction in exit dose does not depend much of the phantom thickness through which the beam traverses before exiting at the chamber side. Dose enhancements of about 1.03 times were observed for a field size of 5 x 5 cm2 for 6 MV, 18 MV X-rays and cobalt-60 gamma rays. The dose enhancement factor (DEF) values were noticed to vary with field size beyond 15 x 15 cm2 for all the energies studied. Also it can be observed that the dose enhancement factor (DEF) values do not depend on the thickness of the phantom material through which the beam has traversed. The DEF values were found to vary marginally for different phantom material thickness for the particular field size. The study indicates that a reduction of 4.4% and 3.7% in relative exit dose when there is no backscatter material present for 6 and 18 MV X-rays for most of the clinically used radiotherapy portals. The measured exit dose was found to be mostly independent of field size and the thickness of the phantom material through which the beam gets transmitted at the entrance side. An addition of backscatter material of thickness equal to two-thirds of the dmax
depth of the radiation beam concerned results in full dose at the exit side.
Coronary Artery Diagnosis Aided by Neural Network
Authors: Stefko Kamil
Published: December 2008

Coronary Artery Diagnosis Aided by Neural Network

Coronary artery disease is due to atheromatous narrowing and subsequent occlusion of the coronary vessel. Application of optimised feed forward multi-layer back propagation neural network (MLBP) for detection of narrowing in coronary artery vessels is presented in this paper. The research was performed using 580 data records from traditional ECG exercise test confirmed by coronary arteriography results. Each record of training database included description of the state of a patient providing input data for the neural network. Level and slope of ST segment of a 12 lead ECG signal recorded at rest and after effort (48 floating point values) was the main component of input data for neural network was. Coronary arteriography results (verified the existence or absence of more than 50% stenosis of the particular coronary vessels) were used as a correct neural network training output pattern. More than 96% of cases were correctly recognised by especially optimised and a thoroughly verified neural network. Leave one out method was used for neural network verification so 580 data records could be used for training as well as for verification of neural network.
A Sensitive Neutron Counter with a High-Pressure Ionization Chamber Filled with BF3
Authors: Zielczyński Mieczysław , Rusinowski Zdzisław , Tulik Piotr
Published: December 2008

A Sensitive Neutron Counter with a High-Pressure Ionization Chamber Filled with BF3

A ionization chamber, filled with 10BF3 and operating in a pulse mode, was investigated as a possible sensitive pocket detector for detection of neutrons at low flux densities. The chamber is 85 mm long and 19 mm in diameter. The measured sensitivity of the chamber placed near the human body (in the belt), without any additional moderator was of the order of 1 pulse/n cm-2 in the radiation field of a 252Cf source.
Artificial Metalloenzymes for Enantioselective Catalysis Based on the Biotin-Avidin Technology
Authors: Mao Jincheng , Ward Thomas R.
Published: December 2008

Artificial metalloenzymes, based on the incorporation of a biotinylated catalytically active organometallic moiety within streptavidin, offer an attractive alternative to homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis. In this account, we outline our recent results and implications
in the developments of such artificial metalloenzymes for various asymmetric transformations, including hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation, allylic alkylation and sulfoxidation.
A Bronze Medal for Switzerland at the 40th International Chemistry Olympiad 2008 in Budapest
Authors: Fragnière Manuel , Birbaum Karin
Published: December 2008

At the 2008 International Chemistry Olympiad in Budapest, with 65 participating countries, a Swiss student won a bronze medal.
Viscoelastic Effects on the Entropy Production in Oscillatory Flow between Parallel Plates with Convective Cooling
Authors: Vázquez Federico , Olivares-Robles Miguel Ángel , Cuevas Sergio
Published: December 2008

The heat transfer problem of a zero-mean oscillatory flow of a Maxwell fluid between infinite parallel plates with boundary conditions of the third kind is considered. With these conditions, the amount of heat entering or leaving the system depends on the external temperature as well as on the convective heat transfer coefficient. The local and global time-averaged entropy production are computed, and the consequences of convective cooling of the plates are also assessed. It is found that the global entropy production is a minimum for certain suitable combination of the physical parameters. For a discrete set of values of the oscillatory Reynolds number, the extracted heat from one of the plates shows maxima.
Fifth International Symposium on Recent Advances in Environmental Health Research
Authors: Tchounwou Paul
Published: December 2008

The Fifth International Symposium on Recent Advances in Environmental Health Research was organized by Jackson State University (JSU) from September 14–17, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi.[...]
Microstructures and Nanostructures for Environmental Carbon Nanotubes and Nanoparticulate Soots
Authors: Murr L. E.
Published: December 2008

This paper examines the microstructures and nanostructures for natural (mined) chrysotile asbestos nanotubes (Mg3 Si2O5 (OH)4) in comparison with commercial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), utilizing scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Black carbon (BC) and a variety of specific soot particulate (aggregate) microstructures and nanostructures are also examined comparatively by SEM and TEM. A range of MWCNTs collected in the environment (both indoor and outdoor) are also examined and shown to be similar to some commercial MWCNTs but to exhibit a diversity of microstructures and nanostructures, including aggregation with other multiconcentric fullerenic nanoparticles. MWCNTs formed in the environment nucleate from special hemispherical graphene “caps” and there is evidence for preferential or energetically favorable chiralities, tube growth, and closing. The multiconcentric graphene tubes (~5 to 50 nm diameter) differentiate themselves from multiconcentric fullerenic nanoparticles and especially turbostratic BC and carbonaceous soot nanospherules (~8 to 80 nm diameter) because the latter are composed of curved graphene fragments intermixed or intercalated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) isomers of varying molecular weights and mass concentrations; depending upon combustion conditions and sources. The functionalizing of these nanostructures and photoxidation and related photothermal phenomena, as these may influence the cytotoxicities of these nanoparticulate aggregates, will also be discussed in the context of nanostructures and nanostructure phenomena, and implications for respiratory health.
Preclinical Assessment of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extracts as DNA Damaging Anti-cancer Agent in the Management of Breast Cancer
Authors: Yedjou Clement , Izevbigie Ernest , Tchounwou Paul B.
Published: December 2008

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women. Fortunately, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased in recent years due to an increased emphasis on early detection and more effective treatments. Despite early detection, conventional and chemotherapeutic methods of treatment, about 7% of women still died every year. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf extracts as anti-cancer agent against human breast cancer in vitro using the MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assays, respectively. In this experiment, human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells were treated with different doses of VA leaf extracts for 48 hours. Data obtained from the MTT assay showed that VA significantly ((P < 0.05) reduced the viability of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner upon 48 hours of exposure. Data generated from the comet assay also indicated a slight dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in MCF-7 cells associated with VA treatment. We observed a slight increase in comet tail-length, tail arm and tail moment, as well as in percentages of DNA cleavage at all doses tested, showing an evidence that VA-induced minimal genotoxic damage in MCF-7 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that VA treatment moderately (P < 0.05) reduces cellular viability and induces minimal DNA damage in MCF-7 cells. These findings provide evidence that VA extracts represent a DNA-damaging anti-cancer agent against breast cancer and its mechanisms of action functions, at least in part, through minimal DNA damage and moderate toxicity in tumors cells.
Genotoxicity in child populations exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air from Tabasco, Mexico
Authors: Gamboa Rodríguez T. , Gamboa Aldeco R. , Bravo Alvarez H. , Ostrosky Wegman P.
Published: December 2008

The economy of the state of Tabasco is based on oil extraction. However, this imposes major effects to the environment and communities. Examples are the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) that may be found in the soil, water and sediment of the region. Their volatility makes them available to living beings and results in genotoxic activity. The purpose of this study was to quantify the levels of PAHs in the air at several points in the state, and to analyze their relationship with possible damage to DNA on local inhabitants. Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay (Comet Assay) was applied to peripheral blood lymphocytes of five groups of children between six and 15 years of age. PAH samples were analyzed following US/EPA TO-13-A method. Results indicated the presence in the air of most of the 16 PAHs considered as high priority by EPA, some of which have been reported with carcinogenic activity. Differences (p
The Effects of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the Mortality and Growth of Two Amphibian Species (Xenopus laevis and Pseudacris triseriata)
Authors: Collier Alex , Orr Lowell , Morris Julie , Blank James
Published: December 2008

We observed a slight drop in the growth of Xenopus laevis and Pseudacris triseriata larvae following acute exposure (24-48 h) during egg development to three concentrations of TCDD (0.3, 3.0, 30.0 μg/l). Our exposure protocol was modeled on a previous investigation that was designed to mimic the effects of maternal deposition of TCDD. The doses selected were consistent with known rates of maternal transfer between mother and egg using actual adult body burdens from contaminated habitats. Egg and embryonic mortality immediately following exposure increased only among 48 h X. laevis treatments. Control P. triseriata and X. laevis completed metamorphosis more quickly than TCDDtreated animals. The snout-vent length of recently transformed P. triseriata did not differ between treatments although controls were heavier than high-dosed animals. Likewise, the snout-vent length and weight of transformed X. laevis did not differ between control and TCDD treatments. These findings provide additional evidence that amphibians, including P. triseriata and X. laevis are relatively insensitive to acute exposure to TCDD during egg and embryonic development. Although the concentrations selected for this study were relatively high, they were not inconsistent with our current understanding of bioaccumulation via maternal transfer.
Current Status of HIV/AIDS in Cameroon: How Effective are Control Strategies?
Authors: Mbanya Dora , Sama Martyn , Tchounwou Paul B.
Published: December 2008

Nearly three decades after its discovery, HIV infection remains the number one killer disease in Sub-Saharan Africa where up to 67% of the world’s 33 million infected people live. In Cameroon, based on a Demographic Health Survey carried out in 2004, the national HIV prevalence is estimated at 5.5% with women and youths being predominantly infected. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) from the HIV and AIDS pandemic have increased steadily over the years; hospital occupancy is estimated at about 30%, hence stretching the health system; co-infections like HIV/tuberculosis have been reported to reach 40-50% of infected cases and 95% of teachers are said not to be productive on several counts. Thus, the impact is multi-sectorial. Furthermore, the HIV epidemic in Cameroon is peculiar because of the wide HIV-1 genetic diversity of HIV-1 Group M observed with several subtypes reported (A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K), predominantly subtype A. There are also circulating recombinant forms, mainly CRF02_AG. In addition, HIV-1 Groups O and N have all been noted in Cameroon. These findings have great implications not only for HIV diagnosis, but also for responsiveness to therapy as well as for vaccine development. In 1986, the initial response of the Cameroon government to the increasing trends in the HIV/AIDS infection was to create a National AIDS Control Committee to coordinate a national AIDS programme. By 2000, the first National Strategic Plan was drawn for 2000-2005. The second National Strategic Plan for 2006-2010 is currently being implemented and covers various axes. Some results obtained show that there has been significantly positive outcomes noted in the various arms of intervention by the Cameroon government.
Katrina and the Thai Tsunami - Water Quality and Public Health Aspects Mitigation and Research Needs
Authors: Englande A. J.
Published: December 2008

The South East Asian Tsunami in Thailand and Hurricane Katrina in the United States were natural disasters of different origin but of similar destruction and response. Both disasters exhibited synonymous health outcomes and similar structural damage from large surges of water, waves, and flooding. A systematic discussion and comparison of the disasters in Thailand and the Gulf Coast considers both calamities to be similar types of disaster in different coastal locations. Thus valuable comparisons can be made for improvements in response, preparedness and mitigation. Research needs are discussed and recommendations made regarding potential methologies. Recommendations are made to: (1) improve disaster response time in terms of needs assessments for public health and environmental data collection; (2) develop an access-oriented data sharing policy; and (3) prioritize natural geomorphic structures such as barrier islands, mangroves, and wetlands to help reduce the scale of future natural disasters. Based on the experiences gained opportunities to enhance disaster preparedness through research are presented.
Cytological and Biochemical Effects of St. John’s Wort Supplement (A Complex Mixture of St. John’s Wort, Rosemary and Spirulina) on Somatic and Germ Cells of Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Aleisa A. M.
Published: December 2008

Commercially available St. John’s wort supplement (SJWS) composed of an herbal mixture of St. John’s Wort (SJW), Rosemary (RM) and Spirulina (SP) is used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Although the minor ingredients, (RM and SP) are proven antioxidants, their quantity is quite insignificant as compared to the SJW, which is the major ingredient. Most of the toxic effects of SJWS are attributed to the main constituents of SJW which differ due to the influence of light (hypericin) and variations in temperature above freezing point (hyperforin). However, there are no reports on toxicity of SJWS maintained at room temperature in pharmacies and supermarkets. In view of the folkloric importance, immense (prescribed or unprescribed) use and a paucity of literature on SJWS, it was found worthwhile to (1) determine the genotoxic effects of SJWS in somatic and germ cells of mice and (2) investigate the role of biochemical changes, as a possible mechanism. The protocol included the oral treatment of mice with different doses (380, 760 and 1520 mg/kg/day) of SJWS for 7 days. The following experiments were conducted: (i) cytological studies on micronucleus test, (ii) cytogenetic analysis for meiotic chromosomes, (iii) cytological analysis of spermatozoa abnormalities, (iv) quantification of proteins and nucleic acids in hepatic and testicular cells and (v) estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) in hepatic and testicular cells. The treatment increased the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) in the femora. It caused aberrations in chromosomes of testes and induced spermatozoa abnormalities. These changes might be attributed to the epigenetic mechanisms as revealed by an increase in concentrations of MDA and depletion of nucleic acids and NP-SH levels in both hepatic and testicular cells observed in the present study. Since, the samples of SJWS used were not drawn from extremities of light and temperature; the observed effect might not be related to the main constituents of SJW. However, these changes might be ascribed to the combined effect of terpenes, tannins, quercetin and flavonoids present in SJW.
Effect of Butachlor on Antioxidant Enzyme Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Fresh Water African Catfish, (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Farombi E. O. , Ajimoko Y. R. , Adelowo O. A.
Published: December 2008

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of butachlor, a widely used herbicide, on antioxidant enzyme system and lipid peroxidation formation in African cat fish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of butachlor 1, 2, 2.5 ppm and sacrificed 24hrs after treatment. A significant increase in malondialdehyde formation was observed in the liver, kidney, gills and heart of the fish following exposure to different concentrations of butachlor. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased in the liver and kidney but decreased in the gills and heart in a concentration-dependent pattern. Glutathione level and glutathione-Stransferase activities increased (P
Effects of Heavy Metal Contamination upon Soil Microbes: Lead-induced Changes in General and Denitrifying Microbial Communities as Evidenced by Molecular Markers
Authors: Sobolev Dmitri , Begonia Maria
Published: December 2008

Lead (Pb) is a common environmental contaminant found in soils. Unlike other metals, Pb has no biological role, and is potentially toxic to microorganisms. Effects of low (1 ppm) and high (500-2000) levels of lead (Pb) upon the soil microbial community was investigated by the PCR/DGGE analysis of the 16S and nirK gene markers, indicative of general microbial community and denitrifying community, respectively. Community analysis by use of those markers had shown that Pb has detectable effects upon the community diversity even at the lowest concentration tested. Analysis of sample diversity and similarity between the samples suggested that there are several thresholds crossed as metal concentration increase, each causing a substantial change in microbial diversity. Preliminary data obtained in this study suggest that the denitrifying microbial community adapts to elevated levels of Pb by selecting for metal-resistant forms of nitrite reductases.
Some Observational and Modeling Studies of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer at Mississippi Gulf Coast for Air Pollution Dispersion Assessment
Authors: Yerramilli Anjaneyulu , Challa Venkata Srinivas , Indracanti Jayakumar , Dasari Hariprasad , Baham Julius , Patrick Chuck , Young John , Hughes Robert , White Lorren D. , Hardy Mark G. , Swanier Shelton
Published: December 2008

Coastal atmospheric conditions widely vary from those over inland due to the land-sea interface, temperature contrast and the consequent development of local circulations. In this study a field meteorological experiment was conducted to measure vertical structure of boundary layer during the period 25-29 June, 2007 at three locations Seabee base, Harrison and Wiggins sites in the Mississippi coast. A GPS Sonde along with slow ascent helium balloon and automated weather stations equipped with slow and fast response sensors were used in the experiment. GPS sonde were launched at three specific times (0700 LT, 1300 LT and 1800 LT) during the experiment days. The observations indicate shallow boundary layer near the coast which gradually develops inland. The weather research and forecasting (WRF) meso-scale atmospheric model and a Lagrangian particle dispersion model (HYSPLIT) are used to simulate the lower atmospheric flow and dispersion in a range of 100 km from the coast for 28-30 June, 2007. The simulated meteorological parameters were compared with the experimental observations. The meso-scale model results show significant temporal and spatial variations in the meteorological fields as a result of development of sea breeze flow, its coupling with the large scale flow field and the ensuing alteration in the mixing depth across the coast. Simulated ground-level concentrations of SO2 from four elevated point sources located along the coast indicate diurnal variation and impact of the local sea-land breeze on the direction of the plume. Model concentration levels were highest during the stable morning condition and during the sea-breeze time in the afternoon. The highest concentrations were found up to 40 km inland during sea breeze time. The study illustrates the application of field meteorological observations for the validation of WRF which is coupled to HYSPLIT for dispersion assessment in the coastal region.
Function Annotation of an SBP-box Gene in Arabidopsis Based on Analysis of Co-expression Networks and Promoters
Authors: Wang Yi , Hu Zongli , Yang Yuxin , Chen Xuqing , Chen Guoping
Published: December 2008

The SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN–LIKE (SPL) gene family is an SBP-box transcription family in Arabidopsis. While several physiological responses to SPL genes have been reported, their biological role remains elusive. Here, we use a combined analysis of expression correlation, the interactome, and promoter content to infer the biological role of the SPL genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of the SPL-correlated gene network reveals multiple functions for SPL genes. Network analysis shows that SPL genes function by controlling other transcription factor families and have relatives with membrane protein transport activity. The interactome analysis of the correlation genes suggests that SPL genes also take part in metabolism of glucose, inorganic salts, and ATP production. Furthermore, the promoters of the correlated genes contain a core binding cis-element (GTAC). All of these analyses suggest that SPL genes have varied functions in Arabidopsis.
Differential Cytotoxicity of MEX: a Component of Neem Oil Whose Action Is Exerted at the Cell Membrane Level
Authors: Ricci Francesca , Berardi Valerio , Risuleo Gianfranco
Published: December 2008

Neem oil is obtained from the seeds of the tree Azadirachta indica. Its chemical composition is very complex, being rich in terpenoids and limonoids, as well as volatile sulphur modified compounds. This work focused on the evaluation of a component of the whole Neem oil obtained by methanolic extraction and defined as MEX. Cytotoxicity was assessed on two different cell populations: a stabilized murine fibroblast line (3T6) and a tumor cell line (HeLa). The data presented here suggest a differential sensitivity of these two populations, the tumor line exhibiting a significantly higher sensitivity to MEX. The data strongly suggest that its toxic target is the cell membrane. In addition the results presented here imply that MEX may contain one or more agents that could find a potential use in anti-proliferative therapy.
Antioxidant Activities of Polyphenols Extracted from Perilla frutescens Varieties
Authors: Meng Linghua , Lozano Yves F. , Gaydou Emile M. , Li Bin
Published: December 2008

Various cultivars of Perilla frutescens (L.) (var. crispa and var. frutescens) Britt. were harvested in China and Japan. They were easily differentiated on the basis of their foliage color, that varied from red to green. Water extracts of dried plants were investigated for their antioxidant activity (AA) and their polyphenolic compounds compared. Among them, cinnamic acid derivatives (coumaroyl tartaric acid, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (apigenin 7-O-caffeoylglucoside, scutellarein 7-O-diglucuronide, luteolin 7-O-diglucuronide, apigenin 7-O-diglucuronide, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, and scutellarein 7-O-glucuronide) and anthocyanins (mainly cis-shisonin, shisonin, malonylshisonin and cyanidin 3-O-(E)-caffeoylglucoside-5-O-malonylglucoside) were quantified. AA assays are based on the inhibition of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The DPPH radical scavenging activity was calculated as Trolox ® [(±)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid] equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The mean amount of total phenolics of the water extracts (4-29 µmol/100 mL) and the TEAC value calculated (23-167 µmol TE/100 mL) confirmed the high antioxidant activity of these leaf water extracts. These results were highly correlated within some o-dihydroxylated polyphenolic compounds and AA.
Voir plutôt que croire.
Authors: Guiheneuf Hervé
Published: December 2008

Qui est Yvon, quel est le personnage qui se cache derrière le pseudonyme de l’auteur de L’U.R.S.S. telle qu’elle est ? L’article se propose d’apporter un éclairage sur ce personnage peu connu. Yvon, pseudonyme de Robert Guiheneuf, est un autodidacte qui a grandi dans la mouvance anarchiste. Cependant l’engagement de Robert Guiheneuf au sein du Parti Communiste, dès 1921, s’est concrétisé par la volonté de visiter puis de vivre en « Russie Rouge » dans les années 1920, où il a croisé presque tous les Français vivant en U.R.S.S., comme Pierre Pascal ou Boris Souvarine. En effet, Robert Guiheneuf a voulu voir comment concrètement le peuple russe vivait sa révolution. Durant son séjour de dix ans, Robert Guiheneuf a été membre de plusieurs réseaux, dont la commune anarchiste de Yalta et les espérantistes russes. Menuisier en France, Robert Guiheneuf a travaillé comme ouvrier puis cadre dans différents trusts du bois, tant en Russie qu’en Sibérie. C’est là que lui vint l’idée d’un témoignage, d’abord sous forme d’articles dans la Révolution prolétarienne, puis dans un livre. L’écho de ce témoignage se retrouve dans les nombreuses critiques parues dans la presse française et francophone de 1938, la plupart saluant la rigueur du témoignage et la richesse de la documentation.
L'encre, la pierre et la parole.
Authors: Conord Fabien
Published: December 2008

Malgré les évolutions connues par le parti socialiste en France et dans l’Allier, les militants de ce département ont conservé les mêmes pratiques politiques tout au long du second XXe siècle. Cet article se propose de mettre en lumière les moyens d’expression et les temps forts de cette culture politique, où l’histoire est instrumentalisée au service de l’action politique du moment. L’autocélébration (anniversaires des premières conquêtes municipales, biographies des principaux leaders, noms de rues) est doublée d’une volonté de récupération de l’épopée du mouvement ouvrier (Commune de Paris, 1er mai). L’utilisation politique de l’histoire est étudiée à travers ses différents supports : publications (érudition, brochures diverses), monuments en place publique, discours et manifestations.
Musique et socialisme en Italie (1880-1922)
Authors: Gervasoni Marco
Published: December 2008

Notre article montre les rapports entre les socialistes italiens et la musique. En premier lieu, il analyse les considérations de la presse socialiste sur l’opéra italien et étranger, à partir de Verdi considéré comme père de la patrie. Ici l’opposition à Verdi est représentée par Wagner, considéré par les socialistes italiens comme un artiste révolutionnaire et « communiste ». En deuxième lieu, il montre comment la musique participe des pratiques militantes et quotidiennes des chefs socialistes, des permanents et des militants, comment la musique est utilisée dans les fêtes de parti. Enfin, il analyse la fonction des chants politiques produits par des intellectuels socialistes, leur diffusion à l’intérieur du parti et à l’intérieur de la société italienne, leur usage comme arme identitaire et politique contre les ennemis.
« Les Allemands et les Boches » : la musique allemande à Paris pendant la Première Guerre mondiale
Authors: Buch Esteban
Published: December 2008

A Londres, « on n’a pas encore opéré la distinction entre les Allemands et les Boches », déplore un critique français en décembre 1916. A Paris, par contre, pendant toute la durée du conflit cette distinction est observée avec une certaine rigueur : si Mozart, Beethoven et même Schumann continuent à être joués par les orchestres français, Wagner et tous ses successeurs, y compris des contemporains tels que Strauss ou Schoenberg, sont frappés d’un ostracisme complet. Mais la mise en place de ce clivage, sur le plan des pratiques musicales comme sur celui des discours, ne va pas sans tensions et hésitations, qui reflètent autant les débats idéologiques généraux – par exemple les applications de la thèse des « deux Allemagnes » – que des positions contradictoires à l’intérieur du champ musical, notamment les différentes attitudes face à la musique d’avant-garde. Si Camille Saint-Saëns n’hésite pas à prôner l’exclusion totale des Allemands dès septembre 1914, nombreux sont également ceux qui, tel Vincent d’Indy, sont prêts à envisager une après-guerre où Wagner serait remis à l’honneur – comme ce sera d’ailleurs le cas dès décembre 1919. En fait, la crispation des champions du rejet à partir des premiers mois de 1916 – avec notamment la création de la Ligue pour la défense de la musique française – semble coïncider avec une relative banalisation de la présence d’œuvres allemandes dans les programmes des principales associations de concerts.
La question de l'emploi féminin dans le développement et les mutations de la politique sociale de l'État japonais depuis le début de l'ère Meiji
Authors: Thomann Bernard
Published: December 2008

Ce n’est qu’à partir du milieu des années 1980 que les Japonais ont commencé à prendre conscience de la réalité du harcèlement sexuel dans l’entreprise. Avant, les firmes ne considéraient pas le harcèlement sexuel comme un problème social majeur. Mais, en juin 1997, la révision de la loi de 1985 sur l’égalité des chances en matière d’emploi va introduire, à la charge de l’employeur, une obligation de vigilance et de prévention sur le lieu de travail. Cet article se propose d’abord de retracer le processus qui a conduit à cet amendement, en correspondance avec les avancées doctrinales et les développements de la jurisprudence japonaise, tant sur le plan de la responsabilité délictuelle que de la responsabilité contractuelle. Il traite également du rôle joué par le ministère de la Santé, du Travail et de la Protection Sociale en vue d’assurer l’effectivité de la loi par le biais des directives administratives. Il s’interroge enfin, sur la base d’enquêtes conduites par l’administration du travail et la Fondation du travail pour le XXIe siècle, sur l’attitude des firmes, hésitant entre indifférence et action constructive.
The Creative Work of Two Cuban Filmmakers : Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Fernando Pérez
Authors: Santos Moray Mercedes
Published: December 2008

Cinéastes cubains après la Révolution : Tomás Gutierrez Alea et Fernando Pérez. Le cinéma cubain, qui existait avant 1959, prend une importance exceptionnelle après le triomphe de la Révolution et la fondation de l’Institut Cubain de l’Art et de l’Industrie Cinématographiques. L’article évoque deux réalisateurs de deux générations successives qui ont maintenu leur liberté de création dans le documentaire comme dans la fiction.
La République des Lettres : éditeurs et libraires en Espagne (1931-1936)
Authors: Martínez Rus Ana
Published: December 2008

Cet article établit une typologie des éditeurs et des libraires espagnols sous la République et en propose l’analyse. Il aborde également la politique officielle du livre menée par le nouveau régime démocratique qui eut des répercussions favorables sur l’industrie et le commerce de l’imprimé. En particulier, sont étudiées les différentes initiatives prises par les professionnels du livre comme les salons du livre de Madrid ou les camions-librairies du Groupement des éditeurs espagnols afin de diffuser la lecture dans la société. Toutefois, dans le même temps, ces activités rendirent plus aigu le conflit ancien qui opposait éditeurs et libraires quant aux conditions de la vente au public et au prix du livre.
France Culture Une seconde radio pour les professions intellectuelles et culturelles
Authors: Glevarec Hervé , Pinet Michel
Published: December 2008

La structure de l’auditoire de France Culture est l’objet de beaucoup de représentations souvent contradictoires. Cet article précise, à partir d’une enquête longitudinale par carnet d’écoute sur 21 jours, le profil des catégories qui ont le plus d’affinité avec cette radio culturelle ainsi que la représentation des différentes catégories dans la structure de son auditoire. L’article montre la place que cette antenne a dans l’écoute des catégories supérieures, qui en font au mieux leur seconde radio. On se propose ainsi de nuancer l’idée d’un profil spécifique d’assidus et d’une démocratisation de ce média culturel, ancien, en France.
James Dean et La fureur de vivre : l'anticipation d'un nouvel horizon d'attente
Authors: Marion Gilles
Published: December 2008

Cet article repose sur le cas fourni par le compte rendu minutieux de la réalisation d’un des films les plus célèbres de James Dean : Rebel Without a Cause (La fureur de vivre). Cette situation permet de montrer la place occupée par le spectateur potentiel dans le processus de réalisation/production d’un film à Hollywood. Nous examinons le rôle des tests, nous soulignons les compromis entre projet artistique et logique marchande, et nous mobilisons la notion d’“horizon d’attente”. Nous concluons en indiquant que les savoirs modélisables sont d’un faible intérêt pour le pilotage du processus de développement d’un tel “produit”.
Les « forces culturelles locales » : histoire du malentendu entre les bolcheviks et les campagnes dans les années 1920
Authors: Sumpf Alexandre
Published: December 2008

Tout au long des années 1920, les stratégies de recrutement appliquées par les dirigeants de l’éducation politique aux campagnes excluent les paysans et font le choix des « intelligences » locales, qui n’ont pas voix au chapitre au sein des instances communautaires paysannes. Les instituteurs, les médecins, les vétérinaires, les agronomes, sont convoqués à « marcher au peuple ». Cependant, même si certains sont disposés à rejoindre le « côté soviétique », pèse sur eux le soupçon d’une appartenance passée au parti socialiste-révolutionnaire. Enfin, la participation concrète des instituteurs à l’éducation politique est d’ampleur limitée. Elle consiste essentiellement dans l’alphabétisation des adultes. Cependant les instituteurs n’ont pas constitué une cible privilégiée de la violence d’État, pas même lors de la purge de l’appareil local du Parti et des kolkhozes opérée en 1932.
Ni civil ni militaire : le travailleur indochinois inconnu de la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Luguern Liêm-Khê
Published: December 2008

En 1939,20 000 travailleurs indochinois requis furent acheminés vers la métropole. Dépendants du ministère du Travail, ils furent affectés comme ouvriers non spécialisés (ONS) dans les usines (en particulier les poudreries, l’aviation, les usines de munitions comme cela avait déjà été le cas en 1914) travaillant pour la Défense nationale. Bloqués en France à la suite de la défaite de juin 1940, ils n’ont pas pu, non plus, regagner la colonie à la Libération en raison de la guerre d’Indochine. Ce n’est que dix ans après leur réquisition (entre 1948 et 1952) que la majorité d’entre eux a été rapatriée, tandis qu’un millier choisit de s’installer définitivement en France. Ces derniers ont pu en 1973 faire valoir leurs années de réquisition dans le calcul de leur droit à la retraite. A la fin des années 1980, un comité de soutien aux anciens travailleurs et tirailleurs vietnamiens en France voit le jour avec le soutien de personnalités dont Madeleine Rebérioux. Appuyés par ce comité, les anciens requis rapatriés se sont mobilisés pour obtenir les mêmes droits que leurs camarades installés en France. En vain jusqu’à tout récemment.