bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of Phase-Stable Sub-Cycle Mid-Infrared Pulses from Filamentation in Nitrogen
Authors: Fuji Takao , Nomura Yutaka
Published: February 2013

Sub-single-cycle pulses in the mid-infrared (MIR) region were generated through a laser-induced filament. The fundamental (ω1) and second harmonic (ω2) output of a 30-fs Ti:sapphire amplifier were focused into nitrogen gas and produce phase-stable broadband MIR pulses (ω0) by using a four-wave mixing process (ω1 + ω1 - ω2 → ω0) through filamentation. The spectrum spread from 400 cm-1 to 5500 cm-1, which completely covered the MIR region. The low frequency components were detected by using an electro-optic sampling technique with a gaseous medium. The efficiency of the MIR pulse generation was very sensitive to the delay between the fundamental and second harmonic pulses. It was revealed that the delay dependence of the efficiency came from the interference between two opposite parametric processes, ω1 + ω1 - ω2 → ω0 and ω2 - ω1 - ω1 → ω0. The pulse duration was measured as 6.9 fs with cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating by using four-wave mixing in nitrogen. The carrier-envelope phase of the MIR pulse was passively stabilized. The instability was estimated as 154 mrad rms in 2.5 h.
Narrowing Perceptual Sensitivity to the Native Language in Infancy: Exogenous Influences on Developmental Timing
Authors: Elsabbagh Mayada , Hohenberger Annette , Campos Ruth , Van Herwegen Jo , Serres Josette , De Schonen Scania , Aschersleben Gisa , Karmiloff-Smith Annette
Published: February 2013

The infancy literature situates the perceptual narrowing of speech sounds at around 10 months of age, but little is known about the mechanisms that influence individual differences in this developmental milestone. We hypothesized that such differences might in part be explained by characteristics of mother-child interaction. Infant sensitivity to syllables from their native tongue was compared longitudinally to sensitivity to non-native phonemes, at 6 months and again at 10 months. We replicated previous findings that at the group level, both 6- and 10- month-olds were able to discriminate contrasts in their native language, but only 6-month-olds succeeded in discriminating contrasts in the non-native language. However, when discrimination was assessed for separate groups on the basis of mother-child interaction—a ‘high contingency group’ and a ‘moderate contingency’ group—the vast majority of infants in both groups showed the expected developmental pattern by 10 months, but only infants in the ‘high contingency’ group showed early specialization for their native phonemes by failing to discriminate non-native contrasts at 6-months. The findings suggest that the quality of mother-child interaction is one of the exogenous factors influencing the timing of infant specialization for speech processing.
The 2011 Earthquake in Simav, Turkey and Seismic Damage to Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Doğangün Adem , Ural Ali , Sezen Halil , Güney Yücel , Fırat Fatih
Published: February 2013

Reinforced concrete buildings suffered significant damage in the region affected by the 29 May 2011 earthquake in Simav (Kutahya), Turkey. Typical building damage is classified and potential causes of damage are investigated. Reinforced concrete moment resisting frames with hollow brick infill walls are the most common structural system in and around the Simav city center while masonry construction is common in rural areas. Although the Simav earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.7 to 5.9, can be classified as a moderate earthquake, many buildings experienced damage varying from frequent diagonal cracking and brittle failure of infill walls to collapse or severe damage to frames due to short columns, soft stories or other reasons including insufficient or poor detailing of reinforcement. This study investigates and presents the seismicity of the region, characteristics of the measured ground motions, seismic load demands including response spectra, and damage mechanisms, potential causes and classification of observed damage in reinforced concrete buildings.
Application Model for a Stirling Engine Micro-Generation System in Caravans in Different European Locations
Authors: Ulloa Carlos , Porteiro Jacobo , Eguía Pablo , Pousada-Carballo José
Published: February 2013

This article describes a simple model obtained from a commercial Stirling engine and used for heating a caravan. The Stirling engine has been tested in the lab under different electrical load conditions, and the operating points obtained are presented. As an application of the model, a series of transient simulations was performed using TRNSYS. During these simulations, the caravan is traveling throughout the day and is stationary at night. Therefore, during the night-time hours, the heating system is turned on by means of the Stirling engine. The study was performed for each month of the year in different European cities. The different heating demand profiles for different cities induce variation in the electricity production, as it has been assumed that electricity is only generated when the thermal demand requires the operation of the Stirling system. As a result, a comparison of the expected power generation in different European cities is presented.
Economic Feasibility of V2G Frequency Regulation in Consideration of Battery Wear
Authors: Han Sekyung , Han Soohee
Published: February 2013

An economic feasibility study of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) frequency regulation is performed in consideration of battery wear. Usually, a transaction for frequency regulation is made in terms of power capacity while the battery-wear proceeds in proportion to the absolute amount of energy transferred. In order to relate the two quantities, we first estimate the amount of transferred energy in terms of contracted power capacity, and hence regulation income, by analyzing actual regulation signals and transactions. On the other hand, the amount of transferrable energy during the life cycle of a battery is estimated analyzing some pervasive specifications for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The expected V2G income is then estimated and compared with battery prices to judge the economic feasibility of V2G regulation. In the latter part of the paper, the assessment result is validated with actual cycle life data of an EV battery cell. As a result, it is concluded that the estimated profit exceeds current market price of EV batteries, indicating that V2G regulation is an economically feasible service.
Assessing the Geographic Representativity of Farm Accountancy Data
Authors: Green Stuart , O'Donoghue Cathal
Published: February 2013

The environment affects agriculture, via soils, weather, etc. and agriculture affects the environment locally at farm level and via its impact on climate change. Locating agriculture within its spatial environment is thus important for farmers and policy makers. Within the EU countries collect detailed farm data to understand the technical and financial performance of farms; the Farm Accountancy Data Network. However, knowledge of the spatial-environmental context of these farms is reported at gross scale. In this paper, Irish farm accounting data is geo-referenced using address matching to a national address database. An analysis of the geographic distribution of the survey farms, illustrated through a novel 2D ranked pair plot of the coordinates, compared to the national distribution of farms shows a trend in the location of survey farms that leads to a statistical difference in the climatic variables associated with the farm. The farms in the survey have significantly higher accumulated solar radiation values than the national average. As a result, the survey may not be representative spatially of the pattern of environment x farm system. This could have important considerations when using FADN data in modelling climate change impacts on agri-economic performance.
Differential mRNA Expression Levels of Human Histone-Modifying Enzymes in Normal Karyotype B Cell Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Tao Yan-Fang , Pang Li , Du Xiao-Juan , Sun Li-Chao , Hu Shao-Yan , Lu Jun , Cao Lan , Zhao Wen-Li , Feng Xing , Wang Jian , Wu Dong , Wang Na , Ni Jian , Pan Jian
Published: February 2013

Histone modification enzymes regulate gene expression by altering the accessibility of promoters to transcription factors. We sought to determine whether the genes encoding histone modification enzymes are dysregulated in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A real-time PCR array was designed, tested and used to profile the expression of 85 genes encoding histone modification enzymes in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 30 pediatric ALL patients and 20 normal controls. The expression profile of histone-modifying genes was significantly different between normal karyotype B cell pediatric ALL and normal controls. Eleven genes were upregulated in pediatric ALL, including the histone deacetylases HDAC2 and PAK1, and seven genes were downregulated, including PRMT2 and the putative tumor suppressor EP300. Future studies will seek to determine whether these genes serve as biomarkers of pediatric ALL. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that Gene Expression and Organ Morphology was the highest rated network, with 13 focus molecules (significance score = 35). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis also indicated that curcumin and miR-34 are upstream regulators of histone-modifying enzymes; future studies will seek to validate these results and examine the role of curcumin and miR-34 in leukemia. This study provides new clues into the molecular mechanisms of pediatric ALL.
Identification of Oxidative Stress Related Proteins as Biomarkers for Lung Cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Authors: Pastor Maria , Nogal Ana , Molina-Pinelo Sonia , Meléndez Ricardo , Romero-Romero Beatriz , Mediano Maria , López-Campos Jose , García-Carbonero Rocío , Sanchez-Gastaldo Amparo , Carnero Amancio , Paz-Ares Luis
Published: February 2013

Lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly coexist in smokers, and the presence of COPD increases the risk of developing LC. Cigarette smoke causes oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in lung cells, which in turn may be involved in COPD and lung cancer development. The aim of this study was to identify differential proteomic profiles related to oxidative stress response that were potentially involved in these two pathological entities. Protein content was assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 60 patients classified in four groups: COPD, COPD and LC, LC, and control (neither COPD nor LC). Proteins were separated into spots by two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). A total of 16 oxidative stress regulatory proteins were differentially expressed in BAL samples from LC and/or COPD patients as compared with the control group. A distinct proteomic reactive oxygen species (ROS) protein signature emerged that characterized lung cancer and COPD. In conclusion, our findings highlight the role of the oxidative stress response proteins in the pathogenic pathways of both diseases, and provide new candidate biomarkers and predictive tools for LC and COPD diagnosis.
Validation of Reference Genes for the Determination of Platelet Transcript Level in Healthy Individuals and in Patients with the History of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zsóri Katalin , Muszbek László , Csiki Zoltán , Shemirani Amir
Published: February 2013

RT-qPCR is the standard method for studying changes in relative transcript level in different experimental and clinical conditions and in different tissues. No validated reference genes have been reported for the normalization of transcript level in platelets. The very low level of platelet RNA and the elimination of leukocyte contamination represented special methodological difficulties. Our aims were to apply a simple technique to separate platelets for transcript level studies, and select the most stable reference genes for platelets from healthy individuals and from patients with the history of myocardial infarction. We developed a simple, straightforward method of platelet separation for RNA isolation. Platelet activation was inhibited by using acid-citrate-dextrose for anticoagulation and by prostaglandin E1. Leukocyte contamination was eliminated by three consecutive centrifugations. Samples prepared by this method were free of leukocytes, showed no inhibition in PCR reaction and no RNA degradation. The assay demands low blood volume, which complies with the requirements of everyday laboratory routine. Seventeen potential reference genes were investigated, but eight of them were excluded during optimization. The stability of the remaining genes, EEF2, EAR, ACTB, GAPDH, ANAPC5, OAZ1, HDGF, GNAS, and CFL1, were determined by four different descriptive statistics. GAPDH, GNAS, and ACTB were shown to be the most stable genes in platelets of healthy individuals, while HDGF, GNAS, and ACTB were the most stable in platelets of patients with the history of myocardial infarction. The results confirm that data normalization needs assessment of appropriate reference genes for a particular sample set.
Preparation of DOPC and DPPC Supported Planar Lipid Bilayers for Atomic Force Microscopy and Atomic Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Attwood Simon , Choi Youngjik , Leonenko Zoya
Published: February 2013

Cell membranes are typically very complex, consisting of a multitude of different lipids and proteins. Supported lipid bilayers are widely used as model systems to study biological membranes. Atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy techniques are nanoscale methods that are successfully used to study supported lipid bilayers. These methods, especially force spectroscopy, require the reliable preparation of supported lipid bilayers with extended coverage. The unreliability and a lack of a complete understanding of the vesicle fusion process though have held back progress in this promising field. We document here robust protocols for the formation of fluid phase DOPC and gel phase DPPC bilayers on mica. Insights into the most crucial experimental parameters and a comparison between DOPC and DPPC preparation are presented. Finally, we demonstrate force spectroscopy measurements on DOPC surfaces and measure rupture forces and bilayer depths that agree well with X-ray diffraction data. We also believe our approach to decomposing the force-distance curves into depth sub-components provides a more reliable method for characterising the depth of fluid phase lipid bilayers, particularly in comparison with typical image analysis approaches.
Benzyl 3-deoxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylamino)-β-L-xylopyranoside
Authors: Lugemwa Fulgentius
Published: February 2013

Reaction of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylamine and benzyl 2,3-anhydro-β-L-ribopyranoside in refluxing ethanol produced benzyl 3-deoxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylamino)-β-L-xylopyranoside in 72.5% yield. An attempt to synthesize the title compound by reacting neat 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylamine with benzyl 2,3-anhydro-β-L-ribopyranoside without a solvent produced a dark brown mixture with several decomposition products. The structure of benzyl 3-deoxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylamino)-β-L-xylopyranoside was determined using elemental analysis, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and its conformation is 1C4.
Novel One-Pot Green Synthesis of Indolizines Biocatalysed by Candida antarctica Lipases
Authors: Dinica Rodica , Furdui Bianca , Ghinea Ioana , Bahrim Gabriela , Bonte Simon , Demeunynck Martine
Published: February 2013

Marine microorganisms are of considerable interest as a promising source of enzymes with unsuspected potentials as catalysts for chemical synthesis. We describe here an efficient method for one-pot indolizine synthesis that has been developed using lipase A and lipase B from Candida antarctica as biocatalysts. As showed by HPLC/MS analysis, the yield in indolizines was higher in the presence of the biocatalyst than in absence of enzyme. Lipase A, from Candida antarctica, showed high catalytic activity and selectivity for the cycloaddition reactions. When the reactions were performed under ultrasound irradiation, the Candida antarctica lipase catalyzed reactions yielded pure indolozines, in good yields and in very short time.
Palladium-Catalyzed Amination of Dichloroquinolines with Adamantane-Containing Amines
Authors: Abel Anton , Averin Alexei , Maloshitskaya Olga , Savelyev Evgenii , Orlinson Boris , Novakov Ivan , Beletskaya Irina
Published: February 2013

Pd-catalyzed amination of isomeric 2,6-, 2,8-, 4,8- and 4,7-dichloroquinolines was studied using adamantane-containing amines in which substituents at the nitrogen atom differ in bulkiness. The selectivity of the amination of 2,6-dichloroquinoline was very low, substantially better results were obtained with 2,8-dichloroquinoline, and 4,8- and 4,7-dichloroquinolines provided the best yields of the amination products. Diamination of 4,8- and 4,7-dichloroquinolines was carried out with two amines which differ strongly in the bulkiness of the alkyl group. In the majority of cases BINAP ligand was successfully applied, however, it had to be replaced with DavePhos in certain reactions when using the most sterically hindered amine as well as for the diamination reactions.
Risk of Suboptimal Iodine Intake in Pregnant Norwegian Women
Authors: Brantsæter Anne , Abel Marianne , Haugen Margaretha , Meltzer Helle
Published: February 2013

Pregnant women and infants are exceptionally vulnerable to iodine deficiency. The aims of the present study were to estimate iodine intake, to investigate sources of iodine, to identify predictors of low or suboptimal iodine intake (defined as intakes below 100 μg/day and 150 μg/day) in a large population of pregnant Norwegian women and to evaluate iodine status in a sub-population. Iodine intake was calculated based on a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort. The median iodine intake was 141 μg/day from food and 166 μg/day from food and supplements. Use of iodine-containing supplements was reported by 31.6%. The main source of iodine from food was dairy products, contributing 67% and 43% in non-supplement and iodine-supplement users, respectively. Of 61,904 women, 16.1% had iodine intake below 100 μg/day, 42.0% had iodine intake below 150 μg/day and only 21.7% reached the WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD recommendation of 250 μg/day. Dietary behaviors associated with increased risk of low and suboptimal iodine intake were: no use of iodine-containing supplements and low intake of milk/yogurt, seafood and eggs. The median urinary iodine concentration measured in 119 participants (69 μg/L) confirmed insufficient iodine intake. Public health strategies are needed to improve and secure the iodine status of pregnant women in Norway.
An Extract from Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merrill and Perry) Effects Glycogenesis and Glycolysis Pathways in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Treated FL83B Mouse Hepatocytes
Authors: Shen Szu-Chuan , Chang Wen-Chang , Chang Chiao-Li
Published: February 2013

FL83B mouse hepatocytes were treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to induce insulin resistance to investigate the effect of a wax apple aqueous extract (WAE) in insulin-resistant mouse hepatocytes. The uptake of 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1, 3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2 NBDG), a fluorescent d-glucose derivative, was performed, and the metabolism of carbohydrates was evaluated by examining the expression of glycogenesis or glycolysis-related proteins in insulin-resistant hepatocytes. The results show that WAE significantly improves the uptake of glucose and enhances glycogen content in insulin-resistant FL83B mouse hepatocytes. The results from Western blot analysis also reveal that WAE increases the expression of glycogen synthase (GS), hexokinase (HXK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and aldolase in TNF-α treated cells, indicating that WAE may ameliorate glucose metabolism by promoting glycogen synthesis and the glycolysis pathways in insulin-resistant FL83B mouse hepatocytes.
Relationships between Cargo, Cell Penetrating Peptides and Cell Type for Uptake of Non-Covalent Complexes into Live Cells
Authors: Keller Andrea-Anneliese , Mussbach Franziska , Breitling Reinhard , Hemmerich Peter , Schaefer Buerk , Lorkowski Stefan , Reissmann Siegmund
Published: February 2013

Modulating signaling pathways for research and therapy requires either suppression or expression of selected genes or internalization of proteins such as enzymes, antibodies, nucleotide binding proteins or substrates including nucleoside phosphates and enzyme inhibitors. Peptides, proteins and nucleotides are transported by fusing or conjugating them to cell penetrating peptides or by formation of non-covalent complexes. The latter is often preferred because of easy handling, uptake efficiency and auto-release of cargo into the live cell. In our studies complexes are formed with labeled or readily detectable cargoes for qualitative and quantitative estimation of their internalization. Properties and behavior of adhesion and suspension vertebrate cells as well as the protozoa Leishmania tarentolae are investigated with respect to proteolytic activity, uptake efficiency, intracellular localization and cytotoxicity. Our results show that peptide stability to membrane-bound, secreted or intracellular proteases varies between different CPPs and that the suitability of individual CPPs for a particular cargo in complex formation by non-covalent interactions requires detailed studies. Cells vary in their sensitivity to increasing concentrations of CPPs. Thus, most cells can be efficiently transduced with peptides, proteins and nucleotides with intracellular concentrations in the low micromole range. For each cargo, cell type and CPP the optimal conditions must be determined separately.
RNAi Therapeutic Platforms for Lung Diseases
Authors: Fujita Yu , Takeshita Fumitaka , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: February 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) is rapidly becoming an important method for analyzing gene functions in many eukaryotes and holds promise for the development of therapeutic gene silencing. The induction of RNAi relies on small silencing RNAs, which affect specific messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation. Two types of small RNA molecules, i.e. small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are central to RNAi. Drug discovery studies and novel treatments of siRNAs are currently targeting a wide range of diseases, including various viral infections and cancers. Lung diseases in general are attractive targets for siRNA therapeutics because of their lethality and prevalence. In addition, the lung is anatomically accessible to therapeutic agents via the intrapulmonary route. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that miRNAs play an important role in lung abnormalities, such as inflammation and oncogenesis. Therefore, miRNAs are being targeted for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we present strategies for RNAi delivery and discuss the current state-of-the-art RNAi-based therapeutics for various lung diseases.
In Vitro Androgen Bioassays as a Detection Method for Designer Androgens
Authors: Cooper Elliot , McGrath Kristine , Heather Alison
Published: February 2013

Androgens are the class of sex steroids responsible for male sexual characteristics, including increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass. Illicit use of androgen doping can be an attractive option for those looking to enhance sporting performance and/or physical appearance. The use of in vitro bioassays to detect androgens, especially designer or proandrogens, is becoming increasingly important in combating androgen doping associated with nutritional supplements. The nutritional sports supplement market has grown rapidly throughout the past decade. Many of these supplements contain androgens, designer androgens or proandrogens. Many designer or proandrogens cannot be detected by the standard highly-sensitive screening methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry because their chemical structure is unknown. However, in vitro androgen bioassays can detect designer and proandrogens as these assays are not reliant on knowing the chemical structure but instead are based on androgen receptor activation. For these reasons, it may be advantageous to use routine androgen bioassay screening of nutraceutical samples to help curb the increasing problem of androgen doping.
Investigation into Mass Loading Sensitivity of Sezawa Wave Mode-Based Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors
Authors: Mohanan Ajay , Islam Md , Ali Sawal , Parthiban R. , Ramakrishnan N.
Published: February 2013

In this work mass loading sensitivity of a Sezawa wave mode based surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is investigated through finite element method (FEM) simulation and the prospects of these devices to function as highly sensitive SAW sensors is reported. A ZnO/Si layered SAW resonator is considered for the simulation study. Initially the occurrence of Sezawa wave mode and displacement amplitude of the Rayleigh and Sezawa wave mode is studied for lower ZnO film thickness. Further, a thin film made of an arbitrary material is coated over the ZnO surface and the resonance frequency shift caused by mass loading of the film is estimated. It was observed that Sezawa wave mode shows significant sensitivity to change in mass loading and has higher sensitivity (eight times higher) than Rayleigh wave mode for the same device configuration. Further, the mass loading sensitivity was observed to be greater for a low ZnO film thickness to wavelength ratio. Accordingly, highly sensitive SAW sensors can be developed by coating a sensing medium over a layered SAW device and operating at Sezawa mode resonance frequency. The sensitivity can be increased by tuning the ZnO film thickness to wavelength ratio.
Double Marginalized Livelihoods: Invisible Gender Inequality in Pastoral Societies
Authors: Eneyew Adugna , Mengistu Sileshi
Published: February 2013

Achieving gender equality is the Third Millennium Development Goal, and the major challenge to poverty reduction is the inability of governments to address this at grass root levels. This study is therefore aimed at assessing gender inequality as it pertains to socio-economic factors in (agro-) pastoral societies. It tries to explain how “invisible” forces perpetuate gender inequality, based on data collected from male and female household heads and community representatives. The findings indicate that in comparison with men, women lack access to control rights over livestock, land, and income, which are critical to securing a sustainable livelihood. However, this inequality remains invisible to women who appear to readily submit to local customs, and to the community at large due to a lack of public awareness and gender based interventions. In addition, violence against women is perpetuated through traditional beliefs and sustained by tourists to the area. As a result, (agro-) pastoral woman face double marginalization, for being pastoralist, and for being a woman.
HIV-1 Diversity in the Envelope Glycoproteins: Implications for Viral Entry Inhibition
Authors: Araújo Leonardo , Almeida Sabrina
Published: February 2013

Entry of HIV-1 into a host cell is a multi-step process, with the viral envelope gp120 and gp41 acting sequentially to mediate the viral attachment, CD4 binding, coreceptor binding, and fusion of the viral and host membranes. The emerging class of antiretroviral agents, collectively known as entry inhibitors, interfere in some of these steps. However, viral diversity has implications for possible differential responses to entry inhibitors, since envelope is the most variable of all HIV genes. Different HIV genetic forms carry in their genomes genetic signatures and polymorphisms that could alter the structure of viral proteins which are targeted by drugs, thus impairing antiretroviral binding and efficacy. This review will examine current research that describes subtype differences in envelope at the genetic level and the effects of mutations on the efficacy of current entry inhibitors.
Phage Lambda P Protein: Trans-Activation, Inhibition Phenotypes and their Suppression
Authors: Hayes Sidney , Erker Craig , Horbay Monique , Marciniuk Kristen , Wang Wen , Hayes Connie
Published: February 2013

The initiation of bacteriophage λ replication depends upon interactions between the oriλ DNA site, phage proteins O and P, and E. coli host replication proteins. P exhibits a high affinity for DnaB, the major replicative helicase for unwinding double stranded DNA. The concept of P-lethality relates to the hypothesis that P can sequester DnaB and in turn prevent cellular replication initiation from oriC. Alternatively, it was suggested that P-lethality does not involve an interaction between P and DnaB, but is targeted to DnaA. P-lethality is assessed by examining host cells for transformation by ColE1-type plasmids that can express P, and the absence of transformants is attributed to a lethal effect of P expression. The plasmid we employed enabled conditional expression of P, where under permissive conditions, cells were efficiently transformed. We observed that ColE1 replication and plasmid establishment upon transformation is extremely sensitive to P, and distinguish this effect from P-lethality directed to cells. We show that alleles of dnaB protect the variant cells from P expression. P-dependent cellular filamentation arose in ΔrecA or lexA[Ind-] cells, defective for SOS induction. Replication propagation and restart could represent additional targets for P interference of E. coli replication, beyond the oriC-dependent initiation step.
Sustainable Water Systems
Authors: Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2013

Sustainable water systems often comprise complex combinations of traditional and new system components that mimic natural processes. These green systems aim to protect public health and safety, and restore natural and human landscapes. Green infrastructure elements such as most sustainable drainage systems trap storm water but may contaminate groundwater. There is a need to summarize recent trends in sustainable water systems management in a focused document. The aim of this special issue is therefore to disseminate and share scientific findings on novel sustainable water systems addressing recent problems and opportunities. This special issue focuses on the following key topics: climate change adaptation and vulnerability assessment of water resources systems; holistic water management; carbon credits; potable water savings; sustainable water technologies; nutrient management; holistic storm water reuse; water and wastewater infrastructure planning; ecological status of watercourses defined by the Water Framework Directive. The combined knowledge output advances the understanding of sustainable water, wastewater and storm water systems in the developed and developing world. The research highlights the need for integrated decision-support frameworks addressing the impact of climate change on local and national water resources management strategies involving all relevant stakeholders at all levels.
From bead to flask: Synthesis of a complex β-amido-amide for probe-development studies
Authors: Martin Kevin S , Soldi Cristian , Candee Kellan N , Wettersten Hiromi I , Weiss Robert H , Shaw Jared T
Published: February 2013

A concise synthesis of benzimidazole-substituted β-amido-amide LLW62 is presented. The original synthesis of compounds related to LLW62 was developed on Rink resin as part of a “one-bead, one-compound” combinatorial approach for on-bead screening purposes. The current synthesis is carried out in solution and is amenable to scale-up for follow-up studies on LLW62 and investigations of related structures. The key step involves the use of a β-amino acid-forming three-component reaction (3CR), the scope of which defines its role in the synthetic strategy.
Comment l'Europe des citoyens (éducation et santé publique) est-elle née en 1987 ?
Authors: Richonnier Michel
Published: February 2013

Résumé Suite à sa longue expérience de haut fonctionnaire à la Commission européenne, l’auteur nous retrace l’historique des premières étapes de la construction d’une Europe des citoyens, dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la santé publique, à travers les programmes Comett, Erasmus , et L’Europe contre le cancer . Il insiste en particulier sur l’interaction entre Commission et Conseil pour l’aboutissement de ces projets. Enfin, il conclut en présentant le suivi de ces programmes jusqu’aujourd’hui.
La Pologne et le traité de Lisbonne : Préhistoire, négociation et application
Authors: Wilga Maciej , Karolewski Ireneusz Pawel
Published: February 2013

Résumé Cet article étudie la position et l’action de la Pologne dans le cadre de la signature du traité de Lisbonne. Il s’intéresse en particulier aux questions clés pour le gouvernement polonais, tant sur le plan technique que dans le domaine éthique. Il conclut que la Pologne a surtout cherché à agir dans le domaine du partage du pouvoir au sein du Conseil, ainsi que sur les références au christianisme., et qu’elle a plutôt fait profil bas sur les autres questions.
End of the trail: Los últimos pastores roncaleses en las montañas de Nevada (EE.UU.)
Authors: Orduna Portús Pablo
Published: February 2013

El presente artículo es el resultado de un proyecto dirigido a investigar la etnografía de aquellos roncaleses que vivieron el fenómeno de la emigración hacia EE. UU. en el Estado de Nevada. El trabajo expondrá, de manera comparativa, el desarrollo del proceso de aculturación en aquellos que llegaron para trabajar como pastores y finalmente se asentaron allí. El trabajo de campo etnográfico y la labor bibliográfica demuestran modificaciones de rituales sociales a raíz del contacto entre dos culturas diferentes. Por un lado, examinamos cómo el amoldamiento en un espacio de frontera cultural creó nuevas identificaciones tradicionales con respecto al concepto de pertenencia. A su vez, de forma particular, podemos observar y revisar lo que aquellos cambios significaron para el devenir personal de los encuestados. Por otro lado, mediante un análisis etnohistórico, alcanzamos a comprender el motivo por el que el territorio de Nevada se convirtió en uno de los enclaves principales de asentamiento de la comunidad vasca en el Oeste norteamericano. Las transformaciones económicas y culturales acaecidas en su seno se interpretan en la investigación desde los puntos de partida de límite social y aculturación.
Las formas del trabajo femenino y su representación en el romance La noble porquera
Authors: Ceballos Viro Ignacio
Published: February 2013

En este estudio se analiza la interpretación que el romance tradicional La noble porquera / La porquerola ofrece acerca del trabajo femenino. Partiendo de un análisis del relato desde la perspectiva antropológica, se examinan en primer lugar las causas y consecuencias del conflicto entre suegra y nuera, el cual funciona como motor de la trama y viene a desembocar en la imposición de unas determinadas cargas laborales sobre la nuera. Lo interesante a continuación es dar razón de por qué el romance considera esos trabajos en particular como un castigo. Para ello, se determina el valor que pudieran tener algunas circunstancias socioculturales en la transmisión del romance, como el hecho de que muchas informantes se dedicaran precisamente a las tareas de cuidado del ganado. Finalmente, se presentan unas conclusiones sobre el grado de incidencia del medio socioeconómico en los relatos orales y sobre las características de la propia perspectiva de análisis antropológico de la literatura.
La vie des organisations
Authors: Thayer Lee
Published: February 2013

Cet essai propose une réflexion sur les finalités de la communication et de l’organisation. Rappelant les liens étroits qui rendent ces dernières indissociables, l’auteur soutient que l’organisation doit être considérée comme un moyen au service de fins humanistes et non comme une fin en soi. Il explore ensuite les changements qu’implique cette perspective sur nos façons de concevoir certains processus organisationnels, la communication et l’activité de théorisation elle-même. Pour obtenir des systèmes de communication/organisation qui contribuent à l’épanouissement des êtres humains, l’auteur propose une conception triadique de la communication qui, en plus de faire appel à des partenaires dotés de « compétences de communication », fait intervenir une vision de l’idéal qu’ils choisissent de poursuivre.
À la recherche d’une image institutionnelle positive pour la police !
Authors: Dagenais Bernard
Published: February 2013

Toute grande organisation essaie de se construire une image publique positive. Comme institution publique, on a l’impression que la police au contraire cultive plutôt une image négative au fil des ans. Alors qu’elle doit faire respecter l’ordre, c’est elle qui anime le désordre. Toutefois réduire l’image de la police à ses erreurs de parcours, c’est méconnaître le rôle difficile qu’elle est appelée à jouer. Entre la protection du public et la répression du crime, elle doit assumer de multiples tâches qu’exige la société moderne et qui ne révèlent pas nécessairement de ses responsabilités. L’image négative de la police vient davantage de l’attitude contradictoire du pubic envers elle que de ses propres comportements. Les sondages en effet accordent une très grande part de satisfaction du public face au travail de la police, mais en même temps, ce même public dénonce l’attitude de la police.
Légitimité sociétale de l’organisation et stratégie d’influence du dirigeant
Authors: Appel Violaine
Published: February 2013

Si ces dernières années, le positionnement des organisations par rapport à la société se caractérise par la prise en compte croissante de problèmes dépassant le seul cadre économique, leur crédibilité et leur légitimité semblent également se jouer dans leur capacité à se définir socialement et à situer leur champ d’action économique et commercial dans le cadre et dans le respect de l’intérêt général et d’une certaine éthique. Parce que cette recherche de crédibilité au sein d’un espace sociétal s’effectue, au moins partiellement, par le truchement de dispositifs communicationnels internes et externes, il nous a semblé pertinent de nous interroger ici sur la place, le rôle et les enjeux de la stratégie d’influence du dirigeant dans ce processus. Notre réflexion qui s’inscrit dans la continuité de travaux précédents s’intéressera plus spécifiquement à la démarche de Jean-Marie Messier et à ses conséquences actuelles.
La responsabilité sociale des universités à l’heure du savoir comme marchandise
Authors: Granget Lucia
Published: February 2013

La complexité de l’environnement et l’imprévisibilité des changements ont placé l’université au cœur des préoccupations mondiales. Le savoir comme bien public planétaire ou comme marchandise, tel semble être l’enjeu. Dans ce contexte et contre toute attente, alors que les universités se sont engagées à développer fortement des actions de communication avec une démarche marketing déstabilisante pour leur identité, les entreprises ont opté pour un discours dont la thématique centrale est la responsabilité sociale. Alors que les universités conçoivent de plus en plus leur fréquentation comme une finalité et non comme une conséquence de leurs actions, les entreprises s’interrogent sur la « durabilité » de leur rentabilité économique. C’est au sein de ces diverses conceptions et de ces perceptions qu’est abordé dans cet article le débat thématique de la responsabilité sociale à l’heure où la communication marketing est sollicitée pour « éduquer » sur ce concept mais aussi pour « vendre » les universités. Pourtant, les méthodes et les arguments employés semblent plutôt agir en compensation d’un taux croissant de frustrations.
Aménagement rural et gestion des ressources en eau dans la plaine du Fucino (massif des Abruzzes, Italie)
Authors: Burri Ezio , Petitta Marco
Published: February 2013

Nel 1875, con il drenaggio totale delle acque del lago Fucino e l’inizio delle attività di bonifica idraulica, l’ampia superficie derivata dall’originario alveo lacustre viene destinata, come da progetto, ad una intensiva attività agricola. La riforma, attuata nel 1951 dopo l’esproprio dell’intero possedimento Torlonia, comporterà la ricomposizione fondiaria delle originarie 29.000 particelle esistenti, su una superficie di 11.050 ha. Vennero così create  più 9.000 particelle ed assegnate, nella maggior parte dei casi, ad ex-affittuari che già coltivano quelle terre. Se gli effetti positivi della riforma non hanno tardato a manifestarsi, con un notevole aumento del reddito netto, ad esempio, bisogna comunque rilevare che, secondo le più recenti tendenze, l’interesse dei coltivatori si è sempre più spostato, verso colture orticole più redditizie quali la carota, le insalate, il radicchio, il finocchio, il sedano ed altre. A questa soluzione concorrono circostanze favorevoli quali la resa unitaria molto elevata, l’abbondanza di mano d’opera a basso costo e di provenienza extra-comunitaria, la meccanizzazione delle pratiche colturali, l’aumentata capacità imprenditoriale degli agricoltori e la possibilità di ripetere due/tre cicli colturali sullo stesso terreno. Questa tendenza ha comportato due grossi problemi di natura ambientale con l’impiego massivo di pesticidi e fertilizzanti e una richiesta idrica che supera di gran lunga la disponibilità naturale. Le ultime indagini, rapportando il ciclo colturale degli ortaggi con l’utilizzo di alcuni pozzi hanno infatti evidenziato il preoccupante impatto dei prelievi irrigui sulle falde regionali, in termini di abbassamenti piezometrici.
Pseudo-génériques et fusions « stratégiques » dans l’industrie du médicament
Authors: Granier Laurent , Trinquard Sébastien
Published: February 2013

Cet article comble le manque de littérature théorique concernant les fusions entre laboratoires de marque et laboratoires de génériques sur les marchés pharmaceutiques. Afin d’empêcher les firmes de génériques d’accroître leurs parts de marché, certaines firmes de marque produisent elles-mêmes des génériques, appelés pseudo-génériques. Nous montrons, pour un duopole à biens substituables dans lequel une firme de marque concurrence à la Cournot une firme de générique, que la firme de marque est toujours incitée à racheter son concurrent et très souvent à produire des pseudo-génériques.
La fonction de productivité de Sylos Labini : aspects théoriques et empiriques
Authors: Corsi Marcella , Guarini Giulo
Published: February 2013

Ce travail est consacré à l’étude de la fonction de productivité de Sylos Labini tant du point de vue théorique qu’empirique. À cet effet, les différentes composantes de cette fonction (taux de croissance du revenu, du coût absolu et relatif du travail, investissements passés et présents) sont analysées en faisant porter l’attention sur leur signification théorique. L’article rend compte également de toutes les estimations proposées par l’auteur dans ses différentes publications et commente les principaux résultats obtenus. Il montre que la construction et l’utilisation d’une fonction de productivité par Sylos Labini sont la conséquence d’un choix théorique opposé à l’approche mainstream qui consiste à renouer avec la tradition classique en la renouvelant de façon originale et efficace.
Le développement de la responsabilité sociale de l’entreprise
Authors: Rubinstein Marianne
Published: February 2013

Les études empiriques montrent que depuis la fin des années 1990, la Responsabilité Sociale de l’Entreprise (RSE) s’implante rapidement dans les sociétés cotées. Or, les arguments traditionnels évoqués dans la littérature comme favorables à la RSE sont insuffisants pour expliquer cette soudaine expansion. L’article formule alors l’hypothèse complémentaire de la mise en place d’un isomorphisme institutionnel, développé dans un champ organisationnel déjà structuré par le gouvernement d’entreprise et qui conduit les firmes à adopter une démarche de responsabilité sociale, indépendamment de la question de son efficience.
Incertitude stratégique et sélection d’équilibre : deux applications
Authors: Tallon Jean-Marc
Published: February 2013

L’intérêt de l’approche par les jeux globaux (« global games ») est d’ancrer les anticipations sur des variables exogènes réelles. On peut ainsi garder l’aspect auto-réalisateur des anticipations mais en restaurant l’unicité de l’équilibre et donc un meilleur pouvoir prédictif du modèle. Nous illustrons ces mécanismes sur deux exemples. Le premier a trait au choix résidentiel d’agents qui ont une préférence « identitaire ». Le second a trait à la contagion de paniques bancaires d’un pays à un autre.
Influencer la recherche pharmaceutique : un enjeu pour la connaissance des pathologies
Authors: Bonetti Emmanuelle
Published: February 2013

L’objectif de cet article est de montrer que les enjeux autour de la conception des médicaments orientent la connaissance relative aux pathologies traitées. Cette proposition sera démontrée en prenant appui sur l’histoire de l’hypercholestérolémie et de ses traitements. Dans un premier temps, nous verrons que l’élaboration des remèdes participe pleinement de l’évolution du savoir sur les maladies. Ainsi, la résolution de l’énigme relative au rôle du taux de cholestérol dans l’organisme a progressé significativement avec la mise au point d’hypocholestérolémiants. Dans un second temps, nous nous pencherons alors sur les enjeux véhiculés par ces médicaments. Nous soulignerons l’importance des autorités sanitaires et des cliniciens-chercheurs par l’influence qu’ils exercent sur les choix de l’industrie pharmaceutique. Cependant, les objectifs financiers des firmes leur suggèrent des voies de recherche qui limitent fortement l’étendue du questionnement sur ces pathologies. Typiquement, dans le cas de l’hypercholestérolémie, la recherche a essentiellement consisté à déterminer le seuil du taux de cholestérol considéré comme pathologique.
Les modèles de comportements adaptatifs appliqués à l’oligopole de Cournot
Authors: Billand Pascal , Bravard Christophe
Published: February 2013

Ce papier s’intéresse à un jeu d’oligopole « à la Cournot » récurrent, où les firmes adaptent leur quantité en imitant les meilleures stratégies présentes dans leur mémoire. Il s’agit de déterminer les états stochastiquement stables. Plusieurs approches sont présentées pour traiter cette question. Elles se distinguent par le contenu de la mémoire des firmes. Nous notons que cette mémoire joue un rôle clé dans la sélection des états stochastiquement stables. Il apparaît que l’équilibre de Cournot-Nash n’est généralement pas l’unique état stochastiquement stable, voire n’appartient pas à l’ensemble des états stochastiquement stables.
Faible densité des espaces et usages des TIC par les entreprises : besoin d’information ou de coordination ?
Authors: Galliano Danielle , Lethiais Virginie , Soulié Nicolas
Published: February 2013

Cet article a pour objectif d’étudier les comportements d’adoption et d’usage des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (TIC) par les firmes situées dans un environnement à faible densité économique. Il s’agit d’analyser les liens entre les caractéristiques organisationnelles et environnementales des firmes rurales et les usages afin de mettre en évidence la nature de leurs besoins de communication. Il s’appuie sur l’exploitation d’une base de données originale issue de la fusion de données d’entreprises de l’Insee et d’enquêtes régionales ainsi que sur un modèle d’adoption et d’usage de type Heckman. Nous montrons que les facteurs d’appropriation de ces technologies diffèrent selon la nature des besoins, d’information ou de coordination, auxquels elles répondent. Ils dépendent plus des caractéristiques spécifiques des firmes que de celles de leur environnement.