bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fountain of Age: A Remarkable 3D Shape that Portrays Health and Functional Differences among the European Elderly
Authors: Van Buuren Stef , Perenboom Rom
Published: April 2014

There are very few norms to evaluate and monitor the health and functioning of the elderly. This paper proposes a compact spatial representation of 25 health measurements of European citizens older than 50 years. Data from 44,285 unique individuals were obtained from the EU-wide Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe(SHARE) data collected in 2004–2007 and were analyzed by homogeneity analysis, a form of non-linear principal components analysis. The resulting configuration of persons shows a remarkable three-dimensional shape that resembles a fountain. The three components explain 13.7, 5.8 and 4.6 percent of the total variation, respectively. Component 1 is driven by age and by the disabilities that come with old age. Component 2 portrays differences in health that are independent of age, with the high scores in relatively good health, given age. Component 3 distinguishes specific types of functional decline from general complaints that impact on daily life. The shape suggests that the elderly keep on maturing as they grow older, actually becoming more diverse as a group. We show how the solution may be used to develop and support profiles for the elderly. Another potential application is to track the individual development of the elderly, thereby objectifying personalized medicine.
Evaluation of a Method for Nitrotyrosine Site Identification and Relative Quantitation Using a Stable Isotope-Labeled Nitrated Spike-In Standard and High Resolution Fourier Transform MS and MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Seeley Kent , Fertig Alison , Dufresne Craig , Pinho Joao , Jr. Stanley
Published: April 2014

The overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) can have deleterious effects in the cell, including structural and possible activity-altering modifications to proteins. Peroxynitrite is one such RNS that can result in a specific protein modification, nitration of tyrosine residues to form nitrotyrosine, and to date, the identification of nitrotyrosine sites in proteins continues to be a major analytical challenge. We have developed a method by which 15N-labeled nitrotyrosine groups are generated on peptide or protein standards using stable isotope-labeled peroxynitrite (O15NOO−), and the resulting standard is mixed with representative samples in which nitrotyrosine formation is to be measured by mass spectrometry (MS). Nitropeptide MS/MS spectra are filtered using high mass accuracy Fourier transform MS (FTMS) detection of the nitrotyrosine immonium ion. Given that the nitropeptide pair is co-isolated for MS/MS fragmentation, the nitrotyrosine immonium ions (at m/z = 181 or 182) can be used for relative quantitation with negligible isotopic interference at a mass resolution of greater than 50,000 (FWHM, full width at half-maximum). Furthermore, the standard potentially allows for the increased signal of nitrotyrosine-containing peptides, thus facilitating selection for MS/MS in a data-dependent mode of acquisition. We have evaluated the methodology in terms of nitrotyrosine site identification and relative quantitation using nitrated peptide and protein standards.
Maternal High Folic Acid Supplement Promotes Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance in Male Mouse Offspring Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Huang Yifan , He Yonghan , Sun Xiaowei , He Yujie , Li Ying , Sun Changhao
Published: April 2014

Maternal nutrition may influence metabolic profiles in offspring. We aimed to investigate the effect of maternal folic acid supplement on glucose metabolism in mouse offspring fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Sixty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly assigned into three dietary groups and fed the AIN-93G diet containing 2 (control), 5 (recommended folic acid supplement, RFolS) or 40 (high folic acid supplement, HFolS) mg folic acid/kg of diet. All male offspring were fed HFD for eight weeks. Physiological, biochemical and genetic variables were measured. Before HFD feeding, developmental variables and metabolic profiles were comparable among each offspring group. However, after eight weeks of HFD feeding, the offspring of HFolS dams (Off-HFolS) were more vulnerable to suffer from obesity (p = 0.009), glucose intolerance (p < 0.001) and insulin resistance (p < 0.001), compared with the controls. Off-HFolS had reduced serum adiponectin concentration, accompanied with decreased adiponectin mRNA level but increased global DNA methylation level in white adipose tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest maternal HFolS exacerbates the detrimental effect of HFD on glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in male offspring, implying that HFolS during pregnancy should be adopted cautiously in the general population of pregnant women to avoid potential deleterious effect on the metabolic diseases in their offspring.
GPC1 Regulated by miR-96-5p, Rather than miR-182-5p, in Inhibition of Pancreatic Carcinoma Cell Proliferation
Authors: Li Chunlong , Du Xuefei , Tai Sheng , Zhong Xiangyu , Wang Zhidong , Hu Zhanliang , Zhang Lei , Kang Pengcheng , Ji Daolin , Jiang Xingming , Zhou Qingxin , Wan Ming , Jiang Guixing , Cui Yunfu
Published: April 2014

To determine the relationships between miR-96-5p/-182-5p and GPC1 in pancreatic cancer (PC), we conducted the population and in vitro studies. We followed 38 pancreatic cancer patients, measured and compared the expression of miR-96-5p/-182-5p, GPC1, characteristics and patients’ survival time of different miR-96-5p/-182-5p expression levels in PC tissues. In an in vitro study, we investigated the proliferation, cycle and apotosis in cells transfected with mimics/inhibitors of the two miRNAs, and determine their effects on GPC1 by dual-luciferase assay. In the follow-up study, we found that the expressions of miR-96-5p/-182-5p were lower/higher in PC tissues; patients with lower/higher levels of miR-96-5p/-182-5p suffered poorer characteristics and decreased survival time. In the in vitro study, the expressions of miR-96-5p/-182-5p were different in cells. Proliferation of cells transfected with miR-96-5p mimics/inhibitors was lower/higher in Panc-1/BxPC-3; when transfected with miR-182-5p mimics/inhibitors, proliferation of cells were higher/lower in AsPC-1/Panc-1. In a cell cycle study, panc-1 cells transfected with miR-96-5p mimics was arrested at G0/G1; BxPC-3 cells transfected with miR-96-5p inhibitors showed a significantly decrease at G0/G1; AsPC-1 cells transfected with miR-182-5p mimics was arrested at S; Panc-1 cells transfected with miR-182-5p inhibitors showed a decrease at S. MiR-96-5p mimics increased the apoptosis rate in Panc-1 cells, and its inhibitors decreased the apoptosis rate in BxPC-3. Dual luciferase assay revealed that GPC1 was regulated by miR-96-5p, not -182-5p. We found that miR-96-5p/-182-5p as good markers for PC; miR-96-5p, rather than -182-5p, inhibits GPC1 to suppress proliferation of PC cells.
Isolation of the Autoinducer-Quenching Strain that Inhibits LasR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Weng Lixing , Zhang Yuqian , Yang Yuxiang , Wang Lianhui
Published: April 2014

Quorum sensing (QS) has been recognized as a general phenomenon in microorganisms and plays an important role in many pathogenic bacteria. In this report, we used the Agrobacterium tumefaciens biosensor strain NT1 to rapidly screen for autoinducer-quenching inhibitors from bacteria. After initial screening 5389 isolates obtained from land and beach soil, 53 putative positive strains were identified. A confirmatory bioassay was carried out after concentrating the putative positive culture supernatant, and 22 strains were confirmed to have anti-LasR activity. Finally, we determined the strain JM2, which could completely inhibit biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, belonged to the genus Pseudomonas by analysis of 16S rDNA. Partially purified inhibitor factor(s) F5 derived from culture supernatants specifically inhibited LasR-controlled elastase and protease in wild type P. aeruginosa PAO1 by 68% and 73%, respectively, without significantly affecting growth; the rhl-controlled pyocyanin and rhamnolipids were inhibited by 54% and 52% in the presence of 100 µg/mL of F5. The swarming motility and biofilm of PAO1 were also inhibited by F5. Real time RT-PCR on samples from 100 µg/mL F5-treated P. aeruginosa showed downregulation of autoinducer synthase (LasRI and rhlI) and cognate receptor (lasR and rhlR) genes by 50%, 28%, 48%, and 29%, respectively. These results provide compelling evidence that the F5 inhibitor(s) interferes with the las system and significantly inhibits biofilm formation.
The Marine-Derived Sipholenol A-4-O-3′,4′-Dichlorobenzoate Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth and Motility in Vitro and in Vivo through the Suppression of Brk and FAK Signaling
Authors: Akl Mohamed , Foudah Ahmed , Ebrahim Hassan , Meyer Sharon , Sayed Khalid
Published: April 2014

Sipholenol A is a natural sipholane triterpenoid isolated from the Red Sea sponge, Callyspongia siphonella. Previous studies showed the antimigratory and antiproliferative activities of the semisynthetic sipholenol A esters against breast cancer cell lines. This study investigated the effects of sipholenol A-4-O-3′,4′-dichlorobenzoate (SPA) on the growth, migration and invasion of diverse human breast cancer cells. Results showed that SPA inhibited the growth of the human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, BT-474 and T-47D, in a dose-dependent manner. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that SPA significantly reduced Ki-67-positive cells in MDA-MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses revealed that SPA treatment suppressed MDA-MB-231 cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. In addition, SPA suppressed breast cancer cell migration, invasion and decreased Brk and FAK activation in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking study suggested a perfect fitting at the FAK’s FERM domain, inhibiting the main autophosphorylation site, Y397, which was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. Most known small molecule FAK inhibitors target the kinase domain, creating several off-target side effects. The in vivo studies showed that SPA treatment suppressed breast tumor growth and Ki-67, CD31, p-Brk and p-FAK expression in orthotopic breast cancer in nude mice. In conclusion, SPA inhibited the growth, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells possibly via deactivating Brk and FAK signaling, suggesting good potential for therapeutic use to control invasive breast cancer.
Synthesis, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the N-ethoxycarbonylmorpholine Ester of Diclofenac as a Prodrug
Authors: Jilani Jamal , Idkaidek Nasir , Alzoubi Karem
Published: April 2014

The N-ethoxycarbonylmorpholine moiety was evaluated as a novel prodrug moiety for carboxylic acid containing drugs represented by diclofenac (1). Compound 2, the N-ethoxycarbonylmorpholine ester of diclofenac was synthesized and evaluated as a potential prodrug. The stability of the synthesized prodrug was evaluated in solutions of pH 1 and 7.4, and in plasma. The ester’s half lives were found to be 8 h, 47 h and 21 min in pH 1, pH 7.4 and plasma, respectively. Equimolar doses of diclofenac sodium and its synthesized prodrug were administered orally to a group of rabbits in a crossover study to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters. The prodrug 2 shows a similar rate and extent of absorption as the parent drug (1). The ulcerogenicity of the prepared prodrug was evaluated and compared with the parent drug. The prodrug showed less ulcerogenicity as detected by fewer number and smaller size of ulcers. In conclusion, the newly synthesized N-ethoxycarbonylmorpholine ester of diclofenac prodrug showed appropriate stability properties at different pHs, similar pharmacokinetic profile, and much less ulcerogenecity at the GIT compared to the parent drug diclofenac.
An Analysis of Regulatory Strategies for Recycling and Re-Use of Metals in Australia
Authors: Gumley Wayne
Published: April 2014

This article considers regulatory strategies that promote more efficient use of material inputs within the Australian economy, with particular focus on recycling and recovery of metals, drawing upon the concept of a “circular economy”. It briefly reviews the nature of regulation and trends in regulatory strategies within changing policy contexts, and then examines the regulatory framework applicable to the various phases in the life cycle of metals, ranging from extraction of minerals to processing and assimilation of metals into finished products, through to eventual disposal of products as waste. Discussion focuses upon the regulatory strategies applied in each phase and the changing roles of government and business operators within global distribution networks. It is concluded that the prevailing political agenda favoring deregulation and reduced taxation may be a major barrier to development of new styles of regulation and more effective use of taxation powers that is needed to support a more circular economy in metals. The implication for future research is the need to substantiate the outcomes of reflexive regulatory strategies with well-designed empirical studies.
Evaluating Parameter Adjustment in the MODIS Gross Primary Production Algorithm Based on Eddy Covariance Tower Measurements
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Huifang , Liu Zirui , Che Mingliang , Chen Baozhang
Published: April 2014

How well parameterization will improve gross primary production (GPP) estimation using the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) algorithm has been rarely investigated. We adjusted the parameters in the algorithm for 21 selected eddy-covariance flux towers which represented nine typical plant functional types (PFTs). We then compared these estimates of the MOD17A2 product, by the MODIS algorithm with default parameters in the Biome Property Look-Up Table, and by a two-leaf Farquhar model. The results indicate that optimizing the maximum light use efficiency (εmax) in the algorithm would improve GPP estimation, especially for deciduous vegetation, though it could not compensate the underestimation during summer caused by the one-leaf upscaling strategy. Adding the soil water factor to the algorithm would not significantly affect performance, but it could make the adjusted εmax more robust for sites with the same PFT and among different PFTs. Even with adjusted parameters, both one-leaf and two-leaf models would not capture seasonally photosynthetic dynamics, thereby we suggest that further improvement in GPP estimaiton is required by taking into consideration seasonal variations of the key parameters and variables.
Ozone Sensing Based on Palladium Decorated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Colindres Selene , Aguir Khalifa , Cervantes Sodi Felipe , Vargas Luis , Salazar José , Febles Vicente
Published: April 2014

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were easily and efficiently decorated with Pd nanoparticles through a vapor-phase impregnation-decomposition method starting from palladium acetylacetonates. The sensor device consisted on a film of sensitive material (MWCNTs-Pd) deposited by drop coating on platinum interdigitated electrodes on a SiO2 substrate. The sensor exhibited a resistance change to ozone (O3) with a response time of 60 s at different temperatures and the capability of detecting concentrations up to 20 ppb. The sensor shows the best response when exposed to O3 at 120 °C. The device shows a very reproducible sensor performance, with high repeatability, full recovery and efficient response.
A GIS-Based Approach in Support of Spatial Planning for Renewable Energy: A Case Study of Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Wang Qianna , M'Ikiugu Martin , Kinoshita Isami
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an approach in support of spatial planning for renewable energy at the regional level. It aims to establish an elaborate and informative procedure, as well as integrated quantification and visualization, to support decision making. The proposed approach is composed of a set of sequential steps that include primary energy consumption estimation, renewable energy potential estimation, energy self-sufficiency analysis, and composite map preparation using Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is used to analyze solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydro-power potential within Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Potential sites are determined based on geographic, topographic, and land use constraints. Evacuees’ population and forest radiation levels are specifically considered in the context of consequent issues emanating from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis. Energy self-sufficiency analysis has been conducted for years 2020 and 2030. A composite map showing potential sites and their interrelation to the above renewable energy resources has also been presented. These results may support decision making in regional renewable energy planning, by providing information on regional potentials and restrictions to different energy stakeholders. This can help to build an energy developmental vision, which can drive regional energy development towards sustainability. The proposed approach can also be applied to other Japanese municipalities or regions. It provides an example on how to establish local GIS databases through the utilization of various online open GIS resources in Japan.
HIV-1 Latency: An Update of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Battistini Angela , Sgarbanti Marco
Published: April 2014

The major obstacle towards HIV-1 eradication is the life-long persistence of the virus in reservoirs of latently infected cells. In these cells the proviral DNA is integrated in the host’s genome but it does not actively replicate, becoming invisible to the host immune system and unaffected by existing antiviral drugs. Rebound of viremia and recovery of systemic infection that follows interruption of therapy, necessitates life-long treatments with problems of compliance, toxicity, and untenable costs, especially in developing countries where the infection hits worst. Extensive research efforts have led to the proposal and preliminary testing of several anti-latency compounds, however, overall, eradication strategies have had, so far, limited clinical success while posing several risks for patients. This review will briefly summarize the more recent advances in the elucidation of mechanisms that regulates the establishment/maintenance of latency and therapeutic strategies currently under evaluation in order to eradicate HIV persistence.
Vaccine Potentiation by Combination Adjuvants
Authors: Levast Benoît , Awate Sunita , Babiuk Lorne , Mutwiri George , Gerdts Volker , Van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk Sylvia
Published: April 2014

Adjuvants are crucial components of vaccines. They significantly improve vaccine efficacy by modulating, enhancing, or extending the immune response and at the same time reducing the amount of antigen needed. In contrast to previously licensed adjuvants, current successful adjuvant formulations often consist of several molecules, that when combined, act synergistically by activating a variety of immune mechanisms. These “combination adjuvants” are already registered with several vaccines, both in humans and animals, and novel combination adjuvants are in the pipeline. With improved knowledge of the type of immune responses needed to successfully induce disease protection by vaccination, combination adjuvants are particularly suited to not only enhance, but also direct the immune responses desired to be either Th1-, Th2- or Th17-biased. Indeed, in view of the variety of disease and population targets for vaccine development, a panel of adjuvants will be needed to address different disease targets and populations. Here, we will review well-known and new combination adjuvants already licensed or currently in development—including ISCOMs, liposomes, Adjuvant Systems Montanides, and triple adjuvant combinations—and summarize their performance in preclinical and clinical trials. Several of these combination adjuvants are promising having promoted improved and balanced immune responses.
Reliability and Cost Analysis of a Rainwater Harvesting System in Peri-Urban Regions of Greater Sydney, Australia
Authors: Hajani Evan , Rahman Ataur
Published: April 2014

In large cities, rainwater tanks are used to save mains water, but in peri-urban and rural areas, rainwater tanks are used as a sole water supply for many households, as these regions often do not have any other means of water supply. This paper investigates the performance of a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) in peri-urban regions of Greater Sydney, Australia. Considering the daily rainfall data over the entire period of record at ten different locations, it has been found that a 5 kL tank can meet 96% to 99% of the demand for toilet and laundry use depending on the location in Greater Sydney regions. However, in the driest year, a 5 kL tank can meet 69% to 99% of toilet and laundry demand depending on the location. Based on the results of life cycle cost analysis, it has been found that a 5 kL tank has the highest benefit–cost ratio (ranging from 0.86 to 0.97) among the eight possible tank sizes examined in this study. Interestingly, for a 5 kL tank, with a combined use (i.e., toilet, laundry and irrigation), the current water price in Sydney needs to be increased by 3% to 16% to achieve a benefit–cost ratio exceeding one. A set of regression equations are developed which can be used to estimate reliability using the average annual rainfall data at any arbitrary location in the peri-urban regions of Greater Sydney. The method presented in this paper can also be applied to other Australian states and other countries to estimate water savings and reliability of a RWHS using daily rainfall data.
Les types de temps d'alizé actif à Madagascar
Authors: Donque G.
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Le type de temps d'alizé actif est le plus fréquent sur Madagascar. Les flux de secteur Est apportent des masses d'air numides dans leurs basses couches qui, en s'élevant sur la falaise orientale, engendrent un temps nuageux et pluvieux sur la Côte Est. Mais dès la ligne faîtière passée, l'affaissement de l'air détermine un temps ensoleillé, chaud et sec sur l'Ouest et le Sud.
La chaîne bordière des Monts Péloritains occidentaux (Sicile). Esquisse géomorphologique
Authors: Hugonie Gérard
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - La chaîne bordière des Monts Péloritains occidentaux est formée de deux séries calcaires mésozolques-éocènes superposées et écaillées à l'Eocène supérieur, et poussées vers le Sud-Ouest, sur la zone des flyschs du Monte Soro au Miocène ; les écailles calcaires participent au bombement post-miocène qui crée la chaîne Nord-sicilienne, et aux fractures plio-quaternaires. La chaîne bordière présente surtout des formes d'érosion différentielle : corniches, escarpements de ligne de faille, klippe ; l'étagement des replats côtiers est lié à l'action de la mer sur une île en soulèvement constant. Les escarpements tectoniques directs, les formes karstiques sont rares. Une relative stabilité semble s'être instaurée depuis l'élaboration du niveau marin vers 80-100 mètres (tyrrhénien ?) encore très régulier.
Evolution des combinaisons culturales dans la France du Nord- Ouest
Authors: Guermond Yves , Canévet Corentin , Macé Georges
Published: April 2014

Evolution of crop-combinations in North-Western France - With a program taking its inspiration from Weaver, the situation is compared for 1955 and 1970, in a region where permanent grassland is often important, and became even more important during the period. The use of a comparable classification system for the two dates allows us to prepare a simulation program.
La représentation cartographique des successions culturales
Authors: Flatrès Pierre
Published: April 2014

L'utilisation de la méthode de représentation des rotations culturales en Bretagne a conduit à préférer le terme de « successions culturales », et à mettre en valeur les mutations culturales. Elles signalent les systèmes de cultures différents qui coexistent dans une même commune.
Une méthode d'analyse cartographique de l'utilisation du sol dans les aires légumières et maraîchères
Authors: Vaudois Jean
Published: April 2014

La méthode proposée s'appuie sur l'étude de l'utilisation du sol dans l'espace et dans le temps. Elle s'exprime dans 2 cartes : la carte pluriannuelle d'intensité légumière et la carte des rotations annuelles. Ces cartes sont établies dans le cadre de «secteurs-témoins», soigneusement délimités comme représentatifs des aires maraîchères et légumières dans lesquelles elles s'inscrivent. Outre leur intérêt scientifique, les documents réalisés sont directement utilisables dans les études d'aménagement du territoire.
Les successions culturales : exemples québécois
Authors: Boudeweel-Lefebvre M.-A.
Published: April 2014

The application of method of crops-sequences on the county of Joliette (Québec) allows to distinguish 3 types of land utilisation and different evolutions.
La carte de l'utilisation du sol de la Javie, au 1/50 000e
Authors: de Reparaz André , Tirone Lucien , Durbiano Claudine , Joannou M.
Published: April 2014

The execution of the map of La Javie (Southern Alps) leads to propose modifications in the legend for the agricultural land utilization, the built-up areas, the secondary residences, the waste lands and the reclamations.
Projet de légende pour une carte de l'environnement et de sa dynamique
Authors: Journaux André
Published: April 2014

Cette cartographie de l'environnement représente l'air, l'eau et le sol sous leurs formes et leurs utilisations, ainsi que leurs modifications (dégradations, pollutions) et les travaux de défense.
La restructuration de l'espace rural dans les provinces de la R.S.F.S.R. situées hors de la zone des Terres Noires
Authors: Kerblay B.
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the new structuration of rural space outside of the «tchernoziom» zone. The aim is a specialization of agricultural activity. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate farming, to create new and more suitable villages. Of course, new problems are appearing : who will decide ? and, working people being in those regions often too old, who will work ?
Politique agricole et régions en U.R.S.S
Authors: Blanc A.
Published: April 2014

L'agriculture soviétique est en crise. L'Union doit acheter régulièrement des céréales aux Etats occidentaux. La politique récente a consisté d'abord à accroître les rendements dans les régions de vieille agriculture de la Russie et de l'Ukraine. Devant l'insuffisance de ces mesures, on a décidé l'extension des superficies dans les Terres Vierges d'Asie. Alors que Nikita Khrouchtchev a été partisan de la seconde solution, Brejnev s'est tourné vers la première, mais depuis 1970, il manifeste un regain d'intérêt aux terres vierges, mises en sommeil, puis réhabilitées. La vraie solution viendra des régions d'un Midi qui connaît une forte poussée démographique et de profondes mutations sociales. L'irrigation permet l'accroissement de la production grâce aux rendements et à la superficie.
Remarques sur l'évolution démographique récente des républiques musulmanes de l'URSS
Authors: Carrère D'encausse Hélène
Published: April 2014

Since 1897 we see that Slavonic zones know rural depopulation and a decrease in industrialization and urbanization ; thus, they get emigration. But we notice the contrary for moslem countries. Studying the last census, it appears that Slavonics move westward, and that russian speaking people are relatively diminuishing. So, important problems are to be seen in the future.
Sur la genèse des pédiplaines de l'Inde du Sud
Authors: Demangeot Jean
Published: April 2014

L'étude de la pédiplaine de Mysore, mio-pliocène, et de la pédiplaine du Tamilnad, plio-villafranchienne, en Inde du Sud, démontre que chacune de ces surfaces résulte d'une alternance paléoclimatique : climat chaud humide puis chaud semi-aride. Le contact des deux surfaces est d'origine tectonique : la surface du Tamilnad est donc la partie affaissée de la surface de Mysore, rajeunie au Plio-Quaternaire. En effet en climat tropical les parties basses du relief évoluent plus vite que les parties hautes.
Méthode d'étude des régimes thermiques en liaison avec les situations météorologiques dans le moyen Atlas (Maroc). Exemple de la « ceinture thermique »
Authors: Delannoy Henry , Lecompte M.
Published: April 2014

A method for the analysis of surface air temperature, which can be applied to other climatic elements, is suggested, which would be more directly suited to the study of the relationship between the climate and the vegetation : - daily minimum and maximum temperatures are related to meteorological situations ; - the typology of these situations takes into account, 1) the general character of the atmospheric circulation ; 2) the absence or the regional orientation of the air flow ; 3) the clearness of the disturbed or of the anticyclonic weather. This should make it possible, after studying the statistics (analysis of variance), to bring out the evident climatic differences between the various aeras in the region, and to individualize that region. - This method has already revealed, on the Middle Atlas edge the presence and the absence of the « thermal belt ».
A propos d'une enquête de géographie industrielle dans le Languedoc-Roussillon
Authors: Verlaque Christian
Published: April 2014

Résumé. L'analyse factorielle de la localisation industrielle s'est essentiellement faite à partir des données économiques propres à chaque branche industrielle. La démarche géographique ne pourrait-elle la pratiquer à partir de l'enquête directe auprès d'un grand nombre d'établissements, mettant en évidence les liens entre une branche industrielle spécifique et son milieu d'accueil ?
Recherches sur la croissance industrielle régionale aux Pays-Bas
Authors: Fischer André
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Dans le cadre d'une étude sur l'industrialisation contemporaine des Pays-Bas, une recherche particulière est consacrée à la croissance industrielle régionale. Cette recherche vise à dégager des types de comportements régionaux et à apprécier l'efficacité de la politique économique régionale. Utilisant simultanément des approches graphiques et statistiques, la recherche se réfère à de multiples critères tels que : les taux de croissance, le rôle des branches dynamiques, les rapports entre offres et demandes d'emplois, la structure de répartition des emplois par branches, le poids relatif des différents facteurs de la croissance régionale.
« Déserts » comparés : Sahara-Australie
Authors: Dresch Jean
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Les déserts du Sahara et d'Australie, comparables par la morphostructure et la situation en latitude sont néanmoins très différents. Pour un Saharien, l'Australie n'est pas un désert. Elle est essentiellement un Sahel sans saison très sèche, et couvert d'une végétation steppique ou même de savane. Elle est plus plate ; les surfaces d'aplanissement y portent des « duricrusts » diverses ; l'aréisme y explique l'accumulation de formations superficielles plus fines ; des processus numides sont actifs et l'Australie ignore les regs et les ergs sahariens.
Problèmes de Géographie humaine dans les Alpes Néo-Zélandaises
Authors: Baticle Yves
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Les Alpes néo-zélandaises sont une des régions les plus vides en hommes des zones tempérées, et ce, à cause tout d'abord de la rudesse du milieu naturel : malgré leur altitude modeste, elles font figure de haute montagne à cause de l'importance de la chaîne par rapport à la surface de l'île, à cause aussi de la vigueur des dénivellations. Le climat froid et humide, et la végétation renforcent cette impression, en particulier, l'altitude très basse (1 100 m) de la limite supérieure de la forêt. Ce milieu a peu attiré les maoris ; quant aux colons britanniques, ils ne sont arrivés que vers le milieu du XIXe siècle et ont surtout occupé la plaine de Canterbury. L'activité principale est l'élevage, fondé sur l'utilisation du « tussock », par les moutons mérinos et les bovins Aberdeen Angus et Hereford. Le « tussock » a été amélioré par des engrais répandus par avion. Les 3/4 des recettes sont rapportés par les moutons, la moitié par la seule vente de la laine ; les bovins rapportent 21 % des recettes. Malgré la beauté des paysages, le tourisme est encore peu développé, à cause du faible nombre des touristes et de la médiocrité des communications.
Les maar, critique d'opinions récentes
Authors: Bout P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. - V. Lorenz tries to explain the Eifel and Velay maars by phreatic eruptions and to show that maars are located in valleys. In fact, the valleys are only due to erosion by the effluents escaping from the maars themselves. According to a recent tendency, base surge clouds account for the pyroclast rings around the maars. In fact, the perturbations observed in the bedding may be explained well enough by solifluction and cryoturbation. To understand both the type of bedding and the landforms, it is necessary to bear in mind that the age and stage of erosion are different from one maar to another.
Note sur les limons volcaniques des piémonts glaciaires chiliens méridionaux
Authors: Laugénie Claude , Colmet-Daage François , Besoain Eduardo , Delaune Mireille
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Un ample manteau de limons couvre les piémonts glaciaires chiliens entre le 38° et le 41 ° de latitude. On y discerne plusieurs générations de dépôts par rapport aux trois glaciations quaternaires andines : Fresia, Colegual, Llanquihue. La coupe de Coipue, près de Villarica, est particulièrement étudiée. On y discerne 17 séries de cendres qui représentent le dernier inter-glaciaire (Sangamon) et la dernière époque glaciaire (Llanquihue, homologue de Wisconsin). Dans l'ensemble de la région, on distingue : des sols rouges argileux à métahalloysite et fire-clay sur les cendres prémindéliennes ; des sols à métahalloysite et allophane sur les cendres d'âge Sangamon ; enfin, des sols à allophane seule sur les cendres Llanquihue-Wisconsin et holocènes.
Un massif volcanique acide complexe des hautes terres malgaches, l'Andranonatoa (Itasy)
Authors: Mottet Gérard
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - L'Andranonatoa est le massif le plus complexe de l'Itasy, du point de vue pétrographique, comme du point de vue morphologique. Sa superficie est de 3,5 km2 avec les coulées qui l'entourent. Sa hauteur relative atteint 400 m (altitude absolue 1605 m). Il s'est formé en 3 étapes, caractéristiques chacune d'un type de relief particulier. 1) Une extrusion à coulées latérales visqueuses, courtes et épaisses. 2) Fracturation du dôme et coulées fluides du flanc nord. C'est du fond de cet accident que sont sorties 4 coulées longues (jusqu'à 2 km) et fluides d'andésite. 3) Le sommet actuel est un petit cône trachytique postérieur. Sur le flanc est-sud-est s'échappe une petite coulée de trachyte et sur le flanc sud une très belle coulée d'ordanchite à grandes ondes convexes, canalisée dans des levées latérales très visibles.

L'originalité de l'Andranonatoa vient non seulement de sa complexité mais du fait que le matériel acide du versant nord prend une morphologie de lave basique et le matériel basique du versant sud une morphologie de lave acide l Seul le dôme-coulée primitif offre une morphologie conforme aux observations courantes.
Sur la découverte d'une nouvelle région de volcanisme quaternaire à Madagascar
Authors: Rossi Georges
Published: April 2014

Abstract. - Northward from Majunga the A. has found unweathered quaternary cones and lavas, clearly different from the underlying cretaceous basalts.
II. Caractères originaux de quelques formes glaciaires développées sur roches cristallines en Corse
Authors: Grelou-Orsini C
Published: April 2014

La montagne corse a constitué un domaine tout à fait marginal des glaciations quaternaires. Néanmoins, les formes et les dépôts glaciaires ont souvent une netteté de miniature à défaut d'une grande extension. Vers l'aval, le modelé glaciaire s'estompe progressivement : situer de façon précise le point d'avancée maximale reste hasardeux faute de preuves. Les glaciers sont installés sur une topographie profondément disséquée. Seul le glacier du haut Tavignano s'est étalé dans une cuvette évasée. Dans un domaine climatique de montagne méditerranéenne et dans des conditions topographiques qui imposent aux glaciers une forte pente, les facteurs structuraux et lithologiques deviennent contraignants.
III. Relations entre fracturation, relief et modèle dans un massif granitique : l'exemple du Haut-Riberot (Pyrénées ariégeoises)
Authors: Lagasquie J. J.
Published: April 2014

Situé en Couserans, au pied même du Valier (2 838 m), le petit massif granitique du Ribérot (4 km de long sur 3,5 de large) offre au regard de larges surfaces qui s'étendent entre 1 700 m et 2 400 m. C'est un bon exemple de batholite mis en creux par l'érosion ; il est, en effet, dominé par une vigoureuse ligne de crête schisteuse ou calcaire de 400 à 600 m de commandement. Elle est sculptée dans les roches de la couverture sédimentaire primaire de la zone axiale. Le massif cristallin, avec ses pentes élevées mais douces, a donné naissance au seul glacier notable de la partie occidentale du Couserans : celui du Ribérot qui venait mourir à 650 m d'altitude seulement, après avoir parcouru une dizaine de kilomètres.

Ce petit massif présente un triple intérêt morphologique : Celui de l'âge relatif de la mise en creux par rapport à la glaciation ; la mise en valeur de la fracturation par le travail de l'érosion glaciaire ; L'abondance des dalles d 'exfoliation.
IV. L'érosion différentielle dans les roches cristallines de Flakstady (îles Lofoten, Norvège du nord)
Authors: Peulvast Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2014

Flakstady est l'avant-dernière île vers le SW de l'archipel des Lofoten. Ce morceau de socle précambrien est en position interne dans les Calédonides. L'orogenèse calédonienne est surtout responsable de cassures dans ce bâti affecté par des événements métamorphiques remontant à 2 800 et 1 800 millions d'années.
I. Les modèles d'origine périglaciaire et leur évolution récente sur les plateaux de la Margeride et le mont Lozère
Authors: Valadas Bernard
Published: April 2014

Situées dans un cadre climatique particulièrement rude, les hautes terres granitiques de la Margeride et du Mont Lozère présentent un modelé qui a subi d'importantes retouches lors des épisodes froids du Quaternaire. Ces massifs se présentent comme de hauts plateaux limités par de grands escarpements de ligne de faille. Ils possèdent une grande uniformité lithologique surtout en Margeride où un granite porphyrolde relativement altérable, à biotite, forme l'essentiel. Les faciès sont beaucoup plus variés au Mont Lozère : porphyrolde et à grains moyens.
II. Paléoformes et paléoformations périglaciaires ; dynamique nivale actuelle au sommet du mont Lozère
Authors: Dewolf Yvette
Published: April 2014

Le Mont Lozère fait partie de ces quelques reliefs d'altitude moyenne (1 699 m pour le Lozère, 1 567 m pour l'Aigoual, 1 912 m pour le Ventoux) reliefs déjà méridionaux, puisque tous trois proches du 44e parallèle, mais dont l'isolement même exacerbe les processus morphodynamiques. Formes et formations quaternaires témoignent de conditions climatiques sévères. Un enneigement important et étendu sur cinq mois, une amplitude considérable des températures (tant saisonnières que journalières), l'action très importante du vent, maintiennent encore actuellement sur ce sommet, une dynamique active, essentiellement nivale.
I. Contribution a l'étude des socles cristallins englacés : les exemples de l'Artense et du soubassement de l'Aubrac (Massif Central français)
Authors: Veyret Yvette
Published: April 2014

Le rôle d'un glacier sur un socle est connu, par de nombreux travaux portant, par exemple, sur la Scandinavie et l'Écosse. Dans le Massif Central, les domaines de socle englacés sont localisés en bordure des secteurs élevés qui au Quaternaire froid ont porté des glaciers. Le massif volcanique d' Aubrac a été le point de départ de glaces qui se sont étalées à l'E-N-E, sur des plateaux, atteignant 900 m d'altitude et constitués de granite porphyrolde. Des massifs volcaniques des Monts Dore, du Cézallier et du Cantal, les glaces sont venues recouvrir les plateaux d'Artense faits de schistes cristallins et de granito-gneiss. Les deux glaciers considérés n'étaient pas affectés par la même dynamique. La petite calotte, peu mobile de l' Aubrac, se distinguait du glacier de piedmont d'Artense. Dans les deux cas, les glaciers sont responsables de maintes retouches qui offrent les mêmes caractères, malgré quelques nuances qui tiennent à la dynamique propre à chacun des glaciers et à la nature du substratum.
Comparison of Validity of Mapping between Drug Indications and ICD-10
Authors: Choi Y. , Jung C. , Chae Y. , Kang M. , Kim J. , Joung K. , Lim J. , Cho S. , Sung S. , Lee E. , Kim S.
Published: April 2014

Background: Mapping of drug indications to ICD-10 was undertaken in Korea by a public and a private institution for their own purposes. A different mapping approach was used by each institution, which presented a good opportunity to compare the validity of the two approaches.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to compare the validity of a direct mapping approach and an indirect terminology based mapping approach of drug indications against the gold standard drawn from the results of the two mapping processes.

Methods: Three hundred and seventy-five cardiovascular reference drugs were selected from all listed cardiovascular drugs for the study. In the direct approach, two experienced nurse coders mapped the free text indications directly to ICD-10. In the indirect terminology based approach, the indications were extracted and coded in the Korean Standard Terminology of Medicine. These terminology coded indications were then manually mapped to ICD-10. The results of the two approaches were compared to the gold standard. A kappa statistic was calculated to see the compatibility of both mapping approaches. Recall, precision and F1 score of each mapping approach were calculated and analyzed using a paired t-test.

Results: The mean number of indications for the study drugs was 5.42. The mean number of ICD-10 codes that matched in direct approach was 46.32 and that of indirect terminology based approach was 56.94. The agreement of the mapping results between the two approaches were poor (kappa = 0.19). The indirect terminology based approach showed higher recall (86.78%) than direct approach (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in precision and F1 score between the two approaches.

Conclusions: Considering no differences in the F1 scores, both approaches may be used in practice for mapping drug indications to ICD-10. However, in terms of consistency, time and manpower, better results are expected from the indirect terminology based approach.
Infective endocarditis due to Granulicatella adiacens: a case report and review
Authors: Padmaja Kanne , Lakshmi Vemu , Subramanian Sreevdya , Neeraja Mamidi , Krishna Siva Rama , Satish O Sai
Published: April 2014

Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by nutritionally variant Streptococci (NVS) is associated with high bacteriologic and treatment failure and mortality rates compared to endocarditis caused by other Streptococci. With automated blood culture systems, the rates of NVS-associated IE accounts for 5%-6% cases. We report a case of IE caused by NVS in an elderly female patient with no risk factors. The patient was successfully treated with combination antimicrobial therapy.
Emergence and clonal dissemination of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis causing salmonellosis in Mauritius
Authors: Issack Mohammad I , Hendriksen Rene S , Hyytiä-Trees Eija , Svendsen Christina A , Mikoleit Matthew
Published: April 2014

Introduction: For decades, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis has been among the most prevalent serovars reported worldwide. However, it was rarely encountered in Mauritius until 2007; since then the number of non-typhoidal Salmonella serogroup O:9 (including serovar Enteritidis) increased. A study was conducted to investigate the genetic relatedness between S. Enteritidis isolates recovered in Mauritius from food and clinical specimens (stool, blood, and exudate). Methodology: Forty-seven isolates of S. Enteritidis obtained in 2009 from human stools, blood cultures and exudates, and from food specimens were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA). Results: With the exception of a single isolate which demonstrated intermediate susceptibility to streptomycin, all isolates were pansusceptible to the 14 antimicrobials tested. Thirty seven out of the 47 isolates (78.7%) exhibited an indistinguishable MLVA profile which included isolates from ready-to-eat food products, chicken, and human clinical isolates from stool, blood and exudate. Conclusions: The presence of highly related strains in both humans and raw chicken, and the failure to isolate the serovar from other foods, suggests that poultry is the main reservoir of S. Enteritidis in Mauritius and that the majority of human cases are associated with chicken consumption which originated from one major producer. Stool isolates were indistinguishable or closely related to blood and exudate isolates, indicating that, besides gastroenteritis, the same strain caused invasive infections. Control of S.Enteritidis by poultry breeders would lower the financial burden associated with morbidity in humans caused by this organism in Mauritius.
Immune responses during gestational malaria: a review of the current knowledge and future trend of research
Authors: Maestre Amanda , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime
Published: April 2014

Women pregnant with their first child are susceptible to severe P. falciparum disease from placental malaria because they lack immunity to placenta-specific cytoadherence proteins. In subsequent pregnancies, as immunity against placental parasites is acquired, there is a reduced risk of adverse effects of malaria on the mother and fetus and asymptomatic parasitaemia is common. In the case of vivax malaria, with increasing reports of severe cases in Asia and South America, the effects of infection by this species during pregnancy remain to be elucidated. This review summarized the main aspects involved in the acquisition of specific antimalarial immune responses during pregnancy with emphasis in research carried out in America and Asia, in order to offer a framework of interpretation for studies on pregnant women with malaria which are recently being produced in these regions. The authors conclude that (1) Effective humoral responses during gestational malaria are mainly directed against variant surface antigens codified by genes of the var2Csa family of P. falciparum; (2) Acquisition of immunity against these variant antigens depends on the degree and intensity of transmission, and the chance increases with age and successive pregnancies; (3) Antibody development is guided by specific cellular immune responses in cases of placental and maternal infection, and (4) The study of the significance of acquisition of specific immunity against both P. falciparum and P. vivax in America, should be performed.