bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nietzsche's Zarathustra and Parodic Style: On Lucian'sHyperanthroposand Nietzsche'sÜbermensch
Authors: Babich Babette
Published: April 2013

It is well-known that as a term, Nietzsche’sÜbermenschderives from Lucian of Samosata’shyperanthropos. I argue that Zarathustra’s teaching of the overman acquires new resonances by reflecting on the context of that origination from Lucian’sKataplous– literally, “sailing into port” – referring to the soul’s journey (ferried by Charon, guided by Hermes) into the afterlife. TheKataplous he tyrannos, usually translatedDownward Journey or The Tyrant, is a Menippean satire of the “overman” who is imagined to be superior to others of “lesser” station in this-worldly life and the same tyrant after his (comically unwilling) transport into the underworld. As a reflection on the life and the death of Zarathustra, this essay also explores the politics of kingship for Empedocles as reformer in terms of Hölderlin’s Death of Empedocles and Nietzsche’s unpublished drafts on the same topic. InThus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche points to a perspective beyond the here and now, including the “values” of our all-too-worldly and all-too-human concerns, no matter whether in terms of perceived political/economic advantage, or indeed in the pursuit of more trivial satisfactions.
A surfeit of science: The “CSI effect” and the media appropriation of the public understanding of science
Authors: Cole Simon A.
Published: April 2013

Over the past decade, popular media has promulgated claims that the television program CSI and its spinoffs and imitators have had a pernicious effect on the public understanding of forensic science, the so-called “CSI effect.” This paper analyzes those media claims by documenting the ways in which the media claims that CSI “distorts” an imagined “reality.” It shows that the media appropriated the analytic stance usually adopted by science advocates, portraying the CSI effect as a social problem in science communication. This appropriation was idiosyncratic in that it posited, as a social problem, a “surfeit” of knowledge and positive imagery about science, rather than the more familiar “deficits.” In addition, the media simultaneously appropriated both “traditional” and “critical” PUS discourses. Despite this apparent contradiction, the paper concludes that, in both discourses, the media and its expert informants insist upon their hegemony over “the public” to articulate the “reality” of forensic science.
Skin fragility syndrome in a cat with multicentric follicular lymphoma
Authors: Crosaz Odile , Vilaplana-Grosso Federico , Alleaume Charline , Cordonnier Nathalie , Bedu-Leperlier Anne-Sophie , Marignac Geneviève , Hubert Blaise , Rosenberg Dan
Published: April 2013

An 11-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for a right flank wound. On clinical examination, a single non-painful skin tear lesion with irregular edges was detected. During the examination, star-shaped cigarette paper-like skin lesions appeared spontaneously. An abdominal mass was also palpated. Feline skin fragility syndrome (FSFS) was suspected and a multicentric lymphoma was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. The cat’s condition declined and it died spontaneously. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma. Neoplastic lymphocytes were not observed in the skin. Histological analysis of the skin was consistent with the morphological aspects of FSFS. A possible direct link between the two conditions remains a matter of speculation, but this case report provides the first description of FSFS associated with multicentric follicular lymphoma. Thus, multicentric follicular lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting with FSFS.
Number needed to sacrifice: statistical taboo or decision-making tool?
Authors: Trewby Peter
Published: April 2013

The percentage that benefit from medical preventive measures is small but all are exposed to the risk of side effects so most of those harmed would never benefit from their use. There is no expression or acronym to describe the ratio of harm to benefit nor discussion of what level of harm is acceptable for what benefit. Here we describe the harm to benefit ratio (HBR) expressed as number harmed (H) for 100 to benefit (B) and calculated for commonly used medical interventions. For post TIA carotid endarterectomy the HBR is 25 (25 postoperative strokes or deaths are caused for 100 to be stroke free at 5 years); warfarin in atrial fibrillation in patients aged under 65 results in 400 intracerebral haemorrhages for every 100 saved from a thromboembolic event; fibrinolytic t reatment for stroke causes 44 symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages for every 100 that have minimal disability at 3 months; aspirin in high risk patients causes 33 major bleeds for every 100 occlusive vascular events prevented; routine inpatient thromboprophylaxis causes 133 additional bleeds for every 100 pulmonary emboli prevented; breast cancer screening causes 1000 unnecessary cancer treatments for 100 cancer deaths to be prevented. Conclusion: The HBR or number needed to sacrifice is larger than most imagine. Its wider use would allow us better to recognise the number harmed, allow better informed consent, compare different preventive strategies and understand the risks as well as benefits of preventive treatments.
CandidatusLiberibacter americanus induces significant reprogramming of the transcriptome of the susceptible citrus genotype
Authors: Mafra Valéria , Martins Polyana K , Francisco Carolina S , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Freitas-Astúa Juliana , Machado Marcos A
Published: April 2013

Background

Citrushuanglongbing(HLB) disease is caused by endogenous, phloem-restricted, Gram negative, uncultured bacteria namedCandidatusLiberibacter africanus (CaLaf),Ca.L. asiaticus (CaLas), andCa.L. americanus (CaLam), depending on the continent where the bacteria were first detected. The Asian citrus psyllid vector,Diaphorina citri, transmits CaLas and CaLam and both Liberibacter species are present in Brazil. Several studies of the transcriptional response of citrus plants manifesting HLB symptoms have been reported, but only for CaLas infection. This study evaluated the transcriptional reprogramming of a susceptible genotype of sweet orange challenged with CaLam, using a customized 385K microarray containing approximately 32,000 unigene transcripts. We analyzed global changes in gene expression of CaLam-infected leaves of sweet orange during the symptomatic stage of infection and compared the results with previously published microarray studies that used CaLas-infected plants. Twenty candidate genes were selected to validate the expression profiles in symptomatic and asymptomatic PCR-positive leaves infected with CaLas or CaLam.

Results

The microarray analysis identified 633 differentially expressed genes during the symptomatic stage of CaLam infection. Among them, 418 (66%) were upregulated and 215 (34%) were down regulated. Five hundred and fourteen genes (81%) were orthologs of genes fromArabidopsis thaliana. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that several of the transcripts encoded transporters associated with the endomembrane system, especially zinc transport. Among the most biologically relevant gene transcripts in GSEA were those related to signaling, metabolism and/or stimulus to hormones, genes responding to stress and pathogenesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, oxidative stress and transcription factors belonging to different families. Real time PCR of 20 candidate genes validated the expression pattern of some genes in symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves infected with CaLam or CaLas.

Conclusions

Many gene transcripts and biological processes are significantly altered upon CaLam infection. Some of them had been identified in response to CaLas infection, while others had not been previously reported. These data will be useful for selecting target genes for genetic engineering to control HLB.
Genetic diversity among pandemic 2009 influenza viruses isolated from a transmission chain
Authors: Fordyce Sarah L , Bragstad Karoline , Pedersen Svend Stenvang , Jensen Thøger G , Gahrn-Hansen Bente , Daniels Rod , Hay Alan , Kampmann Marie-Louise , Bruhn Christian AW , Moreno-Mayar J Victor , Ávila-Arcos María C , Gilbert M Thomas P , Nielsen Lars P
Published: April 2013

Background

Influenza viruses such as swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) virus (A(H1N1)pdm09) generate genetic diversity due to the high error rate of their RNA polymerase, often resulting in mixed genotype populations (intra-host variants) within a single infection. This variation helps influenza to rapidly respond to selection pressures, such as those imposed by the immunological host response and antiviral therapy. We have applied deep sequencing to characterize influenza intra-host variation in a transmission chain consisting of three cases due to oseltamivir-sensitive viruses, and one derived oseltamivir-resistant case.

Methods

Following detection of the A(H1N1)pdm09 infections, we deep-sequenced the complete NA gene from two of the oseltamivir-sensitive virus-infected cases, and all eight gene segments of the viruses causing the remaining two cases.

Results

No evidence for the resistance-causing mutation (resulting in NA H275Y substitution) was observed in the oseltamivir-sensitive cases. Furthermore, deep sequencing revealed a subpopulation of oseltamivir-sensitive viruses in the case carrying resistant viruses. We detected higher levels of intra-host variation in the case carrying oseltamivir-resistant viruses than in those infected with oseltamivir-sensitive viruses.

Conclusions

Oseltamivir-resistance was only detected after prophylaxis with oseltamivir, suggesting that the mutation was selected for as a result of antiviral intervention. The persisting oseltamivir-sensitive virus population in the case carrying resistant viruses suggests either that a small proportion survive the treatment, or that the oseltamivir-sensitive virus rapidly re-establishes itself in the virus population after the bottleneck. Moreover, the increased intra-host variation in the oseltamivir-resistant case is consistent with the hypothesis that the population diversity of a RNA virus can increase rapidly following a population bottleneck.
Isolation and culture of smooth muscle cells from human acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Lu Shuyang , Sun Xiaoning , Hong Tao , Song Kai , Yang Shouguo , Wang Chunsheng
Published: April 2013

Background

Acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the main composition of aortic media and dysfunction of SMCs may lead to acute TAAD. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the SMCs of acute TAAD could be isolated and cultured for further research.

Methods

TAAD tissues were obtained from acute TAAD patients who underwent emergent surgical treatment. A simple and economical technique of collagenase digestion method was used to isolate and culture human SMCs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was applied to identify SMC phenotypes. Purity of isolated and cultured SMCs was analyzed with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy respectively.

Results

The purity of isolated SMCs was 78.2%, including α-smooth muscle cell actin positive 13.9%, calponin positive 35.0% and double positive 29.3%. For cultured SMCs, abundant expression of α-smooth muscle cell actin was observed universally under fluorescence microscope. Confocal laser scanning microscope testified that cultured cells were double positive of α-smooth muscle actin and calponin.

Conclusions

This is the first report of successful culture of SMCs isolated from human acute TAAD tissues. Living human SMCs of acute TAAD provides us with a new method for studying formation of acute TAAD.
Construction and analysis of the protein-protein interaction network related to essential hypertension
Authors: Ran Jihua , Li Hui , Fu Jianfeng , Liu Ling , Xing Yanchao , Li Xiumei , Shen Hongming , Chen Yan , Jiang Xiaofang , Li Yan , Li Huiwu
Published: April 2013

Background

Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disease as a consequence of interaction between environmental factors and genetic background, but the pathogenesis of EH remains elusive. The emerging tools of network medicine offer a platform to explore a complex disease at system level. In this study, we aimed to identify the key proteins and the biological regulatory pathways involving in EH and further to explore the molecular connectivities between these pathways by the topological analysis of the Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.

Result

The extended network including one giant network consisted of 535 nodes connected via 2572 edges and two separated small networks. 27 proteins with high BC and 28 proteins with large degree have been identified. NOS3 with highest BC and Closeness centrality located in the centre of the network. The backbone network derived from high BC proteins presents a clear and visual overview which shows all important regulatory pathways for blood pressure (BP) and the crosstalk between them. Finally, the robustness of NOS3 as central protein and accuracy of backbone were validated by 287 test networks.

Conclusion

Our finding suggests that blood pressure variation is orchestrated by an integrated PPI network centered on NOS3.
Cerebrospinal fluid anandamide levels, cannabis use and psychotic-like symptoms
Authors: Morgan Celia J. A. , Page Emma , Schaefer Carola , Chatten Katharine , Manocha Amod , Gulati Sumit , Curran H. Valerie , Brandner Brigitta , Leweke F. Markus
Published: April 2013

Anandamide is a ligand of the endocannabinoid system. Animals show a depletion following repeated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration but the effect of cannabis use on central nervous system levels of endocannabinoids has not been previously examined in humans. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and related lipids were tested in 33 volunteers (20 cannabis users). Lower levels of CSF anandamide and higher levels of 2-AG in serum were observed in frequent compared with infrequent cannabis users. Levels of CSF anandamide were negatively correlated with persisting psychotic symptoms when drug-free. Higher levels of anandamide are associated with a lower risk of psychotic symptoms following cannabis use.
Role of the iridescent eye in stickleback female mate choice
Authors: Novales Flamarique Inigo , Bergstrom Carolyn , Cheng Christiana L. , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: April 2013

Many vertebrates exhibit prominent body colours that are used in courtship and territorial communication. Some fishes also have an eye whose iris becomes iridescent during the mating season, as in the threespine stickleback. Behavioural studies in this species have focused on the redness of the throat/jaw as the primary determinant of female mate choice. Unlike the iridescent eye, however, the red throat/jaw is not present in all stickleback populations, suggesting that the colour of the eye may be equally important for female mate choice. Here, we used data on photoreceptors and environmental light to assess body conspicuousness and the colour contrast of courtship signals for stickleback populations living in a range of waters, from clear (mesotrophic) to red light shifted (dystrophic). This analysis indicated that the redness of the throat/jaw is expressed to enhance the contrast of the eye. To test the importance of eye colour as a courtship signal, we carried out mate choice experiments in which females were presented with identical videos of a courting male but for the colour of the eye and/or the throat/jaw. Females did not choose based on differences in throat/jaw redness between videos, but preferred males with the highest contrast between the eye and the throat/jaw. This result points to the blue iridescent eye as the primary courtship signal in stickleback female mate choice.
Foundation doctors’ experience of their training: a questionnaire study
Authors: Dean Benjamin J F , Duggleby Philip Michael
Published: April 2013

Summary

Objectives

We set out to evaluate the impact of Foundation Year (FY) training on the doctors who had been through this training system.

Design

Doctors in training were surveyed using a structured web-based questionnaire.

Setting

Postgraduate training in the UK has been the subject of much upheaval in recent years.

Participants

A total of 1065 doctors in training were surveyed in late 2011 and early 2012, of which 638 were current FY doctors.

Main outcome measures

The survey was both quantitative and qualitative, focusing on selection, working hours, training quality, training assessments and the regulation of training.

Results

A majority of current FY trainees worked extra weekly hours with the breakdown being: 5–10 hrs (54%), 10–15 hrs (17%), >15 hrs (9%) and no extra weekly hours (20%). All current FY trainees wanted to work for more than 40 h a week with the following breakdown of desired hours: per week 40–48 (22%), 48–60 (50%) and 60–70 h (19%). The average hours per week spent clerking emergency admissions by current FY trainees were as follows: zero hours (11%), 0–5 h (37%), 5–10 h (30%), 10–15 h (11%) and greater (11%). A large majority (90%) felt that it was possible for incompetent trainees to obtain satisfactory results from assessments and that the FY training program was poor at identifying failing trainees. There were high levels of dissatisfaction with the selection process.

Conclusions

FY training appears to be failing in several key areas with the lack of emergency exposure a particular area of concern. It is essential that any future reforms of training address these problem areas.
Differential expression and regulation of Cryab in mouse uterus during preimplantation period
Authors: Tian Xue-Chao , Wang Qu-Yuan , Li Dang-Dang , Wang Shou-Tang , Yang Zhan-Qing , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan-Peng
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the expression and regulation of the crystallin, alpha B (Cryab) gene in mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period by in situ hybridization and real-time PCR. There was no detectable Cryab mRNA signal on days 1–4 of pregnancy. On day 5 of pregnancy when embryo implanted, a high level of Cryab mRNA signal was found in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. On days 6–8, Cryab mRNA was strongly expressed in the primary decidua. By real-time PCR, a high level of Cryab expression was detected on days 7 and 8 of pregnancy, although Cryab expression was seen from days 1 to 8. Under in vivo and in vitro artificial decidualization, Cryab expression was significantly elevated. Compared with the progesterone-primed delayed implantation uterus, a high level of Cryab mRNA expression was observed in estrogen-activated implantation uterus. In the uterine stromal cells, cAMP, estrogen, and progesterone could induce the expression of Cryab gene. In the ovariectomized mouse uterus, estrogen could also induce the expression of Cryab while progesterone inhibited its expression. Our data suggest that Cryab may play an important role during mouse embryo implantation and decidualization and that estrogen and progesterone can regulate the expression of Cryab gene.
Dynamically recrystallized austenitic grain in a low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steel (A-UHSS) microalloyed with boron under hot deformation conditions
Authors: Mejía I. , García-Mora E. , Altamirano G. , Bedolla-Jacuinde A. , Cabrera J. M.
Published: April 2013

This research work studies the dynamically recrystallized austenitic grain size (Drec) in a new family of low carbon NiCrCuV advanced ultra-high strength steel (A-UHSS) microalloyed with boron under hot deformation conditions. For this purpose, uniaxial hot-compression tests are carried out in a low carbon A-UHSS microalloyed with different amounts of boron (14, 33, 82, 126 and 214 ppm) over a wide range of temperatures (950, 1000, 1050 and 1100°C) and constant true strain rates (10−3, 10−2and 10−1s−1). Deformed samples are prepared and chemically etched with a saturated aqueous picric acid solution at 80°C in order to reveal theDrecand examined by light optical (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TheDrecis related to the Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z), and thereafter theDrecdivided by Burger's vector (b) is related to the steady state stress (σss) divided by the shear modulus (µ) (Derby model). Results shown that theDrecin the current steels is fine (≈ 23 μm) and almost equiaxed, and the recrystallized grain size-flow stress relationship observed after of plastic deformation is consistent with the general formulation proposed by Derby. It is corroborated that boron additions to the current A-UHSS do not have meaningful influence on theDrec.
On the characterization of eutectic grain growth during solidification
Authors: Morua M. , Ramirez-Argaez M. , Gonzalez-Rivera C.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this work is to compare the results obtained from three methodologies intended to estimate kinetic parameters describing quantitatively the grain growth during equiaxed eutectic solidification in order to identify the best procedure to characterize grain growth kinetics. A heat transfer / solidification kinetics model is implemented to simulate the cooling and solidification of eutectic Al-Si and eutectic cast iron in sand molds. Using simulated cooling curves and volume grain density data generated by the model, the three methods are applied to obtain their predicted grain growth coefficients. The predicted results are compared with the grain growth coefficients used in the model. The outcome of this work suggests that two of the three methods under study represent the best option to obtain the kinetic parameters of equiaxed growth during eutectic solidification.
Mullite Formation in Al2O3/SiO2/SiC Composites for Processing Porous Radiant Burners
Authors: Pottmaier Daphiny , Rosario Jefferson J. , Fredel Marcio C. , Oliveira Amir A.M. , Alarcon Orestes E.
Published: April 2013

Use of porous ceramic burners for natural gas combustion is an optimum alternative to enhance energy efficiency and decrease emission of pollutant gases per generated power. Materials requirements for the operation of such porous burners are mainly thermal shock and chemical resistance and those can be reached with cellular ceramics. Mullite was theoretically identified among the best materials for this application; however, its potential was not properly explored yet. Even though mullite can be synthesized from different compounds and processing routes, control of final material characteristics is complicated mainly due to the formation of amorphous phase. In this work, using a technological approach mullite burners were processed by the replication method starting from different mixtures of Al2O3/SiO2/SiC. Rheological study of the slurries has given additives content for the coating of the polyurethane sponges. After varying sintering temperatures up to 1600 °C and isotherm times for 12 h, microstructural aspects and product phases of the final composites were characterized in order to understand the influence of Al2O3/SiO2/SiC ratios in the formation of mullite phase and amorphous content.
AUTHORITY TO PROSCRIBE AND PUNISH INTERNATIONAL CRIMES
Authors: Binder Guyora
Published: April 2013

Although criminal jurisdiction is usually exercised by governments, offences can also be proscribed by international law, and punishment can be imposed by international tribunals. This article critically examines the legitimacy of such exercises of international criminal jurisdiction. It reasons that criminal law can plausibly be justified as a cooperative institution that achieves the public good of a rule of law, with its attendant benefits of social peace and equal dignity of persons. It then argues that such a beneficial rule of law requires a punishing authority with the executive capacity to protect those it claims to regulate. It would follow that criminal prohibitions may not be justifiable if they cannot be enforced systematically. Because the international legal system generally lacks the executive capacity required for a rule of law, the article suggests that international criminal punishment is justifiable as supportive of a rule of law only in rare circumstances. Finally, the article considers whether an alternative expressive rationale can, nevertheless, justify occasional prosecutions as useful in legitimizing international humanitarian norms. It questions whether the expressive benefits of such prosecutions can outweigh the expressive risks of promising protection the international legal system cannot deliver.
Interactive presurgical simulation applying advanced 3D imaging and modeling techniques for skull base and deep tumors
Authors: Oishi Makoto , Fukuda Masafumi , Yajima Naoki , Yoshida Kenzo , Takahashi Machiko , Hiraishi Tetsuya , Takao Tetsuro , Saito Akihiko , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: April 2013

Object

In this paper, the authors' goal was to report their novel presurgical simulation method applying interactive virtual simulation (IVS) using 3D computer graphics (CG) data and microscopic observation of color-printed plaster models based on these CG data in surgery for skull base and deep tumors.

Methods

For 25 operations in 23 patients with skull base or deep intracranial tumors (meningiomas, schwannomas, epidermoid tumors, chordomas, and others), the authors carried out presurgical simulation based on 3D CG data created by image analysis for radiological data. Interactive virtual simulation was performed by modifying the 3D CG data to imitate various surgical procedures, such as bone drilling, brain retraction, and tumor removal, with manipulation of a haptic device. The authors also produced color-printed plaster models of modified 3D CG data by a selective laser sintering method and observed them under the operative microscope.

Results

In all patients, IVS provided detailed and realistic surgical perspectives of sufficient quality, thereby allowing surgeons to determine an appropriate and feasible surgical approach. Surgeons agreed that in 44% of the 25 operations IVS showed high utility (as indicated by a rating of “prominent”) in comprehending 3D microsurgical anatomies for which reconstruction using only 2D images was complicated. Microscopic observation of color-printed plaster models in 12 patients provided further utility in confirming realistic surgical anatomies.

Conclusions

The authors' presurgical simulation method applying advanced 3D imaging and modeling techniques provided a realistic environment for practicing microsurgical procedures virtually and enabled the authors to ascertain complex microsurgical anatomy, to determine the optimal surgical strategies, and also to efficiently educate neurosurgical trainees, especially during surgery for skull base and deep tumors.
Charles Stent and the mystery behind the word “stent”
Authors: Ambekar Sudheer , Nanda Anil
Published: April 2013

Stents have come to be well-known devices and are being used widely in numerous branches of medicine. It is intriguing that the word “stent” actually derives from the name of a dentist, Charles Stent, who developed a material to obtain dental impressions. There are numerous other theories as to the origin of the word and how its use has been extended to various fields in medicine. The origin of intravascular stenting took place as early as 1912, but it was not until Charles Dotter reinvented the wheel in 1969 that further development took place in the technology and techniques of stenting. Intracranial stenting is a relatively new and rapidly developing field that came into being not more than 12 years ago. The authors describe the life and works of Charles Stent, discuss the possible origins of the word stent, and discuss how intravascular and intracranial stenting came into existence.
Russia, China and India and the Israel–Palestine Conflict
Authors: Rabkin Yakov M.
Published: April 2013

Outside the Middle East, the future of Israel/Palestine is most often discussed in terms of US foreign policy, where the issue has also acquired religious overtones. This article examines the policies of three nuclear powers – Russia, China and India – on this issue. The analysis takes into account these countries' policies with respect to the entire region, including Iran, in which Russia and the two Asian giants have significant interests. While the three nuclear powers have close contacts with Israel and its military, they opposed Israel's position at the historic UN vote held on 29 November 2012.
Application Scope and Limitations of TADDOL-Derived Chiral Ammonium Salt Phase-Transfer Catalysts
Authors: Gururaja Guddeangadi , Herchl Richard , Pichler Antonia , Gratzer Katharina , Waser Mario
Published: April 2013

We have recently introduced a new class of chiral ammonium salt catalysts derived from easily available TADDOLs. To get a full picture of the scope of application and limitations of our catalysts we tested them in a variety of different important transformations. We found that, although these compounds have recently shown their good potential in the asymmetric α-alkylation of glycine Schiff bases, they clearly failed when we attempted to control more reactive nucleophiles like b-keto esters. On the other hand, when using them to catalyse the addition of glycine Schiff bases to different Michael acceptors it was found necessary to carefully optimize the reaction conditions for every single substrate class, as seemingly small structural changes sometimes required the use of totally different reaction conditions. Under carefully optimized conditions enantiomeric ratios up to 91:9 could be achieved in the addition of glycine Schiff bases to acrylates, whereas acrylamides and methyl vinyl ketone gave slightly lower selectivities (up to e.r. 77:23 in these cases). Thus, together with additional studies towards the syntheses of these catalysts we have now a very detailed understanding about the scope and limitations of the synthesis sequence to access our PTCs and about the application scope of these catalysts in asymmetric transformations.
Au-delà du monde connu : représenter les dieux
Authors: Thote Alain
Published: April 2013

Cet article se donne pour objet de comprendre comment et dans quel contexte les artistes ont donné un aspect physique aux «dieux», qu'il s'agisse des génies de la nature et des dieux qui régissent le temps, ou encore des zhenmushou qui protègent le mort dans la tombe. En Chine, ces «dieux» sont représentés à partir du Ve siècle avant notre ère sous la forme d'hybrides, mi-hommes mi-animaux, et ce phénomène a duré jusqu'au début de l'empire. Plusieurs de ces créatures sont analysées, notamment les zhenmushou de Chu et par comparaison une créature proche provenant de la région du Bas- Yangzi, de même que les hybrides figurant dans des décors incisés sur des vases de la région de Wu-Yue. Il semble que les régions périphériques de la Chine d'alors, constituée de royaumes et de principautés, et certaines cultures locales dans le cas de Chu aient été à l'origine de ces créatures hybrides, qui ont été progressivement intégrées dans le répertoire iconographique des artistes travaillant pour les cours princières. Un dernier exemple produit, en relation avec l'art du Proche ou du Moyen-Orient témoigne d'échanges sur de plus longues distances.
Érudition, expertise technique et politique : autour de la querelle de la datation du Taoji
Authors: Bing Zhao
Published: April 2013

Le Taoji (Notes sur la céramique) est le plus ancien texte dont nous disposons sur Jingdezhen, métropole de la céramique chinoise. Sa datation est probablement l'une des questions qui ont le plus divisé, depuis les années 1980, les spécialistes de la céramique chinoise. Dans cet article, nous nous proposons de revenir sur cette querelle érudite, d'abord pour émettre une nouvelle hypothèse sur la datation du Taoji, qui place la rédaction de celui-ci à la fin des Song du Sud, soit au milieu du xme siècle, puis pour critiquer les deux arguments sur lesquels se fondent les auteurs qui datent le texte des Yuan, hypothèse dominante qui remonte, semble-t-il, à 1742. Ce deuxième volet, fondé sur l'étude croisée des objets et des textes (monographies locales, archives du Palais, traités techniques et œuvres littéraires), a pour objectif de mettre en lumière les jeux complexes de relations réciproques entre les faits, les êtres et les époques. Au cours de son enquête, l'auteur se demande si l'attribution du Taoji à l'époque mongole ne résulterait pas d'une manipulation effectuée par Tang Ying (1682-1756), qui fut surintendant de la manufacture impériale de la céramique de Jingdezhen. En faisant du Taoji, texte fondamental pour l'histoire de Jingdezhen, un écrit des Yuan, Tang Ying aurait cherché à légitimer le patronage de la cour des Mandchous dans la production de la céramique, en s'appuyant sur la valorisation d'une autre dynastie étrangère, celle des Mongols.
ON SOLVABILITY OF BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM FOR ASYMMETRIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION DEPENDING ON X ′
Authors: Gritsans Armands , Sadyrbaev Felix
Published: April 2013

We state the conditions of geometrical nature which guarantee the existence of a solution to the boundary value problem x ′′ + 2δx ′ + λf (x + ) − µg(x −) = h(t, x, x ′ ), x(0) = 0 = x(1) with a damping term 2δx ′ and nonnegative parameters λ, µ, provided that f (x +) − g(x −) is a sector-bounded nonlinearity.
LITHUANIA MINOR AND PRUSSIA ON THE OLD MAPS (1525–1808)
Authors: Lukoševičius Viktoras
Published: April 2013

While continuing researches on ancient cartography the publication is aimed at viewing maps of Lithuania Minor and Prussia in the perspective of historical events, with a special emphasis on most important historical events as well as cartography development moments. The method used is analysis of different maps, by different authors, found in cartographical archives. The article presents the authors and designers 37 maps of Lithuania Minor and Prussia and discusses map characteristics. It also provides links that are helpful for the readers interested in a more detailed studies of specific maps. Summarizing research results the authors conclude that ancient maps where Lithuania Minor is marked are true historical witnesses helping to understand long and complicated formation process of Lithuania Minor and the state of Lithuania; however the analysis alone is insufficient to fully reveal its historic concept.
Valeur des informations comptables volontaires : illustration par le cas des publications sectorielles pour la période 1995-1996
Authors: Pourtier Frédéric
Published: April 2013

L’objet de ce travail est d’étudier la valeur des informations comptables volontaires. L’hypothèse principale est que ces informations affectent le risque systématique de la firme. Les résultats infirment cette hypothèse : les informations volontaires ne semblent pas avoir de contenu informatif. Nous discutons alors du rôle d’un renforcement de la réglementation pour augmenter l’apport informatif de telles publications.
Les facteurs de risque hypothéquant la réussite de la réforme comptable en Chine
Authors: Ding Yuan
Published: April 2013

La réforme comptable en Chine nous offre un bon exemple d’harmonisation comptable internationale. Cependant, la précipitation manifestée par les autorités pendant la réforme et la tendance irrésistible à l’américanisation du système comptable chinois depuis la réforme présentent plusieurs risques pour la réussite du nouveau système. En utilisant la théorie de la normalisation comptable, cet article présente une synthèse de cette réforme et en analyse les causes ainsi que les choix effectués par l’État chinois pour sa mise en œuvre. Il porte particulièrement sur les incompatibilités existant entre le nouveau système comptable et les réalités économiques et professionnelles du pays, ainsi que sur les risques encourus dans les domaines de la réglementation et de la pratique comptable.
Contribution à l'étude de la genèse des états financiers des PME
Authors: Lavigne Benoît
Published: April 2013

La recherche dont rend compte cet article avait pour objet d’étudier les objectifs des états financiers annuels et intermédiaires des PME et les conditions de leur genèse. Elle procède d’une enquête par questionnaire, menée, auprès du dirigeant principal de ces entreprises au Canada. Les résultats confirment que les PME sont très hétérogènes et ne constituent pas des modèles réduits des organisations de grande dimension. Plus spécifiquement, la présente recherche ajoute une validation à un cadre conceptuel développé en système d’information.
Contribution à l'analyse de la qualité du processus d'audit : le rôle de la relation entre le directeur financier et le commissaire aux comptes
Authors: Richard Chrystelle , Reix Robert
Published: April 2013

Cette recherche propose de comprendre le rôle de la relation entre le directeur financier et le commissaire aux comptes dans le processus de l’audit et son influence sur la qualité de l’audit. Une démarche interprétative et qualitative est adoptée. Fondée sur des entretiens, cette étude qualitative est l’objet d’un processus interprétatif s’appuyant sur deux approches théoriques considérées comme complémentaires : les théories économiques contractuelles et la sociologie économique. Ce processus a permis ainsi de faire émerger deux notions constituant les bases de l’interprétation : le dualisme de la relation et la confiance hybride. Cette conception interprétative amène à une redéfinition de la relation entre le directeur financier et le commissaire aux comptes comme une relation de pairs. Les conditions d’émergence d’une relation de parité sont analysées comme le partage de normes professionnelles et culturelles, le degré de fréquence de la relation et la multiplicité de la relation. Une relation de pairs est alors caractérisée par une confiance hybride, une production conjointe de la connaissance et une égalité des rôles. Cette conception de la parité d’une relation conduit à une relecture des fondements de la qualité de l’audit, à savoir l’indépendance et la compétence de l’auditeur. La qualité d’un audit apparaît comme un équilibre entre ses deux déterminants, la compétence et l’indépendance.
Recherche « critique » en contrôle de gestion : exercer son discernement
Authors: Bessire Dominique
Published: April 2013

Les dernières décennies de recherche en contrôle de gestion ont vu l’émergence d’une multitude de perspectives qui affichent leur opposition au structuro-fonctionnalisme ou au positivisme et, pour cette raison, sont fréquemment regroupées sous l’intitulé « courant critique ». Une série de cartes homologues fournit au chercheur les outils de discernement épistémologique susceptibles de lui permettre d’opérer ses choix en connaissance de cause. La carte qui synthétise les résultats de l’analyse montre que certaines perspectives de recherche « critique », tout en le décriant, ne font que renforcer le paradigme naturaliste, combinaison de matérialisme et de structuralisme. Elle révèle aussi la rareté de la référence au paradigme diamétralement opposé, le paradigme culturaliste, qui croise humanisme et idéalisme et qui, seul, accorde la primauté à l’être humain et à sa soif de réalisation.
Vie des affaires
Authors: Deshayes Christophe , Picard Robert
Published: April 2013

De nouveaux usages du numérique prolifèrent pour aider au bien vivre : combattre ses addictions‚ bouger plus‚ manger mieux‚ surveiller son sommeil‚ etc. La France qui‚ aux yeux du monde‚ a les secrets de la qualité de vie‚ saura-t-elle en profiter ?
Ressources technologiques et innovation
Authors: Bureau Christophe
Published: April 2013

Christophe Bureau, après avoir créé deux start-up pour développer d’électrogreffage dans la microélectronique et le biomédical, l’avoir implantée chez l’homme fin 2007 et homologuée en 2010 en Chine, milite pour une réforme de l’essaimage en France.
Biosystematic studies on Dactylis L. 2. Personal research. 2.1. Morphological differentiation and occurrence of representatives of the genus Dactylis in Poland. 2.1.3. Distribution of D. glomerata subsp. aschersoniana (Graebn.) Thell. in Poland
Authors: Mizianty Marta
Published: April 2013

In this paper the author presents the distribution of D. g. subsp. aschersoniana (Graebn.) Thell. in 198 localities in Poland. The studies on distribution were based mainly on revision and verification of materials from Polish herbaria. It is stated that subsp. aschersoniana occurs in deciduous forests in lowlands and on plateaus as well as in lower mountain altitudes. Part of the localities are situated beyond the present eastern limit of the Fagus sylvatica distribution. This confirms the opinion that this subspecies is not connected with beech woods but rather with oak-hornbeam forests. Sometimes subsp. glomerata, subsp. slovenica and subsp. aschersoniana were found in one locality. This fact is very important in the context of gene-flow between these three subspecies.
Some critical remarks about new and rare to Polish flora desmids from the Suwałki Lakeland
Authors: Tomaszewicz Grażyna M. , Skrzeczkowska Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

Species of desmids found in the Suwałki Lakeland are presented; these species are new and rare in the flora of Poland: Cosmarium contractum var. retusum (W. et G. S. West) W. Krieg. et Gerl., C. hammeri var. protuberans W. et G. S. West, C. plicatum Reinsch var. plicatum, C. pseudoconnatum var. pseudoconnatum f. latior Borge, Staurastrurim gemelliparum Nordst., S. tohopekaligense var. trifurcatum W. et G. S. West. A critical view is expressed on the creation of infraspecific units within some of these species.
The vigour of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) seeds stored up to 5 years
Authors: Górecki Ryszard J. , Mierzejewska Dorota
Published: April 2013

The viability and vigour of timothy seeds from the 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986 harvests, stored in a store-house under ambient conditions were studied. During five years of storage, seed viability dropped from 90-95% to below 15%. The greatest fall in viability occurred between the 4th and 5th year of storage. Seed viability loss was accompanied by rapid vigour degradation as indicated by soil emergence, seedling growth rate analysis, osmotic stress, ethanol, and accelerated ageing (AA-test) tests. The conductivity test was not useful in timothy vigour examination. The highest correlation coefficients between vigour tests and field emergence were obtained for the seedling growth rate analysis and osmotic stress test.
Lethal chlorophyll change resulting in a light-violet colour in winter rye (Secale cereale L.) seedlings
Authors: Gabara Barbara , Kubicka Helena
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a lethal chlorophyll change characterized by light-violet seedlings, obtained after self-fertilization of a dwarf winter rye form from Jeleniec. The manner of inheritance of this mutation has been established. Genetic analysis of green and light-violet plant segregating frequences in inbred generations S3 and S4 has showed that the obtained split ratio approximates the theoretical ratio 3:1. This proves that the feature in question is determined by the recessive gene cl3. The gene cl3 is lethal as it results in the death of the seedlings 4 weeks after germination. In contrast to the membrane system characteristic for the chloroplasts, the mesophyll cells of mutants (light-violet in colour) contained plastids devoid of granal and intergranal thylakoids. Only fragments of lamellae, vesicles or light areas were present in the granular matrix of these plastids.
Reproductive strategies of Caltha palustris L. under various living conditions
Authors: Werpachowski Cezary
Published: April 2013

Reproductive effort and strategies of Caltha palustris were compared for four phytocoeno­ses located in the southern Biebrza basin: sedge reedswamp (Caricetum gracilis), sedge-moss community (Caricetum limoso-diandrae), willow-birch brushwood (Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens), and alder-bog forest (Carici elongatae-Alnetum), The individuals of analysed populations were found to differ with respect to their biomass allocation to generative and vegetative reproduction. Three types of reproductive strategies were distinguished: generative (G), vegetative (V) and intermediate (G/V). The individuals growing in the alder-bog forest had the highest reproductive effort (V strategy), while those from sedge reedswamp - the lowest (G strategy).
An investigation of the karyotypes of four species from the genera Setcreasea, Spironema and Tradescantia (Commelinaceae)
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

An investigation was conducted on the number and morphology of the chromosomes of four species from the family Commelinacene: Spironema fragrans Lindl., Setereasea purpurea Boom, Tradescantia albiflora Kunth. and Tradescantia blossfeldiana Mildbr. It was found that the karyotype of Spironema fragrans Lindl. was 2n = 12 chromo­somes whose total length was 6.9-13.7 µm and the formula of the karyotype was: 2m+2sm +2m+2t+2stsat +2st Setcreasea purpurea Boom. had 2n = 24 chromosomes, 9.1-12.1 µm in length and the centromere positioned as represented by the formula 24m. The karyotype of Tradsescantia albiflora Kunth. had 2n = 60 chromosomes whose lengths ranged from 1.4 to 4.5 µm, and is described by the formula: 4sm+6m+10st+10sm+10m+20sm. The complex of chromosomes from Tradescantia blossfeldiana Mildbr. consisted of 2n = 60. Their length was 1.3-4.8 µm. The morphological types of the chromosomes are represented by the formula 6st+2m+2sm+6st+2sm+12m+10M+l4m+6sm. It is suggested on the basis of mor­phological analysis of chromosomes that Setereasea purpurea Boom is a tetraploid species and Trudescantia albiflora Kunth. and T. blossfeldiana Mildbr. are decaploids.
Apparent expression of flower colours and internal variation of enzyme activities in some typical phenotypes of dyer's saffron cultivars
Authors: Saito Koshi , Fukushima Akiyoshi
Published: April 2013

Phytochemical screening of four Carthamus pigments in phenotypically different cultivars of dyer's saffron was carried out by means of chromatographic techniques. The pigment composition in the floral part correlated well with the flower colour, supporting these components as idoneous chemotaxonomic markers. Among seven cultivars examined, three were orange-yellow and contained carthamin (red) and precarthamin, safflor yellow A and safflor yellow B (orange-yellow) (type 0). There were bright-yellow and also had the above four pigments (type Y). The seventh cultivar was ivory-white and produced no quinoidal chalcones in the florets (type W). Relative activities of three different enzymes were examined in soluble protein extracts from etiolated seedlings of the garden varieties. Monophenol monooxygenase (EC 1.14.18.1) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7.) were distributed over all cultivars tested. The relative level of the enzyme activities could be ordered as follows: type 0, type W and type Y. The activity of a carthamin-synthesizing enzyme was found in the protein extracts from all garden forms examined. Its activity was most prominent in type O. The activity level in type W was inferior to that of type O. The catalytic intensity in type Y was found to even lower. The results were discussed as to the composition of the phenotypic markers and the distribution of the enzyme activities in three different garden forms of dyer's saffron cultivars.
REGULATION OF AMYLASE, CELLULASE AND CHITINASE SECRETION IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF THE TWO‐SPOTTED FIELD CRICKET, Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Weidlich Sandy , Müller Sonja , Hoffmann Klaus H. , Woodring Joseph
Published: April 2013

The secretion of amylase and cellulase in Gryllus bimaculatus is determined by increased food intake, whereby shortly after molting food consumption increases. About half of the standing amylase concentration (activity) in the endothelial cells can be secreted within 30 min. The peak of amylase and cellulase secretion that occurs in the photophase is related to the feeding peak in the previous scotophase. The secretion of chitinase on the other hand is primarily controlled by the molting cycle. Only amylase secretion was affected by calcium in the incubation medium, suggesting an apocrine release mechanism. Refeeding experiments (after 5 days without food) suggest that the release of amylase in response to a nutrient in the lumen (glucose) is not due to simple stimulation of exocytosis, but rather a stimulation of synthesis.