bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
« Motiver » et « chicoter » : l'économie politique de la pression fiscale en Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Raffinot Marc
Published: January 2012

Résumé La pression fiscale dépend pour une part non négligeable du système d’incitation des agents chargés du recouvrement des impôts et taxes. L’existence, en Afrique subsaharienne, d’une très forte asymétrie d’information entre les dirigeants et les agents de recouvrement explique que le gouvernement en soit souvent réduit à négocier avec les agents un montant forfaitaire de taxes qui seront reversées au Trésor. Il en résulte que les prévisions de recettes réalisées par les régies financières ne sont pas forcément plus mauvaises que celles qui sont réalisées sur la base de méthodes macroéconomiques sophistiquées. Cela explique aussi que les réformes introduites par les programmes d’ajustement structurel n’aient pas réussi à produire une augmentation significative et durable des taux de pression fiscale. Ces réformes portent en effet surtout sur le dispositif fiscal en tant que tel sans prendre en compte de manière adéquate le système incitateur des services fiscaux et douaniers.
Les fonctionnaires péruviens sont-ils surpayés ?
Authors: Herrera Javier
Published: January 2012

Résumé L’existence d’une surrémunération des travailleurs du secteur public péruvien par rapport aux travailleurs du secteur privé est examinée à partir d’une analyse de l’enquête Enaho, la dernière disponible en matière de l’emploi. Après avoir constaté qu’une comparaison des niveaux moyens de revenu donnait un avantage très large aux salariés du secteur public, on met en évidence que ces différences étaient largement dues aux caractéristiques particulières des travailleurs du secteur public, en moyenne plus âgés, plus qualifiés que leurs homologues du secteur privé. L’analyse économétrique effectuée confirme les résultats déjà obtenus pour le Pérou avec l’enquête LSMS de 1985-1986 par Stelcner, Van der Gaag et Vijverberg en 1988. Les salariés du secteur public reçoivent une rémunération inférieure à celle des travailleurs du secteur privé ayant les mêmes caractéristiques. D’autres facteurs, davantage liés à la discrimination ethnique et à la protection dans l’emploi, apparaissent comme ayant autant sinon plus d’importance que l’appartenance au secteur public dans l’équation de gains.
La privatisation des marchés urbains à Abidjan : une affaire en or pour quelques-uns seulement
Authors: Bertoncello Brigitte , Bredeloup Sylvie
Published: January 2012

Résumé Engagées dans le cadre d’une privatisation des services publics, les mutations de l’offre commerciale favorisent des recompositions spatiales dans la ville africaine et exacerbent les ségrégations déjà à l’œuvre. Alors que la puissance publique, en tant que représentant de l’intérêt général, s’était efforcée, par le passé, d’assurer pour tous une égalité d’accès à l’économie et à la société urbaines, la délégation des marchés urbains à des acteurs privés semble conduire à l’exclusion des commerçants mais aussi à celle des consommateurs les plus démunis, les plus « étrangers » ou les plus isolés. Exceptionnelles semblent en effet les dispositions prises par les nouveaux gestionnaires pour sauvegarder l’intérêt des plus faibles, pour leur proposer des formules de vente ou de location mieux adaptées à leurs ressources. Les délégataires des marchés n’ont pas fait leur l’objectif de la collectivité d’autant qu’ils n’y ont pas toujours été conviés par les municipalités essentiellement préoccupées par les retombées électorales de ces investissements.
De l'exil à la diaspora : l'exemple de la migration chilienne
Authors: Bolzman Claudio
Published: January 2012

Résumé Cet article porte sur la relation entre exil et diaspora. À travers l’exemple de la migration chilienne, il explore les similitudes et les différences entre ces deux notions, mais également les conditions qui permettent la transformation d’un exil en diaspora dans le cadre d’une migration résultante d’une violence politique de type idéologique. Un facteur majeur qui permet le passage de la première à la deuxième situation est la modification du contexte politique dans le pays d’origine : dans ces nouvelles circonstances, le rapport au temps, à l’espace, au retour, à l’État d’origine, ainsi que la définition identitaire des communautés émigrées subissent des changements importants. Mais les circonstances traumatisantes qui ont généré l’exil continuent à influencer, en situation de diaspora, les dynamiques communautaires.
Les fonctionnaires et le développement rural en Argentine depuis 1991 : entre la profession et le territoire, entre l'État et la ville
Authors: Albaladejo Christophe
Published: January 2012

Résumé L’État en Argentine applique avec force depuis dix ans une politique d’ajustement qui aboutit notamment à la réduction de son personnel et à la décentralisation de ses fonctions au niveau des provinces et des municipalités. En matière de développement rural, qui est un volet essentiel de la présence de l’État sur l’immense territoire argentin, les réformes se font sentir non seulement dans les organismes publics, et de façon générale sur la fonction de « vulgarisation agricole », mais également dans l’ensemble du système professionnel des ingénieurs agronomes. Cet article décrit les conséquences des réformes sur les pratiques du métier d’agronome et l’éclatement de celui-ci sous l’influence des firmes et d’un rapport transformé de l’État avec la profession. Il met en évidence l’émergence de nouvelles pratiques et identités professionnelles, sous l’impulsion d’un nouveau type de fonctionnaires: les agents techniques des municipalités des petites et moyennes villes.
Éveil des sociétés civiles en milieu urbain et organisations non gouvernementales: les exemples de Cotonou et Lubumbashi
Authors: Pirotte Gautier , Poncelet Marc
Published: January 2012

Résumé Depuis plus de dix ans, dans une Afrique subsaharienne, marquée par un processus de démocratisation institutionnelle ou de décompression-recomposition autoritaire, on assiste à la prolifération de pratiques associatives définies et souvent reconnues comme « Organisations non gouvernementales ». Si l’on a beaucoup conjecturé et beaucoup douté à propos de ces ONG africaines et du revival associatif avec lequel elles entretiennent des rapports plus ou moins forts, plus ou moins clairs, peu de recherches ont pris soin de les prendre au « pied de la lettre », avant de jauger leurs résultats et avant de les confronter à des prescriptions explicites ou implicites. La profusion de ces nouvelles pratiques non gouvernementales ne s’est pourtant pas produite dans des contextes locaux identiques. Basé sur les résultats d’une recherche menée à Cotonou (Bénin) et à Lubumbashi (RDC) en 1998 et consacrée aux ONG urbaines, l’article propose une lecture comparative des deux « sociétés civiles » dont la vitalité et l’identité ont été fortement tributaires des contextes locaux (rapport aux pouvoirs publics d’une part et présence des bailleurs de fonds au sein de l’arène locale du développement d’autre part).
Migrations internationales, transferts monétaires et investissements dans les milieux urbains du Centre-Ouest mexicain
Authors: Papail Jean
Published: January 2012

Résumé Longtemps d’origine rurale, l’émigration mexicaine aux États-Unis s’est considérablement amplifiée et transformée en flux majoritairement urbains depuis une vingtaine d’années. Généralement temporaire, cette migration s’accompagne d’importants flux inverses de devises (les remesas familiales) vers les ménages mexicains résidant dans les villes d’origine des migrants, que les pouvoirs publics locaux cherchent à canaliser vers des investissements productifs créateurs d’emplois. Dans cette perspective, cet article s’appuie sur les résultats d’une enquête menée sur un échantillon représentatif de migrants internationaux revenus s’installer dans plusieurs villes moyennes de la région centro-occidentale du Mexique – qui fournit traditionnellement les plus gros contingents de main-d’œuvre à l’économie nord-américaine. Il vise à analyser les revenus du travail migratoire, les transferts monétaires, leur utilisation, et en particulier les investissements auxquels ils donnent lieu, les emplois créés, ainsi que les transformations de statuts d’occupation qui y sont associées.
Quality evaluation of different typical table olive preparations (cv Nocellara del Belice)
Authors: Romeo F. V. , Piscopo A. , Mincione A. , Poiana M.
Published: January 2012

Commercially available green table olives of the Nocellara del Belice cultivar were processed in 26 companies. Three different processing conditions were used to obtain olive debittering: natural fermentation, “Castelvetrano” (a typical west Sicilian method) and cracked olives. The green olives packed into 200-500 mL glass jars were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics that revealed statistical differences among the three debittering methods and a great difference among the samples, reflecting a low level of standardization achieved in these fermented products. The results showed an influence of the treatments on all physico-chemical parameters with the exception of total polyphenol content and lightness (L*) for which no significant differences were found. The average pH in the brine samples was under the hygienic limit of 4.5 with the exception of Castelvetrano olives which showed a higher pH values. The salt concentration of the brine samples appeared lower than the commercial limit according to the table olive trade standards. The brine samples were also analyzed for some microbiological parameters. Not all the samples showed acceptable commercial standards, because Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus and coliform bacteria were detected in a few samples.
Geophysical survey of the Gulf of Maine and adjacent areas: Hudson 71-014 cruise
Authors: Watts A B , Haworth R T
Published: January 2012

Representative profiles are presented of the gravity and magnetic fields and bathymetry of the Gulf of Maine as observed during cruise HUDSON 71-014. Magnetic field measurements are generally accurate to better than 50 gamma. Gravimeter tares of up to 42 mgal
reduced the accuracy of gravity data, but isolation of and correction for those tares have produced gravity data accurate to approximately 5 to 10 mgal. A gravity low south of Cape Sable extends halfway across the continental shelf.
Hamilton Bank, Part 1, Surficial Sediments
Authors: Stewart J M ,   Geomarine Assocs L
Published: January 2012

Results of size analysis of sediment samples from Hamilton Bank and the adjacent Cartwright and Hawke Basins are reported. Maps of percentage gravel, sand, silt, clay and mud, and a summarizing map illustrating gross sediment distribution are presented. Hamilton
Bank sediments consist of a central area of muddy sand and a peripheral area of sand. The bank edge and upper slopes are characterized by a series of circumscribing sediment bands. In sequence from shallow to deep, these are gravel/sand and gravel/sand/mud. The gravel common to these two bands is
restricted to the bank edge. The floors of Cartwright and Hawke Basins are composed of mud with silt predominating over clay. These mud-filled basins appear to be acting as sediment sinks for fine clastics winnowed from adjacent slopes and banks. Seafloor photographs further supplement the
characterization of Hamilton Bank surficial sediments, while generally confirming the conclusions on sediment distribution based on grab samples.
Cricopharyngeal Myotomy Revisited
Authors: Murthy PSN , Rao Sudhakara M , Satishchandra T
Published: January 2012

Dysphagia due to neuromuscular in coordination is major disability for the patient. Not able to swallow food or liquids inspite of healthy appetite makes the patient most irritable and can lead to psychological problems. Added to the swallowing problem patient also encounters symptoms and signs of laryngeal penetration or aspiration. For these patients, surgical option of cricopharyngeal myotomy offers a very good relief. We describe two cases where CP myotomy could facilitate a good swallow and prevent laryngeal stimulation or penetration and made a significant improvement in the quality of life of the patients.
High resolution record of carbon accumulation rates during boreal peatland initiation
Authors: Florin Pendea I. , Chmura G. L.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Boreal peatlands are a major global C sink, thus having important feedbacks to climate. A decreased concentration in atmospheric CO2 7000–10 000 years ago has been linked to variations in peatland C accumulation rates attributed to warm climate change and increased productivity. Yet, this period also corresponds to early stages of peatland development (as peatland was expanding) following retreat of ice sheets and increases in C storage could be associated with wetland evolution via lake filling or following marine shoreline emergence. Unravelling past links amongst peatland dynamics, C storage, and climate will help us assess potential feedbacks from future changes in these systems, but most studies are hampered by low temporal resolution. Here we provide a decadal scale C accumulation record for a fen that has transformed from salt marsh within the last 70 yr on the isostatically rebounding coast of James Bay, Québec. We determined time frames for wetland stages using palynological analyses to reconstruct ecological change and 210Pb and 137Cs to date the deposit. The C accumulation rates during the tidal marsh and fen stage (87 and 182 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively), were as much as six times higher than the global average for northern peatlands. We suggest that the atmospheric CO2 flux during the early Holocene could be attributed, in part, to wetland evolution associated with isostatic rebound which makes land for new wetland formation. Future climate warming will increase eustatic sea level, decrease rates of land emergence and formation of new coastal wetlands, ultimately decreasing rates of C storage of wetlands on rebounding coastlines.
Windows on Heaven (and Earth):
Authors: Veronica della Dora
Published: January 2012

Holy icons are often described as windows on heaven, as images putting the faithful in direct contact with Christ, the Mother of God, and their saints. Renaissance geographers similarly described maps as windows on the world, as telescopes allowing the observer to visualize from above what the human eye could not otherwise grasp in its entirety. In this sense, maps and holy icons share an ontological quality: their ability to make the invisible visible and the physically inaccessible accessible. But what happens when the two merge into a single image? This article examines an understudied category of rare post-Byzantine icons that incorporate maps or act as maps. Drawing on well-established Byzantine iconographies and yet embedding new, noncanonical cartographic elements, these icons, the article shows, blended spiritual and terrestrial concerns, acting as powerful tools in the formation (or reassertion) of local ecclesiastical identities in different centuries and geographical contexts.
Adolescent Perceptions of College Student Drinking
Authors: Thombs Dennis L. , Olds R. Scott , Ray-Tomasek Jennifer
Published: January 2012

Objective: To extend knowledge about perceived drinking norms by assessing perceptions of college student drinking in a sample of 7th- to 12th-graders. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire was administered to 2,017 adolescents in two Ohio school districts. Results:
By seventh grade, 89.6% of the students had formed normative perceptions of collegiate drinking. A canonical correlation analysis revealed that perceptions of collegiate drinking have substantial, independent relationships not only with alcohol use intensity and drinking onset, but also with
indicators of tobacco and other drug use as well. Conclusions: Exaggerated perceptions of college student drinking are psychosocial markers of substance use in 7th- to 12th-graders.
CdSe Magic‐Sized Nuclei, Magic‐Sized Nanoclusters and Regular Nanocrystals: Monomer Effects on Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Yu Kui
Published: January 2012

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been well appreciated for their potential in nanophotonics with an unprecedented impact in various areas, including light emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. There is an outstanding demand on the control of size and size distribution for the various applications, with rational design supported by fundamental understanding of nucleation and growth. This Research News introduces recent advances in the synthesis of colloidal CdSe magic‐sized nuclei (MSN) exhibiting sharp bandgap emission, with a model proposed to illustrate the nature of monomers and their degree of supersaturation (DS) affecting the formation of various CdSe MSN, magic‐sized nanoclusters (MSCs), and regular nanocrystals (RNCs). Also, this model addresses tuning the CdSe RNCs into the CdSe MSN with the presence of cadmium acetate (Cd(OAc)2) affecting the nature of the monomers.
Biocatalysis of Cycloastragenol by Filamentous Fungi to Produce Unexpected Triterpenes
Authors: Yang Wen‐zhi , Ye Min , Huang Fei‐xia , He Wen‐ni , Guo De‐an
Published: January 2012

The biocatalysis of cycloastragenol, a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid with anti‐aging activity, by cultured whole cells of three strains of filamentous fungi, namely Cunninghamella elegans AS 3.1207, Syncephalastrum racemosum AS 3.264 and Doratomyces stemonitis AS 3.1411 produced 15 metabolites. Thirteen of them are new compounds. The structures of these metabolites were fully characterized on the basis of HR‐ESI‐MS analyses together with 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The three fungal strains exhibited significant biocatalytic preferences: C. elegans enabled hydroxylation reactions, particularly on the 28‐ and 29‐CH3 groups; S. racemosum efficiently catalyzed a complicated rearrangement reaction to form the unusual ranunculane skeleton, which was further substituted with diverse side chains at C‐19; D. stemonitis mainly led to carbonylation reactions, especially on 3‐OH. It is particularly noteworthy that S. racemosum also catalyzed an unexpected ring expansion reaction to generate the rare 9(10)a‐homo‐19‐nor‐cycloartane skeleton. Biocatalysis was proved powerful in the structural diversification of cycloastragenol for future structure‐activity relationship studies.
Poly(amic acid)‐Supported Heterogeneous Titanium‐Based Ziegler‐Natta Catalyst for Ethylene Polymerization in a Slurry Process
Authors: Kalita Amarjyoti , Konwer Surajit , Dolui Swapan K.
Published: January 2012

The synthesis of a poly(amic acid) (PAA)‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst (PAA‐TiCl4) by the reaction of PAA and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) is reported. For ethylene polymerization, three catalysts were synthesized by varying the TiCl4/PAA weight ratio in a hexane medium. The resulting catalysts were characterized by Fourier‐transformed infrared (FT‐IR), ultraviolet (UV), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x‐ray detector (SEM‐EDX), and x‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The acidity of the catalysts in an acetone/water solution was measured by a pH meter. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that catalysts are stable up to 110–125°C. Because of their higher degree of thermal stability, these catalysts may potentially be used as a support in a conventional Ziegler–Natta catalyst for ethylene polymerization. Furthermore, because of the extensive reaction between the functional groups of PAA and TiCl4, the chain structure of the PAA was destroyed. The newly synthesized catalysts showed good storability, and the overall catalytic productivity is 4921 g PE/g Ti/h. A catalyst with titanium incorporation corresponding to 2.8 wt% showed the maximum activity. The productivity of the catalysts also depended on the titanium concentration in the polymer matrix. These catalysts are found to retain their catalytic activity for a long time (∼90 days), and a mild reaction condition is required for catalysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E119–E130, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20276
Fine Structure, Enzyme Histochemistry, and Immunohistochemistry of Liver in Zebrafish
Authors: Yao Yilin , Lin Jinxing , Yang Ping , Chen Qiusheng , Chu Xiaohong , Gao Cheng , Hu Jianhua
Published: January 2012

The fine structures, enzyme histochemical, and immunohistochemical characterization of liver in zebrafish were investigated using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results showed that liver was separated into three lobes and each lobe had a central vessel comparable to the mammalian central vein. However typical hepatic lobules, portal areas, and hepatic arteries were not observed. A portal vein entered the liver and its tributaries were connected directly to the sinusoids, which then converged to the central vessel. Three central vessels in lobes finally carried the blood out of liver. The polygonal and bilayered hepatocytes were arranged as twisting, branching, and anastomosing cords. Ultrastructurally, they showed apparent morphological features of protein synthesis and secretion. Bile entered the biliary tree through the intracellular canaliculus, the ramifications of intercellular canaliculi that originated near the hepatic nucleus and then extended to the hepatocyte surface where two adjacent hepatocyte membranes formed intercellular canaliculi, and then ran sequentially through bile preductules, bile ductules, and bile ducts to be secreted out of the liver. Bile preductular epithelial cells (BPs) were cells located between bilayered hepatocytes in one hepatic cord. Occasionally, some tight junctions were detected forming the link between BPs and hepatocytes, which led us to assume that BPs might have a close relationship with hepatocytes during evolution. The present results indicate that zebrafish liver has its own specific fine structure. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of esreboxetine in patients with fibromyalgia: A fourteen‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Arnold Lesley M. , Hirsch Ian , Sanders Paul , Ellis Amanda , Hughes Bernadette
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of multiple fixed dosages of esreboxetine for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Methods

Patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia were randomized to receive esreboxetine at dosages of 4 mg/day (n = 277), 8 mg/day (n = 284), or 10 mg/day (n = 283) or matching placebo (n = 278) for 14 weeks. The primary efficacy outcomes were the weekly mean pain score and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score at week 14. Secondary efficacy measures included scores for the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale, the Global Fatigue Index (GFI), and the 36‐item Short‐Form health survey (SF‐36; physical function scale only) at week 14. The safety profile of esreboxetine was evaluated based on adverse events and other safety measures.

Results

Patients receiving all dosages of esreboxetine demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the pain score (P ≤ 0.025), the FIQ score (P ≤ 0.023), and the PGIC score (P ≤ 0.007) compared with patients in the placebo group. Additionally, patients receiving esreboxetine at dosages of 4 mg/day and 8 mg/day showed statistically significant improvements in the GFI score compared with those receiving placebo (P = 0.001). No significant differences in SF‐36 physical function scores were observed between patients receiving esreboxetine (any dosage) and those receiving placebo. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate in severity; insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, hot flush, headache, hyperhidrosis, and palpitations were reported most frequently.

Conclusion

Esreboxetine was generally well tolerated and was associated with significant improvements in pain, FIQ, PGIC, and fatigue scores compared with placebo. The lack of a dose‐response relationship in both the efficacy and safety analyses suggests that esreboxetine at a dosage of 4 mg/day would offer clinical benefit with the least risk of drug exposure.
Orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 induces synoviocyte proliferation, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 transcription
Authors: Mix Kimberlee S. , McMahon Kevin , McMorrow Jason P. , Walkenhorst Dana E. , Smyth Aisling M. , Petrella Brenda L. , Gogarty Martina , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas , Attur Mukundan G. , Abramson Steven B. , Murphy Evelyn P.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To address the role of the nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) family of orphan nuclear receptors in synoviocyte transformation, hyperplasia, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in models of inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

NR4A messenger RNA levels in synovial tissue and primary synoviocytes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). NR4A2 was stably overexpressed in normal synoviocytes, and cell proliferation, survival, anchorage‐independent growth, migration, and invasion were monitored in vitro. MMP and TIMP expression levels were analyzed by quantitative RT‐PCR, and MMP‐13 promoter activity was measured using reporter assays. Stable depletion of endogenous NR4A levels was achieved by lentiviral transduction of NR4A short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and the effects on proliferation, migration, and MMP‐13 expression were analyzed.

Results

NR4A2 was expressed at elevated levels in normal, OA, and RA synovial tissue and in primary RA synoviocytes. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) rapidly and selectively induced expression of NR4A2 in synoviocytes. Ectopic expression of NR4A2 in normal synoviocytes significantly increased proliferation and survival, promoted anchorage‐independent growth, and induced migration and invasion. MMP‐13 gene expression was synergistically induced by NR4A2 and TNFα, while expression of TIMP‐2 was antagonized. NR4A2 directly transactivated the proximal MMP‐13 promoter, and a point mutation in the DNA binding domain of NR4A2 abolished transcriptional activation. Depletion of endogenous NR4A receptors with shRNA reduced synoviocyte proliferation, migration, and MMP‐13 expression.

Conclusion

The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 is a downstream mediator of TNFα signaling in synovial tissue. NR4A2 transcriptional activity contributes to the hyperplastic and invasive phenotype of synoviocytes that leads to cartilage destruction, suggesting that this receptor may show promise as a therapeutic target in inflammatory arthritis.
Positive Affect in the Midst of Distress: Implications for Role Functioning
Authors: Moskowitz Judith Tedlie , Shmueli‐Blumberg Dikla , Acree Michael , Folkman Susan
Published: January 2012

Stress has been shown to deplete the self‐regulation resources hypothesized to facilitate effective role functioning. However, recent research suggests that positive affect may help to replenish these vital self‐regulation resources. Based on the revised Stress and Coping theory and the Broaden‐and‐Build theory of positive emotion, three studies provide evidence of the potential adaptive function of positive affect in the performance of roles for participants experiencing stress. Participants were students (Study 1), caregivers of children with illness (Study 2), and individuals recently diagnosed with HIV (Study 3). In cross‐sectional analyses, using role functioning as an indicator of self‐regulation performance, we found that positive affect was significantly correlated with better self‐regulation performance, independent of the effects of negative affect. The effects were not as strong longitudinally, however, and there was little evidence of a reciprocal association between increases in positive affect and improvements in role functioning over time. The results provide some modest support for hypotheses stemming from the Broaden‐and‐Build model of positive emotion and revised Stress and Coping theory, both of which argue for unique adaptive functions of positive affect under stressful conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfaith Relations in the United States: Toward a Multilevel Community Psychology Approach
Authors: McCormack Mark M.
Published: January 2012

Interest in religion within the field of community psychology has steadily emerged within the last three decades. This interest has focused almost exclusively on the social benefits of religion, glossing over the often‐contentious nature of religious life and the ways in which religious individuals and institutions can disrupt healthy human and community development. Considering the recent surge of interfaith conflicts and discriminatory practices targeting religious minorities in communities across the United States, it is imperative that community psychologists begin to examine relevant trends in interfaith relations and potential directions for action research and intervention. This paper serves as the beginning point of just such an examination, proposing a multilevel model for addressing the microsystemic, mesosystemic, and macrosystemic levels of interfaith phenomena. More specifically, I present interfaith contact, congregation‐based community partnerships, and theological belief systems as particularly relevant to interfaith community research and intervention. Finally, I detail an interfaith organization that embodies these dimensions of interfaith relations and provides a concrete example of how a multilevel action research model may be effectively employed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Mixing System Design and Operating Parameters on Dissolution Process
Authors: Andre C. , Richard B. , Le Page J.‐F. , Jeantet R. , Delaplace G.
Published: January 2012

Over recent years, the solid dissolution rate in liquid has been the subject of intense and profitable scientific developments. This work aims to study the influence of hydrodynamics on the dissolution rate of solid in water. The impact of the mixing system design was also investigated. The dissolution process can be followed through several parameters. First, experimental results were validated by kinetic models based on mass transfer coefficients such as the Hixson‐Crowell equation. The Weibull model and n‐order model were also tested. Then, the dissolution time td,x% was defined as the time needed to reach a given dissolution degree (X). Finally, the dimensionless dissolution number (N td) was defined and correlated with the Reynolds number. This correlation provides a more direct and simple link between operating conditions and process efficiency.
An Amidinate‐Stabilized Germatrisilacyclobutadiene Ylide
Authors: Yeong Hui‐Xian , Zhang Shu‐Hua , Xi Hong‐Wei , Guo Jing‐Dong , Lim Kok Hwa , Nagase Shigeru , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: January 2012

The synthesis and characterization of new amidinate‐stabilized germatrisilacyclobutadiene ylides [L3Si3GeL′] (L=PhC(NtBu)2; L′=ËL; Ë=Ge (3), Si (7)) are described. Compound 3 was prepared by the reaction of [LSiSiL] (1) with one equivalent of [LGeGeL] (2) in THF. Compound 7 was synthesized by the reaction of 2 with excess 1 in THF. The bisamidinate germylene [L2Ge:] (4) is a by‐product in both reactions. Moreover, compound 7 was prepared by the reaction of 3 with one equivalent of 1 in THF. Compounds 3 and 7 have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and theoretical studies. The results show that compounds 3 and 7 are not antiaromatic. The puckered Si3Ge four‐membered rings in 3 and 7 have a ylide structure, which is stabilized by amidinate ligands and the electron delocalization within the Si3Ge four‐membered ring.
Analysis of carvedilol enantiomers in human plasma using chiral stationary phase column and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Poggi Josiane Cristófani , Da Silva Flávia Garcez , Coelho Eduardo Barbosa , Marques Maria Paula , Bertucci Carlo , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: January 2012

Carvedilol is an antihypertensive drug available as a racemic mixture. (−)‐(S)‐carvedilol is responsible for the nonselective β‐blocker activity but both enantiomers present similar activity on α1‐adrenergic receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first study of carvedilol enantiomers in human plasma using a chiral stationary phase column and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The method involves plasma extraction with diisopropyl ether using metoprolol as internal standard and direct separation of the carvedilol enantiomers on a Chirobiotic T® (Teicoplanin) column. Protonated ions [M + H]+ and their respective ion products were monitored at transitions of 407 > 100 for the carvedilol enantiomers and 268 > 116 for the internal standard. The quantification limit was 0.2 ng ml−1 for both enantiomers in plasma. The method was applied to study enantioselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of carvedilol administered as a single dose of 25 mg to a hypertensive patient. The results showed a higher plasma concentration of (+)‐(R)‐carvedilol (AUC0–∞ 205.52 vs. 82.61 (ng h) ml−1), with an enantiomer ratio of 2.48. Chirality, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing Trade‐Offs in Investments for the Environment – The Case of a VOC‐Reduction Investment at AUTO Group
Authors: Hahn Tobias , Figge Frank , Liesen Andrea
Published: January 2012

This case focuses on the assessment of trade‐offs between different environmental features of investments. Using the example of a VOC‐reduction investment at a car maker, the case applies an innovative approach for the assessment of environmental investment projects. Since it is unusual that all environmental performance characteristics of investment projects will be in harmony, decision‐makers need to ascertain the overall environmental effect of different investments. This case transfers the logic of financial investment appraisal to the environmental assessment of investment projects. The analysis shows, in monetary terms, by how much each investment option outpeforms or underperforms environmental efficiency targets. With monetary figures, decision‐makers can balance conflicting environmental performances and identify the investment option that supports a company's environmental strategy best. The case provides a step‐by‐step explanation of the assessment approach and offers students and decision makers a novel perspective on the assessment of trade‐offs in environmental investments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Dual roles of the chemorepellent axon guidance molecule RGMa in establishing pioneering axon tracts and neural fate decisions in embryonic vertebrate forebrain
Authors: Lah Grace J. , Key Brian
Published: January 2012

Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMa) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored plasma membrane protein that was originally identified based on its chemorepulsive activity during axon navigation in the developing nervous system. Knock down of RGMa has previously shown to perturb axon navigation in the developing Xenopus forebrain (Wilson and Key, 2006). In order to further understand the in vivo role of RGMa in axon guidance, we have adopted an in vivo gain‐of‐function approach. RGMa was mosaically overexpressed in the developing Xenopus embryo by the injection of mRNA into single blastomeres. Ectopic expression of RGMa affected the morphology and the topography of developing axon tracts in vivo. Pioneer axons misrouted or aberrantly projected in response to ectopic RGMa in the developing Xenopus forebrain, confirming the in vivo chemorepulsive activity of this ligand. In addition, we show here for the first time that overexpression of RGMa acts cell‐autonomously to generate ectopic neurons in the developing embryonic brain. Taken together, the current study reveals a pleiotropic role of RGMa in early vertebrate embryonic brain in the spatial organization of axon tracts, pioneer axon guidance, and neural cell differentiation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Visual body perception in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Urgesi Cosimo , Fornasari Livia , Perini Laura , Canalaz Francesca , Cremaschi Silvana , Faleschini Laura , Balestrieri Matteo , Fabbro Franco , Aglioti Salvatore Maria , Brambilla Paolo
Published: January 2012

Objective:

Disturbance of body perception is a central aspect of anorexia nervosa (AN) and several neuroimaging studies have documented structural and functional alterations of occipito‐temporal cortices involved in visual body processing. However, it is unclear whether these perceptual deficits involve more basic aspects of others' body perception.

Method:

A consecutive sample of 15 adolescent patients with AN were compared with a group of 15 age‐ and gender‐matched controls in delayed matching to sample tasks requiring the visual discrimination of the form or of the action of others' body.

Results:

Patients showed better visual discrimination performance than controls in detail‐based processing of body forms but not of body actions, which positively correlated with their increased tendency to convert a signal of punishment into a signal of reinforcement (higher persistence scores).

Discussion:

The paradoxical advantage of patients with AN in detail‐based body processing may be associated to their tendency to routinely explore body parts as a consequence of their obsessive worries about body appearance. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Testing bedload transport equations with consideration of time scales
Authors: Recking Alain , Liébault Frédéric , Peteuil Christophe , Jolimet Thomas
Published: January 2012

Bedload transport is known to be a highly fluctuating temporal phenomenon, even under constant (mean) flow conditions, as a consequence of stochasticity, bedform migration, grain sorting, hysteresis, or sediment supply limitation. Because bedload transport formulas usually refer to a single mean transport value for a given flow condition, one can expect that prediction accuracy (when compared to measurements) will depend on the amplitude and duration of fluctuations, which in turn depend on the time scale used for observations. This paper aims to identify how the time scale considered can affect bedload prediction. This was done by testing 16 common bedload transport formulas with four data sets corresponding to different measurement period durations: (i) highly fluctuating (quasi‐)instantaneous field measurements; (ii) volumes accumulated at the event scale on two small alpine gravel‐bed rivers, potentially affected by seasonal fluctuations; (iii) volumes accumulated at the interannual scale in a meandering gravel bed river, thought to be weakly subject to fluctuations; (iv) time‐integrated flume measurements with nearly uniform sediments. The tests confirmed that the longer the measurement period, the better the precision of the formula's prediction interval. They also demonstrate several consequential limitations. Most threshold formulas are no longer valid when the flow condition is below two times the threshold condition for the largest elements' motion on the bed surface (considering D84). In such conditions, equations either predict zero transport, or largely overestimate the real transport, especially when D84 is high. There is a need for new sediment data collected with highly reliable techniques such as recording slot bedload samplers to further investigate this topic. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Predictive Content of Autoregression Residuals: A Semiparametric, Copula‐Based Approach to Time Series Prediction
Authors: Herwartz Helmut
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes an adjustment of linear autoregressive conditional mean forecasts that exploits the predictive content of uncorrelated model residuals. The adjustment is motivated by non‐Gaussian characteristics of model residuals, and implemented in a semiparametric fashion by means of conditional moments of simulated bivariate distributions. A pseudoex anteforecasting comparison is conducted for a set of 494 macroeconomic time series recently collected by Deeset al.(Journal of Applied Econometrics2007;22: 1–38). In total, 10,374 time series realizations are contrasted against competing short‐, medium‐ and longer‐term purely autoregressive and adjusted predictors. With regard to all forecast horizons, the adjusted predictions consistently outperform conditionally Gaussian forecasts according to cross‐sectional mean group evaluation of absolute forecast errors and directional accuracy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear factor‐κB activation in schwann cells regulates regeneration and remyelination
Authors: Morton Paul D. , Johnstone Joshua T. , Ramos Angel Y. , Liebl Daniel J. , Bunge Mary Bartlett , Bethea John R.
Published: January 2012

Schwann cells (SCs) are crucial for peripheral nerve development and regeneration; however, the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms governing postinjury responses are poorly understood. Activation and deacetylation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐ κB) in SCs have been implicated as prerequisites for peripheral nerve myelination. Using GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice in which NF‐ κB transcriptional activation is inhibited in SCs, we found no discernable differences in the quantity or structure of myelinated axons in adult facial nerves. Following crush injury, axonal regeneration was impaired at 31 days and significantly enhanced at 65 days in transgenic animals. Compact remyelination and Remak bundle organization were significantly compromised at 31 days and restored by 65 days post injury. Together, these data indicate that inhibition of NF‐κB activation in SCs transiently delays axonal regeneration and compact remyelination. Manipulating the temporal activation of nuclear factor‐κB in Schwann cells may offer new therapeutic avenues for PNS and CNS regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A mathematical model for release of biologics from porous hollow fibers
Authors: Tengood Jillian E. , Maskarinec Daniel , Ridenour Ryan , Little Steven R.
Published: January 2012

The application of porous hollow fibers has recently been extended to the controlled release of biologics such as protein growth factors and lipid angiogenesis promoters. Release of these materials tends to occur more rapidly than would be predicted by conventional diffusion‐based models of controlled release. Analysis of other modalities of transport as well as structural analysis of the controlled release system itself was performed to provide insight into the observed controlled release behavior from such systems. Specifically, it was discovered that osmotic‐driven processes play a significant role in controlled release of proteins including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). It was also found that the fiber pore microstructure and (more importantly) macrostructure influences release behavior. Model‐guided design was implemented to adjust the physical properties of the fiber wall, leading to a release system that is better able to sustain the delivery of VEGF. This model may be used to more easily achieve a desired complex release behavior when used in combination with external regulation of the reservoir. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
In vivo NIR imaging with PbS quantum dots entrapped in biodegradable micelles
Authors: Cao Jie , Zhu Hongyan , Deng Dawei , Xue Bing , Tang Liping , Mahounga Didel , Qian Zhiyu , Gu Yueqing
Published: January 2012

In this article, we firstly synthesized oil‐soluble PbS quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral range through a two‐phase method, which exhibit a conveniently tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission (from ∼750 to 872 nm) with a narrow PL bandwidth, as well as a high (up to 40%) PL quantum yield (QY). Next, the as‐prepared oil‐soluble NIR PbS QDs were applied to the in vivo imaging of tumors by entrapping in biodegradable micelles (N‐succinyl‐N′‐octyl nanomicelles, SOC) which had hydrophobic inner cores. Transmission electron microscope results show well dispersed spherical shaped QDs‐loaded SOC micelles with 100 nm diameter. The QY of PbS QDs entrapped into SOC has no significant change compared to free QDs. Besides, both in vitro and in vivo acute toxicity results demonstrated that the QDs‐loaded micelles have low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, in vivo imaging of PbS QDs‐loaded SOC injected intravenously into tumor‐bearing nude mice showed the NIR QDs‐loaded micelles can accumulate in the tumor tissue due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect of SOC micelles. These results confirm that the as‐prepared PbS QDs could be used as fluorescence probes to study the biodistribution of nanocarriers and their intracellular pathways, as well as their passive targeted behavior to tumors in preclinical research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Neddylation positively regulates the ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of parkin
Authors: Um Ji Won , Han Kyung Ah , Im Eunju , Oh Yohan , Lee Kyule , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: January 2012

Mutations in the parkin gene underlie a familial form of Parkinson's disease known as autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism (AR‐JP). Dysfunction of parkin, a ubiquitin E3 ligase, has been implicated in the accumulation of ubiquitin proteasome system‐destined substrates and eventually leads to cell death. However, regulation of parkin enzymatic activity is incompletely understood. Here we investigated whether the ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of parkin could be regulated by neddylation. We found that parkin could be a target of covalent modification with NEDD8, a ubiquitin‐like posttranslational modifier. In addition, NEDD8 attachment caused an increase of parkin activity through the increased binding affinity for ubiquitin‐conjugating E2 enzyme as well as the enhanced formation of the complex containing parkin and substrates. These findings point to the functional importance of NEDD8 and suggest that neddylation is one to the diverse modes of parkin regulation, potentially linking it to the pathogenesis of AR‐JP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deformation damages in forest topsoils—An assessment based on Level‐I soil monitoring data from Baden‐Württemberg (SW Germany)
Authors: Schäffer Jürgen , Buberl Hermann , von Wilpert Klaus
Published: January 2012

Acidification and eutrophication of soils had been the main activators for the implementation of forest soil monitoring in Central Europe. Thus, field and lab studies focused on gathering information that is essential for the evaluation of the chemical status and its trend. A systematic assessment of soil physical threats caused by machine use in forests has not been integrated yet into the soil‐monitoring systems. In this study, a first approach to get a deeper insight into structure damages of forest topsoils was derived for 302 systematically distributed grid points in the Federal State of Baden‐Württemberg (SW Germany) during the nation‐wide soil survey performed from 2006 to 2008. We derived an approach to assess structure damage based on a key system using field information on structural and hydromorphic topsoil properties. It covers eight satellites surrounding the central monitoring soil pit at each grid point. Our survey focused on the mere stand area excluding visible damage and systematic skid trails. Analysis of structure‐damage intensity and spatial distribution leads to the conclusion that damage caused by vehicle traffic off the skid trails is a wide‐spread phenomena in Baden‐Württemberg forests, where wheeling is not restricted by steepness of terrain. Although regulations to control machine use recommending vehicle traffic to skid trails and fortified roads have been in place since the early 1980s, soil‐structure damages off these trails have reached significant levels. In the future, it will thus be indispensable to put more emphasis on the importance of soil‐protection aims in the ranking of the economic objectives of forest organizations and forest owners.