bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activators of protein kinase A and oxytocin affect rabbit reproduction
Authors: Balazi Andrej , Sirotkin Alexander , Chrenek Peter
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of activators of protein kinase A — 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) — and of oxytocin (OT) on rabbit female reproductive function. We used equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to improve follicular development and rabbit estrous synchronization and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. In the experimental group, the females were stimulated using gonadotropins together with either IBMX, dbcAMP or OT. In the animals kept until parturition, the conception rate, parturition rate, and numbers of stillborn and weaned pups were recorded. In the animals euthanized 18–19 hours after insemination, the eggs were flushed from the oviducts and cultured up to the blastocyst cell stage. Numbers of corpora lutea, zygotes, morulas and blastocysts were determined. Both dbcAMP and OT, but not IBMX, decreased conception and parturition rate. Both IBMX and OT, but not dbcAMP, decreased pup mortality rate. All three tested substances increased the weaning rate. Both IBMX and dbcAMP, but not OT, increased the numbers of corpora lutea, zygotes, and embryos at morula and hatching blastocyst stages. These observations confirm the stimulatory role of the protein kinase A-dependent signaling pathway activated by IBMX and dbcAMP in rabbit reproduction. OT may decrease pups mortality.
Environmental effects on species richness of macrophytes in Slovak streams
Authors: Hrivnák Richard , Oťheľová Helena , Gömöry Dušan , Valachovič Milan , Paľove-Balang Peter
Published: October 2012

The effect of 19 environmental variables on species richness of macrophytes was studied in 39 Slovak streams. The studied streams were poor in species; in total, 88 macrophyte taxa were found and the average number of macrophytes per sampling site was 4, ranging from 0 to15. The most frequently occurring macrophytes were filamentous algae (occurrence at 38.6% of sampling sites), followed by Rhynchostegium riparioides (28.4%) and Phalaris arundinacea (19.3%). The strongest environmental gradient in the sampling site detected by factor analysis (factor 1 explains more than 32% variability) is related to the portion of artificial banks, shading by woody vegetation along banks, flexuosity of stream course and the portion of natural land cover in the contact zone of the stream, and can be interpreted as a natural-anthropogenic gradient. The following variables had the highest correlations with species richness of macrophytes: shading by woody vegetation (r=−0.507), portions of artificial bank (r=0.488), flexuosity (r=−0.457) and distance from stream source (r=0.388).
Foliar and root treatments of cucumber with potassium naphthenate: Antioxidative responses
Authors: Kevrešan Slavko , Maksimović Ivana , Popović Boris , Štajner Dubravka , Putnik-Delić Marina , Borković Boško , Pavlović Ksenija , Grbović Ljubica , Ćirin-Novta Vera
Published: October 2012

This work presents a study of the effect of foliar and root application of low concentrations (0.1–10 µM) of potassium naphthenate on the antioxidative status of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), assessed for both local and systemic organs. Changes in the contents of proline and glutathione indicate that the treatment of plants with potassium naphthenate can be characterized as a mild abiotic stress. The antioxidative system of cucumber plants is sensitive to such treatment, since organs directly exposed to the chemical showed a decrease in total antioxidant activities and an increase in peroxidation. In the organs that were not directly treated, an increase in the total antioxidative activity was observed only at the lowest naphthenate concentration while at higher concentrations this activity tended to decrease. As far as the activities of antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) are concerned, the responses observed differed between enzymes for a given treatment, but showed similar trends within treated local and untreated systemic organs.
Total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts from three Seseli L. taxa
Authors: Matejić Jelena , Džamić Ana , Mihajilov-Krstev Tatjana , Ranđelović Vladimir , Krivošej Zoran , Marin Petar
Published: October 2012

The present study describes the total phenolic content, concentrations of flavonoids and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts from Seseli pallasii Besser, S. libanotis (L.) Koch ssp. libanotis and S. libanotis (L.) Koch ssp. intermedium (Rupr.) P. W. Ball, growing wild in Serbia. The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and their amounts ranged between 84.04 to 87.52 mg GA (gallic acid)/g. The concentrations of flavonoids in the extracts varied from 4.75 to 19.37 mg Qu (quercetin)/g. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH reagent. Antioxidant activity ranged from 0.46 to 4.63 IC50 (mg/ml) and from 1.98 to 2.19 mg VitC (vitamin C)/g when tested with the DPPH and ABTS reagents, respectively, using BHA and VitC as controls. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was investigated using a micro-well dilution assay for the most common human gastrointestinal pathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC15313, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. This finding suggests that Seseli species may be considered as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.
Productivity of a doubled haploid winter wheat population under heat stress
Authors: Balla Krisztina , Karsai Ildikó , Kiss Tibor , Bencze Szilvia , Bedő Zoltán , Veisz Ottó
Published: October 2012

Breeding of new winter wheat cultivars with good heat tolerance requires better understanding of the genetic background of heat tolerance. In the present work the effect of heat stress on the 6th day after heading was investigated in a doubled haploid (DH) population arising from a cross between heat-sensitive (Plainsman V) and heat-tolerant (Mv Magma) cultivars. Averaged over the population, heat stress was found to result in a significant reduction in biomass, grain yield and grain number per plant, and in thousand-kernel weight (TKW) and harvest index. High temperature had the greatest effect on the grain yield, with a drop of 36.2% compared with the control. This could be attributed jointly to significant reductions in the TKW of the main ear and in the grain number of the side tillers. The relationship between the yield parameters was confirmed by the positive correlations obtained for the lines in the population. The diverse levels of heat tolerance in the different lines were confirmed by the significant differences in the reduction in the chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of the flag-leaves and in yield parameters. The changes in yield components in stress condition, however, can be still the most effective tools for heat stress evaluation.
Cellular responses of two Latin-American cultivars of Lotus corniculatus to low pH and Al stress
Authors: Paľove-Balang Peter , Čiamporová Milada , Zelinová Veronika , Pavlovkin Ján , Gurinová Erika , Mistrík Igor
Published: October 2012

Toxic effects of acidic root medium and aluminium were evaluated in two forage cultivars of Lotus corniculatus differing in their tolerance to Al stress. The structural response of most of the root cells exposed to low pH without Al3+ differed markedly from that induced by the combined stress. Conspicuous alteration of the nucleus was present only at low pH 4.0 and disintegration of the cytoplasmic components was more drastic than in the roots exposed to acidic solution containing Al3+. Cells exposed to low pH without Al, did not produce wall thickenings. Severely damaged cytoplasm and localized death in some cortical cells or groups of cells contrasting with almost intact cells exposed to Al3+ stress were found. In this respect, a strong correlation between the occurrence of cell wall thickenings and a better preserved structure of the cytoplasm was observed. The frequency of cell damage in the more tolerant cultivar UFRGS was generally lower, significantly more cortical cells capable of maintaining their resting membrane potential were present than in the sensitive INIA Draco. The difference in their tolerance is related rather to the exudation of citrate and oxalate that was higher in UFRGS than to the accumulation of tannins, which increased after Al treatment in both cultivars.
Removal of Al, Fe and Mn by Pistia stratiotes L. and its stress response
Authors: Veselý Tomáš , Trakal Lukáš , Neuberg Marek , Száková Jiřina , Drábek Ondřej , Tejnecký Václav , Balíková Miluše , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: October 2012

The influence of different chelates applied in the soil primary on Al and secondary on Fe and Mn mobilization and their removal from solution was investigated. The work compared the efficiency of 10 mM tartaric acid and 3 mM EDTA in soil washing process and accumulation potential of Pistia stratiotes in rhizofiltration process. The plant response on the toxic element Al and other elements Fe and Mn was determined through the nitrogen and free amino acids content in plants. The efficiency of chelates decreased in order 10 mM tartaric acid > deionized water > 3 mM EDTA for all studied elements. P. stratiotes was able to remove up to 90% of elements during the 15 days period. Higher content of toxic element Al and potential toxic elements Fe and Mn were observed in the roots than in the leaves with the increased time. The trend of Al accumulation correlated with Fe accumulation (R2=0.89). Toxicity impact of high level of Al was observed by increased free amino acids (AA) level. Proline, histidine, glutamic acid and glycine were the most synthesised free AA in leaves. Total AA content in leaves was significantly higher under chelates addition compared to control.
Constitutive protein content of procaspases in murine tissue
Authors: Dirks-Naylor Amie , Kouzi Samir
Published: October 2012

Caspases are proteases most notably involved in apoptosis and inflammation. Although mRNA content is better described, the constitutive protein content of procaspases between tissue types is not well documented. Since mRNA and protein content do not necessarily correlate, we aimed to discern protein content differences between various tissues. Protein content of procaspase-1, -8, -9, and -12 was assessed in gastrocnemius, heart, liver, and kidney. Since highly expressed in skeletal muscle, content of procaspase-12 was also analyzed in muscles with different fiber type compositions to discern any fiber type differences. Furthermore, Western analysis for procaspase-12 revealed prominent bands of ∼40 kDa and ∼30 kDa under basal conditions, in addition to the 50 kDa band corresponding to the full-length procaspase. Therefore, the content of these caspase-12 related species in the tissue and muscle types is also described. Results show protein content of procaspase-1,-8, -9, and -12 and caspase-12 related species differs between tissue types and do not necessarily correlate with mRNA content reported in the published literature. Procaspase-12 content in skeletal muscle may be fiber-type dependent with higher expression in more oxidative fibers. Furthermore, the 40 kDa species of caspase-12 was the dominant form of the protein in most tissues analyzed.
Grazed Pannonian grassland beta-diversity changes due to C4 yellow bluestem
Authors: Szentes Szilárd , Sutyinszki Zsuzsanna , Szabó Gábor , Zimmermann Zita , Házi Judit , Wichmann Barnabás , Hufnágel Levente , Penksza Károly , Bartha Sándor
Published: October 2012

This study investigates how yellow bluestem affects biodiversity in a typical Pannonian grassland. Beta diversity (i.e. the finescale spatial variability of species compositions), was estimated by the realized number of species combinations sampled at various scales. Sampling was performed by a standard protocol. Presences of plant species were recorded along 52.2 m long belt transect of 1044 units of 0.05x0.05 m contiguous microquadrats. According to the results the massive presence of tested C4 grass significantly reduced species richness of the grassland. Beta diversity assessment revealed that 90% of species combinations were lost due to yellow bluestem invasion. Fine-scale spatial pattern analyses showed complete local extinctions of other species from microsites dominated by yellow bluestem. This local extinction is enhanced by the specific clonal architecture of this species and by the accumulation of litter. Other dominant grasses had no effect on fine scale diversity, i.e. they could coexist well with other elements of the local flora. This study presents currently developed microhabitat types, forecasts and also draws attention to the danger that climate warming will probably enhance the spread of this detrimental C4 species.
Quantitative analysis of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in four Daphne L. species
Authors: Grubešić Renata , Kremer Dario , Končić Marijana , Rodríguez Jadranka , Randić Marko
Published: October 2012

The content of biologically active phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids) were determined using spectrophotometry in four wild Croatian species of Daphne L. in the family Thymelaeaceae (Daphne alpina, D. cneorum, D. laureola, and D. mezereum). The concentration of total flavonoids (TF) was highest in the leaves of these Daphne species (0.12–0.51% dry herb weight, DW) whereas the content of other phenolic compounds analyzed were highest in the roots, including total polyphenols (TP; 2.71–19.03% DW), tannins (T; 1.14–7.39% DW), and total phenolic acids (TPA; 0.12–0.87% DW). D. alpina contained the highest amount of polyphenols, with the exception of flavonoids, where maximum concentrations were found in D. laureola. We also examined the antioxidant activity of leaf, stem, and root extracts. All extracts analyzed demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity with the highest concentration in the leaf extracts of D. alpina. Leaf extracts of D. cneorum showed the highest antioxidant activity in a β-carotene bleaching assay.
Tacrine-induced tachyphylaxis in gastric smooth muscles
Authors: Prissadova Natalia , Kristev Athanas , Getova Daminka , Argirova Mariana , Turiiski Valentin , Ardasheva Raina
Published: October 2012

Tacrine is a medication applied in cases of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. By blocking acetylcholinesterase activity the drug increases the concentration of acetylcholine, whose effects influence the functions of different organs and systems of the body. The effect of tacrine on smooth muscle preparations isolated from rat stomach was studied by isometric registration of muscle contractility. Our investigations found a specific significant systematic decrease in the strength of consecutive tacrine-induced contractions of smooth muscle preparations, a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis. The tacrineinduced tachyphylaxis was significantly inhibited by SQ22536 (inhibitor of adenylate cyclase activity), by blockers of nitric oxide synthase and KT5823 (inhibitor of protein kinase G). The process was not influenced by cyclopiazonic acid (specific blocker of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase,) and atropine (blocker of M-cholinergic receptors). We hypothesize that the overlapping and different time-development of the two opposing processes: smooth muscle contraction caused by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and tacrine-induced relaxation influenced by synthesis of nitric oxide, results in tachyphylaxis.
A classification of vertex-transitive Cayley digraphs of strong semilattices of completely simple semigroups
Authors: Wang Shou-feng , Zhang Di
Published: October 2012

With the help of a property of completely simple semigroups proved in this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for vertex-transitivity of Cayley digraphs of strong semilattices of completely simple semigroups.
Determination temperature of a backward heat equation with time-dependent coefficients
Authors: Tuan Nguyen , Hoa Ngo
Published: October 2012

We introduce the truncation method for solving a backward heat conduction problem with time-dependent coefficients. For this method, we give the stability analysis with new error estimates. Meanwhile, we investigate the roles of regularization parameters in these two methods. These estimates prove that our method is effective.
Realizing cohomology classes as Euler classes
Authors: Naolekar Aniruddha
Published: October 2012

For a space X, let E
k(X), E
ks(X) and E
k○ (X) denote respectively the set of Euler classes of oriented k-plane bundles over X, the set of Euler classes of stably trivial k-plane bundles over X and the spherical classes in H
k(X; ℤ). We prove some general facts about the sets E
k(X), E
ks(X) and E
k○ (X). We also compute these sets in the cases where X is a projective space, the Dold manifold P(m, 1) and obtain partial computations in the case that X is a product of spheres.
Composition of ℓ-stable vector functions
Authors: Bednařík Dušan , Pastor Karel
Published: October 2012

The class of functions that are ℓ-stable at some point is a generalization of the class of C
1,1 functions. In this paper we prove that the class of vector functions that are ℓ-stable at some point is closed under composition.
The Impact of Variability of Item Parameter Estimators on Test Information Function
Authors: Zhang Jinming
Published: October 2012

The impact of uncertainty about item parameters on test information functions is investigated. The information function of a test is one of the most important tools in item response theory (IRT). Inaccuracy in the estimation of test information can have substantial consequences on data analyses based on IRT. In this article, the major part (called the adjusted term) of the deviation of an estimated test information function from the true test information function due to the uncertainty of item parameters was approximated asymptotically, and a simulation study shows that this approximation captures the difference between the estimated and the true information functions rather well. A real data example shows that the magnitude of an estimated adjusted term can be substantially large when a sample size is relatively small.
Subordinating careers to market forces?
Authors: Bergmo-Prvulovic Ingela
Published: October 2012

This study explores language regarding career and career development in European policy documents on career guidance in order to disclose underlying view(s) of these phenomena conveyed in the texts. Qualitative content analysis was used to approach the subject in the texts, followed by a sender-oriented interpretation. Sources for interpretation include several sociological and pedagogical approaches based upon social constructionism. These provide a framework for understanding how different views of career phenomena arise. The characterization of career phenomena in the documents falls into four categories: contextual change, environment-person correspondence, competence mobility, and empowerment. An economic perspective on career dominates, followed by learning and political science perspectives. Policy formulations convey contradictory messages and a form of career 'contract' that appears to subordinate individuals' careers to global capitalism, while attributing sole responsibility for career to individuals.
Dual-energy CT-based Assessment of the Trabecular Bone in Vertebrae
Authors: Kirschner M. , Becker M. , Erdt M. , Kafchitsas K. , Khan M. F. , Wesarg S.
Published: October 2012

Background: Osteoporosis can cause severe fractures of bone structures. One important indicator for pathology is a lowered bone mineral density (BMD) – conventionally assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Dual-energy CT (DECT) – being an alternative that is increasingly used in the clinics – allows the computation of the spatial BMD distribution.

Objectives: Using DECT, the trabecular bone of vertebrae is examined. Several analysis methods for revealing the bone density distribution as well as appropriate visualization methods for detecting regions of lowered BMD are needed for computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) of osteoporosis. The hypothesis that DECT is better suited than DXA for the computation of local BMD is investigated.

Methods: Building on a model of the interaction of X-rays with bone tissue, novel methods for assessing the spatial structure of the trabecular bone are presented. CAD of DECT image data is facilitated by segmenting the regions of interest interactively and with an Active Shape Model, respectively. The barycentric space of fractional volumes is introduced as a novel means for analyzing bone constitution. For 29 cadaver specimens, DECT as well as DXA has been examined. BMD values derived from both modalities are compared to local force measurements. In addition, clinical data from two patients who underwent DECT scanning for a different reason is analyzed retrospectively.

Results: A novel automated delineation method for vertebrae has been successfully applied to DECT data sets. It is shown that localized BMD measurements based on DECT show a stronger linear correlation (R2 = 0.8242, linear regression) to local force measurements than density values derived from DXA (R2 = 0.4815).

Conclusions: DECT based BMD assessment is a method to extend the usage of increasingly acquired DECT image data. The developed DECT based analysis methods in conjunction with the visualization provide more detailed information for both, the radiologist and the orthopedist, compared to standard DXA based analysis.
Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Partially Ameliorates Motor Symptoms without Slowing Neurodegeneration in Mice with Respiratory Chain-Deficient Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Sterky Fredrik H. , Pernold Karin , Harvey Brandon K. , Lindqvist Eva , Hoffer Barry J. , Olson Lars
Published: October 2012

Degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons causes the striatal dopamine deficiency responsible for the hallmark motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Intraparenchymal delivery of neurotrophic factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), is a possible future therapeutic approach. In animal PD models, GDNF can both ameliorate neurodegeneration and promote recovery of the dopamine system following a toxic insult. However, clinical studies have generated mixed results, and GDNF has not been efficacious in genetic animal models based on α-synuclein overexpression. We have tested the response to GDNF in a genetic mouse PD model with progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons caused by mitochondrial impairment. We find that GDNF, delivered to the striatum by either an adeno-associated virus or via miniosmotic pumps, partially alleviates the progressive motor symptoms without modifying the rate of neurodegeneration. These behavioral changes are accompanied by increased levels of dopamine in the midbrain, but not in striatum. At high levels, GDNF may instead reduce striatal dopamine levels. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of GDNF in a progressively impaired dopamine system.
CULTURAL CENTRES AS AN ELEMENT OF SOCIALIST MODERNIZATION OF VILLAGE AREAS IN LITHUANIA / KULTŪROS NAMAI KAIP SOCIALISTINĖS LIETUVOS KAIMO MODERNIZACIJOS ELEMENTAS
Authors: Petrulis Vaidas
Published: October 2012

The article analyses the building boom of Houses of Culture in Lithuanian SSR during the time of socialist modernism. The object of the paper is being analyzed with an attempt to reveal the tight relation between political, economic and architectural spheres. First of all research concentrates on questions of Soviet ideological and economic interests and the result of these interests –a regional planning scheme of Lithuania, which has been implemented through the principles of modernism, and especially Constantine's Doxiadis idea of “total architecture”. Then the text analyses how these principles of mid-century modernism have been transferred through the prism of ideology and, in Lithuanian case, led to very painful social consequences - massive displacing of individual home-steads and transferring the inhabitants to the newly created settlements. The House of Culture is presented as the representative face of these political-economic objectives of rural modernization. The article also makes a suggestionthat these objects are an interesting and important part of modernist legacy of Lithuania, perfectly reflecting interconnections between international modernism and the ideology of the Soviets under the circumstances of local provincial life. Santrauka Straipsnyje analizuojamas buvusios Lietuvos SSR kultūros namų statybos bumas socialistinio modernizmo laikotarpiu. Darbo objektas tekste tiriamas siekiant atskleisti glaudžią politinių, ekonominių bei architektūrinių veiksnių sąveiką. Tekste nagrinėjama, kaip veikiant ideologiniams bei ekonominiams interesams formuojamas urbanistinis Lietuvos tinklas, kuris buvo įgyvendinamas pasinaudojant modernizmo ir ypač Konstantino Doksiadžio „totalinės architektūros“ idėjomis. Toliau pristatoma, kaip šie amžiaus vidurio modernistiniai principai, perleisti per ideologijos prizmę, Lietuvoje įgavo itin skaudžias socialines pasekmes – masinį individualių gyventojų sodybų naikinimą ir gyventojų kėlimą į naujai kuriamas gyvenvietes. Kultūros namai tekste pateikiami kaip šios politinių ir ekonominių tikslų vedinos kaimo modernizacijos reprezentacinis veidas. Straipsnyje taip pat iškeliama mintis, kad kaimo modernizaciją lydėję objektai yra įdomus ir svarbus lietuviškojo XX a. architektūros palikimo fragmentas, puikiai atspindintis tarptautinių idėjų ir sovietinės ideologijos jungtį lokalioje Lietuvos provincijos terpėje.
La nouvelle gouvernance économique européenne
Authors: Degryse Christophe
Published: October 2012

Résumé Depuis deux ans, les États membres de l’Union européenne, et en particulier ceux de la zone euro, sont confrontés à une crise économique qui, précédée d’une crise bancaire et financière en 2008, provoque un accroissement quasi généralisé des déficits budgétaires et des dettes publiques. Tout au long de l’année 2011 et du premier semestre de 2012, l’Europe a mis en place de multiples mesures de sauvetage. La principale d’entre elles consiste en un ensemble de règles, de procédures et d’institutions appelé « nouvelle gouvernance économique européenne ». Selon ses concepteurs, ce dispositif vise à renforcer la stabilité de la zone euro par l’instauration de nouveaux mécanismes de surveillance, de sanction et de coordination, et peut-être à l’avenir de solidarité. Le premier chapitre du présent Courrier hebdomadaire est consacré à l’analyse des faiblesses de l’Union économique et monétaire telle qu’elle a été conçue par le Traité de Maastricht en 1992. Le deuxième chapitre examine les raisons de la mise en place de la nouvelle gouvernance économique européenne et étudie sa mise en œuvre progressive : renforcement du Pacte de stabilité et de croissance, élargissement du champ de la surveillance multilatérale, nouveaux traités et nouveaux instruments. Il est accompagné d’une chronologie détaillée des principaux événements qui ont marqué la crise de l’euro, de janvier 2010 à juin 2012. Le troisième chapitre livre diverses réflexions de fond sur l’orientation prise par cette nouvelle gouvernance, ainsi que sur des options alternatives qui ont été évoquées. Christophe Degryse s’y interroge sur la pertinence du diagnostic posé durant la crise, sur la pertinence des remèdes apportés et sur les implications en termes de politiques sociales et d’enjeux démocratiques.
La préparation des élections communales et provinciales du 14 octobre 2012
Authors: Blaise Pierre , de Coorebyter Vincent , Faniel Jean
Published: October 2012

Résumé Le 14 octobre 2012 ont lieu dans les 589 communes belges les élections pour le renouvellement des conseils communaux. Ce jour-là, les 7 825 601 électeurs belges et les 141 097 électeurs non belges, provenant d’un État membre de l’Union européenne ou non, inscrits au 1er août 2012, élisent 13 455 conseillers communaux. Le même jour, se déroulent également, pour la troisième fois, les élections pour la désignation des 217 conseillers de district de la commune d’Anvers, ainsi que, pour la cinquième fois, les élections, sur des listes séparées, du conseil du CPAS dans huit communes à statut linguistique spécial. Depuis 1994, les élections provinciales sont couplées avec les élections communales. Le 14 octobre, les électeurs belges de Wallonie et de Flandre désignent également les 747 conseillers appelés à siéger dans les dix conseils provinciaux. Pour la deuxième fois depuis la régionalisation décidée en 2001, les élections communales et provinciales sont organisées par les régions. Diverses modalités d’application différant dès lors d’une région à l’autre, les principales règles en vigueur et leurs modifications récentes sont rappelées pour chacune des trois régions. Ce Courrier hebdomadaire passe en revue la situation politique issue des élections du 8 octobre 2006, en commençant par les communes. Le poids des partis tel qu’il apparaissait au lendemain de ce scrutin est rappelé, ainsi que les majorités dans les grandes villes des régions wallonne et flamande. Une approche globale des stratégies de dépôt des listes est proposée, l’analyse étant plus fouillée pour la région bruxelloise et pour les grandes villes. Une attention particulière est accordée aux communes à statut linguistique spécial situées dans la périphérie bruxelloise et le long de la frontière linguistique. La situation dans la grande périphérie flamande de Bruxelles est également prise en compte. La même analyse est faite pour les provinces : rappel de la situation politique et analyse de la stratégie de dépôt des listes.
L’affaire de Berne. Immaculée Conception et apparitions de la Vierge
Authors: Barnay Sylvie
Published: October 2012

En janvier 1507, les « apparitions de la Vierge » dans le couvent dominicain de Berne commencent à défrayer la chronique. L’affaire des visions de Jean Jetzer se déroule sur fond de querelle immaculiste entre dominicains et franciscains. Les dominicains du couvent de Berne ont eu l’idée de créer des apparitions de la Vierge de toutes pièces au moyen de déguisement et de machineries de théâtre pour faire croire à la conception maculée de Marie contre leurs détracteurs franciscains. Leur chef de file est le prieur du couvent, Johannes Vatter, assisté de trois autres accolytes, le sous-prieur, Franz Ueltschi, le maître en théologie et lecteur Stephan Boltzhurst, l’administrateur Heirich Steinegger. La machination qu’ils orchestrent érige de la sorte en visionnaire patenté un novice à la crédulité éprouvée, Jean Jetzer, victime de leur complot. L’affaire défie la chronique et provoque la rumeur. La ville de Berne où elle se déroule est toute proche de la Bâle du Concile (1431-1449) qui a déclaré l’Immaculée Conception « doctrine pieuse et conforme au culte de l’Église » (session du 17 septembre 1439) comme de la Bâle du Formicarius – somme démonologique de répression de la sorcellerie – composée en 1435-1437 par le prieur des dominicains, Jean Nider, sur la base des conclusions de l'inquisiteur Pierre de Berne. La « fiction » de Berne témoigne des stratégies théologiques à l’égard des révélations et des miracles dans la controverse de l’Immaculée Conception. Si elle relève ici de l’affabulation volontaire, elle montre aussi l’usage qui pouvait être fait du discours visionnaire et de son nécessaire discernement à la toute fin du Moyen Âge. L’ensemble de ce dossier exceptionnel permet dès lors de saisir l’instrumentalisation des révélations qui ont pris une importance nouvelle dans les querelles théologiques de l’Immaculée Conception à la fin du Moyen Âge.
Osservazioni in margine sulla musica per l’immacolato concepimento della Vergine, al tempo di Sisto IV
Authors: Cavicchi Camilla
Published: October 2012

L’istituzione della festa per l’Immacolata Concezione diede impulso ad una serie di innovazioni con esiti musicali nella liturgia, nelle fondazioni musicali e nella realizzazione del tema figurativo dell’Immacolata. Fra le sue prime azioni, papa Sisto IV commissionò un nuovo ufficio, l’Officium Immaculatae Virginis Mariae di Leonardo Nogarolo (1477) cui seguì l’Officium Conceptionis Virginis Mariae di Bernardino Busti (1492), pervenutici entrambi privi di notazione. Per l’ufficio di L. Nogarolo e per l’introito della messa “Egredimini et videte filie Sion” furono composti dei canti propri, pubblicati rispettivamente in due raccolte curate da Francesco de Brugis: l’Antiphonarium e il Graduale secundum morem sancte Romanae ecclesie (Venezia, Lucantonio Giunta, 1503 e 1500). Al tempo di Sisto IV i canti si ispiravano certamente all’ufficio di L. Nogarolo, ma è assai probabile che nei primi anni dell’istituzione della festa convivessero più tradizioni musicali. Le cronache confermano che Sisto IV soleva celebrare la festa nella basilica di San Pietro, eseguendo l’ufficio (la vigilia), poi la messa al mattino e, nel pomeriggio, una processione lo conduceva alla chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo, dove era solito recitare una preghiera, probabilmente la stessa a lui attribuita, Ave sanctissima Maria. Nella basilica di San Pietro Sisto IV aveva commissionato la realizzazione di una cappella dedicata all’Immacolata Concezione dotata d’un coro di dieci cantori che garantivano la musica nel servizio divino. Il progetto del papa francescano mirava a far in modo che le due più importanti istituzioni musicali della Chiesa fossero vincolate al culto mariano: la cappella Sistina (cappella privata del pontefice) fu consacrata all’Assunzione della Vergine, mentre la cappella di San Pietro all’Immacolata Concezione.Per l’affermazione del culto in ambito devozionale, agì con grande efficacia la preghiera Ave sanctissima Maria, legata alla devozione dell’immagine dell’Immacolata. Le immagini furono, in effetti, uno strumento di particolare importanza nella strategia del pontefice. In esse la musica entrò dapprima con l’evocazione delle antifone e della preghiera, citate nei cartigli e nei bordi dei dipinti, poi attraverso la figura di re David (rappresentante della stirpe di Maria), nelle danze di angeli e, infine, con l’adozione di alcuni elementi iconografici propri dell’Assunzione. A partire dal primo quarto del Cinquecento l’iconografia dell’Immacolata s’arricchì dell’immagine degli angeli musicanti, evocazione certamente dell’armonia celeste, ma anche testimoni della pratica musicale legata alla devozione dell’Immacolato concepimento della Vergine.
Numerical Comparison of Dynamic Stall for Two-Dimensional Airfoils and an Airfoil Model in the DNW–TWG
Authors: Klein A. , Lutz Th. , Krämer E. , Richter K. , Gardner A.D. , Altmikus A.R.M.
Published: October 2012

The airfoil sections of helicopter rotors experience a wide range of flow conditions in forward flight from transonic flow on the advancing blade to subsonic flow and high angles of attack on the retreating blade. Most notably, the dynamic stall phenomenon has been a research topic
for decades and various models have been introduced to predict the unsteady characteristics of the rotor blade undergoing unsteady separation. The objective of the present paper is to compare two-dimensional (2D) dynamic stall computations, suitable for airfoil design studies considering unsteady
characteristics, with computational fluid dynamics simulations of the wind tunnel environment taking into account three dimensionality and wall effects. Differences between experiment and 2D computations can be partly attributed to sidewall effects, which alter the effective angle of attack
at the midsection pressure measurement plane. To gain more insight into these effects, investigations are presented, which show the wind tunnel wall boundary layers and separation effects at the sidewall–airfoil junction.
Kerkwees in die saeculum vandag, Deel 2: ‘n Nuwe narratief (ook vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika)
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya
Published: October 2012

Being church in the saeculum today, Part 2: A new narrative (also for the Netherdutch Reformed Church. A previous article illlustrated that the root of the tension between unity and plurality in the church can be found in an epistemology charcaterised by binary opposisions. This article describes this epistemology and, from the perspective of narrative theological epistemology, discusses the struggles and pitfalls reflected in the narrative of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa which identifies itself as an ‘ethnic church’ (volkskerk). The article argues that such a self-identification functions as a metanarrative that is in conflict with the church’s grand narrative, that of the Triune God. The re-telling of the grand narrative of the Trinity as the metaphor for unity through plurality will sustain the re-telling of the church’s narrative in the changing context of a secular society.
A Complete Resolution of Sialadenitis Induced by Iodine Containing Contrast with Intravenous Dexamethasone Infusion
Authors: Alkaied Homam , Harris Kassem , Azab Basem , Odaimi Marcel
Published: October 2012

Salivary gland enlargement following the administration of iodine is an extremely rare event, and the pathophysiology of iodine-induced sialadenitis is not yet fully known. The onset of symptoms can start within a few minutes to five days after contrast administration. The course of iodine-induced sialadenitis is extremely benign, and rapid resolution of symptoms is expected without treatment. We report the case of a 59-year-old white female who noted mildly painful swelling involving the right side of her face within five days of receiving intravenous iodine-containing contrast. A diagnosis of iodine-related sialadenitis was made. She was given 20 mg of decadron intravenously, with prompt resolution of the swelling within a few hours.
Orthobunyaviruses, a Common Cause of Infection of Livestock in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
Authors: Blitvich Bradley J. , Saiyasombat Rungrat , Travassos da Rosa Amelia , Tesh Robert B. , Calisher Charles H. , Garcia-Rejon Julian E. , Farfán-Ale José A. , Loroño Rubén E. , Bates Arturo , Loroño-Pino Maria A.
Published: October 2012

To determine the seroprevalence of selected orthobunyaviruses in livestock in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, a serologic investigation was performed using serum samples from 256 domestic animals (182 horses, 31 sheep, 1 dog, 37 chickens, and 5 turkeys). All serum samples were examined by plaque reduction neutralization test using Cache Valley virus (CVV), Cholul virus (CHLV), South River virus (SOURV), Kairi virus, Maguari virus, and Wyeomyia virus. Of the 182 horses, 60 (33.0%) were seropositive for CHLV, 48 (26.4%) were seropositive for CVV, 1 (0.5%) was seropositive for SOURV, 60 (33.0%) had antibodies to an undetermined orthobunyavirus, and 13 (7.1%) were negative for orthobunyavirus-specific antibody. Of the 31 sheep, 6 (19.3%) were seropositive for CHLV, 3 (9.7%) were seropositive for CVV, 4 (12.9%) were seropositive for SOURV, 16 (51.6%) had antibodies to an undetermined orthobunyavirus, and 2 (6.5%) were negative for orthobunyavirus-specific antibody. The single dog was seropositive for SOURV. Four (11%) chickens had antibodies to an undetermined orthobunyavirus, and 1 (20%) turkey was seropositive for CHLV. These data indicate that orthobunyaviruses commonly infect livestock in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Surveillance of Molecular Markers of Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine 5 Years after the Change of Malaria Treatment Policy in Ghana
Authors: Duah Nancy O. , Quashie Neils B. , Abuaku Benjamin K. , Sebeny Peter J. , Kronmann Karl C. , Koram Kwadwo A.
Published: October 2012

In 2005, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) became the drug of choice for intermittent preventive treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in Ghana. Reports suggest the use of SP by others to treat uncomplicated malaria. Because of the increased use of SP, the prevalence of mutations in the genes, dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr), and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps), linked to SP resistance in P. falciparum were determined. Blood samples from 945 children with uncomplicated malaria collected at nine sites from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Prevalence of the dhfr triple and dhfr plus dhps quadruple mutations showed significant increase in trend from 2003 to 2010 (χ2 = 18.78, P < 0.001, χ2 = 15.11, P < 0.001, respectively). For dhps double mutant G437 + E540 the prevalence was low (1.12%) caused by the very low prevalence of E540. Our findings show the wide use of SP in Ghana and therefore its use for IPTp needs to be closely monitored.
SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS XCO2: reduction of scattering related errors
Authors: Heymann J. , Bovensmann H. , Buchwitz M. , Burrows J. P. , Deutscher N. M. , Notholt J. , Rettinger M. , Reuter M. , Schneising O. , Sussmann R. , Warneke T.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Global observations of column-averaged dry air mole fractions of carbon dioxide (CO2), denoted by XCO2 , retrieved from SCIAMACHY on-board ENVISAT can provide important and missing global information on the distribution and magnitude of regional CO2 surface fluxes. This application has challenging precision and accuracy requirements. In a previous publication (Heymann et al., 2012), it has been shown by analysing seven years of SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS XCO2 (WFMDv2.1) that unaccounted thin cirrus clouds can result in significant errors. In order to enhance the quality of the SCIAMACHY XCO2 data product, we have developed a new version of the retrieval algorithm (WFMDv2.2), which is described in this manuscript. It is based on an improved cloud filtering and correction method using the 1.4 μm strong water vapour absorption and 0.76 μm O2-A bands. The new algorithm has been used to generate a SCIAMACHY XCO2 data set covering the years 2003–2009. The new XCO2 data set has been validated using ground-based observations from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). The validation shows a significant improvement of the new product (v2.2) in comparison to the previous product (v2.1). For example, the standard deviation of the difference to TCCON at Darwin, Australia, has been reduced from 4 ppm to 2 ppm. The monthly regional-scale scatter of the data (defined as the mean intra-monthly standard deviation of all quality filtered XCO2 retrievals within a radius of 350 km around various locations) has also been reduced, typically by a factor of about 1.5. Overall, the validation of the new WFMDv2.2 XCO2 data product can be summarised by a single measurement precision of 3.8 ppm, an estimated regional-scale (radius of 500 km) precision of monthly averages of 1.6 ppm and an estimated regional-scale relative accuracy of 0.8 ppm. In addition to the comparison with the limited number of TCCON sites, we also present a comparison with NOAA's global CO2 modelling and assimilation system CarbonTracker. This comparison also shows significant improvements especially over the Southern Hemisphere.
Electron loss and meteoric dust in the mesosphere
Authors: Friedrich M. , Rapp M. , Blix T. , Hoppe U.-P. , Torkar K. , Robertson S. , Dickson S. , Lynch K.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The ionosphere is always assumed to contain equal numbers of positive and negative charges in a given volume (quasineutrality). Hence fewer electrons than positive charges are an indication of negative charges other than electrons. Theories predict and in-situ mass spectrometer measurements confirmed that these negative charges are negative ions, but recent experimental results suggest that other scavengers of free electrons can also be active in the mesosphere. Outside the polar summer mesosphere this additional removal of electrons is today believed to be due to meteoric dust, which maximises in the mesosphere. Data predominantly from the recent ECOMA flights are used to test this presumption. Six sounding rockets carried different dust detectors, as well as probes for electrons and ions. With such an instrumental ensemble one can assess whether indeed the existence of meteoric dust removes more electrons than would be expected from gas phase ion chemistry alone. Other factors potentially impacting on electron removal are also discussed in the paper.
Variations of net primary productivity and phytoplankton community composition in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean as estimated from ocean color remote sensing data
Authors: Takao S. , Hirawake T. , Wright S. W. , Suzuki K.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Phytoplankton population dynamics play an important role in biogeochemical cycles in the Southern Ocean during austral summer. Recent environmental changes such as a rise in sea surface temperature (SST) are likely to impact on net primary productivity (NPP) and phytoplankton community composition. However, their spatiotemporal relationships are still unclear in the Southern Ocean. Here we assessed the relationships between NPP, dominant phytoplankton groups, and SST in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean over the past decade (1997–2007) using satellite remote sensing data. As a result, we found a statistically significant reduction in NPP in the polar frontal zone over the past decade during austral summer. Moreover, the decrease in NPP positively correlated with the dominance of diatoms (Kendall's rank correlation τ = 0.60) estimated by a phytoplankton community composition model, but not correlated with SST. In the seasonal ice zone, NPP correlated with not only the dominance of diatoms positively (τ = 0.56), but also the dominance of haptophytes (τ = −0.54) and SST (τ = −0.54) negatively. Our results suggested that summer NPP values were strongly affected by the phytoplankton community composition in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean.
Estimating absorption coefficients of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) using a semi-analytical algorithm for Southern Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic) waters: application to deriving concentrations of dissolved organic carbon from space
Authors: Matsuoka A. , Hooker S. B. , Bricaud A. , Gentili B. , Babin M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. A series of papers have suggested that freshwater discharge, including a large amount of dissolved organic matter (DOM), has increased since the middle of the 20th century. In this study, a semi-analytical algorithm for estimating light absorption coefficients of the colored fraction of DOM (CDOM) was developed for Southern Beaufort Sea waters using remote sensing reflectance at six wavelengths in the visible spectral domain corresponding to MODIS ocean color sensor. This algorithm allows to separate colored detrital matter (CDM) into CDOM and non-algal particles (NAP) by determining NAP absorption using an empirical relationship between NAP absorption and particle backscattering coefficients. Evaluation using independent datasets, that were not used for developing the algorithm, showed that CDOM absorption can be estimated accurately to within an uncertainty of 35% and 50% for oceanic and turbid waters, respectively. In situ measurements showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were tightly correlated with CDOM absorption (r2 = 0.97). By combining the CDOM absorption algorithm together with the DOC versus CDOM relationship, it is now possible to estimate DOC concentrations in the near-surface layer of the Southern Beaufort Sea using satellite ocean color data. DOC concentrations in the surface waters were estimated using MODIS ocean color data, and the estimates showed reasonable values compared to in situ measurements. We propose a routine and near real-time method for deriving DOC concentrations from space, which may open the way to an estimate of DOC budgets for Arctic coastal waters.