bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bologna Process: A Tool for Europe's Hegemonic Project on Africa
Authors: Charlier Jean-Émile , Croché Sarah
Published: December 2011

This article treats the Bologna Process as a tool that European countries used for their hegemonic project on Africa's higher education. It is based on a normative perspective in which it is proposed that the creation of the worldwide higher education area should be a place of knowledge circulation where all scientists can collaborate in a free and open way, and that the ultimate goal of science is to make the world a better, easier and more just place. This article attempts to explain how the Foucauldian concept of ‘apparatus’ can help us understand the attitude of the European countries with regard to the Bologna Process and why, since 2003, they have not associated African countries with the process despite establishing relationships with other world regions. The article will analyse the long-term disregard of Europe for Africa and will show how and why the attitude of the Bologna Process' actors (especially the European Commission and the European University Association [EUA]) towards Africa has been evolving since 2007. Finally, this article will explain why the 3-5-8 or Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) Bologna model's transfer in Africa does not give fair results today.
The Continuing Problem of Special Districts in American Government
Authors: Killian Larita
Published: December 2011

Due to fiscal constraints and demands for increased accountability, scholars and public officials are reviewing the structure and reporting practices of local governments. These efforts are often incomplete, however, because they bypass special districts, which now comprise over 40 percent of all local governments. The proliferation of special districts has the potential to increase government costs, redirect the allocation of scarce resources, remove debt and expenditure practices from the public eye, and reduce democratic controls over elected officials. This paper highlights some of the public interest concerns related to these entities to inform future, localized research.

For decades, scholars have approached special districts from two opposing theoretical perspectives: institutional reform and public choice. Literature from these opposing perspectives is used to analyze special districts along three dimensions: efficiency and economy of operations, policy alignment and allocation of resources, and democratic accountability. This paper uses the U.S. Census Bureau definition of special districts, though alternative definitions are discussed. Efforts by four states (Florida, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New York) to improve local government, and their varying approaches to special districts, are reviewed, leading to the conclusion that the complex issues related to special districts must be resolved within state contexts.
Associations Among Visceral Fat, All-Cause Mortality, and Obesity-Related Mortality in Japanese Americans
Authors: McNeely Marguerite J. , Shofer Jane B. , Leonetti Donna L. , Fujimoto Wilfred Y. , Boyko Edward J.
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to examine the associations among visceral fat (VF), all-cause mortality, and obesity-related mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 733 Japanese Americans were followed for 16.9 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) per interquartile range increase in VF were calculated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models censored at age 82 years, with age as the time axis adjusted for sex and smoking.

RESULTS

Higher VF was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.11–1.75] 107 deaths) and obesity-related mortality (1.39 [1.04–1.85], 68 deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity-related cancer). After further adjustment for waist circumference, VF remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (1.41 [1.04–1.92]) but not with obesity-related mortality. The associations between mortality and VF were not independent of BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

VF was associated with all-cause mortality and obesity-related mortality in Japanese Americans. VF did not significantly improve mortality risk assessment beyond that of BMI.
Influence of acceptor functionality on charge transfer interactions in mixtures of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) with nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Grigoras Anca , Barboiu Virgil
Published: December 2011

Charge transfer interactions in mixtures of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) with three nitro compounds (4,4′dinitrodibenzyl, ethyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate and 2,2′,4,4′-tetranitrodibenzyl) were examined. GPC shows an increase of apparent polymer weight average molecular weight (MW) in mixtures compared with pure PVK. Electron acceptors show upfield 1H-NMR shifts for all mixtures. The equilibrium association constants (k) calculated from the Benesi-Hildebrand equation are 0.511, 1.371, and 1.868 L mol−1 for PVK blends with DNDB, DNBE and TNDB, respectively. Shifts of (−NO2) stretch vibrations in mixtures support charge transfer complex formation between PVK chains and electron acceptors The ability to accept electrons decreases: TNDB>DNBE>DNDB.
Numerical schemes for multivalued backward stochastic differential systems
Authors: Maticiuc Lucian , Rotenstein Eduard
Published: December 2011

We define approximation schemes for generalized backward stochastic differential systems, considered in the Markovian framework. More precisely, we propose a mixed approximation scheme for the following backward stochastic variational inequality:
$$dY_t + F(t,X_t ,Y_t ,Z_t )dt \in \partial \phi (Y_t )dt + Z_t dW_t ,$$
where ∂φ is the subdifferential operator of a convex lower semicontinuous function φ and (X
t)t∈[0;T] is the unique solution of a forward stochastic differential equation. We use an Euler type scheme for the system of decoupled forward-backward variational inequality in conjunction with Yosida approximation techniques.
On the Three-Dimensional Homogenous SO(2)-Isotropic Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Piu P. , Profir M.
Published: December 2011

On the Three-Dimensional Homogenous SO(2)-Isotropic Riemannian Manifolds

In this paper we consider some properties of the three-dimensional homogenous SO(2)-isotropic Riemannian manifolds. In particular, we determine the geodesics, the totally geodesic surfaces, the totally umbilical surfaces and the geodesics of the rotational surfaces.
Vertical Chern Type Classes on Complex Finsler Bundles
Authors: Ida Cristian
Published: December 2011

Vertical Chern Type Classes on Complex Finsler Bundles

In the present paper, we define vertical Chern type classes on complex Finsler bundles, as an extension of thev-cohomology groups theory on complex Finsler manifolds. These classes are introduced in a classical way by using closed differential forms with respect to the conjugated vertical differential in terms of the vertical curvature form of Chern-Finsler linear connection. Also, some invariance properties of these classes are studied.
Genetic variation among Iranian alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations based on RAPD markers
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Monirifar Hassan , Saba Jalal , Valizadeh Mostafa , Haghighi Ahmad Razban , Zanjani Bahram Maleki , Barghi Maryam , Tarhriz Vahideh
Published: December 2011

Genetic diversity among and within 10 populations of Iranian alfalfa, from different areas of Azarbaijan, Iran was analyzed by screening DNA from seeds of individual plants and bulk samples. In individual study, 10 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers produced 156 polymorphic bands and a high level of genetic diversity was observed within populations. The averages of total and within population genetic diversity were 0.2349 and 0.1892, respectively. Results of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed the great genetic variation existed within populations (81.37%). These Results were in agreement with allogamous and polyploid nature of alfalfa. Cluster analysis was performed based on Nei’s genetic distances resulting in grouping into 3 clusters which could separate breeding population from other populations. Results of cluster analysis were in consistent with morphological and geographical patterns of populations. The results of bulk method were different from individual analysis. Our results showed that RAPD analysis is a suitable method to study genetic diversity and relationships among alfalfa populations.Keywords: Alfalfa; RAPD; Genetic diversity; Analysis of Molecular Variance; Cluster analysis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v18i2.9296Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 18: (2): 93-104, 2011 (December)
Duchesnea brunneus, a new species of Rosaceae from Hubei, China
Authors: Lei C. , Zhang C. C. , Wang Y. , Dong J. Z.
Published: December 2011

Duchesnea brunneus J. Z. Dong (Solanaceae) is described and illustrated here as a new species from Hubei, China. The newly described species is compared with its closely related species.Key words: Duchesnea brunneus; Rosaceae; New species; China.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v18i2.9302Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 18(2): 159-162, 2011 (December)
Updated nomenclature and taxonomic status of the plants of Bangladesh included in Hook. f., the Flora of British India: Volume-I
Authors: Rashid M. Enamur , Rahman M. Atiqur
Published: December 2011

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in his first volume of the Flora of British India includeed a total of 2460 species in 452 genera under 44 natural orders (= families) of which a total of 226 species in 114 genera under 33 natural orders were from the area now in Bangladesh. These taxa are listed with their updated nomenclature and taxonomic status as per ICBN following Cronquist’s system of plant classification. The current number recognized, so far, are 220 species in 131 genera under 44 families. The recorded area in Bangladesh and the name of specimen’s collector, as in Hook.f., are also provided.Keywords: J.D. Hooker; Flora of British India; Bangladesh; Nomenclature; Taxonomic status.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v18i2.9305Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 18(2): 177-197, 2011 (December)
Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. (Asteraceae) - A new species record for Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Oliur , Sultana Mahbuba , Begum Momtaz , Hassan Md. Abul
Published: December 2011

Not available.Keywords: Pulicaria vulgaris; New record; Bangladesh; Asteraceae.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v18i2.9308Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 18(2): 205-208, 2011 (December)
The Effect of Combined Sensory and Semantic Components on Audio–Visual Speech Perception in Older Adults
Authors: Maguinness Corrina , Setti Annalisa , Burke Kate E. , Kenny Rose Anne , Newell Fiona N.
Published: December 2011

Previous studies have found that perception in older people benefits from multisensory over unisensory information. As normal speech recognition is affected by both the auditory input and the visual lip movements of the speaker, we investigated the efficiency of audio and visual integration in an older population by manipulating the relative reliability of the auditory and visual information in speech. We also investigated the role of the semantic context of the sentence to assess whether audio–visual integration is affected by top-down semantic processing. We presented participants with audio–visual sentences in which the visual component was either blurred or not blurred. We found that there was a greater cost in recall performance for semantically meaningless speech in the audio–visual ‘blur’ compared to audio–visual ‘no blur’ condition and this effect was specific to the older group. Our findings have implications for understanding how aging affects efficient multisensory integration for the perception of speech and suggests that multisensory inputs may benefit speech perception in older adults when the semantic content of the speech is unpredictable.
Advances in Carcinogenic Metal Toxicity and Potential Molecular Markers
Authors: Koedrith Preeyaporn , Seo Young Rok
Published: December 2011

Metal compounds such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel are classified as carcinogens affecting human health through occupational and environmental exposure. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in tumor formation are not well clarified. Interference of metal homeostasis may result in oxidative stress which represents an imbalance between production of free radicals and the system’s ability to readily detoxify reactive intermediates. This event consequently causes DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and possibly symptomatic effects for various diseases including cancer. This review discusses predominant modes of action and numerous molecular markers. Attention is paid to metal-induced generation of free radicals, the phenomenon of oxidative stress, damage to DNA, lipid, and proteins, responsive signal transduction pathways with major roles in cell growth and development, and roles of antioxidant enzymatic and DNA repair systems. Interaction of non-enzymatic antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, glutathione, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and others) with cellular oxidative stress markers (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) as well as certain regulatory factors, including AP-1, NF-κB, Ref-1, and p53 is also reviewed. Dysregulation of protective pathways, including cellular antioxidant network against free radicals as well as DNA repair deficiency is related to oncogenic stimulation. These observations provide evidence that emerging oxidative stress-responsive regulatory factors and DNA repair proteins are putative predictive factors for tumor initiation and progression.
(E)-Ethyl 3-(Dimethylamino)-2-(7,9-diphenyl-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-2-yl)acrylate
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Farghaly Thoraya A.
Published: December 2011

Novel (E)-ethyl 3-(dimethylamino)-2-(7,9-diphenyl-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-2-yl)acrylate (3A), was prepared via condensation of ethyl (1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-yl)acetate (1) and dimethylformamide-dimethylacetal under reflux. The structure of the synthesized compound was assigned on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data.
Resin Diterpenes from Austrocedrus chilensis
Authors: Olate Verónica Rachel , Usandizaga Olatz Goikoetxeaundia , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: December 2011

Seventeen diterpenes belonging to the labdane, abietane and isopimarane skeleton classes were isolated from the resin of the Chilean gymnosperm Austrocedrus chilensis and identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. The diterpene 12-oxo-labda-8(17),13E-dien-19 oic acid is reported for the first time as a natural product and 14 diterpenes are reported for the first time for the species.
Influence of Halogen Substituents on the Catalytic Oxidation of 2,4,6-Halogenated Phenols by Fe(III)-Tetrakis(p-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrins and Potassium Monopersulfate
Authors: Fukushima Masami , Mizutani Yusuke , Maeno Shouhei , Zhu Qianqian , Kuramitz Hideki , Nagao Seiya
Published: December 2011

The influence of halogen substituents on the catalytic oxidation of 2,4,6-trihalogenated phenols (TrXPs) by iron(III)-porphyrin/KHSO5 catalytic systems was investigated. Iron(III)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (FeTHP) and its supported variants were employed, where the supported catalysts were synthesized by introducing FeTHP into hydroquinone-derived humic acids via formaldehyde poly-condensation. F (TrFP), Cl (TrCP), Br (TrBP) and I (TrIP) were examined as halogen substituents for TrXPs. Although the supported catalysts significantly enhanced the degradation and dehalogenation of TrFP and TrCP, the oxidation of TrBP and TrIP was not enhanced, compared to the FeTHP catalytic system. These results indicate that the degree of oxidation of TrXPs is strongly dependent on the types of halogen substituent. The order of dehalogenation levels for halogen substituents in TrXPs was F > Cl > Br > I, consistent with their order of electronegativity. The electronegativity of a halogen substituent affects the nucleophilicity of the carbon to which it is attached. The levels of oxidation products in the reaction mixtures were analyzed by GC/MS after extraction with n-hexane. The most abundant dimer product from TrFP via 2,6-difluoroquinone is consistent with a scenario where TrXP, with a more electronegative halogen substituent, is readily oxidized, while less electronegative halogen substituents are oxidized less readily by iron(III)-porphyrin/KHSO5 catalytic systems.
Muscle Growth and Poultry Meat Quality Issues
Authors: Petracci Massimiliano , Cavani Claudio
Published: December 2011

Over the past 50 years the worldwide growing demand of poultry meat has resulted in pressure on breeders, nutritionists and growers to increase the growth rate of birds, feed efficiency, size of breast muscle and reduction in abdominal fatness. Moreover, the shift toward further processed products has emphasized the necessity for higher standards in poultry meat to improve sensory characteristics and functional properties. It is believed that genetic progress has put more stress on the growing bird and it has resulted in histological and biochemical modifications of the muscle tissue by impairing some meat quality traits. The most current poultry meat quality concerns are associated with deep pectoral muscle disease and white striping which impair product appearance, and increased occurrence of problems related with the meat’s poor ability to hold water during processing and storage (PSE-like condition) as well as poor toughness and cohesiveness related to immaturity of intramuscular connective tissue. This paper is aimed at making a general statement of recent studies focusing on the relationship between muscle growth and meat quality issues in poultry.
Pre-Clinical Assessment of 177Lu-Labeled Trastuzumab Targeting HER2 for Treatment and Management of Cancer Patients with Disseminated Intraperitoneal Disease
Authors: Ray Geoffrey L. , Baidoo Kwamena E. , Keller Lanea M. M. , Albert Paul S. , Brechbiel Martin W. , Milenic Diane E.
Published: December 2011

Studies from this laboratory have demonstrated the potential of targeting HER2 for therapeutic and imaging applications with medically relevant radionuclides. To expand the repertoire of trastuzumab as a radioimmunoconjugate (RIC) vector, use of 177Lu was investigated. The combination of a 6.7 d half-life, lower energy β−-emissions (500 keV max; 130 keV ave), and an imagable γ-emission make 177Lu an attractive candidate for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) regimens for treatment of larger tumor burdens not possible with α-particle radiation. Radiolabeling trastuzumab-CHX-A″-DTPA with 177Lu was efficient with a specific binding of 60.8 ± 6.8% with HER2 positive SKOV-3 cells. Direct quantitation of tumor targeting and normal tissue uptake was performed with athymic mice bearing subcutaneous and intraperitoneal LS-174T xenografts; a peak tumor %ID/g of 24.70 ± 10.29 (96 h) and 31.70 ± 16.20 (72 h), respectively, was obtained. Normal tissue uptake of the RIC was minimal. Tumor targeting was also demonstrated by γ-scintigraphy. A therapy study administering escalating doses of 177Lu-trastuzumab to mice bearing three day LS-174T i.p. xenografts established the effective therapeutic dose of i.p. administered 177Lu-trastuzumab at 375 μCi with a median survival of 124.5 d while a median survival of 10 d was noted for the control (untreated) group. In conclusion, trastuzumab radiolabeled with 177Lu has potential for treatment of disseminated, HER2 positive, peritoneal disease.
Experimentally Justified Model-Like Description of Consolidation of Precipitated Silica
Authors: Sahabi Hussein , Kind Matthias
Published: December 2011

Colloidal gels are intermediates in the production of highly porous particle systems. In the production process, the gels are fragmented after their creation. These gel fragments consolidate to particles whose application-technological properties are determined by their size and porosity. A model of the consolidation process is proposed: The consolidation process of a gel fragment is simulated with the Molecular Dynamics (MD) method with the assumption of van der Waals forces in interplay with the thermal motion as driving forces for the consolidation. The simulation results are compared with experimental data and with a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.
Security Issues in Healthcare Applications Using Wireless Medical Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Kumar Pardeep , Lee Hoon-Jae
Published: December 2011

Healthcare applications are considered as promising fields for wireless sensor networks, where patients can be monitored using wireless medical sensor networks (WMSNs). Current WMSN healthcare research trends focus on patient reliable communication, patient mobility, and energy-efficient routing, as a few examples. However, deploying new technologies in healthcare applications without considering security makes patient privacy vulnerable. Moreover, the physiological data of an individual are highly sensitive. Therefore, security is a paramount requirement of healthcare applications, especially in the case of patient privacy, if the patient has an embarrassing disease. This paper discusses the security and privacy issues in healthcare application using WMSNs. We highlight some popular healthcare projects using wireless medical sensor networks, and discuss their security. Our aim is to instigate discussion on these critical issues since the success of healthcare application depends directly on patient security and privacy, for ethic as well as legal reasons. In addition, we discuss the issues with existing security mechanisms, and sketch out the important security requirements for such applications. In addition, the paper reviews existing schemes that have been recently proposed to provide security solutions in wireless healthcare scenarios. Finally, the paper ends up with a summary of open security research issues that need to be explored for future healthcare applications using WMSNs.
Evidence of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Mediating Cell Death in Transplanted Human Islets
Authors: Negi Sarita , Park Soon Hyang , Jetha Arif , Aikin Reid , Tremblay Michel , Paraskevas Steven
Published: December 2011

A key limitation to the success of islet transplantation is islet cell exhaustion and cell death during islet isolation and following transplantation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been identified as an important mechanism in the development of β-cell dysfunction, cell death, and diabetes. This study investigated the role of ER stress in islet loss during human islet isolation and posttransplantation in a diabetic athymic mouse model. Islets were isolated from human organ donor pancreata using intraductal enzymatic dissociation and continuous density gradient purification. ER stress mediators were assessed by Western blot and by RT-PCR. Caspase-3 activity was quantified by a bioluminescent peptide cleavage assay. Normal and streptozotocin-treated diabetic nude mice were transplanted with 2,000 IEQ of human islets under the kidney capsule and the grafts were harvested 3 or 28 days after transplantation. The grafts were analyzed for the presence for ER stress signals by immunohistochemistry. Isolated islets demonstrated higher levels of ER chaperone Bip, ER stress mediators eIF2α, ATF, spliced XBP-1, and CHOP, and also ER stress-associated apoptotic signals like JNK, caspase-3/7, and cleaved PARP. Donor pancreatic tissue did not show expression of any of these ER stress mediators. After transplantation, low expression of only protective ER stress mediators was evident in the grafts from the normal recipients. In contrast, both protective and apoptotic ER stress mediators were highly expressed in the grafts of hyperglycemic mice. ER stress mediators were induced during islet isolation and may contribute to islet apoptosis and cell death. Islet isolation activates ER stress and apoptotic pathways in isolated islets. Hyperglycemia may prolong this ER stress signal in engrafted islets, converting the protective aspects of the ER stress response to a proapoptotic response and thus contribute to deterioration of β-cell function and survival.
The Security-Development Nexus: a Typology, History and Implementation of Changing Paradigm
Authors: Waisova Sarka
Published: December 2011

The article is a response to the contemporary state of research of the security-development nexus and attempts to analyze the heterogeneous area of its interpretations and implementations. It analyzes the ways and describes the development of interpretations of the security-development nexus. The text also offers empirical material to enable looking at the variety of effects. It shows that despite a broad interdisciplinary debate, three general attitudes have been generated. The first one is based on the idea that security is the prerequisite of development, the second one that development is the prerequisite of security, and the third one that security and development go hand in hand. The area of concepts appears to be wide and varied as well. The contemporary concepts differ mainly in whose development and whose security they take into account, and which one from these two values (development or security) is understood as more important and how it is interpreted (what is "security" and what is "development"). On the operational level it is clear, that the security-development nexus is not only an academic and theoretical reflection or pose, but that it also influences the practice and changes the national, as well as the international politics. The presented empirical material does not say anything about the size of the change and the number of actors affected, however, it shows that it is no marginal phenomenon, because it has affected important players in the international system as well as rules governing the system.
Identifications dans l'exil : les réfugiés du camp de Maheba (Zambie)
Authors: Agier Michel
Published: December 2011

Résumé Les guerres génèrent les espaces aménagés qui leur conviennent: camps, refuges humanitaires, centres de transit, zones de sécurité. Ce sont des ébauches d’agglomérations, parfois de villes, toujours maintenues dans l’inachèvement, mais installées souvent dans la longue durée. Parallèlement, la priorité au « retour » des réfugiés, comme droit, ou à leur renvoi « chez eux », comme obligation, est présentée comme seule solution à long terme pour la réintégration des réfugiés. La mise en débat de la conception originelle de l’identité, sous-jacente à toutes ces prises de position, part du cas des réfugiés angolais sur un site du HCR en Zambie. Comprendre l’incertitude et la disparité des réponses des réfugiés face au retour après l’accord de paix d’avril 2002 en Angola, nécessite une enquête sur l’identification dans les espaces de l’exil. Celle-ci fait apparaître l’existence d’un ordre social dans les camps, ordre dont la formation dépend tout à la fois de l’état de guerre, de l’action humanitaire, et des relations sociales qui se nouent entre tous les acteurs en présence sur cet espace confiné mais ancien et vivant.
De la « guerre contre le crime » au Brésil : culture autoritaire et politiques publiques de la sécurité
Authors: Deluchey Jean-François
Published: December 2011

Résumé Au Brésil, l’exercice de la sécurité publique est souvent présenté comme une « guerre contre le crime ». Cet article postule que cette expression n’est pas la simple transcription imagée de l’usage de la force publique dans la lutte contre la criminalité. Trois questions principales sont abordées la « guerre contre le crime » est-elle réellement une guerre ? Illustre-t-elle une guerre sociale opposant riches et pauvres, ou est-elle une guerre civile larvée ? Nous verrons qu’en réalité, le concept de guerre contre le crime trouve son origine dans une « militarisation idéologique » des forces policières brésiliennes héritée du régime militaire qui dura de 1964 à 1985 et s’étend à l’ensemble des rapports sociaux au Brésil. Fortement instrumentalisé, ce concept doit être associé à la persistance d’un « autoritarisme socialement implanté » au sein de la société brésilienne, et constitue l’un des principaux outils conceptuels de la préservation d’un ordre social fortement discriminatoire au Brésil.
Démocratie au Cameroun : l'Europe démissionnaire
Authors: Courtin Christophe
Published: December 2011

Résumé L’Union européenne a fait de la promotion de la démocratie sa priorité au Sud du Sahara. C’est écrit dans les textes. Mais la pratique est tout autre. Retour sur la dernière parodie électorale au Cameroun. Pour constater combien Bruxelles perd son âme en Afrique. Et tenter de comprendre.
Note de lecture
Authors: Vettraino Jean
Published: December 2011

Resumé Gérard-François Dumont, Géographie urbaine de l’exclusion dans les grandes métropoles régionales françaises , L’Harmattan, 2011, 268 p., 26 €
Comparison of Age-derived Lens Thickness to Optically Measured Lens Thickness in IOL Power Calculation: A Clinical Study
Authors: Lam Sheridan
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE:

To assess whether lens thickness derived from age should be used in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation.

METHODS:

Ninety-three eyes underwent optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR) prior to cataract surgery. Lens thickness (LT) by OLCR was used to calculate the IOL power. The mean absolute refractive error (MAE) and mean refractive error (ME) were calculated. Regression analysis between age and LT was performed. The expected IOL power, MAE, and ME were calculated with two age-derived lens thickness formulae: LT=4+(age/100) and LT=3.81+(0.0119×age).

RESULTS:

Lens thickness by OLCR was not significantly different from that by age, but the IOL power was different. Refractive outcome was better with OLCR-based LT. Correlation between age and LT was not as linear as implied by the formulae.

CONCLUSIONS:

In its current form, age-derived LT should not be used in IOL power calculation.
Problemas asociados al equilibrio en estructuras de membrana con bordes rígidos y cables
Authors: Viglialoro G. , Murcia J.
Published: December 2011

Este trabajo aborda el análisis del equilibrio de una membrana con bordes rígidos y cables de borde para la fase de pretensado. La idea de utilizar las membranas en aplicaciones como las pasarelas, una nueva tecnología que está siendo desarrollada en España, implica niveles más altos de responsabilidad y de esfuerzos, requiriendo así un anáisis estructural ajustado. La membrana y sus bordes se identifican, respectivamente, a una superficie con curvatura de Gauss negativa y a curvas cuya curvatura depende de las características estructurales de los bordes. El equilibrio se expresa mediante problemas de contorno con ecuaciones en derivadas parciales, en términos de la forma de la membrana y de su tensor de esfuerzos, así como de la forma y las cargas de los bordes. En particular, el equilibrio asociado a un cable de borde lleva a una condición de frontera muy singular que dificulta un tanto el análisis. A partir de ello, caben dos enfoques complementarios, llamados problema directo y problema dual. Se definen y analizan ambos problemas de contorno, estudiando sus principales aspectos cualitativos. Asimismo, con el objetivo de obtener resultados prácticos, se propone un procedimiento general de resolución numérica para el problema directo.
Análisis del comportamiento sísmico de los edificios de obra de fábrica, típicos del distrito Eixample de Barcelona
Authors: Moreno-González R. , Bairán J. M.
Published: December 2011

En este trabajo se realiza un estudio para evaluar la vulnerabilidad y el riesgo sísmico de los edificios de obra de fábrica de ladrillo ampliamente existentes en el distrito Eixample de Barcelona, España. Los edificios analizados son reales y se dispone de planos e informes específicos. El análisis del riesgo sísmico se lleva a cabo mediante un método mecánico basado en el Método del Espectro de Capacidad. La demanda sísmica se define a partir del espectro elástico de respuesta definido por el Eurocódigo-8. Las curvas de fragilidad se obtienen a partir de un análisis no lineal, teniendo en cuenta los espectros de capacidad. El dano sísmico esperado se consigue con las matrices de probabilidad de daño. La modelización de los edificios se realiza con el programa TreMuri mediante un modelo de macroelementos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una vulnerabilidad importante, teniendo en cuenta el escenario sísmico considerado, el riesgo sísmico esperado es alto.
Commercial Logistics vs. Military Logistics
Authors: Kumar Siva , Chia Aaron
Published: December 2011

Military logistics originated from the military’s need to make provisions of arms, ammunition, and ration as they moved forward from their bases. Military operations and maintenance have made a significant contribution towards developing logistics in the initial stage as compared to other business sectors. Though logistics originated and developed from military operations, it is now widely adopted in the area of manufacturing, production, and business management. This case study analyzes the difference between military and commercial logistics in terms of their entire supply chain management, which includes procurement, inventory management, warehouse location and operation, ABC categories, material handling, network, transportation, information flow and technology, and security management.
PLC and SWOT Reengineered
Authors: Mayer Peter , Vambery Robert G.
Published: December 2011

Two widely used such strategic tools are the SWOT and PLC analysis and the SRCL (Service Re-Cycle for Life). This chapter offers revitalized tools aimed at finding ways to better manage and leverage changes to the benefit of services industry businesses
ICT Diffusion and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Shirazi Farid , Higón Dolores Añón , Gholami Roya
Published: December 2011

This chapter investigates the impact of inward and outward FDI on ICT diffusion in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions for the period 1996-2008. The results indicate that while inward FDI has generally had a positive and significant impact on ICT diffusion in Asia-Pacific economies, its impact on the Middle Eastern countries has been detrimental. In contrast, the results of this study also show that outward FDI has had, in general, the inverse effect, it has been in general positive and significant for the Middle East countries but insignificant for Asia-Pacific economies.
A Process Model for Successful E-Government Adoption in the Least Developed Countries
Authors: Imran Ahmed , Gregor Shirley
Published: December 2011

Least developed countries (LDCs), have been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in their public sector organizations. Despite a number of high-level initiatives at national and international levels, the progress is still unsatisfactory in this area. Consequently, the countries are failing to keep pace in the global e-government race, further increasing the digital divide. This chapter reports on an exploratory study in a least developed country, Bangladesh, involving a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The analysis of the relationships among the major barriers to progress led to a process model, which suggests a pathway for e-government adoption in an LDC such as Bangladesh. The chapter introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the public sector of LDCs and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
Negotiating Disruption in Visual Arts Education
Authors: Elsden-Clifton Jennifer
Published: December 2011

The visual arts has a long tradition of providing a space for artists to take up disruptive practices such a, challenging what is known, questioning and exploiting cultural codes, and providing alternative social practices. This chapter is interested in how visual arts students take up these disruptive possibilities within the complexity of secondary schools; a space historically characterised by hierarchal power, surveillance, and institutionalized structure. This chapter draws upon interviews with art teachers to examine the discourses surrounding their observations of ‘disruptive’ art created in their classrooms. In particular, the author focuses on the stories of two students who through their artwork explored and transgressed normalised notions of sexualities and bodies, which was signalled to be problematic within the school context by the teachers. This discussion explores how teachers, students, and the general school community respond and negotiate the tension and discomfort that can arise from ‘disruptive’ art.
Understanding Plagiarism Behavior through Criterion Studies
Authors: Martin Daniel E.
Published: December 2011

These studies cover new ground in two respects: 1) That the academic dishonesty literature is subject to revision using criterion variables to avoid self bias and social desirability issues, 2) This research establishes the relationship between actual academic dishonesty and the aforementioned variables.
Academic Dishonesty and Cheating
Authors: Simha Aditya , Cullen John B.
Published: December 2011

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the literature on academic dishonesty and cheating, by defining the different kinds of cheating behaviors, and then illustrating the different factors that have an impact on cheating behaviors. The authors then offer suggestions derived from their synthesis of these studies, as to how to better react to this phenomenon and take corrective as well as proactive action, so as to be able to control and perhaps reduce instances and occurrences of academic dishonesty and cheating.
Inert 50-nm Polystyrene Nanoparticles That Modify Pulmonary Dendritic Cell Function and Inhibit Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Hardy Charles L. , LeMasurier Jeanne S. , Belz Gabrielle T. , Scalzo-Inguanti Karen , Yao Jun , Xiang Sue D. , Kanellakis Peter , Bobik Alex , Strickland Deborah H. , Rolland Jennifer M. , O’Hehir Robyn E. , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: December 2011

Nanoparticles are being developed for diverse biomedical applications, but there is concern about their potential to promote inflammation, particularly in the lung. Although a variety of ambient, anthropogenic and man-made nanoparticles can promote lung inflammation, little is known about the long-term immunomodulatory effects of inert noninflammatory nanoparticles. We previously showed polystyrene 50-nm nanoparticles coated with the neutral amino acid glycine (PS50G nanoparticles) are not inflammatory and are taken up preferentially by dendritic cells (DCs) in the periphery. We tested the effects of such nanoparticles on pulmonary DC function and the development of acute allergic airway inflammation. Surprisingly, exposure to PS50G nanoparticles did not exacerbate but instead inhibited key features of allergic airway inflammation including lung airway and parenchymal inflammation, airway epithelial mucus production, and serum allergen-specific IgE and allergen-specific Th2 cytokines in the lung-draining lymph node (LN) after allergen challenge 1 mo later. PS50G nanoparticles themselves did not induce lung oxidative stress or cardiac or lung inflammation. Mechanistically, PS50G nanoparticles did not impair peripheral allergen sensitization but exerted their effect at the lung allergen challenge phase by inhibiting expansion of CD11c+MHCIIhi DCs in the lung and draining LN and allergen-laden CD11bhiMHCIIhi DCs in the lung after allergen challenge. PS50G nanoparticles further suppressed the ability of CD11bhi DCs in the draining LN of allergen-challenged mice to induce proliferation of OVA-specific CD4+ T cells. The discovery that a defined type of nanoparticle can inhibit, rather than promote, lung inflammation via modulation of DC function opens the door to the discovery of other nanoparticle types with exciting beneficial properties.
Activated CD69+ T Cells Foster Immune Privilege by Regulating IDO Expression in Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Zhao Qiyi , Kuang Dong-Ming , Wu Yan , Xiao Xiao , Li Xue-Feng , Li Tuan-Jie , Zheng Limin
Published: December 2011

Substantial evidence indicates that immune activation at stroma can be rerouted in a tumor-promoting direction. CD69 is an immunoregulatory molecule expressed by early-activated leukocytes at sites of chronic inflammation, and CD69+ T cells have been found to promote human tumor progression. In this study, we showed that, upon encountering autologous CD69+ T cells, tumor macrophages (MΦs) acquired the ability to produce much greater amounts of IDO protein in cancer nests. The T cells isolated from the hepatocellular carcinoma tissues expressed significantly more CD69 molecules than did those on paired circulating and nontumor-infiltrating T cells; these tumor-derived CD69+ T cells could induce considerable IDO in monocytes. Interestingly, the tumor-associated monocytes/MΦs isolated from hepatocellular carcinoma tissues or generated by in vitro culture effectively activated circulating T cells to express CD69. IL-12 derived from tumor MΦs was required for early T cell activation and subsequent IDO expression. Moreover, we found that conditioned medium from IDO+ MΦs effectively suppressed T cell responses in vitro, an effect that could be reversed by adding extrinsic IDO substrate tryptophan or by pretreating MΦs with an IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan. These data revealed a fine-tuned collaborative action between different types of immune cells to counteract T cell responses in tumor microenvironment. Such an active induction of immune tolerance should be considered for the rational design of effective immune-based anticancer therapies.
NO Is a Macrophage Autonomous Modifier of the Cytokine Response to Streptococcal Single-Stranded RNA
Authors: Deshmukh Sachin D. , Müller Sabrina , Hese Katrin , Rauch Katharina S. , Wennekamp Julia , Takeuchi Osamu , Akira Shizuo , Golenbock Douglas T. , Henneke Philipp
Published: December 2011

Group B streptococci, a major cause of sepsis, induce inflammatory cytokines in strict dependence on bacterial ssRNA and the host molecules MyD88 and UNC-93B. In this study, we show that NO plays an important role in Group B streptococci-induced transcriptional activation of cytokine genes. Phagocytosis induced NO in a MyD88-dependent fashion. In turn, NO propagated the acidification of phagosomes and the processing of phagosomal bacterial nucleic acids and was required for potent transcriptional activation of cytokine genes by streptococci. This NO-dependent amplification loop has important mechanistic implications for the anti-streptococcal macrophage response and sepsis pathogenesis.
Identification of Circulating Human Antigen-Reactive CD4+FOXP3+ Natural Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Litjens Nicolle H. R. , Boer Karin , Betjes Michiel G. H.
Published: December 2011

Circulating human CD4+CD25++CD127−FOXP3+ T cells with a persistent demethylated regulatory T cell (Treg)-specific demethylated region Foxp3 gene are considered natural Tregs (nTregs). We have shown that it is possible to identify functional Ag-reactive nTregs cells for a range of different common viral and vaccination Ags. The frequency of these Ag-reactive nTregs within the nTreg population is strikingly similar to the frequency of Ag-reactive T effector cells within the CD4+ T cell population. The Ag-reactive nTregs could be recognized with great specificity by induction of CD154 expression. These CD154+ Ag-reactive nTregs showed a memory phenotype and shared all phenotypical and functional characteristics of nTregs. The isolated CD154+ nTregs could be most efficiently expanded by specific antigenic stimulation, while their Ag-reactive suppressive activity was maintained. After an in vivo booster Ag challenge, the ratio of Ag-reactive T cells to Ag-reactive Tregs increased substantially, which could be attributed to the rise in effector T cells but not Tregs. In conclusion, the nTreg population mirrors the effector T cell population in the frequency of Ag-reactive T cells. Isolation and expansion of functional Ag-reactive nTregs is possible and of potential benefit for specific therapeutic goals.
Repression of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Upregulation Disarms and Expands Human Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Klein Matthias , Vaeth Martin , Scheel Tobias , Grabbe Stephan , Baumgrass Ria , Berberich-Siebelt Friederike , Bopp Tobias , Schmitt Edgar , Becker Christian
Published: December 2011

The main molecular mechanism of human regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated suppression has not been elucidated. We show in this study that cAMP represents a key regulator of human Treg function. Repression of cAMP production by inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity or augmentation of cAMP degradation through ectopic expression of a cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase greatly reduces the suppressive activity of human Treg in vitro and in a humanized mouse model in vivo. Notably, cAMP repression additionally abrogates the anergic state of human Treg, accompanied by nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and induction of its short isoform NFATc1/αA. Treg expanded under cAMP repression, however, do not convert into effector T cells and regain their anergic state and suppressive activity upon proliferation. Together, these findings reveal the cAMP pathway as an attractive target for clinical intervention with Treg function.
Anti-thromboxane B2 antibodies protect against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Ćavar Ivan , Kelava Tomislav , Pravdić Danijel , Čulo Filip
Published: December 2011

Prostanoids are lipid compounds that mediate a variety of physiological and pathological functions in almost all body tissues and organs. Thromboxane (TX) A2 is a powerful inducer of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction and it has ulcerogenic activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Overdose or chronic use of a high dose of acetaminophen (N-acetyl-paminophenol, APAP) is a major cause of acute liver failure in the Western world. We investigated whether TXA2 plays a role in host response to toxic effect of APAP. CBA/H Zg mice of both sexes were intoxicated with a single lethal or high sublethal dose of APAP, which was administered to animals by oral gavage. The toxicity of APAP was determined by observing the survival of mice during 48 h, by measuring concentration of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) in plasma 20-22 h after APAP administration and by liver histology. The results have shown that anti-thromboxane (TX) B2 antibodies (anti-TXB2) and a selective inhibitor of thromboxane (TX) synthase, benzylimidazole (BZI), were significantly hepatoprotective, while a selective thromboxane receptor (TPR) antagonist, daltroban, was slightly protective in this model of acute liver injury. A stabile metabolite of TXA2, TXB2, and a stabile agonist of TPR, U-46619, had no influence on APAP-induced liver damage. Our findings suggest that TXA2 has a pathogenic role in acute liver toxicity induced with APAP, which was highly abrogated by administration of anti-TXB2. According to our results, this protection is mediated, at least in part, through decreased production of TXB2 by liver fragments ex vivo.