bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracerebral Transplantation of Differentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Hemiparkinsonian Monkeys
Authors: Emborg Marina E. , Zhang Zhijian , Joers Valerie , Brunner Kevin , Bondarenko Viktorya , Ohshima Sachiko , Zhang Su-Chun
Published: April 2013

To explore stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), three adult rhesus monkeys were first rendered hemiparkinsonian by unilateral intracarotid 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) infusion. Five months postinfusion, they were given MRI-guided stereotaxic intrastriatal and intranigral injections of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled cultures of dopaminergic neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells (DA-hES cells). The animals were immunosuppressed using daily oral cyclosporine (CsA). Three months later, viable grafts were observed at the injection sites in one animal, while no obvious grafts were present in the other two monkeys. The surviving grafts contained numerous GFP-positive cells that were positively labeled for nestin and MAP2 but not for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), NeuN, or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The grafted areas in all animals showed dense staining for GFAP, CD68, and CD45. These results indicated that xenografts of human stem cell derivatives in CsA-suppressed rhesus brain were mostly rejected. Our study suggests that immunological issues are obstacles for preclinical evaluation of hES cells and that improved immunosuppression paradigms and/or alternative cell sources that do not elicit immune rejection are needed for long-term preclinical studies.
Adult Human Hepatocytes Promote CD4+ T-Cell Hyporesponsiveness Via Interleukin-10-Producing Allogeneic Dendritic Cells
Authors: Sana Gwenaëlle , Lombard Catherine , Vosters Olivier , Jazouli Nawal , Andre Floriane , Stephenne Xavier , Smets Françoise , Najimi Mustapha , Sokal Etienne M.
Published: April 2013

The success of liver cell therapy remains closely dependent on how well the infused cells can be accepted after transplantation and is directly related to their degree of immunogenicity. In this study, we investigated the in vitro immunogenic properties of isolated human hepatocytes (hHeps) and adult-derived human liver progenitor cells (ADHLPCs), an alternative cell candidate for liver cell transplantation (LCT). The constitutive expression of immune markers was first analyzed on these liver-derived cells by flow cytometry. Human liver-derived cells were then cocultured with allogeneic human adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the resulting activation and proliferation of PBMCs was evaluated, as well as the cytokine levels in the coculture supernatant. The effect of liver-derived cells on monocyte-derived dendritic cell (MoDC) properties was further analyzed in a secondary coculture with naive CD4+ T-cells. We report that hHeps and ADHLPCs expressed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and Fas but did not express HLA-DR, Fas ligand, and costimulatory molecules. hHeps and ADHLPCs did not induce T-cell activation or proliferation. Moreover, hHeps induced a cell contact-dependent production of interleukin (IL)-10 that was not observed with ADHLPCs. The IL-10 was produced by a myeloid DC subset characterized by an incomplete mature state. Furthermore, hHep-primed MoDCs induced an antigen-independent hyporesponsiveness of naive CD4+ T lymphocytes that was partially reversed by blocking IL-10, whereas nonprimed MoDCs (i.e., those cultured alone) did not. hHeps and ADHLPCs present a low immunogenic phenotype in vitro. Allogeneic hHeps, but not ADHLPCs, promote a cell contact-dependent production of IL-10 by myeloid DCs, which induces naive CD4+ T-cells antigen-independent hyporesponsiveness.
Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD34+ Cells Improve Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats by Stimulating Angiogenesis and Neurogenesis
Authors: Chen Sheng-Hsien , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chen Chung-Hwan , Chang Hsiu-Kang , Lin Mao-Tsun , Chang Fong-Ming , Chio Chung-Ching
Published: April 2013

Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) have been shown to be beneficial in reducing neurological deficits in rats with brain fluid percussion injury (FPI). This study aimed to assess the basic mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of HUCBC-derived cluster of differentiation 34-positive (CD34+) cells. Rats were divided into three major groups: (i) sham-operated controls; (ii) FPI rats treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); (iii) FPI rats treated with 0.2%, 50%, or 95% CD34+ cells (in 5 × 105 cord blood lymphocytes and monocytes). Intravenous (IV) administration of 0.3 ml of PBS, 0.2% CD34+ cells, 50% CD34+ cells, or 95% CD34+ cells was conducted immediately after FPI. It was found that 4 days post-FPI, CD34+ cells could be detected in the ischemic brain tissues for 50% CD34+ cell- or 95% CD34+ cell-treated FPI rats, but not for the PBS-treated FPI rats or the 0.2% CD34+ cell-treated FPI rats. CD34+ cell (0.2%)-treated FPI rats or PBS-treated FPI rats displayed neurological and motor deficits, cerebral contusion and apoptosis [e.g., increased numbers of both TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling)-positive cells and caspase-3-positive cells], and activated inflammation (e.g., increased serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α). FPI-induced neurological motor dysfunction, cerebral contusion and apoptosis, and activated inflammation could be attenuated by 50% CD34+ or 95% CD34+ cell therapy. In addition 50% or 95% CD34+ cell therapy but not PBS or 0.2% CD34+ cell therapy significantly promoted angiogenesis (e.g., increased numbers of both vasculoendothelial growth factor-positive cells and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-endothelial double-positive cells), neurogenesis (e.g., increased numbers of both glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-positive cells and BrdU/neuronal nuclei double-positive cells) in the ischemic brain after FPI, and migration of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow. Our data suggest that IV administration of HUCBC-derived CD34+ cells may improve outcomes of FPI in rats by stimulating both angiogenesis and neurogenesis.
Restructurations industrielles : appropriations et expropriations des savoirs ouvriers
Authors: Lomba Cédric
Published: April 2013

Le secteur de la sidérurgie est le symbole des restructurations industrielles répétées et ininterrompues depuis les années 1970 ayant entraîné l’affaiblissement politique et symbolique du groupe ouvrier. Fondé sur une enquête historique et ethnographique sur une entreprise belge devenue multinationale à capital indien, cet article montre comment ces restructurations peuvent être aussi appréhendées comme des moments de remise en cause publique des savoirs légitimes en entreprise. Dans cette mise en débat collectif de la stratégie de l’entreprise, des alliances peuvent se nouer entre ouvriers militants et d’autres groupes sociaux, et venir nourrir la résistance aux plans de licenciements. Cependant, les conflits d’expertise entre groupes sociaux se traduisent in fine par l’expropriation des savoirs ouvriers dévalués par les expertises gestionnaires de direction, voire négligés par les contre-expertises syndicales.
Deux générations de syndicalistes au Brésil : pratiques quotidiennes et formation politique
Authors: Tomizaki Kimi
Published: April 2013

En 1978, lorsque les métallurgistes brésiliens de la région ABC Paulista ont initié une importante vague de grèves, ils ont de facto commencé à tracer une nouvelle phase de l’histoire récente du Brésil, dans laquelle les intellectuels et les syndicalistes ont établi des liens, dont l’étroitesse et l’intensité sont très variables en fonction de la position de ces agents dans le champ politique, surtout après le rétablissement de la démocratie. Cet article aborde les façons dont deux générations de syndicalistes ont constitué leur habitus militant entre différents registres de formation : les pratiques syndicales quotidiennes et les connaissances politiques formalisées, acquises essentiellement dans des cours de formations politiques conçus et négociés au sein d’une « alliance tacite » entre le syndicat des métallurgistes et les intellectuels, surtout enseignants à l’université.
Savoirs militants et rapports aux intellectuels dans un syndicat cheminot
Authors: Mischi Julian
Published: April 2013

Le rapport de certains ouvriers aux savoirs militants et aux intellectuels est appréhendé à travers l’analyse des effets produits par l’insertion dans un collectif militant (un syndicat CGT) et l’observation d’interactions dans une configuration locale (une région rurale et ouvrière). Menée auprès de cheminots travaillant pour la plupart dans un atelier, l’enquête permet de restituer l’élargissement des horizons sociaux d’ouvriers syndicalistes, tant en termes d’activités que de fréquentations. La prise de responsabilité dans le syndicat implique l’accomplissement d’opérations intellectuelles n’allant pas de soi pour des agents d’exécution, et ceux-ci peuvent éprouver des difficultés à répondre au double registre de compétences – rédactionnelles et relationnelles – attendues du militant. Un déplacement de la focale du syndicat (où règne un entre-soi ouvrier) à l’espace militant local (où les syndicalistes fréquentent des catégories plus diplômées) permet d’éclairer les rapports, souvent conflictuels, que les cheminots entretiennent avec ceux qu’ils nomment les « intellectuels ».
Les enseignements d'une comparaison de la comptabilité sociale des entreprises en Chine et en France
Authors: Evraert Serge , Ding Yuan
Published: April 2013

Cet article interprète à partir d’un examen historique et d’une étude de cas les ressemblances et les différences entre les comptes annuels des sociétés cotées en Chine et en France dans une période de changements globaux et d’efforts entrepris en faveur de l’harmonisation internationale. Malgré les contrastes les deux pays appartiennent au modèle comptable continental avec une comptabilité d’entreprise à deux vitesses susceptible d’évoluer à long terme.
Le temps des conductrices de bus en France et au Portugal
Authors: Scheller Livia , Cunha Liliana , Nogueira Sónia , Lacomblez Marianne
Published: April 2013

Les recherches en psychologie du travail et en ergonomie de l’activité présentées ici comparent les signes d’une transformation de l’organisation de travail dans les métiers du transport en commun. Dans une première expérience (française), l’arrivée des femmes dans un métier historiquement exercé par les hommes a indirectement induit une autre manière de concevoir le temps entre espace professionnel et espace domestique. Une recherche portugaise semble montrer, en revanche, qu’il peut s’agir d’un événement parallèle à une déstabilisation plutôt négative de la gestion du travail humain. Sur la question des temps de travail, les femmes cherchent de façon plus manifeste leur adaptation aux activités propres à l’espace dit « privé ». La réponse à leur demande n’est jamais directe ; elle existe parfois. Mais, leur « coût » en termes de santé et/ou de parcours professionnel est souvent évident.
Jeunes femmes sous influence
Authors: Obradovic Ivana , Beck François
Published: April 2013

Une féminisation du public reçu pour usage de cannabis dans les dispositifs d’aide ? En 2007, près de 20 % de la population des usagers de drogues reçus dans les « Consultations jeunes consommateurs » sont des femmes. L’article décrit les spécificités de ce public féminin, en faisant ressortir les différences de structure avec les usagers masculins, du point de vue des profils sociodémographiques, des pratiques d’usage et des motivations à consommer. Le public féminin, en moyenne plus âgé, comprend de plus fortes proportions de demandes spontanées et de demandes d’aide à la réduction de la consommation. Les femmes accueillies dans le dispositif déclarent, de fait, des niveaux d’usage de cannabis élevés, souvent plus intensifs et associés à des polyconsommations de substances illicites ou de médicaments psychotropes. Les usages féminins de cannabis sont plus nettement centrés sur des motivations « auto-thérapeutiques » en lien avec la régulation d’une angoisse. À l’inverse, le public masculin recouvre une majorité d’usagers de cannabis adressés par la justice, le plus souvent âgés de 18 à 25 ans, socialement insérés, rapportant leur usage à des considérations hédonistes et à un contexte de sociabilité.
Note on rotational-Raman scattering in the O2 A- and B-bands
Authors: Vasilkov A. , Joiner J. , Spurr R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Quantifying the impact of rotational-Raman scattering (RRS) on the O2 A- and B-bands is important as these bands can be used for cloud and aerosol characterization for trace-gas retrievals including CO2 and CH4. In this paper, we simulate the spectral effects of RRS for various viewing geometries and instruments with different spectral resolutions. We also examine how aerosols affect the amount of RRS filling-in. We show that the filling-in effects of RRS are relatively small, but not negligible, in these O2 absorption bands, particularly for high-spectral-resolution instruments. For comparison, we also compare and contrast the spectral signatures of RRS with those of terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence.
The sensitivity of the Arctic sea ice to orbitally induced insolation changes: a study of the mid-Holocene Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project 2 and 3 simulations
Authors: Berger M. , Brandefelt J. , Nilsson J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In the present work the Arctic sea ice in the mid-Holocene and the pre-industrial climates are analysed and compared on the basis of climate-model results from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project phase 2 (PMIP2) and phase 3 (PMIP3). The PMIP3 models generally simulate smaller and thinner sea-ice extents than the PMIP2 models both for the pre-industrial and the mid-Holocene climate. Further, the PMIP2 and PMIP3 models all simulate a smaller and thinner Arctic summer sea-ice cover in the mid-Holocene than in the pre-industrial control climate. The PMIP3 models also simulate thinner winter sea ice than the PMIP2 models. The winter sea-ice extent response, i.e. the difference between the mid-Holocene and the pre-industrial climate, varies among both PMIP2 and PMIP3 models. Approximately one half of the models simulate a decrease in winter sea-ice extent and one half simulates an increase. The model-mean summer sea-ice extent is 11 % (21 %) smaller in the mid-Holocene than in the pre-industrial climate simulations in the PMIP2 (PMIP3). In accordance with the simple model of Thorndike (1992), the sea-ice thickness response to the insolation change from the pre-industrial to the mid-Holocene is stronger in models with thicker ice in the pre-industrial climate simulation. Further, the analyses show that climate models for which the Arctic sea-ice responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations are similar may simulate rather different sea-ice responses to the change in solar forcing between the mid-Holocene and the pre-industrial. For two specific models, which are analysed in detail, this difference is found to be associated with differences in the simulated cloud fractions in the summer Arctic; in the model with a larger cloud fraction the effect of insolation change is muted. A sub-set of the mid-Holocene simulations in the PMIP ensemble exhibit open water off the north-eastern coast of Greenland in summer, which can provide a fetch for surface waves. This is in broad agreement with recent analyses of sea-ice proxies, indicating that beach-ridges formed on the north-eastern coast of Greenland during the early- to mid-Holocene.
The Diagnostic Superiority of the HE-4 Marker over CA-125 and CA 19-9 in the Differentiation of a Large Pelvic Tumor – a Case Report
Authors: Chudecka-Głaz Anita , Menkiszak Janusz , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta , Rutkowski Donald , Kawa Miłosz , Wilk Grażyna
Published: April 2013

The HE-4 protein is a promising specific marker for the diagnosis of malignant pelvic tumors. The paper presents the case of a 41-year-old patient with a multi-chamber ovarian tumor several centimeters in diameter suspected to be a primary ovarian cancer or a metastatic one of gastrointestinal origin. The value of the HE-4 marker which is highly specific for an ovarian cancer was within normal limits and amounted to 24.33 pmol/L. The patient underwent surgery involving the unilateral removal of adnexa and the greater omentum during which the sample from the second ovary was collected. Histologic examination revealed ovarian endometriosis; however, diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract did not reveal any abnormalities. The case presented also confirms the excellent sensitivity of the HE-4 marker in very difficult clinical cases, as well as its utility in the differential diagnosis of advanced endometriosis and malignant ovarian diseases.
Evaluating potential live-renal donors: Causes for rejection, deferral and planned procedure type, a single-centre experience
Authors: Perlis Nathan , Connelly Maureen , D’A Honey John R. , Pace Kenneth T. , Stewart Robert
Published: April 2013

Background: Renal transplantation is the preferred therapy to extend life expectancy and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease. There are many barriers in the process of live kidney donation that prevent the timely progression from organ requirement to transplantation, including the progression of the live donor through a medical evaluation. We assess how easily patients complete the donor workup, how often the medical evaluation identifies significant incidental findings, and which surgical procedure is planned for organ retrieval.Methods: We reviewed our donor database and the minutes from our multidisciplinary rounds from 2002 to 2008 to assess how medical, radiological and psychological findings were used to decide on the candidacy of potential donors.Results: Half (50.2%) of patients did not pass the initial health screen. Of the 467 patients who progressed beyond the health screen to the computed tomographic angiogram evaluation, 48 (10.3%) were excluded as donors and 419 (89.7%) were accepted. Of those accepted, 136 (32.5%) were conditional on further medical workup. Of the patients accepted (n=419), 375 (89.5%) were planned for laparoscopic left-sided approach.Conclusions: The vast majority of patients who passed the initial health screen for kidney donation will be accepted as donors, but about one-third will require further workup. It is rare to identify life-threatening disease on screening computerized tomographic angiograph for kidney donor workup.
Development and Validation of a Reversed-Phase Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Six Drugs Used for Combined Hypertension Therapy
Authors: Kaila Harshad O , Ambasana Mrunal A , Shah Anamik K
Published: April 2013

A simple, rapid, and reliable ultra-performance LC assay method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of orally administered hypertension drugs (atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine besylate, indapamide, nifedipine, and lercanidipine hydrochloride), any of which may be administered with atenolol in combined hypertension therapy. Chromatography was carried out at 25°C on a 2.1 × 50 mm id, 1.7 μm particle size Acquity BEH C18 column with the isocratic mobile phase 0.01 M, 4.0 pH aqueous phosphate buffer–acetonitrile (50 + 50, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. All drugs were separated in less than 4 min with good resolution and minimal tailing, without interference by excipients. The method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, and the acceptance criteria for accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, and system suitability were met in all cases. The column effluent was monitored at 230 nm. The detector response was linear in the range of 1–20 μg/mL of these drugs. LOD obtained was 0.04 μg/mL for atenolol, 0.02 μg/mL for hydrochlorothiazide, 0.03 μg/mL for amlodipine besylate, 0.03 μg/mL for indapamide, 0.02 μg/mL for nifedipine, and 0.01 μg/mL for lercanidipine hydrochloride. The suggested method has the advantage that all the drugs can be quantified alone or in combination with atenolol using a single mobile phase.
A Simple and Rapid Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Based on Solidification of Floating Organic Drop Method Combined with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Preconcentration and Determination of Copper
Authors: Mirzaei Mohammad , Behzadi Mansoureh
Published: April 2013

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop method prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry was developed for preconcentration and determination of copper. In this technique, simultaneous complex formation and extraction was performed with rapid injection of a mixture containing ethanol, 1-undecanol, and 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol into a water sample spiked with Cu(II). After centrifugation, the test tube was cooled in an ice bath, and solidified extract transferred into a conical vial. Finally, it was dissolved into ethanol and copper concentration was determined. Some effective parameters of extraction and complex formation, such as extraction and disperser solvent type and volume, pH, concentration of the chelating agent, salt effect, and extraction time, were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.50 ng/mL to 0.30 μg/mL, with an LOD of 0.16 ng/mL. The RSD for 10 replicate measurements of 50.0 ng/mL of copper was ±1.4%. Two certified reference materials were analyzed, and the determined values were in good agreement with the certified values.
Simultaneous Determination of 44 Pesticides in Tobacco by UPLC/MS/MS and a Modified QuEChERS Procedure
Authors: Chen Xuyan , Zhao Kongxiang , Ge Baokun , Chen Qiyong
Published: April 2013

A novel, simple, and rapid method for determination of the residues of 44 commonly used pesticides in tobacco was developed based on modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) procedures. The pesticides were extracted with acetonitrile and purified on a mixed sorbents column of primary secondary amine, C18, and graphitized carbon black. Quantitative determination of all pesticides was performed by ultra-performance LC/MS/MS in the positive or negative ionization mode by a single run due to the fast polarity switching capability of the mass spectrometer. Two precursor-product ion transitions were monitored for each compound in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Quantification was carried out using matrix-matched standard calibration. The method has been validated by various tobacco cultivars, such as Burley, Oriental, and Virginia from different countries. Recoveries of the proposed method for spiked samples ranged from 71.1 to 109.8%, and RSD values were below 10%. The LOQ values were are all below the guidance residue levels proposed by the Agrochemical Advisory Committee of Cooperation Center for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco. This method is valuable for measurement of pesticide residues in tobacco for QC and monitoring.
Simultaneous Determination of Free Capsorubin and Capsanthin in Red Pepper Powder Using u-HPLC
Authors: Shim You-Shin , Kim Ki-Jin , Seo Dongwon , Ito Masahito , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Arai Shohei , Ha Jaeho
Published: April 2013

A simultaneous ultra-HPLC (u-HPLC) method for the determination of free capsorubin and capsanthin in red pepper powder was validated in terms of its precision, accuracy, and linearity. The u-HPLC separation was performed on an RP C18 column (particle size 2 μm, id 2 mm length 100 mm) and with a photodiode-array detector. The recoveries of capsorubin were greater than 83.8 ± 1.7%; the LOD and LOQ of the u-HPLC analyses were 0.043 and 0.129 mg/kg, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions for capsorubin were less than 9.01%. The recoveries of capsanthin were greater than 87.7 ± 1.5%, and the LOD and LOQ were 0.101 and 0.306 mg/kg, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions for capsanthin were less than 12.66%. All calibration curves for capsorubin and capsanthin exhibited good linearity (r2 = 0.99) within the tested ranges.
3M™ Tecra™ Listeria Visual Immunoassay: AOAC Official MethodsSM 995.22 and 2002.09
Authors: Benesh DeAnn L , Crowley Erin S , Bird Patrick M
Published: April 2013

A validation study of the 3M™ Tecra™ Listeria Visual Immunoassay (VIA; 3M Food Safety, St. Paul, MN) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. The 3M Tecra Listeria VIA method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat (RTE) meats: deli turkey, hot dogs, liver pate, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham, and on a stainless steel environmental surface. Twenty replicates of each of the five food matrixes were analyzed at a low and a high inoculum level. The low-level test portions were inoculated with 0.2–2 CFU/25 g, and the high-level test portions with 2–5 CFU/25 g. In addition, 20 replicates of one environmental surface were analyzed at a low and a high inoculum level. The low-level sampling area was inoculated with 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2, and the high-level area with 2–5 CFU/5 cm2. Five control replicates were also analyzed at 0 CFU/25 g (uninoculated) for the foods and at 0 CFU/5 cm2 for the environmental sampling area. There was no significant difference in the number of positives detected by the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for four of the RTE meats and the stainless steel environmental surface analyzed in this study. For the raw, fermented sausage, there was a significant difference in the number of positives detected for the high inoculum level by the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method, with the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA method detecting more positives.
FPGA Implementation of a CORDIC-Based Joint Angle Processor for a Climbing Robot
Authors: Juang Ying-Shen , Sung Tze-Yun , Ko Lu-Ting , Li Ching-Iang
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a novel architecture of a joint angle processor for a robot arm. The objective of the proposed coordinate, rotation, digital computer (CORDIC)-based joint angle processor is to provide a hardware solution for computing the inverse kinematic for a robot arm control system. The complicated trigonometry operation is computed by the famous CORDIC algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed joint angle processor achieves high precision. Moreover, an efficient pipelined architecture for very large scale integration (VLSI) and field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation is also proposed, this architecture has the advantage of saving hardware cost and power consumption. As a result, the proposed CORDIC-based joint angle processor provides a high speed inverse kinematic computation that assists the main micro-control-unit (MCU) to operate the robot arm in real time. Therefore, the motion of the robot will be very smooth, capable of powering multiple joints at same time and provide smooth walking or climbing motions.
Detailed Analysis of SCARA-Type Serial Manipulator on a Moving Base with LabView
Authors: Kaleli Alirıza , Dumlu Ahmet , Çorapsız M. Fatih , Erentürk Köksal
Published: April 2013

Robotic manipulators on a moving base are used in many industrial and transportation applications. In this study, the modelling of a RRP SCARA-type serial manipulator on a moving base is presented. A Lagrange-Euler approach is used to obtain the complete dynamic model of the moving-base manipulator. Hence, the dynamic model of the manipulator and the mobile base are expressed separately. In addition, Virtual Instrumentation (VI) is developed for kinematics, dynamics simulation and animation of the manipulator combined with the moving-base system. Using the designed VI in LabView, the relationship between frequency of disturbances of the moving base and joint torques is investigated. The obtained results are presented in graphs.
Formulas of Revised MRP
Authors: Bregni Alfredo , D'Avino Marco , De Simone Valerio , Schiraldi Massimiliano M.
Published: April 2013

Information sharing among supply chain echelons is now an acquired result. As a consequence, most of the traditional techniques and procedures in production management must be revised and updated, exploiting the opportunities provided by new technologies. This paper presents an improved version of Material Requirement Planning procedure, which assumes information sharing capabilities and permits the creation of new business opportunities. In Orlicky's MRP, orders are computed considering the parent items gross requirements. On the contrary, here the order release procedure related to a certain item is computed both by exploiting all the information sharing advantages and by introducing a drastic innovation to the main process functioning. As a result, the proposed algorithm copes better with demand uncertainty, lowers the system nervousness and also removes the need for continuous forecast adjustments, thereby improving the ease in managing the material flow, allowing the development of new forms of collaboration among different supply chain partners and the creation of new business networks. The algorithm is presented in formulas to describe in detail each procedure step and calculations.
Aux origines de la pensée de marius barbeau1
Authors: Karel David
Published: April 2013

L’anthropologue Marius Barbeau (1883-1969) souhaitait que le Québec de son temps fonde sa pratique artistique sur la survivance d’une culture populaire authentiquement nationale mais secrètement enracinée que l’enquête ethnologique serait susceptible de dévoiler. Il est par conséquent utile d’interroger les sources intellectuelles qui irriguaient le nationalisme de Barbeau. Elles s’avèrent hétérodoxes dans un Québec lettré dominé par la néolatinité maurrassienne. Inscrivant en particulier sa pensée dans la filiation d’une branche de la philologie française inspirée par le travail de Gaston Paris, Barbeau soutenait en effet l’idée selon laquelle la culture populaire québécoise était dans son essence nordique, et plus précisément germanique – une théorie difficile à publiciser dans le contexte des guerres mondiales qui opposèrent notamment le Canada à l’Allemagne.
La «vie culturelle» et son histoire. Quelques réflexions sur la notion de «vie»1
Authors: Robert Lucie
Published: April 2013

Le présent article explore quelques-uns des enjeux méthodologiques que soulève la notion de « vie culturelle » sur laquelle repose le projet de recherche Penser l’histoire de la vie culturelle au Québec, dont l’objectif général est de préparer une histoire de la culture artistique au Québec de la fin du xixe au milieu du xxe siècle. La notion de culture qui fonde le projet sert d’abord à poser l’hypothèse de traits communs, récurrents et transversaux aux diverses disciplines artistiques et à briser l’isolement de ces disciplines instituées en étudiant la circulation des concepts et des schèmes cognitifs, ainsi que celle des figures, des formes et des thèmes plus spécifiques à notre objet. La notion de « vie » est là pour contrer celle de « structure » ; elle sert à introduire le mouvement, l’incertitude, l’inachèvement, l’incomplétude. Quatre problèmes sont envisagés plus spécifiquement : le temps comme altérité, la configuration de l’objet, la périodisation et le statut de l’oeuvre artistique.
Le jardin en ville, le cas des Jardins éphémères à Québec. Stratégie marchande et critique postcoloniale1
Authors: Pageot Édith-Anne
Published: April 2013

Cet article se penche sur la portée philosophique du projet intitulé Jardins éphémères, un ensemble de onze jardins temporaires réalisés dans le cadre des activités visant à célébrer le 400e anniversaire de la fondation de la ville de Québec au cours de l’été 2008. L’organisation, les intentions et les principaux thèmes sous-jacents aux différents projets sont présentés dans leur ensemble. Le jardin intitulé « Wampum 400 », créé par deux artistes autochtones, Domingo Cisneros et Sonia Robertson Piekuakamilnu, fait l’objet d’un commentaire plus long. L’analyse montre que le projet Jardins éphémères dans son ensemble incarnait les principaux enjeux actuels du jardin en ville. Certains aspects reconduisaient la vision idéelle du jardin, d’autres satisfaisaient la logique touristique de l’événement et d’autres, enfin, développaient une position critique qui concerne la réappropriation d’un espace à usage collectif et, du coup, interrogeaient les fondements épistémologiques et ontologiques du « jardin ».
Nationalisme culturel et performance dans l’histoire du Canadien de Montréal (1926-2012). Une étude de cas
Authors: Lapierre Emmanuel
Published: April 2013

Depuis les années 1990, on propose de plus en plus de nouveaux modèles pour expliquer le phénomène du nationalisme. Entre autres, le nationalisme culturel est censé témoigner de la relation entre un pouvoir culturel dans la société et la formation de l’identité nationale. La recherche tente d’améliorer la compréhension de ce phénomène en cherchant ses manifestations concrètes dans le cas particulier du hockey au Québec à partir du contexte propre à l’histoire du Québec et du Canada. En 1993, le Canadien de Montréal remportait sa dernière coupe Stanley à ce jour. Or, jamais l’équipe n’avait été composée d’autant de joueurs francophones. S’agit-il d’une coïncidence ? Les résultats montrent qu’il existe une relation significative entre le fait de remporter la coupe Stanley et la proportion de francophones au sein du Canadien. De plus, un seuil critique d’environ 50 % de joueurs francophones semble nécessaire pour voir cette relation apparaître. Le succès s’établit alors au taux singulier d’un championnat à toutes les deux ou trois tentatives. La recherche tente d’associer ces résultats à une manifestation concrète du nationalisme culturel canadien-français/québécois.
Quantitative and Fingerprint Analysis Method of Nitrogen in Graphitic Carbon Materials Using Total-Electron-Yield Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Amano Taiji , Shirode Kensuke , Muramatsu Yasuji , Gullikson Eric M.
Published: April 2013

To evaluate nitrogen in graphitic carbon materials, we propose a simple quantitative and fingerprint analysis method, which measures the total electron yield X-ray absorption spectra (TEY-XAS) of aromatic compounds possessing typical nitrogenated functional groups as standard samples, and fingerprint analysis is performed using the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in the N K and C K regions. The relationship between the atomic ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) and the X-ray absorption intensity ratio of N K edge to C K edge (N Kσ*/C Kσ*) of standard samples yields a working curve to quantitatively analyze nitrogen. The successful application to carbon nitride films demonstrates that the proposed method is capable of quantitative and fingerprint analysis.
Development of A Semiconductor Laser Based High Temperature Fine Thermal Energy Source in an Optical Fiber Tip for Clinical Applications
Authors: Fujimoto Takahiro , Imai Yusuke , Tei Kazuyoku , Yamaguchi Shigeru
Published: April 2013

A new technique for generating high temperatures on the surface of an optical fiber is developed for medical applications using lower-power semiconductor lasers with output powers lower than 10 W. Using a power level of 4–6 W semiconductor laser with a pulse duration of 180 ms at a wavelength of 980 nm, a laser-coupled fiber tip was once processed to contain a certain amount of Ti with a depth of 100 µm from the tip surface so that the laser energy could be efficiently absorbed to be transferred to thermal energy. With consecutive laser pulse irradiation, the tip processed fiber (TP fiber) served as a reproducible fine heat source whose temperature was measured to be in excess 3100 K based on two-color thermometry. Processing of ceramic and niobium plate, which are hardly ablated with direct low power (6 W) irradiation, was successfully demonstrated by contacting the TP fiber excited with the same power.
Linkage Disequilibrium
Authors: Croucher Peter JP
Published: April 2013

When two or more polymorphic loci are studied in a population, the interaction between the loci is often expressed in terms of linkage disequilibrium (LD). The loci are in LD if their respective alleles do not associate independently (randomly). LD does not necessarily imply physical linkage, however most often the loci considered are on the same chromosome and the degree of over‐ or underrepresentation of an expected haplotype measures the extent of LD between a specific pair of alleles. Multilocus patterns of LD are often visualised graphically, revealing local blocks of high LD. LD is generated by mutation but may also be generated and maintained by population processes including selection, drift and admixture. Genomic rearrangements, such as inversions may also influence LD patterns. Recombination overtime acts to reduce LD and this relationship may be used to date alleles.

Key Concepts:

Linkage disequilibrium described the nonrandom association between pairs of alleles at different loci.

The loci under consideration are typically, but not necessarily, physically linked (on the same chromosome) and the allelic interactions can be described in terms of haplotype or ‘gamete’ frequencies and their deviation from expectation under independence.

LD coefficients refer to specific pairs of alleles and are often normalised to minimise their dependence on allele frequencies. Higher‐order multiallelic or multiple‐loci coefficients exist but are complex.

Multiple, linked loci typically exhibit blocks of high LD interspersed by areas of higher recombination.

De novomutation generates perfect LD between the mutated site and flanking polymorphic sites. This LD is eroded overtime by recombination, the rate of decay being function of physical distance between the loci. This relationship can be used to date alleles.

The presence of four haplotypes (orD′<1) in a two‐locus bi‐allelic system (e.g. a pair of SNPs) implies that at least one recombination event has occurred.

LD may be generated and maintained by positive and balancing selection, genetic drift in small populations, admixture and gene flow and genomic rearrangements.

LD forms the basis for mapping complex disease association by association.
Molecular Genetics of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Courts Cornelius
Published: April 2013

The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is currently defined as the sudden unexpected death of an infant less than 1 year of age with onset of the fatal episode apparently occurring during sleep, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. SIDS, whose aetiology remains rather vague, is still the major cause of death among infants between 1 month and 1 year of age in industrialised countries with varying incidences in different subpopulations.

After touching on definitory approaches and several current hypotheses concerning SIDS aetiology, the triple risk hypothesis as an explanatory model for SIDS is introduced, followed by the discussion of associated genetic risk factors potentially contributing to or predisposing for the generation of a vulnerable infant that, when encountering an environmental trigger, may succumb to SIDS. An overview of current animal models for SIDS is presented and future prospects are briefly discussed.

Key Concepts:

A proper definition and strict adherence to diagnostic criteria is critical to valid SIDS research.

SIDS is multifactorial disease probably with a genetic predisposition.

The triple risk areas model is an explanatory approach that may be fitted to most hypotheses concerning SIDS aetiology.

Numerous and very different genetic variants are potentially predisposing for SIDS.

Current animal models for SIDS may be useful but can each only represent a subgroup of SIDS.

Functional studies of SIDS pathomechanisms are required.
Genetics of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Mells George F , Hirschfield Gideon M
Published: April 2013

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease affecting 0.1% of women over the age of 40 years. PBC is characterised by autoreactive T‐cells and B‐cells specific for mitochondrial self‐antigens, typically the E2‐domain of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC‐E2), which mediate progressive destruction of the small, intrahepatic bile ducts, eventually leading to cirrhosis. It is believed that environmental factors trigger loss of immune tolerance to PDC‐E2 in those individuals with a genetic predisposition towards PBC. Knowledge of the genetic basis of PBC has improved following four genome‐wide association studies and two immunochip association studies of PBC, undertaken in large case‐control cohorts from North America, Europe and Japan. These studies have clarified the well‐established human leucocyte antigen (HLA) association and identified 27 non‐HLA risk loci, which harbour highly plausible candidate genes, mainly involved in regulation of the immune system.

Key Concepts:

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic, cholestatic liver disease characterised by progressive, autoimmune destruction of the small, interlobular bile ducts, leading in many cases to end‐stage liver disease with attendant need for liver transplantation.

PBC is a complex disorder, meaning that it results from an interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and iCHIP studies of PBC have substantially improved knowledge of the genetic architecture of PBC. To date, four GWAS and two iCHIP studies of PBC have been undertaken in populations of European or Japanese ancestry.

The HLA complex makes an important contribution to the genetic basis of PBC. Risk haplotypes associated with PBC include those carrying DRB1*08 and DRB1*04 alleles. Protective haplotypes include those carrying DRB1*11 and DRB1*15 alleles.

A total of 27 non‐HLA risk loci for PBC have been identified in GWAS or iCHIP studies. Many loci harbour highly plausible candidate genes, mainly involved in innate or acquired immune processes.

Many risk loci for PBC are also the risk loci for other autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

The genetic architecture of PBC in the Japanese population appears to be distinct from the genetic architecture of PBC in populations of European ancestry. This suggests that susceptibility to PBC is characterised by genetic heterogeneity.

Known independent risk variants for PBC account for less than 20% of PBC heritability. This is an example of ‘missing heritability’.

The iCHIP studies of PBC suggest that PBC risk loci may be polymorphic.

The iCHIP studies of PBC suggest that rare and low‐frequency variants make a substantial contribution to the genetic variance of the diseases; identification of rare variants will require large‐scale sequencing efforts.
Fullerene Nanoarchitectonics: From Zero to Higher Dimensions
Authors: Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ji Qingmin , Mori Taizo , Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Yamauchi Yusuke , Hill Jonathan P. , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: April 2013

The strategic design of nanostructured materials, the properties of which could be controlled across different length scales and which, at the same time, could be used as building blocks for the construction of devices and functional systems into new technological platforms that are based on sustainable processes, is an important issue in bottom‐up nanotechnology.Such strategic design has enabled the fabrication of materials by using convergent bottom‐up and top‐down strategies. Recent developments in the assembly of functional fullerene (C60) molecules, either in bulk or at interfaces, have allowed the production of shape‐controlled nano‐to‐microsized objects that possess excellent optoelectronic properties, thus enabling the fabrication of optoelectronic devices. Because fullerene molecules can be regarded as an ideal zero‐dimensional (0D) building units with attractive functions, the construction of higher‐dimensional objects, that is, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanomaterials may realize important aspects of nanoarchitectonics. This Focus Review summarizes the recent developments in the production of nanostructured fullerenes and techniques for the elaboration of fullerene nanomaterials into hierarchic structures.
A Discrete‐Time VS Controller based on RBF Neural Networks for PMSM Drives
Authors: Ciabattoni Lucio , Corradini Maria Letizia , Grisostomi Massimo , Ippoliti Gianluca , Longhi Sauro , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: April 2013

A method merging the features of variable structure control and neural network design is presented for speed control of a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The proposed control approach is based on a discrete‐time variable structure control and a robust digital differentiator for speed estimation. Radial basis function neural networks are used to learn about uncertainties affecting the system. A stability analysis is provided and the ultimate boundedness of the speed tracking error is proved. Control performance has been evaluated by simulations using the model of a commercial permanent magnet synchronous motor drive.
Enabling action: Digging deeper into strategies for learning
Authors: Haller Thom
Published: April 2013

Editor's Summary

A central goal for information architects is to understand how people use information, make choices as they navigate a website and accomplish their objectives. If the goal is learning, we often assume it relates to an end point, a question to answer, a problem to which one applies new understanding. Benjamin Bloom's 1956 taxonomy of learning breaks down the cognitive process, starting from understanding needs and progressing to action and final evaluation. Carol Kuhlthau's 1991 outline of the information search process similarly starts with awareness of a need, progresses through exploring options, refining requirements and collecting solutions, and ends with decision making and action. Recognizing the stages of information browsing, learning and action can help information architects build sites that better meet searchers' needs.
Structure–Reactivity Relationships in the Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide with Ruthenium Complexes Bearing Pyridinylazolato Ligands
Authors: Muller Keven , Sun Yu , Heimermann Andreas , Menges Fabian , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon , van Wüllen Christoph , Thiel Werner R.
Published: April 2013

Pyridinylazolato (N–N′) ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [(N–N′)RuCl(PMe3)3] have been obtained in high yields by treating the corresponding functionalised azolylpyridines with [RuCl2(PMe3)4] in the presence of a base.15N NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate the electronic influence of the substituents attached to the azolyl ring. The findings are in agreement with slight differences in the bond lengths of the ruthenium complexes. Furthermore, the electronic nature of the azolate moiety modulates the catalytic activity of the ruthenium complexes in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions and in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone. DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the mechanism of the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and to clarify the impact of the electronic nature of the pyridinylazolate ligands.