bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pratiques paysannes et théories savantes préagronomiques au XVIIIe siècle : Le cas des débats sur la transmission des maladies des grains de blé / Rural practice and learned pre-agronomical theories in the 18th century : The case of the debate on the transmission of grain diseases
Authors: Denis Gilles
Published: October 2008

RÉSUMÉ. — Ce texte s'intéresse aux relations entre pratiques paysannes et théories savantes dans le cadre des débats, entre 1730 et 1760, sur la transmission des maladies des grains de blé. Au départ, les textes savants sur les maladies des plantes suivent généralement ceux de Théophraste et Pline l'Ancien et accusent les intempéries. Des lettrés ruraux proposent alors, pour le symptôme de grain de blé entièrement ou partiellement, réduit en poussière noire, explications et remèdes nouveaux qui s'appuient sur les pratiques paysannes. Celles-ci impliquent la qualité de la semence notamment le fait qu'elle soit tachée par un grain malade. Dans les années 1750, des savants s'intéressent aux textes de ces lettrés et entreprennent des expériences dans les champs qui s'en inspirent. L'un d'entre eux, Tillet, propose ainsi une théorie explicative qui intègre des concepts issus de la chimie et de la médecine, qui sera le point de départ de recherches pendant une cinquantaine d'années. Cette mobilisation savante est le résultat d'un contexte particulier : alphabétisation des campagnes, mise en avant de l'agriculture comme principal lieu de création des richesses, des méthodes de la science pour comprendre et maîtriser la nature, de l'écoute des savoirs et pratiques professionnels.
Le rôle créateur du juge selon l'école de la « sociological jurisprudence » et le mouvement réaliste américain. Le juge et la règle de droit
Authors: Michaut Françoise
Published: October 2008

II y a un siècle naissait aux États-Unis une interrogation, parallèle à celle du Libre Droit en Europe continentale, qui, dans le sillage de l'évolu-tionnisme et du courant pragmatiste en philosophie, portait sur les procédés de transformation et d'actualisation du droit. Comme leurs collègues européens, les auteurs américains posant cette question se révoltaient contre le formalisme à l'honneur et proposaient une autre conception du rôle du juge. Deux courants allaient se dessiner, connus aujourd'hui sous les noms de « sociological jurisprudence » et de réalisme américain. Que faut-il entendre par le « scepticisme à l'égard des règles » dont ils auraient fait preuve ? Furent-ils des nihilistes comme on les en a accusés massivement ? Qu'est-ce qui unit et qu'est-ce qui distingue les deux mouvements ? Comment envisagent-ils la lecture du précédent et celle de la Constitution — le problème majeur à l'époque était celui du contrôle de constitutionnalité des lois ? Quelle empreinte ont-ils laissée sur la doctrine américaine contemporaine et quelles questions suggèrent-ils au théoricien d'aujourd'hui ?
Les rapports internes entre le syndicat et ses membres en droit grec (La légalisation de la démocratie syndicale)
Authors: Stergiou Angelos
Published: October 2008

No one can doubt that trade unions are instruments of democracy in so far as they are genuinely representative of the wishes of the workforce. Thus we may suggest that democracy within trade unions legitimâtes the trade unions in a democracy. We are interested primarily in the following question : whose responsability is it to ensure democracy in the internal structures of trade unions ? Is it up to trade unions organisations themselves ? Or is it up to the law to establish and supervise trade unions democracy ? When the legislature does decide to intervene to impose democracy on the internal life of trade unions there arises a conflict between trade unions democracy and trade unions autonomy.

The present article examines the role of the law in defining and protecting trade union democracy in Greece. The current legislation has as its central purpose the organisation of trade unions elections, the protection of the right to membership, the guarantee of equality between members. Although such legislation guarantees the democratic process in the internal affairs of the trade unions, it tends to restrain their freedom in adopting internal structures adequate to their specific purposes.
Réflexions sur l'introduction de l'État de droit en Afrique noire francophone
Authors: Moyrand Alain
Published: October 2008

Face à l'échec des régimes autoritaires en Afrique, nombreux sont ceux qui souhaitent introduire le concept d'État de droit sur ce continent. Or, ce concept, né en Europe, est profondément lié à une certaine culture et idéologie qui ne font par partie du vécu africain. De ce fait, le transfert risque d'être encore un échec.

Cette étude analyse les raisons du transfert des principes de l'État de droit (des intellectuels africains, occidentaux et la pratique des gouvernements français et africains). Puis, elle met en exergue les obstacles à l'épanouissement de l'État de droit. Ceux-ci sont essentiellement d'ordre culturel : liés à la conception du droit et de la justice que se font ces sociétés stucturées sur un mode segmentaire.
Regards sur le droit des biens dans le nouveau Code civil du Québec
Authors: Brierley John E.C.
Published: October 2008

Le nouveau Code civil du Québec, dans le domaine du droit des biens, est susceptible de retenir l'attention des comparatistes pour deux raisons : d'une part, on y décèle, dans certaines des formulations choisies pour exprimer des institutions classiques, une volonté législative de faire de nouvelles applications, parfois inattendues, de la notion de droit réel ; d'autre part, la réception de la notion du trust hisse les conceptions globales du droit patrimonial québécois à un niveau juridique intéressant. L'auteur offre une esquisse des traits saillants de ces innovations.
Le développement du droit sur les énergies renouvelables et les économies d'énergie
Authors: J. Bradbrook Adrian
Published: October 2008

Dans cet article, l'auteur examine les différents types de nouvelles lois dont il faudra se doter afin d'encourager le développement et l'implantation des énergies renouvelables et des économies d'énergie. Dans certains pays, particulièrement aux États-Unis, quelques lois ont été récemment introduites à cet effet. L'auteur compare le droit présent sur ce sujet et souligne les problèmes existants. Ce sujet est devenu important au vu des inquiétudes mondiales sur l'épuisement des produits pétroliers et de l'obligation imposée par la convention-cadre sur les changements climatiques à tous les pays développés de réduire leurs émissions atmosphériques de carbone.
L'approche historique et la problématique du jus commune
Authors: Halperin Jean-Louis
Published: October 2008

In Italy and in Germany, the concept of jus commune has got in recent legal history an importance broadly underestimated in France. The study of the common jurisprudence in Europe between 1100 and 1800 has been associated with critics about codification and projects of a new European Law. However the meaning of this jus commune is very controversial : did a unified complex of norms really exist in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Ancien Regime that national codes have broken ? This article tries to present the historiography of this debate and to suggest that the research of common features in the European legal past is more relevant thon the nostalgia of a lost and imaginary unity.
Marge nationale d'appréciation et internationalisation du droit. Réflexions sur la validité formelle d'un droit commun pluraliste
Authors: Delmas-Marty Mireille , Izorche Marie-Laure
Published: October 2008

The concept of margin is at the very heart of legal Systems. The effect of internationalisation, or even globalisation of law, has been to introduce, as a consequence of the "national" margin of appreciation, both recognition of the diversity of legal Systems and possibility of a common law. This is why use of the comparative method is necessary. But the latter is insufficient, since it invites diversity without giving the key to a real legal pluralism, that is, ordered according to legal reasoning. Legal logic is helpful here, insofar as the concept of margin breaks with the traditional conception of the legal order as unified and hierarchical but not pluralistic.

After a description of pluralism by juxtaposition, linked to the appea-rance of a national margin of appreciation (whether implied or express), the requirements for the logical validity of a real ordered pluralism (concept and functioning of the margin) will be considered.
Photochemistry
Authors: Neckers D. C.
Published: October 2008

Photochemistry involves chemical reactions caused by the absorption of light and photochemists study the interaction of light with matter. Light in this context is defined as radiation from uv (ultraviolet) and visible (vis) sources including the sun. Mostly photoscientists work with lamps made from gas vapors (mercury or xenon) or from lasers. The interests of photoscientists in natural systems range from understanding the processes of vision of humans, animals, insects, invertebrates and even birds to developing new methods to study photosynthesis—the conversion of sunlight and carbon dioxide to carbohydrates and oxygen. Studies in solar energy conversion—the use of sunlight to produce electrical energy, heat, or even hydrogen from water—are, also, topic of substantial current interest.

Commercial applications of photochemical reactions include xerography, photography, imaging, photolithography, stereolithography, rapid prototyping and photopolymerization. These likely amount to $100 billion or more in sales annually. Nearly 15% of all the publications in American Chemical Society journals involve the photosciences in one form or other, and more than 1000 photosciences papers were published in the top 24 journals in chemistry alone in 2007. The photosciences represent a huge, burgeoning academic, industrial and environmental area of basic and applied research.
A fractional adaptation law for sliding mode control
Authors: Efe Mehmet Önder , Kasnakog̃lu Cosku
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a novel parameter tuning law that forces the emergence of a sliding motion in the behavior of a multi‐input multi‐output nonlinear dynamic system. Adaptive linear elements are used as controllers. Standard approach to parameter adjustment employs integer order derivative or integration operators. In this paper, the use of fractional differentiation or integration operators for the performance improvement of adaptive sliding mode control systems is presented. Hitting in finite time is proved and the associated conditions with numerical justifications are given. The proposed technique has been assessed through a set of simulations considering the dynamic model of a two degrees of freedom direct drive robot. It is seen that the control system with the proposed adaptation scheme provides (i) better tracking performance, (ii) suppression of undesired drifts in parameter evolution, (iii) a very high degree of robustness and improved insensitivity to disturbances and (iv) removal of the controller initialization problem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of intention to purchase chicken in Italy: the role of consumer risk perception and trust in different information sources
Authors: Stefani Gianluca , Cavicchi Alessio , Romano Donato , Lobb Alexandra E.
Published: October 2008

The article investigates how purchasing intentions among a sample of Italian consumers are influenced by different levels of risk perception and their trust in food‐safety information provided by different sources such as the food industry, government agencies, or consumers' associations. The assessment of the determinants of intention to purchase was carried out by estimating a causal model for the chicken case in which attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived risk play a major role in determining buyer's behavior. In particular, the role of trust in influencing risk perception is highlighted either as a general construct or as specific constructs targeting food chain, policy actors, and the media. [EconLit citations: Q130, Q190, D120]. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of EU export subsidy reductions on U.S. dairy exports
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Kilmer Richard L.
Published: October 2008

In this article, we consider the impact of European Union (EU) export subsidy reductions on the U.S. dairy trade. We assume reductions of 36% similar to the 1995 World Trade Organization agreement. The price substitutability between U.S. and EU dairy products is estimated using a Rotterdam‐type production model. Past analyses have suggested that EU export subsidy reductions will increase U.S. dairy exports because the removal of EU subsidies will raise EU export dairy prices, rendering U.S. dairy products more competitive on world markets. This is partially true for nonfat dry milk, where our projections indicate an increase of 4.6% in U.S. exports. U.S. cheese, butter, and whey exports, on the other hand, rise by only 0.2, 0.1, and 0.2%, respectively. The main reason for the relatively modest gains is that the U.S. and EU dairy products are independent, not substitutes, for one another in a majority of the countries studied. [JEL classifications: Q17, Q18, F53] © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of hyperoxia on the carbohydrate metabolism of human lymphocytes
Authors: Sagone Arthur L.
Published: October 2008

Lymphocytes incubated under high oxygen tensions have impaired lymphoblastic transformation to nonspecific mitogens. Since carbohydrate metabolism may be essential for an optimal proliferation of these cells following an antigenic stimulus, we have characterized the effect of hyperoxia on the glucose metabolism of human lymphocytes in vitro. The mean rates of glucose utilization, Krebs cycle activity, and hexose monophosphate shunt activity were determined for unstimulated and phyto‐hemagglutinin (PHA)‐stimulated cultures incubated for 3 days. In unstimulated cultures, hyperoxia stimulated glucose utilization and markedly impaired Krebs cycle activity but did not alter HMPS activity. These observations suggest that hyperoxia impairs the mitochrondrial activity of lymphocytes and that increased glycolysis compensates for the loss of cellular energy normally produced by this organelle. Under high oxygen tension PHA‐stimulated cultures failed to show the burst in HMPS activity and increased Krebs cycle activity characteristic of cultures incubated under physiological oxygen tensions and consumed less glucose. Our results indicate that hyperoxia alters the glucose metabolism of lymphocytes. This metabolic alteration may be related to the impaired function of the cells under hyperoxic conditions.
Tetrahydrouridine, cytidine analogues, and hemoglobin F
Authors: Desimone Joseph , Heller Paul , Molokie Robert E. , Hall Lemuel , Zwiers David
Published: October 2008

5‐Azacytidine (azaC) has previously been shown to raise Hb F levels in the repeatedly phlebotomized baboon (PCV: around 20%). The administration of tetrahydrouridine (THU), an inhibitor of the enzymatic conversion of azaC to 5‐azauridine, made it possible to reduce the amount of azaC and also of 2‐deoxy‐5‐azacytidine (d‐azaC) by more than 90% and still achieve maximal Hb F elevations. However, the granulocytopenia, usually occurring after 5‐azaC, was not altered by the lowering of the dosages in the presence of THU. Thus, the granulocytopenia is not due to 5‐azauridine or other catabolic products resulting from deamination. It is also unlikely that it is caused by a direct influence of azaC on RNA since d‐azaC also causes granulocytopenia. The persistence of reticulocytosis throughout the treatment with azaC or d‐azaC makes it appear likely that the observed increase in Hb F levels to more than 60% of total hemoglobin is not due to a cytotoxic effect on erythropoiesis resulting in a shift of cell populations toward greater immaturity, but to a direct influence of the drug on the regulation of γ globin chain production.
Supernumerary marker chromosomes management in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Gruchy Nicolas , Lebrun Marine , Herlicoviez Michel , Alliet Jacques , Gourdier Dominique , Kottler Marie‐Laure , Mittre Hervé , Leporrier Nathalie
Published: October 2008

To assess the practical usefulness of array‐comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) when supernumerary marker chromosomes (SMCs) are detected during prenatal diagnosis, we retrospectively studied SMC management in our laboratory before a‐CGH availability. In this 11‐year study, SMCs were observed in 20/16,810 routine karyotypes (0.12%). Their chromosomal origin, ascertained in 13 cases, remained elusive in seven using conventional cytogenetics and FISH. In the literature, most of SMCs (2/3) are easily identified through conventional cytogenetics and targeted FISH, and in these cases a‐CGH would have been unneeded. This technique would have been less helpful in nine cases, that is, bisatellited SMC, isochromosomes and translocation derivatives. On the other hand, a‐CGH would have been helpful for the 11 remaining cases. It would have improved diagnostic accuracy of six SMC whom chromosomal origin was ascertained by cytogenetics and FISH and for which prognosis was only based on literature and ultrasonographic data. Among five unidentified SMCs, a‐CGH would have been more reassuring for four heterochromatic SMCs than normal ultrasonography alone and would have characterized the unidentified case associated with malformations that was interrupted. However potential pitfalls should be outlined. Using high level resolution chip expose to polymorphism detection and misinterpretation, a very sensitive problem in prenatal diagnosis. Moreover, low grade mosaicism could remain undetectable with this technique, leading to erroneous conclusions. Wisest use of a‐CGH should be a complementary approach in prenatal management of SMC. It is specifically appropriate when SMC interpretation remains equivocal and only indirectly based on mode of inheritance, literature data and ultrasonography. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the nosology and pathogenesis of Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome: Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis of 80 patients and literature review
Authors: Zollino Marcella , Murdolo Marina , Marangi Giuseppe , Pecile Vanna , Galasso Cinzia , Mazzanti Laura , Neri Giovanni
Published: October 2008

Based on genotype–phenotype correlation analysis of 80 Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) patients, as well as on review of relevant literature, we add further insights to the following aspects of WHS: (1) clinical delineation and phenotypic categories; (2) characterization of the basic genomic defect, mechanisms of origin and familiarity; (3) identification of prognostic factors for mental retardation; (4) chromosome mapping of the distinctive clinical signs, in an effort to identify pathogenic genes. Clinically, we consider that minimal diagnostic criteria for WHS, defining a “core” phenotype, are typical facial appearance, mental retardation, growth delay and seizures (or EEG anomalies). Three different categories of the WHS phenotype were defined, generally correlating with the extent of the 4p deletion. The first one comprises a small deletion not exceeding 3.5 Mb, that is usually associated with a mild phenotype, lacking major malformations. This category is likely under‐diagnosed. The second and by far the more frequent category is identified by large deletions, averaging between 5 and 18 Mb, and causes the widely recognizable WHS phenotype. The third clinical category results from a very large deletion exceeding 22–25 Mb causing a severe phenotype, that can hardly be defined as typical WHS. Genetically, de novo chromosome abnormalities in WHS include pure deletions but also complex rearrangements, mainly unbalanced translocations. With the exception of t(4p;8p), WHS‐associated chromosome abnormalities are neither mediated by segmental duplications, nor associated with a parental inversion polymorphism on 4p16.3. Factors involved in prediction of prognosis include the extent of the deletion, the occurrence of complex chromosome anomalies, and the severity of seizures. We found that the core phenotype maps within the terminal 1.9 Mb region of chromosome 4p. Therefore, WHSCR‐2 should be considered the critical region for this condition. We also confirmed that the pathogenesis of WHS is multigenic. Specific and independent chromosome regions were characterized for growth delay and seizures, as well as for the additional clinical signs that characterize this condition. With the exception of parental balanced translocations, familial recurrence is uncommon. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequency‐detected acoustic ranging solutions in wireless sensor networks: an experimental study
Authors: Chen Jiming , Shen Xingfa , Ren Huijin , Sun Youxian
Published: October 2008

Ranging is a basic distance estimation for many range‐based localization approaches, which are important to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) applications at many levels. In this paper, we propose a simple frequency‐detected based time difference of arrival (FD‐TDoA), which can be implemented by detecting acoustic frequency to compute the time of flight in air. Furthermore, we put forward a new acoustic ranging solution named time of arrival (TOA)2, which can be applied to WSNs with asynchronous nodes. Unlike other published works, the design of TOA2uses a bidirectional acoustic signal exchange between a pair of communication nodes. This technique is significantly simple and effective. The latency between the time at which the Mica2 is commanded to emit an acoustic pulse and the earliest possible time that can be detected anywhere, is considered in our solutions. The error of these ranging solutions, the correction expressions by fitted lines and the sensitivity on hardware are analyzed by a large number of experiments based on a resource‐constrained Mica2 hardware platform. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(L‐lactic acid)/silicon dioxide nanocomposite prepared via the in situ melt polycondensation of L‐lactic acid in the presence of acidic silica sol: Isothermal crystallization and melting behaviors
Authors: Cao Dan , Wu Linbo
Published: October 2008

In a previous article, we reported the preparation and characterization of a nanocomposite of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and silica via the in situ melt polymerization of L‐lactic acid in the presence of acidic silica sol. In this study, the isothermal crystallization and melting behaviors of a PLLA/silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanocomposite with 5 wt % well‐dispersed SiO2 nanoparticles (PLLASN5) and pure PLLA were comparatively studied with differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The SiO2 nanoparticles acted as nucleation agents in the PLLA matrix and enhanced its nucleation rate and overall crystallization rate, especially at high crystallization temperatures. However, no deleterious effect on the crystal morphology or crystallinity was observed. The crystals that formed at a low temperature were imperfect; therefore, double melting peaks occurred during the second heating scan because of melt recrystallization. With the crystallization temperature increasing, the crystals became increasingly perfect; as a result, the low melting peak increased and shifted to a higher temperature. The existence of SiO2 nanoparticles had no effect on the equilibrium temperature of the PLLA matrix. Pure PLLA and PLLASN5 have the same equilibrium temperature of 171.5°C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thiocompounds as simulants of sulphur mustard for testing of protective barriers
Authors: Dubey Vinita , Parmar Toral , Saxena Amit , Agarwal D. D.
Published: October 2008

The protective potential of protective devices such as respirators, suits, gloves, and overboots is widely evaluated using the standard colorimetric test (spot disc breakthrough time test, also called SD BTT) involving sulfur mustard (SM) as the challenge chemical. The vesicant nature of SM makes the test inconvenient and poses stringent safety demands. Moreover, such tests are allowed only at a limited number of facilities, causing delay in product development and supply. This prompted the present study on the search for suitable SM simulant responsive to SD BTT test. The diffusivities at BTT (DBTT) of 10 commercially available thiocompounds through butyl rubber (IIR) were compared vis‐a‐vis DBTT of SM. For three representative thiocompounds, namely methyl (phenyl thio)acetate, 2‐chloroethyl phenyl sulfide (2‐CEPS) and phenyl‐n‐propyl sulfide (PNPS), the transport parameters through IIR were obtained. PNPS and 2‐CEPS were further compared with respect to DBTT in elastomers such as IIR, ethylene–propylene–diene methylene rubber, polydimethylsiloxane, nitrile rubber, polybutadiene, and natural rubber. 2‐CEPS showed generally same order of DBTT as SM implying its potential use as a simulant. The transport parameters for various 2‐CEPS/elastomer systems were also determined. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Superiority Inferences on Individual Endpoints Following Noninferiority Testing in Clinical Trials
Authors: Logan Brent R. , Tamhane Ajit C.
Published: October 2008

We consider the problem of drawing superiority inferences on individual endpoints following non‐inferiority testing. Röhmel et al. (2006) pointed out this as an important problem which had not been addressed by the previous procedures that only tested for global superiority. Röhmel et al. objected to incorporating the non‐inferiority tests in the assessment of the global superiority test by exploiting the relationship between the two, since the results of the latter test then depend on the non‐inferiority margins specified for the former test. We argue that this is justified, besides the fact that it enhances the power of the global superiority test. We provide a closed testing formulation which generalizes the three‐step procedure proposed by Röhmel et al. for two endpoints. For the global superiority test, Röhmel et al. suggest using the Läuter (1996) test which is modified to make it monotone. The resulting test not only is complicated to use, but the modification does not readily extend to more than two endpoints, and it is less powerful in general than several of its competitors. This is verified in a simulation study. Instead, we suggest applying the one‐sided likelihood ratio test used by Perlman and Wu (2004) or the union‐intersection tmax test used by Tamhane and Logan (2004). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simultaneous Confidence Regions Corresponding to Holm's Step‐Down Procedure and Other Closed‐Testing Procedures
Authors: Guilbaud Olivier
Published: October 2008

Holm's (1979) step‐down multiple‐testing procedure (MTP) is appealing for its flexibility, transparency, and general validity, but the derivation of corresponding simultaneous confidence regions has remained an unsolved problem. This article provides such confidence regions. In fact, simultanenous confidence regions are provided for any MTP in the class of short‐cut consonant closed‐testing procedures based on marginalp‐values and weighted Bonferroni tests for intersection hypotheses considered by Hommel, Bretz and Maurer (2007). In addition to Holm's MTP, this class includes the fixed‐sequence MTP, recently proposed gatekeeping MTPs, and the fallback MTP. The simultaneous confidence regions are generally valid if underlying marginalp‐values and corresponding marginal confidence regions (assumed to be available) are valid. The marginal confidence regions and estimated quantities are not assumed to be of any particular kinds/dimensions. Compared to the rejections made by the MTP for the family of null hypothesesHunder consideration, the proposed confidence regions provide extra free information. In particular, with Holm's MTP, such extra information is provided: for all nonrejectedHs, in case not allHs are rejected; or for certain (possibly all)Hs, in case allHs are rejected. In case not allHs are rejected, no extra information is provided for rejectedHs. This drawback seems however difficult to overcome. Illustrations concerning clinical studies are given. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiple Contrast Tests in the Presence of Heteroscedasticity
Authors: Hasler Mario , Hothorn Ludwig A.
Published: October 2008

This paper proposes a general approach for handling multiple contrast tests for normally distributed data in the presence of heteroscedasticity. Three candidate procedures are described and compared by simulations. Only the procedure with both comparison‐specific degrees of freedom and a correlation matrix depending on sample variances maintains the α‐level over all situations. Other approaches may fail notably as the variances differ more. Furthermore, related approximate simultaneous confidence intervals are given. The approach will be applied to a toxicological experiment. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Partitioning to Uncover Conditions for Permutation Tests to Control Multiple Testing Error Rates
Authors: Calian Violeta , Li Dongmei , Hsu Jason C.
Published: October 2008

This article discusses specific assumptions necessary for permutation multiple tests to control the Familywise Error Rate (FWER). At issue is that, in comparing parameters of the marginal distributions of two sets of multivariate observations, validity of permutation testing is affected by all the parameters in the joint distributions of the observations. We show the surprising fact that, in the case of a linear model with i.i.d. errors such as in the analysis of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL), this issue has no impact on control of FWER, if the test statistic is of a particular form. On the other hand, in the analysis of gene expression levels or multiple safety endpoints, unless some assumption connecting the marginal distributions of the observations to their joint distributions is made, permutation multiple tests may not control FWER. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Stepdown Procedure with Feedback for Identifying Inferiority Among Three Treatments
Authors: Lin Chen‐ju , Hayter A. J.
Published: October 2008

This paper considers the problem of identifying which treatments are strictly inferior to the best treatment or treatments in a balanced one‐way layout with three treatments, which has important applications in screening trials for new product development. A stepdown procedure is constructed that selects a subset of the treatments containing only treatments that are known to be strictly inferior to the best treatment or treatments. This stepdown procedure uses feedback from the first stage to the second stage that improves its operating characteristics. The advantages accruing from this feedback are demonstrated. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
DustWatch: using community networks to improve wind erosion monitoring in Australia
Authors: Leys John , McTainsh Grant , Strong Craig , Heidenreich Stephan , Biesaga Kathryn
Published: October 2008

Environmental reporting and understanding of aeolian processes at different spatial and temporal scales require both extensive temporal and spatial data sources. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) SYNOP data have been used for environmental reporting in Australia by McTainsh and colleagues since 1998; however, with the current trend to replace meteorological observers with automated surface observation systems such as weather stations, these data sources are not sustainable. DustWatch was established to fill some of the gaps in the BoM network by strategically adding a community network of observers and instruments. Satellite imagery is also utilized when it is available. This paper outlines the nature of the DustWatch network, describes some of the educational and awareness outputs, outlines the types of data gathered and gives examples of how the data are being used both for environmental reporting and research into aeolian processes and activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of WEQ, RWEQ and WEPS wind erosion for different arable land management systems in the Argentinean Pampas
Authors: Buschiazzo Daniel E. , Zobeck Ted M.
Published: October 2008

Wind erosion is an important soil degradation process in the semi‐arid Pampas of Argentina, but no attempts have been made to predict the process in this region. One limitation for the use of event‐based wind erosion prediction models is the lack of reliable climatic data to initiate these models. As an effort to apply wind erosion models, we compared field wind erosion measurements carried out during 4 years in a bare soil reference plot (RP) and during 3 years in the same soil with different tillage conditions: conventional (CT) and no‐till (NT). Wind erosion was predicted with: (1) subroutines for single storm event versions of the wind erosion prediction system (WEPS) and the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ), for which the climatic data of each single storm were used, and (2) the wind erosion equation (WEQ) for full rotation periods, for which long‐term climatic records (1961–2004) were used. Wind erosion field measurements were carried out with BSNE samplers in 1‐ha plots. Regression of predicted soil erosion rates from WEPS (y = 0·5192x + 0·0589, R2 = 0·89) and RWEQ (y = 0·5691x − 7·071, R2 = 0·90) predictions with field measurements of soil erosion rates obtained in RP (54·51 kg m−1 on average) were highly significant, but both models underestimated wind erosion by 40–45 per cent. Predictions of wind erosion made with RWEQ were highly sensitive to variations in the soil crusting factor (SCF), varying from 60·5 t m−1 when predictions for a single storm were made using the SCF default data to 0·699 t m−1 when SCF was deduced from visual field observations. The WEQ predictions agreed adequately with measured erosion for 16 rotation periods either when using a climatic C factor value of 92, corresponding to the 1961–2004 period (y = 0·9422x − 1·9248, R2 = 0·96) or a C factor value of 80, corresponding to the moister 1985–2004 period (y = 0·7612x − 1·5543, R2 = 0·96). Neither WEPS nor RWEQ predicted the low amounts measured in CT and NT (3·86 kg m−1 on average) for storms lasting approximately 24 hours. High plant or residue soil coverage as well as high oriented surface roughness eliminated erosion according to WEPS and RWEQ. These results indicated that WEQ can be used as a reliable prediction model for long‐term predictions of wind erosion in the semi‐arid Pampas, even when run with limited available climatic data for this region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel
Authors: Goren Y. , Goring‐Morris A.N.
Published: October 2008

A characteristic hallmark of the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) in the southern Levant was the extensive use of lime plaster for architectural and other purposes. Yet no obvious kilns have been identified in archaeological contexts. Here we present details of an experimental pit‐kiln modeling lime‐plaster production based on observed burnt stone accumulations in pits at the PPNB site of Kfar HaHoresh in the lower Galilee. The experimental kiln was loaded in layers with ∼500 kg of limestone (pebbles and stones) and ∼1000 kg of fuel (branches and dung). Fired for 24 hours, and reaching a maximum 870°C, the kiln yielded almost 250 kg of quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO). Micromorphological samples, general observations, and scaled plan view drawings made immediately following and nine years after ignition demonstrate that the original shape of the kiln and residual quicklime within and around it rapidly dissipated through bioturbation, trampling by animals, erosion, rain, and exposure to the elements. This could account for the seeming absence of kilns within sites, although they were probably located close to where lime‐plaster was applied, given the unstable nature and toxic effects of handling quicklime. Calculations of the manpower and fuel involved indicate that PPNB lime‐plaster production may have been less labor intensive and less detrimental to the environment than previously portrayed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin producing cells derived from embryonic stem cells: Are we there yet?
Authors: Raikwar Sudhanshu P. , Zavazava Nicholas
Published: October 2008

Derivation of insulin producing cells (IPCs) from embryonic stem (ES) cells provides a potentially innovative form of treatment for type 1 diabetes. Here, we discuss the current state of the art, unique challenges, and future directions on generating IPCs. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 256–263, 2009. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein‐transients during heterocyst differentiation in Anabaena circularis and Cylindrospermum sp
Authors: Grover I. S. , Kaur R. , Puri S.
Published: October 2008

The programme of protein synthesis accompanying cellular differentiation to the heterocyst following transfer of the blue‐green algae Anabaena circularis and Cylindrospermum sp. (CBSC 1755) from ammonia‐enriched medium to nitrogen‐free medium was determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole proteins during successive intervals of differentiation. Besides this, total proteins and soluble amino acids were determined quantitatively. At least 4 sets of proteins can be distinguished on the basis of the time at which they are synthesized. Besides this, differentiation is distinguishable on the basis of the time at which their synthesis is turned off. The postmaturation stages revealed the synthesis of two sets in A. circularis and one in Cylindrospermum sp. (CBSC 1755).
Barcoding bacterial cells: a SERS‐based methodology for pathogen identification
Authors: Patel I. S. , Premasiri W. R. , Moir D. T. , Ziegler L. D.
Published: October 2008

A principal component analysis (PCA) based on the sign of the second derivative of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum obtained on in situ grown Au‐cluster‐covered SiO2 substrates results in improved reproducibility and enhanced specificity for bacterial diagnostics. The barcode‐generated clustering results are systematically compared with those obtained from the corresponding spectral intensities, first derivatives and second derivatives for the SERS spectra of closely related cereus group Bacillus strains. PCA plots and the corresponding hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) dendrograms illustrate the improved bacterial identification resulting from the barcode spectral data reduction. Supervised discriminant function analysis (DFA) plots result in slightly improved group separation but show more susceptibility to false positive classifications than the corresponding PCA contours. In addition, this PCA treatment is used to highlight the enhanced bacterial species specificity observed for SERS as compared to normal bulk (non‐SERS) Raman spectra. The identification algorithm described here is critical for the development of SERS microscopy as a rapid, reagentless and portable diagnostic of bacterial pathogens. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A population based study in France
Authors: Borie Frédéric , Bouvier Anne‐Marie , Herrero Astrid , Faivre Jean , Launoy Guy , Delafosse Patricia , Velten Michel , Buemi Antoine , Peng Jun , Grosclaude Pascale , Trétarre Brigitte
Published: October 2008

Objective

Few data are available from population‐based statistics on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to report on their management and their prognosis in a French population.

Methods

Between 1997 and 1998, 1,007 cases of HCC were registered in nine French departments: clinical presentation of patients with and without cirrhosis were compared as well as treatment. Prognosis was determined using crude and relative survival rates. A multivariate relative survival analysis was performed. HCC was associated with cirrhosis in 795 patients (79%) and to the absence of cirrhosis in 156 (15%).

Results

Whereas the presence of symptoms was the principal mode of discovery (63% of cirrhotic cases and 70% of non‐cirrhotic cases), the follow‐up of hepatic affections revealed the cancer in respectively 26% and 3% (P = 0.001). The diagnosis was histologically verified in 50% of cirrhotic patients and 80% of non‐cirrhotic patients (P = 0.01). The size of tumours was significantly greater in non‐cirrhotic than in cirrhotic cases (P = 0.004). Treatment for cure were implemented in respectively 15% and 30% (P = 0.001), resulting in 5‐year survival rates of respectively 34% and 28%. Only 24 HCC cases received a liver transplant, with a 5‐year survival rate of 60%. Surgical resection for cure was carried out in respectively 10% and 31% of HCC and HCNC cases (P = 0.001), with a 5‐year survival rate of respectively 39% and 29%. The overall 5‐year survival rates of HCC and HCNC were respectively 6% and 9%.

Conclusion

HCC with and without cirrhosis has a poor prognosis with the majority of patients receiving palliative treatments, the efficiency of which is very limited. Considerable efforts are needed to develop primary and secondary prevention. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:505–509. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of rhodamine‐123: Effect on rat prostate cancer and human prostate cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Arcadi John A. , Shankar Narayan K. , Techy Geza , Ng Chuen‐Pei , Saroufeem Ramez M. G. , Jones Lawrence W.
Published: October 2008

The effect of the lipophilic, cationic dye, Rhodamine‐123 (Rh‐123), on prostate cancer in rats, and on three tumor cell lines in vitro is reported here. The general toxicity of Rh‐123 in mice has been found to be minimal. Lobund‐Wistar (L‐W) rats with the autochthonous prostate cancer of Pollard were treated for six doses with Rh‐123 at a dose of 15 mg/kg subcutaneously every other day. Microscopic examination of the tumors revealed cellular and acinar destruction. The effectiveness of Rh‐123 as a cytotoxic agent was tested by clonogenic and viability assays in vitro with three human prostate cancer cell lines. Severe (60‐95%) growth inhibition was observed following Rh‐123 exposure for 2–5 days at doses as low as 1.6 μg/ml in all three prostate cancer cell lines.
Histiocytosis syndromes in children: II. Approach to the clinical and laboratory evaluation of children with langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Broadbent Valerie , Gadner Helmut , Komp Diane M. , Ladisch Stephan
Published: October 2008

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has presented problems in diagnosis and in treatment. The definitive diagnosis is a pathologic one. To advance thorough and uniform assessment of these patients, the elements of a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation are presented by the Histiocyte Society. Adoption of a uniform clinical/laboratory approach to these children, coupled with agreed‐upon steps to the pathologic identification of LCH, should result in a better understanding and ultimately better and more rational therapies for the disease.
Annexin A2 is involved in pig (Sus scrofa)sperm‐oviduct interaction
Authors: Teijeiro Juan M. , Ignotz George G. , Marini Patricia E.
Published: October 2008

The oviduct is a dynamic organ which modulates gamete physiology. Sperm‐oviduct interaction provides the formation of a sperm storage reservoir and allows the selection of sperm with certain qualities in eutherian mammals. In sows, the oviductal sperm binding glycoprotein (SBG) has been proposed to be involved in sperm selection. In this work, based on its affinity to sperm periacrosomal membrane proteins, we isolate another pig oviductal cell protein that interacts with sperm. Peptide identification by LC/MS–MS allowed the identification of this protein as annexin A2. The presence of this annexin, as well as annexin A1 and annexin A5 in sow oviductal cells was confirmed by Western blot with specific antibodies. The three proteins were localized in sow oviduct by immunohistochemistry, showing the presence of annexin A2 at the apical surface of the oviductal epithelial cells. Based on our data and the fact that annexins have been stated as candidate receptors of bovine sperm for sperm reservoir formation, we propose that this family of proteins is involved in sperm‐oviduct interaction, annexin A2 being the main sperm binding isoform in pig. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 334–341, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early neurophysiological evolution of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Bairactaris Chrisostomos , Stouraitis Georgios , Papalias Elias , Fakas Nikolaos , Papatheodorou Georgios , Gourtzelidis Pavlos
Published: October 2008

A patient with a known history of hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented with a subacute, progressive sensorimotor deficit that affected the upper limbs predominantly. The electrophysiological findings progressively evolved from multifocal motor conduction block to multifocal demyelinating sensory and motor nerve involvement with conduction block, and finally to findings fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The patient did not respond adequately to intravenous immunoglobulin, whereas oral prednisone led to fast and complete recovery. This report discusses the evolution of early findings of CIDP, as well as its coexistence with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Muscle Nerve, 2008
The Young Diabetologists Forum (Diabetes UK)/ABCD trainee survey
Authors: Kar P , Higgins K , Atkin M , Richardson T
Published: October 2008

The Young Diabetologists Forum (YDF) is a forum for diabetes trainees in the UK. With help from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD), the YDF set up an audit amongst diabetes trainees to understand their feelings about the changing structure of diabetes care, present training needs and future job situations.

A 24‐question e‐questionnaire was set up. All diabetes trainees were sent invitations to participate in this e‐based audit, via e‐mail.

There were 192 respondents (42% of current trainees). Of these, 63% were male, and 60% were UK graduates. Twenty‐three percent intended to work, as a consultant, in a teaching hospital, 31% in a district general hospital; 65% would like to work full time as a consultant, 28% part time. Sixteen percent intended to work in the community full time while 54% would consider that option part time with the rest of sessions being in secondary care. However, 85% had not had any training relating to working in the community. In all, 54% did not want to be involved in acute medicine; 65% felt that they would still choose the same specialty given another choice while 16% would not. A total of 96% of trainees were worried over future job prospects; 63% felt negative—to some degree—about the ‘changing world of diabetes’.

The audit highlights the significant worry amongst trainees about future job prospects. If plans are to base specialty care predominantly in the community, then this is not reflected, at present, in the training curriculum. For the sake of trainees present and future, a manifest role for a specialist diabetologist, in the primary or secondary care setting, needs to be clearly defined—to help stop the erosion of morale and instil confidence in trainees about their position as specialists in diabetes care. Copyright ©2008 John Wiley & Sons.
Synthesis, mechanism of action, and QSAR of herbicidal 3‐substituted‐2‐aryl‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroindazoles
Authors: Lyga John W. , Patera Russell M. , Plummer Marjorie J. , Halling Blaik P. , Yuhas Debra A.
Published: October 2008

A factorially designed set of 3‐substituted 2‐aryl‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroindazoles was synthesized and their herbicidal properties were evaluated using regression analysis. For optimal activity, the substituent at position 3 should be neither strongly hydrophobic nor hydrophilic and should have a small minimum radius. A study of the mechanism of action indicated that the tetrahydroindazoles are inhibitors of the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase.