bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Enriched Environment Decreases Neurobehavioral Deficits Induced by Neonatal Glutamate Toxicity
Authors: Horvath Gabor , Reglodi Dora , Vadasz Gyongyver , Farkas Jozsef , Kiss Peter
Published: September 2013

Environmental enrichment is a popular strategy to enhance motor and cognitive performance and to counteract the effects of various harmful stimuli. The protective effects of enriched environment have been shown in traumatic, ischemic and toxic nervous system lesions. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used taste enhancer causing excitotoxic effects when given in newborn animals. We have previously demonstrated that MSG leads to a delay in neurobehavioral development, as shown by the delayed appearance of neurological reflexes and maturation of motor coordination. In the present study we aimed at investigating whether environmental enrichment is able to decrease the neurobehavioral delay caused by neonatal MSG treatment. Newborn pups were treated with MSG subcutaneously on postnatal days 1, 5 and 9. For environmental enrichment, we placed rats in larger cages, supplemented with different toys that were altered daily. Normal control and enriched control rats received saline treatment only. Physical parameters such as weight, day of eye opening, incisor eruption and ear unfolding were recorded. Animals were observed for appearance of reflexes such as negative geotaxis, righting reflexes, fore- and hindlimb grasp, fore- and hindlimb placing, sensory reflexes and gait. In cases of negative geotaxis, surface righting and gait, the time to perform the reflex was also recorded daily. For examining motor coordination, we performed grid walking, footfault, rope suspension, rota-rod, inclined board and walk initiation tests. We found that enriched environment alone did not lead to marked alterations in the course of development. On the other hand, MSG treatment caused a slight delay in reflex development and a pronounced delay in weight gain and motor coordination maturation. This delay in most signs and tests could be reversed by enriched environment: MSG-treated pups kept under enriched conditions showed no weight retardation, no reflex delay in some signs and performed better in most coordination tests. These results show that environmental enrichment is able to decrease the neurobehavioral delay caused by neonatal excitotoxicity.
Landscape Dynamics on the Island of La Gonave, Haiti, 1990–2010
Authors: White Justin , Shao Yang , Kennedy Lisa , Campbell James
Published: September 2013

The island of La Gonave lies northwest of Port-au-Prince and is representative of the subsistence Haitian lifestyle. Little is known about the land cover changes and conversion rates on La Gonave. Using Landsat images from 1990 to 2010, this research investigates landscape dynamics through image classification, change detection, and landscape pattern analysis. Five land cover classes were considered: Agriculture, Forest/Dense Vegetation (DV), Shrub, Barren/Eroded, and Nonforested Wetlands. Overall image classification accuracy was 87%. Results of land cover change analysis show that all major land cover types experienced substantial changes from 1990 to 2010. The area percent change was −39.7, −22.7, 87.4, and −7.0 for Agriculture, Forest/Dense Vegetation, Shrub, and Barren/Eroded. Landscape pattern analysis illustrated the encroachment of Shrub cover in core Forest/DV patches and the decline of Agricultural patch integrity. Agricultural abandonment, deforestation, and forest regrowth combined to generate a dynamic island landscape, resulting in higher levels of land cover fragmentation.
Separate and Unequal: Judicial Culture, Employment Qualifications and Muslim Headscarf Debates
Authors: Mushaben Joyce
Published: September 2013

Few European lawmakers have analyzed the implications of Muslim headscarf bans for equal employment opportunity. EU anti-discrimination directives suggest that contradictory member-state approaches will eventually invoke a judicial Community response at national expense. Drawing on the bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) standard, this study compares the “judicial cultures” of the U.S. Supreme Court, the German Constitutional Court, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Court of Justice (ECJ). It argues that while the ECJ initially invoked Roman law precepts shared by a majority of its member-states through the 1980s, it has come to embrace Anglo-American norms stressing individual freedoms over state interests. Given their strong support for equal treatment and social inclusion, EU justices will be more likely than member-state or ECHR judges to overturn existing bans on hejab at the workplace, once such a case makes its way onto the ECJ docket.
Consolidation of Hierarchy-Structured Nanopowder Agglomerates and Its Application to Net-Shaping Nanopowder Materials
Authors: Lee Jai-Sung , Choi Joon-Phil , Lee Geon-Yong
Published: September 2013

This paper provides an overview on our recent investigations on the consolidation of hierarchy-structured nanopowder agglomerates and related applications to net-shaping nanopowder materials. Understanding the nanopowder agglomerate sintering (NAS) process is essential to processing of net-shaped nanopowder materials and components with small and complex shape. The key concept of the NAS process is to enhance material transport through controlling the powder interface volume of nanopowder agglomerates. Based upon this concept, we have suggested a new idea of full density processing for fabricating micro-powder injection molded part using metal nanopowder agglomerates produced by hydrogen reduction of metal oxide powders. Studies on the full density sintering of die compacted- and powder injection molded iron base nano-agglomerate powders are introduced and discussed in terms of densification process and microstructure.
Experimental Study on Cementitious Composites Embedded with Organic Microcapsules
Authors: Wang Xianfeng , Xing Feng , Zhang Ming , Han Ningxu , Qian Zhiwei
Published: September 2013

The recovery behavior for strength and impermeability of cementitious composites embedded with organic microcapsules was investigated in this study. Mortar specimens were formed by mixing the organic microcapsules and a catalyst with cement and sand. The mechanical behaviors of flexural and compression strength were tested. The results showed that strength could increase by up to nine percent with the addition of a small amount of microcapsules and then decrease with an increasing amount of microcapsules. An orthogonal test for investigating the strength recovery rate was designed and implemented for bending and compression using the factors of water/cement ratio, amount of microcapsules, and preloading rate. It is shown that the amount of microcapsules plays a key role in the strength recovery rate. Chloride ion permeability tests were also carried out to investigate the recovery rate and healing effect. The initial damage was obtained by subjecting the specimens to compression. Both the recovery rate and the healing effect were nearly proportional to the amount of microcapsules. The obtained cementitious composites can be seen as self-healing owing to their recovery behavior for both strength and permeability.
Aqueous ZrO2 and YSZ Colloidal Systems through Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Vernieuwe Kenny , Lommens Petra , Martins José , Van Den Broeck Freya , Van Driessche Isabel , De Buysser Klaartje
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the formation of ZrO2 and yttria-stabilised-zirconia (YSZ) aqueous colloidal systems via microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis is studied. Microwave synthesis allows a fast screening of the influence of different parameters such as time and temperature. The temperature varied from 140 °C up to 180 °C and the used reaction time varied from 5 min up to 1 h. The synthesised zirconia nanoparticles have a particle size of 50 nm confirmed by TEM. A 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) study helped to understand the stabilization mechanism of the synthesised particles. By the addition of ytrrium ions into the zirconia colloidal solution, YSZ could be formed via an additional thermal treatment. Hereby, the samples are heated up to 400 °C for 1 h. YSZ colloidal solutions are synthesised by making use of complexing agents such as nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid to control the hydrolysis and condensation of both ions to avoid non-stoichiometric phases. The ratio of Zr/Y in the particles is quantified by XRF. The amorphous structure of those particles necessitates an additional thermal treatment up to 600 °C during 1 h in order to obtain crystalline YSZ.
Complete Permittivity Tensor in Sputtered CuFe2O4 Thin Films at Photon Energies between 2 and 5 eV
Authors: Veis Martin , Antos Roman , Visnovsky Stefan , Kulkarni Prasanna , Venkataramani Narayanan , Prasad Shiva , Mistrik Jan , Krishnan Ramanathan
Published: September 2013

This work is devoted to the systematic study of the optical and magneto-optical properties of sputter deposited CuFe2O4 thin films in the photon energy region between 2 and 5 eV using spectroscopic ellipsometry and magneto-optical Kerr spectroscopy. The spectral dependence of both the diagonal and off-diagonal elements of the permittivity tensor is determined. A complete picture about the electron transitions in CuFe2O4 is suggested in the frame of intervalence charge transfer and intersublattice charge transfer transitions. The effect of deposition conditions and post-deposition treatment in CuFe2O4 films upon the optical and magneto-optical properties is discussed.
Revealing the Properties of Plant Defensins through Dynamics
Authors: Valente Ana , De Paula Viviane , Almeida Fabio
Published: September 2013

Defensins are potent, ancient natural antibiotics that are present in organisms ranging from lower organisms to humans. Although the structures of several defensins have been well characterized, the dynamics of only a few have been studied. This review discusses the diverse dynamics of two plant defensins for which the structure and dynamics have been characterized, both in the free state and in the presence of target membranes. Multiple motions are observed in loops and in secondary structure elements and may be related to twisting or breathing of the α-helix and β-sheet. This complex behavior is altered in the presence of an interface and is responsive to the presence of the putative target. The stages of membrane recognition and disruption can be mapped over a large time scale range, demonstrating that defensins in solution exist as an ensemble of different conformations, a subset of which is selected upon membrane binding. Therefore, studies on the dynamics have revealed that defensins interact with membranes through a mechanism of conformational selection.
Oxetane Synthesis through the Paternò-Büchi Reaction
Authors: D'Auria Maurizio , Racioppi Rocco
Published: September 2013

The Paternò-Büchi reaction is a photochemical reaction between a carbonyl compound and an alkene to give the corresponding oxetane. In this review the mechanism of the reaction is discussed. On this basis the described use in the reaction with electron rich alkenes (enolethers, enol esters, enol silyl ethers, enanines, heterocyclic compounds has been reported. The stereochemical behavior of the reaction is particularly stressed. We pointed out the reported applications of this reaction to the synthesis of naturally occuring compounds.
Harvestman Phenols and Benzoquinones: Characterisation and Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Rocha Daniele , Wouters Felipe , Zampieri Dávila , Brocksom Timothy , Machado Glauco , Marsaioli Anita
Published: September 2013

Benzoquinones are usually present in arthropod defence exudates. Here, we describe the chemical profiles of 12 harvestman species belonging to the neotropical family Gonyleptidae. Nine of the studied species produced benzoquinones, while three produced alkyl phenols. Two benzoquinones and one phenol exhibited biological activity against bacteria and fungi. We also studied the biosynthesis of 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone by feeding Magnispina neptunus individuals with 13C-labelled precursors; the benzoquinones were biosynthesised through a polyketide pathway using acetate and propionate building blocks.
Fremy’s Salt-Mediated Oxidative Addition. A New Approach in the Total Synthesis of Naturally Dipetalolactone and Its Immunomodulatory Activity
Authors: Selim Yasser , Ouf Nabil , Sakran Mohamed
Published: September 2013

The structure of the natural dipyranocoumarin dipetalolactone has been confirmed by an unambiguous synthetic route from resorcinol. This sequence was initiated by a pyran ring formation step which introduced the 3-chloro-3-methylbut-1-yne moiety. Then, the expected product undergoes a Fremy’s salt-meditated oxidative addition followed by ring closure to yield dipetalolactone. Dipetalolactone was also found to have immunological activity in a mouse carcinoma S180-bearing mice cell line.
Acute Effects of Different Multivitamin Mineral Preparations with and without Guaraná on Mood, Cognitive Performance and Functional Brain Activation
Authors: Scholey Andrew , Bauer Isabelle , Neale Chris , Savage Karen , Camfield David , White David , Maggini Silvia , Pipingas Andrew , Stough Con , Hughes Matthew
Published: September 2013

Previous work has identified the positive effects of the acute administration of a multivitamin-guaraná preparation during an effortful executive/working memory task. Here, we aimed to differentiate the effects of multivitamins with and without guaraná and to examine the neural substrates of such effects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Following a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, balanced crossover design, 20 participants (mean age 29 ± 5.54 years) consumed multivitamin preparations with or without guaraná (Berocca® Performance and Boost, respectively) and a placebo. Thirty minutes post-treatment, they underwent neurocognitive assessment, consisting of a 10 min Cognitive Demand Battery, with mood ratings taken immediately before and after the battery. Five additional participants underwent post-treatment fMRI scanning during Rapid Visual Information Processing and Inspection Time activation tasks. The multivitamin with guaraná treatment was associated with significantly enhanced Serial Threes performance and self-rated contentment. fMRI revealed that both multivitamin treatments increased activation in areas associated with working memory and attentional processing, with the effect being greater in the multivitamin with guaraná condition. These data confirm the acute benefits of multivitamins with guaraná on mood and cognitive performance. Furthermore, they demonstrate for the first time increased brain activation from multivitamin preparations both with and without guaraná, as measured using fMRI.
Vitamin D: Deficiency, Sufficiency and Toxicity
Authors: Alshahrani Fahad , Aljohani Naji
Published: September 2013

The plethora of vitamin D studies over the recent years highlight the pleomorphic effects of vitamin D outside its conventional role in calcium and bone homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency, though common and known, still faces several challenges among the medical community in terms of proper diagnosis and correction. In this review, the different levels of vitamin D and its clinical implications are highlighted. Recommendations and consensuses for the appropriate dose and duration for each vitamin D status are also emphasized.
Acceptance of Mobile Phone Return Programmes for Increased Resource Efficiency by Young People—Experiences from a German Research Project
Authors: Welfens Maria , Nordmann Julia , Seibt Alexandra , Schmitt Martina
Published: September 2013

The need for recycling obsolete mobile phones has significantly increased with their rapidly growing worldwide production and distribution. Return and recycling rates are quite low; people tend to keep old, unused phones at home instead of returning them for recycling or further use because of a lack of knowledge and acceptance of return programmes. Thus far, individual use and recycling behavior has not shown any trend towards more sustainable patterns. Consequently, an increased awareness is needed for the high environmental and social impact throughout the whole value chain of a mobile phone—there is simply a lack of information and knowledge regarding sustainability issues around the mobile phone. A teaching material was therefore developed in a German research project, based on the concept of the ecological rucksack, presenting comprehensive information about the value chain of a mobile phone. Its application in different schools led to an increased awareness and interest among pupils for the connection between sustainability, resources and mobile phones. Based on these research results, this paper analyses young people’s knowledge of sustainability issues linked to their mobile phones and their acceptance of more sustainable behavioral patterns regarding their mobile, including return and recycling programmes.
3D Modeling of Coarse Fluvial Sediments Based on Mobile Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Wang Yunsheng , Liang Xinlian , Flener Claude , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Kurkela Matti , Vaaja Matti , Hyyppä Hannu , Alho Petteri
Published: September 2013

High quality sedimentary measurements are required for studying fluvial geomorphology and hydrological processes e.g., flood and river dynamics. Mobile laser scanning (MLS) currently provides the opportunity to achieve high precision measurements of coarse fluvial sediments in a large survey area. Our study aims to investigate the capability of single-track MLS data for individual particle-based sediment modeling. Individual particles are firstly detected and delineated from a digital surface model (DSM) that is generated from the MLS data. 3D MLS points of each detected individual particle are then extracted from the point cloud. The grain size and the sphericity as well as the orientation of each individual particle are estimated based on the extracted MLS points. According to the evaluations conduced in the paper, it is possible to detect and to model sediment particles above 63 mm from a single-track MLS point cloud with a high reliability. The paper further discusses the strength and the challenges of individual particle-based approach for sedimentary measurement.
Sensors Systems for the Automation of Operations in the Ship Repair Industry
Authors: Navarro Pedro , Muro Juan , Alcover Pedro , Fernández-Isla Carlos
Published: September 2013

Hull cleaning before repainting is a key operation in the maintenance of ships. For years, a method to improve such operation has been sought by means of the robotization of techniques such as grit blasting and ultra high pressure water jetting. Despite this, it continues to be standard practice in shipyards that this process is carried out manually because the developed robotized systems are too expensive to be widely accepted by shipyards. We have chosen to apply a more conservative and realistic approach to this problem, which has resulted in the development of several solutions that have been designed with different automation and operation range degrees. These solutions are fitted with most of the elements already available in many shipyards, so the installation of additional machinery in the workplace would not be necessary. This paper describes the evolutionary development of sensor systems for the automation of the preparation process of ship hull surfaces before the painting process is performed. Such evolution has given rise to the development of new technologies for coating removal.
Assessment of Urban Attractiveness of Port Cities in Southern Italy—A Case Study of Torre Annunziata
Authors: Gravagnuolo Antonia , Angrisano Mariarosaria
Published: September 2013

The aim of this paper is to assess the strength and weakness factors of post-industrial cities located in the Gulf of Naples in order to propose the most effective regeneration strategies towards a sustainable development of the urban coastline. This paper focuses on the city of Torre Annunziata and in particular on its industrial port area and waterfront. The analysis suggests that a sustainable development would be possible through the redesign and new functionalization of the waterfront and port area, improving resilience and creativity in order to integrate economic growth, ecological preservation and social opportunities. Thus, this paper is a proposal for a participative approach to the regeneration of the urban waterfront, enhancing the creative potential of the city and developing a new image for the waterfront that could become the strategic vision for a future economic, environmental and cultural development. A comparison between the waterfronts of Torre Annunziata and La Spezia has been carried out in order to assess what are the most effective choices for the future of Torre Annunziata, followed by an applicative process based on interviews.
Between Discourse and Reality: The Un-Sustainability of Mega-Event Planning
Authors: Gaffney Christopher
Published: September 2013

The zero-sum nature of mega-event hosting encourages cities to escalate investment with an eye towards convincing event rights holders that a positive outcome will result. The discursive frameworks of “legacy” and “sustainability”, the global competition to attract events and the compressed event horizon make for mega-event preparation regimes that may seriously compromise long-term urban planning agendas in mega-event hosts. By examining the sustainable urban planning literature, the discursive frameworks of sustainability in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the discursive framing of the Rio 2016 bid, this paper will examine the Olympic Golf project being implemented in Rio de Janeiro. Through this case study the paper argues that unless mega-event rights holders change their candidacy and selection processes, these events will inevitably be detrimental to their hosts.
Cosmofonia de los indígenas Mbya del Paraguay
Authors: Sequera Guillermo
Published: September 2013

Hombre de la selva, el Mbya del Paraguay ha integrado el universo sonoro de la jungla a su palabra ritual y a sus mitos, y este ecosistema tiene por resultado un dispositivo instrumental y musical muy peculiar. Primer intento de clasificación de los instrumentos musicales de los Mbya.
Los « Mandamientos de Amor » en la Inquisición novohispana
Authors: Méndez María Águeda
Published: September 2013

La tradición literaria oral de los españoles trajo a México en el siglo XVIII una sabrosísima forma de parodiar los textos sagrados : los llamados « Mandamientos de Amor », que el Santo Oficio hizo todo lo que pudo por reprimir. Dos versiones del Decálogo parodiado, la primera recogida en 1789 y la segunda en 1796, con un primer acercamiento analítico de estos textos tan mal conocidos.
Feminismo de América Latina en plazas, letras y siglas
Authors: Araújo Helena
Published: September 2013

Partiendo del libro Mujeres, Des Latino-Américaines publicado por la editorial « Femmes » en 1977, una revista crítica de los argumentos excesivamente políticos y economistas del análisis intentado sobre la condición femenina en América Latina. La autora sugiere otros «temas por despejar sobre la subordinación de la mujer en los países de América Latina a lo largo de las dos últimas décadas y presenta un catálogo de las luchas femeninas en curso. Por demás, la escritura literaria femenina es también uno de los aspectos de este movimiento de liberación y da por fin derecho a las mujeres de América Latina de incluir sus nombres en el panorama literario del continente.
L'Église catholique brésilienne et le Nord-Est : premiers pas et impasses au temps du populisme (1961-1964)
Authors: Marin Richard
Published: September 2013

Sous la triple pression de la grande peur cubaine, du mouvement social et de l'Etat populiste, l'Eglise brésilienne découvre le peuple au début des années 60 à travers la syndicalisation rurale et le Mouvement d'Education de Base dans le Nord-Est.

Cette première avancée, très contradictoire dans ses motivations et qui par certains aspects annonce l'Eglise d'aujourd'hui, sera brusquement interrompue par le coup d'Etat militaire de 1964, approuvé par l'épiscopat.
España vista desde el exilio en México, durante más de 25 años
Authors: Xirau Ramón
Published: September 2013

Revue des plus grandes personnalités intellectuelles et littéraires de l'exil espagnol républicain. Analyse des attitudes et des sentiments qui devaient caractériser les quatre « générations » d'exilés repérées par l'auteur. Une vision de l'Espagne depuis l'exil à travers les hommes et leurs créations : revues et livres, tout comme une réflexion sur les diverses façons de vivre et de sentir l'exil au cours de ces dernières décennies.
L'Europe communautaire et l'Amérique latine sont-elles sur la même longueur d'onde ?
Authors: Alvarez García Marcos
Published: September 2013

Las relaciones entre Europa y América Latina son de hecho asimétricas. El entusiasmo con que America Latina recibió la fundación de la integración continental y el Mercado Común Centroamericano, el Pacto Andino testimonian de ello. Pero la ausencia de un organismo realmente representativo como lo es la Comisión europea es reprochada por los Europeos. Por otra parte, América Latina critica la política de la C.E.E. y se ha podido hablar de relaciones caracterizadas por un estado de profunda indeterminación. Además, el volumen de intercambios del comercio exterior entre las dos entidades está en baja y se siente mucho la ausencia de una política latinoamericana global en las perspectivas internacionales de Europa.
L'Alliance Française d'Amérique latine a quatre fois 25 ans
Authors: Greffet Philippe
Published: September 2013

Bilan et panorama de l'activité des Alliances françaises en Amérique Latine. Etude de leurs caractéristiques (implantations, créations, étudiants et pourcentages sociaux, finalités, etc.). De même, une reflexion enthousiaste sur le capital intellectuel et affectif qu'elles représentent pour la France. Rôle de l'enseignement du français qui demeure leur première mission pour servir de révélateur d'identité nationale aux étudiants d'Amérique Latine face à l'impérialisme de la culture anglo-saxonne.
José Ramón Milá de la Roca, un "afrancesado" du Río de la Plata
Authors: Olivares Itamar
Published: September 2013

Les activités commerciales pro-françaises d'un riche négociant de Montevideo, parmi les plus grands propriétaires de la colonie orientale : José Ramón Milá de la Roca, à la fin du XVIIIe et au début du XIXe siècles. Analyse des circonstances et des aléas d'une collaboration fructueuse entre le Rio de la Plata et les établissements français de l'Océan Indien au plus fort de la Révolution française.
¿ Cómo vive el corrido mexicano ? ¿ Quién canta corridos ? ¿ Quiénes cantaron corridos ?
Authors: González Aurelio
Published: September 2013

El corrido como manifestación de la poesía narrativa de tipo oral más difundida en México tiene sus antecedentes en el romance español. Temas, cronologías y filiaciones así parecen probarlo. Por lo demás, la Revolución Mexicana cuenta entre las épocas más fecundas para el género. Análisis cuidadoso de los compositores y transmisores de esta poesía eminentemente popular.
Le tableau français des achats et ventes des secteurs de production
Authors: Thionet P.
Published: September 2013

Dans une première partie : Présentation de la méthode française. — Ses différences avec les méthodes d'imput. output. — Aspect comptable du tableau français formé de deux tables d'achats et de ventes. — Notion d'équilibre comptable d'un couple de tables « achats-ventes », affecté d'erreurs d'évaluations. — Méthode pratique pour assurer un tel équilibre à mesure que le tableau s'améliore.

Une deuxième partie est consacrée à l'utilisation du tableau pour la prévision : La méthode générale et les hypothèses de structure. — Les possibilités spéciales du tableau français exposées sur le cas concret du gaz de ville : elles permettent de s'affranchir de la nécessité de considérer un secteur en bloc et par exemple de faire l'hypothèse que le gaz de Lorraine suffit à l'expansion des besoins. — Les difficultés créées par l'agriculture, la distribution et les services. — L'ajustement du nombre des équations sur le nombre des inconnues. —— Résolution du système par approximations successives. — La façon d'introduire des variations de prix entre l'année de base et l'année de projection.
Évolution récente de la productivité nationale en France (1949-1956)
Authors: Vincent L-A.
Published: September 2013

Il paraît logique de calculer la productivité nationale en prenant en considération tous les facteurs qui interviennent physiquement dans la production, c'est-à-dire en comptant non seulement le travail actuel, mais le travail ancien (sous forme d'amortissement du capital) et les importations utilisées dans le processus productif. En adoptant cette conception, il résulte des calculs effectués dans la présente étude que la productivité nationale s'est accrue en France, entre 1949 et 1956, au rythme moyen de 3,7 % par an. Cependant, la production elle-même s'est développée au rythme moyen de 5,5 % par an, et le nombre total d'heures de travail a très peu augmenté entre 1949 et 1956. Mais le capital national s'est sensiblement accru, exigeant des amortissements plus importants (accroissement moyen de 2 % par an) ; et surtout le volume des importations a progressé en moyenne au rythme élevé de 8,5 % par an.
Variations de structure de la consommation depuis 50 ans
Authors: Brousse Henri
Published: September 2013

On s'est proposé pour but, dans l'étude qui suit, de se faire une idée approximative des modifications intervenues depuis une cinquantaine d'années dans l'importance respective des divers biens de consommation et services achetés par les particuliers. Comme il fallait s'y attendre, ce travail n'a pu être achevé faute d'avoir pu chiffrer le total des dépenses des ménages il y a 40 ou 50 ans, comme il a pu être chiffré par le CREDOC en 1950-1955. Aucune des sources utilisées ne couvrait le total des dépenses ni l'ensemble des professions, il y a un demi-siècle.

Telle qu'elle est, cependant, cette étude apporte des précisions partielles. Beaucoup de variations relatives entre les consommations de divers biens y sont mises en évidence et beaucoup d'éléments disparates, relatifs à la période 1905-1914 se trouvent rassemblés et confrontés aux chiffres correspondants de l'époque actuelle.
La division de la France en grandes régions agricoles
Authors: Klatzmann Joseph
Published: September 2013

Intérêt de la délimitation de grandes régions agricoles. Impossibilité d'arriver à un résultat entièrement satisfaisant. Application d'une méthode empirique.
Cryptococcal meningitis with secondary cutaneous involvement in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Tabassum Saadia , Rahman Atiya , Herekar Fivzia , Masood Sadia
Published: September 2013

Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal fungal disease caused by variants of Cryptococcus neoformans species.  The respiratory tract is the usual portal of entry, with a peculiar predilection to invade the central nervous system.  The skin can be secondarily involved in disseminated infection or be exceptionally involved as primary cutaneous infection by inoculation.  The disease is mostly seen in immunodeficiency states.  The diagnosis is frequently unsuspected in immunocompetent patients. We report a case of disseminated cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent young adult. The cutaneous eruption prompted the accurate diagnosis.  The patient, a 20-year-old female, had fever, cough, headache and intractable vomiting for the past two months and was being managed as a case of tuberculous meningitis. Two weeks after starting antituberculous treatment she developed umbilicated papules on the head and neck region. Necessary laboratory workup identified C. neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and skin specimens.  The titers of cryptococcal antigen were measured in CSF and serum for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.  Anti-fungal treatment resulted in regression of the cutaneous lesions and resolution of systemic complaints. The case highlights the need for high degree of suspicion, especially in healthy young adults, in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The cutaneous eruptions can be the first manifestation or a diagnostic clue of enormous significance.
Risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a tertiary care hospital in Serbia
Authors: Djordjevic Zorana , Folic Marko , Ruzic Zecevic Dejana , Ilic Goran , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: September 2013

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text
Interferon-α Abrogates the Suppressive Effect of Apoptotic Cells on Dendritic Cells in anIn VitroModel of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathogenesis
Authors: Abeler-Dörner Lucie , Rieger Cosima C. , Berger Bartlomiej , Weyd Heiko , Gräf Daniela , Pfrang Sandra , Tarner Ingo H. , Schwarting Andreas , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Krammer Peter H. , Kuhn Annegret
Published: September 2013

Objective.

An increased incidence of apoptotic cells and an increased activation of dendritic cells (DC) may be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the characteristics of apoptotic neutrophils and monocyte-derived DC of patients with SLE, their interaction, and the influence of autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines on this interaction.

Methods.

Kinetics of neutrophil apoptosis and DC activation were studied by flow cytometry. To analyze the interaction of apoptotic cells with phagocytes, crossover coculture experiments were performed with DC from patients with SLE and apoptotic Jurkat T cells as well as with apoptotic neutrophils from patients with SLE and the monocytic cell line U937. SLE serum and cytokines were added to this coculture, and activation and suppression of DC were quantified by levels of inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Results.

Apoptotic neutrophils and DC from patients with SLE showed no inherent defects compared to healthy controls, and the suppressive nature of their interaction was not affected. Autoantibodies as well as the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-1β had no influence on the interaction in this setup. Interferon (IFN)-α, however, substantially reduced the suppressive effect of apoptotic cells on DC.

Conclusion.

The data suggest that aberrant immune reactivity in SLE is not generally due to an intrinsic defect in apoptotic cells, their processing, or their interaction with DC, but likely arises from the milieu in which this interaction takes place. Our study highlights the importance of IFN-α during early stages of SLE and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Orthopedic Surgery in Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Era of Biologic Therapy
Authors: Leon Leticia , Abasolo Lydia , Carmona Loreto , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Luis , Lamas Jose Ramon , Hernandez-Garcia Cesar , Jover Juan Angel ,   for the emAR Study Group
Published: September 2013

Objective.

To analyze sociodemographic and clinic-related factors associated with the use of orthopedic surgical procedures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the potential role of new biologic therapies.

Methods.

A retrospective medical record review was performed in a probability sample of 1272 patients with RA from 47 units distributed in 19 Spanish regions. Sociodemographic and clinical features, use of drugs, and arthritis-related joint surgeries were recorded following a standardized protocol.

Results.

A total of 94 patients (7.4%) underwent any orthopedic surgery during their disease course, with a total of 114 surgeries; 47 (41.2%) of these surgeries were total joint replacement (TJR). The median time to first orthopedic procedure was 7.9 years from the onset of RA symptoms, and the rate of orthopedic surgery (excluding TJR) was 4.5 procedures per 100 person-years from the beginning of RA, while the rate of TJR was 2.25 interventions per 100 person-years. A higher risk of undergoing an orthopedic surgical procedure was associated with taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) in the previous 2 years, female sex, longterm disease, and the presence of extraarticular complications. The risk factors for undergoing a TJR were being old, having a longterm disease, and taking biologic therapies.

Conclusion.

In the era of biologics, our national audit found a low percentage of patients who underwent orthopedic surgery, probably reflecting a thorough management of the RA. Sociodemographic factors, longterm RA, extraarticular complications, and NSAID were associated with orthopedic surgery.
Herpes Zoster Vaccination in SLE: A Pilot Study of Immunogenicity
Authors: Guthridge Joel M. , Cogman Abigail , Merrill Joan T. , Macwana Susan , Bean Krista M. , Powe Tiny , Roberts Virginia , James Judith A. , Chakravarty Eliza F.
Published: September 2013

Objective.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Although a vaccine for HZ has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, its use in immunocompromised individuals remains controversial because it is a live-attenuated virus vaccine. We performed a pilot study of the immunogenicity of the HZ vaccine (Zostavax) in patients with SLE.

Methods.

Ten patients with SLE and 10 control subjects ≥ age 50 years participated in this open-label vaccination study. All were seropositive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). Patients with SLE were excluded for SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) > 4, or use of mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, biologics, or > 10 mg prednisone daily. Followup visits occurred at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Clinical outcomes included the development of adverse events, particularly HZ or vesicular lesions, and SLE flare. Immunogenicity was assessed with VZV-specific interferon-γ-producing enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays and with antibody concentrations.

Results.

All subjects were women. Patients with SLE were slightly older than controls (60.5 vs 55.3 yrs, p < 0.05). Median baseline SLEDAI was 0 (range 0–2) for patients with SLE. No episodes of HZ, vesicular rash, serious adverse events, or SLE flares occurred. Three injection site reactions occurred in each group: mild erythema or tenderness. The proportion of subjects with a > 50% increase in ELISPOT results following vaccination was comparable between both groups, although absolute SLE responses were lower than controls. Antibody titers increased only among controls following vaccination (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

The HZ vaccination yielded a measurable immune response in this cohort of patients with mild SLE taking mild-moderate immunosuppressive medications. No herpetiform lesions or SLE flares were seen in this small cohort of patients.ClinicalTrials.govID:NCT01474720.
Aberrant CpG Islands’ Hypermethylation of ABCB1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Patients with Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis
Authors: Sun Zhibo , Yang Shuhua , Ye Shunan , Zhang Yukun , Xu Weihua , Zhang Bo , Liu Xianzhe , Mo Fengbo , Hua Wenbin
Published: September 2013

Objective.

Patients carrying an ABCB1 polymorphism have a higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We investigated whether aberrant dinucleotide CpG islands’ hypermethylation of ABCB1 gene existed in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of patients with ONFH, which results in cell dysfunction.

Methods.

Bone marrow was collected from the proximal femur of patients with glucocorticoid (GC)-associated ONFH (n = 22) and patients with new femoral neck fractures (n = 25). MSC were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. We investigated cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the amount of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and ABCB1 transcripts, and methylation at CpG islands of ABCB1 promoter from both the femoral neck fractures group and the GC-associated ONFH group treated with or without the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5′-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5′-Aza-dC).

Results.

We observed that MSC from GC-associated ONFH groups showed reduced proliferation ability, elevated ROS levels, and depressed MMP when compared with the other 2 groups. Low levels of P-gp and ABCB1 transcript, as well as ABCB1 gene hypermethylation, in patients with GC-associated ONFH were also noted. Treatment with 5′-Aza-dC rapidly restored ABCB1 expression. Analysis of general expression revealed that aberrant CpG islands’ hypermethylation of ABCB1 caused sensitivity to GC and induced changes in the proliferation and oxidative stress of MSC under GC administration.

Conclusion.

These data suggest that aberrant CpG islands’ hypermethylation of ABCB1 gene may be responsible for individual differences in the development of GC-associated ONFH.
The Decision-Making Process in International Business Strategies
Authors: Musso Fabio , Francioni Barbara
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between the contextual factors related to the firm’s decision-maker and the process of international strategic decision-making. The analysis has been conducted focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Data for the research came from 111 usable responses to a survey on a sample of SME decision-makers in international field. The results of regression analysis indicate that the context variables, both internal and external, exerted more influence on international strategic decision making process than the decision-maker personality characteristics.
Economics & Practical Applications for Applied Trauma Theory
Authors: Bathory David S.
Published: September 2013

The effects of global warming are becoming apparent throughout the world. Europe has begun to experience more severe winters and increased rain (Steffen, 2011). Massive flooding in South Eastern Europe has devastated communities and repeatedly strains the economy of these regions resulting in mass trauma to the residents of multiple countries. Intergenerational effects of trauma (Kaitz, Levy, Ebstein, Faraone, & Mankuta, 2009) have been noted to be an increasing world-wide concern. These traumatic effects are not only psychologically based but result in structural and functional changes within the brain and body (van der Kolk, Roth, Pelcovitz, Sunday, & Spinazzola, 2005; Bathory, 2011; Bathory, 2012a; Bathory, 2012b). This paper explores the application of sustainable energy and rural tourism to assist mass victims of natural disaster flooding. The author provides the cultural precedents for marketing, as well as the psychoneurobiological rationale and application for an intervention to a large non-clinical population.
The Impact of Four Reading Motivational Constructs on Motivating EFL Learners to Read Online Texts in English
Authors: Al Seghayer Khalid
Published: September 2013

It is generally acknowledged that motivation plays a critical role in second-language (L2) reading. The technology-enhanced learning environment, specifically the computer-assisted reading environment as an interactive tool with distinctive attributes, is said to motivate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners to make more sustained efforts in online reading and show greater perseverance. Such an environment encourages students to devote more time to reading due to its ability to more profoundly engage English learners in reading accessible, electronic English texts. The present study investigates the relative contribution of four motivational constructs that constitute the EFL learner’s online reading motivation: the intrinsic value of reading online English texts, the extrinsic value of reading online English texts, the attainment value of reading, and reading efficacy. The study closely measures the views of EFL learners in preparatory programs at selected Saudi universities regarding the value of online reading with respect to these four motivational constructs. In addition, it explores differences in these motivational constructs according to the perspectives of both genders who are attending preparatory programs, as well as examines the motivational attitude of EFL learners toward the value of reading online English texts. A 35-item survey was administered to the selected respondents to identify the four dimensions of EFL learners’ online English reading motivation. The findings indicate that the four online reading motivational constructs contribute positively to EFL learners reading online English texts in the following order: extrinsic, attainment, intrinsic, and efficacy. The questionnaires were analyzed by use of within- and between-subjects ANOVA and post-hoc pairwise comparisons, whereas the open-ended questions were analyzed by use of content analysis. The results also show that both male and female EFL learners have high motivation to read online English texts, with female learners scoring significantly higher than male learners on the attainment scale.A thorough discussion that incorporates the present results is provided, along with proffering and highlighting practical technical and pedagogical implications for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) reading classrooms beyond the given context. Areas of potential future research are delineated as well.
From Learning Objects to Language Learning Objects
Authors: Vetromille-Castro Rafael , Moor Anne Marie , Duarte Gabriela Bohlmann , Sedrez Nairana Hoffmann
Published: September 2013

Learning Objects (LOs) have increasingly become of interest to users and researchers of Information and Communication Technologies (Wiley, 2002; Gibson, 2002; Leffa, 2006). There are several definitions, an ample discussion and criticism in relation to what can be considered a LO. Leffa (2006) indicates the state of the art of LOs and points to the lack of theoretical support in the production of such resources. Therefore, since more attention has been paid to technological aspects than to pedagogical ones in the development of LOs, the authors consider it necessary to have a theoretical basis that supports the design of such objects and makes them congruent to the learning of foreign languages (FL) with an emphasis on communication. Hence, this paper proposes a definition of Language Learning Objects (LLOs) that attend to the principles of Communicative Language Teaching (Canale & Swain, 1980; Ellis, 1999, 2005; Paiva, 2009) and Pedagogical and Design Usability (Vetromille-Castro, 2003).
The Role of Open Educational Resources in English Language Learning and Teaching
Authors: Altunay Dilek
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the role of Open Educational Resources (OER) in foreign language learning and teaching, focusing on the field of ELT. Firstly, the concept of OER is introduced in the article by providing the definition of OER, role of OER in education, and studies on OER. Then the role of the OER in language learning and teaching is explained in accordance with language learning theories, and examples of OERs for the field of ELT are provided for learners and teachers of English. Possible concerns regarding the creation and use of OER by language teachers and learners are also examined in the article. The article ends with future directions and a summary of the benefits of using OER in language learning and teaching.
Models and Solutions for Truck and Trailer Routing Problems
Authors: Pérez Isis Torres , Verdegay José Luis , Corona Carlos Cruz , Suárez Alejandro Rosete
Published: September 2013

This paper is a survey about of the Truck and Trailer Routing Problem. The Truck and Trailer Routing Problem is an extension of the well-known Vehicle Routing Problem. Defined recently, this problem consists in designing the optimal set of routes for fleet of vehicles (trucks and trailers) in order to serve a given set of geographically dispersed customers. Since TTRP itself is a very difficult combinatorial optimization problem are usually tackled by metaheuristics. The interest in Truck and Trailer Routing Problem is motivated by its practical relevance as well as by its considerable difficulty. The goal of this paper is to show a study on the TTRP and the metaheuristics used for to solve it.