bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport cost in location practice and economic geography: traditional theories, some new dimensions and policy implications
Authors: Christofakis Manolis
Published: November 2014

This paper outlines the main theoretical approaches to the role of transport in spatial organization and investigates possible new extensions at a theoretical and practical level, focusing on the analysis of transport cost. Beginning from the traditional theories of spatial distribution and the location of economic activities under transport cost, the analysis focuses on the related approaches of the new economic geography, which are based on the assumptions of the known “iceberg cost”. After that, through the presentation of indicative empirical studies, the paper attempts to clarify new issues that should be taken into account in the relevant theoretical considerations as well as in the political practice. Thus, factors such as the change of production structure in the modern economies with the production of more quality products, lower mass, and higher relative value and intangible goods, in combination with the improved transport technology, have contributed to a continuous reduction of the transport cost of raw materials and productive goods over the years. These developments along with the growing importance of cost of moving people should be taken into account in the new theoretical interrogations and the political practice of regional and urban development
Ranking Asia-Pacific cities: Economic performance of multinational corporations and the regional urban hierarchy
Authors: Csomós György , Derudder Ben
Published: November 2014

Over the past decade the world economy has undergone significant changes with an impact not only on national economies but also on the key cities from which that world economy is largely being controlled. In this study, we use Forbes’ ‘Global 2000’ data on the headquarter location and size of the world’s leading multinational corporations in order to examine the shifting relative position of leading Asia-Pacific cities as command and control centres in this increasingly important part of the world economy. Comparing cities’ positions in 2006 and 2011, we present that Tokyo, which assumed a leading role in the region for decades, has seen a major decline in its command and control function, while Beijing now represents almost as much as command and control as the Japanese capital. Beijing’s fast growth in command and control is also found for Chinese cities, albeit that Beijing clearly dominates the other Chinese cities. In addition, we present that shifting patterns of command and control also hinge on the sectors dominating the Forbes 2000 ranking.
The concept of geo-demographic situation and geo-demographic typology of the subjects of the Russian Federation
Authors: Fedorov Gennady
Published: November 2014

The article presents the results of research on typologisation of Russian regions according the geo-demographic situation. The typologisation of regions is performed on the basis of statistics for 2011-2012. The regions are described through demographic, economic, social, settlement, ecological, and ethno-demographic categories, the most common of which according to the authors point of view are the typological features of the geo-demographic situation. The subjects of the Russian Federation provided the research material to apply 15 typological traits and identify three types of geo-demographic situation, 9 subtypes of the first level, sub-types of the second level and a model subtype of the third level. The study shows that various types and subtypes of regions require different approaches in demographic, economic, social, equity, ethnic, environmental, and population distribution regional policies towards relevant entities of the Russian Federation.
Integrated planning of the development of a city in terms of the diurnal activity of its residents
Authors: Mierzejewska Lidia , Parysek Jerzy J.
Published: November 2014

The change in Poland’s systemic conditions and its membership of the European Union make it necessary to take a new look at the organisation, structure and operation of the Polish planning system. In place of two, not always well coordinated, types of planning: socio-economic, now called strategic, and physical, integrated planning is proposed which seeks to combine those two categories into a single stream and treat the objects of planning as a functional whole. This type of approach is recommended by international organisations of urban planners (the New Athens Charter) and academic planners. Integrated planning of urban development is also written in the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities, an EU urban policy document. However, each planning procedure requires the adoption of certain initial assumptions on which to base the conception of an integrated plan of the socio-economic and spatial development of a city that would accommodate its natural, social and economic spheres. The special character of a city as a living environment (a large population number, high population density, many social structures, etc.) demands giving the assumptions an anthropocentric orientation, i.e. with human beings as the addressees of the planned measures. This means that human needs should figure most prominently in the formulation of the assumptions of urban development. And since man’s diurnal activity is one of the best indicators of articulated needs, an analysis of this activity can provide a basis for the formulation of development assumptions. In this paper we present a general model of integrated planning of the development of a city formulated primarily in terms of the diurnal activity of its residents, but also employing other factors.
The spatial production of a border-crossing civil society in Görlitz and Zgorzelec. A German point of view
Authors: Teufel Nicolai
Published: November 2014

After decades of uncertainty and continuous change to the border regime since the split-up of Görlitz into a German part west of the river Neisse, and a Polish part called Zgorzelec after the Second World War, both towns established the self-designated European City Görlitz-Zgorzelec in 1998. Although journalists and politicians maintain that Görlitz and Zgorzelec are a case model for European integration, there are obvious differences between the visions connected to the project ‘European City’ and the everyday life. Following the key research question, whether the ‘European City Görlitz-Zgorzelec’, in its attempts to develop a border-crossing civil society, is also constructed from below by citizens on both sides of the border, my contribution to the field of border studies uses a qualitative micro-level approach to these processes in the fields of culture, leisure and education. For that aim, an ethnographically inspired socio-geographical research design has been linked to Henri Lefebvre’s theoretical framework of the double triad of spatial production developed in The Production of Space (1991). From the perspective of actors in civil society in both towns, who are active in constructing, shifting and deconstructing borders, the article aims to illuminate both territorial and social bordering processes. Borderwork is embedded in and connected to transformation and peripheralisation processes, as well as to the discourses on and the funding instruments of European Integration in the context of the complex history of the Polish-German border.
Geriatric Oncology
Authors: Hughes Helen , Swaminathan Vikram , Pellegrini Alice , Audisio Riccardo
Published: November 2014

Cancer incidence increases with age. With an ageing population, the burden of cancer in older people is set to increase significantly in the coming decades. This is a heterogeneous group with wide variations in health and functional status separate from chronological age. Data suggest that historically this patient cohort have poorer outcomes and have been under-represented in clinical cancer trials. There is an emerging body of evidence to help guide treatment; however, ongoing research is needed to develop comprehensive evidence-based guidelines and identify treatment regimens, which are suitable for frailer patients. In this article, we review the current field of geriatric oncology. We highlight that age is not a contradiction to cancer treatment but geriatric assessment is needed to identify which treatment a patient may tolerate and benefit from.
Relationships between selected tree characteristics and the properties of juvenile wood in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Tomczak Arkadiusz
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to determine relationships between selected properties of juvenile wood and characteristics of the stem and crown of Scots pine. Analyses were conducted in northern Poland on eight mature pine monocultures. Nine trees were selected in each experimental site and their stems were divided into five sections. The centers of the sections were established at a height of 1.3 m from the tree base and at points corresponding to 20, 40, 60 and 80% tree height. Samples were taken from these locations, and these samples were prepared for analyses of basic density, compressive strength along the grain and static bending, as well as the modulus of elasticity during bending. The mean height of the investigated group of trees was 26.0 m with an average diameter breast high of 33.6 cm. The mean crown depth was 7.8 m and crown diameter was 3.6 m, and the mean basic density (Qu) of juvenile pine wood was 416 kg/m3. The average compressive strength along the grain (CS) was determined to be 22.3 MPa, while static bending strength (BS) was 45.8 MPa. The recorded modulus of elasticity (MOE) was 4726 MPa.

Both in general terms and when dividing stems into sections, the wood properties correlated with tree characteristics to various degrees. All indexes were negative indicating that trees of greater dimensions produce juvenile wood of inferior quality. Properties of juvenile wood formed during various periods of tree life were mostly related to diameter breast high and crown depth. They were also correlated with tree height, but only to a limited extent. In contrast, properties of wood from the middle stem sections were significantly correlated with crown diameter.
Initial water repellency affected organic matter depletion rates of manure amended soils in Sri Lanka
Authors: Leelamanie D.A.L.
Published: November 2014

The wetting rate of soil is a measure of water repellency, which is a property of soils that prevents water from wetting or penetrating into dry soil. The objective of the present research was to examine the initial water repellency of organic manure amended soil, and its relation to the soil organic matter (SOM) depletion rates in the laboratory. Soil collected from the Wilpita natural forest, Sri Lanka, was mixed with organic manure to prepare soil samples with 0, 5, 10, 25, and 50% organic manure contents. Locally available cattle manure (CM), goat manure (GM), and Casuarina equisetifolia leaves (CE) were used as the organic manure amendments. Organic matter content of soils was measured in 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days intervals under the laboratory conditions with 74±5% relative humidity at 28±1°C. Initial water repellency of soil samples was measured as the wetting rates using the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test. Initial water repellency increased with increasing SOM content showing higher increasing rate for hydrophobic CE amended samples compared with those amended with CM and GM. The relation between water repellency and SOM content was considered to be governed by the original hydrophobicities of added manures. The SOM contents of all the soil samples decreased with the time to reach almost steady level at about 30 d. The initial SOM depletion rates were negatively related with the initial water repellency. However, all the CE amended samples initially showed prominent low SOM depletion rates, which were not significantly differed with the amended manure content or the difference in initial water repellency. It is explicable that the original hydrophobicity of the manure as well has a potentially important effect on initiation of SOM decomposition. In contrast, the overall SOM depletion rate can be attributed to the initial water repellency of the manure amended sample, however, not to the original hydrophobicity of the amended manure. Hydrophobic protection may prevent rapid microbial decomposition of SOM and it is conceivable that hydrophobic substances in appropriate composition may reduce organic matter mineralization in soil. These results suggest the contribution of hydrophobic organic substances in bioresistance of SOM and their long-term accumulation in soils
Antioxidant Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Activity of Five Plants from the Commelinaceae Family
Authors: Tan Joash , Yap Wei , Tan Shen , Lim Yau , Lee Sui
Published: November 2014

Commelinaceae is a family of herbaceous flowering plants with many species used in ethnobotany, particularly in South America. However, thus far reports of their bioactivity are few and far between. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of five Commelinaceae methanolic leaf extracts. The antioxidant content was evaluated by the total phenolic content (TPC), total tannin content (TTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The antioxidant activities measured were DPPH free radical scavenging (FRS), ferric reducing power (FRP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC); of the five plants, the methanolic leaf extract of Tradescantia zebrina showed the highest antioxidant content and activity, and exhibited antibacterial activity against six species of Gram-positive and two species of Gram-negative bacteria in a range of 5–10 mg/mL based on the broth microdilution method.
Cellular Localization and Trafficking of the Human ABCG1 Transporter
Authors: Neufeld Edward , O'Brien Katherine , Walts Avram , Stonik John , Demosky Steven , Malide Daniela , Combs Christian , Remaley Alan
Published: November 2014

We have developed a suitable heterologous cell expression system to study the localization, trafficking, and site(s) of function of the human ABCG1 transporter. Increased plasma membrane (PM) and late endosomal (LE) cholesterol generated by ABCG1 was removed by lipoproteins and liposomes, but not apoA-I. Delivery of ABCG1 to the PM and LE was required for ABCG1-mediated cellular cholesterol efflux. ABCG1 LEs frequently contacted the PM, providing a collisional mechanism for transfer of ABCG1-mobilized cholesterol, similar to ABCG1-mediated PM cholesterol efflux to lipoproteins. ABCG1-mobilized LE cholesterol also trafficked to the PM by a non-vesicular pathway. Transfer of ABCG1-mobilized cholesterol from the cytoplasmic face of LEs to the PM and concomitant removal of cholesterol from the outer leaflet of the PM bilayer by extracellular acceptors suggests that ABCG1 mobilizes cholesterol on both sides of the lipid bilayer for removal by acceptors. ABCG1 increased uptake of HDL into LEs, consistent with a potential ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux pathway involving HDL resecretion. Thus, ABCG1 at the PM mobilizes PM cholesterol and ABCG1 in LE/LYS generates mobile pools of cholesterol that can traffic by both vesicular and non-vesicular pathways to the PM where it can also be transferred to extracellular acceptors with a lipid surface.
HGF/Met Signaling Is a Key Player in Malignant Mesothelioma Carcinogenesis
Authors: Gaudino Giovanni , Yang Haining , Carbone Michele
Published: November 2014

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive cancer related to asbestos or erionite exposure and resistant to current therapies. Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its tyrosine kinase receptor Met regulate cell growth, survival, motility/migration, and invasion. HGF and Met are expressed in MM cells, suggesting that the HGF/Met signaling plays a role in development and progression of this tumor, by autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. Upregulation and ligand-independent activation of Met, which is under suppressive control of miR-34 family members, correlate with enhanced invasion, migration and metastatic potential in several cancers, including MM. Moreover, Simian Virus 40 (SV40) Tag expression also induces a HGF autocrine circuit in an Rb-dependent manner in human mesothelial cells (HM) and possibly other cell types, enhancing cell adhesion, invasion and angiogenesis. The resulting activation of Met causes HM transformation and cell cycle progression, and contributes to virus particle assembling and infection of adjacent cells. The constitutive activation of Met, frequently occurring in MM, has been successfully targeted in preclinical models of MM. In conclusion, Met expression, activation state, subcellular localization and also HGF co-receptors expression, such as CD44, have clinical relevance for novel targeted therapies in a cancer for which no effective treatment is currently available.
Auditory Reserve and the Legacy of Auditory Experience
Authors: Skoe Erika , Kraus Nina
Published: November 2014

Musical training during childhood has been linked to more robust encoding of sound later in life. We take this as evidence for an auditory reserve: a mechanism by which individuals capitalize on earlier life experiences to promote auditory processing. We assert that early auditory experiences guide how the reserve develops and is maintained over the lifetime. Experiences that occur after childhood, or which are limited in nature, are theorized to affect the reserve, although their influence on sensory processing may be less long-lasting and may potentially fade over time if not repeated. This auditory reserve may help to explain individual differences in how individuals cope with auditory impoverishment or loss of sensorineural function.
Cooperative Path-Planning for Multi-Vehicle Systems
Authors: Wang Qichen , Phillips Chris
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we propose a collision avoidance algorithm for multi-vehicle systems, which is a common problem in many areas, including navigation and robotics. In dynamic environments, vehicles may become involved in potential collisions with each other, particularly when the vehicle density is high and the direction of travel is unrestricted. Cooperatively planning vehicle movement can effectively reduce and fairly distribute the detour inconvenience before subsequently returning vehicles to their intended paths. We present a novel method of cooperative path planning for multi-vehicle systems based on reinforcement learning to address this problem as a decision process. A dynamic system is described as a multi-dimensional space formed by vectors as states to represent all participating vehicles’ position and orientation, whilst considering the kinematic constraints of the vehicles. Actions are defined for the system to transit from one state to another. In order to select appropriate actions whilst satisfying the constraints of path smoothness, constant speed and complying with a minimum distance between vehicles, an approximate value function is iteratively developed to indicate the desirability of every state-action pair from the continuous state space and action space. The proposed scheme comprises two phases. The convergence of the value function takes place in the former learning phase, and it is then used as a path planning guideline in the subsequent action phase. This paper summarizes the concept and methodologies used to implement this online cooperative collision avoidance algorithm and presents results and analysis regarding how this cooperative scheme improves upon two baseline schemes where vehicles make movement decisions independently.
Ambiguity, Ambivalence and Extravagance in The Hunger Games
Authors: Oliver Kelly
Published: November 2014

I argue that Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games is an emblem of what Julia Kristeva calls the “extravagant girl” who wants to have it all and to be the best at everything. Katniss has an ambiguous gender identity, both masculine and feminine, paternal and maternal. And she has ambivalent desires. I conclude that this ambiguity and ambivalence open up new possibilities for girls and initiate an aesthetics of ambiguity.
3D QSAR Studies, Pharmacophore Modeling and Virtual Screening on a Series of Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Xie Huiding , Qiu Kaixiong , Xie Xiaoguang
Published: November 2014

Aromatase inhibitors are the most important targets in treatment of estrogen-dependent cancers. In order to search for potent steroidal aromatase inhibitors (SAIs) with lower side effects and overcome cellular resistance, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were performed on a series of SAIs to build 3D QSAR models. The reliable and predictive CoMFA and CoMSIA models were obtained with statistical results (CoMFA: q2 = 0.636, r2ncv = 0.988, r2pred = 0.658; CoMSIA: q2 = 0.843, r2ncv = 0.989, r2pred = 0.601). This 3D QSAR approach provides significant insights that can be used to develop novel and potent SAIs. In addition, Genetic algorithm with linear assignment of hypermolecular alignment of database (GALAHAD) was used to derive 3D pharmacophore models. The selected pharmacophore model contains two acceptor atoms and four hydrophobic centers, which was used as a 3D query for virtual screening against NCI2000 database. Six hit compounds were obtained and their biological activities were further predicted by the CoMFA and CoMSIA models, which are expected to design potent and novel SAIs.
Time-Course Changes of Steroidogenic Gene Expression and Steroidogenesis of Rat Leydig Cells after Acute Immobilization Stress
Authors: Lin Han , Yuan Kai-ming , Zhou Hong-yu , Bu Tiao , Su Huina , Liu Shiwen , Zhu Qiqi , Wang Yiyan , Hu Yuanyuan , Shan Yuanyuan , Lian Qing-quan , Wu Xiao-yun , Ge Ren-shan
Published: November 2014

Leydig cells secrete testosterone, which is essential for male fertility and reproductive health. Stress increases the secretion of glucocorticoid (corticosterone, CORT; in rats), which decreases circulating testosterone levels in part through a direct action by binding to the glucocorticoid receptors (NR3C1) in Leydig cells. The intratesticular CORT level is dependent on oxidative inactivation of glucocorticoid by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) in Leydig cells. In the present study, we investigated the time-course changes of steroidogenic gene expression levels after acute immobilization stress in rats. The plasma CORT levels were significantly increased 0.5, 1, 3 and 6 h after immobilization stress, while plasma testosterone levels were significantly reduced 3 and 6 h, after stress and luteinizing hormone (LH) did not change. Immobilization stress caused the down-regulation of Scarb1, Star and Cyp17a1 expression levels in the rat testis starting at the first hour of stress, ahead of the significant decreases of plasma testosterone levels. Other mRNA levels, including Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1 and Hsd17b3, began to decline after 3 h. Hsd11b1 and Nos2 mRNA levels did not change during the course of stress. Administration of glucocorticoid antagonist RU486 significantly restored plasma testosterone levels. In conclusion, Scarb1, Star and Cyp17a1 expression levels are more sensitive to acute stress, and acute immobilization stress causes the decline of the steroidogenic pathway via elevating the levels of glucocorticoid, which binds to NR3C1 in Leydig cells to inhibit steroidogenic gene expression.
Boric Ester-Type Molten Salt via Dehydrocoupling Reaction
Authors: Matsumi Noriyoshi , Toyota Yoshiyuki , Joshi Prerna , Puneet Puhup , Vedarajan Raman , Takekawa Toshihiro
Published: November 2014

Novel boric ester-type molten salt was prepared using 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride as a key starting material. After an ion exchange reaction of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride with lithium (bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide) (LiNTf2), the resulting 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium NTf2 was reacted with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) to give the desired boric ester-type molten salt in a moderate yield. The structure of the boric ester-type molten salt was supported by 1H-, 13C-, 11B- and 19F-NMR spectra. In the presence of two different kinds of lithium salts, the matrices showed an ionic conductivity in the range of 1.1 × 10−4–1.6 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 51 °C. This was higher than other organoboron molten salts ever reported.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-Phenoxyacetamide Analogues, a Novel Class of Potent and Selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: Shen Wei , Yu Shian , Zhang Jiaming , Jia Weizheng , Zhu Qing
Published: November 2014

Monoamine oxidases (EC 1.4.3.4; MAOs), a family of FAD-containing enzymes, is an important target for antidepressant drugs. In this paper, a series of 2-phenoxyacetamide analogues were synthesized, and their inhibitory potency towards monoamine oxidases A (MAO-A) and B (MAO-B) were evaluated using enzyme and cancer cell lysate. 2-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)acetamide (compound 12) (SI = 245) and (2-(4-((prop-2-ynylimino)methyl)phenoxy)acetamide (compound 21) (IC50MAO-A = 0.018 μM, IC50MAO-B = 0.07 μM) were successfully identified as the most specific MAO-A inhibitor, and the most potent MAO-A/-B inhibitor, respectively. The inhibitory activities of these two compounds in living cells were also further evaluated utilizing HepG2 and SHSY-5Y cell lysates.
Carbon Emissions Decomposition and Environmental Mitigation Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Development in Shandong Province
Authors: Wang Changjian , Wang Fei , Zhang Hongou , Ye Yuyao , Wu Qitao , Su Yongxian
Published: November 2014

Provincial carbon emissions research is necessary for China to realize emissions reduction targets. Two-level decomposition model based on the Kaya identity was applied to uncover the main driving forces for the energy related carbon emissions in Shandong province from 1995 to 2011, an important energy base in China. Coal consumption is still the biggest contributor to the increased carbon emissions in Shandong. Decomposition results show that the affluence effect is the most important contributors to the carbon emissions increments. The energy intensity effect is the dominant factor in curbing carbon emissions. The emission coefficient effect plays an important negative but relatively minor effect on carbon emissions. Based on the local realities, a series of environment-friendly mitigation policies are raised by fully considering all of these influencing factors. Sustainable mitigation policies will pay more attention to the low-carbon economic development along with the significant energy intensity reduction in Shangdong province.
La sculpture figurative du cloître Saint-Avit-Sénieur
Authors: Gardelles Jacques
Published: November 2014

Der figürliche Bauschmuck des Kreuzgangs von Saint- Avit-Sénieur (Dordogne).

Die Grabungen in den zerstörten Gebäuden der Priorei von Saint -Avit-Sénieur haben eine grössere Anzahl von behausnen Fragmenten zutage gebracht. Viele sind Stücke von Kämpfern oder Kapitellen, aber darunter befinden sich auch vier grosze Quader von ungefähr 0,70 m Höhe ; auf jeder ihrer langen Seiten heben sich in einem Palmetten- oder Faltbandrahmen verschiedene Figuren ab : Tierkreiszeichen, die von Sitzfiguren gehalten werden, Greise und Reiter der Apokalypse. Andere vereinzelte Elemente, die manchmal in einem schönen Stil, der an das Bogenfeld von Moissac erinnert, ausgeführt sind, zeigen, dass es noch andere ähnliche Blöcke gab. Das ikonographische Programm ist überraschend in einem Kreuzgang, ebenso unerwartet ist die Form der Pfeiler, die aus zwei übereinandergesetzten Blöcken bestanden und somit zwei Figurenreihen in rechteckigen Nischen bildeten.
Les vitraux du chœur de Saint-Séverin
Authors: Reynaud Nicole
Published: November 2014

Les vitraux du chœur de Saint- Séverin.

Certains vitraux de l'église Saint-Séverin à Paris sont les seuls témoins subsistants en place de l'art du vitrail parisien du troisième quart du XVe siècle, et grâce à l'étude de leur carton, peuvent servir de documents pour la connaissance de la peinture parisienne, presque entièrement disparue. Une verrière à trois lancettes représentant le Saint Sauveur entre la Vierge et saint Jean Évangéliste peut ainsi être attribuée au Maître de Coetivy, peintre de la famille royale et des hauts fonctionnaires, vers 1460-1470. Elle a été réutilisée légèrement décentrée, dans la nouvelle architecture de l'abside reconstruite tout à la fin du XVe siècle. La rareté du sujet du Saint Sauveur permet d'attribuer la commande du vitrail à Guillaume Brinon, membre d'une des plus puissantes familles de la magistrature parisienne, dont le testament de 1476 rappelle qu'il avait fondé une chapellenie au titre du Saint Sauveur accompagnée d'une verrière. La beauté du vitrail et l'importance de la commande témoignent de la qualité du peintre cartonnier.
Le château de Loches
Authors: Héliot Pierre , Deyres Marcel
Published: November 2014

Loches Castle.

Loches Castle, which came into the hands of the counts of Anjou toward the year 900, remained a formidable fortress until the beginning of the thirteenth century, when it was recaptured for the French crown. From this period, the folio wing vestiges remain :

1) a part of the original knoll (motte féodale), dating no earlier than the eleventh century and situated against the east wall of the keep ;

2) the present keep, constructed ca. 1100 after the abandonment of a first project from which many clearly visible traces remain ;

3) the porch tower of the collegiate church of Notre-Dame ;

4) some vestiges of a rampart built against the southern angles of the keep and extending toward the west and east ;

5) some vestiges of a dependancy of the ancient domicilium, which must have occupied, for the most part, the location of the présent royal dwelling ;

6) a rampart overlooking the present ditch, quoined with full towers.

The sieges of Richard the Lionhearted in 1194 and Philippe-Auguste in 1205 demonstrated the weaknesses of a fortress that was outmoded and whose apparent strength was mostly due to its position on a steep promontory. It is for this reason that the citadel was reinforced on the south side by the widening and deepening of the moat and the construction over three or four decades of the three spurred towers and a cylindrical tower to the east of the keep, as well as the lower parts of the lodge at the entrance.

Despite these modernizations, Loches ceased to play an important military role before 1200.

Under the Valois, principally under Charles VII and Louis XII, Loches was a royal residence. Charles VII established his household in an elegant fourteenth-century manor situated at the far end of the promontory (the present Charles VII residence). Louis XII built on the wing that bears his name, and Louis XI, who spent little time at Loches, saw to the construction of the great cylindrical tower at the south-west angle of the citadel.

During the Wars of Religion, Loches castle was reduced to the unobtrusive role of a food and munitions depot.
Les verriers de Lorraine à la fin du Moyen Age et au temps de la Renaissance (1431-1552). Approche documentaire
Authors: Hérold Michel
Published: November 2014

Les verriers de Lorraine à la fin du Moyen Age et au temps de la Renaissance (1431-1552). Approche documentaire.

L'exploitation systématique des textes où apparaissent les verriers peut contribuer au progrès de notre connaissance du vitrail ancien.

Les archives lorraines des XVe et XVIe siècles ont livré des documents en assez grand nombre, mais de valeur fort inégale. Les textes découverts nous montrent un milieu relativement fermé, où les verriers d'origine locale sont très largement majoritaires et décrivent des activités exemptes de tout règlement corporatif. Il est dans l'ensemble fort difficile d'apprécier les capacités et les qualités de chacun : par exemple aucune hiérarchie de salaire ne distingue le verrier estimé du simple poseur de losanges. Certains verriers bénéficient cependant d'une situation particulière, ayant été affranchis par le duc. Tous cependant restent des artisans ; contrairement aux peintres, aucun d'eux n'est anobli, ou ne bénéficie d'une charge à la cour ducale.

Les occupations des verriers sont très diverses. Fabrication et restauration de verrières blanches à losanges tiennent une place toujours importante, parfois essentielle ; bien souvent les verriers apparaissent comme de véritables factotums chargés aussi bien de modestes travaux de vitrerie et de peintures que de l'exécution de verrières de couleur.

Très importante jusqu'au milieu du XVIe siècle, l'activité créatrice des verriers se ralentit sérieusement dans les décennies qui suivent, pour disparaître presque complètement avec la guerre de Trente Ans ; elle renaît seulement au XIXe siècle.
La place de la Gorgone : où est passée la tête de Méduse ? (Odyssée, XI, 627 et suiv.)
Authors: Cerri Giovanni
Published: November 2014

Nel finale del libro XI dell’Odissea, la testa della Gorgone, isolata in se stessa alla maniera del gorgoneion, è assunta come dèmone catactonio permanente al servizio di Persefone, con la funzione specifica di terrorizzare, mettere in fuga ovvero pietrificare i vivi che osino intromettersi nel mistero dell’Ade. Questa figurazione è un unicum assoluto nell’intera storia della cultura e della letteratura greco-romana antica. Fu una sorta di innovazione poetica proposta dal brano omerico, che fu poi rifiutata dalla cultura delle età successive, in quanto ritenuta assurda dal punto di vista mitologico. Si deve infatti notare che : 1) Non trova riscontro in nessun altro testo della produzione poetica arcaica, dall’ VIII al VI secolo a. C. ; 2) Almeno a partire da Aristotele provocò forte turbamento nei commentatori di Omero, i quali avvertivano una contraddizione non superabile tra il significato più ovvio del brano e la tradizione mitica a loro nota ; 3) Non fu mai oggetto di registrazione da parte dei mitografi né di riflessione da parte di fi losofi o eruditi ; 4) Fu invece oggetto di allusioni trasversali (non certo di riprese in senso stretto) sempre e solo in passi di taglio comico-sarcastico.
Lucy Vines : l'attrait et l'effroi
Authors: Levêque Alain
Published: November 2014

Résumé Touché depuis longtemps par l’œuvre de Lucy Vines, peintre d’origine américaine qui vit à Paris, Alain Lévêque, écrivain français, tente ici de comprendre le sens des figures qui hantent ses dessins sur papier, en particulier ceux au fond noir. À partir d’exemples précis, il s’attache à montrer que la présence pénétrante et émouvante de ces êtres venus des profondeurs intérieures, presque toujours des femmes au corps nu, au regard intense, mais aussi des enfants, tient, d’une part, à leur caractère d’apparitions, et, de l’autre, à leur insaisissable vérité d’expression de la finitude.
Esthétique environnementale : du déplacement au dépassement
Authors: Kuitche Hermann
Published: November 2014

La question de l’appréciation esthétique est centrale en philosophie esthétique depuis les Lumières. Longtemps essentiellement focalisée sur les œuvres d’art, elle a, à partir de la seconde moitié du siècle dernier, davantage porté sur les objets ainsi que les environnements non-humains et humains. C’est précisément à ce deuxième aspect que se consacrera notre réflexion. Accordant une attention particulière à l’esthétique des environnements urbains et en discutant des raisons pour lesquelles le jugement esthétique s’est davantage concentré sur l’appréciation des lieux, des paysages et des environnements et fut progressivement intégré dans l’action publique, ce texte entend relever le rôle et la place de l’esthétique dans nos espaces urbains. Dans ce sens, on traitera de l’émergence de la nouvelle esthétique environnementale à la suite du déplacement et du dépassement de l’appréciation esthétique, lesquels permettent l’apparition d’un modèle qui n’est plus limité à l’esthétique du pittoresque héritée du xviii e siècle. Ensuite, on mettra en relation la notion d’engagement et le rôle social et culturel de l’esthétique défendus par les philosophes contemporains afin de mieux discuter les différentes thèses ici développées.
Le statut de l'image dans l'iconographie chrétienne après le concile de Trente
Authors: Vieillard-Baron Jean-Louis
Published: November 2014

Le statut théologique de l’image pieuse dans les premières années du dix-septième siècle est déterminé par le dernier article du concile de Trente sur l’usage des saintes images et l’utilité du culte des saints. Le succès de la Compagnie de Jésus et la création de l’Oratoire permettent une « pensée figurative » chez les peintres ; la représentation l’emporte sur la théorie. Les images saintes ne sont pas des icônes mais seulement des intermédiaires entre les croyants et Dieu. On observe une tendance théologique des peintres sur la Pénitence ou sur les Sacrements. La différence entre la peinture qui glorifie Dieu (les décors plafonnants de la Rome baroque) et la peinture dévotionnelle (souvent à usage privé) s’accentue. Les premiers tableaux religieux de Poussin sont significatifs de l’importance de ce que Saint François de Sales a nommé « la vie dévote ». C’est l’invasion mystique qui explique la prolifération des tableaux religieux.
Surveillantes dans les prisons pour hommes : entre indifférenciation des sexes et réitérations des stéréotypes sexués
Authors: Le Gendre Anne-Christine
Published: November 2014

La présence relativement récente de surveillantes dans les prisons pour hommes fait encore l’objet de résistances tant individuelles que collectives. Cet article se propose d’éclairer, à la lumière des travaux portant sur le genre, certaines des craintes exprimées par les personnels pénitentiaires, en particulier celles qui se réfèrent à une possible dissolution de la différence des sexes. L’étude de l’évolution d’un élément concret et emblématique, l’uniforme, nous permet de constater qu’à l’heure actuelle la mixité en détention hommes s’opère en renforçant les références et valeurs viriles professionnelles au prix de l’effacement du féminin. Ce choix qui privilégie la norme masculine dans un milieu traditionnellement monosexué et androcentré doit être resitué dans une époque qui remet en cause la bipartition univoque des sexes et introduit des éléments de porosité dans les identités personnelles, professionnelles, institutionnelles et sociales. En réaction à cette flexibilité des repères identificatoires, on voit se multiplier le recours aux stéréotypes de genre qui, par leur logique binaire, témoignent du nécessaire maintien des clivages en détention pour éviter tout risque de rapprochement avec les détenus. La remise en cause de barrières jusqu’ici étanches entre masculin/ féminin s’accompagne ainsi de la peur de voir se dissoudre toute différence entre intérieur/extérieur, bon/ mauvais, surveillant/ détenu.
Identités hétéronormées à l'école : catégorisations contraintes et jeux interstitiels
Authors: Mercader Patricia , Carbonne Natacha
Published: November 2014

Cet article est fondé sur une recherche portant sur mixité au quotidien et violence de genre dans les collèges et lycées. La méthode inclut une lecture pluridisciplinaire de deux matériaux : des interviews approfondies avec 39 chefs d’établissement, des observations prolongées (900 heures) dans cinq établissements. Comme la plupart des recherches actuelles sur ce thème, celle-ci fait apparaître que les élèves se socialisent mutuellement dans un système de contrôle réciproque très contraignant, qui construit activement une hiérarchie entre les sexes sur le mode de l’hétéronormativité. Néanmoins, elle met aussi en évidence la possibilité de jouer dans les interstices des clivages catégoriels imposés, notamment aux filles. Pour ce faire, les adolescents doivent louvoyer entre d’un côté la pression uniformisante qui pèse particulièrement (mais pas uniquement) sur les femmes (« toutes les mêmes ») et de l’autre le clivage, notamment le clivage des femmes, qui leur interdit à elles de se vivre comme sujets, et à eux de les reconnaître comme sujets.
Insultes en tous genres : construction identitaire et socialisation des adolescents à l'école
Authors: Durif-Varembont Jean-Pierre , Weber Rebecca
Published: November 2014

Cet article s’appuie sur une recherche de terrain menée sur les pratiques genrées entre pairs, y compris de violence, et les enjeux socio-éducatifs de la mixité en milieu scolaire. Des entretiens semi-directifs avec des chefs d’établissement ainsi qu’une année d’observation ethnographique dans cinq établissements représentatifs nous ont fait repérer comment le sexuel fait constamment irruption, le plus souvent sous la forme d’insultes et d’un langage ordurier que les adultes ont du mal à comprendre alors qu’il est banalisé par les élèves. Cette langue adolescente véhicule des stéréotypes de genre extrêmement marqués. Aussi, nous proposons d’analyser l’usage de ce langage et du recours aux stéréotypes dans une double fonction : une fonction de socialisation et d’intégration à travers les normes du groupe des pairs, mais aussi une fonction psychique de défense contre l’angoisse et d’étayage identitaire.
Colonoscopic diagnosis of rectal perforation by foreign body
Authors: Kshirsagar Ashok Y. , Nangare N. R. , Vekariya Mayank A. , Pednekar Akshay S.
Published: November 2014

A foreign body in the rectum is not as common as other parts of the body and presents a dilemma for management. Variety of foreign bodies have been found into the rectum such as turnip, stick, tumbler, paper pot, screw driver, live shell, glass bottle, vibrator, door handle, electric bulb, candles, and fruits. Some are introduced for diagnostic or therapeutic purpose like thermometer, enema tubes, disposable enema tips, irrigation catheters. Emergency department procedures include rectal examination, proctoscopy, and abdominal radiography. Although foreign bodies can be removed in the emergency department in about two out of three cases, some still require a laparotomy and a diverting colostomy to remove the object or to treat bowel perforation.
Malignant duodeno-colic fistula
Authors: Misra Debasis , Pati Girish Kumar , Misra Bijay , Singh Ayaskanta , Kar Sanjib , Panigrahi Manas Kumar , Singh Shivaram Prasad , Agrawal Omprakash , Meher Chudamani
Published: November 2014

Colo-duodenal fistula is a rare complication of gastro-intestinal malignancy and inflammatory bowel disease. The fistula often results in diarrhea and vomiting with dramatic weight loss. Vomiting may be feculent or truly fecal associated with foul smelling eructation. We present an unusual case of colonic carcinoma, where a 61-year-old female patient presented with pain abdomen and vomiting secondary to a malignant colo-duodenal fistula near the hepatic flexure. Ultrasonography showed a mass in the hepatic flexure area, and invasive adenocarcinoma was confirmed on histology from biopsy obtained during colonoscopy. Coloduodenal fistulae from colonic primaries are rare, but early diagnosis may allow curative surgery.
Endoscopy in a rare presentation of worms
Authors: Patil Mallikarjun , Sheth Keyur A. , Devarbhavi Harshad
Published: November 2014

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be a life threatening complication. Hookworms infestation usually causes chronic blood loss resulting in anemia. A 52 year old male presented to us with massive gastrointestinal blood loss and hemodynamic instability. On examination he had anemia, which on evaluation was iron deficient microcytic hypochromic anemia with eosinophilia. On evaluation of small bowel mucosa showed multiple hookworms moving on the surface. He improved with anthelmintics, blood transfusion and supportive management. The repeat evaluation showed eradication of worms. Hookworms presenting as a massive gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare entity. Enteroscopy plays an important role in diagnosing hookworm infestation.
Preterm Delivery and Growth Restriction in Multifetal Pregnancies reduced to Twins: Case-Control Series
Authors: Shewale Anuradha R , Shewale Bhavana
Published: November 2014

An adverse consequence of the widespread introduction of assisted reproductive techniques has been an exponential increase in the prevalence of multifetal pregnancies (Botting et al 1987). Such pregnancies are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and perinatal death (Kiely et al 1992). One of the options in the management of multifetal pregnancies is embryo reduction to twins which is associated with a reduction in the background risk of adverse pregnancy outcome (Evans et al 1995). The aim of the study was to compare the gestation at delivery and birth weight of surviving twins following multifetal pregnancy reduction to those in a control group of dichorionic non-reduced twins.

Materials and methods

A case control study evaluating pregnancy outcomes post embryo reduction. Study takes into account all patients with successful day three embryo transfers resulting in multifetal pregnancy. First trimester embryo reduction was carried out by intracardiac injection of KCl.

Results

A total of 26 multifetal pregnancies were reduced to twins at early gestational age (7-9 weeks). Two cases (7.6%) of miscarriage, no cases of chorioamnionitis and five cases (19.2%) of transient spotting were recorded as postoperative complications. There was no vanishing of embryos in those reduced to twins. A total of 24 patients (92.3%) with twin pregnancies took home at least one baby, while 18 (69.23%) of these took both babies home. This was analyzed and compared with a control group of women with nonreduced twins pregnancies.

The preterm delivery rate (defined as fetuses delivered before 37 weeks) in twin pregnancies was 53.8% (n = 14), with a severe preterm rate (defined as fetuses delivered before 32 weeks) of 23.07% (n = 6). One case (1.92%) of stillbirth occurred. The perinatal mortality rate was 13.46% (n = 6 newborns, and a 33-week stillbirth), mainly due to severe preterm labor. The latter group included no registered cases of newborns with congenital malformations. A total of 24 patients (92.3%) with twin pregnancies took home at least one baby, while 18 (69.23%) of these took both babies home.

In two of the 26 multifetal pregnancies reduced to twins there was miscarriage of both fetuses before 24 weeks of gestation the median interval between reduction and multifetal loss was 5 weeks.

In pregnancy reduced to twins as compared to nonreduced twins the percentage of miscarriage was slightly higher, but not statistically significant (7.6% compared to 6.9%, 0.07 × 2, P 0.8). The median gestation at delivery was lower (33.3 ± 9.2 compared to 35.67 ± 5.84 weeks, 2.26 > 2.0 t, 0.05 P) and the median weight deficit was greater (1.58 ± 0.96 compared to 1.92 ± 0.89 (4.04 > 3.37 t, 0.001 P).

How to cite this article

Shewale AR, Shewale B. Preterm Delivery and Growth Restriction in Multifetal Pregnancies reduced to Twins: Case-Control Series. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2014;5(2):40-43.