bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributional Patterns of Benthic Macro-invertebrate Fauna in the Glacier Fed Rivers of Indian Himalaya
Authors: Mishra Asheesh Shivam , Nautiyal Prakash , Semwal Vijay Prakash
Published: June 2013

Large-scale distributional pattern for the benthic macro-invertebrate fauna was determined in the glacier fed Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan rivers and streams of India at the  elevation range of 2000-3000 m asl. In Trans-Himalaya the family Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera) alone (Chandra and Bhaga) or in combination with Chironomidae (Diptera) in similar proportions (Chenab) or Diptera alone (Miyar) dominated the assemblages. Its influence seems to extend to Rupin drainage in the Himalaya where Chironomidae alone dominated the assemblages. Except for this Himalayan river. Various families of Trichoptera attained highest abundance in other rivers of the Himalaya. Thus, Leptoceridae in combination with Limnephilidae (Alaknanada at Tapovan) and Heptageniidae and Baetidae (Alaknanada at Mana) is the only instance of similarity in abundant taxa by virtue of same river. The Mandakini was partially similar to Alaknanda by virtue of abundant Limnephilidae. The Bhagirathi was characterized by abundance of Philopotamidae. Thus, assemblages exhibit greater variability in the Himalayan rivers than Trans-Himalayan rivers and are hence entirely different, as also evident from the cluster analysis. This present hypothesis is not applicable to explain the macro-invertebrate assemblages in Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan region.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i1.8242 Our Nature Vol.11(1) 2013: 36-44
Medicinal Plants used by Koch Rajbangshi of North Salmara Subdivision, Bongaigaon, Assam, India
Authors: Das Ashoke Kumar , Choudhury Manabendra Ray , Sharma Gajen Chandra
Published: June 2013

A total of 73 medicinal plants belonging to 44 families of angiosperms were found to be used in the healing practice of 36 types of diseases including diabetics, heart problem, and neurological disorders by Koch Rajbangshi people of North Salmara sub-division of Bongaigaon district, Assam. More use of leaf was found in disease treatment than other parts of plant. Among the plants species 49 were common in occurrence, 19 species less common and 5 species viz., Aristolochia indica L., Asparagus recemosus Willd., Cissus quadrangularis L., Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desv and Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. were in rare category in the study area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i1.8243 Our Nature Vol.11(1) 2013: 45-53
The Perceived Equity and Equality of Sexual Practices Scale: Validation of a measure of equity and equality within couples
Authors: Schoeb Geneviève , Belzile Martin , Brassard Audrey , Desruisseaux Lisa-Marie , Potvin Corinne , Blais Myrianne , Bruyninx Sarah
Published: June 2013

The goal of the current study was to validate the Perceived Equity and Equality of Sexual Practices Scale (PEESP). A total of 296 undergraduate students from a French-Canadian university completed the PEESP scale in addition to measures of sexual and couple satisfaction. Exploratory factorial analyses revealed three factors underlying the perception of one's contribution to the couple's sex life: implication, expression of discomfort, and sharing. These subscales were replicated for the perception of the partner's contribution to the couple's sex life which allowed three scores to be computed assessing the perceived equality of the contributions to the couple's sex life. Correlations were found between the nine subscales and the levels of couple and sexual satisfaction, thus indicating convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability over a two-week period were satisfactory for all subscales. The perception of sexual equity was also assessed by two global questions inspired by previous measures. MANOVAs showed that individuals who perceived themselves as being in a sexually equitable relationship were more satisfied with their couple and sexual life compared to sexually under-benefitted individuals. Results show that the PEESP is a promising instrument for use in clinical and research settings.
The relationship between men's facial masculinity and women's judgments of value as a potential romantic partner
Authors: Thompson Ashley E. , O'Sullivan Lucia F.
Published: June 2013

Research suggests that women make judgments about a man's value as a potential romantic partner based on cues associated with facial masculinity. Such studies have often relied on electronically-manipulated facial images that may not fully capture natural stimuli. The present study used un-manipulated stimuli to examine the relationships between facial masculinity, attractiveness, and partner value and it also employed a more complex assessment of partner value than in earlier studies. Our findings indicated that women judged men with high facial masculinity to have had more previous romantic partners and to take longer to fall in love. These un-manipulated male stimuli were also rated as more desirable short-term and long-term partners compared to men with low facial masculinity. The differences between our findings and those from prior research are discussed in terms of the implications for attraction research.
Sexual resourcefulness and gender roles as moderators of relationship satisfaction and consenting to unwanted sex in undergraduate women
Authors: Kennett Deborah J. , Humphreys Terry P. , Bramley Janette E.
Published: June 2013

The present study investigated the relationship between gender norms and relationship satisfaction on sexual self-control. A sample of 246 heterosexual female undergraduates who had been in an intimate relationship recently or at the time of this study completed measures of general and sexual resourcefulness, sexual self-efficacy, reasons for consenting to unwanted sexual advances, endorsement of traditional gender norms, relationship satisfaction, and frequency of consenting to unwanted sexual activities. Higher general resourcefulness and sexual self-efficacy scores and fewer reasons for consenting to unwanted sexual advances were direct predictors of higher sexual resourcefulness scores. Women who were more sexually resourceful, had fewer reasons for consenting to unwanted sexual activity, and were happier in their relationship were more likely to report a lower frequency of sexual compliance. Endorsement of traditional gender norms and sexual resourcefulness, however, moderated the relationship between sexual compliance and relationship satisfaction. Less sexually resourceful women who strongly endorsed traditional gender roles were far more likely to consent to unwanted sexual activities, when relationship satisfaction was low, in comparison to all the other groups. Implications, limitations and possible directions for future research are discussed.
The impact of brief exposure to sexually explicit video clips on partnered female clitoral self-stimulation, orgasm and sexual satisfaction
Authors: Kohut Taylor , Fisher William A.
Published: June 2013

Inconsistent coital orgasm is a common complaint among women presenting with sexual function concerns. While sex therapy interventions incorporating explicit instructions and specific models of direct clitoral stimulation have been used to improve coital orgasm consistency among women, it is unclear whether simple exposure to sexually explicit models without specific instructional focus can stimulate such change. The purpose of this study was to determine if exposure to models of clitoral stimulation can induce imitative behaviour and enhance sexual functioning in a nonclinical sample of women. Female undergraduate students (N=64) were randomly assigned to view humourous media, or erotic media, or erotic media featuring explicit models of clitoral self-stimulation during partnered sexual behaviour. One week later, participants reported on their sexual behaviours, including frequency of clitoral self-stimulation (over the previous seven days), consistency of orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. The results indicated partial support for the hypothesized effect of exposure to clitoral stimulation models. Women who viewed explicit models of clitoral self-stimulation subsequently engaged in clitoral self-stimulation 3.51 times more often during subsequent partnered sexual behaviour than women exposed to humorous media, and engaged in clitoral self-stimulation in a greater proportion of their partnered sexual behaviours (Mdn=29%) than did women who viewed erotic media (Mdn=0%), or humorous media (Mdn=0%). However, no differences were found in reported consistency of orgasm or sexual satisfaction among the groups. These preliminary results provide evidence for a specific imitative effect following exposure to sexual media.
Three decades of sex: Reflections on sexuality and sexology
Authors: Kleinplatz Peggy J.
Published: June 2013

This commentary provides selected observations drawn from 30 years of experience teaching university sexology courses and as a sex therapist. Over the past three decades, there have been social changes in our perceptions of sexuality, even if on the personal level, little has shifted. The changes include the dramatic impact of the Internet in shaping sexual knowledge and defining restrictive norms as well as the increasing use of drugs that affect sexuality. Evolving attitudes towards sexual assault and LGBTQ issues are among the most significant of these changes. It is noteworthy that the field of sexology is thriving in Canada.
Antibody Glycosylation and Inflammation
Authors: Shade Kai-Ting , Anthony Robert
Published: June 2013

IgG antibodies are the basis of some of the most effective therapeutics developed over the last 20 years. These antibodies are highly specific, have long serum-half lives, and can be produced relatively routinely, making them ideal drugs for immunotherapy. The degree of regulation on IgG antibody effector functions by the composition of the single, N-linked glycan attached to the Fc is increasingly appreciated. IgG antibodies with identical protein sequences can gain a 50-fold potency, in terms of initiating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by removal of the single fucose residue from the Fc glycan. Conversely, the addition of sialic acid to the terminus of the Fc glycan converts IgG antibodies into anti-inflammatory mediators, capable of suppressing autoantibody driven inflammation. This review will discuss the contribution of the Fc glycan to IgG antibody effector functions, the regulation of the antibody glycosylation in vivo, implications for the rational design of IgG antibody-based therapeutics, and touch upon the contribution of glycosylation to other immunoglobulin isotypes.
Current Staging Procedures in Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Maurer Tobias , Horn Thomas , Heck Matthias , Gschwend Jürgen , Eiber Matthias , Beer Ambros
Published: June 2013

Currently computed tomography (CT) represents the most widely used standard imaging modality in muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer. Visualization of local tumor or depth of invasion as well as lymph node staging, however, is often impaired. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted sequences, determination of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values or utilization of superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles potentially exhibits advantages in the assessment of local tumor or lymph node involvement and therefore might play a role in routine staging of urinary bladder cancer in the future. Likewise, positron emission tomography (PET) with the currently utilized tracers 18F-FDG, 11C-choline and 11C-acetate is investigated in bladder cancer patients—mostly in combination with diagnostic CT. Although promising results could be obtained for these PET/CT examinations in smaller series, their true value cannot be determined at present.
A Decentralized Heuristic Approach towards Resource Allocation in Femtocell Networks
Authors: Shahid Adnan , Aslam Saleem , Lee Kyung-Geun
Published: June 2013

Femtocells represent a novel configuration for existing cellular communication, contributing towards the improvement of coverage and throughput. The dense deployment of these femtocells causes significant femto-macro and femto-femto interference, consequently deteriorating the throughput of femtocells. In this study, we compare two heuristic approaches, i.e., particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA), for joint power assignment and resource allocation, within the context of the femtocell environment. The supposition made in this joint optimization is that the discrete power levels are available for the assignment. Furthermore, we have employed two variants of each PSO and GA: inertia weight and constriction factor model for PSO, and twopoint and uniform crossover for GA. The two proposed algorithms are in a decentralized manner, with no involvement of any centralized entity. The comparison is carried out between the two proposed algorithms for the aforementioned joint optimization problem. The contrast includes the performance metrics: including average objective function, min–max throughput of the femtocells, average throughput of the femto users, outage rate and time complexity. The results demonstrate that the decentralized PSO constriction factor outperforms the others in terms of the aforementioned performance metrics.
β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex to Improve Physicochemical Properties of Pipemidic Acid: Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation
Authors: Iacovino Rosa , Rapuano Filomena , Caso Jolanda , Russo Agostino , Lavorgna Margherita , Russo Chiara , Isidori Marina , Russo Luigi , Malgieri Gaetano , Isernia Carla
Published: June 2013

The aptitude of cyclodextrins (CDs) to form host-guest complexes has prompted an increase in the development of new drug formulations. In this study, the inclusion complexes of pipemidic acid (HPPA), a therapeutic agent for urinary tract infections, with native β-CD were prepared in solid state by kneading method and confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The inclusion complex formation was also characterized in aqueous solution at different pH via UV-Vis titration and phase solubility studies obtaining the stability constant. The 1:1 stoichiometry was established by a Job plot and the inclusion mechanism was clarified using docking experiments. Finally, the antibacterial activity of HPPA and its inclusion complex was tested on P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus to determine the respective EC50s and EC90s. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of HPPA:β-CD against E. coli and S. aureus is higher than that of HPPA. Furthermore, HPPA and HPPA:β-CD, tested on human hepatoblastoma HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines by MTT assay, exhibited, for the first time, antitumor activities, and the complex revealed a higher activity than that of HPPA. The use of β-CD allows an increase in the aqueous solubility of the drug, its bioavailability and then its bioactivity.
Diagnosis of Desmoplastic Reaction by Immunohistochemical Analysis, in Biopsy Specimens of Early Colorectal Carcinomas, Is Efficacious in Estimating the Depth of Invasion
Authors: Ohno Kazuya , Fujimori Takahiro , Okamoto Yosuke , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Imura Johji , Tomita Shigeki , Mitomi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2013

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnosis of desmoplastic reaction (DR) by immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and desmin, for predicting the depth of submucosal invasion in biopsy specimens of early colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). Thirty-eight cases of non-pedunculated early CRCs were included in this study. Positive for DR was defined as αSMA-positive and desmin-negative stroma in the CRC. The depth of submucosal invasion was measured in endoscopically or surgically resected specimens and the lesions were subsequently divided into two groups: Group A (carcinoma in situ/intramucosal carcinoma and submucosal invasive carcinoma with a depth <1000 μm) and Group B (submucosal invasion with a depth ≥1000 μm). Twenty-one cases were DR-positive and 17 were DR-negative. No statistical significance was found between the DR with regard to tumor size, location and histological type. All DR-positive cases belonged to Group B whereas 14 (82.4%) DR-negative lesions belonged to Group A (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, speciﬁcity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of DR positivity for diagnosis of Group B were 87.5%, 100%, 100%, 82.4% and 92.1%, respectively. Conclusively, detection of DR in biopsy specimens with ancillary immunohistochemistry (αSMA/desmin) would help in preoperative diagnosis for the depth of submucosal invasion of early CRC.
Influence of Fracture Width on Sealability in High-Strength and Ultra-Low-Permeability Concrete in Seawater
Authors: Fukuda Daisuke , Nara Yoshitaka , Hayashi Daisuke , Ogawa Hideo , Kaneko Katsuhiko
Published: June 2013

For cementitious composites and materials, the sealing of fractures can occur in water by the precipitation of calcium compounds. In this study, the sealing behavior in a macro-fractured high-strength and ultra-low-permeability concrete (HSULPC) specimen was investigated in simulated seawater using micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (CT). In particular, the influence of fracture width (0.10 and 0.25 mm) on fracture sealing was investigated. Precipitation occurred mainly at the outermost parts of the fractured surface of the specimen for both fracture widths. While significant sealing was observed for the fracture width of 0.10 mm, sealing was not attained for the fracture width of 0.25 mm within the observation period (49 days). Examination of the sealed regions on the macro-fracture was performed using a three-dimensional image registration technique and applying image subtraction between the CT images of the HSULPC specimen before and after maintaining the specimen in simulated seawater. The temporal change of the sealing deposits for the fracture width of 0.10 mm was much larger than that for the fracture width of 0.25 mm. Therefore, it is concluded that the sealability of the fracture in the HSULPC is affected by the fracture width.
A Review of Luminescent Anionic Nano System: d10 Metallocyanide Excimers and Exciplexes in Alkali Halide Hosts
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Patterson Howard
Published: June 2013

Dicyanoaurate, dicyanoargentate, and dicyanocuprate ions in solution and doped in different alkali halide hosts exhibit interesting photophysical and photochemical behavior, such as multiple emission bands, exciplex tuning, optical memory, and thermochromism. This is attributed to the formation of different sizes of nanoclusters in solution and in doped hosts. A series of spectroscopic methods (luminescence, UV-reflectance, IR, and Raman) as well as theoretical calculations have confirmed the existence of excimers and exciplexes. This leads to the tunability of these nano systems over a wide wavelength interval. The population of these nanoclusters varies with temperature and external laser irradiation, which explains the thermochromism and optical memory. DFT calculations indicate an MLCT transition for each nanocluster and the emission energy decreases with increasing cluster size. This is in agreement with the relatively long life-time for the emission peaks and the multiple emission peaks dependence upon cluster concentration.
The Critical Assessment of Small Molecule Identification (CASMI): Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Schymanski Emma , Neumann Steffen
Published: June 2013

The Critical Assessment of Small Molecule Identification, or CASMI, contest was founded in 2012 to provide scientists with a common open dataset to evaluate their identification methods. In this article, the challenges and solutions for the inaugural CASMI 2012 are presented. The contest was split into four categories corresponding with tasks to determine molecular formula and molecular structure, each from two measurement types, liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), where preference was given to high mass accuracy data, and gas chromatography-electron impact-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), i.e., unit accuracy data. These challenges were obtained from plant material, environmental samples and reference standards. It was surprisingly difficult to obtain data suitable for a contest, especially for GC-MS data where existing databases are very large. The level of difficulty of the challenges is thus quite varied. In this article, the challenges and the answers are discussed, and recommendations for challenge selection in subsequent CASMI contests are given.
Homeotic Genes and the ABCDE Model for Floral Organ Formation in Wheat
Authors: Murai Koji
Published: June 2013

Floral organ formation has been the subject of intensive study for over 20 years, particularly in the model dicot species Arabidopsis thaliana. These studies have led to the establishment of a general model for the development of floral organs in higher plants, the so-called ABCDE model, in which floral whorl-specific combinations of class A, B, C, D, or E genes specify floral organ identity. In Arabidopsis, class A, B, C, D, E genes encode MADS-box transcription factors except for the class A gene APETALA2. Mutation of these genes induces floral organ homeosis. In this review, I focus on the roles of these homeotic genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), particularly with respect to the ABCDE model. Pistillody, the homeotic transformation of stamens into pistil-like structures, occurs in cytoplasmic substitution (alloplasmic) wheat lines that have the cytoplasm of the related wild species Aegilops crassa. This phenomenon is a valuable tool for analysis of the wheat ABCDE model. Using an alloplasmic line, the wheat ortholog of DROOPING LEAF (TaDL), a member of the YABBY gene family, has been shown to regulate pistil specification. Here, I describe the current understanding of the ABCDE model for floral organ formation in wheat.
Development of an Ultrasensitive Immunoassay for Detecting Tartrazine
Authors: Li Zhuokun , Song Shanshan , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Guo Shidong , Xu Chuanlai
Published: June 2013

We have developed an ultrasensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of tartrazine. Two carboxylated analogues of tartrazine with different spacer lengths, and one derivative from commercial tartrazine after a little chemical modification, were synthesized as haptens in order to produce antibodies specific to tartrazine. The effect of sulfonic acid groups on the hapten structure of tartrazine was also studied carefully for the first time. A most specific monoclonal antibody against tartrazine was created and exhibited an IC50 value of 0.105 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.014 ng/mL, with no cross-reactivity to other structurally-related pigments. The established immunoassay was applied to the determination of tartrazine in fortified samples of orange juice and in real positive samples of carbonated beverages.
Épicure, « Sentence Vaticane » 14 : Épicure ou Métrodore ?
Authors: Blanchard Alain
Published: June 2013

Un témoin méconnu, le Vatic, gr. 743 du XIV siècle, et un nouveau témoin, un panneau de mosaïque du IIe' siècle récemment découvert à Autun, attribuent à Métrodore une sentence connue par Plutarque, Stobée, le Vatic, gr. 1950 et Arsénius comme étant d'Épicure. La confrontation de ces divers témoignages montre que l'attribution à Métrodore est la plus sûre et l'on peut seulement admettre qu'il y a, au début de la sentence du disciple, une citation du maître.
Temperature‐dependent shifts in phenology contribute to the success of exotic species with climate change
Authors: Wolkovich Elizabeth M. , Davies T. Jonathan , Schaefer Hanno , Cleland Elsa E. , Cook Benjamin I. , Travers Steven E. , Willis Charles G. , Davis Charles C.
Published: June 2013

•Premise of the study:The study of how phenology may contribute to the assembly of plant communities has a long history in ecology. Climate change has brought renewed interest in this area, with many studies examining how phenology may contribute to the success of exotic species. In particular, there is increasing evidence that exotic species occupy unique phenological niches and track climate change more closely than native species.

•Methods:Here, we use long‐term records of species’ first flowering dates from five northern hemisphere temperate sites (Chinnor, UK and in the United States, Concord, Massachusetts; Fargo, North Dakota; Konza Prairie, Kansas; and Washington, D.C.) to examine whether invaders have distinct phenologies. Using a broad phylogenetic framework, we tested for differences between exotic and native species in mean annual flowering time, phenological changes in response to temperature and precipitation, and longer‐term shifts in first flowering dates during recent pronounced climate change (“flowering time shifts”).

•Key results:Across North American sites, exotic species have shifted flowering with climate change while native species, on average, have not. In the three mesic systems, exotic species exhibited higher tracking of interannual variation in temperature, such that flowering advances more with warming, than native species. Across the two grassland systems, however, exotic species differed from native species primarily in responses to precipitation and soil moisture, not temperature.

•Conclusions:Our findings provide cross‐site support for the role of phenology and climate change in explaining species’ invasions. Further, they support recent evidence that exotic species may be important drivers of extended growing seasons observed with climate change in North America.
Contrôler ou soutenir les parents : quelles modalités pour le droit de visite et d'hébergement de parents d'enfants placés ?
Authors: Breugnot Pascale , Fablet Dominique
Published: June 2013

Préserver les relations parents-enfants, lorsque ces derniers sont accueillis dans des structures de suppléance familiale (internat spécialisé, placement familial...), rend nécessaire la mise en place de dispositifs et de pratiques adaptés. Depuis une dizaine d’années des expérimentations se développent, notamment depuis la loi du 5 mars 2007 réformant la protection de l’enfance, qui prône une diversification des modes de prise en charge et d’accompagnement éducatif afin de maintenir le lien familial dans les situations de placement de l’enfant. Nous présenterons les résultats d’une recherche concernant un dispositif innovant qui consiste, dans le cadre du droit de visite et d’hébergement de parents séparés de leur(s) enfant(s), à mettre à disposition de parents démunis des appartements et à les accompagner lors des rencontres avec leur(s) enfant(s).
Actes manqués en sociopsychanalyse. Étude longitudinale et transversale
Authors: Prades Jean-Luc
Published: June 2013

Cette étude s’appuie sur une remémoration par son auteur d’interventions sociopsychanalytiques auxquelles il avait le projet de participer ou qu’il a effectivement réalisées, depuis une vingtaine d’années, en sélectionnant deux types de causes : celles à partir desquelles l’intervention n’a pas eu lieu (intervention interdite) et celles qui ont contribué à son arrêt (intervention interrompue). L’idée sous-jacente est bien qu’en admettant que des interventions psychosociologiques puissent ne pas commencer où ne pas se poursuivre, on émet un certain nombre d’hypothèses pour l’expliquer. En voilà quelques-unes. Par exemple : qu’il n’existe pas d’intervention parfaite, réussie, finie ; qu’une intervention réussie (ou facile) n’est pas toujours celle qui apporte le plus, du point de vue de la connaissance psychosociologique (à l’inverse, une intervention difficile ou loupée est souvent instructive) ; que les accidents de parcours et les imprévus participent de sa définition ; que les contextes agissent sur l’intervention de façon souvent décisive et qu’ils sont susceptibles d’en modifier le cours ; enfin, que ce qui est important n’est pas tant ce que nous sommes capables de dissimuler de nos pratiques que ce que nous cachons à notre insu. Ainsi, par exemple, si nous savons bien qu’une intervention dont ne veut pas un intervenant a peu de chances d’aboutir ou de se poursuivre, qui prendra la peine de le dire ou même de se le dire ? Ce texte voudrait contribuer, pour changer, à défendre une conception inachevée de l’intervention, en majorant un peu ce qu’il y a de perte en elle.
L'expérience canadienne de la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Goette Richard , Johnston LCol Paul
Published: June 2013

La Seconde Guerre mondiale a été une expérience « totale » de façon infamante, le Canada n’y ayant pas fait exception. Bien qu’il ait été considéré comme un partenaire subalterne, le Canada a apporté une contribution substantielle à l’effort de guerre des Alliés proportionnellement à sa population. Cette contribution est l’élément le mieux connu au sujet du rôle du Canada dans la guerre. Ce qui est moins connu, c’est l’expérience canadienne de la guerre en elle-même. À vrai dire, le Canada est entré dans le conflit de manière typiquement canadienne, avec hésitation, tiraillé sur la question de sa propre identité, mais, en définitive, poussé vers l’avant par des événements plus importants et des partenaires plus puissants. Cette expérience a touché les points les plus sensibles de l’unité nationale canadienne. La guerre s’est avérée une expérience importante pour le Canada en tant qu’État, et ce, au-delà des événements qui sont habituellement retracés dans la littérature sur l’histoire militaire de ce pays.
Accuracy and Reproducibility of Seven Brands of Small-Volume Syringes Used for Intraocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Sampat Kapil M. , Wolfe Jeremy D. , Shah Mona K. , Garg Sunir J.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Little is known about the accuracy and precision of syringes used to deliver small-volume intravitreal injection of medication. The authors investigated the accuracy and reproducibility of seven brands of small-volume syringes used for intravitreal injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This experimental laboratory investigation compared EXELint 1 cc TB, BD Luer-lok, BD 1 cc TB, Kendall Monoject TB, Nipro TB, Terumo 1 cc, and Terumo 0.5 cc syringes. A calibrated Pipetman served as a control. One hundred syringes of each brand delivered 0.05 mL and 0.10 mL distilled water onto a balance. One-sample
t
-test (
P
< .01) compared delivered and intended volumes.

RESULTS:

The Nipro TB was the most accurate syringe at 0.05 mL. All other brands over-delivered the target volume. At 0.10 mL, the BD Luer-lok and Nipro TB were the most accurate. BD Luer-lok over-delivered while Nipro TB under-delivered, but these deviations were not statistically significant. The Pipetman control was the most accurate and reproducible device at both volumes.

CONCLUSION:

Nipro TB was the most accurate syringe at both volumes. Terumo 0.5 cc gave the most reproducible results but lacked accuracy. These findings may affect treatment efficacy and explain variability in treatment responses. Industry-standardized delivery devices may increase the accuracy and reproducibility of medication delivery.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:385–389.]
La duda indefinida: a propósito del Carmen Campidoctoris, 105-128
Authors: Arizaleta Amaia
Published: June 2013

Se comenta en esta nota el uso posible de elementos relacionados con la tradición alejandrina por parte del autor del Carmen Campidoctoris  en el pasaje dedicado a la descripción de las armas del héroe, a partir de un examen de los textos de la Alexandreis y el Alexandre décasyllabique, vía la Historia scholastica.
El Poema de Almería y el Carmen Campidoctoris desde su condición fragmentaria
Authors: Bamford Heather
Published: June 2013

En su Poderes de la filología: dinámicas de una práctica académica del texto, Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht define un fragmento como cualquier objeto que podamos identificar como parte de una totalidad mayor sin implicar, sin embargo, que esta parte de una totalidad mayor se entienda como una metonimia de la totalidad. Este trabajo examinará la condición fragmentaria del Poema de Almería y el Carmen Campidoctoris, además de si estas obras se pueden considerar fragmentos de acuerdo con la conceptualización de Gumbrecht. El análisis se centra en tres cuestiones: 1) si hay prueba de que estos panegíricos fueron hechos fragmentarios intencionalmente, en lugar de por casualidad 2) si hay elementos de estas obras fragmentarias que les hacen aparentar más o menos cohesivas, y 3) si en el análisis filológico estos poemas funcionan como metonimias de sus respectivas totalidades perdidas o de otras totalidades.
El Poema de Almería y la tradición épica
Authors: Gil Juan
Published: June 2013

El objetivo último del Poema de Almería no es rivalizar con las epopeyas de la Antigüedad, sino con los cantares de gesta franceses coetáneos, de los que tuvo presente sobre todo la Chanson de Roland. Ello explica la desmedida equiparación de Alfonso VII, el rey de Toledo que se proclamaba emperador de España, con un personaje tan legendario como Carlomagno.
Valoración de la mujer en la Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris
Authors: Martin Georges
Published: June 2013

La Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris ofrece un interesante testimonio sobre la historia de las mujeres en la Edad Media. El autor deja transparentarse algunos rasgos de lo que fue, entre las elites leonesas y castellanas del siglo XII, su papel social y político, a la vez que sella la obra con el cuño de sus propias valoraciones y simpatías. Al hacerlo, nos permite profundizar y matizar, con su personal visión, nuestro conocimiento de la mentalidad eclesiástica de la época, informándonos además sobre la situación personal desde la que escribe y así sobre la historia compositiva de su obra.
O reino de Portugal na Chronica Adephonsi Imperatoris
Authors: Ferreira Maria do Rosário
Published: June 2013

Ao arrepio tanto da tradição historiográfica portuguesa, que pretendeu ver em Afonso VII um temível adversário de Portugal, como de alguma opinião espanhola, que se foi lamentando pela profunda perda que a autonomia portuguesa teria representado para a Espanha, a presente leitura da questão portuguesa na Chronica Adefonsi imperatoris põe em relevo a benevolência com que os meios da época ideologicamente afectos ao Imperador encararam o reino de Portugal e a realeza dos seus governantes, como se a existência do reino ocidental fizesse parte de um plano político conjunto cujo objectivo principal era a derrota muçulmana.
Singularidades léxicas de la Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris frente al latín diplomático de su época
Authors: Pérez González Maurilio
Published: June 2013

El LELMAL imperfectum, publicado a finales de 2010, está elaborado a partir del léxico de los diplomas asturleoneses datados desde el s. VIII hasta 1230 y de las obras historiográficas contemporáneas de tales diplomas. De éstas, la CAI o Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris presenta cincuenta palabras de origen hebreo, árabe, griego o latino que están ausentes de los diplomas. Todas ellas son estudiadas por el autor del presente trabajo, quien pone de manifiesto la familiaridad del autor de la CAI con la lengua griega, su aceptación del mundo árabe y un aceptable nivel cultural.
Entre mythe et histoire : Le roman de Brutus et Dorothée dans le Victorial de Gutierre Díaz de Games (1436)
Authors: Fournès Ghislaine
Published: June 2013

Cet article a pour but d’étudier à partir d’une double perspective « Le roman de Brutus et Dorothée » inséré dans le Victorial de Gutierre Díaz de Games. Il s’agit, dans un premier temps, de retracer la circulation et la réception du mythe troyen dans la péninsule Ibérique, ceci afin de déterminer la part de création et d’originalité de ces pages, puis, dans un second temps, de mener à bien une analyse des motifs qui constituent ce mythe. Cette réécriture castillane de l’histoire de Brutus témoigne de la validité du mythe troyen au XVe siècle ainsi que de sa portée idéologique.
Exempla et sentences des Antiques dans la littérature politique du XVe siècle en Castille
Authors: Leroy Béatrice
Published: June 2013

La communication se propose d’analyser les principaux traités de Diego de Valera (Défense des Femmes Vertueuses, Miroir de Véritable Noblesse, Doctrinal des Princes) ; la Suma de Política de Rodrigo Sánchez de Arevalo ; les Claros Varones de Castilla d’Hernando del Pulgar. Ces trois auteurs du XVe siècle castillan citent, autant ou plus que les textes des Testaments et la littérature ecclésiastique, les philosophes et les historiens grecs et latins, tirant de leurs exempla et de leurs conclusions des leçons de bon gouvernement, de comportement social et politique, de sagesse et de moralité.
Toponimia altomedieval castrense. Acerca del origen de algunos corónimos de España
Authors: Barroso Cabrera Rafael , Carrobles Santos Jesús , Morín de Pablos Jorge
Published: June 2013

Cet article expose différents problèmes historiques concernant la toponymie militaire espagnole du haut moyen âge et son étroite relation avec la formation de nouvelles unités politiques autour des comtés frontaliers et des marches. Dans ce contexte, nous défendons l’idée que les termes « Castille » et « Catalogne » dérivent d'un système de forteresses rocheuses qui donnèrent lieu à ces deux entités politiques, ainsi que l’équivalence originaire des mots « espagnol » et « catalan ». Nous formulons également l'hypothèse que le gentilice « navarrais » provient sans doute d'un système de défense naturel dans les Pyrénées occidentales.
Estrategias discursivas y lingüísticas de los legistas alfonsíes: de nuevo sobre naturaleza
Authors: Martin Georges
Published: June 2013

Análisis de la implícita interpretación léxico-nocional sobre la que los redactores de las Siete Partidas hicieron descansar su defensa del vínculo de naturaleza. El estudio que ofrecemos de este fenómeno pretende ilustrar la utilidad de la lingüística –lingüística de lengua tanto como de discurso– para profundizar la semántica de los conceptos jurídicos y revelar las estrategias de la redacción del derecho.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Potentiates Autoimmune-Mediated Neuroinflammation
Authors: Cox Gina Mavrikis , Kithcart Aaron P. , Pitt David , Guan Zhen , Alexander Jessica , Williams Jessica L. , Shawler Todd , Dagia Nilesh M. , Popovich Phillip G. , Satoskar Abhay R. , Whitacre Caroline C.
Published: June 2013

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multipotent cytokine that is associated with clinical worsening and relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The mechanism through which MIF promotes MS progression remains undefined. In this study, we identify a critical role for MIF in regulating CNS effector mechanisms necessary for the development of inflammatory pathology in a mouse model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Despite the ability to generate pathogenic myelin-specific immune responses peripherally, MIF-deficient mice have reduced EAE severity and exhibit less CNS inflammatory pathology, with a greater percentage of resting microglia and fewer infiltrating inflammatory macrophages. We demonstrate that MIF is essential for promoting microglial activation and production of the innate soluble mediators IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and inducible NO synthase. We propose a novel role for MIF in inducing microglial C/EBP-β, a transcription factor shown to regulate myeloid cell function and play an important role in neuroinflammation. Intraspinal stereotaxic microinjection of MIF resulted in upregulation of inflammatory mediators in microglia, which was sufficient to restore EAE-mediated inflammatory pathology in MIF-deficient mice. To further implicate a role for MIF, we show that MIF is highly expressed in human active MS lesions. Thus, these results illustrate the ability of MIF to influence the CNS cellular and molecular inflammatory milieu during EAE and point to the therapeutic potential of targeting MIF in MS.
The Role of JAK-3 in Regulating TLR-Mediated Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Wang Huizhi , Brown Jonathan , Gao Shegan , Liang Shuang , Jotwani Ravi , Zhou Huaxin , Suttles Jill , Scott David A. , Lamont Richard J.
Published: June 2013

The role of JAK-3 in TLR-mediated innate immune responses is poorly understood, although the suppressive function of JAK3 inhibition in adaptive immune response has been well studied. In this study, we found that JAK3 inhibition enhanced TLR-mediated immune responses by differentially regulating pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokine production in innate immune cells. Specifically, JAK3 inhibition by pharmacological inhibitors or specific small interfering RNA or JAK3 gene knockout resulted in an increase in TLR-mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines while concurrently decreasing the production of IL-10. Inhibition of JAK3 suppressed phosphorylation of PI3K downstream effectors including Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and CREB. Constitutive activation of Akt or inhibition of GSK3β abrogated the capability of JAK3 inhibition to enhance proinflammatory cytokines and suppress IL-10 production. In contrast, inhibition of PI3K enhanced this regulatory ability of JAK3 in LPS-stimulated monocytes. At the transcriptional level, JAK3 knockout lead to the increased phosphorylation of STATs that could be attenuated by neutralization of de novo inflammatory cytokines. JAK3 inhibition exhibited a GSK3 activity-dependent ability to enhance phosphorylation levels and DNA binding of NF-κB p65. Moreover, JAK3 inhibition correlated with an increased CD4+ T cell response. Additionally, higher neutrophil infiltration, IL-17 expression, and intestinal epithelium erosion were observed in JAK3 knockout mice. These findings demonstrate the negative regulatory function of JAK3 and elucidate the signaling pathway by which JAK3 differentially regulates TLR-mediated inflammatory cytokine production in innate immune cells.
Distinct Chemokine Receptor Axes Regulate Th9 Cell Trafficking to Allergic and Autoimmune Inflammatory Sites
Authors: Kara Ervin E. , Comerford Iain , Bastow Cameron R. , Fenix Kevin A. , Litchfield Wendel , Handel Tracy M. , McColl Shaun R.
Published: June 2013

Migration of Th cells to peripheral sites of inflammation is essential for execution of their effector function. The recently described Th9 subset characteristically produces IL-9 and has been implicated in both allergy and autoimmunity. Despite this, the migratory properties of Th9 cells remain enigmatic. In this study, we examined chemokine receptor usage by Th9 cells and demonstrate, in models of allergy and autoimmunity, that these cells express functional CCR3, CCR6, and CXCR3, chemokine receptors commonly associated with other, functionally opposed effector Th subsets. Most Th9 cells that express CCR3 also express CXCR3 and CCR6, and expression of these receptors appears to account for the recruitment of Th9 cells to disparate inflammatory sites. During allergic inflammation, Th9 cells use CCR3 and CCR6, but not CXCR3, to home to the peritoneal cavity, whereas Th9 homing to the CNS during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis involves CXCR3 and CCR6 but not CCR3. To our knowledge, these data provide the first insights into regulation of Th9 cell trafficking in allergy and autoimmunity.
Antibody and Antigen Contact Residues Define Epitope and Paratope Size and Structure
Authors: Stave James W. , Lindpaintner Klaus
Published: June 2013

A total of 111 Ag–Ab x-ray crystal structures of large protein Ag epitopes and paratopes were analyzed to inform the process of eliciting or selecting functional and therapeutic Abs. These analyses illustrate that Ab contact residues (CR) are distributed in three prominent CR regions (CRR) on L and H chains that overlap but do not coincide with Ab CDR. The number of Ag and Ab CRs per structure are overlapping and centered around 18 and 19, respectively. The CR span (CRS), a novel measure introduced in this article, is defined as the minimum contiguous amino acid sequence containing all CRs of an Ag or Ab and represents the size of a complete structural epitope or paratope, inclusive of CR and the minimum set of supporting residues required for proper conformation. The most frequent size of epitope CRS is 50–79 aa, which is similar in size to L (60–69) and H chain (70–79) CRS. The size distribution of epitope CRS analyzed in this study ranges from ∼20 to 400 aa, similar to the distribution of independent protein domain sizes reported in the literature. Together, the number of CRs and the size of the CRS demonstrate that, on average, complete structural epitopes and paratopes are equal in size to each other and similar in size to intact protein domains. Thus, independent protein domains inclusive of biologically relevant sites represent the fundamental structural unit bound by, and useful for eliciting or selecting, functional and therapeutic Abs.
IL-23 Receptor Expression on γδ T Cells Correlates with Their Enhancing or Suppressive Effects on Autoreactive T Cells in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Liang Dongchun , Zuo Aijun , Shao Hui , Born Willi K. , O’Brien Rebecca L. , Kaplan Henry J. , Sun Deming
Published: June 2013

We have previously reported that, depending on their activation status, mouse γδ T cells can either enhance or inhibit the activity of IL-17+ autoreactive T cells in experimental autoimmune uveitis. In this study, we showed that γδ T cells in naive C57BL/6 (B6) mouse do not express the IL-23R, whereas in immunized mice, it is expressed on >50% of γδ T cells. In vitro studies showed that IL-23R expression on γδ T cells is modulated by their state of activation, as weakly activated γδ T cells expressed the IL-23R, but highly activated γδ T cells did not. Functional studies showed that IL-23R+ γδ T cells had the strongest suppressive effect on IL-17+ autoreactive T cells, and that this effect was inhibited when the IL-23R was blocked by anti–IL-23R Ab or in the presence of excessive amounts of exogenous IL-23. We conclude that the balance between the enhancing and inhibitory effects of γδ T cells is regulated by their level of IL-23R expression. The expression of variable IL-23R levels allows γδ T cells to have different regulatory effects on adaptive immune responses, conceivably as a result of αβ and γδ T cells competing for IL-23.
Mast Cell–Restricted, Tetramer-Forming Tryptases Induce Aggrecanolysis in Articular Cartilage by Activating Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 and -13 Zymogens
Authors: Magarinos Natalia J. , Bryant Katherine J. , Fosang Amanda J. , Adachi Roberto , Stevens Richard L. , McNeil H. Patrick
Published: June 2013

Mouse mast cell protease (mMCP)-6–null C57BL/6 mice lost less aggrecan proteoglycan from the extracellular matrix of their articular cartilage during inflammatory arthritis than wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice, suggesting that this mast cell (MC)–specific mouse tryptase plays prominent roles in articular cartilage catabolism. We used ex vivo mouse femoral head explants to determine how mMCP-6 and its human ortholog hTryptase-β mediate aggrecanolysis. Exposure of the explants to recombinant hTryptase-β, recombinant mMCP-6, or lysates harvested from WT mouse peritoneal MCs (PMCs) significantly increased the levels of enzymatically active matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in cartilage and significantly induced aggrecan loss into the conditioned media, relative to replicate explants exposed to medium alone or lysates collected from mMCP-6–null PMCs. Treatment of cartilage explants with tetramer-forming tryptases generated aggrecan fragments that contained C-terminal DIPEN and N-terminal FFGVG neoepitopes, consistent with MMP-dependent aggrecanolysis. In support of these data, hTryptase-β was unable to induce aggrecan release from the femoral head explants obtained from Chloe mice that resist MMP cleavage at the DIPEN↓FFGVG site in the interglobular domain of aggrecan. In addition, the abilities of mMCP-6–containing lysates from WT PMCs to induce aggrecanolysis were prevented by inhibitors of MMP-3 and MMP-13. Finally, recombinant hTryptase-β was able to activate latent pro–MMP-3 and pro–MMP-13 in vitro. The accumulated data suggest that human and mouse tetramer-forming tryptases are MMP convertases that mediate cartilage damage and the proteolytic loss of aggrecan proteoglycans in arthritis, in part, by activating the zymogen forms of MMP-3 and MMP-13, which are constitutively present in articular cartilage.