bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple model of energy expenditure in human locomotion
Authors: Romeo F
Published: April 2010

A simple harmonic oscillator model is proposed to describe the mechanical power involved in human locomotion. In this framework, by taking into account the anthropometric parameters of a standard individual, we are able to calculate the speed-power curves in human walking. The proposed model accounts for the well known Margaria's law in which the cost of human running (independent from the speed) is fixed to 1 kcal/(kg km). The model includes the effects of a gentle slope (either positive or negative) and the effect due to the mechanical response of the walking surface. The model results obtained in the presence of a slope are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data obtained by A. Leonardi et al.
Campo eletrostático de uma carga em repouso num campo gravitacional uniforme
Authors: Goto Mario
Published: April 2010

As transformações de Rindler são usadas para obter o campo eletrostático de uma carga em repouso na presença de um campo gravitacional uniforme.
Geometria, espaço-tempo e gravitação: conexão entre conceitos da relatividade geral
Authors: Falciano F.T
Published: April 2010

A teoria da relatividade geral possui uma formulação matemática que embora extremamente precisa, é também complexa, podendo inviabilizar o seu entendimento. No entanto, o seu desenvolvimento foi fundamentado em princípios e idéias que, embora não triviais, são acessíveis a qualquer um. Sem a pretensão de nos atermos ao seu desenvolvimento histórico, propomos uma reflexão filosófica sobre as idéias que guiaram o pensamento de Einstein na construção da teoria da relatividade geral conectando conceitos a princípio tão descorrelacionados como geometria, espaço-tempos curvos e gravitação.
La engañosa simplicidad del "método de Stokes" para medir viscosidades
Authors: Sandoval Claudia , Caramy Jorge , Salinas Julia
Published: April 2010

Enfocamos la atención sobre la relación entre magnitudes que suele utilizarse en los laboratorios docentes para determinar el coeficiente de viscosidad de un líquido con el método de Stokes. El experimento es de bajo costo y de aparente realización sencilla. Pero la sencillez proviene de las exigentes condiciones que el sistema debe cumplir para que sea lícito suponer la validez de la relación entre magnitudes que se emplea. Compartimos información y reflexiones sobre algunos aspectos puntuales vinculados a esta práctica de laboratorio. El tratamiento de estos aspectos puede aumentar el interés y la participación de los estudiantes, así como favorecer mejores aprendizajes. Por una parte, proponemos desarrollos teóricos complementarios clarificadores, básicamente cualitativos, que pueden ser incorporados al experimento en momentos oportunos, para favorecer comprensiones más profundas. Por otra parte, presentamos un diseño experimental para la realización de la práctica; exponemos resultados obtenidos, su procesamiento y análisis, a la luz del marco teórico definido. Finalizamos con una breve síntesis de lo tratado y algunas reflexiones sobre la práctica docente.
Especificidades do jornalismo científico na leitura de textos de divulgação científica por estudantes de licenciatura em física
Authors: Dias Ricardo Henrique Almeida , Almeida Maria José P.M. de
Published: April 2010

Neste artigo fazemos uma síntese sobre elementos específicos do jornalismo científico e identificamos a presença de alguns desses elementos nas interpretações de licenciandos em física ao lerem textos de divulgação científica das revistas Ciência Hoje e Pesquisa Fapesp. Consideramos que o relacionamento entre a interpretação dos licenciandos e algumas especificidades do campo jornalístico, que fazem parte das revistas lidas, parece sugerir que a investigação de potencialidades e limites na utilização de revistas de divulgação científica em situações efetivas de ensino estaria vinculada às condições em que esses textos são produzidos.
Óptica e geometria dinâmica
Authors: Aguiar C.E.
Published: April 2010

Os programas de geometria dinâmica foram os principais responsáveis pela revitalização do ensino de geometria ocorrida nos últimos anos. Esses programas de computador produzem representações visualmente acuradas de objetos e relações geométricas, que são modificadas interativamente com simples movimentos do mouse. Neste trabalho nós discutimos como programas de geometria dinâmica podem ser transformados em ambientes de aprendizagem de óptica geométrica. Em particular, sugerimos que algumas dificuldades conceituais que os estudantes tradicionalmente encontram nessa disciplina podem ser superadas com ajuda da geometria dinâmica. A título de exemplo, mostramos como fenômenos de reflexão e refração podem ser estudados com essas ferramentas.
Identification of a paired box gene 8–peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8–PPARγ) rearrangement mosaicism in a patient with an autonomous functioning follicular thyroid carcinoma bearing an activating mutation in the TSH receptor
Authors: Lado-Abeal J , Celestino R , Bravo S B , Garcia-Rendueles M E R , de la Calzada J , Castro I , Castro P , Espadinha C , Palos F , Soares P , Alvarez C V , Sobrinho-Simões M , Cameselle-Teijeiro J
Published: April 2010

Our main objective was to search for mutations in candidate genes and for paired box gene 8–peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8–PPARγ) rearrangement in a well-differentiated angioinvasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) causing hyperthyroidism. DNA and RNA were extracted from the patient's thyroid tumor, as well as ‘normal’ thyroid tissue, and from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of the patient, her daughter, and two siblings. Nuclear isolation was extracted from the patient's tumor, ’normal’ thyroid tissue, PBLs, and uterine leiomyoma tissue. TSH receptor (TSHR), RAS, and BRAF genes were sequenced. We searched for PAX8–PPARγ in thyroid, PBL, and uterine leiomyoma samples from the patient and family members. Proliferative effects of detected mutants on non-transformed human thyrocytes cultures. An activating TSHR mutation, M453T, was detected in the tumor. PAX8 (exons 1–8+10)–PPARγ was found in all tested patient's tissues. A second rearrangement, PAX8 (exons 1–8)–PPARγ, was detected in the patient's normal thyroid tissue. Under deprived medium condition, co-transfection of PAX8–PPARγ and TSHR–M453T dramatically increased the number of thyrocytes, an effect that it was not observed with TSHR wild-type (WT); under complete medium conditions, co-transfection of PAX8–PPARγ with either TSHR–M453T or TSHR–WT inhibited cell proliferation. We report a patient with hyperthyroidism due to a FTC bearing an activating TSHR mutation and PAX8–PPARγ rearrangements. PAX8–PPARγ was present as a mosaicism affecting tissues from endodermal and mesodermal origin. PAX8–PPARγ and TSHR–M453T inhibited or promoted thyrocyte proliferation depending on medium conditions. The activating TSHR mutation could promote in vivo FTC development in PAX8–PPARγ-positive thyrocytes under poor blood supply with deprivation of growth factors but restraint the tumor growth when growth factors are supplied.
Genetic variation in plant morphology contributes to the species‐level structure of grassland communities
Authors: Whitlock Raj , Grime J. Phil , Burke Terry
Published: April 2010

It is becoming apparent that genetic diversity can influence the species diversity and structure of ecological communities. Here, we investigated the intraspecific trait variation responsible for this relationship. We grew 10 genotypes of the sedge Carex caryophyllea, as monocultures, under standardized conditions and measured traits related to morphology, growth, and life history. The same genotypes had been prominent in determining the structure of multispecies experimental communities, equivalent in species diversity, in which the genetic diversity of the constituent plant species had been varied in parallel. The trait measurements revealed substantial phenotypic variation among Carex genotypes, related predominantly to differences in physical size and to the spatial deployment of above‐ and belowground tissue. Genotypes successful in experimental communities were larger in size and tended to adopt a “guerrilla” clonal growth strategy.

In general, multivariate trait summaries of genotype size (and to a lesser extent, variation along a linear discriminant axis) predicted genotype and species abundance in experimental communities. However, one genotype exhibited a large disparity in this respect. The performance of this genotype lay closer to prediction when it was growing with a highly competitive grass genotype. The strength of the relationship between genotype size and performance within communities decreased with decreasing community genetic diversity. These results indicate that intraspecific trait measurements are useful for predicting and understanding community structure. They also imply that competitive interactions between the genotypes of different species play an increased role in determining phenotype in genetically impoverished communities.
Inherited microbial symbionts increase herbivore abundances and alter arthropod diversity on a native grass
Authors: Faeth Stanley H. , Shochat Eyal
Published: April 2010

Some microbial symbionts of plants are maternally inherited and thus functionally increase genetic and phenotypic variation within plant populations. This variation, coupled with that of the host plant and environment, may alter abundances, diversity, and trophic structure of associated plant and animal communities. Fungal endophytes in the genusNeotyphodiumare vertically transmitted, asexual microbial symbionts of grasses that remain asymptomatic and rely upon their hosts for resources and transmission via seeds, often providing benefits to their hosts, including protection against herbivores. Endophyte infections may influence associated arthropod communities in agronomic grasses, but the long‐term effects of endophytes and variation in host genotype and resource availability on arthropod communities in native grass populations are unknown. We conducted a long‐term field experiment with four maternal genotypes of an infected (E+) native grass (Festuca arizonica) from whence the endophyte was experimentally removed (E−) and water availability was controlled, to test the effects of infection, plant genotype, and resources on abundances, biomass, diversity (richness and evenness), and trophic structure of the arthropod community. Generally, E+ grasses harbored more arthropods, including more herbivores, predators, and detritivores, suggesting that the effects of endophytes cascaded upward through trophic levels in terms of abundances, at least in early ontogeny of the host. That E+ plants harbored more herbivorous insects than E− plants suggests that infection does not increase but instead decreases resistance to herbivores, contrary to prevailing concepts of endophytes as defensive mutualists. Infection did not alter overall species richness of the arthropod community or richness of herbivores but reduced natural enemy richness, especially that of parasites, and increased richness of detritivores. Reduced richness and shifts in evenness of natural enemies on E+ plants suggest that endophytes may disproportionately affect diversity at higher trophic levels and may partially explain increases in abundances of herbivorous insects on E+ plants. Biomass of predators, detritivores, and omnivores increased on plants with supplemented water, and arthropod and herbivore biomass varied by plant genotype. Symbiont‐mediated phenotypic variation interacts with variation from plant genotype and environmental factors to alter arthropod abundances and diversity, and these effects shift with ontogeny of the host.
Integrating resource utilization and temperature in metabolic scaling of riverine bacterial production
Authors: Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Shah Jennifer J. Follstad
Published: April 2010

The study of metabolic scaling in stream ecosystems is complicated by their openness to external resource inputs. For heterotrophic bacteria, which are a large component of stream metabolism, it may be possible to integrate the effects of resource availability and temperature on production using metabolic scaling theory and the kinetics of extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) associated with the degradation of major nutrient pools. With this goal, we analyzed previously published data on EEA and bacterial production for two rivers in northwestern Ohio, USA. The EEA data included estimates of apparent Vmax, a measure of catalytic capacity, and apparent Km, a measure of available substrate concentration, for six extracellular enzymes (α‐glucosidase, β‐glucosidase, aminopeptidase, protease, phosphatase, and acetyl esterase). Sampling was done over an annual cycle with a temperature range of 4–31°C, while EEA assays were conducted at 20°C. The EEA kinetic measures were scaled to ambient stream temperature using an activation energy (Ea) of 0.5 eV (8.01 × 10−20 J) and converted to estimates of the turnover rate (St) of their associated substrate pools. The St values associated with protein utilization, the largest substrate pool, had the strongest relationship to bacterial production (r2 = 0.49–0.52); those for carbohydrate utilization, the smallest substrate pool, had the weakest (r2 = 0.09–0.15). Comparisons of apparent Ea over the annual cycle showed that the trophic basis of bacterial production switched from relatively high carbohydrate consumption in autumn and winter to relatively high protein consumption in spring and summer, corresponding to seasonal dynamics in plant litter inputs and algal production, respectively. Over the annual cycle, the summed substrate generation rate of the six enzymes was similar in magnitude and strongly correlated with bacterial production (r2 = 0.56). This approach combines effects of substrate pool size, catalytic capacity, and temperature on bacterial production and could be used to compare ecosystems along latitudinal gradients where resource, rather than temperature, effects on metabolic scaling are of greater magnitude.
Effects of forest fragmentation on the seedling recruitment of a tropical herb: assessing seed vs. safe‐site limitation
Authors: Uriarte María , Bruna Emilio M. , Rubim Paulo , Anciães Marina , Jonckheere Inge
Published: April 2010

Studies simultaneously evaluating the importance of safe‐site and seed limitation for plant establishment are rare, particularly in human‐modified landscapes. We used spatially explicit neighborhood models together with data from 10 0.5‐ha mapped census plots in a fragmented landscape spanning 1000 km2 to (1) evaluate the relative importance of seed production, dispersal, and safe‐site limitation for the recruitment of the understory herb Heliconia acuminata; and (2) determine how these processes differ between fragments and continuous forests. Our analyses demonstrated a large degree of variation in seed production, dispersal, and establishment among and within the 10 study plots. Seed production limitation was strong but only at small spatial scales. Average dispersal distance was less than 4 m, leading to severe dispersal limitation at most sites. Overall, safe‐site limitation was the most important constraint on seedling establishment. Fragmentation led to a more heterogeneous light environment with negative consequences for seedling establishment but had little effect on seed production or dispersal. These results suggest that the effects of fragmentation on abiotic processes may be more important than the disruption of biotic interactions in driving biodiversity loss in tropical forests, at least for some functional groups. These effects may be common when the matrix surrounding fragments contains enough tree cover to enable movement of dispersers and pollinators.
Aquatic predation alters a terrestrial prey subsidy
Authors: Wesner Jeff Scott
Published: April 2010

Organisms with complex life histories (CLH) often cross habitat or ecosystem boundaries as they develop from larvae to adults, coupling energy flow between ecosystems as both prey (bottom‐up) and consumers (top‐down). Predation effects on one stage of this life cycle can therefore cascade across ecosystems, magnifying the impact of local predation. The majority of predation studies have assessed effects only on a local level, within the habitat of the predator. I used large outdoor stream mesocosms to test the hypothesis that predation in an aquatic habitat alters the magnitude and trophic structure of a prey assemblage in a terrestrial habitat. I also tested how a consumer in the terrestrial habitat (web‐weaving spiders) responded to these changes in prey export. Two fish species were the predators (red shiner, Cyprinella lutrensis and orangethroat darter, Etheostoma spectabile) in an experiment with three treatments: both fish species monocultures plus a fishless control. Fish predation reduced aquatic insect emergence biomass by 50% compared to the fishless control and altered the trophic structure of the emergent community, reducing emerging insect predator biomass by 50%, but had no effect on other insect trophic groups. Spiders captured only insects that were unaffected by fish predation (mostly chironomids) and therefore did not respond numerically to overall changes in insect abundance or biomass. Patterns of insect emergence were largely driven by a strong negative relationship between fish and a predatory dragonfly (Pantala flavescens). The results of this experiment show that predation in one habitat can have strong effects on the biomass and trophic structure of subsidies entering adjacent habitats, resulting in contrasting predictions for the role of these subsidies in recipient food webs. In the absence of fish, aquatic habitats produced terrestrial insect communities with higher biomass (bottom‐up potential) and a higher proportion of predators (top‐down potential) than when fish were present.
Psychopathy Development and Implications for Early Intervention
Authors: Bayliss Corey M. , Miller Audrey K. , Henderson Craig E.
Published: April 2010

This article reviews the fledgling psychopathy development and intervention literatures. We conclude that long-term, intensive, multiple systems interventions, which integrate cognitive-behavioral and motivation-enhancement techniques, provide the greatest promise for youths exhibiting psychopathy features.
Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas Occurring in Two Brothers with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome and Review of the Literature
Authors: Du Shouying , Scuderi Richard , Malicki Denise M. , Willert Jennifer , Bastian John , Weidner Noel
Published: April 2010

Approximately 13% of patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), a primary immune deficiency, develop malignant tumors, the predominant form being non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Previously, only 4 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma have been reported in WAS patients. Herein, we review the literature of WAS-related lymphomas and report 2 brothers with WAS who both developed lymphomas; one developed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and one developed EBV-negative classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. In contrast to many of the previously reported lymphomas in WAS patients, these lymphomas were extensively evaluated by means of molecular, flow cytometric, and immunohistochemical methods. Both brothers died shortly after diagnosis, despite aggressive therapy. The occurrence of 2 distinct forms of lymphomas in these brothers underscores the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure in lymphoma pathogenesis.
Fractional recurrence in discrete-time quantum walk
Authors: Chandrashekar C.
Published: April 2010

Quantum recurrence theorem holds for quantum systems with discrete energy eigenvalues and fails to hold in general for systems with continuous energy. We show that during quantum walk process dominated by interference of amplitude corresponding to different paths fail to satisfy the complete quantum recurrence theorem. Due to the revival of the fractional wave packet, a fractional recurrence characterized using quantum Pólya number can be seen.
Jet spaces in modern Hamiltonian biomechanics
Authors: Ivancevic Tijana , Jovanovic Bojan , Stankovic Ratko , Markovic Sasa
Published: April 2010

In this paper we propose the time-dependent Hamiltonian form of human biomechanics, as a sequel to our previous work in time-dependent Lagrangian biomechanics [1]. This is the time-dependent generalization of an ‘ordinary’ autonomous human biomechanics, in which total mechanical + biochemical energy is not conserved. In our view, this time-dependent energetic approach is much more realistic than the autonomous one. Starting with the Covariant Force Law, we first develop autonomous Hamiltonian biomechanics. Then we extend it using a powerful geometrical machinery consisting of fibre bundles and jet manifolds associated to the biomechanical configuration manifold. We derive time-dependent, dissipative, Hamiltonian equations and the fitness evolution equation for the general time-dependent human biomechanical system.
Non-coding RNAs and a layered architecture of genetic networks
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir
Published: April 2010

In eukaryotic cells, protein-coding sequences constitute a relatively small part of the genome. The rest of the genome is transcribed to non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Such RNAs form the cornerstone of a regulatory network that operates in parallel with the protein network. Their biological functions are based primarily on the ability to pair with and deactivate target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). To clarify the likely role of ncRNAs in complex genetic networks, we present and comprehensively analyze a kinetic model of one of the key counterparts of the network architectures. Specifically, the genes transcribed to ncRNAs are considered to interplay with a hierarchical two-layer set of genes transcribed to mRNAs. The genes forming the bottom layer are regulated from the top and negatively self-regulated. If the former regulation is positive, the dependence of the RNA populations on the governing parameters is found to be often non-monotonous. Specifically, the model predicts bistability. If the regulation is negative, the dependence of the RNA populations on the governing parameters is monotonous. In particular, the population of the mRNAs, corresponding to the genes forming the bottom layer, is nearly constant.
Hyperhomocysteinemia’s effect on antioxidant capacity in rats
Authors: Filip Christian , Albu Elena , Zamosteanu Nina , Irina M. , Silion Mihaela , Jerca Luminita , Gheorghita Nastasia , Costel Mungiu
Published: April 2010

Hyperhomocysteinemia represents elevated homocysteine (Hcys) concentrations in blood above the normal range. In humans, the normal range of homocysteine is 5.0–15.9 mM/ml. High levels of homocysteine disturb the normal epithelial functions and correlate with cardiovascular diseases even at slightly increased concentrations. In homocysteine metabolism, vitamins play an important role. The mechanism through which homocysteine triggers these effects is not yet elucidated, but the involvement of reactive species may be the answer. It is not known whether the intra- or extracellular antioxidant system is more affected by elevated homocysteine levels. We studied the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the intra- and extracellular antioxidant defense systems in two different types of diet in rats. Type I was food with low folic acid and vitamin B12 content and type II was food with normal amounts of these two vitamins. Hyperhomocysteinemia was experimentally induced by oral administration of methionine 2 mg/kg body weight, single daily dose, for a 15-day period. Plasma concentrations of homocysteine were measured using an HPLC method. In the response of the intracellular antioxidant defense system against hyperhomocysteinemia, we determined the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in red blood cells, using RANDOX kits for manual use. For the extracellular response we determined the plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) also using a RANDOX kit for manual use. Our data show that methionine load induces hyperhomocysteinemia despite normal vitamin supply in rats. SOD activity rose with simultaneous decrease in GPx activity independently of diet; this might suggest that the intracellular defense system was disturbed by the rise in homocysteine level. TAS decrease suggests that the extracellular antioxidant defense was also affected. We assume that hyperhomocysteinemia is directly linked to reactive species generation and the intracellular space seems to be more affected than the extracellular one.
The prevalence and causes of bodily injuries in martial art kung-fu
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed , Hosseini Soghra
Published: April 2010

The prevalence and causes of bodily injuries in martial art kung-fu

Study aim: To assess the prevalence and causes of physical injuries in male adolescents participating in martial art kung-fu National competitions.

Material and methods: A group of 248 male subjects aged 14 - 18 years, participants of Iranian National Championships 2007, were subjected to questionnaire study. They were requested to answer questions about the types and causes of injuries they experienced. Chi-square function was used in data analysis.

Results: The injury risk was 28%. Among organ injuries, the prevalence of lower extremity ones was highest (61.9%; p<0.01) while among soft tissue injuries, the muscle tendon ones were most frequent (42.4%; p<0.01). The main injuries were contusions (32.4%) and sprains (30.9%), the main cause of injuries being the opponent's kicks (64%) and the main circumstance - opponent's technical foul (17.5%).

Conclusions: The quantitative prevalence of diverse injuries in the martial art kung-fu and of their causes ought to be considered by coaches, sport managers and the athletes when undertaking kung-fu training, organising competitions, etc.
Practice Guidelines for Assessing Pain in Older Persons with Dementia Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Fitzgerald Theresa Dever , Marchildon Gregory P.
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Frail patients with dementia most frequently present with musculoskeletal pain and mobility concerns; therefore, physiotherapy interventions for this population are likely to be of great benefit. However, physiotherapists who work with older adults with dementia confront a considerable challenge: the communication impairments that characterize dementia make it difficult to assess pain and determine its source. For an effective physiotherapy programme to be implemented, valid pain assessment is necessary. This paper is intended to provide practice guidelines for pain assessment among older persons with dementia.

Summary of Key Points: Over the last several years, there has been tremendous research progress in this area. While more research is needed, several promising assessment methodologies are available. These methodologies most often involve the use of observational checklists to record specific pain behaviours.

Recommendations: We encourage the ongoing and regular evidence-based pain assessment of older persons with dementia, using standardized procedures. Without regular and systematic assessment, pain problems will often go undetected in this population. Given the need for systematic pain assessment and intervention for long-term care populations with mobility concerns and muculoskeletal pain problems, we call for increased involvement of physical therapists in long-term care facilities.
Application of Spectroscopic Methods for Structural Analysis of Chitin and Chitosan
Authors: Kumirska Jolanta , Czerwicka Małgorzata , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Bychowska Anna , Brzozowski Krzysztof , Thöming Jorg , Stepnowski Piotr
Published: April 2010

Chitin, the second most important natural polymer in the world, and its N-deacetylated derivative chitosan, have been identified as versatile biopolymers for a broad range of applications in medicine, agriculture and the food industry. Two of the main reasons for this are firstly the unique chemical, physicochemical and biological properties of chitin and chitosan, and secondly the unlimited supply of raw materials for their production. These polymers exhibit widely differing physicochemical properties depending on the chitin source and the conditions of chitosan production. The presence of reactive functional groups as well as the polysaccharide nature of these biopolymers enables them to undergo diverse chemical modifications. A complete chemical and physicochemical characterization of chitin, chitosan and their derivatives is not possible without using spectroscopic techniques. This review focuses on the application of spectroscopic methods for the structural analysis of these compounds.
Lp-PLA2 Inhibition—The Atherosclerosis Panacea?
Authors: Karakas Mahir , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

Based on the complex pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, a large number of biomarkers that relate to lipids, inflammation, immunity, thrombosis and hemostasis, have been investigated experimentally, in epidemiologic studies and in clinical trials. Interest focuses on their potential role to aid in risk stratification, as possible surrogate markers of atherosclerosis, and potential targets for therapy. More recently, one lipid associated biomarker, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), has gained considerable interest. In addition to a plausible pathophysiological role by generating pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic compounds from oxidized LDL in the vessel wall, there is a large, fairly consistent epidemiological database indicating that increased levels of Lp-PLA2 mass or activity are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular outcomes; such data further suggest that it might improve risk stratification. In addition, clinical studies indicate that increased Lp-PLA2 levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, it may also serve as an interesting therapeutic target, since a specific inhibitor of the enzyme is available with promising animal data and initial positive data in humans. Recent experimental data from a hyperlipidemic diabetic pig model strongly suggest that increased Lp-PLA2 in the vessel wall is associated with a more vulnerable plaque phenotype which can be modulated by inhibiting Lp-PLA2 activity. A biomarker study in more than 1,000 patients with CHD over three months has demonstrated a positive effect on various inflammatory molecules. In addition, an imaging study using IVUS based modalities (greyscale, virtual histology, and palpography) together with a panel of biomarkers (IBIS-2) has been done in more than 300 patients with CHD treated over 12 months and results indicate that the progression of the necrotic core of the plaque can be retarded. Inhibition of the pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammatory effects of Lp-PLA2 may therefore contribute to decrease the residual risk in high risk patients already on polypharmacotherapy. This hypothesis is now being tested in two large phase 3 clinical trials. Thus, Lp-PLA2 indeed may represent a biomarker and a promising target for intervention.
Monitoring Land Use: Capturing Change through an Information Fusion Approach
Authors: Altaweel Mark R. , Alessa Lilian N. , Kliskey Andrew D. , Bone Christopher E.
Published: April 2010

Social and environmental factors affecting land use change are among the most significant drivers transforming the planet. Such change has been and continues to be monitored through the use of satellite imagery, aerial photography, and technical reports. While these monitoring tools are useful in observing the empirical results of land use change and issues of sustainability, the data they provide are often not useful in capturing the fundamental policies, social drivers, and unseen factors that shape how landscapes are transformed. In addition, some monitoring approaches can be prohibitively expensive and too slow in providing useful data at a timescale in which data are needed. This paper argues that techniques using information fusion and conducting assessments of continuous data feeds can be beneficial for monitoring primary social and ecological mechanisms affecting how geographic settings are changed over different time scales. We present a computational approach that couples open source tools in order to conduct an analysis of text data, helping to determine relevant events and trends. To demonstrate the approach, we discuss a case study that integrates varied newspapers from two Midwest states in the United States, Iowa and Nebraska, showing how potentially significant issues and events can be captured. Although the approach we present is useful for monitoring current web-based data streams, we argue that such a method should ultimately be integrated closely with less managed systems and modeling techniques to enhance not only land use monitoring but also to better forecast and understand landscape change.
Preparation of pyridine-3,4-diols, their crystal packing and their use as precursors for palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Lechel Tilman , Brüdgam Irene , Reissig Hans-Ulrich
Published: April 2010

A series of trifluoromethyl-substituted 3-alkoxypyridinol derivatives has been deprotected to furnish pyridine-3,4-diol derivatives in good yields. The X-ray crystal structure analysis proved that a 1:1 mixture of pyridine-3,4-diols and their pyridin-4-one tautomers exist in the solid state. Subsequent conversion into bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonate)s were smoothly achieved. The obtained compounds were used as substrates for palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. Fluorescence measurements of the biscoupled products showed a maximum of emission in the violet region of the spectrum.
Les entreprises françaises de 1991 à 2001. L'adaptation du système économique français au nouvel environnement international
Authors: Weinberg Serge
Published: April 2010

La décennie 1991-2001 a constitué une période de profondes mutations pour les entreprises françaises et pour le capitalisme français. Sous la pression de trois mouvements simultanés – politiques de privatisation, mondialisation et avènement de l’euro –, les grandes entreprises nationales se sont peu à peu renforcées dans les années 90, ce qui a considérablement modifié le paysage économique et industriel français. Cela a également eu une influence sur les pratiques du capitalisme hexagonal : on est ainsi passé d’un système où l’État jouait un rôle clé à un système plus ouvert à l’économie de marché, adoptant, par là même, de nombreux modes de fonctionnement anglo-saxon en matière de gouvernement d’entreprise. Néanmoins, si la France veut faire face aux nouveaux défis de l’économie globale et de l’Internet, elle doit d’abord dépasser certaines contradictions liées à l’« exception française », sans pour autant renoncer à sa propre identité culturelle.
1991-2001 : permanences et changements
Authors: Musitelli Jean
Published: April 2010

La fin de la guerre froide a profondément modifié la carte du monde et la hiérarchie des puissances. Elle n’a cependant pas engendré un nouvel ordre mondial de nature à fonder les relations entre nations sur des valeurs coopératives et pacifiques. Le monde s’est structuré selon un schéma unipolaire sanctionnant la prédominance des États-Unis, que les progrès de l’Union européenne n’ont pas suffi à compenser. Le fossé Nord-Sud est resté béant et s’est imposé comme le défi majeur pour l’équilibre planétaire. Face aux risques de privatisation du monde que porte en elle une mondialisation exclusivement économique, les efforts pour en maîtriser le cours et l’orienter dans un sens plus démocratique, plus équitable et plus respectueux de l’intérêt commun de l’humanité n’ont produit que des résultats limités.
Les grands débats théoriques de la décennie
Authors: Badie Bertrand
Published: April 2010

La guerre froide s’est achevée sur des débats théoriques beaucoup plus tranchés que ceux qui avaient marqué ses débuts. En effet, c’est au cours de cette période historique que se sont développés les nouveaux paradigmes interprétatifs des relations internationales. Qu’ils s’agissent des transformations économiques et de l’essor des premières analyses interdépendantistes ; de la crise de l’État et de la remise en cause du paradigme réaliste, ou bien du mouvement de mondialisation et de l’émergence des thèses transnationalistes, la décennie écoulée a vu ces débats se prolonger et s’intensifier. Les évolutions récentes sont davantage le fait d’une adaptation liée à l’apparition de pratiques nouvelles sur la scène internationale, l’absence d’innovation scientifique en la matière dissimulant mal le désarroi intellectuel engendré par la fin de l’ordre bipolaire.
Dix ans de politique de développement économique : échec ou réussite ?
Authors: Hugon Philippe
Published: April 2010

Après la « décennie perdue du développement » des années 80 pour l’Afrique et pour l’Amérique latine, peut-on parler d’une décennie de développement gagnée durant la décennie 90 ? Les divergences dans les trajectoires de développement sont-elles liées à des différences de politiques de développement, à des divergences d’insertion dans l’économie mondiale ou à des effets de seuil conduisant, à défaut d’investissements suffisants, à des pièges de pauvreté ? Cet article différencie l’impact de la mondialisation sur la libéralisation des économies en développement et la diversité des politiques et des trajectoires des économies émergentes ou en voie de marginalisation.
De Maastricht à Nice : la laborieuse ascension de l'Union européenne
Authors: Nivet Bastien
Published: April 2010

L’Union économique et monétaire matérialisée par l’euro ainsi que la Politique étrangère et de sécurité commune constituent, au regard de ces dix dernières années, les avancées les plus significatives de la construction européenne. Au demeurant, l’Europe reste marquée par l’absence d’un projet commun politiquement cohérent, oscillant entre fédéralisme et souverainisme, dont le sommet de Nice de décembre 2000 fournit une dernière illustration. À ce titre, l’Union semble davantage s’analyser comme un instrument de promotion et de protection des intérêts propres aux États. Aussi, l’avenir européen, et notamment le projet d’une grande Europe – en raison de l’élargissement à 28 ou 30 États membres –, risque d’être source de nouvelles désillusions si une profonde remise en cause des habitus tant nationaux qu’européens n’est pas entreprise.
Démocratisation et démocraties est-européennes : le miroir brisé
Authors: Ragaru Nadège
Published: April 2010

Les pays de l’ex-Europe soviétique se sont vus proposer un modèle de développement fondé sur le libéralisme politique et économique, censé être la représentation synthétique de la normalité européenne, et constituant le référant critique de la plupart des interprétations données du processus de démocratisation dans ces États. Or, une telle grille de lecture est réductionniste. Elle se fonde sur une vision moniste et appréhende les difficultés rencontrées par ces nouvelles démocraties depuis une décennie de manière autoréférentielle. Une approche contextualiste peut permettre de fournir les cadres d’une interprétation susceptible d’intégrer le vocabulaire et les problématiques propres à ces États, et à même de reconnaître leur rôle participatif à la compréhension et à la formation des concepts de démocratie et d’économie libérale.
L'affaire de la prise d'otages de Jolo : un exemple de criminalisation du politique en Asie du Sud-Est
Authors: Bertrand Romain
Published: April 2010

L’affaire de la prise d’otages de Jolo a mis au jour le système dans lequel s’inscrit la prolifération des « zones grises » en Asie. Champ d’investigation privilégié, le Sud-Est asiatique offre un terrain propice au développement d’une marginalité para-étatique. Dans un jeu complexe de miroirs et d’apparences, se dessinent des mouvements « hors-la-loi » en quête de visibilité. Et derrière une mystification politico-religieuse, seule la recherche des moyens nécessaires à leur survie semble inspirer l’action de ces groupements. Dès lors, pour s’attirer capitaux et légitimité, le discours transnational est opportunément brandi : c’est en tissant les liens d’une solidarité islamique transfrontalière, que le groupe Abu Sayyaf s’est affirmé. Jeu de dupes auquel chacun aime à se prendre, les États y trouvent aussi leur compte. Car c’est bien dans la porosité d’une structure étatique délétère que s’insinuent ces nouvelles formes d’illégalismes transnationaux.
La piraterie en Asie du Sud-Est
Authors: Cordonnier Isabelle
Published: April 2010

En Asie du Sud-Est, la piraterie maritime constitue l’une des activités illicites transnationales les plus visibles. Pour enrayer son développement, acteurs privés, étatiques et organisations internationales s’efforcent de coopérer. L’entrée en vigueur, en décembre 1994, de la convention sur le droit de la mer de Montego Bay, illustre cependant les limites de cette coopération. En la matière, l’accumulation de règles et de structures ne suffit pas ; encore faut-il que les États aient les moyens et la volonté de participer. Et c’est ici que se révèle le caractère paradoxal de la situation, qui confie aux acteurs internationaux un rôle accru, alors que c’est en profitant d’un contexte géographique et géopolitique particulièrement trouble que la piraterie continue de se jouer des initiatives censées lui faire obstacle.
Les trafics de matières nucléaires
Authors: Kiffer Daniel , Mutez Olivier
Published: April 2010

Bien que le trafic de matières radioactives ne soit pas un phénomène nouveau, l’éclatement de l’URSS et la multiplication des républiques indépendantes ont favorisé son essor. Les stocks nucléaires imposants des pays de l’ex-bloc soviétique représentent un risque pour la prolifération des matières fissiles, d’autant que les systèmes de contrôle étaient, au début des années 90, lacunaires, voire inexistants, principalement dans les installations nucléaires civiles – des améliorations notables y ont été apportées grâce à l’aide de la communauté internationale. En outre, le manque de moyens financiers, la corruption et l’illusion d’un marché hypothétique à l’ouest ont largement encouragé les tentatives de détournements de matières. Pourtant les statistiques montrent que les cas sont relativement peu nombreux et ne portent que sur de petites quantités. On peut dire que ce trafic se différencie des autres en ce sens qu’il est conduit par les pourvoyeurs eux-mêmes, et qu’il n’existe pas de véritable demande pour ces matières. Il est également difficile d’identifier les acheteurs potentiels, souvent assimilés aux États qui ont une volonté nucléaire ou aux groupes terroristes. Il n’a pas été possible à ce jour d’apporter la preuve directe de leur implication. Toutefois, il convient de rester vigilant car le petit nombre de cas répertoriés à ce jour n’indique en rien qu’il n’existe pas un trafic à plus grande échelle et mieux organisé qui aurait échappé à la vigilance internationale.
Le trafic financier
Authors: Jouyet Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2010

Confrontée au phénomène répandu du blanchiment d’argent, la régulation financière internationale apparaît de plus en plus comme une nécessité. Partant de ce constat, un groupe de travail multilatéral, le Groupe d’action financière contre le blanchiment (GAFI), épaulé par la communauté internationale à travers l’action du G7 et de l’Union européenne sous présidence française, s’est engagé dans une initiative spectaculaire : contribuer à la création de dynamiques incitatives à un plus large respect des codes et standards internationaux en matière de lutte contre le blanchiment. C’est par la voie de l’intégration financière que le GAFI entend mettre un terme aux pratiques de surenchère de la sous-régulation, auxquelles se livrent plusieurs États, véritables places financières off shore . L’action résolue du GAFI, à travers la publication d’une liste « noire » des pays non coopératifs, semble porter ses fruits. Et si les premiers acquis restent fragiles, le mouvement, lui, est bel et bien lancé.
Nouvelles visions des conflits : une politologie des « mondes contemporains »
Authors: Galy Michel
Published: April 2010

Depuis la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la multiplication des conflits a conduit politologues et analystes à repenser le phénomène guerrier. L’entreprise, qui consistait autrefois à rationaliser la violence pour mieux en maîtriser les manifestations, trouve aujourd’hui ses limites dans l’émergence de nouvelles formes de conflictualité. La notion même de guerre est alors battue en brèche par l’apparition – en Afrique, notamment – d’une violence « hors cadre », souvent issue de la déconstruction des structures étatiques les plus fragiles. Face à cette violence non maîtrisée, et surtout non rationalisée, de nouvelles théories s’efforcent de reconsidérer la conflictualité, sans pour autant s’affranchir d’une démarche explicative globalisante. À l’heure où tant de bouleversements augurent l’apparition d’une nouvelle épistémé, c’est la perception même de la conflictualité qui mérite d’être réexaminée.
L'économie des conflits en Afrique
Authors: Hugon Philippe
Published: April 2010

La multiplicité et la perpétuation des conflits en Afrique découragent souvent les tentatives de compréhension du processus conflictuel et de son éventuelle spécificité africaine. Une approche pluridisciplinaire révèle cependant une série de facteurs qui permettent de mieux apprécier les manifestations endémiques de la conflictualité africaine. L’étude de ces différents facteurs ne suffit pas à apporter une explication de la nature de ce processus. C’est en proposant de lui appliquer trois théories économiques, avec ce que cette approche comporte d’arbitraire par la construction de systèmes rationnels, que l’on s’éloigne des manifestations pour appréhender la nature même de la conflictualité. L’introduction, dans l’étude systémique, de nouveaux paramètres d’incertitude favorise encore l’analyse. Dès lors, les modèles produisent leurs effets, les conséquences peuvent être étudiées, et certaines orientations proposées, qui permettent une meilleure prévention des conflits.
Le Canada et la Politique européenne de sécurité et de défense (PESD) : une politique à la croisée des chemins
Authors: Fortmann Michel , Viau Hélène
Published: April 2010

« L’Identité de sécurité et de défense européenne n’est plus seulement une idée attrayante, c’est un besoin prioritaire. » En dépit des diverses tentatives infructueuses d’une Europe de la défense, les Canadiens écoutent avec attention George Robertson, secrétaire général de l’OTAN, pour voir l’Europe comme un point d’appui essentiel de leur politique étrangère. Le Canada ne veut plus être assimilé aux États-Unis, et craint d’être écarté des relations américano-européennes. Il s’agit dès lors, pour le Canada, de se présenter comme un interlocuteur et un partenaire privilégié de l’Union européenne (UE), notamment dans le cadre de la défense. Les diplomates canadiens ont joint leurs efforts pour tenter d’établir un mécanisme de consultation entre le Canada et l’UE, mais ils durent affronter la réticence des Européens avant de pouvoir émettre, en décembre 2000, une « déclaration conjointe Canada-UE sur la défense et la sécurité ».
Les démocraties asiatiques et leurs capacités de résistance aux crises
Authors: Hoffmann Nathalie
Published: April 2010

Avec la fin du système bipolaire et le changement des priorités qui en ont résulté, l’Occident accorde désormais une attention toute particulière au respect de certains principes, au premier rang desquels la démocratie et les droits de l’homme. Cette attention toute nouvelle a suscité un nombre croissant de tensions avec nombre de pays asiatiques depuis la fin des années 1980. Plusieurs pays asiatiques y ont répondu en insistant sur les différences d’interprétation possibles de ce concept et en soulignant les spécificités qui les caractérisent. La démocratisation de la plupart des régimes asiatiques, bien réelle, se trouve cependant à un tournant face aux difficultés qu’ils éprouvent en raison, notamment, de la crise financière et économique de l’été 1997, mais aussi du développement de contestations internes et de la radicalisation de certains acteurs qui font craindre, en Occident, une fragilisation de ces démocraties.