bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-Cell–Specific CD8 T Cell Phenotype in Type 1 Diabetes Reflects Chronic Autoantigen Exposure
Authors: Skowera Ania , Ladell Kristin , McLaren James E. , Dolton Garry , Matthews Katherine K. , Gostick Emma , Kronenberg-Versteeg Deborah , Eichmann Martin , Knight Robin R. , Heck Susanne , Powrie Jake , Bingley Polly J. , Dayan Colin M. , Miles John J. , Sewell Andrew K. , Price David A. , Peakman Mark
Published: September 2014

Autoreactive CD8 T cells play a central role in the destruction of pancreatic islet β-cells that leads to type 1 diabetes, yet the key features of this immune-mediated process remain poorly defined. In this study, we combined high-definition polychromatic flow cytometry with ultrasensitive peptide–human leukocyte antigen class I tetramer staining to quantify and characterize β-cell–specific CD8 T cell populations in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. Remarkably, we found that β-cell–specific CD8 T cell frequencies in peripheral blood were similar between subject groups. In contrast to healthy control subjects, however, patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes displayed hallmarks of antigen-driven expansion uniquely within the β-cell–specific CD8 T cell compartment. Molecular analysis of selected β-cell–specific CD8 T cell populations further revealed highly skewed oligoclonal T cell receptor repertoires comprising exclusively private clonotypes. Collectively, these data identify novel and distinctive features of disease-relevant CD8 T cells that inform the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.
Placental Insufficiency Decreases Pancreatic Vascularity and Disrupts Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling in the Pancreatic Islet Endothelial Cell in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Rozance Paul J. , Anderson Miranda , Martinez Marina , Fahy Anna , Macko Antoni R. , Kailey Jenai , Seedorf Gregory J. , Abman Steven H. , Hay William W. , Limesand Sean W.
Published: September 2014

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are paracrine hormones that mediate communication between pancreatic islet endothelial cells (ECs) and β-cells. Our objective was to determine the impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on pancreatic vascularity and paracrine signaling between the EC and β-cell. Vessel density was less in IUGR pancreata than in controls. HGF concentrations were also lower in islet EC-conditioned media (ECCM) from IUGR, and islets incubated with control islet ECCM responded by increasing insulin content, which was absent with IUGR ECCM. The effect of ECCM on islet insulin content was blocked with an inhibitory anti-HGF antibody. The HGF receptor was not different between control and IUGR islets, but VEGFA was lower and the high-affinity VEGF receptor was higher in IUGR islets and ECs, respectively. These findings show that paracrine actions from ECs increase islet insulin content, and in IUGR ECs, secretion of HGF was diminished. Given the potential feed-forward regulation of β-cell VEGFA and islet EC HGF, these two growth factors are highly integrated in normal pancreatic islet development, and this regulation is decreased in IUGR fetuses, resulting in lower pancreatic islet insulin concentrations and insulin secretion.
B-1a Lymphocytes Attenuate Insulin Resistance
Authors: Shen Lei , Chng Melissa Hui Yen , Alonso Michael N. , Yuan Robert , Winer Daniel A. , Engleman Edgar G.
Published: September 2014

Obesity-associated insulin resistance, a common precursor of type 2 diabetes, is characterized by chronic inflammation of tissues, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Here we show that B-1a cells, a subpopulation of B lymphocytes, are novel and important regulators of this process. B-1a cells are reduced in frequency in obese high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, and EGFP interleukin-10 (IL-10) reporter mice show marked reductions in anti-inflammatory IL-10 production by B cells in vivo during obesity. In VAT, B-1a cells are the dominant producers of B cell–derived IL-10, contributing nearly half of the expressed IL-10 in vivo. Adoptive transfer of B-1a cells into HFD-fed B cell–deficient mice rapidly improves insulin resistance and glucose tolerance through IL-10 and polyclonal IgM-dependent mechanisms, whereas transfer of B-2 cells worsens metabolic disease. Genetic knockdown of B cell–activating factor (BAFF) in HFD-fed mice or treatment with a B-2 cell–depleting, B-1a cell–sparing anti-BAFF antibody attenuates insulin resistance. These findings establish B-1a cells as a new class of immune regulators that maintain metabolic homeostasis and suggest manipulation of these cells as a potential therapy for insulin resistance.
Identification and Saturable Nature of Signaling Pathways Induced by Metreleptin in Humans: Comparative Evaluation of In Vivo, Ex Vivo, and In Vitro Administration
Authors: Moon Hyun-Seuk , Huh Joo Young , Dincer Fadime , Schneider Benjamin E. , Hasselgren Per-Olof , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: September 2014

Signaling pathways activated by leptin in metabolically important organs have largely been studied only in animal and/or cell culture studies. In this study, we examined whether leptin has similar effects in human peripheral tissues in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro and whether the response would be different in lean and obese humans. For in vivo leptin signaling, metreleptin was administered and muscle, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were taken for analysis of signal activation. Experiments were also done ex vivo and with primary cultured cells in vitro. The signal activation was compared between male versus female and obese versus lean humans. Acute in vivo, ex vivo, and/or in vitro metreleptin administration similarly activated STAT3, AMPK, ERK1/2, Akt, mTOR, NF-κB, and/or IKKα/β without any differences between male versus female and obese versus lean subjects. All signaling pathways were saturable at ∼30–50 ng/mL, consistent with the clinical evidence showing no additional effect(s) in obese subjects who already have high levels of leptin. Our data provide novel information on downstream effectors of metreleptin action in humans that may have therapeutic implications.
Hypothalamic Orexin Prevents Hepatic Insulin Resistance via Daily Bidirectional Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System in Mice
Authors: Tsuneki Hiroshi , Tokai Emi , Nakamura Yuya , Takahashi Keisuke , Fujita Mikio , Asaoka Takehiro , Kon Kanta , Anzawa Yuuki , Wada Tsutomu , Takasaki Ichiro , Kimura Kumi , Inoue Hiroshi , Yanagisawa Masashi , Sakurai Takeshi , Sasaoka Toshiyasu
Published: September 2014

Circadian rhythm is crucial for preventing hepatic insulin resistance, although the mechanism remains uncovered. Here we report that the wake-active hypothalamic orexin system plays a key role in this regulation. Wild-type mice showed that a daily rhythm in blood glucose levels peaked at the awake period; however, the glucose rhythm disappeared in orexin knockout mice despite normal feeding rhythm. Central administration of orexin A during nighttime awake period acutely elevated blood glucose levels but subsequently lowered daytime glucose levels in normal and diabetic db/db mice. The glucose-elevating and -lowering effects of orexin A were suppressed by adrenergic antagonists and hepatic parasympathectomy, respectively. Moreover, the expression levels of hepatic gluconeogenic genes, including Pepck, were increased and decreased by orexin A at nanomolar and femtomolar doses, respectively. These results indicate that orexin can bidirectionally regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis via control of autonomic balance, leading to generation of the daily blood glucose oscillation. Furthermore, during aging, orexin deficiency enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver and caused impairment of hepatic insulin signaling and abnormal gluconeogenic activity in pyruvate tolerance test. Collectively, the daily glucose rhythm under control of orexin appears to be important for maintaining ER homeostasis, thereby preventing insulin resistance in the liver.
Liraglutide and the Preservation of Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Early Type 2 Diabetes: The LIBRA Trial
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Kramer Caroline K. , Choi Haysook , Swaminathan Balakumar , Zinman Bernard
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE

Clinical studies evaluating the effects of medications on β-cell function in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are compromised by an inability to determine the actual baseline degree of β-cell dysfunction independent of the reversible dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity). Short-term intensive insulin therapy (IIT) is a strategy for eliminating glucotoxicity before randomization. This study determined whether liraglutide can preserve β-cell function over 48 weeks in early T2DM following initial elimination of glucotoxicity with IIT.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 51 patients with T2DM of 2.6 ± 1.9 years' duration and an A1C of 6.8 ± 0.8% (51 ± 8.7 mmol/mol) completed 4 weeks of IIT before randomization to daily subcutaneous liraglutide or placebo injection, with serial assessment of β-cell function by Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 (ISSI-2) on oral glucose tolerance test performed every 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of baseline-adjusted ISSI-2 at 48 weeks was higher in the liraglutide group than in the placebo group (339.8 ± 27.8 vs. 229.3 ± 28.4, P = 0.008). Baseline-adjusted HbA1c at 48 weeks was lower in the liraglutide group (6.2 ± 0.1% vs. 6.6 ± 0.1%, P = 0.055) (44 ± 1.1 vs. 49 ± 1.1 mmol/mol). At each quarterly assessment, >50% of participants on liraglutide had an HbA1c ≤6.0% (42 mmol/mol) and glucose tolerance in the nondiabetic range. Despite this level of glycemic control, no difference was found in the incidence of hypoglycemia between the liraglutide and placebo groups (P = 0.61). Two weeks after stopping treatment, however, the beneficial effect on ISSI-2 of liraglutide versus placebo was entirely lost (191.9 ± 24.7 vs. 238.1 ± 25.2, P = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide provides robust enhancement of β-cell function that is sustained over 48 weeks in early T2DM but lost upon cessation of therapy.
Second-Language Learners’ Identification of Target-Language Phonemes: A Short-Term Phonetic Training Study
Authors: Cebrian Juli , Carlet Angelica
Published: September 2014

Abstract:

This study examined the effect of short-term high-variability phonetic training on the perception of English /b/, /v/, /d/, /ð/, /æ/, /#_x028C_#/, /i/, and /i/ by Catalan/Spanish bilinguals learning English as a foreign language. Sixteen English-major undergraduates were tested before and after undergoing a four-session perceptual training program involving a series of discrimination and identification tasks. Although some scores were already high at pre-test, there was improvement from pre-test to post-test, and this improvement generalized to novel words and a novel talker. An effect of word frequency was observed, but this effect was found to decrease after training. The results show that relatively advanced foreign-language learners in an instructional setting may improve in perception as a result of short-term high-variability phonetic training. The implications of these findings for the teaching of pronunciation are discussed.
Two Phonetic-Training Procedures for Young Learners: Investigating Instructional Effects on Perceptual Awareness
Authors: Lacabex Esther Gómez , Gallardo del Puerto Francisco
Published: September 2014

Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of two distinct computer-based phonetic training procedures administered in an English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classroom with young learners. Students’ perceptual awareness of the occurrence of an English schwa in an unstressed position in content words was tested in two experimental groups, which underwent differentiated training regimes (auditory discrimination/identification practice and listen-and-repeat practice), and a control group, which received no phonetic treatment. A training effect was shown by the significant improvement in the perception abilities of the two experimental groups only. In addition, both experimental groups exhibited comparable improvement in all the variables analyzed. Training effects were also found for the word-familiarity variable, which was mitigated after treatment. Results suggest a positive impact of both aural and imitation computer-based phonetic training on L2 sound perceptual awareness in classroom settings with young learners.
Penteor Slope? Using Student Voices to Explore Program Choice and Experiences in Secondary French Immersion Mathematics (Enhanced)
Authors: Culligan Karla
Published: September 2014

This phenomenological study explores students’ decision-making about whether to remain in an optional French immersion (FI) mathematics course in Grade 11, as well as students’ subsequent experiences in their mathematics course of choice. Interview data were collected from 10 students who remained in FI mathematics and from six students who did not. The data suggest that for both groups, the decision involves the perceived importance of the FI program, worry and anxiety, and input from parents and others. For students who continued in FI mathematics, reported experiences in the course focused on learning mathematics in the L2, speaking French, use of the L1, and general difficulties. For those who pursued mathematics in English, the reported experiences centred on the transition period and the differences between mathematics in the L1 and the L2.
Family Treasures: A Dual-Language Book Project for Negotiating Language, Literacy, Culture, and Identity (Enhanced)
Authors: Roessingh Hetty
Published: September 2014

This article advances a framework for early language and literacy development among young English language learners (ELLs). A dual-language book project undertaken in partnership with a local elementary school provides a context within which to address children's need to negotiate language, culture, and identity as they transition and make meaning from their home language (L1) to English and the language of school (L2) and back. Using objects of cultural and personal relevance that the children brought from home, stories of ‘Family Treasures’ were generated from the original telling in the L1 into English in small-group contexts, transcribed, illustrated, and uploaded to a Web site for permanent sharing, rereading, and exchange. These booklets also provided an opportunity for identity formation, pride of family and culture, and the acquisition of rudimentary technology skills, which all work to motivate and engage young learners in the development of early literacy.
America on Parade: Thrill’s Affect-Zone and the 2012 NBC Super Bowl Broadcast
Authors: Pappas Peter
Published: September 2014

Abstract:

As a composite consumerism–entertainment phenomenon, the engaging atmosphere of NBC’s 2012 Super Bowl broadcast transcends pure athletic contexts. Thrilling affective intensity saturates the greater performance—integrating sports fandom, patriotism, brand loyalty, celebrity interest, and other compelling narratives—all framed by a pageant of global corporations pitching visions of universal consumerist prosperity. As a consequence, a variety of intra-appropriations between elements of spectacle and of the everyday serve to catalyse appealing instantiations of American socio-cultural identity. The present case study investigates the ways in which a multifaceted, permeating thrill enhances the broadcast event’s societal presence, while simultaneously reifying its cultural representations.
Transcending Distances: A Poetics of Acknowledgement in Melville’s “Benito Cereno”
Authors: Furui Yoshiaki
Published: September 2014

Abstract:

This article examines Herman Melville’s “Benito Cereno” as a transnational text by centring on two key words: the verb “transcend” and the noun “distance.” Through analysis of the trope of distance, this article aims to shed light on a way of imagining the alterity of the other that “Benito Cereno” presents to twenty-first century Americanists.
CO2 Monitoring and Background Mole Fraction at Zhongshan Station, Antarctica
Authors: Sun Yulong , Bian Lingen , Tang Jie , Gao Zhiqiu , Lu Changgui , Schnell Russell
Published: September 2014

Background CO2 mole fraction and seasonal variations, measured at Zhongshan station, Antarctica, for 2010 through 2013, exhibit the expected lowest mole fraction in March with a peak in November. Irrespective of wind direction, the mole fraction of CO2 distributes evenly after polluted air from station operations is removed from the data sets. The daily range of average CO2 mole fraction in all four seasons is small. The monthly mean CO2 mole fraction at Zhongshan station is similar to that of other stations in Antarctica, with seasonal CO2 amplitudes in the order of 384–392 µmol∙mol−1. The annual increase in recent years is about 2 µmol∙mol−1∙yr−1. There is no appreciable difference between CO2 mole fractions around the coast of Antarctica and in the interior, showing that CO2 observed in Antarctica has been fully mixed in the atmosphere as it moves from the north through the southern hemisphere.
Strategic Islands in Economic Games: Isolating Economies From Better Outcomes
Authors: Harré Michael , Bossomaier Terry
Published: September 2014

Many of the issues we face as a society are made more problematic by the rapidly changing context in which important decisions are made. For example buying a petrol powered car is most advantageous when there are many petrol pumps providing cheap petrol whereas buying an electric car is most advantageous when there are many electrical recharge points or high capacity batteries available. Such collective decision-making is often studied using economic game theory where the focus is on how individuals might reach an agreement regarding the supply and demand for the different energy types. But even if the two parties find a mutually agreeable strategy, as technology and costs change over time, for example through cheaper and more efficient batteries and a more accurate pricing of the total cost of oil consumption, so too do the incentives for the choices buyers and sellers make, the result of which can be the stranding of an industry or even a whole economy on an island of inefficient outcomes. In this article we consider the issue of how changes in the underlying incentives can move us from an optimal economy to a sub-optimal economy while at the same time making it impossible to collectively navigate our way to a better strategy without forcing us to pass through a socially undesirable “tipping point”. We show that different perturbations to underlying incentives results in the creation or destruction of “strategic islands” isolated by disruptive transitions between strategies. The significant result in this work is the illustration that an economy that remains strategically stationary can over time become stranded in a suboptimal outcome from which there is no easy way to put the economy on a path to better outcomes without going through an economic tipping point.
A Novel Exploration of a Combination of Gambogic Acid with TiO2 Nanofibers: The Photodynamic Effect for HepG2 Cell Proliferation
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Wang Xuemei , Shao Yixiang , Lu Xiaohua , Chen Baoan
Published: September 2014

As a good photosensitizer, TiO2 nanomaterials show potential biomedical applications, such as drug carriers or enhancers in photodynamic therapy. In this contribution, novel nanocomposites through the blending of TiO2 nanofibers with the active compound, gambogic acid (GA), were explored, and the results showed that GA could inhibit cancer cell proliferation in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in HepG2 cells. It is evident that after the GA-TiO2 nanocomposites were cultured with the cancer cells, the cooperation effect could effectively enhance the cytotoxicity of GA for HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, if activated by UV irradiation, under the presence of GA-TiO2 nanocomposites, this would lead to significant apoptosis and necrosis for HepG2 cells with a photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. Associated with the controlled drug-release from these nanocomposites, TiO2 nanofibers could readily cut down the drug consumption in HepG2 cells and reduce the side-effect for the normal cells and tissue, which may be further utilized in the therapeutic alliance for cancer therapy.
Anticancer Effects of Different Seaweeds on Human Colon and Breast Cancers
Authors: Moussavou Ghislain , Kwak Dong , Obiang-Obonou Brice , Maranguy Cyr , Dinzouna-Boutamba Sylvatrie-Danne , Lee Dae , Pissibanganga Ordelia , Ko Kisung , Seo Jae , Choo Young
Published: September 2014

Seafoods and seaweeds represent some of the most important reservoirs of new therapeutic compounds for humans. Seaweed has been shown to have several biological activities, including anticancer activity. This review focuses on colorectal and breast cancers, which are major causes of cancer-related mortality in men and women. It also describes various compounds extracted from a range of seaweeds that have been shown to eradicate or slow the progression of cancer. Fucoidan extracted from the brown algae Fucus spp. has shown activity against both colorectal and breast cancers. Furthermore, we review the mechanisms through which these compounds can induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. By considering the ability of compounds present in seaweeds to act against colorectal and breast cancers, this review highlights the potential use of seaweeds as anticancer agents.
Hydrogenations without Hydrogen: Titania Photocatalyzed Reductions of Maleimides and Aldehydes
Authors: Manley David , Buzzetti Luca , MacKessack-Leitch Andrew , Walton John
Published: September 2014

A mild procedure for the reduction of electron-deficient alkenes and carbonyl compounds is described. UVA irradiations of substituted maleimides with dispersions of titania (Aeroxide P25) in methanol/acetonitrile (1:9) solvent under dry anoxic conditions led to hydrogenation and production of the corresponding succinimides. Aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes were reduced to primary alcohols in similar titania photocatalyzed reactions. A mechanism is proposed which involves two proton-coupled electron transfers to the substrates at the titania surface.
Surface Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of KTaO3, CdS, MoS2 Semiconductors and Their Binary and Ternary Semiconductor Composites
Authors: Bajorowicz Beata , Cybula Anna , Winiarski Michał , Klimczuk Tomasz , Zaleska Adriana
Published: September 2014

Single semiconductors such as KTaO3, CdS MoS2 or their precursor solutions were combined to form novel binary and ternary semiconductor nanocomposites by the calcination or by the hydro/solvothermal mixed solutions methods, respectively. The aim of this work was to study the influence of preparation method as well as type and amount of the composite components on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of the new semiconducting photoactive materials. We presented different binary and ternary combinations of the above semiconductors for phenol and toluene photocatalytic degradation and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and porosity. The results showed that loading MoS2 onto CdS as well as loading CdS onto KTaO3 significantly enhanced absorption properties as compared with single semiconductors. The highest photocatalytic activity in phenol degradation reaction under both UV-Vis and visible light irradiation and very good stability in toluene removal was observed for ternary hybrid obtained by calcination of KTaO3, CdS, MoS2 powders at the 10:5:1 molar ratio. Enhanced photoactivity could be related to the two-photon excitation in KTaO3-CdS-MoS2 composite under UV-Vis and/or to additional presence of CdMoO4 working as co-catalyst.
Interactive Effects of Dietary Fat/Carbohydrate Ratio and Body Mass Index on Iron Deficiency Anemia among Taiwanese Women
Authors: Chang Jung-Su , Chen Yi-Chun , Owaga Eddy , Palupi Khairizka , Pan Wen-Harn , Bai Chyi-Huey
Published: September 2014

Whether being overweight or obese is associated with increased risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains controversial. We evaluated the dietary intakes and risk for IDA in relation to body mass index (BMI). One thousand two hundred and seventy-four females aged ≥19 years, enrolled in the third Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2005–2008, were selected. Half of the women were either overweight (24.0%) or obese (25.3%). The overall prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and IDA among adult women was 19.5%, 8.6% and 6.2%. BMI showed a protective effect on IDA: overweight (odds ratio, OR: 0.365 (0.181–0.736)) and obese (OR: 0.480 (0.259–0.891)) when compared with normal weight. Univariate analysis identified increased IDA risk for overweight/obese women who consumed higher dietary fat but lower carbohydrate (CHO) (OR: 10.119 (1.267–80.79)). No such relationship was found in IDA women with normal weight (OR: 0.375 (0.036–4.022)). Analysis of interaction(s) showed individuals within the highest BMI tertile (T3) had the lowest risk for IDA and the risk increased with increasing tertile groups of fat/CHO ratio; OR 0.381 (0.144–1.008; p = 0.051), 0.370 (0.133–1.026; p = 0.056) and 0.748 (0.314–1.783; p = 0.513); for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. In conclusion, a protective effect of BMI on IDA may be attenuated in women who had increased fat/CHO ratio.
Exploring the Potential of a German Living Lab Research Infrastructure for the Development of Low Resource Products and Services
Authors: Von Geibler Justus , Erdmann Lorenz , Liedtke Christa , Rohn Holger , Stabe Matthias , Berner Simon , Leismann Kristin , Schnalzer Kathrin , Kennedy Katharina
Published: September 2014

Living Labs for Sustainable Development aim to integrate users and actors for the successful generation of low-resource innovations in production-consumption systems. This paper investigates potentials of and measures towards the realization of a German Living Lab infrastructure to support actor-integrated sustainability research and innovations in Germany. Information was primarily derived from extensive dialog with experts from the fields of innovation, sustainable development and the Living Lab community (operators, users, etc.), which was facilitated through interviews and workshops. A status quo analysis revealed that, generally, the sustainability and Living Lab communities are hardly intertwined. Twelve Living Labs that explicitly consider sustainability aspects were identified. The application fields “Living and Working”, “Town, Region and Mobility”, and “Retail and Gastronomy” were identified as particularly suitable for investigation in Living Labs and highly relevant in terms of resource efficiency. Based on the analyses of drivers and barriers and SWOT, keystones for the development of a research infrastructure for user integrated development of sustainable products and services were formulated. Suggested strategies and measures include targeted funding programs for actor-integrated, socio-technical research based on a Living Lab network, a communication campaign, and programs to foster networking and the inclusion of SMEs.
Mapping Layers of Clay in a Vertical Geological Surface Using Hyperspectral Imagery: Variability in Parameters of SWIR Absorption Features under Different Conditions of Illumination
Authors: Murphy Richard , Schneider Sven , Monteiro Sildomar
Published: September 2014

Hyperspectral imagery of a vertical mine face acquired from a field-based platform is used to evaluate the effects of different conditions of illumination on absorption feature parameters wavelength position, depth and width. Imagery was acquired at different times of the day under direct solar illumination and under diffuse illumination imposed by cloud cover. Imagery acquired under direct solar illumination did not show large amounts of variability in any absorption feature parameter; however, imagery acquired under cloud caused changes in absorption feature parameters. These included the introduction of a spurious absorption feature at wavelengths > 2250 nm and a shifting of the wavelength position of specific clay absorption features to longer or shorter wavelengths. Absorption feature depth increased. The spatial patterns of clay absorption in imagery acquired under similar conditions of direct illumination were preserved but not in imagery acquired under cloud. Kaolinite, ferruginous smectite and nontronite were identified and mapped on the mine face. Results were validated by comparing them with predictions from x-ray diffraction and laboratory hyperspectral imagery of samples acquired from the mine face. These results have implications for the collection of hyperspectral data from field-based platforms.
Changes in Spring Phenology in the Three-Rivers Headwater Region from 1999 to 2013
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Zhu Xiufang , Zhu Wenquan , Pan Yaozhong , Zhang Chong , Zhang Donghai
Published: September 2014

Vegetation phenology is considered a sensitive indicator of terrestrial ecosystem response to global climate change. We used a satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in the green-up date over the Three-Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR) from 1999 to 2013 and characterized their driving forces using climatic data sets. A significant advancement trend was observed throughout the entire study area from 1999 to 2013 with a linear tendency of 6.3 days/decade (p < 0.01); the largest advancement trend was over the Yellow River source region (8.6 days/decade, p < 0.01). Spatially, the green-up date increased from the southeast to the northwest, and the green-up date of 87.4% of pixels fell between the 130th and 150th Julian day. Additionally, about 91.5% of the study area experienced advancement in the green-up date, of which 80.2%, mainly distributed in areas of vegetation coverage increase, experienced a significant advance. Moreover, it was found that the green-up date and its trend were significantly correlated with altitude. Statistical analyses showed that a 1-°C increase in spring temperature would induce an advancement in the green-up date of 4.2 days. We suggest that the advancement of the green-up date in the TRHR might be attributable principally to warmer and wetter springs.
Implementation of a Rotational Ultrasound Biomicroscopy System Equipped with a High-Frequency Angled Needle Transducer — Ex Vivo Ultrasound Imaging of Porcine Ocular Posterior Tissues
Authors: Bok Tae-Hoon , Kim Juho , Bae Jinho , Lee Chong , Paeng Dong-Guk
Published: September 2014

The mechanical scanning of a single element transducer has been mostly utilized for high-frequency ultrasound imaging. However, it requires space for the mechanical motion of the transducer. In this paper, a rotational scanning ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) system equipped with a high-frequency angled needle transducer is designed and implemented in order to minimize the space required. It was applied to ex vivo ultrasound imaging of porcine posterior ocular tissues through a minimal incision hole of 1 mm in diameter. The retina and sclera for the one eye were visualized in the relative rotating angle range of 270° ~ 330° and at a distance range of 6 ~ 7 mm, whereas the tissues of the other eye were observed in relative angle range of 160° ~ 220° and at a distance range of 7.5 ~ 9 mm. The layer between retina and sclera seemed to be bent because the distance between the transducer tip and the layer was varied while the transducer was rotated. Certin features of the rotation system such as the optimal scanning angle, step angle and data length need to be improved for ensure higher accuracy and precision. Moreover, the focal length should be considered for the image quality. This implementation represents the first report of a rotational scanning UBM system.
Developmental Neurotoxicity of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene with Thyroxine Deficit: Sensitivity of Glia and Dentate Granule Neurons in the Absence of Behavioral Changes
Authors: Harry G. , Hooth Michelle , Vallant Molly , Behl Mamta , Travlos Gregory , Howard James , Price Catherine , McBride Sandra , Mervis Ron , Mouton Peter
Published: September 2014

Thyroid hormones (TH) regulate biological processes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and can be altered with environmental exposures. Developmental exposure to the dioxin-like compound, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB), induced a dose response deficit in serum T4 levels with no change in 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine or thyroid stimulating hormone. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally gavaged (corn oil, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg TCAB/kg/day) two weeks prior to cohabitation until post-partum day 3 and male offspring from post-natal day (PND) 4–21. At PND21, the high dose showed a deficit in body weight gain. Conventional neuropathology detected no neuronal death, myelin disruption, or gliosis. Astrocytes displayed thinner and less complex processes at 1.0 and 10 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, microglia showed less complex processes, unbiased stereology detected fewer hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and dentate granule neurons (GC) and Golgi staining of the cerebellum showed diminished Purkinje cell dendritic arbor. At PND150, normal maturation of GC number and Purkinje cell branching area was not observed in the 1.0 mg/kg/day dose group with a diminished number and branching suggestive of effects initiated during developmental exposure. No effects were observed on post-weaning behavioral assessments in control, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg/day dose groups. The demonstrated sensitivity of hippocampal neurons and glial cells to TCAB and T4 deficit raises support for considering additional anatomical features of brain development in future DNT evaluations.
Retroviral Vectors for Analysis of Viral Mutagenesis and Recombination
Authors: Rawson Jonathan , Mansky Louis
Published: September 2014

Retrovirus population diversity within infected hosts is commonly high due in part to elevated rates of replication, mutation, and recombination. This high genetic diversity often complicates the development of effective diagnostics, vaccines, and antiviral drugs. This review highlights the diverse vectors and approaches that have been used to examine mutation and recombination in retroviruses. Retroviral vectors for these purposes can broadly be divided into two categories: those that utilize reporter genes as mutation or recombination targets and those that utilize viral genes as targets of mutation or recombination. Reporter gene vectors greatly facilitate the detection, quantification, and characterization of mutants and/or recombinants, but may not fully recapitulate the patterns of mutagenesis or recombination observed in native viral gene sequences. In contrast, the detection of mutations or recombination events directly in viral genes is more biologically relevant but also typically more challenging and inefficient. We will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the various vectors and approaches used as well as propose ways in which they could be improved.
La borne milliaire de Desvres et le nom de Géta
Authors: Hoët-van Cauwenberghe Christine
Published: September 2014

The milestone of Desvres (62), which was discovered recently (AE 2004, 937) bears an inscription to Septimus Severus and his two sons (dated between 202 and 204). The initial of Geta’s

praenomen had been damaged at the time of the discovery but it has been reconstituted thanks to the fragments collected on the spot. We are not to read an L. for Lucius but rather a P. for Publius. This makes it possible for us to confirm that this name had not been erased by beating. Our attention should be drawn to this point for, as Attilio Mastino had pointed out in an article published in 1978, Caracalla had relentlessly debunked the memory of his younger brother, Geta, who had become his rival and had been murdered on his orders. We have listed all the inscriptions found in this province as well as the nearby provinces and confirm this analysis by showing this document is one of the few that have escaped the avenging chisel of those who were in charge of the rasurae. At the same time, we show how difficult it is to reconstitute Geta’s praenomen and establish the chronology of the change from Lucius to Publius.
Nouveaux représentants du prince en Égypte
Authors: Demougin Ségolène
Published: September 2014

L’article présente les nouvelles données relatives aux fonctionnaires équestres en poste en Égypte, depuis le préfet, vice-roi représentant la personne impériale, jusqu’aux procurateurs sexagénaires, sans oublier les préfets de la flotte d’Alexandrie.
« Dans tout le prétoire... » Le personnel du préfet d’Égypte sous le Haut-Empire
Authors: Haensch Rudolf
Published: September 2014

L’article discute la question de la composition de l’état-major, de l’officium, du préfet d’Égypte. D’un côté, on y trouve les mêmes soldats gradés que dans les officia des autres gouverneurs, comme par exemple les speculatores, beneficiarii, etc. De l’autre, cet état-major comprend certaines fonctions qui n’ont pas de parallèles dans les autres officia. Ce phénomène est dû en partie au fait que l’administration romaine a adapté certaines institutions de l’état ptolémaïque et en partie aux développements internes à l’armée et à l’administration romaines.
Duces et Correctores en Égypte au IIIe siècle de notre ère
Authors: Loriot Xavier
Published: September 2014

Cette étude envisage le cas de six hauts fonctionnaires équestres attestés en Égypte au IIIe siècle, entre 231 et 297. Les deux premiers, M. Aurelius Zeno Ianuarius et Cn. Domitius Philippus, portent le titre de stratélatès (dux), les quatre suivants, Ulpius Pasion, ClaudiusTheodorus, C. Claudius Firmus etAureliusAchilleus, celui d’épanorthôtès (corrector). Cependant, on ne distingue aucune différence quant à leurs attributions. Il apparaît en effet qu’ils exercent toutes les fonctions, tant civiles que militaires, qui incombent habituellement au préfet d’Égypte. Comme aucun préfet n’est attesté en même temps qu’un de ces ducs ou correcteurs, on doit souscrire à l’hypothèse de P. J. Parsons et de J. R. Rea, selon laquelle ces fonctionnaires se substituent au préfet dans des cir- constances exceptionnelles, et notamment dans un contexte de guerre, extérieure ou civile : ainsi Firmus, au lendemain de la reconquête de l’Égypte sur les Palmyréniens, ou, à l’inverse, Achilleus, qui fut le principal acteur de l’usurpation de Domitius Domitianus en 297.
Préfecture du prétoire et haute administration équestre à la fin du règne d’Antonin le Pieux et au début du règne de Marc Aurèle
Authors: Christol Michel
Published: September 2014

Documentation about the top equestrian staff during Antoninus Pius’ reign and at the beginning of Marcus Aurelius’ reign is abundant enough to allow the analysis of political life in terms of prosopography. The particularities of the praetorian prefecture emerge clearly : the evolution of this charge does not relate to others major equestrian prefectures as far as supposed. Drawing a trajectories parallel makes possible to propose some solutions about the final stages of some personages career, about their position in the palatium offices and in prefectures. The originality of L. Volusius Maecianus’ career, the great jurist of the Antonian period, appears during the years surrounding his student Marcus Aurelius’ advent.
Les préfets du prétoire de l’époque sévérienne : un essai de synthèse
Authors: Coriat Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2014

Owing to many prosopographical studies, it is possible to value the situation of the praetorian prefects in the end of the Principate, particularly at the severan period, that is also the zenith of the Roman jurisprudence. Two tendencies emerge from the prefect’s career. From the middle of the second century, and in particular under the Severans, the praetorian prefecture points out the acme of the equestrian career, whose regular steps, military and above all cilvil, are henceforth organised and ended with the access to the different equestrian prefectures. These prefects are with the superior clarissimi officials the ruling circle composed with men with a long experience and faithful to the emperor. On the other hand, since the reign of Antoninus Pius, the praetorian prefecture reflects the predominance of a restricted circle, the circle of the jurists who are the imperial secretaries, and a few of them reached equestrian prefectures, among them the praetorian one. The importance of this circle of jurists is attested by the competences of these prefects : to the original military function they have added wider judicial competences and their contribution to the making of imperial constitutions, to which they refer and that they annotate in their books and in which emerge in particular two spheres relating to the public authority, fiscal law and military law. Being in a position of trust and ability, they are servants of an imperial rule which has become an administrative monarchy.
Préfets et préfecture du prétoire dans l’Histoire romaine de Dion Cassius
Authors: Molin Michel
Published: September 2014

The Roman History of Cassius Dio emphasizes the importance of the role of the praetorian prefects beside the emperor and of their militar and civil functions. Moreover the presentation of the praetorian prefects by Cassius Dio shows just as well his prejudices as his opinion about the evolution of the Roman Empire fromAugustus to his own times. In appendice, a list gives all the references to the different praetorian prefects, quoted or no with their name, in the Roman History.
Que l’art ne peut pas tout pour la cité : la dissonance de l’art, du spectateur et de l’acteur selon Platon
Authors: Macé Arnaud
Published: September 2014

La présente étude propose une nouvelle approche du témoignage platonicien sur les pratiques artistiques de son temps et le rôle social de celles-ci. Une abondante bibliographie a décrit le mélange complexe, chez Platon, de critique radicale de la poésie relativement à son effet moral et à son statut ontologique, de reconnaissance de la grande puissance de l’art à son danger même, et de proposition de réformes des arts qui le remettent au centre d’une cité nouvelle. Nous suggérons au contraire que l’art, en tant que phénomène social, n’est pas, pour Platon, si puissant : qu’il ne peut pas tout, ni en bien ni en mal. Platon explore l’ampleur et les limites de l’influence des arts sur les âmes. C’est en se penchant sur les effets d’incohérence morale et psychologique que l’art laisse subsister dans les esprits ou même favorise, que Platon marque la limite de ce que peut l’art pour l’homme et pour la cité. C’est une leçon sobre et décevante pour tout ceux qui veulent trouver dans l’art le ciment même de la société athénienne ancienne ; ce n’est peut-être pas un témoignage sans intérêt d’un point de vue historique.
Le « je » de l’historien dans l’historiographie grecque antique
Authors: Trédé Monique
Published: September 2014

L’auteur suit l’émergence et les métamorphoses du «je» de l’historien dans l’historiographie grecque, à partir d’Hécatée de Milet. Ce «je» qui, dans un premier temps, marque le contrôle de l’historien sur sa matière, s’affirme ensuite avec les historiens-rhéteurs issus de l’école d’Isocrate qui tendent à faire de l’histoire un répertoire d’exemples pour l’édification morale.
Da Avieno a Rutilio Namaziano : spettatori e poeti del mondo tardo-antico
Authors: Raschieri Amedeo Alessandro
Published: September 2014

Through the analysis of some significant aspects of the works of Avienus and Rutilius Namatianus we try to test the categories of thinker, artist and spectator in the final period of the classical world, just before it finally succumbs. In this case the artist is the poet who not only feels heir to a long literary tradition, Greek and Latin, but in this tradition he finds the legitimacy for his work. He is a spectator of both the physical reality, geographical and astronomical, both the historical reality contemporary to him ; the readers of his work are the spectators of the world through the mediation of the poetic language. The writer is also a thinker, but for him it is not important to put forward new solutions, but to remain in the wake of tradition and to state his masters’ thought again.
Une transition éclairée. De la mort des états de Bourgogne à la naissance des départements bourguignons (1789-1791)
Authors: Loiseau Jérôme
Published: September 2014

En Bourgogne, la transition des états provinciaux aux départements, entre 1789 et 1791, s’est accomplie de façon paisible, même si les tensions entre administrateurs, anciens et nouveaux, furent réelles. Néanmoins, ces hommes partageaient le même idéal d’amélioration du bien commun. En outre, les débats aux états et les politiques suivies dans la province, lors de la dernière décennie de l’Ancien Régime, permirent d’anticiper favorablement les enjeux de l’année 1790, notamment la continuité de l’imposition et l’évaluation précise de la dette publique, celle de la province et celle détenue pour le compte du roi.
Une révolution dans la Révolution : mérite et naissance dans la pensée et le comportement politiques de la noblesse militaire de province en 1789-1790
Authors: Blaufarb Rafe
Published: September 2014

Qu’à l’aube de la Révolution française, la noblesse et ses privilèges aient été l’objet d’une violente contestation est un fait bien connu. Qu’une importante fraction du second ordre, en l’occurrence la noblesse militaire de province, ait été à l’avant-garde de ce combat d’opinion l’est beaucoup moins. En centrant l’attention et l’analyse sur la rhétorique anti-nobiliaire de la noblesse militaire de province, cet article révèle que, dans la première année de la Révolution, la signification de mots aussi cruciaux qu’égalité ou mérite était rien moins qu’uniforme et consensuelle. En restituant l’histoire de ce programme révolutionnaire alternatif et oublié – un parmi tous ceux qui existèrent en 1789-1790 – , cette contribution suggère à quel point il peut être utile de penser des révolutions plutôt que la Révolution, lorsqu’il est question des bouleversements de cette année décisive.
Le mythe du « bon cacique » : Emilio Bessières y Ramírez de Arellano, grand d'Espagne accusé de faux-monnayage
Authors: Lastécouères Christophe
Published: September 2014

Cet article met en lumière la trajectoire d’un aristocrate espagnol, Emilio Bessières y Ramírez de Arellano, qui a été accusé de faux-monnayage en 1910. En 1891, Bessières est élu député aux Cortes dans un district rural près de Grenade en Andalousie. Même s’il n’est pas réélu, il conserve toute son autorité grâce au système clientéliste. Son procès montre l’ambivalence des intérêts locaux dans la construction de l’État espagnol contemporain au XIX e siècle. D’un côté, l’État central partage avec les pouvoirs locaux la gestion du bien public. Mais, d’un autre côté, il cherche à assumer seul cette fonction. Dans le discours des élites libérales, le cacique devient une figure archaïque, même s’il est réellement un « bon » cacique.
Stock Market's Reactions to Industrial Accidents
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Wang Han , Guo Xiumei
Published: September 2014

This study attempts to explore whether and how stock market responds to industrial accidents. We employ the event study method to look into the responses of stock markets to 83 accidents experienced by various listed companies in China, and explore how industrial accidents influence stock market in the different markets. Findings imply that the stock market shows negative reaction with respect to these accidents. However, as time goes by, the market reaction tapers off. In the bear market, the negative market reaction was highly significant. Small-sized companies, in comparison with other companies, have a most significant reaction to accidents and they also have the worst ability to recover from accidents. The findings of this study can help the investors to better understand how the stock market reacts to the industrial accidents in different market environments and under other conditions.