bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Eros of Alcibiades
Authors: Wohl Victoria
Published: September 2012

Alcibiades is one of the most explicitly sexualized figures in fifth-century Athens, a "lover of the people" whom the demos "love and hate and long to possess" (Ar. Frogs 1425). But his eros fits ill with the normative sexuality of the democratic citizen as we usually imagine it. Simultaneously lover and beloved, effeminate and womanizer, Alcibiades is essentially paranomos, lawless or perverse. This paper explores the relation between Alcibiades' paranomia and the norms of Athenian sexuality, and argues that his eros reveals an intrinsic instability within the sexual economy of the democracy: the desire he embodied blurred the categories that defined Athenian masculinity; the desire he inspired rendered the demos passive and "soft." This same instability can be seen in Thucydides' juxtaposition of the mutilation of the Herms and the legend of Harmodius and Aristogeiton. These two episodes (obscurely linked by Thucydides) together tell of an idealized citizen body under threat. The tyrannicide story figures the democratic citizen as an elite lover, whose sexual dominance is vital to his political autonomy. The Herms, with their prominent phalloi, symbolized this citizen-lover, and thus their mutilation was an assault on the masculinity, as well as political power, of the demos. The tyrannicide legend seems to promise a defense against this threat of civic castration; but instead of shoring up the sexually-dominant citizen, Thucydides' version of the legend merely reveals his frailty and fictionality: even in Athens' heroic past there is no inviolable democratic eros to cure the impotence of mutilation and tyranny. Reading these two episodes against the backdrop of Alcibiades' paranomia (as described by Plutarch and Plato), this paper examines the nature of democratic masculinity, the (eroticized) relation between demagogue and demos, and the place of perverse desire within the protocols of sex.
The Tradition of the Spolia Opima: M. Claudius Marcellus and Augustus
Authors: Flower Harriet I.
Published: September 2012

This paper aims to reexamine how traditions about the spolia opima developed with special emphasis on two crucial phases of their evolution, the time of Marcus Claudius Marcellus' dedication in 222 BC and the early years of Augustus' principate, following the restoration of the temple of Jupiter Feretrius on the Capitol. In particular, I will argue that Marcellus invented the spolia opima, that his feat shaped the entire tradition about such dedications, and that this tradition was later enhanced and "reinvented" by Augustus, probably following upon renewed interest under Julius Caesar. Through an evaluation of the surviving evidence about the three canonical dedicators (Romulus, A. Cornelius Cossus, and Marcellus) the possibility is explored that the spolia opima, rather than being an archaic ritual dating back to the regal period, represent a tradition invented (and reinvented) by specific individuals at certain well-defined moments in Roman history. Augustus himself, beginning while he was still a child, was influenced by traditions about the career and achievements of M. Claudius Marcellus. Augustus' interest in Marcellus helps to explain his special focus on the spolia opima as a significant and hallowed Roman tradition. Consequently, in the late first century B.C., spolia opima were associated both with old-fashioned "republican" aspirations and also with the iconography and self-definition of the new ruling family. In this context other leading Romans of the age considered dedicating such spolia, notably M. Licinius Crassus, grandson of the triumvir, and the elder Drusus, brother of Tiberius. In addition, Virgil included the spolia opima as a recurring theme in the second half of the Aeneid. The poem reaches its climax when Aeneas kills his rival Italian leader Turnus in a duel which would have entitled him to dedicate spolia opima.
The Search for the King: Reflexive Irony in Plato's Politicus
Authors: Michelini Ann N.
Published: September 2012

Platonic dialogues are self-concealing, presenting ideas by indirection or in riddling form, often exploring a difficulty or aporia without arriving at a solution. Since philosophers have begun to see Plato's work as imbued with irony, double meaning, and ambiguity, literary techniques that accommodate such layered meanings become a necessary adjunct to interpretation. The dialogue Politicus explores through an aporetic process a central Platonic concern, the relation between ideal and real. Close analysis of the important section dealing with law and constitutions reveals some of the complexity. By his wayward conduct of the argument, the Eleatic stranger repeatedly forces reevaluation of earlier arguments or conclusions. At the close of the cosmic myth (274e1-275c4), the Stranger warned against confusing the divine monarch, a true shepherd, with his mortal counterpart, the best ruler, whose discovery is the aim of the dialogue. The distinction that was made then is simple in context, but complex in view of the conclusion at 303b8-c5 that the participants in all governments except the ideal monarchy are supreme wizards and fakers. The truly real (ὄντως ὤν) statesman thus recedes into a distance remote from the world of practical politics, while the familiar regimes are marked as irretrievably flawed and inauthentic. The ability of the fake statesmen to deceive by impersonating the true king also means that it may be impossible to make the crucial distinction between king and tyrant, since either may disregard the laws. The strange fable of legalism run wild (300a) confirms the ludicrous and destructive results of rigid obedience to law, but concludes that rigidity is necessary to the false regimes. The corollary is that seekers after truth, like Socrates or even the Stranger himself, must always be rejected by law-based societies.
Non inter nota sepulcra: Catullus 101 and Roman Funerary Ritual
Authors: Feldherr Andrew
Published: September 2012

According to many recent interpretations of Catullus 101, the ritual performance it describes serves primarily as a foil, highlighting the greater expressiveness and communicative power of the poem itself. I argue instead for using the complexities of Roman funerary ritual as a model for understanding the poem's ambiguities. As funerary offerings at once establish a bond between family members and the dead and affirm a distinction between them that allows the survivors to rejoin the society of the living, so the poem articulates a tension between assertions of the brother's absence and intimations of his presence as addressee, even as speaker. Similarly, the split between the poem's fictional context as a one-time-only farewell to the brother and its existence as a repeatable literary artifact further accentuates the double allegiance of the poet. In the second section I consider how the poem, without being an epitaph itself, fulfills the functions of an epitaph, by allowing for the re-performance of the ritual, constructing the opposition between permanence and temporality present in the epitaph/monument complex, "inscribing" the brother's death at the prominent literary "crossroads" of the beginning of the Odyssey, and finally making the commemoration of the brother performed through each reading of the poem a sacrum that builds its audience into a community.
Solon's "Theôria" and the End of the City
Authors: Ker James
Published: September 2012

How are we to understand Solon's departure from Athens "for the sake of theôria" immediately after the introduction of his laws (Hdt. 1.29)? Previous accounts have taken theôria to mean "sightseeing," but the goal of Solon's departure-to avoid explaining or changing the laws-is guaranteed by certain religious features of theôria: the theôros plays the role of civic guardian and must not add to or subtract from an oracle he conveys to the city, and during the theôria the city itself must remain pure and avoid disturbances. Solon adapts these features of theôria to establish his laws as a pseudo-oracular discourse, as a purification of the city, and as a permanent civic medium. The beginning of Solon's open-ended journey thus gives ideological finality to the laws at the middle of the city. This reading of Solon's theôria coheres with other instances of the creative adaptation of ritual in archaic Greek politics. It also develops our understanding of the discourse on theôria as regulating the laws (nomoi) that constitute the political sphere.
Pharmacokinetics of a long-acting ceftiofur crystalline-free acid formulation in Asian elephants (Elephas maxim us)
Authors: Adkesson Michael J. , Junge Randall E. , Allender Matthew C. , Martïín-Jiménez Tomás
Published: September 2012

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of a long-acting formulation of ceftiofur, ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA), following SC injection to Asian elephants (Elephas maxim us).

Animals—11 adult Asian elephants.

Procedures—Each elephant received CCFA (6.6 mg/kg, SC) in the area caudoventral to the base of an ear. Blood samples were collected from an ear vein immediately prior to and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours after CCFA administration. Plasma concentrations of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (the acetamide derivative of ceftiofur) were measured via ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed via a noncompartmental pharmacokinetics approach.

Results—The mean ± SD maximum plasma concentration of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide was 1.36 ± 0.74 μg/mL and was detected at 4718 ± 31.30 hours. The mean ± SD area under the curve from time 0 to infinity was 2278 ± 55.8 μg•h/mL, and the mean residence time from time 0 to infinity was 158.2 ± 90.2 hours. The terminal elimination half-life associated with the slope of the terminal phase had a harmonic mean ± pseudo-SD of 83.36 ± 30.01 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Elephants tolerated CCFA at a dose of 6.6 mg/kg, SC, well. Dosing recommendations will depend on the mean inhibitory concentration of ceftiofur for each bacterial pathogen. Desfuroylceftiofur acetamide concentrations remained > 0.25 μg/mL for the entire 168-hour study period, which suggested CCFA would provide clinically relevant antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens for 7 to 10 days.
Mechanical properties of isolated loops of nylon leader material, polyethylene cord, and polyethylene tape and mechanical properties of those materials secured to cadaveric canine femurs via lateral femoral fabellae, toggles placed through bone tunnels, or bone anchors
Authors: Choate Christina J. , Pozzi Antonio , Lewis Daniel D. , Hudson Caleb C. , Conrad Bryan P.
Published: September 2012

Objective—To determine mechanical properties of various prosthetic materials secured to cadaveric canine femurs via various methods and to compare results with those for isolated loops of prosthetic material.

Sample—80 femurs obtained from cadavers of skeletally mature large-breed dogs.

Procedures—10 femoral constructs in each of 8 groups (single circumfabellar loop of polyethylene cord, double loop of polyethylene tape secured via a bone anchor [BAPT], single or double circumfabellar loops of nylon leader material [CNL] or polyethylene tape [CPT], or single or double loops of polyethylene tape secured via a toggle placed through a bone tunnel [BTPT]) and 10 isolated loops of prosthetic material in each corresponding configuration were tested. Stress relaxation, creep, elongation, load at 3 mm of displacement, stiffness, and peak load at failure were determined.

Results—5 single CNL constructs failed before completion of testing. Double CNL and single circumfabellar polyethylene cord constructs had the lowest loads at 3 mm of displacement. Single and double CPT constructs had the highest stiffness. Double BTPT and CPT constructs had the highest peak loads at failure. Double BTPT, double CPT, and BAPT constructs were mechanically superior on the basis of lower creep and stress relaxation and higher stiffness and load at 3 mm of displacement versus other constructs. Stiffness of femoral constructs was 28% to 69% that of corresponding isolated prosthetic loops.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Double BTPT, double CPT, and BAPT constructs were mechanically superior to other constucts. Mechanical properties and methods of anchorage and securing of free ends of prostheses contributed to mechanical properties of constructs.
Evaluation of the association between runt-related transcription factor 2 expression and intervertebral disk aging in dogs
Authors: Itoh Hisanori , Hara Yasushi , Tagawa Masahiro , Kato Tsuyoshi , Ochi Hiroki , Koga Daisuke , Okawa Atsushi , Asou Yoshinori
Published: September 2012

Objective—To investigate the relationship between runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression in canine nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and intervertebral disk aging in chondrodystrophoid dogs.

Animals—7 healthy Beagles (mean age, 35.6 months) and 11 Dachshunds with herniated disks (mean age, 61 months).

Procedures—All dogs underwent MRI examination of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column immediately before sample collection under general anesthesia. The disk center–to–CSF T2-weighted signal intensity ratio was determined for healthy Beagles. Samples of NP were obtained from nonherniated disks in healthy Beagles and from herniated disks during surgical treatment of hospitalized Dachshunds. Samples were evaluated for RUNX2 and matrix metalloproteinase 13 transcript expression via reverse transcriptase PCR assay; RUNX2 protein expression was evaluated via immunohistochemical analysis, and correlation between these variables and age of dogs was evaluated. A 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends method was used to identify the RUNX2 coding region.

Results—RUNX2 cDNA had > 97% conservation with the human cDNA sequence and approximately 95% conservation with the mouse cDNA sequence; RUNX2 and matrix metalloproteinase 13 mRNA expression and RUNX2 protein expression in NP cells were positively correlated with age. The disk center–to–CSF T2-weighted signal intensity ratio was negatively correlated with RUNX2 protein expression in the NP of healthy dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that RUNX2 mRNA and protein expression in the NP are enhanced in aging intervertebral disks in dogs.
Assessment of blood pool, soft tissue, and skeletal uptake of sodium fluoride F 18 with positron emission tomography–computed tomography in four clinically normal dogs
Authors: Valdés-Martínez Alejandro , Kraft Susan L. , Brundage Cord M. , Arceneaux Billie K. , Stewart Jeffrey A. , Gibbons Debra S.
Published: September 2012

Objective—To determine the ideal interval to image acquisition after IV injection of sodium fluoride F 18 (18F-NaF) and evaluate biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical in clinically normal skeletally immature dogs.

Animals—4 female dogs.

Procedures—Each dog was anesthetized for evaluation with a commercial hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)–CT instrument. A low–radiation dose, whole-body CT scan was acquired first. An IV injection of 18F-NaF (0.14 mCi/kg) was administered, and a dynamic PET scan centered over the heart and liver was acquired during a period of 120 minutes. Uptake of 18F-NaF in the blood pool, soft tissues, and skeletal structures was evaluated via region of interest analysis to derive standardized uptake values and time-activity curves, which were used to determine the optimal postinjection time for skeletal image acquisition. Biodistribution was also assessed from a final whole-body PET-CT scan acquired after the dynamic scan.

Results—Time-activity curves revealed a rapid decrease in the amount of radiopharmaceutical in the blood pool and soft tissues and a rapid increase in the amount of radiopharmaceutical in bones soon after injection. At 50 minutes after injection, the greatest difference in uptake between soft tissues and bones was detected, with continued subtle increase in uptake in the bones. Uptake of 18F-NaF was slightly increased at growth plates and open ossification centers, compared with that at other parts of the bone.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—At 50 minutes after IV injection of 18F-NaF at the dose evaluated, PET-CT yielded excellent bone-to-background ratio images for evaluation of the skeletal system in dogs.
An improved estimate of microbially mediated carbon fluxes from the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Cook J.M. , Hodson A.J. , Anesio A.M. , Hanna E. , Yallop M. , Stibal M. , Telling J. , Huybrechts P.
Published: September 2012

Microbially mediated carbon fluxes on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) were recently quantified by Hodson and others (2010) using measurements of the surface coverage of debris (cryoconite) and rates of biological production associated with debris near the ice-sheet margin. We present updated models that do not assume the same spatial uniformity in key parameters employed by Hodson and others (2010) because they make use of biomass distribution and biological production data from a 79 km transect of the GrIS. Further, the models presented here also include for the first time biomass associated with both cryoconite holes and surficial algae. The predicted annual carbon flux for a small (1600 km2) section of ice surrounding the field transect is about four times that estimated using spatially uniform biomass and production in this area. When surficial algae are included, the model predicts about 11 times more carbon fixation via photosynthesis per year than the cryoconite-only models. We therefore suggest that supraglacial carbon fluxes from the GrIS have previously been underestimated by more than an order of magnitude and that the hitherto overlooked surficial algal ecosystem can be the most crucial contributor. The GrIS is shown to be in a relatively stable state of net autotrophy according to our model and so a strong link between bare-ice area and total carbon fluxes is evident. The implication is a biomass feedback to surface albedo and enhanced ablation as a result. Climate predictions for the year 2100 show that greater carbon fixation could also result from climate warming.
Accelerating shrinkage of Patagonian glaciers from the Little Ice Age (~AD 1870) to 2011
Authors: Davies B.J. , Glasser N.F.
Published: September 2012

We used Little Ice Age (LIA) trimlines and moraines to assess changes in South American glaciers over the last ~140 years. We determined the extent and length of 640 glaciers during the LIA (~AD1870) and 626 glaciers (the remainder having entirely disappeared) in 1986, 2001 and 2011. The calculated reduction in glacierized area between the LIA and 2011 is 4131 km2 (15.4%), with 660 km2 (14.2%) being lost from the Northern Patagonia Icefield (NPI), 1643km2 (11.4%) from the Southern Patagonia Icefield (SPI) and 306 km2 (14.4%) from Cordillera Darwin. Latitude, size and terminal environment (calving or land-terminating) exert the greatest control on rates of shrinkage. Small, northerly, land-terminating glaciers shrank fastest. Annual rates of area loss increased dramatically after 2001 for mountain glaciers north of 52° S and the large icefields, with the NPI and SPI now shrinking at 9.4km2a-1 (0.23% a-1) and 20.5 km2a-1 (0.15% a-1) respectively. The shrinkage of glaciers between 52° S and 54° S accelerated after 1986, and rates of shrinkage from 1986 to 2011 remained steady. Icefield outlet glaciers, isolated glaciers and ice caps south of 54° S shrank faster from 1986 to 2001 than they did from 2001 to 2011.
The Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Fermentation on Antioxidant Properties of Selected in Vitro Sprout Culture of Orthosiphon aristatus (Java Tea) as a Model Study
Authors: Hunaefi Dase , Akumo Divine N. , Riedel Heidi , Smetanska Iryna
Published: September 2012

High rosmarinic acid (RA) productivity has been achieved by applying jasmonic acid and yeast extract elicitors to the in vitro sprout culture of Orthosiphon aritatus (IOSC). The highest RA accumulation from three solvents was detected in IOSC after treatment with yeast extract (5 g/L). HPLC analysis clearly confirmed a drastic increase in RA subjected to yeast extract elicitation. Therefore, this yeast extract elicited IOSC was chosen for a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation study as a model system. This selected IOSC was subjected to different types of LAB fermentations (Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM) for different periods of time 24, 48 and 72 h. The LAB fermentations consisted of solid state fermentations (SSF) and liquid state fermentations (LSF) in a Digital Control Unit (DCU) fermenter system. The aim was to determine the effect of fermentation on the antioxidant properties of the plant extract. Results indicated that all types of LAB fermentation decreased the level of RA and total phenolics, however, a slight increase in total flavonoids and flavonols was observed in SSF samples. HPLC results confirmed that the longer the fermentation, the greater the reduction in RA content. The highest reduction was obtained in the sample of LSF inoculated with L. plantarum for a period of 72 h. The temperature of fermentation (37 °C) was predicted as contributing to the declining level in RA content. The loss in RA was concomitant with a loss of total antioxidant activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)-like activity). These results indicate that RA is the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of this plant.
Detection of Alpha-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase (AMACR), a Biomarker of Prostate Cancer, in Patient Blood Samples Using a Nanoparticle Electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Lin Po-Yuan , Cheng Kai-Lun , McGuffin-Cawley James D. , Shieu Fuh-Sheng , Samia Anna C. , Gupta Sanjay , Cooney Matthew , Thompson Cheryl L. , Liu Chung Chiun
Published: September 2012

Although still commonly used in clinical practice to screen and diagnose prostate cancer, there are numerous weaknesses of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, including lack of specificity and the inability to distinguish between aggressive and indolent cancers. A promising prostate cancer biomarker, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), has been previously demonstrated to distinguish cancer from healthy and benign prostate cells with high sensitivity and specificity. However, no accurate clinically useful assay has been developed. This study reports the development of a single use, disposable biosensor for AMACR detection. Human blood samples were used to verify its validity, reproducibility and reliability. Plasma samples from 9 healthy males, 10 patients with high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and 5 prostate cancer patients were measured for AMACR levels. The average AMACR levels in the prostate cancer patients was 10 fold higher (mean(SD) = 0.077 (0.10)) than either the controls (mean(SD) = 0.005 (0.001)) or HGPIN patients (mean(SD) = 0.004 (0.0005)). At a cutoff of between 0.08 and 0.9, we are able to achieve 100% accuracy in separating prostate cancer patients from controls. Our results provide strong evidence demonstrating that this biosensor can perform as a reliable assay for prostate cancer detection and diagnosis.
Minimization of Losses in Smart Grids Using Coordinated Voltage Control
Authors: Kolenc Marko , Papič Igor , Blažič Boštjan
Published: September 2012

This article deals with the influence of distributed generation (DG) on distribution line losses with respect to voltage profile. The article focuses on the development of a control strategy to minimize the grid losses and assure fairness regarding reactive power contributions. As retail customers typically have no choice where they are located along a feeder, it seems unfair that only some of them bear all the burden and responsibility for the voltage rise. On the basis of new technologies, which are capable of fast communication and data processing, a new control system has been proposed that combines classical centralized and local control. The heart of the control system is a load‑flow algorithm, which estimates the voltage drop using a modeled network. Different control solutions were evaluated by means of computer simulations. The simulated network is an actual Slovenian medium-voltage distribution network which covers a large area with diverse feeders and thus gives relatively general results.
Response of the Invasive Grass Imperata cylindrica to Disturbance in the Southeastern Forests, USA
Authors: Holzmueller Eric J. , Jose Shibu
Published: September 2012

Imperata cylindrica is an invasive plant species that threatens diversity and forest productivity in southeastern ecosystems. We examined the effects of disturbance events, particularly fire and hurricane/salvage harvesting, to determine the effects on I. cylindrica abundance in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests in the Florida panhandle. Areas that were burned or had greater biomass removal following a hurricane had a greater number of I. cylindrica patches and larger patch size. These results highlight the importance of disturbance events on expanding invasive species populations in this region and are likely applicable for other invasive species as well. Monitoring and treatment should follow disturbance events to ensure that invasive species populations do not exceed unmanageable levels.
Phosphoproteomics and Lung Cancer Research
Authors: López Elena , Cho William C. S.
Published: September 2012

Massive evidence suggests that genetic abnormalities contribute to the development of lung cancer. These molecular abnormalities may serve as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for this deadly disease. It is imperative to search these biomarkers in different tumorigenesis pathways so as to provide the most appropriate therapy for each individual patient with lung malignancy. Phosphoproteomics is a promising technology for the identification of biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cancer. Thousands of proteins interact via physical and chemical association. Moreover, some proteins can covalently modify other proteins post-translationally. These post-translational modifications ultimately give rise to the emergent functions of cells in sequence, space and time. Phosphoproteomics clinical researches imply the comprehensive analysis of the proteins that are expressed in cells or tissues and can be employed at different stages. In addition, understanding the functions of phosphorylated proteins requires the study of proteomes as linked systems rather than collections of individual protein molecules. In fact, proteomics approaches coupled with affinity chromatography strategies followed by mass spectrometry have been used to elucidate relevant biological questions. This article will discuss the relevant clues of post-translational modifications, phosphorylated proteins, and useful proteomics approaches to identify molecular cancer signatures. The recent progress in phosphoproteomics research in lung cancer will be also discussed.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine as a Surrogate Marker of Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Systemic Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Dimitroulas Theodoros , Sandoo Aamer , Kitas George D.
Published: September 2012

The last few decades have witnessed an increased life expectancy of patients suffering with systemic rheumatic diseases, mainly due to improved management, advanced therapies and preventative measures. However, autoimmune disorders are associated with significantly enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality not fully explained by traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. It has been suggested that interactions between high-grade systemic inflammation and the vasculature lead to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which may account for the excess risk for CVD events in this population. Diminished nitric oxide synthesis—due to down regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase—appears to play a prominent role in the imbalance between vasoactive factors, the consequent impairment of the endothelial hemostasis and the early development of atherosclerosis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is one of the most potent endogenous inhibitors of the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase and it is a newly discovered risk factor in the setting of diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular events. In the context of systemic inflammatory disorders there is increasing evidence that ADMA contributes to the vascular changes and to endothelial cell abnormalities, as several studies have revealed derangement of nitric oxide/ADMA pathway in different disease subsets. In this article we discuss the role of endothelial dysfunction in patients with rheumatic diseases, with a specific focus on the nitric oxide/ADMA system and we provide an overview on the literature pertaining to ADMA as a surrogate marker of subclinical vascular disease.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs): Promising Targets for the Treatment of Pulmonary Disorders
Authors: Zakrzewicz Dariusz , Zakrzewicz Anna , Preissner Klaus T. , Markart Philipp , Wygrecka Malgorzata
Published: September 2012

Protein arginine methylation is a novel posttranslational modification that plays a pivotal role in a variety of intracellular events, such as signal transduction, protein-protein interaction and transcriptional regulation, either by the direct regulation of protein function or by metabolic products originating from protein arginine methylation that influence nitric oxide (NO)-dependent processes. A growing body of evidence suggests that both mechanisms are implicated in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This review will present and discuss recent research on PRMTs and the methylation of non-histone proteins and its consequences for the pathogenesis of various lung disorders, including lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This article will also highlight novel directions for possible future investigations to evaluate the functional contribution of arginine methylation in lung homeostasis and disease.
Hard-X-ray Zone Plates: Recent Progress
Authors: Wu Syue-Ren , Hwu Yeukuang , Margaritondo Giorgio
Published: September 2012

The technology to focus hard-X-rays (photon energy larger than 1–2 keV) has made great progress in the past three years. The progress was particularly spectacular for lenses based on the Fresnel zone plate concept. The spatial resolution notably increased by a factor of three, opening up entirely new domains of application, specifically in biomedical research. As we shall see, this evolution is the result of a painstaking optimization of many different aspects rather than of a single technical breakthrough.
Preresection Obesity Increases the Risk of Hepatobiliary Complications in Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Thompson Jon S. , Weseman Rebecca A. , Rochling Fedja A. , Grant Wendy J. , Botha Jean F. , Langnas Alan N. , Mercer David F.
Published: September 2012

Patients developing the short bowel syndrome (SBS) are at risk for hepatobiliary disease, as are morbidly obese individuals. We hypothesized that morbidly obese SBS individuals would be at increased risk for developing hepatobiliary complications. We reviewed 79 patients with SBS, 53 patients with initial body mass index (BMI) < 35 were controls. Twenty-six patients with initial BMI > 35 were the obese group. Obese patients were more likely to be weaned off parenteral nutrition (PN) (58% vs. 21%). Pre-resection BMI was significantly lower in controls (26 vs. 41). BMI at 1, 2, and 5 years was decreased in controls but persistently increased in obese patients. Obese patients were more likely to undergo cholecystectomy prior to SBS (42% vs. 32%) and after SBS (80% vs. 39%, p < 0.05). Fatty liver was more frequent in the obese group prior to SBS (23% vs. 0%, p < 0.05) but was similar to controls after SBS (23% vs. 15%). Fibrosis (8% vs. 13%) and cirrhosis/portal hypertension (19% vs. 21%) were similar in obese and control groups. Overall, end stage liver disease (ESLD) was similar in obese and control groups (19% vs. 11%) but was significantly higher in obese patients receiving PN (45% vs. 14%, p < 0.05). Obese patients developing SBS are at increased risk of developing hepatobiliary complications. ESLD was similar in the two groups overall but occurs more frequently in obese patients maintained on chronic PN.
Yeast Sensors for Novel Drugs: Chloroquine and Others Revealed
Authors: Swart Chantel , Olivier Andries , Dithebe Khumisho , Pohl Carolina , Wyk Pieter van , Swart Hendrik , Coetsee Elizabeth , Kock Lodewyk
Published: September 2012

In this study the mitochondrion is regarded as a target to reveal compounds that may be used to combat various diseases. Consequently, the sexual structures of yeasts (with high mitochondrial activity) were identified as sensors to screen for various anti-mitochondrial drugs that may be toxic to humans and that are directed, amongst others, against fungal diseases and cancer. Strikingly, these sensors indicated that chloroquine is a potent pro-mitochondrial drug which stimulated yeast sexual reproduction. In addition, these sensors also showed that some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-malarial drugs, antifungal and anticancer drugs are anti-mitochondrial. These yeast sensor bio-assays may fast track studies aimed at discovering new drugs as well as their mechanisms and should now be further evaluated for selectivity towards anti-/ pro-mitochondrials, fertility drugs and contraceptives, using in vitro, in vivo, in silico and omics research.
An Automatic Critical Care Urine Meter
Authors: Otero Abraham , Fernandez Roemi , Apalkov Andrey , Armada Manuel
Published: September 2012

Nowadays patients admitted to critical care units have most of their physiological parameters measured automatically by sophisticated commercial monitoring devices. More often than not, these devices supervise whether the values of the parameters they measure lie within a pre-established range, and issue warning of deviations from this range by triggering alarms. The automation of measuring and supervising tasks not only discharges the healthcare staff of a considerable workload but also avoids human errors in these repetitive and monotonous tasks. Arguably, the most relevant physiological parameter that is still measured and supervised manually by critical care unit staff is urine output (UO). In this paper we present a patent-pending device that provides continuous and accurate measurements of patient’s UO. The device uses capacitive sensors to take continuous measurements of the height of the column of liquid accumulated in two chambers that make up a plastic container. The first chamber, where the urine inputs, has a small volume. Once it has been filled it overflows into a second bigger chamber. The first chamber provides accurate UO measures of patients whose UO has to be closely supervised, while the second one avoids the need for frequent interventions by the nursing staff to empty the container.
Development of a Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography Module Supporting Multiple Sensors for Wearable Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhengbo , Zheng Jiewen , Wu Hao , Wang Weidong , Wang Buqing , Liu Hongyun
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we present an RIP module with the features of supporting multiple inductive sensors, no variable frequency LC oscillator, low power consumption, and automatic gain adjustment for each channel. Based on the method of inductance measurement without using a variable frequency LC oscillator, we further integrate pulse amplitude modulation and time division multiplexing scheme into a module to support multiple RIP sensors. All inductive sensors are excited by a high-frequency electric current periodically and momentarily, and the inductance of each sensor is measured during the time when the electric current is fed to it. To improve the amplitude response of the RIP sensors, we optimize the sensing unit with a matching capacitor parallel with each RIP sensor forming a frequency selection filter. Performance tests on the linearity of the output with cross-sectional area and the accuracy of respiratory volume estimation demonstrate good linearity and accurate lung volume estimation. Power consumption of this new RIP module with two sensors is very low. The performance of respiration measurement during movement is also evaluated. This RIP module is especially desirable for wearable systems with multiple RIP sensors for long-term respiration monitoring.
Recent Research of Thorium Molten-Salt Reactor from a Sustainability Viewpoint
Authors: Kamei Takashi
Published: September 2012

The most important target of the concept “sustainability” is to achieve fairness between generations. Its expanding interpolation leads to achieve fairness within a generation. Thus, it is necessary to discuss the role of nuclear power from the viewpoint of this definition. The history of nuclear power has been the control of the nuclear fission reaction. Once this is obtained, then the economy of the system is required. On the other hand, it is also necessary to consider the internalization of the external diseconomy to avoid damage to human society caused by the economic activity itself, due to its limited capacity. An extreme example is waste. Thus, reducing radioactive waste resulting from nuclear power is essential. Nuclear non-proliferation must be guaranteed. Moreover, the FUKUSHIMA accident revealed that it is still not enough that human beings control nuclear reaction. Further, the most essential issue for sustaining use of one technology is human resources in manufacturing, operation, policy-making and education. Nuclear power will be able to satisfy the requirements of sustainability only when these subjects are addressed. The author will review recent activities of a thorium molten-salt reactor (MSR) as a cornerstone for a sustainable society and describe its objectives and forecasts.
Iran : mutation sociale et contestation politique
Authors: Ladier-Fouladi Marie
Published: September 2012

Depuis la révolution islamique de 1979, la société iranienne a considérablement évolué. L’allongement de la durée des études des femmes a contribué à faire chuter la natalité et à remettre en cause l’ordre patriarcal. Les jeunes ont découvert de nouveaux espaces de liberté et se sont mis à contester l’ordre moral imposé par le régime. La répression du Mouvement vert de 2009 a radicalisé l’opposition au président Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Nucléaire iranien : que sait-on ?
Authors: Esfandiary Dina , Despréaux Claire
Published: September 2012

En dépit de la mobilisation de toutes les formes de recueil du renseignement, la communauté internationale ne dispose pas des informations qui lui permettraient de connaître avec certitude les intentions de l’Iran. Téhéran est certes à la recherche d’une capacité nucléaire. Mais il sait que la décision de fabriquer une bombe, ou plusieurs, pour en arriver à une véritable posture dissuasive, constitue une ligne rouge, dont le franchissement s’avérerait pour lui extrêmement dangereux.
Les économies des « nouveaux pays membres » dans l'Union européenne
Authors: Richter Sandor , Despréaux Claire
Published: September 2012

L’entrée des cinq pays d’Europe centrale dans l’Union européenne s’est traduite par un bouleversement de la position économique de ces pays. Les échanges avec l’UE sont devenus dominants. Les investissements étrangers proviennent principalement des pays de l’Union au profit de ces États, qui ont aussi été les principaux bénéficiaires des transferts redistributifs dans l’UE. Ils ont en revanche des positions variées quant à la monnaie unique : certains l’ont adoptée quand d’autres montrent quelque réticence.
L'Irlande du Nord, entre apaisement et retranchement
Authors: Considère-Charon Marie-Claire
Published: September 2012

L’accord du Vendredi saint (1998) puis celui de Saint Andrews (2006) ont ouvert la voie à la résolution du conflit nord-irlandais. Toutefois, le fonctionnement des nouvelles institutions résultant de ces accords est encore loin d’être parfait. Les partis les plus radicaux ont été élus à l’assemblée de Stormont et les tensions entre unionistes et républicains restent palpables. La menace des groupuscules violents continue de planer au-dessus du processus de paix.
La «Roma del Perú» au tournant du siècle : catholicisme, libéralisme et identité locale à Arequipa (1890-1915)
Authors: Martin Guillemette
Published: September 2012

Cette étude a pour fil conducteur une approche à la fois locale et discursive des tensions qui accompagnent le processus de sécularisation au Pérou au tournant des XIXe et XXe siècles, à partir de l’étude du cas, à la fois extrême et exemplaire, de la ville d’Arequipa. Durant cette période, la presse arequipénienne est le théâtre d’un débat intense entre des libéraux soucieux de faire entrer la ville dans la modernité et la frange catholique et conservatrice de la population, qui voit ce débat menacer directement le pouvoir politique et moral qu’elle exerce depuis des générations sur l’ensemble de la région. Du fait de la virulence des débats opposant libéraux et catholiques conservateurs, mais également en raison de la dimension clairement identitaire et régionaliste que prend ce conflit dans la capitale mistiana, Arequipa présente sans conteste un terrain privilégié pour analyser les limites, voire les échecs d’une sécularisation en profond décalage avec les aspirations locales.
La Franc-maçonnerie, entre cité céleste et cité terrestre : divisions et équilibrages internes au sujet du théisme, de la religion et des questions sociétales
Authors: Bryon-Portet Céline
Published: September 2012

La bonne santé de la Franc-maçonnerie française, qui n’a pas vu ses effectifs chuter contrairement à ceux des Etats-Unis par exemple, semble attester de la satisfaction qu’apporte de nos jours à des hommes en quête de sens ce modèle d’un espace qui se veut public au sens habermassien (en ce sens qu’il débat de questions politico-sociétales en se servant d’un usage éclairé de la raison) tout en étant privatif (puisqu’il est à huis-clos et réservé à quelques rares initiés), et qui propose une réflexion autour des problématiques spirituelles et terrestres, religieuses et sociopolitiques. Elle constitue une spiritualité tout à la fois religieuse dans son esprit et laïque dans sa forme, une sorte de troisième voie1. Un sociologue comme Michel Maffesoli voit même dans cet attrait pour une « raison sensible » et une « transcendance immanente »2 – qui manifestent une véritable « coincidentia oppositorum » et dont nous avons montré qu’elle était une finalité de l’ordre maçonnique –, la marque de la postmodernité. Si ces intuitions sont justes, alors il est fort probable la Franc-maçonnerie a encore un bel avenir devant elle.
Le congréganiste hors la société ? Les dynamiques de laïcisation de la « République radicaliste » au prisme d’une approche d’anthropologie politique (France, 1902-1906)
Authors: Bouchet Julien
Published: September 2012

Au début du XXe siècle, la France de la « Belle Époque » connaît un temps de fondation républicaine qui rend de nouveau manifeste un conflit ancien sur la place du (des) religieux dans le champ social. L’article porte sur l’exclusion des congréganistes du corps politique. Corollaire d’une laïcisation portée par les gauches parlementaires et soutenue par un anticléricalisme en recomposition, l’ostracisation des congréganistes passe par la stigmatisation de leurs corps, de leurs pratiques sociales et de leur appartenance à plusieurs entités essentialisées (« la Congrégation », « le parti noir »). Quoique pondérée par une domestication de la dissension, la violence de cet engagement appelle la fondation d’un nouveau contrat social car les autorités politiques restreignent par la coercition la capacité civile des congréganistes et leur interdisent d’enseigner tout en souhaitant accompagner leur « sortie de religion ». Le caractère a-libéral de cette idéologie acte les difficultés de l’État à penser ses relations avec les corps intermédiaires, et permet de discuter la thèse téléologique d’un procès de sécularisation qui se serait imposé en France sans heurts ni radicalisations.
«No es la religión de Cristo». La figura de Jesús de Nazaret en el socialismo español hasta 1936
Authors: Villar Joseba Louzao
Published: September 2012

Cet article analyse l'image de Jésus de Nazareth que produit le socialisme espagnol entre la fin du XIXe et le début du XXe siècles, dans des journaux tels que El Socialista et La Lucha de Clases et différents ouvrages de référence. Jusque dans les années trente, le socialisme a présenté la figure de Jésus comme un antécédent du socialisme. C’est pour cette raison qu’elle est devenue un élément central dans le conflit normatif entre le catholicisme et la laïcité.
Catholicisme et nationalisme dans l’Italie fasciste : la réponse clérico-fasciste à la sécularisation d’une nation catholique (1919-1929)
Authors: BARAGLI Matteo
Published: September 2012

L’article analyse le phénomène du clérico-fascisme, ou catholicisme national, dans l’Italie des années vingt. Suite à la prise de pouvoir du fascisme, les clérico-fascistes soutinrent le Régime, dans lequel ils virent l’opportunité d’un soutien catholique contre la sécularisation de la société italienne et des institutions libérales. Le terrain commun sur lequel les catholiques nationaux et les fascistes se rencontrèrent fut donc celui du nationalisme et le soutien d’une politique philo-catholique. L’attitude du Vatican à l’égard du clérico-fascisme fut complexe. Les hiérarchies catholiques apprécièrent la politique philo-catholique du Régime, mais en même temps elles se méfièrent de l’autonomie politique du fascisme et des clérico-fascistes par rapport au Saint-Siège. La signature des Accords du Latran ratifiait enfin la reconnaissance définitive de l’Italie comme « nation catholique ». Il s’agissait de la victoire – donnée comme modèle aux autres nations catholiques – de l’alternative nationale-catholique au sécularisme démocratique et libéral.
Subversión y mímesis en el mundo evangélico. Exploraciones sobre las minorías religiosas ascendentes en Argentina
Authors: Algranti Joaquín
Published: September 2012

L'un des traits formels qui caractérise les groupes évangéliques en Argentine est la forme à travers laquelle ils entrent en relation avec le catholicisme, religion hégémonique dans ce pays. De fait, ils adoptent une attitude critique à l’encontre de ses privilèges institutionnels, tout en essayant d’occuper des espaces de distinction similaires. Cet article explore donc le rapport qui s’établit entre ces deux religions, en proposant une analyse centrée, d’une part, sur l'importance du » catholicisme intégral » dans l'histoire religieuse de l’Argentine et, d’autre part, sur le changement que génèrent les formes d'organisation collective des méga-églises évangéliques. Enfin, cette étude soulève la question de la viabilité de la laïcité dans l’actuelle société argentine.
Twenty-first century cultural and religious diversification of modernity: the example of the shamanic indigenisation of Roman Catholicism among Native American peoples in the Northwest of the United States
Authors: Dorel Frédéric
Published: September 2012

La modernité, tout comme l’anxiété croissante qu’elle génère, semble avoir encouragé et parfois provoqué une atomisation des phénomènes religieux loin du contrôle de la rationalité et des grandes religions classiques. Un exemple nous est donné par l’indigénisation chamanique des pratiques missionnaires de l’Eglise catholique parmi les Amérindiens du Nord-Ouest des Etats-Unis. Eléments indigènes locaux et éléments urbains indigénisés y sont associés dans la persistance et une invention culturelles et spirituelles caractérisées par l’innovation permanente. L’efficacité symbolique du chamanisme, intégrant plus que jamais les divers éléments de la modernité n’est pas à considérer comme une survivance pittoresque mais plutôt comme un outil d’avenir.