bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Speed Stereovision Setup for Position and Motion Estimation of Fertilizer Particles Leaving a Centrifugal Spreader
Authors: Hijazi Bilal , Cool Simon , Vangeyte Jürgen , Mertens Koen , Cointault Frédéric , Paindavoine Michel , Pieters Jan
Published: November 2014

A 3D imaging technique using a high speed binocular stereovision system was developed in combination with corresponding image processing algorithms for accurate determination of the parameters of particles leaving the spinning disks of centrifugal fertilizer spreaders. Validation of the stereo-matching algorithm using a virtual 3D stereovision simulator indicated an error of less than 2 pixels for 90% of the particles. The setup was validated using the cylindrical spread pattern of an experimental spreader. A 2D correlation coefficient of 90% and a Relative Error of 27% was found between the experimental results and the (simulated) spread pattern obtained with the developed setup. In combination with a ballistic flight model, the developed image acquisition and processing algorithms can enable fast determination and evaluation of the spread pattern which can be used as a tool for spreader design and precise machine calibration.
Screening a Strain of Aspergillus niger and Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Degradation of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xue Beibei , Li Mengmeng , Mu Yang , Chen Zhihui , Li Jianping , Shan Anshan
Published: November 2014

Aflatoxin B1, a type of highly toxic mycotoxin produced by some species belonging to the Aspergillus genus, such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, is widely distributed in feed matrices. Here, coumarin was used as the sole carbon source to screen microorganism strains that were isolated from types of feed ingredients. Only one isolate (ND-1) was able to degrade aflatoxin B1 after screening. ND-1 isolate, identified as a strain of Aspergillus niger using phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 18S rDNA, could remove 26.3% of aflatoxin B1 after 48 h of fermentation in nutrient broth (NB). Optimization of fermentation conditions for aflatoxin B1 degradation by selected Aspergillus niger was also performed. These results showed that 58.2% of aflatoxin B1 was degraded after 24 h of culture under the optimal fermentation conditions. The aflatoxin B1 degradation activity of Aspergillus niger supernatant was significantly stronger than cells and cell extracts. Furthermore, effects of temperature, heat treatment, pH, and metal ions on aflatoxin B1 degradation by the supernatant were examined. Results indicated that aflatoxin B1 degradation of Aspergillus niger is enzymatic and this process occurs in the extracellular environment.
Le système urbain italien. Structures et problèmes (The Italian urban system. Structures and problems)
Authors: Dematteis Giuseppe
Published: November 2014

Questo testo prende in esame tre grandi problemi irrisolti dell 'urbanizzazione italiana : la debolezza del policentrismo funzionale e istituzionale, il ritardo nell'istituzione di un governo dei sistemi metropolitani, e la dispersione urbana. Questi problemi sono messi in relazione con la debolezza dello stato centrale, che, contrariamente alla sua forma centralizzata, dimostra un 'incapacità strutturale nel controllo delle amministrazioni locali. Una riforma federalista, auspicata da quasi tutti i partiti politici, si scontra con gli interessi e le pratiche connesse con le strutture e le dinamiche territoriali prodotte dalle strutture istituzionali esistenti.
Les compagnies « low cost » face au ralentissement économique mondial. La robustesse du modèle économique et des choix de desserte à l'épreuve. (« Low-Cost Airlines » and the global economic slowdown. Testing the strength of an economic model and the route choices.)
Authors: Zembri Pierre
Published: November 2014

After a decade of uninterrupted growth in markets they largely contributed to create, low-cost airlines are, as their established competitors, confronted to a serious economic crisis which was preceded by a petroleum crisis. It is therefore interesting to examine the effects of these crises on their financial results as well as on their network development strategy, by comparing their fate to traditional airlines which have globally suffered even more.

We must recognize that the heterogeneity of the « low-cost » airline sector and of its strategic choices has some bearing on the effects of the crisis : airlines that have been able to grow rapidly from the start and stabilize on a healthy economic model (Easyjet and Ryanair come to mind) have only marginally slowed down, continuing to open a large number of routes and focus airports. Smaller or more recent companies have met more contrasted fates, some have disappeared (Sterling or Sky Europe), others have merged or linked with traditional airlines. Overall, airlines operating on the North American market, of any type, had poorer results than their European counterparts.
Métropolisation et place des régions dans le transport aérien en Russie. (Metropolization and the place of regions in Russia's air transport)
Authors: Kolossov Vladimir , Thorez Pierre
Published: November 2014

Le réseau aérien en Russie postsoviétique se modifie. Les flux se sont concentrés sur Moscou. Les mutations structurelles du secteur du transport aérien peuvent contribuer à l 'émergence de métropoles régionales.
Bonheur, bien-être subjectif et sentiment de justice sociale au Québec
Authors: Langlois Simon
Published: November 2014

L’article analyse les données d’une enquête menée au Québec en 2013 sur le sentiment de bien-être, le bonheur ressenti et les inégalités. L’enquête montre que la mesure du bonheur et la mesure de la satisfaction à l’égard de la vie menée ne sont pas complètement interchangeables, bien que fortement corrélées. Ainsi, le cas de figure des enquêtés heureux mais insatisfaits devant la vie menée caractérise une fraction de la classe moyenne et des immigrants. Il apparait ensuite que la relation bien établie entre le revenu et le sentiment de bien-être, qui est aussi observée dans l’enquête québécoise, ne peut pas être analysée sans prendre en compte la représentation sociale que les acteurs sociaux se font de leur situation. Le niveau de revenu ne détermine pas à lui seul l’atteinte du bonheur, mais son effet est médiatisé par le sentiment de privation et les aspirations des enquêtés. Enfin, l’enquête confirme l’importance de prendre en compte le sentiment de justice dans l’estimation du bien-être, en distinguant le jugement porté sur sa situation personnelle et le jugement posé sur la société dans son ensemble. Elle montre la pertinence de distinguer les principes d’équité et d’égalisation des ressources. Les résultats de l’enquête québécoise confortent les observations faites en France et appuient la nécessité de prendre en compte l’étude du sentiment de justice sociale dans les analyses portant sur le bien-être dans les sociétés développées.
L'injonction au bien-être dans les programmes de prévention du vieillissement
Authors: Collinet Cécile , Delalandre Matthieu
Published: November 2014

En s’appuyant sur un corpus hétérogène composé de textes scientifiques et de divers rapports et textes de cadrage des politiques nationales et internationales, cet article retrace dans un premier temps les conditions d’émergence de la notion de bien-être dans les politiques de prévention du vieillissement dans la seconde moitié du xx e  siècle. Le bien-être personnel y devient un objectif, et la capacité à rester actif est présentée comme la condition de ce bien-être. Pourtant, sous couvert d’une volonté de « capacitation », particulièrement saillante dans les politiques de prévention, se dessine un modèle quelque peu culpabilisateur puisqu’il repose sur une injonction forte qui impose aux individus âgés de rester actifs. Dans un second temps, nous mettons au jour certaines tensions émergeant dans cette conception du « vieillissement actif ». Tout d’abord, sommés de rester actifs, les personnes âgées ont la charge de contribuer au bien-être économique de la collectivité. Ensuite, cette injonction tend à imposer une norme du bien-être identique pour tous. Enfin, la volonté de mesure et d’objectivation du bien-être, que ce soit au niveau politique ou scientifique, tend à occulter la subjectivité des individus. Aussi sous couvert d’amélioration de la prise en compte de l’individu vieillissant dans sa totalité et d’amélioration globale de sa santé, la notion de bien-être impose des normes et des pratiques et contribue à occulter les différences individuelles et sociales.
Maternité et toxicomanie : le suivi psychothérapeutique lors d'une hospitalisation conjointe mère-enfant
Authors: Rouveau Frédérique , Pommier François
Published: November 2014

La maternité et l’hospitalisation conjointe mère-enfant constituent des facteurs favorables à l’engagement dans un suivi psychothérapeutique. Qu’en est-il pour les femmes toxicomanes ? Au travers d’une approche théorique et clinique, le suivi psychothérapeutique de Fantine, jeune femme toxicomane dépendante au sulfate de morphine (Skénan), nous permet de présenter la spécificité du cadre de prise en charge à l’Hôpital mère-enfant de l’Est parisien. Ce cas clinique rend compte de la possibilité d’accueillir les mouvements issus des processus archaïques de la patiente, dans un espace où ils pourront être contenus, accompagnés, élaborés dans la relation transféro-contretransférentielle. L’enjeu de l’hospitalisation est d’appréhender les différentes voies régressives, liées à la construction de l’identité de mère pour la patiente. Ainsi, alors qu’une relation psychothérapeutique dans ce cadre s’enclenche bruyamment, un changement radical de la patiente s’opère aussi bien dans la relation à son enfant que dans l’abandon complet de sa consommation.
Une petite histoire de l'assujettissement au travail
Authors: Caillé Alain
Published: November 2014

L’idéal des sociétés archaïques était d’échapper à la nécessité matérielle et à l’obligation de travailler. Cet idéal est resté celui des classes dominantes jusqu’à la Réforme et, dans son sillage, jusqu’à l’avènement de la société de marché. Dans ce nouveau cadre, le nôtre, absolument dérogatoire à l’ethos dominant de toutes les autres sociétés, perdre son temps, ne pas faire en permanence quelque chose d’« utile » est devenu une faute morale. Pour le meilleur ou pour le pire ?
Université : la cote d'alerte
Authors: Moatti Claudia
Published: November 2014

Résumé S’il est une institution vouée au transmettre, c’est bien l’École. Sa pièce maîtresse, l’Université, atteint son point critique. Écoutons ce cri d’alarme. Un professeur quitte sa chaire et la France – et dit sans fard pourquoi.
À quoi sert un chef d'orchestre ?
Authors: Tabachnik Michel
Published: November 2014

Résumé Juché sur un podium depuis le xix e siècle, ce personnage vedette de la scène musicale est l’un de ceux qui incarnent le mieux la fonction médiatrice. L’extrême visibilité qu’il doit à sa médiatisation occulte ce que son rôle a d’étrange. En quoi consiste au juste son travail ? Et pourquoi est-il indispensable ? Questions toutes pratiques que nous avons naïvement posées à un homme du métier, chef d’orchestre en activité qui, malgré l’épouvantable fait divers auquel son nom a été lié, ne cesse de réfléchir sur son art.
Le kamikaze, erreur de traduction
Authors: Nobutaka Miura
Published: November 2014

Résumé « Kamikaze (kamikaz) n.m. (mot jap., vents divins). 1. En 1944-1945, pilote japonais volontaire pour écraser son avion chargé d’explosifs sur un objectif ; cet avion. 2. Par ext. Personne téméraire qui se sacrifie pour une cause. » (« Le Petit Larousse »). L’expéditive extension du nom aux attentats-suicides fait l’affaire du communicant. Pour savoir si elle est historiquement et culturellement fondée, nous avons demandé à un ami japonais d’éclaircir son sens original.
Religions : la bombe diasporique
Authors: Debray Régis
Published: November 2014

Résumé Nous publions ici une intervention faite en 2009 au séminaire « Les religions dans la mondialisation » organisé par le CERI et le ministère des Affaires étrangères, sous la direction de Joseph Maila et Denis Lacorne. Elle nous semble pouvoir illustrer, à travers le champ religieux, notre problématique : l’étude des rapports entre innovation technique et tradition culturelle.
Mainstream en questions
Authors: Martel Frédéric , Bougnoux Daniel , Debray Régis
Published: November 2014

Résumé La médiologie a plusieurs affinités avec les enquêtes sur cette culture « qui plaît à tout le monde » et vise à la moyenne. Notre rencontre ou confluence avec Frédéric Martel n’est donc pas un hasard.
Chers disparus
Authors: Soriano Paul
Published: November 2014

Ils sont partout ! Nos cités sont des catacombes. Comment peut-on contre toute évidence ne pas croire aux fantômes ? Lorsqu’un vivant répète la parole d’un mort, s’avise-t-il qu’un mort est en train de le faire parler ?
Chine : « les post-80 »
Authors: Hai Yu , Jiann-Yuh M. Wang
Published: November 2014

Nous remercions l’auteur, la Fondation Ségalen et son directeur Wang Jiann-Yuh d’avoir bien voulu nous autoriser à reproduire cette intervention extraite du séminaire franco-chinois « Quelle morale pour quelle société ? » (Les Treilles, 2013).
Que sont les militants devenus ?
Authors: Besnard Jérôme
Published: November 2014

La crise du politique se manifeste, entre autres, par le déclin de la transmission intergénérationnelle, au sein des « familles spirituelles » qui s’affrontaient naguère en France sur le terrain des idées.
Russophobie
Authors: Iline Hermann , Soriano Paul
Published: November 2014

Russe, si proche et si lointain, est une énigme. « Nous avons à notre porte un pays qui nous est aussi étranger que l’Arabie saoudite », s’exclamait l’autre un jour un diplomate allemand ! La grande Catherine, née Sophie-Frédérique-Augusta d’Anhalt-Zerbst a dû s’étrangler de rage, ou de rire, dans son tombeau. Malveillance ? Ignorance ? Nous avons demandé son avis à un ami « exilé ».
Marx et Flaubert
Authors: Chédeville Pierre
Published: November 2014

L’un est un philosophe allemand expert en rapports de production, l’autre un écrivain français expert en rapports amoureux. Quel rapport entre eux ? Un ennemi commun : le bourgeois, la classe et le manque de classe.
Quelle crédibilité économique et écologique pour la gauche en 2012 ?
Authors: Laurent Éloi
Published: November 2014

Résumé Il est courant de douter de la capacité de la gauche à gouverner l’économie. Mais la crédibilité comptable exigée par les agences de notation plombe la société par la récession. La confiance dans des institutions financières autonomes a montré aussi ses limites. La nouvelle politique sera liée aux enjeux écologiques. Si ceux-ci sont articulés avec la justice sociale, ils mobiliseront les citoyens, y compris économiquement. Le développement de l’économie verte produira de nouveaux emplois et de nouvelles richesses, surtout si on change la manière de mesurer la richesse et qu’on devient capable de valoriser la justice sociale et l’équité environnementale. L’urbanisation des territoires rend ces enjeux partagés par de larges cercles de nos concitoyens et susceptibles de débats démocratiques, donc d’investissement généralisé.
Les ONG, outils de gouvernance globale
Authors: Hours Bernard , Selim Monique
Published: November 2014

Résumé Les ONG ne sont-elles pas de meilleurs inoculateurs des normes globales que les États-nations ? Leurs modes d’intervention garantissent-ils à ces normes le caractère démocratique qu’elles affichent ? L’exemple d’une entreprise sociale dans le domaine de la santé au Bengladesh montre une forte tendance à réinstaurer une hiérarchie entre personnes secourues et professionnels. En Ouzbékistan post-socialiste l’importation de la démocratie qui avait séduit les élites dans un premier temps n’a pas empêché l’instauration de la dictature. En Chine les ONG enregistrées par l’État se saisissent des problèmes difficiles en utilisant des travailleurs sociaux formés dans les Universités. Un travail social bénévole est un bon point pour obtenir un emploi. Il y a aussi des ONG d’environnement en conflit avec le gouvernement à l’échelon local. Les ONG de genre émergent. Les ONG hésitent entre participation et dissidence, permise par Internet. L’État essaie de les intégrer dans une sorte de Care d’État.
Le politique court‑circuité : préemption et contestation
Authors: Massumi Brian , Bordeleau Erik
Published: November 2014

Résumé La façon dont les « forces de l’ordre » ont tenté de « gérer » les mouvements estudiantins à Montréal témoigne de procédures qui relèvent de la préemption : prévenir les manifestations avant qu’elles ne coagulent. C’est dans cette logique que s’inscrivent les réformes universitaires, et c’est contre elles que les étudiants apprennent à leurs professeurs ce qu’est la résistance.
Des fragments sur l'art, la responsabilité et le Bonheur
Authors: Senciuc Alexandru
Published: November 2014

Résumé Des artistes roumains se rassemblent pour collaborer, dans leur pratique indissociablement artistique et politique, mais aussi bien au-delà. À travers leurs forces collectives, ils peuvent mieux résister contre le contrôle des forces de polices qui occupent tout espace d’organisation. Le collectif les aide aussi à voir en quoi l’amitié est aujourd’hui une valeur éminemment politique.
La révolution syrienne, deuxième génération
Authors: Sarkis Farrid-Frédéric
Published: November 2014

Résumé Un fils d’opposant syrien de longue date raconte comment on suit depuis la France par les réseaux, ce qui est devenu peu à peu une guerre civile, à laquelle seul le rapport de forces des armes apportera un point final.
La non-violence est-elle politique ?
Authors: Ogien Albert
Published: November 2014

Résumé La non-violence est au principe de la désobéissance civile. Cette caractéristique conduit souvent à dévaloriser cette forme d’action politique en la tenant pour inoffensive. Il ne faut cependant pas confondre non-violence et irrésolution, ni réduire la violence en politique au déploiement d’une force brute et armée. La violence est l’irrémédiable arrière-plan de l’activité politique. Et si son usage direct provoque aujourd’hui l’aversion en démocratie, des mouvements de contestation ne cessent d’inventer des figures de la non-violence dont l’efficace est attesté.
La diaspora des images de l'Afrique
Authors: Peffer John , Baudouin Thierry
Published: November 2014

Que se passerait-il si nous commencions à considérer les objets d’art d’Afrique comme étant eux-mêmes une diaspora, par opposition à la conception traditionnelle des diasporas qui concerne la dispersion des personnes, à travers le globe, avec leurs spécificités culturelles ? Cet essai propose de conceptualiser une histoire des objets d’art africains en les pensant comme véhicules, à travers le temps et l’espace, des « diasporas d’images ». John Peffer propose en effet d’examiner la production d’objets visuels en Afrique comme objets en mouvement, qui articulent des histoires et des zones culturelles disparates. En cela, il propose d’envisager un continuum pour des arts catégorisés, ailleurs, soit comme « traditionnels » soit comme « contemporains ».
Vers un design libre
Authors: André Christophe
Published: November 2014

De même qu’il y a des logiciels libres il pourrait y avoir un design libre dont cet article détaille les enjeux. Les plans, les modèles et les problèmes de construction en sont en accès libre. Ces pratiques ont déjà une longue histoire qui remonte aux luddites.
Romantisme et multitudes
Authors: Hardt Michael , Makdisi Saree
Published: November 2014

Dans cet entretien, Michael Hardt et Saree Makdisi traitent d’un Romantisme qui va au-delà de sa traditionnelle identification avec le nationalisme et l’individualisme bourgeois. Utilisant le concept de multitude comme point d’accès, la conversation qui s’en suit touche à la question des Romantismes non occidentaux, l’échec des idéologies nationalistes, les formes collectives radicales, l’imagination spinoziste, et l’esthétique anticapitaliste en tant que traces d’un Romantisme alternatif. Ces traces déplient des affinités et des tensions largement sous-théorisées entre le Romantisme et le travail de Marx, Gramsci, et Saïd.
Mahler prophète
Authors: Bisson Frédéric
Published: November 2014

À la fois grandiose et ironique, la Troisième Symphonie de Gustav Mahler incarne tous les paradoxes du postromantisme. Bâti sur le contraste stylistique entre « haute » musique et musique vulgaire, le premier mouvement indique la perspective depuis laquelle la mégalomanie romantique peut devenir authentiquement révolutionnaire : la perspective minoritaire. La Symphonie donne ainsi une image de la « grande politique » dont notre temps serait capable.
A Novel Mechanism of B Cell–Mediated Immune Suppression through CD73 Expression and Adenosine Production
Authors: Kaku Hiroaki , Cheng Kai Fan , Al-Abed Yousef , Rothstein Thomas L.
Published: November 2014

Immune suppression by regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells is a critical mechanism to limit excess inflammation and autoimmunity. IL-10 is considered the major mediator of B cell–induced immune suppression. We report a novel mechanism for immune suppression through adenosine generation by B cells. We identified a novel population of B cells that expresses CD73 as well as CD39, two ectoenzymes that together catalyze the extracellular dephosphorylation of adenine nucleotides to adenosine. Whereas CD39 expression is common among B cells, CD73 expression is not. Approximately 30–50% of B-1 cells (B220+CD23−) and IL-10–producing B (B10) cells (B220+CD5+CD1dhi) are CD73hi, depending on mouse strain, whereas few conventional B-2 cells (B220+CD23+AA4.1−) express CD73. In keeping with expression of both CD73 and CD39, we found that CD73+ B cells produce adenosine in the presence of substrate, whereas B-2 cells do not. CD73−/− mice were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis than wild type (WT) mice were, and transfer of CD73+ B cells ameliorated the severity of colitis, suggesting that B cell CD73/CD39/adenosine can modulate DSS-induced colitis. IL-10 production by B cells is not affected by CD73 deficiency. Interestingly, adenosine generation by IL-10−/− B cells is impaired because of reduced expression of CD73, indicating an unexpected connection between IL-10 and adenosine and suggesting caution in interpreting the results of studies with IL-10−/− cells. Our findings demonstrate a novel regulatory role of B cells on colitis through adenosine generation in an IL-10–independent manner.
Viral MHC Class I–like Molecule Allows Evasion of NK Cell Effector Responses In Vivo
Authors: Pyzik Michal , Dumaine Anne A. , Charbonneau Benoît , Fodil-Cornu Nassima , Jonjic Stipan , Vidal Silvia M.
Published: November 2014

The outcome of mouse CMV (MCMV) infection varies among different inbred mouse strains depending on NK cell effector functions governed through recognition receptor triggering. NK cells from different mouse strains possess diverse repertoires of activating or inhibitory Ly49 receptors, which share some of their polymorphic MHC class I (MHC-I) ligands. By examining the NK cell response to MCMV infection in novel BALB substrains congenic for different MHC (or H-2 in mice) haplotypes, we show that recognition of viral MHC-I–like protein m157 by inhibitory Ly49C receptor allows escape from NK cell control of viral replication. Dominant inhibition by Ly49C bound to self–H-2b encoded MHC-I molecules masks this effect, which only becomes apparent in distinct H-2 haplotypes, such as H-2f. The recognition of m157-expressing cells by Ly49C resulted in both decreased NK cell killing in vitro and reduced rejection in vivo. Further, control of infection with m157-deletant (Δm157) MCMV was improved in mice carrying H-2 molecules unrecognized by Ly49C but allowing expansion of NK cell effectors expressing activating Ly49L receptors. Hence, our study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate that MHC-I mimicry strategies used by MCMV to avoid NK cell control are biologically relevant during in vivo viral infection. Of value for human studies is that only a few genetic assortments conditional on the repertoires of viral MHC-I–like proteins/host NK receptors/MHC haplotypes should allow efficient protection against CMV infection.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Upregulate B Cell microRNAs That Silence AID and Blimp-1 Expression for Epigenetic Modulation of Antibody and Autoantibody Responses
Authors: White Clayton A. , Pone Egest J. , Lam Tonika , Tat Connie , Hayama Ken L. , Li Guideng , Zan Hong , Casali Paolo
Published: November 2014

Class-switch DNA recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), which require activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and plasma cell differentiation, which requires B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), are critical for the generation of class-switched and hypermutated (mature) Ab and autoantibody responses. We show that histone deacetylase inhibitors valproic acid and butyrate dampened AICDA/Aicda (AID) and PRDM1/Prdm1 (Blimp-1) mRNAs by upregulating miR-155, miR-181b, and miR-361 to silence AICDA/Aicda, and miR-23b, miR-30a, and miR-125b to silence PRDM1/Prdm1, in human and mouse B cells. This led to downregulation of AID, Blimp-1, and X-box binding protein 1, thereby inhibiting CSR, SHM, and plasma cell differentiation without altering B cell viability or proliferation. The selectivity of histone deacetylase inhibitor–mediated silencing of AICDA/Aicda and PRDM1/Prdm1 was emphasized by unchanged expression of HoxC4 and Irf4 (important inducers/modulators of AICDA/Aicda), Rev1 and Ung (central elements for CSR/SHM), and Bcl6, Bach2, or Pax5 (repressors of PRDM1/Prdm1 expression), as well as unchanged expression of miR-19a/b, miR-20a, and miR-25, which are not known to regulate AICDA/Aicda or PRDM1/Prdm1. Through these B cell–intrinsic epigenetic mechanisms, valproic acid blunted class-switched and hypermutated T-dependent and T-independent Ab responses in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, it decreased class-switched and hypermutated autoantibodies, ameliorated disease, and extended survival in lupus MRL/Faslpr/lpr mice. Our findings outline epigenetic mechanisms that modulate expression of an enzyme (AID) and transcription factors (Blimp-1 and X-box binding protein 1) that are critical to the B cell differentiation processes that underpin Ab and autoantibody responses. They also provide therapeutic proof-of-principle in autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity.
Cutting Edge: New Chimeric NOD2/TLR2 Adjuvant Drastically Increases Vaccine Immunogenicity
Authors: Pavot Vincent , Rochereau Nicolas , Rességuier Julien , Gutjahr Alice , Genin Christian , Tiraby Gerard , Perouzel Eric , Lioux Thierry , Vernejoul Fabienne , Verrier Bernard , Paul Stéphane
Published: November 2014

TLR ligands are critical activators of innate immunity and are being developed as vaccine adjuvants. However, their usefulness in conjunction with NOD-like receptor agonists remains poorly studied. In this study, we evaluated a new ligand that targets both TLR2 and NOD2 receptors. We assessed its ability to enhance dendritic cell maturation in vitro in addition to improving systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice. The chimeric NOD2/TLR2 ligand induced synergistic upregulation of dendritic cell maturation markers, costimulatory molecules, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines compared with combinations of separate ligands. Furthermore, when coadministered with biodegradable nanoparticles carrying a model Ag, the ligand was able to induce high Ag-specific IgA and IgG titers at both systemic and mucosal sites after parenteral immunizations. These findings point out the potential utility of chimeric molecules TLR/NOD as adjuvants for vaccines to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses.
Perceptions of menopause and aging in rural villages of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramakuela Nditsheni J. , Akinsola Henry A. , Khoza Lunic B. , Lebese Rachel T. , Tugli Augustine
Published: November 2014

Background: The term ‘menopause’ is derived from the Greek words men (month) and pausis (a cessation, a pause). It is a direct description of the psychological and physical events in women where menstruation ceases to occur. It is the time in a woman’s life when she has experienced her last menstrual bleed. Menopause is not a disease per se but a condition associated with hormonal changes where oestrogen diminishes to a low level, causing aging-related health problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of menopause and aging amongst women in rural villages of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa.Method: The study was qualitative and explorative, using phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used to select the four villages and to select the focus groups. Sample size was determined by data saturation.Results: The study findings were that participants in the villages associated cessation of menstruation to aging rather than menopause. Once menstruation stopped, one was regarded as old.Conclusion: The conclusions of the study were that (1) menopausal issues should be emphasised and receive priority from puberty at the girls initiation schools, high schools, churches, other community resources and health care services so that when women reach menopause, (2) they should accept and be able to effectively cope with menopause and aging. (3) Emphasis should also be placed on menopause as the aspect of human aging. Agtergrond: Die term ‘menopouse’ is afgelei van die Griekse woorde menos (maand) en pausis (onderbreking/pouse, einde) en is ’n direkte beskrywing van die psigologiese en fisiese gebeure in vroue waar menstruasie ophou voorkom. Dit is die tyd in ’n vrou se lewe wanneer die laaste menstruele bloeding ervaar word. Menopouse is nie ’n siekte per se nie, maar ’n toestand wat geassosieer word met hormonale veranderings waar estrogen afneem tot ’n vlak wat gesondheidsverwante probleme veroorsaak.Doelstelling: Die doel van die studie was om persepsies ten opsigte van menopause en veroudering onder landelike vroue in die Vhembe-distrik in Limpopo Provinsie, Suid-Afrika, te verken.Metode: Die studie was kwalitatief en verkennend, met ’n fenomenologiese benadering. Doelgerigte steekproefneming is gebruik om die vier dorpies en deelnemers van die fokusgroepe te selekteer. Die steekproefgrootte is bepaal deur dataversadiging.Resultate: Die bevindings was dat die deelnemers die einde van menstruasie aan ouderdom, en nie aan menopause nie, toeskryf. Wanneer menstruasie stop, word ’n vrou dus as oud beskou.Gevolgtrekkings: Aanbevelings was dat (1) menopausale onderwerpe reeds beklemtoon behoort te word vanaf puberteit in inisiasieskole, hoërskole, kerke en gemeenskappe en gesondheidsdienste sodat, wanneer menopouse bereik word, (2) vroue dit kan aanvaar en positief ervaar. (3) Klem behoort ook op menopause as ’n menslike aspek van veroudering gelê te word.
The beauty of his holiness
Authors: Kommers Johan
Published: November 2014

The founder of the Keswick Convention (KC) once was asked to put in a sentence that has brought such a joy into his life and made the name of Keswick fragrant over the whole world. The answer was in the words of the Psalm 16:8, ‘I have set the Lord always before me’. Keswick theology, emphasising sanctification, arose within the concept of the holiness tradition in America with the higher Christian life movement in England during the second part of the 19th century. The merging of several theological traditions formed a way of expressing oneself and a way of life, which was determined as typical ‘Keswickian’. It also found expression in other theological (conservative) movements, in new founded institutions and gave a boost to missionary enterprise. The language and the teaching of Keswick until today clarify the pattern of evangelical piety of the 20th century.
Occurrence of haemoparasites in cattle in Monduli district, northern Tanzania
Authors: Haji Isihaka J. , Malele Imna , Namangala Boniface
Published: November 2014

Haemoparasite infections are among the most economically important cattle diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study investigated the occurrence of haemoparasites in 295 indigenous cattle from five villages (Mswakini, Lake Manyara, Naitolia, Makuyuni and Nanja) of the Monduli district, a wildlife-domestic animal-human interface area in northern Tanzania. The data showed that the overall occurrence of haemoparasites in the sampled cattle was 12.5% (95% CI: 8.7% – 16.3%), involving single and mixed infections with Theileria parva, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis, Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei. The highest haemoparasite occurrence was recorded in Lake Manyara (18.3%; 95% CI: 8.5% – 28.1%), and the lowest was recorded in Nanja (6.5%; 95% CI: 0.4% – 12.6%). This preliminary study, furthermore, provided evidence of the possible arthropod vectors (ticks and tsetse flies) that may be involved in the transmission of haemoparasites to cattle in the Monduli district. It is envisaged that this survey will stimulate more studies to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites in livestock by using more sensitive molecular techniques.
Omgewingsopvoeding se rol in die integrasie van omgee vir die omgewing en menslike welstand
Authors: Ferreira Johanna G. , Venter Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Wellness is not merely the absence of illness, but a state of optimal functioning of body, mind and soul. It is a situation where harmony is experienced maximally. Wellness has various dimensions, namely the physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social, vocational and environmental dimensions. The latter is the most conspicuous and essential for the continued existence of humankind. The point of departure of this article is that wellness within the environmental dimension is interdependent on care for the environment and that this wellness will only become sustainable if children are exposed to activities in nature from an early age. The role of environmental education in establishing an ethic of care and active concern for the environment, is non-negotiable and essential for human wellness.
’n Vergelykende ondersoek na die akkumulering van metale in die mosselkrewel (Tetraclita serrata) en die swartmossel (Choromytilis meridionalis) in Valsbaai, Suid-Afrika
Authors: Reinecke Adriaan J. , Reinecke Sophia A. , Mdzeke Naomi P.
Published: November 2014

The development of methods to monitor the South African coastal waters offer major challenges. Knowledge and availability of suitable species that may serve as biomonitors will be valuable to obtain information to support good management decisions. It is therefore important to identify local species that show the basic characteristics required for biomonitoring. The aim of this study was to compare, as part of a wider seasonal field study of metals in the intertidal zone of False Bay, South Africa, the body loads of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in the black mussel (C. meridionalis) and the barnacle (T. serrata), and to compare these with environmental concentrations. Also to draw conclusions about the animals’ relative abilities to accumulate priority metals. Specimens of both species were collected over several seasons at different points in False Bay and analysed chemically. The mean body load (soft tissue and shell) of metals was higher in the black mussel than in the barnacle during all seasons. A comparison between the body loads and environmental concentrations in water and sediment showed that the priority metals Cd, Ni and Pb are accumulated strongly by both C. meridionalis and T. serrata. The mean Cd body loads varied between 6.43 µg/g and 14.73 µg/g for the various seasons but was not statistically significantly different between seasons. Metal concentrations were in most cases highest during winter. Multiple regression analysis showed a strong correlation between body load of metals in the black mussel and the environmental concentration for most seasons, which indicates that the black mussel can be useful as an active rather than a passive biomonitor. The concept of biomonitoring has merit because it may show long-term tendencies, but it does not offer an absolute measure of immediate, varying pollution levels. It could serve as an additional management tool in a national marine programme for the protection of the intertidal zone’s biodiversity.
Design and performance evaluation of a horizontal hydraulic honing attachment to lathe
Authors: Kishore K , Krishna PV Gopal , Kumar G Kiran , Srihari T
Published: November 2014

The surface finish between two mating parts in an assembly has significant influence on the mechanical properties such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and stress concentration. The choice of surface finishing operation such as honing and lapping is based on functional requirements of an assembly. As these processes are expensive, the design engineer should be cautious in assigning the quantified surface roughness value. Traditionally, honing is carried out in vertical direction. The process is capable of correcting the inner surface geometry while maintaining a surface finish band between 0.25 to 1 micron (μm). Cylinder liners, hydraulic cylinders, and gears are routinely finished by honing process. An attempt is made in the present work by retrofitting an existing lathe. A geared AC motor is mounted at the end of the lathe bed, and a fixture for holding a liner is mounted at the other end. The honing tool gets its primary motion from the geared motor and a hydraulic circuit is used for feed motion. Experiments are carried to evaluate the surface finish against the process parameters such as grain size, feed rate and speed. The results obtained are superior to internal grinding and are comparable to original honing. Surface roughness is measured for coarse, medium and fine grain honing shoes. Optimum feed rate, grain size are extracted from experiments. The work material considered for present investigations is a diesel engine cylinder liner.Keywords: Honing, Surface roughness, Talysurf, Grain size, Feed, Wheel speed, Cylinder linerInternational Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology Vol. 6, No. 1, 2014, pp. 106-111
Optimization of surface roughness in turning of GFRP composites using genetic algorithm
Authors: Hussain Syed Altaf , Pandurangadu V , Kumar K Palani
Published: November 2014

Glass fiber reinforced polymer composites are finding its increased applications in variety of engineering applications such as aerospace, automobile, electronics and other industries. However, the users of FRP are facing difficulties to machine it, because of fiber delamination, fiber pull out, short tool life, matrix debonding and formation of powder like chips. The present investigation focuses on the optimization of process parameters for surface roughness of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites using Genetic Algorithm (GA). Experiments are conducted based on the established Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array in Design of Experiments (DOE) on an all-geared lathe using poly-crystalline diamond (PCD) tool. The process parameters considered were cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, and work piece (fiber orientation angle). A second order mathematical model was developed for surface roughness prediction using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). An attempt has also been made to optimize the surface roughness prediction model coupling with Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the objective function. Validation of the optimized results was also performed by confirmation experiments.Keywords: GFRP composites, Response surface methodology (RSM), Poly crystalline diamond (PCD), surface roughness (Ra), Genetic Algorithm (GA).International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology Vol. 6, No. 1, 2014, pp. 49-57
Effects of crack-dilatancy on Rayleigh waves in fluid-saturated porous media
Authors: Nandal JS , Saini TN
Published: November 2014

The study considers the propagation of surface waves on the stress-free surface of a porous solid saturated with non-viscous fluid. The surface pores have the option of being either sealed or fully-opened. With the presence of dilatant cracks, the interior of the porous solid is characterised through three different crack-regimes, based on the connections between embedded cracks. Secular equations are derived in closed form for the propagation of Rayleigh waves in the porous media with sealed or fullyopened surface pores. The velocity of non-dispersive surface waves varies significantly with the density of cracks present. However, aspect (thickness to radius) ratio of (circular) cracks may not have much effect on the velocity of Rayleigh waves. The opening of surface pores may be an important reason for a faster propagation of Rayleigh waves in any realistic elastic medium. Finally, the dilatancy due to the growth of cracks up to their interconnection or drainage may be able to affect the velocity of Rayleigh waves quite significantly.Keywords: Rayleigh waves, phase velocity, dilatancy, porous solid, cracksInternational Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology Vol. 6, No. 1, 2014, pp. 77-87
The fractionation of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in macroalgae during the assimilation of nitrate
Authors: Swart P. K. , Evans S. , Capo T. , Altabet M. A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In order to determine and understand the stable isotope fractionation of 18O and 15N manifested during assimilation of NO3− in marine macro-benthic algae, two species (Ulva sp. and Agardhiella sp.) have been grown in a wide range of NO3− concentrations (2–500 μM). Two types of experiments were performed. The first was one in which the concentration of the NO3− was allowed to drift downward as it was assimilated by the algae, between 24 hour replacements of media. These experiments proceeded for periods of between 7 and 10 days. A second set of experiments maintained the NO3− concentration at a low steady-state value by means of a syringe pump. The effective fractionation during the assimilation of the NO3− was determined by measuring the δ15N of both the (i) new algal growth and (ii) residual NO3− in the free-drift experiments after 0, 12, 24 and 48 h. Modelling these data show that the fractionation during assimilation is dependent upon the concentration of NO3− and is effectively 0 at concentrations of less than ~2 μM. The change in the fractionation with respect to concentration is the greatest at lower concentrations (2–10 μM). The fractionation stablizes between 4 and 6‰ at concentrations of between 50 and 500 μM. Although the δ18O and δ15N values of NO3− in the residual solution were correlated, the slope of relationship also varied with respect to NO3− concentration, with slopes of greater than unity at low concentration. These results suggest shifts in the dominant fractionation mechanism of 15N and 18O between concentrations of 1 and 10 μM NO3−. At higher NO3− concentrations (>10–50 μM), fractionation during assimilation will lead to δ15N values in algal biomass lower than the ambient NO3− and 15N enrichments in the residual NO3−.
Disentangling the response of forest and grassland energy exchange to heatwaves under idealized land–atmosphere coupling
Authors: van Heerwaarden C. C. , Teuling A. J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study investigates the difference in land–atmosphere interactions between grassland and forest during typical heatwave conditions in order to understand the controversial results of Teuling et al. (2010) (hereafter T10), who found the systematic occurrence of higher sensible heat fluxes over forest than over grassland during heatwaves. With a simple but accurate coupled land–atmosphere model, we show that existing parametrizations are able to reproduce the findings of T10 for normal summer and heatwave conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the sensitivity of the coupled system to changes in incoming radiation and early-morning temperature typical for European heatwaves. Our results suggest that the fast atmospheric control of stomatal resistance can explain the observed differences between grassland and forest. The atmospheric boundary layer has a buffering function therein: increases in stomatal resistance are largely compensated for by increases in the potential evaporation due to atmospheric warming and drying. In order to disentangle the contributions of differences in several static and dynamic properties between forest and grassland, we have performed a virtual experiment with artificial land-use types that are equal to grassland, but with one of its properties replaced by that of forest. From these, we confirm the important role of the fast physiological processes that lead to the closure of stomata. Nonetheless, for a full explanation of T10's results, the other properties (albedo, roughness and the ratio of minimum stomatal resistance to leaf-area index) play an important but indirect role; their influences mainly consist of strengthening the feedback that leads to the closure of the stomata by providing more energy that can be converted into sensible heat. The model experiment also confirms that, in line with the larger sensible heat flux, higher atmospheric temperatures occur over forest. As our parametrization for stomatal resistance is empirical rather than mechanical, our study stresses the demand for a better mechanistic understanding of physiological processes in plants.
Response of microbial decomposition to spin-up explains CMIP5 soil carbon range until 2100
Authors: Exbrayat J.-F. , Pitman A. J. , Abramowitz G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Soil carbon storage simulated by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models varies 6-fold for the present day. Here, we confirm earlier work showing that this range already exists at the beginning of the CMIP5 historical simulations. We additionally show that this range is largely determined by the response of microbial decomposition during each model's spin-up procedure from initialization to equilibration. The 6-fold range in soil carbon, once established prior to the beginning of the historical period (and prior to the beginning of a CMIP5 simulation), is then maintained through the present and to 2100 almost unchanged even under a strong business-as-usual emissions scenario. We therefore highlight that a commonly ignored part of CMIP5 analyses – the land surface state achieved through the spin-up procedure – can be important for determining future carbon storage and land surface fluxes. We identify the need to better constrain the outcome of the spin-up procedure as an important step in reducing uncertainty in both projected soil carbon and land surface fluxes in CMIP5 transient simulations.
Healthcare financing in Nigeria: A systematic review assessing the evidence of the impact of health insurance on primary health care delivery
Authors: Ufuoma John Ejughemre , Y. A Agada-Amade , P.G Oyibo , I. C Ugwu
Published: November 2014

Strengthening health systems, improving health outcomes, as well as finding answers to the competing alternatives of healthcare financing are critical issues that continue to bother health policy makers. Irrespective of the options, the choice of health care financing should mobilize resources for health and improve access to quality care at the same time. Notably, the health financing policy in Nigeria provides a framework for establishing health insurance schemes so as to expand coverage in health care delivery for the formal and informal sectors as a strategy towards universal access to healthcare. Accordingly, the authors, through this review, systematically assess the evidence of the extent to which health insurance impacts on access to services and quality of primary healthcare in Nigeria. While this comes to bear, the findings reveal an evidence of moderate-to-high strength that health insurance increases access to care and improves the quality of care received; however, it remains equivocal in some instances. The review therefore contributes to the literature on healthcare financing by extending and qualifying existing knowledge and advocating for accelerated reforms if universal coverage will be achieved.