bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Liquid Water Transport in the Gas Diffusion Layer for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Using a Water Path Network
Authors: Alink Robert , Gerteisen Dietmar
Published: September 2013

In order to model the liquid water transport in the porous materials used in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the pore network models are often applied. The presented model is a novel approach to further develop these models towards a percolation model that is based on the fiber structure rather than the pore structure. The developed algorithm determines the stable liquid water paths in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) structure and the transitions from the paths to the subsequent paths. The obtained water path network represents the basis for the calculation of the percolation process with low calculation efforts. A good agreement with experimental capillary pressure-saturation curves and synchrotron liquid water visualization data from other literature sources is found. The oxygen diffusivity for the GDL with liquid water saturation at breakthrough reveals that the porosity is not a crucial factor for the limiting current density. An algorithm for condensation is included into the model, which shows that condensing water is redirecting the water path in the GDL, leading to an improved oxygen diffusion by a decreased breakthrough pressure and changed saturation distribution at breakthrough.
Catalytic Conversion of Bio-Oil to Oxygen-Containing Fuels by Acid-Catalyzed Reaction with Olefins and Alcohols over Silica Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Sui Shujuan , Wang Fengqiang , Wang Qingwen , Pittman Charles
Published: September 2013

Crude bio-oil from pine chip fast pyrolysis was upgraded with olefins (1-octene, cyclohexene, 1,7-octadiene, and 2,4,4-trimethylpentene) plus 1-butanol (iso-butanol, t-butanol and ethanol) at 120 °C using a silica sulfuric acid (SSA) catalyst that possesses a good catalytic activity and stability. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis showed that upgrading sharply increased ester content and decreased the amounts of levoglucosan, phenols, polyhydric alcohols and carboxylic acids. Upgrading lowered acidity (pH value rose from 2.5 to >3.5), removed the unpleasant odor and increased hydrocarbon solubility. Water content dramatically decreased from 37.2% to about 7.0% and the heating value increased from 12.6 MJ·kg−1 to about 31.9 MJ·kg−1. This work has proved that bio-oil upgrading with a primary olefin plus 1-butanol is a feasible route where all the original heating value of the bio-oil plus the added olefin and alcohol are present in the resulting fuel.
Food Safety in Home Kitchens: A Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Berning Jacqueline , Martin-Biggers Jennifer , Quick Virginia
Published: September 2013

Although foodborne illness is preventable, more than 56,000 people per year become ill in the U.S., creating high economic costs, loss of productivity and reduced quality of life for many. Experts agree that the home is the primary location where foodborne outbreaks occur; however, many consumers do not believe the home to be a risky place. Health care professionals need to be aware of consumers’ food safety attitudes and behaviors in the home and deliver tailored food safety interventions that are theory-based. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to synthesize/summarize the food safety literature by examining the following: consumers’ perceptions and attitudes towards food safety and their susceptibility to foodborne illness in the home, work, and school; common risky food safety practices and barriers to handling food safely; and the application of theory-based food safety interventions. Findings will help healthcare professionals become more aware of consumers’ food safety attitudes and behaviors and serve to inform future food safety interventions.
Regulation of 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 Isomerase: A Review
Authors: Rasmussen Martin , Ekstrand Bo , Zamaratskaia Galia
Published: September 2013

This review focuses on the expression and regulation of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (3β-HSD), with emphasis on the porcine version. 3β-HSD is often associated with steroidogenesis, but its function in the metabolism of both steroids and xenobiotics is more obscure. Based on currently available literature covering humans, rodents and pigs, this review provides an overview of the present knowledge concerning the regulatory mechanisms for 3β-HSD at all omic levels. The HSD isoenzymes are essential in steroid hormone metabolism, both in the synthesis and degradation of steroids. They display tissue-specific expression and factors influencing their activity, which therefore indicates their tissue-specific responses. 3β-HSD is involved in the synthesis of a number of natural steroid hormones, including progesterone and testosterone, and the hepatic degradation of the pheromone androstenone. In general, a number of signaling and regulatory pathways have been demonstrated to influence 3β-HSD transcription and activity, e.g., JAK-STAT, LH/hCG, ERα, AR, SF-1 and PPARα. The expression and enzymic activity of 3β-HSD are also influenced by external factors, such as dietary composition. Much of the research conducted on porcine 3β-HSD is motivated by its importance for the occurrence of the boar taint phenomenon that results from high concentrations of steroids such as androstenone. This topic is also examined in this review.
Cytotoxicity, Fractionation and Dereplication of Extracts of the Dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum, a Producer of Pinnatoxin G
Authors: Geiger Marie , Desanglois Gwenaëlle , Hogeveen Kevin , Fessard Valérie , Leprêtre Thomas , Mondeguer Florence , Guitton Yann , Hervé Fabienne , Séchet Véronique , Grovel Olivier , Pouchus Yves-François , Hess Philipp
Published: September 2013

Pinnatoxin G (PnTX-G) is a marine toxin belonging to the class of cyclic imines and produced by the dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum. In spite of its strong toxicity to mice, leading to the classification of pinnatoxins into the class of “fast-acting toxins”, its hazard for human health has never been demonstrated. In this study, crude extracts of V. rugosum exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Neuro2A and KB cells. IC50 values of 0.38 µg mL−1 and 0.19 µg mL−1 were estimated on Neuro2A cells after only 24 h of incubation and on KB cells after 72 h of incubation, respectively. In the case of Caco-2 cells 48 h after exposure, the crude extract of V. rugosum induced cell cycle arrest accompanied by a dramatic increase in double strand DNA breaks, although only 40% cytotoxicity was observed at the highest concentration tested (5 µg mL−1). However, PnTX-G was not a potent cytotoxic compound as no reduction of the cell viability was observed on the different cell lines. Moreover, no effects on the cell cycle or DNA damage were observed following treatment of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells with PnTX-G. The crude extract of V. rugosum was thus partially purified using liquid-liquid partitioning and SPE clean-up. In vitro assays revealed strong activity of some fractions containing no PnTX-G. The crude extract and the most potent fraction were evaluated using full scan and tandem high resolution mass spectrometry. The dereplication revealed the presence of a major compound that could be putatively annotated as nakijiquinone A, N-carboxy-methyl-smenospongine or stachybotrin A, using the MarinLit™ database. Further investigations will be necessary to confirm the identity of the compounds responsible for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the extracts of V. rugosum.
Phytochemical, Antimicrobial and Antiprotozoal Evaluation of Garcinia Mangostana Pericarp and α-Mangostin, Its Major Xanthone Derivative
Authors: Al-Massarani Shaza , El Gamal Ali , Al-Musayeib Nawal , Mothana Ramzi , Basudan Omer , Al-Rehaily Adnan , Farag Mohamed , Assaf Mahmoud , El Tahir KamalEldin , Maes Louis
Published: September 2013

Five xanthone derivatives and one flavanol were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Garcinia mangostana. Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate extract and the major xanthone (α-mangostin) were evaluated in vitro against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. The major constituent α-mangostin was also checked for antimicrobial potential against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillius subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. cheleneoi, M. xenopi and M. intracellulare. Activity against P. falciparum (IC50 2.7 μg/mL) and T. brucei (IC50 0.5 μg/mL) were observed for the dichloromethane extract, however, with only moderate selectivity was seen based on a parallel cytotoxicity evaluation on MRC-5 cells (IC50 9.4 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate extract was inactive (IC50 > 30 µg/mL). The major constituent α-mangostin showed rather high cytotoxicity (IC50 7.5 µM) and a broad but non-selective antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activity profile. This in vitro study endorses that the antiprotozoal and antimicrobial potential of prenylated xanthones is non-conclusive in view of the low level of selectivity.
Effect of Salicylic Acid and Structurally Related Compounds in the Accumulation of Phytoalexins in Cotyledons of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cultivars
Authors: Durango Diego , Pulgarin Natalia , Echeverri Fernando , Escobar Gustavo , Quiñones Winston
Published: September 2013

In the present work, isoflavonoid phytoalexin production in response to the application of salicylic acid in cotyledons of four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars (SA) was evaluated. The time-course and dose-response profiles of the induction process were established by quantifying the isoflavonoids by HPLC. Cotyledons of anthracnose-resistant cultivars induced by SA produced substantially higher phytoalexin contents as compared to the susceptible ones. In addition, maximum levels of phytoalexins (50–100 fold increases) were reached between 96 and 144 h, and when a concentration of SA from 3.62 to 14.50 mM was used. The observations also indicate that there was a relatively good correlation between the phytoalexin contents and the inhibitory effect against C. lindemuthianum; the higher antifungal activity was observed during the first 48 hours for extracts from cotyledons treated with SA at 1.45 and 3.62 mM, and between 96 and 144 h after induction. Finally, compounds structurally related to SA (dihydro-quinazolinones and some imines) showed a strong elicitor effect. Moreover, induced extracts from cotyledons treated with these potential elicitors, besides the properly elicitors, displayed a weak to moderated antifungal activity. These compounds may be considered good candidates for developing of new phytoprotectants. Furthermore, phytoalexin-eliciting substances may contribute for selecting disease resistant cultivars.
Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Gallotannins from Galla Rhois with Inhibitory Effects on Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Kwon O Jun , Bae Jong-Sup , Lee Ha , Hwang Ju-Young , Lee Eun-Woo , Ito Hideyuki , Kim Tae
Published: September 2013

Activity-guided isolation of a methanolic extract of Galla Rhois using pancreatic lipase and 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds: protoaphin-fb (1), 2-O-digalloyl-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-b-D-glucose (2), 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-b-D-glucose (3), 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-b-D-glucose (4), 3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-phenol 1-O-b-D-glucoside (5), methylgallate (6), and gallic acid (7). Their structures were established on the basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic data interpretation. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase, and compounds 1-5 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on this enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 30.6 ± 2.4 to 3.5 ± 0.5 mM. In addition, the highly galloylated compound 2 was also found to induce potent inhibition of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.
Volatile Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Peel, Flowers and Leaf Oils of Citrus aurantium L. Growing in Greece
Authors: Sarrou Eirini , Chatzopoulou Paschalina , Dimassi-Theriou Kortessa , Therios Ioannis
Published: September 2013

The volatile constituents of the essential oils of the peel, flower (neroli) and leaves (petitgrain) of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) growing in Greece were studied by GC-MS. The analytical procedures enabled the quantitative determination of 31 components. More specifically, the components of the essential oils identified were: twelve in the peel, twenty-six in the flowers, and twenty and sixteen in old and young leaves, respectively. The major constituents of the different parts of Citrus aurantium L. essential oils were: β-pinene (0.62%–19.08%), limonene (0.53%–94.67%), trans-β-ocimene (3.11%–6.06%), linalool (0.76%–58.21%), and α-terpineol (0.13%–12.89%). The DPPH test demonstrated that the essential oils in the old leaves had the maximum antioxidant activity, followed by the flowers, young leaves and the peel in that order. This study updates the data in the literature on the essential oils of bitter orange, and provides information on the composition of the oils for a further evaluation of this product.
Antimycobacterial and Photosynthetic Electron Transport Inhibiting Activity of Ring-Substituted 4-Arylamino-7-Chloroquinolinium Chlorides
Authors: Otevrel Jan , Bobal Pavel , Zadrazilova Iveta , Govender Rodney , Pesko Matus , Keltosova Stanislava , Koleckarova Petra , Marsalek Petr , Imramovsky Ales , Coffey Aidan , O'Mahony Jim , Kollar Peter , Cizek Alois , Kralova Katarina , Jampilek Josef
Published: September 2013

In this study, a series of twenty-five ring-substituted 4-arylamino-7-chloroquinolinium chlorides were prepared and characterized. The compounds were tested for their activity related to inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts and also primary in vitro screening of the synthesized compounds was performed against mycobacterial species. 4-[(2-Bromophenyl)amino]-7-chloroquinolinium chloride showed high biological activity against M. marinum, M. kansasii, M. smegmatis and 7-chloro-4-[(2-methylphenyl)amino]quinolinium chloride demonstrated noteworthy biological activity against M. smegmatis and M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The most effective compounds demonstrated quite low toxicity (LD50 > 20 μmol/L) against the human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cell line within preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity screening. The tested compounds were found to inhibit PET in photosystem II. The PET-inhibiting activity expressed by IC50 value of the most active compound 7-chloro-4-[(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)amino]quinolinium chloride was 27 μmol/L and PET-inhibiting activity of ortho-substituted compounds was significantly lower than this of meta- and para-substituted ones. The structure-activity relationships are discussed for all compounds.
Effects of Dietary Zinc Manipulation on Growth Performance, Zinc Status and Immune Response during Giardia lamblia Infection: A Study in CD-1 Mice
Authors: Iñigo-Figueroa Gemma , Méndez-Estrada Rosa , Quihui-Cota Luis , Velásquez-Contreras Carlos , Garibay-Escobar Adriana , Canett-Romero Rafael , Astiazarán-García Humberto
Published: September 2013

Associations between Giardia lamblia infection and low serum concentrations of zinc have been reported in young children. Interestingly, relatively few studies have examined the effects of different dietary zinc levels on the parasite-infected host. The aims of this study were to compare the growth performance and zinc status in response to varying levels of dietary zinc and to measure the antibody-mediated response of mice during G. lamblia infection. Male CD-1 mice were fed using 1 of 4 experimental diets: adequate-zinc (ZnA), low-zinc (ZnL), high-zinc (ZnH) and supplemented-zinc (ZnS) diet containing 30, 10, 223 and 1383 mg Zn/kg respectively. After a 10 days feeding period, mice were inoculated orally with 5 × 106 G. lamblia trophozoites and were maintained on the assigned diet during the course of infection (30 days). Giardia-free mice fed ZnL diets were able to attain normal growth and antibody-mediated response. Giardia-infected mice fed ZnL and ZnA diets presented a significant growth retardation compared to non-infected controls. Zinc supplementation avoided this weight loss during G. lamblia infection and up-regulated the host’s humoral immune response by improving the production of specific antibodies. Clinical outcomes of zinc supplementation during giardiasis included significant weight gain, higher anti-G. lamblia IgG antibodies and improved serum zinc levels despite the ongoing infection. A maximum growth rate and antibody-mediated response were attained in mice fed ZnH diet. No further increases in body weight, zinc status and humoral immune capacity were noted by feeding higher zinc levels (ZnS) than the ZnH diet. These findings probably reflect biological effect of zinc that could be of public health importance in endemic areas of infection.
Mutational Analysis of a Red Fluorescent Protein-Based Calcium Ion Indicator
Authors: Carlson Haley , Campbell Robert
Published: September 2013

As part of an ongoing effort to develop genetically encoded calcium ion (Ca2+) indicators we recently described a new variant, designated CH-GECO2.1, that is a genetic chimera of the red fluorescent protein (FP) mCherry, calmodulin (CaM), and a peptide that binds to Ca2+-bound CaM. In contrast to the closely related Ca2+ indicator R-GECO1, CH-GECO2.1 is characterized by a much higher affinity for Ca2+ and a sensing mechanism that does not involve direct modulation of the chromophore pKa. To probe the structural basis underlying the differences between CH-GECO2.1 and R-GECO1, and to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of CH-GECO2.1, we have constructed, purified, and characterized a large number of variants with strategic amino acid substitutions. This effort led us to identify Gln163 as the key residue involved in the conformational change that transduces the Ca2+ binding event into a change in the chromophore environment. In addition, we demonstrate that many of the substitutions that differentiate CH-GECO2.1 and R-GECO1 have little influence on both the Kd for Ca2+ and the sensing mechanism, and that the interdomain linkers and interfaces play important roles.
La tour maîtresse du château de Beaugency, dite « Tour de César »
Authors: Corvisier André
Published: September 2013

Der Bergfried der Burg von Beaugency, der so genannte „ Tour de César “ (Càsarturm), von Christian Corvisier.

Der „Cäsarturm“ von Beaugency, der mit Recht als einer der repräsentativsten der großen französischen romanischen Bergfriede angesehen wird, das Werk eines im 11. und 12. Jahrhundert bedeutenden Geschlechts von Feudalherren, hat den größten Teil der Zeugnisse seines ursprünglichen Ausbaus bewahrt. Der erste, romanische Zustand dieses imposanten rechteckigen Bauwerks konnte kürzlich dendrochronologisch auf die Zeitspanne 1015-1030 datiert werden. In diesem ersten Zustand bestand der an der Basis von einer Motte umhüllte Turin ans zwei mit Kaminen beheizten Wohnetagen mit zahlreichen Fenstern, über einem unteren Saal, der mit einem (1837 eingestürzten) komplizierten Gewölbe überdeckt war. Eine Mauertreppe gibt es mir zur Verbindung des ursprünglichen Zugangs mit der ersten Etage. Die Bauzier der Zwillingsfenster des zweiten Stockes wurde gegen 1140 erneuert. In der zweiten Hälfte des 12. Jahrhunderts wurde der Turm um ein drittes Wohngeschoss erhöht, das von einem Zinnenkranz mit zwei polygonalen Eckerkern bekrönt wurde. Konig Philipp der Schöne kaufte gegen Ende des 13. Jahrhunderts diese Herrschaft und liefs 1303- 1305 ein großes Programm von Umbaumaßnahmen der Etagen durchführen, das die Verlegung der Tür, die Schaffung einer vierten Wohnetage an der Stelle des Bekronungsgeschosses mit den Wehrerkern, den Austausch aller Kamine und das Einbrechen von 16 Fenstern mit steinernem Kreuzstock umfasste, die zu den ältesten bekannten Fenstern dieses Typs in Frankieich gehören. Die Organisation der koniglichen Residenz in diesem Turin unterscheidet sich merklich von derjenigen der romanischen Zeit, namentlich hinsichtlich der Fenster und Kamine, so dass die vorherigen Dispositionen, insbesondere die Zinnen, wie Fossilien im Mauerwerk erhalten blieben. Im 15. Jahrhundert instandgesetzt, aber nicht verändert, hat der Turm zu Beginn des 16. Jahrhunderts im Zusammenhang mit seiner Benutzung als Gefängnis letzte Veränderungen erfahren, bevor er in den Religionskriegen durch einen Brand zerstört wurde.
La maison romane de Beaugency
Authors: Garrigou Grandchamp Pierre
Published: September 2013

Das Rathaus von Beaugency ist ein seltenes Beispiel öffentlicher Gebaude der Renaissance. Erbaut zwischen 1526 und 1533, sticht es hervor durch seine Fassade, deren dekorative Formensprache sich ableitet von den großen Bauten derr Zeit um 1515, wie den Schlössern von Bury oder Blois (Flügel Franz' L). Berücksichtigt man den lokalen Kontext, so ist es denkhar, eine Beteiligung des Baumeisters Pierre Biart anzunehmen, det zur selben Zeit auch am Schloß von Beaugency tätig war.

Im Laufe der 1840er Jahre nahm Léon Vaudoyer das Gebaude auf und lieferte sogar eine Ergänzung nach derselben Methode, die Félix Duban gerade bei der Restaurierung des Flügels Franz' I. in Blois anwandte. Fünfzig Jahre spater, zwischen 1892 und 1898, restaurierte der Architekt René Dusserre das Bauwerk nach den Planen von Léon Vaudoyer und gab ihm damit sein uns heure vertrautes Aussehen.
La reconstruction du monastère de Cîteaux (vers 1160 - vers 1240)
Authors: Chauvin Benoît
Published: September 2013

Dix documents écrits (1178-1215), parmi lesquels plus de la moitié inexploités voire inconnus, procès-verbaux de visite et sources illustrées (XVIIe-XVIIIe siècle), tous publiés en annexe, fondent cet article qui propose de bouleverser la chronologie traditionnelle du monastère de Cîteaux. Une mention incontestable de la consécration en 1178 d'un des autels latéraux de l'abbatiale autorise dorénavant à envisager un chantier entrepris vers 1165-1 170 pour un édifice gothique dédicacé en 1193, et dont le grand chevet rectangulaire à déambulatoire coudé et chapelles jointives peut passer pour un prototype. Une partie de l'église romane de plan bernardin qui l'a précédée paraît avoir été remployée. On sait désormais qu'en 1203, Alfonse VIII, roi de Castille, ajouta « aux 2500 pièces d'or qu'il avait déjà données voici longtemps pour l'édification du bâtiment des convers une rente annuelle de 300 autres en vue de son achèvement ». Ce corps date ainsi des années 1185-1190 à 1205-1210, ce qui pose la question du logement des frères auparavant ; n'y eut-il pas, à Cîteaux également, deux bâtiments successifs comme l'archéologie l'a prouvé ici ou là, à Vauclair par exemple ? Finalement, abbatiale gothique et nouvelle aile ouest relèvent d'une longue campagne de re-construction qui, entre la fin du XIIe et le début du XIIIe siècle, donna à Cîteaux le visage médiéval qu'on lui connaît, différente du monastère roman initial inachevé, et fruit de la « libido aedificandi » dénoncée par Pierre le Chantre qui anima l'ordre à cette époque.
Le logis en pans de bois dans les villes du bassin de la Meuse moyenne (XVe-XVlIe siècle) : apport de l'archéologie du bâti
Authors: Houbrechts David
Published: September 2013

Bien qu'ayant suscité l'intérêt de quelques spécialistes, notamment au début du siècle passé, le patrimoine en pans de bois dans le sud de la Belgique reste encore aujourd'hui très mal connu. Ceci est particulièrement vrai pour les témoins antérieurs au XVIIIe siècle, spécialement dans les villes. La thèse de l'auteur relative au logis urbain en pans de bois dans le bassin de la Meuse moyenne a apporté récemment des informations décisives à ce sujet. L'approche archéologique du bâti, la typologie et la dendrochronologie ont permis de caractériser l'habitat en pans de bois, d'en préciser la spécificité en région mosane et d'en dégager une évolution générale de la fin du XVe au milieu du XVIIe siècle. L'étude détaillée d'une vingtaine de maisons a également mis en lumière différents cas de figures de l'évolution du bâti depuis sa construction jusqu'à nos jours.
Ctésias et Hérodote
Authors: Lenfant Dominique
Published: September 2013

Ctésias has long been considered in his Persica as having alternatively plagiarized Herodotus and arbitrarily deformed this model without relying on any local sources. But, even if Herodotus was an important model and polemic played an undeniable role, Ctesias had oriental sources and often echoed local traditions which competed with those collected by Herodotus. So, the Cnidian historian gives evidence of the altering of history either by the Persian court or by the diverse local traditions within the Empire.
Les médecins de cour à l'époque hellénistique
Authors: Marasco Gabriele
Published: September 2013

The analysis of the testimonies concerning court-physicians allows to clear the confusions about some of them, who appear to have not been really court-physicians, and to add some others who had been neglected. It is also possible to know best their personalities, their abilities and their tasks. Their condition was generally very high and, in Eastern monarchies, they were politically most influent. If the most famous physicians were absent, it was not because they feared to be charged with murder or poisoning — that was rather a Roman tradition — but because they had good prospects in scientific research and because few abilities were required from court-physicians.
Philostrate émule d'Arrien? Le cas de la Vie d'Apollonios de Tyane
Authors: Robiano Patrick
Published: September 2013

When he wrote The Life of Apollonius of Tyana, Philostratus could have taken Arrian as pattern : the specific features of this biographical narrative would proceed from the successful fusing between the Diatribae, the Anabasis and the Indica. But Arrian should also have been aimed through many polemic passages in this work. Actually Philostratus is strongly determined on claiming his autonomy and his superiority as a writer.
Le kappa de l'inscription IG V1, 1532 et les fractions du chalque en Messénie à l'époque hellénistique
Authors: Grandjean Catherine
Published: September 2013

L'inscription messénienne IG VI, 1532, qui doit dater du IIe ou du Ier s. av. J.-C, donne une liste de paiements transcrits dans un système de notation proche du système attique. La lettre kappa (pour kollybos, kermal) doit désigner dans l'inscription une fraction du chalque, car elle est inscrite à plusieurs reprises à droite de la lettre khi (pour chalque) ; des pièces de bronze messéniennes d'un module légèrement inférieur à celui des chalques de la cité sont peut-être des fractions du chalque (des demi-chalques ?).
" Ὃς ... θεῶν " : Euripide, Suppliantes, v. 201 sqq
Authors: Assaël Jacqueline
Published: September 2013

Dans ce passage des Suppliantes (v. 201 et sqq.), Thésée célèbre la gloire d'un dieu anonyme qui a offert aux hommes les conditions nécessaires au développement de la civilisation. Son discours est généralement compté parmi les évocations des progrès humains qui sont nombreuses chez les auteurs de l'époque classique. A travers une analyse littéraire, historique, puis philosophique, l'article a pour but de montrer comment ces réflexions peuvent s'insérer dans la tragédie d'Euripide, autrement dit, comment optimisme et pensée tragique peuvent s'associer. L'étude a aussi pour objectif de préciser ce que représente, dans l'esprit du poète, la divinité civilisatrice à laquelle son personnage adresse sa reconnaissance.
Médiatisation et théâtralisation des origines russes sous la Grande Catherine
Authors: Plagne Nicolas
Published: September 2013

Медиатизация и театральное инсценирование происхождения России во время царствования Екатерины Великой : история на службе императорской идеологии?

В правление имератрицы Екатерины Великой (1762-1796 гг.) – как в России, так и в Европе – всë активнее обсуждается т.н. «варяжско-норманский вопрос», т.е. вопрос происхождения Российского государства и народа. Еще в правление императрицы Елизаветы Петровны (1742-1761 гг.) внутри Российской Академии наук, и прежде всего в 1749-1750 гг., данный вопрос стал предметом острой полемики между историками. Между тем долго опасались огласки, т.к. было принято считать, что самый спор, пожалуй, может вызывать нежелательные политические последствия для Монархии и национальной гордости. Политическая власть стремилась к тому, чтобы в ее основание легла величественная национальная история. В свзи с этим она пыталась иметь контроль над повествованием о своем происхождении, и также об этнических аспектах и возможных либеральных, парламентских или демократических толкованиях начал Российского государства.

В то время как западные историки (немецкие, французские и английские) излагали свои мнения по этому вопросу для «просвещенной Европы», Екатерина II, ши¬роко распространяя норманскую теорию на Западе, включила историю Древней Руси в программу обучения новой образованной элиты. В этой цели она опиралась на драматургию и образование, а так же на становление новой литературы для дворянства. Сама она сочиняла пьесы и покровительствовала художникам и печатникам, что впрочем ей не мешало порой их раскритиковать. Екатерина пыталась ориентировать коллективное сознание в определенном направлении и использовать его как мощное идеологическое подспорье в цели создания единой, подвластной ей, империи.
Смерть Пушкина
Authors: Besserman Gregory
Published: September 2013

La mort de Puškin

Cet article s’efforce de formuler quelques nouvelles considérations sur le duel et la mort de A. S. Puškin, questions absentes d’une littérature, pourtant abondante, consacrée à Puškin. L’article décrit le rôle de N. N. Gončarova, qui, d’après l’auteur de l’article, provoqua ce duel fatal. Il cite les raisons pour lesquelles celle-ci pouvait vouloir la mort de son mari, bien que Puškin affirma constamment et publiquement qu’elle fut innocente, hormis une seule exception dans un poème l’Imitation de Dante. Ce fait apparemment passa inaperçu ou fut ignoré des spécialistes de Puškin. Puis l’article explicite certaines nuances dans les relations entre A. S. Puškin et V. A. Žukovskij, qui ne furent pas aussi idylliques qu’il est convenu de le considérer. L’auteur a puisé ses informations dans les souvenirs des contemporains (amis comme ennemis), des parents, de la correspondance du poète et d’autres sources essentielles et appréciables par leur objectivité, comme la Vie de Puškin de V. Veresaev, les Lettres de Puškin en deux volumes, l’ouvrage de P. E. Ščegolev le Duel et la Mort de Puškin, l’édition académique des Lettres à sa femme et enfin les oeuvres complètes du poète.
Французский культурный текст в творчестве Н. С. Гумилева
Authors: Raskina Elena
Published: September 2013

Le texte culturel français dans l’oeuvre de N. S. Gumilev

La culture française (ses images et ses symboles) occupe une place importante dans l’oeuvre de N. Gumilev. Le modernisme français, et en particulier l’oeuvre de Gustave Moreau, a exercé une grande influence sur l’oeuvre du poète. Les images et les sujets des tableaux de Gustave Moreau trouvent un écho dans les poèmes des recueils de Gumilev les Fleurs romantiques et les Perles, dans le recueil de récits l’Ombre du palmier et dans le poème dramatique Gondla. L’art catholique de la France médiévale a profondément influencé l’oeuvre du poète russe. Le texte culturel français apparaît comme un élément important du monde esthétique de N. Gumilev.
L’Ethos de Feofan Prokopovič dans l’Oraison funèbre de Pierre le Grand
Authors: Gorbounova Raïssa
Published: September 2013

The Ethos of Feofan Prokopovič in his Funeral Oration of Peter the Great

The author of this article looks at the status of ethos in the context of sacred oratory. She shows, through Peter the Great’s eulogy, the dual nature of the Christian ethos.
Le Continental et l’Insulaire : le prince Troubetzkoy rencontre le professeur Jones
Authors: Viel Michel
Published: September 2013

Continental vs Insular Prince Trubetzkoy meets Professor Jones

The article is about the encounter of two great minds, apparently the nearest of men, in fact as far apart as can be in their aims and practice. Just as the habits of the English themselves, the phonology of English plunged Trubetzkoy into great perplexity. Jones, who did not seem to take much notice of the contradiction in his own definition of the phoneme, made child’s play of placing the vowels of English on his celebrated Trapeze, and picking allophones. Unlike him, Trubetzkoy, faithful to Jakobson’s law which specified that phonological stress and vowel duration were incompatible, suffered a great deal before eventually succeeding in complying to the requirements of the theory, and thus establishing a symmetrical representation of the English vowels. It is not certain that the final result is waterproof.
« Lettre à un ami d’Allemagne sur les sociétés de Pétersbourg » (1819) : un inédit français de A. D. Ulybyšev
Authors: Ulybyšev A. D.
Published: September 2013

«Letter to a German Friend on the Societies of Petersburg» (1819) An Unpublished French Work by A. D. Ulybyšev

This article is the presentation and publication of an unpublished French work by A. D. Ulyby ev (1794-1858), «Letter to a German Friend on the Societies of Petersburg» (1819), author the same year of a small Decembrist utopia written in French (A Dream). Ulybyšev humorously describes the conservative societies, obsessed by ranks, precedence and decorations and the superficially europeanized societies, by criticizing the slavish imitation of the foreigner. The publication is followed by extracts of Ulybyšev’s diary (1843-1844) on the notables of Nizhni Novgorod. Ulybyšev, who has become a musicologist and an epicurean, appears as a free spirit and a critical observer of his time.
Development of SSR markers for the tropical alpine tree species Leptospermum recurvum (Myrtaceae) on Mount Kinabalu in Borneo
Authors: Ando Soichi , Kaneko Shingo , Isagi Yuji , Repin Rimi , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Nuclear microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers were developed for the woody species Leptospermum recurvum found on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, to facilitate investigation of the genetic structure and patterns of gene flow in relation to leaf phenotypic polymorphisms.

• Methods and Results: Eleven primer pairs were developed using the compound SSR marker technique. Ten of the 11 loci were polymorphic and their expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.04 to 0.83. Neither linkage disequilibrium nor departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected. All primer pairs also amplified the SSR loci of L. polygalifolium.

• Conclusions: These findings suggest the utility of these primers for investigating genetic structure and gene flow in L. recurvum and indicate their applicability to another species of Leptospermum.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the endangered Amazonian tree Aniba rosaeodora (Lauraceae)
Authors: Angrizani Rafael C. , Contim Luis A. S. , Lemes Maristerra R.
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Brazilian rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), an endangered neotropical hardwood tree, to investigate population and conservation genetics of this highly valuable nontimber forest resource.

• Methods and Results: We used an enriched genomic library method to isolate and characterize 11 nuclear microsatellite loci for A. rosaeodora, which exhibited an average of 9.6 and 8.7 alleles per locus in two populations from central Amazonia. Mean observed and expected heterozygosities over the 11 loci were 0.604 and 0.687, and 0.807 and 0.828, respectively, in the two populations.

• Conclusions: The polymorphic microsatellite loci developed for A. rosaeodora showed highly informative content and can be used as a powerful tool in genetic diversity and population structure, gene flow, and mating system studies for conservation purposes.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Cornus sanguinea (Cornaceae)
Authors: Wadl Phillip A. , Hatmaker E. Anne , Fussi Barbara , Scheffler Brian E. , Trigiano Robert N.
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: To facilitate genetic and conservation research of Cornus sanguinea, microsatellite loci were isolated and 29 individuals from 11 German populations were genotyped.

• Methods and Results: Sixteen microsatellite loci were characterized from an enriched small insert genomic library. The number of alleles detected ranged from five to 11 per locus, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.65 to 0.90, and polymorphic information content ranged from 0.59 to 0.88.

• Conclusions: The markers described in the study will allow further investigation of population dynamics and the degree of clonal reproduction within populations of C. sanguinea.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Lilium longiflorum (Liliaceae)
Authors: Sakazono Satomi , Hiramatsu Michikazu , Watanabe Masao , Okubo Hiroshi
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Ten microsatellite primers were developed to obtain information on genetic variation in Lilium longiflorum, a bulbous species showing high intraspecific genetic differentiation.

• Methods and Results: Of 61 microsatellite loci isolated using the dual suppression PCR technique, 10 loci were effective to characterize and estimate genetic variation in two populations of L. longiflorum. The number of alleles at each locus was different between the populations (averages = 3.2 and 10.3 alleles per locus), and the mean observed heterozygosity values were 0.245 and 0.732.

• Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there is significant genetic variation between the populations and that the microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful tools for the investigation of the genetic structure and mating system of natural L. longiflorum populations.
Microsatellite primers for the Pacific Northwest conifer Callitropsis nootkatensis (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Jennings Tara N. , Knaus Brian J. , Alderman Katherine , Hennon Paul E. , D'Amore David V. , Cronn Richard
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Nootka cypress (Callitropsis nootkatensis) to provide quantitative measures for gene conservation that can assist in guiding management decisions for a species experiencing climate‐induced decline.

• Methods and Results: Using multiplexed massively parallel sequencing, we identified 136,785 microsatellite‐containing sequences from 489,625 Illumina paired‐end 80‐bp reads. After stringent filtering, we selected 144 primer pairs and screened variation at these loci in five populations of C. nootkatensis. Loci show between three and 36 dinucleotide repeats per locus, with an average of 13. Screening of these markers in the Pacific Northwest relative Chamaecyparis lawsoniana demonstrated no marker transferability. This finding highlights the narrow taxonomic utility of microsatellite markers in Callitropsis.

• Conclusions: These microsatellites show high polymorphism and can be used for routine screening of natural variation in Callitropsis nootkatensis, and will be particularly helpful in identifying clones and inbred relatives at the stand‐level.
Very‐high‐resolution time‐lapse photography for plant and ecosystems research
Authors: Nichols Mary H. , Steven Janet C. , Sargent Randy , Dille Paul , Schapiro Joshua
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Traditional photography is a compromise between image detail and area covered. We report a new method for creating time‐lapse sequences of very‐high‐resolution photographs to produce zoomable images that facilitate observation across a range of spatial and temporal scales.

• Methods and Results: A robotic camera mount and software were used to capture images of the growth and movement in Brassica rapa every 15 s in the laboratory. The resultant time‐lapse sequence (http://timemachine.gigapan.org/wiki/Plant_Growth) captures growth detail such as circumnutation. A modified, solar‐powered system was deployed at a remote field site in southern Arizona. Images were collected every 2 h over a 3‐mo period to capture the response of vegetation to monsoon season rainfall (http://timemachine.gigapan.org/wiki/Arizona_Grasslands).

• Conclusions: A technique for observing time sequences of both individual plant and ecosystem response at a range of spatial scales is available for use in the laboratory and in the field.
Can Effluent Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 be Used as Biomarkers of Peritoneal Membrane Alterations in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Barreto Deirisa Lopes , Coester Annemieke M. , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: September 2013

Background

Peritoneal effluent contains clinically relevant substances derived from intraperitoneal production or transperitoneal transport, or both. The glycoproteinase matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) cleaves denatured collagen and complements other collagenases in the degradation of fibrillar collagens. Elevated intraperitoneal levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) have been demonstrated to be present in patients with intra-abdominal adhesions. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the potential for effluent MMP-2 and PAI-1 to be used as markers of the development of peritoneal alterations. In addition, MMP-2 was analyzed in previously frozen effluent samples from a uremic rat model, in which data concerning the severity of peritoneal fibrosis were available.

Methods

This prospective, single-center cohort study included 86 incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. All patients were treated solely with biocompatible dialysis solutions and underwent a standard peritoneal permeability analysis (SPA). The presence of local MMP-2 and PAI-1 production and the relationships between those markers and peritoneal transport parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, effluent interleukin 6 was analyzed as a marker of local inflammation.

Results

Median effluent levels of 21.4 ng/mL for MMP-2 and 0.9 ng/mL for PAI-1 were found. The median dialysate appearance rates were 218.8 ng/min for MMP-2 and 9.6 ng/min for PAI-1. Local peritoneal production averaged 90% of effluent MMP-2 concentration and 74% of effluent PAI-1 concentration. Furthermore, correlations between peritoneal transport parameters and MMP-2 and PAI-1 were observed. Longitudinal follow-up showed no change for MMP-2 ( p = 0.37), but a tendency for PAI-1 to increase with the duration of PD ( p < 0.001). In rats, a significant relationship was present between the extent of peritoneal fibrosis and the appearance rate of MMP-2 ( r = 0.64, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The foregoing data illustrate the potential of effluent MMP-2 and PAI-1 as biomarkers of peritoneal modifications, especially fibrosis; however, the components of peritoneal transport and local production should be clearly distinguished in every patient.
PROJECT DISPUTE PREDICTION BY HYBRID MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Chou Jui-Sheng , Tsai Chih-Fong , Lu Yu-Hsin
Published: September 2013

This study compares several well-known machine learning techniques for public-private partnership (PPP) project dispute problems. Single and hybrid classification techniques are applied to construct models for PPP project dispute prediction. The single classification techniques utilized are multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks, decision trees (DTs), support vector machines, the naïve Bayes classifier, and k-nearest neighbor. Two types of hybrid learning models are developed. One combines clustering and classification techniques and the other combines multiple classification techniques. Experimental results indicate that hybrid models outperform single models in prediction accuracy, Type I and II errors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve. Additionally, the hybrid model combining multiple classification techniques perform better than that combining clustering and classification techniques. Particularly, the MLP+MLP and DT+DT models perform best and second best, achieving prediction accuracies of 97.08% and 95.77%, respectively. This study demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of hybrid machine learning techniques for early prediction of dispute occurrence using conceptual project information as model input. The models provide a proactive warning and decision-support information needed to select the appropriate resolution strategy before a dispute occurs.
NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF COUPLED SPAR PLATFORM
Authors: Jameel Mohammed , Ahmad Suhail , Islam A. B. M. Saiful , Zummat Mohd Zamin
Published: September 2013

Spar platforms are treated as cost-effective and resourceful type of offshore structure in deep water. With increasing depth there are significant changes in its structural behaviour due to coupling of spar hull-mooring line along with radical influence of mooring line damping. So these phenomena should be precisely counted for accurate motion analysis of spar mooring system. In present study, spar platform are configured as a single fully coupled integrated model in ABAQUS/AQUA. Non-linear dynamic analysis in time domain is performed adopting Newmark-β automatic time incrementation technique. Non-linearities due to geometric, loading and boundary conditions are duly considered. Displacement and rotational responses of spar and mooring tensions are obtained during long-duration storm. spar responses get significantly modified and mean position of oscillations gets shifted after longer wave loading. The surge, heave and pitch responses are predominantly excited respectively. The energy contents of PSDs of these responses reduce considerably after long wave loading. Mooring tension responses are significantly different reflecting the damping effect of mooring lines. The pitch response is fairly sensitive to the wave loading duration. After long duration of storm the wave frequency response increases. However, low frequency and wave frequency responses may simultaneously occur due to synchronising sea states.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF THE PULL-OFF ADHESION OF CONCRETE FLOOR LAYERS USING RBF NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Sadowski Łukasz
Published: September 2013

The interlayer bond is one of the primary qualities assessed during an inspection of floor concrete workmanship. The measure of this bond is the value of pull-off adhesion f b determined in practice by the pull-off method. The drawback of this method is that the tested floor is damaged in each of the test points and then needs to be repaired. This drawback can be overcome by developing a way which will make it possible to test floors in any point without damaging them locally. In this paper it is proposed to evaluate the pull-off adhesion of the top layer to the base layer in concrete floors by means of the radial basis function (RBF) artificial neural network using the parameters evaluated by the non-destructive acoustic impulse response technique and the non-destructive optical laser triangulation method. Presented RBF neural network model is useful tool in the non-destructive evaluation of the pull-off adhesion of concrete floor layers without the need to damage the top layer fragment from the base.