bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Contact Translation-Rotation Sensor Using Combined Effects of Magnetostriction and Piezoelectricity
Authors: Yang Bintang , Liu Qingwei , Zhang Ting , Cao Yudong , Feng Zhiqiang , Meng Guang
Published: October 2012

Precise displacement sensors are an important topic in precision engineering. At present, this type of sensors typically have a single feature of either translation or rotation measurement. They are also inconvenient to integrate with the host devices. In this report we propose a new kind of sensor that enables both translation and rotation measurement by using the combined effect of magnetostriction and piezoelectricity. As a proof of concept, we experimentally realized a prototype of non-contact translation-rotation precise sensor. In the current research stage, through both theoretical and experimental study, the non-contact displacement sensor is shown to be feasible for measuring both translation and rotation either in coarse or fine measurement. Moreover, owing to its compact, rigid structure and fewer components, it can be easily embedded in host equipment.
Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures for Low Temperature CO and UV Sensing
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Manzoor Umair , Islam Mohammad , Bhatti Arshad , Shah Nazar
Published: October 2012

In this paper, synthesis and results of the low temperature sensing of carbon monoxide (CO) gas and room temperature UV sensors using one dimensional (1-D) ZnO nanostructures are presented. Comb-like structures, belts and rods, and needle-shaped nanobelts were synthesized by varying synthesis temperature using a vapor transport method. Needle-like ZnO nanobelts are unique as, according to our knowledge, there is no evidence of such morphology in previous literature. The structural, morphological and optical characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and diffused reflectance spectroscopy techniques. It was observed that the sensing response of comb-like structures for UV light was greater as compared to the other grown structures. Comb-like structure based gas sensors successfully detect CO at 75 °C while other structures did not show any response.
Frequency Identification of Vibration Signals Using Video Camera Image Data
Authors: Jeng Yih-Nen , Wu Chia-Hung
Published: October 2012

This study showed that an image data acquisition system connecting a high-speed camera or webcam to a notebook or personal computer (PC) can precisely capture most dominant modes of vibration signal, but may involve the non-physical modes induced by the insufficient frame rates. Using a simple model, frequencies of these modes are properly predicted and excluded. Two experimental designs, which involve using an LED light source and a vibration exciter, are proposed to demonstrate the performance. First, the original gray-level resolution of a video camera from, for instance, 0 to 256 levels, was enhanced by summing gray-level data of all pixels in a small region around the point of interest. The image signal was further enhanced by attaching a white paper sheet marked with a black line on the surface of the vibration system in operation to increase the gray-level resolution. Experimental results showed that the Prosilica CV640C CMOS high-speed camera has the critical frequency of inducing the false mode at 60 Hz, whereas that of the webcam is 7.8 Hz. Several factors were proven to have the effect of partially suppressing the non-physical modes, but they cannot eliminate them completely. Two examples, the prominent vibration modes of which are less than the associated critical frequencies, are examined to demonstrate the performances of the proposed systems. In general, the experimental data show that the non-contact type image data acquisition systems are potential tools for collecting the low-frequency vibration signal of a system.
A Review on Architectures and Communications Technologies for Wearable Health-Monitoring Systems
Authors: Custodio Víctor , Herrera Francisco J. , López Gregorio , Moreno José Ignacio
Published: October 2012

Nowadays society is demanding more and more smart healthcare services that allow monitoring patient status in a non-invasive way, anywhere and anytime. Thus, healthcare applications are currently facing important challenges guided by the u-health (ubiquitous health) and p-health (pervasive health) paradigms. New emerging technologies can be combined with other widely deployed ones to develop such next-generation healthcare systems. The main objective of this paper is to review and provide more details on the work presented in “LOBIN: E-Textile and Wireless-Sensor-Network-Based Platform for Healthcare Monitoring in Future Hospital Environments”, published in the IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, as well as to extend and update the comparison with other similar systems. As a result, the paper discusses the main advantages and disadvantages of using different architectures and communications technologies to develop wearable systems for pervasive healthcare applications.
An Exergy-Based Model for Population Dynamics: Adaptation, Mutualism, Commensalism and Selective Extinction
Authors: Sciubba Enrico , Zullo Federico
Published: October 2012

Following the critical analysis of the concept of “sustainability”, developed on the basis of exergy considerations in previous works, an analysis of possible species “behavior” is presented and discussed in this paper. Once more, we make use of one single axiom: that resource consumption (material and immaterial) can be quantified solely in terms of exergy flows. This assumption leads to a model of population dynamics that is applied here to describe the general behavior of interacting populations. The resulting equations are similar to the Lotka-Volterra ones, but more strongly coupled and intrinsically non-linear: as such, their solution space is topologically richer than those of classical prey-predator models. In this paper, we address an interesting specific problem in population dynamics: if a species assumes a commensalistic behavior, does it gain an evolutionary advantage? And, what is the difference, in terms of the access to the available exergy resources, between mutualism and commensalism? The model equations can be easily rearranged to accommodate both types of behavior, and thus only a brief discussion is devoted to this facet of the problem. The solution space is explored in the simplest case of two interacting populations: the model results in population curves in phase space that can satisfactorily explain the evolutionistic advantages and drawbacks of either behavior and, more importantly, identify the presence or absence of a “sustainable” solution in which both species survive.
Energy Recovery from Sludge and Sustainable Development: A Tanzanian Case Study
Authors: Torretta Vincenzo , Conti Fabio , Leonardi Matteo , Ruggieri Gianluca
Published: October 2012

The paper retraces the implementation of a biogas energy programme within the Best Ray project run in Tanzania 2008–2011. The objective of the Best Ray project was to empower rural communities by providing them with modern and renewable energy technologies to better tackle Millennium Development Goals. An important activity of the project was the construction of a biogas system in secondary school solve a sanitation problem and provide the school with a free and reliable energy supply. After a field assessment, the project directed the resources to small domestic biogas installation rather than large institutional ones as future sustainability seemed to be better granted. Best Ray merged the Tanzanian Domestic Biogas Programme. Trainings were organized and 25 biogas plants constructed. The technology is simple and the design effective, but still the cost seems high for a rural context. Final beneficiaries are appreciating the technologies for reasons that were not predictable by those who ideated the project.
Transplantation of Neural Crest-Like Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Improves Diabetic Polyneuropathy in Mice
Authors: Okawa Tetsuji , Kamiya Hideki , Himeno Tatsuhito , Kato Jiro , Seino Yusuke , Fujiya Atsushi , Kondo Masaki , Tsunekawa Shin , Naruse Keiko , Hamada Yoji , Ozaki Nobuaki , Cheng Zhao , Kito Tetsutaro , Suzuki Hirohiko , Ito Sachiko , Oiso Yutaka , Nakamura Jiro , Isobe Ken-Ichi
Published: October 2012

Impaired vascularity and nerve degeneration are the most important pathophysiological abnormalities of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Therefore, regeneration of both the vascular and nervous systems is required for the treatment of DPN. The neural crest (NC) is a transient embryonic structure in vertebrates that differentiates into a vast range of cells, including peripheral neurons, Schwann cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we investigated the ability of transplantation of NC-like (NCL) cells derived from aged mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in the treatment of DPN. iPS cells were induced to differentiate into neural cells by stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA) and subsequently supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 4 to promote differentiation of NC lineage. After the induction, p75 neurotrophin receptor-positive NCL cells were purified using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Sorted NCL cells differentiated to peripheral neurons, glial cells, and smooth muscle cells by additional SDIA. NCL cells were transplanted into hind limb skeletal muscles of 16-week streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Nerve conduction velocity, current perception threshold, intraepidermal nerve fiber density, sensitivity to thermal stimuli, sciatic nerve blood flow, plantar skin blood flow, and capillary number-to-muscle fiber ratio were evaluated. Four weeks after transplantation, the engrafted cells produced growth factors: nerve growth factor, neurotrophin 3, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. It was also confirmed that some engrafted cells differentiated into vascular smooth muscle cells or Schwann cell-like cells at each intrinsic site. The transplantation improved the impaired nerve and vascular functions. These results suggest that transplantation of NCL cells derived from iPS cells could have therapeutic effects on DPN through paracrine actions of growth factors and differentiation into Schwann cell-like cells and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Decreasing Rate of Multiple Treatment Modifications among Individuals who Initiated Antiretroviral Therapy in 1997–2009 in the Danish HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Helleberg Marie , Kronborg Gitte , Larsen Carsten S , Pedersen Gitte , Pedersen Court , Nielsen Lars , Laursen Alex L , Obel Niels , Gerstoft Jan
Published: October 2012

Background

We hypothesized that rates and reasons for treatment modifications have changed since the implementation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) due to improvements in therapy.

Methods

From a nationwide population-based cohort study we identified all HIV-1-infected adults who initiated cART in Denmark 1997–2009 and were followed ≥1 year. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and reasons for treatment modifications were estimated and compared between patients, who initiated treatment in 1997–1999, 2000–2004 and 2005–2009. Rates of discontinuation of individual antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 3,107 patients were followed for a median of 7.3 years (IQR 3.8–10.8). Rates of first treatment modification ≤1 year after cART initiation did not change (IRR 0.88 [95% CI 0.78, 1.01] and 1.03 [95% CI 0.90, 1.18] in 2000–2004 and 2005–2009, respectively, compared with 1997–1999). Rates of multiple modifications decreased markedly (2000–2004 IRR 0.60 [95% CI 0.53, 0.67] and 2005–2009 IRR 0.38 [95% CI 0.32, 0.46]). Rates of treatment modifications due to virological failure, toxicity and other/unknown reasons decreased (IRR 0.25 [95% CI 0.14, 0.45], 0.69 [95% CI 0.56, 0.83] and 0.45 [95% CI 0.36, 0.57], respectively, in 2005–2009 compared with 1997–1999), whereas the rate of modifications with the aim of simplification increased (IRR 1.85 [95% CI 1.52, 2.25]).

Conclusions

Rates of first treatment modification ≤1 year after cART initiation have not changed since the early cART era, whereas the risk of multiple modifications has decreased markedly. Modifications due to virological failure and toxicity have decreased substantially, whereas rates of switch to simpler and less toxic regimens have increased.
Pregnancy and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Highly Predisposed North American Native Population
Authors: PESCHKEN CHRISTINE A. , ROBINSON DAVID B. , HITCHON CAROL A. , SMOLIK IRENE , HART DONNA , BERNSTEIN CHARLES N. , EL-GABALAWY HANI S.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

To examine reproductive history and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk in a highly predisposed population of North American Natives (NAN) with unique fertility characteristics.

Methods.

The effect of pregnancy on the risk of RA was examined by comparing women enrolled in 2 studies: a study of RA in NAN patients and their unaffected relatives; and NAN patients with RA and unrelated healthy NAN controls enrolled in a study of autoimmunity. All participants completed questionnaires detailing their reproductive history.

Results.

Patients with RA (n = 168) and controls (n = 400) were similar overall in age, education, shared epitope frequency, number of pregnancies, age at first pregnancy, smoking, and breastfeeding history. In multivariate analysis, for women who had ≥ 6 births the OR for developing RA was 0.43 (95% CI 0.21–0.87) compared with women who had 1–2 births (p = 0.046); for women who gave birth for the first time after age 20 the OR for developing RA was 0.33 (95% CI 0.16–0.66) compared with women whose first birth occurred at age ≤ 17 (p = 0.001). The highest risk of developing RA was in the first postpartum year (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.45–9.93) compared with subsequent years (p = 0.004).

Conclusion.

In this unique population, greater parity significantly reduced the odds of RA; an early age at first birth increased the odds, and the postpartum period was confirmed as high risk for RA onset. The protective effect of repeated exposure to the ameliorating hormonal and immunological changes of pregnancy may counterbalance the effect of early exposure to the postpartum reversal of these changes.
Increased Body Mass Index in Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated with Greater Burden of Symptoms and Poor Perceptions of the Benefits of Exercise
Authors: DURCAN LAURA , WILSON FIONA , CONWAY RICHARD , CUNNANE GAYE , O’SHEA FINBAR D.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Increased body mass index (BMI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with a greater burden of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise. In AS, the effect of obesity on disease characteristics and exercise perceptions is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of obesity in AS, to assess the attitudes of patients toward exercise and to evaluate the effect of obesity on symptoms and disease activity.

Methods.

Demographic data and disease characteristics were collected from 46 patients with AS. Disease activity, symptomatology, and functional disability were examined using standard AS questionnaires. BMI was calculated. Comorbidity was analyzed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients’ attitudes toward exercise were assessed using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). We compared the disease characteristics, perceptions regarding exercise, and functional limitations in those who were overweight to those who had a normal BMI.

Results.

The mean BMI in the group was 27.4; 67.5% of subjects were overweight or obese. There was a statistically significant difference between those who were overweight and those with a normal BMI regarding their perceptions of exercise (EBBS 124.7 vs 136.6, respectively), functional limitation (Bath AS Functional Index 4.7 vs 2.5, Health Assessment Questionnaire 0.88 vs 0.26), and disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index 4.8 vs 2.9). There was no difference between the groups in terms of their comorbid conditions or other demographic variables.

Conclusion.

The majority of patients in this AS cohort were overweight. They had a greater burden of symptoms, worse perceptions regarding the benefits of exercise, and enhanced awareness of their barriers to exercising. This is of particular concern in a disease where exercise plays a crucial role.
Enthesitis-related Arthritis Is Associated with Higher Pain Intensity and Poorer Health Status in Comparison with Other Categories of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry
Authors: WEISS PAMELA F. , BEUKELMAN TIMOTHY , SCHANBERG LAURA E. , KIMURA YUKIKO , COLBERT ROBERT A.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

To assess the relative effect of clinical factors and medications on pain intensity, physical function, and health status in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from children with JIA enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry. We tested whether clinical characteristics of JIA were associated with pain intensity, physical function, and health status using multivariable linear and ordinal logistic regression.

Results.

During the study period, 2571 subjects with JIA enrolled in the CARRA Registry. Ratings of pain intensity, physical function, and health status differed significantly between JIA categories. In comparison to other categories of JIA, subjects with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) reported worse pain and function. In multivariable analyses, higher active joint count and current use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), biologics, or corticosteroids were associated with worse scores on all patient-reported measures. ERA and older age were significantly associated with higher pain intensity and poorer health status. Systemic JIA and uveitis were significantly associated with worse health status. Enthesitis, sacroiliac tenderness, and NSAID use were independently associated with increased pain intensity in ERA. The correlation was low between physician global assessment of disease activity and patient-reported pain intensity, physical function, and health status.

Conclusion.

Significant differences in pain intensity, physical function, and health status exist among JIA categories. These results suggest that current treatments may not be equally effective for particular disease characteristics more common in specific JIA categories, such as enthesitis or sacroiliac tenderness in ERA.
Le salariat dans le secteur culturel en 2009 : flexibilité et pluriactivité
Authors: Gouyon Marie , Patureau Frédérique
Published: October 2012

Résumé En 2009, 26 millions de personnes sont salariées au moins une heure en France et, parmi elles, 697 000 interviennent dans le secteur culturel pour un volume de 557 millions d’heures, soit 800 heures annuelles en moyenne par salarié. Le salariat dans le secteur culturel (qui rassemble les trois quarts environ des actifs intervenant dans ce secteur) se caractérise par une grande flexibilité : des temps de travail courts et des rémunérations très dispersées, et un usage répandu de la pluriactivité. Les salariés sont jeunes, ce sont plutôt des hommes, ils travaillent majoritairement en Île-de-France. Les différentes activités du secteur culturel ont été regroupées en cinq grands domaines, selon une double logique de proximité des activités et de physionomie d’emploi (durée des contrats, pérennité des emplois). L’analyse présente les caractéristiques générales de l’emploi salarié en 2009 pour chacun de ces domaines : le spectacle, l’édition, l’architecture et le patrimoine, l’enseignement artistique et de loisirs et la création visuelle.
Transmettre des secrets en temps de guerre
Authors: Walter Bastian
Published: October 2012

Le recours aux cedulae inclusae dont il est question dans l’article représente une technique efficace pour communiquer des informations. Grâce à elles, l’expéditeur restait anonyme et les informations demeuraient inconnues de ceux à qui elles n’étaient pas destinées, ce qui était particulièrement recommandé en temps de guerre. Avec elles, les dirigeants des villes ont été en mesure d’établir des réseaux de communications étendus et de renforcer la cohésion et la confiance de leurs alliés. Les informations marquées « Secret » communiquées par les Cedulae assuraient la coordination de politiques extérieures communes. Pour ceux qui en étaient parties prenantes, l’information confidentielle a constitué un lien et renforcé l’identité collective de groupe.
Le prieuré clunisen de Thierenbach (12e - 18e siècles) et son pèlerinage
Authors: Clementz Élisabeth
Published: October 2012

Si le semis d’établissements clunisiens est dense en France, il n’en va pas de même en Allemagne, où seules les contrées périphériques sont atteintes. Thierenbach est l’un de ces prieurés fondés dans le Sud de l’Alsace, au départ comme couvent double. Malgré l’existence de cinq documents – tous faux – concernant les origines de Thierenbach, la fondation du prieuré suscite encore aujourd’hui de nombreuses questions. Elle se situe vraisemblablement dans la première moitié du 12e siècle et Ulrich de (Vaudémont-) Eguisheim apparaît comme le fondateur le moins improbable. Dès le début du 14e siècle, Thierenbach n’abrite plus que deux moines et est endetté.Thierenbach est aujourd’hui le plus grand pèlerinage marial du Sud de l’Alsace. Ce pèlerinage date très probablement du 15e siècle, car c’est à ce moment que l’église a été très fortement agrandie. L’église actuelle a été érigée en 1723 par Peter Thumb, l’architecte d’Ebersmünster et de Birnau, au bord du lac de Constance. Tout au long du 18e siècle, les religieux de Thierenbach tiennent également une école.
La paroisse Saint-Louis de Strasbourg administrée par les chanoines réguliers lorrains
Authors: Andriot Cédric
Published: October 2012

Avec l’époque moderne, le temps était venu pour les congrégations religieuses de redéfinir leurs fonctions. Certaines, comme la congrégation lorraine de Notre-Sauveur, décidèrent de s’orienter vers la pastorale. Or la ville de Strasbourg, devenue française à la fin du XVIIe siècle, offrait un champ d’expérimentation nouveau pour ces religieux déterminés à faire progresser leur foi au-delà de la dorsale catholique, en cette terre de mission qu’était l’Alsace protestante. Toutefois, le bilan ne fut pas à la hauteur des attentes de la monarchie et des espérances des religieux : une fois passé l’enthousiasme des premières années, la paroisse Saint-Louis de Strasbourg se limita à entretenir la foi des catholiques francophones. Privée de moyens, elle déclina au XVIIIe siècle et disparut sans bruit avec la Révolution, non sans avoir marqué durant plus d’un siècle la vie religieuse strasbourgeoise.
Recherches sur le Magistrat du Rhin
Authors: Descombes René
Published: October 2012

Le Magistrat du Rhin, une institution de Napoléon Ier, siégeant à Strasbourg, a été créé par le décret du 27 octobre 1808 : il était « chargé de l’examen et de la décision de toutes les questions relatives à la conservation de la rive gauche du Rhin, depuis Huningue jusqu’à la frontière du royaume de Hollande ». Jean François Merlet, ancien Préfet de la Vendée, fut président du Magistrat du Rhin de 1809 à 1812. Rentrant en Vendée, il embarqua les archives du Magistrat du Rhin, dont on devait longtemps perdre la trace…Ces « Recherches sur le Magistrat du Rhin », basées en partie sur ces archives retrouvées, permettent d’avoir une vue d’ensemble sur cette institution, qui fonctionna de 1809 jusqu’à la chute du Premier Empire (1814), et « produisit d’excellents résultats, surtout relativement à l’entente entre les administrations des deux rives » (M. Coumes). On suivra avec intérêt les avatars du Président Merlet, qui n’a vraiment pas été à son aise à Strasbourg, mais qui, prenant à cœur ses attributions, poursuivit sa tâche avec zèle et compétence sans relâche, prenant ainsi part aux « affaires » du Strasbourg impérial. Ce « Magistrat du Rhin » est l’ancêtre direct de la « Commission Centrale pour la Navigation du Rhin », une création du congrès de Vienne (1815).
Faire connaître Liszt en son temps : Alfred et Marie Jaëll, « passeurs » oubliés
Authors: Ingelaere Marie-Laure
Published: October 2012

La carrière des pianistes Alfred et Marie Jaëll a été largement influencée par Franz Liszt dont ils ont été les disciples d’une manière ou d’une autre. Mais Liszt leur est aussi redevable. Le virtuose Alfred Jaëll (1832-1882) a mis les œuvres de Liszt très tôt à son répertoire, dès les années 1855 et a contribué de plus à diffuser sa musique par le biais des « paraphrases » qu’il composait. Marie Jaëll-Trautmann (1846-1925), son épouse, s’imposera toute sa vie comme interprète incontestée de Liszt. Le cycle de six concerts qu’elle consacre en 1892 à Paris aux œuvres pour piano connues de Liszt marque son temps. L’étude des relations entre Liszt et Marie Jaëll éclaire la personnalité de cette dernière en tant que virtuose et compositrice et aussi en tant qu’initiatrice d’une nouvelle méthode pianistique basée sur une approche scientifique.
Le choc d’« Avant l’Oubli » de Philippe Avril et Gisèle Rapp-Meichler (1986, 1988)
Authors: Igersheim François
Published: October 2012

Les associations de « Malgré-Nous » obtiennent par un accord franco-allemand du 31 mars 1981, l’indemnisation des « incorporés de force alsaciens et mosellans », qui sera effectivement appliquée en 1984. Des initiatives sont prises au début des années 80, par de jeunes historiens, journalistes et documentaristes alsaciens qui ont pour but de mettre en lumière ce drame, « nœud traumatique prégnant », qui marque l’opinion alsacienne de la fin du XXe siècle. Parmi eux celle de Philippe Avril et Gisèle Rapp‑Meichler. À partir de 1983, ils montent le projet qui prendra le nom « Avant l’oubli ». Ils réunissent plus de 200 heures d’entretien filmés, auxquels s’ajoutent 60 heures d’images d’actualité. Le tout est monté dans 3 épisodes de 30 et 40 minutes d’un film intitulé « Alsace, prise de guerre », diffusé en novembre 1986. Le film fait une impression profonde dans la population alsacienne : les générations d’après-guerre découvrent le drame des « Malgré-Nous ». Les entretiens sont pour la majorité menés en alsacien, sous-titré français, et à cette époque-là, la majorité de la population alsacienne comprend suffisamment l’alsacien pour être saisi par l’émotion des récits simples des témoins. Cette projection est suivie en 1988, d’une série d’expositions, à Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Forbach, Metz, Colmar. Même si des questions de droits d’auteurs, a définitivement cantonnée l’œuvre dans les archives de l’Institut national français de l’audiovisuel (INA) d’où il n’est jamais ressorti ce qui est regrettable, l’opération « Avant l’oubli » est un précurseur de l’entreprise du Mémorial de Schirmeck, lancé en 1993 et en 1999.
Recherches allemandes récentes sur l’histoire médiévale de l’Alsace : un aperçu sur la période 1990 à 2012
Authors: Zotz Thomas
Published: October 2012

La réédition en 1991 de l’ouvrage de Heinrich Büttner, Geschichte des Elsass, datant de 1939, marque l’une certaine manière le début de la période historiographique dont il est ici question. En même temps, elle fait porter le regard sur l’époque d’avant 1945, dont les épreuves ont pesé durablement sur la relation germano-française et en particulier germano-alsacienne. Celles-ci se reflètent notamment dans les hésitations de la part des médiévistes allemands de l’immédiat après-guerre à se consacrer à l’histoire de l’Alsace. Cependant, à partir des années 1960, à la suite de la réconciliation franco-allemande, les recherches allemandes sur l’Alsace se sont nettement accrues, pour connaître dans les deux dernières décennies un véritable apogée, autant dans le domaine de l’histoire générale qu’en histoire sociale et économique, en histoire urbaine comme ecclésiastique. Cela va de pair avec une intense coopération franco-allemande, qui s’exprime dans des projets de recherche et lors de rencontres scientifiques.
Les historiens anglophones et l’Alsace : une fascination durable
Authors: Carrol Alison
Published: October 2012

L’Alsace est la région française la plus étudiée par les historiens anglophones. Cet article situe l’attention durable des chercheurs anglo-saxons dans une série de questions politiques et théoriques contemporaines : débats sur le régionalisme et la diversité de la France, questions de la construction des nations modernes et des identités nationales, discussions sur le rôle des frontières, et des régions frontalières dans l’Europe contemporaine et un mouvement intellectuel plus large qui vise à écrire l’histoire française de la perspective ‘transnationale.’ Cette historiographie anglophone a produit des résultats significatifs, notamment, il a montré la centralité de l’Alsace dans l’histoire nationale et européenne. Pourtant, en réintégrant l’histoire alsacienne dans les questions générales, les chercheurs anglo-saxons risquent adopter l’approche des administrateurs parisiens ou berlinois vis-à-vis de l’Alsace.
Les élections présidentielles et législatives du printemps 2012 en Alsace
Authors: Kleinschmager Richard
Published: October 2012

Les élections présidentielles et législatives du printemps de 2012 ont confirmé l’ancrage à droite de l’Alsace, à contre-courant du changement national de majorité. Aux élections présidentielles, Nicolas Sarkozy a confirmé sa première place de 2007 dans la région et Marine Le Pen a reconquis l’influence perdue à l’élection présidentielle précédente par son père. François Hollande a stabilisé la présence du PS tandis que François Bayrou a perdu une part significative de son électorat. Aux élections législatives, dans le souffle de la victoire présidentielle de François Hollande, le PS a obtenu un deuxième député sur les quinze députés de la région dont l’écrasante majorité se rattachent à l’UMP. Le PS consolide ses positions dans les principales villes, en particulier Strasbourg qui compte désormais deux députés se réclamant de la nouvelle majorité présidentielle socialiste. Ces élections ont marqué un certain renouvellement de génération dans la représentation parlementaire du Bas‑Rhin dont cinq députés sur neuf se sont fait élire pour la première fois contrairement au Haut‑Rhin dont tous les députés élus sont des sortants.
APRIL Binding to BCMA Activates a JNK2–FOXO3–GADD45 Pathway and Induces a G2/M Cell Growth Arrest in Liver Cells
Authors: Notas George , Alexaki Vassilia-Ismini , Kampa Marilena , Pelekanou Vassiliki , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Sabour-Alaoui Sanaa , Pediaditakis Iosif , Dessirier Valérie , Gravanis Achille , Stathopoulos Efstathios N. , Tsapis Andreas , Castanas Elias
Published: October 2012

The TNF superfamily ligands APRIL and BAFF bind with different affinity to two receptors, BCMA and TACI, and induce cell survival and/or proliferation, whereas BAFF also binds specifically to BAFFR. These molecules were considered specific for the immune system. Recently, however, they were also found in epithelial and mesenchymal noncancerous and cancerous tissues and cell lines. In this article, we report that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines HepG2 and Hep3B and HCC specimens express APRIL and BAFF and their receptors BCMA and BAFFR, but not TACI; APRIL/BCMA is enhanced in HCC, compared with normal liver tissue. In contrast to previous reports, APRIL binding to BCMA decreases cell proliferation by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, whereas BAFF has no effect on cell growth. HCC cells therefore represent a rare system in which these two ligands (APRIL and BAFF) exert a differential effect and may serve as a model for specific APRIL/BCMA actions. We show that the effect of APRIL is mediated via BCMA, which does not activate the classical NF-κB pathway, whereas it induces a novel signaling pathway, which involves JNK2 phosphorylation, FOXO3A activation, and GADD45 transcription. In addition, JNK2 mediates the phosphorylation of Akt, which is activated but does not participate in the antiproliferative effect of APRIL. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that APRIL modifies genes specifically related to cell cycle modulation, including MCM2/4/5/6, CDC6, PCNA, and POLE2. Our data, therefore, identify a novel APRIL/BCMA signaling pathway in HCC and suggest that APRIL could have a pleiotropic role in tumor biology.
Mouse Clr-g, a Ligand for NK Cell Activation Receptor NKR-P1F: Crystal Structure and Biophysical Properties
Authors: Skálová Tereza , Kotýnková Kristýna , Dušková Jarmila , Hašek Jindřich , Kovaǐ Tomáš , Kolenko Petr , Novák Petr , Man Petr , Hanč Pavel , Vaněk Ondřej , Bezouška Karel , Dohnálek Jan
Published: October 2012

Interactions between C-type lectin-like NK cell receptors and their protein ligands form one of the key recognition mechanisms of the innate immune system that is involved in the elimination of cells that have been malignantly transformed, virally infected, or stressed by chemotherapy or other factors. We determined an x-ray structure for the extracellular domain of mouse C-type lectin related (Clr) protein g, a ligand for the activation receptor NKR-P1F. Clr-g forms dimers in the crystal structure resembling those of human CD69. This newly reported structure, together with the previously determined structure of mouse receptor NKR-P1A, allowed the modeling and calculations of electrostatic profiles for other closely related receptors and ligands. Despite the high similarity among Clr-g, Clr-b, and human CD69, these molecules have fundamentally different electrostatics, with distinct polarization of Clr-g. The electrostatic profile of NKR-P1F is complementary to that of Clr-g, which suggests a plausible interaction mechanism based on contacts between surface sites of opposite potential.
Specific Serum Ig Recognizing Staphylococcal Wall Teichoic Acid Induces Complement-Mediated Opsonophagocytosis against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jung Dong-Jun , An Jang-Hyun , Kurokawa Kenji , Jung Yoon-Chuel , Kim Min-Jung , Aoyagi Youko , Matsushita Misao , Takahashi Shinji , Lee Hee-Seung , Takahashi Kazue , Lee Bok Luel
Published: October 2012

Wall teichoic acid (WTA) of Staphylococcus aureus is a major cell envelope-associated glycopolymer that is a key molecule in promoting colonization during S. aureus infection. The complement system plays a key role in the opsonization and clearance of pathogens. We recently reported that S. aureus WTA functions as a ligand of human serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a recognition molecule of the lectin complement pathway. Intriguingly, serum MBL in adults does not bind to WTA because of an inhibitory effect of serum anti–WTA-IgG. In this study, serum anti–WTA-IgG was purified to homogeneity using a purified S. aureus WTA-coupled affinity column to examine the biological function of human anti–WTA-IgG. The purified anti–WTA-IgG contained the IgG2 subclass as a major component and specifically induced C4 and C3 deposition on the S. aureus surface in the anti–WTA-IgG–depleted serum, but not in C1q-deficient serum. Furthermore, the anti–WTA-IgG–dependent C3 deposition induced phagocytosis of S. aureus cells by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These results demonstrate that serum anti–WTA-IgG is a real trigger for the induction of classical complement-dependent opsonophagocytosis against S. aureus. Our results also support the fact that a lack of the lectin complement pathway in MBL-deficient adults is compensated by Ag-specific, Ab-mediated adaptive immunity.
Yersinia enterocolitica YadA Mediates Complement Evasion by Recruitment and Inactivation of C3 Products
Authors: Schindler Magnus K. H. , Schütz Monika S. , Mühlenkamp Melanie C. , Rooijakkers Suzan H. M. , Hallström Teresia , Zipfel Peter F. , Autenrieth Ingo B.
Published: October 2012

Yersinia adhesin A (YadA) is a major virulence factor of Yersinia enterocolitica. YadA mediates host cell binding and autoaggregation and protects the pathogen from killing by the complement system. Previous studies demonstrated that YadA is the most important single factor mediating serum resistance of Y. enterocolitica, presumably by binding C4b binding protein (C4BP) and factor H, which are both complement inhibitors. Factor H acts as a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b into the inactive form iC3b and thus prevents formation of inflammatory effector compounds and the terminal complement complex. In this study, we challenged the current direct binding model of factor H to YadA and show that Y. enterocolitica YadA recruits C3b and iC3b directly, without the need of an active complement cascade or additional serum factors. Enhanced binding of C3b does not decrease survival of YadA-expressing Yersiniae because C3b becomes readily inactivated by factor H and factor I. Binding of factor H to YadA is greatly reduced in the absence of C3. Experiments using Yersinia lacking YadA or expressing YadA with reduced trimeric stability clearly demonstrate that both the presence and full trimeric stability of YadA are essential for complement resistance. A novel mechanism of factor H binding is presented in which YadA exploits recruitment of C3b or iC3b to attract large amounts of factor H. As a consequence, formation of the terminal complement complex is limited and bacterial survival is enhanced. These findings add a new aspect of how Y. enterocolitica effectively evades the host complement system.
Foot Care and Footwear Practices among Patients Attending a Specialist Diabetes Clinic in Jamaica
Authors: Gayle Krystal A.T. , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K. , Younger Novie O. , Francis Damian K. , McFarlane Shelly R. , Wright-Pascoe Rosemarie A. , Boyne Michael S. , Wilks Rainford J. , Ferguson Trevor S.
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) Diabetes Clinic who engage in recommended foot care and footwear practices. Seventy-two participants from the UHWI Diabetes Clinic completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on foot care practices and types of footwear worn. Participants were a subset of a sex-stratified random sample of clinic attendees and were interviewed in 2010. Data analysis included frequency estimates of the various foot care practices and types of footwear worn. Participants had a mean age of 57.0±14.3 years and mean duration of diabetes of 17.0±10.3 years. Fifty-three percent of participants reported being taught how to care for their feet, while daily foot inspection was performed by approximately 60% of participants. Most participants (90%) reported daily use of moisturizing lotion on the feet but almost 50% used lotion between the toes. In conclusion, approximately 85% of participants reported wearing shoes or slippers both indoors and outdoors but over 40% reported walking barefoot at some time. Thirteen percent wore special shoes for diabetes while over 80% wore shoes without socks at some time. Although much larger proportions reported wearing broad round toe shoes (82%) or leather shoes (64%), fairly high proportions reported wearing pointed toe shoes (39%), and 43% of women wore high heel shoes. Approximately 60% of patients at the UHWI diabetic clinic engage in daily foot inspection and other recommended practices, but fairly high proportions reported foot care or footwear choices that should be avoided.
Perceived control, academic performance and well-being of Ghanaian college students with disability
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Frances E. , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Edusei Anthony
Published: October 2012

Background: Empirical evidence abounds showing the impact of perceived control on subjective well-being in several spheres of functioning, including academic performance. At tertiary institutions, such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, little is known about the needs of students with disabilities, as very few persons with disabilities attend institutions of higher learning.Objectives: This study examined the relationship between perceptions of control and the academic and subjective well-being of students with disabilities.Method: A total of 69 students with disabilities participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Using trusted control and subjective well-being scales, data were subject to descriptive analyses.Results: Consistent with previous works, perceived control increased with increased subjective well-being, moderated by gender. In addition, forms of secondary control appeared to aid primary control in the tenacious pursuit of goals. However, neither perceived control nor self-esteem was predictive of academic performance.Conclusion: Limitations of sample size notwithstanding, the findings of the study can be considered provocative. Implications for clinical utility in facilitating context-specific interventions for this marginalised group are discussed. Replication with a larger sample size in other tertiary institutions is suggested for future work.
Radiative budget and cloud radiative effect over the Atlantic from ship-based observations
Authors: Kalisch J. , Macke A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The aim of this study is to determine cloud-type resolved cloud radiative budgets and cloud radiative effects from surface measurements of broadband radiative fluxes over the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, based on simultaneous observations of the state of the cloudy atmosphere, a radiative closure study has been performed by means of the ECHAM5 single column model in order to identify the model's ability to realistically reproduce the effects of clouds on the climate system. An extensive database of radiative and atmospheric measurements has been established along five meridional cruises of the German research icebreaker Polarstern. Besides pyranometer and pyrgeometer for downward broadband solar and thermal radiative fluxes, a sky imager and a microwave radiometer have been utilized to determine cloud fraction and cloud type on the one hand and temperature and humidity profiles as well as liquid water path for warm non-precipitating clouds on the other hand. Averaged over all cruise tracks, we obtain a total net (solar + thermal) radiative flux of 144 W m−2 that is dominated by the solar component. In general, the solar contribution is large for cirrus clouds and small for stratus clouds. No significant meridional dependencies were found for the surface radiation budgets and cloud effects. The strongest surface longwave cloud effects were shown in the presence of low level clouds. Clouds with a high optical density induce strong negative solar radiative effects under high solar altitudes. The mean surface net cloud radiative effect is −33 W m−2. For the purpose of quickly estimating the mean surface longwave, shortwave and net cloud effects in moderate, subtropical and tropical climate regimes, a new parameterisation was created, considering the total cloud amount and the solar zenith angle. The ECHAM5 single column model provides a surface net cloud effect that is more cooling by 17 W m−2 compared to the radiation observations. This overestimation in solar cooling is mostly caused by the shortwave impact of convective clouds. The latter show a large overestimation in solar cooling of up to 114 W m−2. Mean cloud radiative effects of cirrus and stratus clouds were simulated close to the observations.
Measurements of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetylene (C2H2) from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)
Authors: Duflot V. , Hurtmans D. , Clarisse L. , R'honi Y. , Vigouroux C. , De Mazière M. , Mahieu E. , Servais C. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetylene (C2H2) are ubiquitous atmospheric trace gases with medium lifetime, which are frequently used as indicators of combustion sources and as tracers for atmospheric transport and chemistry. Because of their weak infrared absorption, overlapped by the CO2 Q-branch near 720 cm−1, nadir sounders have up to now failed to measure these gases routinely. Taking into account CO2 line mixing we provide for the first time extensive measurements of HCN and C2H2 total columns at Reunion Island (21° S; 55° E) and Jungfraujoch (46° N; 8° E) in 2009–2010 using observations from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). These are compared with local ground-based Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) measurements and we demonstrate that the seasonality is well captured, except for HCN at Jungfraujoch. We also examine a nonspecific biomass burning plume over austral Africa and show that the emission ratios with respect to CO agree with previously reported values.
High-resolution interpolar difference of atmospheric methane around the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Baumgartner M. , Schilt A. , Eicher O. , Schmitt J. , Schwander J. , Spahni R. , Fischer H. , Stocker T. F.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Reconstructions of past atmospheric methane concentrations are available from ice cores from both Greenland and Antarctica. The difference observed between the two polar methane concentration levels represents a valuable constraint on the geographical location of the methane sources. Here we present new high-resolution methane records from the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) and the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) Dronning Maud Land (EDML) ice cores covering Termination 1, the Last Glacial Maximum, and parts of the last glacial back to 32 000 years before present. Due to the high resolution of the records, the synchronisation between the ice cores from NGRIP and EDML is considerably improved, and the interpolar concentration difference of methane is determined with unprecedented precision and temporal resolution. Relative to the mean methane concentration, we find a rather stable positive relative interpolar difference throughout the record with its minimum value of 3.7 ± 0.7 % between 21 900–21 200 years before present, which is higher than previously estimated in this interval close to the Last Glacial Maximum. This implies that Northern Hemisphere boreal wetland sources were never completely shut off during the peak glacial, as suggested from previous bipolar methane concentration records. Starting at 21 000 years before present, i.e. several millennia prior to the transition into the Holocene, the relative interpolar difference becomes even more positive and stays at a fairly stable level of 6.5 ± 0.8 % during Termination 1. We thus find that the boreal and tropical methane sources increased by approximately the same factor during Termination 1. We hypothesise that latitudinal shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the monsoon system contribute, either by dislocation of the methane source regions or, in case of the ITCZ, also by changing the relative atmospheric volumes of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, to the subtle variations in the relative interpolar concentration difference on glacial/interglacial as well as on millennial time scales.