bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Cancer Growth Suppression of Alpha-Fetoprotein Derived Growth Inhibitory Peptides (GIP): Comparison of GIP-34 versus GIP-8 (AFPep). Updates and Prospects
Authors: Mizejewski Gerald  J.
Published: June 2011

The Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) derived Growth Inhibitory Peptide (GIP) is a 34-amino acid segment of the full-length human AFP molecule that inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. The GIP-34 and its carboxy-terminal 8-mer segment, termed GIP-8, were found to be effective as anti-cancer therapeutic peptides against nine different human cancer types. Following the uptake of GIP-34 and GIP-8 into the cell cytoplasm, each follows slightly different signal transduction cascades en route to inhibitory pathways of tumor cell growth and proliferation. The parallel mechanisms of action of GIP-34 versus GIP-8 are demonstrated to involve interference of signaling transduction cascades that ultimately result in: (1) cell cycle S-phase/G2-phase arrest; (2) prevention of cyclin inhibitor degradation; (3) protection of p53 from inactivation by phosphorylation; and (4) blockage of K+ ion channels opened by estradiol and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The overall mechanisms of action of both peptides are discussed in light of their differing modes of cell attachment and uptake fortified by RNA microarray analysis and electrophysiologic measurements of cell membrane conductance and resistance. As a chemotherapeutic adjunct, the GIPs could potentially aid in alleviating the negative side effects of: (1) tamoxifen resistance, uterine hyperplasia/cancer, and blood clotting; (2) Herceptin antibody resistance and cardiac (arrest) arrhythmias; and (3) doxorubicin’s bystander cell toxicity.
SVR with Hybrid Chaotic Immune Algorithm for Seasonal Load Demand Forecasting
Authors: Hong Wei-Chiang , Dong Yucheng , Lai Chien-Yuan , Chen Li-Yueh , Wei Shih-Yung
Published: June 2011

Accurate electric load forecasting has become the most important issue in energy management; however, electric load demonstrates a seasonal/cyclic tendency from economic activities or the cyclic nature of climate. The applications of the support vector regression (SVR) model to deal with seasonal/cyclic electric load forecasting have not been widely explored. The purpose of this paper is to present a SVR model which combines the seasonal adjustment mechanism and a chaotic immune algorithm (namely SSVRCIA) to forecast monthly electric loads. Based on the operation procedure of the immune algorithm (IA), if the population diversity of an initial population cannot be maintained under selective pressure, then IA could only seek for the solutions in the narrow space and the solution is far from the global optimum (premature convergence). The proposed chaotic immune algorithm (CIA) based on the chaos optimization algorithm and IA, which diversifies the initial definition domain in stochastic optimization procedures, is used to overcome the premature local optimum issue in determining three parameters of a SVR model. A numerical example from an existing reference is used to elucidate the forecasting performance of the proposed SSVRCIA model. The forecasting results indicate that the proposed model yields more accurate forecasting results than the ARIMA and TF-ε-SVR-SA models, and therefore the SSVRCIA model is a promising alternative for electric load forecasting.
Antioxidant Activities of Hot Water Extracts from Various Spices
Authors: Kim Il-Suk , Yang Mi-Ra , Lee Ok-Hwan , Kang Suk-Nam
Published: June 2011

Recently, the natural spices and herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and caraway have been used for the processing of meat products. This study investigates the antioxidant activity of 13 spices commonly used in meat processing plants. The hot water extracts were then used for evaluation of total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activities. Our results show that the hot water extract of oregano gave the highest extraction yield (41.33%) whereas mace (7.64%) gave the lowest. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of the spice extracts can be ranked against ascorbic acid in the order ascorbic acid > clove > thyme > rosemary > savory > oregano. The values for superoxide anion radical scavenging activities were in the order of marjoram > rosemary > oregano > cumin > savory > basil > thyme > fennel > coriander > ascorbic acid. When compared to ascorbic acid (48.72%), the hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of turmeric and mace were found to be higher (p < 0.001). Clove had the highest total phenolic content (108.28 μg catechin equivalent (CE)/g). The total flavonoid content of the spices varied from 324.08 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g for thyme to 3.38 μg QE/g for coriander. Our results indicate that hot water extract of several spices had a high antioxidant activity which is partly due to the phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This provides basic data, having implications for further development of processed food products.
Mechanotransduction: Tuning Stem Cells Fate
Authors: D’Angelo Francesco , Tiribuzi Roberto , Armentano Ilaria , Kenny Josè Maria , Martino Sabata , Orlacchio Aldo
Published: June 2011

It is a general concern that the success of regenerative medicine-based applications is based on the ability to recapitulate the molecular events that allow stem cells to repair the damaged tissue/organ. To this end biomaterials are designed to display properties that, in a precise and physiological-like fashion, could drive stem cell fate both in vitro and in vivo. The rationale is that stem cells are highly sensitive to forces and that they may convert mechanical stimuli into a chemical response. In this review, we describe novelties on stem cells and biomaterials interactions with more focus on the implication of the mechanical stimulation named mechanotransduction.
Functional Feed Assessment on Litopenaeus vannamei Using 100% Fish Meal Replacement by Soybean Meal, High Levels of Complex Carbohydrates and Bacillus Probiotic Strains
Authors: Olmos Jorge , Ochoa Leonel , Paniagua-Michel Jesus , Contreras Rosalia
Published: June 2011

Functional feed supplemented with alternative-economic nutrient sources (protein, carbohydrates, lipids) and probiotics are being considered in shrimp/fish aquaculture production systems as an option to increase yield and profits and to reduce water pollution. In this study the probiotic potential to formulate functional feeds have been evaluated using four dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (B + Bs); Bacillus subtilis potential probiotic strain was supplemented to a soybeanmeal (SBM)—carbohydrates (CHO) basal feed. Treatment 2 (B + Bm); Bacillus megaterium potential probiotic strain was supplemented to the same SBM-CHO basal feed. In Treatment 3 (B); SBM-CHO basal feed was not supplemented with probiotic strains. Treatment 4 (C); fishmeal commercial feed (FM) was utilized as positive control. Feeding trials evaluated the survival, growth, and food conversion ratio and stress tolerance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) Pacific white shrimp. Best overall shrimp performance was observed for animals fed with Treatment 1 (B+Bs); additionally, stress tolerance and hemolymph metabolites also showed the best performance in this treatment. SBM-CHO basal feed not supplemented with probiotic strains (B) presented smaller growth and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). Shrimps fed with the fishmeal commercial feed (C) presented the lowest stress tolerance to high ammonia and low oxygen levels. Specifically selected B. subtilis strains are recommended to formulate functional and economical feeds containing high levels of vegetable; protein and carbohydrates as main dietary sources in L. vannamei cultures.
Enantioselective Evans-Tishchenko Reduction of b-Hydroxyketone Catalyzed by Lithium Binaphtholate
Authors: Ichibakase Tomonori , Nakatsu Masato , Nakajima Makoto
Published: June 2011

Lithium diphenylbinaphtholate catalyzed the enantioselective Evans-Tishchenko reduction of achiral b-hydroxyketones to afford monoacyl-protected 1,3-diols with high stereoselectivities. In the reaction of racemic b-hydroxyketones, kinetic optical resolution occurred in a highly stereoselective manner.
Ru/Me-BIPAM-Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Aliphatic Aldehydes and α-Ketoesters
Authors: Yamamoto Yasunori , Shirai Tomohiko , Watanabe Momoko , Kurihara Kazunori , Miyaura Norio
Published: June 2011

A ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric arylation of aliphatic aldehydes and α-ketoesters with arylboronic acids has been developed, giving chiral alkyl(aryl)methanols and α-hydroxy esters in good yields. The use of a chiral bidentate phosphoramidite ligand (Me-BIPAM) achieved excellent enantioselectivities.
Nematocidal Flavone-C-Glycosides against the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) from Arisaema erubescens Tubers
Authors: Du Shu Shan , Zhang Hai Ming , Bai Chun Qi , Wang Cheng Fang , Liu Qi Zhi , Liu Zhi Long , Wang Yong Yan , Deng Zhi Wei
Published: June 2011

A screening of several Chinese medicinal herbs for nematicidal properties showed that Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott tubers possessed significant nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). From the ethanol extract, two nematicidal flavone-C-glycosides were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compounds were identified as schaftoside and isoschaftoside on the basis of their phytochemical and spectral data. Schaftoside and isoschaftoside possessed strong nematicidal activity against M. incognita (LC50 = 114.66 μg/mL and 323.09 μg/mL, respectively) while the crude extract of A. erubescens exhibited nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode with a LC50 value of 258.11 μg/mL.
Characteristic Aroma Compounds from Different Pineapple Parts
Authors: Wei Chang-Bin , Liu Sheng-Hui , Liu Yu-Ge , Lv Ling-Ling , Yang Wen-Xiu , Sun Guang-Ming
Published: June 2011

Characteristic aroma volatile compounds from different parts of cayenne pineapple were analyzed by headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main volatile compounds were esters, terpenes, ketones and aldehydes. The number and content of aroma compounds detected in pulp were higher than those found in core. In pulp, the characteristic aroma compounds were ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl hexanoate, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF), decanal, ethyl 3-(methylthio)propionate, ethyl butanoate, and ethyl (E)-3-hexenoate; while in core the main compounds were ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl hexanoate and DMHF. The highest odor units were found to correspond to ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, followed by ethyl hexanoate and DMHF. The odor units found for pulp were higher than those for core.
Identification of N6,N6-Dimethyladenosine in Transfer RNA from Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin
Authors: Chan Clement  T.Y. , Chionh Yok Hian , Ho Chia-Hua , Lim Kok Seong , Babu I. Ramesh , Ang Emily , Wenwei Lin , Alonso Sylvie , Dedon Peter C.
Published: June 2011

There are more than 100 different ribonucleoside structures incorporated as post-transcriptional modifications, mainly in tRNA and rRNA of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and emerging evidence suggests that these modifications function as a system in the translational control of cellular responses. However, our understanding of this system is hampered by the paucity of information about the complete set of RNA modifications present in individual organisms. To this end, we have employed a chromatography-coupled mass spectrometric approach to define the spectrum of modified ribonucleosides in microbial species, starting with Mycobacterium bovis BCG. This approach revealed a variety of ribonucleoside candidates in tRNA from BCG, of which 12 were definitively identified based on comparisons to synthetic standards and 5 were tentatively identified by exact mass comparisons to RNA modification databases. Among the ribonucleosides observed in BCG tRNA was one not previously described in tRNA, which we have now characterized as N6,N6-dimethyladenosine.
Cocaine and MDMA Induce Cellular and Molecular Changes in Adult Neurogenic Systems: Functional Implications
Authors: Capilla-Gonzalez Vivian , Hernandez-Rabaza Vicente
Published: June 2011

The capacity of the brain to generate new adult neurons is a recent discovery that challenges the old theory of an immutable adult brain. A new and fascinating field of research now focuses on this regenerative process. The two brain systems that constantly produce new adult neurons, known as the adult neurogenic systems, are the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and the lateral ventricules/olfactory bulb system. Both systems are involved in memory and learning processes. Different drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and MDMA, have been shown to produce cellular and molecular changes that affect adult neurogenesis. This review summarizes the effects that these drugs have on the adult neurogenic systems. The functional relevance of adult neurogenesis is obscured by the functions of the systems that integrate adult neurons. Therefore, we explore the effects that cocaine and MDMA produce not only on adult neurogenesis, but also on the DG and olfactory bulbs. Finally, we discuss the possible role of new adult neurons in cocaine- and MDMA-induced impairments. We conclude that, although harmful drug effects are produced at multiple physiological and anatomical levels, the specific consequences of reduced hippocampus neurogenesis are unclear and require further exploration.
Enviro-Net: From Networks of Ground-Based Sensor Systems to a Web Platform for Sensor Data Management
Authors: Pastorello Gilberto Z. , Sanchez-Azofeifa G. Arturo , Nascimento Mario A.
Published: June 2011

Ecosystems monitoring is essential to properly understand their development and the effects of events, both climatological and anthropological in nature. The amount of data used in these assessments is increasing at very high rates. This is due to increasing availability of sensing systems and the development of new techniques to analyze sensor data. The Enviro-Net Project encompasses several of such sensor system deployments across five countries in the Americas. These deployments use a few different ground-based sensor systems, installed at different heights monitoring the conditions in tropical dry forests over long periods of time. This paper presents our experience in deploying and maintaining these systems, retrieving and pre-processing the data, and describes the Web portal developed to help with data management, visualization and analysis.
Orf-I and Orf-II-Encoded Proteins in HTLV-1 Infection and Persistence
Authors: Edwards Dustin , Fenizia Claudio , Gold Heather , Castro-Amarante Maria Fernanda de , Buchmann Cody , Pise-Masison Cynthia A. , Franchini Genoveffa
Published: June 2011

The 3' end of the human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type-1 (HTLV-1) genome contains four overlapping open reading frames (ORF) that encode regulatory proteins. Here, we review current knowledge of HTLV-1 orf-I and orf-II protein products. Singly spliced mRNA from orf-I encodes p12, which can be proteolytically cleaved to generate p8, while differential splicing of mRNA from orf-II results in production of p13 and p30. These proteins have been demonstrated to modulate transcription, apoptosis, host cell activation and proliferation, virus infectivity and transmission, and host immune responses. Though these proteins are not essential for virus replication in vitro, p8, p12, p13, and p30 have an important role in the establishment and maintenance of HTLV-1 infection in vivo.
Role of Human Endogenous Retroviral Long Terminal Repeats (LTRs) in Maintaining the Integrity of the Human Germ Line
Authors: Liu Meihong , Eiden Maribeth  V.
Published: June 2011

Retroviruses integrate a reverse transcribed double stranded DNA copy of their viral genome into the chromosomal DNA of cells they infect. Occasionally, exogenous retroviruses infect germ cells and when this happens a profound shift in the virus host dynamic occurs. Retroviruses maintained as hereditable viral genetic material are referred to as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). After millions of years of co-evolution with their hosts many human ERVs retain some degree of function and a few have even become symbionts. Thousands of copies of endogenous retrovirus long terminal repeats (LTRs) exist in the human genome. There are approximately 3000 to 4000 copies of the ERV-9 LTRs in the human genome and like other solo LTRs, ERV-9 LTRs can exhibit distinct promoter/enhancer activity in different cell lineages. It has been recently reported that a novel transcript of p63, a primordial member of the p53 family, is under the transcriptional control of an ERV-9 LTR [1]. The expression of different p63 transcript isoforms has been previously shown to have an important role in replenishing cutaneous epithelial stem cells and maintaining the fidelity of the female germ line [2]. In this recent report, a novel p63 transcript, designated GTAp63, is described as specifically expressed in healthy human testes and germ cell precursors of human testes but not in testicular cancer cells. The ability of ERV-9 regulatory regions to contribute to the maintenance of male germ line stability is yet another example of how ERVs have evolved to serve an important function in the physiology of their human hosts.
Generic Modelling of Faecal Indicator Organism Concentrations in the UK
Authors: Crowther John , Hampson Danyel  I. , Bateman Ian  J. , Kay David , Posen Paulette  E. , Stapleton Carl  M. , Wyer Mark  D.
Published: June 2011

To meet European Water Framework Directive requirements, data are needed on faecal indicator organism (FIO) concentrations in rivers to enable the more heavily polluted to be targeted for remedial action. Due to the paucity of FIO data for the UK, especially under high-flow hydrograph event conditions, there is an urgent need by the policy community for generic models that can accurately predict FIO concentrations, thus informing integrated catchment management programmes. This paper reports the development of regression models to predict base- and high-flow faecal coliform (FC) and enterococci (EN) concentrations for 153 monitoring points across 14 UK catchments, using land cover, population (human and livestock density) and other variables that may affect FIO source strength, transport and die-off. Statistically significant models were developed for both FC and EN, with greater explained variance achieved in the high-flow models. Both land cover and, in particular, population variables are significant predictors of FIO concentrations, with r2 maxima for EN of 0.571 and 0.624, respectively. It is argued that the resulting models can be applied, with confidence, to other UK catchments, both to predict FIO concentrations in unmonitored watercourses and evaluate the likely impact of different land use/stocking level and human population change scenarios.
La Révolution arabe de 2011 : à la recherche du sens perdu....
Authors: Younga Hayat Lydia
Published: June 2011

Dans les médias français ou chez des spécialistes reconnus, les révoltes en cours dans le monde arabe font l’objet d’analyses qui ont du mal à s’abstraire d’un certain européo-centrisme ou bien de référents historiques trop peu opérants comme le référent islamiste. Bien que porteurs de nouveauté, ces révoltes s’inscrivent dans la longue généalogie des mouvements politiques et sociaux. Il n’est qu’à reconsidérer les slogans repris par les foules en mouvement pour prendre la mesure de cet ancrage historique. Le présent politique choisit sa mémoire du passé. Il nous faut la regarder pour comprendre le mouvement à l’œuvre.
Révolution arabes : les angles morts de l'analyse politique des sociétés de la région
Authors: Ben Néfissa Sarah
Published: June 2011

Les soulèvements qui ont conduit à la chute des deux présidents tunisien et égyptien et qui agitent aujourd’hui les pays de la région ont provoqué la surprise non seulement de l’opinion internationale mais également des milieux académiques, en France notamment. Cet étonnement pose le problème de certains angles morts de la recherche scientifique sur la région. Si la focalisation des sciences politiques françaises sur l’islamisme a souvent été dénoncée avec raison, par contre les interprétations conformistes et littéralistes des analyses portant sur les pactes sociaux et politiques à la base du phénomène autoritaire et sa consolidation dans le cadre de la globalisation démocratique dans la région n’ont pas suffisamment été mises en exergue. Une de leurs conséquences a été de faire du « mouvement social » un objet de recherche illégitime, malgré son importance accrue ces dernières années dans les pays de la région. Or ces analyses demeurent pertinentes pour interroger les processus politiques futurs de ces pays et également pour comprendre les spécificités plus « civiles » que strictement politiques des révolutions tunisienne et égyptienne
L'Algérie dans le « Printemps arabe » entre espoirs, initiatives et blocages
Authors: Chena Salim
Published: June 2011

L’Algérie a connu des émeutes nationales au début du mois de janvier 2011 puis, dans le contexte du « Printemps arabe », plusieurs membres de la société civile et des personnalités historiques ont défendu la perspective d’un changement pacifique du système politique algérien. Néanmoins, malgré la levée de l’état d’urgence intervenue fin février, le régime algérien ne montre aucune velléité de changement en profondeur. Entre espoirs et initiatives, l’Algérie fait face à des blocages institutionnels au changement démocratique.
La révolution arabe de 2011 et son printemps palestinien
Authors: Heacock Roger
Published: June 2011

La Palestine forme le cœur de la cause arabe, dit-on. Aujourd’hui, la formule s’est inversée, et les Palestiniens se voient emportés dans la grande révolution arabe de 2011, déjà devenue l’année des retrouvailles, du moins s’agissant des peuples. Les deux ‘régimes’ palestiniens de Cisjordanie et Gaza doivent suivre, abandonnés par leurs protecteurs (Mubarak dans un cas, Assad dans l’autre), et c’est ainsi que la pression conjuguée de la base populaire et de la région a forcé le Hamas et le Fatah à s’engager dans un processus de réconciliation que les Palestiniens appellent de leurs vœux.
Après les révolutions arabes : changer de paradigme dans le partenariat euro-méditerranéen
Authors: Moisseron Jean-Yves
Published: June 2011

Face aux changements dans le monde arabe, il est nécessaire de refonder le partenariat euro-méditerranéen et de changer de paradigme. Un bilan objectif du processus de Barcelone depuis 1995 s’impose pour redéfinir une stratégie qui ne pourra être que l’expression d’une volonté bipartite exprimée par des gouvernements représentatifs. La tâche est d’autant plus difficile que la rive sud a exprimé plusieurs fois une fatigue institutionnelle devant l’empilage des projets européens (Processus de Barcelone, Nouvelle Politique de Voisinage, Union pour la Méditerranée). Il est temps de refonder ce partenariat en mettant l’accent sur la culture et en abandonnant le référentiel méditerranéen qui se révèle peu mobilisateur au sud. Il faut aussi faire preuve d’ambition et, pourquoi pas, reconsidérer les avantages d’une perspective d’adhésion de la Tunisie dans l’Union Européenne.
L'instrumentalisation des corridas : no pasaran
Authors: Chiclet Christophe
Published: June 2011

En juillet 2010, la Catalogne interdit les corridas au grand plaisir des écologistes extrémistes et en particulier des animalistes. Au demeurant, ce clivage cache mal un autre clivage, plus politique celui-ci, entre catalanistes et espagnolistes de Catalogne. Aussitôt dans le Sud de la France, terre de tradition taurine, certains milieux ont tenté sans grand succès de s’engouffrer dans la brèche, faisant fi d’une longue tradition régionale et populaire.
Livres et bibliothèques des hauts magistrats péruviens du xixe siècle
Authors: Quiroz-Pérez Lissell
Published: June 2011

Résumé Les hauts magistrats péruviens du xix e  siècle ne sont pas seulement des spécialistes du droit, ils sont plus largement des hommes de savoir qui accordent une haute valeur à l’écrit et notamment au livre. Leurs bibliothèques constituent donc une source précieuse pour tenter de saisir leur culture. À travers l’étude des « librairies » des magistrats, c’est tout un pan de l’histoire culturelle et sociale du Pérou républicain qui nous est dévoilé.
A golden harvest : exploitation et mondialisation des perles du golfe Arabo-Persique (vers 1870-vers 1910)
Authors: Crouzet Guillemette
Published: June 2011

Résumé La période 1880-1910 constitue un moment clef dans l’histoire du commerce des perles, une sorte « d’âge d’or ». En effet, les perles connaissent alors un processus de mondialisation accéléré qui consacre la suprématie d’une zone perlière unique, alors sous gouvernance britannique : le golfe Arabo-Persique. Deux types de flux marchands, liant le Golfe à d’autres espaces du monde, doivent cependant être soigneusement distingués. Certaines perles étaient réservées au marché « régional », c’est-à-dire au commerce avec la Perse, l’Empire ottoman, la côte ouest de l’Inde ou encore avec d’autres espaces de l’océan Indien, tandis que d’autres types de perles étaient exportées vers Londres, Paris, Hambourg ou New York. Pour répondre à cette demande fortement accrue, c’est donc une sorte de « monoactivité » perlière qui se développa dans le Golfe, employant lors de la longue saison de la pêche qui s’étendait d’avril à novembre, une main-d’œuvre originaire des rives perses et arabes, sous la conduite de riches marchands indiens, très bien implantés dans le Golfe et dans l’océan Indien. Durant une trentaine d’années, face au succès de ces ornements, employés en bijouterie comme dans l’industrie textile, différents types d’acteurs se pressèrent dans le Golfe. Les archives britanniques mentionnent notamment de puissants industriels allemands pour qui cette zone du monde représentait un espace à part, héritier des richesses de l’antique Mésopotamie et que l’Allemagne bismarckienne pouvait conquérir. Ces entrepreneurs allemands cherchèrent à développer des techniques de pêche modernes dans le Golfe afin d’augmenter les récoltes de perles et surtout de concurrencer les Britanniques dans un espace que ces derniers contrôlaient depuis le début du xix e  siècle. Face à cette « ruée » vers les perles du Golfe et à ce phénomène de mondialisation, les Britanniques mirent en place une législation complexe. Entre « protectionnisme » et « laisser-faire », les mesures prises à partir de 1890 témoignent d’intérêts fort divergents. Les Britanniques désiraient d’un côté protéger l’économie locale contre l’ingérence étrangère et le risque de concurrence de main-d’œuvre importée du subcontinent indien et favoriser les sociétés britanniques présentes dans le Golfe. De l’autre, demeurant attachés au « laisser-faire » et au libéralisme économique, les Anglais souhaitaient que le Golfe demeure un espace ouvert aux puissances étrangères. C’est donc par une législation maritime unique, définissant des zones de pêche réservées aux populations de la côte de la Trêve que les Anglais maintinrent leur primat politique et économique dans le Golfe.
Lenticular Abnormalities in Children
Authors: Khokhar Sudarshan , Agarwal Tushar , Kumar Gaurav , Kushmesh Rakhi , Tejwani Lalit Kumar
Published: June 2011

Purpose:

To study the lenticular problems in children presenting at an apex institute.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of records (< 14 years) of new lens clinic cases was done.

Results:

Of 1,047 children, 687 were males. Mean age at presentation was 6.35 ± 4.13 years. Developmental cataract was seen in 45.6% and posttraumatic cataract in 29.7% of patients. Other abnormalities were cataract with retinal detachment, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, subluxated lens, micro/spherophakia, cataract secondary to uveitis, intraocular lens complications, cataract with choroidal coloboma, and visual axis opacification.

Conclusion:

Developmental and posttraumatic cataracts were the most common abnormalities. Delayed presentation is of concern.
Comparison of Intraocular Lens Decentration Parameters After Femtosecond and Manual Capsulotomies
Authors: Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Kránitz Kinga , Takacs Agnes I. , Miháltz Kata , Kovács Illés , Knorz Michael C.
Published: June 2011

PURPOSE:

To evaluate a laser technique and manual technique to perform capsulorrhexis in cataract eyes.

METHODS:

Anterior capsulotomy was performed with an intraocular femtosecond laser (LenSx Lasers Inc) in 54 eyes (FS group) and manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis was performed in 57 eyes (CCC group). Circularity and area of capsulotomy and IOL decentration were measured using Photoshop CS4 Extended (Adobe Systems Inc) 1 week after surgery. Average keratometry, axial length, and preoperative anterior chamber depth were examined with the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit AG).

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in axial length, preoperative refractive state, and in the area of capsulotomy. Circularity values were significantly better in the FS group (
P
=.032). We found incomplete overlap of capsulotomies in 28% of eyes in the CCC group and 11% in the FS group (
P
=.033). Significant correlations were noted between axial length and area of capsulotomy, and between average keratometry and area of the capsulotomy in the CCC group (R=0.278,
P
=.036; and R=−0.29,
P
=.033, respectively), but both did not correlate in the FS group (
P
>.05). In the CCC group, the pupillary area correlated significantly with the area of the capsulotomy (R=0.27,
P
=.039). Significant correlation was noted between IOL decentration and axial length in the CCC group (R=0.30,
P
=.026), but there was no correlation in the FS group (
P
>.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Femtosecond laser capsulorrhexis was more regularly shaped, showed better centration, and showed a better intraocular lens/capsule overlap than manual capsulorrhexis.
Textural and mechanical characterization of C-S-H gels from hydration of synthetic T1-C3S, β-C2S and their blends
Authors: Goñi S. , Guerrero A. , Puertas F. , Hernández M. S. , Palacios M. , Dolado J. S. , Zhu W. , Howind T.
Published: June 2011

The textural and mechanical characterization of C-S-H gels formed from the hydration of pure T1-C3S, β-C2S and their blends are studied by Nitrogen sorption and nanoindentation experiments. The surface area and nanoporosity of C-S-H gels formed from the hydration of β-C2S and the 30-70 (T1-C3S and β-C2S mixture) are higher than those from hydration of T1-C3S, and 70-30, with the difference decreasing with hydration age. Such changes are well supported by findings of nanoindentation study, which shows the greater relative volume of C-S-H phases with lower densities in the β-C2S and the 30-70 pastes. With the increase in hydration age, the relative volume of C-S-H phases with higher densities increased at the expenses of those with lower density. Important quantitative correlations were found among these textural characteristics and the mean chain length, determined from 29Si magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR, of the C-S-H gels.
En torno al deterioro del mobiliario. Factores de degradación y conservación preventiva
Authors: Ordóñez Goded Cristina
Published: June 2011

Tras una exposición sobre algunos de los principales factores de deterioro del mobiliario (iluminación, humedad relativa, temperatura, biodegradación y elemento humano), este artículo refiere brevemente al conjunto de intervenciones de mantenimiento que pueden llevarse a cabo de cara a su preservación, denominadas “de conservación preventiva”. Se habla de labores que, si bien no evitan el natural envejecimiento de los muebles, sí pueden retardar la degradación de sus materiales constitutivos. Entre ellas podríamos destacar el mantenimiento de unas condiciones ambientales óptimas del lugar en el que se encuentran ubicadas las obras, la revisión periódica de éstas con el fin de comprobar si existe o no infestación biológica, la limpieza regular de las mismas, etc.
“No comprar sin visitar la Casa Apolinar”. La empresa de muebles de Apolinar Marcos
Authors: Rodríguez Bernis Sofía
Published: June 2011

En este artículo se repasa la actividad comercial de la firma madrileña Apolinar Marcos en sus dos etapas principales, a partir de la exhumación de su archivo personal que incluye proyectos de decoraciones y muebles, modelos, láminas, fotografías y dibujos propios, ofrecidos como catálogos. Se repasan los métodos de aprovisionamiento de materiales, el sistema de adquisición de piezas y conjuntos a otras compañías, la amplia red de proveedores incluso de fuera de España, que le enviaban género a modo de muestrarios o depósitos, y su método usual de venta.
Collaborative Work and Interactions in a Closed Discussion Forums. Case of the Tunisian Engineering Students
Authors: Yassine Jelmam
Published: June 2011

E-Learning uses unconventional and new pedagogies that emanate from its own structure. Structure where teachers and students are not grouped in a classroom and where the virtual "replace" the real. This new mode of teaching includes the need to take into account interactions between different actors in the system and provides the "chat", the "mail" and "discussion forums" as alternatives that could "replace" interactions in a classic classroom. But what is it really? And how to make these tools efficient and guarantying good leanings ?

The empirical research that we will present and which affected 52 students called to set up a working group drawn from a discussion forum that we followed. The results shows that interactions between learners are responsible for sharing , collaboration and co-construction of knowledge.
Neonatal Fc Receptor Blockade by Fc Engineering Ameliorates Arthritis in a Murine Model
Authors: Patel Dipesh A. , Puig-Canto Alberto , Challa Dilip Kumar , Montoyo Héctor Perez , Ober Raimund J. , Ward E. Sally
Published: June 2011

Multiple autoimmune diseases are characterized by the involvement of autoreactive Abs in pathogenesis. Problems associated with existing therapeutics such as the delivery of intravenous immunoglobulin have led to interest in developing alternative approaches using recombinant or synthetic methods. Toward this aim, in the current study, we demonstrate that the use of Fc-engineered Abs (Abs that enhance IgG degradation [Abdegs]) to block neonatal FcR (FcRn) through high-affinity, Fc region binding is an effective strategy for the treatment of Ab-mediated disease. Specifically, Abdegs can be used at low, single doses to treat disease in the K/B×N serum transfer model of arthritis using BALB/c mice as recipients. Similar therapeutic effects are induced by 25- to 50-fold higher doses of i.v. Ig. Importantly, we show that FcRn blockade is a primary contributing factor toward the observed reduction in disease severity. The levels of albumin, which is also recycled by FcRn, are not affected by Abdeg delivery. Consequently, Abdegs do not alter FcRn expression levels or subcellular trafficking behavior. The engineering of Ab Fc regions to generate potent FcRn blockers therefore holds promise for the therapy of Ab-mediated autoimmunity.
Clonally Related CD8+ T Cells Responsible for Rapid Population of Both Diffuse Nasal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue and Lung After Respiratory Virus Infection
Authors: Surman Sherri L. , Rudraraju Rajeev , Woodland David L. , Dash Pradyot , Thomas Paul G. , Hurwitz Julia L.
Published: June 2011

The immune system has evolved to use sophisticated mechanisms to recruit lymphocytes to sites of pathogen exposure. Trafficking pathways are precise. For example, lymphocytes that are primed by gut pathogens can, in some cases, be imprinted with CCR9 membrane receptors, which can influence migration to the small intestine. Currently, little is known about T cell trafficking to the upper respiratory tract or the relationship between effectors that migrate to the diffuse nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (d-NALT), the lower airways, and the lung. To determine whether a T cell primed by Ag from a respiratory pathogen is imprinted for exclusive trafficking to the upper or lower respiratory tract or whether descendents from that cell have the capacity to migrate to both sites, we inoculated mice by the intranasal route with Sendai virus and conducted single-cell–sequencing analyses of CD8+ T lymphocytes responsive to a Kb-restricted immunodominant peptide, FAPGNYPAL (Tet+). Cells from the d-NALT, lung airways (bronchoalveolar lavage), lung, and mediastinal lymph node were examined 10 d postinfection to determine TCR usage and clonal relationships. We discovered that 1) Tet+ cells were heterogeneous but preferentially used TCR elements TRAV6, TRAV16, and TRBD1; 2) both N and C termini of Vα and Vβ TCR junctions frequently encompassed charged residues, perhaps facilitating TCR αβ pairing and interactions with a neutral target peptide; and 3) T cells in the d-NALT were often clonally related to cells in the lower respiratory tract.
Neutrophil Mobilization from the Bone Marrow during Polymicrobial Sepsis Is Dependent on CXCL12 Signaling
Authors: Delano Matthew J. , Kelly-Scumpia Kindra M. , Thayer Terri C. , Winfield Robert D. , Scumpia Philip O. , Cuenca Alex G. , Harrington Phillips B. , O’Malley Kerri A. , Warner Elizabeth , Gabrilovich Sonia , Mathews Clayton E. , Laface Drake , Heyworth Paul G. , Ramphal Reuben , Strieter Robert M. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Efron Philip A.
Published: June 2011

Neutrophils are essential for successful host eradication of bacterial pathogens and for survival to polymicrobial sepsis. During inflammation, the bone marrow provides a large reserve of neutrophils that are released into the peripheral circulation where they traverse to sites of infection. Although neutrophils are essential for survival, few studies have investigated the mechanisms responsible for neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow during polymicrobial sepsis. Using a cecal ligation and puncture model of polymicrobial sepsis, we demonstrated that neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow is not dependent on TLR4, MyD88, TRIF, IFNARα/β, or CXCR2 pathway signaling during sepsis. In contrast, we observed that bone marrow CXCL12 mRNA abundance and specific CXCL12 levels are sharply reduced, whereas splenic CXCR4 mRNA and cell surface expression are increased during sepsis. Blocking CXCL12 activity significantly reduced blood neutrophilia by inhibiting bone marrow release of granulocytes during sepsis. However, CXCL12 inhibition had no impact on the expansion of bone marrow neutrophil precursors and hematopoietic progenitors. Bone marrow neutrophil retention by CXCL12 blockade prevented blood neutrophilia, inhibited peritoneal neutrophil accumulation, allowed significant peritoneal bacterial invasion, and increased polymicrobial sepsis mortality. We concluded that changes in the pattern of CXCL12 signaling during sepsis are essential for neutrophil bone marrow mobilization and host survival but have little impact on bone marrow granulopoiesis.
Subclassification of the “Grey Zone” of Thyroid Cytology; A Retrospective Descriptive Study with Clinical, Cytological, and Histological Correlation
Authors: Bonzanini Mariella , Amadori Pierluigi , Morelli Luca , Fasanella Silvia , Pertile Riccardo , Mattiuzzi Angela , Marini Giorgio , Niccolini Mauro , Tirone Giuseppe , Rigamonti Marco , Dalla Palma Paolo
Published: June 2011

Undetermined thyroid cytology precludes any definitive distinction between malignant and benign lesions. Recently several classifications have been proposed to split this category into two or more cytological subcategories related to different malignancy risk rates. The current study was performed retrospectively to investigate the results obtained separating “undetermined” cytologic reports into two categories: “follicular lesion” (FL) and “atypia of undetermined significance” (AUS). Biochemical, clinical, and echographic features of each category were also retrospectively analyzed. Altogether, 316 undetermined fine-needle aspirated cytologies (FNACs) were reclassified as 74 FL and 242 AUS. Histological control leads to a diagnosis of carcinomas, adenomas, and nonneoplastic lesions, respectively, in 42.2%, 20%, and 37.8% of AUS and in 8.3%, 69.4%, and 22.2% of FL. Among biochemical, clinical, cytological, and echographic outcomes, altered thyroid autoantibodies, multiple versus single nodule, AUS versus FL, and presence of intranodular vascular flow were statistically significant to differentiate adenoma from carcinoma and from nonneoplastic lesions, whereas no significant differences were found between carcinomas and nonneoplastic lesions for these parameters. The results of this retrospective study show that undetermined FNAC category can further be subclassified in AUS and FL, the former showing higher malignancy rate. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy among Canadian Adults with and without Hypertension
Authors: Loukine Lidia , Waters Chris , Choi Bernard C. K. , Ellison Joellyn
Published: June 2011

Hypertension can lead to cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions. While the impact of hypertension on premature death and life expectancy has been published, the impact on health-adjusted life expectancy has not, and constitutes the research objective of this study. Health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) is the number of expected years of life equivalent to years lived in full health. Data were obtained from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (mortality data 2004–2006) and the Canadian Community Health Survey (Health Utilities Index data 2000–2005) for people with and without hypertension. Life table analysis was applied to calculate life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy and their confidence intervals. Our results show that for Canadians 20 years of age, without hypertension, life expectancy is 65.4 years and 61.0 years, for females and males, respectively. HALE is 55.0 years and 52.8 years for the two sexes at age 20; and 24.7 years and 22.9 years at age 55. For Canadians with hypertension, HALE is only 48.9 years and 47.1 years for the two sexes at age 20; and 22.7 years and 20.2 years at age 55. Hypertension is associated with a significant loss in health-adjusted life expectancy compared to life expectancy.
Brief practical clinical diagnostic criteria for the neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly
Authors: Lauretani Fulvio , Caffarra Paolo , Ruffini Livia , Nardelli Anna , Ceda Gian Paolo , Maggio Marcello , Scaglioni Augusto
Published: June 2011

In the literature there is need of clinical and instrumental characterization of all neurodegenerative diseases. Particular attention deserves the timing of the onset of motor or cognitive symptoms, which is extremely useful issue giving the frequent overlapping between neurodegenerative diseases. Aim of this review is to provide a description of typical clinical and imaging features of all neurodegenerative diseases, especially idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Particular attention will be devoted to the cluster of symptoms at the moment of the diagnosis. Based on early starting symptoms (cognitive or extrapiramidal) we will introduce criteria to differentiate AD from fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD), Lewy bodies dementia (DLB) and Vascular dementia (VaD), and between PD, Vascular Parkinsonism (VP) and DLB. All these diseases are characterized by cognitive deficits. PD will be suspected if cognitive impairment occurs at least one year after the onset of the motor symptoms while VP and DLB are more likely if cognitive deficits and motor symptoms appear simultaneously. Finally, we will focus on parkinsonian signs plus other motor symptoms at the time of the diagnosis. The presence of cerebellar or pyramidal signs, with falls and autonomic dysfunction, with or without cognitive deficit should help to consider potential causes of atypical parkinsonism including cortical-basal degeneration (CBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Using strategic partnerships to advance urban heat island adaptation in the greater Toronto area
Authors: Behan K J , Mate D , Maloley M , Penney J
Published: June 2011

Since 2006, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Clean Air Partnership (CAP) have been engaged in a capacity building collaboration focused on adapting to extreme heat in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Initial discussions focused on facilitating scientific
data collection to identify and characterize urban heat vulnerabilities in the GTA, but evolved considerably in scope and breadth of focus over a five year period. The collaborative process led to the development of new climate change adaptation planning tools, facilitated the engagement of GTA
municipalities in the use of geomatic information in planning to reduce the impacts of urban heat and motivated GTA municipalities to develop projects and programs to protect their communities from urban heat island effects and the expected impacts of climate change.
The development of a strategic advisory group was critical in fostering the collaborative process and encouraged the creation of lasting partnerships and capacity building in the region. The group helped establish project goals and objectives, and provided a communications hub that spurred
constructive dialogue, encouraging the creation of a range of new ideas and resultant projects. The advisory group demonstrated elasticity, a willingness to work together, an ability to reach agreement and to communicate effectively; essential traits in successful
collaborations.
Lateral correlation of sediment facies in the Panuke and Venture fields, Scotian Basin: implications for reservoir connectivity
Authors: Gould K M , Pe-Piper G , Piper D J W
Published: June 2011

Gamma logs and conventional core have been correlated in Upper Jurassic - Lower Cretaceous deltaic successions from closely spaced wells in two areas of the Scotian Basin: around the Panuke and Cohasset fields, and the West Venture-Venture fields. In the
Panuke-Cohasset area, the Como P-21, Panuke B-90, Cohasset A-52, Balmoral M-32, and Lawrence D-14 wells, located 3 - 8 km apart, have been correlated in the upper part of the Missisauga Formation and the Cree Member of the Logan Canyon Formation. In the West Venture-Venture area, the West Olympia
O-51, West Venture N-91, West Venture C-62, Venture B-52, and Venture H-22 wells, located 2.5 to 11.5 km apart, have been correlated in the Lower Member of the Missisauga Formation.
This precise correlation of cores is provided by lithologically similar transgressive surfaces in the form of shelf lag deposits or coals. In both areas, they make effective benchmarks with which to correlate equivalent packages above and below these surfaces, but some transgressive surfaces are of
limited extent, and may represent delta progradation and subsequent distributary switching rather than regional changes in sea level. Further correlation indicates that major sandstone packets are laterally correlative (15 km in the Panuke - Cohasset area, and up to 27 km in the West Venture -
Venture area), but commonly show lateral changes in lithofacies. For example, at the top of the Missisauga Formation tidal channel sandstones bioturbated by Ophiomorpha at Panuke B-90 pass laterally into thin-bedded by-passing river-mouth turbidites at Cohasset A-52 and thicker bedded delta-front
turbidites at Lawrence D-14, over a distance of 15 km. In the Venture Field, lateral continuity is determined by the margins of incised valleys, however continuous sandstone packages that overly the valleys can be correlated up to 27 km, implying that reservoir connectivity may not be limited by the
incised valleys. The application of a standard lithofacies scheme in well correlation provided useful information about reservoir shape and conductivity.