bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cobalt(II) and cadmium(II) compounds with adamantane-1-sulfonic acid
Authors: Djordjevic Milena , Jeremic Dejan , Andjelkovic Katarina , Gruden-Pavlovic Maja , Divjakovic Vladimir , Sumar-Ristovic Maja , Brceski Ilija
Published: May 2012

In this work we reported syntheses and characterization of two novel
compounds of adamantane-1-sulfonic acid (1-AdSO3H) with cobalt(II) and
cadmium(II), respectively. The result of the single crystal X-ray analysis of
compounds revealed that adamantane-1-sulfonate (1-AdSO3 -) in monoanionic
form plays a different role in investigated compounds. Namely, while in
compound [Co(H2O)6](1-AdSO3)2 six water molecules are coordinated to
cobalt(II) ion and 1-AdSO3 - serves as a counter ion, in compound
[Cd(H2O)4(1-AdSO3)2] two molecules of 1-AdSO3 - are trans-coordinated to the
cadmium(II) ion as monodentate (O) ligand and other coordination sites are
occupied by water molecules. The obtained compounds showed a moderate
activity against Artemia salina.
Infusion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Si Yiling , Zhao Yali , Hao Haojie , Liu Jiejie , Guo Yelei , Mu Yiming , Shen Jing , Cheng Yu , Fu Xiaobing , Han Weidong
Published: May 2012

Infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to effectively lower blood glucose in diabetic individuals, but the mechanism involved could not be adequately explained by their potential role in promoting islet regeneration. We therefore hypothesized that infused MSCs might also contribute to amelioration of the insulin resistance of peripheral insulin target tissues. To test the hypothesis, we induced a diabetic rat model by high-fat diet/streptozotocin (STZ) administration, performed MSC infusion during the early phase (7 days) or late phase (21 days) after STZ injection, and then evaluated the therapeutic effects of MSC infusion and explored the possible mechanisms involved. MSC infusion ameliorated hyperglycemia in rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Infusion of MSCs during the early phase not only promoted β-cell function but also ameliorated insulin resistance, whereas infusion in the late phase merely ameliorated insulin resistance. Infusion of MSCs resulted in an increase of GLUT4 expression and an elevation of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and Akt (protein kinase B) in insulin target tissues. This is the first report of MSC treatment improving insulin sensitivity in T2D. These data indicate that multiple roles and mechanisms are involved in the efficacy of MSCs in ameliorating hyperglycemia in T2D.
Trends in Death Rates Among U.S. Adults With and Without Diabetes Between 1997 and 2006
Authors: Gregg Edward W. , Cheng Yiling J. , Saydah Sharon , Cowie Catherine , Garfield Sanford , Geiss Linda , Barker Lawrence
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates declined between 1997 and 2006, a period of continued advances in treatment approaches and risk factor control, among U.S. adults with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared 3-year death rates of four consecutive nationally representative samples (1997–1998, 1999–2000, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004) of U.S. adults aged 18 years and older using data from the National Health Interview Surveys linked to National Death Index.

RESULTS

Among diabetic adults, the CVD death rate declined by 40% (95% CI 23–54) and all-cause mortality declined by 23% (10–35) between the earliest and latest samples. There was no difference in the rates of decline in mortality between diabetic men and women. The excess CVD mortality rate associated with diabetes (i.e., compared with nondiabetic adults) decreased by 60% (from 5.8 to 2.3 CVD deaths per 1,000) while the excess all-cause mortality rate declined by 44% (from 10.8 to 6.1 deaths per 1,000).

CONCLUSIONS

Death rates among both U.S. men and women with diabetes declined substantially between 1997 and 2006, reducing the absolute difference between adults with and without diabetes. These encouraging findings, however, suggest that diabetes prevalence is likely to rise in the future if diabetes incidence is not curtailed.
The Effects of Scaling and Root Planing on the Marginal Gap and Microleakage of Indirect Composite Crowns Prepared With Different Finish Lines: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Angerame D , Sorrentino R , Cettolin D , Zarone F
Published: May 2012

The present in vitro study aimed to assess the effects of root surface mechanical instrumentation on the marginal integrity and adaptation of resin composite crowns. The following null hypotheses were tested: no differences exist between finish line and 1) marginal gap or 2) marginal microleakage before and after manual mechanical periodontal maintenance.

A total of 56 intact human mandibular molars were randomly distributed into four groups and subjected to standardized tooth preparations for indirect composite crowns with different marginal finish lines (90° shoulder, beveled 90° shoulder, feather edge, chamfer). One-half of the specimens was used as a control and remained untreated, and the remaining half was subjected to root surface procedures simulating five years of semestral mechanical supportive periodontal treatment. The marginal gap and microleakage were evaluated and statistically analyzed.

The specimens used as controls showed lower mean marginal gaps than those subjected to the simulated periodontal treatment, whereas the latter showed lower microleakage than the control crowns. Statistically significant differences were recorded for both the experimental variables.

The root surface procedures resulted in altered surfaces of the composite crowns. The marginal gap increased after the treatment, whereas the marginal microleakage was reduced. The 90° shoulder and the chamfer preparation could be considered a viable option to fabricate composite crowns, but the beveled 90° shoulder and the feather edge should not be recommended.
Periapical Healing After Direct Pulp Capping With Calcium-enriched Mixture Cement: A Case Report
Authors: Asgary S , Nosrat A , Homayounfar N
Published: May 2012

This article describes a successful direct pulp capping of a mature symptomatic mandibular second molar in a 14-year-old girl. The patient was referred with sensitivity to cold beverages and pain on chewing on the second left mandibular molar. Clinical examinations revealed extensive coronal caries and sensitivity to percussion. Radiographically, the tooth was mature and had a widened apical periodontal ligament (PDL) and a narrow periapical lesion. The concluding diagnosis was symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Treatment included caries removal under rubber dam isolation, capping of exposure sites with calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, and permanent coronal restoration. At three-, 10-, and 15-month follow-up, the tooth was functional, had normal response to cold test, and did not have sensitivity to percussion. The PDL space regained its normal width, and the periapical lesion healed.
Effect of Management Modification on the Coenological Composition of the North Adriatic Pastoral Landscape (Ćićarija, Croatia)
Authors: Kosić Ivana , Tardella Federico , Catorci Andrea
Published: May 2012

Effect of Management Modification on the Coenological Composition of the North Adriatic Pastoral Landscape (Ćićarija, Croatia)

The research aim was to assess the dynamics of the North Adriatic pastoral landscape (Ćićarija, Croatia) with regard to the coenological composition of grassland communities, and, more specifically, to: i) assess the current grassland mosaic from a coenological viewpoint; ii) assess the effects of management abandonment on grassland species composition, also taking into account, as a basis for comparison, data on pastoral communities collected in the past decades. To achieve the research aims, 73 phytosociological relevés were carried out; for each of them field data (altitude, aspect, slope, landform) and information on grassland management were collected. Multivariate analysis of phytosociological relevés led to the identification of four vegetation types (Danthonio-Scorzoneretum villosae, Carici humilis-Centaureetum rupestris, Brachypodium rupestre-dominated stands, andAnthoxantho-Brometum erecti), which were linked to landform and to grassland management. Comparison in terms of social behaviour type composition of the grassland communities surveyed in the present study with the ones surveyed in the past decades, highlighted that the current management (grassland abandonment, as well as low intensity grazing and not periodic mowing) is leading to a percentage loss of pasture and meadow characteristic species, in favour of successional and ruderal ones.
The Cyclic-Modular Approach to Simulation and Design of the Mechatronic Objects
Authors: Uzunov Oleksandr
Published: May 2012

The Cyclic-Modular Approach to Simulation and Design of the Mechatronic Objects

The cyclic modular approach is proposed for mechatronic object design. The approach is based on a new conceptual model of the object and a new algorithm of its design. The model consists of invariant and changeable parts. The parts have a hierarchical structure. The proposed algorithm allows for creating the object from the basis principle to the construction step by step. It makes it possible to design an adequate object in all forms of its representations: structure, schematic diagram, mathematical model and construction. Each of these forms has an invariant part, i.e. the structure of the functioning process of the object. Application of the proposed approach reduces the time needed for the object design.
Cortical Bone Tissue Viscoelastic Properties and its Constitutive Equation - Preliminary Studies
Authors: Pawlikowski Marek
Published: May 2012

Cortical Bone Tissue Viscoelastic Properties and its Constitutive Equation - Preliminary Studies

In the paper, preliminary studies on formulation of a new constitutive equation of bone tissue are presented. A bone is modelled as a viscoelastic material. Thus, not only are elastic properties of the bone taken into account, but also both short-term and long-term viscoelastic properties are considered. A potential function is assumed for the bone, constant identification on the basis of experimental stress-strain curve fitting is completed and a preliminary constitutive equation is formulated. The experiments consisted of compressive tests performed on a cuboids-like bone sample of the following dimensions: 10×5×7.52 mm. The specimen was compressed along the highest dimension at the strain rates 0.016 s-1and 0.00016 s-1. In addition to this, stress relaxation test was performed to identify long-term viscoelastic constants of bone. In the experiments, only displacement in the load direction was measured. The bone sample was extracted from a bovine femur. The form of the proposed potential function is such that it models a bone as a transversely isotropic material. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the bone is incompressible. After the material constant identification the strain energy function proved to be adequate to describe bone behaviour under compressive load. Due to the fact that the function is convex, the results of the studies can be utilised in modelling of bone tissue in finite element analyses of an implant-bone system. Such analyses are very helpful in the process of a new prosthesis design as one can preoperatively verify the construction of the new implant and optimise its shape.
Goal-Oriented Mesh Adaptivity for Fluid-Structure Interaction with Application to Heart-Valve Settings
Authors: Wick Thomas
Published: May 2012

Goal-Oriented Mesh Adaptivity for Fluid-Structure Interaction with Application to Heart-Valve Settings

We apply a fluid-structure interaction method to simulate prototypical dynamics of the aortic heart-valve. Our method of choice is based on a monolithic coupling scheme for fluid-structure interactions in which the fluid equations are rewritten in the ‘arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian’ (ALE) framework. To prevent the backflow of structure waves because of their hyperbolic nature, a damped structure equation is solved on an artificial layer that is used to prolongate the computational domain. The increased computational cost in the presence of the artificial layer is resolved by using local mesh adaption. In particular, heuristic mesh refinement techniques are compared to rigorous goal-oriented mesh adaption with the dual weighted residual (DWR) method. A version of this method is developed for stationary settings. For the nonstationary test cases the indicators are obtained by a heuristic error estimator, which has a good performance for the measurement of wall stresses. The results for prototypical problems demonstrate that heart-valve dynamics can be treated with our proposed concepts and that the DWR method performs best with respect to a certain target functional.
Dietitians and Eating Disorders: An International Issue
Authors: Drummond Dianne , Hare M. Suzanne
Published: May 2012

The prevalence of eating disorders is higher in university nutrition faculties than in other faculties. We examined beliefs about and approaches to eating disorders in nutrition education faculties around the world. We developed a questionnaire specifically for this project and distributed 664 copies electronically, using contact information obtained in collaboration with Dietitians of Canada and the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations. Using the 101 questionnaires returned from 14 countries, we found that 77% of respondents felt eating disorders are a concern among nutrition students; however, only 15% of programs had policies/procedures to help address these disorders. Forty-eight percent of respondents thought screening for eating disorders would be a good idea; however, 78% of them believed screening would involve ethical issues. In conclusion, eating disorders are a concern in nutrition faculties around the world, and while most feel something should be done, ethical dilemmas contribute to confusion over the best approach. More work is needed in this area.
Body Dissatisfaction: Among Middle-aged and Older Women
Authors: Marshall Catherine , Lengyel Christina , Utioh Alphonsus
Published: May 2012

With the growing pervasiveness of mass media, individuals of all ages and both sexes are bombarded with images that glorify youthfulness, messages that tie self-worth to thinness, and products that promise youth and beauty forever. Aging women are vulnerable to these societal messages and experience strong pressures to maintain their youth and thinness. As the physiological changes that accompany normal aging move these women farther from the “ideal” image, body dissatisfaction may increase. These women are confronted with the impossible task of trying to defy the natural process of aging through a variety of means, including fashion, cosmetics, selective surgeries, and personal food choices. The resulting body image issues, weight preoccupation, and eating disturbances can lead to voluntary food restriction, depression, social withdrawal, lower self-esteem, and disordered eating, all of which can have a negative impact on quality of life and nutritional status. In this review we explore existing research on body dissatisfaction among middle-aged (30 to 60) and older (over 60) women, discuss the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, its predisposing risk factors, and the resulting eating and body maintenance behaviours, and examine implications for dietetic practice.
Ethyl 2,6-Dimethoxybenzoate: Synthesis, Spectroscopic and X-ray Crystallographic Analysis
Authors: Khan Imtiaz , Ibrar Aliya , White Jonathan M.
Published: May 2012

The acid catalyzed esterification of 2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid (1) in the presence of absolute ethanol afforded ethyl 2, 6-dimethoxybenzoate (2). The structure of the resulting compound was supported by spectroscopic data and unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The title compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P ī with unit cell parameters a = 8.5518(3) Å, b = 10.8826(8) Å, c = 11.9939(6) Å, α = 101.273(5)°, β = 98.287(3)°, γ = 94.092(4)°, V = 1077.54(10) Å3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.296 Mg/m3, F(000) = 448 and μ = 0.098 mm−1. Compound (2) crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit with similar conformations.
Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Models to Incorporate Chemical and Non-Chemical Stressors into Cumulative Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Pesticide Exposures
Authors: Wason Susan C. , Smith Thomas J. , Perry Melissa J. , Levy Jonathan I.
Published: May 2012

Cumulative risk assessment has been proposed as an approach to evaluate the health risks associated with simultaneous exposure to multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models can allow for the inclusion and evaluation of multiple stressors, including non-chemical stressors, but studies have not leveraged PBPK/PD models to jointly consider these disparate exposures in a cumulative risk context. In this study, we focused on exposures to organophosphate (OP) pesticides for children in urban low-income environments, where these children would be simultaneously exposed to other pesticides (including pyrethroids) and non-chemical stressors that may modify the effects of these exposures (including diet). We developed a methodological framework to evaluate chemical and non-chemical stressor impacts on OPs, utilizing an existing PBPK/PD model for chlorpyrifos. We evaluated population-specific stressors that would influence OP doses or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, the relevant PD outcome. We incorporated the impact of simultaneous exposure to pyrethroids and dietary factors on OP dose through the compartments of metabolism and PD outcome within the PBPK model, and simulated combinations of stressors across multiple exposure ranges and potential body weights. Our analyses demonstrated that both chemical and non-chemical stressors can influence the health implications of OP exposures, with up to 5-fold variability in AChE inhibition across combinations of stressor values for a given OP dose. We demonstrate an approach for modeling OP risks in the presence of other population-specific environmental stressors, providing insight about co-exposures and variability factors that most impact OP health risks and contribute to children’s cumulative health risk from pesticides. More generally, this framework can be used to inform cumulative risk assessment for any compound impacted by chemical and non-chemical stressors through metabolism or PD outcomes.
Deleterious Effects of High Dose Connexin 43 Mimetic Peptide Infusion After Cerebral Ischaemia in Near-Term Fetal Sheep
Authors: Davidson Joanne O. , Green Colin R. , Nicholson Louise F. B. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: May 2012

Hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury at birth is associated with 1–3/1000 cases of moderate to severe encephalopathy. Previously, we have shown that connexin 43 hemichannel blockade, with a specific mimetic peptide, reduced the occurrence of seizures, improved recovery of EEG power and sleep state cycling, and improved cell survival following global cerebral ischaemia. In the present study, we examined the dose response for intracerebroventricular mimetic peptide infusion (50 µmol/kg/h for 1 h, followed by 50 µmol/kg/24 h (low dose) or 50 µmol/kg/h for 25 h (high dose) or vehicle only (control group), starting 90 min after the end of ischaemia), following global cerebral ischaemia, induced by 30 min bilateral carotid artery occlusion, in near-term fetal sheep (128 ± 1 days gestation). Both peptide infusion groups were associated with a transient significant increase in EEG power between 2–12 h after ischaemia. The ischaemia-low dose group showed a significant recovery of EEG power from day five compared to the ischaemia-vehicle and -high dose groups. In contrast, the high dose infusion was associated with greater secondary increase in impedance (brain cell swelling), as well as a trend towards a greater increase in lactate concentration and mortality. These data suggest that higher doses of connexin mimetic peptide are not beneficial and may be associated with adverse outcomes, most likely attributable to uncoupling of connexin 43 gap junctions leading to dysfunction of the astrocytic syncytium.
Geographic Variability and Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Chrysophaentins and Their Synthetic Fragments
Authors: Keffer Jessica L. , Hammill Jared T. , Lloyd John R. , Plaza Alberto , Wipf Peter , Bewley Carole A.
Published: May 2012

Drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a continuing public health concern, both in the hospital and community settings. Antibacterial compounds that possess novel structural scaffolds and are effective against multiple S. aureus strains, including current drug-resistant ones, are needed. Previously, we have described the chrysophaentins, a family of bisdiarylbutene macrocycles from the chrysophyte alga Chrysophaeum taylori that inhibit the growth of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In this study we have analyzed the geographic variability of chrysophaentin production in C. taylori located at different sites on the island of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and identified two new linear chrysophaentin analogs, E2 and E3. In addition, we have expanded the structure activity relationship through synthesis of fragments comprising conserved portions of the chrysophaentins, and determined the antimicrobial activity of natural chrysophaentins and their synthetic analogs against five diverse S. aureus strains. We find that the chrysophaentins show similar activity against all S. aureus strains, regardless of their drug sensitivity profiles. The synthetic chrysophaentin fragments indeed mimic the natural compounds in their spectrum of antibacterial activity, and therefore represent logical starting points for future medicinal chemistry studies of the natural products and their analogs.
Development of a Voice Activity Controlled Noise Canceller
Authors: Noor Ali O. Abid , Samad Salina Abdul , Hussain Aini
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a variable threshold voice activity detector (VAD) is developed to control the operation of a two-sensor adaptive noise canceller (ANC). The VAD prohibits the reference input of the ANC from containing some strength of actual speech signal during adaptation periods. The novelty of this approach resides in using the residual output from the noise canceller to control the decisions made by the VAD. Thresholds of full-band energy and zero-crossing features are adjusted according to the residual output of the adaptive filter. Performance evaluation of the proposed approach is quoted in terms of signal to noise ratio improvements as well mean square error (MSE) convergence of the ANC. The new approach showed an improved noise cancellation performance when tested under several types of environmental noise. Furthermore, the computational power of the adaptive process is reduced since the output of the adaptive filter is efficiently calculated only during non-speech periods.
A Compact Optical Instrument with Artificial Neural Network for pH Determination
Authors: Capel-Cuevas Sonia , López-Ruiz Nuria , Martinez-Olmos Antonio , Cuéllar Manuel P. , Del Carmen Pegalajar Maria , Palma Alberto José , De Orbe-Payá Ignacio , Capitán-Vallvey Luis Fermin
Published: May 2012

The aim of this work was the determination of pH with a sensor array-based optical portable instrument. This sensor array consists of eleven membranes with selective colour changes at different pH intervals. The method for the pH calculation is based on the implementation of artificial neural networks that use the responses of the membranes to generate a final pH value. A multi-objective algorithm was used to select the minimum number of sensing elements required to achieve an accurate pH determination from the neural network, and also to minimise the network size. This helps to minimise instrument and array development costs and save on microprocessor energy consumption. A set of artificial neural networks that fulfils these requirements is proposed using different combinations of the membranes in the sensor array, and is evaluated in terms of accuracy and reliability. In the end, the network including the response of the eleven membranes in the sensor was selected for validation in the instrument prototype because of its high accuracy. The performance of the instrument was evaluated by measuring the pH of a large set of real samples, showing that high precision can be obtained in the full range.
Proverbia in fabula entre norma y transgresión
Authors: Bizzarri Hugo Oscar
Published: May 2012

Los siglos XIII y XIV representan el momento de fl orecimiento de la tradición sapiencial en Castilla. Las cortes de los reyes castellanos se valdrán de estas formas breves para transmitir un código de conducta expresado en fórmulas breves y axiomáticas. Las colecciones traducidas del árabe y más tarde las producidas en la Península misma ofrecerán modelos ideales de conducta. A ello hay que sumarle que la tradición sapiencial tuvo para el rey Alfonso X un valor jurídico, lo cual hizo que incorporara no pocas sentencias a la Partida II. Paralela a esta tradición, y mezclándose con ella, se desarrolla la tradición ejemplar que también presentará este código, pero no ya en forma abstracta sino su mise en fonction. Es por eso por lo que muchos ejemplos nos presentan las consecuencias de la obediencia y de la transgresión de dichas normas.
La formulación lingüística del mandato y la prohibición en varios textos historiográficos medievales castellanos
Authors: Almeida Cabrejas Belen
Published: May 2012

En este trabajo se aborda el modo en que distintos textos historiográfi cos medievales castellanos expresan los conceptos de mandato y prohibición, qué formas léxicas se eligen y en qué estructuras se incardinan estas formas, prestando una especial atención a colocaciones o expresiones frecuentemente repetidas, así como al empleo de fórmulas de origen documental. Por otra parte, se analizará quién es el emisor de las órdenes y prohibiciones y quiénes sus receptores, y cuáles son las posibles respuestas de estos (obediencia o desobediencia, acuerdo o desacuerdo). El análisis de todos estos elementos permite llegar a la conclusión de que la representación de estas órdenes y de las reacciones que suscitan constituyen una de las principales armas del historiógrafo para retratar a sus protagonistas.
Sepan quantos este privilegio vieren : observaciones sobre el paradigma demostrativo de primera persona en la documentación diplomática medieval
Authors: Cuadros Muñoz Roberto
Published: May 2012

Ce travail, inclus dans l’étude de la cohésion du discours au Moyen Âge, vise à expliquer les mécanismes déictiques du paradigme démonstratif este à partir des documents notariés du XIII e au XV e siècle. On peut constater que : a) ledit paradigme est employé selon les modèles mnémoniques particuliers de chaque greffier ; b) l’apparition est conditionnée par des contraintes lexicales de quelques substantifs, qui sont de véritables collocations lexicales ; c) bien qu’il y ait une concurrence du démonstratif este avec des éléments tels que les participes phoriques, par exemple dicho et des éléments fonctionnant en tant qu’adjectifs, il n’y a pas vraiment un remplacement total, mais plutôt une situation d’amalgame ou de neutralisation, une véritable macrofonction phorique ; d) la prévalence de este dans les documents écrits en latin vulgaire n’est que relative, et dans ce cas, la relation paratactique - déictique et phorique - fournit éventuellement une traduction par un démonstratif, et e) à un niveau plus général, il ressort de ce travail que l’autonomie du texte notarié permet de découvrir une série vaste de valeurs déictiques et situationnelles, ce qui constitue une tendance régulière au cours de la période analysée.
« Yo pecatriz peque en estas cosas dichas ». Péchés de femmes dans les manuels de confession des derniers siècles du Moyen Âge
Authors: Thieulin-Pardo Hélène
Published: May 2012

El IV concilio de Letrán de 1215, al imponer a todos los fi eles una confesión anual, favoreció en toda la cristiandad el desarrollo de sumas y manuales de confesión. Estos textos destinados bien a los confesores, bien a los mismos penitentes, permiten llevar a cabo un examen de conciencia general y particular. El estudio aquí presentado permite cuestionar la existencia y la naturaleza de los pecados cometidos por las mujeres y el reconocimiento de una especifi cidad femenina en materia de penitencia en los textos que circularon en la península Ibérica durante los siglos XIV y XV, y entre ellos en el Libro de las confesiones de Martín Pérez (1316).
Prolonged back pain attributed to suspected spondylodiscitis
Authors: Rettenbacher L. , Thaler C. , Holzmannhofer J. , Mc Coy M. , Pirich C. , Seifen T.
Published: May 2012

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cases of suspected spondylodiscitis after inconclusive results in initial diagnostic imaging. Patients, methods: We analysed 38 consecutive cases of suspected spondylodiscitis (mean age: 67 ± 14 years) with chronic back pain referred to our Department during a fouryear- period after inconclusive results in MRI or other conventional modalities. Clinical histories were retrospectively worked up and results of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI were analysed and related to the results of biopsy, blood culture and a one-year clinical followup. 18F-FDG PET/CT was analysed qualitatively by visual analysis and quantitatively. We measured the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in the region of back pain and in a corresponding reference region (RR) in each patient and calculated a SUVmax-ratio. Results: 22/38 patients had confirmed spondylodiscitis, while 16 were negative. 18F-FDG PET/CT established a correct diagnosis in 34 out of 38 patients by visual analysis. 18F-FDG PET/CT reached a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 81.8%, 100%, 89.5% and a PPV and NPV of 100% and 80%. MRI, performed in 27 patients reached a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 75%, 71.4%, 74.1% and a PPV and NPV of 88.2% and 50%. Patients with confirmed spondylodiscitis showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher SUVmax of 5.1 ± 1.9 and SUVmax-ratio of 1.9 ± 0.8 than patients without it (SUVmax (3.8 ± 1.5), SUVmaxratio (1.2 ± 0.3). Conclusion:
18F-FDG PET/CT provided diagnostic information in most patients with chronic back pain and suspected spondylodiscitis. It was helpful in establishing a correct diagnosis in challenging cases of spondylodiscitis with mostly unclear findings in previous MRI.
The effect of mammalian herbivory on inflorescence architecture in ornithophilous Babiana (Iridaceae): Implications for the evolution of a bird perch
Authors: de Waal Caroli , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Anderson Bruce
Published: May 2012

• Premise of the study: The showiness of floral displays is usually explained as an adaptation to attract pollinators. However, selection for less attractive displays imposed by non‐pollinating agents, particularly herbivores, may balance pollinator‐driven selection for highly visible inflorescences. We investigated whether inflorescence architecture, particularly the unusual ground‐level flowering associated with a specialized bird perch in Babiana ringens may have originated, in part, as an adaptive response to mammalian herbivory.

• Methods: We measured levels of herbivory by antelope in populations of B. hirsuta, the putative sister species of B. ringens, which possesses the likely ancestral form of inflorescence architecture. To test for position‐dependent effects of herbivory on flowers, we compared the herbivory rates and seed production of manipulated inflorescences in a field experiment. We predicted that flowers at the base of inflorescences would suffer less herbivory than those in apical positions.

• Results: We found herbivore damage to flowers in 50% of naturally occurring B. hirsuta plants. Manipulated inflorescences with only basal flowers, and consequently similar inflorescence architecture to B. ringens, experienced significantly lower herbivory and higher seed set than inflorescences manipulated to have only apical flowers.

• Conclusions: Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that position‐dependent herbivory on inflorescences could have played a role in the evolution of inflorescence design. More specifically, position‐dependent herbivory may have selected for the loss of apical flowers. Position‐dependent herbivory may have contributed toward the evolution of a naked inflorescence axis, a structure that characterizes B. ringens and functions as a bird perch facilitating cross‐pollination by sunbirds.
Development of novel chloroplast microsatellite markers for Miscanthus species (Poaceae)
Authors: Jiang Jian‐Xiong , Wang Zu‐Hong , Tang Bing‐Rong , Xiao Liang , Ai Xin , Yi Zi‐Li
Published: May 2012

• Premise of the study: A set of novel chloroplast microsatellite markers (cpSSRs) was developed for the bioenergy crop Miscanthus, and their utility in cross‐species amplification was evaluated.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐eight novel primers flanking cpSSR loci were designed from a complete chloroplast genome sequence of Saccharum officinarum, a species closely related to Miscanthus. These primers were then tested on eight Miscanthus species, among which 16 cpSSR loci were found to be polymorphic. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from two to seven, with an average 3.94 alleles.

• Conclusions: These cpSSR markers can be applied to all Miscanthus species and will be useful for studying Miscanthus population structure, diversity, and phylogeography.
Characterization of microsatellite loci from Litsea hypophaea (Lauraceae), a tree endemic to Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Yu‐Chung , Shih Huei‐Chuan , Huang Min‐Chun , Ju Li‐Ping , Hung Kuo‐Hsiang
Published: May 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the endemic tree Litsea hypophaea (Lauraceae) in Taiwan to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure and to investigate species delimitation within Litsea.

• Methods and Results: Fifteen new simple sequence repeat markers were developed from L. hypophaea with a magnetic bead enrichment method. Most loci were also amplified from three closely related species, L. coreana, L. lii, and L. acutivena. The number of alleles and observed and expected heterozygosities across loci varied with a range of 1–25, 0.000–1.000, and 0.000–0.956, respectively.

• Conclusions: The application of these microsatellite markers of L. hypophaea provides a tool for understanding genetic diversity and population differentiation. In addition, interspecific amplification suggests that these markers will also be useful for species identification of related taxa within Litsea in Taiwan.
Contribution aux biens publics et préférences sociales
Authors: Villeval Marie Claire
Published: May 2012

Résumé Comprendre comment la coopération émerge entre individus non apparentés offre une clé de compréhension de l’évolution des sociétés. L’analyse du rôle de l’hétérogénéité des préférences sociales dans la décision de contribution aux biens publics révèle que la coopération conditionnelle explique le déclin des contributions au cours du temps. Les règles morales peuvent cependant contrecarrer ce processus. Les comportements de sanction altruistes conduisent en effet à ce qu’un deuxième problème de passager clandestin s’avère finalement une source majeure de coopération. Si, en l’absence d’institutions, une minorité d’égoïstes pousse la majorité des individus dotés de préférences sociales à se comporter en passagers clandestins, l’introduction d’institutions appropriées conduit les égoïstes à imiter les individus dotés de préférences sociales.
La théorie économique dans la crise
Authors: Kirman Alan
Published: May 2012

Résumé La crise a mis en évidence la distance importante qui existe entre la théorie économique et les phénomènes qu’elle est censée expliquer. Je donne quelques explications historiques de cette divergence entre la théorie et la réalité. Puis je discute de la solidité des fondements de la théorie de l’équilibre général et de l’économie financière et les raisons pour lesquelles nos modèles n’incorporent pas la possibilité d’une crise. Je suggère quelques pistes pour une analyse qui tienne compte de la possibilité de ce genre d’épisode, avec des exemples simples. Une fois l’économie considérée comme un système complexe et évolutif, le problème de son analyse théorique, mais aussi de sa régulation, change de nature. Les responsables politiques ont clairement indiqué le besoin de nouvelles approches, et les économistes ont la responsabilité de les fournir.
Marge extensive du commerce et synchronisation des cycles
Authors: Pentecôte Jean-Sébastien , Poutineau Jean-Christophe , Rondeau Fabien
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article montre qu’une augmentation des flux commerciaux bilatéraux a des effets contrastés sur la synchronisation des cycles nationaux selon qu’elle intègre l’échange de nouvelles variétés. À l’aide d’un modèle dsge à prix flexibles, on montre que la marge extensive réduit les fluctuations des termes de l’échange, ce qui tend à bloquer un effet de transfert à l’origine d’une meilleure synchronisation des cycles. On quantifie empiriquement cet effet à l’aide d’un échantillon constitué de dix pays européens entre 1995 et 2007. Une augmentation de 1 % de la marge extensive du commerce tend à réduire la synchronisation des cycles de 0,11 à 0,34 %, selon la mesure de cette marge extensive et les variables de contrôle retenues.
Les liaisons fallacieuses : quasi-colinéarité et « suppresseur classique », aide au développement et croissance
Authors: Chatelain Jean-Bernard , Ralf Kirsten
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article montre qu’une régression multiple avec deux variables explicatives très corrélées entre elles, et dont les corrélations simples avec une variable dépendante sont quasi nulles, peut correspondre soit à une régression fallacieuse, soit à un modèle homéostatique très sensible à la présence d’observations atypiques à fort levier. La méthode de régression ne permet pas de distinguer entre ces deux modèles. La significativité statistique des paramètres, par ailleurs très élevés, est facile à obtenir dans ce cas, comme le montre une simulation de Monte-Carlo. Un exemple est donné par l’article de Burnside et Dollar [2000], sur les liens entre aide au développement, politiques économiques et croissance.
Prévoir sans persistance
Authors: Boucher Christophe , Maillet Bertrand
Published: May 2012

Résumé La littérature sur la prévision économique et financière a identifié trois problèmes importants : l’instabilité des régressions prédictives, la discordance des résultats des tests de prévisions en échantillon et hors échantillon, et la difficile inférence statistique lorsque les prédicteurs sont hautement persistants. Dans cet article, nous abordons ces trois questions simultanément, en proposant de traiter en amont la persistance des variables prédictives. Nous retirons ainsi préalablement les composantes basses fréquences des prédicteurs et nous montrons, en simulations et sur des données financières, que ce prétraitement permet d’améliorer leur pouvoir prédictif.
400 ans de protection par les brevets
Authors: Diebolt Claude , Pellier Karine
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article contribue à la compréhension empirique de la croissance économique à partir d’une analyse cliométrique des dynamiques structurelles et spatiales des systèmes de brevets en Allemagne, en France, aux États-Unis, au Japon et au Royaume-Uni. Il s’inscrit en prolongement de nos récents travaux consacrés à la production d’une base de données inédite sur l’évolution de longue période des brevets dans 40 pays du xvii e siècle à 1945 et dans plus de 150 pays de 1945 à nos jours (Diebolt et Pellier [2010a]). Nos résultats mettent en évidence que des événements certes rares, mais particulièrement significatifs comme les deux guerres mondiales, ont conditionné les pulsations de l’histoire économique des brevets. Ils questionnent le processus d’évolution autonome, c’est-à-dire la dynamique propre des systèmes de brevet. Les guerres semblent encourager la propension à innover et finalement à favoriser le processus de croissance économique lui-même.
Impasses et ruses du récit
Authors: Bouchet Thomas
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les historiens qui rencontrent la question de l’événement savent combien il est difficile de mettre en mots ce qui s’est effectivement passé. Ils doivent en particulier composer avec des lacunes, des vides, des silences. Le choix qui se présente à eux est insatisfaisant : un récit à vocation exhaustive « recoud » (Michel de Certeau), c’est-à-dire opère une mise en continuité qui risque de déboucher sur un travestissement de l’événement d’origine ; un récit qui ne dissipe pas l’obscurité des aspects les moins lisibles de l’événement risque de conduire à un résultat peu convaincant, et frustrant. L’article porte sur cette articulation difficile entre silences et mises en mots de l’événement, à la fois sous un angle assez général – à propos du xix e siècle français – et à partir de quelques objets d’étude précis : des insurrections, un coup d’État. Il suggère aussi que des récits littéraires ou cinématographiques peuvent ouvrir sur cette question des horizons insoupçonnés.
Fixer l'événement
Authors: Leblanc Audrey
Published: May 2012

Résumé Aujourd’hui considéré comme événement historique, Mai 68 en France est connu pour et par ses icônes photographiques. « Fixer l’événement » : l’icône survient comme sa saisie visuelle dans l’évidence de son lien avec lui ; celle restée dans les mémoires aussi, attachée parfois au nom d’un photographe désormais célèbre. Mais les photographies ainsi convoquées sont issues du photojournalisme, c’est-à-dire d’un système médiatique. Ces « images qui ont fait l’histoire » répondent aux mécanismes complexes d’un tel système ; en l’occurrence, celui de la presse magazine. Déplacer la question de la photographie au photojournalisme permet d’en décrire les instances : les photographes mais aussi les agences de photographie – productrices des images – et les rédactions presse – consommatrices. Dans le récit culturel porté par la doxa professionnelle, les différents acteurs que regroupe ce que l’on a pris l’habitude de nommer « le photojournalisme » sont mal connus et souvent ramenés à la seule figure professionnelle du photographe. La fabrication des images et leur valorisation dans les agences, comme les mécanismes qui régissent leur usage et leur gestion dans les rédactions presse restent confidentielles au milieu. Mai 68 coïncide avec les débuts d’une période aujourd’hui idéalisée par la profession. Les événements se déroulent sur plusieurs semaines et permettent d’observer les réactions médiatiques à leur égard sur une durée donnée. En tenant compte de la fragilité d’archives lacunaires, il est possible de reconstituer la chaîne professionnelle par laquelle se construisent les images des événements, avant de parvenir au lecteur, insérées dans une publication. Cette description permet de poser des jalons quant à la gestion quotidienne par les entreprises du photojournalisme, des événements des mois de mai et juin 1968 : l’événement ne se présente pas comme tel mais se construit au jour le jour, de la production de ses images à sa fixation, par la publication, d’un récit médiatique.
« Faire » un événement naturel ?
Authors: Vasak Anouchka
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’événement naturel, en l’occurrence météorologique, ne nous parvient que médiatement. En comparant l’orage du 13 juillet 1788 et la tempête de décembre 1999, on mesure, par-delà l’évidente singularité de chacun de ces événements, l’écart entre les médias qui les couvrent : mémoires de l’Académie des sciences (1788), presse souvent grand public mais recourant aux paroles d’« experts » (1999). Pourtant, on est surtout frappé par la parenté de discours, au sens linguistique, dans le traitement médiatique de ces deux événements. Cette parenté révèle leur fonction symbolique : l’intuition collective, dans l’un et l’autre cas, de la fin d’un monde s’exprime par le sentiment irrationnel d’une catastrophe imminente, éventuellement renforcé par une critique de la vacance du pouvoir.
Le match et la grève, ou les usages militants de l'événement (années 1970)
Authors: Granger Christophe
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les années 1970 forment en France un âge d’or des luttes. Dans les usines notamment, la décennie, marquée par une densification des conflits, inaugure de nouvelles manières de faire grève qui, aux formes plus traditionnelles, mêlent les journées « portes ouvertes », les sit-in, les visites médiatisées de l’usine occupée, les concerts ou encore les manifestations sportives. Destinées à faire de la grève un événement, ces opérations témoignent à leur façon de l’avènement d’une véritable morale événementielle de l’action collective, tout entière travaillée par le souci de se rendre maître des représentations publiques du conflit, et de faire de lui une cause, propre à toucher, à concerner ou à mobiliser « l’opinion ». Marquée par l’exemple accompli de Lip, la longue grève des métallos de l’usine Rateau à La Courneuve (janvier-avril 1974), menée sous l’aiguillon de la CGT, constitue un bon laboratoire. Les archives du conflit témoignent de l’horizon événementiel que les grévistes ont alors donné à la conduite de leur lutte. Dans et hors de l’usine, mobilisant les ressorts locaux et nationaux de l’indignation, ils multiplient les performances publiques : manifestations de rue, bien sûr, mais aussi conférences de presse, exposition, match de football et concert de soutien. Faisant en sorte qu’il se passe toujours quelque chose et prenant soin de conformer leur action aux sensibilités événementielles du moment, ils s’emploient à faire parler de la grève et à lui donner du prix sur le marché des faits médiatiques. La grève des Rateau invite ainsi l’historien sur les traces d’une culture militante de l’événement ; elle autorise aussi de dessiner les contours d’une séquence historique qui voit l’événement s’affirmer parmi les modes d’organisation privilégiés du monde social.
Le Tribunal pénal international doit-il faire l'événement ?
Authors: Vanneau Victoria
Published: May 2012

Résumé C’est dans le contexte du conflit de l’ex-Yougoslavie dans les années 1990 que s’institue le Tribunal pénal international pour l’ex-Yougoslavie (TPIY). Héritier des principes posés une cinquantaine d’années plus tôt aux procès de Nuremberg (1945), il vient incarner ce « rêve universaliste » d’une justice qui implique non plus seulement la communauté mondiale, mais bel et bien la communauté internationale. Sa mission est double : assurer la paix et œuvrer à la réconciliation des peuples par le droit. Ainsi né de la pression des médias et du trouble de l’opinion publique, hanté par le souvenir du génocide nazi, investi du principe kantien de publicité, le Tribunal porte, dans son existence même, l’exigence de rendre justice mais aussi de se rendre maître des usages publics et des effets symboliques que son activité produit. Autrement dit, pour mener à bien ses objectifs, juges et procureurs doivent dépasser le strict cadre de leurs prérogatives judiciaires pour donner une visibilité particulière à leur action démocratique. Le Tribunal s’entoure alors de moyens de communication importants (site Internet, retransmission des procès, etc.), destinés autant à informer qu’à sensibiliser et à se rendre présent sur les scènes internationale et nationale. En s’efforçant de faire événement au moyen d’un ambitieux programme de sensibilisation du public, en déployant une pédagogie événementielle pour forger un espace commun d’intellection et d’appropriation de son activité justicière, le TPIY a su s’imposer comme une « Justice pour l’Histoire », pesant ainsi sur le façonnement de la mémoire collective et, à partir d’elle, sur la reconstruction des identités nationales.