bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Deceit a Masculine Virtue? An Essay
Authors: Sheehan John
Published: November 2009

Based upon a review of the “old” evidences of human physiology, psychology, anthropology, mythology, history, and sociology through the “new” lenses of an emerging paradigm, this article argues that deceit has been a “virtue” of humankind—or both males and females—throughout the existence of our species as an agent of human survivability. After careful definitions nuance the term “virtue,” this paper then asks the question, “Is deceit a virtue that needs to survive in the modern, global world?”
Advertising Health Status in Male Sex Workers' Online Ads
Authors: Phua Voon Chin , Ciambrone Desirée , Vazquez Obed
Published: November 2009

This brief report examines whether male sex workers mentioned any health concerns in their online ads. The analysis uses 203 male escorts' online ads collected from America Online chat rooms in 2001/2002. The results indicate that only 25 percent of male escorts explicitly mentioned any health-related words or phases in their ads. The results also show that whether a male escort mentioned health in their ad is correlated with the type of images they would like to portray and with the type of sex services they offer.
A unifying hypothesis for a patient with superficial siderosis, low-pressure headache, intraspinal cyst, back pain, and prominent vascularity
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Miller Gary M. , Piepgras David G. , Mokri Bahram
Published: November 2009

A source of bleeding is often not evident during the evaluation of patients with superficial siderosis of the CNS despite extensive imaging. An intraspinal fluid-filled collection of variable dimensions is frequently observed on spine MR imaging in patients with idiopathic superficial siderosis. A similar finding has also been reported in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypotension. The authors report on a patient with superficial siderosis and a longitudinally extensive intraspinal fluid-filled collection secondary to a dural tear. The patient had a history of low-pressure headaches. His spine MR imaging and spine CT suggested the possibility of an underlying vascular malformation, but none was found on angiography. Repair of the dural tear resulted in resolution of the intraspinal fluid collection and CSF abnormalities. The significance of the association between superficial siderosis and idiopathic intracranial hypotension, and potential therapeutic and pathophysiological implications, are the subject of this report.
Trigeminal neurinomas with extracranial extension: analysis of 28 surgically treated cases
Authors: Goel Atul , Shah Abhidha , Muzumdar Dattatraya , Nadkarni Trimurti , Chagla Aadil
Published: November 2009

Object

The object of this paper was to review the authors' experience with 28 cases of trigeminal neurinomas having an extracranial extension.

Methods

The authors analyzed 28 cases of trigeminal neurinoma in which there was an extracranial extension of the tumor. All patients were treated in their department between the years 1989 and 2009.

Results

There was tumor extension along the ophthalmic division of the nerve in 4 cases, along the maxillary division in 5, and along the mandibular division in 13. In 6 tumors there was diffuse extracranial extension and the exact extracranial division of nerve involvement could not be ascertained. In 10 cases, the tumor had a multicompartmental location—in the posterior fossa, the middle fossa, and the extracranial compartment. Tingling paraesthesiae, numbness, and diffuse pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve were common symptoms and were present in 90% of patients. The extracranial component had a well-defined perineural/meningeal membrane cover that was continuous with the middle fossa dura mater and isolated the tumor tissue from the adjoining critical structures. In 7 out of 10 cases, even the posterior fossa component of the tumor was entirely “interdural” (within the confines of the dura). The maximum dimension of the tumor was > 4 cm in 22 cases. A limited “transcranial” approach with (12 cases) or without (16 cases) zygomatic osteotomy was found suitable for resection of these tumors. In 4 cases a lateral orbitotomy was performed. Total tumor resection was performed in 20 cases and partial resection in 8. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 19 years. Two patients required additional surgery for symptomatic recurrence.

Conclusions

Extracranial extensions of trigeminal neurinomas have a well-defined meningeal covering. In most cases resection was performed via a minimally invasive cranial avenue (a “reverse skull base approach”). Radical resection was associated with an excellent long-term outcome.
The sublime bridge: anatomy and implications in median nerve entrapment
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Marshall Tyler , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: November 2009

Object

The sublime bridge is a potential site of entrapment of the median nerve in the forearm. To the authors' knowledge, this structure and its relationship to the median nerve have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to quantitate this structure and elucidate its relationship to the median nerve.

Methods

Sixty adult cadaveric forearms underwent dissection of the sublime bridge. Relationships of this structure were observed, and measurements of its anatomy were made. The relationship of the median nerve to the sublime bridge was observed with range of motion about the forearm.

Results

The sublime bridge was found to be tendinous in the majority (45 [75%]) of specimens and muscular in the remaining forearms (15 [25%]). The maximal mean width of the sublime bridge was 7 cm proximally, and the minimal mean width was 3 cm distally. The mean distance from the medial epicondyle to the apex of the sublime bridge was found to be 8.1 cm. The relation of the median nerve to the bridge was always intimate. On 2 sides (1 left and 1 right) from different male specimens, the median nerve was attached to the deep aspect of the sublime bridge by a strong connective tissue band, thus forming a tunnel on the deep aspect of this structure. With range of motion of the forearm, increased compression of the median nerve by the overlying sublime bridge was seen with extension but no other movement.

Conclusions

Based on the authors' study, pronator syndrome is an incorrect term applied to compression of the median nerve at the sublime bridge. This potential site of median nerve compression is distinct and has characteristics that can clinically differentiate it from compression of the median nerve between the heads of the pronator teres. The authors hope that these data will be of use to the surgeon in the evaluation and treatment of patients with proximal median nerve entrapment.
Image-guided anatomical and morphometric study of supraorbital and transorbital minicraniotomies to the sellar and perisellar regions: comparison with standard techniques
Authors: Beretta Federica , Andaluz Norberto , Chalaala Chiraz , Bernucci Claudio , Salud Leo , Zuccarello Mario
Published: November 2009

Object

Minimally invasive approaches have been proposed for the treatment of anterior cranial base pathology. Whereas earlier studies have quantified surgical exposure by referring to the opening on the surface, this cadaveric morphometric study redefines the concept of working area by examining the deep exposures afforded by several different approaches. Specifically, the authors systematically quantify and compare the operative exposure afforded by the pterional, supraorbital, and transorbital keyhole approaches to the sellar, suprasellar, and perisellar regions, including the anterior communicating artery complex.

Methods

Pterional, supraorbital, and transorbital approaches were sequentially performed in 5 embalmed cadaveric heads on both sides. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were obtained for frameless stereotactic navigation and measurements. Using reproducible anatomical landmarks, 6 triangles were defined to systematically measure the working area, depth of the surgical window, and angle of observation for each approach. Areas of the triangles were calculated using the Heron mathematical formula based on stereotactic navigation measurements. Ten sets of data were analyzed.

Results

The pterional, supraorbital, and transorbital keyhole approaches provided progressively increasing working areas. The transorbital approach was associated with significantly increased exposure when compared with the pterional approach (p < 0.01). The transorbital approach was associated with a shallower depth of the surgical window when compared with either the supraorbital (p < 0.05) or pterional (p < 0.01) approach. The angle of basal view increased 56.6% with the transorbital approach (p < 0.001) when compared with the supraorbital approach. The transorbital route provided greater exposure on deeply located midline and contralateral structures.

Conclusions

In refining the concept of working area as deep rather than superficial in the surgical field, the authors quantified the 6 triangles whose boundaries were relative to the target structures to be exposed in the approach. The authors' morphometric findings support the use of the supraorbital and transorbital approaches as a valid alternative to the pterional approach for the treatment of sellar and perisellar pathology. The transorbital approach combines the advantages of minimal invasiveness with those of cranial base techniques.
Imaging of hypoxic lesions in patients with gliomas by using positron emission tomography with 1-(2-[18F] fluoro-1-[hydroxymethyl]ethoxy)methyl-2-nitroimidazole, a new 18F-labeled 2-nitroimidazole analog
Authors: Shibahara Ichiyo , Kumabe Toshihiro , Kanamori Masayuki , Saito Ryuta , Sonoda Yukihiko , Watanabe Mika , Iwata Ren , Higano Shuichi , Takanami Kentaro , Takai Yoshihiro , Tominaga Teiji
Published: November 2009

Object

Assessment of hypoxic conditions in brain tumors is important for predicting tumor aggressiveness and treatment response. A new hypoxia imaging agent, 1-(2-[18F]fluoro-1-[hydroxymethyl]ethoxy)methyl-2-nitroimidazole (FRP-170), with higher image contrast and faster clearance than preexisting hypoxia tracers for PET, was used to visualize hypoxic tissues in 8 patients with glioma.

Methods

The FRP-170 was injected and PET imaging was performed 2 hours later in 8 patients, including 3 with glioblastoma multiforme, 2 with oligodendroglioma, and 1 each with diffuse astrocytoma, anaplastic ganglioglioma, and recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma. All 8 patients also underwent MR imaging, and some patients underwent [11C]methionine or [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and proton MR spectroscopy for comparison. Tissues obtained at biopsy or radical resection were immunostained with hypoxia-inducible factor–1α (HIF-1α) antibody for the confirmation of hypoxia, except in the patient with recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma who was treated using Gamma Knife surgery.

Results

The FRP-170 PET images showed marked uptake with upregulation of HIF-1α in the 3 glioblastomas multiforme, and moderate uptake in the recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma and one oligodendroglioma, but no uptake in the other tumors. The FRP-170 PET images showed positive correlation with HIF-1α immunoreactivity and some correlation with FDG PET and MR imaging enhancement, but no correlation with [11C]methionine PET. Imaging with FRP-170 PET seemed to be more sensitive for detecting hypoxia than identifying the lactate peak on proton MR spectroscopy.

Conclusions

Imaging with FRP-170 PET can visualize hypoxic lesions in patients with glioma, as confirmed by histological examination. This new method can assess tumor hypoxia preoperatively and noninvasively.
Microsurgical removal of Onyx HD-500 from an aneurysm for relief of brainstem compression
Authors: Van Loock Katrin , Menovsky Tomas , Voormolen Maurits H. , Plazier Mark , Parizel Paul , De Ridder Dirk , Maas Andrew I. R. , Hernesniemi Juha A.
Published: November 2009

The authors report the successful removal of Onyx HD-500 from an aneurysm sac by means of ultrasonic aspiration. This 46-year-old woman presented with progressive spasms of her left arm and leg due to mass effect and compression on the right cerebral peduncle 5 years after endovascular treatment of an unruptured giant posterior communicating artery aneurysm with Onyx HD-500. No filling of the aneurysm was detected on angiography.

The patient underwent a right pterional craniotomy and the aneurysm was opened to remove the Onyx mass. However, contrary to expectations, the aneurysm was still patent, filling with blood between the Onyx mass and the aneurysm wall. Under temporary clipping of the carotid artery, the Onyx mass within the aneurysm was removed in a piecemeal fashion using an ultrasonic aspirator and the aneurysm was then successfully clipped. The patient experienced significant improvement of the spasm after surgery. Angiography showed complete occlusion of the posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

It is rarely necessary to remove embolization material such as Onyx HD-500, and little is known about the most appropriate surgical technique. This case report demonstrates that removal can be safely accomplished by means of ultrasonic aspiration.
Effect of subthalamic deep brain stimulation on postural abnormality in Parkinson disease
Authors: Umemura Atsushi , Oka Yuichi , Ohkita Kenji , Yamawaki Takemori , Yamada Kazuo
Published: November 2009

Object

Parkinson disease (PD) is often accompanied by various postural abnormalities such as camptocormia (bent spine) or Pisa syndrome (lateral flexion). The authors studied the effect of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) on postural abnormality in patients with PD.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of 18 patients who suffered from significant postural abnormality and underwent bilateral STN DBS. Patients whose preoperative posture score (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III, item 28) was 2 or more in the “medication-on” state were enrolled in this study. Eight patients were considered to have camptocormia, and 10 patients were considered to have so-called Pisa syndrome. Nine patients showed apparent thoracolumbar spinal deformity on radiography. Most patients had significant motor fluctuations from levodopa.

Results

In 13 patients with moderate postural abnormality (score of 2 on item 28), 9 patients improved soon after surgery, but 1 patient relapsed. Two patients improved gradually over a long period after surgery, whereas 2 patients did not improve at all. In 5 patients with severe postural abnormality (score of 3 or 4 on item 28), 2 patients improved slightly in the long-term follow-up period after surgery, but 3 patients did not improve at all.

Conclusions

Postural abnormality in patients with PD could be ameliorated by STN DBS, and therefore surgery should be considered before irreversible spinal deformity develops.
Attenuation of astrogliosis and modulation of endothelial growth factor receptor in lipid rafts by simvastatin after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wu Hongtao , Mahmood Asim , Lu Dunyue , Jiang Hao , Xiong Ye , Zhou Dong , Chopp Michael
Published: November 2009

Object

The authors' previous studies have demonstrated that simvastatin treatment promotes neuronal survival and reduces inflammatory cytokine release from astrocytes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. Since reactive astrocytes produce inflammation mediators, in the current study the authors investigated the effect of simvastatin on astrocyte activation after TBI and its underlying signaling mechanisms.

Methods

Saline or simvastatin (1 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats starting at Day 1 after TBI and then daily for 14 days. Rats were killed at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment. Brain sections and tissues were prepared for immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis, respectively. Cultured astrocytes were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and followed by immunocytochemical staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein/caveolin-1 and Western blot analysis. Lipid rafts were isolated from the cell lysate and Western blotting was carried out to detect the changes in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and phosphorylation in the lipid rafts.

Results

Simvastatin significantly promoted neuronal survival after TBI and attenuated activation of astrocytes. Simvastatin modified the caveolin-1 expression in lipid rafts in astrocyte cell membrane, suppressed the phosphorylation of EGFR in lipid rafts of astrocytes after OGD, and inhibited the OGD-induced interleukin-1 production.

Conclusions

These data suggest that simvastatin reduces reactive astrogliosis and rescues neuronal cells after TBI. These beneficial effects of simvastatin may be mediated by inhibiting astrocyte activation after TBI through modifying the caveolin-1 expression in lipid rafts and the subsequent modulation of EGFR phosphorylation in lipid rafts.
Sex, Sexuality and Negotiating Africanness in Nairobi
Authors: Spronk Rachel
Published: November 2009

This article presents two themes: how young professionals personally experience sexuality and issues of cultural belonging or identification; and how these issues are interrelated in their lives. I identify ways in which ‘young professionals’ as a social group are in the vanguard in respect of societal reconfigurations of gender, sexuality and culture. I argue that this group embodies post-colonial transformations concerning reconfigurations in gender, sexuality and culture. I work out the complexities of sexuality and culture by focusing on public debates about African heritage, gerontocratic power relations and conventional morality, on the one hand, and personal sexual relationships, intimacy and self-definitions on the other. Finally, I explore how sexuality has become central to self-expression and how cultural self-identification is an ambiguous concern for young professionals.
The Conservative Aspects of a Centripetal Diaspora: The Case of the Cape VerdeanTabancas
Authors: Filho Wilson Trajano
Published: November 2009

This article deals with the continuous flow of resources, values and goods that takes place within a Cape Verdean institution calledtabanca.It examines the effects of some practices of the so-called Cape Verdean diaspora on local forms of sociality in Santiago'stabancas, in order to show that these flows have a remarkable conservative tendency and contribute to the reproduction of traditional forms of social organization. The Cape Verde I present in this article is at variance with the standard image of the country in current anthropological literature, which approaches social life in the archipelago using analytical tools developed in interdisciplinary fields such as globalization theory and post-colonial, transnational or diasporic studies. Through the ethnographic analysis of the flows within thetabanca, I put the Cape Verde case in the general context of West African political culture to argue that some of its attributes, which appear in literature on transnationalism, diaspora and globalization as the outcome of contemporary transformation, can best be explained in terms of a conservative structural continuity with the political culture that evolved in the northern part of West Africa, known as Senegambia.
The Power of Ambiguity: The Nature and Efficacy of the Zamble Masks Revealed by ‘Disease Masks’ Among the Gouro People (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Haxaire Claudie
Published: November 2009

Among the Gouro masks, Zamble, a composite animal figure, and Gù, a fine-featured woman's face, are known to art lovers around the world. Today their profane avatars, Flali and Zaouli, are at the heart of masquerades that are much enjoyed by audiences. But this appreciation concerns only the ‘pretty’ aspects, that is to say the civilized and orderly side of an ensemble that also has a reverse side: the disease masks, sprung from disorder, avatars of the more powerful Zàùlì, described as the wild brother or husband of Zamble in the genealogical idiom employed by the Gouro when referring to the masks. These masks are created by each generation of young people and are central figures in rituals of inversion that express the upheavals of the times. At the same time as they establish their creators’ reputations, they serve as a record of these events for the Gouro. Descended from the initial trio of masks (Zàùlì, Zamble, Gù), they prolong the trend to secularization of this family of masks from the sacred wood. In tracking this tradition over twenty years we can see a process of resacralization. When the youths’ comments are analysed in the light of encyclopaedic knowledge acquired in the course of anthropological research on health, we can understand the necessity of the mask figure, and going further can understand what an ugly profane mask is, what it presents and the role it plays. In return the Zamble mask and its associates take on another dimension, a dimension that opens up exploration of the unknown via their intrinsic ambiguity and the transgressive behaviour they allow during the time of the ritual.
Using Exergy to Understand and Improve the Efficiency of Electrical Power Technologies
Authors: Rosen Marc A. , Bulucea Cornelia Aida
Published: November 2009

The benefits are demonstrated of using exergy to understand the efficiencies of electrical power technologies and to assist improvements. Although exergy applications in power systems and electrical technology are uncommon, exergy nevertheless identifies clearly potential reductions in thermodynamic losses and efficiency improvements. Various devices are considered, ranging from simple electrical devices to generation systems for electrical power and for multiple products including electricity, and on to electrically driven. The insights provided by exergy are shown to be more useful than those provided by energy, which are sometimes misleading. Exergy is concluded to have a significant role in assessing and improving the efficiencies of electrical power technologies and systems, and provides a useful tool for engineers and scientists as well as decision and policy makers.
6-(4-(2-{2-[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione)
Authors: Gooden David
Published: November 2009

Microwave irradiation of maleimide with an excess of furan in water exclusively yields the corresponding exo-cycloadduct in good yield (87%) in 1 hour at 90 oC. Alkylation of the imido nitrogen with tetraethylene glycol under Mitsunobu conditions gives the ROMP monomer in 81% yield.
4-Bromo-3-methoxy-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole
Authors: Kleizienė Neringa , Arbačiauskienė Eglė , Holzer Wolfgang , Šačkus Algirdas
Published: November 2009

The title compound was prepared by treatment of 4-bromo-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ol with sodium hydride/methyl iodide in good yield. Detailed spectroscopic data (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 15N NMR, IR, MS) are presented.
Correction: Pan, J.L. Progress to a Gallium-Arsenide Deep-Center Laser. Materials 2009, 2, 1599-1635
Authors: Pan Janet L.
Published: November 2009

The author acknowledges that her former graduate students, J. E. McManis and M. Gupta, collected the data in the recent review [1], as indicated by the references therein. [...]
Hyperspectral Reflectance and Fluorescence Imaging to Detect Scab Induced Stress in Apple Leaves
Authors: Delalieux Stephanie , Auwerkerken Annemarie , Verstraeten Willem  W. , Somers Ben , Valcke Roland , Lhermitte Stefaan , Keulemans Johan , Coppin Pol
Published: November 2009

Apple scab causes significant losses in the production of this fruit. A timely and more site-specific monitoring and spraying of the disease could reduce the number of applications of fungicides in the fruit industry. The aim of this leaf-scale study therefore lies in the early detection of apple scab infections in a non-invasive and non-destructive way. In order to attain this objective, fluorescence- and hyperspectral imaging techniques were used. An experiment was conducted under controlled environmental conditions, linking hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging measurements to scab infection symptoms in a susceptible apple cultivar (Malus x domestica Borkh. cv. Braeburn). Plant stress was induced by inoculation of the apple plants with scab spores. The quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry was derived from fluorescence images of leaves under light adapted conditions. Leaves inoculated with scab spores were expected to have lower PSII quantum efficiency than control (mock) leaves. However, besides scab-induced, also immature leaves exhibited low PSII quantum efficiency. Therefore, this study recommends the simultaneous use of fluorescence imaging and hyperspectral techniques. A shortwave infrared narrow-waveband ratio index (R1480/R2135) is presented in this paper as a promising tool to identify scab stress before symptoms become visible to the naked eye. Low PSII quantum efficiency attended by low narrow waveband R1480/R2135 index values points out scab stress in an early stage. Apparent high PSII quantum efficiency together with high overall reflectance in VIS and SWIR spectral domains indicate a severe, well-developed scab infection.
Sensor for Distance Measurement Using Pixel Grey-Level Information
Authors: Lázaro José L. , Cano Angel E. , Fernández Pedro R. , Pompa Yamilet
Published: November 2009

An alternative method for distance measurement is presented, based on a radiometric approach to the image formation process. The proposed methodology uses images from an infrared emitting diode (IRED) to estimate the distance between the camera and the IRED. Camera output grey-level intensities are a function of the accumulated image irradiance, which is also related by inverse distance square law to the distance between the camera and the IRED. Analyzing camera-IRED distance, magnitudes that affected image grey-level intensities, and therefore accumulated image irradiance, were integrated into a differential model which was calibrated and used for distance estimation over a 200 to 600 cm range. In a preliminary model, the camera and the emitter were aligned.
Cyclopiazonic Acid Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Chang Perng-Kuang , Ehrlich Kenneth C. , Fujii Isao
Published: November 2009

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an indole-tetramic acid neurotoxin produced by some of the same strains of A. flavus that produce aflatoxins and by some Aspergillus oryzae strains. Despite its discovery 40 years ago, few reviews of its toxicity and biosynthesis have been reported. This review examines what is currently known about the toxicity of CPA to animals and humans, both by itself or in combination with other mycotoxins. The review also discusses CPA biosynthesis and the genetic diversity of CPA production in A. flavus/oryzae populations.
HIV-1 Integrase-DNA Recognition Mechanisms
Authors: Kessl Jacques J. , McKee Christopher J. , Eidahl Jocelyn O. , Shkriabai Nikolozi , Katz Ari , Kvaratskhelia Mamuka
Published: November 2009

Integration of a reverse transcribed DNA copy of the HIV viral genome into the host chromosome is essential for virus replication. This process is catalyzed by the virally encoded protein integrase. The catalytic activities, which involve DNA cutting and joining steps, have been recapitulated in vitro using recombinant integrase and synthetic DNA substrates. Biochemical and biophysical studies of these model reactions have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of mechanistic details for how IN interacts with viral and target DNAs, and are the focus of the present review.
Maturation Pathways of Cross-Reactive HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Xiao Xiaodong , Chen Weizao , Feng Yang , Dimitrov Dimiter  S.
Published: November 2009

Several human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) and antibody fragments, including the best characterized in terms of structure-function b12 and Fab X5, exhibit relatively potent and broad HIV-1 neutralizing activity. However, the elicitation of b12 or b12-like antibodies in vivo by vaccine immunogens based on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) has not been successful. B12 is highly divergent from the closest corresponding germline antibody while X5 is less divergent. We have hypothesized that the relatively high degree of specific somatic hypermutations may preclude binding of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) to closest germline antibodies, and that identifying antibodies that are intermediates in the pathways to maturation could help design novel vaccine immunogens to guide the immune system for their enhanced elicitation. In support of this hypothesis we have previously found that a germline-like b12 (monovalent and bivalent scFv as an Fc fusion protein or IgG) lacks measurable binding to an Env as measured by ELISA with a sensitivity in the μM range [1]; here we present evidence confirming and expanding these findings for a panel of Envs. In contrast, a germline-like scFv X5 bound Env with high (nM) affinity. To begin to explore the maturation pathways of these antibodies we identified several possible b12 intermediate antibodies and tested their neutralizing activity. These intermediate antibodies neutralized only some HIV-1 isolates and with relatively weak potency. In contrast, germline-like scFv X5 neutralized a subset of the tested HIV-1 isolates with comparable efficiencies to that of the mature X5. These results could help explain the relatively high immunogenicity of the coreceptor binding site on gp120 and the abundance of CD4-induced (CD4i) antibodies in HIV-1-infected patients (X5 is a CD4i antibody) as well as the maturation pathway of X5. They also can help identify antigens that can bind specifically to b12 germline and intermediate antibodies that together with Envs could be used as a conceptually novel type of candidate vaccines. Such candidate vaccines based on two or more immunogens could help guiding the immune system through complex maturation pathways for elicitation of antibodies that are similar or identical to antibodies with known properties.
Hepatitis Delta Virus RNA Replication
Authors: Tseng Chung-Hsin , Lai Michael M.  C.
Published: November 2009

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a distant relative of plant viroids in the animal world. Similar to plant viroids, HDV replicates its circular RNA genome using a double rolling-circle mechanism. Nevertheless, the production of hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which is indispensible for HDV replication, is a unique feature distinct from plant viroids, which do not encode any protein. Here the HDV RNA replication cycle is reviewed, with emphasis on the function of HDAg in modulating RNA replication and the nature of the enzyme involved.
Daily Variations of Water Use with Vapor Pressure Deficit in a Plantation of I214 Poplars
Authors: Muller Etienne , Lambs Luc
Published: November 2009

Daily rates of whole tree water use were measured in a homogeneous 7-year-old plantation over 84 days. Two trees were selected in the two most contrasting ends, i.e., with mean water table at -1.5 m and -3.5 m. Results showed that the mean tree water use was close to 80 dm3 day–1 with a small mean difference between the two sites (5.4 dm3 day–1, about 7%). Higher daily variations were observed on a single tree over the season (from 17 to 138 dm3 day–1). These fluctuations could be modeled using linear regressions on the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Results also indicated decreasing sap flux densities with radial sapwood depth and that the whole tree water use could be estimated from the sap flux densities measured at the 0–2 cm depth.
Structure verticale de production et intervention publique. Application au cas des produits laitiers en Europe
Authors: Bouamra Zohra , Réquillart Vincent
Published: November 2009

On étudie dans cet article l'effet des instruments de politique agricole dans le secteur laitier. L'analyse considère l'offre de lait, le processus de transformation caractérisé par une production jointe et la demande finale pour les biens transformés. On définit un modèle de court terme en équilibre partiel pour déterminer les effets de différents scénarios de politique agricole sur le prix, la production, la consommation et les exportations des différents produits. Du fait des accords du GATT qui impliquent une baisse des exportations subventionnées, on étudie plus particulièrement l'impact des instruments sur les exportations des différents produits laitiers.
Marché contingenté à l'importation et marché des droits à importer en concurrence imparfaite
Authors: Guyomard Hervé , Laroche Catherine , Le Mouël Chantal
Published: November 2009

Import quota and import rights market

with imperfect competition : the case of banana

in the European Union

The Common Market Organisation (CMO) for bananas in the European Union sets a tariff quota for Latin American and non-traditional ACP (Africa, Carribean and Pacific countries) bananas. Import rights are allocated between A operators (who imported dollar bananas in the pre-CMO regime) and B operators (who imported ACP and European fruits in the pre- CMO regime). In this paper, we develop an analytical framework which allows us to define the equilibrium characteristics on both the banana market and the import rights market. The model takes into account the market power potentially exerted by A operators on these markets.
Nouveaux outils pour analyser les effets de la prochaine réforme de la PAC sur les exploitations agricoles
Authors: Carles Roland , Decouvelaere François-Xavier , Millet Guy , Revel Alain , Sourie Jean-Claude
Published: November 2009

New tools to analyse the effects of future cap reforms on the farms

Since 1990 one is witnessing a new interest for models of simulation which function at the farm level. They have allowed to make projections of the CAP reform. They represent faithfully the regional agriculture. At INRA of Grignon, three micro-economic models have been used : the farm type analysis (Simulpac) ; the linear programming, traditional tool of optimisation ; the non linear programming, following the Howitt's new method taking into account a coefficient of risk aversion, individualised for each farmer and each crop. Interest and limits of these three methods have been tested and analysed on two different French regions. Different changes of the CAP have then been simulated. They have been compared to the CAP applied in 1995: 0% to 25% set aside rate change; different food crops prices declines until intervention prices. Agricultural policy scenarios including more complex effects have been then tested : premiums reductions as proposed by the Commission for 1997 or single premium to the hectare. Finally the introduction of three non food crops has been simulated.
Le travail en agriculture : nouvelles demandes, nouveaux enjeux
Authors: Harff Yvette , Lamarche Hugues
Published: November 2009

L'organisation du travail en agriculture connaît depuis quatre ou cinq ans de nouvelles tendances d'évolution susceptibles de transformer profondément le fonctionnement des exploitations et, plus largement, leurs caractéristiques identitaires. Dans une première partie sont analysées les différentes raisons, économiques, familiales et psychologiques, fondant la demande actuelle de main-d'œuvre et ses caractères nouveaux de flexibilité et de qualification. La seconde partie s'appuie sur une enquête en cours, en Beauce et en Bretagne, pour montrer les changements déjà observables au niveau des différents dispositifs répondant à cette demande : adaptation des dispositifs existants (cuma, eta, service de remplacement) et mise en place de nouveaux dispositifs (groupement d'employeurs, cercle d'échange).

L'observation des pratiques nouvelles confirme le caractère encore indéterminé des changements en cours, mais conforte l'hypothèse d'une profonde rupture.
L'activité agricole des ménages ruraux et la cohésion économique et sociale
Authors: Laurent Catherine , Cartier Stéphane , Fabre Camille , Mundler Patrick , Ponchelet Danièle , Rémy Jacques
Published: November 2009

Les fonctions de l'activité agricole relatives à la cohésion économique et sociale deviennent à part entière des éléments des politiques nationales et communautaires. Des enquêtes auprès des ménages ayant une activité agricole ont été réalisées dans plusieurs régions françaises. La diversité des formes d'exercice de l'activité agricole a été résumée sous forme d'une typologie et il est possible de préciser les diverses fonctions de l'activité agricole (économiques, d'intégration sociale, hédonistes) pour trois domaines distincts : vie professionnelle, vie personnelle et sociale, vie familiale et domestique. Cette analyse permet de mieux saisir les mécanismes par lesquels l'activité agricole contribue à la cohésion économique et sociale du monde rural ; elle fait aussi ressortir que les mesures de politique agricole ne sont adaptées qu'à une fraction des ménages ayant une activité agricole.
Éléments de définition d'une politique agricole commune pour le XXIe siècle
Authors: Gohin Alexandre , Guyomard Hervé , Le Mouël Chantal
Published: November 2009

Cet article propose certains aménagements possibles et souhaitables de la PAC dans une perspective de long terme où la double mission des agriculteurs européens doit être explicitement reconnue : un rôle "marchand" de fourniture de biens en grandes quantités sur des bases compétitives internationalement et un rôle "non marchand" de fourniture de biens mal valorisés par le marché. Il est possible de définir des principes communs de régulation publique et d'instrumentation pour l'agriculture communautaire : un découplage maximal des politiques de soutien au revenu via un système d'aides directes les plus indépendantes possibles des actes de production et un couplage maximal des politiques d'encouragement des fonctions publiques liées à l'activité agricole via un système d'aides ciblées assises sur les facteurs de production.
Des conditions d'émergence d'un écolabel de produit
Authors: Nadai Alain
Published: November 2009

Conditions for a successful development of product ecolabels : products environmental qualification and market exchange

Since the beginning of the nineties, product ecolabelling devices have proliferated world-wide. However, an industrial opposition hinders the development of the ecolabels on the final markets. We discuss the conditions for their successful development before turning on to examine the theoretical implications raised by this case study. It appears that the ability of the existing theoretical frameworks to analyse the impact of market competition on products qualification has to be examined more in detail.
Évolutions et stratégies dans la distribution alimentaire Les apports des sciences de gestion
Authors: Filser Marc
Published: November 2009

Évolutions and strategies in food distribution: the contributions of research in business administration

The magnitude of evolutions in marketing channels has led to a major shift in the theoritical models developed by the research in business, mostly in marketing and strategic management. Three main research areas can be envisioned: analysis of retailing, both in terms of retail evolution and search of productivity gains at the store level, analysis of marketing channels, that greatly benefits from the progress of a contractual theories of interoganizationnal relations, and the development of theories of strategies management of the distributive firm. Even if these constructions are based on little unified theoritical frames, they show how researchers tend to formulate managerial guidelines for channel members : producers, wholesalers and retailers.
Une approche conceptuelle des relations fournisseurs-distributeurs
Authors: Codron Jean-Marie , D'Hauteville François
Published: November 2009

A new institutional economic approach to analyzing supplier-retailer relationships : the case of wine, counterseason fruit and dairy products. Supplier-retailer relationships in the food industry vary markedly from one subsector to another. This paper aims to explain the diversity in governance structures encountered in three sectors of food products (dairy products, wine and counterseason fruit), with a model grounded in the New Institutional Economics. The model emphasizes consumers' preferences and information issues, which play a key role in the supplier-retailer transactions environment. The basic NIE model is specified and applied to the French retail food industry, using the three products mentioned above. In this context, we use the model to explore in more detail the factors that play a key role in NIE analysis (uncertainty, asset specificity), discuss what the appropriate unit of analysis should be, and analyze the principles guiding the choice of governance structures. This application also allows us to incorporate into the model the critical importance of quality conventions and of technical progress in dealing with information to the choice of specific assets and governance structures in the different subsectors. The paper is primarily programmatic.
Implantations et agrandissements de grandes surfaces alimentaires
Authors: Pouzenc Michaël
Published: November 2009

Durant les années 1980, le tissu des supermarchés s'est fortement densifié, notamment en milieu rural, entraînant une importante complexification de la géographie des relations de concurrence. Cette complexification est mal appréhendée dans les études de marché préalables à la création ou à l'agrandissement des grandes surfaces: l'aire de chalandise du magasin n'est évaluée que de façon grossière et l'organisation spatiale de la concurrence n'est que très peu prise en compte. Ici, les questions d'efficacité et d'organisation de la distribution sont aussi des questions d'aménagement du territoire, ces études de marché servant de base de travail aux responsables de grande surface comme aux Commissions Départementales d'Équipement Commercial.
Les formes relationnelles entre les enseignes de grande distribution et leurs fournisseurs
Authors: Bouvier-Patron Paul
Published: November 2009

Contractual forms between retailers and their suppliers in the food sector

Vertical integration on the one hand and contractual relations on the other hand are two main features of the food retailing sector. The economical weight of each of these both sides is more or less similar. However, in the long run, it seems that (a) the contractual side is more important than the integrated one and, in the same time, that (b) contractual forms related to high quality tend now to be dominant These two points (a, b) are the one we are going to explain here.
Une revue de la littérature académique anglo-saxonne sur la grande distribution alimentaire
Authors: D. Kinsey Jean
Published: November 2009

Cet article présente une revue d'un échantillon représentatif de la littérature anglo saxonne des vingt dernières années, sur le thème de la concentration du pouvoir de marché et des relations de cette concentration avec les prix de détail et les profits. Le schéma «Structure de marché-pouvoir-performance» s'applique au comportement et aux performances générales de ce secteur et met en perspective le renforcement et la consolidation du pouvoir de marché que l'on prête aujourd'hui volontiers à la grande distribution alimentaire. Deux questions principales se posent : la concentration de la distribution alimentaire au niveau local accroît-elle les prix alimentaires et les profits des entreprises? Le secteur de la distribution est-il devenu relativement plus rentable? Les résultats sont mitigés, notamment en ce qui concerne les prix. La plupart des études laissent entendre que ces profits seraient liés à la baisse des coûts, par l'utilisation des technologies d'information et par l'intégration verticale avec les fournisseurs. Il n'est d'ailleurs pas évident que les profits des distributeurs augmentent plus vite que ceux des industriels.
Grande distribution alimentaire et changements organisationnels
Authors: Sans Pierre , Coquart Dominique
Published: November 2009

En une trentaine d'années, la grande distribution alimentaire (GDA) est devenue le premier canal de commercialisation de la viande bovine. Parallèlement, une industrie de transformation de la viande bovine s'est développée. À partir des résultats d'une enquête menée auprès des principaux opérateurs de ces secteurs, les auteurs dégagent les changements organisationnels survenus au sein de ce canal de distribution. Les structures d'approvisionnement en viande bovine et les modalités de leur fonctionnement traduisent la volonté de la GDA d'exercer un contrôle étroit sur les transactions. Il est à l'origine d'un processus d'adaptation des fournisseurs qu'elle surveille étroitement.
Politique alimentaire et sécurité nutritionnelle Le cas critique des lipides en Inde
Authors: Dorin Bruno
Published: November 2009

À travers une analyse des disponibilités nutritionnelles indiennes et de leur accessibilité, cet article centre l'attention sur un nutriment peu considéré, les lipides, en exposant conjointement les déterminants de sa chaîne de fabrication, de distribution et de consommation. Le constat qu'il existe une prévalence d'insuffisance lipidique beaucoup plus prononcée que pour les glucides et les protéines, notamment au sein des populations rurales, conduit aussi à évaluer la part de responsabilité des politiques alimentaires -en particulier de la Révolution Verte - dans cette situation au coût social élevé.
Michel Augé-Laribé (1876-1954) et l'économie politique rurale
Authors: Boussard Isabel
Published: November 2009

Fondateur de la Société française d'économie rurale en 1948, Michel Augé-Laribé est un auteur souvent cité, mais dont les idées ont été peu analysées dans le détail. Économiste libéral, il est partisan du libre-échange et de la propriété individuelle, s'opposant aux socialistes. La taille des exploitations lui importe moins que la manière dont elles sont cultivées et gérées. Économiste social, il est soucieux de l'homme et de ses conditions de vie, notamment pour les ouvriers. L'enseignement est, pour lui, une pièce essentielle dans l'économie rurale et, prônant l'apolitisme du mouvement associatif, il adhère lui-même aux options du Parti radical-socialiste.
La politique des pêches maritimes et des cultures marines françaises
Authors: Boyer Philippe
Published: November 2009

Les dépenses budgétaires de l'État et de l'Union européenne bénéficiant aux pêches maritimes et aux cultures marines françaises sous forme de subventions à la branche ou de financement de l'intervention sur les marchés s'élèvent à 450 millions de francs en 1996. Plus de la moitié de ces dépenses ont une vocation structurelle et accompagnent la restructuration du secteur des pêches, caractérisée par une modernisation opérée sous contrainte de réduction globale de l'effort de pêche afin de préserver la ressource. Bien qu'en croissance sous l'effet de la crise, le soutien des marchés ne représente que 15 % des dépenses considérées (contre 80 % pour l'agriculture). Rapportées à la valeur des livraisons ou au nombre d'actifs, les pêches maritimes et les cultures marines françaises bénéficient d'un soutien budgétaire sensiblement plus faible que celui constaté en moyenne pour l'agriculture.
Évolution économique de la filière bois. Une analyse par les milieux innovateurs
Authors: Crevoisier Olivier , Muller Ariane
Published: November 2009

La filière bois connaît un certain nombre de difficultés tant en France qu'en Suisse. Un certain nombre de tentatives de revitalisation ont été menées, la plupart sans succès. Dans cet article, nous avançons l'idée que cet échec est dû à un manque de compréhension du fonctionnement des systèmes de production territoriaux. En mobilisant le concept de milieu innovateur nous présentons les résultats d'une recherche menée dans l'Arc jurassien suisse et mettons en évidence l'existence de nombreuses barrières à la coopération entre acteurs locaux. Le grand nombre de petites entreprises, leur isolement dans l'espace, la multiplicité des entités politique et administrative qui interviennent dans cette filière, la segmentation des associations professionnelles ainsi que l'absence de lieux de rencontre et de discussion expliquent en grande partie la faiblesse de la dynamique innovatrice de cette filière.