bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aptitude to Interpreting: Preliminary Results of a Testing Methodology Based on Paraphrase
Authors: Russo Mariachiara , Salvador Pippa
Published: July 2012

This article presents the first results of a longitudinal study involving a sample of 46 students of the SSLMIT of Trieste. The study aims at developing an aptitude test for candidates to Conference Interpreting courses at university level. The test is based on an exercise of simultaneous paraphrasing. The linguistic analysis of the performances at syntactic, semantic and pragmatic levels has shown statistically significant correlations between the test results, the marks of interpreting exams and the time spent by the students to complete their training in interpreting.
Diglossia in Literary Translation: Accommodation into Translation Theory
Authors: Zughoul Muhammad Raji , El-Badarien1 Mohammed
Published: July 2012

Sociolinguistic research on varieties of language and language variation along with the necessity for meeting “equivalence” in terms of the appropriateness of the variety to the context have been well recognized in the formulation of a translation theory (Catford 1965, Crystal 1981, Newmark 1981 & 1988, and Mason 1990 among many others). However, the treatment of variation has always been restricted to “dialect” and has not encompassed the notion of diglossia. The delineation of equivalence in diglossic languages still begs for more questions than answers especially in literary translation where there is a continuous shift from one variety to another depending on the portrayal of characters and their interaction.
Le criminel et l’autre
Authors: Fréchette Marcel
Published: July 2012

THE CRIMINAL AND HIS RELATIONS WITH OTHERS : AN ANALYSIS OF INTERPERSONAL PROCESSES

This research is concerned with the problem of persistent criminal behaviour. An attempt is made to find its underlying causes and to identify characteristics which remain constant among all criminals. More specifically, these characteristics are looked for in the ways criminals communicate and interact with other people.

The research uses the interpersonal conflict approach. A first hypothesis stipulates that the functions by which an individual relates to others are seriously damaged among criminals. Furthermore, the hypothesis of a precise genetic process involving the deterioration of the capacity to relate to others is formulated. A method of measurement is worked out and applied using the principles and the technique of Kelly's personal constructs theory.

The study is a comparative one and is based on the differential approach. 214 subjects, of whom 121 are criminals and 93 well-adjusted, are tested. The measurement is aimed at the effectiveness of their perceptive reactions toward others. W^ith each group of criminals (recidivists, episodic criminals and juvenile delinquents), a control group is tested for purposes of comparison.

The results are conclusive. At the root of persistent criminal behaviour, the presence of an incompatibility with others is confirmed. This manifests itself concretely in what is termed the feeling of interpersonal withdrawal. All the criminal groups tested show this feeling of withdrawal toward others. The nature and intensity of interpersonal failure is evaluated over three main areas of inter-action : relationship with others in general, relationship with the family of origin and relationship with antisocial peers.

The study attempts to validate a new sociopathology characterizing individuals who have chosen to define themselves by continuous and serious « dissocialized » behaviour.
Violence and Robbery
Authors: Normandeau André
Published: July 2012

VIOLENCE ET VOL QUALIFIE : ETUDE DE CAS

Cette etude est une recherche empirique de nature sociologique sur un type de criminalite : le vol qualifie ou vol avec violence. Le vol qualifie est un delit ou l'usage de la violence physique ou une intimidation a cet effet est deploye par le criminel afin de prendre illegalement l'argent ou un objet qui appartient a la victime.

Plus de 350 000 vols qualifies ont lieu chaque annee en Amerique du Nord. Toutefois, jusqu'a tout dernierement aucune recherche phenomenologique n'avait ete entreprise sur le vol qualifie. La recherche qui est presentee dans cette monographie essaie donc de decrire les elements criminologiques qui sont associes au vol qualifie. La situation du vol qualifie dans une grande ville nord-americaine, c'est-a-dire la ville de Philadelphie, U.S.A., est presentee. Il s'agit de l'analyse de 1 722 evenements de vols qualifies (un echantillon de 10 pour cent) survenus a Philadelphie de 1960 a 1966. Cette recherche a essaye de saisir les tendances et les modeles (patterns) du vol qualifie dans le temps et dans l'espace. Le modele statistique utilise etait celui de l'indice de gravite de Sellin et Wolfgang (1964). Le modele theorique utilise etait celui de Wolfgang et Ferracuti (1967).

Voici quelques conclusions pertinentes : a) L'indice de gravite de Sellin et Wolfgang donne une vision plus juste des tendances et des profils du vol qualifie par rapport aux statistiques policieres ordinaires, b) Cet indice de gravite a revele, par exemple, que les vols qualifies commis par des jeunes sont aussi graves que ceux perpetres par les adultes, c) Le vol qualifie execute au sein de bandes organisees augmente chaque annee. d) Plus de la moitie des vols qualifies ne comportent aucune violence physique effective, e) Plus de 85 pour cent des vols qualifies sont commis a l'egard de victimes completement inconnues des agresseurs, f) Les chances pour un voleur de ne pas etre pris par la police sont tres bonnes, g) Le vol qualifie est surtout commis par les jeunes qui sont issus de milieux defavorises. .h) Le vol qualifie est surtout lie aux commerces et aux maisons d'affaires plutot qu'a des particuliers, i) La distance qui separe les lieux de residence

de l'agresseur, de la victime, et l'endroit ou se produit le vol est semblable aux distances constatees dans l'etude des migrations, des diffusions de messages et des choix maritaux. ;') L'alcool est rarement present autant chez l'agresseur que chez la victime, sauf pour environ 12 pour cent des cas. k) La victime contribue quelquefois a sa propre victimisation, soit environ 11 pour cent des cas. /) La theorie d'une sous-culture du vol plutot que celle d'une sous-culture de violence peut expliquer le comportement du voleur, m) II n'y a pas de discrimination raciale au niveau des sentences, n) Tout compte fait, le vol qualifie a plutot les caracteristiques des crimes contre la propriete que des crimes contre la personne.
La délinquance en milieu aisé
Authors: LeBlanc Marc
Published: July 2012

DELINQUENCY IN THE MIDDLE CLASS :

A GROUP CULTURE OF COMMITTED DRUG USERS

As a first step, this monograph evaluated the literature dealing with middle class delinquency. We were interested in the traditional forms of delinquency — agression, theft, etc., but in new forms as well : the hippie movement and student protest. Our second step was the study of a group culture of young adults, users of the minor drugs, hallucinogenics and psychedelics. This empiric study of the drug phenomenon in the middle class was accomplished by participant observation.

The object of analyzing the group culture was to show how the consumption and distribution of drugs condition the structural and cultural aspects of life among a group of drug users. The results showed that the drug consumers studied were not social failures, and that their only consistent manifestation of maladjustment lay in their use of drugs. The group studied was a quasi-group whose activities consisted of sitting around and taking drugs with a background of silence or music. Culturally, much more of a vacuum was to be observed than adherence to an ideological, counter-cultural .— or rather, para-cultural .— support. The most interesting result was the demonstration of the direct relationship between drugs (consumption and/or distribution) and the structural and cultural aspects of the group studied.

To interpret this drug phenomenon in the middle class, we advanced a paradigm consisting of four fields of importance : mass society that is alienating and anomic, the place of youth in society, the tolerance toward deviance, and the aimlessness of leisure time. On the basis of these areas of importance, the drug phenomenon exists because of the drift of youth between conformity and deviance.
Représentations du système de justice criminelle
Authors: Robert Philippe , Faugeron Claude
Published: July 2012

IMAGE OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TYPOLOGY STUDY

The present crisis in criminal justice — in France as in many other countries — shows two remarkable characteristics. On the one hand, the crisis is universal and is one that concerns the function assigned or credited to this system of criminal justice in society ; this places the system's image in some doubt in various sectors of society. On the other hand, this crisis defies all attempts at partial reform. Many schools of criminal policy have tried them in vain. Criminology has begun to rediscover that the science of crime and of the criminal — the progression from concept to commission of the act — also involves the reaction of society to the criminal phenomenon. But only too often, this progression is regarded as a poorly specified interaction, quite commonplace, or as a breakdown in simple technology. Only an integrated scientific approach — inclusive of the concept of the social image — can say something new and decisive in such a situation.

This study belongs to one of the many research projects which the scientific programme of the S.E.P.C. is organizing, that devoted to the image of criminal justice in society.

A questionnaire was distributed to a sample population in France, limited in size, but sufficient to validate the anticipated analysis (200). Each person was chosen according to several criteria (sex, age, socio-professional category, place of residence) in order to make sure of the presence of all the characteristics anticipated. The ecological variable was controlled by interviewing persons in four sectors of the 15th arrondissement of Paris (wealthy older district, middle class older district, renovated wealthy district, renovated middle class national housing), in the suburbs of Paris (Bobigny cottages and Bobigny national housing), at Epinal and in the region of Auch.

The authors established a hypothesis according to which the organization of the dependent variable rests on a typology of conformism.

The authors thought that the dimension of conformism was complex and tried to outline its components. According to their results, there is a resistance to change. It seems to be closely linked — even though in a wide variety of circumstances — with an optimism/pessimism dimension (where manicheism seems to be identified as one of the circumstances). To tell the truth, the authors do not know if resistance to change and optimism/pessimism are two autonomous, albeit connected dimensions, or two components of conformism. They will come back to this in future studies. They conclude by saying that conformism is clearly related to the image of criminal justice.
L’application des règles minima pour le traitement des détenus au Canada
Authors: Landreville Pierre
Published: July 2012

ENFORCEMENT OF THE STANDARD MINIMUM RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS IN CANADA

Conditions inside prisons in Canada as elsewhere, have not been beyond reproach from the time detention was instituted as a type of punishment at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

This is not surprising, for society took no further interest in a delinquent once he had been handed over to the penitentiary authorities. The Belgian penologist, Paul Cornil, pointed out the striking contrast that exists between the legal guarantees given an accused during his trial and the free hand given the penitentiary authorities when carrying out his punishment.

But in 1955, at the First Congress of the United Nations for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Delinquents, Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners were adopted. In 1957, the Economic and Social Council approved these Standard Minimum Rules and asked the governments involved to approve their adoption and enforcement.

A study of the legislation concerned with federal penitentiaries and Houses of Detention in the Province of Quebec, lead to the realization that the minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners are usually not protected by laws, regulations or by directives in these penal institutions. On the other hand, prison conditions are in fact consistent with the requirements of the rules. These conditions, however, are due to the good will of the authorities and cannot be controlled ; they are considered privileges rather than rights.

As a result of these findings, we believe that the Standard Minimum Rules should be considered the Bill of Rights of all individuals deprived of liberty, convicted or not. To do this : 1) the guarantees provided by the Rules must be incorporated in Canadian law and in that of each province ;

2) a thorough knowledge of the Rules must be given to the services, authorities and other groups involved, including the inmates and the public ;

3) inmates must be given the means to have their rights respected by creating an organization that will control and enforce the Standard Minimum Rules ; 4) an evaluation must be made of the measures necessary for the enforcement of the Rules, the methods to be used and the results obtained.

However, ideas on rights and privileges change quickly, especially in the field of corrections. Thus in 1972, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency published an Act to Provide for Minimum Standards for the Protection of Rights of Prisoners. This text is noteworthy because it rests on a principle which, in our opinion, should serve as a cornerstone for the re-evaluation of the rights of prisoners : « A prisoner retains all the rights of an ordinary citizen except those expressly or by necessary implication, taken from him by law. »

Recognition of this kind would contribute towards alleviating the secondary effects of penal sentences, of imprisonment and public stigmatiza-tion.

It would lead to a more humane, tolerant and responsible attitude towards those who are hardest hit by public censure.
Réactions sociales à la déviance
Authors: LeBlanc Marc , Thi-Hau Nguyen
Published: July 2012

SOCIAL REACTION TO DEVIANCE : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

The object of this exploratory study is to analyse social reactions to deviance by endeavouring to show some of the mechanisms of these re-

actions. To do this, we have isolated deviant behaviour from its situational elements in order to study the fluctuations of reactions according to the nature of the deviance, and according to the categories of those reacting to the deviance.

The instrument of measurement is a questionnaire which was administered to a random sample for pre-testing. This sample was drawn from the metropolitan region of Montreal. The data analysis is concerned with the degree of generality, consensus, consistency and contingency of reactions in terms of the nature of the deviant behaviour.

The results showed the reactions to be surprisingly general. The regularity of the continuum drawn by the indices of contingency and those of strictly punitive consensus was remarkable.

This exploratory study gives interested researchers information on crime-deviance continuums and social reactions to deviance. The continuum of social reactions is clearly defined, and this gives us reason to believe it would be possible to introduce an order of importance in the evaluation of social reactions.
Un théâtre démesuré et l’individu selon Sade
Authors: Wynn Thomas
Published: July 2012

Le bâtiment théâtral se prête à l’interprétation, tout comme les pièces dramatiques qui y sont jouées. Tandis que la scène décrite dans les textes obscènes de Sade se caractérise par la proximité et l’intimité, celle que l’on trouve dans ses oeuvres avouables est déterminée par la distance et l’excès. Sade investit tant dans la matérialité du théâtre — comme le témoigne un théâtre conçu par Sade lui-même et décrit dans sa correspondance — que ce bâtiment s’avère irréalisable. Ce n’est plus un lieu de satisfaction physique, mais de plaisirs imaginaires, et, comme dans les romans libertins, l’individu souverain se trouve dans un espace imaginaire, construit par lui-même, et où Dieu est absent.
Sade : opus contra theatrum
Authors: Frattaroli Enrico
Published: July 2012

Depuis 1999, date à laquelle il annonce son intention d’entamer un cycle de création ayant pour base les oeuvres du marquis de Sade, Enrico Frattaroli a créé 5 spectacles formant un ensemble intitulé Sade convivium. Dans le document qu’il a préparé pour L’Annuaire théâtral, il explique la démarche artistique singulière par laquelle il utilise la matière sadienne tout en évitant de mettre en scène à la fois son théâtre et son oeuvre romanesque.
Calcul de la valeur de différents types d’entreprises extractives
Authors: Hartwick John M.
Published: July 2012

Nous présentons le mode de détermination de l’amortissement économique de trois types d’entreprises extractives : l’entreprise qui fait uniquement de l’extraction, l’entreprise qui effectue simultanément de l’exploration et de l’extraction et l’industrie qui extrait des ressources épuisables durables. Nous avons utilisé une approche unifiée et avons obtenu des résultats distincts, mais facilement comparables. Nous proposons également des expressions pour rendre compte des grands changements de la valeur des entreprises sur de longs intervalles de temps.
Innovation stochastique et coût de la réglementation environnementale
Authors: Kennedy Peter
Published: July 2012

Cette étude démontre que le coût de la réglementation peut être négatif quand l’innovation induite par la réglementation a un élément stochastique. Ce résultat comporte deux aspects. Premièrement, si l’entreprise est neutre envers le risque, la réglementation fait nécessairement augmenter les coûts attendus, mais les coûts peuvent être inférieurs ex post pour certaines réalisations du processus d’innovation. Le fait que cette réduction de coûts sera plus probable pour des réalisations favorables ou défavorables de l’élément stochastique dépend de ce que la chance et l’effort de recherche sont des substituts ou des compléments du processus d’innovation. Le second aspect met en cause les implications de l’aversion au risque ou du goût pour le risque. Dans les deux cas, il est possible que la réglementation fasse diminuer les coûts en moyenne puisqu’elle peut inciter la firme à entreprendre un niveau de recherche plus proche de celui qui minimise le coût espéré.
Le rôle des variations de taux de marge dans les fluctuations macroéconomiques conjoncturelles
Authors: Portier Franck
Published: July 2012

Cet article passe en revue les développements récents de la théorie macroéconomique des fluctuations conjoncturelles qui intègrent explicitement une imperfection de la concurrence et des variations de taux de marge du prix sur le coût marginal dans le cycle. Nous présentons les questions empiriques posées, les précautions de modélisation qu’implique le choix de la concurrence imparfaite (prise en compte des consommations intermédiaires, rendements croissants, résidu de Solow), les différentes théories rendant compte de variations cycliques des taux de marge ainsi que les procédures de validation de ces théories.
Privatisation des systèmes de retraite : une évaluation critique
Authors: Belan Pascal , Pestieau Pierre
Published: July 2012

L’objectif de cet article est de contribuer à la clarté du débat entrepris dans de nombreux pays sur la réforme du système de retraite. Cette réforme est souvent présentée comme se limitant à un changement de technique de financement : on passerait de la répartition à la capitalisation. Or, il apparaît que capitalisation et répartition sont sous certaines hypothèses équivalentes et que les réformes proposées ne se limitent pas à passer de l’une à l’autre. Si seule changeait la technique de financement, il n’est généralement pas possible que la réforme soit Pareto-améliorante. Par exemple, toute réduction de l’endettement global — dette publique plus droits à la pension — favoriserait les générations futures mais pénaliserait toute, ou en tout cas une partie de la génération de transition. Il existe bien des modèles de réforme qui illustrent ce point de vue et prétendent accroître le bien-être de tous. Nous en présentons deux. Dans le premier, l’introduction de la capitalisation s’accompagne d’une réduction des distorsions liées aux cotisations sociales; dans le second, elle s’accompagne d’une subvention à l’épargne qui dans un contexte de croissance endogène a une productivité constante. Il apparaît que les gains de bien-être qu’entraînent ces réformes ne sont pas très importants; de plus ils ne sont pas liés à la privatisation comme telle; ils pourraient en effet être réalisés dans le cadre des systèmes actuels.
Inégalité et redistribution du revenu, avec une application au Canada
Authors: Duclos Jean-Yves , Tabi Martin
Published: July 2012

L’utilité des courbes de Lorenz pour l’analyse de la répartition des revenus est bien connue depuis l’article influent d’Atkinson (1970). Nous indiquons dans le présent article comment l’usage combiné de ces courbes de Lorenz et des courbes de concentration des revenus, des impôts ou des transferts permet de résumer facilement et intuitivement l’impact de l’État sur la distribution des revenus. Nous nous intéressons plus particulièrement à la redistribution des revenus ainsi qu’à l’équité verticale et l’iniquité horizontale exercées par l’impôt direct et les politiques de transferts. En appliquant des poids « éthiques » à la distance entre les courbes de Lorenz et de concentration, l’on obtient des indices synthétiques d’inégalité, de redistribution et d’équité qui peuvent être facilement décomposés en contributions individuelles des différents types d’impôts et de transferts. Ces indices représentent une généralisation et une extension de l’indice d’inégalité bien connu de Gini. Cette approche est illustrée à l’aide de la distribution et de la redistribution des revenus au Canada au cours de la dernière décennie. On confirme le résultat bien connu que l’inégalité des revenus bruts s’est accrue de 1981 à 1990 alors qu’elle a chuté pour le revenu net. La redistribution opérée par le système fiscal s’est considérablement accrue au cours de cette décennie, au prix entre autres choses d’une plus grande iniquité horizontale. Le groupe de transferts reliés à la retraite et à la vieillesse est celui qui exerce de loin le plus d’impact sur la redistribution des revenus. L’impact redistributif de l’impôt direct est quant à lui très sensible au paramètre de subjectivité éthique utilisé.
Dissuader le crime : un survol
Authors: Marceau Nicolas , Mongrain Steeve
Published: July 2012

Depuis une trentaine d'années, les économistes ont appliqué leurs outils et leurs méthodes au problème de la dissuasion du crime. Dans ce texte, nous présentons une revue de leurs principales contributions.
Une introduction aux subventions intergouvernementales
Authors: Snoddon Tracy , Wen Jean-François
Published: July 2012

Notre article vise principalement à donner des notions élémentaires sur les fondements de la théorie des subventions intergouvernementales, qui pourront être utiles aux nouveaux venus dans ce domaine actif de la recherche. En outre, nous donnons un aperçu sélectif des récents articles théoriques sur les subventions, en soulignant particulièrement les jeux non coopératifs entre divers niveaux de gouvernement dans un système fédéral. Les parties de notre article correspondent à des sujets généraux : les subventions de péréquation, les subventions liées au partage des recettes et les subventions conditionnelles. Pour rehausser la valeur pédagogique de cet article, nous fournissons pour chaque sujet une étude mathématique simple et unifiée (dans la mesure du possible) qui accompagnera une description discursive des points principaux relevés dans la documentation.
Les coûts de conformité à la fiscalité des firmes et des individus : une recension des écrits
Authors: Vaillancourt François
Published: July 2012

Ce texte présente les résultats de 15 études traitant des coûts encourus par les firmes ou par les individus de se conformer aux exigences fiscales. On constate que les coûts décroissent avec la taille des firmes et croissent avec la complexité des sources de revenus.
Un modèle simple de concurrence fiscale où la mobilité des pauvres favorise la redistribution
Authors: De Donder Philippe , Hindriks Jean
Published: July 2012

Cet article développe un modèle de concurrence fiscale entre deux pays identiques. Dans chaque pays la population se partage en trois classes de revenus et choisit sur base d’un vote majoritaire sa politique fiscale en anticipant correctement les mouvements migratoires qui en résultent. Les rendements décroissants du travail équilibrent les flux migratoires. À l’opposé de la littérature existante, nous mettons l’accent sur les interactions entre la mobilité des différentes classes.

Notre modèle suggère que si l’électeur décisif retire un bénéfice élevé de la taxation, alors les pauvres préfèrent l’attrait d’une base imposable plus élevée et accompagnent les riches là où le taux de taxation est le moins élevé. En conséquence, la mobilité des pauvres a pour effet de réduire l’élasticité de la base imposable au taux de taxation et permet de soutenir un niveau de redistribution plus élevé à l’équilibre. Si à l’inverse l’électeur décisif retire un faible bénéfice de la taxation, alors les pauvres préfèrent migrer en sens contraire des riches là où le taux de taxation est le plus élevé, ce qui augmente l’élasticité de la base imposable au taux de taxation et diminue le niveau de redistribution à l’équilibre.
Le secteur public : moteur de croissance ou obstruction à l’industrie?
Authors: Dudley Leonard , Montmarquette Claude
Published: July 2012

Trois mesures sont proposées dans la littérature récente pour évaluer l’impact des dépenses gouvernementales sur la croissance économique : premièrement, la croissance du revenu per capita est régressée sur la taille relative du secteur public, deuxièmement, la croissance du PIB est régressée sur le taux de croissance de la consommation publique et, enfin, on a effectué des tests de causalité à la Granger entre les dépenses publiques passées et l’output courant. Les trois mesures fournissent des conclusions contradictoires : l’une suggère que le secteur public devrait être réduit, l’autre qu’il devrait être important et, la dernière, que cela n’a pas d’importance. Dans cet article, nous contournons les problèmes reliés à chacune de ces approches en considérant un modèle dans lequel le gouvernement maximise l’output sous la contrainte d’un contrat social qui fixe les parts des dépenses de consommation publique et des transferts. Nous trouvons que la consommation publique a un effet positif et les transferts un effet négatif sur la productivité totale des facteurs. Si les transferts sont contraints de représenter la moitié du secteur public, la taille optimale de l’ensemble du secteur public est d’environ 25 % du PIB.
Transferts financiers et optimum coopératif international en matière de pollutions-stocks
Authors: Germain Marc , Toint Philippe L. , Tulkens Henry
Published: July 2012

Il est bien connu que le caractère transnational de certains problèmes d’environnement requiert que les pays concernés coopèrent afin d’atteindre l’optimum social. Parmi les nombreuses contributions qui ont traité des difficultés que cette coopération est susceptible de poser, beaucoup ne traitent que de pollutions qui ne s’accumulent pas. En revanche, nombre d’articles qui prennent en compte la dimension dynamique du problème quand il y a accumulation du polluant laissent de côté le problème de la mise en oeuvre volontaire de l’optimum international. La présente contribution vise à dépasser les limites précitées. Recourant à la fois à la théorie des jeux coopératifs et à celle des jeux différentiels, on établit au moyen de transferts financiers une répartition des coûts de dépollution entre pays qui rend la coopération à la fois individuellement rationnelle et rationnelle au sens des coalitions.
Comment lutter contre le chômage lorsque les travailleurs sont hétérogènes?
Authors: Zenou Yves
Published: July 2012

Dans cet article, nous proposons une explication différente du chômage fondée sur l’introduction explicite de l’hétérogénéité de la main-d’oeuvre et des entreprises sur le marché du travail. Le chômage est dû ici à la fois à un problème d’appariement entre le niveau exigé par les entreprises en terme de qualification et celui des individus, et aux fluctuations incertaines de la demande des produits. Dans ce contexte, nous tentons d’évaluer les différentes politiques qui permettent de réduire le chômage : allocations chômage, salaire minimum, subvention de la formation professionnelle.
Molecular Analysis of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Control Region for Forensic Identity Testing
Authors: Holland Mitchell M.
Published: July 2012

This unit highlights methods used to perform PCR amplification and sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on pristine and highly degraded biological material. The focus is on applications to forensic casework, and a number of case examples are provided. Any laboratory working with DNA from old or “ancient” samples will benefit from this information. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 74:14.7.1‐14.7.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Norrie disease: Extraocular clinical manifestations in 56 patients
Authors: Smith Sharon E. , Mullen Thomas E. , Graham Dionne , Sims Katherine B. , Rehm Heidi L.
Published: July 2012

Norrie disease (ND) is an X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by congenital blindness, progressive sensorineural hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The ocular phenotype has been well described, while the extraocular manifestations of the disorder are not well understood. We present the data from the Norrie Disease Registry, which consists of 56 patients with detailed clinical histories and genotype data. This study represents the largest, detailed investigation into the phenotypic spectrum of ND to date and more importantly expands knowledge of the extraocular clinical manifestations. We identify several novel aspects of the syndrome that will improve the management of these patients. In particular, we expand our understanding of the neurologic manifestations in ND and identify a chronic seizure disorder in approximately 10% of all patients. In addition, details of the hearing phenotype are described including the median age of onset (12 years of age) and how genotype affects onset. Moreover, we find vascular disease to be a significant component of ND; and vascular health should be, in the future, a component of patient clinical care. In summary, the results expand our understanding of the phenotypic variability and genotypic heterogeneity in ND patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impedance spectroscopy of siloxane‐containing polyazomethines blended with SiO2
Authors: Chuchmała Andrzej , Hreniak Agnieszka , Palewicz Marcin , Iwan Agnieszka
Published: July 2012

Two siloxane‐containing polyazomethines (PAZx) blended with SiO2 were investigated. SiO2 was obtained by sol‐gel method. The size of obtained SiO2 particles was about 408 nm as was confirmed by SEM technique. For the blended with silica polymers absorption UV‐vis properties were tested and compare with unblended ones. Electrical behavior of the two kind devices indium tin oxide (ITO)/PAZx : SiO2/Al and ITO/PEDOT : PSS/PAZx : SiO2/Al were tested by impedance spectroscopy in dark and under illumination (halogen lamp, 100 mW/cm2) in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 MHz with maximum voltage value of 20 mV. For all measured devices, Nyquist plots were presented. PEDOT : PSS interlayer improved electrical properties of made prototype polymeric solar cells. Blending PAZx with silica increased conductivity from 10–15 to 10–8 S/cm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of coupling agent as integral blend additive on silicone rubber sealant
Authors: Jiesheng Liu , Shaopeng Wu , E Dong
Published: July 2012

Silane coupling agent (SCA) plays an important role in the improvement of adhesive properties of the silicone rubber (SR) sealant. In this study, three trifunctional silane coupling agents, (γ‐aminopropytriethoxysilane (APTES), (γ‐Glycidoxypropyl) methyldimethoxysilane (GDMMS), and 3‐(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS), were used as blend additive in SR, and the effect of silane coupling agents on the properties of SR was studied. The results showed that the bond strength of samples with different combination of APTES/GDMMS, GDMMS/MPS, or APTES/MPS, was significantly improved than those of single silanes. Silanes with polar group make contribution to the bond strength increase of SR sealant. The highest bond strength value (0.53 MPa) was obtained using the combination of APTES and GDMMS. The study of the samples with (APTES and GDMMS) showed that the bond strength and tensile strength of SR increase with the increasing amount of SCA. Further increase in the SCA content makes the bond strength and tensile strength of SR sealant decrease. The increase in the amount of SCAs makes the failure modes of samples convert from adhesive failure to cohesive failure. Tack‐free time decreased linearly as the amount of SCA loading increased, while the hardness increased. It can be deduced that the trifunctional SCA has catalytic effect on the crosslinking action of SR sealant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Emotional Memory for Central and Peripheral Details in Children with Callous‐Unemotional Traits
Authors: Thijssen Jill , Otgaar Henry , Meijer Ewout H. , Smeets Tom , de Ruiter Corine
Published: July 2012

A limited number of studies have shown that adults and adolescents with psychopathic traits suffer from emotional memory impairment. The present study examined whether this finding could be replicated in a sample of children between 8 and 12 years of age with callous‐unemotional (CU) traits. Children with high CU traits (n = 24) were compared with children with low CU traits (n = 18) with regard to performance on a peripheral memory recognition test that examined memory for central and peripheral components of neutral and negative pictures. Results showed that overall recognition rates did not differ between the high‐ and low‐CU groups. For negative pictures, both groups demonstrated better recognition of the central component at the expense of the peripheral component, while for neutral pictures, the peripheral component was better recognized than the central component. This study is the first to demonstrate that children with high CU traits do not suffer from an impaired emotional memory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diverse Secondary Metabolites Produced by Marine‐Derived Fungus Nigrospora sp. MA75 on Various Culture Media
Authors: Shang Zhuo , Li Xiao‐Ming , Li Chun‐Shun , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: July 2012

Bioassay‐guided isolation of a fungal strain Nigrospora sp. MA75, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine semi‐mangrove plant Pongamia pinnata, which was fermented on three different culture media, resulted in the isolation and identification of seven known compounds, 2, 3, and 5–9, from a medium containing 3.5% NaCl, while a new compound, 2,3‐didehydro‐19α‐hydroxy‐14‐epicochlioquinone B (10) was obtained from the medium containing 3.5% NaI. In addition, two new griseofulvin derivatives, 6‐O‐desmethyldechlorogriseofulvin (1) and 6′‐hydroxygriseofulvin (4), were isolated and identified from the rice solid medium. Dechlorogriseofulvin (2) and griseofulvin (3) were the major components in fermentation extracts of all these culture media, while compounds 1 and 4, 5 and 6, and 10 were only present in the extract of respective culture medium. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by CD measurement. Compounds 9 and 10 exhibited antibacterial activities toward five tested bacterial strains, while compounds 5, 6, and 8 selectively inhibited MRSA, E. coli, and S. epidermidis, and compound 3 showed moderate activity against V. mali and S. solani. Moreover, compound 10 potently inhibited the growth of MCF‐7, SW1990, and SMMC7721 tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 4, 5, and 7 μg/ml, respectively.
Variation of Volatiles in Tunisian Populations of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: El Hadj Ali Imen Ben , Guetat Arbi , Boussaid Mohamed
Published: July 2012

Volatiles from 14 wild Tunisian populations of Thymbra capitata (=Thymus capitatus Hoffmanns. et Link=Coridothymus capitatus Rchb.f.), sampled in five ecological areas (sub‐humid, upper semi‐arid, mean semi‐arid, lower semi‐arid, and upper arid areas) were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. Thirty‐nine constituents representing 94.2 to 99.5% of the total oil were identified. Carvacrol (38; 51.1–75.9%), p‐cymene (13; 3.7–15%), γ‐terpinene (12; 1.4–11.9%), and trans‐β‐caryophyllene (22; 2.9–4.6%) are the major compounds. A significant variation among populations and population's bioclimatic stage for the majority of compounds was shown. The chemical population structure, estimated using a principal‐component analysis (PCA) and an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis performed on all populations and compounds and based on Euclidean distances among populations, was high. Both methods allowed separation of the populations into distinct groups defined rather by minor than by major compounds. The spatial compound distribution is linked to ecological factors, indicating that local selective environmental factors influence chemical‐composition diversity. Conservation strategies should involve all populations because of their low size and their high level of destruction. Populations exhibiting particular compounds other than the major ones should first be protected. In situ conservation of populations should be accomplished appropriately according to bioclimate.
The Need for Standardization of Mass Transfer Measurements in Absorption and Desorption
Authors: Kunze Anna‐Katharina , Lutze Philip , Schoenmakers Hartmut , Müller Stephan , Kopatschek Manuela , Maćkowiak Jan , Maćkowiak Jerzy , Górak Andrzej , Grünewald Marcus
Published: July 2012

Die Dimensionierung von Ab‐ und Desorptionskolonnen ist in hohem Maße abhängig von den zugrunde gelegten Stofftransportparametern. In der Literatur zeigen sich teilweise signifikante Abweichungen bei der Bestimmung dieser Stofftransportparameter, wodurch ihre Vergleichbarkeit eingeschränkt ist. Eine standardisierte Vorgehensweise für Stofftransportmessungen in der Absorption ist deshalb erstrebenswert. Es wird gezeigt, wie eine experimentelle Methodik für die Bestimmung volumetrischer Stoffübergangskoeffizienten entwickelt wird. Darauf aufbauend wird eine standardisierte Auswertungsmethodik erarbeitet, die die Auftrennung der volumetrischen Stoffübergangsparameter in phasenspezifische Stofftransportparameter und die effektive Phasengrenzfläche ermöglicht.
Electrochemical Determination of Transmembrane Protein Na+/K+‐ATPase and Its Cytoplasmic Loop C45
Authors: Zatloukalová Martina , Orolinová Eva , Kubala Martin , Hrbáč Jan , Vacek Jan
Published: July 2012

Electrochemistry of membrane proteins is complicated by the fact that the studied substances are poorly soluble or insoluble in aqueous environment. The solubilization of proteins using surfactants (detergents) affects the electrochemical analysis or even renders it impossible. In the present study, the electrochemistry of the transmembrane protein Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA) and its water‐soluble isolated cytoplasmic loop C45 is described. The proteins were studied using adsorptive transfer cyclic voltammetry and square‐wave voltammetry on basal‐plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) as well as constant‐current chronopotentiometric stripping analysis on hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The nonionic surfactant octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E8) was used for NKA solubilization. Under these conditions the oxidation currents of Tyr and Trp (peak Y: +0.55 V and peak W: +0.7 V, vs. Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl) and catalytic reduction currents (peak H: −1.8 V) of NKA and C45 loop can be observed. Using the experimental procedures suggested in this study, we were able to investigate the oxidation, reduction and adsorption of NKA and C45 at femtomole level without the necessity of labeling by electroactive markers or techniques based on protein immobilization within the lipid bilayer attached to the electrode surface.
Use of solid phase microextraction to estimate toxicity: Relating fiber concentrations to body residues—part II
Authors: Ding Yuping , Landrum Peter F. , You Jing , Harwood Amanda D. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: July 2012

In the companion paper, solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber concentrations were used as a dose metric to evaluate the toxicity of hydrophobic pesticides, and concentration–response relationships were found for the hydrophobic pesticides tested in the two test species. The present study extends the use of fiber concentrations to organism body residues to specifically address biotransformation and provide the link to toxic response. Test compounds included the organochlorines p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD), and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE); two pyrethroids, permethrin and bifenthrin; and an organophosphate, chlorpyrifos. Toxicity, body residues, and biotransformation of the target compounds were determined for the midge Chironomus dilutus and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. Significant regression relationships were found without regard to chemical, extent of biotransformation, or whether the chemical reached steady state in the organisms. The equilibrium SPME fiber concentrations correlated with the parent compound concentration in the biota; however, the regressions were duration specific. Furthermore, the SPME fiber-based toxicity values yielded species-specific regressions with the parent compound–based toxicity values linking the use of SPME fiber as a dose metric with tissue residues to estimate toxic response. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2168–2174. © 2012 SETAC
Chemical Signatures of Middens at a Late Classic Maya Residential Complex, Guatemala
Authors: Eberl Markus , Álvarez Marco , Terry Richard E.
Published: July 2012

Phosphorus (P) and other chemical elements have been used to identify residential middens at archaeological sites. This study discusses the relationship of soil chemical elements and middens at Group Chispa, a Late Classic residential complex at a commoner village in the Maya lowlands. The complex was extensively excavated and soil sampled. Ceramic sherd densities, which serve as a proxy for artifact densities, correlate only partially with phosphorus and other chemical elements. One of the three middens in Group Chispa coincides with the highest concentration of P while the two others—including the most extensive one—have medium to low P levels. A spectrum of human activities that include the preparation of pigments explains the nontraditional distribution of chemical elements. High P levels remain useful to detect middens but they provide an incomplete picture and need to be contextualized by comprehensive archaeological data.
Synthesis of 3,3‐Disubstituted Oxindoles via a Three‐Component Condensation Reaction in H2O
Authors: Rahmati Abbas , Vakili Kobra
Published: July 2012

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of a novel series of unsymmetrically 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles in good‐to‐high yields by a one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction of 2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione, an isatin, and a barbituric acid derivative, in H2O, and with p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst, at 90°. The effects of solvent, temperature, and the amount of catalyst on the yield of the reaction have been investigated. Additionally, the influence of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the reactants on the selectivity of products has been examined.
HPMC supplementation reduces abdominal fat content, intestinal permeability, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Kim Hyunsook , Bartley Glenn E. , Young Scott A. , Davis Paul A. , Yokoyama Wallace
Published: July 2012

Scope

The effects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a highly viscous nonfermentable soluble dietary fiber, were evaluated on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice fed a high‐fat (HF) diet supplemented with either HPMC or insoluble fiber.

Methods and results

DIO C57BL/6J mice were fed a HF diet supplemented with 6% HPMC or 6% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Gene expression analyses of epididymal adipose tissue by exon microarray and real‐time PCR along with glucose and insulin tolerance and intestinal permeability were assessed. HPMC‐fed mice exhibited significantly reduced body weight gain and adipose tissue weight as well as reduced areas under the curve for 2‐h insulin and glucose responses. HPMC significantly decreased HF diet‐induced intestinal permeability. Overall, HPMC enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism and downregulated genes related to inflammation and immune response, adipogenesis, and oxidative stress markers. Pathway analysis of microarray data identified lipid metabolism, inflammatory disease, and acute phase response pathways as being differentially regulated by HPMC.

Conclusion

These results suggest HPMC consumption ameliorates HF diet effects on obesity‐induced insulin resistance, adipose tissue inflammatory and immune responses, weight gain, as well as intestinal permeability.
Global Health and Primary Care: Increasing Burden of Chronic Diseases and Need for Integrated Training
Authors: Truglio Joseph , Graziano Michelle , Vedanthan Rajesh , Hahn Sigrid , Rios Carlos , Hendel‐Paterson Brett , Ripp Jonathan
Published: July 2012

Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental illness, are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. These diseases are chronic and often mediated predominantly by social determinants of health. Currently there exists a global‐health workforce crisis and a subsequent disparity in the distribution of providers able to manage chronic noncommunicable diseases. Clinical competency in global health and primary care could provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to address the global rise of noncommunicable diseases through an emphasis on these social determinants. The past decade has seen substantial growth in the number and quality of US global‐health and primary‐care training programs, in both undergraduate and graduate medical education. Despite their overlapping competencies, these 2 complementary fields are most often presented as distinct disciplines. Furthermore, many global‐health training programs suffer from a lack of a formalized curriculum. At present, there are only a few examples of well‐integrated US global‐health and primary‐care training programs. We call for universal acceptance of global health as a core component of medical education and greater integration of global‐health and primary‐care training programs in order to improve the quality of each and increase a global workforce prepared to manage noncommunicable diseases and their social mediators. Mt Sinai J Med 79:464–474, 2012 © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine