bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peasant-Based Societies in Chris Wickham’s Thought
Authors: Astarita Carlos 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis engagement with Chris Wickham’s Framing the Early Middle Ages argues that Germanic kings settled as political authorities in fiscal lands, and granted districts to some of the loyal members of their entourage over which they exercised power. This process relates to the fact that kings preserved fiscus-taxes, but that system had already deteriorated and finally disintegrated in the sixth century. In the long run, the problem was expressed in an organic crisis of the ruling class. In consequence, popular revolts against taxation ensued. These revolts are an indicator that the collapsed ancient machinery of domination was not replaced by another in the short term, thus giving way to a political vacuum. The fugitive slaves or serfs reflected in the laws are an indicator pointing in the same direction. Under these conditions free peasant-communities multiplied. These events take us to the concept of peasant-mode societies that Wickham contributes to our understanding of the period. Despite the importance he attaches to this concept, he observes nuances; not in all regions, he claims, did peasant-logic prevail. The evidence allows us, on the contrary, to extend the scope of the concept and to establish a single theoretical basis for the construction of the feudal system on a European scale.
The Problems of Comparison
Authors: Wickham Chris 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis essay replies to the various criticisms made of Framing the Early Middle Ages (2005). It concedes a number of points relating to the importance of ideologies, the distinction between élites and aristocracies, the issue of money, and the question of the importance of the productive forces. It defends the comparative method and defends the discussions of coloni and of the spatial limitations of the peasant-mode of production in Framing. It also explores the nature of the state and aristocracy in this period.
The Bolivarian Process in Venezuela: A Left Forum
Authors: Lebowitz Michael A. , Denis Roland , Motta Sara , Ellner Steve , Spronk Susan , Ciccariello-Maher George , Fernandes Sujatha , Webber Jeffery R. , Purcell Thomas 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe ‘Bolivarian Revolution’ in Venezuela under Hugo Chávez has reignited debate in Latin America and internationally on the questions of socialism and revolution. This forum brings together six leading intellectuals from different revolutionary traditions and introduces their reflections on class-struggle, the state, imperialism, counter-power, revolutionary parties, community and communes, workplaces, economy, politics, society, culture, race, gender, and the hopes, contradictions, and prospects of ‘twenty-first-century socialism’ in contemporary Venezuela.
Comparison of reproductive traits between two salt-marsh wolf spiders (Araneae, Lycosidae) under different habitat suitability conditions
Authors: Puzin Charlène , Acou Anthony , Bonte Dries , Pétillon Julien 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Salt-marsh invasions by the grass Elymus athericus (Poaceae) recently transformed usual areas dominated by Atriplex portulacoides (Chenopodiaceae) into homogeneous meadows. Two wolf spider species, Pardosa purbeckensis and Arctosa fulvolineata, show contrasting densities and habitat preferences in salt marshes (respectively dominant and co-dominant ground-living spiders) and oppositely respond to the grass invasion. This allowed us to test whether invasive species that alter habitat structure affect reproduction in addition to previously recorded changes in density. Reproductive traits (female mass, cocoon mass, number and volume of eggs, hatched cocoon as a proxy of reproduction date) were studied in both invaded and natural salt marshes during 2007 and 2008 in the Mont St-Michel Bay (France). In both species, reproductive outputs (cocoon mass) were higher in optimal habitats and volume of eggs was found to be independent from female mass, whereas the latter significantly influenced the number of eggs. In A. fulvolineata, lower reproductive outputs due to less numerous although larger eggs were found in suboptimal habitats whereas the opposite pattern was found in optimal habitats, showing the existence of plastic phenotypic trade-offs in habitats of different qualities. In P. purbeckensis, despite differences in population size among habitats, no reproductive trade-off was found. This study thus shows that two sympatric species belonging to the same family can differ in reproductive strategies and phenotypic plasticity under changes in habitat suitability.
A simple and reliable molecular method for sex identification of the Brown-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) from non-invasively collected samples
Authors: Wu Yuzhen , Feng Ruizhi , Zhang Qiuhua , Zhao Chungui , Wang Mengben , Zhang Feng 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
For sex identification of the Brown-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum), one of the critically endangered endemic birds in China, the morphological method of checking the astragalus, an extra tiny bone on the ankle only of male ones is inconvenient and even impossible for wild populations. In this paper, we investigated a simple reliable non-invasive method according to the difference of the sizes of sex-linked genes CHD1-W and CHD1-Z (Griffiths et al., 1996; Ellegren, 1996) to identify the gender of individuals in two captive populations of the Brown-eared pheasant. We extracted DNA from blood and feather samples and amplified the genes by PCR using two pairs of primers P2/P8 (Griffiths et al., 1998) and 2550F/2718R (Fridolfsson et al., 1999). The products amplified with P2/P8 failed to show the sex due to the low resolution of the agarose gel. PCR using the 2550F/2718R primer set amplified two products of different sizes for all known females and a single product for all known males when scored on the 2.0% agarose gel, which indicated that this primer set enabled sex identification. Both blood and feather samples gave identical results although the products amplified from the feather samples were fewer than the blood samples which were taken invasively and acted as control. This is the first time molecular methods was used for sex identifications of the Brown-eared pheasant and will assist their management by means of artificial propagation and allow the study of the ecology and conservation genetics of the Brown-eared pheasant.
Habitat use by the jacky lizard Amphibolurus muricatus in a highly degraded urban area
Authors: Hitchen Dennis John , Burgin Shelley , Ridgeway Peter , Wotherspoon Danny 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Over time native vegetation remnants in urban areas are typically eroded in size and number due to pressures from urban expansion and consolidation. Such remnants, frequently neglected and invaded by weeds, may constitute the last remaining habitat for some species' populations in urban areas. In the restoration of remnants for biodiversity, weed removal is often a high priority but there is a dearth of information on the role that exotic vegetation plays as habitat for fauna such as small reptiles. We investigated the vegetation type preference of urban remnants at the edge of a Sydney golf course by Amphibolurus muricatus, the native jacky lizard. The three vegetation types present were Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (an Endangered Ecological Community) with sparse groundcover, dense stands of the introduced Eragrostis curvula African love grass, and open fairways of lawn: three structurally different habitats. Captured jacky lizards were spooled and their movements traced by following the thread left as they moved through their home range. Jacky lizards preferred areas that afford them most cover. While they foraged throughout the stands of love grass, they tended to avoid the edge of native vegetation remnants. They also basked on the lawn close to the vegetation where they had recently foraged, or traversed it to enter natural vegetation or grass. We concluded that introduced love grass offered additional habitat because of the relatively dense vegetation cover, and that areas should not be managed with the assumption that invasive weeds are detrimental to native species without appropriate assessment.
Comparison of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in two caiman species: Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae)
Authors: Siroski Pablo , Merchant Mark , Marcó María Parachú , Poletta Gisela , Ortega Hugo 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a well-characterized protease with broad substrate specificity, functionally-related to the activity of many bioactive peptides. It plays an important role as physiological regulator of a number of peptides that serve as biochemical messengers within the immune system. Plasma DPPIV activity was characterized with respect to temperature, kinetics and concentration dependence in two species of caiman, the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and the black yacare (Caiman yacare). DPPIV activity showed a significant positive correlation from titrations carried out in the presence of different plasma concentrations. DPPIV activity was lower in C. yacare than in C. latirostris at all temperatures tested. C. yacare DPPIV activity showed a significant increase only at higher temperatures whilst C. latirostris plasma demonstrated a strong positive correlation starting at the lowest temperature, probably due to an adaptation for the tolerance of lower temperatures. Exposure of C. latirostris and C. yacare plasma at different time points showed that plasma DPPIV activities were time-dependent, and that the titer-dependent curves were different for the two species. These results revealed that plasma DPPIV activities were different between these two crocodilian species, which could contribute to the differences in susceptibility to infection between them.
Are the levels of Cdk4 and Cx43 proteins of porcine oocytes associated with follicular size?
Authors: Antosik Paweł , Kempisty Bartosz , Jackowska Marta , Piotrowska Hanna , Woźna Magdalena , Bukowska Dorota , Bryja Artur , Lianeri Margarita , Brüssow Klaus-Peter , Jaśkowski Jędrzej 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Gap junction connections are formed by proteins which play an important role in oocyte developmental competency but there is little information on the relationship between follicle size and the expression of genes encoding these proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between follicle size and the levels of Cdk4 and Cx43 proteins using western blot analysis and confocal microscopic observations. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from puberal gilts (n = 20) of large (>5 mm), medium (3-5 mm), and small (<3 mm) follicles, and stained with BCB. BCB+ COCs, which had finished their growth phase, were cultured in TCM 199 for 44 h. Western blot analysis revealed an increased level of Cdk4 protein in oocytes isolated from large follicles as compared to medium (P < 0.05) and small (P < 0.01) ones. We did not detect differences in Cx43 protein levels in oocytes collected from any follicle class. Confocal microscopic observation revealed a specific membrane and zona pellucida localization of Cdk4 protein in oocytes isolated from large follicles, but an exclusively cytoplasmatic distribution of Cdk4 in oocytes from smaller follicle categories. The effect of follicular size on Cdk4 is indicated by the higher level of Cdk4 protein in oocytes isolated from large follicles and its variable distribution – perhaps resulting from a specific translocation mechanism – in the membrane, zona pellucida, and cytoplasm. IVM may also have a significant effect on Cdk4, as seen from the considerable difference in the expression and localization of Cdk4 protein in oocytes after IVM.
Relative testis size and mating systems in anurans: large testis in multiple-male mating in foam-nesting frogs
Authors: Liao Wen Bo , Mi Zhi Ping , Zhou Cai Quan , Jin Ling , Lou Shang Lin , Han Xian , Ma Jin 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Comparative studies of the relative testes size in animals show that promiscuous species have relatively larger testes than monogamous species. Sperm competition favours the evolution of larger ejaculates in many animals – they give bigger testes. In the view, we presented data on relative testis mass for 17 Chinese species including 3 polyandrous species. We analyzed relative testis mass within the Chinese data set and combining those data with published data sets on Japanese and African frogs. We found that polyandrous foam nesting species have relatively large testes, suggesting that sperm competition was an important factor affecting the evolution of relative testes size. For 4 polyandrous species testes mass is positively correlated with intensity (males/mating) but not with risk (frequency of polyandrous matings) of sperm competition.
A King, Two Lords, and Three Quadrants
Authors: Eagleton Catherine 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper considers a group of three fourteenth-century English horary quadrants with links to King Richard II and the highest nobility. Building on previous work by Silke Ackermann and John Cherry, it shows how this group of instruments can tell us much about the overlapping significances of medieval instruments—which might at the same time have practical purposes and political significance.
Domestic Adjudication of Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Armed Conflict: Considerations for Prosecutors and Judges
Authors: Kamau Evelyn W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe increased domestication of international core crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes has placed national prosecutors and judges on unfamiliar ground. Specifically, though very welcome, the recognition of acts of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as constituting core international crimes poses a further challenge. The circumstances surrounding the commission of SGBV as international core crimes, coupled with their unique elements and manner of proof, makes their domestic prosecution seem that much more difficult. An understanding of how acts of SGBV constitute international core crimes, their constituent elements and the manner of proving them, coupled with how to treat victims and witnesses of SGBV, goes a long way in easing the perceived challenge of domestically prosecuting them. This article is geared towards achieving that and is directed at people who are involved in or are considering carrying out domestic prosecutions and adjudications of SGBV as international core crimes.
The Fatimid Caliph al-Aziz and His Daughter Sitt al-Mulk: A Case of Delayed but Eventual Succession to Rule by a Woman
Authors: Walker Paul E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn his youth the future al-Aziz, then merely the third son of the caliph al-Muizz, acquired a concubine, most likely a Greek-speaking captive, and produced with her a daughter who was to become the famous Sitt al-Mulk. Not only did her mother remain al-Aziz’s favorite long after he rose to the Fatimid throne in 975, she remained so until her death twenty years later, and the daughter continued throughout to hold a claim on his attention many considered unusually intense and extraordinary. This favor, combined with her own political acumen and sharp intelligence, enabled Sitt al-Mulk to exercise authority throughout her lifetime until she finally became the real ruler of the empire upon the disappearance of her eccentric half-brother, al-Hākim, in 1021. Drawing on chronicles written by both Fatimid and anti-Fatimid historians, this article considers the context for Sitt al-Mulk’s rise to power amid the unusual dynamics of the Fatimid royal family. It reveals the implausibility of accounts that attempt to discredit her and demonstrates that when at last she governed the empire, she did so quite competently through a difficult time of transition.
In Reality a Man: Sultan Iltutmish, His Daughter, Raziya, and Gender Ambiguity in Thirteenth Century Northern India
Authors: Gabbay Alyssa 
Published: May 2011

AbstractRuler of the Delhi Sultanate in northern India from 1236 to 1240, Raziya is a striking example of a woman who rose to power in a pre-modern Islamic society. It was Raziya’s father’s recognition and cultivation of her wisdom and ruling capacities, as well as his apparent naming of her as his successor, that paved the way for her accession to the throne. This article offers an explanation of how Raziya was able to rule in an environment in which the birth of daughters normally gave rise to disappointment and women had few avenues for authority. It will argue that despite medieval Muslim India’s assigning to women a status separate from and inferior to that of men, a metaphorical space existed in which women could identify or be identified as men. As in many non-Muslim societies, such identification could become a means for a daughter to enter into male sociopolitical spheres.
Gel-filled (Liqua Care®) therapeutic insoles reduce peak forefoot pressure and increase TcpO2 in individuals with diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular insufficiency
Authors: Miller Steven , Bain Donald , Siddiqui Tamim , Munro William , Hamill Raymond , Jones Derek , Stang Duncan 
Published: May 2011

Objectives Co-existing diabetes and peripheral vascular disease have increased susceptibility to plantar ulceration. Therapeutic insoles reduce plantar pressure, but the effect on transcutaneous tissue oxygenation (TcpO2) is unknown. This study examines the effect of gel-filled Liqua Care® therapeutic insoles on plantar pressure, and foot TcpO2, in at-risk individuals with diabetes and peripheral vascular insufficiency. Research design and methods Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in both lower limbs was measured in patients attending the diabetes centre for complication screening; 21 individuals with ABPI <0.9 and no active ulceration were invited to participate in the study. TcpO 2 was measured at the apex of the great toes both before, and after a 2-week period of Liqua Care® insole use. Recordings of in-shoe pressure measurements without, and with the therapeutic insole were made to ascertain any regional redistribution of plantar pressures (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot). Results A mean reduction in peak forefoot pressure of 54.7 kPa (95% confidence interval (CI) 31.7—77.8 kPa, p<0.01) was observed. Mean great toe TcpO2 increased by 2.92 mmHg (95% CI 0.87—4.97 mmHg, p<0.01). Conclusions These insoles may prevent new and recurrent pedal ulceration in at-risk patients with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.
Fluorescent Chemosensors for Chromium(III) Ions and the Cr3+/Cr2+ Ratio
Authors: de los Rios Alejandra , Mal Prasenjit , Meixner Alfred J , Khoptyar Dmitry , Schmittel Michael 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The shielded linear trisphenanthroline 1 is utilized as a triple reassurance probe and as an ON–OFF–ON signaling unit (after addition of Cu2+) for the detection and quantification of Cr3+ ions. The analogous monophenanthroline 2 served as a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for analyzing the Cr3+/Cr2+ ratio.
Self-assembled Gels of Amphiphilic Sequential Peptide in Water and Organic Solvents
Authors: Cai Rong , Zhao Ying , Ogura Kempei , Tanaka Masayoshi , Kinoshita Takatoshi , Cai Qing 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
An amphiphilic peptide designed with serine as a polar residue showed gelation in both water and organic solvents. This sequential peptide has a strong tendency to adopt β-sheet conformation in these solvents. Such gels of β-sheet peptide based on hierarchical self-assembly consist of nanofiber construction because of the β-sheet structure, and because of crosslinking attributable to hydrogen bonding among hydroxy groups of the serine side chain.
Synthesis and Properties of 9,10-Anthrylene-substituted Phenyleneethynylene Dyes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Yang Xin , Fang Jing-Kun , Suzuma Yoshinori , Xu Feng , Orita Akihiro , Otera Junzo , Kajiyama Shingo , Koumura Nagatoshi , Hara Kohjiro 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
A series of 9,10-anthrylene-substituted phenyleneethynylenes having Ph2N and CN groups were synthesized. A dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated by both Ph2N- and CN-substituted derivative exhibited the highest performance of photo-to-current energy conversion.
Photocurrent Generated from Nanoelectrode Consisting of Dye, Titania Gel, and Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Nishikiori Hiromasa , Ohta Takuma , Yamakami Tomohiko , Endo Morinobu , Fujii Tsuneo 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The dye- and titania gel-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube nanoelectrodes were prepared by sol–gel at room temperature. The photoelectric conversion properties of the nanoelectrodes were examined by simple spectroscopic and electric measurements. The photocurrent spectrum originated from the absorption of the dye. The open-circuit voltage was due to the semiconducting characteristics of the titania gel. The experimental results indicated electron transport from the dye excited states to the carbon nanotubes through the titania gel.
Template Synthesis of Freestanding Nanostructural Membrane of Polyaniline
Authors: Liu Zhao , Zhai Dongyuan , Pan Lijia , Qiu Hao , Li Wenbo , Ding Xiaomei , Shi Yi 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
A reactive template method was used to synthesize large, flexible, freestanding nanostructural membranes of a conductive polymer, polyaniline. The resulting membranes are constructed of textured nanofibers with diameters about 100 nm. Such a flexible nanostructural membrane has great potential in applications in supercapacitors, lithium batteries, sensors, memories, and artificial muscles.
Factors influencing delay time and coronary arterial density during coronary angiography with DSCT
Authors: Tang Lijun , Zhu Xiaomei , Xu Yi , Yu Tongfu , Xu Hai , Tang Jinhua , Dogra Vikram , Wang Dehang 
Published: May 2011

Background CT angiography (CTA) plays an important role in diagnosing coronary arterial disease. Delay time and density of the coronary arteries related with patient-specific factors are essential for getting an optimal CTA image. Purpose To investigate various factors influencing delay time and coronary arterial density during coronary CTA with dual source CT. Material and Methods One hundred and sixteen consecutive subjects who underwent cardiac DSCT with retrospective ECG-gating were included. Factors including gender, age, height, weight, transversal cardiac diameter (TCD), transversal thoracic diameter (TTD), heart rate (HR), body surface area (BSA = [weight × height/3600]1/2) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR = TCD/TTD) were recorded, measured and calculated before administration of contrast media during coronary CT angiography. Delay time was determined as duration from the beginning of the injection to the density in the descending aorta at the level of right main pulmonary artery reaching a threshold of 100 HU. Coronary arterial density was measured at the mid portion of the right coronary artery. Regression analysis and stepwise regression analysis were used to investigate the influence of these factors on delay time and coronary arterial density. Results Delay time decreased with an increasing HR and it was shorter in women than men. Delay time increased with an increasing TCD. Delay time could be predicted by the formula: DT = 16.651–0.110 × HR + 1.902 × gender + 0.394 × TCD (where DT is abbreviation for delay time, gender is 0 for women and 1 for men). Coronary arterial density decreased with an increasing HR and weight. Coronary arterial density could be predicted by the formula: CAD = 923.42–4.099 × HR–3.293 × weight (CAD = coronary arterial density). There was no relationship between the other factors mentioned above and delay time or coronary arterial density. Conclusion Delay time is influenced by HR, gender and TCD. Coronary arterial density also changes with HR and weight. So HR, gender, TCD and weight can be used to adjust flow rate and dosage of contrast media before administration of contrast media during coronary CT angiography.