bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum sex steroids measured in middle-aged European and African–Caribbean men by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Giton Frank , Fiet Jean , Cornu Jean-Nicolas , Cussenot Olivier , Bélanger Alain , Urien Saîk , Oliva Alejandro , Blanchet Pascal , Multigner Luc
Published: September 2011

Background

Differences in circulating steroid hormone levels have been hypothesized to explain ethnic differences in steroid-related diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of a wide panel of steroid hormones, both androgens and estrogens, in healthy middle-aged African–Caribbean and European men.

Design and methods

Serum steroid hormone levels were determined in men participating in a systematic public health study funded by the French National Health Insurance system. Blood was collected in the morning from 304 healthy African–Caribbean and European men aged between 40 and 69 years. Serum steroids were measured by mass spectrometry–gas chromatography, except for DHEAS and sex hormone-binding globulin, which were determined by RIA. Data were analyzed in 10-year age intervals by analysis of covariance, with adjustment for age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and season of sampling.

Results

Compared with Europeans, African–Caribbean men presented significantly higher serum levels of measured bioavailable testosterone, 4-androstenedione (4-dione), and estrone (E1) regardless of the age group, of 5-androstenediol (5-diol) in those aged 40–49 and 50–59 years, and of testosterone (TT) and dihydrotestosterone in those aged 40–49 years. In contrast, European men aged 40–69 years showed significantly higher serum levels of DHEA and DHEAS.

Conclusions

Significant differences in serum steroid hormone levels were observed in middle-aged African–Caribbean and European men. Whether such differences could contribute to ethnic differences in disease risk in adult men remains to be investigated. Some steroids, such as bioavailable TT, 4-dione, 5-diol, and E1, deserve particular attention.
Occupational Violence at Lebanese Emergency Departments: Prevalence, Characteristics and Associated Factors
Authors: Alameddine Mohamad , Kazzi Amin , El‐Jardali Fadi , Dimassi Hani , Maalouf Salwa
Published: September 2011

Occupational Violence at Lebanese Emergency Departments: Prevalence, Characteristics and Associated Factors: Mohamad Alameddine, et al. Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon—

Background

Emergency departments (EDs) workers are at increased risk of exposure to occupational violence. The prevalence of occupational violence is potentially higher and consequences are more serious in areas with poor security conditions.

Objectives

We investigated the prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with the exposure of ED workers to violence at Lebanese hospitals.

Methods

All ED employees at six tertiary hospitals in Lebanon were surveyed using a cross‐sectional design. The survey instrument included four sections collecting demographic/professional information and measuring exposure to violence, degree of job satisfaction and degree of professional burnout. The questionnaire was distributed to all ED employees at participating hospitals and was completed by 256 ED workers (70.3% response rate). Multinomial and binary logistic regressions were used to investigate factors significantly associated with verbal and physical violence.

Results

Over the past 12 mo, four in ive ED employees were verbally abused and one in four was physically assaulted. Exposure to verbal abuse was associated with serious outcomes including significantly higher levels of occupational burnout and an increased likelihood to quit current job. Exposure to physical violence was associated with increased likelihood‐to‐quit, nurse status and “public hospital” employment.

Conclusion

Violence largely prevails at Lebanese EDs. Most vulnerable are nurses and employees of public hospitals who are disproportionally exposed to violence. ED stakeholders must work collaboratively to investigate the root causes of violence and devise and implement effective antiviolence policies and measures. Such measures will be necessary to protect the well‐being and decrease the turnover of ED workers.
Virologic Failure with a Raltegravir‐Containing Antiretroviral Regimen and Concomitant Calcium Administration
Authors: Roberts Jennie L. , Kiser Jennifer J. , Hindman Jason T. , Meditz Amie L.
Published: September 2011

Raltegravir, an inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) integrase enzyme, is a preferred component of antiretroviral regimens for both treatment‐naïve and ‐experienced patients. Compared with other antiretroviral agents, raltegravir has less toxicity and fewer drug interactions since it is not a substrate, inhibitor, or inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes. However, raltegravir is not devoid of drug interactions. We describe a 39‐year‐old, HIV‐1‐infected man who experienced virologic failure while receiving a raltegravir‐containing antiretroviral regimen with concomitant calcium administration. The patient was prescribed protease inhibitor‐based combination antiretroviral therapy, and within 2 months, he achieved undetectable plasma HIV‐1 RNA levels. Seven months after starting therapy, he developed a focal cerebral vasculitis of unknown etiology, which was treated with prednisone, aspirin, and acyclovir. Due to the potential for drug interactions between prednisone and protease inhibitors, the patient was switched to an antiretroviral regimen containing raltegravir. In addition, calcium carbonate 1 g‐vitamin D3 400 IU 3 times/day was started for prevention of osteoporosis associated with long‐term glucocorticoid use. After 10 months of an undetectable plasma HIV‐1 RNA level and clinical evidence of a high level of adherence, he subsequently developed detectable HIV‐1 RNA levels with documented resistance to raltegravir. His antiretroviral therapy was changed back to a protease inhibitor‐based regimen, and his HIV‐1 RNA level rapidly resuppressed. Calcium binding to the divalent metal ion‐chelating motif of raltegravir may have led to subtherapeutic raltegravir levels in this patient. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential interaction between polyvalent cation‐containing agents, such as calcium, and raltegravir.
Mapping Geographic Areas of High and Low Drug Adherence in Patients Prescribed Continuing Treatment for Acute Coronary Syndrome After Discharge
Authors: Hoang Cuong , Kolenic Giselle , Kline‐Rogers Eva , Eagle Kim A. , Erickson Steven R.
Published: September 2011

Study Objective. To determine the feasibility of using geographic information system (GIS) technology to identify geographic areas of high and low adherence to cardiovascular drug therapy for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients discharged from a university‐affiliated hospital.

Design. Retrospective analysis.

Data Source. A registry of patients admitted to and discharged from a large university‐affiliated medical center for the treatment of ACS.

Patients. A total of 1081 adults distributed over 300 census tracts who were discharged between April 1999 and December 2004 with a diagnosis of an ACS event of unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction.

Measurements and Main Results. Data were collected on patient demographics, home addresses, and adherence to four classes of drugs—statins, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, β‐blockers, and aspirin—at 6–12 months after discharge for the ACS index event. A GIS program was used to map patient addresses and adherence data to geographic coordinates. Hot Spot Analysis was used to determine the existence of any spatial clustering patterns in adherence rates. The analysis was performed at the census tract level by using the percentage of nonadherent patients within a census tract to represent adherence for the people living within that tract, standardized by the number of residents in a census tract aged 40 years or older. Hot Spot Analysis identified unique geographic areas of high, neutral, and low adherence in the southeast area. Highly adherent census tracts were primarily located in and around the city where the university hospital and clinics are located. Areas of low adherence were located to the west, southwest, and southeast of the city. All other census tracts were considered neutral in adherence rates.

Conclusion. Mapping geographic areas of drug adherence is feasible with use of GIS technology, with spatial mapping able to detect areas of varying levels of adherence. Future research should examine local‐level factors associated with low adherence, which can be used to derive tailored, locally relevant interventions to improve long‐term drug adherence.
Steady‐State Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Levetiracetam in Neurocritical Care Patients
Authors: Spencer Dustin D. , Jacobi Judith , Juenke JoEtta M. , Fleck James D. , Kays Michael B.
Published: September 2011

Study Objectives. To characterize the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of intravenous levetiracetam in neurocritical care patients requiring seizure prophylaxis after a neurologic injury and to determine which dosing regimens achieve serum concentrations within the recommended therapeutic range of 6–20 μg/ml.

Design. Prospective, open‐label, steady‐state pharmacokinetic study.

Setting. Neurocritical care unit in a tertiary care medical center.

Patients. Twelve adults (five men, seven women) admitted to the neurocritical care unit who required prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy after subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, or traumatic brain injury.

Intervention. Patients received an intravenous infusion of levetiracetam 500 mg over 15 minutes every 12 hours.

Measurements and Main Results. Serial blood samples were collected from all patients after a minimum of four doses of therapy. Serum levetiracetam concentrations were determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection, and pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by compartmental and noncompartmental methods. Monte Carlo simulations were performed for multiple levetiracetam dosing regimens to determine the probability of achieving a target trough concentration of 6 μg/ml or greater, 20 μg/ml or greater, and 6–20 μg/ml. The mean ± SD levetiracetam maximum serum concentration was 28.0 ± 8.0 μg/ml, minimum serum concentration 3.1 ± 1.8 μg/ml, half‐life 5.2 ± 1.2 hours, systemic clearance 5.6 ± 1.8 L/hour, and volume of distribution at steady state 36.8 ± 6.3 L. Increasing the doses of levetiracetam increased the probability of achieving a target trough concentration of 6 μg/ml or greater but also increased the probability of achieving trough concentrations greater than 20 μg/ml. Levetiracetam doses of 1000 mg every 8 hours and 1500–2000 mg every 12 hours provided the highest probability of achieving a target trough concentration between 6 and 20 μg/ml.

Conclusion. Compared with previously published results in healthy volunteers and adults in status epilepticus, levetiracetam systemic clearance was faster and the terminal elimination half‐life was shorter in neurocritical care patients. Higher doses or more frequent dosing may be needed to achieve target trough concentrations of 6–20 μg/ml.
Will the World Bank's Vision Materialize? Relocating China's Factories to Sub-Saharan Africa, Flying-Geese Style
Authors: Ozawa Terutomo , Bellak Christian
Published: September 2011

China has emerged as the most proactive partner for Africa’s growth by offering economic aid, investing in development projects in resource extraction and infrastructure building, and expanding trade. In this regard, a number of studies have recently explored China’s growing—yet still nascent—manufacturing investments in sub-Saharan Africa, which the World Bank hopes to see further expanded so as to ignite local industrialization. These studies look mainly at the Africa-side (host) conditions. In contrast, this paper stresses China-side (home) factors and examines the institutional issues involved in this hoped-for scheme of industrial transplantation. The central question addressed is whether the World Bank’s wish will actually come true. China’s potential in this scenario is assessed in terms of the “flying-geese” growth model that explains how comparatively disadvantaged industries in such a rapidly catching-up economy as China’s may be transplanted overseas. This article concludes that at the moment, China’s capacity to transform the sub-Saharan region into a vibrant manufacturing base via foreign direct investment (FDI) is still underdeveloped and quite limited.
Specific Control of Pancreatic Endocrine β- and δ-Cell Mass by Class IIa Histone Deacetylases HDAC4, HDAC5, and HDAC9
Authors: Lenoir Olivia , Flosseau Kathleen , Ma Feng Xia , Blondeau Bertrand , Mai Antonello , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Ravassard Philippe , Olson Eric N. , Haumaitre Cécile , Scharfmann Raphaël
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

Class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) belong to a large family of enzymes involved in protein deacetylation and play a role in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation. Previously, we showed that HDAC inhibitors modify the timing and determination of pancreatic cell fate. The aim of this study was to determine the role of class IIa HDACs in pancreas development.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We took a genetic approach and analyzed the pancreatic phenotype of mice lacking HDAC4, -5, and -9. We also developed a novel method of lentiviral infection of pancreatic explants and performed gain-of-function experiments.

RESULTS

We show that class IIa HDAC4, -5, and -9 have an unexpected restricted expression in the endocrine β- and δ-cells of the pancreas. Analyses of the pancreas of class IIa HDAC mutant mice revealed an increased pool of insulin-producing β-cells in Hdac5−/− and Hdac9−/− mice and an increased pool of somatostatin-producing δ-cells in Hdac4−/− and Hdac5−/− mice. Conversely, HDAC4 and HDAC5 overexpression showed a decreased pool of insulin-producing β-cells and somatostatin-producing δ-cells. Finally, treatment of pancreatic explants with the selective class IIa HDAC inhibitor MC1568 enhances expression of Pax4, a key factor required for proper β-and δ-cell differentiation and amplifies endocrine β- and δ-cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that HDAC4, -5, and -9 are key regulators to control the pancreatic β/δ-cell lineage. These results highlight the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the regulation of endocrine cell development and suggest new strategies for β-cell differentiation-based therapies.
Evaluation of Nonfasting Tests to Screen for Childhood and Adolescent Dysglycemia
Authors: Lee Joyce M. , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , Wu En-Ling , LaRose Jennifer , Gurney James G.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess performance of nonfasting tests to screen children for dysglycemia (prediabetes or diabetes).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 254 overweight or obese (BMI ≥85th percentile) children aged 10–17 years. Subjects came for two visits to a clinical research unit. For visit one, they arrived fasting and a 2-h glucose tolerance test and HbA1c and fructosamine testing were performed. For visit two, they arrived nonfasting and had a random plasma glucose, a 1-h 50-g nonfasting glucose challenge test (1-h GCT), and urine dipstick performed. The primary end point was dysglycemia (fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL or a 2-h postglucose ≥140 mg/dL). Test performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculations of area under the ROC curve.

RESULTS

Approximately one-half of children were female, 59% were white, and 30% were black. There were 99 (39%) cases of prediabetes and 3 (1.2%) cases of diabetes. Urine dipstick, HbA1c (area under the curve [AUC] 0.54 [95% CI 0.47–0.61]), and fructosamine (AUC 0.55 [0.47–0.63]) displayed poor discrimination for identifying children with dysglycemia. Both random glucose (AUC 0.66 [0.60–0.73]) and 1-h GCT (AUC 0.68 [0.61–0.74]) had better levels of test discrimination than HbA1c or fructosamine.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c had poor discrimination, which could lead to missed cases of dysglycemia in children. Random glucose or 1-h GCT may potentially be incorporated into clinical practice as initial screening tests for prediabetes or diabetes and for determining which children should undergo further definitive testing.
Elevated Liver Function Enzymes Are Related to the Development of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Younger Adults
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Manh , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Xu Ji-Hua , Chen Wei , Hassig Susan , Rice Janet , Berenson Gerald S.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), surrogate markers of liver dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver, are considered as part of metabolic syndrome and related type 2 diabetes. However, information is limited regarding the long-term predictability of ALT and GGT in the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, normoglycemic (n = 874), prediabetic (n = 101), and diabetic (n = 80) adults aged 26–50 years (average age 41.3 years) were followed over an average period of 16 years since their young adulthood (aged 18–38 years, average age 25.1 years), with measurements of cardiometabolic risk factor variables including ALT and GGT.

RESULTS

The follow-up prevalence rate of adult diabetes status by quartiles of baseline ALT and GGT levels showed an adverse trend for both prediabetes (P < 0.05) and diabetes (P < 0.01). In a longitudinal multivariate logistic regression analysis that included anthropometric, hemodynamic, and metabolic variables, as well as alcohol consumption and smoking, individuals with elevated baseline ALT and GGT levels (per 1-SD increment) were 1.16 and 1.20 times, respectively, more likely to develop diabetes (P = 0.05 for ALT and P < 0.01 for GGT); no such associations were noted for prediabetes. Regarding the predictive value of ALT and GGT, the area under the receiver operating curve analysis yielded C values ranging from 0.70 to 0.82, with values significantly higher for diabetes compared with prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings in younger adults suggest potential clinical utility of including ALT and GGT as biomarkers in diabetes risk assessment formulations.
Genealogy of hard real-time preemptive scheduling algorithms for identical multiprocessors
Authors: Müller Dirk , Werner Matthias
Published: September 2011

With the advent of multi-core computer systems, real-time (RT) scheduling on multiprocessors (MPs) is gaining more and more practical relevance. Basic algorithms developed in the 1970s or earlier are strongly influential on state-of-the-art preemptive hard real-time scheduling algorithms. These relationships will be revealed and visualized by four genealogies. Here, the two classification dimensions prioritization dynamics and migration dynamics serve as a framework for the systematization. Finally, such genealogical reconstructions could even lead to the discovery of new algorithms. An extra look will be devoted to the group of fully dynamic scheduling algorithms with full migration in which algorithms can reach full utilization, neglecting scheduling and context switching overheads. The important question for a set of RT scheduling algorithms serving as a basis for more sophisticated ones will be dealt with.
Antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities of polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Joseph Soniamol , Sabulal Baby , George Varughese , Antony Kuttikkadan , Janardhanan Kainoor
Published: September 2011

Antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities of polysaccharides isolated fromGanoderma lucidum

In this study, polysaccharides were isolated fromGanoderma lucidum (Polyporaceae)and their antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated usingin vivomodels. Potential antitumor activity was shown byG. lucidumpolysaccharides (GLP) against solid tumor induced by Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells. GLP at 100 mg kg-1body mass showed 80.8 and 77.6 % reduction in tumour volume and tumour mass, respectively, when administered 24 h after tumour implantation. Again, GLP at the same dose but when administered prior to tumour inoculation, showed 79.5 and 81.2 % inhibition of tumour volume and tumour mass, respectively. GLP showed significant dose-dependent activity in carrageenean-induced (acute) and formalin-induced (chronic) inflammation assays. At 100 mg kg-1, GLP exhibited 57.6 and 58.2 % inhibition in carrageenean-induced and formalin-induced assays, respectively.
Diurnal Cycle of the North American Monsoon in a Mesoscale Model Simulation: Evolution of Key Parameters in Relation to Precipitation
Authors: Guan Bin , Zheng Weizhong
Published: September 2011

The diurnal cycle of the North American monsoon is analyzed based on the output from a mesoscale model simulation. Statistically significant diurnal cycle in precipitation is identified, with heavy precipitation—essentially convective—dominating in local afternoons. Temporal evolution of key parameters in relation to precipitation is investigated, based on which a sequence of the dynamic/thermodynamic processes underlying precipitation development is proposed. Particularly, the afternoon peak in precipitation is found preceded by enhanced static instability and low-level convergence.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Incessant Builders and Destroyers of the Cancer Stroma
Authors: Liguori Manuela , Solinas Graziella , Germano Giovanni , Mantovani Alberto , Allavena Paola
Published: September 2011

Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAM) are key components of the reactive stroma of tumors. In most, although not all cancers, their presence is associated with poor patient prognosis. In addition to releasing cytokines and growth factors for tumor and endothelial cells, a distinguished feature of TAM is their high-rate degradation of the extra-cellular matrix. This incessant stroma remodelling favours the release of matrix-bound growth factors and promotes tumor cell motility and invasion. In addition, TAM produce matrix proteins, some of which are typical of the neoplastic tissues. The gene expression profile of TAM isolated from human tumors reveals a matrix-related signature with the up-regulation of genes coding for different matrix proteins, as well as several proteolytic enzymes. Among ECM components are: osteopontin, osteoactivin, collagens and fibronectin, including also a truncated isoform of fibronectin termed migration stimulation factor. In addition to serve as structural proteins, these matrix components have key functions in the regulation of the vessel network, in the inductionof tumor cell motility and degradation of cellular debris. Among proteolytic enzymes are: matrix metalloproteases, cathepsins, lysosomal and ADAM proteases, and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator. The degrading activity of TAM, coupled to the production of bio-active ECM proteins, co-operate to the build-up and maintenance of an inflammatory micro-environment which eventually promotes tumor progression.
Thermodynamics of the System of Distinguishable Particles
Authors: Cheng Chi-Ho
Published: September 2011

The issue of the thermodynamics of a system of distinguishable particles is discussed in this paper. In constructing the statistical mechanics of distinguishable particles from the definition of Boltzmann entropy, it is found that the entropy is not extensive. The inextensivity leads to the so-called Gibbs paradox in which the mixing entropy of two identical classical gases increases. Lots of literature from different points of view were created to resolve the paradox. In this paper, starting from the Boltzmann entropy, we present the thermodynamics of the system of distinguishable particles. A straightforward way to get the corrected Boltzmann counting is shown. The corrected Boltzmann counting factor can be justified in classical statistical mechanics.
Entropic Regularization to Assist a Geologist in Producing a Geologic Map
Authors: Barbosa Valeria C.F. , Silva João B.C. , Vasconcelos Suzan S. , Oliveira Francisco S.
Published: September 2011

The gravity and magnetic data measured on the Earth’s surface or above it (collected from an aircraft flying at low altitude) can be used to assist in geologic mapping by estimating the spatial density and magnetization distributions, respectively, presumably confined to the interior of a horizontal slab with known depths to the top and bottom. To estimate density or magnetization distributions we assume a piecewise constant function defined on a user-specified grid of cells and invert the gravity or magnetic data by using the entropic regularization as a stabilizing function that allows estimating abrupt changes in the physical-property distribution. The entropic regularization combines the minimization of the first-order entropy measure with the maximization of the zeroth-order entropy measure of the solution vector. The aim of this approach is to detect sharp-bounded geologic units through the discontinuities in the estimated density or magnetization distributions. Tests conducted with synthetic data show that the entropic regularization can delineate discontinuous geologic units, allowing a better mapping of sharp-bounded (but buried) geologic bodies. We demonstrate the potential of the entropic regularization to assist a geologist in obtaining a geologic map by analyzing the estimated magnetization distributions from field magnetic data over a magnetic skarn in Butte Valley, Nevada, U.S.A. We show that it is an exoskarn where the ion exchange between the intrusive and the host rock occurs along a limited portion of the southern intrusive border.
Large-Sample Asymptotic Approximations for the Sampling and Posterior Distributions of Differential Entropy for Multivariate Normal Distributions
Authors: Marrelec Guillaume , Benali Habib
Published: September 2011

In the present paper, we propose a large sample asymptotic approximation for the sampling and posterior distributions of differential entropy when the sample is composed of independent and identically distributed realization of a multivariate normal distribution.
The Nonadditive Entropy Sq and Its Applications in Physics and Elsewhere: Some Remarks
Authors: Tsallis Constantino
Published: September 2011

The nonadditive entropy Sq has been introduced in 1988 focusing on a generalization of Boltzmann–Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics. The aim was to cover a (possibly wide) class of systems among those very many which violate hypothesis such as ergodicity, under which the BG theory is expected to be valid. It is now known that Sq has a large applicability; more specifically speaking, even outside Hamiltonian systems and their thermodynamical approach. In the present paper we review and comment some relevant aspects of this entropy, namely (i) Additivity versus extensivity; (ii) Probability distributions that constitute attractors in the sense of Central Limit Theorems; (iii) The analysis of paradigmatic low-dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems near the edge of chaos; and (iv) The analysis of paradigmatic long-range-interacting many-body classical Hamiltonian systems. Finally, we exhibit recent as well as typical predictions, verifications and applications of these concepts in natural, artificial, and social systems, as shown through theoretical, experimental, observational and computational results.
Forecasting Monthly Electric Energy Consumption Using Feature Extraction
Authors: Meng Ming , Niu Dongxiao , Sun Wei
Published: September 2011

Monthly forecasting of electric energy consumption is important for planning the generation and distribution of power utilities. However, the features of this time series are so complex that directly modeling is difficult. Three kinds of relatively simple series can be derived when a discrete wavelet transform is used to extract the raw features, namely, the rising trend, periodic waves, and stochastic series. After the elimination of the stochastic series, the rising trend and periodic waves were modeled separately by a grey model and radio basis function neural networks. Adding the forecasting values of each model can yield the forecasting results for monthly electricity consumption. The grey model has a good capability for simulating any smoothing convex trend. In addition, this model can mitigate minor stochastic effects on the rising trend. The extracted periodic wave series, which contain relatively less information and comprise simple regular waves, can improve the generalization capability of neural networks. The case study on electric energy consumption in China shows that the proposed method is better than those traditionally used in terms of both forecasting precision and expected risk.
Antibacterial Activity of New Dibenzoxepinone Oximes with Fluorine and Trifluoromethyl Group Substituents
Authors: Limban Carmen , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: September 2011

In this paper we present the antimicrobial activity of some newly synthesized dibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives bearing the oximino moiety, and fluorine (F) and trifluoromethyl (CF3) group substituents. The chemical structure and purity of the new compounds were assessed by using elemental analysis, NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The new compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, by qualitative and quantitative assays. Our results demonstrated that the CF3 and F disubstituted compounds could be considered for the further development of novel antimicrobial drugs.
QSAR Study of p56lck Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoid Derivatives Using MLR and GA-PLS
Authors: Fassihi Afshin , Sabet Razieh
Published: September 2011

Quantitative relationships between molecular structure and p56lck protein tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity of 50 flavonoid derivatives are discovered by MLR and GA-PLS methods. Different QSAR models revealed that substituent electronic descriptors (SED) parameters have significant impact on protein tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity of the compounds. Between the two statistical methods employed, GA-PLS gave superior results. The resultant GA-PLS model had a high statistical quality (R2 = 0.74 and Q2 = 0.61) for predicting the activity of the inhibitors. The models proposed in the present work are more useful in describing QSAR of flavonoid derivatives as p56lck protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors than those provided previously.
Effect of Molecular Flexibility on the Nematic-to-Isotropic Phase Transition for Highly Biaxial Molecular Non-Symmetric Liquid Crystal Dimers
Authors: Sebastián Nerea , López David Orencio , Diez-Berart Sergio , De la Fuente María Rosario , Salud Josep , Pérez-Jubindo Miguel Angel , Ros María Blanca
Published: September 2011

In this work, a study of the nematic (N)–isotropic (I) phase transition has been made in a series of odd non-symmetric liquid crystal dimers, the α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4’-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4’-oxy) alkanes, by means of accurate calorimetric and dielectric measurements. These materials are potential candidates to present the elusive biaxial nematic (NB) phase, as they exhibit both molecular biaxiality and flexibility. According to the theory, the uniaxial nematic (NU)–isotropic (I) phase transition is first-order in nature, whereas the NB–I phase transition is second-order. Thus, a fine analysis of the critical behavior of the N–I phase transition would allow us to determine the presence or not of the biaxial nematic phase and understand how the molecular biaxiality and flexibility of these compounds influences the critical behavior of the N–I phase transition.
Synthesis of Binary Transition Metal Nitrides, Carbides and Borides from the Elements in the Laser-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell and Their Structure-Property Relations
Authors: Friedrich Alexandra , Winkler Björn , Juarez-Arellano Erick A. , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren
Published: September 2011

Transition metal nitrides, carbides and borides have a high potential for industrial applications as they not only have a high melting point but are generally harder and less compressible than the pure metals. Here we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of binary transition metal nitrides, carbides and borides focusing on the reaction of the elements at extreme conditions generated within the laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The current knowledge of their structures and high-pressure properties like high-(p; T) stability, compressibility and hardness is described as obtained from experiments.
Selective Cytotoxicity of Goniothalamin against Hepatoblastoma HepG2 Cells
Authors: Al-Qubaisi Mothanna , Rozita Rosli , Yeap Swee-Keong , Omar Abdul-Rahman , Ali Abdul-Manaf , Alitheen Noorjahan B.
Published: September 2011

Liver cancer has become one of the major types of cancer with high mortality and liver cancer is not responsive to the current cytotoxic agents used in chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro cytotoxicity of goniothalamin on human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and normal liver Chang cells. The cytotoxicity of goniothalamin against HepG2 and liver Chang cell was tested using MTT cell viability assay, LDH leakage assay, cell cycle flow cytometry PI analysis, BrdU proliferation ELISA assay and trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Goniothalamin selectively inhibited HepG2 cells [IC50 = 4.6 (±0.23) µM in the MTT assay; IC50 = 5.20 (±0.01) µM for LDH assay at 72 hours], with less sensitivity in Chang cells [IC50 = 35.0 (±0.09) µM for MTT assay; IC50 = 32.5 (±0.04) µM for LDH assay at 72 hours]. In the trypan blue dye exclusion assay, the Viability Indexes were 52 ± 1.73% for HepG2 cells and 62 ± 4.36% for Chang cells at IC50 after 72 hours. Cytotoxicity of goniothalamin was related to inhibition of DNA synthesis, as revealed by the reduction of BrdU incorporation. At 72 hours, the lowest concentration of goniothalamin (2.3 µL) retained 97.6% of normal liver Chang cells proliferation while it reduced HepG2 cell proliferation to 19.8% as compared to control. Besides, goniothalamin caused accumulation of hypodiploid apoptosis and different degree of G2/M arrested as shown in cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry. Goniothalamin selectively killed liver cancer cell through suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that goniothalamin shows potential cytotoxicity against hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.
Polysaccharides: The “Click” Chemistry Impact
Authors: Elchinger Pierre-Henri , Faugeras Pierre-Antoine , Boëns Benjamin , Brouillette François , Montplaisir Daniel , Zerrouki Rachida , Lucas Romain
Published: September 2011

Polysaccharides are complex but essential compounds utilized in many areas such as biomaterials, drug delivery, cosmetics, food chemistry or renewable energy. Modifications and functionalizations of such polymers are often necessary to achieve molecular structures of interest. In this area, the emergence of the “click” chemistry concept, and particularly the copper-catalyzed version of the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between terminal acetylenes and azides, had an impact on the polysaccharides chemistry. The present review summarizes the contribution of “click” chemistry in the world of polysaccharides.
Does Religious Involvement Generate or Inhibit Fear of Crime?
Authors: Matthews Todd , Johnson Lee Michael , Jenks Catherine
Published: September 2011

In victimology, fear of crime is understood as an emotional response to the perceived threat of crime. Fear of crime has been found to be affected by several variables besides local crime rates and personal experiences with victimization. This study examines the relationship between religion and fear of crime, an underexplored topic in the criminological literature. This gap is rather surprising given the central role religion has been found to play in shaping the attitudes and perceptions of congregants. In particular, religion has been found to foster generalized trust, which should engender lower levels of distrust or misanthropy, including that which is directed towards a general fear of crime. OLS regression was performed using data from the West Georgia Area Survey (n = 380). Controlling for demographic, community involvement, and political ideology variables, frequency of religious attendance was significantly and negatively associated with fear of property crime. This relationship remained even after a perceived neighborhood safety variable was introduced to the model. However, religious attendance was not significantly related to fear of violent crime, and religious orientation was unrelated to fear of property and violent crime. These results suggest that religious involvement conditionally reduces fear of crime, and the authors recommend that future research explore relationships between religion and fear of crime.
“Religion in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy?” A Pilot Study: The Meaning of Religiosity/Spirituality from Staff’s Perspective in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Zahn Anne , Baumann Klaus
Published: September 2011

This study examined: (1) the spirituality of staff; (2) its relationship with staff’s attitudes towards religiosity/spirituality of patients; and (3) with staff’s integration of religious and spiritual contents in the patient’s therapy. Method: An anonymous survey distributed to the staff in the department of psychiatry and psychotherapy at the Freiburg University Hospital. The main predictor variable was the spirituality of staff using DRI (Duke Religion Index). The main criterion variables were the relevance of religiosity/spirituality of patients and staff’s attitude towards religious/spiritual contents during their therapy using the questionnaire of Curlin et al. Results: The spirituality of staff was 6.91 on a scale of 12.0. There was no significant relationship between variables. Staff regarded the influence of religious/spiritual contents generally positive to patients. However, the staff did not use religious/spiritual elements in their therapy methods. Frequent reasons were insufficient time/occasion and insufficient knowledge. Conclusions: Religious/spiritual contents have not been integrated yet in therapy methods, although they are regarded as important for patients. Further studies and discussion about religious/spiritual matters are essential for their integration into psychiatric therapies in order to overcome these inconsistencies.
The Relevance of GLAS/ICESat Elevation Data for the Monitoring of River Networks
Authors: Baghdadi Nicolas , Lemarquand Nicolas , Abdallah Hani , Bailly Jean Stéphane
Published: September 2011

The Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimetry mission from 2003 to 2008 provided an important dataset for elevation measurements. The quality of GLAS/ICESat (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) data was investigated for Lake Leman in Switzerland and France by comparing laser data to hydrological gauge water levels. The correction of GLAS/ICESat waveform saturation successfully improved the quality of water elevation data. First, the ICESat elevations and waveforms corresponding to water footprints across the transition from the land to water were analyzed. Water elevations (2 to 10 measurements) following the land-water transition are often of lesser quality. The computed accuracy for the ICESat elevation measurements is approximately 5 cm, excluding transitions footprints, and 15 cm, including these footprints. Second, the accuracy of ICESat elevation was studied using data acquired on French rivers with a width greater than the size of the ICESat footprint. The obtained root mean square error (RMSE) for ICESat elevations in regard to French rivers was 1.14 m (bias = 0.07 m; standard deviation = 1.15 m), which indicates that small rivers could not be monitored using ICESat with acceptable accuracy due to land-water transition sensor inertia.
A Novel Approach for Foreign Substances Detection in Injection Using Clustering and Frame Difference
Authors: Lu Guiliang , Zhou Yu , Yu Yao , Du Sidan
Published: September 2011

This paper focuses on developing a novel technique based on machine vision for detection of foreign substances in injections. Mechanical control yields spin/stop movement of injections which helps to cause relative movement between foreign substances in liquid and an ampoule bottle. Foreign substances are classified into two categories: subsiding-slowly object and subsiding-fast object. A sequence of frames are captured by a camera and used to recognize foreign substances. After image preprocessing like noise reduction and motion detection, two different methods, Moving-object Clustering (MC) and Frame Difference, are proposed to detect the two categories respectively. MC is operated to cluster subsiding-slowly foreign substances, based on the invariant features of those objects. Frame Difference is defined to calculate the difference between two frames due to the change of subsiding-fast objects. 200 ampoule samples filled with injection are tested and the experimental result indicates that the approach can detect the visible foreign substances effectively.
Genetic Algorithm for the Design of Electro-Mechanical Sigma Delta Modulator MEMS Sensors
Authors: Wilcock Reuben , Kraft Michael
Published: September 2011

This paper describes a novel design methodology using non-linear models for complex closed loop electro-mechanical sigma-delta modulators (EMΣΔM) that is based on genetic algorithms and statistical variation analysis. The proposed methodology is capable of quickly and efficiently designing high performance, high order, closed loop, near-optimal systems that are robust to sensor fabrication tolerances and electronic component variation. The use of full non-linear system models allows significant higher order non-ideal effects to be taken into account, improving accuracy and confidence in the results. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, two design examples are presented including a 5th order low-pass EMΣΔM for a MEMS accelerometer, and a 6th order band-pass EMΣΔM for the sense mode of a MEMS gyroscope. Each example was designed using the system in less than one day, with very little manual intervention. The strength of the approach is verified by SNR performances of 109.2 dB and 92.4 dB for the low-pass and band-pass system respectively, coupled with excellent immunities to fabrication tolerances and parameter mismatch.
Analysis of Deflection Enhancement Using Epsilon Assembly Microcantilevers Based Sensors
Authors: Khaled Abdul-Rahim  A. , Vafai Kambiz
Published: September 2011

The present work analyzes theoretically and verifies the advantage of utilizing ε-microcantilever assemblies in microsensing applications. The deflection profile of these innovative ε-assembly microcantilevers is compared with that of the rectangular microcantilever and modified triangular microcantlever. Various force-loading conditions are considered. The theorem of linear elasticity for thin beams is used to obtain the deflections. The obtained defections are validated against an accurate numerical solution utilizing finite element method with maximum deviation less than 10 percent. It is found that the ε-assembly produces larger deflections than the rectangular microcantilever under the same base surface stress and same extension length. In addition, the ε-microcantilever assembly is found to produce larger deflection than the modified triangular microcantilever. This deflection enhancement is found to increase as the ε-assembly’s free length decreases for various types of force loading conditions. Consequently, the ε-microcantilever is shown to be superior in microsensing applications as it provides favorable high detection capability with a reduced susceptibility to external noises. Finally, this work paves a way for experimentally testing the ε-assembly to show whether detective potential of microsensors can be increased.
Entre éducation populaire et propagande syndicale : les cours radiophoniques de la CGT sous le Front Populaire
Authors: Poggioli Morgan
Published: September 2011

Résumé Cet article aborde une expérience originale d’éducation populaire, souvent citée en exemple mais finalement assez peu étudiée : les cours radiodiffusés du Centre confédéral d’éducation ouvrière (CCEO) de la CGT, durant le Front populaire. Le CCEO qui, dès sa création en 1933, est conçu comme un outil de démocratisation du savoir a en effet à partir de janvier 1937 l’opportunité d’accéder à un média de masse et d’élargir son audience. Nous verrons donc comment pendant trois ans, à travers l’émission La Voix de la CGT , le syndicat a investi les ondes, fait l’apprentissage des exigences particulières de l’exercice radiophonique et s’est efforcé de concilier mission éducative et tentation propagandiste.
De la fabrique des libres-penseurs à l'administration des dévouements : Force Ouvrière et la mise en cursus de la formation syndicale (1948-1971)
Authors: Cristofalo Paula , Yon Karel
Published: September 2011

Résumé Cet article interroge la signification pratique du passage de « l’éducation ouvrière » à la « formation des militants » au sein de la CGT-Force Ouvrière. Nous commençons par évoquer la relance avortée d’un dispositif éducatif organisé sur un mode décentralisé et coopératif. Nous abordons ensuite les injonctions externes à la mise sur pied d’un dispositif de transmission centralisé et sélectif. Nous entendons ainsi mettre l’accent sur le lien entre changements de forme et de fond : la substitution du Centre de Formation de Militants Syndicalistes au Centre d’Éducation Ouvrière donne naissance à un « dispositif d’administration du sens syndical » qui déconnecte éducation et politique, apprentissage du syndicalisme et développement d’une pensée stratégique. Si la syndicalisation de la formation est étroitement liée aux encouragements de la puissance publique, elle dépend également d’un passage de relais dans les équipes chargées de cette activité. Dans la période étudiée, on voit ainsi se développer l’encadrement administratif des activités éducatives et se succéder trois profils différents d’éducateurs : des intellectuels issus du monde de l’enseignement, des intellectuels issus du monde des entreprises et des militants sans lien direct avec le monde intellectuel.
The range of local public services and population size: Is there a “zoo effect” in French jurisdictions?
Authors: Frère Quentin , Hammadou Hakim , Paty Sonia
Published: September 2011

Résumé Cet article est une contribution originale sur la relation entre la gamme des services publics locaux et la taille de la population. Cette étude est menée sur une base de données sur les collectivités locales françaises et teste l’existence d’un effet zoo (Oates, 1988), c’est-à-dire l’idée que la gamme des biens publics locaux offerts augmente avec la taille des collectivités. À l’aide de l’économétrie spatiale, nous montrons l’existence d’un effet zoo dans les groupements intercommunaux français qui ont été créés afin de réaliser des économies d’échelle. En d’autres termes, nous trouvons que la variété des services offerts est proportionnelle à la taille de population du groupement. Nous montrons également que cet effet zoo est plus intense dans les zones urbaines que rurales. Classification JEL : H4, H7.
La dimension spatiale des collaborations pour l'innovation : une analyse sur données CIFRE (1981-2006)
Authors: Bouba-Olga Olivier , Ferru Marie
Published: September 2011

L’objectif de cet article est de se prononcer sur l’évolution de la dimension spatiale des collaborations pour l’innovation et sur l’existence d’éventuels effets de structure et notamment d’effets-taille. Nous développons dans un premier temps un modèle d’adoption des collaborateurs, qui met en évidence le rôle potentiel de la géographie des ressources et de l’histoire des relations passées (effets de lock-in) pour la dimension spatiale des collaborations. Nous nous appuyons dans un deuxième temps sur une base de données originale recensant plus de 14 000 contrats CIFRE sur la période 1981-2006 et testons deux modèles économétriques complémentaires. Trois grands résultats ressortent de ce travail : la géographie des collaborations pour l’innovation est marquée par une forte inertie, l’existence d’effets régionaux et le rôle important d’effets-taille.