bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide/carboxymethylcellulose foam for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis/nasal Polyposis
Authors: Chaudhry Ajaz L. , Chaaban Mohamad R. , Ranganath Neel K. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRS/NP) is a medical disease that is managed more effectively after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Despite topical treatment with intranasal steroids, acute inflammatory exacerbations (AEs) are common and are typically treated with oral prednisone, which has significant and well-documented side effects. The objective of the current study was to critically evaluate the topical application of triamcinolone acetonide (80) in carboxymethylcellulose (TA/CMC) foam for AEs in CRS/NP patients after ESS.

Methods

CRS/NP patients managed with ESS by a single rhinologist over a 5-year period were included in the study. Data were reviewed regarding demographics, number of AEs, revision surgery, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) scores, frequency of oral prednisone and/or TA/CMC, and notable side effects.

Results

A total of 371 CRS/NP patients were treated with ESS over a 5-year period. Mean follow-up was 49.3 weeks (range, 2–249 weeks). During this time period, 130 patients (46 years; range, 28–48 years) developed a cumulative 267 AEs. Before initiating use of TA/CMC in 2010, 66 AEs were treated with prednisone. Subsequently, 116 of 201 AEs were managed with TA/CMC with a sequential decrease in prednisone use over the last 3 years (77, 39, and 32%). SNOT-22 scores (n = 33) decreased significantly after TA/CMC instillation (preinstillation, 1.69 ± 0.86, versus postinstillation, 1.23 ± 0.8; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Management of AEs with TA/CMC decreased overall prednisone use in a large population of CRS/NP patients in this retrospective evaluation. TA/CMC appears well tolerated and is a useful treatment option for AEs in postoperative CRS/NP patients.
Measuring Student Ability, Classifying Schools, and Detecting Item Bias at School Level, Based on Student-Level Dichotomous Items
Authors: Bennink Margot , Croon Marcel A. , Keuning Jos , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: May 2014

In educational measurement, responses of students on items are used not only to measure the ability of students, but also to evaluate and compare the performance of schools. Analysis should ideally account for the multilevel structure of the data, and school-level processes not related to ability, such as working climate and administration conditions, need to be separated from student and school ability. However, in educational studies such as Programme for International Student Assessment, Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, and COOL5–18, this is hardly ever done. This study presents a model that simultaneously accounts for the nested structure, controls student ability for processes at school level, classifies schools to monitor and compare schools, and tests for school-level item bias.
Application of Imperialist Competitive Algorithm on Solving the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Xu Shuhui , Wang Yong , Huang Aiqin
Published: May 2014

The imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is a new heuristic algorithm proposed for continuous optimization problems. The research about its application on solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP) is still very limited. Aiming to explore its ability on solving TSP, we present a discrete imperialist competitive algorithm in this paper. The proposed algorithm modifies the original rules of the assimilation and introduces the 2-opt algorithm into the revolution process. To examine its performance, we tested the proposed algorithm on 10 small-scale and 2 large-scale standard benchmark instances from the TSPLIB and compared the experimental results with that obtained by two other ICA-based algorithms and six other existing algorithms. The proposed algorithm shows excellent performance in the experiments and comparisons.
Antioxidants in Greek Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nick , Tsimidou Maria
Published: May 2014

Greece is ranked third after Spain and Italy in virgin olive oil production. The number of Greek olive cultivars—excluding clonal selections—is greater than 40; however, more than 90% of the acreage is cultivated with 20 cultivars, adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Greek virgin olive oils, produced mainly with traditional, non-intensive cultivation practices, are mostly of exceptional quality. The benefits of consuming virgin olive oil, originally attributed to its high oleic acid content, are now considered to be the combined result of several nutrient and non-nutrient phytochemicals. The present work summarizes available data regarding natural antioxidants in Greek virgin olive oils (VOO) namely, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, and triterpenic acids. The literature survey indicated gaps in information, which should be filled in the near future so that the intrinsic properties of this major agricultural product of Greece will be substantiated on a solid scientific basis.
Review of Langmuir-Wave-Caused Dips and Charge-Exchange-Caused Dips in Spectral Lines from Plasmas and their Applications
Authors: Dalimier Elisabeth , Oks Eugene , Renner Oldrich
Published: May 2014

We review studies of two kinds of dips in spectral line profiles emitted by plasmas—dips that have been predicted theoretically and observed experimentally: Langmuir-wave-caused dips (L-dips) and charge-exchange-caused dips (X-dips). There is a principal difference with respect to positions of L-dips and X-dips relative to the unperturbed wavelength of a spectral line: positions of L-dips scale with the electron density Ne roughly as Ne1/2, while positions of X-dips are almost independent of Ne (the dependence is much weaker than for L-dips). L-dips and X-dips phenomena are important, both fundamentally and practically. The fundamental importance is due to a rich physics behind each of these phenomena. L-dips are a multi-frequency resonance phenomenon caused by a single-frequency (monochromatic) electric field. X-dips are due to charge exchange at anticrossings of terms of a diatomic quasi-molecule, whose nuclei have different charges. As for important practical applications, they are as follows: observations of L-dips constitute a very accurate method to measure the electron density in plasmas—a method that does not require knowledge of the electron temperature. L-dips also allow measuring the amplitude of the electric field of Langmuir waves—the only spectroscopic method available for this purpose. Observations of X-dips provide an opportunity to determine rate coefficient of charge exchange between multi-charged ions. This is an important reference data, virtually inaccessible by other experimental methods. The rate coefficients of charge exchange are important for magnetic fusion in Tokamaks, for population inversion in the soft x-ray and VUV ranges, for ion storage devices, as well as for astrophysics (e.g., for the solar plasma and for determining the physical state of planetary nebulae).
Scale-Invariant Divergences for Density Functions
Authors: Kanamori Takafumi
Published: May 2014

Divergence is a discrepancy measure between two objects, such as functions, vectors, matrices, and so forth. In particular, divergences defined on probability distributions are widely employed in probabilistic forecasting. As the dissimilarity measure, the divergence should satisfy some conditions. In this paper, we consider two conditions: The first one is the scale-invariance property and the second is that the divergence is approximated by the sample mean of a loss function. The first requirement is an important feature for dissimilarity measures. The divergence will depend on which system of measurements we used to measure the objects. Scale-invariant divergence is transformed in a consistent way when the system of measurements is changed to the other one. The second requirement is formalized such that the divergence is expressed by using the so-called composite score. We study the relation between composite scores and scale-invariant divergences, and we propose a new class of divergences called H¨older divergence that satisfies two conditions above. We present some theoretical properties of H¨older divergence. We show that H¨older divergence unifies existing divergences from the viewpoint of scale-invariance.
Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils of Remnant Natural and Plantation Forests in an Urbanized Region of the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Hou Enqing , Xiang Huimin , Li Jianli , Li Jiong , Wen Dazhi
Published: May 2014

Remnant forests in urban areas provide vital ecosystem services but are susceptible to many human activities including heavy metal emissions. In this study, we collected 192 samples of mineral soils at depths of 0–3, 3–13 and 13–23 cm in 16 remnant forests (eight natural forests and eight plantation forests) in the urbanized Pearl River Delta, China. We assessed the potential risks of soil Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni and Cr to the vegetation in these forests based on their total and 0.1 M HCl extractable concentrations. The mean concentrations for all soil samples were 202.7, 102.0, 75.7, 24.3, 30.3, and 7.8 mg/kg for Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni, respectively. Compared to background values, total soil Zn concentrations were higher for both the natural and plantation forests located near both industrial and non-industrial sites; total soil Cu and Pb concentrations were higher near industrial sites, particularly for the natural forests. Total soil Pb, Cu, and Mn concentrations and exchangeable soil Pb and Mn concentrations were higher in the natural forests than in the plantation forests. Total soil Cu and Pb concentrations and extractable soil Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations decreased with soil depth. Based on these results and previous findings of continued acidification and low phosphorus availability of these soils, we recommend that the growth of these remnant forests can be improved by the application of phosphate rock.
How Soil Scientists Help Combat Podoconiosis, A Neglected Tropical Disease
Authors: Visser Benjamin
Published: May 2014

Podoconiosis or “endemic non-filarial elephantiasis” is a tropical disease caused by prolonged exposure of bare feet to irritant alkaline clay soils of volcanic origin [1]. The name of the disease is derived from the Greek words for foot: podos, and dust: konos. Small mineral particles from irritant soils penetrate the skin and provoke an inflammatory response leading to fibrosis and blockage of lymphatic vessels, causing lymphoedema [2]. Patients suffer from disabling physical effects, but also stigma [1]. The disease can simply be prevented by avoiding contact with irritant soils (wearing shoes) but this is still an unaffordable “luxury” for many people. Podoconiosis is unique because it is a completely preventable non-communicable tropical disease [1]. In the past few years, podoconiosis has received increased advocacy and is now step by step appearing on the agenda of medical researchers as well as politicians. [...]
Access of Hydrogen-Radicals to the Peptide-Backbone as a Measure for Estimating the Flexibility of Proteins Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Takayama Mitsuo , Nagoshi Keishiro , Iimuro Ryunosuke , Inatomi Kazuma
Published: May 2014

A factor for estimating the flexibility of proteins is described that uses a cleavage method of “in-source decay (ISD)” coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). The MALDI-ISD spectra of bovine serum albumin (BSA), myoglobin and thioredoxin show discontinuous intense ion peaks originating from one-side preferential cleavage at the N-Cα bond of Xxx-Asp, Xxx-Asn, Xxx-Cys and Gly-Xxx residues. Consistent with these observations, Asp, Asn and Gly residues are also identified by other flexibility measures such as B-factor, turn preference, protection and fluorescence decay factors, while Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly residues are identified by turn preference factor based on X-ray crystallography. The results suggest that protein molecules embedded in/on MALDI matrix crystals partly maintain α-helix and that the reason some of the residues are more susceptible to ISD (Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly) and others less so (Ile and Val) is because of accessibility of the peptide backbone to hydrogen-radicals from matrix molecules. The hydrogen-radical accessibility in MALDI-ISD could therefore be adopted as a factor for measuring protein flexibility.
Arabidopsis ABA Receptor RCAR1/PYL9 Interacts with an R2R3-Type MYB Transcription Factor, AtMYB44
Authors: Li Dekuan , Li Ying , Zhang Liang , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Zhe , Tao Zhiwen , Wang Jianmei , Wang Jin , Lin Min , Li Xufeng , Yang Yi
Published: May 2014

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling plays important roles in plant growth, development and adaptation to various stresses. RCAR1/PYL9 has been known as a cytoplasm and nuclear ABA receptor in Arabidopsis. To obtain further insight into the regulatory mechanism of RCAR1/PYL9, a yeast two-hybrid approach was performed to screen for RCAR1/PYL9-interacting proteins and an R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, AtMYB44, was identified. The interaction between RCAR1/PYL9 and AtMYB44 was further confirmed by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Gene expression analysis showed that AtMYB44 negatively regulated the expression of ABA-responsive gene RAB18, in contrast to the opposite role reported for RCAR1/PYL9. Competitive GST pull-down assay and analysis of phosphatase activity demonstrated that AtMYB44 and ABI1 competed for binding to RCAR1/PYL9 and thereby reduced the inhibitory effect of RCAR1/PYL9 on ABI1 phosphatase activity in the presence of ABA in vitro. Furthermore, transient activation assay in protoplasts revealed AtMYB44 probably also decreased RCAR1/PYL9-mediated inhibition of ABI1 activity in vivo. Taken together, our work provides a reasonable molecular mechanism of AtMYB44 in ABA signaling.
Chemical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Concrete with Local Mineral Admixtures under Sulfate Environment in Northwest China
Authors: Nie Qingke , Zhou Changjun , Shu Xiang , He Qiang , Huang Baoshan
Published: May 2014

Over the vast Northwest China, arid desert contains high concentrations of sulfate, chloride, and other chemicals in the ground water, which poses serious challenges to infrastructure construction that routinely utilizes portland cement concrete. Rapid industrialization in the region has been generating huge amounts of mineral admixtures, such as fly ash and slags from energy and metallurgical industries. These industrial by-products would turn into waste materials if not utilized in time. The present study evaluated the suitability of utilizing local mineral admixtures in significant quantities for producing quality concrete mixtures that can withstand the harsh chemical environment without compromising the essential mechanical properties. Comprehensive chemical, mechanical, and durability tests were conducted in the laboratory to characterize the properties of the local cementitious mineral admixtures, cement mortar and portland cement concrete mixtures containing these admixtures. The results from this study indicated that the sulfate resistance of concrete was effectively improved by adding local class F fly ash and slag, or by applying sulfate resistance cement to the mixtures. It is noteworthy that concrete containing local mineral admixtures exhibited much lower permeability (in terms of chloride ion penetration) than ordinary portland cement concrete while retaining the same mechanical properties; whereas concrete mixtures made with sulfate resistance cement had significantly reduced strength and much increased chloride penetration comparing to the other mixtures. Hence, the use of local mineral admixtures in Northwest China in concrete mixtures would be beneficial to the performance of concrete, as well as to the protection of environment.
In Situ Detection of Antibiotic Amphotericin B Produced in Streptomyces nodosus Using Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Miyaoka Rimi , Hosokawa Masahito , Ando Masahiro , Mori Tetsushi , Hamaguchi Hiro-o , Takeyama Haruko
Published: May 2014

The study of spatial distribution of secondary metabolites within microbial cells facilitates the screening of candidate strains from marine environments for functional metabolites and allows for the subsequent assessment of the production of metabolites, such as antibiotics. This paper demonstrates the first application of Raman microspectroscopy for in situ detection of the antifungal antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) produced by actinomycetes—Streptomyces nodosus. Raman spectra measured from hyphae of S. nodosus show the specific Raman bands, caused by resonance enhancement, corresponding to the polyene chain of AmB. In addition, Raman microspectroscopy enabled us to monitor the time-dependent change of AmB production corresponding to the growth of mycelia. The Raman images of S. nodosus reveal the heterogeneous distribution of AmB within the mycelia and individual hyphae. Moreover, the molecular association state of AmB in the mycelia was directly identified by observed Raman spectral shifts. These findings suggest that Raman microspectroscopy could be used for in situ monitoring of antibiotic production directly in marine microorganisms with a method that is non-destructive and does not require labeling.
A Cycle-Based Data Aggregation Scheme for Grid-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chiang Yung-Kuei , Wang Neng-Chung , Hsieh Chih-Hung
Published: May 2014

In a wireless sensor network (WSN), a great number of sensor nodes are deployed to gather sensed data. These sensor nodes are typically powered by batteries so their energy is restricted. Sensor nodes mainly consume energy consumption in data transmission, especially for a long distance. Since the location of the base station (BS) is remote, the energy consumed by each node to directly transmit its data to the BS is considerable and the node will die very soon. A well-designed routing protocol is thus essential to reduce the energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a Cycle-Based Data Aggregation Scheme (CBDAS) for grid-based WSNs. In CBDAS, the whole sensor field is divided into a grid of cells, each with a head. We prolong the network lifetime by linking all cell heads together to form a cyclic chain so that the gathered data can move in two directions. For data gathering in each round, the gathered data moves from node to node along the chain, getting aggregated. Finally, a designated cell head, the cycle leader, directly transmits to the BS. CBDAS performs data aggregation at every cell head so as to substantially reduce the amount of data that must be transmitted to the BS. Only cell heads need disseminate data so that the number of data transmissions is greatly diminished. Sensor nodes of each cell take turns as the cell head, and all cell heads on the cyclic chain also take turns being cycle leader. The energy depletion is evenly distributed so that the nodes’ lifetime is extended. As a result, the lifetime of the whole sensor network is extended. Simulation results show that CBDAS outperforms protocols like Direct, PEGASIS, and PBDAS.
Solar and Lighting Transmission through Complex Fenestration Systems of Office Buildings in a Warm and Dry Climate of Chile
Authors: Bustamante Waldo , Vera Sergio , Prieto Alejandro , Vásquez Claudio
Published: May 2014

Overheating, glare, and high-energy demand are recurrent problems in office buildings in Santiago, Chile (33°27'S; 70°42'W) during cooling periods. Santiago climate is warm and dry, with high solar radiation and temperature during most of the year. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the thermal and daylighting performance of office buildings transparent façades composed of three different complex fenestration systems (CFS). Each CFS contains a different external shading device (ESD): (1) external roller, (2) vertical undulated and perforated screens, and (3) tilted undulated and perforated screens. The study was carried out by in situ monitoring in three office buildings in Santiago, Chile. Buildings were selected from a database of 103 buildings, representing those constructed between 2005 and 2011 in the city. The monitoring consisted of measuring the short wave solar and daylighting transmission through fenestration systemsby means of pyranometers and luxometers, respectively. This paper shows measurements that were carried out during summer period. A good performance is observed in a building with the external roller system. This system—applied to a northwest façade—shows a regular and high solar and daylighting control of incoming solar radiation. The other two ESD systems evidence a general good performance. However, some deficiencies at certain times of the day were detected, suggesting a non-appropriated design.
In Vitro Induction of Erythrocyte Phosphatidylserine Translocation by the Natural Naphthoquinone Shikonin
Authors: Lupescu Adrian , Bissinger Rosi , Jilani Kashif , Lang Florian
Published: May 2014

Shikonin, the most important component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has previously been shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The anticancer effect has been attributed to the stimulation of suicidal cell death or apoptosis. Similar to the apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may experience eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and by phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include the increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) and ceramide formation. The present study explored whether Shikonin stimulates eryptosis. To this end, Fluo 3 fluorescence was measured to quantify [Ca2+]i, forward scatter to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to identify phosphatidylserine-exposing erythrocytes, hemoglobin release to determine hemolysis and antibodies to quantify ceramide abundance. As a result, a 48 h exposure of human erythrocytes to Shikonin (1 µM) significantly increased [Ca2+]i, increased ceramide abundance, decreased forward scatter and increased annexin V binding. The effect of Shikonin (1 µM) on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, Shikonin stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, an effect at least partially due to the stimulation of Ca2+ entry and ceramide formation.
Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses in Xenotransplantation—Molecular Aspects
Authors: Kimsa Magdalena , Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara , Kimsa Malgorzata , Gola Joanna , Nicholson Peter , Lopata Krzysztof , Mazurek Urszula
Published: May 2014

In the context of the shortage of organs and other tissues for use in human transplantation, xenotransplantation procedures with material taken from pigs have come under increased consideration. However, there are unclear consequences of the potential transmission of porcine pathogens to humans. Of particular concern are porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). Three subtypes of PERV have been identified, of which PERV-A and PERV-B have the ability to infect human cells in vitro. The PERV-C subtype does not show this ability but recombinant PERV-A/C forms have demonstrated infectivity in human cells. In view of the risk presented by these observations, the International Xenotransplantation Association recently indicated the existence of four strategies to prevent transmission of PERVs. This article focuses on the molecular aspects of PERV infection in xenotransplantation and reviews the techniques available for the detection of PERV DNA, RNA, reverse transcriptase activity and proteins, and anti-PERV antibodies to enable carrying out these recommendations. These methods could be used to evaluate the risk of PERV transmission in human recipients, enhance the effectiveness and reliability of monitoring procedures, and stimulate discussion on the development of improved, more sensitive methods for the detection of PERVs in the future.
Analyse factorielle dynamique multifréquence appliquée à la datation de la conjoncture française
Authors: Cornec Matthieu
Published: May 2014

Un modèle à facteurs dynamiques est proposé pour dater au niveau mensuel la conjoncture française de 1985 à nos jours, en suivant la méthodologie proposée par Murasawa et Mariano. Ce modèle suppose une dynamique mensuelle commune entre le PIB trimestriel et d'autres grands indicateurs mensuels quantitatifs de l’économie française. L’estimation est effectuée par un filtre de Kalman. Au vu de l’indicateur ainsi construit, nous distinguons sept phases de conjoncture durant cette période. Une seule récession apparaît, de septembre 1992 à mai 1993. Enfin, cette méthode est appliquée aux enquêtes de conjoncture dans l’industrie afin de revisiter l’indicateur synthétique du climat des affaires publié par l’Insee.
Synchronisation des cycles au sein du G7 et intégration commerciale et financière
Authors: Monfort Brieuc , Hild François , Heitz Benoît
Published: May 2014

Cet article est consacré à l’étude de l’évolution de la synchronisation des économies du G7 depuis trente ans. En particulier, nous nous intéressons à l’impact de l’intégration commerciale et financière croissante sur la corrélation entre économies. L’intégration financière notamment s’est accélérée à partir de la deuxième partie des années quatre-vingt. Le cycle commun est obtenu par extraction à partir d’un modèle espace-état. Si l’on observe bien une augmentation du lien entre les dynamiques du commerce et des indices boursiers, les résultats obtenus au niveau des PIB ne permettent pas de conclure à une augmentation de la synchronisation des économies sur la période récente.
Une lecture probabiliste du cycle d’affaires américain
Authors: Bellone Benoît
Published: May 2014

This article explores 35 years of the U.S. business cycle with a multivariate hidden Markov model using monthly data. It identifies ten U.S. time series offering particularly reliable information to detect recessions. It also assesses the performances of different and complementary “ recession models ” based on Markov processes and draws two main conclusions : (1) simple univariate models are decisive to monitor the business cycle providing that the series are shown to be highly reliable ; (2) models adding a multivariate dimension are useful but work only marginally better than a simple summary. The primary determinant of model quality appears to be the variables’ information content. The author introduces a new reading of the business cycle using a preferred recession model and concludes by discussing the limitations of leading indicators and “ real-time detection.”
Les marchés financiers anticipent-ils les retournements conjoncturels ?
Authors: Le Coent Sébastien , Gautier Erwan , Bellone Benoît
Published: May 2014

This article aims to estimate leading indicators of the U.S. economy with financial variables. We use two types of hidden Markov chain models : a quantitative one (Krolzig (1997)) and a qualitative one (Gregoir and Lenglart (2000)). Both models provide a robust and reliable framework for using financial variables to build a qualitative probabilistic indicator with a 3-to 6-month lead on the business and growth cycles. In the past forty years, the financial market has rarely provided false signals ; on the contrary , it has identified all six recessions -as dated by the NBER -and slowdowns in the U.S. economy.
Biais cognitifs et choix technologiques : une analyse des priorités des experts français
Authors: Rondé Patrick , Hussler Caroline
Published: May 2014

À l’heure où les controverses socio-techniques se multiplient, le jugement des experts et sa représentativité sont au coeur des débats. Notre papier cherche à analyser les comportements d’experts français, afin de tester si leurs choix technologiques sont neutres. Pour répondre à cette question, nous mobilisons une enquête de prospective technologique menée en France et recueillant l’avis de 1200 experts sur l’importance à donner à 1150 options technologiques d’avenir . Nous testons empiriquement si les choix technologiques des experts dépendent du niveau d’expertise de ces derniers. Nous trouvons que les priorités de recherche retenues correspondent aux centres d’intérêt des experts interrogés, ce qui suggère que l’avis formulé par les experts soufre de biais peu compatibles avec l’idée d’objectivité qui motive leur désignation.
La mise en oeuvre de la réglementation : une lecture économico-juridique du secteur électrique et des marchés publics
Authors: Marty Frédéric , Kirat Thierry
Published: May 2014

The basic idea of the paper is that the empirical meaning of rules is far from being totally contained in their initial statement. The article concentrates on the economic scope of rules and regulations, and their implementation by players such as the State bureaucracy, regulatory agencies, and courts. The empirical analysis concerns electric utilities and public procurement, with a focus on defense procurement. We begin by examining a key issue : how does the institutional architecture of regulation systems operate ? We then address the implementation of rules, which emerges as a more complex process than a mere enforcement of rules prescribing specific types of behavior.
Fiscalité et offre de travail : une étude expérimentale
Authors: Montmarquette Claude , Masclet David , Lévy-Garboua Louis
Published: May 2014

The authors use experimental economics to examine how people adjust their labor supply in response to changes in tax rates. In this experiment, one participant randomly chosen is required to adjust his or her labor supply and is taxed to the benefit of another participant. We ran four different treatments defined by volume of work (high or low) and whether the tax rate is chosen by the other participants or at random by the computer. We observe that the labor supply decreases (or : increases) with a rise (or : decline ) in tax rates. We find a strong disincentive effect of taxation, particularly when the work volume is high and tax rates are set by tax recipients.
Les trente-cinq heures : un réexamen des effets sur l'emploi
Authors: Gianella Christian
Published: May 2014

Les évaluations des « lois Aubry » de réduction du temps de travail reposent généralement sur des données d’entreprises, qui ne permettent d’en identifier que les effets à court terme, lorsque le partage du travail est en mesure de réduire le volant de chômage conjoncturel. Cet article étudie les effets des lois Aubry à moyen terme, à partir d’un modèle désagrégé du marché du travail, en étudiant séparément ses trois composantes : la réduction du temps de travail per se, les possibilités accrues de réorganisation des entreprises et enfin les allégements de cotisations sociales. Il en ressort une perte nette d’emploi , liée à la forte baisse de productivité, limitée toutefois par la flexibilisation du temps de travail et par les allégements de cotisations sociales.
Asymétries de transmission, incertitude additive et stabilisation monétaire en UEM : les enseignements dun modèle théorique
Authors: Sénégas Marc-Alexandre , de Grauwe Paul
Published: May 2014

This paper examines, from a theoretical standpoint, how uncertainty affects the choice between a federal monetary policy based on national data and a policy based on union-wide aggregated data in a monetary union with asymmetrical monetary-policy transmission. We find that when additive uncertainty is introduced, the difference in the forecasting processes matters. In particular, if union-wide forecasting is more accurate than national forecasting, this can compensate the welfare loss arising from the use of union-wide aggregation. We conclude, however, that there is a strong case for using national information in the optimal design of the common monetary policy.
Convergence de l'impôt sur les sociétés dans lUnion européenne
Authors: Ruiz Fernando
Published: May 2014

L’intégration économique des pays et l'interdépendance qu’elle génère suggèrent que certaines variables suivent un processus de convergence. Des recherches ont détecté un tel processus dans le secteur fiscal, au niveau de l’Union européenne (UE). Cette étude s’inscrit dans cette ligne et essaie d’observer s’il existe une convergence dans l’imposition sur les sociétés, celle-ci constituant une sous-composante importante des recettes fiscales totales, dont la base, particulièrement mobile, devrait être affectée par l’intégration économique. De cette façon, nous essayons de contribuer à combler le déficit de recherches en la matière observé en 2001 par la Commission européenne.
Coûts d'ajustement de la demande de travail : une comparaison entre la France et la République tchèque
Authors: Nicolas Yann , Mathieu Claude
Published: May 2014

Dans le contexte de l’élargissement de l’Union européenne, nous estimons par la méthode des moments généralisés les coûts d’ajustement de la demande de travail de firmes françaises et tchèques sur la période 1993-1998. Pour les firmes françaises, la dynamique de la demande de travail dépend de coûts d’ajustement positifs mais contenus, formés d’une partie fixe et dotés d ’ une structure asymétrique. Pour les firmes tchèques, ces coûts apparaissent très faibles voire nuls, ce qui implique une structure du marché du travail différente de celle du marché français. Compte tenu des écarts constatés, la République tchèque paraît être en état d’absorber le choc de son entrée dans l’Union européenne.
Effets de la délégation sur le prix de l'eau potable en France. Une analyse à partir de la littérature sur les «effets de traitement»
Authors: Carpentier Alain , Nauges Céline , Reynaud Arnaud , Thomas Alban
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this article is to measure the effects of delegating French water utilities to the private sector, on residential water price. We apply a treatment effects approach to a sample of 3.782 French local communities. Our results show that a significant share of the price difference between private operators and public operators (0.33 euros per cubic meter on average ) can be explained by the operating conditions faced by the private operators. The latter , on average , have to cope with more difficult operating conditions than public operators.
Vieillissement démographique et immigration : un modèle de comptabilité générationnelle appliqué à la France
Authors: Chojnicki Xavier
Published: May 2014

L’effet du vieillissement de la population sur les finances publiques représente un sujet de préoccupation pour l’ensemble des pays de l’OCDE. Récemment, l’idée a été avancée de recourir à l’immigration afin d’atténuer les effets du vieillissement démographique. Dans cet article, nous utilisons la technique de la comptabilité générationnelle pour étudier l’impact de l’immigration sur la contrainte budgétaire intertemporelle de l’État. Nous montrons que la politique budgétaire n’est pas soutenable à long terme et nécessite une augmentation de l’ensemble des taxes de 11,6 % ou une réduction de l’ensemble des transferts de 13,0 %. La contribution des migrants est relativement neutre et une modification des flux migratoires ne saurait faciliter un retour à l’équilibre. Par contre, la mise en place d’une politique sélective visant à accroître le niveau d’éducation des immigrants peut constituer un instrument complémentaire aux instruments économiques traditionnels dans la perspective du vieillissement démographique.
Control of the Survival and Growth of Human Glioblastoma Grafted into the Spinal Cord of Mice by Taking Advantage of Immunorejection
Authors: Itakura Go , Kobayashi Yoshiomi , Nishimura Soraya , Iwai Hiroki , Takano Morito , Iwanami Akio , Toyama Yoshiaki , Okano Hideyuki , Nakamura Masaya
Published: May 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurospheres can promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rodents, as well as in nonhuman primates. However, the potential tumorigenicity of the transplanted cells remains a matter of apprehension prior to clinical applications. As a first step to overcome this concern, this study established a glioblastoma multiforme xenograft model mouse. The feasibility of controlling immune suppression to ablate the grafted cells was then investigated. The human glioblastoma multiforme cell line U251 MG was transplanted into the intact spinal cords of immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice or into those of immunocompetent C57BL/6J H-2kb mice treated with or without immunosuppressants [FK506 plus anticluster of differentiation (CD) 4 antibody (Ab), or FK506 alone]. In vivo bioluminescent imaging was used to evaluate the chronological survival of the transplanted cells. The graft survival rate was 100% ( n = 9/9) in NOD/SCID mice, 0% ( n = 6/6) in C57BL/6J mice without immunosuppressant treatment, and 100% ( n = 37/37) in C57BL6/J mice with immunosuppressant treatment. After confirming the growth of the grafted cells in the C57/BL6J mice treated with immunosuppressants, immune suppression was discontinued. The grafted cells were subsequently rejected within 3 days in C57BL/6J mice treated with FK506 alone, as opposed to 26 days in C57BL/6J mice treated with FK506 plus anti-CD4 Ab. Histological evaluation confirmed the ablation of the grafted cells. Although this work describes a xenograft setting, the results suggest that this immunomodulatory strategy could provide a safety lock against tumor formation stemming from transplanted cells.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells Derived from Wharton's Jelly of Human Umbilical Cord Attenuate Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury by Increasing Vascularization and Decreasing Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Fibrosis
Authors: Liang Chan-Jung , Shen Wen-Ching , Chang Fu-Bin , Wu Vin-Cent , Wang Shu-Huei , Young Guang-Huar , Tsai Jaw-Shiun , Tseng Ying-Chin , Peng Yu-Sen , Chen Yuh-Lien
Published: May 2014

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury to the kidney, a major cause of acute renal failure in humans, is associated with a high mortality, and the development of a new therapeutic strategy is therefore highly desirable. In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of implantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) isolated from Wharton's jelly of human umbilical cords in the treatment of renal I/R injury in mice. To visualize the localization of the transplanted EPCs, the cells were labeled with Q-tracker before injection into the renal capsule. Mice with renal I/R injury showed a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and these effects were decreased by EPC transplantation. The kidney injury score in the mice with I/R injury was also significantly decreased by EPC transplantation. EPC transplantation increased the microvascular density, and some of the EPCs surrounded and were incorporated into microvessels. In addition, EPC transplantation inhibited the I/R-induced cell apoptosis of endothelial, glomerular, and renal tubular cells, as demonstrated by TUNEL staining, and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species production and the expression of the inflammatory chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and keratinocyte-derived cytokine, as shown by immunostaining and ELISA. Moreover, EPC transplantation reduced I/R-induced fibrosis, as demonstrated by immunostaining for S100A4, a fibroblast marker, and by Jones silver staining. To our knowledge, this is the first report that transplantation of EPCs from Wharton's jelly of human umbilical cords might provide a novel therapy for ischemic acute kidney injury by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
The surface microstructure of cusps and leaflets in rabbit and mouse heart valves
Authors: Ye Xia , Bhushan Bharat , Zhou Ming , Lei Weining
Published: May 2014

In this investigation, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure on the surfaces of animal heart valve cusps/leaflets. The results showed that though these surfaces appear smooth to the naked eye, they are actually comprised of a double hierarchical structure consisting of a cobblestone-like microstructure and nano-cilia along with mastoids with a directional arrangement. Such nanostructures could play a very important role in the hemocompatibility characteristics of heart valves. On this basis, the model of the microstructure was constructed and theoretical analysis was used to obtain optimal geometric parameters for the rough surface of artificial valve cusps/leaflets. This model may help improve reconstructive techniques and it may be beneficial in the design and fabrication of valve substitutes or partial substitutes. Namely, the model may help ameliorate heart valve replacement surgery.
Effects of Hearing Aid Settings for Electric-Acoustic Stimulation
Authors: Dillon Margaret T. , Buss Emily , Pillsbury Harold C. , Adunka Oliver F. , Buchman Craig A. , Adunka Marcia C.
Published: May 2014

Background:Cochlear implant (CI) recipients with postoperative hearing preservation may utilize an ipsilateral bimodal listening condition known as electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS). Studies on EAS have reported significant improvements in speech perception abilities over CI-alone
listening conditions. Adjustments to the hearing aid (HA) settings to match prescription targets routinely used in the programming of conventional amplification may provide additional gains in speech perception abilities.Purpose:Investigate the difference in users’ speech perception
scores when listening with the recommended HA settings for EAS patients versus HA settings adjusted to match National Acoustic Laboratories’ nonlinear fitting procedure version 1 (NAL-NL1) targets.Research Design:Prospective analysis of the influence of HA settings.Study Sample:Nine
EAS recipients with greater than 12 mo of listening experience with the DUET speech processor.Intervention:Subjects were tested in the EAS listening condition with two different HA setting configurations. Speech perception materials included consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) words in
quiet, AzBio sentences in 10-talker speech babble at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of +10, and the Bamford-Kowal-Bench sentences in noise (BKB-SIN) test.Data Collection and Analysis:The speech perception performance on each test measure was compared between the two HA configurations.Results:Subjects
experienced a significant improvement in speech perception abilities with the HA settings adjusted to match NAL-NL1 targets over the recommended HA settings.Conclusions:EAS subjects have been shown to experience improvements in speech perception abilities when listening to ipsilateral
combined stimulation. This population’s abilities may be underestimated with current HA settings. Tailoring the HA output to the patient’s individual hearing loss offers improved outcomes on speech perception measures.
Hearing Impairment and Retirement
Authors: Fischer Mary E. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Pinto Alex , Klein Barbara E.K. , Klein Ronald , Dalton Dayna S.
Published: May 2014

Background:Many factors influence the decision to retire including age, insurance, and pension availability along with physical and mental health. Hearing impairment may be one such factor.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the 15 yr retirement rate among
subjects with and without hearing impairment.Research Design:Prospective, population-based study.Study Sample:Subjects were participants in the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a longitudinal investigation of age-related hearing loss. Participants who were working full-
or part-time in 1993‐1995 were included (n = 1410, mean age = 57.8 yr).Data Collection and Analysis:Data from four EHLS phases (1993‐1995, 1998‐2000, 2003‐2005, and 2009‐2010) were analyzed in 2010‐2012. Hearing impairment was defined as a pure
tone threshold average (at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) greater than 25 dB HL in the worse ear. Employment status was determined at each of the four phases. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the cumulative incidence of retirement were calculated, and Cox discrete-time modeling was used to determine the effect
of hearing impairment on the rate of retirement.Results:The cumulative incidence of retirement was significantly (p < 0.02) higher in those with a hearing impairment (77%) compared to those without a hearing impairment (74%). After adjustment for age, gender, self-reported
health, and history of chronic disease, there was no significant difference in the rate of retirement between those with and without a hearing impairment (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7, 1.1). Similar results were observed when hearing aid users were excluded,
when hearing impairment was based on the better ear thresholds, and when analyses were restricted to those under 65 yr of age and working full-time at baseline. Participants with a hearing impairment were less likely to state that the main reason for retirement was that the time seemed right.Conclusions:Hearing
impairment was found to be associated with a higher rate of retirement, but the association was not independent of the effects of age, gender, and health.
An evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of employees of a university hospital in an H1N1 influenza pandemic
Authors: Evirgen Omer , Savas Nazan , Koksaldi Motor Vicdan , Onlen Yusuf , Yengil Erhan
Published: May 2014

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the transmission routes of an H1N1 pandemic and the protective measures of health professionals at a university hospital in Turkey. Methodology: A stratified systematic sampling method was used to select the sample size of the study group. A total of 22 professors, 29 researchers, and 26 nurses were included in the study. Results: The mean scores of the individuals were 8.4±2.5 (over 20) for knowledge about H1N1 transmission, 27.6±4.0 (over 60) for knowledge about protection against H1N1, 25.8±4.2 (over 45) for correct or appropriate attitudes, and 33.6±8.9 (over 60) for correct behaviors. A negative correlation between total knowledge and behavior was found (p < 0.001, r = -0.543). Conclusions: In epidemics, standard protection measures should be known and applied. Regarding this topic, the web page of the Ministry of Health comes to the forefront as a reliable source of information in addition to scientific explanations.
Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with reactive arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Bhakuni Darshan Singh , Rastogi Sangita
Published: May 2014

Introduction: There is a paucity of information on the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis-induced reactive arthritis (ReA) and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (uSpA) in India. In this study, arthritic patients suffering from ReA, uSpA, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were screened to investigate the presence of C. trachomatis infection in the synovial fluid (SF) or serum by molecular and non-molecular methods. Methodology: A total of 76 arthritic patients with ReA (n = 16) and uSpA (n = 22) composed the study group while those with RA (n = 38) served as controls. The detection of C. trachomatis DNA was done by semi-nested PCR (snPCR) and nested PCR (nPCR) targeting two different genes of C. trachomatis, namely major outer membrane protein and plasmid, respectively. The presence of serum or SF immunoglobulin IgG and IgA antibodies against C. trachomatis was studied by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The SF from 9 of 38 (23.6%) patients (5 with ReA and 4 with uSpA) was positive for at least one C. trachomatis DNA by snPCR or nPCR in comparison to RA (1/38 [2.6%]; p value < 0.05). There was no correlation between the snPCR or nPCR and the serological results of patients with ReA or uSpA. Conclusions: As molecular diagnostic techniques established intra-articular C. trachomatis infection among this group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies in India, these findings should be viewed with concern, and snPCR or nPCR should be considered for a more reliable diagnosis.