bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDK6 kinase activity is required for thymocyte development
Authors: Hu Miaofen G. , Deshpande Amit , Schlichting Nicolette , Hinds Elisabeth A. , Mao Changchuin , Dose Marei , Hu Guo-fu , Van Etten Richard A. , Gounari Fotini , Hinds Philip W.
Published: April 2011

Cyclin-dependent kinase-6 (CDK6) is required for early thymocyte development and tumorigenesis. To mechanistically dissect the role of CDK6 in thymocyte development, we generated and analyzed mutant knock-in mice and found that mice expressing a kinase-dead Cdk6 allele (Cdk6K43M) had a pronounced reduction in thymocytes and hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells (Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ [LSK]). In contrast, mice expressing the INK4-insensitive, hyperactive Cdk6R31C allele displayed excess proliferation in LSK and thymocytes. However, this is countered at least in part by increased apoptosis, which may limit progenitor and thymocyte expansion in the absence of other genetic events. Our mechanistic studies demonstrate that CDK6 kinase activity contributes to Notch signaling because inactive CDK6 kinase disrupts Notch-dependent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSK, with concomitant alteration of Notch target gene expression, such as massive up-regulation of CD25. Further, knockout of CD25 in Cdk6K43M mice rescued most defects observed in young mice. These results illustrate an important role for CDK6 kinase activity in thymocyte development that operates partially through modulating Notch target gene expression. This role of CDK6 as a downstream mediator of Notch identifies CDK6 kinase activity as a potential therapeutic target in human lymphoid malignancies.
90Y-Ibritumomab tiuxetan, fludarabine, and TBI-based nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplantation conditioning for patients with persistent high-risk B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Gopal Ajay K. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Rajendran Joseph , Pagel John M. , Oliveira George , Maloney David G. , Matesan Manuela C. , Storb Rainer F. , Press Oliver W.
Published: April 2011

Nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplantation (NMAT) infrequently cures active chemoresistant, bulky, or aggressive B-cell lymphoma (B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma [B-NHL]). We hypothesized that 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan–based NMAT would facilitate early cytoreduction in such patients promoting improved long-term disease control by the allogeneic graft. Forty high-risk B-NHL patients with persistent disease received 0.4 mCi/kg (maximum, 32 mCi/kg) 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, fludarabine, and 2 Gy total body irradiation and matched-related (15) or unrelated (25) transplantation. Baseline features included: median age, 58 years (range, 29-69 years); median prior regimens, 6 (range, 3-12); chemosensitive disease, 6 (15%); bulk > 5 cm, 17 (range, 5.2-18.6 cm, 43%); diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 14 (35%); and comorbidity score > zero, 34 (85%). Early responses were observed in 24 (60%, 14 complete remission/complete remission unconfirmed, 10 partial response) patients, including 17 of 29 (59%) with chemotherapy-resistant disease and 10 (59%) with bulk > 5 cm. The estimated 30-month survival, progression-free survival, and nonrelapse mortality were 54.1%, 31.1%, and 15.9%, respectively. Early response, baseline platelet counts over 25 000/μL, indolent histology, and related donors were associated with improved survival. The addition of 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan to NMAT is safe and yields early responses and prolonged disease control in some of the highest-risk B-NHL patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00119392.
B-cell receptors and heavy chain diseases: guilty by association?
Authors: Corcos Daniel , Osborn Michael J. , Matheson Louise S.
Published: April 2011

Heavy chain diseases (HCDs) are B-cell proliferative disorders characterized by the production of monoclonal, incomplete, immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains (HCs) without associated light chains (LCs). These abnormal HCs are produced as a consequence of HC gene alterations in the neoplastic B cells. HC gene alterations will also impact on surface HC, which is part of the B-cell receptor (BCR), a crucial player in lymphocyte activation by antigen. The selective advantage conferred to mutant cells by abnormal BCR without an antigen-binding domain may be explained by activation of ligand-independent signaling, in analogy to what has been shown for mutated oncogenic growth factor receptors. Here we review data obtained from mouse models showing abnormal, constitutive activity of HCD-BCR, and we discuss the possible mechanism involved, namely, aberrant spontaneous self-aggregation. This self-aggregation might occur as a consequence of escape from the chaperone immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP) and from the anti-aggregation effect of LC association. The concept of misfolding-induced signaling elaborated here may extend to other pathologies termed conformational diseases.
The sequence, structure and evolutionary features of HOTAIR in mammals
Authors: He Sha , Liu Shiping , Zhu Hao
Published: April 2011

Background

An increasing number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified recently. Different from all the others that function in cis to regulate local gene expression, the newly identified HOTAIR is located between HoxC11 and HoxC12 in the human genome and regulates HoxD expression in multiple tissues. Like the well-characterised lncRNA Xist, HOTAIR binds to polycomb proteins to methylate histones at multiple HoxD loci, but unlike Xist, many details of its structure and function, as well as the trans regulation, remain unclear. Moreover, HOTAIR is involved in the aberrant regulation of gene expression in cancer.

Results

To identify conserved domains in HOTAIR and study the phylogenetic distribution of this lncRNA, we searched the genomes of 10 mammalian and 3 non-mammalian vertebrates for matches to its 6 exons and the two conserved domains within the 1800 bp exon6 using Infernal. There was just one high-scoring hit for each mammal, but many low-scoring hits were found in both mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates. These hits and their flanking genes in four placental mammals and platypus were examined to determine whether HOTAIR contained elements shared by other lncRNAs. Several of the hits were within unknown transcripts or ncRNAs, many were within introns of, or antisense to, protein-coding genes, and conservation of the flanking genes was observed only between human and chimpanzee. Phylogenetic analysis revealed discrete evolutionary dynamics for orthologous sequences of HOTAIR exons. Exon1 at the 5' end and a domain in exon6 near the 3' end, which contain domains that bind to multiple proteins, have evolved faster in primates than in other mammals. Structures were predicted for exon1, two domains of exon6 and the full HOTAIR sequence. The sequence and structure of two fragments, in exon1 and the domain B of exon6 respectively, were identified to robustly occur in predicted structures of exon1, domain B of exon6 and the full HOTAIR in mammals.

Conclusions

HOTAIR exists in mammals, has poorly conserved sequences and considerably conserved structures, and has evolved faster than nearby HoxC genes. Exons of HOTAIR show distinct evolutionary features, and a 239 bp domain in the 1804 bp exon6 is especially conserved. These features, together with the absence of some exons and sequences in mouse, rat and kangaroo, suggest ab initio generation of HOTAIR in marsupials. Structure prediction identifies two fragments in the 5' end exon1 and the 3' end domain B of exon6, with sequence and structure invariably occurring in various predicted structures of exon1, the domain B of exon6 and the full HOTAIR.
Isolation, identification and complete genome sequence analysis of a strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 from pigs in southwest of China
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhou Ying-shun , Wang Hong-ning , Zhang Yi , Wei Kun , Wang Ting
Published: April 2011

Backgroud

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 generally infects cattle and sheep, while its infection of pigs is rarely reported. In 2005-2007, FMD outbreaks caused by Asia1 type occurred in many regions of China, as well as some parts of East Asia countries. During the outbreaks, there was not any report that pigs were found to be clinically infected.

Results

In this study, a strain of FMDV that isolated from pigs was identified as serotype Asia1, and designated as "Asia1/WHN/CHA/06". To investigate the genomic feature of the strain, complete genome of Asia1/WHN/CHA/06 was sequenced and compared with sequences of other FMDVs by phylogenetic and recombination analysis. The complete genome of Asia1/WHN/CHA/06 was 8161 nucleotides (nt) in length, and was closer to JS/CHA/05 than to all other strains. Potential recombination events associated with Asia1/WHN/CHA/06 were found between JS/CHA/05 and HNK/CHA/05 strains with partial 3B and 3C fragments.

Conclusion

This is the first report of the isolation and identification of a strain of FMDV type Asia1 from naturally infected pigs. The Asia1/WHN/CHA/06 strain may evolve from the recombination of JS/CHA/05 and HNK/CHA/05 strains.
Reproductive Hormone Levels and Anthropometry in Postmenopausal Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A 21-Year Follow-Up Study of Women Diagnosed with PCOS around 50 Years Ago and Their Age-Matched Controls
Authors: Schmidt Johanna , Brännström Mats , Landin-Wilhelmsen Kerstin , Dahlgren Eva
Published: April 2011

Context:

The hormonal and anthropometric profile of premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is well described, but there is a lack of data concerning changes in these variables into the postmenopausal period.

Objective:

Our objective was to examine whether PCOS women differ from normal women regarding levels of reproductive hormones, anthropometry, and presence of hirsutism/climacteric symptoms also after menopause.

Design and Setting:

In this prospective study, women with PCOS (61–79 yr) and age-matched controls, examined in 1987, were reinvestigated at a university hospital.

Participants:

Twenty-five PCOS patients (Rotterdam criteria) and 68 controls (randomly allocated from the Gothenburg WHO MONICA study) participated.

Interventions:

Reexamination and hormonal measurements were done 21 yr after previous visit.

Main Outcome Measures:

FSH, LH, TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, prolactin, estrone, estradiol, SHBG, androstenedione, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free androgen index, and anthropometry were determined. Presence of climacteric symptoms, hirsutism, and menopausal age were recorded.

Results:

PCOS women had higher free androgen index (P = 0.001) but lower FSH (P < 0.001) and SHBG (P < 0.01) than controls. Menopausal age, body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, LH, prolactin, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, total testosterone, estradiol, and estrone were similar in PCOS and controls. Women with PCOS reported hirsutism more frequently (P < 0.001) but had fewer climacteric symptoms (P < 0.05) and hypothyroidism than controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

PCOS women differ from controls with regard to levels of certain reproductive hormones also after menopause, but the established premenopausal increase in waist to hip ratio in PCOS patients disappeared after menopause, mainly due to weight gain among controls. A novel finding was the lower prevalence of hypothyroidism in PCOS women.
An animal experiment about early pulmonary candidiasis in immunosuppressive rabbits: thin-section CT images dynamically observed and proved by histopathological results
Authors: Xie Li-xuan , Liu Shi-yuan , Chen You-san , Liu Kai , Xue Feng
Published: April 2011

Background

Early detection and treatment of pulmonary fungal infection in immunocompromised patients has a profound impact on mortality. However, information available about the thin-section computed tomography (CT) findings of Candida pneumonia has largely been limited to isolated cases seen in reviews of various infections and to other acute lung diseases seen in immunocompromised patients.

Purpose

To dynamically observe and evaluate CT findings in immunosuppressed animals with histopathologically confirmed pulmonary candidiasis at the acute stage.

Material and Methods

Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n = 21) and a control group ( n = 3). Pulmonary candidiasis was established by C. albicans inoculation via a transtracheal route in immunosuppressed rabbits in the experimental group, and an equivalent amount of normal saline was injected via the same way in the control group. Chest CT scan was performed before and on alternative days after inoculation/injection. Microbiological and pathological results were obtained by autopsy.

Results

In the experiment group, pulmonary candidiasis was successfully established in 13 rabbits as confirmed by microbiology and pathology. Areas of air-space consolidation were present in 10 (10/13) rabbits, with lobular distribution in six and lobar or segmental distribution in four, pathologically presenting as bronchopneumonia or hemorrhagic lung infarcts. Areas of ground-glass opacity (GGO) were identified in five (5/13) rabbits, three of which were associated with other abnormalities, presenting as bronchopneumonia or interstitial pneumonitis. Multiple nodules were seen in three (3/13) rabbits. They were clustered around bronchovascular bundles in two rabbits, and subpleural in the remaining one, pathologically presenting as hemorrhagic granulomas. Other less common CT findings included thickening of bronchovascular bundles ( n = 3), linear opacity ( n = 1), and pneumothorax ( n = 1). No abnormality was detected by CT scan and pathological examination in the three rabbits of the control group.

Conclusion

Peripheral multiple areas of lobular consolidation and/or GGO representing bronchopneumonia were the most common thin-section CT findings of pulmonary candidiasis at the early stage.
Metal-on-metal bearings
Authors: Haddad F. S. , Thakrar R. R. , Hart A. J. , Skinner J. A. , Nargol A. V. F. , Nolan J. F. , Gill H. S. , Murray D. W. , Blom A. W. , Case C. P.
Published: April 2011

Lately, concerns have arisen following the use of large metal-on-metal bearings in hip replacements owing to reports of catastrophic soft-tissue reactions resulting in implant failure and associated complications. This review examines the literature and contemporary presentations on current clinical dilemmas in metal-on-metal hip replacement.
Epidemiology and outcome of fracture of the hip in women aged 65 years and under
Authors: Karantana A. , Boulton C. , Bouliotis G. , Shu K. Shan Shan , Scammell B. E. , Moran C. G.
Published: April 2011

We examined prospectively collected data from 6782 consecutive hip fractures and identified 327 fractures in 315 women aged ≤65 years. We report on their demographic characteristics, treatment and outcome and compare them with a cohort of 4810 hip fractures in 4542 women aged > 65 years.

The first significant increase in age-related incidence of hip fracture was at 45, rather than 50, which is when screening by the osteoporosis service starts in most health areas. Hip fractures in younger women are sustained by a population at risk as a result of underlying disease. Mortality of younger women with hip fracture was 46 times the background mortality of the female population. Smoking had a strong influence on the relative risk of ‘early’ (≤ 65 years of age) fracture.

Lag screw fixation was the most common method of operative treatment. General complication rates were low, as were re-operation rates for cemented prostheses. Kaplan-Meier implant survivorship of displaced intracapsular fractures treated by reduction and lag screw fixation was 71% (95% confidence interval 56 to 81) at five years. The best form of treatment remains controversial.
An examination of the association between different morphotypes of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic subjects and the development of osteoarthritis of the hip
Authors: Hartofilakidis G. , Bardakos N. V. , Babis G. C. , Georgiades G.
Published: April 2011

We retrospectively examined the long-term outcome of 96 asymptomatic hips in 96 patients with a mean age of 49.3 years (16 to 65) who had radiological evidence of femoroacetabular impingement. When surveillance commenced there were 17, 34, and 45 hips with cam, pincer, and mixed impingement, respectively. Overall, 79 hips (82.3%) remained free of osteoarthritis for a mean of 18.5 years (10 to 40). In contrast, 17 hips (17.7%) developed osteoarthritis at a mean of 12 years (2 to 28). No statistically significant difference was found in the rates of development of osteoarthritis among the three groups (p = 0.43). Regression analysis showed that only the presence of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the contralateral diseased hip was predictive of development of osteoarthritis on the asymptomatic side (p = 0.039).

We conclude that a substantial proportion of hips with femoroacetabular impingement may not develop osteoarthritis in the long-term. Accordingly, in the absence of symptoms, prophylactic surgical treatment is not warranted.
What are the reliable radiological indicators of lumbar segmental instability?
Authors: Hasegawa K. , Shimoda H. , Kitahara K. , Sasaki K. , Homma T.
Published: April 2011

We examined the reliability of radiological findings in predicting segmental instability in 112 patients (56 men, 56 women) with a mean age of 66.5 years (27 to 84) who had degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. They underwent intra-operative biomechanical evaluation using a new measurement system. Biomechanical instability was defined as a segment with a neutral zone > 2 mm/N. Risk factor analysis to predict instability was performed on radiographs (range of segmental movement, disc height), MRI (Thompson grade, Modic type), and on the axial CT appearance of the facet (type, opening, vacuum and the presence of osteophytes, subchondral erosion, cysts and sclerosis) using multivariate logistic regression analysis with a forward stepwise procedure. The facet type was classified as sagittally orientated, coronally orientated, anisotropic or wrapped.

Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that facet opening was the strongest predictor for instability (odds ratio 5.022, p = 0.009) followed by spondylolisthesis, MRI grade and subchondral sclerosis. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression indicated that spondylolisthesis, MRI grade, facet opening and subchondral sclerosis of the facet were risk factors. Symptoms evaluated by the Short-Form 36 and visual analogue scale showed that patients with an unstable segment were in significantly more pain than those without. Furthermore, the surgical procedures determined using the intra-operative measurement system were effective, suggesting that segmental instability influences the symptoms of lumbar degenerative disease.
Dynamic hip screw versus DHS blade
Authors: O’Neill F. , Condon F. , McGloughlin T. , Lenehan B. , Coffey J. C. , Walsh M.
Published: April 2011

We biomechanically investigated whether the standard dynamic hip screw (DHS) or the DHS blade achieves better fixation in bone with regard to resistance to pushout, pullout and torsional stability. The experiments were undertaken in an artificial bone substrate in the form of polyurethane foam blocks with predefined mechanical properties. Pushout tests were also repeated in cadaveric femoral heads. The results showed that the DHS blade outperformed the DHS with regard to the two most important characteristics of implant fixation, namely resistance to pushout and rotational stability.

We concluded that the DHS blade was the superior implant in this study.
Combined treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, including recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2
Authors: Spiro A. S. , Babin K. , Lipovac S. , Stenger P. , Mladenov K. , Rupprecht M. , Rueger J. M. , Stuecker R.
Published: April 2011

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia has been investigated in only one previous study, with promising results. The aim of this study was to determine whether rhBMP-2 might improve the outcome of this disorder. We reviewed the medical records of five patients with a mean age of 7.4 years (2.3 to 21) with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia who had been treated with rhBMP-2 and intramedullary rodding. Ilizarov external fixation was also used in four of these patients. Radiological union of the pseudarthrosis was evident in all of them at a mean of 3.5 months (3.2 to 4) post-operatively. The Ilizarov device was removed after a mean of 4.2 months (3.0 to 5.3). These results indicate that treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia using rhBMP-2 in combination with intramedullary stabilisation and Ilizarov external fixation may improve the initial rate of union and reduce the time to union.

Further studies with more patients and longer follow-up are necessary to determine whether this surgial procedure may significantly enhance the outcome of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, considering the refracture rate (two of five patients) in this small case series.
Total hip replacement with a short metaphyseal-fitting anatomical cementless femoral component in patients aged 70 years or older
Authors: Kim Y.-H. , Kim J.-S. , Park J.-W. , Joo J.-H.
Published: April 2011

We reviewed the results of 84 total hip replacements performed with a short metaphyseal-fitting anatomical cementless femoral component in 84 unselected consecutive patients with a mean age of 78.9 years (70 to 88). The mean follow-up was 4.6 years (4 to 5). The mean pre-operative Harris hip score was 26 points (0 to 56), which improved to 89 (61 to 100) at the final follow-up. No patient had thigh pain. The mean pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index score was 61 points (48 to 75), which improved to 21 (6 to 46). The mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score was 5.5 points (3 to 7) at the final follow-up. Osseointegration was seen in all femoral and acetabular components. All hips had grade 1 stress shielding of the proximal femur. No acetabular or femoral osteolysis was identified.

These results demonstrate that a short metaphyseal-fitting femoral component achieves optimal fixation without diaphyseal anchorage in elderly patients.
The failure of survivorship
Authors: Wylde V. , Blom A. W.
Published: April 2011

This editorial considers the shortcomings of assessing outcome after joint replacement only by the survival of the implant.
Explaining Life: Microorganisms in Science Museums
Authors: Urmeneta Jordi , Duró Alícia
Published: April 2011

Microorganisms were first described by van Leeuwenhoek in the 17th century. Later, Pasteur and Koch related them to diseases. Since then, the scientific community has striven to extend awareness of the many functions of microorganisms. Science museums provide an excellent setting in which to disseminate such knowledge, but the presentation of living microorganisms is a challenge. We describe an approach to the exhibition of living microorganisms pursued in a science museum in Barcelona (CosmoCaixa Barcelona). In two exhibits, the museum shows photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and Winogradsky columns, which provide an example of living microbial ecosystems.
Caveolin 3-mediated integrin β1 signaling is required for the proliferation of folliculostellate cells in rat anterior pituitary gland under the influence of extracellular matrix
Authors: Horiguchi Kotaro , Fujiwara Ken , Ilmiawati Cimi , Kikuchi Motoshi , Tsukada Takehiro , Kouki Tom , Yashiro Takashi
Published: April 2011

Folliculostellate (FS) cells in the anterior pituitary gland are believed to have multifunctional properties. Using transgenic rats that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) specifically in FS cells in the anterior pituitary gland (S100b-GFP rats), we recently revealed that FS cells in primary culture exhibited marked proliferation in the presence of laminin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) component of the basement membrane. In a process referred to as matricrine action, FS cells receive ECM as a signal through their receptors, which results in morphological and functional changes. In this study, we investigated matricrine signaling in FS cells and observed that the proliferation of FS cells is mediated by integrin β1, which is involved in various signaling pathways for cell migration and proliferation in response to ECM. Then, we analyzed downstream events of the integrin β1 signaling pathway in the proliferation of FS cells and identified caveolin 3 as a potential candidate molecule. Caveolin 3 is a membrane protein that binds cholesterol and a number of signaling molecules that interact with integrin β1. Using specific small interfering RNA of caveolin 3, the proliferation of FS cells was inhibited. Furthermore, caveolin 3 drove activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades, which resulted in upregulation of cyclin D1 in FS cells. These findings suggest that matricrine signaling in the proliferation of FS cells was transduced by a caveolin 3-mediated integrin β1 signaling pathway and subsequent activation of the MAPK pathway.
Grazing Behavior and Diet Preference of Beef Steers Grazing Adjacent Monocultures of Tall Fescue and Alfalfa: I. Spatial Allocation
Authors: Boland Holly T. , Scaglia Guillermo , Notter David R. , Rook Andrew J. , Swecker William S. , Abaye Azenegashe O. , Fike John H.
Published: April 2011

Adjacent forage monocultures are a valuable tool to study the diet preference of grazing animals. Previous research has suggested that cattle will exhibit a partial preference for a legume over a grass regardless of forage species. The objective of this study was to determine if beef steers have a partial preference for alfalfa (Medicago sativaL. subsp.sativa) over tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.). These forages have not been evaluated previously as adjacent monocultures. Behavior data recorders, global positioning system (GPS), and pedometers were used to evaluate grazing behavior and diet preference of beef steers grazing tall fescue monocultures or adjacent monocultures of tall fescue and alfalfa at proportions (by ground area) of 50:50, 25:75, and 75:25. Steers exhibited a partial preference for alfalfa, grazing it for 61 to 65% of the time regardless of the proportion offered. A diurnal pattern of preference was not observed. Steers grazing tall fescue monocultures spent more time ruminating (p= 0.02) and tended to graze less time (p= 0.06) than steers in adjacent monoculture treatments. Time spent idling, number of prehensions and mastications, and bite rate were similar (p> 0.05) among treatments. Steers grazing tall fescue monocultures spent less time standing, more time lying, were less active, and took fewer steps (p≤ 0.05) than steers in adjacent monoculture treatments. These results support the proposal that cattle have a partial preference for legumes over grasses.
Workflow specification for interaction management between experts in a cooperative remote diagnosis process
Authors: Laredj M.A. , Bouamrane K.
Published: April 2011

The maintenance became one of the strategic industrial functions. Far from
being stabilized today, it progress by introducing the new management
methods and the technological development of the production equipments, in
particular in the measurement and the control operation. All these factors
modify the organization modes of the maintenance function, which converges
more and more towards a cooperative approach. It will absorb a big part
henceforth, and subsequently, will require a rigorous modeling allowing its
future implementation. In this fact, we propose the specification of a
workflow model to assist the cooperative maintenance. It main aim, will be
to coordinate the interactions between the various intervening actors in the
maintenance process.
Animation of tile-based games automatically derived from simulation specifications
Authors: Wolter Jan , Cramer Bastian , Kastens Uwe
Published: April 2011

Visual Languages (VLs) are beneficial particularly for domain specific
applications, since they can support ease of understanding by visual
metaphors. If such a language has an execution semantics, comprehension of
program execution may be supported by direct visualization. This closes the
gap between program depiction and execution. To rapidly develop a VL with
execution semantics a generator framework is needed which incorporates the
complex knowledge of simulating and animating a VL on a high specification
level. In this paper we show how a fully playable tile-based game is
specified with our generator framework DEViL. We illustrate this on the
famous Pacman1 game. We claim that our simulation and animation approach is
suitable for the rapid development process. We show that the simulation of a
VL is easily reached even in complex scenarios and that the automatically
generated animation is mostly adequate, even for other kinds of VLs like
diagrammatic, iconic or graph based ones.
Challenges and directions in formalizing the semantics of modeling languages
Authors: Bryant Barrett , Gray Jeff , Mernik Marjan , Clarke Peter , France Robert , Karsai Gabor
Published: April 2011

Developing software from models is a growing practice and there exist many
model-based tools (e.g., editors, interpreters, debuggers, and simulators)
for supporting model-driven engineering. Even though these tools facilitate
the automation of software engineering tasks and activities, such tools are
typically engineered manually. However, many of these tools have a common
semantic foundation centered around an underlying modeling language, which
would make it possible to automate their development if the modeling language
specification were formalized. Even though there has been much work in
formalizing programming languages, with many successful tools constructed
using such formalisms, there has been little work in formalizing modeling
languages for the purpose of automation. This paper discusses possible
semantics-based approaches for the formalization of modeling languages and
describes how this formalism may be used to automate the construction of
modeling tools.
An ab initio study of the mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction forming bicyclic compounds between vinylidene (H2C=C:) and ethylene
Authors: Lu Xiuhui , Lian Zhenxia , Yongqing Li
Published: April 2011

The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction forming a bicyclic compounds
between singlet vinylidene (H2C=C:) and ethylene was investigated using the
CCSD(T)//MP2/6-31G
Buildings: An Open Access Journal for the Built Environment
Authors: Anumba Chimay J.
Published: April 2011

People are estimated to spend 80–90% of their time in buildings—residences, offices, factories, schools, places of worship, public amenities, recreational facilities, etc. Thus buildings play a very important role in the lives of individuals and societies. However, they are often taken for granted, except for private residences which are dear to people for a variety of reasons. One of the consequences of this is that research into the development of buildings (science, design, materials, etc.) has not advanced at the same pace as other industry sectors. While the automobile and aerospace industries have considerably improved the efficiency of vehicles and aircraft, buildings have only recorded incremental improvements. However, the situation is beginning to change with several initiatives at industry, national and multi-national levels aimed at improving the efficiency of the construction industry and the quality of the buildings that it produces. In many cases, these initiatives and associated research efforts require interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle what is essentially a multi-facetted problem. There is scope to better disseminate the outcomes of these efforts in a coherent, inter-disciplinary journal. [...]
Holographic Dark Information Energy
Authors: Gough Michael Paul
Published: April 2011

Landauer’s principle and the Holographic principle are used to derive the holographic information energy contribution to the Universe. Information energy density has increased with star formation until sufficient to start accelerating the expansion of the universe. The resulting reduction in the rate of star formation due to the accelerated expansion may provide a feedback that limits the information energy density to a constant level. The characteristics of the universe’s holographic information energy then closely match those required to explain dark energy and also answer the cosmic coincidence problem. Furthermore the era of acceleration will be clearly limited in time.
Multiple Objective Compromised Method for Power Management in Virtual Power Plants
Authors: Gong Jinxia , Xie Da , Jiang Chuanwen , Zhang Yanchi
Published: April 2011

In practical optimization, a priority requirement for different objectives of multiple objective optimization problems should be considered. In this paper, the distributed power management of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) with priority requirement is optimized by the compromised method. The operation optimization model of VPP is formulated as a fuzzy multiple objective optimization problem considering the satisfaction of customers and suppliers, the system stability, the power quality, and costs with operation limitations. The multiple objective optimization algorithm with the compromise of the satisfactory degree and the priority of objectives is studied based on the principle of two-step interactive satisfactory optimization. This method is also applied in a test system.
Bactericidal Kinetics of Marine-Derived Napyradiomycins against Contemporary Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Haste Nina M. , Farnaes Lauge , Perera Varahenage R. , Fenical William , Nizet Victor , Hensler Mary E.
Published: April 2011

There is an urgent need for new antibiotics to treat hospital- and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Previous work has indicated that both terrestrial and marine-derived members of the napyradiomycin class possess potential anti-staphylococcal activities. These compounds are unique meroterpenoids with unusual levels of halogenation. In this paper we report the evaluation of two previously described napyradiomycin derivatives, A80915A (1) and A80915B (2) produced by the marine-derived actinomycete, Streptomyces sp. strain CNQ-525, for their specific activities against contemporary and clinically relevant MRSA. Reported are studies of the in vitro kinetics of these chemical scaffolds in time-kill MRSA assays. Both napyradiomycin derivatives demonstrate potent and rapid bactericidal activity against contemporary MRSA strains. These data may help guide future development and design of analogs of the napyradiomycins that could potentially serve as useful anti-MRSA therapeutics.
Food Relocalization for Environmental Sustainability in Cumbria
Authors: Levidow Les , Psarikidou Katerina
Published: April 2011

In the past decade, many European farmers have adopted less-intensive production methods replacing external inputs with local resources and farmers’ skills. Some have developed closer relations with consumers, also known as short food-supply chains or agro-food relocalization. Through both these means, farmers can gain more of the value that they have added to food production, as well as greater incentives for more sustainable methods and/or quality products, thus linking environmental and economic sustainability. These systemic changes encounter difficulties indicating two generic needs—for state support measures, and for larger intermediaries to expand local markets. The UK rural county of Cumbria provides a case study for exploring those two needs. Cumbria farmers have developed greater proximity to consumers, as a means to gain their support for organic, territorially branded and/or simply ‘local’ food. This opportunity has been an incentive for practices which reduce transport distances, energy costs and other inputs. Regional authorities have provided various support measures for more closely linking producers with each other and with consumers, together developing a Cumbrian food culture. Going beyond the capacity of individual producers, farmer-led intermediaries have maintained distinctive product identities in larger markets including supermarket chains. Although Cumbria’s agro-food relocalization initiatives remain marginal, they counteract the 1990s trend towards delocalization, while also indicating potential for expansion elsewhere.
Les échanges transnationaux et la circulation des nouveaux produits en Méditerranée occidentale au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Perez Garcia Manuel
Published: April 2011

Dans le cadre d’investigation de l’histoire transnationale les travaux classiques sur la culture matérielle et les comportements des consommateurs sont remis en question par une nouvelle historiographie. Cet article explore ce nouveau point de vue historiographique et propose une analyse du marché de la zone méditerranéenne en mettant l’accent sur les cas de la France et de l’Espagne. Au centre de cette analyse, se trouve l’examen du rôle des marchands, qui ont une influence très importante sur les décisions des consommateurs.
Les « outsider communities » des métropoles
Authors: Devillé Aleidis
Published: April 2011

Résumé Par définition, on ne retrouve aucune trace de « sans-papiers » dans les registres administratifs, et ils vivent pratiquement de manière invisible dans la société. Afin d’avoir une meilleure vue sur leur situation, nous avons mené une enquête en profondeur auprès de soixante-cinq personnes sans titre de séjour. Il est remarquable que les sans-papiers les mieux intégrés – et qui se sentent le plus à l’aise – ne sont pas les plus fortunés mais ceux avec le plus grand capital social. Ils se groupent en Belgique dans ce qu’on appelle des « outsider communities » : des communautés qui se replient fortement sur elles-mêmes, dans lesquelles on vit en grande solidarité avec les autres illégaux.
Oil Prices and Stock Markets in Europe: A Sector Perspective
Authors: Arouri Mohamed El Hédi , Foulquier Philippe , Fouquau Julien
Published: April 2011

Résumé Bien que de nombreuses études antérieures montrent l’existence d’une relation significative entre le prix du pétrole et l’activité économique, les résultats des travaux empiriques sur l’effet des variations des prix du pétrole sur les marchés boursiers sont hétérogènes. Cet article examine l’existence de relations à long terme entre les prix du pétrole et les prix des actions en Europe en utilisant des données agrégées et sectorielles ainsi que des modèles de cointégration linéaire et asymétrique. Nos résultats montrent que la réponse des prix des actions aux variations des prix du pétrole change considérablement d’un secteur d’activité à l’autre et que les variations des prix du pétrole affectent asymétriquement les marchés boursiers. Classification JEL : G12, F3, Q43.
Une politique de baisse des subventions, favorisant la sélection des firmes, est-elle efficace?
Authors: Raies Asma
Published: April 2011

Résumé Le but de cet article est de montrer que le mécanisme de sélection naturelle des firmes peut entraver la croissance de la productivité agrégée de l’économie, et ce, contrairement aux résultats suggérés par la littérature théorique existante. Cette dernière considère que le mécanisme de sélection des firmes se base sur les niveaux de productivité de celles-ci. Nous supposons, dans cet article, que les firmes sont hétérogènes par non seulement leurs niveaux de productivité mais aussi par leurs coûts fixes. En outre, en tenant compte d’une possible perte d’expérience pour les firmes inactives, notre étude met clairement en avant un effet négatif de la sortie des firmes, et par là d’une baisse des subventions accordées à celles-ci, sur la croissance de la productivité agrégée tant à court qu’à long terme. Classification JEL : L1, O3, O4.
L'ère des talents
Authors: Bourion Christian , Bournois Frank , Igalens Jacques , Thévenet Maurice
Published: April 2011

Résumé Aux ères respectivement agraire et industrielle, l’homme s’est successivement appuyé sur la terre puis sur les manufactures : l’ère des compétences accompagne son quotidien organisationnel standard, ordinaire, stable et routinier qui peut être piloté par des procédures répétitives, patiemment acquises. À l’ère hyper moderne, l’acteur-trajectoire doit se frayer son propre chemin au sein de situations erratiques, de retournements de tendance, d’incidents critiques, de réductions des ressources. Les compétences ne possèdent plus une variété requise suffisante car la société du savoir génère une Infobésité 1 que le cerveau doit trier rigoureusement puis interpréter subtilement avant d’accéder au sens. Il agit par tâtonnement : c’est L’ère des talents . Seul l’engagement permet aux acteurs de tenir tête à la criticité et d’éviter les ruptures organisationnelles. Situés dans un entre deux 2 disciplinaire entre la psychosociologie franco européenne - que les Américains nomment Organizational Behaviour - et les sciences de gestion, ce dossier approfondit plusieurs de ces aspects.
Le talent d'un tuteur de résilience
Authors: Barthod-Prothade Mireille
Published: April 2011

Résumé A l’aide d’une illustration concrète sur l’expérience de ma pratique d’accompagnement, je questionne le comment devenir un bon tuteur de résilience auprès des personnes éloignées de l’emploi. Pour ce faire, j’observe les transformations au sein d’un processus d’accompagnement au travers des activités qui s’y déroulent. Quelle est alors la nature des transformations qui émergent comme résultat de ce processus? Ma proposition est de différencier l’expérience nouvelle de l’expérience renouvelée. L’expérience nouvelle suppose une action de distanciation alors que dans l’expérience renouvelée, la personne accompagnée ne parvient pas à développer d’autres tuteurs de résilience et ne peut transformer sa réalité.
Le talent du coach
Authors: Rappin Baptiste
Published: April 2011

Résumé Le Nouvel Âge appartient à la religiosité postmoderne caractérisée par l’importance de l’intériorité, de l’expérience et du pragmatisme. Après avoir présenté les contours historiques et sociologiques du New Age, nous établissons sa présence dans le coaching, pratique d’accompagnement à laquelle les organisations ont de plus en plus recours. L’auteur retrouve alors dans la formation au coaching qu’il a reçue les grands traits de cette religiosité : la transformation de soi, le relativisme et le syncrétisme. Il apparaît alors que la croyance en ses potentialités et en son talent permet à l’individu de surmonter le contexte d’anomie sociale propre à la postmodernité.
Le genre. L'attention qui lui est allouée dans les organisations
Authors: Bibard Laurent
Published: April 2011

Résumé Il est désormais sous-entendu que la problématique des sexualités est comprise sous ses aspects essentiels. Il n’y aurait plus qu’à réaliser les conditions objectives d’une équité effective entre les sexes. Ceci est rien moins que certain : la problématique elle-même des relations entre les "genres" est loin d’être clairement identifiée et reconnue. C’est à une interrogation fondamentale des sexualités qu’il faut procéder pour approcher de manière efficace la gestion des genres au sein des organisations et des entreprises en particulier. Sexualité et Mondialisation œuvre à une telle identification et reconnaissance.
Le bore-out-syndrom
Authors: Bourion Christian , Trébucq Stéphane
Published: April 2011

Résumé Dès 1958, James G. MARCH et Herbert A. SIMON notaient qu’il n’existe aucune limite à la quantité d’inactivité que peuvent absorber les organisations. En 1995, Jeremy RIFKIN prédit La fin du travail . En 2007, Philippe ROTHLIN et Peter R. WERDER conceptualisent le Bore-out-syndrom . En 2008, STEPSTONE effectue une enquête européenne sur 11238 personnes venant de 7 pays européens ; le verdict est sans appel : 32 % des salariés européens occupent un emploi où ils n’ont rien à faire. Nos recherches sur les bases académiques montrent qu’il n’existe pas d’état de l’art sur le sujet. Nos discussions préliminaires avec le groupe test ont déterminé qu’il est possible de collecter des données au sein des Internet Relay Chat portant sur l’ennui au travail. Nous avons procédé à plusieurs interrogations successives en incrémentant les moteurs de recherche par famille de mots clés. Nous avons ensuite effectué un traitement du corpus avec le logiciel Alceste 4.9. Le résultat est acceptable puisque les axes expliquent au total 73 % des informations du corpus. L’analyse des verbatims triés par le logiciel, nous renseigne sur deux aspects du Bore-out-syndrom . Sa structure et ses émergences : les signaux émis par ceux qui s’ennuient au travail.
Les nouveaux enjeux économiques et géopolitiques au Japon
Authors: Dourille-Feer Évelyne
Published: April 2011

Les nouveaux enjeux économiques et géopolitiques au Japon La victoire du Parti démocrate du Japon face au Parti libéral démocrate lors des législatives d’août 2009 a marqué non seulement la première véritable alternance politique de l’après-guerre mais surtout l’émergence d’un projet économique et diplomatique novateur. Toutefois le contexte domestique et international freine le projet de recentrage de l’économie sur la demande intérieure. Par ailleurs, les tensions géopolitiques régionales risquent de compliquer la mise en œuvre de la nouvelle stratégie de croissance du gouvernement basée sur le développement de produits innovants et l’approfondissement de l’intégration asiatique.
Plus léger que l'air ou le mythe de la famille sans efforts
Authors: Garnier Anne-Marie , Mosca Francesca
Published: April 2011

Dans le mythe de la famille actuelle, les notions de temps, d’effort, de contrainte disparaissent peu à peu. Leur disparition laisse les parents démunis dans les situations qui les nécessitent. Pris par ailleurs dans des contraintes complexes – économiques, liées à des changements sociétaux... – rendant difficile l’exercice d’une parentalité classique, les parents sont souvent pointés comme inadéquats. Le développement récent des dispositifs d’aide à la parentalité vient comme un marqueur de ces contradictions. Nous présenterons la théorie du care qui nous parait un outil utile pour repenser nos représentations de la famille et nous aider à travailler avec des familles souvent très éloignées du modèle traditionnel.
Pertes et ressources dans la construction des nouvelles familles : le cas des familles recomposées
Authors: D’Amore Salvatore , Gresse Karin , Pauss Véronique
Published: April 2011

Les nouvelles familles se confrontent constamment avec des événements d’interruptions et/ou de rupture relationnelle comme la séparation et/ou le divorce. Ces situations peuvent générer des sentiments de perte qui nécessitent un travail d’élaboration affective et qui s’avère, parfois, complexe. Face à ce travail, les familles recomposées peuvent vivre une sorte de temps suspendu observable sur le plan interactionnel tout comme sur celui représentationnel. A l’aide d’un cas clinique et d’une recherche sur l’analyse du discours effectué avec le logiciel Alceste, nous aimerions montrer l’intérêt d’une étude de la transition critique de la recomposition sous l’angle du processus de la gestion des pertes et de la construction de nouvelles appartenances.