bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor Genes from Citrus Red Mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor)
Authors: Zhong Rui , Ding Tian-Bo , Niu Jin-Zhi , Xia Wen-Kai , Liao Chong-Yu , Dou Wei , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: March 2015

The production and uptake of yolk protein play an important role in the reproduction of all oviparous organisms. Vitellogenin (Vg) is the precursor of vitellin (Vn), which is the major egg storage protein, and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is a necessary protein for the uptake of Vg into developing oocytes. In this paper, we characterize the full-length Vg and VgR, PcVg1 and PcVgR, respectively, of the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (McGregor). The PcVg1 cDNA is 5748 nucleotides (nt) with a 5553-nt open reading frame (ORF) coding for 1851 amino acids (aa), and the PcVgR is 6090 nt, containing an intact ORF of 5673 nt coding an expected protein of 1891 aa. The PcVg1 aa sequence shows a typical GLCG domain and several K/RXXR cleavage sites, and PcVgR comprises two ligand-binding domains, two epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like regions containing YWTD motifs, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. An analysis of the aa sequences and phylogenetics implied that both genes were genetically distinct from those of ticks and insects. The transcriptional profiles determined by real-time quantitative PCR in different developmental stages showed that both genes present the same expressional tendencies in eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. This suggested that the biosynthesis and uptake of PcVg occurs coordinately. The strong reproductive capacity of P. citri has been hypothesized as an important factor in its resistance; consequently, understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating Vg and VgR are fundamental for mite control.
Mechanisms of High Temperature Resistance of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: An Impact of Histidine Kinase 34
Authors: Červený Jan , Sinetova Maria , Zavřel Tomáš , Los Dmitry
Published: March 2015

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a widely used model cyanobacterium for studying responses and acclimation to different abiotic stresses. Changes in transcriptome, proteome, lipidome, and photosynthesis in response to short term heat stress are well studied in this organism, and histidine kinase 34 (Hik34) is shown to play an important role in mediating such response. Corresponding data on long term responses, however, are fragmentary and vary depending on parameters of experiments and methods of data collection, and thus are hard to compare. In order to elucidate how the early stress responses help cells to sustain long-term heat stress, as well as the role of Hik34 in prolonged acclimation, we examined the resistance to long-term heat stress of wild-type and ΔHik34 mutant of Synechocystis. In this work, we were able to precisely control the long term experimental conditions by cultivating Synechocystis in automated photobioreactors, measuring selected physiological parameters within a time range of minutes. In addition, morphological and ultrastructural changes in cells were analyzed and western blotting of individual proteins was used to study the heat stress-affected protein expression. We have shown that the majority of wild type cell population was able to recover after 24 h of cultivation at 44 °C. In contrast, while ΔHik34 mutant cells were resistant to heat stress within its first hours, they could not recover after 24 h long high temperature treatment. We demonstrated that the early induction of HspA expression and maintenance of high amount of other HSPs throughout the heat incubation is critical for successful adaptation to long-term stress. In addition, it appears that histidine kinase Hik34 is an essential component for the long term high temperature resistance.
Improved Resin–Zirconia Bonding by Room Temperature Hydrofluoric Acid Etching
Authors: Lee Mun-Hwan , Son Jun , Kim Kyo-Han , Kwon Tae-Yub
Published: March 2015

This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the shear bond strength of “non-self-adhesive” resin to dental zirconia etched with hydrofluoric acid (HF) at room temperature and to compare it to that of air-abraded zirconia. Sintered zirconia plates were air-abraded (control) or etched with 10%, 20%, or 30% HF for either 5 or 30 min. After cleaning, the surfaces were characterized using various analytical techniques. Three resin cylinders (Duo-Link) were bonded to each treated plate. All bonded specimens were stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h, and then half of them were additionally thermocycled 5000 times prior to the shear bond-strength tests (n = 12). The formation of micro- and nano-porosities on the etched surfaces increased with increasing concentration and application time of the HF solution. The surface wettability of zirconia also increased with increasing surface roughness. Higher concentrations and longer application times of the HF solution produced higher bond-strength values. Infiltration of the resin into the micro- and nano-porosities was observed by scanning electron microscopy. This in vitro study suggests that HF slowly etches zirconia ceramic surfaces at room temperature, thereby improving the resin–zirconia bond strength by the formation of retentive sites.
Advances in Electronic-Nose Technologies for the Detection of Volatile Biomarker Metabolites in the Human Breath
Authors: Wilson Alphus
Published: March 2015

Recent advancements in the use of electronic-nose (e-nose) devices to analyze human breath profiles for the presence of specific volatile metabolites, known as biomarkers or chemical bio-indicators of specific human diseases, metabolic disorders and the overall health status of individuals, are providing the potential for new noninvasive tools and techniques useful to point-of-care clinical disease diagnoses. This exciting new area of electronic disease detection and diagnosis promises to yield much faster and earlier detection of human diseases and disorders, allowing earlier, more effective treatments, resulting in more rapid patient recovery from various afflictions. E-nose devices are particularly suited for the field of disease diagnostics, because they are sensitive to a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can effectively distinguish between different complex gaseous mixtures via analysis of electronic aroma sensor-array output profiles of volatile metabolites present in the human breath. This review provides a summary of some recent developments of electronic-nose technologies, particularly involving breath analysis, with the potential for providing many new diagnostic applications for the detection of specific human diseases associated with different organs in the body, detectable from e-nose analyses of aberrant disease-associated VOCs present in air expired from the lungs.
Rational Drug Design and Synthesis of Molecules Targeting the Angiotensin II Type 1 and Type 2 Receptors
Authors: Kellici Tahsin , Tzakos Andreas , Mavromoustakos Thomas
Published: March 2015

The angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R) orchestrate an array of biological processes that regulate human health. Aberrant function of these receptors triggers pathophysiological responses that can ultimately lead to death. Therefore, it is important to design and synthesize compounds that affect beneficially these two receptors. Cardiovascular disease, which is attributed to the overactivation of the vasoactive peptide hormone Αng II, can now be treated with commercial AT1R antagonists. Herein, recent achievements in rational drug design and synthesis of molecules acting on the two AT receptors are reviewed. Quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular modeling on the two receptors aim to assist the search for new active compounds. As AT1R and AT2R are GPCRs and drug action is localized in the transmembrane region the role of membrane bilayers is exploited. The future perspectives in this field are outlined. Tremendous progress in the field is expected if the two receptors are crystallized, as this will assist the structure based screening of the chemical space and lead to new potent therapeutic agents in cardiovascular and other diseases.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Clinical Studies as Templates for New Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mottamal Madhusoodanan , Zheng Shilong , Huang Tien , Wang Guangdi
Published: March 2015

Histone dacetylases (HDACs) are a group of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histones and regulate expression of tumor suppressor genes. They are implicated in many human diseases, especially cancer, making them a promising therapeutic target for treatment of the latter by developing a wide variety of inhibitors. HDAC inhibitors interfere with HDAC activity and regulate biological events, such as cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis in cancer cells. As a result, HDAC inhibitor-based therapies have gained much attention for cancer treatment. To date, the FDA has approved three HDAC inhibitors for cutaneous/peripheral T-cell lymphoma and many more HDAC inhibitors are in different stages of clinical development for the treatment of hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. In the intensifying efforts to discover new, hopefully more therapeutically efficacious HDAC inhibitors, molecular modeling-based rational drug design has played an important role in identifying potential inhibitors that vary in molecular structures and properties. In this review, we summarize four major structural classes of HDAC inhibitors that are in clinical trials and different computer modeling tools available for their structural modifications as a guide to discover additional HDAC inhibitors with greater therapeutic utility.
Exploring the Effects of Pulsed Electric Field Processing Parameters on Polyacetylene Extraction from Carrot Slices
Authors: Aguiló-Aguayo Ingrid , Abreu Corina , Hossain Mohammad , Altisent Rosa , Brunton Nigel , Viñas Inmaculada , Rai Dilip
Published: March 2015

The effects of various pulsed electric field (PEF) parameters on the extraction of polyacetylenes from carrot slices were investigated. Optimised conditions with regard to electric field strength (1–4 kV/cm), number of pulses (100–1500), pulse frequency (10–200 Hz) and pulse width (10–30 μs) were identified using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximise the extraction of falcarinol (FaOH), falcarindiol (FaDOH) and falcarindiol-3-acetate (FaDOAc) from carrot slices. Data obtained from RSM and experiments fitted significantly (p < 0.0001) the proposed second-order response functions with high regression coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.82 to 0.75. Maximal FaOH (188%), FaDOH (164.9%) and FaDOAc (166.8%) levels relative to untreated samples were obtained from carrot slices after applying PEF treatments at 4 kV/cm with 100 number of pulses of 10 μs at 10 Hz. The predicted values from the developed quadratic polynomial equation were in close agreement with the actual experimental values with low average mean deviations (E%) ranging from 0.68% to 3.58%.
The Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptide Pexiganan and Its Nanoparticles (PNPs) Exhibit the Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Lin , Jiang An-Min , Ma Zhong-You , Li Xian-Bao , Xiong You-Yi , Dou Jin-Feng , Wang Jian-Fei
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to probe the potential anti-H. pylori activity of the synthetic antimicrobial peptide pexiganan, which is an analog of the peptide magainin, and its nanoparticles (PNPs) that were prepared in our laboratory. To compare their antibacterial effects in vitro and in vivo, studies of H. pylori growth inhibition, kinetics and resistance assays were undertaken. The gastric mucoadhesive efficiency and H. pylori clearance efficiency of pexiganan and PNPs were evaluated in rats and mice infected with H. pylori. The eradication of H. pylori was determined using urease tests and a microbial culture method. We observed that PNPs adhered to gastric mucosa more effectively owing to a prolonged stay in the stomach, which resulted in a more effective H. pylori clearance. In addition, PNPs had greater anti-H. pylori effect than pexiganan in infected mice. The amount of pexiganan required to eradicate H. pylori was significantly less using PNPs than the corresponding pexiganan suspension. The results confirmed that PNPs improved peptide stability in the stomach and more effectively eradicated H. pylori from mice stomachs than pexiganan.
Sub-Sampling Framework Comparison for Low-Power Data Gathering: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Milosevic Bojan , Caione Carlo , Farella Elisabetta , Brunelli Davide , Benini Luca
Published: March 2015

A key design challenge for successful wireless sensor network (WSN) deployment is a good balance between the collected data resolution and the overall energy consumption. In this paper, we present a WSN solution developed to efficiently satisfy the requirements for long-term monitoring of a historical building. The hardware of the sensor nodes and the network deployment are described and used to collect the data. To improve the network’s energy efficiency, we developed and compared two approaches, sharing similar sub-sampling strategies and data reconstruction assumptions: one is based on compressive sensing (CS) and the second is a custom data-driven latent variable-based statistical model (LV). Both approaches take advantage of the multivariate nature of the data collected by a heterogeneous sensor network and reduce the sampling frequency at sub-Nyquist levels. Our comparative analysis highlights the advantages and limitations: signal reconstruction performance is assessed jointly with network-level energy reduction. The performed experiments include detailed performance and energy measurements on the deployed network and explore how the different parameters can affect the overall data accuracy and the energy consumption. The results show how the CS approach achieves better reconstruction accuracy and overall efficiency, with the exception of cases with really aggressive sub-sampling policies.
Detection of Bird Nests during Mechanical Weeding by Incremental Background Modeling and Visual Saliency
Authors: Steen Kim , Therkildsen Ole , Green Ole , Karstoft Henrik
Published: March 2015

Mechanical weeding is an important tool in organic farming. However, the use of mechanical weeding in conventional agriculture is increasing, due to public demands to lower the use of pesticides and an increased number of pesticide-resistant weeds. Ground nesting birds are highly susceptible to farming operations, like mechanical weeding, which may destroy the nests and reduce the survival of chicks and incubating females. This problem has limited focus within agricultural engineering. However, when the number of machines increases, destruction of nests will have an impact on various species. It is therefore necessary to explore and develop new technology in order to avoid these negative ethical consequences. This paper presents a vision-based approach to automated ground nest detection. The algorithm is based on the fusion of visual saliency, which mimics human attention, and incremental background modeling, which enables foreground detection with moving cameras. The algorithm achieves a good detection rate, as it detects 28 of 30 nests at an average distance of 3.8 m, with a true positive rate of 0.75.
Opportunistic Mobility Support for Resource Constrained Sensor Devices in Smart Cities
Authors: Granlund Daniel , Holmlund Patrik , Åhlund Christer
Published: March 2015

A multitude of wireless sensor devices and technologies are being developed and deployed in cities all over the world. Sensor applications in city environments may include highly mobile installations that span large areas which necessitates sensor mobility support. This paper presents and validates two mechanisms for supporting sensor mobility between different administrative domains. Firstly, EAP-Swift, an Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)-based sensor authentication protocol is proposed that enables light-weight sensor authentication and key generation. Secondly, a mechanism for handoffs between wireless sensor gateways is proposed. We validate both mechanisms in a real-life study that was conducted in a smart city environment with several fixed sensors and moving gateways. We conduct similar experiments in an industry-based anechoic Long Term Evolution (LTE) chamber with an ideal radio environment. Further, we validate our results collected from the smart city environment against the results produced under ideal conditions to establish best and real-life case scenarios. Our results clearly validate that our proposed mechanisms can facilitate efficient sensor authentication and handoffs while sensors are roaming in a smart city environment.
A Guided Wave Sensor Based on the Inverse Magnetostrictive Effect for Distinguishing Symmetric from Asymmetric Features in Pipes
Authors: Xu Jiang , Wu Xinjun , Kong Dongying , Sun Pengfei
Published: March 2015

The magnetostrictive guided wave sensor with a single induced winding cannot distinguish axially symmetric from non-axially symmetric features in a pipe, because it is impossible for the sensor to detect the non-axially symmetric mode waves. When we study the effect of the change of the magnetic field in the air zone for receiving the longitudinal guided wave mode, we find that the change of the magnetic flux in the air zone is almost equivalent to the change of the flux in the pipe wall, but in opposite directions. Based on this phenomenon, we present a sensor that can detect the flexural-mode waves in pipes based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect. The sensor is composed of several coils that are arranged evenly on the outside of pipes. The coils induce a change in magnetic flux in the air to detect the flexural-mode waves. The waves can be determined by adding a phase delay to the induced signals. The symmetric and asymmetric features of a pipe can be distinguished using the sensor. A prototype sensor that can detect F(1,3) and F(2,3) mode waves is presented. The function of the sensor is verified by experiments.
New microsatellite markers for Campanula scheuchzeri (Campanulaceae), with cross‐amplification in C. rotundifolia
Authors: Armbruster G. F. J. , Stöcklin J.
Published: March 2015

Premise of the study:

We developed new microsatellite primers for the alpine bellflower Campanula scheuchzeri. Allelic polymorphisms will be used to study differentiation along elevation gradients of C. scheuchzeri populations and in the co‐occurring sister‐species C. rotundifolia in the Alps.

Methods and Results:

We analyzed C. scheuchzeri from three high‐elevation sites and C. rotundifolia from two low‐elevation sites in Switzerland. Campanula scheuchzeri was found to be tetraploid (2n = 68 = 4x), and up to 22 alleles were found per locus and population. Of the 15 polymorphic loci developed for C. scheuchzeri, 10 loci were tested, all of which amplified in C. rotundifolia, with similar amplicon length. Campanula rotundifolia individuals also showed tetraploid signals.

Conclusions:

We speculate that C. scheuchzeri and C. rotundifolia share a common gene pool and evolve under vicariance. This presents a testable hypothesis that will be evaluated through future work. Our developed primers might also amplify in other related Campanula taxa.
Tm-doped TiO2 and Tm2Ti2O7 pyrochlore nanoparticles: enhancing the photocatalytic activity of rutile with a pyrochlore phase
Authors: De los Santos Desiré M , Navas Javier , Aguilar Teresa , Sánchez-Coronilla Antonio , Fernández-Lorenzo Concha , Alcántara Rodrigo , Piñero Jose Carlos , Blanco Ginesa , Martín-Calleja Joaquín
Published: March 2015

Tm-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a water-controlled hydrolysis reaction. Analysis was performed in order to determine the influence of the dopant concentration and annealing temperature on the phase, crystallinity, and electronic and optical properties of the resulting material. Various characterization techniques were utilized such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. For the samples annealed at 773 and 973 K, anatase phase TiO2 was obtained, predominantly internally doped with Tm3+. ICP–AES showed that a doping concentration of up to 5.8 atom % was obtained without reducing the crystallinity of the samples. The presence of Tm3+ was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy: the incorporation of Tm3+ was confirmed by the generation of new absorption bands that could be assigned to Tm3+ transitions. Furthermore, when the samples were annealed at 1173 K, a pyrochlore phase (Tm2Ti2O7) mixed with TiO2 was obtained with a predominant rutile phase. The photodegradation of methylene blue showed that this pyrochlore phase enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the rutile phase.
Self-assembled anchor layers/polysaccharide coatings on titanium surfaces: a study of functionalization and stability
Authors: Pop-Georgievski Ognen , Kubies Dana , Zemek Josef , Neykova Neda , Demianchuk Roman , Chánová Eliška Mázl , Šlouf Miroslav , Houska Milan , Rypáček František
Published: March 2015

Composite materials based on a titanium support and a thin, alginate hydrogel could be used in bone tissue engineering as a scaffold material that provides biologically active molecules. The main objective of this contribution is to characterize the activation and the functionalization of titanium surfaces by the covalent immobilization of anchoring layers of self-assembled bisphosphonate neridronate monolayers and polymer films of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and biomimetic poly(dopamine). These were further used to bind a bio-functional alginate coating. The success of the titanium surface activation, anchoring layer formation and alginate immobilization, as well as the stability upon immersion under physiological-like conditions, are demonstrated by different surface sensitive techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The changes in morphology and the established continuity of the layers are examined by scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and atomic force microscopy. The changes in hydrophilicity after each modification step are further examined by contact angle goniometry.
Speech Intelligibility Benefits of Hearing Aids at Various Input Levels
Authors: Kuk Francis , Lau Chi-chuen , Korhonen Petri , Crose Bryan
Published: March 2015

Background:Although the benefits of hearing aids are generally recognized for soft- and conversational-level sounds, most studies have reported negative benefits (i.e., poorer aided than unaided performance) at high noise inputs. Advances in digital signal processing such as
compression, noise reduction, and directional microphone could improve speech perception at high input levels. This could alter our view on the efficacy of hearing aids in loud, noisy situations.Purpose:The current study compared the aided versus the unaided speech intelligibility performance
of hearing-impaired (HI) listeners at various input levels (from 50‐100 dB SPL) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs; quiet, +6, +3, and ‐3 dB) in order to document the benefits of modern hearing aids. In addition, subjective preference between aided and unaided sounds (speech and
music) at various input levels was also compared.Research Design:The experiment used a factorial repeated-measures design.Study Sample:A total of 10 HI adults with symmetrical moderate to severe hearing losses served as test participants. In addition, speech intelligibility scores
of five normal-hearing (NH) listeners were also measured for comparison.Intervention:Speech perception was studied at 50 and 65 dB SPL input levels in quiet and also in noise at levels of 65, 85, and 100 dB SPL with SNRs of +6, +3, and ‐3 dB. This was done for all participants
(HI and NH). In addition, the HI participants compared subjective preference between the aided and unaided presentations of speech and music stimuli at 50, 65, 85, and 100 dB SPL in quiet.Data Collection and Analysis:The data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results:The
results showed a decrease in aided benefits as input levels increased. However, even at the two highest input levels (i.e., 85 and 100 dB SPL), aided speech scores were still higher than the unaided speech scores. Furthermore, NH listeners and HI listeners in the aided condition showed stable
speech-in-noise performance between 65 and 100 dB SPL input levels, except that the absolute performance of the NH listeners was higher than that of the HI listeners. Subjective preference for the unaided sounds versus the aided sounds increased as input level increased, with a crossover intensity
at approximately 75 dB SPL for speech and 80 dB SPL for music.Conclusions:The results supported the hypothesis that the study hearing aid can provide aided speech-in-noise benefit at very high noise inputs in a controlled environment.
Availability of Binaural Cues for Pediatric Bilateral Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Sheffield Sterling W. , Haynes David S. , Wanna George B. , Labadie Robert F. , Gifford René H.
Published: March 2015

Background:Bilateral implant recipients theoretically have access to binaural cues. Research in postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants (CIs) indicates minimal evidence for true binaural hearing. Congenitally deafened children who experience spatial hearing with
bilateral CIs, however, might perceive binaural cues in the CI signal differently. There is limited research examining binaural hearing in children with CIs, and the few published studies are limited by the use of unrealistic speech stimuli and background noise.Purpose:The purposes
of this study were to (1) replicate our previous study of binaural hearing in postlingually deafened adults with AzBio sentences in prelingually deafened children with the pediatric version of the AzBio sentences, and (2) replicate previous studies of binaural hearing in children with CIs
using more open-set sentences and more realistic background noise (i.e., multitalker babble).Research Design:The study was a within-participant, repeated-measures design.Study Sample:The study sample consisted of 14 children with bilateral CIs with at least 25 mo of listening
experience.Data Collection and Analysis:Speech recognition was assessed using sentences presented in multitalker babble at a fixed signal-to-noise ratio. Test conditions included speech at 0° with noise presented at 0° (S0N0),
on the side of the first CI (90° or 270°) (S0N1stCI), and on the side of the second CI (S0N2ndCI) as well as speech presented at 0° with noise presented semidiffusely from eight
speakers at 45° intervals. Estimates of summation, head shadow, squelch, and spatial release from masking were calculated.Results:Results of test conditions commonly reported in the literature (S0N0, S0N1stCI,
S0N2ndCI) are consistent with results from previous research in adults and children with bilateral CIs, showing minimal summation and squelch but typical head shadow and spatial release from masking. However, bilateral benefit over the better
CI with speech at 0° was much larger with semidiffuse noise.Conclusions:Congenitally deafened children with CIs have similar availability of binaural hearing cues to postlingually deafened adults with CIs within the same experimental design. It is possible that the use of realistic
listening environments, such as semidiffuse background noise as in Experiment II, would reveal greater binaural hearing benefit for bilateral CI recipients. Future research is needed to determine whether (1) availability of binaural cues for children correlates with interaural time
and level differences, (2) different listening environments are more sensitive to binaural hearing benefits, and (3) differences exist between pediatric bilateral recipients receiving implants in the same or sequential surgeries.
Calprotectin as a Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abildtrup Mads , Kingsley Gabrielle H. , Scott David L.
Published: March 2015

Objective.

Calprotectin (myeloid-related protein 8/14), a heterodimeric complex of calcium-binding proteins, is expressed in granulocytes and monocytes. Calprotectin levels are high in synovial tissue, particularly in activated cells adjacent to the cartilage-pannus junction. This systematic review evaluates the use of calprotectin as an indicator of disease activity, therapeutic response, and prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (1970–2013) were searched for studies containing original data from patients with RA in whom calprotectin levels were measured in plasma/serum and/or synovial fluid (SF). We included studies examining associations between calprotectin levels and clinical and laboratory assessments, disease progression, and therapeutic response. There were no restrictions for sample size, disease duration, or length of followup.

Results.

We evaluated 17 studies (1988–2013) with 1065 patients enrolled; 11 were cross-sectional and 8 had longitudinal designs with 2 studies reporting cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Systemic and SF levels of calprotectin were raised in RA. There was a wide range of levels and marked interstudy and intrastudy variability. Calprotectin levels were high in active disease and were particularly high in rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients. Levels fell with effective treatment. Longitudinal data showed that calprotectin was a significant and independent predictor of erosive progression and therapeutic responses, particularly in patients who received effective biological treatments.

Conclusion.

SF calprotectin levels are high, suggesting there is substantial local production by inflamed synovium. Blood calprotectin levels, though highly variable, are elevated in active RA and fall with effective therapy. High baseline calprotectin levels predict future erosive damage.
Connective Tissue Disease-associated Interstitial Lung Diseases (CTD-ILD) — Report from OMERACT CTD-ILD Working Group
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Mittoo Shikha , Aggarwal Rohit , Proudman Susanna M. , Dalbeth Nicola , Matteson Eric L. , Brown Kevin , Flaherty Kevin , Wells Athol U. , Seibold James R. , Strand Vibeke
Published: March 2015

Objective.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common in connective tissue disease (CTD) and is the leading cause of mortality. Investigators have used certain outcome measures in randomized controlled trials (RCT) in CTD-ILD, but the lack of a systematically developed, CTD-specific index that captures all measures relevant and meaningful to patients with CTD-ILD has left a large and conspicuous gap in CTD-ILD research.

Methods.

The CTD-ILD working group, under the aegis of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative, has completed a consensus group exercise to reach harmony on core domains and items for inclusion in RCT in CTD-ILD. During the OMERACT 12 meeting, consensus was sought on domains and core items for inclusion in RCT. In addition, consensus was pursued on a definition of response in RCT. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement among the participants.

Results.

OMERACT 12 participants endorsed the domains with minimal modifications. Clinically meaningful progression for CTD-ILD was proposed as ≥ 10% relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) or ≥ 5% to < 10% relative decline in FVC and ≥ 15% relative decline in DLCO.

Conclusion.

There is consensus on domains for inclusion in RCT in CTD-ILD and on a definition of clinically meaningful progression. Data-driven approaches to validate these results in different cohorts and RCT are needed.
L'approche ressources et compétences comme clé de lecture du processus d'élaboration d'une ressource originale : la marque territoire
Authors: Rochette Corinne
Published: March 2015

La concurrence grandissante entre les territoires conduit les collectivités à se doter de marques et à adopter une démarche marketing. Cela se traduit par une évolution des compétences que permet d’appréhender l’approche par les ressources. Ses transformations sont étudiées à partir de la marque région « Auvergne Nouveau Monde ».
Un précurseur du New Public Management : Henri Fayol (1841-1925)
Authors: Morgana Laurence
Published: March 2015

Henri Fayol (1841-1925) est l’auteur d’un ouvrage fondateur de la doctrine administrative : Administration industrielle et générale . Cependant, son expérience au sein des administrations publiques est méconnue. Lorsqu’il les étudie, Henri Fayol est plus critique que théoricien, plus ironique que dogmatique, c’est précisément ce qui rend sa production aussi pertinente.
Pourquoi certaines collectivités locales françaises recourent-elles à la notation financière ?
Authors: Guehair Nourreddine , Rigal J.-Jacques
Published: March 2015

Les travaux académiques sur les motifs du recours à la notation financière sont très peu nombreux pour le secteur public, et les études, dont la majorité sont nord-américaines, portent essentiellement sur des collectivités locales émettrices d’obligations sur le marché financier. Or la réalité française est différente, et se caractérise par l’existence des collectivités notées qui ne recourent pas au marché financier. Pour tenir compte de cette réalité et en tirer enseignement, cet article explore les variables organisationnelles, institutionnelles et politiques susceptibles de motiver, ou pas, un recours à la notation par les grandes collectivités locales françaises.
La réflexivité des acteurs face à la complexité des organisations publiques : un levier interactif de contrôle de la performance universitaire ?
Authors: Mériade Laurent , Mainetti Nicolas
Published: March 2015

Berry (1983) définit les simplifications en gestion comme « une réduction de la complexité nécessaire et périlleuse » opérée par les agents car « ils sont obligés de simplifier pour appréhender et pour agir ». A travers cet article, notre préoccupation est de questionner la supposée homogénéité des simplifications apportées aux outils du contrôle de gestion, en particulier, dans les organisations publiques. Nous abordons cette question de recherche en associant l’approche par les leviers de contrôle (Simons 1995) et les travaux portant sur les mécanismes d’appropriation des outils de gestion (de Vaujany et Grimand 2005). Pour cela, et afin de mieux comprendre les simplifications de ces outils, nous cherchons, en vue d’un contrôle interactif de la performance des universités françaises, à mettre en évidence les intérêts des analyses de la réflexivité des acteurs développées notamment par le courant réaliste critique (Archer, 1995 ; Bhaskar 1989).
Les Collectivités Territoriales face aux menaces numériques
Authors: Février Rémy
Published: March 2015

La dématérialisation croissante des échanges entre les collectivités territoriales et leur environnement pose directement la question du management de la Sécurité de leur Système d’Information (SSI) et notamment de l’influence de la perception de dirigeants territoriaux encore peu au fait de la réalité de menaces numériques en forte progression.
Le ressenti des enseignants-chercheurs : un conflit de valeurs
Authors: Drucker-Godard Carole , Fouque Thierry , Gollety Mathilde , Le Flanchec Alice
Published: March 2015

Cet article s’intéresse au ressenti des enseignants chercheurs au sein des universités françaises. Il propose une cartographie des enseignants chercheurs en termes de satisfaction et d’implication. Il montre que ces derniers sont globalement satisfaits de leur métier. Leur plaisir au travail est associé à la dimension pédagogique de leur profession, à l’attachement à la notion de service public, à la liberté et à l’autonomie qu’ils ressentent et à la dimension intellectuelle de leur activité. Ils expriment également un fort attachement, principalement affectif, à leur institution et à leur profession. Quoi qu’il en soit, un malaise est également exprimé. Celui-ci concerne tout d’abord les rémunérations jugées trop faibles, ainsi que des conditions d’exercice du métier souvent difficiles. Ils signalent ensuite une surcharge de travail administratif et une dévalorisation des tâches pédagogiques dans l’évaluation. Une piste d’explication du mal-être peut être trouvée dans un conflit de valeurs entre des valeurs initiales qui avaient présidé au choix de carrière des enseignants chercheurs et les nouvelles valeurs qui émergent des réformes des universités, plus centrées sur l’efficacité et l’efficience. La réflexion s’appuie sur une étude empirique auprès d’un échantillon quantitatif de 2028 répondants et de l’analyse qualitative plus détaillée des réponses textuelles de 696 enseignants-chercheurs.
Du public au marché : le changement par l'apprentissage au sein des structures commerciales d'EDF
Authors: Ait Abdeslam Samira , Merad Myriam
Published: March 2015

Le présent article rend compte de la manière avec laquelle le changement au sein d’EdF s’est opéré et met en évidence les conditions de cette métamorphose. Les modalités de mobilisation des compétences commerciales, ainsi que les modalités de respect des impératifs d’ouverture au marché sont au cœur de ces réflexions.
La GPEEC dans les universités françaises : quels enjeux pour la valeur publique ?
Authors: Brillet Franck , Sauviat Isabelle
Published: March 2015

L’environnement universitaire français doit faire face à de multiples réformes, et en ce sens à un défi de conciliation de logiques managériales et de valeurs publiques. Sur la base d’une recherche-action liée à un processus de formation des acteurs en charge de la GPEEC dans quarante-cinq universités françaises, cette recherche montre ainsi comment les représentations et les appropriations de la GPEEC dans ce contexte s’inscrivent dans un triple mouvement de conciliation naturelle, de conciliation difficile et de dissociation.
Quelle contribution du management au developpement de la dynamique territoriale ? Experimentation d'outils de contractualisation sur trois territoires
Authors: Zardet Véronique , Noguera Florence
Published: March 2015

Cet article propose une réflexion sur l’apport du management à la structuration et au développement de la dynamique territoriale, à partir d’une recherche-intervention conduite au sein de trois territoires. Après avoir présenté les réalités des pratiques contractuelles, cette recherche discute les axes de développement possibles pour consolider la dynamique territoriale.
L'évolution de la représentation qu'ont les gestionnaires de santé de leur travail : les impacts de la réforme québécoise de 2003
Authors: Bolduc François
Published: March 2015

Cet article s’intéresse aux impacts de la dernière réforme du réseau québécois de la santé et des services sociaux (2003), inspirée des principes du nouveau management public, sur la représentation qu’ont les gestionnaires locaux de leur travail. Nos résultats proviennent d’une étude de cas multiples lors de laquelle nous avons réalisé quarante-neuf entrevues semi-dirigées auprès de gestionnaires. Nous avons constaté que nous assistons actuellement à une homogénéisation de la représentation qu’ont les gestionnaires de leur travail, ceux-ci étant de plus en plus nombreux à adhérer à une représentation managériale de leur rôle. Après avoir décrit la nature de l’évolution de ces représentations, nous en présenterons les facteurs explicatifs.
To reform the public administration, is it an impossible mission? Case study of French public administration reforms since 1980s
Authors: Pyun Hae-Ok , Lallemand Anne-Sophie
Published: March 2015

Afin de savoir si les réformes conduites ont fait réellement évoluer la perception qu’ont les usagers de l’action de l’administration publique, nous menons une comparaison entre les résultats de notre enquête réalisée en 2013 et présentée ci-dessous et celle de Rangeon menée en 1982. Selon les résultats présentés ci-dessous, il semble n’y avoir aucun changement réel dans la compréhension des citoyens de l’administration publique en dépit d’un certain nombre de réformes depuis 1982.
Les politiques d'optimisation et d'austérité financières du Gouvernement du Canada de 2006 à 2012 : instruments, valeurs et idéologies
Authors: Champagne Eric , Choinière Olivier
Published: March 2015

Cet article s’intéresse à l’influence de l’idéologie et des valeurs sur les instruments de gestion des finances publiques élaborés par le Gouvernement du Canada, entre 2006 et 2012. Durant cette période, le Gouvernement fédéral a mis en œuvre d’importantes politiques de finances publiques - à l’aide de différents instruments - qui, à première vue, semblent en rupture les unes avec les autres. À ce titre, cet article s’intéresse à l’évolution des instruments de discipline financière avant et après la crise économique afin de mieux cerner quelles valeurs et cadres idéologiques sont les plus déterminants dans le choix des politiques de lutte au déficit.
La représentation des intérêts familiaux en europe
Authors: Vallat Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2015

À partir des travaux réalisés sur les mouvements familiaux dans cinq pays européens, l’article dresse une typologie des configurations de la reconnaissance et de la construction institutionnelle des intérêts de la famille dans ces pays. Trois configurations émergent ainsi : une forte institutionnalisation, au moins apparente dans le cas français ; une reconnaissance encore balbutiante des intérêts familiaux, encore peu dégagés des Églises en Italie, Espagne ou Allemagne ; une intégration dans l’ensemble plus large des services sociaux ciblés sur certains types de familles en Grande-Bretagne. Ces configurations sont liées à l’histoire des différents pays (stigmatisation partielle du thème familial et influence sociale des Églises en Italie, Espagne ou Allemagne ; légitimité ancienne et laïcité du thème familial en France) et à leurs traditions politico-économiques (secteur social à la fois ciblé et partiellement marchand en Grande-Bretagne) : elles sont aussi cohérentes avec les contenus des politiques familiales nationales. Faisant l’hypothèse d’une relative convergence des initiatives de politique familiale dans le cadre européen, l’article décrit les tendances communes à ces différents pays dans la construction et l’organisation institutionnelle des intérêts familiaux, identifiables dans la période récente : décentralisation, contractualisation des relations avec les pouvoirs publics, irruption du secteur marchand dans le domaine des services aux familles, tentative de structuration d’une représentation commune des intérêts familiaux.
Les politiques familiales dans l'union européenne : une convergence croissante
Authors: Damon Julien
Published: March 2015

Les politiques familiales – une expression qui n’a pas partout un sens très clair – convergent peu à peu dans l’Union européenne. Si elles diffèrent encore grandement pour ce qui relève de leur contenu, de leur intensité, et de leurs orientations, le mouvement n’est plus à la divergence. Les tendances sociodémographiques sont certes marquées par des contrastes persistants, mais on observe des similarités grandissantes. Les diverses mesures de politique familiale sont hétérogènes, mais sont inscrites dans un processus, emmené par les instances européennes, d’observation, d’évaluation et de coordination. L’Union européenne elle-même, préoccupée par ses perspectives démographiques, investit de plus en plus le domaine des politiques familiales. D’ailleurs, l’idée de réformes fondamentales de l’Éta-providence – dans le sens d’un État d’investissement social, centré sur l’enfance et la famille – progresse. De ces évolutions des politiques familiales en termes de moyens et d’idées, on peut noter le déclin relatif de la France, et l’émergence d’autres pays comme le Royaume-Uni ou l’Allemagne.
La preuve de la filiation : le droit et la vérité des filiations
Authors: Favier Yann
Published: March 2015

La question de la preuve est indissociable du droit qu’elle met en œuvre. Idem est non esse et non probari : « ne pas être ou ne pas être prouvé, c’est tout un ». Appliqué à la filiation, cet adage revient à considérer qu’il n’y aurait pas de filiation sans preuve de la filiation. Or, cette preuve est d’une nature particulière. On ne prouve pas une filiation comme on prouve un contrat. Le lien de filiation juridique est un ensemble complexe d’éléments fondés non seulement sur la procréation ou filiation biologique, mais surtout sur la volonté, la conscience humaine et sur un certain mode d’organisation sociale et juridique de la parenté. Par la filiation, c’est l’identité juridique de la personne qui est déterminée : à sa naissance, l’enfant est désigné comme étant l’enfant né d’une mère et d’un père déterminé, s’ils sont connus. Il en portera le nom ; son prénom est choisi par eux ; par eux, se crée sa parenté juridique entre vérité instituée et vérité recherchée.
La filiation éclatée. pour une analyse des revendications actuelles
Authors: Séraphin Gilles
Published: March 2015

En France, la filiation fait sans cesse l’objet de débats. De multiples groupes, défendant des intérêts divers, revendiquent des réformes. En analysant les cadres de références des revendications actuelles (le cadre statutaire, de la transmission et de l’héritage, identitaire, de la reproduction de soi, de l’éducation, biologique, de solidarité, affectif), l’auteur dégage des questions transversales qui sont les enjeux essentiels des débats : Que signifie « être parent » ? Que signifierait la création d’un statut « beau-parental » ? Sur quels sujets doit-on favoriser le choix personnel ?
Écrits de jeunes en quête de statut
Authors: Guimard Nathalie , Petit-Gats Juliette
Published: March 2015

Dans cet article est présentée l’analyse de plus de 200 écrits de jeunes placés par l’Aide sociale à l’enfance ou par la Protection judiciaire de la jeunesse demandant une poursuite de leur prise en charge durant leur majorité (de leurs 18 ans à 21 ans maximum). Ces lettres datent des années 70 jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Elles reflètent dans leur épaisseur et surtout dans leur contenu (termes employés, sujets valorisés, présentation de soi) à la fois les nouvelles pratiques de rationalisation mises en place dans l’accompagnement social (par le projet individuel, par la contractualisation des mesures d’assistance) ainsi que d’autres pratiques laissant une large marge de manœuvre à la subjectivité des acteurs (l’importance donnée à la relation individuelle entre usager et intervenant).
Les relations intergénérationelles au prisme de l'ambivalence et des configurations familiales
Authors: Widmer Éric D. , Lüscher Kurt
Published: March 2015

Les relations intergénérationnelles dans le cadre familial sont souvent étudiées par l’intermédiaire de concepts qui ont des connotations normatives minimisant la diversité des familles actuelles et euphémisant les relations familiales. Sans nier l’importance des pratiques de solidarité intergénérationnelles, cette contribution entend expliciter certaines des dynamiques qui les associent aux dimensions plus négatives de la vie familiale, en s’appuyant sur diverses recherches empiriques et explorations analytiques menées ces quinze dernières années autour des concepts d’ambivalence et de configuration familiale.
Générations juives russophones en ex-Allemagne de l'Est : le communisme comme événement-rupture
Authors: Michel Karine
Published: March 2015

La chute du bloc de l’Est à la fin des années 1980 a engendré des reconfigurations socioculturelles importantes dans nombre de pays, notamment en ex-Allemagne de l’Est. Des vagues migrantes russophones sont venues y bouleverser le visage de petites communautés juives sur le déclin. Ces vagues migratoires sont constituées de juifs russes de tous âges, unis par un lien de filiation ; ce sont des migrations familiales. Ces migrants effectuent un « retour à la religion », ici au judaïsme, sous un mode assez particulier : il allie chacune des générations en présence à une tendance religieuse spécifique. La compréhension de ce phénomène socioculturel nécessite de prendre en compte le communisme comme un facteur d’analyse non négligeable, de par son caractère de rupture dans les parcours de vie et les générations historiques, sociales et familiales.