bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-21 Is a Major Negative Regulator of IRF4-Dependent Lipolysis Affecting Tregs in Adipose Tissue and Systemic Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Fabrizi Marta , Marchetti Valentina , Mavilio Maria , Marino Arianna , Casagrande Viviana , Cavalera Michele , Moreno-Navarrete Josè Maria , Mezza Teresa , Sorice Gian Pio , Fiorentino Loredana , Menghini Rossella , Lauro Renato , Monteleone Giovanni , Giaccari Andrea , Fernandez Real José Manuel , Federici Massimo
Published: January 2014

Obesity elicits immune cell infiltration of adipose tissue provoking chronic low-grade inflammation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are specifically reduced in adipose tissue of obese animals. Since interleukin (IL)-21 plays an important role in inducing and maintaining immune-mediated chronic inflammatory processes and negatively regulates Treg differentiation/activity, we hypothesized that it could play a role in obesity-induced insulin resistance. We found IL-21 and IL-21R mRNA expression upregulated in adipose tissue of high-fat diet (HFD) wild-type (WT) mice and in stromal vascular fraction from human obese subjects in parallel to macrophage and inflammatory markers. Interestingly, a larger infiltration of Treg cells was seen in the adipose tissue of IL-21 knockout (KO) mice compared with WT animals fed both normal diet and HFD. In a context of diet-induced obesity, IL-21 KO mice, compared with WT animals, exhibited lower body weight, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased adipose and hepatic inflammation. This metabolic phenotype is accompanied by a higher induction of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), a transcriptional regulator of fasting lipolysis in adipose tissue. Our data suggest that IL-21 exerts negative regulation on IRF4 and Treg activity, developing and maintaining adipose tissue inflammation in the obesity state.
Resolution and aspect ratio in two-photon lithography of positive photoresist
Authors: Aumann Andreas , Isabelle Ksouri Sarah , Guo Qingchuan , Sure Christian , Gurevich Evgeny L. , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: January 2014

In this work, the authors report on investigations of two-photon lithography of positive photoresist. The dependency of the pattern linewidth on variation in the processing parameters, like the laser patterning velocity or power of the femtosecond laser oscillator, is presented. The influence of the scan velocity between 0.38 and 1.90 mm/s on the resolution is discussed for a layer thickness of 3.5 μm. By using a commercial positive photoresist, an aspect ratio of 5 has been realized for grid structures and the qualities of the produced structures are discussed.
Preparation and properties of noble metal core/shell nanostructures prepared by excimer laser ablation in liquid solutions
Authors: Li Shuanghao , Zhao Yan , Jiang Yijian , Zhang Yuefei
Published: January 2014

A new method of synthesis Ag/Au core/shell nanostructure with ultraviolet (UV) excimer laser was studied. It was found Ag/Au core/shell nanostructures with spherical shell could be prepared by UV excimer laser which is obviously confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The surface plasma resonance of this nanostructure can be tuned by controlling thickness of the Au shell. Simulation based on Mie theory was in agreement with the result of the experiments. Moreover, it is indicated the Ag/Au core/shell nanostructure has excellent activity in surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This Ag/Au core/shell nanostructure may be applied to high sensitive trace detection in the future.
Risk factors associated with the development of chronic kidney disease in cats evaluated at primary care veterinary hospitals
Authors: Greene Joseph P. , Lefebvre Sandra L. , Wang Mansen , Yang Mingyin , Lund Elizabeth M. , Polzin David J.
Published: January 2014

Objective—To identify risk factors associated with diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—1,230 cats with a clinical diagnosis of CKD, serum creatinine concentration > 1.6 mg/dL, and urine specific gravity < 1.035 and 1,230 age-matched control cats.

Procedures—Data on putative risk factors for CKD were extracted for multivariate logistic regression analysis from the medical records of cats brought to 755 primary care veterinary hospitals. For a subset of cats evaluated 6 to 12 months prior to the date of CKD diagnosis or control group inclusion, the percentage change in body weight between those dates as well as clinical signs at the earlier date were analyzed for associations with CKD development.

Results—Risk factors for CKD in cats included thin body condition, prior periodontal disease or cystitis, anesthesia or documented dehydration in the preceding year, being a neutered male (vs spayed female), and living anywhere in the United States other than the northeast. The probability of CKD decreased with increasing body weight in nondehydrated cats, domestic shorthair breed, and prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and increased when vomiting, polyuria or polydipsia, appetite or energy loss, or halitosis was present at the time of diagnosis or control group inclusion but not when those signs were reported 6 to 12 months earlier. Median weight loss during the preceding 6 to 12 months was 10.8% and 2.1% in cats with and without CKD, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The probability of CKD diagnosis in cats was influenced by several variables; recent weight loss, particularly in combination with the other factors, warrants assessment of cats for CKD.
Fundamental solutions to the fractional heat conduction equation in a ball under Robin boundary condition
Authors: Povstenko Yuriy
Published: January 2014

The central symmetric time-fractional heat conduction equation with Caputo derivative of order 0 < α ≤ 2 is considered in a ball under two types of Robin boundary condition: the mathematical one with the prescribed linear combination of values of temperature and values of its normal derivative at the boundary, and the physical condition with the prescribed linear combination of values of temperature and values of the heat flux at the boundary, which is a consequence of Newton’s law of convective heat exchange between a body and the environment. The integral transform technique is used. Numerical results are illustrated graphically.
Countable contraction mappings in metric spaces: invariant sets and measure
Authors: Barrozo María , Molter Ursula
Published: January 2014

We consider a complete metric space (X, d) and a countable number of contraction mappings on X, F = {F
i: i ∈ ℕ}. We show the existence of a smallest invariant set (with respect to inclusion) for F. If the maps F
i are of the form F
i(x) = r
i
x + b
i on X = ℝd, we prove a converse of the classic result on contraction mappings, more precisely, there exists a unique bounded invariant set if and only if r = supi
r
i is strictly smaller than 1.

Further, if ρ = {ρ
k}k∈ℕ is a probability sequence, we show that if there exists an invariant measure for the system (F, ρ), then its support must be precisely this smallest invariant set. If in addition there exists any bounded invariant set, this invariant measure is unique, even though there may be more than one invariant set.
Antenatal Radiological Diagnosis of Rare Case of Dicephalus Dipus Dibrachius and Its Correlation with the Abortus
Authors: Sherwani P , Singh P , Singhla V , Khandelwal N
Published: January 2014

Dicephalus twins are an extremely rare type of conjoined twins. Early prenatal diagnosis of this condition is important to provide an opportunity for pregnancy termination. We present such a case which was diagnosed by ultrasound & MRI examination at 18 weeks of gestation and is confirmed after therapeutic abortion with the abortus.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9617 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 85-87
Phthisis Bulbi and Leptomeningeal Metastasis in a Case of Trilateral Retinoblastoma
Authors: Gupta MK , Rauniyar RK , Ahmad K , Pant AR , Kumar A , Shah S
Published: January 2014

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common ocular malignant neoplasm of childhood. Bilateral or unilateral intraocular RB in conjunction with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the pineal region (i.e. pineoblastoma) is termed as trilateral retinoblastoma (TRB). Retinoblastoma may spread along the optic nerve to the intracranial compartment to give drop metastases in the subarachnoid space or it can spread through hematogenous and lymphatic routes. Phthisis bulbi (PB) is a relatively uncommon presentation of retinoblastoma. We report a case of trilateral retinoblastoma with phthisical left eye and extensive leptomeningeal metastasis in a 3-year-old female child.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9621   Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 92-96
La procréation médicalement assistée en France : une question d’anonymat
Authors: Bruggeman Maryline
Published: January 2014

Anonymity has been established as a principle in French law that forbids research into determining the identity of gamete donors. Its violation is also subject to criminal penalties. It is thus a fundamental rule rarely disputed, even though it is not necessarily implemented in foreign legislation. Due to its general nature and the importance that French law gives it, this anonymity principle raises concerns.

Identified as an ethical principle, is anonymity justified when applied to gamete donation and medically assisted reproduction? It is important to distinguish anonymous gamete donation from the donation of elements and products of the human body. In the latter case, the ethical foundations of the rule of anonymity leave little room for doubt. Nevertheless, with respect to gamete donation, anonymity raises more difficulties. Indeed, many explain this principle by the fact that it is a sine qua non condition to obtaining the gametes necessary to implementing heterologous medically assisted reproduction. One could dispute this position, and some states have lifted donation anonymity without compromising their sources. However, this utilitarian consideration should not be viewed as being without an ethical dimension. In addition, anonymity not only concerns the receiving couple but also is imposed on a third party, the conceived child. Anonymity allows her to maintain a secret, about the circumstance of her conception, and its ethical nature may be legitimately doubted, particularly when one considers that secrecy makes possible the manipulation of the child’s condition.
La procréation est-elle vraiment devenue une question de choix? La question du genre dans le droit médical et biomédical français
Authors: Hennette-Vauchez Stéphanie , Roman Diane
Published: January 2014

Human reproduction is often viewed as belonging within the scope of women’s autonomy and as a question of individual choice. However, even if French law, following other European national laws, has changed a lot over the last forty years, it has difficulty confirming the notion of a woman’s “right” with respect to her body. Not only is human reproduction, natural or medically assisted, improperly defined in legal terms as a question of choice, which public health issues or moral issues may influence, but it is also certainly not yet considered as a question of feminine choice—that is, a topic wherein the woman becomes the sovereign decision-making authority.
Primary atlantoaxial bone tumors in children: management strategies and long-term follow-up
Authors: Menezes Arnold H. , Ahmed Raheel
Published: January 2014

Object

Atlantoaxial tumors account for a substantial proportion of primary bone tumors in children. Before resection, surgeons must consider the complex regional anatomy, the potential for neurological compromise, craniocervical instability, and the question of tumor resectability in a growing spine. Using current technology, the authors analyzed surgical cases in this light and present outcomes and treatment recommendations after long-term patient follow-up.

Methods:

The authors reviewed clinical records for 23 children whose primary atlantoaxial bone tumors were treated from 1996 through 2010.

Results

Pathological lesions among the 23 patients were 4 aneurysmal bone cysts, 2 osteochondromas, 5 chordomas, 4 osteoblastomas, 3 fibrous dysplasias, 4 eosinophilic granulomas, and 1 Ewing's sarcoma. Clinical presentation consisted of neck pain (n = 23), headaches and occipital pain (n = 16), myelopathy (n = 8), and torticollis (n = 4). Selective angiography and coil embolization were undertaken for all patients with aneurysmal bone cysts and osteoblastomas, 2 patients with chordomas, 1 patient with fibrous dysplasia, and 1 patient with Ewing's sarcoma. Primary embolization treatment of radiation-induced aneurysmal bone cyst of the atlas showed complete reossification. Results of CT-guided needle biopsy were diagnostic for 1 patient with eosinophilic granuloma and 1 with Ewing's sarcoma. Needle biopsies performed before referral were associated with extreme blood loss for 1 patient and misdiagnosis for 2 patients. Surgery involved lateral extrapharyngeal, transoral, posterior, and posterolateral approaches with vertebral artery rerouting. Complete resection was possible for 9 patients (2 with osteochondroma, 3 with fibrous dysplasia, 2 with chordoma, and 2 with osteoblastoma). Decompression and internal fusion were performed for 3 patients with aneurysmal bone cysts. Of the 23 patients, 7 underwent dorsal fusion and 4 underwent ventral fusion of the axis body. Chemotherapy was necessary for the patients with eosinophilic granuloma with multifocal disease and for the patient with Ewing's sarcoma. There was no morbidity, and there were no deaths. All patients with benign lesions were free of disease at the time of the follow-up visit (mean ± SD follow-up 8.8 ± 1.1 years; range 2–18 years). Chordomas received proton or LINAC irradiation, and as of 4–15 years of follow-up, no recurrence has been noted.

Conclusions

Because most atlantoaxial tumors in children are benign, an intralesional procedure could suffice. Vascular control and staged resection are critical. Ventral transoral fusion or lateral extrapharyngeal fusion has been successful. Resection with ventral fusion and reconstruction are essential for vertebral body collapse. Management of eosinophilic granulomas must be individualized and might require diagnosis through needle biopsy.
Spontaneous atraumatic vertebral artery occlusion due to physiological cervical extension
Authors: Safain Mina G. , Talan Jordan , Malek Adel M. , Hwang Steven W.
Published: January 2014

Vertebral artery (VA) occlusion is a serious and potentially life-threatening occurrence. Bow hunter's syndrome, a mechanical occlusion of the VA due to physiological head rotation, has been well described in the medical literature. However, mechanical VA compression due to routine flexion or extension of the neck has not been previously reported. The authors present the unique case of a woman without any history of trauma who had multiple posterior fossa strokes and was found to have dynamic occlusion of her right VA visualized via cerebral angiogram upon extension of her neck. This occlusion was attributed to instability at the occipitocervical junction in a patient with a previously unknown congenital fusion of both the occiput to C-1 and C-2 to C-3. An occiput to C-3 fusion was performed to stabilize her cervical spine and minimize the dynamic vascular compression. A postoperative angiogram showed no evidence of restricted flow with flexion or extension of the neck. This case emphasizes the importance of considering symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency as a result of physiological head movement. The authors also review the literature on VA compression resulting from physiological head movement as well as strategies for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Microbial Enzymes: Tools for Biotechnological Processes
Authors: Adrio Jose , Demain Arnold
Published: January 2014

Microbial enzymes are of great importance in the development of industrial bioprocesses. Current applications are focused on many different markets including pulp and paper, leather, detergents and textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemical, food and beverages, biofuels, animal feed and personal care, among others. Today there is a need for new, improved or/and more versatile enzymes in order to develop more novel, sustainable and economically competitive production processes. Microbial diversity and modern molecular techniques, such as metagenomics and genomics, are being used to discover new microbial enzymes whose catalytic properties can be improved/modified by different strategies based on rational, semi-rational and random directed evolution. Most industrial enzymes are recombinant forms produced in bacteria and fungi.
Complexity in Animal Communication: Estimating the Size of N-Gram Structures
Authors: Smith Reginald
Published: January 2014

In this paper, new techniques that allow conditional entropy to estimate the combinatorics of symbols are applied to animal communication studies to estimate the communication’s repertoire size. By using the conditional entropy estimates at multiple orders, the paper estimates the total repertoire sizes for animal communication across bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and several species of birds for an N-gram length of one to three. In addition to discussing the impact of this method on studies of animal communication complexity, the reliability of these estimates is compared to other methods through simulation. While entropy does undercount the total repertoire size due to rare N-grams, it gives a more accurate picture of the most frequently used repertoire than just repertoire size alone.
Two-Atom Collisions and the Loading of Atoms in Microtraps
Authors: Fung Yin , Carpentier Alicia , Sompet Pimonpan , Andersen Mikkel
Published: January 2014

We review light assisted collisions in a high-density far-off resonant optical trap (FORT). By tuning the parameters of the light that induces the collisions, the effects of the collisions can be controlled. Trap loss can be suppressed even at high atomic densities, allowing us to count the atoms using fluorescence detection. When only two atoms are trapped, individual loss events reveal new information about the process, and the simplicity of the system allows for a numerical simulation of the dynamics. By optimizing the experimental parameters, we implement an efficient method to prepare single atoms in the FORT. Our methods can be extended to load quantum registers for quantum information processing.
Emission Characteristics of a CI Engine Running with a Range of Biodiesel Feedstocks
Authors: Tesfa Belachew , Gu Fengshou , Mishra Rakesh , Ball Andrew
Published: January 2014

Currently, alternative fuels are being investigated in detail for application in compression ignition (CI) engines resulting in exciting potential opportunities to increase energy security and reduce gas emissions. Biodiesel is one of the alternative fuels which is renewable and environmentally friendly and can be used in diesel engines with little or no modifications. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of biodiesel types and biodiesel fraction on the emission characteristics of a CI engine. The experimental work was carried out on a four-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection (DI) and turbocharged diesel engine by using biodiesel made from waste oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil and comparing them to normal diesel. The fuels used in the analyses are B10, B20, B50, B100 and neat diesel. The engine was operated over a range of engine speeds. Based on the measured parameters, detailed analyses were carried out on major regulated emissions such as NOx, CO, CO2, and THC. It has been seen that the biodiesel types (sources) do not result in any significant differences in emissions. The results also clearly indicate that the engine running with biodiesel and blends have higher NOx emission by up to 20%. However, the emissions of the CI engine running on neat biodiesel (B100) were reduced by up to 15%, 40% and 30% for CO, CO2 and THC emissions respectively, as compared to diesel fuel at various operating conditions.
Mesoscale Characterization of Supramolecular Transient Networks Using SAXS and Rheology
Authors: Pape A. , Bastings Maartje , Kieltyka Roxanne , Wyss Hans , Voets Ilja , Meijer E. , Dankers Patricia
Published: January 2014

Hydrogels and, in particular, supramolecular hydrogels show promising properties for application in regenerative medicine because of their ability to adapt to the natural environment these materials are brought into. However, only few studies focus on the structure-property relationships in supramolecular hydrogels. Here, we study in detail both the structure and the mechanical properties of such a network, composed of poly(ethylene glycol), end-functionalized with ureido-pyrimidinone fourfold hydrogen bonding units. This network is responsive to triggers such as concentration, temperature and pH. To obtain more insight into the sol-gel transition of the system, both rheology and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are used. We show that the sol-gel transitions based on these three triggers, as measured by rheology, coincide with the appearance of a structural feature in SAXS. We attribute this feature to the presence of hydrophobic domains where cross-links are formed. These results provide more insight into the mechanism of network formation in these materials, which can be exploited for tailoring their behavior for biomedical applications, where one of the triggers discussed might be used.
Analyzing Vegetation Change in an Elephant-Impacted Landscape Using the Moving Standard Deviation Index
Authors: Fullman Timothy , Bunting Erin
Published: January 2014

Northern Botswana is influenced by various socio-ecological drivers of landscape change. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is one of the leading sources of landscape shifts in this region. Developing the ability to assess elephant impacts on savanna vegetation is important to promote effective management strategies. The Moving Standard Deviation Index (MSDI) applies a standard deviation calculation to remote sensing imagery to assess degradation of vegetation. Used previously for assessing impacts of livestock on rangelands, we evaluate the ability of the MSDI to detect elephant-modified vegetation along the Chobe riverfront in Botswana, a heavily elephant-impacted landscape. At broad scales, MSDI values are positively related to elephant utilization. At finer scales, using data from 257 sites along the riverfront, MSDI values show a consistent negative relationship with intensity of elephant utilization. We suggest that these differences are due to varying effects of elephants across scales. Elephant utilization of vegetation may increase heterogeneity across the landscape, but decrease it within heavily used patches, resulting in the observed MSDI pattern of divergent trends at different scales. While significant, the low explanatory power of the relationship between the MSDI and elephant utilization suggests the MSDI may have limited use for regional monitoring of elephant impacts.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Anti-Fatigue Effects of Some Benzamide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Xianglong , Fan Wutu , Pan Yalei , Zhai Yuankun , Niu Yinbo , Li Chenrui , Mei Qibing
Published: January 2014

A series of benzamide derivatives such as 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylcarbonyl) piperidine (1-BCP) were synthesized by the reaction of substituted benzoic acids with piperidine, morpholine or pyrrolidine using a novel method. The crystals of these benzamide derivatives were obtained by recrystallization. Structures of target and intermediate compounds were determined via FT-IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography of select examples. The crystal structures of these compounds have potential applications to identify the binding site for allosteric modulators of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor. The anti-fatigue effects of the benzamide derivatives in weight-loaded forced swimming mice were investigated in a swimming endurance capacity test used as an indicator of fatigue. The swimming times to exhaustion were longer in the b3, d3, and e3 groups than in the caffeine group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, b3, d3 and e3 enhanced the forced swimming capacity of mice. The mechanism of the anti-fatigue effects will be studied in the future.
Analgesic Effect of Harpagophytum procumbens on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Lim Dong , Kim Jae , Han Daeseok , Kim Yun
Published: January 2014

Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as Devil’s Claw, has historically been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain and arthritis. The study was designed to investigate whether H. procumbens extracts exhibit analgesic effects in plantar incision and spared nerve injury (SNI) rats. The whole procedure was performed on male SD rats. To evaluate pain-related behavior, we performed the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) test measured by von Frey filaments. Pain-related behavior was also determined through analysis of ultrasonic vocalization (USVs). The results of experiments showed MWT values of the group that was treated with 300 mg/kg H. procumbens extract increased significantly; on the contrary, the number of 22–27 kHz USVs of the treated group was reduced at 6 h and 24 h after plantar incision operation. After 21 days of continuous treatment with H. procumbens extracts at 300 mg/kg, the treated group showed significantly alleviated SNI-induced hypersensitivity responses by MWT, compared with the control group. These results suggest that H. procumbens extracts have potential analgesic effects in the case of acute postoperative pain and chronic neuropathic pain in rats.
A Greener, Efficient Approach to Michael Addition of Barbituric Acid to Nitroalkene in Aqueous Diethylamine Medium
Authors: Al-Najjar Hany , Barakat Assem , Al-Majid Abdullah , Mabkhot Yahia , Weber Manuel , Ghabbour Hazem , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: January 2014

An efficient method for the synthesis of a variety of pyrimidine derivatives 3a–t by reaction of barbituric acids 1a,b as Michael donor with nitroalkenes 2a–k as Michael acceptor using an aqueous medium and diethylamine is described. This 1,4-addition strategy offers several advantages, such as using an economic and environmentally benign reaction media, high yields, versatility, and shorter reaction times. The synthesized compounds were identified by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, CHN, IR, and MS. The structure of compound 3a was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure determination.
Incorporating β-Cyclodextrin with ZnO Nanorods: A Potentiometric Strategy for Selectivity and Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Elhag Sami , Ibupoto Zafar , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus
Published: January 2014

We describe a chemical sensor based on a simple synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods (ZNRs) for the detection of dopamine molecules by a potentiometric approach. The polar nature of dopamine leads to a change of surface charges on the ZNR surface via metal ligand bond formation which results in a measurable electrical signal. ZNRs were grown on a gold-coated glass substrate by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth (ACG) method. Polymeric membranes incorporating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate was immobilized on the ZNR surface. The fabricated electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The grown ZNRs were well aligned and exhibited good crystal quality. The present sensor system displays a stable potential response for the detection of dopamine in 10−2 mol·L−1 acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution at pH 5.45 within a wide concentration range of 1 × 10−6 M–1 × 10−1 M, with sensitivity of 49 mV/decade. The electrode shows a good response time (less than 10 s) and excellent repeatability. This finding can contribute to routine analysis in laboratories studying the neuropharmacology of catecholamines. Moreover, the metal-ligand bonds can be further exploited to detect DA receptors, and for bio-imaging applications.
Structural and Functional Comparisons of Retroviral Envelope Protein C-Terminal Domains: Still Much to Learn
Authors: Steckbeck Jonathan , Kuhlmann Anne-Sophie , Montelaro Ronald
Published: January 2014

Retroviruses are a family of viruses that cause a broad range of pathologies in animals and humans, from the apparently harmless, long-term genomic insertion of endogenous retroviruses, to tumors induced by the oncogenic retroviruses and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) resulting from human immunodeficiency virus infection. Disease can be the result of diverse mechanisms, including tumorigenesis induced by viral oncogenes or immune destruction, leading to the gradual loss of CD4 T-cells. Of the virally encoded proteins common to all retroviruses, the envelope (Env) displays perhaps the most diverse functionality. Env is primarily responsible for binding the cellular receptor and for effecting the fusion process, with these functions mediated by protein domains localized to the exterior of the virus. The remaining C-terminal domain may have the most variable functionality of all retroviral proteins. The C-terminal domains from three prototypical retroviruses are discussed, focusing on the different structures and functions, which include fusion activation, tumorigenesis and viral assembly and lifecycle influences. Despite these genetic and functional differences, however, the C-terminal domains of these viruses share a common feature in the modulation of Env ectodomain conformation. Despite their differences, perhaps each system still has information to share with the others.
Synthesis of the B-seco limonoid core scaffold
Authors: Bruss Hanna , Schuster Hannah , Martinez Rémi , Kaiser Markus , Antonchick Andrey P , Waldmann Herbert
Published: January 2014

Synthetic investigations towards the structurally complex and highly decorated framework of B-seco limonoid natural products by means of a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement are described. Detailed model studies reveal, that an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement can be employed to construct the central C9–C10 bond thereby giving access to the B-seco limonoid scaffold. However, application of the developed strategy ended up failing in more complex and sterically demanding systems.
Occurrence and Effect of Lower Extremity Ulcer in Rheumatoid Arthritis — A Population-based Study
Authors: Jebakumar Adlene J. , Udayakumar Prabhu D. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Gabriel Sherine E. , Matteson Eric L.
Published: January 2014

Objective.

To assess the occurrence, risk factors, morbidity, and mortality associated with lower extremity (LE) ulcers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Retrospective review of Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, residents who first fulfilled the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA in 1980–2007 with followup to death, migration, or April 2012. Only LE ulcers that developed after the diagnosis of RA were included.

Results.

The study included 813 patients with 9771 total person-years of followup. Of them, 125 developed LE ulcers (total of 171 episodes), corresponding to a rate of occurrence of 1.8 episodes per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.5, 2.0 per 100 person-yrs). The cumulative incidence of first LE ulcers was 4.8% at 5 years after diagnosis of RA and increased to 26.2% by 25 years. Median time for the LE ulcer to heal was 30 days. Ten of 171 episodes (6%) led to amputation. LE ulcers in RA were associated with increased mortality (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.71, 3.42), adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year. Risk factors for LE ulcers included age (HR 1.73 per 10-yr increase; 95% CI 1.47, 2.04), rheumatoid factor positivity (HR 1.63; 95% CI 1.05, 2.53), presence of rheumatoid nodules (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.39, 3.31), and venous thromboembolism (HR 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.36).

Conclusion.

LE ulcers are common among patients with RA. The cumulative incidence increased by 1% per year. A significant number require amputation. Patients with RA who have LE ulcers are at a 2-fold risk for premature mortality.
Comparison of Phenotype and Outcome in Microscopic Polyangiitis Between Europe and Japan
Authors: Furuta Shunsuke , Chaudhry Afzal N. , Hamano Yoshitomo , Fujimoto Shouichi , Nagafuchi Hiroko , Makino Hirofumi , Matsuo Seiichi , Ozaki Shoichi , Endo Tomomi , Muso Eri , Ito Chiharu , Kusano Eiji , Yamagata Mieko , Ikeda Kei , Kashiwakuma Daisuke , Iwamoto Itsuo , Westman Kerstin , Jayne David
Published: January 2014

Objective.

There are differences between Europe and Japan in the incidence and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) serotype of patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). However, differences in phenotype or outcome have not been explored. We aimed to identify differences in phenotype and outcome of MPA between Europe and Japan.

Methods.

Sequential cohorts of patients with MPA and renal limited vasculitis were collected from European and Japanese centers (n = 147 and n = 312, respectively). Trial databases from the European Vasculitis Society and the Japanese patients with Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (JMAAV) trial were studied (n = 254 and n = 48, respectively). We evaluated baseline characteristics including ANCA status and organ involvement, treatment, survival, and renal survival. Differences in survival and renal survival were studied using multivariate analysis.

Results.

The non-trial cohorts showed patients with MPA in Japan had a higher age at onset, more frequent MPO-ANCA positivity, lower serum creatinine, and more frequent interstitial pneumonitis than those in Europe (all p < 0.01). Comparisons between the trial databases demonstrated similar results. Cumulative patient survival and renal survival rates were not different between Europe and Japan (p = 0.71 and p = 0.38, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified age at onset, serum creatinine, gastrointestinal, and respiratory involvement as factors with higher risk of death. For endstage renal failure, serum creatinine and use of plasma exchange were identified as factors with higher risk, and immunosuppressant use as lower risk factors.

Conclusion.

Phenotypes in patients with MPA were different between Europe and Japan. However, the outcomes of patient survival and renal survival were similar.
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Erdozain Jose Gabriel , Villar Irama , Nieto Javier , Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo
Published: January 2014

Objective.

To analyze the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify variables potentially related to PAD.

Methods.

The study included 216 patients with SLE from the Lupus-Cruces prospective observational cohort. The ankle brachial index (ABI) was determined in each patient, with values < 0.9 considered diagnostic of PAD. Demographic and clinical variables, presence of traditional risk factors and CV events, cardiovascular risk calculated by Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and treatments received by each patient were analyzed.

Results.

Ninety-two percent of patients were women. The mean age (SD) was 49 years (15), with a mean followup (SD) of 12 years (9). The prevalence of low ABI was 21%. CV risk factors were frequent: smoking, 30% of patients; high blood pressure, 32.7%; diabetes mellitus, 3.2%; hypercholesterolemia, 34.1%; and metabolic syndrome, 9.7%. The following variables were associated with low ABI in the univariate analysis: age (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.002), diabetes (p = 0.018), hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.018), CV events (p < 0.001), SCORE (p = 0.004), cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (p = 0.03), and fibrinogen levels (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, the only independent variable in the final model was age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p < 0.001), with a tendency for the presence of any vascular risk factor (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or current smoking; OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.99–5.1, p = 0.053).

Conclusion.

The prevalence of low ABI in patients with SLE is higher than expected. While the association with CV risk factors and vascular disease in other territories was strong, we could not identify SLE-specific variables independently associated with PAD.
Échange et développement
Authors: Thorbecke Erik , Cornelisse Peter
Published: January 2014

L’objectif de cet article est de présenter un cadre expliquant les diverses formes d’échange dans différents contextes – particulièrement dans les pays en développement. L’approche que nous proposons repose sur un nouveau concept que nous appelons « approche de la configuration de l’échange ». Celui-ci se compose de trois éléments constitutifs : l’ objet échangé, les acteurs engagés dans les décisions relatives à l’objet échangé, et l’ environnement – matériel, social, technologique et juridique – dans lequel les acteurs opèrent. Les caractéristiques de ces éléments, selon différentes combinaisons, déterminent différents types de relations d’échange et de transactions. Chaque combinaison particulière d’éléments avec le processus de formation de l’échange et la transaction qui en découle est considérée comme une configuration d’échange . Ce nouveau concept permet de clarifier la dynamique de l’échange en examinant les forces qui affectent les éléments de l’échange. Deux exemples, l’un dans le cadre d’un pays en développement et l’autre dans le contexte de la crise de la finance mondiale qui a débuté en 2007, illustrent cette approche de la configuration d’échange. Classification JEL : O10, L14, O11, O17.
Entre excellence technique et recherche de marchés : Coyne et Bellier, 1947-2009
Authors: Bordes Jean-Louis , Herriou Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2014

Coyne et Bellier, bureau d’ingénieurs-conseils fondé en 1947, est issu d’une aventure technique commencée en 1928 dans le cadre de l’aménagement de la vallée de la Dordogne. Très fortement marquée par la personnalité et la renommée de son fondateur André Coyne, cette société de dimensions très modestes (une centaine d’ingénieurs en 2000) a émergé très vite au plan international dès les années 1960, avec la conception de barrages de dimensions exceptionnelles, en Afrique et en Amérique du Nord. Ses compétences se sont élargies, au-delà du barrage et de toutes les spécialités techniques associées, à tous les domaines relevant de l’aménagement des eaux. Composante forte de la culture d’entreprise, la recherche de l’excellence technique par l’échange, l’innovation et le développement a été constamment poursuivie par une équipe dirigeante très stable, issue des ingénieurs de la société. La pratique de la méthode expérimentale intégrant le calcul a été particulièrement développée. Certaines techniques comme la précontrainte dans les barrages ou les tunnels ont ouvert d’autres champs d’activités comme les enceintes nucléaires et les tunnels et cavités. Au-delà des données géopolitiques, les pratiques commerciales ont essayé, par le dialogue, l’échange et le transfert technologique, de favoriser la fidélisation des clients.
Pour une théorie sur les systèmes d'intégrité : une approche configurationnelle
Authors: Six Frédérique , Lawton Alan
Published: January 2014

L’intégrité des fonctionnaires est considérée comme un déterminant essentiel de la confiance du public dans le gouvernement et comme un concept capital dans le domaine de la bonne gouvernance. Le système d’intégrité se compose de différents éléments, comme les politiques, les pratiques, les institutions et les gardiens de l’intégrité, visant à contribuer à l’intégrité de l’organisation au cœur du système d’intégrité. Dans le présent article, nous proposons un modèle théorique en matière d’efficacité des systèmes d’intégrité pouvant être vérifié de manière empirique. Six conditions sont considérées comme importantes pour assurer une intégrité élevée. Des configurations différentes sont censées produire les mêmes résultats, en raison de trajectoires développementales variables. Nous examinerons les implications pour les recherches futures. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Beaucoup de pays ont mis en place des mesures afin de faire face à la corruption et aux comportements contraires à l’éthique des agents de l’État. Ces mesures sont rarement considérées dans le cadre d’un système global. Parallèlement à cela, rares sont les recherches qui s’intéressent à l’efficacité des différentes mesures ou du système dans son ensemble. Le présent article aborde ces questions et est dès lors important pour les décideurs qui mettent au point des mesures anticorruption.
Fête et ordre colonial
Authors: Jansen Jan C.
Published: January 2014

Les fêtes triomphalistes organisées en 1930 pour le centenaire du débarquement français sont souvent considérées comme un tournant dans l’histoire coloniale algérienne. L’article revient sur l’événement, le situant dans un cadre chronologique plus large. Le centenaire s’avère ainsi comme le début d’une vague de fêtes semblables dans plusieurs villes algériennes qui formeront une arène pour les luttes politiques des années 1930. Mettant l’accent sur les réactions algériennes (rumeurs, réinterprétations, campagnes de boycottage, etc.), l’article montre que cette série de centenaires fonctionnent comme une « école de résistance » dans laquelle différentes stratégies d’intervention sont progressivement conçues, expérimentées et mises en pratique.
Retour sur la grande famine ukrainienne de 1932-1933
Authors: Werth Nicolas
Published: January 2014

L’auteur analyse en détail les processus de décision et les mécanismes politiques ayant conduit à la famine en Ukraine et au Caucase du Nord et à son aggravation intentionnelle, en se concentrant plus particulièrement sur la période cruciale qui va de la fin de l’été 1932 au début de l’année 1933. Il revient sur un certain nombre de questions ardemment débattues par les historiens russes et ukrainiens : les objectifs poursuivis par les dirigeants staliniens ; la question des aides débloquées, in extremis , pour certaines catégories d’affamés ; la spécificité de la famine ukrainienne par rapport aux autres famines ayant frappé d’autres régions de l’URSS au même moment ; la question de la qualification juridique de la famine ukrainienne.
La Longue Marche de la veste Mao
Authors: Hourmant François
Published: January 2014

Emblème du maoïsme, la veste Mao devient l’uniforme des gardes rouges lors de la Révolution culturelle. Importée en France, elle est annexée par les militants prochinois, par les intellectuels parisiens de Tel Quel ou par les membres de la jet set internationalisée. Le costume aux lignes austères et épurées se métamorphose alors en symbole de distinction révolutionnaire et d’élitisme ostentatoire. Dépossédée de son ancrage idéologique, elle s’intègre au vestiaire occidental et nourrit l’imagination des créateurs les plus novateurs. En elle se résume le jeu des échanges croisés qui caractérisèrent la Chine maoïste et son assomption au rang de mythologie politique en France sur fond d’aspirations révolutionnaires et d’exotisme orientaliste.
A Massive MIMO Channel Estimation Using Circulant Jacket Matrices
Authors: Lee Moon Ho , Sarker Md. Abdul Latif , Kim Kyeong Jin
Published: January 2014

In this chapter, the authors investigate several fundamental issues that arise in wireless Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication over fading channels. Wireless channels are usually recognized as multipath fading channels. There are two basic aspects in wireless communication that practice the problem. Firstly, the matter of fading and secondly the disparity in the wired world. The special kinds of circulant matrices are called circulant Jacket matrices. In this chapter, the authors investigate circulant Jacket matrices in a massive MIMO channel that uses the eigenvector and the eigenvalues of this channel. In summary, they assume a perfect multipath channel with random sequences. For this system, a significant improvement in channel estimation can be seen compared to Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC), Least Squares (LS), and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE)-based linear channel estimations.
An Optimum Routing Technique for MANET over LTE Cellular Networks
Authors: Rahman Farukh M. , Gregory Mark A.
Published: January 2014

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) is a peer-to-peer communication technique that can transmit voice or data from one mobile device to another without the support of fixed infrastructures. Multi-hop routing has improved in the last few decades, and MANET is considered one of the latest trends in modern cellular communications. Studies have been carried out to find optimum routing techniques for MANET, but the majority of the works are within IEEE 802.11 environments. Long Term Evolution (LTE) series 8, which is an IP-based architecture, can offer the added benefit of co-operative communication and reduced transfer latency. Earlier research articulated a new MANET algorithm called IP Address Associated 4-N Intelligent Routing Algorithm (IPAA4NIR), which provided fast, reliable, and energy-efficient communications. This book chapter incorporates IPAA4NIR with co-operative communications to obtain optimum routing technique for MANET using LTE cellular network. The chapter also includes the statistical analysis of the proposed algorithm and simulations using OPNET modeller. A comparison with other prominent algorithm proves the proposed algorithm can use the added features of LTE and provides an optimum communication technique for MANET devices.
Exploring Signs of Hubris in CEO Language
Authors: Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: January 2014

This chapter focuses on the potential for DICTION to identify inaptly hubristic language of Chief Executive Officers. CEO hubris is examined as a syndrome possessing identifiable symptoms that have possible links to CEO language and DICTION measures. The authors make some exploratory predictions regarding the nature of these links and assess them using the text of speeches of the former long-serving CEO of British Petroleum, John Browne. In a quest for validation, they then apply the results of that assessment to some oral and written examples of the discourse of News Corporation’s CEO, Rupert Murdoch. The results, although mixed, show some promise regarding the usefulness of DICTION in identifying hubristic CEO-speak. One interesting finding is that DICTION’s calculated variable, Variety, is associated strongly and consistently with the language use of Browne and Murdoch, evidencing a high Type Token Ratio. The authors attribute this result to Browne and Murdoch possibly experiencing low anxiety as they strived to manage impressions of themselves by inducing the outside world to “know” what they were seemingly utterly convinced about - their own superiority. The chapter concludes by suggesting some refinements and extensions of the study.
Corporate Persona and Optimistic Language in Annual Reports
Authors: Nelson Samuel A. , Wang Liang “Lucas” , Smith Ronda M. , Blackford Ben
Published: January 2014

This chapter draws on theories of the organization as a social actor to examine the influence of an organization’s financial performance on the level of optimism presented in annual reports over time as a means to measure the consistency of the organization’s identity. This study contributes to the understanding of firm behavior by adding firm level analysis and longitudinal design and the use of DICTION software for qualitative analysis. Annual reports from the petroleum and food and beverage industry were analyzed over a 10-year period for both between and within firm effects. Results suggest higher levels of organizational financial performance resulted in more optimistic language in their annual reports, but the effect was only significant when performance significantly exceeded baseline expectations. Implications for the study of organizational identity are discussed.