bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A lane-changing behavioral preferences learning agent with its applications
Authors: Jian Wang , Baigen Cai , Jiang Liu , Wei Shangguan
Published: May 2015

Traditional lane-changing (LC) behavioral researches usually focus on the
driver?s cognitive performance which includes the driver?s psychological and
behavioral habit characteristics, rarely involving the affection of expert
driver?s comprehensive behavioral preferences, such as: safety and comfort
performance in LC process. Towards the free LC process, a novel LC safety and
comfort degree index is proposed in this paper, as well as, the novel
definition of LC driving behavioral preferences is described in detail.
Taking advantage of interactive evolutionary computing (IEC) and real-time
optimization (RTO) metrics, a kind of LC behavioral preferences on-line
learning agent extending traditional Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) structure
is explicitly proposed, which can perform behavioral preferences learning
activities in the LC process. In addition, driving behavioral preferences
learning strategies are introduced which can gradually grasp essentials in
driver?s subjective judgments in decision-making of the LC process and make
the LC process more safety and scientific. Specifically, a conceptual model
of the agent, driving behavioral preferences learning-BDI (DpL-BDI) agent is
introduced, along with corresponding functional modules to grasp driving
behavioral preferences. Furthermore, colored Petri nets are used to realize
the components and scheduler of the DpL-BDI agents. In the end, to compare
with the traditional LC parameters? learning methods (such as: the least
squares methods and Genetic Algorithms), a kind of LC problems is suggested
to case studies, testing and verifying the validity of the contribution.
The sustainability of Serbia's external position: The impact of fiscal adjustment and external shocks
Authors: Zildzovic Emir
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the impact of fiscal policy and external shocks on the
sustainability of Serbia?s external position. The key determinants of
Serbia's current account balance are identified using model averaging
techniques and are compared with estimates obtained for other small open
economies (Poland, Georgia, Morocco, Ukraine, and Estonia). The paper uses
estimated influences of macrovariables on the current account balance to
generate a rich set of possible outcomes for the external position of the
country. The results suggest the importance of fiscal policy for the
reduction of external imbalances in all countries in our sample. In
particular, credible and sustained fiscal adjustment can reduce current
account deficit and stabilize Serbia?s external position close to its current
level over the medium term. The analysis also warns that lack of success in
fiscal consolidation coupled with external shocks may easily push the
external position onto an unsustainable path.
Pricing strategy in the context of durable goods monopoly with discrete demand
Authors: Nunes Paulo
Published: May 2015

Considering a model of discrete demand with two consumers, this article shows
that irrespective of the difference between the willingness to pay of
consumers with high and low incomes, if interest rates are low, a durable
goods monopolist has an advantage in discriminating prices over time. If the
difference in willingness to pay is limited and interest rates high, the
monopolist has an advantage in setting a price equal to the low-income
consumer?s willingness to pay. Finally, in the case of great difference in
willingness to pay and high interest rates, the monopolist has an advantage
in setting a price equal to the high-income consumer?s willingness to pay,
and not selling the durable good to the low-income consumer. The results show
that the Coase conjecture can fail if the difference in willingness to pay is
great, and interest rates are high.
On Lipschitz mappings of the unit circle onto a convex curve and their extension
Authors: Kalaj David
Published: May 2015

Among the other results, in this paper we prove the following result: Given a
L-biLipschitz mapping of the unit circle onto a convex Jordan curve, there
exists a 3 2L3-biLipschitz extension of the plane onto itself.
On John domains in Banach spaces
Authors: Li Yaxiang , Vuorinen Matti , Wang Xiantao
Published: May 2015

We study the stability of John domains in Banach spaces under removal of a
countable set of points. In particular, we prove that the class of John
domains is stable in the sense that removing a certain type of closed
countable set from the domain yields a new domain which also is a John
domain. We apply this result to prove the stability of the inner uniform
domains. Finally, we consider a wider class of domains, so called -John
domains and prove a similar result for this class.
Ghrelin Inhibition Restores Glucose Homeostasis in Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-1α (MODY3)–Deficient Mice
Authors: Brial François , Lussier Carine R. , Belleville Karine , Sarret Philippe , Boudreau François
Published: May 2015

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α) is a transcription factor expressed in tissues of endoderm origin. Mutations in HNF1A are associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3 (MODY3). Mice deficient for Hnf1α are hyperglycemic, with their pancreatic β-cells being defective in glucose-sensing insulin secretion. The specific mechanisms involved in this defect are unclear. Gut hormones control glucose homeostasis. Our objective was to explore whether changes in these hormones play a role in glucose homeostasis in the absence of Hnf1α. An increase in ghrelin gene transcript and a decrease in glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) gene transcripts were observed in the gut of Hnf1α-null mice. These changes correlated with an increase of ghrelin and a decrease of GIP-labeled cells. Ghrelin serological levels were significantly induced in Hnf1α-null mice. Paradoxically, GIP levels were also induced in these mice. Treatment of Hnf1α-null mice with a ghrelin antagonist led to a recovery of the diabetic symptoms. We conclude that upregulation of ghrelin in the absence of Hnf1α impairs insulin secretion and can be reversed by pharmacological inhibition of ghrelin/GHS-R interaction. These observations open up on future strategies to counteract ghrelin action in a program that could become beneficial in controlling non–insulin-dependent diabetes.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Microvascular Complications in a Murine Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hur Junguk , Dauch Jacqueline R. , Hinder Lucy M. , Hayes John M. , Backus Carey , Pennathur Subramaniam , Kretzler Matthias , Brosius Frank C. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: May 2015

To define the components of the metabolic syndrome that contribute to diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we treated the BKS db/db mouse, an established murine model of T2DM and the metabolic syndrome, with the thiazolidinedione class drug pioglitazone. Pioglitazone treatment of BKS db/db mice produced a significant weight gain, restored glycemic control, and normalized measures of serum oxidative stress and triglycerides but had no effect on LDLs or total cholesterol. Moreover, although pioglitazone treatment normalized renal function, it had no effect on measures of large myelinated nerve fibers, specifically sural or sciatic nerve conduction velocities, but significantly improved measures of small unmyelinated nerve fiber architecture and function. Analyses of gene expression arrays of large myelinated sciatic nerves from pioglitazone-treated animals revealed an unanticipated increase in genes related to adipogenesis, adipokine signaling, and lipoprotein signaling, which likely contributed to the blunted therapeutic response. Similar analyses of dorsal root ganglion neurons revealed a salutary effect of pioglitazone on pathways related to defense and cytokine production. These data suggest differential susceptibility of small and large nerve fibers to specific metabolic impairments associated with T2DM and provide the basis for discussion of new treatment paradigms for individuals with T2DM and DPN.
Effects of cold isostatic pressing and granule size distribution on the densification of alumina ceramics
Authors: Ćurković Lidija , Majić Renjo Marijana , Ciglar Damir
Published: May 2015

In this paper, alumina ceramics were compacted and shaped by cold isostatic pressing. This method provides high-density green compacts, uniformly distributed over the volume, without large pores. Green bodies were sintered at a temperature of 1650 °C. Effects of spray dried granule size distribution and compaction pressure on the density of the green and sintered alumina were investigated. It was found that the density in the green and sintered state slightly increased with increasing compaction pressure and decreased with the increasing alumina granule size. The axial and radial shrinkage of ceramic samples ranged between 20 and 22 %.
CPE: Novel method to shorten the lead time for laser micro-machining
Authors: Çelen Serap
Published: May 2015

Conceptual profit engines method is a novel design approach to shorten preparation and manufacturing times from the perspective of enterprise objectives. It illustrates conceptual steps of design operation for knowledge-based laser micro-machining information system and provides new insights into decision-making systems with reducing human interaction. This method facilitated laser micro-machining by setting unknown parameters, and it reduced the process time to 47 % with actively reducing operations preventing complex decisions.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 1: Introduction and methodology
Authors: Flannery Ann Marie , Mitchell Laura
Published: May 2015

This clinical systematic review of and evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus were developed by a physician volunteer task force. They are provided as an educational tool based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information as well as accepted approaches to treatment. They are not intended to be a fixed protocol, because some patients may require more or less treatment.

In Part 1, the authors introduce the reader to the complex topic of hydrocephalus and the lack of consensus on its appropriate treatment. The authors describe the development of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines Task Force charged with reviewing the literature and recommending treatments for hydrocephalus, and they set out the basic methodology used throughout the specific topics covered in later chapters.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 3: Endoscopic computer-assisted electromagnetic navigation and ultrasonography as technical adjuvants for shunt placement
Authors: Flannery Ann Marie , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Tamber Mandeep S. , Kemp Joanna
Published: May 2015

Object

This systematic review was undertaken to answer the following question: Do technical adjuvants such as ventricular endoscopic placement, computer-assisted electromagnetic guidance, or ultrasound guidance improve ventricular shunt function and survival?

Methods

The US National Library of Medicine PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words specifically chosen to identify published articles detailing the use of cerebrospinal fluid shunts for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus. Articles meeting specific criteria that had been delineated a priori were then examined, and data were abstracted and compiled in evidentiary tables. These data were then analyzed by the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines Task Force to consider evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Results

The search yielded 163 abstracts, which were screened for potential relevance to the application of technical adjuvants in shunt placement. Fourteen articles were selected for full-text review. One additional article was selected during a review of literature citations. Eight of these articles were included in the final recommendations concerning the use of endoscopy, ultrasonography, and electromagnetic image guidance during shunt placement, whereas the remaining articles were excluded due to poor evidence or lack of relevance.

The evidence included 1 Class I, 1 Class II, and 6 Class III papers. An evidentiary table of relevant articles was created.

Conclusions

Recommendation: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of endoscopic guidance for routine ventricular catheter placement. Strength of Recommendation: Level I, high degree of clinical certainty.

Recommendation: The routine use of ultrasound-assisted catheter placement is an option. Strength of Recommendation: Level III, unclear clinical certainty.

Recommendation: The routine use of computer-assisted electromagnetic (EM) navigation is an option. Strength of Recommendation: Level III, unclear clinical certainty.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 6: Preoperative antibiotics for shunt surgery in children with hydrocephalus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Klimo Paul , Van Poppel Mark , Thompson Clinton J. , Baird Lissa C. , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Flannery Ann Marie
Published: May 2015

Object

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was twofold: to answer the question “What is the evidence for the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous antibiotics for infection prevention in shunt surgery?” and to make treatment recommendations based on the available evidence.

Methods

The US National Library of Medicine PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to prophylactic antibiotic use in children undergoing a shunt operation. Abstracts were reviewed to identify which studies met the inclusion criteria. An evidentiary table was assembled summarizing the studies and the quality of evidence (Classes I-III). A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to calculate a cumulative estimate of treatment effect using risk ratio (RR). Heterogeneity was assessed using chi-square and I2 statistics. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted. Based on the quality of the literature and the result of the meta-analysis, a recommendation was rendered (Level I, II, or III).

Results

Nine studies (4 Class I, 3 Class II, and 2 Class III) met our inclusion criteria. Of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 3 were downgraded from Class I to Class II because of significant quality issues, and all RCTs were potentially underpowered. In only 2 Class in retrospective cohort studies were preoperative antibiotic agents found to be protective against shunt infection. When data from the individual studies were pooled together, the infection rate in the prophylactic antibiotics group was 5.9% compared with 10.7% in the control group. Using a random-effects model, the cumulative RR was 0.55 (95% CI 0.38–0.81), indicating a protective benefit of prophylactic preoperative intravenous antibiotics. A sensitivity analysis of RCTs only (n = 7) also demonstrated a statistical benefit, but an analysis of higher-quality RCTs only (n = 4) did not.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this systematic review and meta-analysis, administration of preoperative antibiotic agents for shunt surgery in children was found to lower the infection risk (quality of evidence: Class II; strength of recommendation, Level II).

Recommendation

The use of preoperative antibiotic agents can be recommended to prevent shunt infection in patients with hydrocephalus. It was only by combining the results of the various underpowered studies (meta-analysis) that the use of preoperative antibiotics for shunt surgery in children was shown to lower the risk of shunt infection. Strength of Recommendation: Level II, moderate degree of clinical certainty.
Horizontal Gene Transfer, Dispersal and Haloarchaeal Speciation
Authors: Papke R. , Corral Paulina , Ram-Mohan Nikhil , Haba Rafael , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Makkay Andrea , Ventosa Antonio
Published: May 2015

The Halobacteria are a well-studied archaeal class and numerous investigations are showing how their diversity is distributed amongst genomes and geographic locations. Evidence indicates that recombination between species continuously facilitates the arrival of new genes, and within species, it is frequent enough to spread acquired genes amongst all individuals in the population. To create permanent independent diversity and generate new species, barriers to recombination are probably required. The data support an interpretation that rates of evolution (e.g., horizontal gene transfer and mutation) are faster at creating geographically localized variation than dispersal and invasion are at homogenizing genetic differences between locations. Therefore, we suggest that recurrent episodes of dispersal followed by variable periods of endemism break the homogenizing forces of intrapopulation recombination and that this process might be the principal stimulus leading to divergence and speciation in Halobacteria.
1,3-Diphenylethenylcarbazolyl-Based Monomer for Cross-Linked Hole Transporting Layers
Authors: Daskeviciene Maryte , Bubniene Giedre , Malinauskas Tadas , Jankauskas Vygintas , Gaidelis Valentas , Paulauskas Valdas , Getautis Vytautas
Published: May 2015

A new cross-linkable monomer containing 1,3-diphenylethenylcarbazolyl-based hole-transporting moieties and four reactive epoxy groups, was prepared by a multistep synthesis route from 1,3-bis(2,2-diphenylethenyl)-9H-carbazol-2-ol and its application for the in situ formation of cross-linked hole transporting layers was investigated. A high concentration of flexible aliphatic epoxy chains ensures good solubility and makes this compound an attractive cross-linking agent. The synthesized compounds were characterized by various techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, xerographic time of flight, and electron photoemission in air methods.
Nanofibers of Cellulose and Its Derivatives Fabricated Using Direct Electrospinning
Authors: Ohkawa Kousaku
Published: May 2015

A short review with 49 references describes the electrospinninng (ES) process for polysaccharides, cellulose and chitosan, and their derivatives, including cellulose acetate and hydroxypropyl cellulose. A majority of applied studies adopted a two step-process, in which the cellulose acetate was used for the first ES process, followed by acetyl group removal to regenerate cellulose thin fibers. The electrospun nonwoven fabrics (ESNW) of regenerated cellulose can be modified by introduction of aldehyde groups by oxidative cleavage of vicinal diols using periodates, and these aldehyde groups serve as acceptors of foreign substances, with various chemical/biological functions, to be immobilized on the fiber surfaces in the ESNW matrices. Direct electrospinning of cellulose from trifluroacetic acid solution was also developed and the applied studies were summarized to conclude the current trends of interests in the ES and related technologies.
Using Double Occlusion Checking System and Bi-digital O-Ring Test to Determine The Vertical Dimension of Occlusion for Maxillofacial Prosthodontics for Patients with Long-Term Pathophysiological Condition
Authors: Lu Dominic P. , Wu Ping-Shi
Published: May 2015

Common practice of establishing occlusal vertical dimension by adopting traditional method for patients with long-term pathological conditions has left the results much less than desired, since the degree of pathological condition for each patient varies from one patient to another,
and traditional methods to determine vertical dimension are mostly intended for normal patients. Ideally, the occlusal vertical dimension should be dictated by, and conformed to patient's comfort range for the physiological accommodation to each patient's condition. This article describes
a method of a double checking system for occlusion determination by increasing vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) by ½ mm each week to find the most comfort zone and beyond for patient, and then to gradually decrease ½ mm of the VDO each week to the original VDO to double
check the comfort zone for the patient. During the process, Bi-Digital O-Ring Test was employed to corroborate, to determine, and to individualize the occlusal vertical dimension for patients with pathological abnormalities. Traditional methods of vertical dimension determination were merely
used as a guiding reference in our treatment of those patients. Patient's comfort and discomfort were carefully recorded, compared and studied before the denture prosthesis was fabricated.
Statistical Analysis of 4 Types of Neck Whiplash Injuries Based on Classical Meridian Theory
Authors: Chen Yemeng , Zhao Yan , Xue Xiaolin , Li Hui , Wu Xiuyan , Zhang Qunce , Zheng Xin , Wang Tianfang
Published: May 2015

As one component of the Chinese medicine meridian system, the meridian sinew (Jingjin, tendino-musculo) is specially described as being for acupuncture treatment of the musculoskeletal system because of its dynamic attributes and tender point correlations. In recent decades, the therapeutic
importance of the sinew meridian has become revalued in clinical application. Based on this theory, the authors have established therapeutic strategies of acupuncture treatment in Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) by categorizing four types of neck symptom presentations. The advantage of
this new system is to make it much easier for the clinician to find effective acupuncture points. This study attempts to prove the significance of the proposed therapeutic strategies by analyzing data collected from a clinical survey of various WAD using non-supervised statistical methods,
such as correlation analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The clinical survey data have successfully verified discrete characteristics of four neck syndromes, based upon the range of motion (ROM) and tender point location findings. A summary of the relationships among the symptoms
of the four neck syndromes has shown the correlation coefficient as having a statistical significance (P<0.01 or P<0.05), especially with regard to ROM. Furthermore, factor and cluster analyses resulted in a total of 11 categories of general symptoms, which implies syndrome factors are
more related to the Liver, as originally described in classical theory. The hypothesis of meridian sinew syndromes in WAD is clearly supported by the statistical analysis of the clinical trials. This new discovery should be beneficial in improving therapeutic outcomes.
Participation in Leisure Activities among Canadian Children with Arthritis: Results from a National Representative Sample
Authors: Cavallo Sabrina , Majnemer Annette , Mazer Barbara , Chilingaryan Gevorg , Ehrmann Feldman Debbie
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To describe the level of participation in leisure activities among children and youth with arthritis, as well as to identify the sociodemographic (age, sex, family income), disease-related (functional limitations, disease duration, pain, medication use, child’s need for assistance), and contextual factors (use of rehabilitation services, proximity of local recreation facilities, cost of activities) that may be associated.

Methods.

Data from the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) 2006, a Canadian postcensus survey, was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between the sample’s level of participation in leisure activities, and sociodemographic, disease-related, and contextual characteristics.

Results.

In Canada in 2006, an estimated 4350 children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years were living with arthritis. Fifty-six percent of parents reported that arthritis restricted their child’s participation in leisure activities. Bivariate analysis showed that the availability of local recreational facilities, the affordability of activities, and the child not requiring any assistance were all associated (modified Bonferroni correction α < 0.005) with greater participation in various types of leisure activities. Multiple linear regressions showed that higher family income (β 0.47, 95% CI 0.09, 0.85) and greater perceived pain (β 0.59, 95% CI 0.07, 1.10) were positively associated with involvement in informal leisure.

Conclusion.

Our findings underline the importance of considering contextual factors in developing treatment plans aimed at improving participation in leisure activities among children with arthritis. Future longitudinal studies targeting children living with arthritis could provide pertinent information on participation over fluctuations in disease status.
Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: Clinical Longterm Assessment May Underestimate Activity
Authors: Voit Agnes M. , Arnoldi Andreas P. , Douis Hassan , Bleisteiner Felicitas , Jansson Moritz K. , Reiser Maximilian F. , Weckbach Sabine , Jansson Annette F.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

(1) To examine how many patients have clinically and/or radiologically active chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) ≥ 10 years after first onset of symptoms, and (2) to compare clinical and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) findings.

Methods.

Seventeen patients (82% women) who were diagnosed with childhood-onset CRMO at least 10 years (average 12) before reexamination were reevaluated. Patients completed a standardized questionnaire, and underwent clinical and laboratory investigation and WB-MRI. Clinical features were compared with imaging findings.

Results.

Five patients were found to be in clinical and radiological remission. One of these patients demonstrated 1 radiologically inactive lesion on WB-MRI. Four patients showed radiologically active lesions despite full clinical remission, 2 of them in 3 vertebral bodies. Spinal involvement in 6 patients (35%) caused vertebral compression fractures, vertebra plana, or vertebral hemifusion. Eight patients presented with ongoing clinical disease activity. When applying a CRMO activity score based on clinical and imaging findings, 2 patients were identified as having pain amplification. Overall, 22/55 known CRMO lesions were identified; 11 of them were radiologically active lesions. Additionally, 14 so far unknown clinically silent lesions were detected: 8 radiologically active lesions and 6 radiologically inactive lesions.

Conclusion.

CRMO activity on longterm followup might have been underestimated. Our study demonstrates that clinical remission does not necessarily mean radiological remission. We therefore propose that all patients with CRMO, including patients in clinical remission, require longterm clinical followup and should undergo evaluation with WB-MRI on a regular basis until radiological remission or a steady state of disease is achieved.
Aggressive Therapy Reduces Disease Activity without Skeletal Damage Progression in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Zhao Yongdong , Chauvin Nancy A. , Jaramillo Diego , Burnham Jon M.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To retrospectively assess changes in disease activity and skeletal damage in children with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) after infliximab and methotrexate, with or without zoledronic acid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) monotherapy, using a standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach.

Methods.

Treatment-related changes in clinical and MRI measures from aggressive therapy and NSAID monotherapy groups (n = 9 per group) were evaluated using nonparametric methods.

Results.

Pain, physical function, physician global assessment, inflammatory markers, nonvertebral inflammatory lesion number, and maximum bone edema score all improved significantly with aggressive therapy (p < 0.03), whereas only the maximum soft tissue inflammation severity decreased (p = 0.02) with NSAID monotherapy. Vertebral deformities and physeal damage did not worsen in the aggressive therapy group but 1 in the NSAID group had worsening of growth plate damage.

Conclusion.

An aggressive treatment regimen in CNO improved clinical and imaging measures of disease activity without progression of skeletal damage.
Current Status of Efforts on Standardizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Report from the OMERACT MRI in JIA Working Group and Health-e-Child
Authors: Nusman Charlotte M. , Ording Muller Lil-Sofie , Hemke Robert , Doria Andrea S. , Avenarius Derk , Tzaribachev Nikolay , Malattia Clara , van Rossum Marion A.J. , Maas Mario , Rosendahl Karen
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To report on the progress of an ongoing research collaboration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and describe the proceedings of a meeting, held prior to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) 12, bringing together the OMERACT MRI in JIA working group and the Health-e-Child radiology group. The goal of the meeting was to establish agreement on scoring definitions, locations, and scales for the assessment of MRI of patients with JIA for both large and small joints.

Methods.

The collaborative work process included premeeting surveys, presentations, group discussions, consensus on scoring methods, pilot scoring, conjoint review, and discussion of a future research agenda.

Results.

The meeting resulted in preliminary statements on the MR imaging protocol of the JIA knee and wrist and determination of the starting point for development of MRI scoring systems based on previous studies. It was also considered important to be descriptive rather than explanatory in the assessment of MRI in JIA (e.g., “thickening” instead of “hypertrophy”). Further, the group agreed that well-designed calibration sessions were warranted before any future scoring exercises were conducted.

Conclusion.

The combined efforts of the OMERACT MRI in JIA working group and Health-e-Child included the assessment of currently available material in the literature and determination of the basis from which to start the development of MRI scoring systems for both the knee and wrist. The future research agenda for the knee and wrist will include establishment of MRI scoring systems, an atlas of MR imaging in healthy children, and MRI protocol requisites.
Fibromyalgia and the Risk of a Subsequent Motor Vehicle Crash
Authors: Redelmeier Donald A. , Zung Jeremy D. , Thiruchelvam Deva , Tibshirani Robert J.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

Motor vehicle crashes are a widespread contributor to mortality and morbidity, sometimes related to medically unfit motorists. We tested whether patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) have an increased risk of a subsequent serious motor vehicle crash.

Methods.

We conducted a population-based self-matched longitudinal cohort analysis to estimate the incidence rate ratio of crashes among patients diagnosed with FM relative to the population norm in Ontario, Canada. We included adults diagnosed from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2012, excluding individuals younger than 18 years, living outside Ontario, lacking valid identifiers, or having only a single visit for the diagnosis. The primary outcome was an emergency department visit as a driver involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Results.

The patients (n = 137,631) accounted for 738 crashes during the first year of followup after diagnosis, equal to an incidence rate ratio of 2.44 compared with the population norm (95% CI 2.27–2.63, p < 0.001). The crash rate was more than twice the population norm for those with a new or a persistent diagnosis. The increased risk included patients with diverse characteristics, approached the rate observed among other patients diagnosed with alcoholism, and was mitigated among those who received dedicated FM care or a physician warning for driving safety.

Conclusion.

A diagnosis of FM is associated with an increased risk of a subsequent motor vehicle crash that might justify medical interventions for traffic safety.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Following Primary Sjögren Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Cheng-Che , Yang Albert C. , Kuo Benjamin Ing-Tiau , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: May 2015

Objective.

Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease. A clear temporal causal relationship between pSS and psychiatric disorders has not been well established. We used a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study to explore the relationship between pSS and the subsequent development of psychiatric disorders.

Methods.

We identified subjects who were newly diagnosed with pSS between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database. A comparison cohort was constructed for patients without pSS. There were 2686 patients with pSS and 10,744 matched controls observed until diagnosed with psychiatric disorders or until death, withdrawal from the NHI system, or December 31, 2009. The Institutional Review Board of Taipei Veterans General Hospital approved this study (2012-12-013BC).

Results.

The adjusted HR of depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder in subjects with pSS were significantly higher at 1.829, 1.856, and 1.967 than those of the controls during the followup. We found that pSS might increase the risk of subsequent newly diagnosed depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder that may impair life quality.

Conclusion.

Our findings highlight the need for psychiatric evaluation and intervention for patients with pSS.
La philosophie de François Châtelet
Authors: Vergnioux Alain
Published: May 2015

François Châtelet (1925-1985) ne cessa jamais d’enseigner, en lycée, en classe préparatoire, à l’université, et il a toujours affirmé que l’exercice de la philosophie était indissociable de son enseignement. À partir de livres, préfaces, articles ou interviews, l’article se propose de restituer la critique radicale menée par Châtelet contre les pratiques institutionnelles de cet enseignement, au lycée comme à l’université, et la réduction de la philosophie à son histoire ou à son commentaire. Il examine ensuite à quelles conditions de nouvelles pratiques de la philosophie devraient être envisagées, dans le cadre plus large d’une redéfinition de la culture tout entière.
L’interculturalité
Authors: Crispi Valentina
Published: May 2015

Résumé Les flux migratoires consécutifs à la décolonisation, aux impératifs économiques et à la mondialisation généralisée des phénomènes sociaux transforment en profondeur les sociétés modernes sur les plans démographique et culturel. Les problèmes soulevés par la rencontre, la coexistence, les échanges ou les affrontements entre cultures deviennent primordiaux ; la difficulté est de les penser dans la multiplicité complexe de leurs différents registres et processus. L’article présente et analyse en quoi les concepts et les problématiques (altérité, différence, déconstruction des identités, multiplicité) forgés dans les dernières décennies par la philosophie, française en particulier (Deleuze, Derrida, Ricœur, Lévinas), peuvent contribuer à l’effort de clarification et de compréhension de ce que peut être un vivre ensemble interculturel.
De la “pédagogisation” des soins des malades chroniques aux dispositifs d’éducation thérapeutique
Authors: Guirimand Nicolas
Published: May 2015

Résumé L’augmentation constante du nombre de malades chroniques depuis plus d’un demi-siècle a incité les médecins à repenser leur pratique. En s’appuyant sur certaines théories de la psychologie et de la philosophie de l’éducation, la médecine moderne a fait peau neuve en intégrant en son sein de nouveaux dispositifs éducatifs. Les travaux de Michel Foucault permettent de penser les conditions nécessaires d’apparition de ces dispositifs et leurs effets sur la relation soignant-soigné, et plus largement sur les institutions médicales. Ces institutions n’ont plus seulement pour fonctions de soigner, de produire des connaissances médicales et de les transmettre aux futurs médecins, mais se voient également confier une nouvelle responsabilité, celle d’éduquer les malades. Alors que certaines approches éducatives tentent de favoriser l’émancipation du patient, d’autres dérivent en institutionnalisant la normalisation du sujet.
Foucault éducateur : un art de l’écriture et un modèle d’autoformation
Authors: Vincent Hubert
Published: May 2015

Résumé Le souci de rendre hommage à Michel Foucault, tant à sa personne qu’à son œuvre, peut prendre plusieurs voies. Ici, j’en ai retenu deux. La première voie concerne le style même de Foucault, et plus précisément son style d’exposition. Foucault me semble avoir une écriture ou un style d’exposition très généreux, surtout dans ses cours au Collège de France. J’ai voulu ressaisir cette générosité et ses traits constitutifs. La seconde concerne plus un problème ou une notion, en l’occurrence celle d’autoformation ou de pratique d’autoformation. Les analyses que Foucault consacra à certaines techniques de lecture et d’écriture héritées de la philosophie hellénistique me semblent ainsi pouvoir y jeter une lumière originale.
La production des hétérotopies à l'école : souci de soi et subjectivation
Authors: Gallo Sílvio
Published: May 2015

Résumé On trouve chez Foucault ( Surveiller et punir ) une critique très importante de l’école comme institution disciplinaire. Je voudrais poser la question : serait-il possible de penser autrement l’école, avec Foucault ? Je partirai du concept d’hétérotopie pour interroger les possibilités de produire, dans l’école, des espaces autres d’apprentissage – soit l’apprentissage de la connaissance, de la vie ou de soi-même. Je travaillerai avec les derniers cours de Foucault au Collège de France (ceux des années 1980 à 1984), pour trouver des pistes qui nous permettraient de penser autrement l’éducation et l’école.
La question de l’écoute chez Michel Foucault
Authors: Hourcade Sciou Annie
Published: May 2015

Résumé Michel Foucault aborde la question de l’écoute dans ses cours au Collège de France, notamment dans L’herméneutique du sujet et dans Le gouvernement de soi et des autres , s’appuyant essentiellement sur des textes antiques. Ce questionnement occupe une place déterminante dans les développements que Foucault met en œuvre sur l’activité de parrhêsia et plus largement de conseil. L’écoute y apparaît comme la contrepartie du discours philosophique mais aussi comme sa condition de possibilité. Les deux aspects de l’écoute – dans sa dimension de passivité mais aussi dans l’attitude active dont elle témoigne chez l’auditeur – invitent à s’interroger, avec Foucault, sur la limite ténue entre une philosophie dont la vocation est de soigner les âmes dans une visée essentiellement de conseil éducatif et une philosophie dont le but est avant tout de faire des philosophes.
Foucault, lecteur de Plutarque : de la notion de savoir « éthopoétique » à la construction d’une « esthétique de l’existence »
Authors: Machado Edouardo
Published: May 2015

Résumé Nous essayerons de montrer dans cet article la « fonction auteur » que Plutarque occupe dans l’œuvre de Foucault tout en mettant en relief sa dimension éducative. L’étude montre un usage important de l’œuvre de Plutarque comme outil conceptuel et met en lumière deux figures (le biographe et le philosophe-thérapeute). Ces deux figures représentent deux aspects essentiels de la pensée éducative de Foucault : le refus de l’imitation des modèles du passé, incarné par le paradigme humaniste des biographies des hommes illustres, et la promotion d’une pédagogie des pratiques sur soi. De cette réflexion ressort la problématisation éducative du lien et du chemin construit par Foucault allant de la notion plutarchéenne d’un savoir « éthopoétique » à la possibilité de la construction d’une certaine idée esthétisante de l’homme.
Industry Demands and Future of Engineering Education in Kenya
Authors: Rutto Daniel
Published: May 2015

Engineering Education in Kenya remains the major determinant of country’s economic agenda. However, at the moment the education system offers the industry and society unsatisfactory knowledge and services due to mismatch between the supplied educational talents and the ever changing world of engineering. It is imperative that the Kenyan engineering education be designed to tackle challenges emerging in our societies and industries by providing real tangible practical skills. The government on its part should take its share by supporting and giving direction to institution offering such courses. In order to produce graduates with employable skills, institutions of engineering must aim at quality while ensuring massification of students into programs never happens. This paper is thus designed to show challenges facing quality of engineering education offered in Kenya in relation to the society and industrial needs. The paper also highlights the future demands needed on Kenyan engineering education. The write-up is expected to inspire education designers and curriculum developers in preparing programs that provide for the society and industry.
From STEM to STEAM: Strategies for Enhancing Engineering & Technology Education
Authors: Connor Andy M. , Karmokar Sangeeta , Whittington Chris
Published: May 2015

This paper sets out to challenge the common pedagogies found in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education with a particular focus on engineering. The dominant engineering pedagogy remains “chalk and talk”; despite research evidence that demonstrates its ineffectiveness. Such pedagogical approaches do not embrace the possibilities provided by more student-centric approaches and more active learning. The paper argues that there is a potential confusion in engineering education around the role of active learning approaches, and that the adoption of these approaches may be limited as a result of this confusion, combined with a degree of disciplinary egocentrism. The paper presents examples of design, engineering and technology projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of adopting pedagogies and delivery methods more usually attributed to the liberal arts such as studio based learning. The paper concludes with some suggestions about how best to create a fertile environment from which inquiry based learning can emerge as well as a reflection on whether the only real limitation on cultivating such approaches is the disciplinary egocentrism of traditional engineering educators.
“They said I came back Americanized”: cosmopolitanism and mediation in the trajectory of Carmen Miranda
Authors: O’Donnell Julia
Published: May 2015

This paper analyzes Carmen Miranda’s trajectory by situating it in the broader context of the disputes about Brazilian nationality between 1920 and 1940. At the intersection between her career and the Brazilian political culture of her time, the paper discusses her role in mediating the symbols that contributed to a particular national project that made the samba the country’s unmistakable trademark.
Cosmopolitan impressions from a contemporary Bengali patachitra painting museum collection in Portugal
Authors: Ponte Inês
Published: May 2015

In the contemporary work done by rural patua artisans, an Indian folk art, questions about tradition and innovation are interwoven with what I call “cosmopolitan impressions”. Focusing particularly on the recent development of women as painters and performers of the patua folk craft in an expanded market, through a study of the acquisition of a patachitra collection by the Ethnology Museum in Lisbon, I explore the cosmopolitan impressions in the work of such women from the village of Naya. I will analyse a few threads related to the conditions that lead women to become artisans of an art traditionally associated with men, and suggest that the particular attitude encountered within the patua community in Naya has enabled the more or less successful continuity of their activity up to today. First, I briefly outline their contemporary trajectories, before taking a detailed look at their views on their activity, and then I conclude with an overview of their iconographic themes. The combination of these overlapping threads provides evidence for what I call a “cosmopolitan tradition”.
Cosmopolitan India
Authors: Perez Rosa Maria
Published: May 2015

This paper debates the modern conceptualization of cosmopolitanism in the social sciences, grounded on the Indian diaspora in the world. Its main focus is the growing Bollywood cinema in Hindi and the role that it plays in the international consumption of the Indian culture.
Métropole, cosmopolitisme et médiation
Authors: Velho Gilberto
Published: May 2015

Le texte examine certaines questions relatives à la thématique du cosmopolitisme métropolitain, en se focalisant sur les trajectoires et les subjectivités. Il s’agit de réfléchir, à partir d’auteurs classiques comme Simmel, sur les discontinuités entre les cultures objectives et subjectives dans la société moderno-contemporaine. Une des préoccupations centrales est d’identifier la circulation entre de multiples domaines et différents courants de la tradition culturelle. Cet article s’inscrit dans la continuité de travaux antérieurs où la complexité et l’hétérogénéité socioculturelles avaient été examinées à partir de leurs effets sur les trajectoires d’individus et de catégories. Il s’agit ici de repenser la notion de cosmopolitisme, en la contextualisant en termes historiques et culturels. Le thème de la médiation, qui se manifeste dans la capacité à transiter et, en situations spécifiques, au travers du rôle de médiateur entre différents groupes, réseaux et codes se trouve aussi interrogé. Le médiateur, même sans être un auteur au sens conventionnel, est un interprète et un réinventeur de culture. Il est un agent du changement quand il porte des informations et transmet de nouveaux principes, habitudes, biens et aspirations.
L’eau des riches
Authors: Wateau Fabienne
Published: May 2015

Faut-il voir dans le marketing et la publicité une des formes possibles du cosmopolitisme ? L’article propose une analyse des modes de vente et de distribution de l’eau en bouteille Perrier, vendue à l’international au nom d’une particularité nationale, un chic et un snob à la française qui lui confèrent sa marque de distinction. Le cosmopolitisme est interrogé au regard de ce marché globalisé tandis que les principes de la distinction sont rappelés pour en expliquer le succès.
Le prix des contes
Authors: La Salle Bruno de
Published: May 2015

Les conteurs donnent-ils des contes à leurs auditeurs ? Peut-on donner des paroles, nécessairement éphémères et dont la valeur doit s’estimer dans l’instant ? En quoi peut consister le contre-don des auditeurs (suivant le schéma de Marcel Mauss) ? À qui appartiennent les récits patrimoniaux ? À ceux qui en gardent la mémoire ? Qu’en est-il de nos jours où les contes se trouvent enclos dans des objets matériels (imprimés, enregistrés) ? Un conteur pose ces questions difficiles de l’intérieur, à partir de sa longue pratique.
Contes à rendre : éthiquement ou ethniquement ?
Authors: Sahuc Philippe
Published: May 2015

L’article est basé sur l’autoanalyse d’une expérience de collecteur-conteur conduite en parallèle à la relecture de l’Essai sur le don de Marcel Mauss. Rendre les contes en les disant à son tour y est présenté comme un possible contre-don. Cherchant une suite au don reçu au moment du collectage, l’auteur questionne le lien entre les partenaires du conte, les « auditeurs » et les « informateurs ». Il porte pour cela attention au moment et aux conditions dans lesquelles les contes lui sont confiés ainsi qu’aux caractéristiques de la personne qui les confie. Pour le conteur, ancien collecteur, le souvenir de la réception doit faire alors partie intégrante du récit, comme une forme d’éthique à respecter. Commence alors une série d’interrogations concernant, en particulier, les conditions matérielles de la restitution, la délimitation spatiale et la qualification du groupe constitué par ces échanges.