bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Eccentric Hip Abduction Strength Reduces the Risk of Developing Patellofemoral Pain Among Novice Runners Initiating a Self-Structured Running Program: A 1-Year Observational Study
Authors: Ramskov Daniel , Barton Christian , Nielsen Rasmus O. , Rasmussen Sten
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Observational prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up.

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between eccentric hip abduction strength and the development of patellofemoral pain (PFP) in novice runners during a self-structured running regime.

Background

Recent research indicates that gluteal muscle weakness exists in individuals with PFP. However, current prospective research has been limited to the evaluation of isometric strength, producing inconsistent findings. Considering that hip muscles, including the gluteus maximus and medius, activate eccentrically to control hip and pelvic motion during weight-bearing activities such as running, the potential link between eccentric strength and PFP risk should be evaluated.

Methods

Eight hundred thirty-two novice runners were included at baseline, and 629 participants were included in the final analysis. Maximal eccentric hip abduction strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer prior to initiating a self-structured running program. The diagnostic criteria to classify knee pain as PFP were based on a thorough clinical examination. Participants were followed for 12 months and training characteristics were gathered with a global positioning system.

Results

Results from the unadjusted generalized linear regression model for cumulative risk at 25 and 50 km indicated differences in cumulative risk of PFP between high strength, normal strength, and low strength (P<.05), with higher strength associated with reduced risk.

Conclusion

Findings from this study indicate that, among novice runners, a level of peak eccentric hip abduction strength that is higher than normal may reduce the risk of PFP during the first 50 km of a self-structured running program.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):153–161. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5091
Effects of 2 Ankle Destabilization Devices on Electromyography Measures During Functional Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Donovan Luke , Hart Joseph M. , Hertel Jay
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Randomized crossover laboratory study.

Objectives

To determine the effects of ankle destabilization devices on surface electromyography (sEMG) measures of selected lower extremity muscles during functional exercises in participants with chronic ankle instability.

Background

Ankle destabilization devices are rehabilitation tools that can be worn as a boot or sandal to increase lower extremity muscle activation during walking in healthy individuals. However, they have not been tested in a population with pathology.

Methods

Fifteen adults with chronic ankle instability participated. Surface electromyography electrodes were located over the anterior tibialis, fibularis longus, lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius. The activity level of these muscles was recorded in a single testing session during unipedal stance with eyes closed, the Star Excursion Balance Test, lateral hops, and treadmill walking. Each task was performed under 3 conditions: shod, ankle destabilization boot, and ankle destabilization sandal. Surface electromyography signal amplitudes were measured for each muscle during each exercise for all 3 conditions.

Results

Participants demonstrated a significant increase, with moderate to large effect sizes, in sEMG signal amplitude of the fibularis longus in the ankle destabilization boot and ankle destabilization sandal conditions during the unipedal eyes-closed balance test, the Star Excursion Balance Test in the anterior and posteromedial directions, lateral hops, and walking, when compared to the shod condition. Both devices also resulted in an increase in sEMG signal amplitudes, with large effect sizes of the lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius during the unipedal-stance-with-eyes-closed test, compared to the shod condition.

Conclusion

Wearing ankle destabilization devices caused greater muscle activation during functional exercises in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Based on the magnitude of the effect, there were consistent increases in fibularis longus sEMG amplitudes during the unipedal eyes-closed balance test, the Star Excursion Balance Test in the anterior and posteromedial directions, and pre-initial contact and post-initial contact during lateral hops and walking. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):220–232. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5222
Reinventing the Role of the University Researcher
Authors: Nelson Ingrid A. , London Rebecca A. , Strobel Karen R.
Published: January 2015

This study examines the structuring of university–community research partnerships that facilitate theoretically grounded research while also generating findings that community partners find actionable. We analyze one partnership that positions university-based researchers as members of a team working to create, maintain, and use a longitudinal multiagency data source. Through our focus on the evolution of this university–community collaboration, we show how researchers established their commitment to a mutually beneficial exchange and how data-driven action emerged when community agencies assumed ownership and prioritized action throughout the research process.
An Exploratory Study to Determine the Relationship between Cervical Dysfunction and Perimenstrual Migraines
Authors: Horwitz Simone , Stewart Aimee
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To determine whether an association between cervical dysfunction and perimenstrual migraines exists. Methods: Forty perimenstrual migraine sufferers and 46 controls were compared. Information on the participants' ages and perceptions of neck pain and stiffness were solicited. The blinded physical examination of the cervical area consisted of postural, range of motion, muscle strength, muscle length, trigger point, neural mobility, and segmental cervical joint movement assessment. Results: The migraine group had increased perception of neck pain and stiffness (p<0.001); reduced bilateral rotation (p=0.013); decreased muscle length in both trapezii, left sternocleidomastoid, and right occipitals (p=0.045); more pain on muscle stretch in both levator scapulae, both trapezii, left sternocleidomastoid, and both occipitals (p=0.013); increased trigger points bilaterally in the left trapezius (p=0.021), right trapezius (p=0.023), left sternocleidomastoid (p=0.0.004), and right sternocleidomastoid (p=0.021); reduced neural mobility with bilateral elbow lag (p=0.043); greater C4–C6 pain (p=0.045); and increased cervical stiffness in C5–C7 (p=0.023). There were no differences in posture and muscle strength. Decreased muscle length increased the risk of perimenstrual migraines 2.4–6.7 fold, reduced neural mobility 5.8–10.7 fold, and increased C7 stiffness 17.0 fold. Conclusion: The results suggest that an association between cervical dysfunction and perimenstrual headaches should be further explored.
Incorporating Research Technology into the Clinical Assessment of Balance and Mobility: Perspectives of Physiotherapists and People with Stroke
Authors: Pak Patricia , Jawed Hina , Tirone Christina , Lamb Bethany , Cott Cheryl , Brunton Karen , Mansfield Avril , Inness Elizabeth L.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To describe the perspectives of people with stroke and their physiotherapists on the use of biomechanics technology to assess balance and mobility. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with patients with stroke and a focus group with their physiotherapists. Coding of interview and focus-group data used a line-by-line inductive approach, with qualitative software to develop codes into themes. Results: The quantitative data from the assessment were seen as beneficial to providing patients with insight into balance and mobility problems. Physiotherapists found that the assessment confirmed clinical reasoning and aided in precise evaluation of progress but expressed mixed opinions as to whether treatment choice was influenced. Patients would have liked more communication regarding the purpose of the assessment. Patients also stated that trust in their physiotherapists helped them overcome anxieties and that confidence was gained through exposure to more challenging balance assessments. Physiotherapists advocated for the use of a harness system to safely incorporate reactive balance control assessment and training into practice. Conclusion: Both patients and therapists saw value in the quantitative data provided by the assessment. Regardless of the technology used, patients value a strong physiotherapist–patient relationship. Ongoing collaboration between clinicians and researchers should guide the evolution of technology into clinically useful tools.
Review of Power Conversion and Conditioning Systems for Stationary Electrochemical Storage
Authors: Andriollo Mauro , Benato Roberto , Bressan Michele , Sessa Sebastian , Palone Francesco , Polito Rosario
Published: January 2015

This paper deals with the power conversion system architectures to interface a stationary electrochemical storage installation with the network. Theoretical justifications about the conversion system layouts and control, used for actual Italian installations, are given. This paper aims at giving the power energy society an overview of actual possibilities of static conversion of d.c. battery sources.
Profiling of Fatty Acids Composition in Suet Oil Based on GC–EI-qMS and Chemometrics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Jun , Jia Xiaobin
Published: January 2015

Fatty acid (FA) composition of suet oil (SO) was measured by precolumn methylesterification (PME) optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and gas chromatography/electron ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–EI-qMS). A spectral library (NIST 08) and standard compounds were used to identify FAs in SO representing 90.89% of the total peak area. The ten most abundant FAs were derivatized into FA methyl esters (FAMEs) and quantified by GC–EI-qMS; the correlation coefficient of each FAME was 0.999 and the lowest concentration quantified was 0.01 μg/mL. The range of recovery of the FAMEs was 82.1%–98.7% (relative standard deviation 2.2%–6.8%). The limits of quantification (LOQ) were 1.25–5.95 μg/L. The number of carbon atoms in the FAs identified ranged from 12 to 20; hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids were the most abundant. Eighteen samples of SO purchased from Qinghai, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces of China were categorized into three groups by principal component analysis (PCA) according to the contents of the most abundant FAs. The results showed SOs samples were rich in FAs with significantly different profiles from different origins. The method described here can be used for quality control and SO differentiation on the basis of the FA profile.
A Time to Kill: Targeting Apoptosis in Cancer
Authors: Koff Jean , Ramachandiran Sampath , Bernal-Mizrachi Leon
Published: January 2015

The process of apoptosis is essential for maintaining the physiologic balance between cell death and cell growth. This complex process is executed by two major pathways that participate in activating an executioner mechanism leading to chromatin disintegration and nuclear fragmentation. Dysregulation of these pathways often contributes to cancer development and resistance to cancer therapy. Here, we review the most recent discoveries in apoptosis regulation and possible mechanisms for resensitizing tumor cells to therapy.
Estimation of Biomass and Canopy Height in Bermudagrass, Alfalfa, and Wheat Using Ultrasonic, Laser, and Spectral Sensors
Authors: Pittman Jeremy , Arnall Daryl , Interrante Sindy , Moffet Corey , Butler Twain
Published: January 2015

Non-destructive biomass estimation of vegetation has been performed via remote sensing as well as physical measurements. An effective method for estimating biomass must have accuracy comparable to the accepted standard of destructive removal. Estimation or measurement of height is commonly employed to create a relationship between height and mass. This study examined several types of ground-based mobile sensing strategies for forage biomass estimation. Forage production experiments consisting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were employed to examine sensor biomass estimation (laser, ultrasonic, and spectral) as compared to physical measurements (plate meter and meter stick) and the traditional harvest method (clipping). Predictive models were constructed via partial least squares regression and modeled estimates were compared to the physically measured biomass. Least significant difference separated mean estimates were examined to evaluate differences in the physical measurements and sensor estimates for canopy height and biomass. Differences between methods were minimal (average percent error of 11.2% for difference between predicted values versus machine and quadrat harvested biomass values (1.64 and 4.91 t·ha−1, respectively), except at the lowest measured biomass (average percent error of 89% for harvester and quad harvested biomass < 0.79 t·ha−1) and greatest measured biomass (average percent error of 18% for harvester and quad harvested biomass >6.4 t·ha−1). These data suggest that using mobile sensor-based biomass estimation models could be an effective alternative to the traditional clipping method for rapid, accurate in-field biomass estimation.
No Evidence for a Culturable Bacterial Tetrodotoxin Producer in Pleurobranchaea maculata (Gastropoda: Pleurobranchidae) and Stylochoplana sp. (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida)
Authors: Salvitti Lauren , Wood Susanna , McNabb Paul , Cary Stephen
Published: January 2015

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found in the tissues of many taxonomically diverse organisms. Its origin has been the topic of much debate, with suggestions including endogenous production, acquisition through diet, and symbiotic bacterial synthesis. Bacterial production of TTX has been reported in isolates from marine biota, but at lower than expected concentrations. In this study, 102 strains were isolated from Pleurobranchaea maculata (Opisthobranchia) and Stylochoplana sp. (Platyhelminthes). Tetrodotoxin production was tested utilizing a recently developed sensitive method to detect the C9 base of TTX via liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry. Bacterial strains were characterized by sequencing a region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. To account for the possibility that TTX is produced by a consortium of bacteria, a series of experiments using marine broth spiked with various P. maculata tissues were undertaken. Sixteen unique strains from P. maculata and one from Stylochoplana sp. were isolated, representing eight different genera; Pseudomonadales, Actinomycetales, Oceanospirillales, Thiotrichales, Rhodobacterales, Sphingomonadales, Bacillales, and Vibrionales. Molecular fingerprinting of bacterial communities from broth experiments showed little change over the first four days. No C9 base or TTX was detected in isolates or broth experiments (past day 0), suggesting a culturable microbial source of TTX in P. maculata and Stylochoplana sp. is unlikely.
Pokeweed Antiviral Protein, a Ribosome Inactivating Protein: Activity, Inhibition and Prospects
Authors: Domashevskiy Artem , Goss Dixie
Published: January 2015

Viruses employ an array of elaborate strategies to overcome plant defense mechanisms and must adapt to the requirements of the host translational systems. Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) from Phytolacca americana is a ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) and is an RNA N-glycosidase that removes specific purine residues from the sarcin/ricin (S/R) loop of large rRNA, arresting protein synthesis at the translocation step. PAP is thought to play an important role in the plant’s defense mechanism against foreign pathogens. This review focuses on the structure, function, and the relationship of PAP to other RIPs, discusses molecular aspects of PAP antiviral activity, the novel inhibition of this plant toxin by a virus counteraction—a peptide linked to the viral genome (VPg), and possible applications of RIP-conjugated immunotoxins in cancer therapeutics.
Tunable white light emission by variation of composition and defects of electrospun Al2O3–SiO2 nanofibers
Authors: Zhou Jinyuan , Sun Gengzhi , Zhao Hao , Pan Xiaojun , Zhang Zhenxing , Fu Yujun , Mao Yanzhe , Xie Erqing
Published: January 2015

Composite nanofibers consisting of Al2O3–SiO2 were prepared by electrospinning in combination with post-calcination in air. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the crystalline phase and microstructure of the composite nanofibers. Photoluminescence experiments indicated that the resulting white light emission can be tuned by the relative intensity of the individual spectral components, which are related to the individual defects such as: violet-blue emission from O defects, green emission from ≡Si(Al)–O–C∙=O, and red emission from intersystem radiative crossing. White light emission was realized at a Al/(Al–Si) ratio of 40 and 60 mol %. This research may offer a deeper understanding of the preparation of efficient and environmentally friendly, white luminescence materials.
STRUCTURAL LEVELS OF THE NUCLEATION AND GROWTH OF FATIGUE CRACK IN 17MN1SI STEEL PIPELINE AFTER LONG-TERM SERVICE
Authors: Maruschak Pavlo , Panin Sergey , Vlasov Ilya , Prentkovskis Olegas , Danyliuk Iryna
Published: January 2015

The majority of modern gas pipelines in Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia have been operating for more than 30–40 years. The problem of forecasting residual life-time of materials comprising such gas pipelines calls for study of their degradation kinetics as well as requires to determine its relationship with the strain-force loading parameters. The aim of the paper is to study the kinetics of fracture in order to range mechanisms of cyclic deformation of 17Mn1Si steel at nucleation and growth of a fatigue crack. Flat specimens were cut out from a fragment of 17Mn1Si steel pipe after 40 years of service. Microstructures of specimens were examined. In the paper, an attempt was made to apply the combined approach to study of deformation and fracture based on the following research parameters from nonlinear fracture mechanics: physical mesomechanics and numerical fractography.
MODELLING THE SATELLITE COMMUNICATION LINKS WITH ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY-DIVISION MULTIPLEXING
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymir , Wang Bo , Grekhov Andrii , Leschenko Anna
Published: January 2015

Global technologies of data transmission in real time are developing constantly. Therefore, modelling of messages transmission through satellite constellations is an actual problem. In this paper the original model of a communication channel ‘Vehicle-to-Satellite-to-Ground Station’ based on principles of the IEEE 802.11a standard is designed using MatLab Sіmulіnk software. The model allows simulating data transmission with data rate from 6 to 54 Mbit/s using adaptive modulation. Two types of channels were analysed for uplink/downlink modulation – a free space path losses with phase/frequency offset and Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) link. On the base of this model, channel integrity was investigated and dependences of a Signal-Noise Ratio (SNR) on free space path losses, antennas diameters, number of OFDM symbols and satellite transponder noise temperature were received.
Application of nonparametric regression in predicting traffic incident duration
Authors: Wang Shi , Li Ruimin , Guo Min
Published: January 2015

Predicting the duration time of incidents is important for effective real-time Traffic Incident Management (TIM). In the current study, the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm is employed as a nonparametric regression approach to develop a traffic incident duration prediction model. Incident data from 2008 on the third ring expressway mainline in Beijing are collected from the local Incident Reporting and Dispatching System. The incident sites are randomly distributed along the mainline, which is 48.3 km long and has six two-way lanes with a single-lane daily volume of more than 10000 veh. The main incident type used is sideswipe and the average incident duration time is 32.69 min. The most recent one-fourth of the incident records are selected as testing set. Vivatrat method is employed to filter anomalous data for the training set. Incident duration time is set as the dependent variable in Kruskal–Wallis test, and six attributes are identified as the main factors that affect the length of duration time, which are ‘day first shift’, ‘weekday’, ‘incident type’, ‘congestion’, ‘incident grade’ and ‘distance’. Based on the characteristics of duration time distribution, log transformation of original data is tested and proven to improve model performance. Different distance metrics and prediction algorithms are carefully investigated. Results demonstrate that the kNN model has better prediction accuracy using weighted distance metric based on decision tree and weighted prediction algorithm. The developed prediction model is further compared with other models based on the same dataset. Results show that the developed model can obtain reasonable prediction results, except for samples with extremely short or long duration. Such a prediction model can help TIM teams estimate the incident duration and implement real-time incident management strategies.
ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN NEMUNAS RIVER BOTTOM SEDIMENTS AT ALYTUS CITY TERRITORY
Authors: VALSKYS Vaidotas , VALSKIENĖ Roberta , IGNATAVIČIUS Gytautas
Published: January 2015

Concentrations and spatial distribution of heavy metals on the left and right banks of the river Nemunas bottom sediments are analyzed in this article. The research methodology of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for bottom sediments and operating principles of XL2 spectrometer used for analysis are overviewed. The results of analysis are presented and compared with LAND 20-2005 requirements as well as studies that were carried out previously. The influence of Alytus city for Nemunas river sediments quality is assessed. Dischargers formed additional samples which were taken and included to the list of ordinary samples. The trend of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr) concentrations showed the growth of pollution downstream the urban area. The estimated Zd (total pollution) values clearly indicated higher contamination by heavy metals on the left bank of Nemunas River. Extensive surveys of river sediments allow assessing the extent of anthropogenic impact, which can be harmful to the river ecosystem and human health.
Design solutions for pavements structure affected by static and impact load
Authors: Vaitkus Audrius , Vorobjovas Viktoras , Gražulytė Judita , Kleizienė Rita , Šernas Ovidijus , Tumavičė Aja
Published: January 2015

Pavements of aprons, container and logistic terminals, areas of storage, parking lots, areas of waste utilization are affected by high pressure static and impact loads. These loads strongly influence pavement performance by causing permanent deformations and distresses in the surface and even sometimes pavement failure in the beginning of pavement service. The types of structure, materials and layer thicknesses are the main factors relative to pavement performance. In order to correctly understand the particularity of static and impact loading, distresses of pavement structures affected by such load are emphasized, the load specification and climatic conditions influencing pavement performance are characterized. After analysis of the best practise, the flow chart of pavement structure design model was introduced. The paper gives reasonable pavement type and thickness determination dependent on object of application pavement structure.
Assessing rutting potential of stone mastic asphalt using wheel tracker and dynamic modulus testing
Authors: Hafeez Imran , Kamal Mumtaz Ahmad , Mirza Muhammad Waseem
Published: January 2015

Rutting potential of stone mastic asphalt with varying aggregate gradations was assessed in the past mainly by uniaxial compression testing which is not the only test to predict its true performance in the field. Dynamic testing and accelerated wheel tracking test are considered the most suitable laboratory test procedures. Four stone mastic asphalt mixtures were prepared in this study using PG 58-22 binder, Viatop plus CT-40 fiber and four aggregate gradations with nominal maximum sizes of 9.5 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm and 25.4 mm. To access the effects of aggregate gradations, single type of bitumen, filler and fiber was used. Mixtures were tested and evaluated under both type of testing procedures at different temperature levels. A regression model was developed using wheel tracker test data to ascertain significant parameters that are directly influencing the rut depth. The statistics of the model shows an excellent degree of determinacy of 0.92 and a relative accuracy of 0.29. Sigmoidal functions using Witczak equations were determined from dynamic modulus master curves for characterization of mixes and compared with previous studies. Correlation between the wheel tracking factor and a dynamic modulus factor was also established at three frequency levels. The study reveals that a reasonable relationship exists between the wheel tracking factor and dynamic modulus factor for stone mastic asphalt mixtures
Evaluation of real-time intelligent sensors for structural health monitoring of bridges based on SWARA-WASPAS; a case in Iran
Authors: Bitarafan Mahdi , Zolfani Sarfaraz Hashemkhani , Arefi Shahin Lale , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Mahmoudzadeh Amir
Published: January 2015

Now a day, earthquake engineers follow subjects such as structural health monitoring, warning announcement and prediction rather safe-making in the field of structure. In this regard, these three choices are of great goals of Iran in direction of many studies concentrated on. This research is centralized on real time health monitoring system of Iran bridges. In this regard, to evaluate smart real time health monitoring sensors, first all different types were determined using the library resources, and then all the important indices in evaluating these sensors were derived by interviewing experts in construction management fields. After that, to continue the survey, questionnaires were given to 18 experts to weight the effective indices. Through a decision-making method using new hybrid methodology based on SWARA and WASPAS, existential necessity degree of all indices and sensors were obtained and eventually the following result captured: applying piezoelectric sensors is optimal in smart health monitoring to be used in Iran bridges and optical fiber sensor was recognized as the second optimum option.
Investissements chinois dans l'industrie textile tanzanienne et zambienne
Authors: Xiaoyang Tang
Published: January 2015

Les investissements privés chinois dans l’industrie textile africaine ont un rapport étroit avec les anciens projets d’aide publique de la Chine. Leur réussite est éminemment liée aux enseignements et à l’expérience découlant de ces premières opérations, et il arrive que les projets publics servent de plateforme d’information et de logistique pour les nouveaux venus et que l’intervention des fonds souverains chinois puisse s’apparenter à une forme de nationalisation partielle. D’où l’obligation, quand on s’intéresse aux investissements directs de la Chine en Afrique subsaharienne, d’éviter des distinguos simplistes, en prenant conscience des liens très étroits entre les entreprises chinoises publiques et privées opérant sur le continent africain. Les différences parfois superficielles qui les distinguent reflètent la versatilité et l’évolution des engagements et des stratégies de la Chine dans l’industrie textile africaine.
Une seule vie
Authors: Malabou Catherine
Published: January 2015

La limite entre sujet politique et sujet vivant s’efface. C’est l’occasion de dépasser le divorce entre philosophie et biologie, pour penser l’une et l’autre, l’une par l’autre, de manière politique – car la résistance peut venir de la biologie elle-même. Des domaines comme ceux de l’épigénétique ou du clonage invitent à combler ce fossé de la réflexion.
L'alternaturalisme
Authors: Hoquet Thierry
Published: January 2015

L’opposition entre naturalisme (l’appel aux faits, au réel, à la nature) et constructivisme (il n’existe que des constructions sociales), bien que récurrente, a quelque chose de stérile dans le débat contemporain. Il faut donc travailler le naturalisme de l’intérieur, s’appuyer sur les crises théoriques qui traversent la biologie, pour parler de la continuité entre humains et non-humains, pour interroger la notion biologique de « sexe » à l’aune de la critique féministe...
Ce que la famille peut apprendre du genre
Authors: Pierron Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2015

La controverse du mariage pour les couples de même sexe et celle qui a suivi sur la « théorie du genre » ont mis en lumière des oppositions apparemment irréductibles. La notion de famille ne doit pas être abandonnée, mais elle ne doit pas être conçue comme naturelle ou totalisante. Le mystère de la naissance est après tout l’acceptation d’un autre qui résiste à nos logiques de contrôle.
Se définir par son cerveau
Authors: Ehrenberg Alain
Published: January 2015

L’opposition entre neurosciences et sciences sociales est souvent caricaturale, et caricaturée. Or il faut considérer les neurosciences cognitives elles-mêmes comme faisant partie du social, donc soumises à ses influences. On le voit bien dans la manière dont certains patients – les autistes de haut niveau – se définissent en tant qu’individus par leur cerveau et ses spécificités. La maladie n’est plus un handicap, mais un atout, une part de soi.
Le spectre d'Assange
Authors: Branco Juan
Published: January 2015

Julian Assange vit en exil, enfermé dans un appartement londonien. Qui est cet homme que tous recherchent, trouble et troublant ? Le fondateur de WikiLeaks prône un internet libre, contre les secrets des États et des entreprises, un réseau citoyen que chacun pourrait s’approprier. Utopie naïve ou dangereux projet ? Portrait d’un homme à la fois recherché et assigné à résidence.
La sociologie est un sport de plein air
Authors: Veltz Pierre
Published: January 2015

Les sciences sociales, et la sociologie en particulier, ont subi de nombreuses transformations au cours des dernières décennies. La posture critique doit elle-même être réévaluée, non plus simplement pour dévoiler mais aussi pour s’étonner, se décentrer. S’ouvrir, aussi, aux sciences « dures » et interroger le déluge des données auquel sont soumis les citoyens comme les chercheurs.
Des pôles de croissance vers des systèmes d'innovation territorialises dans une « nouvelle » économie de marche : le cas de Gdansk (Pologne)
Authors: Lorek Maria
Published: January 2015

Depuis la libéralisation économique des pays de l’ancienne Union soviétique, les pôles de croissance construits sous la tutelle de l’État ont connu des transformations institutionnelles et organisationnelles. Les nouvelles formes d’organisation industrielle, qui en découlent, donnent lieu aux pratiques de coopération, du partage et des actions collectives qui s’inscrivent dans le cadre de la « nouvelle » économie de marché. Dans ces pays, la question de la reconversion des pôles de croissance par la libéralisation économique demeure nettement peu explorée en termes d’impact sur le développement de l’innovation. Pour décrire les capacités innovantes des acteurs locaux, nous proposons le concept du « système d’innovation territorialisé ». L’histoire économique et les choix des autorités locales (après 1989) sont autant de facteurs qui font de la région de Gdansk un cas intéressant pour analyser dans quelle mesure la libéralisation économique a été une incitation au développement de l’innovation sur son territoire.
L'évaluation de la productivité publique. Nouvelle trajectoire quadridimensionnelle et perspectives de structuration stratégique
Authors: Amedzro St-Hilaire Walter
Published: January 2015

Libéralisation, stabilisation macroéconomique, restructuration et privatisation, réformes juridiques et institutionnelles, l’action structurale fondamentale vers une économie de marché semblent acquis. Aussi, dans cette orientation, cet article relève que conformément à un système de marchés ouverts et concurrentiels, la gestion des difficultés de la transition des pays de l’Europe de l’est vers une dynamisation économiques doit viser essentiellement à : 1) l’accélération adaptative des investissements productifs publics aux changements structurels ; 2) une structuration favorable à l’initiative et à la coopération des actions publiques et enfin, ceteris paribus , 3) favoriser une meilleure exploitation du potentiel stratégique d’innovation publique. Ainsi, il existe une interrogation sur le rôle que la norme de production publique est appelée à jouer dans l’élaboration rationnelle des stratégies de stabilisation macroéconomique et de concurrence dans les économies en transition.
Bovine hepatic differential gene expression in response to perennial ryegrass staggers
Authors: Li L. , Tanaree D.D. , Di Y. , Estill C.T. , Duringer J.M. , Blythe L.L. , Galen A. , Livesay S. , Craig A.M.
Published: January 2015

>‘Perennial ryegrass staggers’ is a neurological condition characterised by muscular tremors and ataxia in livestock that ingest the indole diterpene lolitrem B from endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass. While the neurotoxic mechanism of action of ryegrass staggers has been defined, little is known about metabolic and other molecular processes that lolitrem B may affect in livestock. The objective of this study was to characterise differential gene expression in the liver of animals fed lolitrem B-containing feed over an extended period of time. Eighteen steers were fed one of three rations (n=6/group) containing lolitrem B (247, 1,554 or 2,256 μg/kg (dry matter basis)) over 64 days in a double-blind study. Microarray and confirmatory qPCR were performed to evaluate the hepatic gene expression profile from biopsies taken on days 0 and 64. Widespread perturbation of gene expression was observed in all groups receiving lolitrem B, with a total of 152 differential genes identified (false discovery rate ≤0.05). This suggests that chronic exposure to lolitrem B, even at levels below the current threshold of toxicity (2,000 μg/kg lolitrem B), can perturb many genes, biological processes and pathways. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicated that many of these genes were categorised under lipid/steroid biosynthesis/metabolism and oxidation-reduction. Specifically, genes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of ceramide, a sphingolipid molecule (ACSS2,LASS6andSCD) and changes in neurosignaling through alteration of nitric oxide synthase activity (ARG1andGPX4) were up-regulated. Future work should focus on the overall balance between ceramide and its metabolites and antioxidants/oxidants in a variety of body matrices in animals with perennial ryegrass staggers, to determine how these compounds contribute to the overall etiology of this disease.
Dynamic changes of global DNA methylation and hypermethylation of cell adhesion-related genes in rat kidneys in response to ochratoxin A
Authors: Li X. , Gao J. , Huang K. , Qi X. , Dai Q. , Mei X. , Xu W.
Published: January 2015

Ochratoxin A (OTA), which is found in a variety of food products, is associated with the development of nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity in rats and has raised public health concerns. A previous study in our laboratory indicated that OTA exposure induced cytotoxicity by decreasing global DNA methylationin vitro. However, the relationship between OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA methylation changesin vivo remains unclear. The object of this study was to investigate whether OTA can change global DNA methylation or alter the expression of several critical tumour-related genes by inducing methylation modifications before carcinogenesis. We focused on the mechanism of action of OTA in regard to DNA methylation, including the expression of DNA methyltransferases and the regulation of specific cell signalling pathways. Dynamic and dose-dependent changes of global DNA methylation were observed during OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and probably associated with the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1. 13-week exposure of OTA caused hypermethylation in the promoters of critical cell adhesion-related genes, E-cadherin and N-cadherin, leading to reduction of the corresponding mRNA expression, accompanied by transcriptional activation of the Wnt and PI3K/AKT pathways. These findings suggested that long-term OTA exposure could disrupt DNA methylation profile, which might be one of the possible mechanisms of OTA-induced nephrotoxicity.
A Community College Model to Support Nursing Workforce Diversity
Authors: Colville Janet , Cottom Sherry , Robinette Teresa , Wald Holly , Waters Tomi
Published: January 2015

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Allegheny Campus, is situated on the North Side of Pittsburgh. The neighborhood is 60% African American. At the time of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) application, approximately one third of the students admitted to the program were African American, less than one third of whom successfully completed it. With the aid of HRSA funding, CCAC developed a model that significantly improved the success rate of disadvantaged students. Through the formation of a viable cohort, the nursing faculty nurtured success among the most at-risk students. The cohort was supported by a social worker, case managers who were nursing faculty, and tutors. Students formed study groups, actively participated in community activities, and developed leadership skills through participation in the Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania. This article provides the rationale for the Registered Nurse (RN) Achievement Model, describes the components of RN Achievement, and discusses the outcomes of the initiative. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(2):65–71.]
Future of Advanced Practice Public Health Nursing Education
Authors: Duffy Sonia A. , McCullagh Marjorie , Lee Corinne
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of the need for advanced practice, master’s-prepared public health nurses in Michigan. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct interviews with former students, community leaders, and faculty. Content was analyzed qualitatively for themes. Participants were enthusiastic about the practice environment, but funding was a major concern. Almost all participants thought jobs were available and that public health nursing was cost-effective, yet there was concern about the aging work force and the need for higher education. Other disciplines serving in public health roles and hospitals were identified as competition to the public health nurse. Epidemiology, prevention, community assessment/program planning, health policy/law/ethics, leadership, health services, informatics, research, and grant writing were noted as skills needed. The results of this study are favorable for the future of advanced practice public health nursing practice and education. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(2):102–105.]
Cloud Adaptive Resource Allocation Mechanism for Efficient Parallel Processing
Authors: Malhotra Manisha , Malhotra Rahul
Published: January 2015

As cloud based services becomes more assorted, resource provisioning becomes more challenges. This is an important issue that how resource may be allocated. The cloud environment offered distinct types of virtual machines and cloud provider distribute those services. This is necessary to adjust the allocation of services with the demand of user. This paper presents an adaptive resource allocation mechanism for efficient parallel processing based on cloud. Using this mechanism the provider's job becomes easier and having the least chance for the wastage of resources and time.
A Cloud-Based Environment for Collaborative Resources Management
Authors: Goy Anna , Petrone Giovanna , Segnan Marino
Published: January 2015

The interaction between users and digital devices has deeply changed in the last decades. In particular, the so called desktop metaphor relied on assumptions which have been modified by the rise of new paradigms, such as Web 2.0 and Cloud Computing. This paper discusses the limits of the desktop metaphor and proposes a new interaction model, TablePlusPlus (T++), aimed at providing Web and Cloud users with interaction mechanisms fulfilling their needs, i.e., the possibility of handling activity contexts, collaborating with other users, and homogeneously managing heterogeneous objects. T++ tables provide a context-based environment which enables a homogeneous treatment of heterogeneous content items, enhanced by a table-level annotation mechanism supporting an abstract view over resources, which is missing in standard current desktop and collaborative environments. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, this work developed a prototype and tested it in two controlled experiments, whose results are definitely encouraging.
Data Specific Ranking in Cloud
Authors: Kundu Anirban , Xu Guanxiong , Ji Chunlin
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the major goal is to achieve searching in distributed network with proper ranking. Heterogeneous framework is going to be utilized using existing machines and high-end workstations. Data redundancy is responsible for enhancing dynamic scheduling in run-time. Dynamic scheduling is going to be exploited determining possible sub-network and related servers for specific user targeted tasks using active and busy ranking status of servers. Minimization of time and maximization of speed are objectives of proposed system structure.
Energy Efficient VM Live Migration and Allocation at Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Dad Djouhra , Yagoubi Djamel Eddine , Belalem Ghalem
Published: January 2015

Aiming at data center virtual machines Migration, allocating resource dynamically in order to reduce energy is a significant problem in cloud. This energy doesn't cause only the decrease of cloud provider's profit but also emit a large amount of carbon dioxide. This paper studies the resource allocation and live migration of Virtual Machines (VMs). It proposes a Double Threshold Migration (DTM) algorithm which takes into consideration an upper and a lower threshold of CPU utilization. These Thresholds let one select a number of VMs to do the migration. The live migration of the VMs reduces the high utilization of the servers and set on off state the unused physical machines (PMs). To solve the problem of the VM placement, the work applies a modification of the Best Fit Decreasing (MBFD) algorithm. Experiment results show that the proposed approach improve resource utilization, reduce the energy consumption and maintain the SLA (Service Level Agreement) violations with the energy constraint.
Collaborative Governance Matters to E-Government Interoperability
Authors: Chatfield Akemi Takeoka , AlAnazi Jazem
Published: January 2015

E-government policy initiatives for implementing citizen-centric integrated interoperable (CII) e-government services have gained international validity by governments worldwide. Despite extensive deliberations in e-government literature, however, successfully implementing strategic, institutional, and technological changes required by citizen-centric (vis-à-vis government-centric) e-government remains an unresolved theoretical and pragmatic conundrum. CII e-government systems are characterized by greater diversity in stakeholders, processes, technologies, applications, and big data, requiring greater cross-agency collaboration and process integration/standardization. Drawing from e-government interoperability and governance literatures, the authors examined the governance role in facilitating CII e-government implementation. The authors performed website and policy analyses of a successful implementation of Saudi Ministry portal, which exemplifies CII e-services. Results showed that government's earlier disconnected websites had not facilitated cross-agency information sharing required for citizen-centric e-government development. However, the authors found evidence that both e-government interoperability policy framework and collaborative governance had contributed to overcoming the implementation challenges and delivering CII e-government services to its diverse stakeholders.
E-Government and Transformation of Service Delivery in Malaysia
Authors: Siddiquee Noore Alam , Mohamed Mohd. Zin
Published: January 2015

Since the 1990s e-government has been a leading feature of public sector reform in Malaysia. As elsewhere around the world, at the core Malaysia's e-government agenda is the desire to reinvent governance and service delivery so as to realize national developmental goals. Variety of e-initiatives undertaken and implemented over the past decades has improved the nation's e-profile and readiness. These programs have also brought about profound changes to the mode of service delivery and the nature of interactions between the government and citizens and other stakeholders. The paper demonstrates the current trends in e-government by focusing on some most recent initiatives and their roles in modifying governance and service delivery systems thereby producing benefits of efficiency, improved access and convenience, among others. It argues that while Malaysia has made significant inroads in e-services and is ahead of most developing countries, yet progress remains unsatisfactory when compared with regional and world leaders. The paper sheds lights on current impediments of e-government in Malaysia and their implications.
Harmony Search PSO Clustering for Tumor and Cancer Gene Expression Dataset
Authors: Banu P. K. Nizar , Andrews S.
Published: January 2015

Enormous quantity of gene expression data from diverse data sources are accumulated due to the modern advancement in microarray technology that leads to major computational challenges. The foremost step towards addressing this challenge is to cluster genes which reveal hidden gene expression patterns and natural structures to find the interesting patterns from the underlying data that in turn helps in disease diagnosis and drug development. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique is extensively used for many practical applications but fails in finding the initial seeds to generate clusters and thus reduces the clustering accuracy. One of the meta-heuristic optimization algorithms called Harmony Search is free from divergence and helps to find out the near-global optimal solutions by searching the entire solution space. This paper proposes a novel Harmony Search Particle Swarm Optimization (HSPSO) clustering algorithm and is applied for Brain Tumor, Colon Cancer, Leukemia Cancer and Lung Cancer gene expression datasets for clustering. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm produces clusters with better compactness and accuracy, in comparison with K-means clustering, PSO clustering (swarm clustering) and Fuzzy PSO clustering.
Post-burn spontaneous brain fungation caused by infiltrating Marjolin's ulcer of scalp
Authors: Bhasme Vishal , Agrawal Manish , Poonia N , Bagaria H , Chakotiya Pranay
Published: January 2015

Marjolin's ulcer is a well-recognized, rare, long-term complication of post-burn scar and other chronically irritating local skin conditions. Its infiltration into the skull bones and the underlying dura causing complete destruction is very rare and quiet exceptional. We present an unusual case of spontaneous brain fungation through the scar tissue present over the scalp as a result of flame burn 18 years back. Patient was treated surgically, but expired after 10 days. Though we were not able to save the patient, its presentation was so unique that we want to report this case.