bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Parents Education on Childs Oral Health
Authors: Aurangjeb AM , Zaman T
Published: October 2013

Children under the age of 12 years generally spend most of their time with their parents and guardians even when they attend schools. It has been found that young children's oral health maintenance and outcomes are influenced by their parent's knowledge and beliefs, and knowledge and beliefs are influenced by their educational background.  This study was done to assess the relation between parents education and their childs oral health. Parents of children aged 3-12 years, attending The Dhaka Project School, Dokkhin Khan, Uttara, Dhaka were invited to participate in the study. A 17-item questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, dietary practices and oral hygiene practices was distributed to their parents and a 8 item checklist was used during their visit to the school. Responses of the parents and findings of oral health of children were recorded. The sample comprised of 251 parents either mother or father, with the mean age of children being 5.65 years. Mean plaque index 1.60, calculus index 1.30, gingivitis index 1.11, decayed teeth index 1.69, missing teeth index 0.22 and filled teeth index was 0.07. Parents with higher educational qualification and information gained through dentist had a better knowledge about child's oral health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i2.16609 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(2) 2013: 26-28
Recent Trend In Oral Local Drug Delivery Using Buccal Mucoadhesive Formulation: A Review
Authors: Gupta M , Shrivastava R , Ahuja R , Gupta M , Aggarwal A , Pachauri A , Jyoti B
Published: October 2013

In this 21st century pharmaceutical science has been focused on the delivery of drugs through the oral mucosa. The buccal mucosa has been investigated for mucoadhesive local drug therapy and the systemic delivery of therapeutic peptides and other drugs that are subjected to first-pass metabolism or are unstable within the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. This review focuses on the permeability features of oral mucosa and new potential mucoadhesive local delivery systems to treat oral diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i2.16612 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(2) 2013: 41-44
Sequelae of Wearing Complete Dentures
Authors: Khan MAA , Jahan MS , Yousuf A , Parveen S , Mohsina N , Banik S , Hossain MM
Published: October 2013

The use of complete dentures is not free of trouble. The dentures can produce severe side effects, which if left unchecked will produce, destabilization of occlusion, loss of retention, decreased masticatory efficiency, poor aesthetics, increase ridge resorption, tissue injury. The problems will progress till the stage where the patient will be considered prosthetically maladaptive and cannot wear dentures any more. The interaction of prosthesis and oral environment has several apects. The surface properties of the prosthesis may affect plaque formation. Surface irregularities and microporosities can enhance microbial colonization. Plaque formation is also influenced by: design of prosthesis, health of adjacent mucosa, composition of saliva, salivary secretion rate, oral hygiene, denture wearing habits. Thus, a prosthesis may promote infection of the underlying mucosa, caries and periodontal diseases of the overdenture abutments, perimplantitis (inflammation of the peri-implantal membrane), chemical degradation or corrosion of prosthesis. All these disorders produced/ accelerated in the oral tissues due to the presence of a denture are grouped as sequelae of wearing complete dentures. Sequelae of complete denture wear can be divided into direct and indirect types depending on the effect of the prosthesis on the tissues are discussed and hence the current literature is reviewed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i2.16614 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(2) 2013: 51-56
Gene Regulatory Scenarios of Primary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Target Genes in a Human Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line
Authors: Ryynänen Jussi , Seuter Sabine , Campbell Moray , Carlberg Carsten
Published: October 2013

Genome- and transcriptome-wide data has significantly increased the amount of available information about primary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) target genes in cancer cell models, such as human THP-1 myelomonocytic leukemia cells. In this study, we investigated the genes G0S2, CDKN1A and MYC as master examples of primary vitamin D receptor (VDR) targets being involved in the control of cellular proliferation. The chromosomal domains of G0S2 and CDKN1A are 140–170 kb in size and contain one and three VDR binding sites, respectively. This is rather compact compared to the MYC locus that is 15 times larger and accommodates four VDR binding sites. All eight VDR binding sites were studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation in THP-1 cells. Interestingly, the site closest to the transcription start site of the down-regulated MYC gene showed 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent reduction of VDR binding and is not associated with open chromatin. Four of the other seven VDR binding regions contain a typical DR3-type VDR binding sequence, three of which are also occupied with VDR in macrophage-like cells. In conclusion, the three examples suggest that each VDR target gene has an individual regulatory scenario. However, some general components of these scenarios may be useful for the development of new therapy regimens.
Synchronization of a Novel Hyperchaotic Complex-Variable System Based on Finite-Time Stability Theory
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing , Jiang Murong , Cai Xiaomei
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we investigate the finite-time synchronization problem of a novel hyperchaotic complex-variable system which generates 2-, 3- and 4-scroll attractors. Based on the finite-time stability theory, two control strategies are proposed to realize synchronization of the novel hyperchaotic complex-variable system in finite time. Finally, two numerical examples have been provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Characterization of a Bioflocculant Produced by a Consortium of Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo
Authors: Okaiyeto Kunle , Nwodo Uchechukwu , Mabinya Leonard , Okoh Anthony
Published: October 2013

The physicochemical and flocculating properties of a bioflocculant produced by a bacterial consortium composed of Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo were investigated. The purified bioflocculant was cation and pH dependent, and optimally flocculated kaolin clay suspension at a dosage of 0.1 mg/mL. The flocculating activity of the bioflocculant was stimulated in the presence of Ca2+, Mn2+, Al3+ and had a wide pH range of 2–10, with the highest flocculating activity of 86% at pH 8. The bioflocculant was thermostable and retained more than 70% of its flocculating activity after being heated at 80 °C for 30 min. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed a partial thermal decomposition of the biofloculant at 400 °C. The infrared spectrum showed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino moieties as functional groups. The bioflocculant produced by the bacterial consortium appears to hold promising alternative to inorganic and synthetic organic flocculants that are widely used in wastewater treatment.
Lipid Transport and Metabolism in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Cartilage
Authors: Villalvilla Amanda , Gómez Rodolfo , Largo Raquel , Herrero-Beaumont Gabriel
Published: October 2013

Cartilage is an avascular tissue and cartilage metabolism depends on molecule diffusion from synovial fluid and subchondral bone. Thus, nutrient availability is limited by matrix permeability according to the size and charge of the molecules. Matrix composition limits the access of molecules to chondrocytes, determining cell metabolism and cartilage maintenance. Lipids are important nutrients in chondrocyte metabolism and are available for these cells through de novo synthesis but also through diffusion from surrounding tissues. Cartilage status and osteoarthritis development depend on lipid availability. This paper reviews lipid transport and metabolism in cartilage. We also analyze signalling pathways directly mediated by lipids and those that involve mTOR pathways, both in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage.
Identification of Novel MicroRNAs in Primates by Using the Synteny Information and Small RNA Deep Sequencing Data
Authors: Yuan Zhidong , Liu Hongde , Nie Yumin , Ding Suping , Yan Mingli , Tan Shuhua , Jin Yuanchang , Sun Xiao
Published: October 2013

Current technologies that are used for genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) prediction are mainly based on BLAST tool. They often produce a large number of false positives. Here, we describe an effective approach for identifying orthologous pre-miRNAs in several primates based on syntenic information. Some of them have been validated by small RNA high throughput sequencing data. This approach uses the synteny information and experimentally validated miRNAs of human, and incorporates currently available algorithms and tools to identify the pre-miRNAs in five other primates. First, we identified 929 potential pre-miRNAs in the marmoset in which miRNAs have not yet been reported. Then, we predicted the miRNAs in other primates, and we successfully re-identified most of the published miRNAs and found 721, 979, 650 and 639 new potential pre-miRNAs in chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan and rhesus macaque, respectively. Furthermore, the miRNA transcriptome in the four primates have been re-analyzed and some novel predicted miRNAs have been supported by the small RNA sequencing data. Finally, we analyzed the potential functions of those validated miRNAs and explored the regulatory elements and transcription factors of some validated miRNA genes of interest. The results show that our approach can effectively identify novel miRNAs and some miRNAs that supported by small RNA sequencing data maybe play roles in the nervous system.
Shrimp Lipids: A Source of Cancer Chemopreventive Compounds
Authors: López-Saiz Carmen-María , Suárez-Jiménez Guadalupe-Miroslava , Plascencia-Jatomea Maribel , Burgos-Hernández Armando
Published: October 2013

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafoods worldwide, and its lipids have been studied for biological activity in both, muscle and exoskeleton. Free fatty acids, triglycerides, carotenoids, and other lipids integrate this fraction, and some of these compounds have been reported with cancer chemopreventive activities. Carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been extensively studied for chemopreventive properties, in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Their mechanisms of action depend on the lipid chemical structure and include antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The purpose of this review is to lay groundwork for future research about the properties of the lipid fraction of shrimp.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Attenuates Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Cells via Protection of Mitochondria and Inhibition of AIF and Cytochrome c Release
Authors: Liang Jianmin , Yu Ying , Wang Boyu , Lu Bin , Zhang Jizhou , Zhang Hongbo , Ge Pengfei
Published: October 2013

To investigate the role of mitochondria in the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on cellular apoptosis caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation, in this study, MTT assay, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and western blotting were used to examine the cellular viability, apoptosis, ROS level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the distribution of apoptosis inducing factor, cytochrome c, Bax and Bcl-2 in nucleus, mitochondria and cytoplasm. We found that pretreatment with GRb1 improved the cellular viability damaged by OGD. Moreover, GRb1 inhibited apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells induced by OGD. Further studies showed that the elevation of cellular reactive oxygen species levels and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by OGD were both counteracted by GRb1. Additionally, GRb1 not only suppressed the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor into nucleus and cytochrome c into cytoplasm, but also inhibited the increase of Bax within mitochondria and alleviated the decrease of mitochondrial Bcl-2. Our study indicates that the protection of GRb1 on OGD-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells is associated with its protection on mitochondrial function and inhibition of release of AIF and cytochrome c.
Cs+ Removal from Aqueous Solutions through Adsorption onto Florisil® Impregnated with Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium Chloride
Authors: Lupa Lavinia , Negrea Adina , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Petru
Published: October 2013

This research determined the adsorption performance of Florisil® impregnated with trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos IL-101) in the process of Cs+ removal from aqueous solutions. The obtained Florisil® impregnated with the studied ionic liquid was characterized through energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in order to verify that the impregnation with the ionic liquid had occurred. The adsorption process has been investigated as a function of pH, solid:liquid ratio, adsorbate concentration, contact time and temperature. The isotherm data was well described by a Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities of the Florisil® impregnated with the studied ionic liquid was found to be 3.086 mg Cs+/g of adsorbent. The results indicated that the adsorption fitted well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model.
Preparative Separation of Spirobisnaphthalenes from Endophytic Fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12 by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Shan Tijiang , Lu Shiqiong , Luo Chao , Luo Ruiya , Mou Yan , Wang Mingan , Peng Youliang , Zhou Ligang
Published: October 2013

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was applied for the first time for the preparative separation of spirobisnaphthalenes from a crude extract of the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12, associated with the medicinal plant Dioscorea zingiberensis. Six spirobisnaphthalenes were successfully separated by HSCCC with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (1.5:3.0:2.5:2.0, v/v). About 18.0 mg of diepoxin k (1), 245.7 mg of palmarumycin C13 (2), 42.4 mg of palmarumycin C16 (3), 42.2 mg of palmarumycin C15 (4), 32.6 mg of diepoxin δ (5), and 22.3 mg of diepoxin γ (6) with purities of 56.82, 71.39, 76.57, 75.86, 91.01 and 82.48%, respectively, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were obtained from 500 mg of the crude extract in a one-step elution within 7 h of separation procedure by HSCCC. The purified spirobisnaphthalenes were further structurally characterized by means of physicochemical and spectrometric analysis.
The Blood Lactate Increase in High Intensity Exercise Is Depressed by Acanthopanax sieboldianus
Authors: Kato Morimasa , Kurakane Shizue , Nishina Atsuyoshi , Park Jaeyoung , Chang Hyukki
Published: October 2013

This study investigates the anti-fatigue effects of Acanthopanax sieboldianus (A. sieboldianus) at various exercise intensities. Two experiments were conducted in 18 Sprague-Dawley rats. In Experiment 1, a three-stage increment test (15 m/min for 5 min, and 20 m/min for 5 min and 25 m/min for 10 min) was performed using a treadmill. In Experiment 2, a 10-min swimming test was conducted. Blood samples were extracted from each rat before, during and after the exercises and the blood concentrations of lactate and glucose measured. In both experiments, water (control) or A. sieboldianus solution (ASS) was administered orally using a zonde 30 min before the exercise. In the swimming test, ASS administration significantly decreased the blood lactate level measured at the end of the exercise and 5 min post-exercise relative to the water group, although the two groups did not differ significantly in the treadmill test. Our study demonstrates that a single oral administration of A. sieboldianus prior to high-intensity exercise significantly decreases the blood lactate concentration suggesting that A. sieboldianus has an intrinsic anti-fatigue effect.
Identification of Volatiles Produced by Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1, a Fungal Biocontrol Agent That Promotes Plant Growth
Authors: Paul Diby , Park Kyung
Published: October 2013

Certain microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been reported to enhance the growth and development of plants. The biocontrol fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1 significantly improved the growth of tobacco seedlings in vitro when they were co-cultivated without physical contact. SPME Quadrupole GC/MS/MS revealed that CL-1 emited the volatiles α-pinene, (−)-trans-caryophyllene, tetrahydro-2,2,5,5-tetramethylfuran, dehydroaromadendrene, and (+)-sativene. Potential roles of these volatiles in plant growth and development are discussed. Even though there were several fungal VOCs reported in the past that could influence plant growth, their exact mechanisms of action are not fully known. Fungal VOC-mediated plant growth promotion requires in-depth study in order for this technology to be used in large scale for crops, especially those grown under greenhouse conditions.
Accelerometer-Based Event Detector for Low-Power Applications
Authors: Smidla József , Simon Gyula
Published: October 2013

In this paper, an adaptive, autocovariance-based event detection algorithm is proposed, which can be used with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer sensors to build inexpensive and power efficient event detectors. The algorithm works well with low signal-to-noise ratio input signals, and its computational complexity is very low, allowing its utilization on inexpensive low-end embedded sensor devices. The proposed algorithm decreases its energy consumption by lowering its duty cycle, as much as the event to be detected allows it. The performance of the algorithm is tested and compared to the conventional filter-based approach. The comparison was performed in an application where illegal entering of vehicles into restricted areas was detected.
Dynamic Task Allocation in Multi-Hop Multimedia Wireless Sensor Networks with Low Mobility
Authors: Jin Yichao , Vural Serdar , Gluhak Alexander , Moessner Klaus
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a task allocation-oriented framework to enable efficient in-network processing and cost-effective multi-hop resource sharing for dynamic multi-hop multimedia wireless sensor networks with low node mobility, e.g., pedestrian speeds. The proposed system incorporates a fast task reallocation algorithm to quickly recover from possible network service disruptions, such as node or link failures. An evolutional self-learning mechanism based on a genetic algorithm continuously adapts the system parameters in order to meet the desired application delay requirements, while also achieving a sufficiently long network lifetime. Since the algorithm runtime incurs considerable time delay while updating task assignments, we introduce an adaptive window size to limit the delay periods and ensure an up-to-date solution based on node mobility patterns and device processing capabilities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that yields multi-objective task allocation in a mobile multi-hop wireless environment under dynamic conditions. Simulations are performed in various settings, and the results show considerable performance improvement in extending network lifetime compared to heuristic mechanisms. Furthermore, the proposed framework provides noticeable reduction in the frequency of missing application deadlines.
hMPV Lineage Nomenclature and Heparin Binding
Authors: Adamson Penelope , Thammawat Sutthiwan , Muchondo Gamaliel , Sadlon Tania , Williams John , Gordon David
Published: October 2013

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), first described in 2001 [1], is responsible for causing serious respiratory illness in young children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients. Four distinct lineages of hMPV have been identified with the original nomenclature for these subgroups (A1, A2, B1 and B2), reported by van den Hoogen et al. [2], utilised by many. An alternate terminology (1A, 1B, 2A and 2B) was also published by Ishiguro et al. in 2004 [3] which has been adopted by others. However, this has caused some confusion in the interpretation of publication results as the terminology is similar yet describes different subtypes. As a result, a number of investigators have made a submission to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV, ICTV taxonomic proposal 2012.012V) for the official adoption of the original terminology as an approved nomenclature for hMPV [4]. We welcome this officially approved nomenclature which should provide clarification of these subtypes in future. Therefore to assist with the interpretation of our recently published research in the 2012 special issue of Viruses: Pneumoviruses and Metapneumoviruses entitled “Diversity in Glycosaminoglycan Binding Amongst hMPV G Protein Lineages” [5] we have updated the Figure 3 in this letter (see Figure 1), showing the proposed ICTV terminology compared to the Ishiguro classification (used in our publication). Note that in the original publication the alphanumeric order for the Ishiguro classification was transposed (e.g., 1A was referred to as A1).
Chemokines as Cancer Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Bobanga Iuliana , Petrosiute Agne , Huang Alex
Published: October 2013

We are witnessing a new era of immune-mediated cancer therapies and vaccine development. As the field of cancer vaccines advances into clinical trials, overcoming low immunogenicity is a limiting step in achieving full success of this therapeutic approach. Recent discoveries in the many biological roles of chemokines in tumor immunology allow their exploitation in enhancing recruitment of antigen presenting cells (APCs) and effector cells to appropriate anatomical sites. This knowledge, combined with advances in gene therapy and virology, allows researchers to employ chemokines as potential vaccine adjuvants. This review will focus on recent murine and human studies that use chemokines as therapeutic anti-cancer vaccine adjuvants.
Periostin: A Matricellular Protein Involved in Peritoneal Injury during Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Braun Niko , Sen Kontheari , Alscher M. Dominik , Fritz Peter , Kimmel Martin , Morelle Johann , Goffin Eric , Jörres Achim , Wüthrich Rudolf P. , Cohen Clemens D. , Segerer Stephan
Published: October 2013

Background

Periostin is a matricellular protein involved in tissue remodeling through the promotion of adhesion, cell survival, cellular dedifferentiation, and fibrogenesis. It can be induced by transforming growth factor beta and high glucose concentrations. We hypothesized that this protein might be expressed in the peritoneal cavity of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and even more in patients with signs of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS).

Method

In this retrospective study, we included peritoneal biopsies from patients on PD with EPS ( n = 7) and without signs of EPS ( n = 10), and we compared them with biopsies taken during hernia repair from patients not on PD ( n = 11) and during various procedures from uremic patients not on PD ( n = 6). Periostin was localized by immunohistochemistry, scored semiquantitatively, and quantified by morphometry. Periostin protein concentrations were measured by ELISA in dialysates from 15 patients. Periostin messenger RNA was quantified in vitro in peritoneal fibroblasts.

Results

In control biopsies, periostin was present in the walls of larger arteries and focally in extracellular matrix in the submesothelial zone. Patients on PD demonstrated interstitial periostin in variable amounts depending on the severity of submesothelial fibrosis. In EPS, periostin expression was very prominent in the sclerosis layer. The area of periostin was significantly larger in EPS biopsies than in control biopsies, and the percentage of periostin-positive area correlated with the thickness of the submesothelial fibrosis zone. Periostin concentrations in dialysate increased significantly with time on PD in patients without signs of EPS; in patients with EPS, periostin concentrations in dialysate were low and demonstrated the smallest increase with time. In vitro, periostin was found to be strongly expressed by peritoneal fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Periostin is strongly expressed by fibroblasts and deposited in the peritoneal cavity of patients with EPS and with simple peritoneal fibrosis on PD. This protein might play a role in the progression of peritoneal injury, and low levels of periostin after prolonged time on PD might be a marker of EPS.
Assessment of Coronary Risk Based on Cumulative Exposure to Lipids in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Nikpour Mandana , Gladman Dafna D. , Ibanez Dominique , Harvey Paula J. , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: October 2013

Objective.

To quantify the independent role of each of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL-C), triglyceride (TG) level, and HDL-C as a marker of coronary risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

Patients with lipid measurements taken before a coronary event (or last clinic visit) were included. Mean and time-adjusted mean (TAM) levels were calculated for each lipid variable in each patient. Time-dependent proportional hazards regression models were used to quantify the risk of coronary event [myocardial infarction (MI) or angina], after adjustment for age.

Results.

Among 384 patients, over a mean (SD) followup of 3.81 (2.58) years, there were 21 “first” coronary events (6 MI, 15 angina). Mean and TAM LDL-C (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.19–2.81, p = 0.006), TC:HDL ratio (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.00, p = 0.04), and TG (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.32–3.39, p = 0.0019) were predictive of coronary event at subsequent visits. In contingency table analysis, TAM LDL-C cutpoint of 2.0 mmol/l had a sensitivity and negative predictive value for coronary event of 85.7% (95% CI 63.7–97.0) and 93.9% (95% CI 83.1–98.7), respectively. However, at this cutpoint the specificity was only 12.7% (95% CI 9.4–16.5).

Conclusion.

This study links LDL-C, TC:HDL-C ratio, and TG to coronary risk in patients with SLE and quantifies the magnitude of this risk. SLE-specific risk assessment levels for lipids may be selected to optimize positive or negative predictive values.
Nailfold Capillaroscopy for Prediction of Novel Future Severe Organ Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Vanessa , Riccieri Valeria , Pizzorni Carmen , Decuman Saskia , Deschepper Ellen , Bonroy Carolien , Sulli Alberto , Piette Yves , De Keyser Filip , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: October 2013

Objective.

Assessment of associations of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) (“early,” “active,” and “late”) with novel future severe clinical involvement in 2 independent cohorts.

Methods.

Sixty-six consecutive Belgian and 82 Italian patients with SSc underwent NVC at baseline. Images were blindly assessed and classified into normal, early, active, or late NVC pattern. Clinical evaluation was performed for 9 organ systems (general, peripheral vascular, skin, joint, muscle, gastrointestinal tract, lung, heart, and kidney) according to the Medsger disease severity scale (DSS) at baseline and in the future (18–24 months of followup). Severe clinical involvement was defined as category 2 to 4 per organ of the DSS. Logistic regression analysis (continuous NVC predictor variable) was performed.

Results.

The OR to develop novel future severe organ involvement was stronger according to more severe NVC patterns and similar in both cohorts. In simple logistic regression analysis the OR in the Belgian/Italian cohort was 2.16 (95% CI 1.19–4.47, p = 0.010)/2.33 (95% CI 1.36–4.22, p = 0.002) for the early NVC SSc pattern, 4.68/5.42 for the active pattern, and 10.14/12.63 for the late pattern versus the normal pattern. In multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for disease duration, subset, and vasoactive medication, the OR was 2.99 (95% CI 1.31–8.82, p = 0.007)/1.88 (95% CI 1.00–3.71, p = 0.050) for the early NVC SSc pattern, 8.93/3.54 for the active pattern, and 26.69/6.66 for the late pattern versus the normal pattern.

Conclusion.

Capillaroscopy may be predictive of novel future severe organ involvement in SSc, as attested by 2 independent cohorts.
Worker Productivity Outcome Measures: OMERACT Filter Evidence and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Tang Kenneth , Boonen Annelies , Verstappen Suzanne M.M. , Escorpizo Reuben , Luime Jolanda J. , Lacaille Diane , Fautrel Bruno , Bosworth Ailsa , Cifaldi Mary , Gignac Monique A.M. , Hofstetter Cathy , Leong Amye , Montie Pam , Petersson Ingemar F. , Purcaru Oana , Bombardier Claire , Tugwell Peter S. , Beaton Dorcas E.
Published: October 2013

The objective of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Worker Productivity working group is to identify worker productivity outcome measures that meet the requirements of the OMERACT filter. At the OMERACT 11 Workshop, we focused on the at-work limitations/productivity component of worker productivity (i.e., presenteeism) — an area with diverse conceptualization and instrumentation approaches. Various approaches to quantify at-work limitations/productivity (e.g., single-item global and multi-item measures) were examined, and available evidence pertaining to OMERACT truth, discrimination, and feasibility were presented to conference participants. Four candidate global measures of presenteeism were put forth for a plenary vote to determine whether current evidence meets the OMERACT filter requirements. Presenteeism globals from the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (72% support) and Rheumatoid Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey (71% support) were endorsed by conference participants; however, neither the presenteeism global item from the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire nor the Quantity and Quality method achieved the level of support required for endorsement at the present time. The plenary was also asked whether the central item from the Work Ability Index should also be considered as a candidate measure for potential endorsement in the future. Of participants at the plenary, 70% supported this presenteeism global measure. Progress was also made in other areas through discussions at individual breakout sessions. Topics examined include the merits of various multi-item measures of at-work limitations/productivity, methodological issues related to interpretability of outcome scores, and approaches to appraise and classify contextual factors of worker productivity. Feedback gathered from conference participants will inform the future research agenda of the working group.
What Has Been the Effect on Trial Outcome Assessments of a Decade of Patient Participation in OMERACT?
Authors: de Wit Maarten P.T. , Abma Tineke A. , Koelewijn-van Loon Marije S. , Collins Sarah , Kirwan John
Published: October 2013

Objective.

Since 2002, 58 patients have participated as collaborating partners in 6 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) conferences. Little is known about how they engage with researchers and how they have influenced conference outcomes.

Methods.

A responsive evaluation was carried out, including a thematic document analysis of conference proceedings and gray literature, participant observation, and 38 interviews with patients and professionals representing research, industry, and regulators. Interview transcripts were subjected to an inductive content analysis.

Results.

The role of patients has evolved from a single focus group in 2002 to full integration in all parts of the conference in 2012. Longterm engagement has made a significant change in the scope and conduct of rheumatology research. It has enriched the research agenda by identifying previously neglected outcome domains such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and flares, and it has contributed to more patient-relevant outcomes in clinical trials. Facilitating factors have been a strong commitment of the leadership, adequate selection procedure, inclusive conference design, interactive and encouraging moderation style, and self-organized support. The intensity of the program and doubts regarding the representativeness of the patient group were still seen as challenges for the future.

Conclusion.

Making patient participation an integral part of the vision and procedures of OMERACT has significantly contributed to the success of OMERACT. It has changed the perceptions and beliefs of many participants. Full use of patients’ experiential knowledge before and during the conference is still challenging.
Une archéologie de l'« archéologie ». Sur une parenté rhétorique entre Husserl et Foucault
Authors: Heidenreich Felix
Published: October 2013

On a remarqué très tôt qu’il existait une parenté quant aux moyens rhétoriques entre la phénoménologie de Husserl et l’Archéologie de Foucault. Si on comprend la rhétorique non pas (comme les premiers dialogues de Platon voulaient le montrer) comme contraire de la philosophie, ni comme son vis-à-vis, mais comme dimension incontournable de l’argumentation philosophique, à travers la mise en place de moyens rhétoriques, performatifs et de mise en scène, alors cette parenté gagne une nouvelle signification. Husserl lui-même utilise le concept d’« archéologie phénoménologique », dans un texte de 1932 (ici présenté, pour la première fois en français) et ce, dans un sens programmatique. À partir de cet arrière-plan, une convergence se dessine entre les tentatives de Husserl et de Foucault, d’une part de comprendre leur propre entreprise comme archéologie et de pourvoir celle-ci du prestige d’une science héroïque et en même temps d’une sobriété toute positiviste ; d’autre part d’éviter l’implication d’une ontologie platonicienne-dualiste de l’apparence et de l’Être, de la surface et de la profondeur à travers des interprétations spécifiques, visant à mettre en place une disposition horizontale des objets.
Se moquer de la phénoménologie, est-ce encore faire de la phénoménologie ?
Authors: Le Blanc Guillaume
Published: October 2013

Dans cet article, il s’agit de souligner que la volonté de Foucault de rompre avec la phénoménologie n’écarte pas pour autant le problème majeur de la phénoménologie concernant l’articulation de la description et du concept, du visible et de l’énoncé. Il n’est pas certain que la philososophie, en général, puisse s’affranchir de cette scène phénoménologique et l’on peut se demander si Foucault, en ce sens, n’est pas resté phénoménologue.
Une guerre à couteaux tirés. Heidegger et le rationalisme
Authors: Perrin Christophe
Published: October 2013

Opposant du rationalisme et opposé à son pendant, Heidegger n’a de cesse de penser la rationalité métaphysique pour nous prévenir du danger qu’elle contient et que manifeste le monde contemporain. Parce que nuancée – elle est contre une chose sans être pour son contraire – et limitée – elle prévient mais ne guérit rien –, sa position s’est heurtée aux caricatures et aux dénonciations. Aussi est-il quelque bonne raison à en proposer une défense par la bonne compréhension de sa plus fameuse illustration, celle qu’offre le mot « la science ne pense pas ». Après la considération de ce dit, de son dire et de ses redites, l’étude de l’essence de la technique permettra la saisie de cette science en son essence impensée.
Le corps du monstre
Authors: Fondacci Alain
Published: October 2013

Transfert fraternel, transfert homosexuel... L’auteur avance qu’existe aussi pour Freud, et par ailleurs, dans le lien amical, la tentative répétée d’élaborer un trauma, (Ferenczi), de réparer un empiètement (Winnicott) par une « mère morte » (Green) hantée par son fils Julius. Le sentiment d’étrangement ( Vermorel ), le trouble d’identité primaire, de déréalisation, l’hallucinose, sont les expériences vécues, les manifestations, les formes temporelles, du trauma et du clivage post-traumatique, et l’auteur, selon la prescription freudienne d’une attention soutenue, en cherche les traces dans la créativité de Freud.
Poésie du rêve et dépersonnalisation
Authors: Civitarese Giuseppe , Avakian Daniela
Published: October 2013

La capacité humaine de rêver, aussi bien de nuit qu’éveillé, peut être vue comme l’activité de construction d’un film de sens qui fonctionne comme un écran de pare-excitation par rapport au caractère traumatique du réel. La peau psychique que le rêve produit est le masque d’auto-illusion/fiction, au sens étymologique de « feindre » (figurer/penser), qui nous permet de devenir des personnes. En latin, « personne » signifie masque, précisément. Rêver exprimerait ainsi une capacité poétique de la psyché. Comme la poésie, le texte onirique vise à recomposer à chaque fois une harmonie entre le corps et la psyché, à redonner corps à la psyché ou alors à réinstaller la psyché dans le corps ; avec les mots de Winnicott, il vise à personnaliser, c’est-à-dire à faire avancer le processus de subjectivation.
La perte du soi dans la clinique psychanalytique
Authors: de Masi Franco , Avakian Daniela
Published: October 2013

Le but de ce travail est de chercher à mettre en lumière les similitudes et les différences des états de dépersonnalisation dans les névroses et les états limite, et l’auteur formule également quelques hypothèses sur la dépersonnalisation dans le processus psychotique. Les raisons de la dépersonnalisation sont multiples et le processus présente des dynamiques diverses dans les différents syndromes. Dans les névroses, le soi maintient une continuité, malgré un désarroi temporaire qui se traduit par un vécu d’angoisse. Dans la psychose, le processus est beaucoup plus radical et progressif, car la distorsion de la réalité émotive altère les fonctions de la pensée, parfois de manière irréversible.
La dépersonnalisation, une singulière hypocondrie psychique ?
Authors: Brokmann Pierre
Published: October 2013

L’examen des rapports entre dépersonnalisation et hypocondrie conduit, en premier lieu, à évoquer leur pouvoir de fascination auprès du clinicien. Mais cette séduction n’est que l’avatar d’un autre jeu de regard, intérieur au sujet. Partant d’une situation clinique, nous soulignerons l’analogie entre l’angoissante introspection psychique dans la dépersonnalisation et l’autoscopie incessante du langage du corps dans l’hypocondrie. Ce point de convergence va nous amener à examiner l’hypothèse d’un continuum psychopathologique entre ces deux processus sous l’angle des auto-érotismes.
Époché poème
Authors: Hamacher Werner
Published: October 2013

Depuis son commencement chez Platon et Aristote, la philosophie se définit comme phénoménologie : comme un logos se portant lui-même à l'apparaître dans un pur intuitionner. Selon les derniers traits de sa philosophie dans la phénoménologie spéculative de Hegel et dans la phénoménologie transcendantale de Husserl, se signalent sa réduction au phénomène Esprit et la thèse originaire de l'Ego à travers une « relève » et une « époché » qui, elles, ne semblent pas davantage réductibles. À la lecture d'un poème de Paul Celan –  Parenthèse ouverte, parenthèse fermée – , il devient clair que la poésie trouve la manière de conduire encore le résidu transcendantal et spéculatif de la phénoménalité, de l' aisthesis et de la thesis à ses plus extrêmes limites, de dépasser celles-ci, d'exposer le résidu dans une aphénoménalité absolue et de parler avec ce reste dépourvu d'apparence et de parole.
L'attendant, le venant, le pensant, l'écrivant, le lisant, le voyant, le noyant, le sauvant, le maintenant... Sur quelques types d'illumination profane chez Walter Benjamin
Authors: Wohlfarth Irving
Published: October 2013

Les figures de Benjamin – oxymore, chiasme, ellipse, emploi particulier du gérondif – préfigurent la « langue universelle » également annoncée par Rimbaud dans sa lettre du voyant (1871). Les « illuminations » de l'un, largement inspirées par la Commune de Paris, et la « prose messianique » de l'autre, portée notamment par l'élan de l'URSS naissante, refondent les oppositions dominantes – raison⁄ivresse, théologie⁄matérialsme... – au nom d'une société sans classes. Or Rimbaud voit également venir « le temps des Assassins » ; et Benjamin de nouvelles exterminations du masse. La clairvoyance d'un Kafka, écrit-il à ce propos en 1938, résulte du désenchantement réciproque produit par l'interaction de deux forces inégales, la vieille mystique ruinée et la modernité ruineuse, chacune à elle seule étant inefficace et honteuse. Un essai antérieur, Sur le pouvoir mimétique , voit un désenchantement analogue – la liquidation⁄sublimation des anciens pouvoirs de clairvoyance – à l'œuvre dans la genèse du langage humain. Celui-ci aurait-t-il donc tracé la voie que l'histoire devra encore emprunter ? Cependant l'Ange de l'Histoire voit, médusé, l'innommable catastrophe du soi-disant Progrès tout entraîner dans sa Chute, surtout le langage. Comment donc résister au Capital déchaîné ? Deuil ( Trauer ), lamentation ( Klage ), grève ( Stillstellung ), détour ( Umweg ) retournement ( Umkehr ), écart ( Abweichung ), démantèlement ( Abbau ) : autant d'affects et de gestes qui comptent pour Benjamin parmi les seules véritables réponses humaines à la honte persistante de l'humain...
System Design and Energy Management for Indoor Solar Energy Harvesting Under Consideration of Spectral Characteristics of Solar Cells
Authors: Viehweger Christian , Keutel Thomas , Kasper Laura , Pfeifer Tim , Kanoun Olfa
Published: October 2013

A standardized characterization method for solar cells is only available for outdoor use. For the supply of wireless sensor nodes with energy harvesting also indoor applications are of interest. Without comparable values it is difficult to select the proper cell for defined environmental conditions. Therefore it is necessary to make an investigation on their behavior individually to be able to make a selection. The work presented here shows the characterization of solar cells according to their spectral behavior, the influence of illumination and the usage of this information about the maximum power to design an energy management. Therefore a test structure with a monochromator, different light sources, source measure units and instruments for measuring intensity and spectra has been developed. The measurements help to select the best solar cell out of a repertory for indoor energy harvesting applications. As for indoor applications also the ability to make use of weak light and a high efficiency is important, the energy management has been improved using a dual DC/DC strategy that allows it to make efficient use of solar cells within difficult situations.
Air Emissions Measurements in Environmental Monitoring of IPPC Plants
Authors: Battistella Gaetano , Di Marco Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

This paper describes some air emissions measurements items coming from the application of the authorization decrees licensing IPPC Plants in Italy at national level in order to respect authorized monitoring and control procedures. New technical situations are analyzed as they occur in plants operation, after release of IPPC operational licensees, as in these Plants where pollution is now under control and where monitoring and reporting must be now properly developed. These items, on the other side, can give also new opportunities for research and development in order to find new methodologies and to develop new studies in order to reach results able to adopted appropriate measurements solutions. In air emissions measurements there is room for improvement by means of new techniques – as technologies and managerial procedures – that can help to solve these problems in order to support better application of IPPC permits.
Monitoring of Road Deicers in a Retention Pond
Authors: Suaire Rémi , Durickovic Ivana , Simonnot Marie-Odile , Marchetti Mario
Published: October 2013

In winter maintenance, the application of road de-icing products on transport infrastructures is a common practice for road security. However, these products are transported from the roads into the surrounding environment by numerous factors (rain, wind, traffic, …). The importance of monitoring their dissemination in the environment is demonstrated by the investigation of a retention pond used for the road water treatment. Sodium and chloride concentrations were monitored during the winter 2012/2013 in the inlet and outlet waters of a retention pond. The impact of meteorological data and salting operations on the concentrations measured are investigated and the implications of encountered concentrations discussed.
An Approach to Co-Dependent Value Based Internet Advertisement Auction
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Matsuo Tokuro , Lee Roger Y.
Published: October 2013

A structure of the Internet advertisement is that the service providers decide order of placement of many advertisements and advertising fees by auctions when advertisers offer their promotions. It is known that Generalized Second Price Auction (GSP) mechanism is the most efficient auction mechanism of the advertisement auction. Searching engine companies employ GSP mechanism basically. There are a lot of researches on GSP in order to analyze and clarify its feature and advantages. However, these researches assume that traded advertisements are mutually independent. That is means that each advertisement does not influence other advertisements. Also these researches do not consider a value of advertisement, which means some criterions of a name value of a company, effectiveness and an importance, that is dependently each other. This paper proposes a new advertisement auction mechanism based on GSP with considering the value of advertisement. The authors analyze the auctioneer's profit in comparison between normal GSP, normal VCG (Vickrey-Clarke-Groves Mechanism) and their proposed mechanism.
The Efficiency of Interactive Differential Evolution in Creation of Sound Contents
Authors: Fukumoto Makoto , Yamamoto Ryota , Ogawa Shintaro
Published: October 2013

Interactive Evolutionary Computation (IEC) is known as an effective method to create media contents suited to user’s preference and objectives. As one of the methods, we have applied Differential Evolution (DE) as evolutionary algorithm in IEC. This study investigated the efficacy of Interactive Differential Evolution (IDE) in comparison with Interactive Genetic Algorithm (IGA). Two listening experiments were conducted to investigate the efficacy: experiment 1 as a creating experiment with IDE and IGA, experiment 2 as a re-evaluating experiment. Target of the creation was warning sign sounds. Eighteen subjects participated in both of the experiments. The result of the experiment 1 showed that IDE overcame IGA, and significant increase of fitness was only observed in IDE. The result of the experiment 2, higher fitness value was observed in IDE, however, the difference between the two conditions was not significant. Parts of the results showed a possibility of IDE to create media contents.
A Strategy for Managing Complexity of the Global Market and Prototype Real-Time Scheduler for LEGO Supply Chain
Authors: Madsen Bjorn , Rzevski George , Skobelev Petr , Tsarev Alexander
Published: October 2013

The paper describes main features of a strategy for managing complexity of the global market and real-time scheduling multi-agent system designed for the LEGO Company. The design is based on Multi-Agent Technology Group (MATech) own strategy blueprint and multi-agent platform, which provide real-time adaptive event-driven scheduling to replenish products to LEGO Branded Retail stores. The prototype system has been used to schedule 20 US-based LEGO retail outlets for a yearlong trial period and has achieved the following results: • Reduction of lost sale from 40% to 16%; • Increase in service level from 66% to 86%; • Increase in profitability 56% to 81%. The results show a considerable potential value for full scale LEGO supply chain multi-agent solution which would be able to dynamically and adaptively re-schedule deliveries in real time.