bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Assessment of Low-Noise Road Surfaces in the Leopoldo Project: Comparison and Validation of Different Measurement Methods
Authors: Licitra Gaetano , Cerchiai Mauro , Teti Luca , Ascari Elena , Bianco Francesco , Chetoni Marco
Published: January 2015

In almost all urban contexts and in many extra-urban conurbations, where road traffic is the main noise pollution source, the use of barriers is not allowed. In these cases, low-noise road surfaces are the most used mitigation action together with traffic flow reduction. Selecting the optimal surface is only the first problem that the public administration has to face. In the second place, it has to consider the issue of assessing the efficacy of the mitigation action. The purpose of the LEOPOLDO project was to improve the knowledge in the design and the characterization of low-noise road surfaces, producing guidelines helpful to the public administrations. Several experimental road surfaces were tested. Moreover, several measurement methods were implemented aiming to select those that are suitable for a correct assessment of the pavement performances laid as mitigation planning. In this paper, the experience gained in the LEOPOLDO project will be described, focusing on both the measurement methods adopted to assess the performance of a low-noise road surface and the criteria by which the experimental results have to be evaluated, presenting a comparison of the obtained results and their monitoring along time.
Modeling Autoregressive Processes with Moving-Quantiles-Implied Nonlinearity
Authors: Ishida Isao , Kvedaras Virmantas
Published: January 2015

We introduce and investigate some properties of a class of nonlinear time series models based on the moving sample quantiles in the autoregressive data generating process. We derive a test fit to detect this type of nonlinearity. Using the daily realized volatility data of Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) and several other indices, we obtained good performance using these models in an out-of-sample forecasting exercise compared with the forecasts obtained based on the usual linear heterogeneous autoregressive and other models of realized volatility.
Energy-Saving Lipid Extraction from Wet Euglena gracilis by the Low-Boiling-Point Solvent Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Kanda Hideki , Li Peng , Goto Motonobu , Makino Hisao
Published: January 2015

We tested a wet extraction method for lipid extraction from Euglena gracilis water slurry at 0.51 MPa and 20 °C using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME). The yields, proximate analyses, elemental composition, and molecular weight distribution properties of the extracts from E. gracilis and the remaining residues obtained by DME extraction were compared with those of the extracts obtained by hexane Soxhlet extraction.
Determination of Methane and Carbon Dioxide Formation Rate Constants for Semi-Continuously Fed Anaerobic Digesters
Authors: Moestedt Jan , Malmborg Jonas , Nordell Erik
Published: January 2015

To optimize commercial-scale biogas production, it is important to evaluate the performance of each microbial step in the anaerobic process. Hydrolysis and methanogenesis are usually the rate-limiting steps during digestion of organic waste and by-products. By measuring biogas production and methane concentrations on-line in a semi-continuously fed reactor, gas kinetics can be evaluated. In this study, the rate constants of the fermentative hydrolysis step (kc) and the methanogenesis step (km) were determined and evaluated in a continuously stirred tank laboratory-scale reactor treating food and slaughterhouse waste and glycerin. A process additive containing Fe2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ was supplied until day 89, after which Ni2+ was omitted. The omission resulted in a rapid decline in the methanogenesis rate constant (km) to 70% of the level observed when Ni2+ was present, while kc remained unaffected. This suggests that Ni2+ mainly affects the methanogenic rather than the hydrolytic microorganisms in the system. However, no effect was initially observed when using conventional process monitoring parameters such as biogas yield and volatile fatty acid concentration. Hence, formation rate constants can reveal additional information on process performance and km can be used as a complement to conventional process monitoring tools for semi-continuously fed anaerobic digesters.
Prevalence and Determinants of Mucous Membrane Irritations in a Community Near a Cement Factory in Zambia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nkhama Emmy , Ndhlovu Micky , Dvonch J. , Siziya Seter , Voyi Kuku
Published: January 2015

Exposure to cement dust has been associated with deleterious health effects in humans. This study investigated whether residing near a cement factory increases the risk of irritations to the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory system. A cross sectional study was conducted in Freedom Compound, a community bordering a cement factory in Chilanga, Zambia and a control community, Bauleni, located 18 km from the cement plant. A modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire was administered to 225 and 198 respondents aged 15–59 years from Freedom and Bauleni, respectively, to capture symptoms of the irritations. Respondents from Freedom Compound, were more likely to experience the irritations; adjusted ORs 2.50 (95% CI: 1.65, 3.79), 4.36 (95% CI (2.96, 6.55)) and 1.94 (95% CI (1.19, 3.18)) for eye, nose and sinus membrane irritations respectively. Cohort panel studies to determine associations of cement emissions to mucous membrane irritations and respiratory symptoms, coupled with field characterization of the exposure are needed to assess whether the excess prevalence of symptoms of mucous membrane irritations observed in Freedom compound are due to emissions from the cement factory.
Meshless Method with Operator Splitting Technique for Transient Nonlinear Bioheat Transfer in Two-Dimensional Skin Tissues
Authors: Zhang Ze-Wei , Wang Hui , Qin Qing-Hua
Published: January 2015

A meshless numerical scheme combining the operator splitting method (OSM), the radial basis function (RBF) interpolation, and the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is developed for solving transient nonlinear bioheat problems in two-dimensional (2D) skin tissues. In the numerical scheme, the nonlinearity caused by linear and exponential relationships of temperature-dependent blood perfusion rate (TDBPR) is taken into consideration. In the analysis, the OSM is used first to separate the Laplacian operator and the nonlinear source term, and then the second-order time-stepping schemes are employed for approximating two splitting operators to convert the original governing equation into a linear nonhomogeneous Helmholtz-type governing equation (NHGE) at each time step. Subsequently, the RBF interpolation and the MFS involving the fundamental solution of the Laplace equation are respectively employed to obtain approximated particular and homogeneous solutions of the nonhomogeneous Helmholtz-type governing equation. Finally, the full fields consisting of the particular and homogeneous solutions are enforced to fit the NHGE at interpolation points and the boundary conditions at boundary collocations for determining unknowns at each time step. The proposed method is verified by comparison of other methods. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the coefficients in the cases of a linear and an exponential relationship of TDBPR is investigated to reveal their bioheat effect on the skin tissue.
Designed Surface Residue Substitutions in [NiFe] Hydrogenase that Improve Electron Transfer Characteristics
Authors: Yonemoto Isaac , Smith Hamilton , Weyman Philip
Published: January 2015

Photobiological hydrogen production is an attractive, carbon-neutral means to convert solar energy to hydrogen. We build on previous research improving the Alteromonas macleodii “Deep Ecotype” [NiFe] hydrogenase, and report progress towards creating an artificial electron transfer pathway to supply the hydrogenase with electrons necessary for hydrogen production. Ferredoxin is the first soluble electron transfer mediator to receive high-energy electrons from photosystem I, and bears an electron with sufficient potential to efficiently reduce protons. Thus, we engineered a hydrogenase-ferredoxin fusion that also contained several other modifications. In addition to the C-terminal ferredoxin fusion, we truncated the C-terminus of the hydrogenase small subunit, identified as the available terminus closer to the electron transfer region. We also neutralized an anionic patch surrounding the interface Fe-S cluster to improve transfer kinetics with the negatively charged ferredoxin. Initial screening showed the enzyme tolerated both truncation and charge neutralization on the small subunit ferredoxin-binding face. While the enzyme activity was relatively unchanged using the substrate methyl viologen, we observed a marked improvement from both the ferredoxin fusion and surface modification using only dithionite as an electron donor. Combining ferredoxin fusion and surface charge modification showed progressively improved activity in an in vitro assay with purified enzyme.
Evaluation of Biaxial Mechanical Properties of Aortic Media Based on the Lamellar Microstructure
Authors: Taghizadeh Hadi , Tafazzoli-Shadpour Mohammad , Shadmehr Mohammad , Fatouraee Nasser
Published: January 2015

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of arterial wall components is necessary for establishing a precise mechanical model applicable in various physiological and pathological conditions, such as remodeling. In this contribution, a new approach for the evaluation of the mechanical properties of aortic media accounting for the lamellar structure is proposed. We assumed aortic media to be composed of two sets of concentric layers, namely sheets of elastin (Layer I) and interstitial layers composed of mostly collagen bundles, fine elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells (Layer II). Biaxial mechanical tests were carried out on human thoracic aortic samples, and histological staining was performed to distinguish wall lamellae for determining the dimensions of the layers. A neo-Hookean strain energy function (SEF) for Layer I and a four-parameter exponential SEF for Layer II were allocated. Nonlinear regression was used to find the material parameters of the proposed microstructural model based on experimental data. The non-linear behavior of media layers confirmed the higher contribution of elastic tissue in lower strains and the gradual engagement of collagen fibers. The resulting model determines the nonlinear anisotropic behavior of aortic media through the lamellar microstructure and can be assistive in the study of wall remodeling due to alterations in lamellar structure during pathological conditions and aging.
Sulfadiazine—Chitosan Conjugates and Their Polyelectrolyte Complexes with Hyaluronate Destined to the Management of Burn Wounds
Authors: Dumitriu Raluca , Profire Lenuta , Nita Loredana , Dragostin Oana , Ghetu Nicolae , Pieptu Dragoș , Vasile Cornelia
Published: January 2015

In the present study polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) based on new sulfadiazine-chitosan conjugates with sodium hyaluronate have been developed with potential use in treatment of burn wounds. The PECs were chemically characterized using Fourier Transform—Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electon Microscopy and Near Infrared Chemical Imaging Technique. The swelling behavior and in vitro sulfadiazine release were also investigated. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated towards three bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella thyphymurium. The developed PECs demonstrated their antimicrobial efficiency against tested bacterial strains, the PECs containing sulfadiazine-modified chitosan being more active than PECs containing unmodified chitosan.
Profiling of the Molecular Weight and Structural Isomer Abundance of Macroalgae-Derived Phlorotannins
Authors: Heffernan Natalie , Brunton Nigel , FitzGerald Richard , Smyth Thomas
Published: January 2015

Phlorotannins are a group of complex polymers of phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene) unique to macroalgae. These phenolic compounds are integral structural components of the cell wall in brown algae, but also play many secondary ecological roles such as protection from UV radiation and defense against grazing. This study employed Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry to investigate isomeric complexity and observed differences in phlorotannins derived from macroalgae harvested off the Irish coast (Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, Himanthalia elongata and Cystoseira nodicaulis). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content assays were used as an index for producing phlorotannin fractions, enriched using molecular weight cut-off dialysis with subsequent flash chromatography to profile phlorotannin isomers in these macroalgae. These fractions were profiled using UPLC-MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and the level of isomerization for specific molecular weight phlorotannins between 3 and 16 monomers were determined. The majority of the low molecular weight (LMW) phlorotannins were found to have a molecular weight range equivalent to 4–12 monomers of phloroglucinol. The level of isomerization within the individual macroalgal species differed, resulting in substantially different numbers of phlorotannin isomers for particular molecular weights. F. vesiculosus had the highest number of isomers of 61 at one specific molecular mass, corresponding to 12 phloroglucinol units (PGUs). These results highlight the complex nature of these extracts and emphasize the challenges involved in structural elucidation of these compounds.
Glutathionylspermidine in the Modification of Protein SH Groups: The Enzymology and Its Application to Study Protein Glutathionylation
Authors: Lin Jason , Chiang Bing-Yu , Chou Chi-Chi , Chen Tzu-Chieh , Chen Yi-Ju , Chen Yu-Ju , Lin Chun-Hung
Published: January 2015

Cysteine is very susceptible to reactive oxygen species. In response; posttranslational thiol modifications such as reversible disulfide bond formation have arisen as protective mechanisms against undesired in vivo cysteine oxidation. In Gram-negative bacteria a major defense mechanism against cysteine overoxidation is the formation of mixed protein disulfides with low molecular weight thiols such as glutathione and glutathionylspermidine. In this review we discuss some of the mechanistic aspects of glutathionylspermidine in prokaryotes and extend its potential use to eukaryotes in proteomics and biochemical applications through an example with tissue transglutaminase and its S-glutathionylation.
Chemically-Modified Cellulose Paper as a Microstructured Catalytic Reactor
Authors: Koga Hirotaka , Kitaoka Takuya , Isogai Akira
Published: January 2015

We discuss the successful use of chemically-modified cellulose paper as a microstructured catalytic reactor for the production of useful chemicals. The chemical modification of cellulose paper was achieved using a silane-coupling technique. Amine-modified paper was directly used as a base catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Methacrylate-modified paper was used for the immobilization of lipase and then in nonaqueous transesterification processes. These catalytic paper materials offer high reaction efficiencies and have excellent practical properties. We suggest that the paper-specific interconnected microstructure with pulp fiber networks provides fast mixing of the reactants and efficient transport of the reactants to the catalytically-active sites. This concept is expected to be a promising route to green and sustainable chemistry.
Relative Stability of cis- and trans-Hydrindanones
Authors: Tori Motoo
Published: January 2015

The relative stabilities of several cis- and trans-hydrindanones were compared using both isomerization experiments and MM2 calculations. The generally believed rule that cis-hydrindanones are more stable than trans-isomers is applicable, but is not always true. This review introduces examples, mainly from studies in our laboratory, to explain these facts.
Energy and Molecules from Photochemical/Photocatalytic Reactions. An Overview
Authors: Ravelli Davide , Protti Stefano , Albini Angelo
Published: January 2015

Photocatalytic reactions have been defined as those processes that require both a (not consumed) catalyst and light. A previous definition was whether such reactions brought a system towards or away from the (thermal) equilibrium. This consideration brings in the question whether a part of the photon energy is incorporated into the photochemical reaction products. Data are provided for representative organic reactions involving or not molecular catalysts and show that energy storage occurs only when a heavily strained structure is generated, and in that case only a minor part of photon energy is actually stored (ΔG up to 25 kcal·mol−1). The green role of photochemistry/photocatalysis is rather that of forming highly reactive intermediates under mild conditions.
New Sesquiterpenoids and a Diterpenoid from Alpinia oxyphylla
Authors: Hou Lei , Ding Gang , Guo Baolin , Huang Wenhua , Zhang Xiaojian , Sun Zhiyong , Shi Xiangfen
Published: January 2015

The new compounds 2-methyl-6-isopropyl-7-hydroxymethyl naphthalene (1), oxyphyllenone H (2), epi-oxyphyllenone (6), (E)-labda-12,14-dien-15(16)-olide-17-oic acid (3), and two new natural products 4 and 5 were isolated from the ethyl acetate part of 95% ethanol extract of Alpinia oxyphylla, together with six known compounds 7–12. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1–12 on α-glucosidase were evaluated, and compounds 1, 3 and 6 showed moderate bioactive effect, with inhibitory rates of 10.3%, 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively, compared to the positive control acarbose (41.9%) at 20 µg/mL.
Resource-Efficient Fusion over Fading and Non-Fading Reporting Channels for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing
Authors: Guimarães Dayan , Aquino Guilherme
Published: January 2015

Recently, a novel resource-efficient technique for the reporting channel transmissions in cooperative spectrum sensing was proposed. In this technique, secondary users are allowed to simultaneously send their local decisions to the fusion center, saving time and frequency resources. Expressions for the probabilities of detection and false alarm for the unitary-gain AWGN reporting channels were derived, while simulation results were given for both the AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels. Here, we provide an expression that is applicable to AWGN channels with different real-valued gains and to time-varying real-valued gains. A simple suboptimum receiver is proposed for the general complex-valued fading and non-fading channels, with an improved performance in the low signal-to-noise ratio condition. Numerical results are shown for both the AWGN and Rayleigh fading reporting channels, demonstrating the accuracy of the derived expressions and the attractive performance of the proposed receiver.
Fluorescent Cellular Assay for Screening Agents Inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Adherence
Authors: Nosková Libuše , Kubíčková Božena , Vašková Lucie , Bláhová Barbora , Wimmerová Michaela , Stiborová Marie , Hodek Petr
Published: January 2015

Antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) lectin, PAIIL, which is a virulence factor mediating the bacteria binding to epithelium cells, were prepared in chickens and purified from egg yolks. To examine these antibodies as a prophylactic agent preventing the adhesion of PA we developed a well plate assay based on fluorescently labeled bacteria and immortalized epithelium cell lines derived from normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) human lungs. The antibodies significantly inhibited bacteria adhesion (up to 50%) in both cell lines. In agreement with in vivo data, our plate assay showed higher susceptibility of CF cells towards the PA adhesion as compared to normal epithelium. This finding proved the reliability of the developed experimental system.
Design and Testing of an Agricultural Implement for Underground Application of Rodenticide Bait
Authors: Malón Hugo , Aguirre A. , Boné Antonio , Vidal Mariano , García-Ramos F.
Published: January 2015

An agricultural implement for underground application of rodenticide bait to control the Mediterranean pocket gopher (Microtus Duodecimcostatus) in fruit orchards has been designed and tested. The main objective of this research was to design and test the implement by using the finite element method (FEM) and considering a range of loads generated on most commonly used furrow openers in agricultural implements. As a second step, the prototype was tested in the field by analysing the effects of forward speed and application depth on the mechanical behaviour of the implement structure. The FEM was used in the design phase and a prototype was manufactured. The structural strains on the prototype chassis under working conditions were tested by using strain gauges to validate the design phase. Three forward speeds (4.5, 5.5, and 7.0 km/h), three application depths (0.12, 0.15, and 0.17 m), and two types of soil (clayey-silty-loam and clayey-silty-sandy) were considered. The prototype was validated successfully by analysing the information obtained from the strain gauges. The Von Mises stresses indicated a safety coefficient of 1.9 for the most critical load case. Although both forward speed and application depth had a significant effect on the stresses generated on the chassis, the latter parameter critically affected the structural behaviour of the implement. The effects of the application depth on the strains were linear such that strains increased with depth. In contrast, strains remained roughly constant regardless of variation in the forward speed.
The Standard Scrapie Cell Assay: Development, Utility and Prospects
Authors: Van der Merwe Jacques , Aiken Judd , Westaway David , McKenzie Debbie
Published: January 2015

Prion diseases are a family of fatal neurodegenerative diseases that involve the misfolding of a host protein, PrPC. Measuring prion infectivity is necessary for determining efficacy of a treatment or infectivity of a prion purification procedure; animal bioassays are, however, very expensive and time consuming. The Standard Scrapie Cell Assay (SSCA) provides an alternative approach. The SSCA facilitates quantitative in vitro analysis of prion strains, titres and biological properties. Given its robust nature and potential for high throughput, the SSCA has substantial utility for in vitro characterization of prions and can be deployed in a number of settings. Here we provide an overview on establishing the SSCA, its use in studies of disease dissemination and pathogenesis, potential pitfalls and a number of remaining challenges.
L’alimentation au Proche-Orient ancien : les sources et leur exploitation
Authors: Michel Cécile
Published: January 2015

Diet in the Ancient Near East: evidence and interpretation.

In order to recreate the diet of the Ancient Near Eastern people, researchers use archaeological remains, images and texts. These, quite numerous, refer first to the table of the elites and the rations distributed to workers. Archaeological remains are often rubbish (fragments of common pots), culinary facilities (millstone, oven, silos) and funerary deposits. These various sources seem to deal with different aspects of food. But Near Eastern archaeology developed, these last decades, new methods providing new data on food : archaeobotanic and archaeozoology for example, for the study of plant and animal remains. It is now possible to cross archaeological data with texts and images. Three samples dedicated to oil, beveled rim bowls and pigs are analyzed.
Manger en Égypte : multiples témoins
Authors: Farout Dominique
Published: January 2015

Eating in Ancient Egypt: manifold evidence.

The analysis of the Ancient Egyptians’ diet dates back to the beginning of egyptology. It is based on rich and varied testimonies. Administrative or private writings, inscriptions on monuments, literary fictions, sapiential books or medical compendium, as well as three or two dimensional figures, give vital information. The archaeological evidence, architectural structures, kitchen utensils, and food remains preserved by a particularly dry climate, provide additional elements. Human remains show characteristic pathologies due to some specific diet. The combination of all this data allows us to restore some of the Egyptians’ habits : eating places, customs related to and what is eaten and drunk. However, sometimes, different sources seem to contradict each other.
Les banquets dans le monde romain : alimentation et communication
Authors: Vössing Konrad
Published: January 2015

Banquets in the Roman World - Alimentation and Communication.

The Roman convivium was characterized, on the one hand, by the common forms of communication which principally determine dining in human communities. These forms are situated in the field of tension between the integrative and competitive wishes of the participants whose medium can even be the food itself. On the other hand, Roman banquets were formed by specific historical conditions : Groups dominated by the strong social asymmetries typical for Roman society dined in the material manifestations of the formative Greek symposion culture which was based on equality. This had consequences for important aspects of the sympotic conviviality such as hospitality, culture of conversation or intimacy and spontaneity.
Tunable light filtering by a Bragg mirror/heavily doped semiconducting nanocrystal composite
Authors: Kriegel Ilka , Scotognella Francesco
Published: January 2015

Tunable light filters are critical components for many optical applications in which light in-coupling, out-coupling or rejection is crucial, such as lasing, sensing, photovoltaics and information and communication technology. For this purpose, Bragg mirrors (band-pass filters with high reflectivity) represent good candidates. However, their optical characteristics are determined during the fabrication stage. Heavily doped semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), on the other hand, deliver a high degree of optical tunability through the active modulation of their carrier density, ultimately influencing their plasmonic absorption properties. Here, we propose the design of an actively tunable light filter composed of a Bragg mirror and a layer of plasmonic semiconductor NCs. We demonstrate that the filtering properties of the coupled device can be tuned to cover a wide range of frequencies from the visible to the near infrared (vis–NIR) spectral region when employing varying carrier densities. As the tunable component, we implemented a dispersion of copper selenide (Cu2−xSe) NCs and a film of indium tin oxide (ITO) NCs, which are known to show optical tunablility with chemical or electrochemical treatments. We utilized the Mie theory to describe the carrier-dependent plasmonic properties of the Cu2−x Se NC dispersion and the effective medium theory to describe the optical characteristics of the ITO film. The transmission properties of the Bragg mirror have been modelled with the transfer matrix method. We foresee ease of experimental realization of the coupled device, where filtering modulation is achieved upon chemical and electrochemical post-fabrication treatment of the heavily doped semiconductor NC component, eventually resulting in tunable transmission properties of the coupled device.
Articulated rods – a novel class of molecular rods based on oligospiroketals (OSK)
Authors: Wessig Pablo , Merkel Roswitha , Müller Peter
Published: January 2015

We developed a new type of molecular rods consisting of two (or more) rigid units linked by a flexible joint. Consequently we called these constructs articulated rods (ARs). The syntheses of ARs were carried out by a flexible and modular approach providing access to a number of compounds with various functionalizations in terminal positions. First applications were presented with pyrene, cinnamoyl and anthracenyl labelled ARs.
Worldwide spread of NDM-1: are migratory birds culprits?
Authors: Khan Asad U
Published: January 2015

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Variation in Rheumatoid Hand and Wrist Surgery among Medicare Beneficiaries: A Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhong Lin , Chung Kevin C. , Baser Onur , Fox David A. , Yuce Huseyin , Waljee Jennifer F.
Published: January 2015

Objective.

To examine the rate and variation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related hand and wrist surgery among Medicare (elderly) beneficiaries in the United States, and to identify the patient and provider factors that influence surgical rates.

Methods.

Using the 2006–2010 100% Medicare claims data of beneficiaries with RA diagnosis, we examined rates of rheumatoid hand and wrist arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and hand tendon reconstruction in the United States. We used multivariate logistic regression models to examine variation in receipt of surgery by patient and regional characteristics (density of providers, intensity of use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs).

Results.

Between 2006 and 2010, the annual rate of RA-related hand and wrist arthroplasty or arthrodesis was 23.1 per 10,000 patients, and the annual rate of hand tendon reconstruction was 4.2 per 10,000 patients. The rates of surgery varied 9-fold across hospital referral regions in the United States. Younger patient age, female sex, white race, higher socioeconomic status (SES), and rural residence were associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing arthroplasty and arthrodesis. We observed a significant decline in rate of arthroplasty and arthrodesis with increasing density of rheumatologists. Tendon reconstruction was not influenced by provider factors, but was correlated with age, race, SES, and rural status of the patients.

Conclusion.

Surgical reconstruction of rheumatoid hand deformities varies widely across the United States, driven by both regional availability of subspecialty care in rheumatology and individual patient factors.
Effects of Macitentan and Its Active Metabolite on Cultured Human Systemic Sclerosis and Control Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Cutolo Maurizio , Montagna Paola , Brizzolara Renata , Smith Vanessa , Alessandri Elisa , Villaggio Barbara , Sulli Alberto , Tavilla Pietro Paolo , Pizzorni Carmen , Soldano Stefano
Published: January 2015

Objective.

To investigate the effects of the endothelin 1 (ET-1) receptor antagonists (ETRA) macitentan, its active metabolite ACT-132577, and bosentan on myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix production induced by ET-1 in cultured systemic sclerosis (SSc) and control skin fibroblasts.

Methods.

Fibroblasts were obtained from skin biopsies of 6 patients with SSc and 5 healthy subjects. Some cultured cells were untreated or treated with macitentan, ACT-132577, or bosentan alone (10 μM). Other cultured cells were treated with ET-1 alone (100 nM) or with ETRA, and after 1 h, also with ET-1. After 48 h of treatment, myofibroblast activation was investigated to evaluate the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression by immunofluorescence; type I collagen (COL-1) and fibronectin (FN) were investigated by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.

Results.

In cultured SSc skin fibroblasts, only the treatment with macitentan significantly reduced the basal level of α-SMA expression (p = 0.03 vs untreated cells). Macitentan also significantly reduced the basal level of COL-1 synthesis, similarly to bosentan (p < 0.05 vs untreated cells). Macitentan or ACT-132577 antagonized the ability of ET-1 to further induce α-SMA expression (p = 0.03), COL-1, and FN synthesis (p = 0.03, p = 0.005); bosentan showed similar effects. These results obtained by immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry were confirmed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The downregulatory effects exerted by ETRA were observed also in cultured human control skin fibroblasts.

Conclusion.

Macitentan and ACT-132577 seem to downregulate in vitro the profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype induced by ET-1 in cultured human SSc skin fibroblasts.
Le nœud gordien des États arabes du Golfe
Authors: Kepel Gilles
Published: January 2015

L’histoire politique contemporaine de l’espace nommé Golfe a été structurée par trois guerres successives qui ont adopté le nom des eaux disputées séparant l’Iran de l’Arabie saoudite. Les attentats du 11-Septembre ont dans ce cadre modifié le jeu des alliances internationales et créé les conditions d’un rapprochement de l’Iran et des États-Unis, ainsi qu’une dispersion des États du cceag , toujours au détriment de l’Arabie saoudite. Les révolutions arabes n’ont fait qu’approfondir ces lignes de faille alors que les stratégies d’autonomisation des États riverains de l’Arabie saoudite, qui ont établi une concurrence entre le Golfe et la Méditerranée pour le statut de centre des échanges mondiaux, restent fragiles à l’heure où baisse le prix du pétrole.
L'Arabie saoudite : un magistère sur l'islam contesté
Authors: Lacroix Stéphane
Published: January 2015

Le système politique saoudien se fonde sur un partenariat conclu au xviii e  siècle entre princes et oulémas partisans de l’islam dit wahhabite. De son maintien dépend la légitimité religieuse de la famille régnante. Or, dans la seconde moitié du xx e  siècle, des tensions sans précédent se sont fait jour entre princes et oulémas, émanant notamment d’une nouvelle génération de clercs contestataires. Ces tensions fragilisent le pouvoir de la famille régnante, en dépit des efforts de cette dernière pour dépolitiser l’islam saoudien.
Révolution énergétique, révolutions politiques ?
Authors: Maisonneuve Cécile , de Boncourt Maïté
Published: January 2015

Épicentres de la production d’hydrocarbures, les États du Golfe doivent s’adapter à un paysage énergétique bouleversé par l’arrivée de nouvelles ressources sur le marché et par le retournement historique de la demande dans les pays européens. Consommer moins et développer des énergies alternatives pour réserver les hydrocarbures à l’exportation : le défi est immense pour des pays au sein desquels la paix sociale repose sur une consommation sans limite d’énergies subventionnées. À terme, c’est leur stabilité économique, sociale et politique qui est en jeu, ainsi que leur capacité à rester des acteurs clés du système énergétique mondial.
Retour aux années 1970 ? La jeunesse du Golfe et les économies de la rente après le Printemps arabe
Authors: Hertog Steffen
Published: January 2015

Les monarchies pétrolières du Golfe ont réagi aux soulèvements dans la région survenus depuis 2011 en introduisant des mesures de protection sociale et de clientélisme en faveur des populations locales. À l’exception de Bahreïn, ces mesures semblent pour l’instant avoir pacifié les sociétés concernées. En s’appuyant sur l’étude du cas de l’Arabie saoudite, cet article démontre cependant que les mesures clientélistes ont affecté négativement la viabilité fiscale des économies du Golfe et renvoyé ces sociétés à un système de dépendance par rapport à l’État qui représente un handicap politique à long terme.
Justice et libertés dans les émirats et monarchies du Golfe
Authors: Minnegheer Éric
Published: January 2015

États extrêmement riches au développement urbanistique moderne et avant-gardiste, les pétromonarchies du Golfe maintiennent une organisation sociale fondée sur la rigueur de l’islam et la tradition bédouine tribale. Ce lien ainsi établi entre le passé et l’avenir entend vraisemblablement démontrer que le progrès ne repose pas nécessairement sur l’individualisme entrepreneurial et la conception libérale des libertés individuelles.
La France et les émirats et monarchies du Golfe
Authors: Bauchard Denis
Published: January 2015

Le golfe Persique a été longtemps la chasse gardée du Royaume-Uni et des États-Unis. Dès le début des années 1970, la France réussit à initier et développer dans le Golfe une politique de présence active, multiforme et significative tant dans les domaines politiques que militaires, économiques ou culturels. Cependant, cette région stratégique, riche en hydrocarbures, est le théâtre d’une forte compétition non seulement avec les pays occidentaux mais désormais aussi avec de nouveaux venus, en particulier la Chine et l’Inde. La place privilégiée de la France, notamment en Arabie saoudite, à Abou Dhabi et au Qatar, reste ainsi fragile et contestée.
Le Golfe vu des Émirats arabes unis et de l'Iran
Authors: al-Qassemi Sultan Sooud , Sariolghalam Mahmoud
Published: January 2015

Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi, qui a soutenu les révolutions arabes dont le résultat l’a déçu, constate que les États du Golfe en sont sortis intacts. Ils connaissent aujourd’hui deux menaces : une menace intérieure, celle des Frères musulmans, qu’ils espèrent éliminer ; une menace extérieure, celle de l’Iran, alors même qu’un rapprochement de Téhéran avec Washington est possible. Pour Mahmoud Sariolghalam, le rapprochement entre l’Iran et l’Occident ne pourra cependant être que très progressif et s’opérer à moyen terme. Les liens privilégiés des États-Unis avec les États du Golfe demeureront et l’Iran ne pourra pas redevenir le gendarme du Golfe.
Les cinq étapes de Témoignage chrétien
Authors: Fouilloux Étienne
Published: January 2015

Héritier du Courrier français du Témoignage chrétien , né dans la clandestinité en 1943, l’hebdomadaire Témoignage chrétien se radicalise au tournant des années 1950 et 1960 : opposition à la guerre d’Algérie et engagement, dès 1962, pour un concile Vatican III qui serait celui des laïcs. Il connaît une seconde phase de radicalisation à partir de 1967-1968 : adoption de la cause palestinienne, adhésion à l’Union de la gauche et participation à la contestation intra-ecclésiale. Cette nouvelle radicalisation, le vieillissement et le non-renouvellement de son lectorat diminuent son audience et menacent son existence dès avant le « coup d’État » de 1996 contre Georges Montaron, avec lequel le journal s’identifiait depuis 1955.
La République briseuse de grèves et l'amnistie (1905-1914)
Authors: Gacon Stéphane
Published: January 2015

Confrontés à la violence des conflits sociaux de la fin du siècle, les radicaux mènent une politique associant répression, clémence et réformes qui débouche sur un usage systématique de l’amnistie. Appuyée sur une longue tradition républicaine de clémence, celle-ci vise à consolider les cadres de la « civilisation républicaine » en fixant les limites entre le licite et l’illicite. Répondant volontiers aux logiques électorales, l’amnistie est pensée comme un moyen pédagogique de maintenir le monde du travail à distance de la tentation socialiste. Cependant, les débats qui l’entourent témoignent de la persistance d’une hantise du peuple qui se reconfigure parmi les élites au moment où le monde ouvrier prend de l’ampleur et s’organise.
Résistance ou collaboration de l'industrie automobile française pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: C. Imlay Talbot , Harvey Alexandra
Published: January 2015

À la suite de la Libération de la France en 1944, François Lehideux s’est trouvé accusé de collaboration avec l’occupant. Sous sa direction, l’industrie automobile française pendant l’Occupation a travaillé presque exclusivement pour l’Allemagne. Pour sa défense, Lehideux a affirmé que l’industrie avait saboté l’effort de guerre allemand en sous-produisant délibérément. Bien que des historiens ont fait écho aux affirmations de Lehideux, le phénomène de sous-production n’a pas été examiné d’une façon critique. En étudiant les activités de la compagnie Ford SAF pendant la guerre, cet article montre qu’il est plausible que Ford SAF ait moins produit pour l’Allemagne qu’elle n’aurait pu le faire, particulièrement pendant les années 1943-1944. Dans le même temps, cette sous-production ne constituait pas une forme de résistance, car Ford SAF n’était pas motivée par le désir de nuire à l’effort de guerre de l’Allemagne.
La politique hongroise de la France entre 1967 et 1973
Authors: Bouillon Pierre
Published: January 2015

Entre 1967 et 1973, la politique extérieure française mit à profit plusieurs satellites soviétiques pour appuyer la détente en Europe. De ce point de vue, la Pologne et la Roumanie furent des interlocuteurs privilégiés. La Hongrie, cependant, parvint à intéresser la France à son sort, en dépit d’un passé difficile entre les deux pays. Les réformes intérieures mises en place par les dirigeants communistes, de même que leur attitude modérée lors de la crise du Printemps de Prague, distinguèrent Budapest de la majorité des autres démocraties populaires. Toutefois, la Hongrie ne pouvant s’affirmer comme la Roumanie sur la scène internationale, les relations franco-hongroises échouèrent à changer d’envergure, avant l’ouverture de la Conférence sur la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (CSCE).
« Nous les Latino-Américains, nous qui n'avons ni canons, ni cuirassés »
Authors: Ortega Orozco Adriana , Robinet Romain
Published: January 2015

Cet article étudie les liens entre deux événements longtemps analysés de manière séparée par l’historiographie : la Première Guerre mondiale et la Révolution mexicaine. Les deux processus entrèrent pourtant en interaction. Le Mexique révolutionnaire fut confronté au spectre de l’entrée en guerre en avril 1917, peu après la promulgation de sa nouvelle Constitution. À l’instar d’autres pays latino-américains, le pays fut le théâtre d’une véritable « guerre des esprits », opposant neutralistes, défenseurs de l’Entente ou des empires centraux. De la présidence de la République au mouvement étudiant, en passant par le Congrès constituant, la presse et les intellectuels, cet article analyse les positions contradictoires des élites révolutionnaires face à la Grande Guerre.
A Review of Teaching and Learning through Practice of Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Velázquez-Iturbide J. Ángel , Debdi Ouafae , Paredes-Velasco Maximiliano
Published: January 2015

Algorithmics is an important core subject matter in computer science education. In particular, optimization algorithms are some of the most difficult to master because their problem statement includes an additional property, namely optimality. The chapter contains a comprehensive survey of the teaching and learning through practice of optimization algorithms. In particular, three important issues are reviewed. Firstly, the authors review educational methods which partially or completely address optimization algorithms. Secondly, educational software systems are reviewed and classified according to technical and educational criteria. Thirdly, students' difficulties and misunderstandings regarding optimization algorithms are presented. The chapter intends to consolidate current knowledge about the education of this class of algorithms for both computer science teachers and computer science education researchers.
Massive Open Online Course Management
Authors: Pessoa Ana M. , Coelho Luis , Fernandes Ruben
Published: January 2015

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are gaining prominence in transversal teaching-learning strategies. However, there are many issues still debated, namely assessment, recognized largely as a cornerstone in Education. The large number of students involved requires a redefinition of strategies that often use approaches based on tasks or challenging projects. In these conditions and due to this approach, assessment is made through peer-reviewed assignments and quizzes online. The peer-reviewed assignments are often based upon sample answers or topics, which guide the student in the task of evaluating peers. This chapter analyzes the grading and evaluation in MOOCs, especially in science and engineering courses, within the context of education and grading methodologies and discusses possible perspectives to pursue grading quality in massive e-learning courses.
Ensemble
Authors: Queirós Ricardo , Leal José Paulo
Published: January 2015

Currently, the teaching-learning process in domains, such as computer programming, is characterized by an extensive curricula and a high enrolment of students. This poses a great workload for faculty and teaching assistants responsible for the creation, delivery, and assessment of student exercises. The main goal of this chapter is to foster practice-based learning in complex domains. This objective is attained with an e-learning framework—called Ensemble—as a conceptual tool to organize and facilitate technical interoperability among services. The Ensemble framework is used on a specific domain: computer programming. Content issues are tacked with a standard format to describe programming exercises as learning objects. Communication is achieved with the extension of existing specifications for the interoperation with several systems typically found in an e-learning environment. In order to evaluate the acceptability of the proposed solution, an Ensemble instance was validated on a classroom experiment with encouraging results.
Moodle-Based Tool to Improve Teaching and Learning of Relational Databases Design and SQL DML Queries
Authors: Antón-Rodríguez M. , Pérez-Juárez M. A. , Jiménez-Gómez M. I. , Díaz-Pernas F. J. , Martínez-Zarzuela M. , González-Ortega D.
Published: January 2015

The challenge to prepare the graduates for working in a constantly changing environment like software engineering requires an effective learning framework. This chapter presents a tool, integrated in the Moodle learning management system, that allows students to train the process of designing relational databases. The tool also allows them to practice with SQL queries that are executed over relational databases previously designed. This chapter also describes the result of a qualitative analysis of its use in an engineering course offered at the University of Valladolid and focused on the teaching of the Web applications development. The results of the refereed study reveal that the tool was found useful by both students and teachers to support the teaching and learning process of relational databases.
Distributed Query Plan Generation using Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Kumar T.V. Vijay , Singh Rahul , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2015

Query processing is a critical performance evaluation parameter and has received a considerable amount of attention especially in the context of distributed database systems. The aim of distributed query processing is to effectively and efficiently process the query. This entails laying down an optimal distributed query processing strategy that generates efficient query plans Since in distributed database systems, the data is distributed and replicated at multiple sites, the number of query plans increases exponentially with increase in the number of relations accessed by the query along with increase in the number of sites containing these relations. Thus, from amongst these query plans, there is a need to generate optimal query plans involving lesser number of sites which, in turn, would entail lower site-to-site communication cost leading to faster query response times. In this paper, an attempt has been made to generate such query plans for a distributed query using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). This ACO based distributed query plan generation (DQPG) algorithm, when compared with the GA based DQPG algorithm, is able to generate comparatively better quality Top-K query plans for a given distributed query.
Airfoil Topology Optimization using Teaching-Learning based Optimization
Authors: Rajaram Dushhyanth , Akhria Himanshu , Omkar S. N.
Published: January 2015

This paper primarily deals with the optimization of airfoil topology using teaching-learning based optimization, a recently proposed heuristic technique, investigating performance in comparison to Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization. Airfoil parametrization and co-ordinate manipulations are accomplished using piecewise b-spline curves using thickness and camber for constraining the design space. The aimed objective of the exercise was easy computation, and incorporation of the scheme into the conceptual design phase of a low-reynolds number UAV for the SAE Aerodesign Competition. The 2D aerodynamic analyses and optimization routine are accomplished using the Xfoil code and MATLAB respectively. The effects of changing the number of design variables is presented. Also, the investigation shows better performance in the case of Teaching-Learning based optimization and Particle swarm optimization in comparison to Genetic Algorithm.