bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Quality in the Shallow Aquifers of the Hadauti Plateau of the District of Baran, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Rakshit Amitava
Published: July 2014

With the rapid pace of agricultural development, industrialization and urbanization, the commonly observed geogenic contaminants in groundwater are fluoride and nitrate, whereas nitrate is the dominant anthropogenic contaminant in the south-eastern plains of Rajasthan, India. Samples obtained using a tube well and hand pump in November, 2012, demonstrate that Na-Cl is the dominant salt in the groundwater, and the total salinity of the water is between 211-1056 mg L-1. Moreover, the observed sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values ranged between 0.87 to 26.22 meq L-1 and -12.5 to 30.5 meq L-1 respectively. The study further shows that 6% of the total samples contain high amounts of nitrate, and 49% contain fluoride. A water quality index (WQI) rating was carried out using nine parameters to quantify the overall groundwater quality status of the area.
Evaluation of the Aggressiveness of Slovak Mineral Water Sources
Authors: Vrablíková Dana , Porubská Diana , Fendeková Miriam , Božíková Jarmila , Kókaiová Denisa
Published: July 2014

The aggressive properties of natural waters arise due to their specific physical properties and chemical composition. The latest analyses of certified natural and healing mineral water sources according to Act No. 538/2005 were used for the evaluation. A total of 53 sources in 26 localities were evaluated; they comprised 25 sources of bottled natural mineral and healing waters and 28 sources of natural healing waters in 9 spas. The aggressiveness of the water against concrete was weak (17 sources), medium (17 sources), or none (19 sources). The aggressiveness was mostly caused by low pH values and/or increased SO4
2− content. Their corrosiveness to metal was mostly very high. The results showed that the disintegration of concrete building constructions, well casings and pipelines could occur in most of the evaluated localities in the case of mineral water contacting them. Therefore, preventive measures are necessary.
Grain Size Measurement in Experimental Co-Re-based Alloys to Study Grain Coarsening, Part I
Authors: Czerny Andreas Klaus , Mukherji Debashis , Rösler Joachim
Published: July 2014

Co-Re-based alloys being developed for high temperature applications and produced by vacuum arc melting have rather small grain size. Large grain sizes are desirable in such alloys for better resistance to high temperature creep. However, no systematic studies on grain coarsening in Co-Re alloys were conducted so far. In this paper grain coarsening at 1000°C and 1200°C were investigated by using three different Co-Re alloys with and without second phase precipitates. Different methods for grain size measurement including EBSD were employed in this study. Co-Re alloys showed inhibition to grain growth, but microstructural features like precipitates or twins are not responsible for this behaviour. Further investigations are needed to find the real cause but slow diffusion of the heavy rhenium atom in Co-matrix may be responsible.
Primary hydatid cyst of soleus muscle : A case report
Authors: Nahar MN , Iqbal H , Yesmin MS , Arafat SM
Published: July 2014

Muscle hydatidosis is rare, accounting only for 35% of all cases. We present an unusual case of a primary hydatid cyst found in the soleus muscle of a 42-year-old woman, presenting as an enlarging soft-tissue mass for 6 months associated with pain. The hydatid cyst was confined into muscle, without affecting the bone. En block surgical excision of the cyst was undertaken. Histopathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period of 8 months. Skeletal muscle echinococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of limb masses, especially in endemic countries. A meticulous history taking and MR imaging is essential, while pericystectomy is an effective method of treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18988 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 60-62
Dyspepsia in primary care practice in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan M
Published: July 2014

Dyspepsia generally refers to pain or discomfort in epigastric region. It is a common problem in the community and clinical practice. It affects quality of life, productivity and causes significant resources utilization. There are a number of different causes of dyspepsia which varies from country to country. But the commonest cause in all the countries is functional dyspepsia. Investigations needed to diagnose the cause of dyspepsia are many and treatment options also vary. Consequently different scientific bodies have issued guidelines regarding the management strategy of this common disorder. But the strategy should depend on local prevalence of Helicobactor pylori infection, available health care resources and underlying serious diseases. Most dyspeptic patients are managed by primary care physicians. In Bangladesh, investigation facilities are lacking in most parts of the country. Furthermore, eradication rate of H. pylori is low and recurrence rate is high. In this article, we have reviewed the current evidences and recommendations on evaluation and treatment of dyspepsia and discussed the preferred option in primary care settings in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18989 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 63-69
Sustainable Agricultural Development under Climate Change in Bangladesh
Authors: Faroque MAA , Asaduzamman M , Hossain M
Published: July 2014

Climate change is no more an environmental concern it has emerged as biggest developmental challenge for the most vulnerable Bangladesh. The whole international community is also scared of catastrophic adverse effects of future climatic changes on different spheres of man and nature, e.g. deglaciation and sea level changes, submergence of lands, nations and major coastal lowlands, atmospheric dynamics including evaporation and precipitation, global radiation balance, photosynthesis and ecological productivity, plant and animal community and many more. This paper tries to focus the adverse impacts of climatic changes on the crop production, food security, yield gap and sustainable agriculture by crop intensification and diversification. The impact of climate on agriculture could result in problems with food security and may threaten the livelihood activities upon which much of the population depends and thrives. Hilly committed research efforts showed technological progress as evidenced by release of 684 high yielding varieties of various crops and about 769 management technologies by NARS institutes, and universities.  The greatest challenge for the future agriculture under climate change, we need improved and modified warning system, developed climate impact modules, build sufficient resilience of food system, comprehensive climate resilience strategies, develop database on climate. Also need top priority to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture through weather services, more research and extension service, agro advisories, insurance, community bank, intensify and diversify crop production system, modern high yielding varieties and management technologies for future sustainable agriculture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i1.19396
Polarization Rotation and Monoclinic Distortion in Ferroelectric (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–BaTiO3 Single Crystals under Electric Fields
Authors: Ogino Motohiro , Noguchi Yuji , Kitanaka Yuuki , Miyayama Masaru , Moriyoshi Chikako , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro
Published: July 2014

The features of the crystal structures and spontaneous polarization (Ps) under an electric field (E) have been reviewed for (1 − x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–xBaTiO3 (BNT–BT). In-situ measurements of high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) under electric fields show that single crystals with x = 0 (BNT) and 5% have a monoclinic distortion in space group Cc at 25 °C. The SR-XRD study combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrates that BNT–5%BT exhibits a rotation of Ps in the monoclinic a–c plane by 2° under an E of 70 kV/cm along the <001> pseudo-cubic direction, which is much larger than BNT.
Growth and Characterization on PMN-PT-Based Single Crystals
Authors: Tian Jian , Han Pengdi
Published: July 2014

Lead magnesium niobate—lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystals have been successfully commercialized in medical ultrasound imaging. The superior properties of PMN-PT crystals over the legacy piezoelectric ceramics lead zirconate titanate (PZT) enabled ultrasound transducers with enhanced imaging (broad bandwidth and improved sensitivity). To obtain high quality and relatively low cost single crystals for commercial production, PMN-PT single crystals were grown with modified Bridgman method, by which crystals were grown directly from stoichiometric melt without flux. For ultrasound imaging application, [001] crystal growth is essential to provide uniform composition and property within a crystal plate, which is critical for transducer performance. In addition, improvement in crystal growth technique is under development with the goals of improving the composition homogeneity along crystal growth direction and reducing unit cost of crystals. In recent years, PIN-PMN-PT single crystals have been developed with higher de-poling temperature and coercive field to provide improved thermal and electrical stability for transducer application.
Metabolite Profiling of Root Exudates of Common Bean under Phosphorus Deficiency
Authors: Tawaraya Keitaro , Horie Ryota , Saito Saki , Wagatsuma Tadao , Saito Kazuki , Oikawa Akira
Published: July 2014

Root exudates improve the nutrient acquisition of plants and affect rhizosphere microbial communities. The plant nutrient status affects the composition of root exudates. The purpose of this study was to examine common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) root exudates under phosphorus (P) deficiency using a metabolite profiling technique. Common bean plants were grown in a culture solution at P concentrations of 0 (P0), 1 (P1) and 8 (P8) mg P L−1 for 1, 10 and 20 days after transplanting (DAT). Root exudates were collected, and their metabolites were determined by capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF MS). The shoot P concentration and dry weight of common bean plants grown at P0 were lower than those grown at P8. One hundred and fifty-nine, 203 and 212 metabolites were identified in the root exudates, and 16% (26/159), 13% (26/203) and 9% (20/212) of metabolites showed a P0/P8 ratio higher than 2.0 at 1, 10 and 20 DAT, respectively. The relative peak areas of several metabolites, including organic acids and amino acids, in root exudates were higher at P0 than at P8. These results suggest that more than 10% of primary and secondary metabolites are induced to exude from roots of common bean by P deficiency.
Simultaneous Quantitation and Validation of Triterpenoids and Phytosteroids in Phaseolus angularis Seeds
Authors: Hwang Joo , Oh Hyun-Mee , Kim Mi-Hwa , Jeong Hyung , Lee Chul , Jang Hyun-Jae , Lee Seung , Park Chan , Rho Mun-Chual
Published: July 2014

A reproducible analytical method using reverse-phase high liquid performance chromatography combined with UV detecting was developed for the quantitative determination of four compounds isolated from the ethanol extract of Phaseolus angularis seeds (PASE): oleanolic acid (1), oleanolic acid acetate (2), stigmasterol (3) and β-sitosterol (4). This method was fully validated in terms of linearity (r2 > 0.999), accuracy (98.5%–100.8%), precision (<0.92%), LOD (<0.0035 mg/mL), and LOQ (<0.0115 mg/mL). The effects of the PASE and isolated compounds 1–4 on TLR4 activation were tested in THP1-Blue cells. Among the tested substances, compound 2 showed potent inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.89 ± 0.17 µM.
Microextraction Techniques Coupled to Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Organic Micropollutants in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Padrón Mª , Afonso-Olivares Cristina , Sosa-Ferrera Zoraida , Santana-Rodríguez José
Published: July 2014

Until recently, sample preparation was carried out using traditional techniques, such as liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), that use large volumes of organic solvents. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) uses much less solvent than LLE, although the volume can still be significant. These preparation methods are expensive, time-consuming and environmentally unfriendly. Recently, a great effort has been made to develop new analytical methodologies able to perform direct analyses using miniaturised equipment, thereby achieving high enrichment factors, minimising solvent consumption and reducing waste. These microextraction techniques improve the performance during sample preparation, particularly in complex water environmental samples, such as wastewaters, surface and ground waters, tap waters, sea and river waters. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and time-of-flight mass spectrometric (TOF/MS) techniques can be used when analysing a broad range of organic micropollutants. Before separating and detecting these compounds in environmental samples, the target analytes must be extracted and pre-concentrated to make them detectable. In this work, we review the most recent applications of microextraction preparation techniques in different water environmental matrices to determine organic micropollutants: solid-phase microextraction SPME, in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and liquid-phase microextraction (LPME). Several groups of compounds are considered organic micropollutants because these are being released continuously into the environment. Many of these compounds are considered emerging contaminants. These analytes are generally compounds that are not covered by the existing regulations and are now detected more frequently in different environmental compartments. Pharmaceuticals, surfactants, personal care products and other chemicals are considered micropollutants. These compounds must be monitored because, although they are detected in low concentrations, they might be harmful toward ecosystems.
Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis: Human Exposure through Environmental and Domestic Aerosols
Authors: Rhodes Glenn , Richardson Hollian , Hermon-Taylor John , Weightman Andrew , Higham Andrew , Pickup Roger
Published: July 2014

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) causes Johne’s disease in animals and is significantly associated with Crohn’s disease (CD) in humans. Our previous studies have shown Map to be present in U.K. rivers due to land deposition from chronic livestock infection and runoff driven by rainfall. The epidemiology of CD in Cardiff showed a significant association with the River Taff, in which Map can be detected on a regular basis. We have previously hypothesized that aerosols from the river might influence the epidemiology of CD. In this preliminary study, we detected Map by quantitative PCR in one of five aerosol samples collected above the River Taff. In addition, we examined domestic showers from different regions in the U.K. and detected Map in three out of 30 independent samples. In detecting Map in river aerosols and those from domestic showers, this is the first study to provide evidence that aerosols are an exposure route for Map to humans and may play a role in the epidemiology of CD.
Algorithm for Extracting Digital Terrain Models under Forest Canopy from Airborne LiDAR Data
Authors: Maguya Almasi , Junttila Virpi , Kauranne Tuomo
Published: July 2014

Extracting digital elevationmodels (DTMs) from LiDAR data under forest canopy is a challenging task. This is because the forest canopy tends to block a portion of the LiDAR pulses from reaching the ground, hence introducing gaps in the data. This paper presents an algorithm for DTM extraction from LiDAR data under forest canopy. The algorithm copes with the challenge of low data density by generating a series of coarse DTMs by using the few ground points available and using trend surfaces to interpolate missing elevation values in the vicinity of the available points. This process generates a cloud of ground points from which the final DTM is generated. The algorithm has been compared to two other algorithms proposed in the literature in three different test sites with varying degrees of difficulty. Results show that the algorithm presented in this paper is more tolerant to low data density compared to the other two algorithms. The results further show that with decreasing point density, the differences between the three algorithms dramatically increased from about 0.5m to over 10m.
Research on a Power Management System for Thermoelectric Generators to Drive Wireless Sensors on a Spindle Unit
Authors: Li Sheng , Yao Xinhua , Fu Jianzhong
Published: July 2014

Thermoelectric energy harvesting is emerging as a promising alternative energy source to drive wireless sensors in mechanical systems. Typically, the waste heat from spindle units in machine tools creates potential for thermoelectric generation. However, the problem of low and fluctuant ambient temperature differences in spindle units limits the application of thermoelectric generation to drive a wireless sensor. This study is devoted to presenting a transformer-based power management system and its associated control strategy to make the wireless sensor work stably at different speeds of the spindle. The charging/discharging time of capacitors is optimized through this energy-harvesting strategy. A rotating spindle platform is set up to test the performance of the power management system at different speeds. The experimental results show that a longer sampling cycle time will increase the stability of the wireless sensor. The experiments also prove that utilizing the optimal time can make the power management system work more effectively compared with other systems using the same sample cycle.
Dosimetric measurements of 68Ga-High Affinity DOTATATE
Authors: Freudenberg R , Oehme L. , Zöphel K. , Schottelius M. , Wester H.-J. , Wunderlich G. , Kotzerke J. , Brogsitter C. , Hartmann H.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: 68Ga-labelled compounds are increasingly used for somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy because of their favourable biokinetic properties, a higher tumour-to- background contrast and higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the gamma-emitting tracer 111In-DTPA-octreotide. Recently, we have introduced the new tracer 68Ga-DOTA- 3-iodo-Tyr3-Thr8-octreotide (68Ga-HA-DOTA- TATE). The present study demonstrates the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of this tracer in humans. Patients, methods: Seven men were enrolled in this analysis. Every patient underwent a 20 min dynamic PET scan after intravenous injection of about 114 ± 9 MBq of 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE. This was followed by two whole-body scans at 30 min p. i. and 120 min p. i. Blood radioactivity concentration was determined non-invasively from a ROI drawn over the aorta. Urine was collected until the time of the last scan. Liver, spleen, kidneys and urinary bladder wall were included in the dosimetric estimation that was carried out with the software package OLINDA 1.0. Results: Physiological 68Ga- HA-DOTATATE uptake was observed in the pituitary gland, thyroid, salivary glands, liver, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenals and intestine. Organs with the highest absorbed dose were spleen (0.26 ± 0.11 mSv/MBq), kidneys (0.14 ± 0.03 mSv/MBq) and liver (0.12 ± 0.02 mSv/MBq).The estimated effective dose was 0.024 ± 0.001 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates biokinetics and radiation exposure of the 68Ga-labelled tracer HA-DOTATATE to be comparable to other 68Ga-labelled SSR analogues in clinical use.
Nanoforging – Innovation in three-dimensional processing and shaping of nanoscaled structures
Authors: Landefeld Andreas , Rösler Joachim
Published: July 2014

Background: This paper describes the shaping of freestanding objects out of metallic structures in the nano- and submicron size. The technique used, called nanoforging, is very similar to the macroscopic forging process.

Results: With spring actuated tools produced by focused ion beam milling, controlled forging is demonstrated. With only three steps, a conical bar stock is transformed to a flat- and semicircular bent bar stock.

Conclusion: Compared with other forming techniques in the reduced scale, nanoforging represents a beneficial approach in forming freestanding metallic structures, due to its simplicity, and supplements other forming techniques.
An experimental and theoretical NMR study of NH-benzimidazoles in solution and in the solid state: proton transfer and tautomerism
Authors: Nieto Carla I , Cabildo Pilar , García M Ángeles , Claramunt Rosa M , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2014

This paper reports the 1H, 13C and 15N NMR experimental study of five benzimidazoles in solution and in the solid state (13C and 15N CPMAS NMR) as well as the theoretically calculated (GIAO/DFT) chemical shifts. We have assigned unambiguously the "tautomeric positions" (C3a/C7a, C4/C7 and C5/C6) of NH-benzimidazoles that, in some solvents and in the solid state, appear different (blocked tautomerism). In the case of 1H-benzimidazole itself we have measured the prototropic rate in HMPA-d18.
Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) Patterns Obtained Using Different Translation Times during Unilateral Centrifugation (UC) Testing
Authors: González Jorge E. , King John E. , Kiderman Alexander
Published: July 2014

Background:Unilateral centrifugation (UC) is a test of utricular function that involves the eccentric displacement of a patient while undergoing high velocity rotation. These off-center placements permit evaluation of utricles as only one organ is subjected to linear stimulation.
Currently, several different protocols are used for translation times between positions (e.g., Clarke et al, 1996; Wuyts et al, 2003).Purpose:This study examined the effects of different translation times between eccentric and centric positions during UC on an individual’s perceived
subjective visual vertical (SVV).Research Design:A prospective repeated measures design was used in this study.Study Sample:Forty-three young adults with no history or complaints of vestibular or neurological disorders participated in this study.Data Collection:All testing
was performed on a Neuro Kinetics Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) Neuro-Otologic Test Center (NOTC) rotational chair at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Vestibular Clinic. Each participant completed six SVV trials in the static condition (sSVV) as a baseline of function. In addition, each participant
completed UC trials using a rotational velocity of 300°/sec with 4 cm eccentric lateral displacements that were maintained for 60 sec per position. Translations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 sec were randomized. The maximum velocity was maintained for 90 sec prior to the eccentric placement.
Multiple estimations of dynamic subjective visual vertical (dSVV) were performed for each position.Results:dSVV data yielded several trends. At 5 sec translations, dSVV values had greater variability and required longer for participant responses to stabilize. Regardless of UC translation
time, initial trial values were often quite different from the remaining trials. Shorter UC translation times were associated with more eccentric dSVV values outside of the clinical norms. While not statistically significant, more variance was associated with the shortest UC translation times,
while 15 and 25 sec translation data demonstrated the best correlations and lowest variances.Discussion:Findings suggest that incorporating sSVV data to normalize dSVV data should be considered to reduce the influence of the underlying baseline static otolithic function on the UC results.
The presence of a clear tendency for shorter UC translation times to be associated with larger numbers of clinically abnormal findings may indicate that very short UC translation times may not be ideal for clinical applications. This is supported by our finding that longer UC translation times
elicited more consistent SVV results and less response variability. While some of these findings were not statistically significant, the results do suggest that clinical UC testing may benefit from optimization of translation time as well as inclusion of sSVV in response interpretation.
Cervical VEMP Threshold Response Curve in the Identification of Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Yi , McPherson James , Beatty Charles , Driscoll Colin , Neff Brian , Eggers Scott , Shepard Neil T.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:To investigate the sensitivity/specificity of a shift upward in the most sensitive frequency of the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) threshold-response curve in the identification of Ménière’s disease (MD). A secondary purpose
was to investigate the clinical characteristics that had an impact on the sensitivity/specificity and to adjust the criteria for a positive shift upward in the cVEMP curve to maximize performance of the test.Research Design:A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with MD and those
without MD.Study Sample:Two hundred ninety-four patients met the inclusion criteria of symptom complaints of spontaneous events of vertigo and a full vestibular and balance evaluation with cVEMP threshold-response curve testing. Two hundred six of these patients were diagnosed with
MD, and 88 patients were determined to be non-MD.Data Collection and Analysis:Review of the patients’ medical records was used to extract data on the results of the cVEMP curve, age, gender, duration from time of onset of spontaneous events, pure tone average from hearing test,
and water caloric asymmetry. Student’s t-test, χ2 test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC), Pearson correlation coefficient, and sensitivity/specificity from 2 × 2 tables were all used in the analysis.Results:Basic
sensitivity/specificity for a shift upward in the most sensitive frequency to 1000 Hz in the cVEMP threshold-response curve was 0.47/0.64 respectively. Clinical characteristics that were found to have a significant impact on the sensitivity/specificity were age equal to or above 60 yr and
a caloric asymmetry ≥25%. Various combinations of age and caloric with the requirement of a shift upward in the cVEMP curve most sensitive frequency to 1000 Hz resulted in significant but modest improvements in sensitivity/specificity. However, the overall performance was not shown acceptable
for routine clinical use with maximum sensitivity at 0.73. Therefore, placing an emphasis on specificity over sensitivity results showed specificity of 0.95 for those under 60 yr and 0.90 for those 60 yr of age or older with sensitivity at 0.20, but only in the context of a ≥25% caloric
asymmetry.Conclusions:We recommend the use of the shift upward to 1000 Hz with a caloric asymmetry as the clinical protocol to maximize the use of the cVEMP threshold-response curve for assistance in the identification of MD, in the context of a ≥25% caloric asymmetry. This implies
that if the test is negative no interpretation of identification of MD can be made. If the test is positive the results can be used to increase the argument for MD since the probability of the result being a false positive is only 5‐10%.
Association of Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies and/or Rheumatoid Factor Status and Clinical Presentation in Early Arthritis: Results from the ESPOIR Cohort
Authors: Mouterde Gaël , Lukas Cédric , Goupille Philippe , Flipo René-Marc , Rincheval Nathalie , Daurès Jean-Pierre , Combe Bernard
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To compare the initial clinical, biological, and radiographic findings of early arthritis by positivity for rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and to validate a patient profile based on this serologic information.

Methods.

The ESPOIR cohort comprises patients presenting synovitis of at least 2 joints for 6 weeks to 6 months. Patients underwent testing for IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) and anti-CCP2 antibodies and were divided into 4 groups: RF– and anti-CCP– (group 1), RF+ and anti-CCP– (group 2), RF– and anti-CCP+ (group 3), RF+ and anti-CCP+ (group 4). We compared the groups in terms of clinical, biological, and radiographic features (baseline scores and 6-month and 12-month progression).

Results.

Of the 813 recruited patients, 406 (50%) were in group 1, 91 (11.2%) in group 2, 34 (4.1%) in group 3, and 281 (34.6%) in group 4. Mean baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were higher for anti-CCP+ groups (groups 3 and 4) than for other groups (p < 0.001), and van der Heijde-modified Sharp score for radiographs was higher for group 4 than for other groups (p < 0.001). Clinical presentation was not consistently associated with serologic profile. Radiographic progression at 1 year was higher for anti-CCP+ groups than other groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

The phenotype of patients with early arthritis with or without anti-CCP and/or RF positivity did not correspond to a particular clinical presentation. However, baseline acute-phase reactants and short-term radiographic progression were high in patients with anti-CCP positivity, which may be associated with the inflammatory process and progressive disease in patients with early arthritis.
Circulating Concentrations of the Novel Adipokine Chemerin Are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dessein Patrick H. , Tsang Linda , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Norton Gavin R. , Solomon Ahmed
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Depending on physiological context, the adipokine chemerin can reduce or enhance cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether chemerin concentrations represent cardiovascular disease risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We assessed ELISA-determined chemerin concentrations and those of 4 early endothelial activation molecules as well as angiopoietin 2, which mediates angiogenesis and thereby contributes to advanced atherosclerosis, the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), and carotid artery plaque by ultrasound in 236 patients (114 black and 122 white) with RA. Relationships were identified in potential confounder and mediator-adjusted mixed regression models.

Results.

Mean (SD) chemerin and median (interquartile range) angiopoietin 2 concentrations were 114 (35) ng/ml and 2560 (2044–3341) pg/ml, respectively; the mean (SD) cIMT was 0.708 (0.110) mm, and 40.3% of patients had plaque. Chemerin concentrations were not related to those of early endothelial activation molecules, but associated with those of angiopoietin 2 [β SE = 0.002 (0.0004), p < 0.0001] and plaque [OR 1.006 (95% CI 1.00–1.013), p = 0.05] in all patients. The presence of major conventional cardiovascular risk factors, generalized and abdominal obesity, and RA severity markers modified the independent chemerin-cardiovascular risk relations (interaction p < 0.05). Consequently, chemerin concentrations were associated with cIMT in those with but not without overweight or generalized obesity and abdominal obesity [β SE = 0.001 (0.0003), p = 0.005 and 0.001 (0.0001), p = 0.001 vs −0.001 (0.0004), p = 0.2 and −0.0002 (0.0004), p = 0.6, respectively], and with plaque in those without but not with generalized obesity [OR 1.008 (95% CI) 1.000–1.016, p = 0.03 vs 1.003 (0.990–1.017), p = 0.6, respectively]. The β (SE) for the chemerin-intima-media thickness relations in patients with overweight or generalized obesity and abdominal obesity were larger than in those without these characteristics (p < 0.0001 and = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion.

Chemerin is associated with endothelial activation and atherosclerosis in RA. Adiposity influences the chemerin-atherosclerotic phenotype relations in RA.
Vous avez dit « puissance civile » ?
Authors: Bersick Sebastian , Gottwald Jörn-Carsten
Published: July 2014

En 2003, la République populaire de Chine et l’Union européenne ont décidé d’intensifier leurs relations bilatérales sous la forme d’un Partenariat stratégique. Dix ans plus tard, les trois piliers du « Dialogue politique », du « Dialogue économique et sectoriel » et du « Dialogue de peuple à peuple » symbolisent l’ambition d’un partenariat global. En dépit d’une augmentation rapide non seulement des échanges commerciaux bilatéraux, mais aussi des forums et des commissions de coopération bilatérale, la majorité du monde universitaire est toujours sceptique : où la dimension stratégique de la relation apparaît-elle donc ? Qu’est-ce que cela signifie pour le partenariat ? Et existe-t-il même vraiment une politique européenne unifiée et cohérente vis-à-vis la Chine ? Au-delà du débat sur la politique chinoise de l’Europe, sa substance et sa cohérence stratégiques, la perte insidieuse de puissance normative européenne, qui va en s’accélérant depuis lors et au travers des turbulences dans le sillage de la crise financière mondiale, est beaucoup plus fondamentale. Initialement, les relations bilatérales visaient explicitement à amener la Chine plus près des normes et standards économiques, juridiques et politiques acceptés dans le monde entier et appliqués en Europe. Entre-temps, et justement en ce qui a trait aux relations économiques et financières des deux parties, l’UE compte sur le soutien de la Chine comme nouveau chef de file mondial, alors qu’elle-même a cessé d’espérer une contribution européenne à son processus de changement et de réforme intérieur. La perception chinoise changeante du Partenariat stratégique ne révèle pas seulement un déclin de l’importance de l’UE pour les questions d’actualité, mais également un positionnement fondamentalement nouveau de la République populaire de Chine en tant que puissance normative. L’UE, d’un autre côté, semble avoir abandonné toute ambition de façonner le rôle de la Chine dans les relations internationales. La relation spéciale qui prend de l’importance entre l’Allemagne et la Chine a renforcé cette tendance. Le Partenariat stratégique apparaît de plus en plus comme le portail de l’ascension de la Chine et de la perte de puissance auto-infligée de l’Europe. Il n’y a que peu d’indicateurs permettant d’espérer un renouveau de la puissance normative de l’Europe, en dépit de l’enthousiasme originel avec lequel l’Europe planifiait d’assumer son rôle et de le façonner activement dans le monde, et en particulier avec la Chine en tant que nouvelle grande puissance.
Economic relations between the European Union and China
Authors: Inotai András
Published: July 2014

Plusieurs facteurs ont contribué au commerce, qui se développe rapidement, et aux relations économiques entre l’Union européenne et la Chine dans les quinze dernières années : l’adhésion de la Chine à l’OMC, le changement dans les rapports de force (économiques) mondiaux, la délocalisation des entreprises européennes en Chine avec réexportations de marchandises produites en Europe, ainsi que la crise mondiale et ses conséquences. À partir de statistiques de base, cet article traite des questions institutionnelles, commerciales et des questions liées à la politique commerciale. Un chapitre est consacré à l’analyse d’un domaine encore ‘sous-développé’, celui de la coopération bilatérale, par l’évolution des flux bilatéraux d’investissements directs, avec un accent particulier sur les motivations des entreprises chinoises à entrer sur le marché de l’Union européenne. La coopération financière a connu une amélioration qualitative, à la fois comme résultat de la crise de l’euro et du niveau croissant sans précédent des réserves chinoises de change. Malgré une interdépendance croissante, les stéréotypes anciens et de plus en plus obsolètes sont encore vivants et doivent être surmontés afin d’ouvrir la voie à une coopération à part entière. Cette dernière ne peut se limiter à des questions bilatérales, car l’UE et la Chine assument ensemble une responsabilité globale pour un large éventail de défis auxquels elles doivent faire face au xxi e siècle. Une intégration plus poussée de l’UE serait utile non seulement pour favoriser l’ancrage autour de l’UE d’un modèle international de croissance et développement plus équilibré et durable, mais aussi pour une meilleure intégration de la Chine dans un ordre mondial multipolaire (et multilatéral).
China and the Golden Straitjacket of Globalization
Authors: Burauel Patrick F.
Published: July 2014

Cet article considère que l’intégration croissante de la Chine dans l’économie mondiale est un facteur déterminant pour des développements politiques majeurs, tels que la répression de 1989 de la démocratie dans l’incident de Tiananmen. Les compromis entre la mondialisation économique, la souveraineté juridique nationale et la politique de masse sont illustrés par un trilemme politique qui considère que l’économie ne peut viser que deux compromis sur trois. Il est démontré que lorsque la Chine commence à s’intégrer économiquement, elle fait face aux contraintes que pose ce trilemme – les exigences de démocratie qui accompagnent la libéralisation économique illustrent les tensions modélisées par le trilemme . Après la période d’ambiguïté pré-Tiananmen, les dirigeants politiques décident d’abandonner la politique de masse en faveur de l’intégration économique et du maintien strict de la souveraineté juridique nationale. L’article, par conséquent, explique globalement l’interdépendance des décisions économiques et politiques dans le contexte de mondialisation dans la Chine moderne..
Afrique : le grand réveil
Authors: Gambotti Christian
Published: July 2014

Le grand réveil de l’Afrique est une évidence. La première indépendance que connaît l’Afrique, celle des années 1960, est une indépendance politique, certes nécessaire, mais insuffisante. L’entrée dans le XXIè siècle marque pour la plupart des 54 pays africains le début d’une deuxième vie, fondée sur l’indépendance économique. Mais, l’Afrique est un continent de 54 nations, avec 54 situations particulières. Les matières premières participent, de façon prépondérante, au grand réveil de l’Afrique. Il est alors nécesaire de sortir de la malédiction des matières premières en créant une industrie locale de transformation. En 2014, les investissements étrangers en Afrique vont battre des records et devenir, avec 80 milliards de dollars, la première source d’apports financiers extérieurs. Nouveau moteur de la croissance mondiale, l’Afrique possède des ressources naturelles, ses propres besoins sont colossaux et les progrès accomplis en matière de gouvernance politique sont réels.
L'emprise de Moscou sur la République de Moldavie : état des lieux
Authors: Trifon Nicolas
Published: July 2014

Ni l’héritage soviétique en matière de frontières, la question des minorités, pas plus que les pressions et les chantages ne sauraient expliquer la dépendance de la République de Moldavie à l’égard de Moscou. Le voisin russe conserve encore un pouvoir d’attraction trop souvent sous-estimé. Aussi la Fédération de Russie a-t-elle le pouvoir de bloquer le rapprochement en cours de la République de Moldavie avec l’Union européenne sans que l’Union eurasiatique fasse pour autant figure d’alternative satisfaisante à moyen ou long terme.
1994-2014 : quelle organisation de l'intelligence économique d'entreprise en France ?
Authors: Lucas Didier , Moinet Nicolas
Published: July 2014

L’intelligence économique française fête cette année son vingtième anniversaire officiel. Depuis 1994 et la sortie du rapport Martre, les pratiques se sont diffusées et ont évoluées. Après avoir donné un panorama historique de l’ organisation de l’intelligence économique dans les entreprises française, il apparaît intéressant de les caractériser selon trois types : « dynamique intégrée », « pratiques isolées » et « fonctions disséminées ». Cette typologie permet de mieux appréhender cette dynamique au sein des organisations et d’insister sur les deux maillons faibles généralement rencontrés : l’analyse et le management des connaissances.
Inégalités en matière de santé en Angleterre : politique récente et éléments de preuve
Authors: Marmot Michael , Allen Jessica
Published: July 2014

Cet article évalue brièvement certains éléments importants de la politique anglaise récente sur les inégalités en matière de santé. Il explique qu’en dépit de l’attention soutenue et de la priorité accordées aux inégalités de santé, celles-ci se creusent de plus en plus, s’accompagnent d’un gradient de classe sociale et concernent presque toute la population d’une manière ou d’une autre. Les actions visant à réduire ces inégalités doivent donc être universelles, bien que proportionnelles aux besoins. L’article présente les résultats de l’étude Marmot menée en 2010. Son rapport a clairement défini l’étendue du problème et les principaux moteurs des inégalités de santé, qui relèvent de facteurs sociaux et économiques largement extérieurs au secteur des soins de santé. Afin d’agir sur ces déterminants sociaux de la santé, il est nécessaire d’impliquer à la fois le gouvernement et divers secteurs, ainsi que d’engager une action durable à long terme. Les réactions nationales et locales à l’étude Marmot sont ensuite analysées, avec une présentation de certaines des difficultés rencontrées.
Le Plan cancer 2014-2019 : un plan de lutte contre les inégalités et les pertes de chance face à la maladie
Authors: Buzyn Agnès
Published: July 2014

C’est dans le champ du cancer que les inégalités de santé sont parmi les plus importantes en France. Face à ce constat, le nouveau Plan cancer a été conçu comme un véritable « plan de lutte contre les inégalités », avec pour objectif d’accroître les connaissances sur cette problématique et de les opérationnaliser au travers d’interventions. L’impact de ces efforts sera mesuré grâce au développement de nouveaux indicateurs sociosanitaires, favorisé par l’appariement de bases de données administratives et de santé. L’inscription, en majeure, de la lutte contre les inégalités dans ce Plan doit également amener l’ensemble des acteurs intervenant dans le domaine du cancer à développer une position réflexive, à titre individuel ou collectif, quant aux pertes de chance à l’œuvre face à la maladie, et aux moyens de les réduire.
Alternative Media Bridging the Digital Divide in Malaysia
Authors: Fernandez Kevin , Pandian Sivamurugan , Abu Bakar Mohamad Zaini
Published: July 2014

This chapter analyzes the burgeoning role of new media in the Malaysian political sphere. The chapter descriptively analyzes the role of Sarawakreport.org, a blog formed by the former Prime Minister of the UK's (Gordon Brown's) sister in-law, Clare Rewcastle Brown, in an endeavor to challenge the Chief Minister of Sarawak in his incumbency. The government used its economical, coercive, and political power to repress the symbolic power of the new media, which transgresses boundaries, space, and time. This chapter concludes that the BN (Barisan Nasional) won its two-thirds majority legitimizing its control over Sarawak, but its loss of popular votes suggests the symbolic power is of concern for the ruling regime and legitimizing its rule seems to be a serious problem.
Two Models of Online Petitioning in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fritz Johannes
Published: July 2014

The chapter identifies two models of petitioning in the United Kingdom. One is found at the devolved legislatures in Scotland and Wales, the other on the Prime Minister's Website. Differences between these petition systems are analyzed with respect to their political and institutional context, functionality, use, and impact on politics. The model in Scotland and Wales evolved from the context of devolution and the desire of the new institutions to distance themselves from the Westminster Parliament. Their petition systems offer petitioners a detailed treatment of their petitions by specialised petition committees. Petitions are generally assessed in qualitative terms and received in small numbers. The second model on the Prime Minister's (2006-2010) and the coalition government's Website (since 2011) is used to collect popular demands as part of an e-engagement strategy reflecting the dominant position of the Prime Minister within the UK political system. The system focuses on quantitative criteria to identify successful petitions.
Italy: A foreign traveller
Authors: Van den Berg Karien
Published: July 2014

No abstract available.
Los riesgos de los adolescentes en Internet: los menores como actores y víctimas de los peligros de Internet
Authors: Catalina-García Beatriz , López de Ayala López Mª Cruz , García Jiménez Antonio
Published: July 2014

El uso intensivo de Internet entre los adolescentes ha aumentado la preocupación por los riesgos que enfrentan en el ciberespacio. El objetivo de este estudio es diagnosticar los riesgos que enfrentan los adolescentes españoles en Internet y determinar la influencia de variables como la edad, el sexo y la titularidad de la escuela a la que asisten los menores. Método. El estudio se basa en una encuesta nacional representativa aplicada a 2.077 adolescentes. La encuesta explora los riesgos que enfrentan los menores en el ciberespacio: contenido inapropiado, contacto con extraños, pérdida de privacidad, ciberacoso, uso problemático de Internet o adicción a Internet y las prácticas de seguridad adoptadas por los adolescentes. Resultados y conclusiones. La alta confianza de los jóvenes coexiste con una alta exposición involuntaria a contenido inapropiado en línea (pornografía, violencia, promoción del consumo de alcohol y drogas y trastornos alimentarios), junto con la normalización de diversas formas de ciberacoso. Los resultados confirman que existe un porcentaje importante de adolescentes que admiten pasar un tiempo excesivo en Internet y ser adictos a determinados servicios de Internet.
Once-weekly liposomal amphotericin B for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infection after graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cheikh Jean El , Castagna Luca , Wang Ling , Esterni Benjamin , Faucher Catherine , Furst Sabine , Duran Segolene , Berger Pierre , Ranque Stephane , Mohty Mohamad , Blaise Didier
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The liposomal formulation of amphotericin B (LA mB) has been shown to cause few and mild infusion-related reactions, while achieving high plasma and tissue concentrations compared with conventional amphotericin B. We investigated the efficacy and safety of high-dose LA mB (7.5 mg/kg once weekly) prophylaxis of fungal infections in allogeneic stem-cell transplanted (allo-SCT) patients with graft-verssus-host disease (GvHD).

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Retrospective, comparative, single-center.

METHODS:

Forty-two patients receiving high-dose prednisone for GvHD after allo-SCT had LA mB prophylaxis; 83 patients in the control group received other antifungal prophylaxis.

RESULTS:

In the LA mB prophylaxis group, the median duration of treatment was 7 weeks. The cumulative inciddence of invasive fungal infection was 8% at 1 year after transplantation, 8% at 2 years and 16% at 3 years in the LA mB group vs. 36% at 1 year, 44% at 2 years and 49% at 3 years in the other prophylaxis group (P=.008). Fungal infection-related mortality after transplantation was observed in none of the patients in the LA mB prophyllaxis group vs. 12 patients (14%) at 1 year, 14 patients (17%) at 2 years and 16 patients (19%) at 3 years in the control group (P=.005). The tolerance of the treatment was good with only 5 patients (12%) having a reversible nephrotoxicity leading to temporary treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS:

High-dose LA mB prophylaxis seems effective and well tolerated in this short series of allo-SCT patients with GvHD . Prospective clinical studies are required to confirm these results.