bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms as potential risk factors for brain arteriovenous malformation development and hemorrhagic presentation
Authors: Delev Daniel , Pavlova Anna , Grote Alexander , Boström Azize , Höllig Anke , Schramm Johannes , Fimmers Rolf , Oldenburg Johannes , Simon Matthias
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain are a frequent and important cause of intracranial hemorrhage in young adults. Little is known about the molecular-genetic pathomechanisms underlying AVM development. Genes of the NOTCH family control the normal development of vessels and proper arteriovenous specification. Transgenic mice with constitutive expression of active NOTCH4 frequently develop AVMs. Here, the authors report a genetic association study investigating possible associations between NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms and formation and clinical presentation of AVMs.

METHODS

After PCR amplification and direct DNA sequencing or restriction digests, 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NOTCH4 gene were used for genotyping 153 AVM patients and 192 healthy controls (i.e., blood donors). Pertinent clinical data were available for 129 patients. Uni- and multivariate single-marker and explorative haplotype analyses were performed to identify potential genetic risk factors for AVM development and for hemorrhagic or epileptic presentation.

RESULTS

Eleven calculated haplotypes consisting of 3–4 SNPs (most of which were located in the epidermal growth factor–like domain of the NOTCH4 gene) were observed significantly more often among AVM patients than among controls. Univariate analysis indicated that rs443198_TT and rs915895_AA genotypes both were significantly associated with hemorrhage and that an rs1109771_GG genotype was associated with epilepsy. The association between rs443198_TT and AVM bleeding remained significant in the multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' results suggest NOTCH4 SNPs as possible genetic risk factors for the development and clinical presentation of AVMs and a role of NOTCH4 in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Noninvasive epicutaneous transfontanelle intracranial pressure monitoring in children under the age of 1 year: a novel technique
Authors: Behmanesh Bedjan , Setzer Matthias , Noack Anika , Bartels Marco , Quick-Weller Johanna , Seifert Volker , Freiman Thomas M.
Published: May 2016

Monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) may be indicated in children with traumatic brain injury, premature intraventricular hemorrhage, or hydrocephalus. The standard technique is either a direct measurement with invasive intracranial insertion of ICP probes or indirect noninvasive assessment using transfontanelle ultrasonography to measure blood flow. The authors have developed a new technique that allows noninvasive epicutaneous transfontanelle ICP measurement with standard ICP probes. They compared the ICP measurements obtained using the same type of standard probe used in 2 different ways in 5 infants (age < 1 year) undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis. The first ICP probe was implanted epidurally (providing control measurements) and the second probe was fixed epicutaneously on the skin over the reopened frontal fontanelle. ICP values were measured hourly for the first 24 hours after surgery and the values obtained with the 2 methods were compared using Bland-Altman 2-methods analysis.

A total of 110 pairs of measurements were assessed. There was no significant difference between the ICPs measured using the epicutaneous transfontanelle method (mean 13.10 mm Hg, SEM 6.68 mm Hg) and the epidural measurements (mean 12.46 mm Hg, SEM 6.45 mm Hg; p = 0.4643). The results of this analysis indicate that epicutaneous transfontanelle measurement of ICP is a reliable method that allows noninvasive ICP monitoring in children under the age of 1 year. Such noninvasive ICP monitoring could be implemented in the therapy of children with traumatic brain injury or intraventricular hemorrhage or for screening children with elevated ICP without invasive intracranial implantation of ICP probes.
Ribosome Assembly as Antimicrobial Target
Authors: Nikolay Rainer , Schmidt Sabine , Schlömer Renate , Deuerling Elke , Nierhaus Knud
Published: May 2016

Many antibiotics target the ribosome and interfere with its translation cycle. Since translation is the source of all cellular proteins including ribosomal proteins, protein synthesis and ribosome assembly are interdependent. As a consequence, the activity of translation inhibitors might indirectly cause defective ribosome assembly. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between direct and indirect effects, and because assembly is probably a target in its own right, concepts are needed to identify small molecules that directly inhibit ribosome assembly. Here, we summarize the basic facts of ribosome targeting antibiotics. Furthermore, we present an in vivo screening strategy that focuses on ribosome assembly by a direct fluorescence based read-out that aims to identify and characterize small molecules acting as primary assembly inhibitors.
The Unicellular State as a Point Source in a Quantum Biological System
Authors: Torday John , Miller William
Published: May 2016

A point source is the central and most important point or place for any group of cohering phenomena. Evolutionary development presumes that biological processes are sequentially linked, but neither directed from, nor centralized within, any specific biologic structure or stage. However, such an epigenomic entity exists and its transforming effects can be understood through the obligatory recapitulation of all eukaryotic lifeforms through a zygotic unicellular phase. This requisite biological conjunction can now be properly assessed as the focal point of reconciliation between biology and quantum phenomena, illustrated by deconvoluting complex physiologic traits back to their unicellular origins.
Role of Conformational Motions in Enzyme Function: Selected Methodologies and Case Studies
Authors: Narayanan Chitra , Bernard David , Doucet Nicolas
Published: May 2016

It is now common knowledge that enzymes are mobile entities relying on complex atomic-scale dynamics and coordinated conformational events for proper ligand recognition and catalysis. However, the exact role of protein dynamics in enzyme function remains either poorly understood or difficult to interpret. This mini-review intends to reconcile biophysical observations and biological significance by first describing a number of common experimental and computational methodologies employed to characterize atomic-scale residue motions on various timescales in enzymes, and second by illustrating how the knowledge of these motions can be used to describe the functional behavior of enzymes and even act upon it. Two biologically relevant examples will be highlighted, namely the HIV-1 protease and DNA polymerase β enzyme systems.
Mast Cell Tryptase Contributes to Pancreatic Cancer Growth through Promoting Angiogenesis via Activation of Angiopoietin-1
Authors: Guo Xiangjie , Zhai Liqin , Xue Ruobing , Shi Jieru , Zeng Qiang , Gao Cairong
Published: May 2016

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. During the development and progression of cancer, tumor angiogenesis plays a crucial role. A great deal of evidence has revealed that human mast cells (MCs) contributed to tumor angiogenesis through releasing several pro-angiogenetic factors, among which tryptase is one of the most active. However, the role of mast cell tryptase (MCT) in human pancreatic cancer angiogenesis is still not well documented. In this study, we examined the MCT levels in serum from pancreatic cancer patients and evaluated the correlationship of the MCT level and tumor angiogenesis. In addition, the effect of MCT on endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation was investigated both in vitro and in nude mice bearing pancreatic tumor. It was found that MCT contributes to endothelial cell growth and tube formation via up-regulation of angiopoietin-1 expression. Moreover, using the MCT inhibitor nafamostat, tryptase-induced angiogenesis was obviously suppressed both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that MCT plays an important role in pancreatic cancer angiogenesis and tumor growth via activating the angiopoietin-1 pathway, and tryptase inhibitors may be evaluated as an effective anti-angiogenetic approach in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Characterization and Enhanced Antioxidant Activity of the Cysteinyl β-Cyclodextrin-Baicalein Inclusion Complex
Authors: Kim Hwanhee , Yiluo Hu , Park Seyeon , Lee Jae , Cho Eunae , Jung Seunho
Published: May 2016

Baicalein is a type of flavonoid isolated from the roots of a medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis. Although it has attracted considerable attention due to its antiviral, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory activities, its limited aqueous solubility inhibits the clinical application of this flavonoid. The present study aimed to prepare and characterize a host-guest complex in an effort to improve the solubility and antioxidant activity of baicalein. The host molecule is a macrocyclic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) functionalized with cysteine for a synergetic effect. The structure of the synthesized cysteinyl β-CD was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The inclusion complex with baicalein was studied by UV-vis, NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffractometry. The formed cysteinyl β-CD/baicalein inclusion complex efficiently improved the solubility and antioxidant ability of baicalein. Therefore, we suggest that the present cysteinyl β-CD is a potential host molecule for inclusion complexation and for bioavailability augmentation.
Complementary Effects of Genetic Variations in LEPR on Body Composition and Soluble Leptin Receptor Concentration after 3-Month Lifestyle Intervention in Prepubertal Obese Children
Authors: Gajewska Joanna , Kuryłowicz Alina , Mierzejewska Ewa , Ambroszkiewicz Jadwiga , Chełchowska Magdalena , Weker Halina , Puzianowska-Kuźnicka Monika
Published: May 2016

In obese individuals, weight loss might be affected by variants of the adipokine-encoding genes. We verified whether selected functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in LEP, LEPR and ADIPOQ are associated with changes in serum levels of the respective adipokines and weight loss in 100 prepubertal obese (SDS-BMI > 2) Caucasian children undergoing lifestyle intervention. Frequencies of the -2548G > A LEP, Q223R LEPR, K656N LEPR, -11377C > G and -11426A > G ADIPOQ polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum adipokine and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Among the analyzed polymorphisms, only LEPR polymorphisms were associated with changes of SDS-BMI or sOB-R concentrations in children after therapy. Carriers of the wild-type K665N and at least one minor Q223R allele had the greatest likelihood of losing weight (OR = 5.09, p = 0.006), an increase in sOB-R (ptrend = 0.022) and decrease in SDS-BMI correlated with the decrease of fat mass (p < 0.001). In contrast, carrying of the wild-type Q223R and at least one minor K665N allele were associated with a decrease in sOB-R concentrations and a decrease in SDS-BMI correlated with a decrease in fat-free mass (p = 0.002). We suggest that the combination of different LEPR variants, not a single variant, might determine predisposition to weight loss in the prepubertal period.
RAFT-Mediated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly of Poly(Acrylic Acid)-b-Poly(Hexafluorobutyl Acrylate): Effect of the pH on the Synthesis of Self-Stabilized Particles
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , He Renyan , Ma Jianzhong
Published: May 2016

This paper describes a very simple strategy towards self-stabilized poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(hexafluorobutyl acrylate) (PAA-b-PHFBA) block copolymer particles via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly. Hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) monomer conversion and number-average molar mass of PAA-b-PHFBA increased gradually with the increase in the pH value of the aqueous phase. When pH < 10, the molecular weight distributions of PAA-b-PHFBA were narrow, however, when the pH was raised to 11.55, PAA-b-PHFBA block copolymers had a broader distribution (ĐM = 1.82) with a serious trailing toward the low molecular weight. Furthermore, the morphology and size of PAA-b-PHFBA latex particles were measured by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The results indicated that the PAA-b-PHFBA latex particles had a clear spherical core-shell structure and the latex particles’ size increased with the increase of pH value.
The Congregational Social Work Education Initiative: Toward a Vision for Community Health through Religious Tradition and Philanthropy
Authors: Poole Jay , Rife John , Moore Wayne , Pearson Fran
Published: May 2016

The relationship between social work field education, religiously affiliated organizations, and local philanthropic organizations is explored in this case study of a grant-funded project called the Congregational Social Work Education Initiative. Religiously affiliated organizations have traditionally been involved in the provision of social welfare services; yet, social work education has not embraced this tradition in ways that are intentional. Additionally, the impact of religion-based traditions on philanthropy is interesting and, here, this relationship is explored through tracing the history of a prominent family in the community of Greensboro, North Carolina. The unlikely collaboration between social work field education, religiously affiliated organizations, and a local philanthropic community health entity yields some interesting considerations for how communities can come together toward a vision of improved health.
Woody Biomass Estimation in a Southwestern U.S. Juniper Savanna Using LiDAR-Derived Clumped Tree Segmentation and Existing Allometries
Authors: Krofcheck Dan , Litvak Marcy , Lippitt Christopher , Neuenschwander Amy
Published: May 2016

The rapid and accurate assessment of above ground biomass (AGB) of woody vegetation is a critical component of climate mitigation strategies, land management practices and process-based models of ecosystem function. This is especially true of semi-arid ecosystems, where the high variability in precipitation and disturbance regimes can have dramatic impacts on the global carbon budget by rapidly transitioning AGB between live and dead pools. Measuring regional AGB requires scaling ground-based measurements using remote sensing, an inherently challenging task in the sparsely-vegetated, spatially-heterogeneous landscapes characteristic of semi-arid regions. Here, we test the ability of canopy segmentation and statistic generation based on aerial LiDAR (light detection and ranging)-derived 3D point clouds to derive AGB in clumps of vegetation in a juniper savanna in central New Mexico. We show that single crown segmentation, often an error-prone and challenging task, is not required to produce accurate estimates of AGB. We leveraged the relationship between the volume of the segmented vegetation clumps and the equivalent stem diameter of the corresponding trees (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.001) to drive the allometry for J. monosperma on a per segment basis. Further, we showed that making use of the full 3D point cloud from LiDAR for the generation of canopy object statistics improved that relationship by including canopy segment point density as a covariate (R2 = 0.91). This work suggests the potential for LiDAR-derived estimates of AGB in spatially-heterogeneous and highly-clumped ecosystems.
Reputation and Reward: Two Sides of the Same Bitcoin
Authors: Delgado-Segura Sergi , Tanas Cristian , Herrera-Joancomartí Jordi
Published: May 2016

In Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS), the power of the crowd, jointly with the sensing capabilities of the smartphones they wear, provides a new paradigm for data sensing. Scenarios involving user behavior or those that rely on user mobility are examples where standard sensor networks may not be suitable, and MCS provides an interesting solution. However, including human participation in sensing tasks presents numerous and unique research challenges. In this paper, we analyze three of the most important: user participation, data sensing quality and user anonymity. We tackle the three as a whole, since all of them are strongly correlated. As a result, we present PaySense, a general framework that incentivizes user participation and provides a mechanism to validate the quality of collected data based on the users’ reputation. All such features are performed in a privacy-preserving way by using the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Rather than a theoretical one, our framework has been implemented, and it is ready to be deployed and complement any existing MCS system.
Learning about Sustainability—What Influences Students’ Self-Perceived Sustainability Actions after Undergraduate Education?
Authors: Sammalisto Kaisu , Sundström Agneta , Von Haartman Robin , Holm Tove , Yao Zhilei
Published: May 2016

Changing societies’ minds about sustainability requires knowledge about the situation, awareness of what needs to be done and actions to change today’s unsustainable behaviors. Universities are challenged to develop students’ ability to appreciate the complexities of sustainability and translate sustainability knowledge of education into systemic, anticipatory and critical thinking and actions. To meet this challenge, universities provide specific study programs and courses and integrate sustainability in education and activities. There is limited research on the results of such efforts from a student perspective. The study focused on an identical cohort of 108 undergraduate students who answered a survey about their self-perceived knowledge, awareness and actions before and after their studies in a Swedish university. All 108 students had sustainability integrated into their study programs; forty-eight also attended specific sustainability courses. The test model explains variations in students’ self-perceived sustainability actions at the end of their studies. There were differences already in students’ initial self-perceived knowledge between the groups. The students’ female gender, self-perceived initial actions, studying sustainability courses as well as the increase in self-perceived sustainability knowledge contribute significantly to the later sustainability actions. The results show student development, which can encourage those working with education for sustainable development in universities.
The Complexity of Food Systems: Defining Relevant Attributes and Indicators for the Evaluation of Food Supply Chains in Spain
Authors: Gamboa Gonzalo , Kovacic Zora , Di Masso Marina , Mingorría Sara , Gomiero Tiziano , Rivera-Ferré Marta , Giampietro Mario
Published: May 2016

The wide-ranging literature on food systems provides multiple perspectives and world views. Various stakeholders define food and food systems in non-equivalent ways. The perception of the performance of food systems is determined by these specific perspectives, and a wide variety of policies responding to different aims are proposed and implemented accordingly. This paper sets out to demonstrate that the pre-analytical adoption of different narratives about the food system leads to non-equivalent assessments of the performance of food supply chains. In order to do so, we (i) identify a set of relevant narratives on food supply chains in Spanish and Catalan contexts; (ii) identify the pertinent attributes needed to describe and represent food supply chains within the different perspectives or narratives; and (iii) carry out an integrated assessment of three organic tomato supply chains from the different perspectives. In doing so, the paper proposes an analysis of narratives to enable the analyst to characterize the performance of food supply chains from different perspectives and to identify the expected trade-offs of integrated assessment, associating them with the legitimate-but-contrasting views found among the social actors involved.
European Water Footprint Scenarios for 2050
Authors: Ercin A. , Hoekstra Arjen
Published: May 2016

This study develops water footprint scenarios for Europe for 2050, at the country level, based on projections regarding population and economic growth, production and trade patterns, consumption patterns (diets and bioenergy use) and technological development. The objective is to estimate possible future changes in the green, blue and grey water footprint (WF) of production and consumption, to analyze the main drivers of projected changes and to assess Europe’s future dependence on water resources elsewhere in the world. We develop four scenarios, considering globalization versus regional self-sufficiency, and development driven by economic objectives versus development driven by social and environmental objectives. The study shows that the most critical driver of change affecting Europe’s future WF is the consumption pattern. The WFs of both production and consumption in Western Europe increase under scenarios with high meat consumption and decrease with low-meat scenarios. Besides, additional water demands from increasing biofuel needs will put further pressure on European water resources. The European countries with a large ratio of external to total WF of consumption in 2000 decrease their dependencies on foreign water resources in 2050.
A Cluster of Nucleotide‐Binding Site–Leucine‐Rich Repeat Genes Resides in a Barley Powdery Mildew Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci on 7HL
Authors: Cantalapiedra Carlos P. , Contreras‐Moreira Bruno , Silvar Cristina , Perovic Dragan , Ordon Frank , Gracia María Pilar , Igartua Ernesto , Casas Ana M.
Published: May 2016

Powdery mildew causes severe yield losses in barley production worldwide. Although many resistance genes have been described, only a few have already been cloned. A strong QTL (quantitative trait locus) conferring resistance to a wide array of powdery mildew isolates was identified in a Spanish barley landrace on the long arm of chromosome 7H. Previous studies narrowed down the QTL position, but were unable to identify candidate genes or physically locate the resistance. In this study, the exome of three recombinant lines from a high‐resolution mapping population was sequenced and analyzed, narrowing the position of the resistance down to a single physical contig. Closer inspection of the region revealed a cluster of closely related NBS‐LRR (nucleotide‐binding site–leucine‐rich repeat containing protein) genes. Large differences were found between the resistant lines and the reference genome of cultivar Morex, in the form of PAV (presence‐absence variation) in the composition of the NBS‐LRR cluster. Finally, a template‐guided assembly was performed and subsequent expression analysis revealed that one of the new assembled candidate genes is transcribed. In summary, the results suggest that NBS‐LRR genes, absent from the reference and the susceptible genotypes, could be functional and responsible for the powdery mildew resistance. The procedure followed is an example of the use of NGS (next‐generation sequencing) tools to tackle the challenges of gene cloning when the target gene is absent from the reference genome.
Construire l’école du bien-être dans un quartier pauvre. Une expérience d’accompagnement sociologique
Authors: Zoïa Geneviève , Visier Laurent
Published: May 2016

L’école française se caractérise par de très médiocres indicateurs concernant le bien-être et le sentiment des enfants d’être chez eux à l’école. Cet article analyse une démarche de reconstruction d’une école dans un quartier défavorisé d’une ville française de taille moyenne. La recherche ethnographique et sociologique est fondée sur la constitution et le suivi d’un groupe comprenant les différents acteurs du quartier concernés par l’école. Cette démarche expérimentale montre les potentialités et les obstacles pour ouvrir le jeu notamment aux associations, aux parents d’élèves et aux enfants. Pour avancer vers une école du bien-être, les auteurs proposent de considérer des enjeux pragmatiques du quotidien de la communauté éducative (cour, sécurité, santé) afin de contourner les polémiques autour des valeurs de l’école.
Occuper et prendre place : une lecture des rapports de pouvoir dans la cour de récréation
Authors: Monnard Muriel
Published: May 2016

À partir de données qualitatives issues d’une année d’observation dans des établissements scolaires du secondaire genevois, cet article met en dialogue la notion de carrière, et le concept de place. Il postule que pour trouver sa place sur le marché des sociabilités et y faire carrière, le jeune doit apprendre les codes culturels adéquats, un apprentissage qui passe par la maitrise de sa propre spatialité et la conscientisation de celle des autres pendant les temps de pause. Cette lutte pour les places entre groupes sociaux est d’autant plus accrue et complexe dans un contexte scolaire hétérogène et plus contraignante pour les filles.
Ré-habiter sa vie. L’exploration méthodologique d’un nouveau vivre ensemble via le cheminement urbain filmé
Authors: Rouay-Lambert Sophie
Published: May 2016

La création d’une pension de famille dans un quartier mixte parisien, fait l’objet d’une étude qualitative dans les champs de la sociologie urbaine et de la sociologie visuelle. Le suivi des parcours des nouveaux résidents sortant de situations de mallogement et leurs processus d’appropriation des espaces de vie et d’installation dans ce nouveau vivre ensemble sont propices à l’exploration d’un protocole méthodologique particulier : le cheminement urbain filmé. Cette démarche exploratoire, mobilisée pour susciter la parole sur les pratiques des espaces vécus est ici soumise à l’examen. À la manière d’un carnet d’enquête, notre propos est d’exposer cette expérience et de proposer une lecture critique de cette méthode qui débouche sur un nouvel espace relationnel d’enquête, soit un nouveau cadre d’observation de co-production sociologique.
Familism in the Firm. An Ethnographic Approach to Italian Family Capitalism
Authors: Ghezzi Simone
Published: May 2016

Étudier le capitalisme familial italien et éclairer les complexités des rapports entre familles et entreprises familiales dans un des districts industriels de Lombardie, tel est l’objet de cet article. L’auteur soutient l’hypothèse que les relations « familistiques » ont créé les conditions favorables au développement et à la reproduction d’une industrialisation à petite échelle. Cet entreprenariat familial contribue ainsi à la reproduction d’une structure masculine de production, qui en même temps, incorpore à une autorité masculine, des obligations spécifiques, consensus et conflits. Selon l’auteur, la crise actuelle du capitalisme familial italien a quelque chose à voir avec les spécificités propres au familialisme.
La famille et le monde des choses
Authors: Aria Matteo , Dei Fabio , Martinez Odile
Published: May 2016

L’article questionne les résultats d’une enquête menée sur la culture matérielle domestique de familles de plusieurs villes toscanes. L’article traite du rapport entre les personnes et les choses, du rôle des objets dans la construction des relations de lignée et d’alliance, de leur conservation en tant que formes de mémoire culturelle. Il discute aussi la question de la permanence d’un écart très net entre goût « bourgeois » et goût « populaire ». L’article s’efforce de montrer les processus de « densification » qui investissent les objets ordinaires de la vie quotidienne, bien au-delà de la portée aliénante que leur attribuent les théories classiques de la consommation.
Étrangers dans leur ville
Authors: Monnet Nadja , San Román Beatriz , Marre Diana
Published: May 2016

Les jeunes issus de l’adoption internationale, en Catalogne, convoquent de manière paradoxale la figure de l’étranger décrite par Simmel : à la fois proches et lointains ; semblables pour avoir vécu la majeure partie de leur vie au sein de la population dont leurs parents sont originaires et pourtant souvent considérés comme différents. En effet, bien qu’ils soient pleinement citoyens du lieu où ils ont grandi, bon nombre d’entre eux ne sont pas perçus de cette manière par leurs concitoyens dans les lieux publics. C’est ce paradoxe que nous analyserons ici. Comment ces jeunes adoptés négocient-ils leur présence au sein de la société catalane et quelle place celle-ci leur réserve-t-elle ?
L’occupation soviétique de la deuxième république polonaise (1939-1941)
Authors: Wnuk Rafał
Published: May 2016

L’invasion soviétique de la partie orientale de la Pologne, entamée le 27 septembre 1939, a comme conséquence une occupation qui durera jusqu’en juin 1941 et qui se transformera en incorporation à l’URSS. L’auteur présente l’installation du nouveau régime, les grandes lignes de la politique adoptée vis-à-vis des différentes nations et catégories sociales (y compris les déportations au fond de l’Union Soviétique de la population, surtout polonaise, ce qui a englobé environ 400 000 personnes), les réformes économiques, la politique culturelle. Il est également question des tentatives de résistance polonaise.
Les îles anglo-normandes sous l’occupation allemande et la singularité des Républicains espagnols en captivité (2 e partie : 1944-1945 et l’après-guerre)
Authors: W. Pike David , Farache Anne
Published: May 2016

L’exode des Républicains espagnols, à partir de l’Espagne puis de la France, recouvre des expériences bien diverses. Certains s’exilèrent en URSS, d’autres en Amérique latine mais 10 000 hommes de ceux qui choisirent de rester en France tombèrent dans les mains des Nazis en 1940. Nombre d’entre eux furent déportés en Allemagne et certains furent incorporés pour construire le mur de l’Atlantique, notamment dans les îles anglo-normandes. Parmi ces îles, Aurigny fut la plus singulière car Churchill avait fait évacuer la population avant l’invasion allemande. L’île désertée devint le seul endroit du territoire britannique sur lequel il y eut des camps SS. Les Espagnols déportés à Aurigny partagèrent les souffrances des Juifs et autres ennemis du Reich en captivité sur cette île.
Les intendants de province sous la Régence de Philippe d’Orléans
Authors: Glineur Cédric
Published: May 2016

À la fin du règne de Louis XIV, une réaction aristocratique s’est développée dans l’entourage du roi pour contester l’accaparement des principales fonctions gouvernementales et administratives au profit de la bourgeoisie et pour réclamer une plus grande participation de la noblesse d’épée à l’exercice du pouvoir. Ce mouvement de pensée, animé par Fénelon et Saint-Simon, réclame notamment la suppression des intendants, perçus comme les relais indispensables de l’absolutisme dans les provinces. Loin de suivre cette doctrine, le Régent confirme dans leurs charges la plupart des commissaires départis. Mieux, il en appelle certains à siéger dans les conseils qu’il crée dans le cadre de la polysynodie et il en nomme d’autres qui seront amenés à occuper les plus hautes fonctions administratives sous le règne personnel de Louis XV. En cela, la politique de Philippe d’Orléans s’inscrit dans la continuité de la monarchie administrative voulue par son oncle et continuée par son neveu.
La captivité des combattants irlandais de la Première Guerre mondiale : propagande de guerre, transferts de loyauté et résistances
Authors: Destenay Emmanuel
Published: May 2016

Pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, les prisonniers de guerre irlandais bénéficient d’un traitement singulier. Le gouvernement allemand sépare les captifs irlandais des autres prisonniers britanniques quelques mois après le début des hostilités et les regroupe dans un seul et même camp. Nourriture abondante, conditions de détention enviables, possibilités de lire et de fumer ; tout cela tranche singulièrement avec le sort des prisonniers de guerre ordinaires. Lorsque les hommes reçoivent la visite de Sir Casement, ancien diplomate britannique sensible à la cause nationaliste et fervent défenseur d’une indépendance irlandaise, les prisonniers comprennent que les Allemands espèrent les inciter à renier l’uniforme britannique. En cherchant à instrumentaliser les tensions historiques entre l’Irlande et la Grande-Bretagne, les Allemands réfléchissent au moyen de lever une brigade irlandaise qui combattrait contre l’armée britannique en Irlande. Les mauvais traitements que subissent ensuite les prisonniers s’inscrivent ici dans une volonté de les forcer à trahir la Grande-Bretagne. Alors que les violences envers les prisonniers de guerre visent généralement à briser les résistances individuelles ou à faire pression sur les gouvernements ennemis, les punitions endurées par les captifs irlandais s’inscrivent ici dans un dessein visant à les inciter à renier l’uniforme britannique et à rallier la cause allemande.
The Birth of the English Kitchen, 1600–1850
Authors: Pennell Sara
Published: May 2016

Sara Pennell traces the emergence of the domestic kitchen as a distinctive space that helped make houses homes from the 17th century through to the middle of the 19th, and explores how the kitchen and its contents – from the hearth to the contents of the dresser drawer – became a site of specialised activity, sociability and strife. Drawing upon texts, images, surviving structures and objects, The Birth of the English Kitchen, 1600–1850 opens up the early modern English kitchen as an important historical site in the construction of domestic relations between husband and wife, masters, mistresses and servants and householders and outsiders; and as a crucial resource in contemporary heritage landscapes.
An evaluation of the impact of aerosol particles on weather forecasts from a biomass burning aerosol event over the Midwestern United States: observational-based analysis of surface temperature
Authors: Zhang Jianglong , Reid Jeffrey S. , Christensen Matthew , Benedetti Angela
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A major continental-scale biomass burning smoke event from 28–30 June 2015, spanning central Canada through the eastern seaboard of the United States, resulted in unforecasted drops in daytime high surface temperatures on the order of 2–5  °C in the upper Midwest. This event, with strong smoke gradients and largely cloud-free conditions, provides a natural laboratory to study how aerosol radiative effects may influence numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecast outcomes. Here, we describe the nature of this smoke event and evaluate the differences in observed near-surface air temperatures between Bismarck (clear) and Grand Forks (overcast smoke), to evaluate to what degree solar radiation forcing from a smoke plume introduces daytime surface cooling, and how this affects model bias in forecasts and analyses. For this event, mid-visible (550 nm) smoke aerosol optical thickness (AOT, τ) reached values above 5. A direct surface cooling efficiency of −1.5 °C per unit AOT (at 550 nm, τ550) was found. A further analysis of European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), United Kingdom Meteorological Office (UKMO) near-surface air temperature forecasts for up to 54 h as a function of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Dark Target AOT data across more than 400 surface stations, also indicated the presence of the daytime aerosol direct cooling effect, but suggested a smaller aerosol direct surface cooling efficiency with magnitude on the order of −0.25 to −1.0 °C per unit τ550. In addition, using observations from the surface stations, uncertainties in near-surface air temperatures from ECMWF, NCEP, and UKMO model runs are estimated. This study further suggests that significant daily changes in τ550 above 1, at which the smoke-aerosol-induced direct surface cooling effect could be comparable in magnitude with model uncertainties, are rare events on a global scale. Thus, incorporating a more realistic smoke aerosol field into numerical models is currently less likely to significantly improve the accuracy of near-surface air temperature forecasts. However, regions such as eastern China, eastern Russia, India, and portions of the Saharan and Taklamakan deserts, where significant daily changes in AOTs are more frequent, are likely to benefit from including an accurate aerosol analysis into numerical weather forecasts.
Assessing atmospheric dust modelling performance of WRF-Chem over the semi-arid and arid regions around the Mediterranean
Authors: Flaounas Emmanouil , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos , Klose Martina , Flamant Cyrille , Giannaros Theodore M.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In this study we aim at optimizing the WRF-Chem model performance for the purpose of operational forecasting of dust transport over the eastern Mediterranean. For this reason, we compare the model output to observations in order to assess its capacity to realistically reproduce the aerosol optical depth (AOD), focusing on three key regions: North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the eastern Mediterranean. Three sets of four simulations each have been performed for the six-month period of spring and summer 2011. Each simulation set uses a different dust emission parametrisation and for each parametrisation, the dust emissions are multiplied with various coefficients in order to tune the model performance. Our approach is based on the model assessment across spatial and temporal scales by comparing its outputs to AOD observations from satellites and ground-based stations, as well as airborne measurements of aerosol extinction coefficients over the Sahara. Tuning the model performance by applying a coefficient to dust emissions may reduce the model AOD bias over a region, but may increase it in other regions. Concerning dust transport over the eastern Mediterranean, the model was shown to realistically reproduce the major transport events, however failing to capture the regional background AOD. Model assessment over the entire domain and simulation period shows that the model presents temporal and spatial variability similar to observed AODs, regardless of the applied dust emission parametrisation. However, when focusing on specific regions, the model’s skill may vary significantly. Further comparison of the model simulations to airborne measurements of the vertical profiles of extinction coefficients over North Africa suggests that the model may realistically reproduce the total atmospheric column AOD. Finally, we show that the inclusion of a finer dust mode (less than 1 μm) in the model presents the advantage of relaxing unrealistically large atmospheric dust loads and yet reproducing realistic AOD values.
The Microphysics of Clouds over the Antarctic Peninsula – Part 1: Observations
Authors: Lachlan-Cope Tom , Listowski Constantino , O’Shea Sebastian
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Observations of clouds over the Antarctic Peninsula during summer 2010 and 2011 are presented here. The Peninsula is up to 2500 m high and acts as barrier to weather systems approaching from the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. Observations of ice and liquid particles in the clouds from both sides of Peninsula and from both years were compared. In 2011 there were significantly more water drops and ice crystals, particularly in the east. Back trajectories have shown that in 2011 the air masses over the Peninsula were more likely to have passed close to the surface over the sea ice in the Weddell Sea. This suggests that the sea ice covered Weddell Sea can act as a source of both cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei.
A New Stem Extractor with Specific Multigrip Pliers for Revision Hip Arthroplasty – A Biomechanical Investigation
Authors: Spross Christian , Yates Piers J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

It was the aim of this biomechanical study to test a new extractor with 2 specific multigrip pliers on different stem designs and to compare it to a commonly used prefabricated one (UnMod).

Methods

The new extractor comprises 2 specific multigrip pliers, 1 neck-pliers and 1 shoulder-pliers. The tests were performed on a tapered and a nontapered neck stem. They were fixed in specific moulds allowing torque adjustability. The first endpoint was maximum grip with the extractors being tested up to 70 hits or failure (pliers off) in maximally fixed stems. The second endpoint was hits/attempts until stem extraction or failure (pliers off > than 5 times) in moderately fixed stems.

Results

The best grip on the tapered neck was achieved by the neck-pliers without failure, whereas the others failed consistently (shoulder-pliers: mean 42.9 hits, SD: 3.5/UnMod: 40.1, SD: 5.4; p<0.01). The shoulder-pliers had the best grip on the nontapered neck withstanding more hits (11.9, SD: 1.9) than the others (neck-pliers: 4.8, SD: 1.7/UnMod: 2.8, SD 1.0; p<0.01). None of the devices failed to extract the tapered neck (UnMod best: 4, SD: 1.3). The shoulder-pliers were able to extract the nontapered neck in 60% of the tests, whereas the others failed 100%.

Conclusions

The new extractor with specific pliers for neck/shoulder grip seems to be a valuable tool for stem extraction in revision hip arthroplasty. Compared to UnMod, the neck-pliers showed better grip on the tapered neck and the shoulder-pliers performed the best on the nontapered neck.
P16INK4a is not a Reliable Screening Marker of HPV Infection in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Wen-Jie , Wu Min-Jie , Ren Jing-Li , Xie Peng , Chang Jia , Hu Gui-Ming , Wu Hui-Fang
Published: May 2016

Background

The role of p16INK4a as a surrogate marker for screening human papillomavirus (HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains controversial.

Methods

A comprehensive search of EMBASE, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and China Biology Medicine was performed from inception to December 27, 2015. A random-effects model was applied to the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Ten studies were identified (985 cases). The pooled results showed no significant relationship between p16INK4a expression and HPV infection in ESCC based on overall HPV types (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 0.69-4.66, p = 0.235). Subgroup analysis by HPV detection method showed no statistical significance in either the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.83-3.30, p = 0.154) or in situ hybridization (ISH) group (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 0.03-268.14, p = 0.689). The pooled OR of the sensitivity analysis ranged from 1.27 (95% CI: 0.58-2.84) to 2.32 (95% CI: 0.95-5.64). Of these studies, 6 involved only high-risk human papillomavirus types (HR-HPV), HPV16 or HPV18. However, similar observations were made for HR-HPV (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.26-6.59, p = 0.741). Subgroup analysis again showed no statistical significance in the PCR group (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.25-3.64, p = 0.940) and ISH group (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 0.03-268.14, p = 0.689). Sensitivity analysis showed that the pooled OR ranged from 0.69 (95% CI: 0.21-2.22) to 1.89 (95% CI: 0.33-10.86).

Conclusions

p16INK4a is not a reliable screening marker of HPV infection in ESCC. Further multicenter, large-sample and well-matched prospective studies are still required to illuminate the possible etiological roles of HPV in ESCC.
Speed of Light as an Emergent Property of the Fabric
Authors: Pons Dirk J. , Pons Arion D. , Pons Aiden J.
Published: May 2016

Problem- The theory of Relativity is premised on the constancy of the speed of light (c) in-vacuo. While no empirical evidence convincingly shows the speed to be variable, nonetheless from a theoretical perspective the invariance is an assumption. Need- It is possible that the evidence could be explained by a different theory. Approach- A non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) solution, the Cordus particule theory, is applied to identify the causes of variability in the fabric density, and then show how this affects the speed of light. Findings- Under these assumptions the speed of light is variable (VSL), being inversely proportional to fabric density. This is because the discrete fields of the photon interact dynamically with the fabric and therefore consume frequency cycles of the photon. The fabric arises from aggregation of fields from particles, which in turn depends on the proximity and spatial distribution of matter. Results disfavour the universal applicability of the cosmological principle of homogeneity and isotropy of the universe. Originality- The work proposes causal mechanisms for VSL, which have otherwise been challenging to ascertain. Uniquely, this theory identifies fabric density as the dependent variable. In contrast, other VSL models propose that c varies with time or some geometric-like scale, but struggle to provide plausible reasons for that dependency. This theory also offers a conceptually simply way to reconcile the refraction of light in both gravitational situations and optical materials.
Variability in Testing for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies: A Survey of Participants in the College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Program
Authors: Karlon William J. , Naides Stanley J. , Crosson John T. , Ansari Mohammad Qasim
Published: May 2016

Context.—Variability in testing for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) contributes to confusion and controversy related to testing for vasculitis and other ANCA-associated diseases.

Objectives.—To survey laboratory testing practices regarding ANCA testing and to investigate differences in testing algorithms.

Design.—Supplemental questions were sent to the 333 laboratories participating in the College of American Pathologists proficiency testing program for ANCA as part of the Special Immunology S2 Survey.

Results.—A total of 315 laboratories submitted responses to the supplemental questions. Only 88 of 315 participants (28%) reported using a combination of indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) techniques as recommended by current guidelines, with a few additional labs using IFA and multiplex bead assay as an acceptable alternative to EIA. Other labs reported using only IFA, EIA, or multiplex bead assays.

Conclusions.—A wide variety of testing algorithms are in use for ANCA testing despite evidence to suggest that a combination of IFA and EIA testing provides the most comprehensive information. Laboratories should inform clinicians clearly about testing practices and utility of testing in specific disease states.
Abciximab in the treatment of coronary artery disease
Authors: Jayasinghe Rohan , Maxwell Ryan , Murdoch Dale
Published: May 2016

Antiplatelet therapy constitutes a cornerstone in the strategies aimed at the effective management of acute coronary syndrome. Abciximab is the oldest and most commonly used intravenous antiplatelet agent in this context, in particular when an invasive strategy is adopted. It is very commonly used in more unstable and high-risk patients. Trials have proven the event-free survival benefits of using abciximab in the right context. This agent also has some adverse outcomes associated with its use that the clinicians need to be well aware of and take precautions against. The comparative cost efficacy with its use too is of significance. There is a growing evidence base on the different ways abciximab is used and the benefits and risks thereof. Since the development and introduction of novel anticoagulants and more potent oral anti-platelet agents, the place of abciximab in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome today needs to be reviewed and clearly defined. This review attempts to study the cross-section of the evidence base to date on the clinical use, efficacy and risks related to the use of abciximab and spotlight the most recent guidelines published by the different global peak bodies to provide a practical overview to the clinician.