bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Methanolic Extract and Fractions from Davilla elliptica St. Hil. (Dilleniaceae) on Bothrops jararaca Envenomation
Authors: Nishijima Catarine , Delella Flavia , Rodrigues Clenilson , Rinaldo Daniel , Lopes-Ferreira Monica , Da Rocha Lucia , Vilegas Wagner , Felisbino Sergio , Hiruma-Lima Clélia
Published: June 2015

Inflammation and haemorrhage are the main characteristics of tissue injury in botropic envenomation. Although some studies have shown that anti-venom prevents systemic reactions, it is not efficient in preventing tissue injury at the site of the bite. Therefore, this work was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract and fractions from D. elliptica and to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in this process. Effects of the extract and fractions from D. elliptica were evaluated using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in rats, and leukocyte rolling was visualized by intravital. The quantification of MMPs activities (MMP-2 and MMP-9) extracted from the dermis of mice treated with extract and fractions alone or incubated with venom was determined by zymographic analyses. Our results show that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of fractions significantly reduced paw oedema after the carrageenan challenge. Treatment with the tannins fraction also resulted in considerable inhibition of the rolling of leukocytes and this fraction was able to decrease the activation of MMP-9. These results confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract and tannins fraction of D. elliptica and showed that the dermonecrosis properties of B. jararaca venom might be mediated through the inhibition of MMP-9 activity.
Phytochemical Characterization of Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) of 17 Cultivars and Their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Xianan , Huang Huizhong , Zhang Qiaoli , Fan Fangjuan , Xu Changjie , Sun Chongde , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: June 2015

In order to fully understand the variations of fruit quality-related phytochemical composition in Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.), mature fruit of 17 cultivars from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces was used for the investigation of fruit quality attributes, including fruit color, soluble sugars, organic acids, total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, etc. Sucrose was the main soluble sugar, while citric acid was the main organic acid in bayberry fruit. The content of total phenolics and total flavonoids were positively correlated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) antioxidant activity and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Five anthocyanidins, i.e., delphinidin–hexoside (Dp–Hex), cyanidin-3–O-galactoside (C-3–Gal), cyanidin-3–O-glucoside (C-3–Glu), pelargonidin-3–O-glucoside (Pg-3–Glu) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pn-3–Glu), and seven flavonols compounds, i.e., myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (M-3–Rha), myricetin deoxyhexoside–gallate (M-DH–G), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q-3–Gal), quercetin-3– O-glucoside (Q-3–Glu), quercetin-3–O-rhamnoside (Q-3–Rha), kaempferol-3–O-galactoside (K-3–Gal) and kaempferol-3–O-glucoside (K-3–Glu), were identified and characterized among the cultivars. The significant differences in phytochemical compositions among cultivars reflect the diversity in bayberry germplasm, and cultivars of good flavor and/or rich in various health-promoting phytochemicals are good candidates for future genetic breeding of bayberry fruit of high quality. In conclusion, our results may provide important information for further breeding or industrial utilization of different bayberry resources.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Compounds from Marine Fungi
Authors: Xu Lijian , Meng Wei , Cao Cong , Wang Jian , Shan Wenjun , Wang Qinggui
Published: June 2015

This paper reviews 116 new compounds with antifungal or antibacterial activities as well as 169 other known antimicrobial compounds, with a specific focus on January 2010 through March 2015. Furthermore, the phylogeny of the fungi producing these antibacterial or antifungal compounds was analyzed. The new methods used to isolate marine fungi that possess antibacterial or antifungal activities as well as the relationship between structure and activity are shown in this review.
Epitaxial Growth of Hard Ferrimagnetic Mn3Ge Film on Rhodium Buffer Layer
Authors: Sugihara Atsushi , Suzuki Kazuya , Miyazaki Terunobu , Mizukami Shigemi
Published: June 2015

Mn\(_3\)Ge has a tetragonal Heusler-like D0\(_{22}\) crystal structure, exhibiting a large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and small saturation magnetization due to its ferrimagnetic spin structure; thus, it is a hard ferrimagnet. In this report, epitaxial growth of a Mn\(_3\)Ge film on a Rh buffer layer was investigated for comparison with that of a film on a Cr buffer layer in terms of the lattice mismatch between Mn\(_3\)Ge and the buffer layer. The film grown on Rh had much better crystalline quality than that grown on Cr, which can be attributed to the small lattice mismatch. Epitaxial films of Mn\(_3\)Ge on Rh show somewhat small coercivity (\(H_{\rm c}\) = 12.6 kOe) and a large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (\(K_{\rm u}\) = 11.6 Merg/cm\(^3\)), comparable to that of the film grown on Cr.
Mechanical and Structural Investigation of Porous Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Sarac Baran , Sopu Daniel , Park Eunmi , Hufenbach Julia , Oswald Steffen , Stoica Mihai , Eckert Jürgen
Published: June 2015

The intrinsic properties of advanced alloy systems can be altered by changing their microstructural features. Here, we present a highly efficient method to produce and characterize structures with systematically-designed pores embedded inside. The fabrication stage involves a combination of photolithography and deep reactive ion etching of a Si template replicated using the concept of thermoplastic forming. Pt- and Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were evaluated through uniaxial tensile test, followed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractographic and shear band analysis. Compositional investigation of the fracture surface performed via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), as well as Auger spectroscopy (AES) shows a moderate amount of interdiffusion (5 at.% maximum) of the constituent elements between the deformed and undeformed regions. Furthermore, length-scale effects on the mechanical behavior of porous BMGs were explored through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, where shear band formation is observed for a material width of 18 nm.
Solving Molecular Docking Problems with Multi-Objective Metaheuristics
Authors: García-Godoy María , López-Camacho Esteban , García-Nieto José , Nebro Antonio , Aldana-Montes José
Published: June 2015

Molecular docking is a hard optimization problem that has been tackled in the past with metaheuristics, demonstrating new and challenging results when looking for one objective: the minimum binding energy. However, only a few papers can be found in the literature that deal with this problem by means of a multi-objective approach, and no experimental comparisons have been made in order to clarify which of them has the best overall performance. In this paper, we use and compare, for the first time, a set of representative multi-objective optimization algorithms applied to solve complex molecular docking problems. The approach followed is focused on optimizing the intermolecular and intramolecular energies as two main objectives to minimize. Specifically, these algorithms are: two variants of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), speed modulation multi-objective particle swarm optimization (SMPSO), third evolution step of generalized differential evolution (GDE3), multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) and S-metric evolutionary multi-objective optimization (SMS-EMOA). We assess the performance of the algorithms by applying quality indicators intended to measure convergence and the diversity of the generated Pareto front approximations. We carry out a comparison with another reference mono-objective algorithm in the problem domain (Lamarckian genetic algorithm (LGA) provided by the AutoDock tool). Furthermore, the ligand binding site and molecular interactions of computed solutions are analyzed, showing promising results for the multi-objective approaches. In addition, a case study of application for aeroplysinin-1 is performed, showing the effectiveness of our multi-objective approach in drug discovery.
Synthesis of Helical Carbon Fibers and Related Materials: A Review on the Past and Recent Developments
Authors: Raghubanshi Himanshu , Dikio Ezekiel
Published: June 2015

Helical carbon fibers (HCFs) have been widely studied due to their unique helical morphology and superior properties, which make them efficient materials for several potential applications. This review summarizes the past and current advancement on the synthesis of HCFs. The review focuses and discusses synthesis strategies and effect of experimental parameters on the growth of HCFs. The effect of preparation method of catalyst, catalyst nature, catalyst composition, catalyst size, catalyst initial and final shape, reaction temperature, reaction time, carbon source, impurities, and electromagnetic field on the growth of HCFs is reviewed. We also discuss the growth mechanism for HCFs and the synthesis of HCFs related materials. Finally, we conclude with a brief summary and an outlook on the challenges and future prospects of HCFs.
Zinc Status Affects Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Secretion in Patients with Thalassemia
Authors: Fung Ellen , Gildengorin Ginny , Talwar Siddhant , Hagar Leah , Lal Ashutosh
Published: June 2015

Up to 20% of adult patients with Thalassemia major (Thal) live with diabetes, while 30% may be zinc deficient. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between zinc status, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in Thal patients. Charts from thirty subjects (16 male, 27.8 ± 9.1 years) with Thal were reviewed. Patients with low serum zinc had significantly lower fasting insulin, insulinogenic and oral disposition indexes (all p < 0.05) and elevated glucose response curve, following a standard 75 g oral load of glucose compared to those with normal serum zinc after controlling for baseline (group × time interaction p = 0.048). Longitudinal data in five patients with a decline in serum zinc over a two year follow up period (−19.0 ± 9.6 μg/dL), showed consistent increases in fasting glucose (3.6 ± 3.2 mg/dL) and insulin to glucose ratios at 120 min post glucose dose (p = 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that the frequently present zinc deficiency in Thal patients is associated with decreased insulin secretion and reduced glucose disposal. Future zinc trials will require modeling of oral glucose tolerance test data and not simply measurement of static indices in order to understand the complexities of pancreatic function in the Thal patient.
Folate and Nutrients Involved in the 1-Carbon Cycle in the Pretreatment of Patients for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ferrari Ariana , De Carvalho Aline , Steluti Josiane , Teixeira Juliana , Marchioni Dirce , Aguiar Samuel
Published: June 2015

To assess the ingestion of folate and nutrients involved in the 1-carbon cycle in non-treated patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma in a reference center for oncology in southeastern Brazil. In total, 195 new cases with colorectal adenocarcinoma completed a clinical evaluation questionnaire and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples from 161 patients were drawn for the assessment of serum folate. A moderate correlation was found between serum concentrations of folate, folate intake and the dietary folate equivalent (DFE) of synthetic supplements. Mulatto or black male patients with a primary educational level had a higher intake of dietary folate. Of patients obtaining folate from the diet alone or from dietary supplements, 11.00% and 0.10%, respectively, had intake below the recommended level. Of the patients using dietary supplements, 35% to 50% showed high levels of folic acid intake. There was a prevalence of inadequacy for vitamins B2, B6 and B12, ranging from 12.10% to 20.18%, while 13.76% to 22.55% of patients were likely to have adequate choline intake. The considerable percentage of patients with folate intake above the recommended levels deserves attention because of the harmful effects that this nutrient may have in the presence of established neoplastic lesions.
Effect of Dietary Fatty Acids on Human Lipoprotein Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update
Authors: Ooi Esther , Watts Gerald , Ng Theodore , Barrett P.
Published: June 2015

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary fatty-acid composition regulates lipids and lipoprotein metabolism and may confer CVD benefit. This review updates understanding of the effect of dietary fatty-acids on human lipoprotein metabolism. In elderly participants with hyperlipidemia, high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acids (PUFA) consumption diminished hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) secretion and enhanced TRL to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) conversion. n-3 PUFA also decreased TRL-apoB-48 concentration by decreasing TRL-apoB-48 secretion. High n-6 PUFA intake decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations by up-regulating VLDL lipolysis and uptake. In a study of healthy subjects, the intake of saturated fatty-acids with increased palmitic acid at the sn-2 position was associated with decreased postprandial lipemia. Low medium-chain triglyceride may not appreciably alter TRL metabolism. Replacing carbohydrate with monounsaturated fatty-acids increased TRL catabolism. Trans-fatty-acid decreased LDL and enhanced high-density lipoprotein catabolism. Interactions between APOE genotype and n-3 PUFA in regulating lipid responses were also described. The major advances in understanding the effect of dietary fatty-acids on lipoprotein metabolism has centered on n-3 PUFA. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of regulating lipoprotein metabolism as a mode to improve plasma lipids and potentially CVD risk. Additional studies are required to better characterize the cardiometabolic effects of other dietary fatty-acids.
Religion, Culture, and Tax Evasion: Evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Čábelková Inna
Published: June 2015

Our paper analyzes the impact of culture and religion on tax evasions in the Czech Republic, which represents one of the most atheistic countries in Europe, and a very interesting example of attitudes to the church and religion, as well as the influence of religion on the social and economic aspects of everyday life. Our results suggest that, in the Czech Republic, religion plays the role of tax compliance, but only through a positive effect of visiting the church. National pride supports tax morality while trust in government institutions and attitudes towards government are not associated with tax compliance. These results suggest that the Czech Republic is no different from other countries regarding the relationship between religion and tax compliance. Moreover, the role of government as the authority for improving tax compliance is different from what is observed in other countries.
Research on the Interaction of Hydrogen-Bond Acidic Polymer Sensitive Sensor Materials with Chemical Warfare Agents Simulants by Inverse Gas Chromatography
Authors: Yang Liu , Han Qiang , Cao Shuya , Huang Feng , Qin Molin , Guo Chenghai , Ding Mingyu
Published: June 2015

Hydrogen-bond acidic polymers are important high affinity materials sensitive to organophosphates in the chemical warfare agent sensor detection process. Interactions between the sensor sensitive materials and chemical warfare agent simulants were studied by inverse gas chromatography. Hydrogen bonded acidic polymers, i.e., BSP3, were prepared for micro-packed columns to examine the interaction. DMMP (a nerve gas simulant) and 2-CEES (a blister agent simulant) were used as probes. Chemical and physical parameters such as heats of absorption and Henry constants of the polymers to DMMP and 2-CEES were determined by inverse gas chromatography. Details concerning absorption performance are also discussed in this paper.
The Garbage Project Revisited: From a 20th Century Archaeology of Food Waste to a Contemporary Study of Food Packaging Waste
Authors: Lehmann La
Published: June 2015

In 1973, Dr. Bill Rathje and his students at the University of Arizona began what was to become a two decade long investigation into American consumer waste habits. An archaeologist by profession, Rathje decided to adapt traditional archaeological methods and apply them to contemporary archaeological situations. This provided a platform for improving the understanding of what was really happening with, amongst other forms of waste, food at the consumer household level. The Garbage Project was able to study consumer behaviours directly from the material realities they left behind rather than from self-conscious self-reports of surveys and interviews. Using the same rationale, this study developed a profile of the packaged and processed food consumption in three regional Victorian municipalities. The main findings identified that consumers were limited to the food retail opportunities closest to their home and that they took greater care to wash out recyclables if they were placed in the recycling bin compared to the same item placed in a kerbside landfill bin. There was also an apparent lack of understanding about appropriate food storage and buying for purpose, especially with regard to the volume of the item they purchased, which appears to result in partially used recyclable containers being put in the kerbside landfill bin. By understanding the nature of the packaging and food that has been thrown away, it is possible to develop a narrative around what people understand about food purchasing practices, longevity, storage and how they use it at home. This in turn can assist community engagement and education around nutrition, meal planning and purchasing as well as community waste education.
Approaching Integrated Urban-Rural Development in China: The Changing Institutional Roles
Authors: Li Yuheng , Hu Zhichao
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the impact of institutional change on the implementation of China’s integrated urban-rural development strategy in the period 1981–2010. The findings indicate that governmental investment in rural areas and the development of non-agricultural industries in the countryside in fact contributed positively to the integration of urban-rural development in the period studied. The household registration system, however, was found to have acted as an obstacle to integration due to its exclusion of rural immigrants from welfare benefits. The reform of the agricultural production price system was not found to have exerted an impact, since low agricultural incomes compelled peasants to undertake non-agricultural work in towns and cities. A robustness check performed as part of the study proved the reliability of these findings.
Workplace Waste Recycling Behaviour: A Meta-Analytical Review
Authors: Oke Adekunle
Published: June 2015

In order to increase waste recycling, many studies have been conducted to understand factors that may influence waste recycling behaviour. However, these studies have focused on household contexts rather than other waste generation contexts. As a result, this paper seeks to provide a detailed analysis of previous studies on workplace waste recycling behaviour. Drawing from different databases, 51 relevant studies on workplace waste recycling attitudes and behaviour were meta-analysed. Findings showed that the highest percentage of the existing studies were conducted in the USA, focused on a single waste stream, were often conducted within academic contexts, adopted (or modified) an existing theoretical framework and were based on questionnaires which elicited self-reported behaviour. Some of the factors identified include demographics, situational variables, past behaviour, incentives, prompts and/or information, attitudes and identity. The findings highlighted the scale of challenges confronting waste management practitioners in understanding the factors that may affect waste recycling behaviour due to the complexity and heterogeneity of human behaviours. However, the results from the reviewed studies in this research suggest that a combination of different factors may be required to influence workplace waste recycling behaviour. This may provide effective incentives to develop a framework that may assist waste management stakeholders when addressing workplace waste management.
Design of a Distributed Personal Information Access Control Scheme for Secure Integrated Payment in NFC
Authors: Kang Jungho , Park Jong , Suk Sangkee
Published: June 2015

At the center of core technologies for a future cyber world, such as Internet of Things (IoT) or big data, is a context-rich system that offers services by using situational information. The field where context-rich systems were first introduced is near-field communication (NFC)-based electronic payments. Near-field Communication (NFC) integrated payment services collect the payment information of the credit card and the location information to generate patterns in the user’s consumption or movement through big data technology. Based on such pattern information, tailored services, such as advertisement, are offered to users. However, there is difficulty in controlling access to personal information, as there is a collaborative relationship focused on the trusted service manager (TSM) that is close knit to shared personal information. Moreover, in the case of Hadoop, among the many big data analytical technologies, it offers access control functions, but not a way to authorize the processing of personal information, making it impossible to grant authority between service providers to process information. As such, this paper proposes a key generation and distribution method, as well as a secure communication protocol. The analysis has shown that the efficiency was greater for security and performance compared to relation works.
A Novel Peptide-Binding Motifs Inference Approach to Understand Deoxynivalenol Molecular Toxicity
Authors: Hassan Yousef , Watts Christena , Li Xiu-Zhen , Zhou Ting
Published: June 2015

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin that is commonly detected in cereals and grains world-wide. The low-tolerated levels of this mycotoxin, especially in mono-gastric animals, reflect its bio-potency. The toxicity of DON is conventionally attributed to its ability to inhibit ribosomal protein biosynthesis, but recent advances in molecular tools have elucidated novel mechanisms that further explain DON’s toxicological profile, complementing the diverse symptoms associated with its exposure. This article summarizes the recent findings related to novel mechanisms of DON toxicity as well as how structural modifications to DON alter its potency. In addition, it explores feasible ways of expanding our understating of DON-cellular targets and their roles in DON toxicity, clearance, and detoxification through the utilization of computational biology approaches.
AN INCLUSION COMPARISON APPROACH FOR MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS BASED ON INTERVAL-VALUED INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY SETS
Authors: CHEN Ting-Yu
Published: June 2015

The theory of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets provides an intuitive and feasible way of addressing uncertain and ambiguous properties. Many useful models and methods have been developed for multiple criteria decision analysis within the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment. In contrast to the elaborate existing methods, this paper establishes a simple and effective method for managing the sophisticated data expressed by interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. An inclusion comparison possibility defined on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets is proposed, and some important properties are investigated. Then, an inclusion-based index that considers positive and negative ideals is offered. Considering the maximal comprehensive inclusion-based indices, this paper constructs a linear programming model (for consistent information) and an integrated, nonlinear programming model (for inconsistent information) to estimate the criterion weights and the optimal ranking order of the alternatives under an incomplete preference structure. The feasibility of the proposed method is illustrated by a practical example of selecting a suitable bridge construction method, and a comparative analysis with other relevant methods is conducted to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed methodology.
First record of Myotis albescens (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in French Guiana
Authors: Moratelli Ricardo , Dewynter Maël , Delaval Marguerite , Catzeflis François , Ruedi Manuel
Published: June 2015

Myotis albescens occurs from Mexico southward to Uruguay and Argentina. The species is known for all South American countries except French Guiana and Chile.

Based on one specimen recently collected in French Guiana we fill part of the gap in the distribution of the species in South America. Myotis albescens occurs in the Guiana Shield with other four congeners, from which it can be distinguished by external and skull traits. As an aid to future identifications, we provide a key to this assemblage.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference as Applied in Rheumatology: An OMERACT Rasch Working Group Systematic Review and Critique
Authors: Doganay Erdogan Beyza , Leung Ying Ying , Pohl Christoph , Tennant Alan , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: June 2015

Objective.

We aimed to evaluate how minimal (clinically) important differences (MCID/MID) were calculated in rheumatology in the past 2 decades and demonstrate how the calculation is compromised by the lack of interval scaling.

Methods.

We conducted a systematic literature review on articles reporting MCID calculation in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from January 1, 1989, to May 9, 2014. We evaluated the methods of MCID calculation and recorded the ranges of MCID for common patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). Taking data from the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), we showed the effects of performing mathematical calculations on ordinal data.

Results.

A total of 330 abstracts were reviewed and 123 articles chosen for full text review. Thirty-six (19 OA, 16 RA and 1 OA-RA) articles were included in the final evaluation. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was the most frequently reported PROM with relevant calculations in OA, and the HAQ in RA. Sixteen articles used anchor-based methods alone for calculation of MCID, and 1 article used distribution-based methods alone. Nineteen articles used both anchor and distribution-based methods. Only 1 article calculated MCID using an interval scale. Wide ranges in MCID for the WOMAC in OA and HAQ in RA were noted. Ordinal-based derivations of MCID are shown to understate true change at the margins, and overstate change in the mid-range of a scale.

Conclusion.

The anchor-based method is commonly used in the calculation of MCID. However, the lack of interval scaling is shown to compromise validity of MCID calculation.
Evaluation of Minimally Invasive, Ultrasound-guided Synovial Biopsy Techniques by the OMERACT Filter — Determining Validation Requirements
Authors: Humby Frances , Kelly Stephen , Bugatti Serena , Manzo Antonio , Filer Andrew , Mahto Arti , Fonseca Joao Eurico , Lauwerys Bernard , D’Agostino Maria-Antonietta , Naredo Esperanza , Lories Rik , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Tak Paul Peter , Fitzgerald Oliver , Smith Malcolm D. , Veale Douglas J. , Choy Ernest H. , Strand Vibeke , Pitzalis Costantino
Published: June 2015

Objective.

Because limited data currently support the clinical utility of peripherally expressed biomarkers in guiding treatment decisions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the search has turned to the disease tissue. The strategic aim of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) synovitis working group over the years has been to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic synovial biomarkers. A critical step in this process is to refine and validate minimally invasive, technically simple, robust techniques to sample synovial tissue, for use both in clinical trials and routine clinical practice. The objective of the synovitis working group (SWG) at OMERACT 12 (2014) was to examine whether recently developed ultrasound (US)-guided synovial biopsy techniques could be validated according to the OMERACT filter for future clinical use recommendation.

Methods

The SWG examined whether current data reporting US-guided synovial biopsy of both large and small joints addressed the OMERACT filters of truth, discrimination, and feasibility.

Results.

There are currently limited data examining the performance of US-guided synovial biopsy, mainly from observational studies. Thus, it remains critical to evaluate its performance, within the clinical trials context, against the current gold standard of arthroscopic biopsy, with particular reference to: (1) synovial tissue yield, (2) capacity to determine treatment response as measured by a validated synovial biomarker, and (3) tolerability of the procedure.

Conclusion.

We summarize the discrete work packages agreed to as requirements to validate US-guided synovial biopsy and therefore lead to a global consensus on the use of synovial biopsy for research and clinical practice.
Knee Pain and a Prior Injury Are Associated with Increased Risk of a New Knee Injury: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B. , Lo Grace H. , Eaton Charles B. , Price Lori Lyn , Lu Bing , McAlindon Timothy E.
Published: June 2015

Objective.

We explored whether knee pain or a history of knee injury were associated with a knee injury in the following 12 months.

Methods.

We conducted longitudinal knee-based analyses among knees in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. We included both knees of all participants who had at least 1 followup visit with complete data. Our first sets of exposures were knee pain (chronic knee symptoms and severity) at baseline, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month visits. Another exposure was a history of injury that we defined as a self-reported injury at any time prior to baseline, 12-month, 24-month, or 36-month visit. The outcome was self-reported knee injury during the past year at 12-month, 24-month, 36-month, and 48-month visits. We evaluated the association between ipsilateral and contralateral knee pain or history of injury and a new knee injury within 12 months of the exposure using generalized linear mixed model for repeated binary outcomes.

Results.

A knee with reported chronic knee symptoms or ipsilateral or contralateral history of an injury was more likely to experience a new knee injury in the following 12 months than a knee without chronic knee symptoms (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.57–2.16) or prior injury (prior ipsilateral knee injury: OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.56–2.09. Prior contralateral knee injury: OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.23–1.66).

Conclusion.

Knee pain and a history of injury are associated with new knee injuries. It may be beneficial for individuals with knee pain or a history of injury to participate in injury prevention programs.
La thèse humboldtienne de l’ individualité de la langue
Authors: Borsche Tilman , Gendre Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Cet article propose un éclairage de la notion humboldtienne de langue comme individualité spirituelle. Il dessine l’arrière-plan historique et philosophique de la notion d’individualité sur lequel la pensée de Humboldt se fonde, mais se détache également. Comment penser une langue (particulière) sur fond de langues multiples aux identités propres et aux variations parfois très grandes ? Quels sont leurs rapports ? Le recours à la notion d’organisme vivant pour décrire la langue, inséparable des usages et des pratiques qui s’y attachent, permet d’envisager aussi bien les langues particulières que la langue en général (cette faculté proprement humaine) comme liées par un dynamisme. Plus que des objets naturels, les langues sont des êtres-reconnus (c’est-à-dire pratiqués), leur identité comme leur dynamisme est inséparable d’une dimension spirituelle. Ce qui en fait des objets complexes puisant aussi bien dans le vitalisme que dans les formes symboliques.
De l’anthropologie parisienne aux langues du Nouveau Continent
Authors: Trabant Jürgen
Published: June 2015

L’article esquisse le chemin de Wilhelm von Humboldt d’une anthropologie de la culture européenne et parisienne vers une science des langues du Nouveau Continent et des langues du monde entier. Un des premiers textes qui expose le projet d’une étude comparée des langues est l’Essai sur les langues du Nouveau Continent , écrit en français, dans lequel Humboldt explique les buts philosophiques d’une étude des langues : elle s’inscrit très clairement dans une perspective leibnizienne d’une étude de l’esprit humain dans sa variété : Les langues sont des « visions » ( Ansichten ) individuelles du monde. Humboldt lutte contre la vieille conception sémiotico-communicative et pour une conception cognitive du langage et des langues.
Humboldt et l’Orient. Confrontation des interprétations de Humboldt et de Hegel de la Bhagavad-Gîta
Authors: Quillien Jean
Published: June 2015

L’Orient exerça une forte attirance au tournant des XVIII e et XIX e   siècles, avec la mise au premier plan du sanscrit. Deux penseurs contemporains, Hegel et Humboldt, le premier à travers la recension d’une étude du second, s’opposèrent nettement sur la question de la signification du monde oriental. Pour Hegel il est la première étape, produit encore enfantin, de l’histoire mondiale, que traduit si bien la Bhagavad-Gîta. Pour Humboldt, l’I nde a son sens authentiquement humain en elle-même et ce grand poème du Mahabharata est une œuvre d’art universelle. L’un considère comme essentiel le contenu, l’autre la forme, en laquelle seule réside l’art.
Les éléments kantiens dans la philosophie du langage de Wilhelm von Humboldt*
Authors: Cassirer Ernst , Djian Aurélien
Published: June 2015

Dans ce texte de 1923, Cassirer cherche à réaliser le programme échafaudé par Haym dans sa biographie de Humboldt publiée en 1856, mais qui n’a selon lui jamais été accompli dans le détail, à savoir montrer l’influence du système critique de Kant, et notamment de sa  Critique de la raison pure , sur la philosophie du langage de Wilhelm von Humboldt. La première partie expose l’objection qui ne manque pas d’être spontanément soulevée à la vue d’un tel projet. Dans le système critique, organisé autour des deux centres de la nature et de la liberté, il n’y a en effet pas de place pour le langage. Une telle situation apparaît d’ailleurs surprenante lorsque, comme le fait la seconde partie de ce texte, on place la  Critique  à côté des grands systèmes philosophiques des XVI e, XVII e et XVIII e   siècles, où le langage constituait un thème important. En quoi la  Critique  de Kant, éloignée des problèmes du langage, pourrait-elle dès lors avoir une influence véritable sur Humboldt ? La réponse vient une fois la place de Humboldt définie dans cette reconstruction historique. En effet, sa philosophie du langage résout précisément le conflit entre Kant et son idéalisme critique d’un côté, et Herder et sa conception de la vie et de la spontanéité de l’esprit de l’autre. La troisième partie tente dès lors de montrer à quel point cet idéalisme critique – notamment par le biais de son motif transcendantal, comprenant un nouveau concept d’objet, d’objectivité et de sujet, et de sa paire matière/forme – travaille de manière souterraine la philosophie du langage de Humboldt, ce qui aboutit en retour à réévaluer la place de la  Critique  dans l’histoire des problèmes du langage.
« La voix d’une brise légère »
Authors: Balmand Pascal
Published: June 2015

À la fois clairement ancré dans l’Église et largement ouvert à tous, l’Enseignement catholique constitue un lieu particulièrement sensible à la question de la possibilité d’une parole chrétienne dans un milieu qui ne l’est pas totalement. Pourquoi la langue catholique de l’institution peine-t-elle à parler à tous ses acteurs ? Et, surtout, comment trouver la voie d’une voix audible ? Peut-être autour de cinq critères : une parole nourrie de l’écoute, une parole-conversation, une parole capable d’assumer sa propre fragilité, une parole habitée, une parole portée par la Parole.
Justice et charité dans l’encyclique Caritas in veritate à la lumière de Gaston Fessard (1897-1978)
Authors: Serra-Coatanéa Dominique
Published: June 2015

Relire cette encyclique de Benoît XVI avec l’apport du jésuite G. Fessard donne d’étonnants résultats. Les bases théologales apparaissent plus nettement. Les débouchés anthropologiques sont plus riches. L’action morale conduite par la charité se fait plus pressante. Fessard met au point une tension dialectique au profit d’une meilleure compréhension de la doctrine sociale. La reprise de la révélation biblique chez Fessard est un lieu de passage inéludable. Il est possible aussi d’interroger, grâce à Fessard, la mondialisation actuelle et d’envisager une gradualité de notre marche vers la perfection de la charité. L’enseignement de Populorum Progressio (Paul VI) et de Centesimus annus (Jean-Paul II) se trouve valorisé par la lecture fessardienne.
A Model of Global Cooperation to Enable Intelligent Metrology Applications by Means of an Integrated Teleoperation System
Authors: Durakbasa Numan , Bas Gokcen , Riepl David , Bauer J. M.
Published: June 2015

Today’s advanced production industry faces challenges of increasing quality and competition requirements in the global market. The new aspects of cooperation between the production industry and metrology laboratories enable a development capacity providing an information highway and expertise exchange by accommodating rising demand of services. This paper proposes a novel approach to develop a global network on two different continents that will moreover be a model for the industry without any limits of location, time difference or facility.

Due to the high cost of special infrastructure, equipment and expertise for production of complex components, this study also proposes a strategic approach to develop a remotely controlled high precision metrology system with high accuracy as well as with the smallest measurement uncertainties for the micro- and nanotechnologies and intelligent integrated management system applicable in advanced manufacturing industry. This will provide a roadmap for the industrial applications as well as in educational organizations with the developed and integrated low-cost telepresence and teleoperation system.
Development of Online Power Laboratory with Renewable Generation
Authors: Nedic Zorica , Nafalski Andrew
Published: June 2015

Many universities worldwide use outdated laboratories for teaching power systems courses. This is understandable taking into account the high cost of equipment required for upgrading these laboratories. One solution to this problem may be the development of online remote laboratories that can be shared among universities. This will not only offer the reduction of cost but also the utilization of modern technology that meets expectations of the new generation of students. In this paper we present the development of one such laboratory that also aims to incorporate renewable generation technologies.
On Informal Learning, Informal Teaching, and Informal Education
Authors: Schugurensky Daniel
Published: June 2015

Informal learning has always been part of humankind, but only in recent decades has it attracted the attention of educational researchers. This chapter examines four challenges (conceptual, methodological, institutional, and pedagogical) related to informal learning. The section on the conceptual challenge addresses the distinctions between informal learning, informal teaching, and informal education, and identifies three forms of informal learning: self-directed, incidental, and tacit. The section on the methodological challenge discusses the difficulties of researching informal learning (particularly incidental and tacit forms), describes an approach to elicit informal learning, and presents a critical analysis of its strengths and limitations. The section on the institutional challenge discusses issues related to the assessment and recognition of informal learning. Finally, the section on the pedagogical challenge highlights the potential of informal education to nurture informal learning.
Informal Learning in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Yeh Wai Man Helen,
Published: June 2015

This chapter has investigated the importance of informal language learning in second language acquisition through a case study of two ESL learners. The effect of various kinds of informal learning with various resources on language proficiency and performance are discussed in relation to Bennett's model (2012). The case study shows that an “intake-type” informal environment can provide input to the language acquisition and self-directed learning and is crucial to effective language learning. Through the interviews with the subject learners, it can be seen that the learner with higher English proficiency and performance has been using self-directed language learning throughout his childhood and youth whereas the learner with lower English proficiency and performance generally has adopted tacit learning, which seems to be less effective in informal learning. Hence, self-directed learning should be promoted in schools and colleges by raising students' awareness of its importance and promoting learning-to-learn strategies.
Informal Learning Contributes to the Leadership Development of Nurse Managers
Authors: McGill Rebecca
Published: June 2015

This chapter aligns with this book's purpose to highlight the incidents of informal learning in a variety of settings. The focus of this chapter is on the experiential and informal learning that emerged from a recent study of the workplace leadership development of nurse managers in the United States. This study used a grounded-theory methodology and was based on 19 semi-structured interviews of current and previous nurse managers in two healthcare organizations. The findings focus on the informal learning of nurse managers and how these findings fit into and contribute to the existing literature in adult education on informal workplace learning. Subsequently, the author describes a proposed theory of the informal/experiential learning aspects that contributed to the nurses' role transitions in this study. This chapter will shed new light on the healthcare context as a place of immense informal learning and the informal learning of nurses.
Personal Interaction and Informal Learning
Authors: Siu Kin Wai Michael , Contreras Giovanni J.
Published: June 2015

Although the importance of casual and spontaneous personal interaction in informal learning is generally well acknowledged, less is known about which world regions or countries have cultures of personal interaction that foster these characteristics. This information is important because without it policymakers struggle to select appropriate actions to improve learning and education. In this case study of China, the authors investigate the characteristics of personal interaction there and consider their effects on informal learning. They present a systematic reflection on the literature about the culture of personal interaction in China and how these interaction practices facilitate informal learning. China is strongly influenced by Confucianism, which with other cultural practices such as guanxi (??), shapes personal relations in unique ways that have important implications for informal learning. The authors hope that this analysis sets a precedent for future studies about China and other parts of the world.
Enhancing Communication Practices in Virtual New Product Development Projects
Authors: Lohikoski Päivi , Kujala Jaakko , Härkönen Janne , Haapasalo Harri , Muhos Matti
Published: June 2015

Virtual new product development (NPD) teams integrated via information and communication technology (ICT), can offer effective solutions to higher quality, service, customer responsiveness and individualized productization. Experts in NPD teams usually collaborate across the globe and across time zones by e-mail, tele- and web-conferencing, as well as other ICT, sometimes with inadequate language skills and with various ways of communicating and sharing information. Therefore, finding a shared understanding, relevant information, common language, and personal contacts across different sites may be challenging. The aim of this research was to study how communication practices are organized in virtual NPD. In addition to this, the scope was to study what kinds of competences are needed to enhance the efficiency of virtual communication in cross-cultural NPD. The authors conducted a multi-method case study of a global telecommunication company. The main findings were that members in virtual projects have different kinds of communication practices based on personal competences, habits, and preferences rather than company-level recommendations. The main contribution of this study is that virtual collaboration competences on a personal and organizational level play a significant role in enhancing efficiency in communication and when designing and utilizing communication practices. The authors' results may be used to support managerial decisions concerning practices of organizing global teams and when coordinating communication practices in complex global projects.
Considering the Cost of Inclusionary Zoning and Resale Restrictions in the District of Columbia
Authors: Gibbons Laura K.
Published: June 2015

This paper considers the economic impact of the District of Columbia’s Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) affordable housing program, which provides low- and moderate-income families with the option of purchasing housing units below market price. The economic costs imposed by the IZ program include a loss of market surplus and the opportunity cost of capital for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. I evaluate resale restrictions in comparison to the shared equity provision of San José’s IZ program, which allows homebuyers to sell their IZ units at market rates, retain the appreciation value of any improvements to the home, and refund the difference between the two to the San José city government, reducing the loss in market surplus and allowing homebuyers to retain an appreciable asset. I recommend that the DC IZ program relax its permanent resale restrictions and adopt the San José “recapture” model to reduce housing market losses to the benefit of both IZ homebuyers and the DC community as a whole.
A Time to Attack: The Looming Iranian Nuclear Threat (Matthew Kroenig) and Unthinkable: Iran, the Bomb, and American Strategy (Kenneth M. Pollack)
Authors: Dickerson Jaci
Published: June 2015

No abstract available.