bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Functional Outcomes After Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Napora Joshua K. , Grimberg Dominic , Childs Benjamin R. , Vallier Heather A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction: This study evaluated the effects that patient demographics, injury, and social characteristics have on functional outcomes after clavicle fracture.

Methods: After a mean follow-up of 56 months, 214 patients with a mean age of 44.4 years completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. The effects that age, sex, fracture location, open fracture, associated injuries, tobacco use, employment status, and timing of surgery had on functional outcomes were assessed.

Results: The mean ASES score for the entire group of 214 patients was 80.5. Seventy-seven patients (36%) were treated surgically and 137 patients (64%) were treated nonsurgically. The mean ASES scores were 84.0 and 78.5, respectively, in the surgical and nonsurgical groups (P = 0.06). Patients with lateral fractures who were treated surgically had better ASES scores than those treated nonsurgically (91.3 versus 72.7, P = 0.011); this was also true of patients with isolated fractures (P = 0.02). Smokers in the surgical and nonsurgical groups had scores of 74.1 and 83.6, respectively (P = 0.003). Patients who were unemployed had the worst ASES scores regardless of surgical or nonsurgical treatment (70.5 and 86.1, respectively; P < 0.001). Surgical timing was not related to outcome; no difference in ASES scores was noted in patients treated surgically within ≤10 weeks versus those treated after 10 weeks after injury and in those treated within <20 weeks versus those treated >20 weeks after injury (both, P > 0.34).

Discussion: We identified factors associated with better functional outcomes, which could aid in developing treatment recommendations. Additionally, initial nonsurgical management of clavicle fractures may be reasonable because patients had similar functional outcomes even when surgery was delayed.

Level of Evidence: Level III retrospective comparative study
Epidemiological and Evolutionary Profile of HIV-HBV Co-Infected Patients Followed at Ambulatory Treatment Center in Fann Hospital Dakar-Senegal
Authors: Ngom-Gueye Ndeye Fatou , Bolti Mahamat Ali , Ndiaye Abdoul Aziz , Ndiaye Kine , Diop Makhtar Ndiaga , Touré-Kane Coumba , Diop-Ndiaye Halimatou , Tidiane Ndour Cheikh , Seydi Moussa , Faye Mame Awa
Published: August 2016

CONTEXT: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are major global public health problems because of their frequency, complications and probable socio-demographic consequences.Viral hepatitis B is identified as more frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV.The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and evolutionary profile of HIV-HBV co-infected patients, treated at CTA/CHNU Fann, in Dakar, Senegal.METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of patients aged at least 18 years, co-infected with HIV-HBV and followed-up at CTA under ART for at least one year from January 2010 to December 2014.RESULTS: The study included 457 patients. 58 of these patients were diagnosed positive, (12.7%) of HIV-HBV prevalence. The average age of patients was 39.62 ± 10.12 years with extremes ranging from 21 to 61 years. The sex ratio was 1.23. (96%) of patients were infected with HIV-1 and those at WHO stages III and IV were (67%). The average CD4 count at baseline was 235 cells/mm3 [3-936]. Plasma HIV viral load average at baseline was 4.1 log copies/ml [3.89-5.12] copies/ml. The average body mass index (BMI) was 21.42 ± 3.82 Kg/m². Fever and degraded general status were respectively (65%) and (60%) followed by hepatomegaly and jaundice. The lethality was 3.45%. Of the 58 patients co-infected with HIV-HBV, 51/58 (87.93%) were under a therapeutic regimen containing Tenofovir/lamivudine or Tenofovir/Emtricitabine and 7 patients under a regimen containing lamivudine. At 48 weeks of treatment a good evolution of the biological parameters was noted: (90%) had a controlled viral load, (91%) a normal transaminase, (79%) a normal serum creatinine. Only 29% had a CD4 cell count <350 cells/mm3.CONCLUSION: The Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B remains relatively high (12.70%) among PLHIV in Dakar. While active search for hepatitis B has been effective in all PLHIV since 2010, overall management remains a challenge as hepatitis B markers and viral DNA assay are not at the reach of patients.
An Overview on Cardiovascular Risks Definitions by Using Survival Analysis Techniques-Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study: 13-Year Follow-Up Outcomes
Authors: Shakeri Nezhat , Hajsheikholeslami Farhad , Momenan Amir abbas , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: August 2016

Risk assessment is an important issue for starting medication for patients. Literature reveals that diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and Body Mass Index (BMI) are among major risk factors for longevity. Since the cut-off points proposed in various sources are generally irrespective of age, sex and race, it has been attempted to validate current definitions for Tehran’s elderly population by using a prospective cohort study. For this purpose, one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight (1,798) individuals above 60 years old were recruited in the primary phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) during 1998-2001, and were tested for their systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-h plasma glucose (2HPG) and some other factors at the time of entry to the study. They were followed up for 13 years and their vital statuses were registered (1998-2011).

According to the standard definition of diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension, the participants were divided into ill and healthy groups. By using univariate Cox proportional hazard model, a 95% hazard ratio for various risk factors was estimated. Cut-off points of 126 mg/dL for fasting blood sugar or 200 mg/dL for 2HPG for defining diabetes were identified as appropriate points for predicting longevity for elderly males and females. Systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure over 90 mmHg or having medication as a definition of hypertension were identified as a significant risk factor for elderly males only. Dyslipidemia which is defined based on Cholesterol>240 or TG>400 or LDL>160 or HDL<35, was not identified as a longevity predictor for elderly men and women. The results showed that BMI>31 Kg/m2 at the time of entry to the study significantly reduced the survival time of women. In conclusion, the definitions of diseases like hypertension and dyslipidemia based on cut-off points don’t classify the Tehran’s elderly population accurately. More investigation in this regard is required.
The Effect of Hemoglobin Correction by Blood Transfusion on Pregnancy Outcomes in Minor and Intermedia Thalassemia Patients: A Single-Blind Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Najafian Mahin , Ahmadzadeh Ahmad , Barati Mojgan , Bahadori Mahin , Shajirat Zeinab
Published: August 2016

To the best of our knowledge, there is no prospective trial study assessing the management of β-thalassemia by blood transfusion in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood transfusion on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant patients with beta thalassemia minor and intermedia. We did this randomized, single –blind, controlled clinical trial on 36 pregnant women with β thalassemia minor and intermedia at two tertiary hospitals of Imam Khomeini and Shafa in Ahvaz, Iran from January 2016 to July 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either packed cell or not (control group) during pregnancy (ratio 1:1). The main outcomes of interest transfusion times, abortion, preterm delivery, type of delivery (cesarean or vaginal), stillbirth, birth weight, low birth weight, very low birth weight, small for gestational age, low Apgar score (≤7) at 1 and 5 minutes, oligohydramnios, fetal anomalies , and NICU admission. The median of blood transfusion in intervention group during pregnancy was two blood units. The cesarean section rate did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups (72.2% and 44.4%, respectively, P=0.2). Two infants in intervention group experienced with LBW, one with SGA, one with low Apgar score, two with oligohydramnios, and one with NICU admission, while none in control group experienced these complications. The mean birth weight of infants in intervention group was significantly lower than control group (P value 0.002). The comparison between two groups showed that the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, especially low birth weight and preterm delivery were higher in intervention group.
The Levels of German Teacher Trainers Working in Turkey Regarding Reigeluth’s Organizational Strategies
Authors: Batdi Veli , Elaldi Senel
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the views of German teacher trainers working in Turkey about their level regarding Reigeluth’s organizational strategies and to analyze their views in terms of gender, geographic region, seniority, and graduated high school variables. While the population of the study consisted of German teacher trainers working in the seven regions of Turkey in the 2014-2015 academic year, the sample of the study comprised 53 German teacher trainers who were selected voluntarily accepted to participate in the study. Data were collected through “Organizational Strategies of German Teacher Trainers Scale” developed by the researchers. As the Content Validity Index value (0.92) was larger than the Content Validity Criterion value (0.56), the items were expressed to be meaningful. The findings revealed the participants to have a high level of organizational strategies. The results regarding the variables were as follows: a) Gender difference was mostly observed favoring the male teachers, b) geographic region difference frequently appeared favoring the Marmara and Black Sea Regions, c) seniority difference was seen favoring the 16-20 year range, d) graduated high school difference was mostly observed as a statistically insignificant variable. In-service training programs encompassing all the regions of Turkey were suggested to be designed regularly and systematically for professional development of foreign language teachers.
Characterization of Two Chickpea Varieties and the Effect of Cooking on their Physico-chemical and Functional Properties of Flours
Authors: Aguilar-Raymundo Victoria G. , Vélez-Ruíz Jorge F.
Published: August 2016

Considering the nutritional and functional characteristics of chickpea, flours of two varieties of chickpea (“Blanco Noroeste” and “Costa 2004”) were prepared to know the effect of cooking. Thus the objective of this study was to compare their physicochemical and functional properties in both, raw and cooked flours. Physical properties of the grain, for the two varieties were similar, whereas the physicochemical and functional properties of the flours exhibited differences as a function of the variety and the processing. The chickpea cooked flours showed lower lightness and higher redness and yellowness with respect to raw flours. The proximal composition of cooked flours presented significant differences in fat (5.98% - 6.09%) and moisture contents (0.48% - 0.54%) with respect to raw flours. The particle size distribution determined for the raw and cooked flours samples, indicated a unimodal behavior with a wide distribution. The water absorption capacity and oil capacity showed significant difference among flour varieties. For pasting properties, a higher viscosity was measured for Costa 2004 (380 cP) and Blanco Noroeste (272 cP) raw flours, raw flour exhibited better pasting properties than cooked flours.
Parliamentary Diplomacy in the United Nations and Progressive Development of Space Law
Authors: Brisibe Tare
Published: August 2016

Parliamentary Diplomacy in the United Nations and Progressive Development of Space Law

Recent and on-going efforts by individual or groups of states aim to organize parliamentary mechanisms and substantive issues concerning space law. The article addresses organizational matters of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and particularly the debate between procedure and substance. The article enquires whether amending the parliamentary process can be expected to yield results in the absence of agreement to proceed on substantive matters. Whilst highlighting the achievements of COPUOS and its LSC in the progressive development and codification of space law, attention is paid to salient decisions concerning organizational matters, taken with respect to the COPUOS and its LSC spanning the period 1990 to 1999 and post 1999 to present. Analysis is undertaken of reasons for presumed decline, alongside current and future perspectives that shall influence COPUOS and its LSC in their respective law making functions.
The European Space Agency as a European Institution and a Space Law Maker
Authors: Ferrazzani Marco
Published: August 2016

The European Space Agency as a European Institution and a Space Law Maker

The European Space Agency was set-up over 40 years ago and has delivered on expectations from the scientific community’s quest for more knowledge, from the politicians wishing for more Europe and from the business community developing industrial and operational capabilities. All has been made possible thanks to hard-working scientists and space engineers who created and progressively refined a magic formula of balanced interests and respectful co-operation. The diplomats and lawyers well understood the challenges and so defined long-term policy objectives and a stable legal framework necessary to meet them, therefore providing institutional skills and appropriate financing tools which proved successful, and still today make this particular aspect of Europe. The ESA Convention, along with the activities and programmes based in its framework continue to serve as a living example of how to make Europe with a cooperative formula of a common Agency and law maker, giving access to space for all European citizens.
Some Legal Aspects of Space Natural Resources
Authors: Jakhu Ram S. , Nyampong Yaw Otu Mankata
Published: August 2016

Some Legal Aspects of Space Natural Resources

Critical natural resources on the earth will be depleted before the close of this century. As such, humanity must explore for additional natural resources in places beyond the earth (i.e. in outer space and on other planets) in order to sustain life on earth. An appropriate international regulatory regime would be indispensable if such exploration is to succeed and result in the orderly exploitation of space natural resources. Presently, the international regulatory regime governing the exploration and potential exploitation of space natural resources is inadequate and lacks sufficient clarity. This article addresses some important legal aspects of the exploration and exploitation of space natural resources both from an international and a national perspective. Specifically, it analyzes the relevant provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1979 Moon Agreement in addition to some recent regulatory developments occurring in the United States. Finally, it provides an outlook for the future legal regime that may be required to guarantee the orderly exploration and exploitation of space natural resources.
Criminal Issues in International Space Law
Authors: Chatzipanagiotis Michael
Published: August 2016

Criminal Issues in International Space Law

This paper attempts to outline the rules and principles of international space law governing criminal activity in outer space or on board a space object. The relevant issues concern mainly the exercise of criminal jurisdiction, including extradition, and the disciplinary authority on board a space object. First, we examine the pertinent rules of general international law. Then, we analyse the applicable provisions of general space law, namely the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement, as well as the special rules on the International Space Station. Subsequently, we attempt to propose solutions to the main future challenges in international space law, which regard criminal behaviour on board aerospace vehicles, aboard private space stations, and issues regarding interplanetary missions and human settlements on celestial bodies.
Microbial Products and Biofertilizers in Improving Growth and Productivity of Apple – a Review
Authors: MOSA WALID FEDIALA ABD EL-GLEEL , SAS-PASZT LIDIA , FRĄC MATEUSZ , TRZCIŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: August 2016

The excessive use of mineral fertilizers causes many negative consequences for the environment as well as potentially dangerous effects of chemical residues in plant tissues on the health of human and animal consumers. Bio-fertilizers are formulations of beneficial microorganisms, which upon application can increase the availability of nutrients by their biological activity and help to improve soil health. Microbes involved in the formulation of bio-fertilizers not only mobilize N and P but mediate the process of producing crops and foods naturally. This method avoids the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms to influence the growth of crops. In addition to their role in enhancing the growth of the plants, biofertilizers can act as biocontrol agents in the rhizosphere at the same time. Biofertilizers are very safe for human, animal and environment. The use of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Acetobacter, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Paenibacillus and some members of the Enterobacteriaceae is gaining worldwide importance and acceptance and appears to be the trend for the future.
Molecular Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Isolated in Poland
Authors: JANUSZKIEWICZ ALEKSANDRA , RASTAWICKI WALDEMAR
Published: August 2016

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains also called verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) represent one of the most important groups of food-borne pathogens that can cause several human diseases such as hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic – uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. The ability of STEC strains to cause disease is associated with the presence of wide range of identified and putative virulence factors including those encoding Shiga toxin. In this study, we examined the distribution of various virulence determinants among STEC strains isolated in Poland from different sources. A total of 71 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains isolated from human, cattle and food over the years 1996–2010 were characterized by microarray and PCR detection of virulence genes. As stx1a subtype was present in all of the tested Shiga toxin 1 producing E. coli strains, a greater diversity of subtypes was found in the gene stx2, which occurred in five subtypes: stx2a, stx2b, stx2c, stx2d, stx2g. Among STEC O157 strains we observed conserved core set of 14 virulence factors, stable in bacteria genome at long intervals of time. There was one cattle STEC isolate which possessed verotoxin gene as well as sta1 gene encoded heat-stable enterotoxin STIa characteristic for enterotoxigenic E. coli. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of virulence gene profiles identified in STEC strains isolated from human, cattle and food in Poland. The results obtained using microarrays technology confirmed high effectiveness of this method in determining STEC virulotypes which provides data suitable for molecular risk assessment of the potential virulence of this bacteria.
Genetic Variability and Proteome Profiling of a Radiation Induced Cellulase Mutant Mushroom Pleurotus florida
Authors: SATHESH-PRABU CHANDRAN , LEE YOUNG-KEUN
Published: August 2016

We report the genetic similarity changes between a mutant mushroom (Pleurotus florida, designated as PfCM4) having increased cellulolytic activity developed through radiation mutagenesis and its wild type by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). On average, 23 AFLP fragments were amplified per primer combination, and a total of 286 polymorphic fragments (78.57% polymorphism) with maximal fragment length of 1365 base pairs (bp) were obtained. The genetic similarity between wild type and PfCM4 was found to be 22.30%. In addition, mycelial and secreted protein profiling by 2D-PAGE showed at least three and five different protein spots in the range of 25 kD to 100 kD, respectively, in PfCM4. It seems that the variation in genetic similarity and different expression of both mycelial and secreted proteins in PfCM4 in comparison to the wild type could likely be correlated with its increased cellulolytic activity effected by the irradiation.
Distribution and Identification of Endophytic Streptomyces Species from Schima wallichii as Potential Biocontrol Agents against Fungal Plant Pathogens
Authors: PASSARI AJIT KUMAR , MISHRA VINEET KUMAR , GUPTA VIJAI KUMAR , SAIKIA RATUL , SINGH BHIM PRATAP
Published: August 2016

The prospective of endophytic microorganisms allied with medicinal plants is disproportionally large compared to those in other biomes. The use of antagonistic microorganisms to control devastating fungal pathogens is an attractive and eco-friendly substitute for chemical pesticides. Many species of actinomycetes, especially the genus Streptomyces, are well known as biocontrol agents. We investigated the culturable community composition and biological control ability of endophytic Streptomyces sp. associated with an ethanobotanical plant Schima wallichi. A total of 22 actinobacterial strains were isolated from different organs of selected medicinal plants and screened for their biocontrol ability against seven fungal phytopathogens. Seven isolates showed significant inhibition activity against most of the selected pathogens. Their identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strongly indicated that all strains belonged to the genus Strepto myces. An endophytic strain BPSAC70 isolated from root tissues showed highest percentage of inhibition (98.3 %) against Fusarium culmorum with significant activity against other tested fungal pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that all seven strains shared 100 % similarity with the genus Streptomyces. In addition, the isolates were subjected to the amplification of antimicrobial genes encoding polyketide synthase type I (PKS-I) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and found to be present in most of the potent strains. Our results identified some potential endophytic Streptomyces species having antagonistic activity against multiple fungal phytopathogens that could be used as an effective biocontrol agent against pathogenic fungi.
Characterization of a Highly Enriched Microbial Consortium Reductively Dechlorinating 2,3-Dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and the Corresponding cprA Genes from River Sediment
Authors: EL-SAYED WAEL S.
Published: August 2016

Anaerobic reductive dechlorination of 2,3-dichlorophenol (2,3DCP) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6TCP) was investigated in microcosms from River Nile sediment. A stable sediment-free anaerobic microbial consortium reductively dechlorinating 2,3DCP and 2,4,6TCP was established. Defined sediment-free cultures showing stable dechlorination were restricted to ortho chlorine when enriched with hydrogen as the electron donor, acetate as the carbon source, and either 2,3-DCP or 2,4,6-TCP as electron acceptors. When acetate, formate, or pyruvate were used as electron donors, dechlorination activity was lost. Only lactate can replace dihydrogen as an electron donor. However, the dechlorination potential was decreased after successive transfers. To reveal chlororespiring species, the microbial community structure of chlorophenol-reductive dechlorinating enrichment cultures was analyzed by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Eight dominant bacteria were detected in the dechlorinating microcosms including members of the genera Citrobac- ter, Geobacter, Pseudomonas, Desulfitobacterium, Desulfovibrio and Clostridium. Highly enriched dechlorinating cultures were dominated by four bacterial species belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Desulfitobacterium, and Clostridium. Desulfitobacterium represented the major fraction in DGGE profiles indicating its importance in dechlorination activity, which was further confirmed by its absence resulting in complete loss of dechlorination. Reductive dechlorination was confirmed by the stoichiometric dechlorination of 2,3DCP and 2,4,6TCP to metabolites with less chloride groups and by the detection of chlorophenol RD cprA gene fragments in dechlorinating cultures. PCR amplified cprA gene fragments were cloned and sequenced and found to cluster with the cprA/pceA type genes of Dehalobacter restrictus.
The Effect of Local Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy on the Composition of Bacterial Flora in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcer
Authors: WOŹNIAK WITOLD , TARNAS MONIKA , MIŁEK TOMASZ , MLOSEK R. KRZYSZTOF , CIOSTEK PIOTR
Published: August 2016

Microbial colonisation of chronic venous ulcers and synergism between bacterial species slow down the healing process. The study aimed at performing qualitative analysis of microbial flora in venous leg ulcers treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Twenty two women and twelve men aged 47–90 years were treated with PRP at our department between 2012 and 2015. Ulcer cultures collected before and after PRP therapy yielded 83 and 110 microbial isolates, respectively, of Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and candida. Pseudomonas aueruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common pre- and post-treatment isolates. PRP therapy and increased the variety of microbial flora.
In Search of the Antimicrobial Potential of Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: JANECZKO MONIKA , KAZIMIERCZUK ZYGMUNT , ORZESZKO ANDRZEJ , NIEWIADOMY ANDRZEJ , KRÓL EWA , SZYSZKA RYSZARD , MASŁYK MACIEJ
Published: August 2016

A broad series of 4,5,6,7-tetrahalogenated benzimidazoles and 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-benzene-1,3-diol derivatives was tested against selected bacteria and fungi. For this study three plant pathogens Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., and Sclerotinia sp., as well as Staphylococcus sp., Enterococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella spp. , and Candida spp. as human pathogens were used. MIC values and/or area of growth reduction method were applied in order to compare the activity of the synthesized compounds. From the presented set of 22 compounds, only 8, 16, 18 and 19 showed moderate to good inhibition against bacterial strains. Against Candida strains only compound 19 with three hydroxyl substituted benzene moiety presented high inhibition at nystatin level or lower.
Effects of Selected Herbicides on Growth and Nitrogen Fixing Activity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sb16)
Authors: NAHI ARMITA , OTHMAN RADZIAH , OMAR DZOLKHIFLI , EBRAHIMI MAHDI
Published: August 2016

A study was carried out to determine the effects of paraquat, pretilachlor and 2, 4-D on growth and nitrogen fixing activity of Stenotropho- monas maltophilia (Sb16) and pH of Jensen’s N-free medium. The growth of Sb16 and pH of medium were significantly reduced with full (X) and double (2X) doses of tested herbicides, but nitrogen fixing activity was decreased by 2X doses. The nitrogenase activity had the highest value in samples treated with 1/2X of 2, 4-D on fifth incubation day, but 2X of 2, 4-D had the most adverse effect. An inhibition in the growth and nitrogenase activity was recovered on the last days of incubation.
Basidiospore and Protoplast Regeneration from Raised Fruiting Bodies of Pathogenic Ganoderma boninense
Authors: GOVENDER NISHA THOPLA , MAHMOOD MAZIAH , SEMAN IDRIS ABU , MUI-YUN WONG
Published: August 2016

Ganoderma boninense, a phytopathogenic white rot fungus had sought minimal genetic characterizations despite huge biotechnological potentials. Thus, efficient collection of fruiting body, basidiospore and protoplast of G. boninense is described. Matured basidiocarp raised under the glasshouse conditions yielded a total of 8.3 × 104basidiospores/ml using the low speed centrifugation technique. Mycelium aged 3-day-old treated under an incubation period of 3 h in lysing enzyme from Trichoderma harzianum (10 mg/ml) suspended in osmotic stabilizer (0.6 M potassium chloride and 20 mM dipotassium phosphate buffer) yielded the highest number of viable protoplasts (8.9 × 106single colonies) among all possible combinations tested (regeneration media, age of mycelium, osmotic stabilizer, digestive enzyme and incubation period).
Les femmes et l’assurance-emploi. Une lutte pour la reconnaissance de l’égalité
Authors: Rose Ruth
Published: August 2016

En raison de leurs responsabilités familiales, les femmes ont un rapport avec le marché du travail qui est différent de celui des hommes. Dès ses débuts, le régime canadien d’assurance-chômage a incorporé des mesures discriminatoires à l’égard des femmes. Le préjugé voulant que le revenu des femmes ne soit qu’un revenu d’appoint et qu’elles ne « méritent » pas la même protection sociale que celle des hommes persiste dans la conception et l’application du Régime d’assurance-emploi. La règle dite DEREMPA, les exigences plus strictes pour l’accès aux prestations spéciales et, surtout, les critères d’admissibilité plus sévères pour les personnes travaillant à temps partiel sont les manifestations de ce préjugé. Les nouvelles règles redéfinissant la notion d’un « emploi convenable » pour tous les prestataires, particulièrement les prestataires fréquents, risquent d’affecter les femmes plus que les hommes, puisqu’elles occupent plus souvent des emplois temporaires que les hommes et qu’elles ont déjà plus de difficultés à satisfaire aux conditions d’admissibilité à l’assurance-emploi. La règle qui limite une période de prestations à 52 semaines vise presque exclusivement des femmes qui auraient reçu 50 semaines des prestations spéciales (maladie, maternité, parentales, soignants), mais qui se trouvent réellement en chômage après un congé parental. De plus, l’application des deux semaines de carence et d’autres mesures visant à inciter les chômeurs à se trouver un nouvel emploi rapidement ne sont pas appropriées dans le cas des prestations spéciales.
Jeux d’acteurs, propriétés et dynamique d’un « système d’action complexe » : les relations internationales en Europe et le déclenchement de la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Garraud Philippe
Published: August 2016

La perspective systémique ne conduit pas à opposer une vision structurale ou systémique à une approche plus stratégiste, mais bien à les intégrer étroitement en mettant en évidence les interactions, les contraintes et les interdépendances qui conditionnent les différents choix politiques des acteurs, et circonscrivent et ferment progressivement le champ des possibles. Beaucoup plus que les intentions des acteurs, ce sont les propriétés du système qui déterminent sa logique, sa dynamique globale et ses effets. Dans cette perspective, on s’intéressera successivement aux stratégies des différents acteurs nationaux (Allemagne, France, Grande-Bretagne, Pologne, URSS, Belgique) dans le déclenchement de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, puis aux propriétés du système liées aux interactions et à interdépendance des jeux d’acteurs et, enfin à la dynamique et aux effets de système : le chemin de la guerre.
La pensée systémique analysée à l’aune de l’entropie
Authors: Martin Marcienne
Published: August 2016

Le courant de pensée appelé « pensée systémique » est en relation avec la complexité des structures qui sous-tendent toute organisation. En effet, cette approche cognitive de l’approche des objets du monde peut être abordée de multiples façons et ainsi générer des visions différentes de la réalité. La pensée systémique peut-elle intégrer l’entropie comme phénomène participant de la néguentropie dans le cadre d’une approche scalaire plus globale ?
Vulgarisation scientifique, increasing knowledge gap et épistémologies de la communication
Authors: Ancori Bernard
Published: August 2016

Depuis sa naissance au XIXe siècle, la vocation affichée de la vulgarisation scientifique est de chercher à combler l’écart culturel entre « savants » et « ignorants » afin d’épauler une science longtemps considérée comme source de progrès de toutes natures. Au cours de la seconde partie du siècle suivant, elle se transforma en une médiatisation de masse, et elle se vit critiquée de toutes parts à partir du dernier quart du XXe siècle. L’une de ces critiques vise l’increasing knowledge gap qu’elle produit au sein de son public : son flux croissant d’information induit une appropriation différenciée au sein du système social, dont les parties dotées des statuts socioéconomiques plus élevés s’approprient cette information plus rapidement que celles qui ont des statuts plus bas, de sorte que le fossé entre les connaissances respectives des unes et des autres tend à s’accroître au lieu de diminuer.

Ce texte s’interroge sur le maintien paradoxal dans nos sociétés de dispositifs de vulgarisation scientifique dont l’increasing knowledge gap révèle cet effet pervers. Il montre que ce maintien tient à une forme de cécité épistémologique : contrairement à une opinion répandue, le modèle de communication pertinent pour penser la vulgarisation scientifique est celui proposé par Gregory Bateson, et non celui qui est issu des travaux de Claude Elwood Shannon. Nous présentons d’abord le modèle shannonien de la communication en tant que référent théorique du « modèle du déficit » qui inspire la vulgarisation scientifique, et nous soulignons sa totale inadaptation à la communication sociale. Nous résumons ensuite la conception batesonienne de la communication en la contrastant point par point avec le modèle précédent. Enfin, nous démontrons que, si l’increasing knowledge gap ne peut pas apparaître dans le cadre de la conception shannonienne de la communication, il s’explique en revanche très simplement dans le cadre de la conception batesonienne de celle-ci.
L’émotion est ce qui nous relie. Éléments pour une approche relationnelle des phénomènes affectifs et des dynamiques socio-spatiales
Authors: Feildel Benoît
Published: August 2016

Cherchant à comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine du rapport affectif à l’espace, nous avons conçu et mis en oeuvre une enquête auprès d’habitants au sein de l’agglomération de Tours (France). Couplant récit et cartographie, l’enquête menée a permis de révéler l’importance de la dimension affective dans l’organisation spatiale des sociétés. Ainsi, nous avons pu mettre en évidence comment les individus et les groupes sociaux, par le truchement de l’espace, gèrent la distance aux autres et à eux-mêmes, comment ils s’inscrivent et ils prennent place dans un réseau formé de lieux et de liens investis affectivement. Cependant, l’apport de cette recherche n’aura pas seulement été de contribuer à une critique du rationalisme et d’illustrer le poids des émotions dans les attitudes et les comportements des acteurs sociaux. La compréhension que nous avons tracée des phénomènes affectifs a également permis de révéler le caractère dynamique et complexe de l’évaluation des espaces, plaidant dès lors pour une approche attentive à la relation et à son évolution à travers le temps et les situations.
Voisinage et injonction au vivre-ensemble : analyse relationnelle
Authors: Martouzet Denis
Published: August 2016

Cet article interroge la relation de voisinage à partir de l’analyse de la figure du voisin dans la culture populaire (dictons, littérature, bande dessinée…) : figure péjorative, elle est globalement contredite par les discours, beaucoup plus positifs, recueillis lors d’entretiens semi-directifs sur le rapport spatial et social à l’environnement de l’individu. Il en ressort que la relation de voisinage, en plus de la spatialité, a deux dimensions majeures : la temporalité et la potentialité. Le voisin, parce qu’il demeure à proximité, est potentiellement nuisible ou utile. Par cette simple potentialité, la relation de voisinage fait que l’individu n’est pas exactement ce qu’il est, il est aussi le résultat de la proximité du voisin et de la relation de voisinage en tant que triplet spatialité/temporalité/potentialité. L’article vise ainsi à proposer une définition du concept de relation.
De l’intérêt d’une approche relationnelle dans la modélisation des systèmes complexes
Authors: Vautier Claude
Published: August 2016

La sociologie, depuis son origine, s’est constituée sur quelques postulats qui furent des sources de querelles interminables et constituent aujourd’hui des limites à son développement. Le premier était que l’étude d’une société devait se faire, soit en étudiant le social comme source des situations individuelles (holisme méthodologique), soit en étudiant, au contraire, les individus, leurs caractéristiques, leurs choix et actions, pour rendre compte des caractéristiques observables de la société (individualisme méthodologique). Un autre postulat était que l’analyse scientifique supposait que soit banni tout hasard, toute imprévisibilité dans les mouvements de la société, le contraire impliquant que l’on ne puisse ni comprendre, ni se projeter dans le futur sociétal. Les développements contemporains de la sociologie rompent au moins partiellement avec ces positions. Les chercheurs en sciences humaines et sociales essaient de conjoindre les deux approches initiales (holisme et individualisme). Certains essaient aussi d’introduire la (ou les) temporalité(s) dans l’analyse afin de rendre compte de l’incontournable historicité des hommes et de leurs sociétés. Ce texte vise à proposer une approche « relationnelle » de la sociologie, permettant de conjoindre holisme et individualisme dans des modèles historicisés des systèmes complexes que sont les systèmes sociaux. Il insiste sur l’intérêt, voire la nécessité d’une modélisation relationnelle trialectique pour étudier les systèmes complexes.
Seipin is required for converting nascent to mature lipid droplets
Authors: Wang Huajin , Becuwe Michel , Housden Benjamin E , Chitraju Chandramohan , Porras Ashley J , Graham Morven M , Liu Xinran N , Thiam Abdou Rachid , Savage David B , Agarwal Anil K , Garg Abhimanyu , Olarte Maria-Jesus , Lin Qingqing , Fröhlich Florian , Hannibal-Bach Hans Kristian , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Perrimon Norbert , Kirchhausen Tomas , Ejsing Christer S , Walther Tobias C , Farese Robert V
Published: August 2016

How proteins control the biogenesis of cellular lipid droplets (LDs) is poorly understood. Using Drosophila and human cells, we show here that seipin, an ER protein implicated in LD biology, mediates a discrete step in LD formation—the conversion of small, nascent LDs to larger, mature LDs. Seipin forms discrete and dynamic foci in the ER that interact with nascent LDs to enable their growth. In the absence of seipin, numerous small, nascent LDs accumulate near the ER and most often fail to grow. Those that do grow prematurely acquire lipid synthesis enzymes and undergo expansion, eventually leading to the giant LDs characteristic of seipin deficiency. Our studies identify a discrete step of LD formation, namely the conversion of nascent LDs to mature LDs, and define a molecular role for seipin in this process, most likely by acting at ER-LD contact sites to enable lipid transfer to nascent LDs.
Solution-processed Al2O3 gate dielectrics for graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Park Goon-Ho , Kim Kwan-Soo , Fukidome Hirokazu , Suemitsu Tetsuya , Otsuji Taiichi , Cho Won-Ju , Suemitsu Maki
Published: August 2016

The performance of actual graphene FETs suffers significant degradation from that expected for pristine graphene, which can be partly attributed to the onset of defects and the doping of the graphene induced during the fabrication of gate dielectric layers. These effects are mainly due to high-temperature processes such as postdeposition annealing. Here, we propose a novel low-temperature method for the fabrication of gate dielectrics, which consists of the natural oxidation of an ultrathin Al layer and a sol–gel process with oxygen plasma treatment to form an Al2O3 layer. The method results in a significant reduction of defects and doping in graphene, and devices fabricated by this method show an intrinsic carrier mobility as high as 9100 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Interference effect of edge radiation at three-pole wiggler section
Authors: Koda Shigeru , Takabayashi Yuichi
Published: August 2016

Radiation from a three-pole wiggler section is not simply treated as typical synchrotron radiation in a long-wavelength region. The interference effect between edge radiations from upstream and downstream straight subsections of the wiggler is considered to contribute significantly to the radiation. Our simple model roughly reproduced spectral and spatial distributions of the radiation. Under the maximum interference condition, the peak radiation intensity is four times larger than the edge radiation from a single straight section. Moreover, the longitudinal periodic alignment of three-pole wigglers, which satisfies the maximum interference condition, generates radiation of higher intensity proportional to the square of the periodic number.
High-density recording in holographic data storage system by dual 2-level run-length-limited modulation
Authors: Tajima Kazuyuki , Nakamura Yusuke , Hoshizawa Taku
Published: August 2016

An angular-multiplexing holographic memory system is one candidate for future optical data storage systems because of capability for abilities of “high-density recording” and “high-speed recording and reproduction”. We have developed a high-density recording method by reducing the hologram size in a disc to half by 2-level run-length-limited (RLL) modulation. In addition, to achieve further high-density recording, we introduce 4-level recording. However, 4-level RLL modulation requires high computational complexity in general. Therefore, we developed the dual 2-level RLL modulation method that can suppress increase in computational complexity and has good compatibility with the conventional holographic data storage system (HDSS). The high-density effect of the method was experimentally confirmed by the Fourier images and SNR of reproduced images. Consequently, the dual 2-level RLL modulation enables a doubling of the recording density, this gave an inspection for realizing a next-generation HDSS with the recording density of 4.8 Tbit/in.2.
Domain observation of potassium-modified NaNbO3 epitaxial films by confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Fujii Ichiro , Wada Takahiro
Published: August 2016

Domain structures of (K
x
Na1−

x
)NbO3 (x = 0, 0.005, 0.11, 0.18, and 0.30) epitaxial films prepared on SrRuO3/(001) SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. It was found that the films consisted of stripe domains with in-plane polarization directions at x = 0, mixtures of line and stripe domains with in-plane and out-of-plane polarization directions at x = 0.005 and 0.11, and stripe domains with out-of-plane polarization directions at x = 0.18 and 0.30. After an electric field was applied to the films in the out-of-plane direction, some domains with in-plane polarization directions were changed to domains with out-of-plane polarization directions at x = 0–0.11. It was confirmed that the change in the domain structure of the films with x was consistent with the change in the remanent polarization of their polarization–electric field (P–E) loops.
Methodology for Using 3‐Dimensional Sonography to Measure Fetal Adrenal Gland Volumes in Pregnant Women With and Without Early Life Stress
Authors: Kim Deborah , Epperson C. Neill , Ewing Grace , Appleby Dina , Sammel Mary D. , Wang Eileen
Published: August 2016

Fetal adrenal gland volumes on 3‐dimensional sonography have been studied as potential predictors of preterm birth. However, no consistent methodology has been published. This article describes the methodology used in a study that is evaluating the effects of maternal early life stress on fetal adrenal growth to allow other researchers to compare methodologies across studies. Fetal volumetric data were obtained in 36 women at 20 to 22 and 28 to 30 weeks' gestation. Two independent examiners measured multiple images of a single fetal adrenal gland from each sonogram. Intra‐ and inter‐rater consistency was examined. In addition, fetal adrenal volumes between male and female fetuses were reported. The intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was satisfactory when the mean of 3 measurements from each rater was used. At 20 weeks' gestation, male fetuses had larger average adjusted adrenal volumes than female fetuses (mean, 0.897 versus 0.638; P = .004). At 28 weeks' gestation, the fetal weight was more influential in determining values for adjusted fetal adrenal volume (0.672 for male fetuses versus 0.526 for female fetuses; P = .034). This article presents a methodology for assessing fetal adrenal volume using 3‐dimensional sonography that can be used by other researchers to provide more consistency across studies.
Sonography of Morton Neuromas
Authors: Cohen Stuart L. , Miller Theodore T. , Ellis Scott J. , Roberts Matthew M. , DiCarlo Edward F.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To determine what accounts for the sonographic appearance of a Morton neuroma by correlating preoperative sonograms with the sonographic appearance of the resected surgical specimen, the surgical findings, and the pathologic examination.

Methods

Ten Morton neuromas that had preoperative sonograms underwent postoperative specimen sonography and histologic evaluation. The appearance and size of the neuromas were compared between the preoperative and postoperative specimen images and were compared to the surgical and pathologic appearances.

Results

Preoperative images showed a fibrillar echogenic nerve coursing into a heterogeneous hypoechoic mass measuring 14.3 mm in average length (range, 9.0–24.0 mm) that contained a round, mildly echogenic mass within it measuring 7.6 mm in average length (range, 4.5–12.0 mm). Surgically, the specimens showed scarred intermetatarsal bursas and tangled vessels surrounding the nerve. Specimen sonography showed echogenic focal enlargement of the nerve at the site of the neuroma, measuring 6.8 mm in average length (range, 3.5–11.0 mm). The size of the resected neuroma was smaller than the hypoechoic mass on the presurgical images (P < .001). Within the hypoechoic mass, the small echogenic focus showed no difference in size compared to the specimen (P = .40), but the shape of the echogenic specimen was fusiform, whereas the preoperative appearance was round. Histologically, the resected specimens showed sclerosis and mucoid degeneration of the nerve fascicles and fibrotic thickening of the perineurium.

Conclusions

The hypoechoic heterogeneous mass that is referred to as a Morton neuroma sonographically is really a “neuroma‐bursal complex” that is much larger than the actual neuroma itself.