bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On an analytical evaluation of the flux and dominant eigenvalue problem for the steady state multi-group multi-layer neutron diffusion equation
Authors: Ceolin C. , Schramm M. , Bodmann B. E. J. , Vilhena M. T. , de Q. B.Leite S.
Published: November 2014

In this work the authors solved the steady state neutron diffusion equation for a multi-layer slab assuming the multi-group energy model. The method to solve the equation system is based on an expansion in Taylor Series resulting in an analytical expression. The results obtained can be used as initial condition for neutron space kinetics problems. The neutron scalar flux was expanded in a power series, and the coefficients were found by using the ordinary differential equation and the boundary and interface conditions. The effective multiplication factor k was evaluated using the power method. We divided the domain into several slabs to guarantee the convergence with a low truncation order. We present the formalism together with some numerical simulations.
Microstructural and Nanostructural FE-SEM, TEM, and STEM Investigations of High Strength Boron-Alloyed Steel Used in the Automotive Sector
Authors: Säglitz M. , Berger D. , Gernert U. , Selve S.
Published: November 2014

More and more steel grades with martensitic microstructure are used for highly stressed structural components in the automobile branch. They are used in the field of light weight construction and for crash safety. Principally, press-hardened boron-alloyed steels with low carbon content are used here. In this study, the fine microstructure is investigated by means of FE-SEM and TEM microscopy. Possibilities but also limits of the FE-SEM investigation methodology are clearly pointed out and demonstrated presenting concrete examples. In addition to that, further microstructural investigations are performed using a modern scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The device allowed for switching from the TEM mode to the SEM mode and thus enabled an investigation of one and the same microstructural section in SEM and TEM conditions; first experiences are presented.
Failure of Large High-strength Fasteners by Hydrogen Embrittlement
Authors: Neidel A. , Fischer B. , Ullrich Th.
Published: November 2014

Five out of several tens of large high-strength fasteners, used for attaching compressor-end supports of a large gas turbine engine in a test rig to its foundation, failed by deferred fracture after tensioning. The hexagonal bolt heads fractured off at the fillet of the shaft end. This happened in a delayed manner, in some cases six hours or so after tensioning. Because of this peculiar delayed fracture, hydrogen embrittlement (HE) was suspected as the metallurgical cause of failure. Delayed cracking is typical of and consistent with HE. On the fracture surfaces of the liberated hexagonal heads, some microfractographic fracture features, consistent with hydrogen embrittlement, were found.
Using Origin–Destination Centrality to Estimate Directional Bicycle Volumes
Authors: McDaniel Stephen , Lowry Michael B. , Dixon Michael
Published: November 2014

A new method estimates directional bicycle volumes throughout a street network. The method is based on a modified form of centrality, a measure from graph theory used to quantify the relative importance of each link and node in a network. One common formulation of centrality calculates the number of times a link in a network is used along the path of all shortest paths between all nodes. The equation was modified to represent bicycle travel better. The new metric is called origin–destination (O-D) centrality. For this case study, the new metric exhibited high correlation (R2 = .45 to .73) with observed bicycle counts at intersections. Use of O-D centrality to interpolate field observations spatially is demonstrated. Unlike other bicycle demand estimation methods, this approach requires commonly available data, is easy to use, and produces directional volumes (some methods only estimate nondirectional aggregate counts). The new method was programmed as a tool for geographic information systems by using modifiable open-source python code. The tool requires a street network, a digital elevation map, parcel data, and observed bicycle counts at select locations throughout the study area. The observed counts can be collected through any manner, but the tool was specifically designed for planners and engineers working with count data collected manually in a manner similar to that used for the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project.
Modeling Nonmotorized Travel Demand at Intersections in Calgary, Canada
Authors: Tabeshian Maryam , Kattan Lina
Published: November 2014

In September 2009, the City Council of Calgary, Canada, approved Plan It Calgary, which proposed policies that focused on the development of resilient neighborhoods through the intensification and diver-sification of urban activities around transit stations and routes. More intensive development and mixed land use encourage nonmotorized trips and reinforce comfortable, safe, and walkable streets. The development of high-density, mixed-use, and transit- and pedestrian-oriented communities has the potential to generate shorter trips to destinations; these trips are expected to result in a higher share of active travel modes, such as biking and walking. Thus, there is a growing need to estimate the impact of land use development scenarios and transportation policies on bicycle and pedestrian demand to predict nonmotorized trip volumes and design the related infrastructure adequately. In this study, on the basis of multiple linear and Poisson regression models were calibrated to estimate nonmotorized travel demand on the basis of geographic information system data, transportation services, and road characteristics. The empirical models developed in this research can be used to assess the impacts of urban design and built environments, such as development of high-density and mixed land use areas, of complete street construction in the middle ring communities of Calgary, and of influenced demand for active travel modes. The developed models also show the benefits of improved pedestrian infrastructure, such as improved network connectivity and increases in the length of pedestrian pathways, as well as the benefits of the integration of transit and walking modes and transit and bicycle modes in encouraging more nonmotorized travel demand. This method is a straightforward statistical analysis for practitioners, and the needed data are relatively easy to access.
Cellular Agent-Based Approach Incorporating Spatial Discrete Choice Methods
Authors: Shen Yu , Martínez Luis Miguel , de Abreu e Silva João
Published: November 2014

A cellular agent–based model was designed to simulate the potential land use impacts of the future high-speed rail (HSR) service on the city of Aveiro, Portugal, and its neighboring municipalities. The model incorporated a spatial discrete choice method as a submodel, which estimated land use evolution behavior based on the growth of socioeconomic variables and the increase of road and railway accessibility. For validation purposes, the model was first run to test the historical land use change in the study area from 1991 to 2011. Based on the validated model, an analysis of three scenarios with different hypothetical HSR station locations was implemented to estimate the future land use impacts of HSR between 2011 and 2031. The simulation revealed that the introduction of HSR service could offer great opportunities for land use development in the area and that the station location within the city of Aveiro showed relatively better attractiveness to the development of new urban fabric and commercial and industrial land covers.
Validation of Origin–Destination Data from Bluetooth Reidentification and Aerial Observation
Authors: Chitturi Madhav V. , Shaw John W. , Campbell John R. , Noyce David A.
Published: November 2014

Vehicle reidentification with Bluetooth signal data has emerged as an effective and economical means for collecting traffic data including origin–destination (O-D) information, which is crucial for transportation planning. Direct vehicle tracking based on time-lapse aerial photography (TLAP) is also increasingly used for O-D studies. Neither technique has previously been validated, so the objective of this study was to validate O-Ds generated by using both techniques against a ground-truth O-D. Traffic volume–, Bluetooth-, and TLAP-based O-D data collected at an interchange in Madison, Wisconsin, were used in this study. Significant variability (2.3% to 7.2%) in Bluetooth match rates was observed for the 12 O-D pairs of the interchange, which were calculated by using a heuristic measure of the difference between traffic volumes (the GEH formula). Uniproportional scaling of the sample Bluetooth O-D (using the average detection rate) resulted in poor fit to the true O-D, but biproportional factoring (Fratar or Furness procedure) resulted in about 85% of the movements’ having a GEH statistic less than 5. Combining Bluetooth data from multiple days resulted in a better fit than the use of a single day's data. The analysis showed that Bluetooth technology could be used to obtain representative O-D information of an access-controlled network for planning applications. TLAP sample O-D data were scaled with an origin-specific factor and resulted in reasonable fit to the true O-D data. Biproportional factoring resulted in a better fit in which 100% of the movements had a GEH value less than 5. Therefore, biproportional factoring is also recommended for TLAP data.
Development of Vehicle Fleet Composition Model System for Implementation in Activity-Based Travel Model
Authors: You Daehyun , Garikapati Venu M. , Pendyala Ram M. , Bhat Chandra R. , Dubey Subodh , Jeon Kyunghwi , Livshits Vladimir
Published: November 2014

The development of a vehicle fleet composition and utilization model system that may be incorporated into a larger activity-based travel demand model is described. It is of interest and importance to model household vehicle fleet composition and utilization behavior because the energy and environmental impacts of personal travel are dependent not only on the number of vehicles but also on the mix of vehicles that a household owns and the extent to which different vehicles are used. A vehicle composition (fleet mix) and utilization model system was developed for integration into the activity-based travel demand model that was being developed for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona. At the heart of the vehicle fleet mix model system is a multiple discrete continuous extreme value model capable of simulating vehicle ownership and use patterns of households. Vehicle choices are defined by a combination of vehicle body type and age category and the model system is capable of predicting vehicle composition and utilization patterns at the household level. The model system is described and results are presented of a validation and policy sensitivity analysis exercise demonstrating the efficacy of the model.
Modeling Cyclists’ Route Choice Based on GPS Data
Authors: Casello Jeffrey M. , Usyukov Vladimir
Published: November 2014

With the increased emphasis on sustainable transportation, advancements are necessary in the technical methods used in the planning and engineering of investments for nonmotorized modes. This paper used GPS data on cyclists’ activities to estimate a utility or generalized-cost function that reflects cyclists’ evaluation of path alternatives. For 724 cycling trips, path attributes were compiled of the observed cycling path to four feasible but not-chosen alternatives. With two logit formulations, the relative importance of statistically significant path parameters—length, auto speed, grade, and the presence (or absence) of bike lanes—was estimated. Then the predictive powers of the models were tested on 181 trips that were observed in the same data set but were not used to calibrate the model. In the best case, this model correctly predicted the actual path for 65% of these trips; for an additional 13% of trips, the difference in probabilities of selecting the best alternative path and the actual path was less than 5%. These results were interpreted to mean that relatively robust path choice (and ultimately mode choice) models may be generated and included in enhanced multimodal travel forecasting models.
Time domain measures of heart rate variability to assess cardiac autonomic nerve function in female with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Akhter Qazi Farzana , Sinha Susmita , Ferdousi Sybila
Published: November 2014

Iron deficiency anemia is considered as one of the major public health problem in Bangladesh. Cardiac autonomic nerve dysfunction may present in iron deficiency anemia which increases the risk and further complications of this disease. Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive technique to evaluate cardiac autonomic nerve function status. To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function status by heart rate variability analysis in female with iron deficiency anemia. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2012 to June 2013. For this, 100 female subjects with iron deficiency anemia aged 20-45 years were included in the study group (Group B). The anemic subjects were selected from Outpatient Department of Haematology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. They were included in the study group on the basis of their pre-performed hemoglobin percentage, total count of RBC and serum ferritin level. Data were collected in pre-designed structured questionnaire by the researcher herself. For comparison, age and sex matched 100 apparently healthy female were selected as control (Group A) by personal contact from the different areas of Dhaka city. Analysis of HRV parameters were done in Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. The HRV parameters were recorded by a 4 active channels, Polyrite-D.For statistical analyses, unpaired Students t-test and Pearsons correlation coefficient test were performed by using SPSS (version-19) as applicable. Mean resting pulse rate and mean heart rate were significantly (p <0.0001) higher in subjects with iron deficiency anemia in comparison to those of control group. Hemoglobin concentration, total count of RBC, mean R-R interval, SDNN and RMSSD were significantly (p <0.0001) lower in subjects with iron deficiency anemia in comparison to those of healthy control. This study concludes that cardiac parasympathetic activity was reduced in female with iron deficiency anemia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20779 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):1-5
Study on nutritional status of rural school children of Bangladesh
Authors: Nowsin Iffat , Begum Nadia , Akbar Elias Bin , Alam Muhammad Mahbubul
Published: November 2014

Background: School age is the active growing phase of childhood. It is a dynamic period of physical growth as well as of mental development of the child. Research indicates that health problems due to miserable nutritional status in primary school-age children are among the most common causes of low school enrolment, high absenteeism, early dropout and unsatisfactory classroom performance.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status among rural school children, in terms of the BMI, stunting and wasting among the children.Materials and methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among the school children of two secondary schools located in Savar upazilla during January-March 2013. From these selected schools, a total number of 340 students aged 5-14 yrs were enrolled in the study. First face to face interview was conducted with available students with the help of purposive sampling technique. Then anthropometric measurement such as Age (in years), Heights (in cms), and Weight (in kgs) of each child were taken to assess their nutritional status.Results: The mean height of the children was (136.9; SD±8.57cm) not comparable with CDC 2000 (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) standard. Among 340 students, 81.8% of the students were found to be under nourished. Underweight, stunting and wasting were present in 38.8%, 55.9%, and 25.9% of school children respectively. Underweight was associated with lower household wealth (p < .005). The mean weight (27.18 Kg; SD± 6.78 Kg) was lower than CDC 2000 standards. Among underweight children girls (50.3%) were found to be higher than boys (28.73%). The students were more stunted (55.9%) than wasted (25.9%). Only 10.29% of the students were found to be both wasted and stunted.Conclusion: The study revealed that high percentage of rural school children was malnourished. The study result also revealed the urgent need for initiation of school health programme with specific emphasis on, improvement of nutritional status, personal hygiene and prevention of diseases with the collaboration of governmental and non-governmental institutions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20780 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):6-10
Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in Bangladeshi healthy population of different age
Authors: Akhter Qazi Farzana , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Rahman Farhana , Ferdousi Sybyla , Sinha Susmita
Published: November 2014

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been considered as an indicator of autonomic nerve function status. We aimed to find out the reference values of heart rate variability by power spectral analysis in our healthy population of different age. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from the period of July 2012 to June 2013. For this, 180 subjects were selected with the age ranging from 15-60 years. All the study subjects were divided into 3 different groups according to age (Group A: 15-30 years; Group B: 31-45 years; Group C: 46-60 years). Each group contained 60 subjects of which 30 were male and 30 were female. The subjects were selected from different areas of Dhaka city by personal contacts. Analysis of HRV parameters were done in Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. For statistical analysis, one way ANOVA, unpaired Students t-test and Pearsons correlation coefficient test were performed by using SPSS (version-17) as applicable. LF nu, LF power and LF/HF were significantly (p<0.001) higher in group C in comparison to those of group A and B. Again Total power, HF power, HF nu (p<0.001) were significantly higher in group A and B in comparison to that of group C. This study concludes that cardiac parasympathetic activity was decreased and sympathetic activity was increased with aging.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20788 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):11-15
Pharmacokinetic study after single oral dose of beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone antimicrobials in Bangladeshi healthy male volunteers
Authors: Chowdhury Reefat Zaman , Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Md Sayedur
Published: November 2014

The variability of response to antimicrobial has been inadequately explained because of lack of pharmacokinetic data. The present pharmacokinetic study was designed to provide information beneficial to formulate a population pharmacokinetic model appropriate for Bangladeshi population. Among the beta-lactams, amoxicillin (500 mg), flucloxacillin (250 mg), cefuroxime (500 mg) and among the fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin (500 mg), levofloxacin (500 mg), gatifloxacin (400 mg) were studied in 15 healthy Bangladeshi male volunteers. The Cmax, AUC0infinity, Tmax, T1/2 and Ctrough were studied with all antimicrobials. Later, the Cmax and AUC0infinity were adjusted for bodyweight and dose. Among the studied antimicrobials, the Cmax varied to great extent even after adjustment for bodyweight and dose. The Cmax after adjustment was highest in case of flucloxacillin and lowest in case of ciprofloxacin, indicating excellent absorption of flucloxacillin in Bangladeshi population. The information obtained through this study generates necessity of new cut-off value for the antimicrobials.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20789 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):16-24
Cervical cancer screeningnin Chittagong Medical College Hospital: bottleneck of service delivery system of a referral centre in Bangladesh
Authors: Banu Nasreen , Ferdoush Jannatul , Begum Tahera
Published: November 2014

Bangladesh is overburdened with cervical cancer. In each year 13,000 new cases enter in this series. Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is adopted as national cervical cancer (ca cx) screening program, in Bangladesh. Positive VIA, abnormal cytology, positive HPV or suspicious looking cervices are referred for secondary screening (Colposcopy). Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) acts as a primary screening and secondary referral center. With the aim to identify the weakness of present ca cx screening system one year (April 2013 to March 2014) records were evaluated. A total 1853 VIA & 714 colposcopy cases were analyzed from records of CMCH, Bangladesh. The age of population range from 16 -71 years and most were between 30-49 years. In primary screening VIA +ve cases were 6% (n=120). After secondary screening 43.69% (n=312) were identified as abnormal; among those precancerous lesion (CIN) 37.82% (n= 270); ca cx 1.54% (n=11); suspicious 4.34% (n=31). Histopathology proven CIN 12.04% (n=86) & ca cx 2.10% (n=15). Cases received treatment (LEEP) were only 09.38% (n=67). Finally among total population, 56.30% (n=402) were declared normal, 14.15% (n=101) had definite pathology and 29.55% (n=211) remained undetermined (as they failed to re-produce their histology report at the final step of secondary screening). This study found a bottleneck caused by present service delivery systems; lack of prompt referring and re-reporting to primary center within a schedule time (after receiving management) and lack of recall system both from primary and secondary screening center. To make the program successful have to have schedule for re-reporting and recalling.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20790 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):25-28
Correlation of obesity and the novel adipocytokines, leptin and adiponectin with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Das Piyali , Bandyopadhyay Subir Kumar , Biswas Subhradev , Bhattacharya Gorachand , Manna Madhumita
Published: November 2014

Back ground: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is state of uncompensated insulin resistance. But what actually predisposes to it, is still a controversy. Obesity is often marked as a precondition for such insulin resistance. But the degree of association and mode of pathogenesis are grossly debated.Methods: Here we explored the correlation of physical parameters for obesity like BMI (Body Mass Index), abdominal circumference, waist- hip ratio and the adipocytokines like leptin and adiponectin with the degree of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR score) in 167 patients of type 2 Diabetes mellitus.Result: We found significant positive correlation between BMI, abdominal circumference, waist- hip ratio and insulin resistance. Leptin showed significant positive correlation with all the said physical parameters. But, adiponectin showed a negative correlation with abdominal circumference, waist- hip ratio and fasting insulin. Leptin- adiponectin ratio showed a significant positive correlation with insulin resistance.Conclusion: Leptin shoots up with increased adiposity where as adiponectin gets reduced in central obesity which may contribute to insulin resistance. Though neither of leptin and adiponectin showed any significant correlation with insulin resistance individually, a significant positive correlation was found between leptin and adiponectin ratio and HOMA IR score. Therefore, the ratio can be an authentic predictor of insulin resistance as it takes into account the interplay of both of the adipocytokines for its causation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i1.20791 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(1):29-32
Old and New Glycopeptide Antibiotics: Action and Resistance
Authors: Binda Elisa , Marinelli Flavia , Marcone Giorgia
Published: November 2014

Glycopeptides are considered antibiotics of last resort for the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by relevant Gram-positive human pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. and Clostridium difficile. The emergence of glycopeptide-resistant clinical isolates, first among enterococci and then in staphylococci, has prompted research for second generation glycopeptides and a flurry of activity aimed at understanding resistance mechanisms and their evolution. Glycopeptides are glycosylated non-ribosomal peptides produced by a diverse group of soil actinomycetes. They target Gram-positive bacteria by binding to the acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine (D-Ala-D-Ala) terminus of the growing peptidoglycan on the outer surface of the cytoplasmatic membrane. Glycopeptide-resistant organisms avoid such a fate by replacing the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus with D-alanyl-D-lactate (D-Ala-D-Lac) or D-alanyl-D-serine (D-Ala-D-Ser), thus markedly reducing antibiotic affinity for the cellular target. Resistance has manifested itself in enterococci and staphylococci largely through the expression of genes (named van) encoding proteins that reprogram cell wall biosynthesis and, thus, evade the action of the antibiotic. These resistance mechanisms were most likely co-opted from the glycopeptide producing actinomycetes, which use them to avoid suicide during antibiotic production, rather than being orchestrated by pathogen bacteria upon continued treatment. van-like gene clusters, similar to those described in enterococci, were in fact identified in many glycopeptide-producing actinomycetes, such as Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, which produces teicoplanin, and Streptomyces toyocaensis, which produces the A47934 glycopeptide. In this paper, we describe the natural and semi-synthetic glycopeptide antibiotics currently used as last resort drugs for Gram-positive infections and compare the van gene-based strategies of glycopeptide resistance among the pathogens and the producing actinomycetes. Particular attention is given to the strategy of immunity recently described in Nonomuraea sp. ATCC 39727. Nonomuraea sp. ATCC 39727 is the producer of A40926, which is the natural precursor of the second generation semi-synthetic glycopeptide dalbavancin, very recently approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. A thorough understanding of glycopeptide immunity in this producing microorganism may be particularly relevant to predict and eventually control the evolution of resistance that might arise following introduction of dalbavancin and other second generation glycopeptides into clinics.
L’amendement du règlement sur le statut personnel des coptes orthodoxes en Égypte : à quand une loi unifiée de la famille ?
Authors: Bernard-Maugiron Nathalie
Published: November 2014

L’amendement en juin 2008 du règlement de 1938 sur le statut personnel des coptes orthodoxes relança la question du statut des minorités non-musulmanes en Égypte et des relations entre autorités religieuses et étatiques en matière de droit de la famille. L’unification juridictionnelle, intervenue en 1956, n’a en effet pas été suivie d’une unification législative : en matière de statut personnel, chaque communauté religieuse continue à disposer de sa propre réglementation, qui s’applique entre époux de même communauté et de même rite. L’application de la sharî’a islamique aux mariages interconfessionnels donne lieu à des pratiques de contournement des normes, contre lesquelles divers projets de loi unifiée ont tenté de lutter, sans succès jusqu’à présent. Faut-il conserver le système actuel de la personnalité des lois au nom de la protection de la liberté religieuse ou bien tenter d’unifier les normes, au nom du principe de citoyenneté ?
Obesity Is Associated with Greater Valgus Knee Alignment in Pubertal Children, and Higher Body Mass Index Is Associated with Greater Variability in Knee Alignment in Girls
Authors: Bout-Tabaku Sharon , Shults Justine , Zemel Babette S. , Leonard Mary B. , Berkowitz Robert I. , Stettler Nicolas , Burnham Jon M.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

In adults, osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with obesity and knee alignment. Whether knee alignment differences develop during childhood and are associated with obesity is unknown. We assessed the distribution of knee alignment in children and adolescents, and determined how knee alignment differs between obese and nonobese children.

Methods.

This cross-sectional study examined knee alignment in 155 healthy weight and 165 obese subjects. Knee alignment [metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) and anterior tibiofemoral angle (ATFA)] and fat mass were measured using whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). National reference data were used to generate age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) Z-scores. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent factors associated with ATFA and MDA.

Results.

The mean MDA and ATFA were similar between obese and nonobese subjects. In stratified analyses, females had greater variability in MDA and ATFA values (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively) at higher BMI Z-scores. Compared with healthy weight controls, obese subjects had less valgus of the MDA prior to the onset of puberty (+ 2.0°, p = 0.001), but had greater valgus at later pubertal stages (−1.9°, p = 0.01).

Conclusion.

We found significantly greater variability in knee alignment among females at higher BMI Z-scores, and greater valgus alignment in obese adolescents in late puberty. The major limitation is the use of DEXA for assessment of alignment, which needs validation against longstanding radiographs. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether childhood obesity is a risk factor for progressive malalignment that may predispose to pain and risk of early osteoarthritis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis without Axial Progression: Analysis of Associated Factors
Authors: Montilla Carlos , Díaz-Alvarez Agustín , Calero-Paniagua Ismael , Collantes-Estevez Eduardo , Font Pilar , Almodovar Raquel , Zarco Pedro , Queiro-Silva Ruben , Cañete Juan D. , Juanola Xavier , Mulero Juan , de Miguel Eugenio , Gratacós Jordi ,   on behalf of the REGISPONSER Study Group
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To evaluate clinical factors associated with the absence of radiographic progression in patients with spondylitis.

Methods.

The cross-sectional study included 672 patients. All patients presented a disease evolution of more than 15 years. Patients were classified as with radiographic spinal involvement versus without radiographic spinal involvement. We included clinical variables potentially related to null radiological progression.

Results.

Seventy-five patients had no radiographic involvement. These patients were predominantly female, had a lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and a lower C-reactive protein level. Multivariate analysis showed an association with the female sex and low ESR.

Conclusion.

Clinical factors associated with this lack of progression were female sex and low ESR.
Longitudinal Evaluation of PROMIS-29 and FACIT-Dyspnea Short Forms in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Hinchcliff Monique E. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Carns Mary A. , Podlusky Sofia , Thavarajah Krishna , Varga John , Cella David , Chang Rowland W.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To assess the sensitivity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-item Health Profile (PROMIS-29) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Dyspnea 10-item short form (FACIT-Dyspnea) for measuring change in health status and dyspnea in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

One hundred patients with SSc completed the PROMIS-29, FACIT-Dyspnea, and traditional instruments [Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36)] at baseline and 1-year visits. PROMIS-29, FACIT-Dyspnea, and traditional instrument change scores were compared across composite modified Medsger Disease Severity and modified Rodnan Skin score (mRSS) change groups.

Results.

Moderately high Spearman correlation coefficients were observed between FACIT-Dyspnea and SGRQ (r = 0.57), FACIT-Dyspnea functional limitations and SF-36 physical component summary (PCS; r = 0.51), PROMIS-29 physical functioning and HAQ-DI (r = 0.50), and SF-36 PCS (r = 0.52) change scores. In most validity comparisons, PROMIS-29, FACIT-Dyspnea, HAQ-DI, and SF-36 scores performed similarly. While PROMIS-29 covers more content areas than SF-36 (e.g., sleep), it may do so at the expense of responsiveness of its 4-item physical function scale as compared to the multiitem-derived SF-36 PCS. Statistically significant increases in SF-36 role physical (p = 0.01) and physical component scale (p = 0.016), but not PROMIS-29, were observed in patients with mRSS improvement.

Conclusion.

PROMIS-29 and FACIT-Dyspnea are valid instruments to measure health status and dyspnea in patients with SSc. In physical function assessment, longer PROMIS short forms or computer adaptive testing should be considered to improve responsiveness to the effect of skin disease changes on physical function in patients with SSc.
Trying to Improve Care: The Morbidity and Mortality Conference in a Division of Rheumatology
Authors: Batthish Michelle , Tse Shirley M.L. , Feldman Brian M. , Baker G. Ross , Laxer Ronald M.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To describe the frequency and types of reported adverse events and system improvement recommendations in the Morbidity and Mortality Conference (M&MC) within the Division of Rheumatology at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (SickKids).

Methods.

A 5-year retrospective review of the M&MC within the Division of Rheumatology at SickKids was completed. Descriptive data including the number and types of events reported were collected. Events were categorized using an adaptation of the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention Index. Recommendations were classified according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada.

Results.

Between January 2007 and December 2011, 30 regularly scheduled M&MC were held. Eighty-three cases were reviewed. The most common types of reported events were related to “miscommunication” (34.9%), “treatment/test/procedure” (22.9%), “adverse drug reactions” (12.0%), and “medication errors” (8.4%). Category A events (“an event that has the capacity to cause error”) were the most common with 39.8% of the cases, followed by Category C events (“an event occurred that reached the patient, but did not cause harm”) with 28.9%. Eighty-nine recommendations were made. Over half of these were classified as “information” (58.4%), followed by 11 “rules and policies” recommendations (12.4%). Of the 36 action items generated from these recommendations, most are either complete or ongoing.

Conclusion.

The M&MC within the Division of Rheumatology reviews a variety of events. Increased reporting of adverse events can lead to system improvements, and has the potential to improve and promote safer healthcare.
Serum Soluble Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriatic Spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Jadon Deepak R. , Nightingale Alison L. , McHugh Neil J. , Lindsay Mark A. , Korendowych Eleanor , Sengupta Raj
Published: November 2014

Because psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease of joints, serum soluble biomarkers specific for chronic joint and bone inflammation may predict future disease severity and response to therapy, thereby informing stratified medicine approaches. The objectives of our systematic review were to determine whether serum soluble bone and cartilage turnover biomarkers are (1) associated with PsA or psoriatic spondyloarthropathy; and (2) associated with disease activity, disease severity, or clinical phenotype. Ten studies met eligibility criteria. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, Dickkopf (DKK)-1, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), crosslinked telopeptide of collagen-1, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand were associated with PsA, with equivocal results for osteoprotegerin (OPG) and bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP). MMP-3, DKK-1, M-CSF, CPII:C2C (ratio of cartilage degradation vs byproduct formation), and possibly OPG were associated with PsA independently of psoriasis. C1-2C (a neoepitope released when type 2 cartilage is degraded by collagenases) was associated with both tender and swollen joint counts, and bone morphogenetic protein-4 with patient global assessment of disease, pain score, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Bone ALP was associated with disease activity. M-CSF and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand were associated with several plain radiographic features. No studies have investigated biomarker associations specifically with axial PsA.
Radiographic Hip Involvement in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Factors Associated with Severe Hip Diseases
Authors: Zhao Jinzhu , Zheng Wei , Zhang Chao , Li Jia , Liu Denghui , Xu Weidong
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To determine the factors associated with severe radiographic hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed. The patients were classified into 3 groups based on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Hip Index (BASRI-hip): minimal hip disease, moderate hip disease, and severe hip disease. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. To identify factors associated with severe hip disease, ordinal regression analyses were performed.

Results.

A total of 256 patients were involved in the study. There were differences in the age at onset, delay in diagnosis, bilateral hip involvement, sacroiliitis, Schober’s index, and occiput-to-wall distance among the 3 groups (p < 0.05). The patients with severe hip disease had lower C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels than did the minimal group (p < 0.05). The functional status based on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and the Harris Hip Score showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The results of the ordinal regression analyses showed that bilateral hip involvement, sacroiliitis, delay in diagnosis, age at onset, and spinal involvement were associated with a higher BASRI-hip (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Bilateral hip involvement, severe sacroiliitis, longer delay in diagnosis, early disease onset, and spinal involvement are associated with severe hip disease in patients with AS. The severity of hip involvement is associated with the functional status in AS.
Osteoprotegerin Concentrations Relate Independently to Established Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: López-Mejias Raquel , Ubilla Begoña , Genre Fernanda , Corrales Alfonso , Hernández José L. , Ferraz-Amaro Ivan , Tsang Linda , Llorca Javier , Blanco Ricardo , González-Juanatey Carlos , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A. , Dessein Patrick H.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

We determined whether osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations are associated with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

OPG concentrations were measured by ELISA in 151 patients with RA (54 with CVD) and 62 age-matched control subjects without CVD. Established CVD was composed of documented ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Results.

In patients with RA, age, body mass index (BMI), rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity, anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody positivity, and joint erosion status were associated with OPG concentrations [partial R (p) = 0.175 (0.03), −0.277 (0.0009), 0.323 (< 0.0001), 0.217 (0.008), and 0.159 (0.05), respectively]. Median (interquartile range) OPG concentrations increased from 6.38 (3.46–9.31) to 7.07 (5.04–10.65) and 8.64 (6.00–11.52) ng/ml in controls and patients with RA who had CVD and those who did not, respectively (p = 0.0002). Upon adjustment for age, sex, traditional risk factors, and BMI in mixed regression models, OPG concentrations remained lower in controls compared to patients with RA without CVD (p = 0.05) and in the latter compared to those with CVD (p = 0.03); the association of OPG concentrations with CVD among patients with RA also persisted after additional adjustment for RF and anti-CCP antibody positivity, and erosion status (p = 0.04).

Conclusion.

OPG concentrations are associated with disease severity and CVD prevalence in patients with RA. Whether consideration of OPG concentrations can improve CVD risk stratification in RA merits future longitudinal investigation.
La Chine et l'industrialisation au Sud
Authors: Chaponnière Jean-Raphaël , Lautier Marc
Published: November 2014

La Chine est devenue la première puissance manufacturière mondiale en suivant le même type de politique industrielle que les nouveaux pays industriels d’Asie. Le succès chinois modifie la structure et la dynamique de l’industrie mondiale. Pour les pays en développement, il apparaît, d’abord, comme un défi pour la poursuite de leur industrialisation, bien qu’il constitue également une opportunité pour leur croissance. Alors que les analyses des conséquences de la montée en puissance de la Chine privilégient son impact sur les échanges, cet article examine l’impact de la croissance chinoise sur la production industrielle dans les pays en développement et émergents, en s’appuyant sur la reconstruction de la structure mondiale de l’industrie. Il montre que la croissance industrielle chinoise accentue la différenciation des structures productives entre les pays du Sud et les divergences de trajectoires de développement.
De la transgression des lois du langage
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan , Forain Guillaume
Published: November 2014

À travers la mise en scène des fantasmes héroïques et les controverses sur le sens de la loi quand c’est sur la scène de l’histoire que les individus doivent faire leur devoir, Le Prince de Hombourg prend la forme d’une série d’échecs à établir un langage où s’exprimeraient clairement les décisions, les responsabilités, et la loi. Sous le regard de Kleist, l’histoire invalide les postulats de la dramaturgie aristotélicienne, elle suspend la capacité à juger éthiquement des identités, des actes et des intentions. Elle confronte le langage de la loi à sa limite indépassable : celle d’un discours performatif qui déclare la loi, mais ne maîtrise pas les conditions de sa performativité.
Parménide. Recommencer le verbe être
Authors: Année Magali
Published: November 2014

Fruit de la présentation orale du livre Parménide. Fragments, Poème, précédé de Énoncer le verbe être, Paris, Vrin, « Bibliothèque des textes philosophiques », 2012, cet article entend avant tout faire retour sur les intentions et la position qui sous-tendent l’approche résolument linguistique dont il s’agit. Mais en retraçant rapidement les différentes étapes du commentaire, il s’attache également à mettre en évidence le fil directeur qui les relie non seulement toutes entre elles, mais encore tout autant à la traduction des fragments qui découle d’elles. C’est ainsi que l’interprétation contenue dans certains passages particuliers de cette traduction (fr. 8, 4 / 32 / 42 ; fr. 6, 5 et 8-9 ; fr. 1, 31-32 ; fr. 19 ; fr. 8, 38 ; fr. 2, 3-5 et 6, 1), restée implicite dans le livre, se voit, ici, plus explicitement formulée.
Aristote, ses commentateurs et les déficiences délibératives de l'esclave et de la femme
Authors: Veloso Claudio William
Published: November 2014

Cet article entend montrer que les « déficiences délibératives » qu’Aristote attribue à l’esclave (naturel) et à la femme en Pol. I 13, 1260a 4-15 et qui jouent un rôle explicatif important dans ce premier livre ne trouvent aucune justification théorique dans le corpus aristotélicien, que ce soit dans les ouvrages logico-métaphysiques, psycho-physiques ou éthico-politiques. En effet, il s’agit d’explications idéologiques, pseudoscientifiques, de la condition sociale inférieure de chacun de ces groupes. Ainsi, cet article veut aussi attirer l’attention sur une certaine tendance des commentateurs à chercher à tout prix des circonstances atténuantes pour les thèses d’Aristote en la matière, tendance qui, signe des temps, s’est sans doute aggravée ces dernières décennies et qui, dans des cas extrêmes, va jusqu’à qualifier de « défendable » la défense aristotélicienne de l’esclavage.
« Une pensée métaphysique si subtile ». La défense par Bayle du plaisir comme bonheur
Authors: Pécharman Martine
Published: November 2014

La critique dont a été l’objet de la part d’Arnauld la proposition de Malebranche les plaisirs des sens rendent heureux a été à l’origine d’une longue argumentation de Bayle afin de démontrer, contre Arnauld, que la propriété de « rendre heureux » attribuée par Malebranche aux plaisirs sensibles a pour fondement leur spiritualité : les plaisirs des sens ne sont pas matériels . Cet article examine la manière dont Bayle parvient à ruiner la catégorisation des plaisirs en corporels et intellectuels, ou sensuels et spirituels, en combinant deux stratégies : l’utilisation du principe épicurien le bonheur est le plaisir comme d’un critère pour prouver la vérité de la proposition de Malebranche, et l’utilisation de l’absence d’intentionnalité des sensations selon Malebranche comme confirmation de la nature purement psychique du plaisir chez Epicure.
Le régime nominal de la préposition en dans la construction être en + N abstrait : une étude aspectuelle
Authors: Martinie Bruno , Vigier Denis
Published: November 2014

Cet article étudie les contraintes qui pèsent sur l’insertion des noms abstraits dans la construction être en N . Rendre compte de contrastes tels que être en vie vs. * être en mort , ou encore être en colère vs. * être en peur constitue un véritable défi pour l’analyse linguistique, comme en témoignent les obstacles rencontrés par les différentes études déjà menées sur la question. On propose ici de répartir les noms abstraits sur les quatre catégories aspectuelles que Z. Vendler (1957, 1967) avait en son temps proposées pour les verbes. On tentera de montrer que cette approche permet une meilleure compréhension des faits, et permet également en retour d’affiner l’étude sémantique de en .
Pourquoi peut-on dire être en faute, être dans l'erreur mais non *être dans la faute, *être en erreur ?
Authors: Leeman Danielle
Published: November 2014

Le problème abordé concerne la sélection de son complément par la préposition en , qui autorise être en faute mais non * être en erreur , à l’inverse de la préposition dans qui permet être dans l’erreur mais non * être dans la faute . L’hypothèse de résolution part des travaux de Gustave Guillaume, lequel s’efforce de justifier la possibilité de combinaison être en faute qui ne devrait pas, normalement, être acceptable. L’analyse lexicale comparative des deux noms conduit cependant à la conclusion que erreur relève de l’extérieur de l’individu tandis que faute au contraire implique une intériorisation, de même que la préposition dans instaure un cadre alors que en définit un état du sujet : l’hypothèse soutenue est que cette convergence explique que les associations dans / erreur et en / faute soient privilégiées.