bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA Urothelial Carcinoma-Associated 1 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Lung Tumor Cells by Regulating MicroRNA-144
Authors: Li Dagang , Li Huizong , Yang Yuping , Kang Le
Published: August 2017

Long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (lncRNA UCA1) has gained more attention in recent years due to its oncogenic roles in various cancers. MicroRNA-144 (miR-144) participates in the regulation of the growth of many cancer cells. This study investigated the interaction
between lncRNA UCA1 and miR-144 in lung cancer cells. The potential downstream protein of miR-144 was also assessed. Our results found that lncRNA UCA1 was highly expressed in human lung cancer A549, H517, H4006, H1299, and H1650 cells compared to normal embryonic lung WI-38 and HEL-1 cells.
Knockdown of lncRNA UCA1 significantly inhibited lung cancer A549 cell viability, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression, but promoted cell apoptosis. Besides, we found that lncRNA UCA1 was bound to miR-144. miR-144 participated in the regulation effects of lncRNA UCA1 on A549 cell
viability, migration, invasion, cell cycle transition, and cell apoptosis. In addition, Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3 (PBX3) was found to be a direct target gene of miR-144. Overexpression of PBX3 promoted A549 cell proliferation and metastasis. Suppression of PBX3 had an opposite effect.
Luminescent supramolecular hydrogels from a tripeptide and nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots
Authors: Cringoli Maria C , Kralj Slavko , Kurbasic Marina , Urban Massimo , Marchesan Silvia
Published: August 2017

The combination of different components such as carbon nanostructures and organic gelators into composite nanostructured hydrogels is attracting wide interest for a variety of applications, including sensing and biomaterials. In particular, both supramolecular hydrogels that are formed from unprotected D,L-tripeptides bearing the Phe-Phe motif and nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (NCNDs) are promising materials for biological use. In this work, they were combined to obtain luminescent, supramolecular hydrogels at physiological conditions. The self-assembly of a tripeptide upon application of a pH trigger was studied in the presence of NCNDs to evaluate effects at the supramolecular level. Luminescent hydrogels were obtained whereby NCND addition allowed the rheological properties to be fine-tuned and led to an overall more homogeneous system composed of thinner fibrils with narrower diameter distribution.
Phenylsilane as an effective desulfinylation reagent
Authors: Midura Wanda H , Rzewnicka Aneta , Krysiak Jerzy A
Published: August 2017

The reduction using phenylsilane in a KOH-catalyzed system was applied successfully to the conversion of sulfinyl-substituted cyclopropylcarboxylates into the corresponding alcohols. The presence of sulfinyl substituents in the α-position to the carboxylate group caused a desulfinylation product formation with full regio- and stereoselectivity, instead of a carbonyl group reduction. Investigations performed on different α-sulfinylcarbonyl compounds revealed that phenylsilane treatment constitutes a regiospecific method for the desulfinylation of a-sulfinylesters; for corresponding ketones the reaction course depends on the character of the carbonyl group.
Apparent Trend of the Iron Abundance in NGC 3201: The Same Outcome with Different Data
Authors: Kravtsov Valery V.
Published: August 2017

We further study the unusual trend we found at statistically significant levels in some globular clusters, including NGC 3201: a decreasing iron abundance in red giants toward the cluster centers. We first show that recently published new estimates of iron abundance in the cluster reproduce this trend, in spite of the authors’ statement about no metallicity spread due to a low scatter achieved in the [Fe ii/H] ratio. The mean of [Fe ii/H] within

from the cluster center is lower, by Δ[Fe ii/H] = 0.05 ± 0.02 dex, than in the outer region, in agreement with our original estimate for a much larger sample size within

. We found that an older data set traces the trend to a much larger radial distance, comparable with the cluster tidal radius, at Δ[Fe/H] ∼ 0.2 dex, due to higher metallicity of distant stars. We conclude the trend is reproduced by independent data sets and find that it is accompanied by both a notable same-sign trend of oxygen abundance that can vary by up to Δ[O/Fe] ∼ 0.3 dex within

and an opposite-sign trend of sodium abundance.
Detecting Proxima b’s Atmosphere with JWST Targeting CO2 at 15 μm Using a High-pass Spectral Filtering Technique
Authors: Snellen I. A. G. , Désert J.-M. , Waters L. B. F. M. , Robinson T. , Meadows V. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Brandl B. R. , Henning T. , Bouwman J. , Lahuis F. , Min M. , Lovis C. , Dominik C. , Van Eylen V. , Sing D. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Birkby J. L. , Brogi M.
Published: August 2017

Exoplanet Proxima b will be an important laboratory for the search for extraterrestrial life for the decades ahead. Here, we discuss the prospects of detecting carbon dioxide at 15 μm using a spectral filtering technique with the Medium Resolution Spectrograph (MRS) mode of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). At superior conjunction, the planet is expected to show a contrast of up to 100 ppm with respect to the star. At a spectral resolving power of R = 1790–2640, about 100 spectral CO2 features are visible within the 13.2–15.8 μm (3B) band, which can be combined to boost the planet atmospheric signal by a factor of 3–4, depending on the atmospheric temperature structure and CO2 abundance. If atmospheric conditions are favorable (assuming an Earth-like atmosphere), with this new application to the cross-correlation technique, carbon dioxide can be detected within a few days of JWST observations. However, this can only be achieved if both the instrumental spectral response and the stellar spectrum can be determined to a relative precision of ≤1 × 10−4 between adjacent spectral channels. Absolute flux calibration is not required, and the method is insensitive to the strong broadband variability of the host star. Precise calibration of the spectral features of the host star may only be attainable by obtaining deep observations of the system during inferior conjunction that serve as a reference. The high-pass filter spectroscopic technique with the MIRI MRS can be tested on warm Jupiters, Neptunes, and super-Earths with significantly higher planet/star contrast ratios than the Proxima system.
Adding the s-Process Element Cerium to the APOGEE Survey: Identification and Characterization of Ce ii Lines in the H-band Spectral Window
Authors: Cunha Katia , Smith Verne V. , Hasselquist Sten , Souto Diogo , Shetrone Matthew D. , Allende Prieto Carlos , Bizyaev Dmitry , Frinchaboy Peter , García-Hernández D. Anibal , Holtzman Jon , Johnson Jennifer A. , Jőnsson Henrik , Majewski Steven R. , Mészáros Szabolcs , Nidever David , Pinsonneault Mark , Schiavon Ricardo P. , Sobeck Jennifer , Skrutskie Michael F. , Zamora Olga , Zasowski Gail , Fernández-Trincado J. G.
Published: August 2017

Nine Ce ii lines have been identified and characterized within the spectral window observed by the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) survey (between λ1.51 and 1.69 μm). At solar metallicities, cerium is an element that is produced predominantly as a result of the slow capture of neutrons (the s-process) during asymptotic giant branch stellar evolution. The Ce ii lines were identified using a combination of a high-resolution (

) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) spectrum of α Boo and an APOGEE spectrum (R = 22,400) of a metal-poor, but s-process enriched, red giant (2M16011638-1201525). Laboratory oscillator strengths are not available for these lines. Astrophysical gf-values were derived using α Boo as a standard star, with the absolute cerium abundance in α Boo set by using optical Ce ii lines that have precise published laboratory gf-values. The near-infrared Ce ii lines identified here are also analyzed, as consistency checks, in a small number of bright red giants using archival FTS spectra, as well as a small sample of APOGEE red giants, including two members of the open cluster NGC 6819, two field stars, and seven metal-poor N- and Al-rich stars. The conclusion is that this set of Ce ii lines can be detected and analyzed in a large fraction of the APOGEE red giant sample and will be useful for probing chemical evolution of the s-process products in various populations of the Milky Way.
A Millennium-long Evolution of the 1 yr Recurrence Period Nova—Search for Any Indication of the Forthcoming He Flash
Authors: Kato Mariko , Saio Hideyuki , Hachisu Izumi
Published: August 2017

We present 1500 cycles of hydrogen shell flashes on a

white dwarf (WD) for a mass accretion rate of

yr−1, the mass ejection of which is calculated consistently with the optically thick winds. This model mimics the 1 yr recurrence period nova M31N 2008-12a. Through these hydrogen flashes a helium ash layer grows in mass and eventually triggers a helium nova outburst. Each hydrogen flash is almost identical, and there is no precursor for the forthcoming He flash either in the outburst or in the quiescent until the next He flash suddenly occurs. Thus, M31N 2008-12a is a promising candidate of He novae, outbursting in any time within a millennium. The prompt X-ray flash of He nova lasts as short as 15 minutes, with the X-ray luminosity being about half of the Eddington luminosity, making the observation difficult. In the very early phase of a He flash, the uppermost H-rich layer is convectively mixed into the deep interior and most of the hydrogen is consumed by nuclear burning. In comparison with hydrogen shell flashes of M31N 2008-12a, we expect the forthcoming He nova to have a very short prompt X-ray flash (15 minutes), a very bright optical/near-IR peak (∼3.5 mag brighter than M31N 2008-12a), a much longer nova duration (

yr), and a longer supersoft X-ray source phase (40–50 days or more).
A Search for Fast Radio Bursts with the GBNCC Pulsar Survey
Authors: Chawla P. , Kaspi V. M. , Josephy A. , Rajwade K. M. , Lorimer D. R. , Archibald A. M. , DeCesar M. E. , Hessels J. W. T. , Kaplan D. L. , Karako-Argaman C. , Kondratiev V. I. , Levin L. , Lynch R. S. , McLaughlin M. A. , Ransom S. M. , Roberts M. S. E. , Stairs I. H. , Stovall K. , Swiggum J. K. , Leeuwen J. van
Published: August 2017

We report on a search for fast radio bursts (FRBs) with the Green Bank Northern Celestial Cap (GBNCC) Pulsar Survey at 350 MHz. Pointings amounting to a total on-sky time of 61 days were searched to a dispersion measure (DM) of 3000 pc cm−3, while the rest (23 days; 29% of the total time) were searched to a DM of 500 pc cm−3. No FRBs were detected in the pointings observed through 2016 May. We estimate a 95% confidence upper limit on the FRB rate of

FRBs sky−1 day−1 above a peak flux density of 0.63 Jy at 350 MHz for an intrinsic pulse width of 5 ms. We place constraints on the spectral index α by running simulations for different astrophysical scenarios and cumulative flux density distributions. The nondetection with GBNCC is consistent with the 1.4 GHz rate reported for the Parkes surveys for α > +0.35 in the absence of scattering and free–free absorption and α > −0.3 in the presence of scattering, for a Euclidean flux distribution. The constraints imply that FRBs exhibit either a flat spectrum or a spectral turnover at frequencies above 400 MHz. These constraints also allow estimation of the number of bursts that can be detected with current and upcoming surveys. We predict that CHIME may detect anywhere from several to ∼50 FRBs per day (depending on model assumptions), making it well suited for interesting constraints on spectral index, the log N–log S slope, and pulse profile evolution across its bandwidth (400–800 MHz).
Evaluation of pathogenicity islands in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from patients with urinary catheters
Authors: Firoozeh Farzaneh , Soleimani-Moorchekhorti Leila , Zibaei Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), an important causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs), carries virulence factors which are clustered on pathogenicity islands (PAIs). The goal of this study was to characterize the PAIs among the UPEC isolated from patients with urinary catheters.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and from December 2014 to April 2015, 78 non-duplicate E. coli were collected from hospitalized patients with UTIs, including patients with and without indwelling urinary catheters. Two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to evaluate the presence of the eight most studied PAIs (I 536, II 536, III 536, IV536, I CFT073, II CFT073, PAI IJ96, and PAI IIJ96).

Results: Of 78 patients with a UTI 31 (39.7%) used indwelling catheters. Of these 31 patients, 27 (87.1%) carried PAIs markers, including 25 (80.6%) PAI IV536, 12 (38.7%) PAI ICFT073, 6 (19.4%) PAI IICFT073, 6 (19.4%) PAI III536 and 3 (9.7%) PAI II536. PAI I536, PAI IJ96, and PAI IIJ96 were not detected in the UPEC strains.

Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the frequency of PAI markers in UPEC isolates from patients with indwelling urinary catheters was high. The rate of multiple PAIs carriage was notable among those patients, suggesting that UPEC strains that colonize the indwelling urinary catheters have the potential to cause complicated urinary infections. PAI ICFT073, which was found in association with pyelonephritis, prostatitis, and sepsis, could be considered as a target for medical interventions.
Molecular and phenotypic typing of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in childhood acute diarrhea in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Casmir Ifeanyichukwu Cajetan , Ikeneche Nkiruka Florence , Bassey Bassey Enya , Morabito Stefano , Graziani Caterina , Caprioli Alfredo
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes infectious diarrhea among children in developing countries. However, in Nigeria, due to limited laboratory resources, the genetic diversity of its virulence factors, which include intimin subtypes, remains undefined.

Methodology: EPEC isolates from diarrheic children 60 months of age and younger in Abuja, Nigeria, were analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EPEC virulence gene, Hep-2 cell adherence, and serotyping were performed. EPEC strains were further subtyped by PCR for the identification of intimin subtype genes α (alpha), β (beta), γ1 (gamma-1), and έ (epsilon). Antibiotic resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was determined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Results: Overall, 18 (4.5%) out of 400 children with acute diarrhea had EPEC infection.  Typical EPEC (tEPEC) strains were detected in 14 (3.5%), whereas 4 (1.1%) were atypical EPEC (aEPEC). A total of 15 (83.3%) of the EPEC isolated belonged to β intimin subtype gene, while the remaining 3 EPEC isolates possessed the intimin έ subtype. No α and γ intimin subtypes were detected. Traditional EPEC serotypes O114:H14 were detected only in tEPEC strains. Marked resistance to β-lactam agents were observed but no ESBL-producing tEPEC or aEPEC was detected.

Conclusions: This is the first report of intimin subtype genes in Abuja, Nigeria. EPEC isolates of diverse serotypes resistant to β-lactam antimicrobial agents were observed. These data will be useful in facilitating the characterization of intimin variants of EPEC and some Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in humans and other animal species.
The OMERACT Core Domain Set for Outcome Measures for Clinical Trials in Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: Mackie Sarah L. , Twohig Helen , Neill Lorna M. , Harrison Eileen , Shea Beverley , Black Rachel J. , Kermani Tanaz A. , Merkel Peter A. , Mallen Christian D. , Buttgereit Frank , Mukhtyar Chetan , Simon Lee S. , Hill Catherine L. ,   on behalf of the OMERACT PMR Working Group
Published: August 2017

Objective.

To inform development of a core domain set for outcome measures for clinical trials in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), we conducted patient consultations, a systematic review, a Delphi study, and 2 qualitative studies.

Methods.

Domains identified by 70% or more of physicians and/or patients in the Delphi study were selected. The conceptual framework derived from the 2 qualitative research studies helped inform the meaning of each domain and its relationship to the others. The draft core domain set was refined by further discussion with patients and physicians who had participated in the Delphi study. At the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) 2016, the domains were discussed and prioritized by 8 breakout groups. Formal voting took place at the end of the workshop and in the final plenary.

Results.

Ninety-three percent of voters in the final plenary agreed that the inner core of domains considered mandatory for clinical trials of PMR should consist the following: laboratory markers of systemic inflammation, pain, stiffness, and physical function. Patient’s global and fatigue were considered important but not mandatory (outer core). The research agenda included psychological impact, weakness, physical activity, participation, sleep, imaging, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusion.

This core domain set was considered sufficiently well-defined that the next step will be to apply the OMERACT Filter 2.0 Instrument Selection Algorithm to select candidate instruments for a subsequent “deeper dive” into the data. This will allow instruments to be mapped onto each of our core domains to derive a core outcome set for PMR.
Mckinsey, Total-CFP et la M-form . Un exemple français d’adaptation d’un modèle d’organisation importé
Authors: Cailluet Ludovic
Published: August 2017

À la fin des années 1960, la Compagnie française des pétroles (CFP), plus connue sous la marque Total, fait face à de nombreux problèmes de coordination de ses multiples filiales. Confrontant sa propre organisation à celles de ses principaux concurrents étrangers, la compagnie décide en 1969 de faire appel aux consultants de McKinsey et Cie pour « remettre à plat » ses structures. Cette intervention qui va durer plusieurs mois impliquera une forte participation de cadres supérieurs du groupe pétrolier. L’article tente d’analyser l’évolution des relations entre le consultant et son client en s’attachant aux réactions des cadres aux propositions en cours d’étude. Au-delà du cas Total, l’article pose la question du transfert des modèles de management américains et des résistances éventuelles à ce transfert. Le rôle du contexte général de la période et l’influence des modes managériales sont également développés.
Énarchie vs ‘consultocratie’ : les consultants et la réforme administrative en France depuis les années 1980
Authors: Saint-Martin Denis
Published: August 2017

Sous l’influence de la Nouvelle Gestion Publique, les gouvernants ont accru depuis les vingt dernières années leur recours aux services des consultants en management du secteur privé. Certains observateurs ont même parlé de ‘consultocratie’ pour décrire le nouveau pouvoir des consultants dans la gestion publique. Analysant le cas de la réforme de l’État en France depuis les années 1980, cet article montre que l’existence d’institutions comme l’École nationale d’administration (ÉNA) et les grands corps a eu pour effet de restreindre l’accès des consultants au marché de l’Administration centrale. Dans d’autres pays, le vide causé par l’absence d’institutions comparables à l’ÉNA a fait en sorte que les décideurs publics ont davantage eu recours aux consultants pour moderniser l’État.
Les espaces de coworking : ni tiers-lieux, ni incubateurs, ni Fab Labs
Authors: Fabbri Julie
Published: August 2017

Au-delà de l’engouement qu’il suscite, le phénomène du coworking mérite d’être analysé et questionné par rapport aux transformations qu’il porte. Notre propos consiste ici à définir les espaces de coworking, en regard d’autres espaces physiques de création et de conception (tiers-lieux, incubateur, makerspace) et à proposer une lecture structurée de cette catégorie hétérogène. Nous proposons une typologie en fonction de la nature des activités hébergées et du profil des membres. Nous différencions ainsi les espaces généralistes (ouverts) de ceux qui sont spécialisés (ciblés, sectoriels, fermés). Nous mettons également en évidence trois variantes d’espaces de coworking : le café-coworking, les espaces hybrides et les espaces pour entrepreneurs innovants.
« Notre modèle est ouvert et centré sur l’humain »
Authors: Verzat Caroline , Petit François-Xavier , Liu Tiphaine
Published: August 2017

François-Xavier Petit et Tiphaine Liu ont conçu et créé ensemble en 2016 le projet Matrice, un incubateur étudiant original pédagogiquement inclus dans 42 mais structurellement indépendant et destiné à expérimenter l’entrepreneuriat avec des jeunes issus d’institutions d’enseignement supérieur hétérogènes (Ecole 42, Sciences po, Strate College, ENA, Condé, ENSAD, Icart, etc.), soutenu par des partenaires comme le ministère de la Culture, la Marine nationale, Thales, l’institut Pasteur, le CEA, etc. Une centaine d’étudiants y sont intégrés à ce jour et plusieurs projets entrepreneuriaux y sont nés. L’histoire personnelle et les valeurs de ces deux entrepreneurs humanistes, ainsi que leur rencontre avec un dirigeant de l’école 42, éclairent la vision de leur projet éducatif et livrent des réponses originales face aux enjeux de l’éducation par et pour l’entrepreneuriat.
Valeo Car Lab, un espace d’innovation « corporate » centré sur les usages
Authors: Fabbri Julie , Sega Patrick , Arouna Julie
Published: August 2017

Valeo Car Lab est le premier Espace Collaboratif d’Innovation (ECI) corporate de l’équipementier automobile. Implanté en janvier 2016 sur l’un des sites R&D du groupe en région parisienne, il participe d’une approche centrée sur les usages et les utilisateurs, qui complète celle, traditionnelle, centrée sur les produits et la technologie. D’autres Labs sont en cours d’ouverture, dans une dynamique de réseau qui se met en place à l’échelle du groupe.
Angus Deaton, prix à la mémoire d’Alfred Nobel 2015 : un maître de l’économie appliquée
Authors: Gardes François
Published: August 2017

Le Prix Nobel décerné à Angus Deaton en 2015 a mis en valeur la contribution exceptionnelle de cet économiste appliqué dont l’œuvre a accompagné le développement des études de microéconomie, appliquées en particulier au développement, et des méthodes de la micro-économétrie au cours de quarante dernières années. Les quatre ouvrages qui regroupent une partie de ses études fournissent un panorama étendu de ces trois domaines et montrent l’importance qu’ont prise les méthodes statistiques et les nouveaux types de données dans le renouvellement tant de la microéconomie que de la macroéconomie.
Les modèles de « rivalité coercitive » dans l’analyse économique des conflits
Authors: Pietri Antoine
Published: August 2017

La Théorie de la Rivalité Coercitive (TRC) est un cadre d’analyse, essentiellement théorique, permettant d’appréhender la notion de conflit dans un cadre d’analyse économique. Découlant des travaux fondateurs d’Hirshleifer à la fin des années 1980, la TRC modélise un conflit comme une « loterie coûteuse » dans laquelle chaque agent investit une certaine quantité de ressources à des fins non-productives (les canons), au détriment d’activités productives (le beurre). Ces modèles d’arbitrage beurre-canons apportent un éclairage sur les choix des individus et permettent d’intégrer la coercition dans l’analyse économique. Nous proposons une revue de la littérature présentant les fondements théoriques ainsi que les principaux résultats de ce type de modèles. Cet article, accorde une place centrale à la manière dont se modélise la probabilité de succès (par le biais de la Contest Success Function ), il ébauche aussi les liens existants entre la TRC et la recherche opérationnelle militaire. La TRC a considérablement évolué au cœur des deux dernières décennies, c’est pourquoi, un intérêt particulier est accordé aux travaux récents mobilisant les nouveaux outils de l’analyse économique –  e.g. les réseaux ou l’économie expérimentale.
L’économie politique de la monnaie : Le régime monétaire de la Reconstruction aux États-Unis
Authors: Le Maux Laurent
Published: August 2017

Durant la période de la Reconstruction, le gouvernement fédéral des États-Unis instaure progressivement le régime d’étalon espèces-or et la convertibilité de la monnaie-papier émise durant la guerre de Sécession. De manière décisive, la politique d’une monnaie forte s’accompagne d’une politique de protection des industries nationales. Toutefois, la littérature sur le sujet n’a consacré que peu de pages à l’articulation entre la politique monétaire et la politique tarifaire. Pour combler ce vide, le présent article examine les conditions économiques, le jeu des coalitions politiques et la combinaison monétaire et tarifaire de la Reconstruction. Il construit alors une matrice reposant sur une double dichotomie, l’une au niveau monétaire (monnaie forte versus monnaie faible), l’autre au niveau tarifaire (protectionnisme versus libre échange). Il en déduit une analyse en termes de policy mix monétaire et tarifaire (monnaie forte et protectionnisme, monnaie faible et libre échange), ce qui permet d’apprécier les conditions et la cohérence du régime monétaire et de la politique d’industrialisation mise en œuvre par le gouvernement républicain.
Régime politique et ouverture commerciale
Authors: Gandjon Fankem Gislain Stéphane
Published: August 2017

Dans cet article, nous étudions l’effet du faible niveau de démocratie sur le degré d’ouverture commerciale à partir d’un échantillon limité aux pays en développement. Nous utilisons la mesure originale de l’ouverture commerciale récemment construite par Squalli et Wilson [2011]. Cette mesure reflète la réalité du résultat commercial en capturant les deux dimensions qui décrivent précisément l’ouverture aux échanges. Les estimations sont effectuées par la Méthode des Moments Généralisés (GMM) en système en deux étapes avec des écart-types robustes corrigés pour des échantillons finis en utilisant la procédure de correction de Windmeijer [2005]. Sur la période 1995-2010, nos résultats montrent que l’ouverture commerciale est une fonction décroissante du niveau de démocratie. Cela semble suggérer que le processus de démocratisation enclenché dans les pays en développement pendant les années 1990 n’a pas encore permis d’accélérer leur ouverture aux échanges.
Ballet, politique et diplomatie culturelle : l’Opéra de Paris aux États-Unis en 1948
Authors: Gonçalves Stéphanie
Published: August 2017

L’article explore la première tournée américaine du ballet de l’Opéra de Paris en septembre-octobre 1948. Elle s’inscrit dans une dynamique d’après-guerre de la diplomatie culturelle de la France à l’étranger. Elle revêt également une dimension politique importante avec la présence contestée de Serge Lifar, maître de ballet condamné pour collaboration, revenu à l’Opéra en 1947. L’article revient sur les négociations, le déroulement de la tournée et sa réception américaine grâce à des sources issues de la presse, des archives diplomatiques et des documents conservés à l’Opéra de Paris.
La RDA et les acteurs islamiques égyptiens, 1969-1989 : des relations ambiguës, entre concessions et instrumentalisations
Authors: Regnauld Amélie
Published: August 2017

La mise en place des relations diplomatiques entre la RDA et l’Égypte le 10 juillet 1969 parachève le processus de rapprochement économique et culturel entamé au milieu des années 1950. Face à l’échec de la gauche en Égypte, Berlin-Est adopte une attitude extrêmement flexible à l’égard des formes de contestation politique et développe des liens avec les nouveaux types d’acteurs, y compris religieux, qui émergent au sein de la société civile égyptienne. Tantôt la RDA seconde le pouvoir égyptien dans sa répression à l’égard des Frères musulmans, tantôt elle encourage la constitution de fronts patriotiques incluant des organisations islamistes. En analysant les stratégies de collaboration progressivement mises en œuvre par la RDA avec les institutions et organisations religieuses dans le pays, cet article entend montrer la capacité d’adaptation doctrinale est-allemande aux spécificités du terrain égyptien.
La relation bilatérale, un échelon de négociation réactivé dans les années 1970 : l’exemple de la relation franco-britannique
Authors: Baratier-Negri Laurence
Published: August 2017

Les années 1970 voient l’émergence d’un monde multipolaire qui exige de nouvelles échelles de négociations. Quelle place le bilatéral peut-il jouer dans la réorganisation des relations internationales ? La question interpelle tout particulièrement deux puissances européennes « moyennes » aux ambitions mondiales : la France et la Grande-Bretagne. La crise économique, dans un contexte de mondialisation accélérée, rend indispensable la coordination entre les États. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, qui voit dans l’intégration européenne le moyen de préserver le poids de l’Europe et de la France dans le monde, doit composer avec les Britanniques qui adhèrent à la CEE en 1973. La création du Conseil européen et du G7 cristallise cette évolution et offre de nouvelles perspectives aux relations bilatérales.
Quatre experts internationaux du PCUS : formations et parcours politiques avant leur entrée au service de Mikhaïl Gorbatchev
Authors: Momzikoff Sophie
Published: August 2017

Cet article a pour but d’examiner la formation et les parcours de quatre experts du Parti pour les relations extérieures avant leur entrée au service de Mikhaïl Gorbatchev au milieu des années 1980. Souvent présentés comme des « réformateurs » ou autoproclamés, pour certains, « dissidents de l’intérieur », il s’agit de questionner cette représentation et de reconstituer l’essence de leur mission à l’aide d’archives et de sources inédites. À travers ces trajectoires politiques se dessinent l’image d’une élite internationale originale, en contact permanent avec le monde, mais surtout celle d’un système soviétique plus complexe qu’il n’y paraît, laissant prospérer ̶ voire encourageant ̶ un mode de pensée hétérodoxe, pourvu que celui-ci serve les intérêts du Parti.
Application of Computer-aided Translation in English Teaching
Authors: Yao Shuping
Published: August 2017

The continuous development of computer information technology has brought about many changes in people’s life. At present, the computer-aided translation technology (abbreviated as CAT hereafter), being a kind of important auxiliary method, has been widely used in software localization and the translation of scientific works. This realistic need has aroused more and more attention to the development and use of CAT tools. Using the computer to assist teaching was first initiated in the USA in the 1950’s and then widely spread all over the world. Until recently, an increasing number of teachers get to know its great use, and try to apply it to the process of teaching. In China the application of CAT in translation teaching is still at the initial stage. In this paper, the author focuses on the present situation of the adoption of CAT technology in translation teaching in China. This paper conducted a survey to investigate people’s understanding over it from teachers’ perspective and existing problems in its adoption in translation teaching.
Empirical Evaluation of Hill Climbing Algorithm
Authors: Khari Manju , Kumar Prabhat
Published: August 2017

The software is growing in size and complexity every day due to which strong need is felt by the research community to search for the techniques which can optimize test cases effectively. The current study is inspired by the collective behavior of finding paths from the colony of food and uses different versions of Hill Climbing Algorithm (HCA) such as Stochastic, and Steepest Ascent HCA for the purpose of finding a good optimal solution. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified on the basis of three parameters comprising of optimized test cases, time is taken during the optimization process, and the percentage of optimization achieved. The results suggest that proposed Stochastic HCA is significantly average percentage better than Steepest Ascent HCA in reducing the number of test cases in order to accomplish the optimization target.
Lessons from a Successful Data Warehousing Project Management
Authors: Rahman Nayem
Published: August 2017

This article provides an overview of project management aspects of a data warehouse application implementation. More specifically, the article discusses the project's implementation, challenges faced, and lessons learned. The project was initiated with an objective to redesign the procurement data pipeline of a data warehouse. The data flows from enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to enterprise data warehouse (EDW) to reporting environments. This project was challenged to deliver more quickly to the consumers with improved report performance, and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) in EDW and data latency. Strategies of this project include providing continuous business value, and adopt new technologies in data extraction, transformation and loading. The project's strategy was also to implement it using some of the agile principles. The project team accomplished twice the scope of previous project in the same duration with a relatively smaller team. It also achieved improved quality of the products, and increased customer satisfaction by improving the reports' response time for management.
Project Manager Assignment and Its Impact on Multiple Project Management Effectiveness
Authors: Thoumy Mira , Moubarak Joelle
Published: August 2017

This article aims at identifying the predictive effect of Project Manager's assignment on multiple project management effectiveness in the case of information technology projects in the Lebanese banks. The multiple project management effectiveness was measured on 3 different levels: organizational, projects success and project manager. A survey-based analysis was conducted on a random sample of 43 project managers working in 19 different Lebanese commercial banks. The results showed that most of the project manager's assignment factors influence positively the multiple project effectiveness with some exceptions.
Understanding User-Curated Playlists on Spotify
Authors: Pichl Martin , Zangerle Eva , Specht Günther
Published: August 2017

Music streaming platforms enable people to access millions of tracks using computers and mobile devices. However, users cannot browse manually millions of tracks to find music they like. Building recommender systems suggesting music fitting the current context of a user is a challenging task. A deeper understanding for the characteristics of user-curated playlists naturally contributes to more personalized recommendations. To get a deeper understanding of how users organize music nowadays, we analyze user-curated playlists from the music streaming platform Spotify. Based on the audio features of the tracks, we find an explanation of differences in the playlists using a PCA and are able to group playlists using spectral clustering. Our findings about playlist characteristics can be exploited in a SVD-based music recommender system and our proposed clustering approach for finding groups of similar playlists is easy to integrate into a recommender system using pre- or post-filtering techniques.
Incorporating a Quality and Innovation Culture in Daily Teaching
Authors: Ibañez Francisco , Plaza Inmaculada , Igual Raul , Medrano Carlos , Arcega Francisco
Published: August 2017

Quality and excellence are requirements that Society demands from universities. However, several questions arise in the real-world application of these concepts: How can they be incorporated into the classrooms or laboratories? What is the proper way to create a quality and innovation culture in daily teaching? In order to answer to these questions, this paper presents a code of good teaching practice based on quality and innovation concepts that can be applied in Higher Education. This code is the result of the experience gained by four university teachers for eleven years. It has been developed considering several international standards. The code is composed of different processes covering all aspects of the teaching activities. It helps teachers to continuously improve the quality of their work and can serve for any area of Higher Education. To represent the code, a process map, several flowcharts, sheets of processes and records have been defined. Additionally, a Web application implementing all items of the code has been designed in order to facilitate its real-world application
The Appropriateness of Scratch and App Inventor as Educational Environments for Teaching Introductory Programming in Primary and Secondary Education
Authors: Papadakis Stamatios , Kalogiannakis Michail , Orfanakis Vasileios , Zaranis Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Teaching programming is a complex task. The task is even more challenging for introductory modules. There is an ongoing debate in the teaching community over the best approach to teaching introductory programming. Visual block-based programming environments allow school students to create their own programs in ways that are more accessible than in textual programming environments. These environments designed for education allow students to program without the obstacle of syntax errors (errors in typing commands) found in traditional text-based languages. In this paper, the authors focus on the use of App Inventor and Scratch as blocks-based programming environments designed explicitly with novices in mind. In the authors' analysis, both Novice Programming Environments (NPEs) seemed to be attractive platforms for introducing fundamental concepts in computer programming and both look appealing for both majors and non-majors.
Structural and Morphological Properties of Ag and In Co-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Porkalai V. , Sathya B. , Anburaj Durairaj Benny , Nedunchezhian G. , Meenambika R.
Published: August 2017

Zinc oxide has been receiving an enormous attention due to its potential applications in a variety of field such as optoelectronics, spintronics and sensors. Ag and In co-doped ZnO nanoparticles with different doping concentration 0.1M, 0.2M and 0.3M were prepared by sol-gel method via microwave irradiation followed by calcinations at 600°C for 2h. The structure and morphology were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. Elemental composition has been estimated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Absorption (EDAX), while chemical properties are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) . The average particle size of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was calculated using the Scherrer formula and is found to be of less than 20 nm. Also the effect on the structure and the morphological properties of ZnO when co-doped with silver and Indium is examined. As the process is simple and low cost, it has the potential to be produced on a large scale.
A Study on Composition Dependent Electrocatalytic Behaviour of Electrodeposited Ni-Mo Alloy
Authors: Shetty Sandhya , Hegde Ampar Chitharanjan
Published: August 2017

In the present work, efficient electrode material for water splitting reaction has been developed through electrodeposition method. The nanocrystalline Ni-Mo alloy coatings were deposited at different cathode current densities (c.d.) on copper substrate. The electrocatalytic activity of the electrodeposits for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1.0 M KOH were evaluated by electrochemical techniques like cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronopotentiometry (CP). The corrosion stability of the Ni-Mo alloys was tested in same alkaline medium by potentiodynamic polarization study. The experiment results demonstrated thatNi-Mo alloy deposited, respectively at 1.0 A dm-2 (38.3 wt.% Mo) and 4.0 A dm-2 (33.2 wt.% Mo) are good electrode materials for HER and OER. Further, Ni-Mo alloy deposited at 4.0 A dm-2 was found to be most corrosion resistant in the alkaline medium. The electrocatalytic activity of Ni-Mo alloys were explained in terms of their surface morphology, phase structure and chemical composition, confirmed by XRD, SEM and EDX analysis.
Facile Approach for Synthesis of GO/ZnO Nanocomposite for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes under Visible Light
Authors: Moorthy S. Krishna , Viswanathan C. , Ponpandian N.
Published: August 2017

A nanocomposite is a new generation of nanomaterials to improve the tailorable properties of the photocatalytic activity towards the removal of organic and inorganic toxic dyes from the aqueous medium. The hydrothermal technique were used to synthesis the nanocomposite and the particles were examined under the characterization techniques like XRD, UV-Vis, FTIR, FESEM and TEM. The organic and inorganic pollutants can be removed by many of the methods and the best among this is photocatalysis activity. The Methylene Blue (MB), Methylene Violet (MV), Methylene Orange (MO) and Bromophenol Blue (BB) are the two of the dyes which were used in this work. These dyes have excellent photocatalytic Properties to degrade the dyes under the visible light.
Corroboration of Structural Properties of Dy2O3-TiO2 Nanocomposites through X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Dhanalakshmi J. , Padiyan D. Pathinettam
Published: August 2017

Dy2O3-TiO2 nanocomposites with different weight percentage (0, 2, 4, 8 & 10)Dy were synthesized bysol-gel method and named as 0DT, 2DT, 4DT, 6DT, 8DT and 10DT. The structural properties of these nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. XRD results show that Dy2O3-TiO2 nanocomposites have anatase phase with tetragonal structure. The average crystallite size of the Dy2O3-TiO2 nanocomposites lies between 10 to 18 nm.Coupling of Dy with TiO2 shifts the Raman band to higher wavenumber side indicating the creation of oxygen vacancies in the TiO2 lattice.
Structural and Optical Studies of Molarity Based ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Mary A. Jacquiline Regina , Arumugam S.
Published: August 2017

Zinc Oxide thin films were prepared for different precursor solution molarities from 0.025M to 0.1M by spray pyrolysis deposition technique. A comprehensive study was carried out to realize the effect of concentration of precursor on ZnO thin films. The optimized temperature of the glass substrate was 300°C. From the XRD data it is inferred that the films are polycrystalline and hexagonal wurtzite structure . The degree of preferred orientation were along diffraction planes (100), (002) and (101) for all the ZnO films. The intensity of the diffraction peak prepared with 0.1M concentration is higher than those prepared at lower concentrations. The grain size (D) was calculated using Debye-Scherrer formula. It was found that the average grain size increases, when the molar concentration increases. As the solution concentration increases, the band gap decreases. The films are transparent in the visible region (85%), and the transmittance decreases as the molar concentration increases, which is caused by optical scattering at grain boundaries.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Direct Blue Dye by BiFeO3 Nanoparticles under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ponraj Caroline , Prabhakaran D. , Vinitha G. , Daniel Joseph
Published: August 2017

Citric acid assisted auto combustion method was used in the synthesis of BiFeO3 nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterised using X-ray powder diffraction, Scanning electron Microscope, BET surface area analysis, UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectrometer and Vibratory Sample Magnetometer. The photocatalytic behaviour of the BFO nanoparticles has been studied by the degradation of the direct blue dye. It is observed that BFO shows a good photocatalytic degradation of dye in the visible light irradiation. The effect of pH, catalyst quantity has been studied. The optimum condition is identified as pH 2 and 150mg of the photocatalyst in 10ppm of the dye solution. The magnetic property of BiFeO3at room temperature helps in the efficient removal of them from the treated dye solution. The ability of BiFeO3 nanoparticles to absorb the solar energy and using it for the treatment of water gives it an upper hand over other photo catalysts like Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO).
Computational Study of Au Doped Cu Nano Alloy Clusters
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Chakraborty Tanmoy , Kumar Ajay
Published: August 2017

Among several bimetallic nanoclusters, the compounds formed between Cu-Au have gained immense importance due to its remarkable optical, mechanical, electronic and catalytic behaviors. Density Functional Theory (DFT) is one of the most successful and popular approaches of quantum mechanics to explore electronic properties of materials. Conceptual DFT based descriptors have become indispensable tools for analyzing and correlating the experimental properties of compounds. In this venture, we have successfully investigated the physico-chemical properties of Au doped Cu nanoclusters invoking DFT methodology. Our results reveal that computed HOMO-LUMO gap of CunAu (n=1-7) nanoalloy clusters show pronounced even-odd alternation behavior. A close agreement between experimental and our computed data is observed.
PACT Facilitates RNA-Induced Activation of MDA5 by Promoting MDA5 Oligomerization
Authors: Lui Pak-Yin , Wong Lok-Yin Roy , Ho Ting-Hin , Au Shannon Wing Ngor , Chan Chi-Ping , Kok Kin-Hang , Jin Dong-Yan
Published: August 2017

MDA5 is a RIG-I–like cytoplasmic sensor of dsRNA and certain RNA viruses, such as encephalomyocarditis virus, for the initiation of the IFN signaling cascade in the innate antiviral response. The affinity of MDA5 toward dsRNA is low, and its activity becomes optimal in the presence of unknown cellular coactivators. In this article, we report an essential coactivator function of dsRNA-binding protein PACT in mediating the MDA5-dependent type I IFN response. Virus-induced and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid–induced activation of MDA5 were severely impaired in PACT-knockout cells and attenuated in PACT-knockdown cells, but they were potentiated when PACT was overexpressed. PACT augmented IRF3-dependent type I IFN production subsequent to dsRNA-induced activation of MDA5. In contrast, PACT had no influence on MDA5-mediated activation of NF-κB. PACT required dsRNA interaction for its action on MDA5 and promoted dsRNA-induced oligomerization of MDA5. PACT had little stimulatory effect on MDA5 mutants deficient for oligomerization and filament assembly. PACT colocalized with MDA5 in the cytoplasm and potentiated MDA5 recruitment to the dsRNA ligand. Taken together, these findings suggest that PACT functions as an essential cellular coactivator of RIG-I, as well as MDA5, and it facilitates RNA-induced formation of MDA5 oligomers.