bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tau Immunotherapy Modulates Both Pathological Tau and Upstream Amyloid Pathology in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Castillo-Carranza Diana L. , Guerrero-Muñoz Marcos J. , Sengupta Urmi , Hernandez Caterina , Barrett Alan D.T. , Dineley Kelly , Kayed Rakez
Published: March 2015

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathological accumulation of tau appears to be a downstream effect of amyloid β protein (Aβ). However, the relationship between these two proteins and memory loss is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the specific removal of pathological tau oligomers in aged Tg2576 mice by passive immunotherapy using tau oligomer-specific monoclonal antibody. Removal of tau oligomers reversed memory deficits and accelerated plaque deposition in the brain. Surprisingly, Aβ*56 levels decreased, suggesting a link between tau and Aβ oligomers in the promotion of cognitive decline. The results suggest that tau oligomerization is not only a consequence of Aβ pathology but also a critical mediator of the toxic effects observed afterward in AD. Overall, these findings support the potential of tau oligomers as a therapeutic target for AD.
The effect of past antibiotic exposure on diabetes risk
Authors: Boursi Ben , Mamtani Ronac , Haynes Kevin , Yang Yu-Xiao
Published: March 2015

Objective

Gut microbiota influence metabolic pathways related to the pathogenesis of obesity, insulin-resistance and diabetes. Antibiotic therapy can alter the microbiota, and is commonly used in western countries. We sought to evaluate whether past antibiotic exposure increases diabetes risk.

Research design and methods

We conducted a nested case–control study using a large population-based database from the UK. The cases were defined as those with incident diagnosis of diabetes. For every case, four eligible controls matched on age, sex, practice-site, and duration of follow-up before index-date were selected using incidence-density sampling. Exposure of interest was antibiotic therapy >1 year before index-date. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated using conditional logistic regression. The risk was adjusted for BMI, smoking, last glucose level, and number of infections before index-date, as well as past medical history of coronary artery disease and hyperlipidaemia.

Results

The study included 208 002 diabetic cases and 815 576 matched controls. Exposure to a single antibiotic prescription was not associated with higher adjusted diabetes risk. Treatment with two to five antibiotic courses was associated with increase in diabetic risk for penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones with adjusted OR ranging from 1.08 (95% CI 1.05–1.11) for penicillin to 1.15 (95% CI 1.08–1.23) for quinolones. The risk increased with the number of antibiotic courses and reached 1.37 (95% CI 1.19–1.58) for more than 5 courses of quinolones. There was no association between exposure to anti-virals and anti-fungals and diabetes risk.

Conclusions

Exposure to certain antibiotic groups increases diabetes risk.
Differences in Regional Economic Prosperity: Do State Policies Matter? – An Empirical Investigation of Data from the German States
Authors: Döring Thomas , Blume Lorenz
Published: March 2015

Different regional economic theories come to different conclusions with regard to the impact of (state) policies on the economic prosperity of regions. This article provides empirical evidence that determinants like geography, urbanization, industrial mix and social capital explain 68 percent of the variation in GDP per worker among West German regions. One element that all these factors have in common is that they cannot, at least in the short run, be influenced by state policies. Determinants like infrastructure and human capital, both of which can be influenced by state policies, only account for another 11 percent of the variation in GDP.
Ali je bil reformni ukrep Slovenije iz leta 2012 na področju davčne zakonodaje za mikro podjetja učinkovit?
Authors: Jovanović Tatjana
Published: March 2015

Spremembi Zakona o dohodnini (Zdoh-2L) ter Zakona o davku oddohodkov pravnih oseb (ZDDPO-2F) sta prinesli možnost administrativnoenostavnejšega načina ugotavljanja davčne osnove za obdavčitev dobičkovposlovnih subjektov, ki ne zahteva vodenja poslovnih knjig za davčne namene,temveč priznava 70% normiranih stroškov. Presoja učinkov uvedbe omenjenihzakonov skoraj ne določa ciljev, zato je učinkovitost težko analizirati, kljubtemu pa smo na podlagi podatkov Ministrstva za finance ter podatkov izletnih poročil, ki jih zbira Ajpes, ugotovili, da je nabor subjektov, ki jim je bilasprememba zakonodaje namenjena, bistveno večji kot je število subjektov, kiso poenostavljeni sistem priglasili DURS-u. Vzroke smo pokazali na podatkihiz letnih poročil.
Neposredna uporaba splošno veljavnih načel mednarodnega prava v pravnem redu Republike Slovenije
Authors: Olaj Anton
Published: March 2015

Inkorporirana neposredno izvršljiva splošno veljavna načela mednarodnega prava se v pravnem redu Republike Slovenije uporabljajo neposredno. Obstaja problem odsotnosti sistemske ureditve evidence uveljavljenih tovrstnih pravnih norm in zato težavnost njihovega prepoznavanja. Zadrega je večja, ker tudi ni na voljo relevantne strokovno prevedene judikature mednarodenih tribunalov, z izjemo sodb Sodišča Evropske unije. Čeprav splošno veljavna načela mednarodnega prava veljajo v slovenskem pravnem redu per se, ni popolnoma jasno, kako naj se odzovejo upravni organi v situacijah, ko so pravice in obveznosti pravnih subjektov hkrati urejene z zakonom in uveljavljenim običajnim mednarodnim pravom, vendar so nasprotujoče.
Direct Applicability of Generally Accepted Principles of International Law in Legal Order of the Republic of Slovenia
Authors: Olaj Anton
Published: March 2015

Self-executing, incorporated and generally accepted principles of international law have been used directly in legal order of the Republic of Slovenia. Systematic records of these identified and enforced norms do not exist. It is difficult for lawyers and judges to get acquainted with them. The predicament is even greater because, with the exception of the Court of Justice of the European Union, a translation of the relevant case law of international tribunals is not available. Generally accepted principles of international law are applicable in Slovenian legal order per se. Despite that, it is not entirely clear how administrative bodies should react in situations where the rights and obligations of legal entities are on the one hand regulated by law and customary international law but on the other hand are contradictory.
Izvajanje dvojezičnosti v javni upravi v Sloveniji
Authors: Novak Lukanovič Sonja , Mulec Breda
Published: March 2015

Članek obravnava pomen institucionalne dvojezičnosti v javni upravi na narodno mešanih območjih. Nacionalni predpisi omogočajo, da je poslovanje v javni upravi dvojezično, v članku pa želimo ugotoviti, koliko se zakonski predpisi o dvojezičnosti uresničujejo tudi v praksi. Čeprav zakonodaja omogoča rabo jezika narodne skupnosti in je ne omejuje samo na pripadnike manjšine, pa se ob neustrezni jezikovni in izobraževalni politiki možnost rabe uradnega jezika – jezika narodne skupnosti zoži le na poslovanje s pripadniki manjšine, torej postane raba uradnega jezika omejena le na osebno pravico pripadnikov manjšin. Na osnovi zbranih empiričnih podatkov smo ocenili učinkovitost politike na področju uresničevanja institucionalne dvojezičnosti in predlagali rešitve.
Coordinating Ombudsmen and the Judiciary?
Authors: Remač Milan
Published: March 2015

An ombudsman institution is one of the most rapidly developing institutions in modern democratic states. Ombudsmen can be characterised as individual and impartial investigators of administration and its conduct. They act as dispute resolution mechanisms between the state and individuals and sometimes also as solvers of problems of individuals. In order to assess the quality of administrative conduct they use normative standards against which they assess this conduct. However, all these matters are primarily in the hands of the judiciary. The judiciary, notably administrative courts are the most important dispute resolution mechanisms in modern states that assess the administrative conduct against certain normative standards. Thus ombudsmen and the judiciary can be often seen as institutions having relatively similar competences in a relatively similar area, despite retaining numerous differences. They both are approached by the individuals and they can express their opinions about administrative justice. This paper highlights the main findings and recommendations of a comparative legal research carried out in the area of mutual interrelations of ombudsmen and the judiciary. On the examples of three different legal systems (the Netherlands, England and the European Union) the research discusses the possibility of coordination of relations between the ombudsman and the judiciary in connection with the position of these institutions, with their jurisprudence and ombudsprudence and with normative standards they use in their work.
Pop-tech-flat-fab
Authors: Griffiths Jason
Published: March 2015

This paper for the EAAE / ARCC 2008 addresses the theme of simultaneity between the digitaland analogue by examining the production of two projects. These are: a pair of prototype busstops built in Sioux City1 and a shade structure for downtown Phoenix in the USA. The conceptual basis for both these projects coincides with the question of how "phenomenon attached toa certain locality”2 might be created through advanced methods of digital fabrication. Both projects offer an apology for rapid prototyping techniques applied to an understanding of "contextualism”3.Both projects are presented first as a contextual and symbolic response to an interpretation of"locality” and then re-appraised in technical terms. In both projects these technical aspects aim to advance not only the methods of physical production but also the transition of design methodsto 1:1 fabrication. In the case of the Sioux City Bus Stops this idea is represented throughan analysis of two-dimensional cutting techniques and developable surfaces. In the case of thePhoenix Shade project this idea is then developed through fully associative digital models. Togetherthese projects attempt to accelerate the physical production of their symbolic and contextualcontent through a discussion on parametric modeling that allows an efficient productionof a set of different permutations. By associating the symbolic/contextual with the parametricthese projects suggest and alternative procedure to the traditional and prevalent trope of "digitalarchitecture” and its co-dependence upon explicitly biomorphic, computational and quasinaturalistic language.4
Bumble bee nest abundance, foraging distance, and host‐plant reproduction: implications for management and conservation
Authors: Geib Jennifer C. , Strange James P. , Galen Candace
Published: March 2015

Recent reports of global declines in pollinator species imply an urgent need to assess the abundance of native pollinators and density‐dependent benefits for linked plants. In this study, we investigated (1) pollinator nest distributions and estimated colony abundances, (2) the relationship between abundances of foraging workers and the number of nests they represent, (3) pollinator foraging ranges, and (4) the relationship between pollinator abundance and plant reproduction. We examined these questions in an alpine ecosystem in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, focusing on four alpine bumble bee species (Bombus balteatus, B. flavifrons, B. bifarius, and B. sylvicola), and two host plants that differ in their degrees of pollinator specialization (Trifolium dasyphyllum and T. parryi).

Using microsatellites, we found that estimated colony abundances among Bombus species ranged from ~18 to 78 colonies/0.01 km2. The long‐tongued species B. balteatus was most common, especially high above treeline, but the subalpine species B. bifarius was unexpectedly abundant for this elevation range. Nests detected among sampled foragers of each species were correlated with the number of foragers caught. Foraging ranges were smaller than expected for all Bombus species, ranging from 25 to 110 m. Fruit set for the specialized plant, Trifolium parryi, was positively related to the abundance of its Bombus pollinator. In contrast, fruit set for the generalized plant, T. dasyphyllum, was related to abundance of all Bombus species. Because forager abundance was related to nest abundance of each Bombus species and was an equally effective predictor of plant fecundity, forager inventories are probably suitable for assessing the health of outcrossing plant populations. However, nest abundance, rather than forager abundance, better reflects demographic and genetic health in populations of eusocial pollinators such as bumble bees. Development of models incorporating the parameters we have measured here (nest abundance, forager abundance, and foraging distance) could increase the usefulness of foraging worker inventories in monitoring, managing, and conserving pollinator populations.
Investigation of the influence of capillary effect on operation of the loop heat pipe
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Błauciak Krzysztof
Published: March 2015

In the paper presented are studies on the investigation of the capillary forces effect induced in the porous structure of a loop heat pipe using water and ethanol ad test fluids. The potential application of such effect is for example in the evaporator of the domestic micro-CHP unit, where the reduction of pumping power could be obtained. Preliminary analysis of the results indicates water as having the best potential for developing the capillary effect.
Analytical solutions of heat transfer for laminar flow in rectangular channels
Authors: Rybiński Witold , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: March 2015

The paper presents two analytical solutions namely for Fanning friction factor and for Nusselt number of fully developed laminar fluid flow in straight mini channels with rectangular cross-section. This type of channels is common in mini- and microchannel heat exchangers. Analytical formulae, both for velocity and temperature profiles, were obtained in the explicit form of two terms. The first term is an asymptotic solution of laminar flow between parallel plates. The second one is a rapidly convergent series. This series becomes zero as the cross-section aspect ratio goes to infinity. This clear mathematical form is also inherited by the formulae for friction factor and Nusselt number. As the boundary conditions for velocity and temperature profiles no-slip and peripherally constant temperature with axially constant heat flux were assumed (H1 type). The velocity profile is assumed to be independent of the temperature profile. The assumption of constant temperature at the channel’s perimeter is related to the asymptotic case of channel’s wall thermal resistance: infinite in the axial direction and zero in the peripheral one. It represents typical conditions in a minichannel heat exchanger made of metal.
Measurement and analysis of ammonia emission from a pig farm in the northeast of China
Authors: Xu Ying-Ying , Guan Jiu-Nian
Published: March 2015

China is the largest swine production country in the world. The fast development has consequently
brought various environmental issues which have already seriously threatened the environmental quality. This
study is aimed to measure the concentrations of NH3 in the pig houses in the selected pig farm, try to conclude
characteristics on the concentration change and the correlation between the concentrations and the environmental
factors. The NH3 concentration was monitored in two fattening pig houses. The concentrations fluctuated between
11.0 and 26.9 ppm, 11.0 and 28.5 ppm respectively during the measurement periods, peaking at the early morning
and in the afternoon before cleaning. The concentrations of NH3 correlated to the indoor temperature in winter,
whereas, there was no correlation between relative humidity and NH3 concentrations.
The Growth and Properties of Lead-Free Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Li Xiaobing , Chen Chao , Deng Hao , Zhang Haiwu , Lin Di , Zhao Xiangyong , Luo Haosu
Published: March 2015

Much attention is drawn to the preparation, structure and properties investigation of lead-free ferroelectrics for the next generation of piezoelectric devices. (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) lead-free solid solution piezoelectric single crystals with composition x in the range of 0–0.05 as a materials with high piezoelectric properties were successfully grown from platinum crucible by using the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method. The dimensions of NBT-BT crystal is Ø40 × 10 mm2. X-ray powder diffraction patterns reveal that the crystal structure of NBT-BT crystal changes from rhombohedral to tetragonal symmetry with increasing amounts of BT(x). The dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of NBT-BT crystals with different compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were studied systematically. Ions (Mn, Eu, Zn) doped NBT and NBT-BT 95/5 crystals were also grown and studied. In addition, their piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties are investigated. Further, a high-quality and large-sized (K0.25Na0.75)NbO3 (KNN25/75) single crystal has been achieved by a carefully controlled TSSG method. The dimensions of the as-grown KNN25/75 single crystal reached up to Ø30 × 10 mm2. The obtained KNN crystals provided us a superb material for the dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric and electromechanical coupling property characterization along different orientations.
Research on a Small Signal Stability Region Boundary Model of the Interconnected Power System with Large-Scale Wind Power
Authors: Liu Wenying , Ge Rundong , Lv Quancheng , Li Huiyong , Ge Jiangbei
Published: March 2015

For the interconnected power system with large-scale wind power, the problem of the small signal stability has become the bottleneck of restricting the sending-out of wind power as well as the security and stability of the whole power system. Around this issue, this paper establishes a small signal stability region boundary model of the interconnected power system with large-scale wind power based on catastrophe theory, providing a new method for analyzing the small signal stability. Firstly, we analyzed the typical characteristics and the mathematic model of the interconnected power system with wind power and pointed out that conventional methods can’t directly identify the topological properties of small signal stability region boundaries. For this problem, adopting catastrophe theory, we established a small signal stability region boundary model of the interconnected power system with large-scale wind power in two-dimensional power injection space and extended it to multiple dimensions to obtain the boundary model in multidimensional power injection space. Thirdly, we analyzed qualitatively the topological property’s changes of the small signal stability region boundary caused by large-scale wind power integration. Finally, we built simulation models by DIgSILENT/PowerFactory software and the final simulation results verified the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Identification and Bioactivity of Compounds from the Fungus Penicillium sp. CYE-87 Isolated from a Marine Tunicate
Authors: Shaala Lamiaa , Youssef Diaa
Published: March 2015

In the course of our continuous interest in identifying bioactive compounds from marine microbes, we have investigated a tunicate-derived fungus, Penicillium sp. CYE-87. A new compound with the 1,4-diazepane skeleton, terretrione D (2), together with the known compounds, methyl-2-([2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]carbamoyl)acetate (1), tryptamine (3), indole-3-carbaldehyde (4), 3,6-diisobutylpyrazin-2(1H)-one (5) and terretrione C (6), were isolated from Penicillium sp. CYE-87. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectral analysis, including 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D (COSY, multiplicity edited-HSQC and HMBC) NMR and HRESIMS, as well as comparison of their NMR data with those in the literature. The compounds were evaluated for their antimigratory activity against the human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and their antiproliferation activity against HeLa cells. Compounds 2 and 6 showed significant antimigratory activity against MDA-MB-231, as well as antifungal activity against C. albicans.
Effects of Annealing on the Martensitic Transformation of Ni-Based Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Heusler Alloys and Nanoparticles
Authors: Fichtner Tina , Wang Changhai , Levin Aleksandr , Kreiner Guido , Mejia Catalina , Fabbrici Simone , Albertini Franca , Felser Claudia
Published: March 2015

We report on the effects of annealing on the martensitic phase transformation in the Ni-based Heusler system: Mn50Ni40Sn10 and Mn50Ni41Sn9 powder and Co50Ni21Ga32 nanoparticles. For the powdered Mn50Ni40Sn10 and Mn50Ni41Sn9 alloys, structural and magnetic measurements reveal that post-annealing decreases the martensitic transformation temperatures and increases the transition hysteresis. This might be associated with a release of stress in the Mn50Ni40Sn10 and Mn50Ni41Sn9 alloys during the annealing process. However, in the case of Co50Ni21Ga32 nanoparticles, a reverse phenomenon is observed. X-ray diffraction analysis results reveal that the as-prepared Co50Ni21Ga32 nanoparticles do not show a martensitic phase at room temperature. Post-annealing followed by ice quenching, however, is found to trigger the formation of the martensitic phase. The presence of the martensitic transition is attributed to annealing-induced particle growth and the stress introduced during quenching.
Understanding of the Structural Relaxation of Metallic Glasses within the Framework of the Interstitialcy Theory
Authors: Khonik Vitaly
Published: March 2015

A review of the new approach to the understanding of the structural relaxation of metallic glasses based on the interstitialcy theory has been presented. The key hypothesis of this theory proposed by Granato consists of the statement that the thermodynamic properties of crystalline, liquid and glassy states are closely related to the interstitial defects in the dumbbell (split) configuration, called also interstitialcies. It has been argued that structural relaxation of metallic glasses takes place through a change of the concentration of interstitialcy defects frozen-in from the melt upon glass production. Because of a strong interstitialcy-induced shear softening, the defect concentration can be precisely monitored by measurements of the unrelaxed shear modulus. Depending on the relation between the current interstitialcy concentration c and interstitialcy concentration in the metastable equilibrium, different types of structural relaxation (decreasing or increasing c) can be observed. It has been shown that this approach leads to a correct description of the relaxation kinetics at different testing conditions, heat effects occurring upon annealing, shear softening and a number of other structural relaxation-induced phenomena in metallic glasses. An intrinsic relation of these phenomena with the anharmonicity of the interatomic interaction has been outlined. A generalized form of the interstitialcy approach has been reviewed.
An Adaptive Supervisory Sliding Fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller for Sensorless Vector-Controlled Induction Motor Drive Systems
Authors: Wang Shun-Yuan , Tseng Chwan-Lu , Lin Shou-Chuang , Chiu Chun-Jung , Chou Jen-Hsiang
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive supervisory sliding fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (FCMAC) in the speed sensorless vector control of an induction motor (IM) drive system. The proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC comprised a supervisory controller, integral sliding surface, and an adaptive FCMAC. The integral sliding surface was employed to eliminate steady-state errors and enhance the responsiveness of the system. The adaptive FCMAC incorporated an FCMAC with a compensating controller to perform a desired control action. The proposed controller was derived using the Lyapunov approach, which guarantees learning-error convergence. The implementation of three intelligent control schemes—the adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC, adaptive sliding FCMAC, and adaptive sliding CMAC—were experimentally investigated under various conditions in a realistic sensorless vector-controlled IM drive system. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used as a performance index to evaluate the experimental results of each control scheme. The analysis results indicated that the proposed adaptive supervisory sliding FCMAC substantially improved the system performance compared with the other control schemes.
Bilan des recherches récentes ou en cours en climatologie (An assessment of recent and current research in climatology)
Authors: Tabeaud Martine
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Les géographes climatologues sont peu nombreux et souvent âgés. Les structures de recherche sont morcelées. La climatologie synoptique décline, cependant que se développe la recherche appliquée autour de problèmes d'environnement à une échelle locale ou régionale.
Le glissement boueux de La Salle-en-Beaumont (8 janvier 1994) (The earth flow at La Salle-en-Beaumont, 8th January 1994)
Authors: Chardon Michel
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Dans la nuit du 7 au 8 janvier 1994, au-dessus du centre de La Salle-en-Beaumont, Isère (France), un glissement boueux ou coulée de terre rapide d'un volume voisin du million de mètres cubes, se met en place en une dizaine de minutes. Sous l'effet de la saturation en eau d'une poche d'argiles glaciaires masquées par des colluvions. Les conditions climatiques (trimestre très arrosé et pluies diluviennes les jours précédents) ont joué un rôle déterminant dans cette catastrophe soudaine et imprévue.
Une population écartelée entre explosion et stagnation, jeunesse et vieillissement (Population torn between explosion and stagnation, between youth and ageing)
Authors: Thumerelle Pierre-Jean
Published: March 2015

Résumé - En introduction des articles qui composent ce numéro et pour les replacer dans un contexte plus large, l'auteur attire d'abord l'attention sur le paradoxe des populations du monde, convergentes dans leur dynamique et diversifiées à l'extrême dans leur état du moment. Il insiste ensuite sur les liens étroits entre démographie et géographie, en reliant les changement des comportements à ceux des milieux, considérés à l'échelle des grandes aires culturelles, puis les rythmes de croissance des populations aux phénomènes de densification et d'urbanisation et aux migrations.
Les populations du monde : principaux indicateurs démographiques actuels (Worldwide populations : main actual demographic indicators)
Authors: Larivière Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2015

Les indicateurs démographiques publiés chaque année par le Population Reference Bureau montrent que les populations du monde actuel se trouvent toujours dans des situations démographiques très contrastées.
Géographie de la famille : les familles monoparentales au Québec (Family's types in Quebec)
Authors: Bertrand Jean-René
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Les transformations des structures familiales au Québec se diffusent sur les mêmes modes qu'aux Etats-Unis, mais avec une incidence encore plus forte que dans les autres provinces canadiennes. La progression de la divortialité et les modes temporaires d'union aboutissent à une fulgurante croissance des familles monoparentales. Leur répartition dans l'espace québécois est stabilisée par l'offre en logement locatif dans les principales agglomérations.
Une ressource touristique en espace rural : le monde souterrain (Caves in limestone as a touristic wealth)
Authors: Gauchon Christophe
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Les grottes et les gouffres des régions calcaires constituent depuis longtemps une ressource touristique particulièrement bien mise en valeur en France : les 96 cavités actuellement exploitées attirent chaque année, selon les exploitants, 5 à 6 millions de visiteurs. Tous les pays européens ou presque possèdent des sites touristiques comparables mais aucun ne dispose d'un tel « parc » de cavités aménagées et n'enregistre en même temps une telle fréquentation. Ces grottes aménagées s'inscrivent pour la plupart dans l'espace rural dont elles renforcent, et parfois créent, l'attractivité touristique.
Treatment of a diaphyseal long-bone defect with autologous bone grafts and platelet-rich plasma in a rabbit model
Authors: Schneppendahl J. , Lögters T. T. , Sager M. , Wild M. , Hakimi M. , Windolf J. , Grassmann J. P. , Jungbluth P.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Large bone defects are a therapeutic challenge to surgeons and are often associated with a high morbidity. The use of autologous cancellous bone graft represents an essential therapeutic option and is considered the gold standard. However, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for improving bone defect healing has been discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of a diaphyseal long-bone defect in a rabbit model with a combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone.

Material and methods: A monocortical long-bone defect in the radial diaphysis of 24 New Zealand white rabbits was filled either with autologous cancellous graft as a control group or with autologous cancellous graft combined with autologous PRP. Histomorphometrical and radiological analysis as well as quantification of platelets and growth factors were performed. The animals were euthanatized after three and six weeks according to the study arms.

Results: A significant improvement in bone healing was observed histomorphometrically in the PRP group in the central area of the defect zone (p <0.01) as well as the cortical defect zone (p <0.01). The radiological findings were in accordance with the histomorphometrical results. Comparing native blood and PRP, an enrichment of growth factors and platelets was detectable in the PRP.

Conclusion: Within this animal study, the combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone grafts improved bone healing significantly compared to the sole application of autologous bone. Therefore, further efforts should be initiated to establish the composite of PRP and autologous bone for bone healing disorders in clinical use.
A comparison of anatomical lateral distal femoral angles obtained with four femoral axis methods in canine femora
Authors: Mortensen M. , Svalastoga E. L. , Eriksen T. , Miles J. E.
Published: March 2015

Objectives: To report the repeatability and reproducibility of four different anatomical proximal femoral axis (a-PFA) methods for measuring anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (a-LDFA), and to compare a-LDFA values produced by each method at three different femoral elevation angles.

Methods: Digital radiographs were obtained of seven dry canine femora at 0°, 12.5° and 25° elevations. Using image analysis software, landmarks defining four different a-PFA and the condylar axis were identified by two independent observers on two separate occasions. Corresponding a-LDFA were calculated for each femur, elevation and a-PFA. Repeatability and reproducibility parameters were calculated and compared statistically, along with the effect of technique and elevation on a-LDFA value.

Results: Interobserver repeatability coefficients were subjectively better for three of the a-PFA methods at 2° compared to the fourth at 3.1°. Median a-LDFA increased significantly (p 0.002) with increasing femoral elevation for all a-PFA methods, with a median increase of 3.3°. The median difference in a-LDFA between a-PFA methods yielding the highest and lowest measurements was 2.6° over all three elevations.

Clinical significance: The combined effects of a-PFA choice, femoral elevation and measurement reproducibility may produce typical errors of ± 2.6°, which could have implications for the selection of candidates for corrective osteotomies. Clinicians need to be aware that values obtained with one method and femoral elevation may not be equivalent to values obtained with other methods or elevations.
Repair of chronic rupture of the insertion of the gastrocnemius tendon in the dog using a polyethylene terephthalate implant
Authors: Thomson D. G. , Rayward R. M. , Jiménez-Peláez M. , Whitelock R. G. , Morton M. A.
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Chronic degeneration of the gastrocnemius tendon results in scar tissue formation at the insertion of the tendon, and detachment from the calcaneus. In severe cases, excision of this tissue makes repositioning of the tendon to the calcaneus extremely difficult. A polyethylene terephtha-late implant, used to aide repair by bridging gaps and allowing tissue ingrowth, was evaluated.

Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical records were evaluated to assess long-term outcomes and complications. The surgical technique is also described. The implant was sutured proximally into the gastrocnemius at the myotendinous junction, and secured into the calcaneus using an interference screw.

Results: The implant was used in 10 patients; of which seven returned to full function. Major complications, due to infection, were identified in two of the 10 patients. Minor complications occurred in five of the 10 patients. These were associated with external coaptation in three of the patients in the immediate postoperative period. One minor infection was reported. These all resolved without further complication. Long-term outcome was available in eight patients, with six of these eight dogs returning to normal exercise.

Clinical significance: This implant may be suitable for use in canine patients with severe gastrocnemius tendon degeneration. Ongoing evaluation is warranted.
L’importance grandissante des évaluations au sein des parlements : Les gouvernements tenus de rendre des comptes ?
Authors: Pattyn Valérie , Speer Sandra , De Peuter Bart
Published: March 2015

Rares sont ceux qui, à ce jour, se sont intéressés au rôle des évaluations au sein des parlements, ce qui est surprenant étant donné que les députés sont parties prenantes par excellence, que les évaluations pourraient intéresser. Mais est-ce effectivement le cas ? C’est sur la base d’une analyse systématique des questions écrites et des interpellations en Allemagne et en Flandre que nous allons nous pencher sur l’intérêt des députés pour les évaluations. Nous analyserons les aspects suivants, d’un point de vue comparatif : le contenu des questions sur les évaluations, le profil politique des députés qui posent les questions, la part de questions sur les évaluations et la répartition des questions entre les partis politiques, les domaines stratégiques et au fil du temps. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Le rôle et l’utilisation des évaluations dans le processus démocratique sont des choses à améliorer. D’une part, les députés au Parlement souhaitent parfois être mieux informés sur les méthodes d’évaluation, ainsi que sur les possibilités d’utiliser les résultats d’évaluation à des fins d’imputabilité et d’apprentissage. D’autre part, ce sont parfois les évaluateurs qui s’efforcent de renforcer la demande d’évaluations dans le processus d’élaboration des politiques, et pas seulement l’administration publique.
La politique des excédents budgétaires : Le cas de la RAS de Hong Kong en Chine
Authors: Fong Brian
Published: March 2015

Depuis quelques années, tandis que bon nombre d’économies occidentales sont aux prises avec de graves crises de la dette publique et victimes d’une politique d’austérité budgétaire intransigeante, la Région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong (RASHK), en Chine, connaît une situation relativement différente, puisqu’elle enregistre depuis plusieurs années des excédents budgétaires énormes et a accumulé un niveau sans précédent de réserves budgétaires. L’ironie de la chose, c’est que cette bonne situation budgétaire n’aide pas le gouvernement de Hong Kong à formuler un budget accueilli favorablement. Malgré les énormes excédents budgétaires enregistrés par la RAS ces dernières années, le gouvernement de Hong Kong reste prudent lorsqu’il s’agit d’augmenter les dépenses ordinaires et préfère consacrer des milliards de dollars à diverses mesures d’allègement ponctuelles et affecter les excédents restants aux réserves budgétaires. Cette stratégie budgétaire n’est cependant pas adaptée aux exigences accrues du public et son ressentiment à l’égard du budget a donné lieu à des vagues de protestations sociales. Une grande partie de la littérature budgétaire actuelle s’est intéressée jusqu’ici à la politique des déficits budgétaires dans les démocraties occidentales. Avec le présent article, nous entendons enrichir la littérature en proposant une étude de cas qui illustre la politique des excédents budgétaires. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Le présent article s’appuie sur le cas de Hong Kong pour illustrer les défis politiques auxquels sont confrontés les décideurs en période d’excédents budgétaires énormes. Pour les décideurs, l’enseignement à tirer du cas de Hong Kong est que les excédents budgétaires systématiques, à l’instar des déficits budgétaires récurrents, donnent lieu à des batailles budgétaires permanentes. Des enseignements stratégiques complémentaires s’imposent pour les décideurs afin de partager les expériences dans la manière de faire face aux défis politiques qu’engendrent les excédents budgétaires.
A Rare Cause of Vomiting in a 5-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Schultz Karen E. , Giese Ann , Groner Abraham
Published: March 2015

A 5-year-old previously healthy girl presented to the emergency department (ED) with vomiting for 6 days. Her activity level was normal but her parents described progressive exercise intolerance with frequent recreational breaks approximately 2 days prior to presentation. In addition, the child complained of mild abdominal discomfort that began 24 hours prior to her presentation. She had no diarrhea or changes in her diet or oral intake; she had no dysuria or changes in urination. She had no cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, vision changes, falls, or decreased coordination.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(3):e62–e66.]
Assessment and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Part 1
Authors: French William P.
Published: March 2015

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. Affecting up to 10% of children in the United States, it is one of the most frequently encountered conditions in primary care. ADHD is a chronic condition, and a significant number of youth continue to show impairment into adulthood. Given the national shortage of specialty mental health providers, primary care providers need to feel comfortable and competent in screening, assessing, and managing ADHD. Successful assessment for this disorder involves regular screening for symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity during office visits. If ADHD is suspected, a more comprehensive evaluation utilizing standardized rating scales and multiple informants (eg, parents and teachers) is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide initial treatment interventions.

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Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(3):114–120.]
Composición de especies y periodo de vuelo de las avispas de la madera (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) en los bosques de coníferas del País Vasco, con la confirmación del asentamiento de la especie exótica Urocerus albicornis (Fabricius, 1781) en el norte de España
Authors: Goldarazena A.
Published: March 2015

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la composición de especies y el periodo de vuelo de las avispas de la madera en los bosques de coníferas del País Vasco (norte de España), para conocer si especies invasoras previamente introducidas se habían establecido. Trampas de interceptación tipo Panel cebadas con dispositivos Contech específicos para Sirex noctilio fueron colocadas en seis diferentes areas forestales del País Vasco (Menagarai y Gordoa en la provincial de Álava, Orio y Zegama en Gipuzkoa y Carranza y Muxika en Bizkaia). Las trampas fueron monitoreadas a lo largo de 2011 y 2012. Al mismo tiempo en enero, se recogieron de las mismas localidades 10 trozas con agujeros de oviposición y se mantuvieron en trampas de emergencia para la recolección de avispas. En las trampas de feromonas se encontraron dos especies autoctonas de distribución paleartica: Sirex noctilio Fabricius, 1773, Urocerus gigas (Linnaeus, 1758) y una especie exótica: Urocerus albicornis (Fabricius, 1781). De las trozas se encontraron las mismas tres especies más la especie U. augur (Klug, 1803) junto con una colección de parasitoides. Sirex noctilio, Urocerus gigas y Urocerus albicornis fueron encontrados en todas las provincias del País Vasco. Los resultados del trampeo mostraron que los sirícidos vuelan desde últimos de junio a septiembre. Se confirma el asentamiento de U. albicornis, una especie exótica de Norteamérica, en España.
Use of bottom ash from thermal power plant and lime as filler in bituminous mixtures
Authors: López-López E. , Vega-Zamanillo Á. , Calzada-Pérez M. Á. , Taborga-Sedano M. A.
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on the characterization of bottom ash (PCC-BA) and determining the mechanical
characteristics of hot mix asphalt (HMA) using PCC-BA and hydrated lime (HL) as filler. Physical and chemical characterization of the bottom ash was carried out to evaluate its eventual reutilization as filler substitute. The materials tested in this study were made using 0%, 25%, 50%, 70% and 100% of PCC-BA combined with HL. HMA mixes were evaluated in terms of their engineering properties, namely: air voids in the mixes, water sensitivity, stiffness modulus, performance in wheel tracking test and fatigue resistance.
The results obtained indicate that HMA mixes with a filler blend of 70% PCC-BA and 30% HL fulfil European standards and are suitable for light traffic or small infrastructures.
Socio-Technical Systems on the Move
Authors: Occelli Sylvie
Published: March 2015

Because of the advancements in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), and notably the increased spreading of Web 2.0 Internet-based services and mobile computing, an increasingly information-rich environment is made available, where new types of Socio-Technical Systems (STS) can be established. Due to the pervasiveness of ICT, designing and developing Socio-Technical Systems is raising an increasing interest also from a policy point of view. They play a crucial role in the improvement of the so-called soft-infrastructures, a main asset for delivering social innovation. Raising the performance of such an infrastructure, in fact, turns out to be a major challenge to be addressed in order to meet EU requirements for smart growth. In this chapter, a concept of STS is suggested, and its ICT-enabled implications for policy activity are highlighted. As an example, the concept is used for designing a collaborative platform for health knowledge exchange at a regional level.
Teaching Business and Cyber Ethics to University Students
Authors: Al-Qaimari Ghassan
Published: March 2015

This chapter looks at the gap that exists in university curricula worldwide in teaching Business and IT students ethical values and suggests that education can bridge the gap between ethics and professionalism. The chapter ends by proposing the contents of a course on ethics for Business and IT students that has been tried and tested and can be incorporated into university curricula in order to increase student awareness of ethical issues in the Business and IT-related fields.
The Potential for ICT Tools to Promote Public Participation in Fighting Corruption
Authors: Neupane Arjun , Soar Jeffrey , Vaidya Kishor , Aryal Sunil
Published: March 2015

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been seen as pioneering tools for the promotion of the better delivery of government programmes and services, enabling the empowerment of citizens through greater access to information, delivery of more efficient government management processes, better transparency and accountability, and the mitigation of corruption risks. Based on a literature survey of previous research conducted on ICT systems implemented in various countries, this chapter discusses the potential of different ICT tools that have the capacity to help to promote public participation for the purpose of reducing corruption. The chapter specifically reviews the different ICT tools and platforms and their roles as potential weapons in fighting corruption. This chapter also evaluates different ICT tools, including e-government and public e-procurement. Finally, the authors develop a theoretical research model that depicts the anti-corruption capabilities of ICT tools, which in turn, has implications for academics, policy makers, and politicians.
The Future of the European Union in the Framework of Globalization
Authors: Nergiz Ebru
Published: March 2015

The future of the European Union is highly linked to globalization. The European Union is a global actor. It unites half a billion people. It is the world's largest economic block, with a quarter of global GDP. Managing globalization and strengthening its rules is vital for the European Union. One-fifth of Europe's wealth depends on its openness. In this chapter, the future of the European Union is examined in the framework of globalization. There are three key issues for the European Union in managing globalization. Firstly, economic globalization is discussed. Secondly, its cultural dimension, which means a stronger dialogue of civilizations and nations, is evaluated. Finally, the need to protect global security in terms of climate change and sustainable sources of energy is analyzed.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics in Management in Light of Sustainable Development
Authors: İyigün N. Öykü
Published: March 2015

This chapter introduces the concept of corporate social responsibility and argues that it offers potential contributions to sustainable development by bringing incentives for corporations to act socially responsibly. This chapter continues by exploring the theoretical framework including conceptualizations and the historical perspective of the concepts. It then introduces related terms such as ethics, business ethics, sustainability, and development. As a result, the chapter discusses corporate social responsibility and ethics in management in light of sustainability and development. The conclusion reflects on possible weaknesses, limitations, and challenges to corporate social responsibility and ethics as the primary actors for sustainable development.
Critical Instruction, Student Achievement, and the Nurturing of Global Citizens
Authors: Menand Howard
Published: March 2015

The chapter applies critical theory to analyze the impact of globalization on education at the classroom level. Based on the hypothesis that education policy decisions made at the global level result in outcomes at the classroom level, it is clear globalization directly impacts students in the classroom. Therefore, within the context of curriculum and instruction, this chapter critically explores 21st century instructional practices as a response to the following research question: What are effective methods for engaging all learners in today's classrooms? The chapter incorporates qualitative research results and historical background about globalization, which thus situates current 21st century instructional practices within a framework for critical deconstruction. Finally, the qualitative research utilized in this chapter stems from classroom observations of teachers delivering 21st century instruction, and this research serves the purpose of clearly illustrating the characteristics of 21st century instruction in the classroom.