bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origins of the Endogenous and Infectious Laboratory Mouse Gammaretroviruses
Authors: Kozak Christine
Published: December 2014

The mouse gammaretroviruses associated with leukemogenesis are found in the classical inbred mouse strains and in house mouse subspecies as infectious exogenous viruses (XRVs) and as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) inserted into their host genomes. There are three major mouse leukemia virus (MuLV) subgroups in laboratory mice: ecotropic, xenotropic, and polytropic. These MuLV subgroups differ in host range, pathogenicity, receptor usage and subspecies of origin. The MuLV ERVs are recent acquisitions in the mouse genome as demonstrated by the presence of many full-length nondefective MuLV ERVs that produce XRVs, the segregation of these MuLV subgroups into different house mouse subspecies, and by the positional polymorphism of these loci among inbred strains and individual wild mice. While some ecotropic and xenotropic ERVs can produce XRVs directly, others, especially the pathogenic polytropic ERVs, do so only after recombinations that can involve all three ERV subgroups. Here, I describe individual MuLV ERVs found in the laboratory mice, their origins and geographic distribution in wild mouse subspecies, their varying ability to produce infectious virus and the biological consequences of this expression.
Gender Associated High Body Mass Index in Allergic Diseases
Authors: Lokaj-Berisha Violeta , Gacaferri-Lumezi Besa , Minciâ€“Bejtullahu Ganimete , Latifi-Pupovci Hatixhe , Karahodaâ€“Gjurgjeala Natyra , Berisha Naser , Morina Teuta
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND:The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy is affected by sex, age and lifestyle factors. Obesity and excess weight are reported to be potential risk factors for atopy and specifically for asthma symptoms in children and adults.OBJECTIVE:To assess the relation between body mass index (BMI) and allergic diseases in patients of both genders, as well as association of BMI with atopy in healthy subjects.METHODS:BMI (kg/m2), skin-prick test and total serum immunoglobulin E levels were assessed in 139 subjects: 109 were patients with allergic diseases (M to F ratio was 51:58) and 30 were healthy controls (M to F ratio was 6:24).RESULTS:The study population was grouped into asthma, asthmarhinitis, rhinitis, Urticaria oreczema and controls by BMI and sex. Females with the highest BMI were in asthma and urticaria/eczema group. Males with the highest BMI were in asthmarhinitis and urticariaeczema group. High BMI was associated with atopy in both genders of healthy controls. High levels of total IgE were in male allergic patients. CONCLUSION:High BMI was associated with asthma in females, urticaria/eczema in both genders and atopy in both genders of healthy controls. Higher levels of total IgE were concluded in male patients.
Enjeux de la diversité culturelle dans l'interaction entre résidents migrants et professionnels de l'accompagnement : le problème de la suradaptation des résidents migrants
Authors: Sophie Cochand
Published: December 2014

Cette recherche qualitative, par entretiens semi-structurés, porte sur les enjeux de l’interculturalité dans les établissements médico-sociaux (EMS) en Suisse. Elle met en évidence un phénomène de suradaptation des résidents migrants âgés. Nous observons comment ce problème apparaît dans les discours des personnes interrogées (28 résidents migrants âgés, 8 proches de résidents migrants âgés, 62 professionnels des EMS). Nous proposons une explication à ce phénomène, celle du cumul des vulnérabilités des résidents migrants. Nous faisons également le lien entre leur suradaptation et leur vécu de la migration, au moment de leur arrivée en Suisse. Enfin, nous réfléchissons aux antidotes possibles à la suradaptation des résidents migrants.
Place et apports thérapeutiques du psychodrame psychanalytique individuel dans une cure institutionnelle d'un enfant psychotique. Gabriel : du conflit des origines à l'émergence d'une subjectivité
Authors: Blanc Adrien , Forveille Élisabeth
Published: December 2014

Une cure institutionnelle dans un centre médico-psychologique regroupe un certain nombre de modalités thérapeutiques conjointement mises en action : groupes thérapeutiques, entretiens individuels et familiaux, psychodrames. Nous proposons ici un retour sur neuf années de prise en charge d’un jeune garçon psychotique, Gabriel, de ses 3 ans à ses 12 ans. L’objectif de cet article est de démontrer comment l’articulation de ces divers modes de traitement lui ont permis d’utiliser une scène interne et externe, afin de penser et de se penser, d’être capable de s’individuer et de se séparer psychiquement d’autrui, et ainsi de développer une subjectivité à même d’élaborer ce qui se joue en lui. Le psychodrame aura été central dans son parcours, autant comme moteur du processus thérapeutique et transférentiel que comme vecteur d’évolution. Les auteurs proposent d’étudier l’évolution, le déploiement et le maintien du processus thérapeutique au fil des modalités de prise en charge, en se centrant sur les liens existant entre le jeu et l’élaboration des conflits psychiques, en particulier ceux des origines.
Giulio Cesare Ferrari et Alfred Binet. Le rapport élève-maître dans les documents du fonds Ferrari
Authors: Paola Zocchi
Published: December 2014

Cet article présente seize lettres et cartes inédites d’Alfred Binet (1857-1911), directeur du Laboratoire de psychologie physiologique de la Sorbonne à Paris, envoyées à Giulio Cesare Ferrari (1867-1932), psychiatre et psychologue italien, traducteur des œuvres de William James et fondateur, en 1905, de la Rivista di psicologia . Mise en contexte par une introduction, cette correspondance, qui remonte aux années 1896-1909, dévoile les relations entre Ferrari et Binet, en montrant l’influence que ce dernier eut sur la formation et les premières activités du jeune psychologue italien, mais, aussi, la progressive émancipation de l’élève à l’égard de la psychologie de son maître.
Qui a fait et défait les gouvernements. Depuis 1919
Authors: Perin François
Published: December 2014

En 1958, la Belgique a connu trois gouvernements différents. Tous les départements ont eu au moins deux titulaires mais le Commerce Extérieur, les Colonies, l’Instruction Publique, l’Intérieur, la Justice, la Santé Publique et la Famille, en ont eu trois. En 1958, le département des Affaires Economiques a été géré par quatre ministres différents. De 1918 à 1958, la Belgique a connu 23 crises gouvernementales de caractère politique (à l’exclusion de celles qui surviennent normalement après les élections législatives). Le phénomène des crises gouvernementales a donc sérieusement marqué le déroulement de la vie politique belge. Comment ce forment les gouvernements ? Quels sont les causes et les mécanismes des crises ministérielles ? Telles sont les deux questions étudiées ici par F. PERIN. L’étude couvre la période 1918-1958.
Deux sophismes à propos des personnes morales
Authors: Pettit Philip , Ozyildiz Deniz , Boudou Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Résumé Cet article identifie puis critique deux sophismes, ou erreurs de raisonnement, qui peuvent émousser la consternation que nous devrions sentir devant le scénario d’un monde entièrement privatisé. Ces deux erreurs s’appliquent aux entreprises, mais touchent plus généralement notre compréhension de ce qu’est et ce que fait une personne morale. La première erreur consiste à dire que les personnes morales ne sont pas plus que des réseaux d’accords relativement stables avantageux pour les parties contractantes. L’erreur ou le sophisme se trouve dans la supposition que l’idée que les personnes morales constituent des agents comme vous et moi n’est pas à prendre au sens propre. Le second sophisme implique une erreur inverse. Il part du principe que les personnes morales sont bien des agents comme vous ou moi, et qu’à ce titre elles peuvent revendiquer les droits que nos lois attribuent aux personnes physiques. D’une part l’auteur défend l’idée que les personnes morales sont des agents– agents qui ont des capacités typiques des personnes naturelles – et qu’en tant que tels ils nous posent des problèmes politiques particuliers. D’autre part, sous peine de trahir l’idée d’égalité entre les individus, l’auteur montre qu’il ne faut donner aux personnes morales que les droits qui sont dans l’intérêt des personnes naturelles. Les personnes morales ne peuvent avoir aucune revendication propre.
La représentation politique et les « effets de subjectivation »
Authors: Disch Lisa , Mesli Rostom , Boudou Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Résumé Cet article pose la question suivante : comment construire un critère normatif adapté au tournant constructiviste des théories de la représentation ? Pour répondre à cette question, je prends appui sur la recherche empirique menée aux États-Unis sur le policy feedback qui élargit la réflexion à propos de la légitimité démocratique. Plutôt que de s’interroger sur la nature de la relation entre les représentants et les représentés (est-elle concrètement adéquate, délibérative, suffisamment réactive, etc. ?), ce travail se concentre directement sur les « effets de subjectivation » créés par les actes de représentation, sur la manière dont ils se forment, renforcent ou affaiblissent certains groupes politiques.
Passion de la langue et reconnaissance
Authors: von Busekist Astrid
Published: December 2014

Résumé Cet article propose trois paradigmes pour comprendre les politiques de la langue : l’utilité, la domination, la passion. Chacun de ces paradigmes correspond à des préférences politiques en France, en Europe, aux États Unis. La situation linguistique idéale ou juste est une situation de non-domination : elle peut être obtenue par une conjugaison sensible entre les paradigmes de l’utilité et de la passion, et notamment par une gestion multilingue dans les institutions intermédiaires : l’école, l’entreprise, les associations citoyennes. La démocratie linguistique demande que la parité de participation, quelle que soit la langue, l’emporte sur l’exigence d’apprentissage de la langue nationale ou officielle.
Claude Lefort, pratique et pensée de la désincorporation
Authors: Bataillon Gilles
Published: December 2014

Résumé Comment présenter l’oeuvre de Claude Lefort et tenter d’en donner une vue d’ensemble alors que celle-ci court sur plus d’un demi siècle et aborde des thèmes et des auteurs en apparence très variés ? Quel fil lie les différents moments de son oeuvre, comment s’est–elle construite, comment la lire aujourd’hui ? Par delà leurs singularités et les différences entre les sujets abordés Lefort pratique tout au long de son oeuvre un même style de pensée. Son souci de juger et de trancher entre le vrai et le faux, le juste et l’injuste, va de pair avec la volonté de faire droit à la complexité et à l’ambiguïté des phénomènes et des oeuvres qu’il interroge.
A Model of Adverse Promotion
Authors: Lecostey Sophie
Published: December 2014

Cet article s’intéresse au rôle incitatif des promotions. Il propose un modèle théorique simple où les candidats ne connaissent pas avec certitude le type de l’évaluateur chargé par l’Organisation d’évaluer les candidats et de choisir qui sera promu. L’évaluateur peut être de deux types : aimant le pouvoir ou bien agissant éthiquement. On montre alors que, quel que soit le type de l’évaluateur, il se produit une promotion contraire, le terme « contraire » signifiant ici injuste et/ou inefficace. L’injustice est liée à l’existence possible d’un évaluateur aimant le pouvoir. En effet, à l’équilibre Bayésien Parfait séparateur, un tel évaluateur promeut un candidat choisi parmi les moins compétents afin de signaler son type et ainsi induire un comportement de cour de la part des candidats à une future promotion. Quant à l’inefficacité, elle survient à l’équilibre avec les deux types possibles de l’évaluateur mais sous des formes différentes : soit l’inefficacité résulte de l’activité de cour des candidats, soit elle est due au découragement de certains candidats. L’article discute ensuite du rôle de la concurrence entre les travailleurs et propose différents remèdes aux problèmes mis en lumière. Code JEL : M 51.
La maitrise du français écrit par les primo-arrivants : une analyse des performances productives par frontière stochastique
Authors: Branche-Seigeot Aline
Published: December 2014

Cet article vise à déterminer les facteurs susceptibles d’expliquer le niveau de maîtrise du français écrit par les primo-arrivants en âge de travailler, sachant que peu de recherches ont été réalisées en France à ce sujet. L’originalité de cet article réside dans l’estimation d’une frontière stochastique de production afin d’expliquer les scores en français écrit des primo-arrivants (considérés comme producteurs de leurs propres compétences) et leurs performances productives. Les principaux résultats mettent en avant que la langue maternelle, l’âge au moment de l’immigration, le diplôme de la mère et la vie sociale sont des éléments qui influencent l’efficacité de cette production. Ils jouent un rôle essentiel dans la capacité des primo-arrivants à utiliser efficacement leur durée de présence en France et leur durée d’éducation scolaire, considérées comme les principales ressources dont disposent les primo-arrivants pour produire de la compétence dans la langue du pays d’accueil. Classification JEL : I21, J15, J24.
Radiation Exposure Induces Inflammasome Pathway Activation in Immune Cells
Authors: Stoecklein Veit M. , Osuka Akinori , Ishikawa Shizu , Lederer Madeline R. , Wanke-Jellinek Lorenz , Lederer James A.
Published: December 2014

Radiation exposure induces cell and tissue damage, causing local and systemic inflammatory responses. Because the inflammasome pathway is triggered by cell death and danger-associated molecular patterns, we hypothesized that the inflammasome may signal acute and chronic immune responses to radiation. Using a mouse radiation model, we show that radiation induces a dose-dependent increase in inflammasome activation in macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, T cells, and B cells as judged by cleaved caspase-1 detection in cells. Time course analysis showed the appearance of cleaved caspase-1 in cells by day 1 and sustained expression until day 7 after radiation. Also, cells showing inflammasome activation coexpressed the cell surface apoptosis marker annexin V. The role of caspase-1 as a trigger for hematopoietic cell losses after radiation was studied in caspase-1−/− mice. We found less radiation-induced cell apoptosis and immune cell loss in caspase-1−/− mice than in control mice. Next, we tested whether uric acid might mediate inflammasome activation in cells by treating mice with allopurinol and discovered that allopurinol treatment completely blocked caspase-1 activation in cells. Finally, we demonstrate that radiation-induced caspase-1 activation occurs by a Nod-like receptor family protein 3–independent mechanism because radiation-exposed Nlrp3−/− mice showed caspase-1 activation profiles that were indistinguishable from those of wild-type mice. In summary, our data demonstrate that inflammasome activation occurs in many immune cell types following radiation exposure and that allopurinol prevented radiation-induced inflammasome activation. These results suggest that targeting the inflammasome may help control radiation-induced inflammation.
TSLP Expression: Analysis with a ZsGreen TSLP Reporter Mouse
Authors: Dewas Cedric , Chen Xi , Honda Tetsuya , Junttila Ilkka , Linton Jay , Udey Mark C. , Porcella Stephen F. , Sturdevant Daniel E. , Feigenbaum Lionel , Koo Lily , Williams Joy , Paul William E.
Published: December 2014

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a type I cytokine that plays a central role in induction of allergic inflammatory responses. Its principal targets have been reported to be dendritic cells and/or CD4 T cells; epithelial cells are a principal source. We report in this study the development of a reporter mouse (TSLP-ZsG) in which a ZsGreen (ZsG)-encoding construct has been inserted by recombineering into a bacterial artificial chromosome immediately at the translation initiating ATG of TSLP. The expression of ZsG by mice transgenic for the recombinant BAC appears to be a faithful surrogate for TSLP expression, particularly in keratinocytes and medullary thymic epithelial cells. Limited ZsG and TSLP mRNA was observed in bone marrow–derived mast cells, basophils, and dendritic cells. Using the TSLP-ZsG reporter mouse, we show that TNF-α and IL-4/IL-13 are potent inducers of TSLP expression by keratinocytes and that local activation of Th2 and Th1 cells induces keratinocyte TSLP expression. We suggest that the capacity of TSLP to both induce Th2 differentiation and to be induced by activated Th2 cells raises the possibility that TSLP may be involved in a positive feedback loop to enhance allergic inflammatory conditions.
Phosphatidylinositol 4–Phosphate 5–Kinase α and Vav1 Mutual Cooperation in CD28-Mediated Actin Remodeling and Signaling Functions
Authors: Muscolini Michela , Camperio Cristina , Porciello Nicla , Caristi Silvana , Capuano Cristina , Viola Antonella , Galandrini Ricciarda , Tuosto Loretta
Published: December 2014

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5–biphosphate (PIP2) is a cell membrane phosphoinositide crucial for cell signaling and activation. Indeed, PIP2 is a pivotal source for second messenger generation and controlling the activity of several proteins regulating cytoskeleton reorganization. Despite its critical role in T cell activation, the molecular mechanisms regulating PIP2 turnover remain largely unknown. In human primary CD4+ T lymphocytes, we have recently demonstrated that CD28 costimulatory receptor is crucial for regulating PIP2 turnover by allowing the recruitment and activation of the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 4–phosphate 5–kinase (PIP5Kα). We also identified PIP5Kα as a key modulator of CD28 costimulatory signals leading to the efficient T cell activation. In this study, we extend these data by demonstrating that PIP5Kα recruitment and activation is essential for CD28-mediated cytoskeleton rearrangement necessary for organizing a complete signaling compartment leading to downstream signaling functions. We also identified Vav1 as the linker molecule that couples the C-terminal proline-rich motif of CD28 to the recruitment and activation of PIP5Kα, which in turn cooperates with Vav1 in regulating actin polymerization and CD28 signaling functions.
Combination Therapy with Anti–CTLA-4 and Anti–PD-1 Leads to Distinct Immunologic Changes In Vivo
Authors: Das Rituparna , Verma Rakesh , Sznol Mario , Boddupalli Chandra Sekhar , Gettinger Scott N. , Kluger Harriet , Callahan Margaret , Wolchok Jedd D. , Halaban Ruth , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Dhodapkar Kavita M.
Published: December 2014

Combination therapy concurrently targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints leads to remarkable antitumor effects. Although both PD-1 and CTLA-4 dampen the T cell activation, the in vivo effects of these drugs in humans remain to be clearly defined. To better understand biologic effects of therapy, we analyzed blood/tumor tissue from 45 patients undergoing single or combination immune checkpoint blockade. We show that blockade of CTLA-4, PD-1, or combination of the two leads to distinct genomic and functional signatures in vivo in purified human T cells and monocytes. Therapy-induced changes are more prominent in T cells than in monocytes and involve largely nonoverlapping changes in coding genes, including alternatively spliced transcripts and noncoding RNAs. Pathway analysis revealed that CTLA-4 blockade induces a proliferative signature predominantly in a subset of transitional memory T cells, whereas PD-1 blockade instead leads to changes in genes implicated in cytolysis and NK cell function. Combination blockade leads to nonoverlapping changes in gene expression, including proliferation-associated and chemokine genes. These therapies also have differential effects on plasma levels of CXCL10, soluble IL-2R, and IL-1α. Importantly, PD-1 receptor occupancy following anti–PD-1 therapy may be incomplete in the tumor T cells even in the setting of complete receptor occupancy in circulating T cells. These data demonstrate that, despite shared property of checkpoint blockade, Abs against PD-1, CTLA-4 alone, or in combination have distinct immunologic effects in vivo. Improved understanding of pharmacodynamic effects of these agents in patients will support rational development of immune-based combinations against cancer.
Cutting Edge: Maresin-1 Engages Regulatory T Cells To Limit Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Activation and Promote Resolution of Lung Inflammation
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Nandini , Burkett Patrick R. , Dalli Jesmond , Abdulnour Raja-Elie E. , Colas Romain , Ramon Sesquile , Phipps Richard P. , Petasis Nicos A. , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Serhan Charles N. , Levy Bruce D.
Published: December 2014

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that fails to resolve. Recently, a key role for type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) was linked to asthma pathogenesis; however, mechanisms for ILC2 regulation remain to be determined. In this study, metabololipidomics of murine lungs identified temporal changes in endogenous maresin 1 (MaR1) during self-limited allergic inflammation. Exogenous MaR1 reduced lung inflammation and ILC2 expression of IL-5 and IL-13 and increased amphiregulin. MaR1 augmented de novo generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which interacted with ILC2s to markedly suppress cytokine production in a TGF-β–dependent manner. Ab-mediated depletion of Tregs interrupted MaR1 control of ILC2 expression of IL-13 in vivo. Together, the findings uncover Tregs as potent regulators of ILC2 activation; MaR1 targets Tregs and ILC2s to restrain allergic lung inflammation, suggesting MaR1 as the basis for a new proresolving therapeutic approach to asthma and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Freedom or Prescription: The Case for Curriculum Guidance in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Rae David , Matlay Harry , McGowan Pauric , Penaluna Andrew
Published: December 2014

This article reviews the development of guidance and frameworks for enterprise and entrepreneurship education (EEE) in higher education institutions with reference to the international and European contexts as well as educational development in the UK and Ireland. The arguments for and the possible limitations and disadvantages of such frameworks are discussed. There has been extensive work on EEE and on the development of competence models, for example at secondary education level. This work is critically reviewed to identify its contribution to the development of educational guidance internationally and specifically in the UK and Ireland. The paper provides a critical narrative of the development of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) guidance in the UK and the Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC) document in Ireland by experts involved in the design process and compares the approaches proposed. While at European level there has been greater emphasis on institutional frameworks focusing on the ‘entrepreneurial university’, there is scope for comparison with the above educational frameworks. Feedback and observations from enterprise educators at an international level are summarized to contextualize a debate on the value, contribution, possible disadvantages and future development of such frameworks. The international interest in and adoption of related approaches have been considerable and these are assessed. The paper has implications for educational policies on EEE at national and HE institutional levels, as well as for the practices of educators in designing, validating and delivering educational awards.
When Did You Last Predict a Good Idea?
Authors: Penaluna Kathryn , Penaluna Andrew , Jones Colin , Matlay Harry
Published: December 2014

It has been noted elsewhere that an idea is acknowledged to be creative if it is novel, or surprising and adaptive. So how does that fit with education's desire to measure student performance against fixed, consistent and predicted learning outcomes? This study explores practical measures and theoretical constructs that address the dearth of teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enhance creative capacity in enterprise and entrepreneurship education. It is argued that inappropriate assessment strategies can be significant inhibitors of the creativity of students and teachers. Referring to the broader discipline of ‘design’, as defined by Bruce and Besant (2002) – the application of human creativity to a purpose – both broad employer satisfaction with education and fast growing economic success are found (DCMS, 2014). As predictable assessment outcomes equal predictable students, these understandings can inform educators who wish to map and develop enhanced creative endeavours such as opportunity recognition, communication and innovation.
Using Enterprise Education to Prepare Healthcare Professional Graduates for the Real World
Authors: Refai Deema , Thompson John
Published: December 2014

This paper reports an investigation of the extent to which enterprise education (EE) is used in professional health schools at HEIs to develop graduates' ‘soft’ and ‘functional’ enterprise skills, and assesses the effectiveness of the process of delivering this education. A qualitative research study was carried out, using personal interviews with employers and academics, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes and codes. It was found that although experiential and interactive learning approaches are often used in pharmacy schools, the emphasis is typically on discipline-related material and therefore only ‘soft’ enterprise skills are developed. There appears to be resistance to developing ‘functional’ enterprise skills in pharmacy disciplines. Suggestions are offered for facilitating the development of healthcare graduates who are more enterprising, while highlighting the importance of raising the awareness of academics in this regard and embedding EE as part of a school's philosophy.
Refocusing — Building a Future for Entrepreneurial Education and Learning
Authors: Higgins David , Galloway Laura
Published: December 2014

The field of entrepreneurship has struggled with fundamental questions concerning the subject's nature and purpose. To whom and to what means are educational and training agendas ultimately directed? Such questions have become of central importance to policy makers, practitioners and academics alike. There are suggestions that university business schools should engage more critically with the lived experiences of practising entrepreneurs through alternative pedagogical approaches and methods, seeking to account for and highlighting the social, political and moral aspects of entrepreneurial practice. In the UK, where funding in higher education has become increasingly dependent on student fees, there are renewed pressures to educate students for entrepreneurial practice as opposed to educating them about the nature and effects of entrepreneurship. Government and EU policies are calling on business schools to develop and enhance entrepreneurial growth and skill sets, to make their education and training programmes more proactive in providing innovative educational practices which help and facilitate life experiences and experiential learning. This paper makes the case for critical frameworks to be applied so that complex social processes become a source of learning for educators and entrepreneurs and so that innovative pedagogical approaches can be developed in terms both of context (curriculum design) and process (delivery methods).
Energetic Analysis of Draught Animal Hay Harvest
Authors: Dube Ben , Mulder Kenneth
Published: December 2014

For most of human history, biomass has been the primary energy input for society. Concerns regarding climate change, resource depletion and energy security have prompted renewed interest in the use of biomass as an energy source. Draught animals, in addition to being a traditional means of utilizing biomass, can be used to harvest biomass. Data from oxen-powered haying at Green Mountain College in Vermont show an energy return on energy invested (EROI) of 5.93 for pelletized grass, with 80% of the energy input being renewable. Comparisons with other draught animal hay harvesting systems suggest that this performance is mediocre. Modest goals for system improvements could raise the EROI to over 10. Due to their competitive energy efficiency and low capital requirements, draught animals deserve more serious examination as a renewable energy source.
Achieving Profitable, Productive Climate-Neutral Swedish Agriculture
Authors: Kumm Karl-Ivar
Published: December 2014

A futuristic study by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in the 1990s on how to make Swedish agriculture environmentally and economically sustainable by 2021 has been updated. The updating was based on assumptions of far-reaching improvements in biological productivity and the replacement of all existing EU support with environmental payments based on landscape values and the climate utility of carbon sequestration. The results suggest that economically sustainable food production satisfying domestic demand can be achieved through large-scale labour- and capital-saving rationalization and compensation for additional costs arising from special Swedish animal welfare regulations. Such rationalization is also necessary for the economically sustainable preservation of landscape values, including grazed semi-natural pastures and remaining arable land in forest-dominated districts. Carbon sequestration by broad-leaved trees planted on pastures and on arable land not needed for food production could compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions from food production.
Effects of Financial Decisions on Farm Profitability in the Republic of Macedonia: Evidence from a Transition Economy
Authors: Simonovska Ana , Gjosevski Dragan , Campos Monica
Published: December 2014

In transition countries, farm businesses can suffer financial distress due to the restructuring of the agricultural sector and irregularities in capital and credit markets. By applying econometric techniques, the authors examine the influence of earnings, capital and financial business structures on the profitability of farm companies, and assess their capital structure strategy to increase profitability. The results show that farm companies rely more on debt than equity to operate. Financial risk is considered in long-term decisions, while in the short term pricing flexibility is a limitation. Farm companies without liquidity constraints follow the ‘pecking-order’ pattern, preferring assets rather than debt to profit, while liquidity-constrained companies are more consistent with ‘trade-off’ theory. The authors define a typical farm that exhibits increasing opportunities for profit under transition circumstances.
Efficiency and Productivity Change Analysis of Cotton Production in Uzbekistan
Authors: Theodoridis A. , Hasanov S. , Abruev A.
Published: December 2014

Cotton production in Uzbekistan is known as ‘white gold’ and constitutes a strategic centrepiece of the country's rural economy. However, the gradual ongoing process of market-oriented reform has had a severe impact on the cotton sector. The objective of this paper is to estimate the efficiency and total factor productivity growth of cotton farms in Uzbekistan. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied to measure technical efficiency and the Malmquist Index was used to estimate and analyse productivity. The analysis was based on a sample of 26 cotton farms observed between 2007 and 2009. The results help to provide a set of policy recommendations regarding the sector's growth potential through the efficient utilization of resources, and indicate that there has been a moderate decline in productivity attributed to technical degeneration over the period studied.
Are Non-Tariff Measures a Substitute for Tariffs in Agricultural Trade?
Authors: Tudela-Marco Lorena , Garcia-Alvarez-Coque Jose-Maria , Martinez-Gomez Victor
Published: December 2014

The significance of and interest in non-tariff measures (NTMs) have increased as a consequence of the reduction in agricultural tariffs. This paper analyses the relationship between NTMs and tariffs in southern Mediterranean countries (SMCs) through two complementary analyses. First, the authors construct a taxonomy of protection for products, distinguishing between high protection, transparent protection, low protection and disguised protection. The low protection category is most widely represented, and the disguised protection category is also important. Second, the policy substitution hypothesis between tariff and non-tariff protection is tested. This hypothesis appears in the literature as the possibility that countries implement NTMs for protection purposes, as a result of the progressive reduction in the tariffs levied. Policy substitution is found in some SMCs, which is consistent with an upward trend of non-tariff protection as tariff liberalization progresses in the region.
Adoption of On-Farm and Off-Farm Diversification to Manage Agricultural Risks
Authors: Ullah Raza , Shivakoti Ganesh P.
Published: December 2014

Risk is an inherent part of agricultural production, so farmers often use management strategies to reduce the adverse impacts associated with their activities. Although the use of multiple risk management strategies is common practice in farming, literature on the simultaneous adoption of multiple risk management tools is limited. This study was designed to investigate the impact of various factors on farmers' decisions to adopt on-farm and off-farm diversification and the potential for simultaneous adoption using bivariate and multinomial probit models. The results suggest that the decisions to adopt both on-farm and off-farm diversification are correlated, and adopting one risk management strategy may make it more likely that the other will be adopted simultaneously. Moreover, farm and farm household characteristics, farmers' risk perceptions and their risk attitudes are important factors that shape their risk management adoption decisions.
Can Aurelia (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) species be differentiated by comparing their scyphistomae and ephyrae?
Authors: Gambill Maria , Jarms Gerhard
Published: December 2014

Debate exists regarding the number of species of the moon jellyfish (genus Aurelia), a common member of the planktonic community of the coastal shelf seas around the world. Three Aurelia congeners (A. aurita, A. labiata and A. limbata) are currently considered to exist but recent genetic analyses suggested that this is an oversimplification. We analyzed the morphological characteristics of scyphistomae, morphological characteristics of ephyrae and differences in the time span of the strobilation process of Aurelia congeners from 17, 7 and 6 different source populations, respectively, of known species. Morphological characteristics of scyphistomae were similar among the 17 populations but those of ephyrae, such as the shape and form of lappets, were effective discriminators in the 6 cases examined. We recommend identifying species based on differences in 1) the morphological characteristics of scyphistomae and ephyrae (and not only medusae), 2) the genetics of individuals, and 3) the geographical occurrence of the population. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on scyphozoan scyphistomae and ephyrae, stages of the metagenic life cycle of scyphozoans that have received relatively little study compared to medusae.
Feeding Potential of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) Against Sucking Insect Pests
Authors: Aslam Bukero  , Maqsood Anwar Rustamani  , Ghulam Hussain Abro  , Abdul Mubeen Lodhi
Published: December 2014

This laboratory experiment was conducted to find out the feeding performance and larval development of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricuis) on Aphis gossypii (Glov.), Bemisia tabaci (Ginn.) and Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Distant) at 26 ± 2ºC temperature and 65 ± 5% relative humidity. The result indicated that the 3rd and 4th instar larvae of the beetle consumed 76.20 ± 3.44 and 79.7 ± 0.77 nymphs of A. gossypii /day followed by (23.0 ± 0.77) and (23.4 ± 0.75) nymphs of B. tabaci and (19.73 ± 1.17) and (21.55 ± 0.77) nymphs of A. b. biguttula, respectively as compared to 1st and 2nd instar larvae. Adult female consumed maximum (101.0 ± 0.55) nymphs of A. gossypii /day followed by (26.90 ± 0.27) nymphs of B. tabaci and (22.16 ± 0.20) nymphsof A. b. biguttula as compared to male. The result further revealed that the 4th instar larva consumed highest number 159.4 ± 7.35 of A. gossypii nymphs during its life span followed by (93.8 ± 3.02) and (86.2 ± 3.09) nymphs of B. tabaci and A. b. biguttula, respectively. Similarly, the adult female devoured highest number of nymphs (3040.2 ± 26.4) of A. gossypii followed by B. tabaci (807.0±8.1) and A. b. biguttula (664.98±6.0) during its life span as compare to male. The shortest life span was recorded on A. gossypiias compared to A. b. biguttula and B. tabaci, There was highly significant difference in consumption rate and development period of larvae and adult beetles on different prey species (P
An Evidence Based Study of the Different Factors that Influence the Formation of Hammer Transfer Stains in a Crime Scene
Authors: Bandopadhyay Samir Kumar , Basu Nabanita
Published: December 2014

Weapon transfer stains in a crime scene are often difficult to interpret. Given the large number of hammer hit events that take place each year, this work is largely aimed at analyzing the different factors that influence and distort regular hammer transfer stains. Different physical mechanisms under identical conditions influence the formation of distinct transfer stain patterns. This is the basic highlight of this study. By experimentation, the authors are of the view that the quantity of blood attached to the surface area of a hammer, the surface area of the hammer exposed to blood, the dimensions of the hammer, the angle of inclination at the time of fall, hardness of the target surface, friction coefficient of the hammer material, texture of the target surface influence the transfer stain formed. Again the velocity of hit, the undulations in the hammer, the depth of blood pool, hammer weight all have significant effect on the transfer stain pattern formed. The significance of the height of fall and the edge that touches the target surface first, cannot be particularly ruled out in analyzing hammer transfer stain patterns. The relevance of the article lies in the fact that analysts having clear idea of how these different factors could affect the formation of different weapon transfer stain patterns, shall be in a better position at understanding the probable mechanism that might have led to the formation of the stain. This knowledge is transferable to the study of other murder weapon transfer stain interpretation and shall aid proper sequencing of segments in a criminal event.
Investigation of surface roughness influence on hyperbolic metamaterial performance
Authors: Kozik S. , Binhussain M. A. , Smirnov A. , Khilo N. , Agabekov V.
Published: December 2014

The main goal of this work was to introduce simple model of surface roughness which does not involve objects with complicated shapes and could help to reduce computational costs. We described and proved numerically that the influence of surface roughness at the interfaces in metal-dielectric composite materials could be described by proper selection of refractive index of dielectric layers. Our calculations show that this model works for roughness with RMS value about 1 nm and below.
High Efficiency Ka-Band Spatial Combiner
Authors: Passi D. , Leggieri A. , Di Paolo F. , Bartocci M. , Tafuto A. , Manna A.
Published: December 2014

A Ka-Band, High Efficiency, Small Size Spatial Combiner (SPC) is proposed in this paper, which uses an innovatively matched quadruple Fin Lines to microstrip (FLuS) transitions. At the date of this paper and at the Author's best knowledge no such FLuS innovative transitions have been reported in literature before. These transitions are inserted into a WR28 waveguide T-junction, in order to allow the integration of 16 Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA's). A computational electromagnetic model using the finite elements method has been implemented. A mean insertion loss of 2 dB is achieved with a return loss better the 10 dB in the 31-37 GHz bandwidth.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Atheromas in Patients With Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , D'Aloia Antonio , Sciatti Edoardo , Bonadei Ivano , Gelsomino Sandro , Lorusso Roberto , Metra Marco
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The association of aortic atheromas in patients with isolated aortic stenosis has recently been acknowledged, probably because the pathogenic mechanisms are similar. Therefore, this study evaluated the extent and severity of thoracic aortic atheromas in patients with different grades of aortic stenosis using transesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated transesophageal echocardiographic examinations of 686 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aortic stenosis. The prevalence and morphologic characteristics of atheromas in 3 segments of the thoracic aorta were assessed. Plaque thickness was measured at each segment, and the thickest plaque was used to establish severity. Atheromas were graded as mild, moderate, or severe according to plaque thickness (<2, 2–4, or >4 mm, respectively). Aortic stenosis was graded as mild, moderate, or severe on the basis of the gradient and anatomic aortic valve area (>1.5, 1.0–1.5, or <1.0 cm2).

Results

A total of 382 patients were men, and 304 were women (mean age ± SD, 74 ± 15 years); 86% of the patients had aortic atheromas. The severe stenosis group had a significantly higher rate of atheromas (95% versus 40%; P < .001) than the mild stenosis group, with more complex atheromas (52% versus 22%; P< .001). There was no significant difference in the atheroma grades between the severe and moderate stenosis groups, but moderate cases had more moderate and severe atheromas than mild cases (45% and 15% versus 19% and 3%; P < .01).

Conclusions

This study showed a correlation in the extent of aortic atheromas across several degrees of aortic stenosis. Patients with moderate and severe stenosis had more extensive atherosclerotic atheromas than those with mild stenosis.
Comparison of Lesion Detection in the Transverse and Coronal Views on Automated Breast Sonography
Authors: Chae Eun Young , Cha Joo Hee , Kim Hak Hee , Shin Hee Jung
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The purpose of our study was to compare the accuracy of detection of lesions in the coronal and transverse views on automated breast sonography.

Methods

Three breast radiologists independently interpreted automated breast sonograms from 113 women: 14 with negative findings and 99 with known breast lesions (99 benign and 53 malignant findings). The readers were asked to detect the presence or absence of the abnormalities using the transverse and coronal views in different reading sessions. If a lesion was detected, we evaluated its location, sonographic features, including shape, orientation, margin, boundary type, and echo pattern, and final American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System assessment category. The reading time was also evaluated.

Results

Of 456 potential detections (152 lesions with 3 readers), 80.5% of the detections were made with the transverse view, and 67.3% were made with the coronal view. The detection rates for both malignant and benign lesions were significantly higher for the transverse view than for the coronal view (P < .001). The reading time for the coronal view was less than that for the transverse view (mean ± SD, 3.83 ± 1.71 versus 5.57 ± 2.21 minutes). The intraclass correlation coefficient values for lesion location, distance from the nipple, and lesion size for both views all exceeded 0.7.

Conclusions

Although the coronal view on automated breast sonography showed comparable reliability and a shorter reading time, the detection rate for the coronal view was significantly lower than that for the transverse view in both benign and malignant lesions. It is preferable to reserve the coronal view as an additional method to the transverse view.
Chorionic Bump on First‐Trimester Sonography
Authors: Arleo Elizabeth Kagan , Troiano Robert N.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the live birth rate of pregnancies with a diagnosis of a chorionic bump, a convex bulge from the choriodecidual surface into the first‐trimester gestational sac.

Methods

Pregnant patients at least 18 years old with the finding of a chorionic bump on first‐trimester sonography were included in this prospective observational study. The independent variables were chorionic bump size and number and presence or absence of a history of infertility or coagulation disorder. The primary end point was pregnancy outcome.

Results

During the 4‐year study period, 52 pregnancies had a diagnosis of a chorionic bump. Overall, 34 resulted in live births, corresponding to an absolute live birth rate of 65%, and 18 were nonviable. Forty‐one chorionic bump pregnancies were otherwise normal (ie, pregnancies in which a gestational sac, yolk sac, and embryo with heartbeat were seen at some point), and in this subset, the live birth rate was 83% (34 of 41). All pregnancies with more than 1 chorionic bump (4) ended in demise (100%). The average maximum dimension of the chorionic bump was 1.3 cm (range, 0.5–3.8 cm); however there was not a statistically significant correlation between chorionic bump size and pregnancy outcome (P = .5866; odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–5.01). Nine patients (17%) had a history of infertility treatment, and 4 (8%) had a history of coagulation disorder. Only 1 chorionic bump pregnancy was associated with a birth defect.

Conclusions

The live birth rate in our chorionic bump cohort was 65% overall and even higher (83%) if the pregnancy was otherwise normal. The clinical implication is that a chorionic bump on first‐trimester sonography is not necessarily associated with a guarded prognosis.