bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic stability of non-dilute fiber shear suspensions
Authors: Wan Zhan-Hong , You Zhen-Jiang , Wang Chang-Bin
Published: January 2013

Temporal stability analysis of fiber suspended shear flow is performed. After
introducing the second order structure tensor to determine the Folgar-Tucker
inter-fiber interactions based on the Langevin?s equation, a system governing
the flow stability is derived in conjunction with the fiber orientation
closure. Effect of the inter-fiber interactions on the dynamic stability is
studied by solving the general eigenvalue problem. Results show that fiber
interaction has significant stabilizing effects on the flow. The most
unstable wave number changes with the interaction coefficient. For given
interaction coefficient, wave number and other relevant parameters, there is
a Re number which corresponds to the critical flow. This Re number is related
to the wave number.
A solution for potential flow over an arc fiber
Authors: Wang Wenxi , He Qing , Chen Nian , Zhou Yuan , Xie Mingliang
Published: January 2013

In the paper, the flow field around an arc fiber is studied. Based on the
Zhukovsky conversion, the potential and stream functions are derived. The
results show that the flow fields depend on geometric properties of the arc
fiber and the orientation angle of the incoming flow. The flow field
developed in this paper can be used to predict the single-fiber efficiency
for the arc fiber.
Audit Fees and Investor Perceptions of Audit Characteristics
Authors: Beck Allison K. , Fuller Robert M. , Muriel Leah , Reid Colin D.
Published: January 2013

We investigate how audit fee disclosures affect investor perceptions of audit characteristics. We find evidence that when audit fees are presented to investors with supplementary contextual information indicating that the fees are low, average, or high (as compared to industry averages), investors perceive audit quality and auditor effort as being low, average, or high, respectively. When not provided with any additional information concerning the audit fee (similar to the present state of disclosures), investors assess audit quality and auditor effort as being average. Surprisingly, we find that while investors perceive auditor independence as low, average, and high when fees are presented as high, average, or low, respectively, investors not provided with any relative fee information assess auditor independence as low, similar to the investors who are presented with high relative fees. This latter finding provides important insight regarding investors' current perceptions of auditor independence, particularly in the absence of relative or comparative audit fee information.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Basinal and planform characteristics of the Kodku and the Godavari Rivers, Kathmandu, Central Nepal
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Bajracharya Ramita
Published: January 2013

The rivers of the Kathmandu Basin are vulnerable to flash floods and disturbances caused by anthropogenic as well as climatic changes. Two southern tributaries of the Bagmati River: the Kodku and the Godavari Rivers, have been considered for their (i) watershed-scale geomorphic parameters such as relative relief, drainage texture and stream order, (ii) stretchscale planform parameters such as sinuosity (K), meander belt width (Wblt), meander wavelength (Lm) and radius of curvature (Rc), and (ii) longitudinal profiles and slopes. Both Kodku and the Godavari Rivers are elongate basins with wide ranges of the watershed-scale parameters. The Godavari River is longer, larger and more sinuous compared to the Kodku River. The development of the patterns of the fifth order main stem stretches of both rivers with respect to the stream slopes, and asymmetric patterns of the meander loops indicate anomalous growth of the river stretches. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v15i0.7414 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 15, 2012, pp. 15-22
Geological setting and lithostratigraphy of Bandipur-Gondrang area of Lesser Himalaya, central Nepal
Authors: Paudyal KR , Adhikari LB , Maharjan N , Paudel LP
Published: January 2013

Detailed geological mapping was carried out in the Bandipur-Gondrang area of Tanahun district to clarify the geological set up and stratigraphy of the area. Wherever possible, geological mapping is based on stratigraphic units proposed by Stocklin and Bhattarai (1977) in central Nepal and the present mapping is the west ward continuation from Mugling-Banspani area (Paudyal and Paudel, 2011). The study area comprises low grade metasedimentary rocks of Nawakot Complex. The rock succession of the area are divided into six formations as the Kunchha Formation, the Fagfog Quartzite, the Dandagaon Phyllite, the Nourpul Formation with four members, the Dhading Dolomite and the Benighat Slates in stratigraphic upwards. The former four formations belong to Upper Nawakot Group and the remaining one belongs to the Lower Nawakot Group of Nawakot Complex (Stöcklin and Bhattarai, 1977). Based on lithology, the Nourpul Formation is divided into the Purebensi Quartzite, the Amdanda Phyllite, the Labdi Khola Member and the Bandipur Slate from bottom to top respectively. The Purebensi Quartzite is lithologically distinct in the field; the Labdi Khola Member is significant with copper and iron mineralization in the area, and the Bandipur Slate is also significant with roofing quality slate, however, the Amdanda Phyllite is mapped as an intervening member between significant lithologies. The rocks of the present study area consist of several sedimentary structures like mud cracks, ripple marks, graded bedding and cross and parallel laminations. A broad Ghumaune- Gondran Synclinorium is mapped in the area. In addition to this, several anticlines and synclines are also mapped in the study area. Jalbhanjyang Thrust has brought the older metasedimentary rocks of the Nawakot Complex over the younger rocks of the same Complex. Some corrections are recommended over the distribution of previously shown lithological units by Stocklin and Bhattarai (1977) around the Ghumaune-Bhut Khola section. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v15i0.7417 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 15, 2012, pp. 49-62
Scientometric Analysis of Medical Research in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas SK , Akhtaruzzaman M
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i1.13422 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(1): 3-4
Thyroid Status in Patients with Low Serum Ferritin Level
Authors: Akhter S , Nahar ZU , Parvin S , Alam A , Sharmin S , Arslan MI
Published: January 2013

Iron deficiency is the most important but preventable nutritional problem in Bangladesh. Thyroid peroxidase, an iron containing enzyme, is essential for initial two steps of thyroid hormone synthesis which is a component of tissue iron. Tissue iron diminishes early in the course of iron deficiency. So thyroid hormone level may be altered in iron deficient patients. This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from July 2006 to June 2007. This study was done to find out the changes of thyroid hormonal activity in iron deficiency.In this study 72 subjects were selected from the out-patient department of the hospital. Patients with low serum ferritin level <12 mgm/L were selected as cases (n=36) and healthy persons with normal serum ferritin level were taken as controls. Serum ferritin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were measured in all study subjects. Values were expressed as mean ± SD. Unpaired 't' test and Pearson's correlation test were performed to see the level of significance and p value <0.05 was taken as significant. Serum ferritin level in cases and controls were 6.78±4.05 mgm/L and 79.04±28.08 mgm/L respectively which showed significant difference (P<0.0001).Serum TSH concentration in cases and controls were 3.32±1.54 mIU/L and 1.89±0.86 mIU/L respectively. Serum FT4 concentration in cases and controls were 11.66±1.77 pmol/L and 13/10±1.36 pmol/L respectively and that of FT3 were 3.00±0.68 and 3.31±0.61 pmol/L respectively. All showed significant difference between groups.Serum ferritin and Serum TSH showed significant negative correlation in controls whereas in cases they showed negative correlation which was not statistically significant.Both serum FT4 and FT3 revealed positive correlation with serum ferritin but that too was not significant statistically.Though the study failed to show any significant positive correlation between serum ferritin and thyroid hormones, lower level of thyroid status in iron deficient patients suggest that it could be a reflection of disturbed activities of iron dependent enzymes such as thyroid peroxidase that impairs thyroid hormone synthesis. However, a large scale study is recommeded to establish the fact.This study showed that there was significant difference in thyroid hormonal status between iron deficient patients and normal healthy persons. Therefore it can be concluded that iron deficiency may impair normal thyroid hormone status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i1.13424 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(1): 5-11
Microalbuminuria as a Predictor of Short-Term Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chowdhury J , Sultana N , Ahmed S , Rahman MM , Akter M , Rafique T
Published: January 2013

Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Microalbuminuria is one of the predictors of mortality. Available published data has suggested that microalbuminuria is a potential new risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College during the period from July 2009 to June 2010. In this study, we enrolled 120 patients of ischemic stroke. 60 of them were with microalbuminuria (MA) and 60 were without MA. Among the MA +ve group, 38 (63.3%) were males and 22 (36.7%) were females. On the other hand those belonging to MA -ve groups 52 (36.7%) were males and 8 (13.3%) were females. Age range of the subjects in MA +ve group was 45-70 years and in MA-ve group was 50-70 years. In patients with microalbuminuria mortality was 26.7% and in patients without MA mortality was 11.7% (p<0.05). The study showed significantly higher mortality in patients with microalbuminuria than that of the patients without microalbuminuria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i1.13426 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(1): 16-19
Small dense LDL and its Association with Hypertension: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Sharmin S , Hoque MM , Ahmed A , Ara I , Afrin F , Islam S , Akhter S
Published: January 2013

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases affecting humans throughout the world. The commonest variety of hypertension is benign essential hypertension. Cardiovascular risk is more in hypertensive patients as their lipid profile is more atherogenic than normotensive subjects. Traditionally, estimation of total serum cholesterol and LDL-C are used as an indicator of atherogenicity. But subjects may develop hypertension and CHD with normal levels of LDL cholesterol. So assessment of LDL cholesterol concentration may not entirely reflect its atherogenic potential. Because LDL-C is not a single entity rather it consists of seven distinct subclasses of different particle size. The size of the LDL particle is inversely correlated to their atherogenicity. Smaller LDL particles are more atherogenic despite their less cholesterol content than the larger more buoyant LDL particles containing more cholesterol. Therefore individuals having smaller LDL particles are more atherogenic and more at risk to develop hypertension inspite of even normal LDL cholesterol concentration. So measurement of small dense LDL particle is more important than any other lipid measure. With this aim 122 subjects were included in this study, among them 82 were diagnosed cases of essential hypertension with the mean age of 42.56±9.98 years and 40 were healthy controls. Serum apo-B was measured in all study subjects. The amount of apoB is almost similar in every LDL subtypes but the amount of cholesterol increases with the increasing particle size. So the ratio of cholesterol to apo-B decreases as the particle size decreases, thus LDL cholesterol / apo-B £ 1 indicates the presence of atherogenic small dense LDL. So the prevalence of small dense LDL was evaluated by calculating the ratio of LDL-C/apo B. The ratio was significantly lower in hypertensive cases (0.093±0.18) compared to controls, indicating presence of sd LDL in hypertensive patients. When the risk ratio was calculated, the patients having small dense LDL in their plasma were found to have 2.87 times more risk for developing CVD then the persons who doesn't have small dense LDL in their plasma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i1.13427 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(1): 20-23
Shiitake Mushroom: A Tool of Medicine
Authors: Rahman Taufiqur , Choudhury MBK
Published: January 2013

Medicinal mushrooms have an established history of use in traditional oriental therapies. Contemporary research has validated and documented much of the ancient knowledge. Over the last three decades, the interdisciplinary fields of science that study medicinal mushrooms has sprung up and has increasingly demonstrated the potent and unique properties of compounds extracted from a range of species. Currently, the field is being developed into a very fruitful area. Modern clinical practice in Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries rely on mushroom-derived preparations.Mushrooms have been studied for nutritional and medical purposes for its various potential anti-tumoral and immunomodulatory componests like polysaccharides that have been identified. For medical purposes, mushrooms have been consumed to prevent cancer and cardiac diseases, to improve blood circulation and to reduce blood cholesterol level. Some of these mushrooms have also been used for the treatment of physical and emotional stress, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers and chronic hepatitis, for the improvement of the quality of life of patients with diabetes and especially for the stimulation of immunity.Shiitake has a history of medicinal uses. The mushroom is used as anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral as well as antithrombotic in cardiovascular disorders. This article has been written to throw some light on Shiitake mushroom which has many nutritional values. Many Shiitake preparations came in market containing the active ingredients which can replace many other marketed synthetic medicines and may prove to have promising results with fewer side effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i1.13428 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(1): 24-32
Molecular Targeted Agents for Gastric Cancer: A Step Forward Towards Personalized Therapy
Authors: Cidon Esther , Ellis Sara , Inam Yasir , Adeleke Sola , Zarif Sara , Geldart Tom
Published: January 2013

Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major cancer burden worldwide, and remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Due to its insidious nature, presentation is usually late and often carries a poor prognosis. Despite having improved treatment modalities over the last decade, for most patients only modest improvements have been seen in overall survival. Recent progress in understanding the molecular biology of GC and its signaling pathways, offers the hope of clinically significant promising advances for selected groups of patients. Patients with Her-2 overexpression or amplification have experienced benefit from the integration of monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab to the standard chemotherapy. Additionally, drugs targeting angiogenesis (bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib) are under investigation and other targeted agents such as mTOR inhibitors, anti c-MET, polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors are in preclinical or early clinical development. Patient selection and the development of reliable biomarkers to accurately select patients most likely to benefit from these tailored therapies is now key. Future trials should focus on these advances to optimize the treatment for GC patients. This article will review recent progress and current status of targeted agents in GC.
Asymptotic Behavior of the Maximum Entropy Routing in Computer Networks
Authors: Tuba Milan
Published: January 2013

Maximum entropy method has been successfully used for underdetermined systems. Network design problem, with routing and topology subproblems, is an underdetermined system and a good candidate for maximum entropy method application. Wireless ad-hoc networks with rapidly changing topology and link quality, where the speed of recalculation is of crucial importance, have been recently successfully investigated by maximum entropy method application. In this paper we prove a theorem that establishes asymptotic properties of the maximum entropy routing solution. This result, besides being theoretically interesting, can be used to direct initial approximation for iterative optimization algorithms and to speed up their convergence.
The Effect of Social Trust on Citizens’ Health Risk Perception in the Context of a Petrochemical Industrial Complex
Authors: López-Navarro Miguel , Llorens-Monzonís Jaume , Tortosa-Edo Vicente
Published: January 2013

Perceived risk of environmental threats often translates into psychological stress with a wide range of effects on health and well-being. Petrochemical industrial complexes constitute one of the sites that can cause considerable pollution and health problems. The uncertainty around emissions results in a perception of risk for citizens residing in neighboring areas, which translates into anxiety and physiological stress. In this context, social trust is a key factor in managing the perceived risk. In the case of industrial risks, it is essential to distinguish between trust in the companies that make up the industry, and trust in public institutions. In the context of a petrochemical industrial complex located in the port of Castellón (Spain), this paper primarily discusses how trust — both in the companies located in the petrochemical complex and in the public institutions — affects citizens’ health risk perception. The research findings confirm that while the trust in companies negatively affects citizens’ health risk perception, trust in public institutions does not exert a direct and significant effect. Analysis also revealed that trust in public institutions and health risk perception are essentially linked indirectly (through trust in companies).
Catalysis of Transesterification Reactions by a Self-Assembled Nanosystem
Authors: Zaramella Davide , Scrimin Paolo , Prins Leonard
Published: January 2013

Histidine-containing peptides self-assemble on the surface of monolayer protected gold nanoparticles to form a catalytic system for transesterification reactions. Self-assembly is a prerequisite for catalysis, since the isolated peptides do not display catalytic activity by themselves. A series of catalytic peptides and substrates are studied in order to understand the structural parameters that are of relevance to the catalytic efficiency of the system. It is shown that the distance between the His-residue and the anionic tail does not affect the catalytic activity. On the other hand, the catalytic His-residue is sensitive to the chemical nature of the flanking amino acid residues. In particular, the presence of polar Ser-residues causes a significant increase in activity. Finally, kinetic studies of a series of substrates reveal that substrates with a hydrophobic component are very suitable for this catalytic system.
Development of Collagen/Demineralized Bone Powder Scaffolds and Periosteum-Derived Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Thitiset Thakoon , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Bunaprasert Tanom , Leeanansaksiri Wilairat , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate physical and biological properties of collagen (COL) and demineralized bone powder (DBP) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. DBP was prepared and divided into three groups, based on various particle sizes: 75–125 µm, 125–250 µm, and 250–500 µm. DBP was homogeneously mixed with type I collagen and three-dimensional scaffolds were constructed, applying chemical crosslinking and lyophilization. Upon culture with human periosteum-derived cells (PD cells), osteogenic differentiation of PD cells was investigated using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium assay kits. The physical properties of the COL/DBP scaffolds were obviously different from COL scaffolds, irrespective of the size of DBP. In addition, PD cells cultured with COL scaffolds showed significantly higher cell adhesion and proliferation than those with COL/DBP scaffolds. In contrast, COL/DBP scaffolds exhibited greater osteoinductive potential than COL scaffolds. The PD cells with COL/DBP scaffolds possessed higher ALP activity than those with COL scaffolds. PD cells cultured with COL/DBP scaffolds with 250–500 mm particle size yielded the maximum calcium deposition. In conclusion, PD cells cultured on the scaffolds could exhibit osteoinductive potential. The composite scaffold of COL/DBP with 250–500 mm particle size could be considered a potential bone tissue engineering implant.
Simulating Future Forest Cover Changes in Pakxeng District, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR): Implications for Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Kamusoko Courage , Wada Yukio , Furuya Toru , Tomimura Shunsuke , Nasu Mitsuru , Homsysavath Khamma
Published: January 2013

Future forest cover changes were simulated under the business-as-usual (BAU), pessimistic and optimistic scenarios using the Markov-cellular automata (MCA) model in Pakxeng district, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The Markov chain analysis was used to compute transition probabilities from satellite-derived forest cover maps (1993, 1996, 2000 and 2004), while the “weights of evidence” procedure was used to generate transition potential (suitability) maps. Dynamic adjustments of transition probabilities and transition potential maps were implemented in a cellular automata (CA) model in order to simulate forest cover changes. The validation results revealed that unstocked forest and current forest classes were relatively well simulated, while the non-forest class was slightly underpredicted. The MCA simulations under the BAU and pessimistic scenarios indicated that current forest areas would decrease, whereas unstocked forest areas would increase in the future. In contrast, the MCA model projected that current forest areas would increase under the optimistic scenario if forestry laws are strictly enforced in the study area. The simulation scenarios observed in this study can be possibly used to understand implications of future forest cover changes on sustainable forest management in Pakxeng district.
A Review of Ionic Liquid Lubricants
Authors: Somers Anthony , Howlett Patrick , MacFarlane Douglas , Forsyth Maria
Published: January 2013

Due to ever increasing demands on lubricants, such as increased service intervals, reduced volumes and reduced emissions, there is a need to develop new lubricants and improved wear additives. Ionic liquids (ILs) are room temperature molten salts that have recently been shown to offer many advantages in this area. The application of ILs as lubricants in a diverse range of systems has found that these materials can show remarkable protection against wear and significantly reduce friction in the neat state. Recently, some researchers have shown that a small family of ILs can also be incorporated into non-polar base oils, replacing traditional anti-wear additives, with excellent performance of the neat IL being maintained. ILs consist of large asymmetrical ions that may readily adsorb onto a metal surface and produce a thin, protective film under boundary lubrication conditions. Under extreme pressure conditions, certain IL compounds can also react to form a protective tribofilm, in particular when fluorine, phosphorus or boron atoms are present in the constituent ions.
“Property Phase Diagrams” for Compound Semiconductors through Data Mining
Authors: Srinivasan Srikant , Rajan Krishna
Published: January 2013

This paper highlights the capability of materials informatics to recreate “property phase diagrams” from an elemental level using electronic and crystal structure properties. A judicious selection of existing data mining techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis, Partial Least Squares Regression, and Correlated Function Expansion, are linked synergistically to predict bandgap and lattice parameters for different stoichiometries of GaxIn1−xAsySb1−y, starting from fundamental elemental descriptors. In particular, five such elemental descriptors, extracted from within a database of highly correlated descriptors, are shown to collectively capture the widely studied “bowing” of energy bandgaps seen in compound semiconductors. This is the first such demonstration, to our knowledge, of establishing relationship between discrete elemental descriptors and bandgap bowing, whose underpinning lies in the fundamentals of solid solution thermodyanamics.
A New Triterpenoid from Teucrium viscidum
Authors: Hao Xincai , Zhang Jinwen , Xia Guangxin , Xue Yongbo , Luo Zengwei , Si Yanyan , Yao Guangmin , Zhang Yonghui
Published: January 2013

A new ursane-type triterpenoid, 3β-hydroxy-urs-30-p-Z-hydroxycinnamoyloxy-12-en-28-oic-acid (1), together with three known triterpenoids, 3β-hydroxy-urs-30-p-E-hydroxycinnamoyloxy-12-en-28-oic-acid (2), 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic-acid (3), and ursolic acid (4), four known lignans, pinoresinol (5), 9α-hydroxypinoresinol (6), (+)-medioresinol (7), and (+)-kobusin (8), and two steroids, β-sitosterol (9), and daucosterol (10), were isolated from the whole parts of Teucrium viscidum. Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, besides comparison with literature data. Compounds 1–4 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1).
Chemistry and Applications of Polysaccharide Solutions in Strong Electrolytes/Dipolar Aprotic Solvents: An Overview
Authors: El Seoud Omar , Nawaz Haq , Arêas Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

Biopolymers and their derivatives are being actively investigated as substitutes for petroleum-based polymers. This has generated an intense interest in investigating new solvents, in particular for cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and starch. This overview focuses on recent advances in the dissolution and derivatization of these polysaccharides in solutions of strong electrolytes in dipolar aprotic solvents. A brief description of the molecular structures of these biopolymers is given, with emphases on the properties that are relevant to derivatization, namely crystallinity and accessibility. The mechanism of cellulose dissolution is then discussed, followed by a description of the strategies employed for the synthesis of cellulose derivatives (carboxylic acid esters, and ethers) under homogeneous reaction conditions. The same sequence of presentation has been followed for chitin/chitosan and starch. Future perspectives for this subject are summarized, in particular with regard to compliance with the principles of green chemistry.
Robot Evolutionary Localization Based on Attentive Visual Short-Term Memory
Authors: Vega Julio , Perdices Eduardo , Cañas José
Published: January 2013

Cameras are one of the most relevant sensors in autonomous robots. However, two of their challenges are to extract useful information from captured images, and to manage the small field of view of regular cameras. This paper proposes implementing a dynamic visual memory to store the information gathered from a moving camera on board a robot, followed by an attention system to choose where to look with this mobile camera, and a visual localization algorithm that incorporates this visual memory. The visual memory is a collection of relevant task-oriented objects and 3D segments, and its scope is wider than the current camera field of view. The attention module takes into account the need to reobserve objects in the visual memory and the need to explore new areas. The visual memory is useful also in localization tasks, as it provides more information about robot surroundings than the current instantaneous image. This visual system is intended as underlying technology for service robot applications in real people’s homes. Several experiments have been carried out, both with simulated and real Pioneer and Nao robots, to validate the system and each of its components in office scenarios.
Low Frequency Electrical and Magnetic Methods for Non-Destructive Analysis of Fiber Dispersion in Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites: An Overview
Authors: Faifer Marco , Ferrara Liberato , Ottoboni Roberto , Toscani Sergio
Published: January 2013

Non-destructive analysis of fiber dispersion in structural elements made of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) and Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (FRCCs) plays a significant role in the framework of quality control and performance prediction. In this paper, the research activity of the authors in the aforementioned field all over the last lustrum will be reviewed. A method based on the measurement of the inductance of a probe to be placed on the specimen will be presented and its progressive development will be described. Obtained correlation with actual fiber dispersion, as checked by means of destructive methods, as well as with the mechanical performance of the composite will also be presented, in an attempt to address the significance of the method from an engineering application perspective.
Design of the Dual Stone Locating System on an Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotriptor
Authors: Pu Yong-Ren , Manousakas Ioannis , Liang Shen-Min , Chang Chien-Chen
Published: January 2013

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotriptors are very popular for the treatment of urinary stones all over the world. They depend basically upon either X-ray fluoroscopy or ultrasound scans to detect the stones before therapy begins. To increase the effectiveness of treatment this study took advantage of both X-ray and ultrasound to develop a dual stone locating system with image processing modules. Its functions include the initial stone locating mode with stone detection by fluorescent images and the follow-up automatic stone tracking mode made by constant ultrasound scanning. The authors have integrated both apparatus and present the operating principles for both modes. The system used two in vitro experiments to justify its abilities of stone location in all procedures.
Nucleic Acids for Ultra-Sensitive Protein Detection
Authors: Janssen Kris , Knez Karel , Spasic Dragana , Lammertyn Jeroen
Published: January 2013

Major advancements in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics cannot be brought about strictly through the use of genomics based methods. Improved methods for protein detection and proteomic screening are an absolute necessity to complement to wealth of information offered by novel, high-throughput sequencing technologies. Only then will it be possible to advance insights into clinical processes and to characterize the importance of specific protein biomarkers for disease detection or the realization of “personalized medicine”. Currently however, large-scale proteomic information is still not as easily obtained as its genomic counterpart, mainly because traditional antibody-based technologies struggle to meet the stringent sensitivity and throughput requirements that are required whereas mass-spectrometry based methods might be burdened by significant costs involved. However, recent years have seen the development of new biodetection strategies linking nucleic acids with existing antibody technology or replacing antibodies with oligonucleotide recognition elements altogether. These advancements have unlocked many new strategies to lower detection limits and dramatically increase throughput of protein detection assays. In this review, an overview of these new strategies will be given.
Innate and Adaptive Immune Response to Pneumonia Virus of Mice in a Resistant and a Susceptible Mouse Strain
Authors: Watkiss Ellen , Shrivastava Pratima , Arsic Natasa , Gomis Susantha , Van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk Sylvia
Published: January 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant bronchiolitis. The closely related pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) causes a similar immune-mediated disease in mice, which allows an analysis of host factors that lead to severe illness. This project was designed to compare the immune responses to lethal and sublethal doses of PVM strain 15 in Balb/c and C57Bl/6 mice. Balb/c mice responded to PVM infection with an earlier and stronger innate response that failed to control viral replication. Production of inflammatory cyto- and chemokines, as well as infiltration of neutrophils and IFN-γ secreting natural killer cells into the lungs, was more predominant in Balb/c mice. In contrast, C57Bl/6 mice were capable of suppressing both viral replication and innate inflammatory responses. After a sublethal infection, PVM-induced IFN-γ production by splenocytes was stronger early during infection and weaker at late time points in C57Bl/6 mice when compared to Balb/c mice. Furthermore, although the IgG levels were similar and the mucosal IgA titres lower, the virus neutralizing antibody titres were higher in C57Bl/6 mice than in Balb/c mice. Overall, the difference in susceptibility of these two strains appeared to be related not to an inherent T helper bias, but to the capacity of the C57Bl/6 mice to control both viral replication and the immune response elicited by PVM.
Pathogenic Mechanisms Involved in the Hematological Alterations of Arenavirus-induced Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Schattner Mirta , Rivadeneyra Leonardo , Pozner Roberto , Gómez Ricardo
Published: January 2013

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) caused by arenaviruses are acute diseases characterized by fever, headache, general malaise, impaired cellular immunity, eventual neurologic involvement, and hemostatic alterations that may ultimately lead to shock and death. The causes of the bleeding are still poorly understood. However, it is generally accepted that these causes are associated to some degree with impaired hemostasis, endothelial cell dysfunction and low platelet counts or function. In this article, we present the current knowledge about the hematological alterations present in VHF induced by arenaviruses, including new aspects on the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.
À propos du concept de neuro-psychanalyse
Authors: Golse Bernard
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’auteur réfléchit à propos des fonctionnements adolescents sur le concept de neuropsychanalyse. Il en reprend rapidement la trajectoire historique et revient sur trois paradigmes du cinquantième Congrès des Psychanalystes de Langue Française des Pays Romans (1990) : la théorie des catastrophes et du chaos, le concept d’auto-organisation.
Conduites adolescentes et développement cérébral : psychanalyse et neurosciences
Authors: Dayan Jacques , Guillery-Girard Bérangère
Published: January 2013

Résumé Constatations empiriques, enquêtes épidémiologiques, clinique psychopathologique et neurosciences confirment la spécificité de certains comportements à l’adolescence : impulsivité, recherche de sensations et comportements à risque. Ces comportements plus fréquents entre quinze et vingt-cinq ans sont contemporains d’une réorganisation cérébrale majeure qui affecte électivement le cortex préfrontal. La découverte des caractéristiques anatomiques et fonctionnelles du remaniement cérébral permet la mise en perspective des neurosciences et de la psychanalyse. Deux conceptions de l’adolescence s’expriment tout à la fois dans ces deux champs. L’une de ces conceptions dresse le tableau d’un adolescent aisément débordé par le pulsionnel (en psychanalyse) ou par l’émotion (en neurosciences) : dans le premier cas, il est postulé un défaut de mentalisation, dans le second, un défaut de contrôle du cortex préfrontal encore immature sur le cerveau limbique (émotionnel). L’autre conception, que nous soutenons, consiste en ce que le déséquilibre relatif entre émotion et cognition au cours de cette période, permet par le biais de l’expérimentation sociale, y compris « impulsive », une adaptation fine de la structure, de la connectivité et de la fonctionnalité des régions préfrontales. Dans une perspective évolutionniste, les modifications tardives de ces régions cérébrales, les dernières à se développer tant sur le plan de la phylogenèse que de l’ontogenèse, permettent non seulement la transition vers l’âge adulte, mais aussi une adaptation aux changements de valeurs opérés d’une génération à l’autre. La présentation d’approches croisées entre neurosciences et psychanalyse conduit à des remarques d’ordre épistémologique.
L'agir comme processus ?
Authors: Ouss Lisa
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’auteur insiste sur quatre points évoqués par J. Dayan, B. Guillery-Girard. Le premier concerne le renversement des conceptions de l’adolescence vers un modèle téléologique. Le second propose une nouvelle lecture des signes cliniques : une conception de l’agir non comme un symptôme, mais comme un processus structurant. Le troisième concerne la manière dont on peut penser l’articulation entre neurosciences et psychanalyse. Le dernier aborde l’édification d’un nouveau cadre pour la psychopathologie. D’une place du « tout neuroscientifique » dans la psychologie du sens commun à l’ouverture théorique féconde, ces interactions ne laissent pas de nous questionner.
L'autonomie comme valeur
Authors: Dayan Jacques
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’idée que le concept de responsabilité de Soi s’impose depuis plusieurs décennies comme représentation dominante de la relation de l’individu au socius est discutée. Une des principales hypothèses avancées par l’auteur est que la – relative – irresponsabilité de Soi était associée à l’étendue de la délégation de sa propre protection à l’État. Ces modifications feraient écho aux transformations socio-économiques et traverseraient, nous l’évoquons, le champ des sciences humaines. Elles se manifestent, concernant la psychanalyse, par une évolution de la plainte et un accent porté sur les troubles « narcissiques ». Il reste incertain que ces transformations affectent de façon consistante le comportement adolescent au-delà du rôle que celui-ci semble avoir régulièrement joué : celui d’un intégrateur social, d’un passeur entre les générations.
Pour une géographie culturelle de la ville : « A passage to India »
Authors: Louiset Odette
Published: January 2013

Cette « excursion indienne » tente une géographie culturelle de la ville, en évitant les deux écueils du culturalisme et de l’ethnocentrisme européen. Comprendre le sens de la ville en Inde, c’est saisir la spatialité indienne en constante construction et dans ses multiples déclinaisons. C’est « défaire notre « réel » sous l’effet d’autres découpages, d’autres syntaxes » (Barthes, 1970). Le « voyage » en Inde ouvre alors des perspectives constructives plus larges : penser la ville et son sens, la ville comme concept à travers un « autre » modèle.
Rémunération à la performance
Authors: Bacache-Beauvallet Maya
Published: January 2013

Résumé La mise en place des primes à la performance a de nombreux effets pervers déjà répertoriés dans le secteur privé. Cet article se concentre sur trois principaux effets des rémunérations variables dans les services publics : un effet dit multitâches, de dégradation des tâches qualitatives ou faiblement mesurables, un effet multi-usagers qui se traduit par une augmentation des inégalités d’accès et de traitement des usagers, et un effet d’éviction de la motivation des fonctionnaires.
Pertinence de l’inscription à l’actif des frais de R&D : une étude empirique
Authors: Cazavan-Jeny Anne , Jeanjean Thomas
Published: January 2013

Résumé La comptabilisation des projets de R&D « rentables » reste un vif sujet de débat entre normalisateurs. Cet article étudie la pertinence de la comptabilisation des frais de R&D. Sur un échantillon de 93 sociétés françaises au cours de la période 1998-2000, les résultats montrent que l’inscription à l’actif de la R&D est associée négativement aux cours boursiers et aux rendements. L’activation des frais de R&D agirait donc comme un signal négatif auprès des investisseurs. Ce résultat est en opposition avec ceux obtenus sur des données nord-américaines.
La culture organisationnelle des cabinets d'expertise comptable perçue par les experts-comptables stagiaires : échelle de mesure et analyse empirique
Authors: Prat dit Hauret Christian , Durrieu François
Published: January 2013

Résumé La recherche menée a pour objet l’analyse de la culture organisationnelle des cabinets comptables français, perçue par les experts-comptables stagiaires. Pour la mesurer, l’échelle de O’Reilly, Chatman et Caldwell (1991) a été utilisée et validée. Une analyse factorielle met en exergue trois facteurs principaux : l’orientation normes, le respect des gens, et l’orientation vers les résultats. Quant à la méthode des nuées dynamiques, elle a permis de faire émerger trois groupes de cabinets : les « normatifs », les « entreprenants » et les « passifs ».
Les adolescents en grandes difficultés psychosociales : errance subjective et délogement généalogique
Authors: Pinel Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2013

Les adolescents en grandes difficultés génèrent une rupture itérative des liens et mettent à mal les espaces institutionnels qui leur sont offerts pour accueillir leur détresse. Dans cet article, l’auteur propose un système d’intelligibilité à cette compulsion à rompre. Il formule quelques hypothèses permettant d’ouvrir sur les conditions paradoxales de relance d’une rencontre intersubjective avec ces sujets souvent désespérants pour les professionnels et les équipes soignantes ou socio-éducatives.
Naissance d'un enfant et place du zéro
Authors: This Bernard
Published: January 2013

Résumé Aristote ignorait le zéro, il refusait le vide et l’infini. Quand Alexandre le Grand passa de Babylone en Inde, il permit aux mathématiciens indiens de connaître la numération babylonienne, ce qui sera appelé les chiffres arabes. Pourquoi avons-nous attendu si longtemps pour reconnaître l’importance de la vie affective prénatale ? Pourquoi refusons-nous encore de considérer l’importance des traumatismes pré et postnatals ?
Penser en images : qu'est-ce que les autistes nous apprennent sur le transfert ?
Authors: Peuch-Lestrade Jean
Published: January 2013

Résumé Lorsqu’on conçoit l’essence du transfert comme un partage d’images, tout le problème sera du côté de la possibilité de celui-ci. Le statut de l’icône dans notre monde occidental pourrait en être une des figures. Les autistes, qui pensent en images, sont pourtant dans une non-partageabilité à ce niveau. On peut dès lors affirmer qu’ils sont hors transfert, et ceci justifie toutes les prises en charge behaviouristes. Continuer à penser le travail avec eux en termes de transfert amène à critiquer le primat de la régression dans la théorie analytique, et à dissocier deux pôles d’attractivité, transfert et origine, qui restent confondus dans la névrose. Ceci conduit aussi à privilégier une transversalité du contre-transfert dans un travail à plusieurs en institution, par rapport à un transfert sur la personne de l’analyste en situation duelle.
Josée Manenti, la force de l'amitié Le moindre geste, ou filmer l'enfant psychotique
Authors: Daniel Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2013

Résumé C’est l’histoire d’une affection toujours vivante qui s’est construite dans les plis d’une aventure parfois douloureuse. C’est l’histoire d’un monteur de film dans sa rencontre avec Jo Manenti, une femme, belle, à la volonté farouche, engagée très tôt sur des chemins improbables à côté d’un poète, Fernand Deligny, qui l’a découverte avant de la connaître, en manipulant sans fin ses images. Création partagée, histoire en cinéma.
Hospitalisation à plein temps des adolescents en service de psychiatrie
Authors: Chabert Philippe
Published: January 2013

Résumé Nous proposons une réflexion sur l’hospitalisation à plein temps des adolescents en service de psychiatrie. À partir de notre unité de soins et de ses spécificités, nous tentons d’esquisser un panorama des missions et des modalités de fonctionnement de cet outil, ainsi que l’étrange chemin qu’emprunte souvent la demande d’une hospitalisation. Nous proposons enfin quelques axes de réflexion sur le travail crucial de l’équipe soignante.
L'Union européenne : de la munificence à la géostratégie
Authors: Youngs Richard
Published: January 2013

Avec les évolutions du « Printemps arabe », l’approche par l’Union européenne de cette région n’a pas manqué d’être soulignée. L’auteur revient sur cet aspect, en démontrant que, n’ayant pas été à la hauteur de ses moyens jusqu’à peu, la diplomatie européenne prend toujours le risque de manquer le tournant des évolutions arabes. Or, entre une présence perçue comme encombrante par les pays arabes et un retrait distant, un juste milieu existe, qui permettrait à l’UE de consacrer sa présence dans la région tout en développant des ressorts favorables à l’évolution de celle-ci.
Réseaux sociaux et médias d'information
Authors: Manrique Manuel
Published: January 2013

On a souvent présenté les médias et les réseaux sociaux comme étant l’une des conditions sine qua non pour la favorisation du « Printemps arabe » et des processus révolutionnaires en général. Or, l’auteur souligne ici que, bien qu’important, le rôle des NTIC ne doit pas pour autant être exagéré. Ceux-ci sont un potentiel catalyseur pour les soulèvements de la région, certes ; mais dans le même temps, ils accompagnent les processus et leurs aboutissements bien plus qu’ils ne les provoquent.
Première approche d'une contextualisation des révoltes populaires arabes
Authors: Corm Georges
Published: January 2013

Ce texte consacré aux révoltes arabes tente de redéfinir le cadre géohistorique et géopolitique de leur apparition avant d’analyser les discours contrastés qu’elles engendrent.
Le pays qui était de couleur égarée, destins de l'Unité italienne (1861-2011)
Authors: Airoldi Serge
Published: January 2013

Débarrassée depuis le 12 novembre de Silvio Berlusconi dont les marchés financiers et la crise en Europe ont eu finalement raison, l’Italie doit s’engager maintenant dans une autre gouvernance après dix-sept ans d’extravagances qui n’ont rien épargné à la chronique et au pays. Le hasard fait que la chute du Cavaliere intervient à la fin de l’année où l’on célébrait le 150è anniversaire de l’Unité italienne. En 1861, Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi et beaucoup d’autres imaginaient en effet une unification du royaume. Un projet gigantesque qui a pris corps, une espérance de virtu qui est devenu un pays réel lequel, toutefois, a connu depuis, toutes les aventures et tous les périls.