bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Géographie politique de la Russie de 2010
Authors: Raviot Jean-Robert
Published: September 2010

Cet article expose le hiatus grandissant entre le gouvernement des territoires et la géographie politique de la Russie de 2010. Jadis dépeinte sous les traits d’un « Empire éclaté », l’URSS a laissé place à la Fédération de Russie, un pays dont la géographie politique présente également toutes les caractéristiques d’un « éclatement » en plusieurs Russie, que cet article décrit par une typologie qui distingue la Russie des métropoles, la Russie des archipels de la rente énergétique, la Russie enracinée des campagnes prospères, la Russie déclassée, la Russie profonde et la Russie des périphéries non russes. Ces Russie sont plus en plus clivées, voire étrangères les unes aux autres, emportées par une lame de fond qui, de toute évidence, ne pourra guère être renversée par le volontarisme politique, aussi fort et modernisateur soit-il, des dirigeants du Centre fédéral.
L'avenir de la zone euro : questions et hypothèses
Authors: Flouzat-Osmont d’Amilly Denise
Published: September 2010

La sortie de crise tourne en Europe en crise de la sortie. Ceci, pour au moins deux raisons : les déséquilibres du système monétaire international et, dans la zone euro, les contradictions entre les différentes politiques nationales. Pour cette zone euro, la sortie de la monnaie unique ne constitue pas une hypothèse crédible, non plus que l’intégration budgétaire accélérée. Reste le scénario de la coordination progressive, pour lequel l’accord franco-allemand jouera un rôle central. politique étrangère
Européenne, l'Allemagne ? Retour sur un long procès
Authors: Stark Hans
Published: September 2010

La question allemande est-elle de retour ? On peut le croire à l’écoute des critiques prononcées contre les choix d’Angela Merkel : politique égoïste, éloignement de Berlin des options européennes... Ces reproches sont récurrents depuis des décennies. Et si l’Allemagne est décomplexée dans l’affirmation de ses intérêts, elle les exprime comme les autres membres de l’Union. C’est dans le défaut d’intégration européenne qu’il faut rechercher la cause des difficultés présentes de l’UE et de l’euro. politique étrangère
Élections britanniques de 2010 : accord d'opportunité ou mutation durable ?
Authors: Considère-Charon Marie-Claire
Published: September 2010

La formation du gouvernement Tory/LibDem après les législatives de 2010 pourrait annoncer une mutation en profondeur du système politique britannique. Des compromis ont été passés sur de nombreuses questions, et chacun semble décidé à faire durer l’accord. L’unité de façade pourrait pourtant se heurter à l’attitude de députés moins dociles que leurs leaders et à l’échéance, en 2011, de la réforme du mode de scrutin voulue par les libéraux-démocrates, que combattront inévitablement les conservateurs. politique étrangère
Comptes et légendes des guerres africaines : polémiques et politiques autour de la mortalité violente
Authors: Pérouse de Montclos Marc-Antoine
Published: September 2010

L’Afrique va-t-elle de mal en pis, avec des chiffres de mortalité violente en constante augmentation ? L’idée, commune à la plupart des commentateurs, mérite d’être nuancée. D’abord parce que le perfectionnement des appareils statistiques ôte une large part de leur sens aux comparaisons historiques. Ensuite, parce que l’idée d’un changement de nature des conflits sur le continent noir, qui aurait entraîné une mortalité aggravée, est très contestable, voire même parfois manipulée. politique étrangère
Le contrôle, source du régime parlementaire, priorité du régime présidentiel
Authors: Lauvaux Philippe
Published: September 2010

Résumé Le régime parlementaire s’est constitué comme tel par le passage d’un contrôle ordinaire de l’exécutif à celui débouchant sur la sanction de sa responsabilité politique, que le régime présidentiel, quant à lui, exclut délibérément. Cette exclusion a priori a induit le développement d’un contrôle ordinaire plus élaboré et plus efficace. Aujourd’hui, un certain dépérissement de la responsabilité politique conduit cependant à une convergence entre les régimes, avec l’apparition de formes plus efficientes de contrôle ordinaire dans les régimes parlementaires.
Le contrôle ordinaire
Authors: Dosière René
Published: September 2010

Résumé Sous la V e République, en raison de la mainmise de l’exécutif sur l’élaboration des lois, la fonction de contrôle aurait dû s’exercer pleinement. L’Assemblée nationale, au fur et à mesure des modifications de son règlement, a de fait donné aux députés les moyens d’exercer leur mission. Toutefois, dans le quotidien, force est de constater que ces moyens sont soit « détournés » de leur but initial, soit minimisés par des députés, trop pris par le cumul des mandats.
Le contrôle extraordinaire du parlement
Authors: Houillon Philippe
Published: September 2010

Résumé Conscient que les institutions sont un impératif démocratique qui vise à créer un lien fort de confiance entre le peuple et ses dirigeants, dès le début de son quinquennat Nicolas Sarkozy a souhaité lancer une importante réforme de nos institutions. C’est ainsi que la loi constitutionnelle du 23 juillet 2008 est venue renforcer le rôle du parlement particulièrement dans sa fonction de contrôle. Jusqu’alors axé sur l’activité gouvernementale proprement dite, le contrôle parlementaire tend à prendre du champ pour s’intéresser à l’efficacité des politiques publiques : au contrôle « classique » s’ajoute aujourd’hui une mission d’évaluation, que l’on pourrait appeler « contrôle extraordinaire ».
Le contrôle parlementaire et ses limites juridiques : un pouvoir presque sans entraves
Authors: Thiers Éric
Published: September 2010

Résumé La fonction de contrôle du parlement connaît peu de limites et de contraintes juridiques, contrairement à la fonction législative. La Constitution l’encadre ainsi très peu. Si l’exécutif, en liaison ou non avec sa majorité, peut opposer certains arguments de droit aux assemblées pour limiter leurs investigations, les parlementaires ont la faculté de passer outre faute de sanction. Cette liberté, caractéristique d’un droit parlementaire plastique par nature, doit s’exercer dans le respect de l’équilibre de la V e République, la majorité ayant à ce titre une responsabilité particulière.
On unilateral divorce and the “selection of marriages” hypothesis
Authors: Langlais Éric
Published: September 2010

Résumé Le divorce unilatéral est modélisé ici en combinant des droit exclusifs sur la dissolution du marriage et différentes règles de compensations en faveur du parent qui a la garde des enfants. On étudie leurs effets de court terme (fréquence et efficacité du divorce) comme de long terme (sélection des marriages). Une baisse des coûts liés à la procédure de divorce a des effets qui ne sont pas triviaux pour la formation des mariages ; en particulier, lorsque l’on prend en compte l’altruisme des parents et les dispositions financières en faveur des enfants de couples divorcés, il apparaît qu’un plus grand nombre de mariages peuvent être conclus alors que le coût du divorce diminue. Classification JEL : D1-K10-K12-K41-J12
Réformes economiques et croissance pro-pauvre : une application macro-micro aux Philippines
Authors: Boccanfuso Dorothée , Missinhoun G. Rodolphe A. , Savard Luc
Published: September 2010

Résumé Dans la perspective d’une stratégie de réduction de la pauvreté et l’atteinte des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement, une littérature sur la croissance pro-pauvre s’est développée depuis une quinzaine d’années. Toutefois, les analyses d’impact sur la pauvreté des réformes sont appliquées en équilibre partiel et abordent peu l’efficacité et l’équité conjointement. De plus, elles s’intéressent rarement aux interactions entre les politiques envisagées. Nous abordons ces questions à travers une application d’un modèle d’équilibre général calculable de type macro/micro aux Philippines dans lequel nous générons de la croissance par l’endogénéisation de l’offre de travail et les externalités des dépenses publiques. Les résultats mitigés obtenus des simulations de réformes illustrent l’importance de la prise en compte des spécificités et du contexte particulier de chaque pays dans la mise en œuvre des réformes. Classification JEL : D58, I30, E62
Politique éducative et marché du travail en Afrique du Sud. Une analyse en EGC
Authors: Maisonnave Hélène , Decaluwé Bernard
Published: September 2010

Résumé Cet article analyse l’impact d’une augmentation des dépenses publiques en éducation sur la performance du système éducatif sud africain et ses conséquences sur le marché du travail en utilisant un Modèle d’Equilibre Général Calculable (MEGC) en dynamique séquentielle. Le système éducatif sud africain porte les stigmates de l’Apartheid et une intervention publique plus accentuée est l’un des moyens envisagés pour corriger les inégalités héritées de l’ancien régime politique. Nos résultats montrent une amélioration des performances des étudiants et des effets positifs à court terme sur l’économie. A long terme, la population sud africaine, et en particulier les African , devient plus qualifiée, mais l’économie ne créant pas suffisamment d’emplois, une partie de ces nouveaux qualifiés se retrouve au chômage. Classification JEL : D58, I28, O11
Au-dela des pièges qui paralysent les équipes, comment construire un espace de confiance ?
Authors: Meynckens-Fourez Muriel
Published: September 2010

Le travail en co-intervention, à deux ou à plusieurs, ne s’improvise pas. La santé d’une équipe ne réside pas dans l’absence de crises mais dans sa capacité de les vivre, d’identifier ses maladies et de voir comment les dépasser. Les tensions font partie de la vie institutionnelle, comme le conflit intérieur est inhérent à la condition humaine. Quel espace de parole pour s’interpeller entre professionnels, pour questionner les impasses dans lesquelles chacun peut se sentir coincé, comment continuer à collaborer au-delà des conflits ? Autant de questions qui nécessitent en toile de fond la confiance, toujours à remettre sur le métier pour créer un espace de négociation et permettre une élaboration commune au service de la clinique. Le concept de « différenciation du soi », élaboré par M. Bowen, sert notamment de fil de conducteur pour tenter de déjouer les pièges et favoriser un contexte dans lequel la parole de chacun se dégage des enjeux relationnels.
Au-delà du traumatisme : situation en suspens, famille en mouvement
Authors: Gégout Nicolas
Published: September 2010

L’état végétatif, fruit des progrès de la réanimation, induit un traumatisme familial dont les répercussions se font sentir sur des années. La famille va devoir composer pendant une durée indéterminée avec cette situation « flottante » : le proche n’est pas mort mais plus tout à fait vivant non plus. Nous allons suivre ici le parcours de Kevin, jeune patient en état végétatif chronique, et de sa famille. Comment va-t-elle faire pour affronter cette épreuve ? Quels processus vont être activés pour retrouver un équilibre après le chaos engendré par cette situation ? Quelle place va occuper ce jeune homme qui est un présent/absent du fait de sa pathologie ? Nous suivrons cette famille au travers des différents processus qu’elle va traverser : de la crise normative, en passant par le chaos engendré par le traumatisme, jusqu’à une apparente position de résilience.
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Induce CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Differentiation from CD4+CD25−/loFoxp3− Effector T Cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Dawicki Wojciech , Zhang Xiaobei , Town Jennifer , Gordon John R.
Published: September 2010

IL-10–differentiated dendritic cells (DC10) induce allergen tolerance in asthmatic mice, during which their lung Th2 effector T cells (Teffs) are displaced by activated CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ T cells. Intestinal DCs promote oral tolerance by inducing Ag-naive T cells to differentiate into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), but whether DCs can induce Teffs to differentiate into Tregs remains uncertain. In this study, we addressed this question in OVA-asthmatic mice that were treated with DC10. OVA-presenting DC10 treatment maximally activated lung Tregs in these animals at 3 wk posttreatment, as determined by upregulation of activation markers (ICOS, programmed cell death-1, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein, LAG3, and CTLA-4) and in functional assays. This in vitro regulatory activity was ≥90% reduced by treatment with anti–IL-10 but not anti–TGF-β Abs. In parallel cultures, OVA- but not house dust mite (HDM)-presenting DC10 induced ≈43% of CFSE-labeled CD25−/loFoxp3− Teffs from asthmatic OVA–TCR transgenic mice to differentiate into tolerogenic CD25hiFoxp3+ Tregs. We recapitulated this in vivo using OVA-asthmatic mice that were coinjected with OVA- or HDM-presenting DC10 (i.p.) and CFSE-labeled CD4+CD25-/loFoxp3− Teffs (i.v.) from the lungs of asthmatic DO11.10 mice. From ≈7 to 21% of the activated (i.e., dividing) DO11.10 Teffs that were recovered from the lungs, lung-draining lymph nodes, or spleens of the OVA–DC10 recipients had differentiated into CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ Tregs, whereas no CFSE-positive Tregs were recovered from the HDM–DC10-treated animals. These data indicate that DC10 treatments induce tolerance at least in part by inducing Teffs to differentiate into CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ Tregs.
Molecular Intercommunication between the Complement and Coagulation Systems
Authors: Amara Umme , Flierl Michael A. , Rittirsch Daniel , Klos Andreas , Chen Hui , Acker Barbara , Brückner Uwe B. , Nilsson Bo , Gebhard Florian , Lambris John D. , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: September 2010

The complement system as well as the coagulation system has fundamental clinical implications in the context of life-threatening tissue injury and inflammation. Associations between both cascades have been proposed, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The current study reports multiple links for various factors of the coagulation and fibrinolysis cascades with the central complement components C3 and C5 in vitro and ex vivo. Thrombin, human coagulation factors (F) XIa, Xa, and IXa, and plasmin were all found to effectively cleave C3 and C5. Mass spectrometric analyses identified the cleavage products as C3a and C5a, displaying identical molecular weights as the native anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. Cleavage products also exhibited robust chemoattraction of human mast cells and neutrophils, respectively. Enzymatic activity for C3 cleavage by the investigated clotting and fibrinolysis factors is defined in the following order: FXa > plasmin > thrombin > FIXa > FXIa > control. Furthermore, FXa-induced cleavage of C3 was significantly suppressed in the presence of the selective FXa inhibitors fondaparinux and enoxaparin in a concentration-dependent manner. Addition of FXa to human serum or plasma activated complement ex vivo, represented by the generation of C3a, C5a, and the terminal complement complex, and decreased complement hemolytic serum activity that defines exact serum concentration that results in complement-mediated lysis of 50% of sensitized sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, in plasma from patients with multiple injuries (n = 12), a very early appearance and correlation of coagulation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes) and the complement activation product C5a was found. The present data suggest that coagulation/fibrinolysis proteases may act as natural C3 and C5 convertases, generating biologically active anaphylatoxins, linking both cascades via multiple direct interactions in terms of a complex serine protease system.
IL-22 Induces an Acute-Phase Response
Authors: Liang Spencer C. , Nickerson-Nutter Cheryl , Pittman Debra D. , Carrier Yijun , Goodwin Debra G. , Shields Kathleen M. , Lambert Andre-Jean , Schelling Scott H. , Medley Quintus G. , Ma Hak-Ling , Collins Mary , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyriaki , Fouser Lynette A.
Published: September 2010

IL-22 is made by a unique set of innate and adaptive immune cells, including the recently identified noncytolytic NK, lymphoid tissue-inducer, Th17, and Th22 cells. The direct effects of IL-22 are restricted to nonhematopoietic cells, its receptor expressed on the surface of only epithelial cells and some fibroblasts in various organs, including parenchymal tissue of the gut, lung, skin, and liver. Despite this cellular restriction on IL-22 activity, we demonstrate that IL-22 induces effects on systemic biochemical, cellular, and physiological parameters. By utilizing adenoviral-mediated delivery of IL-22 and systemic administration of IL-22 protein, we observed that IL-22 modulates factors involved in coagulation, including fibrinogen levels and platelet numbers, and cellular constituents of blood, such as neutrophil and RBC counts. Furthermore, we observed that IL-22 induces thymic atrophy, body weight loss, and renal proximal tubule metabolic activity. These cellular and physiological parameters are indicative of a systemic inflammatory state. We observed that IL-22 induces biochemical changes in the liver including induction of fibrinogen, CXCL1, and serum amyloid A that likely contribute to the reported cellular and physiological effects of IL-22. Based on these findings, we propose that downstream of its expression and impact in local tissue inflammation, circulating IL-22 can further induce changes in systemic physiology that is indicative of an acute-phase response.
Stress-Regulated Targeting of the NKG2D Ligand Mult1 by a Membrane-Associated RING-CH Family E3 Ligase
Authors: Nice Timothy J. , Deng Weiwen , Coscoy Laurent , Raulet David H.
Published: September 2010

NKG2D is a stimulatory receptor expressed by NK cells and some T cell subsets. Expression of the self-encoded ligands for NKG2D is presumably tightly regulated to prevent autoimmune disorders while allowing detection of infected cells and developing tumors. The NKG2D ligand Mult1 is regulated at multiple levels, with a final layer of regulation controlling protein stability. In this article, we report that Mult1 cell-surface expression was prevented by two closely related E3 ubiquitin ligases membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH)4 and MARCH9, members of an E3 family that regulates other immunologically active proteins. Lysines within the cytoplasmic domain of Mult1 were essential for this repression by MARCH4 or MARCH9. Downregulation of Mult1 by MARCH9 was reversed by heat-shock treatment, which resulted in the dissociation of the two proteins and increased the amount of Mult1 at the cell surface. These results identify Mult1 as a target for the MARCH family of E3 ligases and show that induction of Mult1 in response to heat shock is due to regulated association with its E3 ligases.
IL-2 mRNA Stabilization upon PMA Stimulation Is Dependent on NF90-Ser647 Phosphorylation by Protein Kinase CβI
Authors: Zhu Ping , Jiang Wei , Cao Lihuan , Yu Wenbo , Pei Yuan , Yang Xianmei , Wan Bo , Liu Jun O. , Yi Qing , Yu Long
Published: September 2010

IL-2 is an important cytokine produced in T cells in response to Ag or mitogen stimulation. It is regulated at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. One of the key regulators of IL-2 mRNA stability is NF90. Upon T cell activation, NF90 translocates from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, where it binds to the AU-rich element-containing 3′ untranslated regions of IL-2 mRNA and stabilizes it. Our previous work showed that CD28 costimulation of T cells activated AKT to phosphorylate NF90 at Ser647 and caused NF90 to undergo nuclear export and stabilize IL-2 mRNA. Phorbol ester (PMA) is a protein kinase C (PKC) activator. Through transcription activation and mRNA stabilization, IL-2 mRNA levels increase promptly when T cells are stimulated with PMA. However, how PMA stabilizes IL-2 mRNA was still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that PMA stimulation led to phosphorylation of NF90 at Ser647 via PKCβI. This phosphorylation was necessary for nuclear export of NF90 in response to PMA and for IL-2 mRNA stabilization. We show that phosphorylation at NF90-Ser647 upregulated IL-2 production in response to PMA stimulation. Our results support a model in which PMA stimulation activates PKCβI to phosphorylate NF90-Ser647, and this phosphorylation triggers NF90 relocation to the cytoplasm and stabilize IL-2 mRNA. Thus, our study elucidates the mechanism by which PMA activates and stabilizes IL-2 expression in T cells.
Intra- and Intercompartmental Movement of γδ T Cells: Intestinal Intraepithelial and Peripheral γδ T Cells Represent Exclusive Nonoverlapping Populations with Distinct Migration Characteristics
Authors: Chennupati Vijaykumar , Worbs Tim , Liu Xiaosun , Malinarich Frano H. , Schmitz Susanne , Haas Jan D. , Malissen Bernard , Förster Reinhold , Prinz Immo
Published: September 2010

Unlike the ∼1% of γδ TCR-positive T cells being regularly present in blood and secondary lymphoid organs (peripheral γδ T cells), ∼50–60% of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) in the mouse express the γδ TCR (γδ iIELs). In this study, we investigated the overlap and exchange of γδ iIELs and γδ T cells found in peripheral secondary lymphoid organs. Using two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, we found γδ T cells within peripheral lymph nodes to be highly motile, whereas γδ iIELs were characterized by a locally confined scanning behavior. Our results implied a strict separation of peripheral γδ T cells and γδ iIELs. Nevertheless, γδ iIELs could be efficiently regenerated from bone marrow-derived precursors in irradiated or T cell-deficient adult mice. However, outside the intestinal epithelium, survival of γδ iIELs was very poor. In CCR9-deficient mice, homing of γδ iIELs was impaired, but did not lead to an accumulation of γδ iIEL-like cells in the periphery. Conversely, in situations in which specific γδ iIEL niches were empty, adoptive transfer of isolated γδ iIELs led to a sustained engraftment of transferred γδ iIELs in the intestinal epithelium for at least 100 d. Furthermore, we demonstrated by heterotopic intestinal transplantation experiments that an exchange of γδ iIELs only rarely happens in the steady state of adult mice. We therefore conclude that peripheral versus intestinal intraepithelial γδ T cells are exclusive, nonoverlapping populations that virtually do not exchange with each other.
Physiological-Range Temperature Changes Modulate Cognate Antigen Processing and Presentation Mediated by Lipid Raft-Restricted Ubiquitinated B Cell Receptor Molecules
Authors: Katkere Bhuvana , Rosa Sarah , Caballero Adriana , Repasky Elizabeth A. , Drake James R.
Published: September 2010

BCR-mediated Ag processing and presentation is critical to the initiation and control of a humoral immune response. Trafficking of internalized Ag–BCR complexes to intracellular Ag processing compartments is driven by ubiquitination of the cytoplasmic domain of the BCR. Using a biochemical approach, it is here established that ubiquitinated Ag–BCR complexes are formed via a signaling-dependent mechanism and restricted to plasma membrane lipid rafts. Because the structure of lipid rafts is temperature sensitive, the impact of physiological-range temperature changes (PRTCs; 33–39°C) on lipid raft-dependent and -independent BCR functions was investigated. Whereas the kinetics of lipid raft-independent BCR internalization is unaffected by temperature changes within this range, raft-dependent BCR signaling and ubiquitination as well as BCR-mediated Ag processing are significantly affected. The extent and duration of Ag–BCR ubiquitination is increased and prolonged at 37–39°C (normal to febrile temperature) compared with that at 33°C (peripheral body temperature). As might be expected, increased temperature also accelerates the overall kinetics of Ag–BCR degradation. Notably, at 33°C the expression of peptide–MHC class II complexes derived from the BCR-mediated processing of cognate Ag is profoundly slowed, whereas the kinetics of expression of peptide–MHC class II complexes derived from fluid-phase Ag processing remains unchanged. These results establish the effect of PRTCs on multiple lipid raft-dependent BCR functions including the processing and presentation of cognate Ag, suggesting one mechanism by which PRTCs, such as fever, may impact the initiation and/or maturation of a humoral immune response.
The Protein Tyrosine Kinase Tec Regulates a CD44highCD62L− Th17 Subset
Authors: Boucheron Nicole , Sharif Omar , Schebesta Alexandra , Croxford Andrew , Raberger Julia , Schmidt Uwe , Vigl Benjamin , Bauer Jan , Bankoti Rashmi , Lassmann Hans , Epstein Michelle M. , Knapp Sylvia , Waisman Ari , Ellmeier Wilfried
Published: September 2010

The generation of Th17 cells has to be tightly controlled during an immune response. In this study, we report an increase in a CD44highCD62L− Th17 subset in mice deficient for the protein tyrosine kinase Tec. CD44highCD62L− Tec−/− CD4+ T cells produced enhanced IL-17 upon activation, showed increased expression levels of IL-23R and RORγt, and IL-23–mediated expansion of Tec−/− CD4+ T cells led to an increased production of IL-17. Tec−/− mice immunized with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae displayed increased IL-17 expression levels in the lung postinfection with S. pneumoniae, and this correlated with enhanced pneumococcal clearance and reduced lung inflammation compared with Tec+/+ mice. Moreover, naive Tec−/− OT-II CD4+ T cells produced higher levels of IL-17 when cultured with OVA peptide-loaded bone marrow-derived dendritic cells that have been previously activated with heat-killed S. pneumoniae. Taken together, our data indicated a critical role for Tec in T cell-intrinsic signaling pathways that regulate the in vivo generation of CD44highCD62L− effector/memory Th17 populations.
Critical Role of Pcid2 in B Cell Survival through the Regulation of MAD2 Expression
Authors: Nakaya Teruo , Kuwahara Kazuhiko , Ohta Kazutaka , Kitabatake Masahiro , Toda Teppei , Takeda Naoki , Tani Tokio , Kondo Eisaku , Sakaguchi Nobuo
Published: September 2010

The mitotic checkpoint is essential for maintaining genomic stability in differentiating B cells undergoing genetic alterations of the Ig gene. In this study, using real-time RT-PCR and in situ RNA hybridization, we demonstrated that MAD2 mRNA export is selectively regulated by Pcid2/Thp1. Pcid2 small interfering RNA induced a cell-cycle abnormality with increased apoptosis and polyploidy, as previously observed in MAD2-knockdown cells. Pcid2 small interfering RNA reduced MAD2 expression, but not the expression of other cell-cycle checkpoint proteins, such as MAD1 and BUBR1, or the cell-cycle–associated proteins, cyclin A, cyclin B1, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1. In mouse B lineage cells, Pcid2 transcripts appeared in a stage-dependent manner at high levels in bone marrow pre-B and immature B cells, and in spleen transitional 1 and follicular B cells, but at lower levels in pro-B, transitional 2, and marginal zone B cells, suggesting a stage-dependent requirement for MAD2 regulation. Cd19-cre–derived targeting of the Pcid2 gene induced a mature B cell deficiency in mice. These findings indicate that Pcid2 is essential for B cell survival through the regulation of MAD2 expression during B cell differentiation.
tti2002: Introduction and Conference Overview
Authors: Robson E. H.
Published: September 2010

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers and reports from tti2002, an international conference on technology transfer and innovation held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, UK in July 2002. In this introductory paper, the author provides the context of the conference, summarizes the presentations given by invited speakers and offers personal reflections on the event.
Technology Transfer and Innovation Initiatives in Strategic Management
Authors: Major Edward
Published: September 2010

This paper taps the strategic management discipline to inform our understanding of technology transfer and innovation (TTI) initiatives. With special focus on the UK Foresight programme it considers the impacts that the resource-based and core competence approaches to strategy can have on understanding the nature and effectiveness of TTI initiatives. It is argued that the alternative perspective generated from viewing Foresight and other TTI initiatives through the lens of strategic management can have benefits for the initiatives themselves, for industry practitioners and for our understanding of strategic management.
Teaching Enterprise — Can it Be Done in Large Groups?
Authors: Donnelly Raymond D.
Published: September 2010

This paper reports on work carried out in the School of Management at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Following a wide-ranging review of the first-year management programme, a module on enterprise was introduced. As part of that module students had to compete in a game, the object of which was to come up with a business idea, conduct market research and present a business plan and proposal to a panel of judges. The number of students was 225 in year one but reached around 500 within five years. The module has generated many good ideas and has attracted sponsorship from commercial sources. As yet the university has been unable to take the ideas further. It is possible that enterprise can be learned by people in large numbers, but perhaps universities are not the places in which to attempt such work.
Managing Knowledge through Hoshin Kanri
Authors: Tennant Charles , Roberts Paul
Published: September 2010

A fundamental challenge within business organizations (whether manufacturing or service, large or small) is posed by the difficulties associated with managing knowledge to integrate the long-term vision and strategic goals with daily working processes and with people. The traditional Western approach of ‘Management by Objectives' (MbO) is problematic because of its tendency to focus on business tangibles (such as profits and cost) in a top-down hierarchical manner with no real consensus from the employees who are required to deliver them. Hoshin Kanri (interpreted as ‘Policy Deployment'in the West) has been described as one of the core aspects of Japan's management system – for integrating quality within an organization's business strategy through managing employees'knowledge – yet applications in Western businesses have been few. This paper describes a practical method for managing knowledge through Hoshin Kanri, and discusses the associated business benefits and opportunities.
Texture, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine Grained Aluminum Produced by Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Scharnweber Juliane , Skrotzki Werner , Oertel Carl‐Georg , Brokmeier Heinz‐Günter , Höppel Heinz Werner , Topic Irena , Jaschinski Jörn
Published: September 2010

Texture, microstructure, and tensile behavior of technically pure aluminum AA1050 and of the age‐hardening alloy AA6016 produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) were studied for different numbers of ARB cycles. After eight cycles an ultrafine grained microstructure with grain sizes of the order of 0.5 µm is reached. The grain size decreases with increasing alloying content. The texture consists of a major copper component and a minor brass component. The latter strengthens with alloying. Due to shear deformation in the surface region also a rotated cube component is found. It is stronger in the pure material and is partly added up in the bulk during ARB. Due to dislocation and grain boundary hardening the tensile strength increases with increasing ARB cycles following the Hall‐Petch behavior while a moderate ductility is kept. Within the sheet plane no significant influence of the tensile direction on the observed mechanical properties was found.
The effects of particle size on the mechanisms of atomization of suspensions using hydraulic spray nozzles
Authors: Addo‐Yobo F. O. , Pitt M. J. , Obiri H. A.
Published: September 2010

A study of the effects of particles on the manner in which sheets of aqueous suspensions wetted particles disintegrate during atomization by hydraulic pressure nozzle showed that the sheet stability is reduced by particles in the region where the particle size is greater than the sheet thickness due to localized thinning of the sheet due to curvature variations caused by particles moving apart in this region. At high‐volume fraction of solids, the sheets perforate. It is inferred from the mechanism that the critical volume fraction of solids at the onset of perforation decreases with decreasing particle size, decreasing density and surface tension, and increasing viscosity of the medium. A critical perforation number, Ac, is inferred from the above mechanism. Waves are observed on the sheet at positions closer to the nozzle which would be absent on aqueous sheets similarly produced but free of particles. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Kinetics of carbon dioxide chemical absorption into cyclic amines solutions
Authors: García‐Abuín Alicia , Gómez‐Díaz Diego , Navaza José M. , Vidal‐Tato Isabel
Published: September 2010

Chemical reaction kinetics between carbon dioxide with two cyclic amines (pyrrolidine and piperidine) have been studied using a stirred tank reactor with a planar interfacial area. The operational variables considered in this work have been the amine concentration in the liquid phase and the reaction temperature. Specific absorption rates have been determined under different experimental conditions. Results indicate that the absorption process occurs in a pseudo first reaction regime exhibited first‐order kinetic with respect carbon dioxide and a second order for both cyclic amines. The reaction‐rate constant was determined under the different experimental conditions, and it was correlated depending on the temperature by means of an Arrhenius type equation. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Nest site ecology of the cross river gorilla at the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, Cameroon, with special reference to anthropogenic influence
Authors: De Vere Ruth A. , Warren Ymke , Nicholas Aaron , Mackenzie Mary E. , Higham James P.
Published: September 2010

The Cross River gorilla is the most endangered of all Great Apes. It is currently found in 14 apparently geographically separate and increasingly isolated populations, which face severe threats from habitat loss and the bushmeat trade. Recent years have seen greater efforts to conserve the Cross River gorilla across the landscape, but details of the ecology of individual populations that might help in conservation initiatives are lacking. Here, we report on the production of the first habitat map for the recently created Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary (KGS), Cameroon, and the results of an analysis of nest site preferences of the gorillas that live there. Qualitative vegetation assessments were made to assign various categories to the topstory and understory throughout the sanctuary, and nest sites constructed between January 2006 and March 2008 were re‐visited and assessed for possible site preferences. The habitat map revealed significant anthropogenic impact, with only 57% of the KGS being relatively undisturbed primary forest. Analysis of nest sites showed that ground nests are constructed preferentially in the dry season, on precipitous slopes, in light gaps and clearings, with an understory of mixed herbs. Tree nests are predominantly built in the wet season, in primary forest with saplings as the preferred understory. Gorillas avoid nesting in grasslands and farms, which visibly fragment the remaining forest in the sanctuary. The results have implications for the conservation and management of the Cross River gorilla at KGS, and offer new insight into the nesting ecology of this subspecies. Am. J. Primatol. 73:253–261, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of terpolymers containing 1,2,4‐oxadiazolic pendant groups with potential application as workover fluids
Authors: Vega Isabel , Lamanna Melisa , Fissore Eliana , D'Accorso Norma , Rojas Ana M.
Published: September 2010

Presence of planar, bulky heterocyclic pendant groups, attached to polymer chains, alters the thermal properties and, once gelled, they modify their rheological properties as well. The authors report generation of stiff gels coming from terpolymers containing 1,2,4‐oxadiazolic pendant groups, obtained by chemical modification of commercial polyacrylonitrile. The gels formed in basic aqueous solutions were compared and the effect of substituents linked to the heterocycles on thermal stability and viscoelastic properties was also analyzed. The structural modifications were followed by FTIR. The potential use of these terpolymers as workover fluids is discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of cation‐exchange membrane based on sulfonated sty/HEA/LMA terpolymer
Authors: Shin Kyoung Sub , Choi Eun Mi , Hwang Taek Sung
Published: September 2010

A cation‐exchange membrane based on a styrene/hydroxyethyl acrylate/lauryl methacrylate (Sty/HEA/LMA) terpolymer was prepared via a postsulfonation reaction for various sulfonation times. Sulfonic groups were introduced into the membrane structure with sulfuric acid as the sulfonating agent and silver sulfate as an initiator in a nitrogen atmosphere. Sulfonated Sty/HEA/LMA terpolymer membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance as well as by determining the degree of sulfonation (DS), ion‐exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake (WU), and electrical property of the membranes. The presence of sulfonic groups in the sulfonated Sty/HEA/LMA terpolymer was confirmed by FTIR, and the resulting membrane showed an IEC of 1.29 meq/g and an electrical resistance of 0.1 Ω cm2. The WU of the prepared membranes increased with the DS at the reaction time. The surface morphology obtained by atomic force microscopy clearly showed an increase of roughness with reaction time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of poly{N‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid} hydrogels for drug delivery
Authors: Mishra Rakesh K. , Ray Alok R.
Published: September 2010

A novel pH‐sensitive hydrogel system composed of itaconic acid (IA) and N‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide was designed. This system was prepared by aqueous copolymerization with N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as a chemical crosslinker. The chemical structure of the hydrogels was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The microstructure and morphology of the hydrogels were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM study of hydrogels on higher magnification revealed a highly porous morphology with uniformly arranged pores ranging from 40 to 200 μm in size. XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the hydrogels, and it was found that an increase in the IA content in the monomer feed greatly reduced the crystallinity of the hydrogels. Swelling experiments were carried out in buffer solutions at different pH values (1.2–10) at 37°C ± 1°C to investigate their pH‐dependent swelling behavior and dimensional stability. An increase in the acid part (IA) increased the swelling ratio of the hydrogels. Temperature‐sensitive swelling of the hydrogels was investigated at 20–70°C in simulated intestinal fluid. The hydrogels swelled at higher temperatures and shrank at lower temperatures. 5‐Aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) was selected as a model drug, and release experiments were carried out under simulated intestinal and gastric conditions. 5‐ASA release from the poly N‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid‐80 (PDMAPMAIA‐80) hydrogel was found to follow non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism under gastric conditions, and a super case II transport mechanism was found under intestinal conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Undergraduate student perceptions of the use of ultrasonography in the study of “Living Anatomy”
Authors: Ivanusic Jason , Cowie Brian , Barrington Michael
Published: September 2010

Ultrasonography is a noninvasive imaging modality, and modern ultrasound machines are portable, inexpensive (relative to other imaging modalities), and user friendly. The aim of this study was to explore student perceptions of the use of ultrasound to teach “living anatomy”. A module utilizing transthoracic echocardiography was developed and presented to undergraduate medical, science, and dental students at a time they were learning cardiac anatomy as part of their curriculum. Relevant cardiac anatomy was explored on a student volunteer and images were projected in real‐time to all students via an AV projection system. Students were asked to complete a questionnaire about the learning experience and were given the opportunity to provide open feedback. The students' evaluations of this learning experience were very positive. They agreed or strongly agreed that it was an effective way to teach anatomy (90% medical; 77% dental; 100% science) and that it was incorporated in a way that promoted reinforcement of the lecture material (83% medical; 76% dental; 100% science). They agreed or strongly agreed with statements that the experience was innovative (93% medical; 92% dental; 100% science) and stimulated interest in the subject matter (86% medical; 75% dental; 96% science), and that they would like to see more modules, exploring other anatomical sites, incorporated into the curricula (83% medical; 72% dental; 100% science). We believe that ultrasound could be a useful tool, in conjunction with traditional teaching methods, to reinforce the learning of anatomy of a variety of different undergraduate student groups. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Analysis of peak and non‐peak traffic forecasts using combined models
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Yuncai
Published: September 2010

Accurate and timely traffic forecasting is crucial to effective management of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). To predict travel time index (TTI) data, we select six baseline individual predictors as basic combination components. Applying the one‐step‐ahead out‐of‐sample forecasts, the paper proposes several linear combined forecasting techniques. States of traffic situations are classified into peak and non‐peak periods. Based on detailed data analyses, some practical guidance and comments are given in what situation a combined model is better than an individual model or other types of combined models. Indicating which model is more appropriate in each state, persuasive comparisons demonstrate that the combined procedures can significantly reduce forecast error rates. It reveals that the approaches are practically promising in the field. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to systematically investigate these approaches in peak and non‐peak traffic forecasts. The studies can provide a reference for optimal forecasting model selection in each period. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational impacts of incident quick clearance legislation: a simulation analysis
Authors: Fries Ryan , Hamlin Carol , Chowdhury Mashrur , Ma Yongchang , Ozbay Kaan
Published: September 2010

Many states in the US have enacted quick clearance laws requiring drivers of vehicles involved in minor incidents to move their vehicles from travel lanes prior to the arrival of first responders. Since little is known about the effectiveness of these laws, this research sought to find the benefit–cost ratio of advertising quick clearance legislation to improve driver compliance, and compare it with benefit–cost ratios of other incident management strategies, particularly traffic cameras, freeway service patrols, and traffic sensors. The analysis used traffic simulation that applied application programming interfaces to produce random spatial and temporal occurrence of incidents, including incident start times, durations, and locations, based on normal distributions developed from field data, to test before and after the law scenarios. The results provide decision makers with support for prioritizing funding between these incident management strategies and indicated that investments in the advertisement of this law was beneficial. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding members' carsharing (activity) persistency by using econometric model
Authors: Morency Catherine , Habib Khandker M. Nurul , Grasset Vincent , Islam Md Tazul
Published: September 2010

Carsharing is an innovative travel alternative that has recently experienced considerable growth and become part of sustainable transportation initiatives. Although carsharing is becoming increasingly a popular alternative transportation mode in North America, it is still an under‐researched area. Current research is aimed at better understanding of the behavior of carsharing users. For every member, a two‐stage approach microsimulates the probability of being active in any month using a binary probit model and given that a particular member is active during a month, the probability of that member using the service multiple times using a random utility‐based model. The model is estimated using empirical data from one of the largest carsharing companies in North America. The model estimates reveal that the activity persistency of members is positively linked to previous behaviors for up to 4 months, and that the influence of previous months weakens over time. It also shows that some attributes of the traveler (gender, age, and language spoken at home) impact his or her behaviors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bezafibrate induced increase in mitochondrial electron transport chain complex IV activity in human astrocytoma cells: Implications for mitochondrial cytopathies and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Ioannou Nicola , Hargreaves Iain P. , Allen George , Duberley Kate , Land John M. , Heales Simon J.R.
Published: September 2010

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies resulting from electron transport chain (ETC) dysfunction can present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations having significant neuropathology and a progressive nature. Despite advances in diagnosis of ETC disorders, treatment still remains inadequate. A recent study in fibroblasts and myoblasts revealed the ability of fibrate treatment to correct ETC enzyme deficiencies. Therefore, fibrates may represent potential therapeutic agents to correct the neurological ETC impairment responsible for the encephalopathic presentation of these disorders. Consequently, this study assessed the effect of bezafibrate on human astrocytoma (HA) 1321N cell ETC activity and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) status. HA cells were incubated for 72 H with 300 μM or 500 μM bezafibrate and for 7 days with only 500 μM bezafibrate. A significant effect on ETC activity was observed after 7 days incubation with 500 μM bezafibrate yielding a 130% (P < 0.05) increase in complex IV activity, accompanied by a 33% (P < 0.05) increase in cellular ATP level and a 25% (P < 0.001) decrease in extracellular lactate/pyruvate ratio compared to control levels. Following 7 days culture with bezafibrate, the CoQ10 status of the HA cells appeared to increase although this was not found to be significant. The results of this study have indicated evidence of a bezafibrate induced increase in ETC complex IV activity. Further studies are required to assess the ability of bezafibrate treatment to correct neurological ETC impairment in available animal models of ETC dysfunction before the therapeutic efficacy of this pharmacological agent can be further considered in the treatment of the encephalopathic presentation of ETC disorders.