bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful removal of a huge hypervascular tentorial cavernous angioma after preoperative endovascular embolization
Authors: Yoshimura Junichi , Tsukamoto Yoshihiro , Sano Masakazu , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Nishino Kazuhiko , Saito Akihiko , Fukuda Masafumi , Okamoto Kouichirou , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: May 2014

The authors report a rare case of a huge hypervascular tentorial cavernous angioma treated with preoperative endovascular embolization, followed by successful gross-total removal. A 15-year-old girl presented with scintillation, diplopia, and papilledema. Computed tomography and MRI studies revealed a huge irregularly shaped tumor located in the right occipital and suboccipital regions. The tumor, which had both intra- and extradural components, showed marked enhancement and invasion of the overlying occipital bone. Angiography revealed marked tumor stain, with blood supply mainly from a large branch of the left posterior meningeal artery. Therefore, this lesion was diagnosed as a tentorium-based extraaxial tumor. For differential diagnosis, meningioma, hemangiopericytoma, and malignant skull tumor were considered. Tumor feeders were endovascularly embolized with particles of polyvinyl alcohol. On the following day, the tumor was safely gross totally removed with minimum blood loss. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous angioma. To date, there have been no reports of tentorium-based cavernous angiomas endovascularly embolized preoperatively. A tentorial cavernous angioma is most likely to show massive intraoperative bleeding. Therefore, preoperative embolization appears to be quite useful for safe maximum resection. Hence, the authors assert that the differential diagnosis of tentorium-based tumors should include tentorial cavernous angioma, for which preoperative endovascular embolization should be considered.
Tobacco use and cessation for cancer survivors: An overview for clinicians
Authors: Karam‐Hage Maher , Cinciripini Paul M. , Gritz Ellen R.
Published: May 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States are caused by tobacco use and smoking. Cancers of eighteen sites have been causally linked to smoking, the most common of which are the lung, head and neck, bladder, and esophagus. While quit rates and quit attempt rates are relatively high shortly after a cancer diagnosis, the recidivism rates are also high. Therefore, screening, treating, and preventing relapse to tobacco use is imperative among patients with and survivors of cancer. To date, research has consistently shown that a combination of pharmacologic and behavioral interventions is needed to achieve the highest smoking cessation rates, with a recent emphasis on individualized treatment as a most promising approach. Challenges in health care systems, including the lack of appropriate resources and provider training, have slowed the progress in addition to important clinical considerations relevant to the treatment of tobacco dependence (eg, a high degree of comorbidity with psychiatric disorders and other substance use disorders). However, continued tobacco use has been shown to limit the effectiveness of major cancer treatments and to increase the risk of complications and of developing secondary cancers. The authors recommend that oncology providers screen all patients for tobacco use and refer users to specialized treatment when available. Alternatively, oncology clinicians can provide basic advice on tobacco use cessation and pharmacotherapy and/or referral to outside resources (eg, quitlines). Herein, the authors summarize the current knowledge on tobacco use and its treatment, with a focus on the related available evidence for patients with and survivors of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:272–290. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Effect of Deep Relaxation on Heart Rate Variability in Sedentary Females
Authors: E-Fatema Monzur , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: May 2014

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is associated with low heart rate variability (HRV). Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) increase HRV which reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases. Objectives: To assess HRV after practicing DRT to find out its effect on cardiac autonomic nerve function in sedentary subjects. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between July 2012 and June 2013 on 30 apparently healthy sedentary females aged 25-35 years (study) who were practicing DRT with 3 months duration. For comparison, age and BMI matched 30 apparently healthy sedentary females who had no experience of relaxation technique (control) were also studied. Both groups were selected from the sedentary housewives by personal contact. The study subjects were the participants in a private yoga center in Dhaka. HRV was assessed by a Polygraph. Statistical analysis was done by Independent Sample ttest. Results: Resting mean heart rate (p<0.001) was significantly lower and mean R-R interval and SDNN (p<0.001), RMSSD (p<0.05) were significantly higher in the relaxation group than the control group. Conclusion: DRT improves cardiac autonomic nerve function with parasympathetic dominance in sedentary females. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v8i2.18656Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2013, December; 8(2): 65-69
Phenotypic Diversity of Farmers’ Traditional Rice Varieties in the Philippines
Authors: Rabara Roel , Ferrer Marilyn , Diaz Celia , Newingham Ma. , Romero Gabriel
Published: May 2014

Traditional rice varieties maintained and cultivated by farmers are likely sources of germplasm for breeding new rice varieties. They possess traits potentially adaptable to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses. Characterization of these germplasms is essential in rice breeding and provides valued information on developing new rice cultivars. In this study, 307 traditional rice varieties newly conserved at the PhilRice genebank were characterized to assess their phenotypic diversity using 57 morphological traits. Using the standardized Shannon-Weaver diversity index, phenotypic diversity indices averaged at 0.73 and 0.45 for quantitative and qualitative traits, respectively. Correlation analyses among agro-morphological traits showed a high positive correlation in some traits such as culm number and panicle number, flag leaf width and leaf blade width, grain width and caryopsis width. Cluster analysis separated the different varieties into various groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that seven independent principal components accounted for 74.95% of the total variation. Component loadings for each principal component showed morphological characters, such as culm number, panicle number and caryopsis ratio that were among the phenotypic traits contributing positive projections in three principal components that explained 48% of variation. Analyses of results showed high diversity in major traits assessed in farmers’ rice varieties. Based on plant height and maturity, 11 accessions could be potential donor parents in a rice breeding program. Future collection trips and characterization studies would further enrich diversity, in particular traits low in diversity, such as anthocyanin coloration, awn presence, awn color, culm habit, panicle type and panicle branching.
Guided Self-Organization in a Dynamic Embodied System Based on Attractor Selection Mechanism
Authors: Nurzaman Surya , Yu Xiaoxiang , Kim Yongjae , Iida Fumiya
Published: May 2014

Guided self-organization can be regarded as a paradigm proposed to understand how to guide a self-organizing system towards desirable behaviors, while maintaining its non-deterministic dynamics with emergent features. It is, however, not a trivial problem to guide the self-organizing behavior of physically embodied systems like robots, as the behavioral dynamics are results of interactions among their controller, mechanical dynamics of the body, and the environment. This paper presents a guided self-organization approach for dynamic robots based on a coupling between the system mechanical dynamics with an internal control structure known as the attractor selection mechanism. The mechanism enables the robot to gracefully shift between random and deterministic behaviors, represented by a number of attractors, depending on internally generated stochastic perturbation and sensory input. The robot used in this paper is a simulated curved beam hopping robot: a system with a variety of mechanical dynamics which depends on its actuation frequencies. Despite the simplicity of the approach, it will be shown how the approach regulates the probability of the robot to reach a goal through the interplay among the sensory input, the level of inherent stochastic perturbation, i.e., noise, and the mechanical dynamics.
A Review on Cold Start of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wan Zhongmin , Chang Huawei , Shu Shuiming , Wang Yongxiang , Tang Haolin
Published: May 2014

Successful and rapid startup of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) at subfreezing temperatures (also called cold start) is of great importance for their commercialization in automotive and portable devices. In order to maintain good proton conductivity, the water content in the membrane must be kept at a certain level to ensure that the membrane remains fully hydrated. However, the water in the pores of the catalyst layer (CL), gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the membrane may freeze once the cell temperature decreases below the freezing point (Tf). Thus, methods which could enable the fuel cell startup without or with slight performance degradation at subfreezing temperature need to be studied. This paper presents an extensive review on cold start of PEMFCs, including the state and phase changes of water in PEMFCs, impacts of water freezing on PEMFCs, numerical and experimental studies on PEMFCs, and cold start strategies. The impacts on each component of the fuel cell are discussed in detail. Related numerical and experimental work is also discussed. It should be mentioned that the cold start strategies, especially the enumerated patents, are of great reference value on the practical cold start process.
The Little Fly that Could: Wizardry and Artistry of Drosophila Genomics
Authors: Ejsmont Radoslaw , Hassan Bassem
Published: May 2014

For more than 100 years now, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been at the forefront of our endeavors to unlock the secrets of the genome. From the pioneering studies of chromosomes and heredity by Morgan and his colleagues, to the generation of fly models for human disease, Drosophila research has been at the forefront of genetics and genomics. We present a broad overview of some of the most powerful genomics tools that keep Drosophila research at the cutting edge of modern biomedical research.
Evaluation of the Impact of Low Emission Zone and Heavy Traffic Ban in Munich (Germany) on the Reduction of PM10 in Ambient Air
Authors: Fensterer Veronika , Küchenhoff Helmut , Maier Verena , Wichmann Heinz-Erich , Breitner Susanne , Peters Annette , Gu Jianwei , Cyrys Josef
Published: May 2014

Concentrations of ambient fine particles (PM10: particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm) are still exceeding current air quality standards in many European cities. In Munich (Germany), low emission zone and transit bans for heavy-duty vehicles were introduced in 2008 aiming at reduction of traffic emissions contribution to PM10. The effects of those measures on PM10 mass concentrations in Munich were investigated with a semiparametric regression model for modeling PM10 levels adjusted for time, background pollution, public holidays and wind direction. The reduction of PM10 concentration after the introduction of the measures was larger at a traffic monitoring site (13.0 %, 19.6 % in summer, and 6.8 % in winter) and smaller in urban background (4.5 %, 5.7 % in summer, and 3.2 % in winter). The effect was most pronounced on Fridays and on the weekends in summer.
Does the Absence of a Supportive Family Environment Influence the Outcome of a Universal Intervention for the Prevention of Depression?
Authors: Spence Susan , Sawyer Michael , Sheffield Jeanie , Patton George , Bond Lyndal , Graetz Brian , Kay Debra
Published: May 2014

To date, universal, school-based interventions have produced limited success in the long-term prevention of depression in young people. This paper examines whether family relationship support moderates the outcomes of a universal, school-based preventive intervention for depression in adolescents. It reports a secondary analysis of data from the beyondblue schools research initiative. Twenty-five matched pairs of secondary schools were randomly assigned to an intervention or control condition (N = 5633 Grade 8 students). The multi-component, school-based intervention was implemented over a 3-year period, with 2 years of follow-up in Grades 11 and 12. For those available at follow-up, small but significantly greater reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms and improvements in emotional wellbeing were found over time for the intervention group compared to the control among those who experienced low family relationship support in Grade 8. For those who did not experience low family relationship support in Grade 8, no significant effects of the invention were found over the control condition. This pattern of results was also found for the intent-to-treat sample for measures of depression and anxiety. Previous research may have overlooked important moderating variables that influence the outcome of universal approaches to the prevention of depression. The findings raise issues of the relative costs and benefits of universal versus targeted approaches to the prevention of depression.
High Expression of SOX2 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Wei , Tan Xuexin , Sun Changfu , Zhou Qing
Published: May 2014

Sex determining region Y-BOX2 (SOX2), one of the key members of the SOX family, is a transcription factor that is involved in the maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency and in multiple developmental processes. Recent studies have shown that SOX2 is aberrantly expressed in several types of tumors. The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of SOX2 in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary gland. In this study, the expression of SOX2 in ACC tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. High SOX2 expression occurred in approximately 62.6% of primary ACC. In addition, high expression of SOX2 was significantly associated with T classification (p = 0.003) and distant metastasis (p = 0.002). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with high SOX2 expression is poorer than those with low SOX2 expression. When adjusted by multivariate analysis, high SOX2 expression, together with distant metastasis, was an independent prognostic factor. The findings of the present study provide evidence that SOX2 represents a potential novel prognostic biomarker for ACC patients.
Alteration of Skin Properties with Autologous Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Thangapazham Rajesh , Darling Thomas , Meyerle Jon
Published: May 2014

Dermal fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells found between the skin epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. They are primarily responsible for synthesizing collagen and glycosaminoglycans; components of extracellular matrix supporting the structural integrity of the skin. Dermal fibroblasts play a pivotal role in cutaneous wound healing and skin repair. Preclinical studies suggest wider applications of dermal fibroblasts ranging from skin based indications to non-skin tissue regeneration in tendon repair. One clinical application for autologous dermal fibroblasts has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while others are in preclinical development or various stages of regulatory approval. In this context, we outline the role of fibroblasts in wound healing and discuss recent advances and the current development pipeline for cellular therapies using autologous dermal fibroblasts. The microanatomic and phenotypic differences of fibroblasts occupying particular locations within the skin are reviewed, emphasizing the therapeutic relevance of attributes exhibited by subpopulations of fibroblasts. Special focus is provided to fibroblast characteristics that define regional differences in skin, including the thick and hairless skin of the palms and soles as compared to hair-bearing skin. This regional specificity and functional identity of fibroblasts provides another platform for developing regional skin applications such as the induction of hair follicles in bald scalp or alteration of the phenotype of stump skin in amputees to better support their prosthetic devices.
Inhibitory Effects of Palmultang on Inflammatory Mediator Production Related to Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways and Induction of HO-1 Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Oh You-Chang , Jeong Yun , Cho Won-Kyung , Gu Min-Jung , Ma Jin
Published: May 2014

Palmultang (PM) is an herbal decoction that has been used to treat anorexia, anemia, general prostration, and weakness due to chronic illness since medieval times in Korea, China, and Japan. The present study focused on the inhibitory effects of PM on the production of inflammatory factors and on the activation of mechanisms in murine macrophages. PM suppressed the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory proteins by inhibiting nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and by inducing heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. Collectively, our results explain the anti-inflammatory effect and inhibitory mechanism of PM in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
MicroRNA-103 Promotes Colorectal Cancer by Targeting Tumor Suppressor DICER and PTEN
Authors: Geng Li , Sun Bing , Gao Bo , Wang Zheng , Quan Cheng , Wei Feng , Fang Xue-Dong
Published: May 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, noncoding RNAs that act as key regulators in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms for miRNAs in colorectal cancer remain largely unknown. Here, we found that miR-103 is up-regulated in colorectal cancer and its overexpression is closely associated with tumor proliferation and migration. In addition, repressing the expression of miR-103 apparently inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro and HCT-116 xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Subsequent software analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay identified two tumor suppressor genes DICER and PTEN as direct targets of miR-103, and up-regulation of DICER and PTEN obtained similar results to that occurred in the silencing of miR-103. In addition, restoration of DICER and PTEN can inhibit miR-103-induced colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration. Our data collectively demonstrate that miR-103 is an oncogene miRNA that promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and migration through down-regulation of the tumor suppressor genes DICER and PTEN. Thus, miR-103 may represent a new potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.
A Coralline Algal-Associated Bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas Strain J010, Yields Five New Korormicins and a Bromopyrrole
Authors: Tebben Jan , Motti Cherie , Tapiolas Dianne , Thomas-Hall Peter , Harder Tilmann
Published: May 2014

The ethanol extract of Pseudoalteromonas strain J010, isolated from the surface of the crustose coralline alga Neogoniolithon fosliei, yielded thirteen natural products. These included a new bromopyrrole, 4′-((3,4,5-tribromo-1H-pyrrol-2-yl) methyl)phenol (1) and five new korormicins G–K (2–6). Also isolated was the known inducer of coral larval metamorphosis, tetrabromopyrrole (TBP), five known korormicins (A–E, previously named 1, 1a–c and 3) and bromoalterochromide A (BAC-A). Structures of the new compounds were elucidated through interpretation of spectra obtained after extensive NMR and MS investigations and comparison with literature values. The antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal potential of 1–6, TBP and BAC-A was assessed. Compounds 1–6 showed antibacterial activity while BAC-A exhibited antiprotozoal properties against Tetrahymena pyriformis. TBP was found to have broad-spectrum activity against all bacteria, the protozoan and the fungus Candida albicans.
Antibacterial and Antiyeast Compounds from Marine-Derived Bacteria
Authors: Mondol Muhammad , Shin Hee
Published: May 2014

Two new (2 and 3) and a known (1) antimicrobial compounds were isolated from EtOAc extracts of two marine bacterial strains cultured in modified Bennett’s broth medium. The structures of these compounds were determined based on the analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS), literature data review and considering biogenesis. All the compounds (1–3) demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activities against selected pathogenic strains.
Echinochrome A Protects Mitochondrial Function in Cardiomyocytes against Cardiotoxic Drugs
Authors: Jeong Seung , Kim Hyoung , Song In-Sung , Lee Seon , Ko Kyung , Rhee Byoung , Kim Nari , Mishchenko Natalia , Fedoryev Sergey , Stonik Valentin , Han Jin
Published: May 2014

Echinochrome A (Ech A) is a naphthoquinoid pigment from sea urchins that possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and chelating abilities. Although Ech A is the active substance in the ophthalmic and cardiac drug Histochrome®, its underlying cardioprotective mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the protective role of Ech A against toxic agents that induce death of rat cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells and isolated rat cardiomyocytes. We found that the cardiotoxic agents tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP, organic reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducer), sodium nitroprusside (SNP; anti-hypertension drug), and doxorubicin (anti-cancer drug) caused mitochondrial dysfunction such as increased ROS level and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-treatment with Ech A, however, prevented this decrease in membrane potential and increase in ROS level. Co-treatment of Ech A also reduced the effects of these cardiotoxic agents on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate level. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of Ech A for reducing cardiotoxic agent-induced damage.
Changing the Energy System towards Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency—Towards a multi-perspective and Interdisciplinary Framework
Authors: Ruppert-Winkel Chantal , Hauber Jürgen
Published: May 2014

The transformation of the present energy system into a sustainable one is discussed worldwide. This is also mirrored in a vivid debate in the scientific literature [1–3]. Self-sufficiency attained with the help of electricity, heat, and fuel from renewable energy (RE) in combination with energy saving is seen as one way to establish a sustainable energy system, e.g., [4,5]. Many communities and regions in different countries are facing the challenge of such a transformation of their energy system, and have taken up the objective of achieving energy self-sufficiency through the use of renewables [4,6–8]. [...]
Green Supply Chain Collaboration for Fashionable Consumer Electronics Products under Third-Party Power Intervention—A Resource Dependence Perspective
Authors: Sheu Jiuh-Biing
Published: May 2014

Under third-party power intervention (TPPI), which increases uncertainty in task environments, complex channel power interplays and restructuring are indispensable among green supply chain members as they move toward sustainable collaborative relationships for increased viability and competitive advantage. From the resource dependence perspective, this work presents a novel conceptual model to investigate the influence of political and social power on channel power restructuring and induced green supply chain collaboration in brander-retailer bidirectional green supply chains of fashionable consumer electronics products (FCEPs). An FCEP refers to the consumer electronics product (e.g., personal computers, mobile phones, computer notebooks, and game consoles) with the features of a well-known brand associated, a short product lifecycle, timely and fashionable design fit for market trends, and quick responsiveness to the variations of market demands. The proposed model is tested empirically using questionnaire data obtained from retailers in the FCEP brander-retailer distribution channels. Analytical results reveal that as an extension of political and social power, TPPI positively affects the reciprocal interdependence of dyadic members and reduces power asymmetry, thereby enhancing the collaborative relationship of dyadic members and leading to improved green supply chain performance. Therein, reciprocal interdependence underlying collaborative relationship is the key to reducing the external environmental uncertainties in the TPPI context.
Ophiophagus hannah Venom: Proteome, Components Bound by Naja kaouthia Antivenin and Neutralization by N. kaouthia Neurotoxin-Specific Human ScFv
Authors: Danpaiboon Witchuda , Reamtong Onrapak , Sookrung Nitat , Seesuay Watee , Sakolvaree Yuwaporn , Thanongsaksrikul Jeeraphong , Dong-din-on Fonthip , Srimanote Potjanee , Thueng-in Kanyarat , Chaicumpa Wanpen
Published: May 2014

Venomous snakebites are an important health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the largest venomous snake found in South and Southeast Asia. In this study, the O. hannah venom proteome and the venom components cross-reactive to N. kaouthia monospecific antivenin were studied. O. hannah venom consisted of 14 different protein families, including three finger toxins, phospholipases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, cobra venom factor, muscarinic toxin, L-amino acid oxidase, hypothetical proteins, low cysteine protein, phosphodiesterase, proteases, vespryn toxin, Kunitz, growth factor activators and others (coagulation factor, endonuclease, 5’-nucleotidase). N. kaouthia antivenin recognized several functionally different O. hannah venom proteins and mediated paratherapeutic efficacy by rescuing the O. hannah envenomed mice from lethality. An engineered human ScFv specific to N. kaouthia long neurotoxin (NkLN-HuScFv) cross-neutralized the O. hannah venom and extricated the O. hannah envenomed mice from death in a dose escalation manner. Homology modeling and molecular docking revealed that NkLN-HuScFv interacted with residues in loops 2 and 3 of the neurotoxins of both snake species, which are important for neuronal acetylcholine receptor binding. The data of this study are useful for snakebite treatment when and where the polyspecific antivenin is not available. Because the supply of horse-derived antivenin is limited and the preparation may cause some adverse effects in recipients, a cocktail of recombinant human ScFvs for various toxic venom components shared by different venomous snakes, exemplified by the in vitro produced NkLN-HuScFv in this study, should contribute to a possible future route for an improved alternative to the antivenins.
Étalonnages à l’aide d’enquêtes de conjoncture : de nouveaux résultats
Authors: Michaux Emmanuel , Dubois Eric
Published: May 2014

The authors propose two methodological improvements in calibration, i.e., the econometric relationships between qualitative data from business surveys and quantified macroeconomic data. The first consists in estimating different calibrations for each month in the quarter, in order to make the best statistical use of the information available when each monthly survey is published. The second consists in implementing a more “ systematic ” estimation method based on an algorithm recently presented by Krolzig and Hendry. The latter allows an “ automatic ” reproduction of the London School of Economics econometric methodology. The results obtained empirically validate the theoretical contribution of both methods.
La production de brevets par les chercheurs et enseignants-chercheurs. Le cas de l'université Louis Pasteur
Authors: Carayol Nicolas
Published: May 2014

This article presents an empirical study of the determinants of patent production by more than nine hundred researchers and teacher-researchers of the Université Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg. We show that patent production varies with age, career, publications, and laboratory funding mixes.
Clubs de convergence et effets de débordements géographiques : une analyse spatiale sur données régionales européennes, 1980-1995
Authors: Le Gallo Julie , Ertur Cem , Baumont Catherine
Published: May 2014

Our article offers an econometric model of spatial interactions for the empirical analysis of growth in European regions over the period 1980-1995. The model detects spatial spillover effects and makes it possible to take account of the European economy’s strong polarization. More specifically, by factoring in both spatial autocorrelation and spatial heterogeneity, we characterize the economic polarization pattern in European regions, identify convergence clubs, and model them as spatial regimes. We estimate a two-regime model with spatially autocorrelated errors and show that the convergence process differs between the two regimes. We find a strongly significant spatial spillover effect : the average growth rate of per capita GDP of a given region is positively affected by the average growth rate of neighboring regions. The spatial environment therefore plays a prominent role in the study of growth processes.
Le dualisme du marché du travail en Tunisie : choix occupationnel et écart salarial
Authors: Sboui Faouzi
Published: May 2014

The author’s research is predicated on the notion of labor-market dualism, which assumes a sectoral dichotomy defined by the degree of institutional protection of jobs held. The analysis of data from the 1999 Tunisian labor-force survey suggests that the protected-employment sector hires 82 % of the population on the labor market. The analysis of the return on human-capital investment highlights the existence of an earnings gap due to the division between protected and unprotected jobs rather than to differences in individual profiles. Viewed in conjunction with the phenomenon of constrained choice of occupation sector, this result corroborates the validity of the labor-market segmentation hypothesis in Tunisia.
Développement financier, instabilité financière et croissance économique
Authors: Kpodar Kangni , Guillaumont Jeanneney Sylviane
Published: May 2014

Cet article tente de concilier deux courants de la littérature, l’un qui montre l’effet favorable du développement financier sur la croissance économique, l’autre l’effet défavorable des crises financières. L’hypothèse centrale est que dans les pays en développement l’instabilité du développement financier croît avec celui-ci. Cette relation positive entre les deux phénomènes diminue l’impact favorable du développement financier sur la croissance. Plusieurs arguments théoriques sont présentés à l’appui de cette hypothèse, qui est ensuite testée avec succès sur un vaste échantillon de pays en développement durant la période 1966-2000. Cette analyse montre qu’une politique de libéralisation financière, destinée à promouvoir le développement financier, ne doit pas se faire dans n’importe quel environnement politique et économique.
Contrasts between whole‐plant and local nutrient levels determine root growth and death inAilanthus altissima(Simaroubaceae)
Authors: Hu Fengqin , Mou Paul P. , Weiner Jacob , Li Shuo
Published: May 2014

•Premise of the study:There is an ongoing debate about the importance of whole‐plant control vs. local modular mechanisms for root growth. We conducted a split‐root experiment with different patch/background levels of nitrogen to examine whether local root growth and death are controlled by local resource levels or at the whole‐plant level.

•Methods:Three microrhizotrons with 0, 10, and 100 µg N/g growth medium levels (74 g growth medium each) were attached to pots of high or low soil N in which oneAilanthus altissimaindividual was growing. One fine root was guided into each of the microrhizotrons and photographed every 4 d. Plants were harvested after 28 d; root growth and mortality in the microrhizotrons were recorded. Changes in root length, number of laterals, and interlateral length were determined from the photos and analyzed.

•Key results:While overall plant growth was influenced by background N level, both patch and background N levels influenced root growth and mortality in patches. Local roots proliferated most when the patch N level was high and background level low, and they proliferated least and showed highest mortality when patch N was low and the background level high.

•Conclusions:The fate of roots growing in a patch is influenced by the resource environment of the plant's other roots as well as the resource levels in the patch itself. Thus, the growth and death of roots in patches is determined by both modular and whole‐plant mechanisms.
Prediction of IOI-HA Scores Using Speech Reception Thresholds and Speech Discrimination Scores in Quiet
Authors: Brännström K. Jonas , Lantz Johannes , Nielsen Lars Holme , Olsen Steen Østergaard
Published: May 2014

Background:Outcome measures can be used to improve the quality of the rehabilitation by identifying and understanding which variables influence the outcome. This information can be used to improve outcomes for clients. In clinical practice, pure-tone audiometry, speech reception
thresholds (SRTs), and speech discrimination scores (SDSs) in quiet or in noise are common assessments made prior to hearing aid (HA) fittings. It is not known whether SRT and SDS in quiet relate to HA outcome measured with the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA).Purpose:The
aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between pure-tone average (PTA), SRT, and SDS in quiet and IOI-HA in both first-time and experienced HA users.Research Design:SRT and SDS were measured in a sample of HA users who also responded to the IOI-HA.Study Sample:Fifty-eight
Danish-speaking adult HA users.Data Collection and Analysis:The psychometric properties were evaluated and compared to previous studies using the IOI-HA. The associations and differences between the outcome scores and a number of descriptive variables (age, gender, fitted monaurally/binaurally
with HA, first-time/experienced HA users, years of HA use, time since last HA fitting, best ear PTA, best ear SRT, or best ear SDS) were examined. A multiple forward stepwise regression analysis was conducted using scores on the separate IOI-HA items, the global score, and scores on the introspection
and interaction subscales as dependent variables to examine whether the descriptive variables could predict these outcome measures.Results:Scores on single IOI-HA items, the global score, and scores on the introspection (items 1, 2, 4, and 7) and interaction (items 3, 5, and 6) subscales
closely resemble those previously reported. Multiple regression analysis showed that the best ear SDS predicts about 18‐19% of the outcome on items 3 and 5 separately, and about 16% on the interaction subscale (sum of items 3, 5, and 6)Conclusions:The best ears SDS explains some
of the variance displayed in the IOI-HA global score and the interaction subscale. The relation between SDS and IOI-HA suggests that a poor unaided SDS might in itself be a limiting factor for the HA rehabilitation efficacy and hence the IOI-HA outcome. The clinician could use this information
to align the user’s HA expectations to what is within possible reach.
Assessing Spectral and Temporal Processing in Children and Adults Using Temporal Modulation Transfer Function (TMTF), Iterated Ripple Noise (IRN) Perception, and Spectral Ripple Discrimination (SRD)
Authors: Peter Varghese , Wong Kogo , Narne Vijaya Kumar , Sharma Mridula , Purdy Suzanne C. , McMahon Catherine
Published: May 2014

Background:There are many clinically available tests for the assessment of auditory processing skills in children and adults. However, there is limited data available on the maturational effects on the performance on these tests.Purpose:The current study investigated maturational
effects on auditory processing abilities using three psychophysical measures: temporal modulation transfer function (TMTF), iterated ripple noise (IRN) perception, and spectral ripple discrimination (SRD).Research Design:A cross-sectional study. Three groups of subjects were tested:
10 adults (18‐30 yr), 10 older children (12‐18 yr), and 10 young children (8‐11 yr)Data Collection and Analysis:Temporal envelope processing was measured by obtaining thresholds for amplitude modulation detection as a function of modulation frequency (TMTF; 4, 8,
16, 32, 64, and 128 Hz). Temporal fine structure processing was measured using IRN, and spectral processing was measured using SRD.Results:The results showed that young children had significantly higher modulation thresholds at 4 Hz (TMTF) compared to the other two groups and poorer
SRD scores compared to adults. The results on IRN did not differ across groups.Conclusions:The results suggest that different aspects of auditory processing mature at different age periods and these maturational effects need to be considered while assessing auditory processing in children.
Parasite prevalence in a village in Burkina Faso: the contribution of new techniques
Authors: Fortunato Simona , Castagna Barbara , Monteleone Maria Rita , Pierro Raffaela , Cringoli Giuseppe , Bruschi Fabrizio
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Parasites are a major public health problem in developing countries. A coproparasitological and immunoparasitological study was conducted in Burkina Faso, in the rural village of Touguri, in November and December 2011. The coproparasitologic analysis was conducted in the pediatric population and seroprevalence surveys were conducted in the adult population to research intestinal, blood, and helminth parasites. Methodology: The coproparasitologic study was performed on stool samples using two diagnostic methods – standard microscopy and the FLOTAC technique. The total of 49 stool samples analyzed were obtained from children between two months and eleven years of age. The serology study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of P. falciparum, Echinococcus spp., Tenia solium, and A. lumbricoides using different immunological techniques such as ELISA and Western Blot techniques. The study population included 85 adult patients between 15 and 70 years of age. Results: Results of coproparasitological analyses showed Hymenolepis nana as the only helminth found, in 28.6% of the total number of patients. Results of serological evaluation revealed a practically null prevalence of Echinococcus, Taenia solium, and Ascaris lumbricoides, and a 77.64% prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum. Conclusions: Despite the small number (especially in terms of coprological samples) of individuals examined, this study showed that the parasite prevalence in a rural area of Burkina Faso has a significant impact in the general population, particularly in children. Another finding was that FLOTAC had a higher sensitivity than the widely used ethyl ether-based concentration technique for coprological sample analysis.
Mitral valve endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report
Authors: Polovina Marija , Potpara Tatjana , Milosevic Ivana , Stepanovic Jelena , Jovanovic Momcilo , Pavlovic Milorad
Published: May 2014

Previously, endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa mostly involved right-sided valvular infection and generally carried a good prognosis. Recently, changes have been observed in the occurrence and clinical presentation of pseudomonal endocarditis, with increasing incidence of nosocomial infections and involvement of the aortic and mitral valves. Still, pseudomonal left-sided endocarditis is rare, but is frequently associated with complications and high mortality rates. A case of a high-risk patient with coronary artery disease and left-ventricular dysfunction, successfully treated for pseudomonal mitral valve endocarditis complicated by splenic abscess formation, is presented here.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in diarrheic children in Egypt: molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Ali Mostafa Mohamed M , Ahmed Salwa Fouad , Klena John D , Mohamed Zienat Kamel , Moussa Tarek AA , Ghenghesh Khalifa Sifaw
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Little information is available regarding the significance of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) in pediatric diarrhea in Egypt. Methodology: Escherichia coli was isolated from stool samples of 62 diarrheic and 43 non-diarrheic (control) Egyptian children. Samples were screened for genes specific for enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Diarrheagenic E. coli were grouped phylogenetically using PCR and tested for their susceptibility to antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. Isolates designated as EAEC were examined for eight virulence factors (VFs) using PCR. Results: EAEC was detected in 19 (30.7%) and 4 (9.3%), EPEC in 2 (3.2%) and 1 (2.3%), and ETEC in 2 (3.2%) and 0 (0.0%) diarrheic and control children, respectively; STEC and EIEC were not detected. Only EAEC was significantly isolated from diarrheic children compared with controls (p < 0.01, OR = 4.31).Three or more VFs (multivirulent isolates) were found in 52.6% and 50% of EAEC isolated from diarrheic children and controls, respectively. More than 73% (17/23) of EAEC isolates were identified as belonging to phylogenetic group D. Multiple-antibiotic resistance (resistance to three or more drugs) was observed in more than 91% of EAEC. Conclusions: Multivirulent EAEC is a significant causative agent of pediatric diarrhea in Egypt, with the majority of isolated EAEC belong to phylogenetic group D. Multiple-antibiotic resistance among EAEC has the potential to be a serious public health problem for the country.
Canine giardiosis in Sardinia Island, Italy: prevalence, molecular characterization, and risk factors
Authors: Pipia Anna Paola , Varcasia Antonio , Tamponi Claudia , Sanna Giuliana , Soda Mara , Paoletti Barbara , Traversa Donato , Scala Antonio
Published: May 2014

Introduction: The flagellate protozoan Giardia duodenalis causes infection in humans and in various animals. Eight distinct assemblages (A-H) have been identified within G. duodenalis; assemblages A and B are those specific to humans and animals, and assemblages C to H are restricted to animal hosts. Methodology: The present study estimated the prevalence of G. duodenalis assemblages in dogs living in the Sardinia region and evaluated the related risk factors. Individual fecal samples were collected from 655 dogs between January 2007 and December 2010, and a form was filled out for each animal to analyze historic data that were available at the time of sampling. Fecal samples were subjected to microscopic and genetic investigations. Results: Cysts of G. duodenalis were found in 172 (26.3%) samples, with significant values in puppies between three and nine months of age, and in kennelled and hunting dogs. The molecular characterization showed the presence of assemblages D (49%), C (36.1%), and subtype A2 (4.2%). Conclusion: The present survey contributes to the knowledge of the occurrence of canine giardiosis in Italy in a region with a high number of dogs and numerous animal movements, which is especially relevant for touristic reasons.
Maquinabilidad de composites de matriz metálica Al-SiC usando herramientas de WC, PCD y MCD
Authors: Beristain Jokin , Gonzalo Oscar , Sandá Alejandro
Published: May 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio de la maquinabilidad del material compuesto de matriz metálica aluminio-carburo de silicio en operaciones de torneado. Las herramientas de corte utilizadas han sido de metal duro con y sin recubrimiento, diferentes grados de diamante policristalino (PCD) y diamante monocristalino (MCD). El material mecanizado ha sido AMC225xe, compuesto de la aleación de aluminio AA 2124 con un 25% en peso de partículas de SiC con un tamaño medio de 3 μm. Los experimentos se han realizado con diferentes velocidades de corte en una operación de refrentado, midiendo la rugosidad superficial, las fuerzas y el desgaste de la herramienta. La superficie desgastada de la herramienta ha sido examinada en el microscopio electrónico (SEM). Se ha observado que el filo recrecido y el material adherido son mayores en el caso de las herramientas de MCD que en las de PCD. El filo recrecido actúa como una capa protectora contra la abrasión.
Caracterización dinámica de los cambios microestructurales en barras de aceros dúplex SAF 2205 utilizando la dimensión de información
Authors: Rodríguez Edda , Suárez Kleydis , Amorer Luis , Silva Jesús
Published: May 2014

En el presente estudio se evalúa el comportamiento dinámico de las señales ultrasónicas de muestras de acero dúplex SAF 2205 (UNS31803), sometidos a tratamientos de envejecimiento a 875 y 950 °C. En el primer tratamiento se promueve la precipitación de la fase sigma y en el segundo su disolución. Los resultados obtenidos por microscopía óptica indican que la cantidad relativa de la fase sigma aumenta progresivamente con el tiempo de envejecimiento a 875 °C, observándose la transformación de la fase ferrita en fase sigma y en austenita secundaria. Por otra parte, a medida que se aumenta el tiempo de tratamiento a 950 °C, se observa una reducción del porcentaje de fase sigma y un aumento de la fase ferrítica. El estudio propone evaluar en el ámbito de sistemas dinámicos la influencia de las fases microestructurales en el comportamiento de las señales y su dependencia con las pérdidas de energía, que ocurren en el sistema por efecto de los tratamientos térmicos, utilizando la teoría del caos determinista. Para caracterizarlos se emplea la representación del espacio de fases dinámicas y el cálculo de la dimensión de información. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una mayor correlación entre la dimensión de información y el coeficiente de atenuación, en comparación con las fracciones de fase. No obstante, la eficiencia de este tipo de estudio depende de la frecuencia seleccionada durante la evaluación del material.
Influencia de la atmósfera de sinterización en las propiedades mecánicas de los aceros P/M AISI 430L
Authors: Iglesias F. Javier , Martínez Carmen , Cotes Mª Teresa , Ruiz José Manuel , García Luis E. , Corpas Francisco
Published: May 2014

Se ha estudiado el acero inoxidable pulvimetalúrgico AISI 430L, comparando la sinterización en dos atmósferas diferentes; en vacío, y en una atmósfera que contiene nitrógeno. Se ha desarrollado un tratamiento térmico con objeto de incrementar las propiedades mecánicas, mediante la modificación microestructural de los nitruros complejos de hierro y cromo precipitados durante la etapa de sinterización. Se han evaluado las propiedades físicas y a la vez se ha realizado un análisis microestructural con el fin de relacionar la microestructura con el incremento en las propiedades mecánicas.