bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal Distribution of CD8+ T-Cell-Derived ELISPOT Counts within Replicates Justifies the Reliance on Parametric Statistics for Identifying Positive Responses
Authors: Karulin Alexey , Caspell Richard , Dittrich Marcus , Lehmann Paul
Published: March 2015

Accurate assessment of positive ELISPOT responses for low frequencies of antigen-specific T-cells is controversial. In particular, it is still unknown whether ELISPOT counts within replicate wells follow a theoretical distribution function, and thus whether high power parametric statistics can be used to discriminate between positive and negative wells. We studied experimental distributions of spot counts for up to 120 replicate wells of IFN-γ production by CD8+ T-cell responding to EBV LMP2A (426 – 434) peptide in human PBMC. The cells were tested in serial dilutions covering a wide range of average spot counts per condition, from just a few to hundreds of spots per well. Statistical analysis of the data using diagnostic Q-Q plots and the Shapiro-Wilk normality test showed that in the entire dynamic range of ELISPOT spot counts within replicate wells followed a normal distribution. This result implies that the Student t-Test and ANOVA are suited to identify positive responses. We also show experimentally that borderline responses can be reliably detected by involving more replicate wells, plating higher numbers of PBMC, addition of IL-7, or a combination of these. Furthermore, we have experimentally verified that the number of replicates needed for detection of weak responses can be calculated using parametric statistics.
Infrared Extinction of a Dye-Doped (Polymer/Liquid Crystal) Composite Film
Authors: Fukushima Seiji , Ariki Kazuhiro , Yoshinaga Koki , Higuchi Hiroki , Kikuchi Hirotsugu
Published: March 2015

Infrared extinction of a dye-doped (polymer/liquid crystal) composite film was investigated. It is found that doping a metal-complex dye into the liquid crystal extended the operation wavelength to an optical fiber communication wavelength of about 1.5 μm. An aperture placed behind the composite film greatly improves an extinction ratio, which suggests the film functions on the basis of light scattering. Some experimental results agree to Rayleigh scattering. The film exhibits the high extinction ratio of 51 or 17.1 dB and a low polarization dependent loss of 7.6% or 0.32 dB and, then, it could be applied to a telecommunication device such as a variable optical attenuator.
Cross-National User Priorities for Housing Provision and Accessibility — Findings from the European innovAge Project
Authors: Haak Maria , Slaug Björn , Oswald Frank , Schmidt Steven , Rimland Joseph , Tomsone Signe , Ladö Thomas , Svensson Torbjörn , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: March 2015

To develop an innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tool intended to help older people in their search for optimal housing solutions, a first step in the development process is to gain knowledge from the intended users. Thus the aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about needs and expectations about housing options as expressed and prioritized by older people, people ageing with disabilities and professionals. A participatory design focus was adopted; 26 people with a range of functional limitations representing the user perspective and 15 professionals with a variety of backgrounds, participated in research circles that were conducted in four European countries. An additional 20 experts were invited as guests to the different research circle meetings. Three themes illustrating cross-national user priorities for housing provision and accessibility were identified: “Information barrier: accessible housing”, “Information barrier: housing adaptation benefits”, and “Cost barrier: housing adaptations”. In conclusion, early user involvement and identification of cross-national differences in priorities and housing options will strengthen the development of a user-friendly ICT tool that can empower older people and people with disabilities to be more active consumers regarding housing provision.
Effect of Forest Walking on Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Middle-Aged Hypertensive Individuals: A Pilot Study
Authors: Song Chorong , Ikei Harumi , Kobayashi Maiko , Miura Takashi , Taue Masao , Kagawa Takahide , Li Qing , Kumeda Shigeyoshi , Imai Michiko , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: March 2015

There has been increasing attention on the therapeutic effects of the forest environment. However, evidence-based research that clarifies the physiological effects of the forest environment on hypertensive individuals is lacking. This study provides scientific evidence suggesting that a brief forest walk affects autonomic nervous system activity in middle-aged hypertensive individuals. Twenty participants (58.0 ± 10.6 years) were instructed to walk predetermined courses in forest and urban environments (as control). Course length (17-min walk), walking speed, and energy expenditure were equal between the forest and urban environments to clarify the effects of each environment. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate were used to quantify physiological responses. The modified semantic differential method and Profile of Mood States were used to determine psychological responses. The natural logarithm of the high-frequency component of HRV was significantly higher and heart rate was significantly lower when participants walked in the forest than when they walked in the urban environment. The questionnaire results indicated that, compared with the urban environment, walking in the forest increased “comfortable”, “relaxed”, “natural” and “vigorous” feelings and decreased “tension-anxiety,” “depression,” “anxiety-hostility,” “fatigue” and “confusion”. A brief walk in the forest elicited physiological and psychological relaxation effects on middle-aged hypertensive individuals.
A Hyaluronan-Based Scaffold for the in Vitro Construction of Dental Pulp-Like Tissue
Authors: Ferroni Letizia , Gardin Chiara , Sivolella Stefano , Brunello Giulia , Berengo Mario , Piattelli Adriano , Bressan Eriberto , Zavan Barbara
Published: March 2015

Dental pulp tissue supports the vitality of the tooth, but it is particularly vulnerable to external insults, such as mechanical trauma, chemical irritation or microbial invasion, which can lead to tissue necrosis. In the present work, we present an endodontic regeneration method based on the use of a tridimensional (3D) hyaluronan scaffold and human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to produce a functional dental pulp-like tissue in vitro. An enriched population of DPSCs was seeded onto hyaluronan-based non-woven meshes in the presence of differentiation factors to induce the commitment of stem cells to neuronal, glial, endothelial and osteogenic phenotypes. In vitro experiments, among which were gene expression profiling and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, proved the commitment of DPSCs to the main components of dental pulp tissue. In particular, the hyaluronan-DPSCs construct showed a dental pulp-like morphology consisting of several specialized cells growing inside the hyaluronan fibers. Furthermore, these constructs were implanted into rat calvarial critical-size defects. Histological analyses and gene expression profiling performed on hyaluronan-DPSCs grafts showed the regeneration of osteodentin-like tissue. Altogether, these data suggest the regenerative potential of the hyaluronan-DPSC engineered tissue.
The Anti-TNF-α Antibody Infliximab Inhibits the Expression of Fat-Transporter-Protein FAT/CD36 in a Selective Hepatic-Radiation Mouse Model
Authors: Martius Gesa , Cameron Silke , Rave-Fränk Margret , Hess Clemens , Wolff Hendrik , Malik Ihtzaz
Published: March 2015

Previously, we reported a radiation-induced inflammation triggering fat-accumulation through fatty-acid-translocase/cluster of differentiation protein 36 (FAT/CD36) in rat liver. Furthermore, inhibition of radiation-induced FAT/CD36-expression by anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) (infliximab) was shown in vitro. The current study investigates fat-accumulation in a mouse-model of single-dose liver-irradiation (25-Gray) and the effect of anti-TNF-α-therapy on FAT/CD36 gene-expression. Mice livers were selectively irradiated in vivo in presence or absence of infliximab. Serum- and hepatic-triglycerides, mRNA, and protein were analyzed by colorimetric assays, RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence and Western-Blot, respectively. Sudan-staining was used demonstrating fat-accumulation in tissue. In mice livers, early (1–3 h) induction of TNF-α-expression, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, was observed. It was followed by elevated hepatic-triglyceride level (6–12 h), compared to sham-irradiated controls. In contrast, serum-triglyceride level was decreased at these time points. Similar to triglyceride level in mice livers, Sudan staining of liver cryosections showed a quick (6–12 h) increase of fat-droplets after irradiation. Furthermore, expression of fat-transporter-protein FAT/CD36 was increased at protein level caused by radiation or TNF-α. TNF-α-blockage by anti-TNF-α showed an early inhibition of radiation-induced FAT/CD36 expression in mice livers. Immunohistochemistry showed basolateral and cytoplasmic expression of FAT/CD36 in hepatocytes. Moreover, co-localization of FAT/CD36 was detected with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA+) cells and F4/80+ macrophages. In summary, hepatic-radiation triggers fat-accumulation in mice livers, involving acute-phase-processes. Accordingly, anti-TNF-α-therapy prevented early radiation-induced expression of FAT/CD36 in vivo.
Knockdown of UbcH10 Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Dual Drug Resistant Breast Cancer Cells to Epirubicin and Docetaxel
Authors: Wang Cheng , Pan Yun-Hao , Shan Ming , Xu Ming , Bao Jia-Lin , Zhao Li-Ming
Published: March 2015

Breast cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in women. As a hub gene involved in a diversity of tumors, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme H10 (UbcH10), may also play some roles in the genesis and development of breast cancer. In the current study, we found that the expression of UbcH10 was up-regulated in some breast cancer tissues and five cell lines. We established a dual drug resistant cell line MCF-7/EPB (epirubicin)/TXT (docetaxel) and a lentiviral system expressing UbcH10 shRNA to investigate the effects of UbcH10 knockdown on the chemosensitivity of MCF-7/EPB/TXT cells to epirubicin and docetaxel. The knockdown of UbcH10 inhibited the proliferation of both MCF-7 and MCF-7/EPB/TXT cells, due to the G1 phase arrest in cell cycle. Furthermore, UbcH10 knockdown increased the sensitivity of MCF-7/EPB/TXT cells to epirubicin and docetaxel and promoted the apoptosis induced by these two drugs. Protein detection showed that, in addition to inhibiting the expression of Ki67 and cyclin D1, UbcH10 RNAi also impaired the increased BCL-2 and MDR-1 expression levels in MCF-7/EPB/TXT cells, which may contribute to abating the drug resistance in the breast cancer cells. Our research in the current study demonstrated that up-regulation of UbcH10 was involved in breast cancer and its knockdown can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and increase the chemosensitivity of the dual drug resistant breast cancer cells to epirubicin and docetaxel, suggesting that UbcH10 may be a promising target for the therapy of breast cancer.
Chitin and Chitosan Preparation from Marine Sources. Structure, Properties and Applications
Authors: Younes Islem , Rinaudo Marguerite
Published: March 2015

This review describes the most common methods for recovery of chitin from marine organisms. In depth, both enzymatic and chemical treatments for the step of deproteinization are compared, as well as different conditions for demineralization. The conditions of chitosan preparation are also discussed, since they significantly impact the synthesis of chitosan with varying degree of acetylation (DA) and molecular weight (MW). In addition, the main characterization techniques applied for chitin and chitosan are recalled, pointing out the role of their solubility in relation with the chemical structure (mainly the acetyl group distribution along the backbone). Biological activities are also presented, such as: antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and antioxidant. Interestingly, the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity is demonstrated for chitosan molecules with different DA and MW and homogeneous distribution of acetyl groups for the first time. In the end, several selected pharmaceutical and biomedical applications are presented, in which chitin and chitosan are recognized as new biomaterials taking advantage of their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Emergence and Epidemiology of Ciguatera in the Coastal Cities of Southern China
Authors: Chan Thomas
Published: March 2015

In the present review of 23 published case studies, the main objective is to report the emergence and epidemiology of ciguatera in the coastal cities of southern China. There was a sudden surge in ciguatera outbreaks in 2004. Ciguatera mostly occurred in the Guangdong Province. In Shenzhen, the incidence of ciguatera in 2004 was estimated to be over 7.5 per million people. In Foshan and Zhongshan, three large outbreaks each affecting over 100–200 subjects (caused by tiger grouper served at banquets) accounted for the much higher incidence of ciguatera in 2004 (>48.7 and >129.9 per million people). Humphead wrasse and areolated coral grouper were the other important ciguatoxic fish. In some subjects, risk factors for increased likelihood of (severe) ciguatera were present, namely concomitant alcohol consumption and ingestion of large reef fishes and CTX-rich fish parts. To prevent large outbreaks and severe illness, large apex predators from coral reefs should never be served at banquets and the public should realize the increased risk of severe symptoms due to ingestion of CTX-rich fish parts with alcohol. The systematic collection of accurate details, implementation of risk assessment process and continuing education for the public on prevention are of obvious importance.
Metabolites Software-Assisted Flavonoid Hunting in Plants Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gu Wan-Yi , Li Na , Leung Elaine , Zhou Hua , Luo Guo-An , Liu Liang , Wu Jian-Lin
Published: March 2015

Plant secondary metabolism drives the generation of metabolites used for host plant resistance, as biopesticides and botanicals, even for the discovery of new therapeutics for human diseases. Flavonoids are one of the largest and most studied classes of specialized plant metabolites. To quickly identify the potential bioactive flavonoids in herbs, a metabolites software-assisted flavonoid hunting approach was developed, which mainly included three steps: firstly, utilizing commercial metabolite software, a flavonoids database was established based on the biosynthetic pathways; secondly, mass spectral data of components in herbs were acquired by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS); and finally, the acquired LC-MS data were imported into the database and the compounds in the herbs were automatically identified by comparison of their mass spectra with the theoretical values. As a case study, the flavonoids in Smilax glabra were profiled using this approach. As a result, 104 flavonoids including 27 potential new compounds were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report on profiling the components in the plants utilizing the plant metabolic principles with the assistance of metabolites software. This approach can be extended to the analysis of flavonoids in other plants.
RETRACTED: Begum et al. Potential Impact of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Exposure to the Seedling Stage of Selected Plant Species. Nanomaterials 2014, 4, 203–221
Authors: Nanomaterials Editorial Office
Published: March 2015

We have become aware that a substantial part of the main text of [1] is copied from multiple other publications. In total, 46% of the main text was taken from publications by the same authors [2,3] and 10% from other papers [4,5]. Because of the extent of text taken verbatim from previously published articles, we have made the decision to retract the article. All the authors of [1] have agreed to this decision. This paper is thus declared retracted and shall be marked accordingly for the scientific record.[...]
Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry Studies on Some Reactively Modified Polymers
Authors: Tretsiakova-McNally Svetlana , Joseph Paul
Published: March 2015

As a part of our continuing work to improve the flame retardance of some chain-growth polymers, by employing a reactive route, we have synthesized several unsaturated compounds containing either phosphorus (P), or both phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), bearing groups in different chemical environments. They included: diethyl(acryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate (DEAMP); diethyl(1-acryloyloxyethyl)phosphonate (DE1AEP); diethyl-2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate (DEAEP); diethyl-2-(metharyloyloxy)ethyl phosphate (DEMEP); acrylic acid-2-(diethoxyphosphorylamino)ethyl ester (ADEPAE); acrylic acid-2-[(diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl amino]ethyl ester (ADEPMAE). Acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (S) were free radically copolymerised with the above mentioned comonomers. The recovered polymers were subjected to routine spectroscopic and thermo-gravimetric analyses. In addition, the combustion behaviours of homopolymers as well as the copolymers containing nominal loadings of P-, or P/N-, groups were, primarily, evaluated using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC). PCFC has been found to be a very useful screening technique, especially, in establishing the efficacies of the different modifying groups towards flame retarding some base polymeric materials. Values of the heat release capacity (HRC) values normalised to the P contents (wt%) can be considered as useful tool in ranking the various P-containing modifying groups in terms of their efficacies to flame-retard non-halogenated chain-growth polymers considered in the present work.
A High Speed CMOS Image Sensor with a Novel Digital Correlated Double Sampling and a Differential Difference Amplifier
Authors: Kim Daehyeok , Bae Jaeyoung , Song Minkyu
Published: March 2015

In order to increase the operating speed of a CMOS image sensor (CIS), a new technique of digital correlated double sampling (CDS) is described. In general, the fixed pattern noise (FPN) of a CIS has been reduced with the subtraction algorithm between the reset signal and pixel signal. This is because a single-slope analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has been normally adopted in the conventional digital CDS with the reset ramp and signal ramp. Thus, the operating speed of a digital CDS is much slower than that of an analog CDS. In order to improve the operating speed, we propose a novel digital CDS based on a differential difference amplifier (DDA) that compares the reset signal and the pixel signal using only one ramp. The prototype CIS has been fabricated with 0.13 µm CIS technology and it has the VGA resolution of 640 × 480. The measured conversion time is 16 µs, and a high frame rate of 131 fps is achieved at the VGA resolution.
Controversies Regarding Costs, Uncertainties and Benefits Specific to Shale Gas Development
Authors: Muresan Jianu , Ivan Mihail
Published: March 2015

The shale gas exploration and development is now a delicate and controversial subject. It is often assumed that unconventional exploration and extraction automatically brings prosperity for local, national and regional economies. In this paper, we argue that shale gas development requires a contextualized understanding of regional issues. We are also trying to identify the opportunities and the risks of shale gas development in Eastern Europe (referring to Romania’s case) and offer a cost-benefit analysis model that may be of interest to any policymakers and investors.
Exosomal proteins as potential diagnostic markers in advanced non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Jakobsen Kristine R. , Paulsen Birgitte S. , Bæk Rikke , Varming Kim , Sorensen Boe S. , Jørgensen Malene M.
Published: March 2015

Background

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death. At the time of diagnosis, more than half of the patients will have disseminated disease and, yet, diagnosing can be challenging. New methods are desired to improve the diagnostic work‐up. Exosomes are cell‐derived vesicles displaying various proteins on their membrane surfaces. In addition, they are readily available in blood samples where they constitute potential biomarkers of human diseases, such as cancer. Here, we examine the potential of distinguishing non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients from control subjects based on the differential display of exosomal protein markers.

Methods

Plasma was isolated from 109 NSCLC patients with advanced stage (IIIa–IV) disease and 110 matched control subjects initially suspected of having cancer, but diagnosed to be cancer free. The Extracellular Vesicle Array (EV Array) was used to phenotype exosomes directly from the plasma samples. The array contained 37 antibodies targeting lung cancer‐related proteins and was used to capture exosomes, which were visualised with a cocktail of biotin‐conjugated CD9, CD63 and CD81 antibodies.

Results

The EV Array analysis was capable of detecting and phenotyping exosomes in all samples from only 10 µL of unpurified plasma. Multivariate analysis using the Random Forests method produced a combined 30‐marker model separating the two patient groups with an area under the curve of 0.83, CI: 0.77–0.90. The 30‐marker model has a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.76, and it classifies patients with 75.3% accuracy.

Conclusion

The EV Array technique is a simple, minimal‐invasive tool with potential to identify lung cancer patients.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and maternal plant sex on seed germination and early plant establishment
Authors: Varga Sandra
Published: March 2015

• Premise of the study: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi usually enhance overall plant performance, yet their effects on seed germination and early plant establishment, crucial steps in plant cycles, are generally overlooked. In gynodioecious species, sexual dimorphism in these traits has been reported, with females producing seeds that germinate at a faster rate than seeds from hermaphrodites.

• Methods: Using the gynodioecious plant Geranium sylvaticum, I investigated in a greenhouse experiment whether the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal spores affects seed germination and early plant establishment, examining at the same time whether the sex of the mother producing the seeds also influences these parameters and whether sex‐specific interactions between these two factors exist.

• Key results: The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal spores in the soil decreased seed germination, did not affect plant survival, but did increase plant growth. Moreover, no significant differences in seed traits were detected between the sexes of the plants producing the seeds.

• Conclusions: This study demonstrates that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may have contrasting effects for plants during early life stages and that mycorrhizal effects can take place even at the precolonization stage.
Azirinium ylides from α-diazoketones and 2H-azirines on the route to 2H-1,4-oxazines: three-membered ring opening vs 1,5-cyclization
Authors: Rostovskii Nikolai V , Novikov Mikhail S , Khlebnikov Alexander F , Starova Galina L , Avdontseva Margarita S
Published: March 2015

Strained azirinium ylides derived from 2H-azirines and α-diazoketones under Rh(II)-catalysis can undergo either irreversible ring opening across the N–C2 bond to 2-azabuta-1,3-dienes that further cyclize to 2H-1,4-oxazines or reversibly undergo a 1,5-cyclization to dihydroazireno[2,1-b]oxazoles. Dihydroazireno[2,1-b]oxazoles derived from 3-aryl-2H-azirines and 3-diazoacetylacetone or ethyl diazoacetoacetate are able to cycloadd to acetyl(methyl)ketene generated from 3-diazoacetylacetone under Rh(II) catalysis to give 4,6-dioxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-ene and/or 5,7-dioxa-1-azabicyclo[4.3.1]deca-3,8-diene-2-one derivatives. According to DFT calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)), the cycloaddition can involve two modes of nucleophilic attack of the dihydroazireno[2,1-b]oxazole intermediate on acetyl(methyl)ketene followed by aziridine ring opening into atropoisomeric oxazolium betaines and cyclization. Azirinium ylides generated from 2,3-di- and 2,2,3-triaryl-substituted azirines give rise to only 2-azabuta-1,3-dienes and/or 2H-1,4-oxazines.
The Effect of Background Babble on Working Memory in Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Neidleman Michelle T. , Wambacq Ilse , Besing Joan , Spitzer Jaclyn B. , Koehnke Janet
Published: March 2015

Background:Background noise has been found to negatively affect working memory. Numerous studies have also found that older adults perform more poorly on working memory tasks than young adults (YA). Hearing status has often been a confounding factor in older individuals. Therefore,
it would be beneficial to investigate working memory functions in adverse listening conditions early in the aging process (i.e., middle-age), when hearing function is relatively unaffected.Purpose:The focus of this study was to determine the influence of background babble on working
memory in YA and middle-aged adults (MA) with normal hearing.Research Design:Before testing was begun, we established that all participants could correctly identify words in a degraded experimental testing environment with 100% accuracy. Then, the participants listened to lists composed
of five pairs of words in quiet and in 20-talker babble. After the final word pair, the participants were cued with the first word of one of the previous five word pairs. The participants were required to write down the second word of the pair. The percent correct scores for each of the five
serial positions were analyzed comparing the two listening conditions for YA and MA. Ten YA and ten MA with normal hearing between 250‐8000 Hz and a score of at least 26/30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination participated in the study. As different cognitive processes are used for
initial, middle, and final serial positions, averaged scores were obtained for Positions 2 and 3 and for Positions 4 and 5. Subsequently, repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted on mean scores of correctly recalled word pairs with serial positions (initial, middle, and
final) and listening condition (quiet, babble) as the within-participant variables and age group (YA, MA) as the between-participant independent variable. This OMNIBUS repeated-measures ANOVA was then followed up with separate repeated-measures ANOVAS for the initial, middle, and final positions.Results:Correct
recall scores were lower for early positions compared with the latter positions, irrespective of listening condition. For Position 1, YA—but not MA—performed significantly better in babble than in quiet. For the middle positions (Positions 2 and 3), MA performed significantly more
poorly than the YA irrespective of listening condition. For the final positions (Positions 4 and 5), no age differences or effects of listening condition were found.Conclusions:The results indicate that both YA and MA have trouble recalling earlier pieces of information in quiet and
in babble. However, MA exhibited significantly poorer recall scores than YA in babble for Position 1, which suggest that cognitive processes related to memory encoding and retrieval are different in background babble for MA and YA.
Case Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Recommendations by Hearing Care Professionals
Authors: Gioia Carmine , Ben-Akiva Moshe , Kirkegaard Matilde , Jørgensen Ole , Jensen Kasper , Schum Don
Published: March 2015

Background:Professional recommendations to patients concerning hearing instrument (HI) technology levels are not currently evidence-based. Pre-fitting parameters have not been proven to be the primary indicators for optimal patient outcome with different HI technology levels.
This results in subjective decision-making as regards the technology level recommendation made by professionals.Purpose:The objective of this study is to gain insight into the decision-making criteria utilized by professionals when recommending HI technology levels to hearing-impaired
patients.Research Design:A set of patient variables (and their respective levels) was identified by professionals as determinant for their recommendation of HIs. An experimental design was developed and 21 representative patient cases were generated. The design was based on a contrastive
vignette technique according to which different types of vignettes (patient cases) were randomly presented to respondents in an online survey. Based on these patient cases, professionals were asked in the survey to make a treatment recommendation.Study Sample:The online survey was sent
to approximately 3,500 professionals from the US, Germany, France, and Italy. The professionals were randomly selected from the databases of Oticon sales companies. The manufacturer sponsoring the survey remained anonymous and was only revealed after completing the survey, if requested by
the respondent. The response rate was 20.5%.Data Collection and Analysis:Data comprised of respondent descriptions and patient case recommendations that were collected from the online survey. A binary logit modeling approach was used to identify the variables that discriminate between
the respondents' recommendations of HI technology levels.Results:The results show that HI technology levels are recommended by professionals based on their perception of the patient's activity level in life, the level of HI usage for experienced users, their age, and their speech discrimination
score. Surprisingly, the patient's lifestyle as perceived by the hearing care professional, followed by speech discrimination, were the strongest factors in explaining treatment recommendation. An active patient with poor speech discrimination had a 17% chance of being recommended the highest
technology level HI. For a very active patient with good speech discrimination, the probability increases to 68%.Conclusions:The discrepancies in HI technology level recommendations are not justified by academic research or evidence of optimal patient outcome with a different HI technology
level. The paradigm of lifestyle as the significant variable identified in this study is apparently deeply anchored in the mindset of the professional despite the lack of supporting evidence. These results call for a shift in the professional's technology level recommendation practice, from
nonevidence-based to a proven practice that can maximize patient outcome.
Comparing NAL-NL1 and DSL v5 in Hearing Aids Fit to Children with Severe or Profound Hearing Loss: Goodness of Fit-to-Targets, Impacts on Predicted Loudness and Speech Intelligibility
Authors: Ching Teresa Y.C. , Quar Tian Kar , Johnson Earl E. , Newall Philip , Sharma Mridula
Published: March 2015

Background:An important goal of providing amplification to children with hearing loss is to ensure that hearing aids are adjusted to match targets of prescriptive procedures as closely as possible. The Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5 and the National Acoustic Laboratories’
prescription for nonlinear hearing aids, version 1 (NAL-NL1) procedures are widely used in fitting hearing aids to children. Little is known about hearing aid fitting outcomes for children with severe or profound hearing loss.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the
prescribed and measured gain of hearing aids fit according to the NAL-NL1 and the DSL v5 procedure for children with moderately severe to profound hearing loss; and to examine the impact of choice of prescription on predicted speech intelligibility and loudness.Research Design:Participants
were fit with Phonak Naida V SP hearing aids according to the NAL-NL1 and DSL v5 procedures. The Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) and estimated loudness were calculated using published models.Study Sample:The sample consisted of 16 children (30 ears) aged between 7 and 17 yr old.Data
Collection and Analysis:The measured hearing aid gains were compared with the prescribed gains at 50 (low), 65 (medium), and 80 dB SPL (high) input levels. The goodness of fit-to-targets was quantified by calculating the average root-mean-square (RMS) error of the measured gain compared
with prescriptive gain targets for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. The significance of difference between prescriptions for hearing aid gains, SII, and loudness was examined by performing analyses of variance. Correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between measures.Results:The
DSL v5 prescribed significantly higher overall gain than the NAL-NL1 procedure for the same audiograms. For low and medium input levels, the hearing aids of all children fit with NAL-NL1 were within 5 dB RMS of prescribed targets, but 33% (10 ears) deviated from the DSL v5 targets by more
than 5 dB RMS on average. For high input level, the hearing aid fittings of 60% and 43% of ears deviated by more than 5 dB RMS from targets of NAL-NL1 and DSL v5, respectively. Greater deviations from targets were associated with more severe hearing loss. On average, the SII was higher for
DSL v5 than for NAL-NL1 at low input level. No significant difference in SII was found between prescriptions at medium or high input level, despite greater loudness for DSL v5 than for NAL-NL1.Conclusions:Although targets between 0.25 and 2 kHz were well matched for both prescriptions
in commercial hearing aids, gain targets at 4 kHz were matched for NAL-NL1 only. Although the two prescriptions differ markedly in estimated loudness, they resulted in comparable predicted speech intelligibility for medium and high input levels.
Le SCOT : un outil de Management public territorial au service du développement durable des territoires ?
Authors: Leroux Erick
Published: March 2015

Le SCOT ou Schéma de Cohérence Territoriale permet aux communes appartenant à un même territoire de mettre en cohérence leurs politiques dans un certain nombre de domaines. La plupart des communes affirment appliquer une stratégie de développement durable. Après avoir analysé les discours stratégiques de 20 collectivités avec le logiciel Alceste, il apparaît que la dimension développement sociale est souvent absente et que la gestion de l’aspect économique et environnementale relève davantage du symbole que de l’action. Les collectivités doivent donc prendre en compte cette carence et s’inscrire dans une politique de l’innovation institutionnelle du New Management Public.
Valeurs publiques et formations universitaires : le cas des masters en management public
Authors: Huron David , Spieth Grégory
Published: March 2015

Depuis une quinzaine d’années les programmes de master en management public se sont développés dans l’offre de formations des universités. Leurs mécanismes de constitution comprenant émergence du projet, ouverture du diplôme et procédures d’habilitation du ministère, sont gérés par le responsable de la formation. Ce dernier, convaincu par la chose publique est un acteur incontournable du programme. La conviction passe par l’adhésion à un corpus de valeurs à définir que l’on pourra qualifier de « publiques ». Cette contribution s’appuie sur le concept de valeur publique développée par Moore définie comme l’utilité directe des avantages engendrés par le gouvernement, l’impartialité et de l’équité de la production et de la distribution du service ainsi que la satisfaction des exigences des citoyens. L’objet de cette recherche est de déterminer s’il existe une vision partagée de la valeur publique au sens de Moore, par les directeurs de formation de Master en Management public dans les différentes universités françaises. A cet effet, une typologie de mécanismes générateurs de valeurs sera mobilisée. La démarche empirique est fondée sur une enquête qualitative à base d’entretiens directifs effectués auprès des responsables de formations de Master 2 en management public.
Les outils du système d'information, facteur clé de succès ou d'échec dans l'évolution des organisations : le cas des universités
Authors: Gillet Michelle , Gillet Patrick
Published: March 2015

Depuis plus de 10 ans, l’Etat a réalisé une succession de réformes, suscitées par la logique du New Public Management. Tous ces nouveaux dispositifs ont eu pour conséquence d’accroître de manière considérable et rapide la complexité et l’incertitude de l’environnement des universités. En conséquence, la question que nous nous posons est de savoir si le système d’information des universités est conforme à leurs besoins pour qu’elles s’adaptent à leur nouvel environnement, résultant des réformes inspirées par le NPM. La réponse à cette question s’appuiera sur la recherche-intervention que nous menons, à travers notre présence longue, dans de nombreuses universités, à l’occasion de la mise en place de logiciels, dont nous sommes concepteurs et éditeurs (une cinquantaine d’universités sur des périmètres fonctionnels divers). Il résulte qu’actuellement, la réponse à cette question est encore négative, car le processus de mutation est loin d’être terminé. Les raisons sont, d’une part, la structure organisationnelle et la philosophie gestionnaire qui n’ont pas suffisamment évolué. D’autre part, les outils de gestion s’appuient toujours principalement sur des données comptables et budgétaires et non sur les données relatives à la gestion des flux des activités opérationnelles des missions enseignement et recherche.
Characterization and definition of public performance: an application to local government authorities
Authors: Maurel Christophe , Carassus David , Favoreu Christophe , Gardey Damien
Published: March 2015

Une revue de littérature sur les modèles permettant de piloter la performance dans les organisations publiques nous montre que les auteurs retiennent des visions partielles du concept de performance publique, alors qu’il connaît des développements important dans le secteur public. A l’aide d’une enquête par questionnaires auprès de collectivités locales, nous proposons une caractérisation et une définition de la performance publique. Cette étude permet ainsi d’enrichir les analyses antérieures en dépassant une vision partielle de la performance organisationnelle et en intégrant les spécificités politico-environnementales du secteur public.
L'apprentissage du travail pluridisciplinaire : L'enseignement des communautés de pratiques en oncogériatrie
Authors: Routelous Christelle
Published: March 2015

L’objectif de cet article est de comprendre comment des professions médicales dans un contexte de pratiques éclatées entre de nombreuses spécialités et dispersées entre plusieurs établissements et services parviennent à collaborer sans bases préalables de coopération et sans l’appui de leaders médicaux ou des gestionnaires d’établissements. Pour cela, nous mobilisons les théories relatives aux communautés de pratiques en lien avec les réflexions sur l’apprentissage collectif. Cette approche nous permet d’enrichir l’analyse en termes de coopération interprofessionnelle dans un contexte complexe.
Une explication de l'échec de la ville de Marseille à l'America's Cup 2007 par les relations de pouvoir
Authors: Lassalle Frédéric , Gherra Sandrine
Published: March 2015

Cette recherche teste un outil sur les relations de pouvoir existantes lors d’une phase de candidature à l’obtention d’un événementiel sportif international. L’outil théorique est issu des écrits de Weber (1947) et doit permettre de répondre à la problématique de l’échec d’une candidature par les dynamiques relationnelles et le pouvoir. Cet article cherche à illustrer et comprendre les profils de pouvoir des organisations et s’intéresse à l’impossibilité de conclure un accord si ceux-ci sont différents (Schelling, 1960).
La filiation par ordonnance : présentation générale de la réforme
Authors: Granet-Lambrechts Frédérique
Published: March 2015

L’ordonnance du 4 juillet 2005, entrée en vigueur le 1 er juillet 2006, parachève la mise en œuvre du principe d’égalité en droit de la filiation et opère des modifications profondes dans l’optique majeure de favoriser l’établissement des liens de filiation, tout en limitant les modalités de leur contestation afin de les sécuriser et de les stabiliser. La vérité biologique demeure le fondement dominant, mais la réalité sociologique reste un fondement alternatif et qui se trouve valorisé.
Filiation et autorité parentale à l'épreuve des nouvelles configurations familiales
Authors: Rebourg Muriel
Published: March 2015

La filiation et l’autorité parentale expriment les dimensions généalogiques et éducatives du lien parental 1 . En inscrivant l’individu dans une position précise au sein d’un groupe de parents, d’une « lignée familiale », la filiation se réfère à l’organisation généalogique de la parenté 2 . Du lien juridique de filiation découle un ensemble de droits, d’obligations et d’interdits et notamment l’attribution de l’autorité parentale, définie par le Code civil comme un ensemble de droits et de devoirs appartenant aux père et mère ayant pour finalité l’intérêt de l’enfant (art. 371-1 C. civ.). Le verbe appartenir utilisé par le législateur montre que le droit est attribué aux personnes dont la filiation est légalement établie, qu’elle corresponde à une filiation par le sang ou non 3 . Le lien apparaît ainsi nettement entre filiation et autorité parentale. Avec quelles conséquences ? La multiplication des recompositions familiales a conduit progressivement à s’interroger sur la consécration juridique de la prise en charge de fait d’un enfant par un adulte avec lequel il n’a pas de lien de filiation. À défaut de statut juridique du beau-parent, la délégation d’autorité parentale, renouvelée par la loi du 4 mars 2002, apparaît actuellement comme l’instrument privilégié de la reconnaissance juridique des liens entre l’enfant et son beau-parent.
Les incidences de la réforme de la filiation sur le nom de famille
Authors: Louis-Pécha Agnès
Published: March 2015

La loi, pendant longtemps, s’est assez peu intéressée à la question de la transmission du nom, abandonnée, pour une grande part, à la force de la coutume qui avait solidement établi le système du nom patronymique. Aujourd’hui, le nom se venge : pour les législateurs successifs qui s’en sont tout récemment emparés afin de moderniser un système inégalitaire 1 et jugé trop peu libéral, c’est un sujet maudit. Qu’on en juge : une loi du 4 mars 2002   2 modifiée, avant même d’entrer en vigueur, par une deuxième loi du 18 juin 2003   3 qui en rogne les dispositions les plus audacieuses ; une application différée à près de trois ans plus tard, le 1 er janvier 2005, et limitée aux enfants nés à partir de cette date 4   ; une nouvelle modification six mois plus tard, par voie d’ordonnance, à l’occasion de la réforme de la filiation 5 et, pour couronner le tout, une loi de ratification 6 comportant des retouches non négligeables. Le nom aura donc exigé – et subi – quatre réformes en six ans, ce à quoi exposait immanquablement la curieuse méthode adoptée consistant à réaliser les finitions de l’édifice – le nom – avant de s’attaquer aux bases, c’est-à-dire à la filiation 7 . On aboutit ainsi à ce que la Direction des affaires civiles et du Sceau appelle « le mille-feuille » du nom, mille-feuille assez indigeste, notamment pour ceux qui doivent veiller à son application dans le temps.
Le statut juridique de l'épouse au japon : la question de l'égalité
Authors: Konuma Isabelle
Published: March 2015

L’égalité est introduite dans la société japonaise avec la Constitution de 1946 (article 14), et la théorie de l’égalité formelle des sexes est appliquée, alors qu’au sein de la famille, ce principe est atténué, d’une part, par la théorie de la « discrimination raisonnable », d’autre part, par l’article 24 de la même constitution, énonçant non une « égalité », mais des « droits de nature similaire » entre les époux et une « égalité substantielle ». Cependant, l’introduction des gender studies bouleverse l’équilibre qui existe entre ces deux acceptions, pointant ainsi l’impuissance de l’égalité formelle et modifiant la notion d’égalité substantielle. Le statut juridique de l’épouse se trouve au croisement entre la politique privilégiant les femmes au foyer, la quête identitaire de l’épouse qui ne s’y reconnaît plus nécessairement, et la politique démographique qui tente de trouver une solution face à la crise de la natalité que traverse le Japon.
Transmission intergénérationnelle des normes et des valeurs : le famadihana dans les Hautes Terres malgaches
Authors: Sandron Frédéric
Published: March 2015

En Imerina, dans la région des Hauts Plateaux à Madagascar, la pratique du « retournement des morts », le famadihana , est célèbre parmi les anthropologues. Ils ont mis en interrelation ses aspects sociaux, économiques, politiques et culturels en montrant sa fonction de reproduction des statuts et des pouvoirs locaux. Or, au fil des décennies, le famadihana a perdu de sa superbe, les cérémonies sont moins fastueuses et comptent moins d’invités, notamment parmi les jeunes. Mais si les jeunes générations reçoivent moins expressément le message des anciens, n’est-ce pas aussi parce que le patrimoine physique et économique qui leur revient est devenu insignifiant et ne permet plus de les ancrer sur la terre de leurs ancêtres ? Sur la base d’entretiens menés dans une commune rurale, il s’agit d’étudier ici l’évolution des relations entre la transmission du patrimoine physique et économique et celle du patrimoine culturel qu’incarne le famidahana .
La diversification des formes de la transmission culturelle : quelques éléments de réflexion à partir d'une enquête longitudinale sur les pratiques culturelles des adolescents
Authors: Octobre Sylvie , Détrez Christine , Mercklé Pierre , Berthomier Nathalie
Published: March 2015

Outil conceptuel de « situation » des individus dans l’espace social, la notion de capital culturel comporte à la fois une dimension matérielle (faite de biens culturels possédés en propres ou mis à disposition dans l’environnement familial), mais également une dimension immatérielle, incorporée cette fois dans les individus, sous la forme de dispositions, d’un « habitus ». C’est pour rendre compte de la transmission et de l’accumulation de ces ressources que la métaphore de l’héritage et de la transmission est généralement mobilisée en sociologie de la culture. Si ses vertus heuristiques sont incontestables, elle doit cependant être utilisée avec précaution, en raison de la complexité des processus de formation et de transformations des dispositions en matière de comportements culturels : c’est ce que nous nous proposons de montrer, à partir d’un certain nombre de réflexions suscitées par l’analyse des premiers résultats d’une grande enquête longitudinale sur les transformations des comportements culturels des enfants et des adolescents, réalisée entre 2002 et 2008 par le ministère de la Culture et de la Communication.
Reprendre des études à l'âge adulte : les effets sur les liens intergénérationnels à l'université et dans la famille
Authors: Chamahian Aline
Published: March 2015

Les mutations qui affectent actuellement les parcours de vie, plus réversibles et moins hiérarchisés, constituent une entrée heuristique pour appréhender de façon renouvelée les liens intergénérationnels. À partir de l’analyse de l’expérience de la reprise d’études dans la vie adulte et de retraite, nous cherchons à comprendre comment l’engagement en formation passe par un positionnement de soi, d’une part vis-à-vis des jeunes générations à l’université et, d’autre part, vis-à-vis des proches familiaux (descendants et ascendants). Dans les deux contextes institutionnels, nous soulignerons comment le statut d’adulte (traditionnellement pensé comme une personne ressource, dotée d’expérience, de compétences et qui doit assumer certains rôles – notamment familiaux) se pose en tension avec le statut d’étudiant, complexifiant le sens de la transmission.