bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women With Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Have Diminished Ankle and Hip Muscle Performance
Authors: Kulig Kornelia , Popovich John M. , Noceti-Dewit Lisa M. , Reischl Stephen F. , Kim Dong
Published: September 2011

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

Objectives

To characterize ankle and hip muscle performance in women with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) and compare them to matched controls. We hypothesized that ankle plantar flexor strength, and hip extensor and abductor strength and endurance, would be diminished in women with PTTD and this impairment would be on the side of dysfunction.

Background

Individuals with PTTD demonstrate impaired walking abilities. Walking gait is strongly dependent on the performance of calf and hip musculature.

Methods

Thirty-four middle-aged women (17 with PTTD) participated. Ankle plantar flexor strength was assessed with the single-leg heel raise test. Hip muscle performance, including strength and endurance, were dynamometrically measured. Differences between groups and sides were assessed with a mixed-model analysis of variance.

Results

Females with PTTD performed significantly fewer single-leg heel raises and repeated sagittal and frontal plane non-weight-bearing leg lifts, and also had lower hip extensor and abductor torques than age-matched controls. There were no differences between sides for hip strength and endurance measures for either group, but differences between sides in ankle strength measures were noted in both groups.

Conclusion

Women with PTTD demonstrated decreased ankle and hip muscle performance bilaterally. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):687–694. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3427
Clozapine Use and Outcomes among Patients with Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: El-Badri Selim , Mellsop Graham
Published: August 2011

Objective: The phenomenology of patients with schizophrenia is similar world-wide, regardless of culture. However, the prognosis is variable both internationally and within national groups of patients. Furthermore, despite advances in pharmacological treatment, a significant proportion of patients with schizophrenia continue to show residual symptoms and disabilities due to poor response to antipsychotic medication. This study retrospectively assessed differences in outcome by gender, ethnicity and age among a group of treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia.

Method: Patients in the catchment (350 000 people) of a single New Zealand public mental health provider (Waikato) formed the study group. Information concerning demographic profiles, Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) ratings and details of Clozapine usage were extracted from clinical records and the data base.

Results: Gender, ethnicity and age did not emerge as significantly associated with any of the outcome variables except for the 30–40 year olds having more improvement on overactivity/aggression ratings than younger or older patients.

Conclusions: Despite these negative results in the New Zealand context, there remain many unanswered questions about the higher rate of service use by Maori. Replication of this study on a larger cohort of patients may be indicated before discarding the idea of potential links between ethnicity, treatment choice and outcomes.
Dangerous “Spin”: the Probability Myth of Evidence-Based Prescribing – a Merleau-Pontyian Approach
Authors: Morstyn Ron
Published: September 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine logical positivist statistical probability statements used to support and justify “evidence-based” prescribing rules in psychiatry when viewed from the major philosophical theories of probability, and to propose “phenomenological probability” based on Maurice Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of “phenomenological positivism” as a better clinical and ethical basis for psychiatric prescribing.

Conclusions: The logical positivist statistical probability statements which are currently used to support “evidence-based” prescribing rules in psychiatry have little clinical or ethical justification when subjected to critical analysis from any of the major theories of probability and represent dangerous “spin” because they necessarily exclude the individual, intersubjective and ambiguous meaning of mental illness. A concept of “phenomenological probability” founded on Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of “phenomenological positivism” overcomes the clinically destructive “objectivist” and “subjectivist” consequences of logical positivist statistical probability and allows psychopharmacological treatments to be appropriately integrated into psychiatric treatment.
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a young adult - its nature and unusual course
Authors: Panda A , Sasikala NK
Published: August 2011

Background: We describe a case o f a recurrent ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in a 37-year-old male with a mass at the infero-temporal quadrant along with an isolated primary lesion at the upper nasal quadrant for the last five months with a past history of surgical excision 7 years ago for a nodular mass in the same eye. The mass showed delayed response to Mitomycin C (MMC) therapy and finally developed limbal stem cell deficiency. Case report: A 37-year-old male presented with a five-month history of foreign body sensation and localized conjunctival hyperemia and two progressively enlarging bumps over the limbus in the left eye. The past history stated a surgical excision, done 7 years ago, for a nodular mass in the same eye. A clinical diagnosis of recurrent OSSN was made, and confirmed by impression cytology. The patient received initial treatment with 0.02 % MMC, but did not show any improvement even after 3 cycles, but later showed marked chemoreduction with 0.04 % MMC on two cycles and a complete resolution of the neoplasia after two more cycles. Impression cytology at six months revealed no abnormality. But at the 10-month follow-up, limbal stem cell deficiency was observed. Conclusion: While examining, managing and follow-up of a case of OSSN, one needs to know the atypical nature and response of the tumour. Long-term follow-up in these cases is mandatory.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v3i2.5297 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011; 3(2): 199-201
Familial Chiari malformation: case series
Authors: Schanker Benjamin D. , Walcott Brian P. , Nahed Brian V. , Kahle Kristopher T. , Li Yan Michael , Coumans Jean-Valery C. E.
Published: September 2011

Chiari malformations (Types I–IV) are abnormalities of the posterior fossa that affect the cerebellum, brainstem, and the spinal cord with prevalence rates of 0.1%–0.5%. Case reports of familial aggregation of Chiari malformation, twin studies, cosegregation of Chiari malformation with known genetic conditions, and recent gene and genome-wide association studies provide strong evidence of the genetic underpinnings of familial Chiari malformation. The authors report on a series of 3 family pairs with Chiari malformation Type I: 2 mother-daughter pairs and 1 father-daughter pair. The specific genetic causes of familial Chiari malformation have yet to be fully elucidated. The authors review the literature and discuss several candidate genes. Recent advances in the understanding of the genetic influences and pathogenesis of familial Chiari malformation are expected to improve management of affected patients and monitoring of at-risk family members.
Chiari malformation associated with craniosynostosis
Authors: Strahle Jennifer , Muraszko Karin M. , Buchman Steven R. , Kapurch Joseph , Garton Hugh J. L. , Maher Cormac O.
Published: September 2011

Object

Chiari malformation (CM) Type I is frequently associated with craniosynostosis. Optimal management of CM in patients with craniosynostosis is not well-established. The goal of this study was to report on a series of pediatric patients with both craniosynostosis and CM and discuss their management.

Methods

The authors searched the medical records of 383 consecutive patients treated for craniosynostosis at a single institution over a 15-year period to identify those with CM. They recorded demographic data as well as surgical treatment and outcomes for these patients. When MR imaging was performed, cerebellar tonsillar descent was recorded and any other associated findings, such as hydrocephalus or spinal syringes, were noted.

Results

A total of 29 patients with both CM and craniosynostosis were identified. Of these cases, 28% had associated occipital venous abnormalities, 45% were syndromic, and 52% also had hydrocephalus. Chiari malformation was more likely to be present in those patients with isolated lambdoid synostosis (55%), multisuture synostosis (35%), and pansynostosis (80%), compared with patients with coronal synostosis (6%) or sagittal synostosis (3%). All patients underwent surgical repair of craniosynostosis: 16 had craniosynostosis repair as well as CM decompression, and 13 patients did not undergo CM decompression. Of the 7 patients in whom craniosynostosis repair alone was performed, 5 had decreased tonsillar ectopia postoperatively and 5 had improved CSF flow studies postoperatively. Both patients with a spinal syrinx had imaging-documented syrinx regression after craniosynostosis repair. In 12 patients in whom CM was diagnosed after primary craniosynostosis repair, 5 had multiple cranial vault expansions and evidence of elevated intracranial pressure. In 5 cases, de novo CM development was documented following craniosynostosis repair at a mean of 3.5 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Chiari malformation is frequently seen in patients with both multi- and single-suture lambdoid craniosynostosis. Chiari malformation, and even a spinal cord syrinx, will occasionally resolve following craniofacial repair. De novo development of CM after craniosynostosis repair is not unusual.
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP): Quality Demanding from Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Roy Chandan Kumar
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v4i1.8460BJMM 2011; 4(1): 1-5
Rapid Detection of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) by BVBlue test
Authors: Akhter Shameem , Satter Humayun , Tarafder Shirin , Miah Ruhul Amin , Sharmin Sohely , Ahmed Sharmeen
Published: August 2011

Bacterial vaginosis is the commonest cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age and require laboratory test for diagnosis . A total 200 women aged 15-45 years with history of abnormal vaginal discharge were included as study population. Fifty women without such history of discharge were taken as healthy control. Three vaginal swab samples were taken from each case and control. These swab samples were subjected to test by conventional methods such as Amsel clinical criteria, Gram stain Nugent method, culture and by newly developed BV Blue test. The results of the BVBlue test were compared with these methods to find out the efficacy of BVBlue test. Rate of detection of bacterial vaginosis (BV) cases was 21.5% by Amsel clinical criteria, 21.0% by Gram stain Nugent method, 21.0% by culture and 22% by BVBlue test among the study population. When comparing with the conventional test and culture, BVBlue test was 100% sensitive and 98% specific. It is rapid, technically simple and is suitable for screening large number of patient in short time where laboratory facilities are not developed. Key words: Bacterial Vaginosis, BVBlue test, Nugent method, Abnormal vaginal discharge. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v4i1.8465 BJMM 2011; 4(1): 24-27
Antibiogram of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Hospital Samples
Authors: Alipourfard Iraj , Nili Nilufar Yeasmin
Published: August 2011

Extended spectrum beta-lactmase (ESBL) producing organisms create a major problem for clinical therapeutics. The frequency of ESBL producing strains among clinical isolates has been steadily increasing over the past few years resulting in limitation of the therapeutic options. These resistant bacteria are emerging world wide as a threat to human health in both the community and hospital settings. -lactamase production by several organisms is the most important mechanism of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins. This study was done to determine the susceptibility of different antimicrobials to ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from wound swabs, blood, urine, fluid, tracheal aspirates and sputum in Shahid Bahonar Hospital of Tehran from July, 2007 to June, 2008. A total of 115 ESBLproducing isolates were obtained from outdoor and indoor patients. Out of 115 isolates, 60% were E. coli and 40% were K. pneumoniae. All ESBL-producing isolates were confirmed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)-approved double-disk diffusion method. 29.6% of these isolates were collected from medical wards and 24.3% were collected from outdoor. Urine (70.4%) was the main source of ESBL-producing isolates from all patients, followed by blood (16.5%). All isolates were susceptible to both imipenem and meropenem. Of all isolates, 93.9% were susceptible to amikacin. The cephalosporins (1-4 generations) were almost 100% resistant. For Nitrofurantoin, 57.4% were sensitive. High rate resistance (74.8%) was observed to all quinolones tested. Aztreonam, Ampicillin, Co-amoxyclav and Ampicillin/Sulbactam were 100% resistant. This study shows that the frequency of ESBL producing strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae is high in both hospital and community levels and it has a significant implication for patients’ management. Advance drug resistance surveillance and molecular characteristics of ESBL isolates is necessary to guide the appropriate and judicious antibiotic use. Key words: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), Drug sensitivity, Escherichia coli, Klebseilla pneumoniae DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v4i1.8467 BJMM 2011; 4(1): 32-36
Pseudo-spin Symmetry for Relativistic-Hyperbolic Problem and Tensor Potential
Authors: Eshghi M.
Published: September 2011

We study the relativistic equation of spin-1/2 particles under the hyperbolic potential and a Coulomb-like tensor potential. By using the generalized parametric of the Nikiforov-Uvarov method and the pseudo-spin symmetry, we obtain the energy eigenvalues equation and the corresponding unnormalized wave functions. Some numerical results are given, too.Keywords: Dirac equation; Tensor potential; Pseudo-spin symmetry; Nikiforov-Uvarov.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserveddoi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.8071               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 503-510 (2011
Estimation of the Genetic Diversity in Tetraploid Alfalfa Populations Based on RAPD Markers for Breeding Purposes
Authors: Nagl Nevena , Taski-Ajdukovic Ksenija , Barac Goran , Baburski Aleksandar , Seccareccia Ivana , Milic Dragan , Katic Slobodan
Published: August 2011

Alfalfa is an autotetraploid, allogamous and heterozygous forage legume, whose varieties are synthetic populations. Due to the complex nature of the species, information about genetic diversity of germplasm used in any alfalfa breeding program is most beneficial. The genetic diversity of five alfalfa varieties, involved in progeny tests at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, was characterized based on RAPD markers. A total of 60 primers were screened, out of which 17 were selected for the analysis of genetic diversity. A total of 156 polymorphic bands were generated, with 10.6 bands per primer. Number and percentage of polymorphic loci, effective number of alleles, expected heterozygosity and Shannon’s information index were used to estimate genetic variation. Variety Zuzana had the highest values for all tested parameters, exhibiting the highest level of variation, whereas variety RSI 20 exhibited the lowest. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 88.39% of the total genetic variation was attributed to intra-varietal variance. The cluster analysis for individual samples and varieties revealed differences in their population structures: variety Zuzana showed a very high level of genetic variation, Banat and Ghareh were divided in subpopulations, while Pecy and RSI 20 were relatively uniform. Ways of exploiting the investigated germplasm in the breeding programs are suggested in this paper, depending on their population structure and diversity. The RAPD analysis shows potential to be applied in analysis of parental populations in semi-hybrid alfalfa breeding program in both, development of new homogenous germplasm, and identification of promising, complementary germplasm.
Information Science: Its Past, Present and Future
Authors: Yan Xue-Shan
Published: August 2011

Early in its history and development, there were three types of classical information sciences: computer and information science, library and information science, telecommunications and information science. With the infiltration of the concept of information into various fields, an information discipline community of around 200 members was formed around the sub-fields of information theory or informatics or information science. For such a large community, a systematization, two trends of thought, some perspectives and suggestions are discussed in this paper.
Temperature-Responsive Biocompatible Copolymers Incorporating Hyperbranched Polyglycerols for Adjustable Functionality
Authors: Taylor Darlene K. , Jayes Friederike L. , House Alan J. , Ochieng Melony A.
Published: August 2011

Temperature-triggered copolymers are proposed for a number of bio-applications but there is no ideal material platform, especially for injectable drug delivery. Options are needed for degradable biomaterials that not only respond to temperature but also easily accommodate linkage of active molecules. A first step toward realizing this goal is the design and synthesis of the novel materials reported herein. A multifunctional macromer, methacrylated hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG-MA) with an average of one acrylate unit per copolymer, was synthesized and copolymerized with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), hydroxyethyl methacrylate-polylactide (HEMAPLA) and acrylic acid (AAc). The potential to fully exploit the copolymers by modification of the multiple HPG hydroxyl groups will not be discussed here. Instead, this report focuses on the thermoresponsive, biocompatible, and degradation properties of the material. Poly(NIPAAm-co-HEMAPLA-co-AAc-co-HPG-MA) displayed increasing lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) as the HPG content increased over a range of macromer ratios. For the copolymer with the maximum HPG incorporation (17%), the LCST was ~30 °C. In addition, this sample showed no toxicity when human uterine fibroid cells were co-cultured with the copolymer for up to 72 h. This copolymer lost approximately 92% of its mass after 17 hours at 37 °C. Thus, the reported biomaterials offer attractive properties for the design of drug delivery systems where orthogonally triggered mechanisms of therapeutic release in relatively short time periods would be attractive.
Simulation of Granular Flows and Pile Formation in a Flat-Bottomed Hopper and Bin, and Experimental Verification
Authors: Yuu Shinichi , Umekage Toshihiko
Published: August 2011

Granular flows of 200 μm particles and the pile formation in a flat-bottomed hopper and bin in the presence of air and in a vacuum were predicted based on three-dimensional numerically empirical constitutive relations using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics methods. The constitutive relations for the strain rate independent stress have been obtained as the functions of the Almansi strain including the large deformation by the same method as Yuu et al. [1]. The constitutive relations cover the elastic and the plastic regions including the flow state and represent the friction mechanism of granular material. We considered the effect of air on the granular flow and pile by the two-way coupling method. The granular flow patterns, the shapes of piles and the granular flow rates in the evolution are compared with experimental data measured under the same conditions. There was good agreement between these results, which suggests that the constitutive relations and the simulation method would be applicable for predicting granular flows and pile formation with complex geometry including free surface geometry. We describe the mechanisms by which the air decreases the granular flow rate and forms the convergence granular flow below the hopper outlet.
Pseudonocardians A–C, New Diazaanthraquinone Derivatives from a Deap-Sea Actinomycete Pseudonocardia sp. SCSIO 01299
Authors: Li Sumei , Tian Xinpeng , Niu Siwen , Zhang Wenjun , Chen Yuchan , Zhang Haibo , Yang Xianwen , Zhang Weimin , Li Wenjun , Zhang Si , Ju Jianhua , Zhang Changsheng
Published: August 2011

Pseudonocardians A–C (2–4), three new diazaanthraquinone derivatives, along with a previously synthesized compound deoxynyboquinone (1), were produced by the strain SCSIO 01299, a marine actinomycete member of the genus Pseudonocardia, isolated from deep-sea sediment of the South China Sea. The structures of compounds 1–4 were determined by mass spectrometry and NMR experiments (1H, 13C, HSQC, and HMBC). The structure of compound 1, which was obtained for the first time from a natural source, was confirmed by X-ray analysis. Compounds 1–3 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against three tumor cell lines of SF-268, MCF-7 and NCI-H460 with IC50 values between 0.01 and 0.21 μm, and also showed antibacterial activities on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Bacillus thuringensis SCSIO BT01, with MIC values of 1–4 μg mL−1.
Optimized Enzymatic Synthesis of Hesperidin Fatty Acid Esters in a Two-Phase System Containing Ionic Liquid
Authors: Araújo Maria Elisa Melo Branco de , Contesini Fabiano Jares , Franco Yollanda Edwirges Moreira , Sawaya Alexandra C.H. Frankland , Alberto Thiago Grando , Dalfré Natália , Carvalho Patrícia de Oliveira
Published: August 2011

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five-level, three-variable central composite design (CCD) was employed for modeling and optimizing the conversion yield of the enzymatic acylation of hesperidin with decanoic acid using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) in a two-phase system containing [bmim]BF4. The three variables studied (molar ratio of hesperidin to decanoic acid, [bmim]BF4/acetone ratio and lipase concentration) significantly affected the conversion yield of acylated hesperidin derivative. Verification experiments confirmed the validity of the predicted model. The lipase showed higher conversion degree in a two-phase system using [bmim]BF4 and acetone compared to that in pure acetone. Under the optimal reaction conditions carried out in a single-step biocatalytic process when the water content was kept lower than 200 ppm, the maximum acylation yield was 53.6%.
Nanocomposites Based on Metal and Metal Sulfide Clusters Embedded in Polystyrene
Authors: Carotenuto Gianfranco , Giannini Cinzia , Siliqi Dritan , Nicolais Luigi
Published: August 2011

Transition-metal alkane-thiolates (i.e., organic salts with formula Me(SR)x, where R is a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, –CnH2n+1) undergo a thermolysis reaction at moderately low temperatures (close to 200 °C), which produces metal atoms or metal sulfide species and an organic by-product, disulfide (RSSR) or thioether (RSR) molecules, respectively. Alkane-thiolates are non-polar chemical compounds that dissolve in most techno-polymers and the resulting solid solutions can be annealed to generate polymer-embedded metal or metal sulfide clusters. Here, the preparation of silver and gold clusters embedded into amorphous polystyrene by thermolysis of a dodecyl-thiolate precursor is described in detail. However, this chemical approach is quite universal and a large variety of polymer-embedded metals or metal sulfides could be similarly prepared.
Schools and Communities of Norm-awareness
Authors: Pusztai Gabriella
Published: August 2011

The relationship between religiosity and educational attainment is an important question in the sociology of religion literature. It is widely contested whether the natural outgrowth of the spreading rational worldview and the increase of educated people can account for the decline of religious adherence. Is there any other explanation for the different opportunities of religious and non-religious societal groups to obtaining the highest educational level? After the political transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, one of the most important challenges of restructuring the educational system was how different cultural groups would be able to infuse their own spirituality into their children's education after the domination of the totalitarian ideology. The Hungarian case is unique because of the mixed confessional landscape, the populous Hungarian minority outside the border, the alternating hard and soft periods of religious harassment. Recently, more than half of the Hungarian population can be described as religious in their own way, one sixth strongly affiliated with churches, and another sixth are atheists. However, several studies showed that basic indicators of social status were very strongly and negatively interrelated with religiosity. It turned out that preferred educational views, values, approaches and priorities regarding the norms at schools differ very sharply according to the religious views, and belonging to a religious network significantly supports educational careers. This paper is a comprehensive review of research on the educational functions of denominational schools and religious communities in contemporary Hungary.
An Amperometric Biosensor for Glucose Determination Prepared from Glucose Oxidase Immobilized in Polyaniline-Polyvinylsulfonate Film
Authors: Arslan Fatma , Ustabaş Selvin , Arslan Halit
Published: August 2011

In this study, a novel amperometric glucose biosensor with immobilization of glucose oxidase on electrochemically polymerized polyaniline-polyvinylsulphonate (Pani-Pvs) films has been accomplished via the entrapment technique. Electropolymerization of aniline on the Pt surface of the Pt electrode was carried out at constant potential (0.75 V, vs. Ag/AgCl) using an electrochemical cell containing aniline and polyvinylsulphonate. Firstly, the optimum working conditions for preparing polyaniline-polyvinylsulfonate films were investigated. Determination of glucose was carried out by the oxidation of enzymatically produced H2O2 at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The effects of pH and temperature were investigated and the optimum pH value was found to be 7.5. The storage stability and operational stability of the enzyme electrode were also studied. The results show that 75% of the response current was retained after 16 activity assays. The prepared glucose biosensor retained 80.6% of initial activity after 40 days when stored in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at 4 °C.
FPGA-Based Multimodal Embedded Sensor System Integrating Low- and Mid-Level Vision
Authors: Botella Guillermo , Martín H. José Antonio , Santos Matilde , Meyer-Baese Uwe
Published: August 2011

Motion estimation is a low-level vision task that is especially relevant due to its wide range of applications in the real world. Many of the best motion estimation algorithms include some of the features that are found in mammalians, which would demand huge computational resources and therefore are not usually available in real-time. In this paper we present a novel bioinspired sensor based on the synergy between optical flow and orthogonal variant moments. The bioinspired sensor has been designed for Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) using properties of the mammalian cortical motion pathway. This sensor combines low-level primitives (optical flow and image moments) in order to produce a mid-level vision abstraction layer. The results are described trough experiments showing the validity of the proposed system and an analysis of the computational resources and performance of the applied algorithms.
Intracellular Events and Cell Fate in Filovirus Infection
Authors: Olejnik Judith , Ryabchikova Elena , Corley Ronald B. , Mühlberger Elke
Published: August 2011

Marburg and Ebola viruses cause a severe hemorrhagic disease in humans with high fatality rates. Early target cells of filoviruses are monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. The infection spreads to the liver, spleen and later other organs by blood and lymph flow. A hallmark of filovirus infection is the depletion of non-infected lymphocytes; however, the molecular mechanisms leading to the observed bystander lymphocyte apoptosis are poorly understood. Also, there is limited knowledge about the fate of infected cells in filovirus disease. In this review we will explore what is known about the intracellular events leading to virus amplification and cell damage in filovirus infection. Furthermore, we will discuss how cellular dysfunction and cell death may correlate with disease pathogenesis.
Le rôle des commissions consultatives dans la décision politique au Japon
Authors: Some Yasunori
Published: August 2011

Les Ministères et agences ministérielles japonaises abritent plus de 200 commissions consultatives dites shingikai. Cet article s'intéresse à l'influence que les plus importantes d'entre elles, les commissions ad hoc auxquelles M. Nakasone fut le premier à avoir recours systématiquement, ont exercée sur les prises de décisions politiques au cours des années 1980. Le rôle de ces commissions, une des caractéristiques du paysage politico-administratif japonais, a été trop souvent sous- estimé : on a voulu y voir autant de "couvertures" pour les ministères. En fait, même si l'influence de l'Administration est loin d'en être absente, ces commissions, placées directement sous la tutelle du Bureau du Premier Ministre et composées souvent de fortes personnalités issues de divers secteurs de la société, ont su plusieurs fois bousculer lec intérêts acquis et devenir ies vecteurs d'importants changements de politiques. Une comparaison minutieuse de leurs recommandations et des mesures législatives ou réglementaires prises en consequence de leurs rapports montre en tout cas que leur voix a Clé bien écoutée et qu'il faut maintenant voir en elles des acteurs importants de la communauté politique au japon.
Effets des formations professionnelles et des aides à l'embauche : exploitation d'une enquête auprès d'employeurs belges
Authors: Van der Linden Bruno
Published: September 2011

Effets des formations professionnelles et des aides à l'embauche :

exploitation d'une enquête auprès d'employeurs belges

par Bruno Van der Linden

Au départ d'une enquête auprès d'employeurs, cet article estime tout d'abord l'importance des effets de perte sèche et de substitution engendrés par les subsides à l'embauche et les formations professionnelles de chômeurs. Il s'intéresse ensuite à l'influence de ces politiques sur la durée d'embauché. La fréquence de l'effet de perte sèche s'élève à 53 % pour les subsides à l'embauche et 35 % pour les formations. Les subsides à l'embauche engendrent de la substitution dans 35 % des cas. L'effet des politiques sur la durée d'embauché est sensible au choix de la distribution de l'hétérogénéité non observée. La participation aux politiques favorise un allongement de la durée d'occupation mais seul l'effet des formations subsidiées en entreprise est significativement différent de zéro.
L'allocation de parent isolé : une prestation sous influences. Une analyse de la durée de perception
Authors: Afsa Cédric
Published: September 2011

L'allocation de parent isolé : une prestation sous influences. Une analyse de la durée de perception

par Cédric Afsa

L'allocation de parent isolé (API) est un minimum social versé pour une durée limitée, destiné aux femmes enceintes ou aux parents (des mères, en règle générale) qui se retrouvent seul(e)s à élever leurs enfants. L'analyse des données extraites des fichiers des caisses d'allocations familiales (CAF), organismes versant l'API, montre une grande dispersion des durées effectives de perception de l'allocation. D'ailleurs, environ 60 % des femmes sortent de l'API de manière anticipée, sans atteindre le terme légal. De plus, la durée de perception est elle-même sensible à divers facteurs socio-démographiques, individuels ou de contexte (comme le taux de chômage local). À cette variabilité s'ajoute une hétérogénéité des comportements, non observable sur les données à notre disposition, et que des études qualitatives ont mis en évidence.
Triple-channel microreactor for biphasic gas–liquid reactions: Photosensitized oxygenations
Authors: Maurya Ram Awatar , Park Chan Pil , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: August 2011

A triple-channel microreactor fabricated by means of a soft-lithography technique was devised for efficient biphasic gas–liquid reactions. The excellent performance of the microreactor was demonstrated by carrying out photosensitized oxygenations of α-terpinene, citronellol, and allyl alcohols.
Les ONG : acteurs d'une « gestion disputée » des services de base dans les villes africaines ?
Authors: Dorier-Apprill Élisabeth , Meynet Cécilia
Published: August 2011

Résumé Dans le cadre des principes de « bonne gouvernance », le système de gestion déléguée des services urbains de base auprès de petites ONG ou groupements s’est généralisé dans les villes africaines engendrant la multiplication de ces intervenants privés de type associatif. Dans les villes du Mali et du Bénin, après que les services municipaux en faillite en ont été dessaisis, des prestations de proximité comme la collecte des déchets ménagers ou l’entretien des rues sont systématiquement confiées à de petits opérateurs locaux sous contrat qui ont généralement le statut d’ONG. On s’intéressera ici à la complexité des trajectoires et du jeu d’acteurs de ces ONG et de la compétition qui en résulte sur les territoires urbains de leurs interventions, territoires d’intervention souvent âprement disputés et concurrentiels. Ces ONG sont à la fois fragiles et très souples, souvent extrêmement polyvalentes, capables de changer d’orientation, de domaine de spécialisation ou d’aire d’intervention au gré des grandes orientations des bailleurs de développement. Les tensions internes ne sont pas absentes de ces petits groupes locaux. Mais au-delà de ces péripéties, leur trajectoire montre de remarquables capacités d’adaptation au contexte, aux normes internationales et aux opportunités de financement, autant qu’une efficacité sociale indéniable dans la redistribution sociale du travail et des ressources et dans l’autopromotion de jeunes entreprenants qui parviennent ainsi à acquérir une visibilité et à s’insérer sur le marché de l’emploi formel.
ONG et politiques publiques d'habitat urbain : réflexions à partir de l'Équateur et du Venezuela
Authors: Quentin Aurélie
Published: August 2011

Résumé Depuis le milieu des années 1990, les ONG participent de manière institutionnalisée à de nombreuses politiques sociales dans les pays en développement, leur intégration formelle aux politiques publiques d’habitat en Équateur et au Venezuela en est une illustration. Cette coopération avec le tiers-secteur est promue par les grandes institutions internationales dans le cadre de la doctrine de la bonne gouvernance, dont les mots d’ordre sont la privatisation, la décentralisation et la participation de la société civile. Derrière l’argument de dépasser la crise de gouvernabilité que connaissent actuellement les États latino-américains, tout en approfondissant la démocratie et l’équité, se cachent des enjeux de reproduction du système existant, utilisant les ONG comme des agents régulateurs. Cet article cherche à mettre en évidence les mécanismes d’instrumentalisation de cette catégorie d’acteur en analysant son rôle dans les programmes d’habitat social en Équateur et au Venezuela.
Les ONG au service de la gouvernance globale : le cas de l'Ouzbékistan
Authors: Hours Bernard
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cet article analyse la place des ONG en Ouzbékistan. Ce pays d’Asie centrale est soumis, depuis l’éclatement de l’URSS, à une forte pression occidentale à travers des normes de gouvernance peu mises en œuvre mais largement invoquées. Dans ce domaine, les ONG apparaissent d’abord comme une ouverture entre le monde intérieur clos d’une dictature nationaliste dure et l’univers global, externe, occidental. Des normes, des pressions, des financements y circulent. Des concepts s’y inscrivent, comme ceux de société civile, de droits, de gouvernance. La construction de la société civile a été invoquée par les ONG, en particulier jusqu’en 1995. Depuis, faute de résultats, l’approche est plus pragmatique, plus développementaliste. Les ONG mettent donc en œuvre une pédagogie de la société civile, plus qu’une réelle construction, face à un État vigilant et brutal. Les ONG apparaissent par conséquent comme étant au service de la gouvernance globale telle qu’elle est formulée par les États occidentaux. À leur tête, les USA jouent un rôle déterminant et premier dans les stratégies choisies et les moyens alloués aux ONG en Ouzbékistan.
En quête d'une introuvable action antidiscriminatoire
Authors: Stavo-Debauge Joan
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cet article revient sur l’un des premiers dispositifs français d’action antidiscriminatoire, le parrainage à l’emploi, institutionnalisé en 1998. Après avoir remis en contexte son institutionnalisation, en un temps hostile à la catégorisation de la race et de l’ethnicité, l’auteur propose une ethnographie de ce dispositif et montre pourquoi il n’était guère apprêté à la lutte contre les discriminations. À la croisée d’une sociologie de l’action publique et des problèmes publics, l’auteur s’enquiert de ce qui faisait défaut à cette action publique et en profite pour interroger les critères au moyen desquels les chercheurs jugent ordinairement de l’établissement et du traitement d’un problème public.
Le cadrage juridique, une ressource politique ?
Authors: Chappe Vincent-Arnaud
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cet article s’appuie sur une étude empirique de l’émergence de la problématique de la lutte contre les discriminations à travers le processus de création en France de la Haute Autorité de Lutte contre les Discriminations – HALDE. La découverte de l’ampleur des discriminations ethniques a constitué un danger pour le modèle d’intégration français. L’association de la juridicisation et de l’universalisation de la lutte contre les discriminations a permis d’empêcher les controverses politiques en laissant intacts les présupposés de la grammaire républicaine hostile à la reconnaissance publique des minorités ethniques. Le cadrage juridique des problèmes sociaux a servi ainsi de ressource aux acteurs politiques pour éviter une politisation conflictuelle au sein des espaces publics.
Victimes dans l'ombre de la loi
Authors: Bumiller Kristin , Bereni Laure , Chappe Vincent-Arnaud , Lacalmontie Séverine , Corson Francis
Published: August 2011

Résumé Initialement publié dans la revue Signs en 1987, l’article de Kristin Bumiller traduit dans le cadre de ce dossier combine une approche critique de l’idéologie du droit héritière des Critical legal studies avec une démarche de sociologie empirique et compréhensive qui préfigure certains aspects du courant des Legal consciousness studies . En s’appuyant sur une enquête par entretiens approfondis, Bumiller restitue finement le sens que revêt le droit pour des personnes qui estiment avoir subi des discriminations, et qui n’ont pas, pour la plupart, porté plainte devant les tribunaux. Elle livre une vision très pessimiste du « modèle de la protection juridique », incapable de protéger, selon elle, les victimes de discriminations, placées dans l’entrelacement des rapports sociaux de genre, de classe et de race. Elle montre que celles-ci anticipent les coûts psychologiques et matériels d’une plainte ainsi que leurs faibles chances d’obtenir gain de cause, et préfèrent se penser au prisme valorisant de « survivantes » de la discrimination, plutôt qu’à celui – socialement dégradant – de victimes.
La cause de l'intelligence
Authors: Lignier Wilfried
Published: August 2011

Résumé Un certain modèle de la justification qui fait la part belle aux principes paraît vouer la promotion d’une vision inégalitaire du monde social à l’illégitimité publique, tant que les inégalités en question sont définies par leurs promoteurs comme intrinsèques, irréversibles. L’étude empirique du cas du processus de légitimation qu’a de fait connu, en France, la cause des enfants dits « intellectuellement précoces » prouve au contraire qu’une catégorisation définitivement inégalitaire peut accéder à un haut degré de légitimité (sanctionné par l’intégration à la politique d’État). Elle montre en outre que ce processus, bien qu’incluant des reformulations sémantiques décisives, met d’abord en jeu des relations sociales concrètes et une logique d’imposition symbolique. Cette logique tient son efficacité sociale à la fois de la mobilisation de militants (d’autant plus décisive qu’ils sont socialement dotés) et d’évolutions institutionnelles et structurelles relativement indépendantes, qui augmentent ou au contraire réduisent les chances que l’action des militants paraisse publiquement pertinente.
Hybridization between native and invasive alien plants: an overlooked threat to the biodiversity of Sri Lanka
Authors: Yakandawala Deepthi , Yakandawala Kapila
Published: August 2011

Conservation of native biological diversity is one of the major challenges of this century. Invasive alien species (IAS) are a part of this challenge because a small but a significant fraction of IAS contribute to the demise of native species. The present paper reviews current literature on the phenomenon of hybridization in plants supporting the evolution of invasiveness, which is identified as a major threat to the extinction of native species. Further, the phenomenon of hybridization is been reviewed on a Sri Lankan context by citing evidence from a preliminary study between the native Nymphaea nouchali and an introduced violet flowered water-lily that has got established in water-bodies of Sri Lanka. This violet flowered water-lily has been incorrectly identified as the native Nymphaea nouchali, the National flower of Sri Lanka (‘Nil Manel’). Revealing the flawed identity of the violet flowered Nymphaea, its hybrid origin and the hybridization with the native N. nouchali, provides an excellent opportunity for initiating studies on a novel area in hybridization between natives and invasive alien species of plants in Sri Lanka.   Key words: biodiversity conservation, Nymphaea, evolution, ‘Nil Manel’, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i1.3403 CJSBS 2011; 40(1): 13-23
Clonal propagation of Wattakaka volubilis through nodal explant culture
Authors: Vinothkumar D , Murugavelh S , Senthikumar M
Published: August 2011

A protocol was developed for microporpagation of Wattakaka volubils (L.f) Stapf, an important medicinal plant in India. In vitro shoot multiplication nodal explants of W. volubilis was achieved on solid MS basal medium supplemented with BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid). Presence of NAA in the culture medium along with BAP promoted multiplication of shoots than BAP alone. The highest shoot multiplication rate (23.4±0.48) was observed after 28 days of culture on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l NAA. Elongated shoots produced roots within 6 weeks in half strength MS basal medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/l IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and 3% (w/v) sucrose. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized with a survival rate of 95% and transferred to the green-house and thereafter successfully transferred to the field with 90% survival rate.   Keywords: medicinal plants, micropropagation, nodal culture, survival rate DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i1.3406 CJSBS 2011; 40(1): 53-58
Complement Activation and Complement Receptors on Follicular Dendritic Cells Are Critical for the Function of a Targeted Adjuvant
Authors: Mattsson Johan , Yrlid Ulf , Stensson Anneli , Schön Karin , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Ravetch Jeffrey V. , Lycke Nils Y.
Published: September 2011

A detailed understanding of how activation of innate immunity can be exploited to generate more effective vaccines is critically required. However, little is known about how to target adjuvants to generate safer and better vaccines. In this study, we describe an adjuvant that, through complement activation and binding to follicular dendritic cells (FDC), dramatically enhances germinal center (GC) formation, which results in greatly augmented Ab responses. The nontoxic CTA1-DD adjuvant hosts the ADP-ribosylating CTA1 subunit from cholera toxin and a dimer of the D fragment from Staphylococcus aureus protein A. We found that T cell-dependent, but not -independent, responses were augmented by CTA1-DD. GC reactions and serum Ab titers were both enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. This effect required complement activation, a property of the DD moiety. Deposition of CTA1-DD to the FDC network appeared to occur via the conduit system and was dependent on complement receptors on the FDC. Hence, Cr2−/− mice failed to augment GC reactions and exhibited dramatically reduced Ab responses, whereas Ribi adjuvant demonstrated unperturbed adjuvant function in these mice. Noteworthy, the adjuvant effect on priming of specific CD4 T cells was found to be intact in Cr2−/− mice, demonstrating that the CTA1-DD host both complement-dependent and -independent adjuvant properties. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of an adjuvant that directly activates complement, enabling binding of the adjuvant to the FDC, which subsequently strongly promoted the GC reaction, leading to augmented serum Ab titers and long-term memory development.
The Process of Macrophage Migration Promotes Matrix Metalloproteinase-Independent Invasion by Tumor Cells
Authors: Guiet Romain , Van Goethem Emeline , Cougoule Céline , Balor Stéphanie , Valette Annie , Al Saati Talal , Lowell Clifford A. , Le Cabec Véronique , Maridonneau-Parini Isabelle
Published: September 2011

Tumor-associated macrophages are known to amplify the malignant potential of tumors by secreting a variety of cytokines and proteases involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, but how these macrophages infiltrate tumors and whether the macrophage migration process facilitates tumor cell invasion remain poorly documented. To address these questions, we used cell spheroids of breast carcinoma SUM159PT cells as an in vitro model of solid tumors. We found that macrophages used both the mesenchymal mode requiring matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the amoeboid migration mode to infiltrate tumor cell spheroids. Whereas individual SUM159PT cells invaded Matrigel using an MMP-dependent mesenchymal mode, when they were grown as spheroids, tumor cells were unable to invade the Matrigel surrounding spheroids. When spheroids were infiltrated or in contact with macrophages, tumor cell invasiveness was restored. It was dependent on the capacity of macrophages to remodel the matrix and migrate in an MMP-independent mesenchymal mode. This effect of macrophages was much reduced when spheroids were infiltrated by Matrigel migration-defective Hck−/− macrophages. In the presence of macrophages, SUM159PT migrated into Matrigel in the proximity of macrophages and switched from an MMP-dependent mesenchymal migration to an amoeboid mode resistant to protease inhibitors.Thus, in addition to the well-described paracrine loop between macrophages and tumor cells, macrophages can also contribute to the invasiveness of tumor cells by remodeling the extracellular matrix and by opening the way to exit the tumor and colonize the surrounding tissues in an MMP-dispensable manner.