bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations sur un concept : le pays
Authors: Louault François 
Published: April 2013

La recherche d'un nouveau maillage pour
territorialiser l'action publique réactualise l'un des concepts majeurs de la géographie classique : le «pays». Une géohistoire du terme en démontre la variété d'échelles et de contenus. L'analyse critique de ses diverses acceptions prouve la nécessité d'une définition rénovée, opérationnelle, basée sur le prise en compte des interrelations villes moyennes-campagnes.
Comparison of the axial stiffness of carbon composite and aluminium alloy circular external skeletal fixator rings
Authors: Kowaleski M. P. , Gerard P. D. , Rovesti G. L. , Gauthier C. M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the axial stiffness of aluminium alloy and carbon composite single-ring constructs.Methods: Single-ring constructs were made with rings of different material compositions (aluminium alloy and carbon composite), diameters (55 mm, 85 mm, and 115 mm), and thicknesses (6 mm for the single-ring, 12 mm for the double-ring) with all other components remaining constant. Stiffness of each construct was determined under loading in axial compression with a materials testing machine. The axial stiffness of each group was compared using a three-factor factorial analysis of variance investigating all main effects and interactions between ring diameter, ring thickness, and ring material composition; p <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Carbon composite constructs were 16-55% as stiff as corresponding aluminium alloy constructs. Within each combination of ring material composition and ring diameter, stiffness did not significantly increase when the ring thickness was doubled. Within each combination of ring material composition and ring thickness, stiffness significantly decreased with increased ring diameter.Clinical significance: Aluminium alloy rings were found to be significantly stiffer than carbon composite rings. Although the carbon composite rings were considerably less stiff, clinical recommendations cannot be made from a single-ring in vitro analysis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the behaviour of these rings in vivo.
Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment Initiation and Modification Patterns in Five European Countries: A 2-Year Longitudinal, Non-Interventional Study
Authors: Marcellin Patrick , Arama Victoria , Leblebicioglu Hakan , Zarski Jean Pierre , Zeuzem Stefan , Mauss Stefan , Sieklucki Jerzy , Acalovschi Monica , Usluer Gaye , Klauck Isabelle , Morais Edith , Bjork Stefan , Lescrauwaet Benedicte , Kamar Driss , Simon Krzysztof ,   the AI463-121 European Longitudinal Chronic Hepatitis B Study Group, Botta-Fridlund Danielle , Pol Stanislas , Maynard Marianne , Habersetzer François , Causse Xavier , Alric Laurent , Simo Noumbissie Pauline , Gerken Guido , Goeser Tobias , Niederau Claus , Wiese Manfred , Busch Heiner , Schneider Lothar , Schubert Jens , Brenner Meike , Scheffrahn Inka , Vermehren Johannes , Bludzin Wieslawa , Dziambor Andrzej , Goryszewski Dariusz , Postawa-Klosinska Barbara , Pleśniak Robert , Tanasescu Coman , Raducan Lucian , Sporea Ioan , Jinga Mariana , Voiculescu Mihai , Chira Olimpia , Stefan Arama Sorin , Andreea Radulescu Mihaela , Nicolau Adriana , Nitescu Doina , Nanu Andrei , Dan Isabel , Nicolita Diana , Ionescu Camelia , Ecobici Monica , Micu Gina , Irinel Parepa Raluca , Suceveanu Andra , Baskol Mevlut , Ozaras Resat , Ulusoy Sercan , Esen Saban , Kartal Elif Doyuk , Yamazhan Tansu 
Published: April 2013

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important health concern, but there are few studies describing its management in different countries. This prospective, longitudinal, non-interventional study aimed to assess differences in CHB management in five European countries (Germany, France, Poland, Romania and Turkey). Methods Data were collected from CHB patients’ records between 2008 and 2010. Patients were stratified by treatment status at baseline (treated or untreated). The primary objective was to estimate the probability of a CHB management modification (treatment initiation or change) among patients from each country during a 2-year follow-up. Results A total of 1,267 patients were included (567 treated, 700 untreated). Baseline characteristics between countries and treatment status groups were broadly comparable. Most patients had an alanine aminotransferase measurement in the 12 months prior to baseline; proportions of patients with an HBV DNA assessment varied by country and treatment status. The Kaplan–Meier-estimated probability of any treatment modification ranged from 9.4% (Turkey) to 30.1% (Poland) at 12 months and 10.0% (Turkey) to 40.0% (Poland) at 24 months. Modifications were more common in treated than untreated patients. The most frequently reported reasons for modifying treatment were HBV-DNA-related. The majority of treated patients were treated with monotherapy; however, choice of therapy differed between countries. Conclusions This is the first longitudinal study describing CHB management in European countries. Differences were observed in treatment and monitoring between countries, but alanine aminotransferase and HBV DNA levels consistently emerged as key tests in the management of CHB in all five countries.
The relationship between servant leadership, affective team commitment and team effectiveness
Authors: Mahembe Bright , Engelbrecht Amos S. 
Published: April 2013

Orientation: Value-based leadership practices play a critical role in teamwork in high-performance organisations. Research purpose: The aim of the study was to empirically validate a theoretical model explicating the structural relationships between servant leadership, affective team commitment and team effectiveness. Motivation for the study: The increased eliance on teams for production calls for an analysis of the role of follower-focused leadership practices in enhancing eam effectiveness.Research design, approach and method: A non-probabilityand multicultural sample consisting of 202 primary and secondary school teachers was drawn from 32 chools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.Main findings: High levels of reliability were found and uni-dimensionality of the subscales was demonstrated through exploratory factor analyses. Good fit with the data was found for the measurement models through confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation modelling showed a reasonable fit for the structural model. Positive relationships were found amongst servant leadership, team effectiveness and affective team commitment. Standard multiple regression analysis showed that affective team commitment moderated the relationship between servant leadership and team effectiveness.Practical/managerial implications: The findings emphasise the central role played by servant leadership and affective team commitment in team performance. Servant leadership fosters team effectiveness if employees feel committed to their work team.Contribution/value-add: The servant leadership style alone may not be a sufficient condition for team effectiveness; other variables, such as affective team commitment, also play a role. The study suggested specific variables that may also combine with leadership to positively influence team effectiveness.
Territoires-ressources, migrations et minorités linguistiques : le cas de deux régions périphériques canadiennes
Authors: Beaudin Maurice , Forgues Éric , Guignard Noël Josée 
Published: April 2013

Le présent texte traite des migrations dans deux régions canadiennes qui comptent une importante minorité francophone. Leur situation géographique quelque peu excentrée par rapport aux grands centres du pays ainsi que leur dépendance envers l’exploitation des ressources naturelles en font depuis longue date des régions d’émigration au profit surtout des centres urbains provinciaux du Sud. Quelle est l’ampleur de ces flux ? Peut-on y déceler des tendances lourdes ? Dans quelle mesure les jeunes sont-ils touchés par les flux migratoires ? Où vont les migrants ? Autant de questions qui nous permettront de voir en quoi les migrations influent sur la vitalité économique ainsi que la vitalité démolinguistique des régions à l’étude.
Effect of Processing Additives on the Solidification of Blade‐Coated Polymer/Fullerene Blend Films via In‐Situ Structure Measurements
Authors: Shin Nayool , Richter Lee J. , Herzing Andrew A. , Kline R. Joseph , DeLongchamp Dean M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe use of processing additives has emerged as a powerful approach for the optimization of active layer performance in organic photovoltaic devices. However, definitive physical mechanisms explaining the impact of additives have not yet been determined. To elucidate the role of additives, we have studied the time evolution of structure in polymer‐fullerene films blade‐coated from additive containing solutions using in‐situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and UV–vis transmission. Additives that are poor solvents for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), such as 1,8‐octanedithiol, and additives that are good solvents for P3HT, such as 1‐chloronapthalene, both promote improved polymer order, phase segregation, and device performance. Regardless of the presence or type of additive, the polymer order develops under conditions of extreme supersaturation. Additives, regardless of whether they are solvents for P3HT, promote earlier polymer aggregation compared to additive ‐ free solutions presumably by degrading the solvent quality. We find evidence that the details of the final film morphology may be linked to the influence of the substrate and long‐time film plasticization in the cases of the non‐solvent and solvent respectively.
Improvement in Knee Loading After Use of Specialized Footwear for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a Six‐Month Pilot Investigation
Authors: Shakoor Najia , Lidtke Roy H. , Wimmer Markus A. , Mikolaitis Rachel A. , Foucher Kharma C. , Thorp Laura E. , Fogg Louis F. , Block Joel A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveBiomechanical interventions for knee osteoarthritis (OA) aim to improve pain and retard disease progression by decreasing knee loading. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 6 months of use of flat, flexible footwear (the mobility shoe) on knee loading in OA.MethodsSubjects with knee OA underwent baseline gait analyses under conditions of walking in their own shoes, walking in mobility shoes, and walking barefoot. Thereafter, subjects wore the mobility shoes at least 6 hours per day for 6 days per week. Gait evaluations were repeated at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. An intent‐to‐treat analysis was performed to assess the longitudinal effects on knee loading with the shoe intervention.ResultsCompared to knee loading at baseline with the participants' own shoes, there was an 18% reduction in the knee adduction moment (KAM) by 24 weeks with the mobility shoes (P < 0.001) and no significant differences in the KAM by 24 weeks between mobility shoe and barefoot walking (P = 0.192). Over the 6 months of followup, participants also experienced an 11% reduction in the KAM when walking in their own shoes (P = 0.002) and a 10% reduction in the KAM when walking barefoot (P = 0.002 for the whole followup), as compared to these values at baseline under the same conditions.ConclusionThis study suggests that use of flat, flexible footwear results in significant reductions in knee loading in subjects with OA. By 24 weeks, there is evidence of a gait adaptation with sustained load reduction even when the mobility shoes are removed, suggesting that footwear may serve as a biomechanical training device to achieve beneficial alterations in gait mechanics for knee OA.
Glucocorticoids Suppress T Cell Function by Up‐Regulating MicroRNA‐98
Authors: Davis Trevor E. , Kis‐Toth Katalin , Szanto Attila , Tsokos George C. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo identify microRNAs (miRNAs) in human T cells that can explain known antiinflammatory properties of steroids.MethodsActivated human CD4+ T cells from healthy donors were exposed to 1 μM methylprednisolone (MP) in vitro and then subjected to miRNA and messenger RNA microarray analyses. Changes in expression profiles were recorded. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we confirmed the suppression of predicted targets, and through miRNA transfection experiments, we could suggest mechanistic links.ResultsWe identified numerous steroid‐responsive genes and miRNAs—many known and some novel—including multiple previously unknown proinflammatory genes suppressed by MP. Further studies using qPCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA demonstrated that methylprednisolone increased the expression of miRNA‐98 (miR‐98) and suppressed the levels of predicted targets, including interleukin‐13 and 3 tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs): Fas, FasL, and TNFR superfamily member 1B. Forced expression of miR‐98 in T cells resulted in suppression of the same targets.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate a link between miR‐98 expression and the effects of MP and provide evidence suggesting that MP acts through miR‐98 to inhibit specific proinflammatory targets. Identification of this antiinflammatory mechanism of glucocorticoids is important, since it may pave the way toward the elusive goal of dissociating adverse effects from therapeutic effects.
Diet Influences Expression of Autoimmune‐Associated Genes and Disease Severity by Epigenetic Mechanisms in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Lupus
Authors: Strickland Faith M. , Hewagama Anura , Wu Ailing , Sawalha Amr H. , Delaney Colin , Hoeltzel Mark F. , Yung Raymond , Johnson Kent , Mickelson Barbara , Richardson Bruce C. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveLupus flares occur when genetically predisposed individuals encounter appropriate environmental agents. Current evidence indicates that the environment contributes by inhibiting T cell DNA methylation, causing overexpression of normally silenced genes. DNA methylation depends on both dietary transmethylation micronutrients and ERK‐regulated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT‐1) levels. We used transgenic mice to study the effect of interactions between diet, DNMT‐1 levels, and genetic predisposition on the development and severity of lupus.MethodsA doxycycline‐inducible ERK defect was bred into lupus‐resistant (C57BL/6) and lupus‐susceptible (C57BL/6 × SJL) mouse strains. Doxycycline‐treated mice were fed a standard commercial diet for 18 weeks and then switched to a transmethylation micronutrient–supplemented (MS) or –restricted (MR) diet. Disease severity was assessed by examining anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody levels, the presence of proteinuria and hematuria, and by histopathologic analysis of kidney tissues. Pyrosequencing was used to determine micronutrient effects on DNA methylation.ResultsDoxycycline induced modest levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies in C57BL/6 mice and higher levels in C57BL/6 × SJL mice. Doxycycline‐treated C57BL/6 × SJL mice developed hematuria and glomerulonephritis on the MR and standard diets but not the MS diet. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice developed kidney disease only on the MR diet. Decreasing ERK signaling and methyl donors also caused demethylation and overexpression of the CD40lg gene in female mice, consistent with demethylation of the second X chromosome. Both the dietary methyl donor content and the duration of treatment influenced methylation and expression of the CD40lg gene.ConclusionDietary micronutrients that affect DNA methylation can exacerbate or ameliorate disease in this transgenic murine lupus model, and contribute to lupus susceptibility and severity through genetic–epigenetic interactions.
Subchondral Bone Trabecular Integrity Predicts and Changes Concurrently With Radiographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Determined Knee Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Kraus Virginia Byers , Feng Sheng , Wang ShengChu , White Scott , Ainslie Maureen , Graverand Marie‐Pierre Hellio Le , Brett Alan , Eckstein Felix , Hunter David J. , Lane Nancy E. , Taljanovic Mihra S. , Schnitzer Thomas , Charles H. Cecil 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate subchondral bone trabecular integrity (BTI) on radiographs as a predictor of knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression.MethodsLongitudinal (baseline, 12‐month, and 24‐month) knee radiographs were available for 60 female subjects with knee OA. OA progression was defined by 12‐ and 24‐month changes in radiographic medial compartment minimal joint space width (JSW) and medial joint space area (JSA), and by medial tibial and femoral cartilage volume on magnetic resonance imaging. BTI of the medial tibial plateau was analyzed by fractal signature analysis using commercially available software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for BTI were used to predict a 5% change in OA progression parameters.ResultsIndividual terms (linear and quadratic) of baseline BTI of vertical trabeculae predicted knee OA progression based on 12‐ and 24‐month changes in JSA (P < 0.01 for 24 months), 24‐month change in tibial (P < 0.05), but not femoral, cartilage volume, and 24‐month change in JSW (P = 0.05). ROC curves using both terms of baseline BTI predicted a 5% change in the following OA progression parameters over 24 months with high accuracy, as reflected by the area under the curve measures: JSW 81%, JSA 85%, tibial cartilage volume 75%, and femoral cartilage volume 85%. Change in BTI was also significantly associated (P < 0.05) with concurrent change in JSA over 12 and 24 months and with change in tibial cartilage volume over 24 months.ConclusionBTI predicts structural OA progression as determined by radiographic and MRI outcomes. BTI may therefore be worthy of study as an outcome measure for OA studies and clinical trials.
Robust Output Feedback Stabilization of Switched Nonlinear Systems with Average Dwell Time
Authors: Chiang Ming‐Li , Fu Li‐Chen 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFor some switched nonlinear systems, stabilization can be achieved under arbitrary switching with state feedback control. Due to switching zero dynamics, output feedback stabilization for some switched nonlinear systems needs dwell time between switching to guarantee system stability. In this paper, we consider a class of switched nonlinear systems with unknown parameters and unknown switching signals. We design a robust output feedback controller that stabilizes the system under a class of switching signals with average dwell time (ADT) where the value of ADT can be reduced by adjusting the control gain. For some special cases, common quadratic Lyapunov functions of the closed‐loop systems can be found and the value of ADT is further relaxed. Some examples and simulations are provided to validate the results.
Life cycle assessment of bioethanol‐based PVC
Authors: Alvarenga Rodrigo AF , Dewulf Jo , De Meester Steven , Wathelet Alain , Villers Joseph , Thommeret Richard , Hruska Zdenek 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFrom the results of the attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) of the bioethanol‐based polyvinyl chloride (PVC), shown in the first part of this work, changing the feedstock from fossil‐ to bioethanol‐based ethylene appears to be a way to decrease the environmental impacts of that product on climate change and non‐renewable resources. Although, other environmental concerns may rise related to the effects of indirect land‐use change (iLUC) caused by sugarcane expansion. Therefore, the objective of the second part of this work was to make a consequential LCA of the bioethanol‐based PVC, assessing the effects of iLUC as the key side‐effect of the implementation of that product in the market on 2018, at different degrees of iLUC (three scenarios were created). The life cycle inventory was collected from literature, databases, and primary data from Solvay S.A. We used midpoint and endpoint indicators for life cycle impact assessment. At the midpoint indicators, the environmental impact categories responded differently for the different degrees of iLUC, and some of them generated gains to the environment in the three scenarios, including non‐renewable resource use. At endpoint level, the results showed overall environmental gains if iLUC was kept below 5.7% of the sugarcane cultivation area. The effects of iLUC are based on assumptions, and therefore subject to uncertainties, but the assessment performed in this paper was important to provide quantitative information for the stakeholders on how the environmental gains of the bioethanol‐based PVC should not be nullified by iLUC impacts. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate: Targeted production and signaling
Authors: Sun Yue , Thapa Narendra , Hedman Andrew C. , Anderson Richard A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI4,5P2) is a key lipid signaling molecule that regulates a vast array of biological activities. PI4,5P2 can act directly as a messenger or can be utilized as a precursor to generate other messengers: inositol trisphosphate, diacylglycerol, or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate. PI4,5P2 interacts with hundreds of different effector proteins. The enormous diversity of PI4,5P2 effector proteins and the spatio‐temporal control of PI4,5P2 generation allow PI4,5P2 signaling to control a broad spectrum of cellular functions. PI4,5P2 is synthesized by phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs). The array of PIPKs in cells enables their targeting to specific subcellular compartments through interactions with targeting factors that are often PI4,5P2 effectors. These interactions are a mechanism to define spatial and temporal PI4,5P2 synthesis and the specificity of PI4,5P2 signaling. In turn, the regulation of PI4,5P2 effectors at specific cellular compartments has implications for understanding how PI4,5P2 controls cellular processes and its role in diseases.
Ersatzgewebe aus Bioreaktoren
Authors: Müller Werner 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNicht nur ethische Bedenken und restriktive Gesetze, sondern auch praktische Erwägungen lenken die gegenwärtige Stammzellenforschung auf adulte Stammzellen, umso mehr, als es zunehmend gelingt, differenzierte Zellen in den Zustand teilungsfähiger Vorläuferzellen zurückzuversetzen. Dies ermöglicht Therapien mit autologen, immunologisch toleranten Zellen und Geweben. In Bioreaktoren werden bereits erfolgreich autologe Ersatzgewebe für verbrannte Haut, verschlissene Knorpelelemente und Herzklappen gezüchtet. Im Reagenzglas entstehen auch schon weitgehend entwickelte Augen durch Selbstorganisation, freilich im frühembryonalen Zustand. Abschließend wird die erstaunlicherweise wenig bekannte Gesetzeslage in Deutschland referiert.
Eduard Strasburger
Authors: Volkmann Dieter 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEduard Strasburger (1844–1912), für mehr als 30 Jahre Direktor des Botanischen Instituts und Botanischen Gartens sowie Rektor der Rheinischen Friedrich‐Wilhelms Universität Bonn, gilt auf Grund seiner Beiträge zur Zellenlehre, Fortpflanzung, Vererbung und Evolution der Pflanzen als Begründer der modernen Zellbiologie sowie neben Julius Sachs als Inspirator der Sensorik der Pflanzen. Auch im Zeitalter der molekularen Genetik sind Strasburgers Forschungsansätze und ‐ideen hochaktuell. Mit seinem für die damalige Zeit erstaunlichen Maß an Anwendungspotenzial, seiner Industriekooperation, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Internationalität sowie seinem integrierenden Forschungsansatz erfüllt Strasburger ein Anforderungsprofil heutiger Zeit; sein Motto “Wissenschaft ist in ständigem Fluß” wird immer Gültigkeit haben. Das von ihm 1894 mit drei weiteren Kollegen gegründete Lehrbuch der Botanik für Hochschulen, übersetzt in zahlreiche Sprachen, liegt derzeit in der 36. Auflage vor.