610 research outputs found
Apprendre en groupe. Une expérience de psychologie sociale
No full textde Montmollin G., Perlmutter H. V. Apprendre en groupe. Une expérience de psychologie sociale. In: Enfance, tome 4, n°4, 1951. pp. 359-376
Predictors of quality of life in dystonia – a longitudinal study
No full textObjective: To determine the impact of physical and psychiatric morbidity on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in a large, international, multi-centre cohort of isolated dystonia patients over two years.Background: Depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) occur frequently in patients with dystonia [1-6]. HR-QoL not only relates to physical but also psychological aspects of the disorder [1,2]. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term predictors of HR-QoL in dystonia.Method: 603 isolated dystonia patients (mean age: 55.6 ± 12.5 years, female n=404) were prospectively enrolled in the Dystonia Coalition study, assessed at baseline and after one and two years. HR-QoL (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), severity of depression and GAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and SAD (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) were evaluated. Dystonia severity and dystonic tremor were examined using a standardized video protocol and the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale. Predictors of HR-QoL were obtained from eight cross-lagged path models (Bonferroni corrected alpha ≤ 0.006) and a latent class growth analysis (LCGA).Results: Higher depression scores at baseline predicted lower HR-QoL on all eight subscales after two years (all p ≤ .001). Higher anxiety scores at baseline predicted lower QoL related to general health, pain and emotional well-being, whereas higher social anxiety scores predicted higher pain-related QoL after two years (all p≤ 0.006). Dystonia severity at baseline predicted HR-QoL in the context of social functioning (p = 0.002). The presence of dystonic tremor, age and gender did not predict HR-QoL. LCGA revealed two latent classes, distinguished by the HR-QoL that was reported across the three time points. Class 1 (66%) reported a consistently higher level of HR-QoL that was susceptible to depression and SAD, whereas class 2 (34%) reported a consistently lower level of HR-QoL that was susceptible to GAD. There was no relationship between patients’ reports of quality of life in both classes and dystonia severity, age and gender.Conclusion: The most potent predictors of HR-QoL in isolated dystonia are depression followed by GAD, whereas dystonia motor severity only predicts social functioning. Dystonia patients with higher levels of anxiety have lower HR-QoL than patients with depression and SAD. To improve long-term HR-QoL in dystonia, depression and anxiety should be specifically targeted.References: 1. Slawek J, Friedman A, Potulska A, et al. Factors affecting the health-related quality of life of patients with cervical dystonia and the impact of botulinum toxin type A injections. Funct Neurol. 2007;22(2):95-100. 2. Lewis L, Butler A, Jahanshahi M. Depression in focal, segmental and generalized dystonia. J Neurol. 2008;255(11):1750-1755. 3. Gundel H, Wolf A, Xidara V, Busch R, Ceballos-Baumann AO. Social phobia in spasmodic torticollis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001;71(4):499-504. 4. Kuyper DJ, Parra V, Aerts S, Okun MS, Kluger BM. Nonmotor manifestations of dystonia: a systematic review. Mov Disord. 2011;26(7):1206-1217. 5. Moraru E, Schnider P, Wimmer A, et al. Relation between depression and anxiety in dystonic patients: implications for clinical management. Depress Anxiety. 2002;16(3):100-103. 6. Fabbrini G, Berardelli I, Moretti G, et al. Psychiatric disorders in adult-onset focal dystonia: a case-control study. Mov Disord. 2010;25(4):459-465
Hubble space telescope weak-lensing study of the galaxy cluster XMMU J2235.3 – 2557 at z ~ 1.4: a surprisingly massive galaxy cluster when the universe is one-third of its current age
No full textWe present a weak-lensing analysis of the z similar or equal to 1.4 galaxy cluster XMMU J2235.3-2557, based on deep Advanced Camera for Surveys images. Despite the observational challenge set by the high redshift of the lens, we detect a substantial lensing signal at the greater than or similar to 8 sigma level. This clear detection is enabled in part by the high mass of the cluster, which is verified by our both parametric and non-parametric estimation of the cluster mass. Assuming that the cluster follows a Navarro-Frenk-White mass profile, we estimate that the projected mass of the cluster within r = 1 Mpc is (8.5 +/- 1.7) x 10(14) M(circle dot), where the error bar includes the statistical uncertainty of the shear profile, the effect of possible interloping background structures, the scatter in concentration parameter, and the error in our estimation of the mean redshift of the background galaxies. The high X-ray temperature 8.6(-1.2)(+1.3) keV of the cluster recently measured with Chandra is consistent with this high lensing mass. When we adopt the 1 sigma lower limit as a mass threshold and use the cosmological parameters favored by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 5-year (WMAP5) result, the expected number of similarly massive clusters at z greater than or similar to 1.4 in the 11 square degree survey is N similar to 5 x 10(-3). Therefore, the discovery of the cluster within the survey volume is a rare event with a probability less than or similar to 1% and may open new scenarios in our current understanding of cluster formation within the standard cosmological model
Quality of life in isolated dystonia – a cross-sectional study
No full textObjective: To evaluate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and both physical and psychiatric factors in a large, international, multi-centre cohort of isolated dystonia patients.Background: HR-QoL, which is reduced in isolated dystonia compared to population-based samples, is not only determined by motor but also non-motor symptoms [1]. As depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are highly prevalent in dystonia patients [1-6], we hypothesize that psychiatric rather than dystonic symptoms predict HR-QoL.Method: 603 isolated dystonia patients were prospectively enrolled in the cross-sectional Natural History Dystonia Coalition multicenter study. HR-QoL (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), symptoms respectively severity of depression and GAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) and SAD (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, LSAS) were evaluated. Dystonia severity and dystonic tremor were examined using a standardized video protocol and the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale. Patients with botulinum toxin (BoNT) treatment were enrolled at least two months after their last injection. Statistical predictors of HR-QoL were obtained from a saturated path analysis, BoNT-associated changes of HR-QoL over one year were also evaluated using a non-parametric analysis of variance.Results: Mean HR-QoL of the 603 dystonia patients (mean age: 55.6 ± 12.5 years, female n=404) was 64 ± 22%. In 22% of patients HADS-D was > 7/21, in 37% HADS-A was > 7/21 and in 44% LSAS was > 30/144. All eight QoL subscales were negatively related to intensity of depression, GAD and SAD (all p ≤ .001). Dystonia severity was negatively associated with physical functioning, physical and emotional role functioning, and social functioning (all p ≤ .001), whereas presence of tremor was negatively associated with physical functioning and pain (all p ≤ .006). Older age was associated with better emotional well-being and vitality (all p ≤ .006). Sex was not associated with HR-QoL. Patients with initiated (n = 35) and without (n=37) BoNT therapy experienced an improvement of HR-QoL (total score) and dystonia severity over one year (all p ≤ .025).Conclusion: HR-QoL in isolated dystonia is strongly associated with psychiatric and physical features. Standard therapy regimens, such as BoNT focus on motor improvements, while comprehensive care of dystonia patients should address both physical and mental aspects of health.References: 1. Slawek J, Friedman A, Potulska A, et al. Factors affecting the health-related quality of life of patients with cervical dystonia and the impact of botulinum toxin type A injections. Funct Neurol. 2007;22(2):95-100. 2. Lewis L, Butler A, Jahanshahi M. Depression in focal, segmental and generalized dystonia. J Neurol. 2008;255(11):1750-1755. 3. Gundel H, Wolf A, Xidara V, Busch R, Ceballos-Baumann AO. Social phobia in spasmodic torticollis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001;71(4):499-504. 4. Kuyper DJ, Parra V, Aerts S, Okun MS, Kluger BM. Nonmotor manifestations of dystonia: a systematic review. Mov Disord. 2011;26(7):1206-1217. 5. Moraru E, Schnider P, Wimmer A, et al. Relation between depression and anxiety in dystonic patients: implications for clinical management. Depress Anxiety. 2002;16(3):100-103. 6. Fabbrini G, Berardelli I, Moretti G, et al. Psychiatric disorders in adult-onset focal dystonia: a case-control study. Mov Disord. 2010;25(4):459-465
Validation of midbrain positron emission tomography measures for nigrostriatal neurons in macaques
No full textObjective: Development of an effective therapy to slow the inexorable progression of Parkinson disease requires a reliable, objective measurement of disease severity. In the present study, we compare presynaptic positron emission tomography (PET) tracer uptake in the substantia nigra (SN) to cell loss and motor impairment in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated nonhuman primates. Methods: Presynaptic PET tracers 6-[18F]- fluorodopa (FD), [11C]-2β-methoxy-3β-4-fluorophenyltropane (CFT), and [11C]-dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) were used to measure specific uptake in the SN and striatum before and after a variable dose of MPTP in nonhuman primates. These in vivo PET-based measures were compared with motor impairment, as well as postmortem tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cell counts and striatal dopamine concentration. Results: We found the specific uptake of both CFT and DTBZ in the SN had a strong, significant correlation with dopaminergic cell counts in the SN (R2 = 0.77, 0.53, respectively, p andlt; 0.001), but uptake of FD did not. Additionally, both CFT and DTBZ specific uptake in the SN had a linear relationship with motor impairment (rs = -0.77, -0.71, respectively, p andlt; 0.001), but FD uptake did not. Interpretation: Our findings demonstrate that PET-measured binding potentials for CFT and DTBZ for a midbrain volume of interest targeted at the SN provide faithful correlates of nigral neuronal counts across a full range of lesion severity. Because these measures correlate with both nigral cell counts and parkinsonian ratings, we suggest that these SN PET measures are relevant biomarkers of nigrostriatal function. © 2013 American Neurological Association.Ravina B, 2005, NEUROLOGY, V64, P208; Barrio JR, 1996, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V16, P667; Bohnen NI, 2006, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V26, P1198, DOI 10.1038-sj.jcbfm.9600276; Braak H, 2004, CELL TISSUE RES, V318, P121, DOI 10.1007-s00441-004-0956-9; Brown WD, 1999, SYNAPSE, V34, P111, DOI 10.1002-(SICI)1098-2396(199911)34:2111::AID-SYN43.0.CO;2-0; Brownell AL, 1996, J NUCL MED, V37, P1186; Chen MK, 2008, J NEUROCHEM, V105, P78, DOI 10.1111-j.1471-4159.2007.05.108.x; Dang LC, 2012, NEUROIMAGE C, V66, P203; Dorsey E Ray, 2006, Expert Rev Neurother, V6, P823, DOI 10.1586-14737175.6.6.823; Eberling JL, 1997, NEUROREPORT, V8, P2727, DOI 10.1097-00001756-199708180-00017; Fahn S, 2004, NEW ENGL J MED, V351, P2498; Foster ER, 2008, BRAIN COGNITION, V67, P1, DOI 10.1016-j.bandc.2007.10.002; Hersch SM, 1997, J COMP NEUROL, V388, P211; Karimi M, 2013, ANN NEUROL, V73, P390, DOI 10.1002-ana.23798; Karimi M, 2006, J CHROMATOGR B, V836, P120, DOI 10.1016-j.jchromb.2006.03.027; Koeppe RA, 1996, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V16, P1288; Lang AE, 2006, ANN NEUROL, V59, P459, DOI 10.1002-ana.20737; Logan J, 2000, NUCL MED BIOL, V27, P661, DOI 10.1016-S0969-8051(00)00137-2; Marek KL, 1996, NEUROLOGY, V46, P231; MARTIN WRW, 1994, NEUROLOGY, V44, P1777; Masilamoni G, 2010, EXP NEUROL, V226, P265, DOI 10.1016-j.expneurol.2010.08.024; Meissner W, 2003, MOL NEUROBIOL, V28, P209, DOI 10.1385-MN:28:3:209; Michell AW, 2004, BRAIN, V127, P1693, DOI 10.1093-brain-awhl98; NAHMIAS C, 1995, MOVEMENT DISORD, V10, P298, DOI 10.1002-mds.870100312; Nirenberg MJ, 1996, J NEUROSCI, V16, P4135; Nishant K, 2009, ANAT REC, V292, P976; PATLAK CS, 1983, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V3, P1; PATLAK CS, 1985, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V5, P584; Perlmutter JS, 1997, NEUROLOGY, V49, P1432; Rowland DJ, 2005, NUCL MED BIOL, V32, P567, DOI 10.1016-j.nucmedbio.2005.05.002; Sossi V, 2000, J CEREBR BLOOD F MET, V20, P653; Tabbal SD, 2012, EXP NEUROL, V237, P355, DOI 10.1016-j.expneurol.2012.07.008; Tabbal SD, 2006, NEUROSCIENCE, V141, P1281, DOI 10.1016-j.neuroscience.2006.04.072; Tai YC, 2005, J NUCL MED, V46, P455; Tian L, 2012, PLOS ONE, V7; Whone AL, 2003, ANN NEUROL, V54, P93, DOI 10.1002-ana.1060915
Cosmological parameter estimation using Very Small Array data out to ℓ= 1500
No full textWe estimate cosmological parameters using data obtained by the Very Small Array (VSA) in its extended configuration, in conjunction with a variety of other cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and external priors. Within the flat Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, we find that the inclusion of high-resolution data from the VSA modifies the limits on the cosmological parameters as compared to those suggested by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) alone, while still remaining compatible with their estimates. We find that Ωbh2= 0.0234+0.0012−0.0014, Ωdmh2= 0.111+0.014−0.016, h= 0.73+0.09−0.05, nS= 0.97+0.06−0.03, 1010AS= 23+7−3 and τ= 0.14+0.14−0.07 for WMAP and VSA when no external prior is included. On extending the model to include a running spectral index of density fluctuations, we find that the inclusion of VSA data leads to a negative running at a level of more than 95 per cent confidence ( nrun=−0.069 ± 0.032 ), something that is not significantly changed by the inclusion of a stringent prior on the Hubble constant. Inclusion of prior information from the 2dF galaxy redshift survey reduces the significance of the result by constraining the value of Ωm. We discuss the veracity of this result in the context of various systematic effects and also a broken spectral index model. We also constrain the fraction of neutrinos and find that fν < 0.087 at 95 per cent confidence, which corresponds to mν < 0.32 eV when all neutrino masses are equal. Finally, we consider the global best fit within a general cosmological model with 12 parameters and find consistency with other analyses available in the literature. The evidence for nrun < 0 is only marginal within this model
Properdin and factor H: Opposing players on the alternative complement pathway "see-saw"
No full textThis article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.Properdin and factor H are two key regulatory proteins having opposite functions in the alternative complement pathway. Properdin up-regulates the alternative pathway by stabilizing the C3bBb complex, whereas factor H downregulates the pathway by promoting proteolytic degradation of C3b. While factor H is mainly produced in the liver, there are several extrahepatic sources. In addition to the liver, factor H is also synthesized in fetal tubuli, keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts, ocular tissue, adipose tissue, brain, lungs, heart, spleen, pancreas, kidney, muscle, and placenta. Neutrophils are the major source of properdin, and it is also produced by monocytes, T cells and bone marrow progenitor cell line. Properdin is released by neutrophils from intracellular stores following stimulation by N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The HEP G2 cells derived from human liver has been found to produce functional properdin. Endothelial cells also produce properdin when induced by shear stress, thus is a physiological source for plasma properdin. The diverse range of extrahepatic sites for synthesis of these two complement regulators suggests the importance and need for local availability of the proteins. Here, we discuss the significance of the local synthesis of properdin and factor H. This assumes greater importance in view of recently identified unexpected and novel roles of properdin and factor H that are potentially independent of their involvement in complement regulation
An Interdisciplinary Approach of Culture and Business Competitiveness to the Analysis of Western and East Asian Models
No full textCulture is becoming increasingly important in determining the competitiveness of firms in international business. Perlmutter first presented variables that focused on the primary attitudes among international executives, allowing an understanding of how cultural aspects affect the success and failure of a multinational corporation. Other scholars proposed various models of fundamental dimensions of culture. Among them, the Hofstede model is the most popular one. Almost all of studies on culture published in major business journals are based on this Hofstede model. However, the Hofstede model has some weaknesses, so studies on this model often produce conflicting results. The main goal of this paper is to develop a new cultural model, by correcting the problems of the Hofstede model, to identify East Asian dimensions of culture, and to give strategic for East Asian business.culture, Hofstede, OUI model, competitiveness, East Asia
Deliverable 2: Report on the production of GIF by turbot, the effects on growth performance of turbot of local GIF production within RAS and the presence of GIF at commercial farm level
No full textOne of the working hypotheses of this project is that growth retardation of turbot cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is caused by the accumulation of growth inhibiting factors (GIF) produced by the turbot themselves in the culture water. Our first goal was to demonstrate the production of growth inhibiting factors by turbot following the methodology of Yurl and Perlmutter. A series of successive experiments was performed. Extracts from turbot culture water were tested for GIF presence in early life stage tests using eggs and larvae and small scale growth trials with juveniles. Our second goal was to demonstrate the transfer of GIF between tanks. Four experiments involving the integration of experimental tanks in a farm scale setting were performed. Our third goal was to demonstrate the presence of GIF at commercial farms. Two juvenile growth trials were performed
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Improving Type Ia Supernova Standard Candle Cosmology Measurements Using Observations of Early-Type Host Galaxies
No full textType Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are the current standard-bearers for dark energy but face several hurdles for their continued success in future large surveys. For example, spectroscopic classification of the myriad SNe soon to be discovered will not be possible, and systematics from uncertainties in dust corrections and the evolution of SN demographics and/or empirical calibrations used to standardize SNe Ia must be studied. Through the identification of low-dust host galaxies and through increased understanding of both the SN -- progenitor connections and empirical calibrations, host galaxy information may offer opportunities to improve the cosmological utility of SNe Ia.The first half of this thesis analyzes the sample of SNe~Ia discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Cluster Supernova Survey augmented with {\it HST}-observed SNe~Ia in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS) fields. Correlations between properties of SNe and their host galaxies are examined at high redshift. Using galaxy color and quantitative morphology to determine the red sequence in 25 clusters, a model is developed to distinguish passively evolving early-type galaxies from star-forming galaxies in both clusters and the field. With this approach, 6 early-type cluster member hosts and 11 SN~Ia early-type field hosts are identified. For the first time at z>0.9, the correlation between host galaxy type and the rise and fall time of SN~Ia light curves is confirmed. The relatively simple spectral energy distributions of early-type galaxies also enables stellar mass measurements for these hosts. In combination with literature host mass measurements, these measurements are used to show, at z>0.9, a hint of the correlation between host mass and Hubble residuals reported at lower redshift. By simultaneously fitting cluster galaxy formation histories and dust content to the scatter of the cluster red sequences, it is shown that dust reddening of early-type cluster SN hosts is likely less than E(B-V) < 0.06. Hence, the early-type-hosted SNe~Ia identified here occupy a more favorable environment to use as well-characterized high-redshift standard candles than other SNe Ia.The second half of this thesis analyzes a sample of 40 deep, very high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of nearby SN~Ia host galaxies. These host galaxies are chosen from the Nearby Supernova Factory, the SDSS-II SN Survey, and {\it Swift}-observed SNe, with the requirement that they have passive stellar populations suitable for detailed absorption line measurements. From these spectra, ages and the abundances of multiple elements, including Fe, Mg, C, N, and Ca are derived. The correlation between SN decline rate and host galaxy age is rediscovered at high significance. SN decline rate is also shown to be correlated with host [Fe/H], [C/Fe], and [N/Fe]. In contrast to studies of mixed-host samples, however, no evidence is found supporting a correlation with SN Hubble residuals and host galaxy properties. The wide range in age spanned by the sample, in particular, suggests that age is not responsible for the host-mass -- Hubble residual relation reported in the literature
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