Inflation divergence and public deficits in a monetary union

We reconsider the link between domestic public debts and average and domestic inflation rates in a monetary union, using a modified version of a model by Beetsma and Vermeylen (2002). It is thus possible to show that the causation between the inflation dynamics and the public finances might go from the former to the latter. We are thus able to tackle the issue of persistently divergent inflation rates within the euro area. We also demonstrate that the homogeneous fiscal rules defined in the Stability and Growth Pact are ill-suited and might even be counterproductive. This conclusion is all the more true as the EU is on the eve of enlargement towards the CEECs: our results show that imposing homogeneous fiscal rules to the CEECs may prove disruptive.inflation, public debt, monetary union, fiscal rule

Delegation in inconsistency: the Lisbon strategy record as an institutional failure

In this paper, we develop an analysis of the reasons for the apparent failure of the “Lisbon strategy” (2000) so far. After having made the general case for a comprehensive “institutionalist perspective” on the European economy, we first try to formalise the objectives of “Lisbon” in order to present a mid-term review of the results attained. Since we find, like many others, that too little has been achieved, we then offer some possible explanations. Apart from an inconsistency problem between the different objectives set, we argue that the major reason for this failure appears to lie in the contradiction between the EU macroeconomic policy framework, based on the logic of delegation of power and control to independent authorities with conservative objectives, and the proactive policies required by the “Lisbon strategy”, which objectives the EU member states eventually find themselves accountable for (not) achieving individually.European Union, “Lisbon strategy”, Institutions, Delegation, Inconsistency, Macroeconomic policy, Structural Reform

Élaboration de céramiques sans ajouts de frittage par Spark Plasma Sintering pour application en électronique de puissance

Des substrats en carbure de silicium et nitrure d’aluminium ont été élaborés par Spark Plasma Sintering en vue de réaliser des refroidisseurs pour l’électronique de puissance. La température et la pression lors de l’élaboration doivent être maximisées pour atteindre des densités relatives proches des densités théoriques de chaque matériau. Les comportements mécanique et électrique des céramiques ont été établis à l’aide d’une approche microstructures/propriétés. Les porosités jouent un rôle très important sur le comportement mécanique et électrique des matériaux. Il apparaît également que les propriétés électriques de l’AlN SPS sont supérieures à celles de l’AlN fritté conventionnellement montrant que le procédé l’élaboration SPS n’induit pas d’impuretés dans le matériau. Les propriétés électriques du SiC SPS sont largement inférieures à celle du SIC fritté conventionnellement avec du bore comme ajout de frittage indiquant le rôle important de la qualité chimique des poudres utilisées pour le frittage

Localisation d'inclusions fluorescentes dans les milieux diffusants à l'aide de techniques laser. Application au diagnostic médical in vivo

La tomographie de fluorescence est une méthode d'imagerie préclinique et clinique permettant de localiser des traceurs fluorescents préalablement injectés ou naturellement présents dans un organisme vivant. Ce travail de thèse à consisté, dans un premier temps, à définir l'architecture et les conditions d'utilisation optimales d'un tomographe de fluorescence continu appliqué à l'observation de tissus de faible épaisseur. On s'est en particulier attaché à traiter le problème de l'observation de tissus hétérogènes et d'organes fortement absorbants. Dans un deuxième temps, pour observer des tissus de plus grande épaisseur, nous avons montré l'apport de la mesure du temps de vol moyen des photons pour améliorer la localisation d'inclusions fluorescentes. Les performances de deux types de systèmes capables de réaliser ce type de mesure ont été comparées et nous avons proposé un protocole permettant d'en optimiser les principaux paramètres. Notre procédé a été appliqué à la problématique du guidage de biopsies prostatiques. Il pourra aussi être utilisé pour visualiser d'autres pathologies moyennant une simple adaptation.Fluorescence tomography is a preclinical and clinical imaging method which aims to localize fluorescent probes injected into a living organism. In this thesis work, we defined the optimal design and parameters of a continuous wave fluorescent tomograph applied to thin tissue observation. We handled the problem of observing heterogeneous and highly absorbing organs. Secondly, we showed the advantage of time of flight measurement for inclusion detection through thicker tissues. The detection performances of two types of system capable of these measurements were compared and we proposed a protocol to optimize their main parameters. This process was applied to the problematic of prostatic biopsy guiding. It would also be used to detect and localize other pathologies by means of a simple adaptation.SAVOIE-SCD - Bib.électronique (730659901) / SudocGRENOBLE1/INP-Bib.électronique (384210012) / SudocGRENOBLE2/3-Bib.électronique (384219901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Global burden of cancers attributable to infections in 2012:a synthetic analysis

Background Infections with certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites are strong risk factors for specifi c cancers. As new cancer statistics and epidemiological fi ndings have accumulated in the past 5 years, we aimed to assess the causal involvement of the main carcinogenic agents in diff erent cancer types for the year 2012. Methods We considered ten infectious agents classifi ed as carcinogenic to human beings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We calculated the number of new cancer cases in 2012 attributable to infections by country, by combining cancer incidence estimates (from GLOBOCAN 2012) with estimates of attributable fraction (AF) for the infectious agents. AF estimates were calculated from the prevalence of infection in cancer cases and the relative risk for the infection (for some sites). Estimates of infection prevalence, relative risk, and corresponding 95% CIs for AF were obtained from systematic reviews and pooled analyses. Findings Of 14 million new cancer cases in 2012, 2·2 million (15·4%) were attributable to carcinogenic infections. The most important infectious agents worldwide were Helicobacter pylori (770 000 cases), human papillomavirus (640 000), hepatitis B virus (420 000), hepatitis C virus (170 000), and Epstein-Barr virus (120 000). Kaposi’s sarcoma was the second largest contributor to the cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The AFs for infection varied by country and development status—from less than 5% in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in western and northern Europe to more than 50% in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Interpretation A large potential exists for reducing the burden of cancer caused by infections. Socioeconomic development is associated with a decrease in infection-associated cancers; however, to reduce the incidence of these cancers without delay, population-based vaccination and screen-and-treat programmes should be made accessible and available

Long-term prognosis after acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy

Background. Data on the long-term survival and renal function of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy are scarce. Methods. We investigated the 3-year survival and need for chronic dialysis in critically ill patients, who had survived an episode of AKI requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Results. A total of 206 ICU patients with AKI were randomized in a trial comparing haemofiltration versus haemodiafiltration. Of these, 95 (46%) survived at 90 days. Post-discharge information relating to 3-year survival and renal function was successfully obtained in 89 (94%) of the patients. Of the 89 patients studied, chronic kidney disease (CKD) was present in 32 subjects from the onset, and CKD developed de novo in 25 patients following AKI. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed in 9 patients (of whom 8 had pre-existing CKD) and 29 patients died. Three-year survival was 67% overall; the mortality at 3 years was 50% for those with pre-existing kidney disease, and 71 and 82% for those with de novo and without CKD, respectively. Conclusion. After an episode of AKI necessitating a continuous renal replacement therapy, rapid progression to ESKD is commonly observed in patients with pre-existing chronic renal impairment. Medical care with an emphasis on nephroprotection is necessary in these patient

AHNAK interaction with the annexin 2/S100A10 complex regulates cell membrane cytoarchitecture

Remodelling of the plasma membrane cytoarchitecture is crucial for the regulation of epithelial cell adhesion and permeability. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, the protein AHNAK relocates from the cytosol to the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane during the formation of cell–cell contacts and the development of epithelial polarity. This targeting is reversible and regulated by Ca2+-dependent cell–cell adhesion. At the plasma membrane, AHNAK associates as a multimeric complex with actin and the annexin 2/S100A10 complex. The S100A10 subunit serves to mediate the interaction between annexin 2 and the COOH-terminal regulatory domain of AHNAK. Down-regulation of both annexin 2 and S100A10 using an annexin 2–specific small interfering RNA inhibits the association of AHNAK with plasma membrane. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, down-regulation of AHNAK using AHNAK-specific small interfering RNA prevents cortical actin cytoskeleton reorganization required to support cell height. We propose that the interaction of AHNAK with the annexin 2/S100A10 regulates cortical actin cytoskeleton organization and cell membrane cytoarchitecture