bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape‐scale density‐dependent recruitment of oaks in planted forests: More is not always better
Authors: Sheffer Efrat , Canham Charles D. , Kigel Jaime , Perevolotsky Avi
Published: July 2013

Plant colonization studies usually address density‐dependent processes in the narrow sense of recruitment constraints due to negative density‐dependent seed and seedling mortality. However, complex density‐dependent effects may be involved in additional stages of the recruitment process. We hypothesized that seed arrival and seedling establishment are influenced by density dependence acting at small scales at the site of colonization, and at larger scales as a function of the colonizing species' landscape abundance. These hypotheses were tested in a study of colonization of pine forests by oaks in a heterogeneous Mediterranean landscape. Maximum‐likelihood models show that density effects switch from positive to negative along the range of landscape‐scale oak seed source abundance. Contrary to expectations, high seed source densities limited oak recruitment, suggesting a landscape‐scale Janzen‐Connell effect. We propose a range of mechanisms that generate positive or negative density dependence during colonization, resulting in nonlinear density‐dependent feedbacks that can generate unexpected colonization patterns.
Fluid Identification in Light Hydrocarbons With Use of NMR and Downhole Fluid Analyzers—A Case Study
Authors: Van Steene Marie , Ardila Mario , Nelson Richard , Fekry Amr , Farghaly Adel
Published: July 2013

In hydrocarbon reservoirs, fluid types can often vary from dry gas to volatile oil in the same column. Because of varying and unknown invasion patterns and inexact clay-volume estimations, fluid-types differentiation on the basis of conventional logs is not always conclusive. A case study is presented by use of advanced nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) techniques in conjunction with advanced downhole-fluid-analysis (DFA) measurements and focused sampling from wireline formation testers (WFTs) to accurately assess the hydrocarbon-type variations.

The saturation-profiling data from an NMR diffusion-based tool provides fluid-typing information in a continuous depth log. This approach can be limited by invasion. On the other hand, formation testers allow taking in-situ measurements of the virgin fluids beyond the invaded zone, but at discrete depths only. Thus, the two measurements ideally complement each other.

In this case study, NMR saturation profiling was acquired over a series of channelized reservoirs. There is a transition from a water zone to an oil zone, and then to a rich-gas reservoir, indicated by both the DFA and the NMR measurements. Above the rich gas, is a dry-gas interval that is conclusively in a separate compartment. Diffusion-based NMR identifies the fluid type in a series of thin reservoirs above this main section, in which no samples were taken. NMR and DFA both detect compositional gradients, invisible to conventional logs.

The work presented in this paper demonstrates how the integration of measurements from various tools can lead to a better understanding of fluid types and distribution.
Overexpression of Early Light‐Induced Protein (ELIP) Gene from Medicago sativa ssp. falcata Increases Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Zhuo Chunliu , Cai Jiongliang , Guo Zhenfei
Published: July 2013

Medicago sativa subsp. falcata (L.) Arcang. (hereafter falcata) is closely related to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa) (hereafter sativa) and shows great tolerance to cold and drought; however, its cold tolerance at molecular or physiological levels has been little investigated. Early light‐induced protein (ELIP) is proposed to play a key role in protection of the photosynthetic apparatus from high light stress. In this work, an open reading frame sequence of MfELIP was cloned from falcata. The MfELIP gene exists in a single copy in the genome of falcata. Its expression at the transcript and protein levels was induced by treatments with cold, dehydration, and abscisic acid (ABA); the MfELIP transcript was induced more by cold than by dehydration or ABA. To assess the role of elevated ELIP gene expression in abiotic stress tolerance, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants overexpressing MfELIP were generated. Compared with the wild type, transgenic plants exhibited a significantly higher survival rate and lower ion leakage after freezing, lower ion leakage and a higher net photosynthetic rate (A) after chilling, a higher plant fresh weight after osmotic stress, and lower ion leakage and higher maximum photochemical efficiency after high light treatment. The results indicated that transgenic plants had increased tolerance to freezing, chilling, osmotic stress, and high light. We suggest that MfELIP confers tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses.
New Sainfoin Populations for Bloat‐free Alfalfa Pasture Mixtures in Western Canada
Authors: Acharya Surya , Sottie Edmund , Coulman Bruce , Iwaasa Alan , McAllister Tim , Wang Yuxi , Liu Jinghui
Published: July 2013

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), a condensed‐tannin‐containing legume, when present in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pasture prevents bloat in grazing cattle. However, old sainfoin cultivars do not persist in alfalfa stands for long and in new mixed stands do not regrow at the same rate as alfalfa after cutting or grazing. This multiyear and multilocation study was initiated to determine if new sainfoin germplasm developed for their ability to survive with alfalfa can perform better than old cultivars in western Canada. In this study new sainfoin populations in pure stands persisted same as ‘Nova’ for 4 yr. In hay trials at Lethbridge under rain‐fed and irrigated conditions, four (3432, 3519, 3900, and 3902) and three (3519, 3901, and 3902) new sainfoin populations produced significantly higher dry matter (DM) than Nova, respectively. In another set of tests where multiple harvests were taken at Lethbridge (irrigation) and Saskatoon (rain‐fed), the new sainfoin populations produced higher DM yields than Nova in pure stands, persisted for three production years in mixed stands while contributing >20% DM for bloat prevention at each harvest. Nova proportions in mixed alfalfa stands decreased after the first production year. At Swift Current, however, new sainfoin populations produced significantly lower DM yield than Nova in pure stands and similar DM yield and proportions in mixed stands. Therefore, the new sainfoin populations tested may help improve hay or pasture production in most, but not in all, parts of western Canada.
The Contribution of Student Satisfaction to Persistence
Authors: Schreiner Laurie A. , Nelson Denise D.
Published: July 2013

This study of nearly 30,000 undergraduates at 61 four-year public and private institutions examines the influence of satisfaction on students' persistence in college. Data were collected using the Student Satisfaction Inventory (Schreiner & Juillerat, 1994) and were analyzed by class level. The hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that satisfaction scores accounted for an additional 35% to 37% of the variation in students' likelihood of choosing the same institution again if given the chance to revisit their college enrollment decision. Binary logistic regression indicated that satisfaction with the college's climate was significantly predictive of actual persistence the following academic year, with odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 1.67 across the class levels. Clear differences in predictors of satisfaction across class levels indicate the importance of disaggregating data to more clearly understand the drivers of satisfaction at each level and to equip institutions to facilitate positive student experiences throughout the college years.
Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Anand Inder S.
Published: July 2013

The cardiorenal syndrome has recently been defined as “disorders of the heart and kidney whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other.” The syndrome is extremely common and independently associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, no pharmacological therapy has been shown to improve its outcomes. Unfortunately, the mechanisms that initiate the development of renal dysfunction in heart failure are still debated. This review tries to clarify some of the misunderstanding regarding the principle hemodynamic factors that drive the kidneys to retain salt and water.
The performance of the Czech labour market after the 2004 EU enlargement
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Hněvkovský Jan
Published: July 2013

This paper examines whether there has been a significant change in the
performance of the Czech labour market after the Czech Republic?s EU
Accession in May 2004. We analyse methodological changes of measuring
unemployment caused by inevitable legislative adjustments and follow the
development of the Czech labour market and the inflows of foreign workers to
the Czech Republic over the past two decades. Our results show that the EU
Accession resulted in simplifying foreigners? access to the Czech labour
market and did not cause a significant change in its performance. Our
findings might be of some relevance for the countries seeking EU Membership
in the near future (e.g., Serbia or Montenegro).
Activity-based costing as an information basis for an efficient strategic management process
Authors: Kalicanin Djordje , Knezevic Vladan
Published: July 2013

Activity-based costing (ABC) provides an information basis for monitoring and
controlling one of two possible sources of competitive advantage, low-cost
production and lowcost distribution. On the basis of cost information about
particular processes and activities, management may determine their
contribution to the success of a company, and may decide to transfer certain
processes and activities to another company. Accuracy of cost information is
conditioned by finding an adequate relation between overhead costs and cost
objects, identifying and tracing cost drivers and output measures of
activities, and by monitoring cost behaviour of different levels of a
product. Basic characteristics of the ABC approach, such as more accurate
cost price accounting of objects, focusing on process and activity output
(rather than only on resource consumption) and on understanding and
interpretation of cost structure (rather than on cost measurement), enable
managers to estimate and control future costs more reliably. Thus the ABC
methodology provides a foundation for cost tracing, analysis, and management,
which entails making quality and accurate operative and strategic decisions
as a basis for the longterm orientation of a company. ABC is also
complementary to the widely accepted technique of strategic planning and
strategy implementation known as Balanced Scorecard (BSC).
Shorter Length of Stay Is Associated With Worse Functional Outcomes for Medicare Beneficiaries With Stroke
Authors: O'Brien Suzanne R. , Xue Ying , Ingersoll Gail , Kelly Adam
Published: July 2013

Background

Understanding of the potential impact that length of stay (LOS) may have on Medicare beneficiaries' poststroke discharge function and discharge destination since implementation of a prospective payment system is lacking.

Objective

This study examined the trends and associations between LOS and discharge outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with stroke treated in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs).

Design

A serial, cross-sectional analysis of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument dataset was conducted. The sample consisted of 371,211 patients with stroke who were over 65 years of age in all IRFs in the United States between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2007.

Methods

Annual trends for means of LOS, admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, and percent community discharge were examined using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) with facility level control and post hoc testing. The association between discharge FIM scores and LOS was examined using a continuous, multivariate GEE model. The association between community discharge and LOS was examined using a logistic, multivariate GEE model.

Results

Time trends showed mean LOS decreased 1.8 days; admission and discharge FIM scores declined 4.4 points and 3.6 points, respectively; and mean community discharges declined 5.4%. Controlling for study year and covariates, each day was associated with an increase of 0.50 discharge FIM points (95% confidence interval=0.48, 0.52). Each day also was associated with a 0.3% decrease in odds of community discharge (95% confidence interval=0.994, 0.999).

Limitations

Reliability and validity of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) are lacking. Results may have been biased by a lack of control at the patient and facility levels.

Conclusions

Medicare beneficiaries with stroke treated in IRFs experienced shorter LOS, had worsening admission and discharge function, and had fewer community discharges. Worsening admission function and shorter LOS may contribute to worsening discharge outcomes, which may indicate a lack of readiness for IRF treatment and that facility-level factors may be playing a role in shorter LOS.
Culture and Country towards Child Right in Nepal
Authors: Lamsal Apar Kumar
Published: July 2013

It has scientifically proved that childhood is the most creative period of human life. It is the basic building block of human development. One of the famous humanitarian personalities of the world, Mahatma Gandhi rightly said "If we are to have real peace, we must begin with the children." It is necessary to make this period safer, creative. But it is worldwide threatening to the children from the terrorism and different kinds of child abuse like child labor, child trafficking, gender discrimination, prohibition from the education etc. Nepal is one of the countries which are not out of them. It is the time for thinking how to safe children. Though Nepal has already formulated laws regarding the child right, but they are only "paper tiger". So, it is necessary to implement the existing laws and abolish the all kind of discrimination and child abuse and follow the international convention relating to child right. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/researcher.v1i1.8369 Researcher: A Research Journal of Culture and Society Vol.1(1) 2013
Evidence-Based Management of Hand and Mouth Disability in a Woman Living with Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
Authors: Poole Janet L. , MacIntyre Norma J. , deBoer Heather N.
Published: July 2013

This paper uses a case study to highlight the evidence for rehabilitation interventions designed to reduce disability of the hand and mouth and manage fatigue in persons with diffuse systemic sclerosis to inform clinical practice and guide future research.
REFLECTIONS ON THE STATE AS FIDUCIARY
Authors: Gold Andrew S
Published: July 2013

This review article discusses the arguments developed in Sovereignty’s Promise: The State as Fiduciary by Evan Fox-Decent. Sovereignty’s Promise provides a compelling and ground-breaking fiduciary conception of the state and its agents. As the book indicates, fiduciary principles can give us valuable insights for constitutional law, administrative law, and statutory interpretation. The book’s fiduciary account also provides an original theory of political obligation. This article suggests that the theory of political obligation faces significant challenges, at least if fiduciary principles are to establish a certain type of legitimacy. Even if these challenges are problematic, however, Sovereignty’s Promise offers a powerful argument that the fiduciary state is more legitimate than a non-fiduciary alternative.
Assessment of Introductory Transportation Engineering Course and General Transportation Engineering Curriculum
Authors: Turochy Rod E. , Fricker Jon , Hawkins H. Gene , Hurwitz David S. , Ivey Stephanie S. , Knodler Michael A. , Young Rhonda Kae
Published: July 2013

Transportation engineering is a critical subdiscipline of the civil engineering profession as indicated by its inclusion on the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination and overlap with other specialty areas of civil engineering and as recognized by TRB, ITE, and ASCE. With increasing transportation workforce needs, low numbers of students entering the pipeline, and limited hours within undergraduate civil engineering programs, it is important to ensure that civil engineering students receive adequate preparation and exposure to career opportunities in the transportation engineering field. Thus, investigations into the status of transportation engineering within civil engineering programs and specifically the introductory transportation engineering course are essential for understanding implications to the profession. Relevant literature and findings from a new survey of civil engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is reviewed; that survey yielded 84 responses. The survey indicates that 88% of responding programs teach an introductory course in transportation engineering, and 79% require it in their undergraduate programs. Significant variation exists in the structure of the introductory course (number of credit hours, laboratory requirements, etc.). Common responses about improvements that could be made include adding laboratories, requiring a second course, and broadening course content. In addition, nearly 15% of instructors teaching the introductory course did not have a primary focus in transportation engineering. This finding should be investigated further, given that the course may be an undergraduate civil engineering student's only exposure to the profession.
Exposing Minority Students to Careers in Transportation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Authors: Godazi Khosro , Goodwin Ronald , Qiao Fengxiang , Miller Alexander
Published: July 2013

The aging of the American workforce will lead to shortages in skilled workers throughout the country in the near future. Minorities are already underrepresented in the transportation industry, and without immediate intervention the conditions will not improve. To address the anticipated shortfall in skilled minority labor, FHWA, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and South Carolina State University, developed the Summer Transportation Institute. In the Texas Gulf Coast region, the Center for Transportation Training and Research at Texas Southern University has introduced the transportation industry to minority high school students while emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills in tomorrow's workplace through summer education programs for nearly 10 years. A study examines the core curriculum of those programs and discusses their potential applicability in other regions of Texas.
Estimating Workforce Needs for High-Speed Rail in California and the United States
Authors: Hernandez Paul D. , Haas Peter J.
Published: July 2013

This study assesses the overall impact of job creation associated with the anticipated construction of a high-speed rail (HSR) network in the United States, particularly in California, which was scheduled to begin construction as early as September 2012. Using variations of a bottom-up construction estimation technique, the study provides estimates of the quantity and type of workers needed during the design, construction, and operation of high-speed rail infrastructure, as well as education and training needs and level of this forecasted workforce. Given the high profile of state and national commitment to HSR initiatives, as well as its potential opportunity to generate employment, a comprehensive analysis that discusses the education, training, and attendant needs produced during the creation of HSR networks is timely. By using a refined bottom-up approach to estimate labor, education, and training needs required for the California HSR network, and with general application of this model across assessment of other corridors, this report seeks to identify the magnitude of workforce development challenges that lie ahead in the implementation of national HSR systems.
Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations: critical analysis of the literature with proposal of a new classification system
Authors: Mortazavi Martin M. , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Foreman Paul , Bavarsad Shahripour Reza , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Rozzelle Curtis J. , Tubbs R. Shane , Fisher Winfield Stitt , Fukushima Takanori
Published: July 2013

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations are a rare and diverse group of entities with a complex anatomy, pathophysiology, and serious clinical sequelae. Due to their complexity, there is no uniform treatment paradigm. Furthermore, treatment itself entails the risk of serious complication. Offering the best treatment option is dependent on an understanding of the aberrant anatomy and pathophysiology of these entities, and tailored therapy is recommended. Herein, the authors review the current concepts related to vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations and suggest a new classification system excluding mesodiencephalic plexiform intrinsic arteriovenous malformations from this group of malformations.
Nerve regeneration across cryopreserved allografts from cadaveric donors: a novel approach for peripheral nerve reconstruction
Authors: Squintani Giovanna , Bonetti Bruno , Paolin Adolfo , Vici Daniela , Cogliati Elisa , Murer Bruno , Stevanato Giorgio
Published: July 2013

Object

The use of allografts from cadaveric donors has attracted renewed interest in recent years, and pretreatment with cryopreservation and immunosuppression methods has been investigated to maximize axonal regrowth and minimize allograft rejection. The authors wanted to assess the outcome of treatments of brachial plexus stretch injuries with cryopreserved allografts from cadaveric donors in nonimmunosuppressed patients.

Methods

Ten patients with brachial plexus lesions were submitted to electromyography (EMG) testing 1 and 3 months after a traumatic event and 1 week before surgery to localize and identify the type of lesion. Intraoperative EMG recordings were performed for intraoperative monitoring to select the best surgical strategy, and postoperative EMG was used to follow up patients and determine surgical outcomes. If nerve action potentials (NAPs) were present intraoperatively, neurolysis was performed, whereas muscular/nerve neurotization was performed if NAPs were absent. Cryopreserved allografts obtained from selected cadaveric donors and provided by the tissue bank of Treviso were used for nerve reconstruction in patients who were not treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

Results

The surgical strategy was selected according to the type and site of the nerve lesion and on the basis of IOM results: 14 cryopreserved allografts were used for 7 muscular neurotizations and for 7 nerve neurotizations, and 5 neurolysis procedures were performed. All of the patients had regained motor function at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups.

Conclusions

Some variables may affect functional recovery after allograft surgery, and the outcome of peripheral nerve reconstruction is more favorable when patients are carefully evaluated and selected for the surgery. The authors demonstrated that using cryopreserved allografts from cadaveric donors is a valid surgical strategy to restore function of the damaged nerve without the need for any immunosuppressive treatments. This approach offers new perspectives on procedures for extensive reconstruction of brachial and lumbosacral plexuses.
Clinical significance and limitations of repeat resection for pediatric malignant neuroepithelial tumors
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Kumabe Toshihiro , Saito Ryuta , Kanamori Masayuki , Yamashita Yoji , Sonoda Yukihiko , Tominaga Teiji
Published: July 2013

Object

Maximized tumor resection and minimized surgical morbidity are extremely important in the treatment of children with malignant neuroepithelial tumors. However, the indications for repeat surgery for these tumors remain unclear. The present study investigated the clinical significance and limitations of repeat resection for these tumors.

Methods

This study included 61 consecutive pediatric patients with malignant neuroepithelial tumor, histologically diagnosed as WHO Grades III and IV. All patients were initially treated between January 1997 and March 2011 and had follow-up of more than 2 years. The number of surgeries, presence of leptomeningeal dissemination, survival, WHO grade, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status before and after surgery were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Repeat resections were performed for 21 patients (34.4%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was not aggravated by surgery, even after multiple operations. The 5-year survival rates of patients who received single and repeat surgery were 58.6% and 38.7%, respectively (p = 0.12). The mean interval between initial surgery and leptomeningeal dissemination detection was 331 ± 108 days in the single-surgery group and 549 ± 122 days in the repeat-surgery group (p = 0.19). The median survival time after leptomeningeal dissemination was 580 days in the single-surgery group and 890 days in the repeat-surgery group (p = 0.74).

Conclusions

Repeat resection with minimized surgical morbidity is an effective method to achieve better local control of pediatric malignant neuroepithelial tumors. Leptomeningeal dissemination was a leading cause of death, but repeat surgery did not increase the frequency of death.
Exploring the Glycosylation of Serum CA125
Authors: Saldova Radka , Struwe Weston , Wynne Kieran , Elia Giuliano , Duffy Michael , Rudd Pauline
Published: July 2013

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecologic cancer affecting women. The most widely used biomarker for ovarian cancer, CA125, lacks sensitivity and specificity. Here, we explored differences in glycosylation of CA125 between serum from patients with ovarian cancer and healthy controls. We found differences between CA125 N-glycans from patient sera compared to controls. These include increases in core-fucosylated bi-antennary monosialylated glycans, as well as decreases in mostly bisecting bi-antennary and non-fucosylated glycans in patients compared to controls. Measurement of the glycosylated state of CA125 may therefore provide a more specific biomarker for patients with ovarian cancer.
Motives of Visits to Ethno Music Festivals with Regard to Gender and Age Structure of Visitors
Authors: Blešić Ivana , Pivac Tatjana , Stamenković Igor , Besermenji Snežana
Published: July 2013

The Dragačevo Trumpet Festival (DTF) in Guča (the Republic of Serbia) is a unique competition of folk brass bands in the world and one of the most important events of overall national creativity and cultural amateurism in Serbia. The article delivers the results of a questionnaire
research conducted during the 50th anniversary of the DTF in Guča in August 2010. The results were based on 300 questionnaires. There are two purposes of the research: to identify the underlying dimensions of motivation for visitors attending ethno music festivals, using a factor analysis,
and to explore the differences between attitudes of the respondents of different gender and age structure. The factor analysis generated four factors: Festival Perception and learning, Exploration of Festival Program and Atmosphere, Psychophysical Welfare, and Socialization. The respondents
rated the factor Exploration of Festival Program and Atmosphere the highest, followed by Festival Perception and learning, Psychophysical Welfare, and Socialization. The results of the t test showed that female respondents rated Psychophysical Welfare and Socialization significantly
higher compared to male respondents. Analysis of variance tests demonstrated statistically different respondents' ratings of extracted factors with regard to age group of the respondents.
La dépendance : quelles différences entre les hommes et les femmes ?
Authors: Bonnet Carole , Cambois Emmanuelle , Cases Chantal , Gaymu Joëlle
Published: July 2013

L’avancée en âge s’accompagne d’une augmentation des risques de perte d’autonomie, avec pour corollaire l’accroissement des situations de dépendance, nécessitant une aide. Du fait de leur surnombre, parce qu’elles vivent plus longtemps que les hommes et sont plus souvent qu’eux en situation de dépendance aux grands âges, les femmes sont aujourd’hui les principales bénéficiaires de l’aide à domicile. Elles sont également les principales pourvoyeuses d’aide au sein de la famille. Dans les décennies à venir, la population âgée va s’accroître et les hommes y seront plus nombreux parmi les dépendants et les aidants potentiels. Observera-t-on alors un rééquilibrage des rôles familiaux, et de quel type ? Le développement de l’aide professionnelle à domicile ? Une prise en charge individuelle ou collective de ces coûts ?
La dépendance en Afrique
Authors: Golaz Valérie
Published: July 2013

En Afrique, les systèmes de retraite et de protection sociale ne touchent qu’une partie minime des besoins. La santé publique et l’offre de soins en général sont loin d’amener la santé à la portée de tous. Les personnes âgées dépendantes font très souvent l’objet d’une prise en charge familiale, mais n’ont que peu accès aux soins de santé moderne. Les systèmes de soutien familiaux se construisent autour des descendants et d’autres proches, mais connaissent parfois des limites que l’État peine à compenser.
Des travailleurs « sous pression »
Authors: Campéon Arnaud , Le Bihan-Youinou Blanche
Published: July 2013

Soutenir à domicile une personne âgée en situation de dépendance nécessite la mise en place d’une organisation mobilisant une diversité de ressources et implique un investissement important des aidants familiaux. Dans cet article, qui se base sur plusieurs travaux empiriques portant sur les aidants exerçant une activité professionnelle et jouant un rôle de soutien auprès d’un ou plusieurs parent(s) âgé(s) dépendant(s), nous nous attacherons à saisir la manière dont ces derniers s’impliquent et font face à leurs multiples engagements, c’est-à-dire la manière dont ils parviennent ou non à concilier leur activité professionnelle avec leur activité d’aidant. Nous verrons notamment qu’en dépit d’un défi commun lié à l’enjeu de conciliation, ces aidants ne vivent pas cette expérience de la même façon et ne sont pas toujours confrontés aux mêmes difficultés.
Gut microbiota controls adipose tissue expansion, gut barrier and glucose metabolism: novel insights into molecular targets and interventions using prebiotics
Authors: Geurts L. , Neyrinck A.M. , Delzenne N.M. , Knauf C. , Cani P.D.
Published: July 2013

Crosstalk between organs is crucial for controlling numerous homeostatic systems (e.g. energy balance, glucose metabolism and immunity). Several pathological conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, are characterised by a loss of or excessive inter-organ communication that contributes to the development of disease. Recently, we and others have identified several mechanisms linking the gut microbiota with the development of obesity and associated disorders (e.g. insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hepatic steatosis). Among these, we described the concept of metabolic endotoxaemia (increase in plasma lipopolysaccharide levels) as one of the triggering factors leading to the development of metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Growing evidence suggests that gut microbes contribute to the onset of low-grade inflammation characterising these metabolic disorders via mechanisms associated with gut barrier dysfunctions. We have demonstrated that enteroendocrine cells (producing glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-2) and the endocannabinoid system control gut permeability and metabolic endotoxaemia. Recently, we hypothesised that specific metabolic dysregulations occurring at the level of numerous organs (e.g. gut, adipose tissue, muscles, liver and brain) rely from gut microbiota modifications. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms linking gut permeability, adipose tissue metabolism, and glucose homeostasis, and recent findings that show interactions between the gut microbiota, the endocannabinoid system and the apelinergic system. These specific systems are discussed in the context of the gut-to-peripheral organ axis (intestine, adipose tissue and brain) and impacts on metabolic regulation. In the present review, we also briefly describe the impact of a variety of non-digestible nutrients (i.e. inulin-type fructans, arabinoxylans, chitin glucans and polyphenols). Their effects on the composition of the gut microbiota and activity are discussed in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
DEVELOPING A LEAN BENCHMARKING PROCESS TO MONITOR THE CARBON EFFICIENCY IN PRECAST CONCRETE FACTORIES—A CASE STUDY IN SINGAPORE
Authors: Wu Peng , Pienaar Josua , O'Brien Darryl
Published: July 2013

The lean production philosophy was developed in the automobile industry and put into practice in the manufacturing industry to reduce waste, inventory and improve productivity. The lean concept has recently been introduced to the manufacturing industry to meet the challenge of sustainable development. However, it seems that the concept of sustainable development was defined too broadly for the manufacturers to guide their preferred decisions and behaviours. This research aims to narrow down the concept of sustainable development and focus on the carbon emissions that can be reduced by applying the lean concept in the precast concrete factories. The results demonstrate that the lean production philosophy can help precasters to reduce the level of carbon emissions, in terms of reducing waste and eliminating unnecessary energy consumption in multi-handling, multi-delivery, maintaining inventory and other non-value adding activities, in line with its concentration on eliminating non-value adding processes. An amount of 5.80% carbon emissions can be reduced in the production process for a specific type of precast concrete column. The lean benchmarking process provided in this study is helpful for the precasters to monitor the carbon efficiency in the precast concrete factories. In addition, the analysis provides good practice guidance when precasters are trying to reduce carbon emissions to meet guidelines from regulatory authorities.
The Realization of Customer Satisfaction with Technology Integrations
Authors: Shing Ooi Chien , Phooi Seng Kah , Li-Minn Ang
Published: July 2013

This case is about the technology component of integrations in the marketing strategy of U-Globe Organization–a travel service provider organization to assess their customer satisfaction. The general information about the company is firstly provided in organization background. It is then followed by the stage setting which describes the current technology utilization and management practices of the organization. In the case description the customer satisfaction tools that are used by the organization are explained and compared, as well as the management concerns in conducting these customer satisfaction assessment. The limitation or challenges with their current approach in technology related ways to realize the satisfactions are also discussed. At the end of the case, the recommendations and solutions are provided to show the possible ways in solving the existing problems and improving the way of assessing customer satisfaction by integrating the appropriate technology.
Indian Luxury Car Market Changing Lanes
Authors: Bawa Pardeep
Published: July 2013

Aston Martin has recently introduced itself to India. Many perceive it as a routine entry of another car maker. However, this specific entry isn’t coincidence, but a calculated move. It has to do with the recent unexpected growth in the Indian luxury car market which is more than just market dynamics. It is something which reflects a changing lifestyle pattern of a class which is called affluent. The growth rate for these cars with a price tag which is above Rs. 25 lacs has been 20% on average for the some years. When the whole world was facing recession the Indian luxury car market grew by 23% to 6671 units as per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) despite half a percent decline in passenger car sales, to 11.04 lakh vehicles (Dovel, 2011). 2010 has shown growth in the automobile sector which was up by 25%. Indian luxury car market had been dominated by Mercedes Benz (entered in India in mid 1994) until 2009 where it was outscored by BMW which entered India in 2006. Mercedes Benz’s market share of 90% shrank to 38% and its market share largely fell to BMW which has 42%. This case will study the factors responsible for the growth of the Indian luxury car market with reference to BMW’s quick growth to the top with the help of cars customized for Indian infrastructure conditions, an aggressive distribution strategy, pricing designed in lieu of competition, and comprehensively smart promotional efforts.
When Citi was Found Sleeping
Authors: Bihari Suresh Chandra
Published: July 2013

“Citi never sleeps” is the famous signature claim of Citi bank. But their claim was made a mockery in a high profile branch in India where several depositors and high-net worth individuals were duped in a fraud to the tune of Rs 460.91 crore, engineered by their Global Wealth Manager Shivraj Puri who was working at Gurgaon branch of the bank. Corporate houses like the Hero group and 20-odd people invested in schemes which were sold to them by showing them a forged letter of the market regulator, Sebi. The clients were offered super normal returns and were lured by the Relationship Manager who enjoys a special relationship of trust and confidence with the clients. The clients were cheated understandably for their lack of understanding of the nuances of the product. But the greater issue at stake was the onerous practices of Wealth Management by banks in India and the lack of regulatory control in this fast developing area that allowed the incident to happen in the first place.
Triumph Charter School Service Provider
Authors: Boone Verneshia (Necia)
Published: July 2013

Charter schools are perhaps known to many people as community schools that are publicly funded. Educators and policy makers of the United States consider public schools in which tuition for primary and secondary students is free. A few community leaders and public officials have disclosed that selected charter school providers have too much flexibility in how they operate the schools. Perhaps their beliefs are such because most of the charter or community schools are operated under a contract in partnership with a sponsoring entity (Center for Education, 2008). According to educators and political leaders located in the Midwest region of the United States, charter schools were designed to address the current state of educational programs and to introduce an alternative model to traditional public education for economically disadvantaged students. For the last decade, research has shown that the goals and objectives of charter schools and charter school providers and leaders have been a contentious subject matter for United States educators and policy makers (Center for Education, 2008). The reason is perhaps linked to personal beliefs that charter school providers or leaders drain funding from local public school districts and do not offer disadvantaged students a better education. The case study provides an overview about Duke and Duchess Technology Centers as well as Triumph Management Company and their, products and services, competition, management structure, leadership styles, and recent challenges. Questions appear at the end of the case study for students to discuss and debate.
Security and Privacy Issues in Cloud Computing
Authors: Sen Jaydip
Published: July 2013

Cloud computing transforms the way Information Technology (IT) is consumed and managed, promising improved cost efficiencies, accelerated innovation, faster time-to-market, and the ability to scale applications on demand (Leighton, 2009). According to Gartner, while the hype grew exponentially during 2008 and continued since, it is clear that there is a major shift towards the cloud computing model and that the benefits may be substantial (Gartner Hype-Cycle, 2012). However, as the shape of cloud computing is emerging and developing rapidly both conceptually and in reality, the legal/contractual, economic, service quality, interoperability, security, and privacy issues still pose significant challenges. In this chapter, the authors describe various service and deployment models of cloud computing and identify major challenges. In particular, they discuss three critical challenges: regulatory, security, and privacy issues in cloud computing. Some solutions to mitigate these challenges are also proposed along with a brief presentation on the future trends in cloud computing deployment.
Mucosal Th17 Cell Function Is Altered during HIV Infection and Is an Independent Predictor of Systemic Immune Activation
Authors: Kim Connie J. , McKinnon Lyle R. , Kovacs Colin , Kandel Gabor , Huibner Sanja , Chege Duncan , Shahabi Kamnoosh , Benko Erika , Loutfy Mona , Ostrowski Mario , Kaul Rupert
Published: July 2013

Mucosal Th17 cells maintain the gut epithelial barrier and prevent invasion by luminal bacteria through a delicate balance of immunosuppressive and proinflammatory functions. HIV infection is characterized by mucosal Th17 depletion, microbial translocation, and immune activation. Therefore, we assessed the function of blood and sigmoid Th17 cells during both early and chronic HIV infection, as well as the impact of short- and long-term antiretroviral therapy. Th17 cells were defined as IL-17a+ CD4 T cells, and their functional capacity was assessed by the coproduction of the inflammatory cytokines IL-22, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, as well as the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10. Gut Th17 cells had a much greater capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokines than did those from the blood, but this capacity was dramatically reduced from the earliest stages of HIV infection. Immunoregulatory skewing of mucosal Th17 cell function, characterized by an increased IL-10/TNF-α ratio, was uniquely seen during early HIV infection and was independently associated with reduced systemic immune activation. Antiretroviral therapy rapidly restored mucosal Th17 cell numbers; however, normalization of mucosal Th17 function, microbial translocation, and mucosal/systemic immune activation was much delayed. These findings emphasize that strategies to preserve or to more rapidly restore mucosal Th17 function may have important therapeutic benefit.
Proteasome Inhibition by Bortezomib Increases IL-8 Expression in Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells: The Role of IKKα
Authors: Manna Subrata , Singha Bipradeb , Phyo Sai Aung , Gatla Himavanth Reddy , Chang Tzu-Pei , Sanacora Shannon , Ramaswami Sitharam , Vancurova Ivana
Published: July 2013

Expression of the proinflammatory and proangiogenic chemokine IL-8, which is regulated at the transcriptional level by NF-κB, is constitutively increased in androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer and correlates with poor prognosis. Inhibition of NF-κB–dependent transcription was used as an anticancer strategy for the development of the first clinically approved 26S proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib (BZ). Even though BZ has shown remarkable antitumor activity in hematological malignancies, it has been less effective in prostate cancer and other solid tumors; however, the mechanisms have not been fully understood. In this article, we report that proteasome inhibition by BZ unexpectedly increases IL-8 expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells, whereas expression of other NF-κB–regulated genes is inhibited or unchanged. The BZ-increased IL-8 expression is associated with increased in vitro p65 NF-κB DNA binding activity and p65 recruitment to the endogenous IL-8 promoter. In addition, proteasome inhibition induces a nuclear accumulation of IκB kinase (IKK)α, and inhibition of IKKα enzymatic activity significantly attenuates the BZ-induced p65 recruitment to IL-8 promoter and IL-8 expression, demonstrating that the induced IL-8 expression is mediated, at least partly, by IKKα. Together, these data provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, for the gene-specific increase of IL-8 expression by proteasome inhibition in prostate cancer cells and suggest that targeting both IKKα and the proteasome may increase BZ effectiveness in treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.
Differential Postselection Proliferation Dynamics of αβ T Cells, Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells, and Invariant NKT Cells Monitored by Genetic Pulse Labeling
Authors: Föhse Lisa , Reinhardt Annika , Oberdörfer Linda , Schmitz Susanne , Förster Reinhold , Malissen Bernard , Prinz Immo
Published: July 2013

The thymus generates two divergent types of lymphocytes, innate and adaptive T cells. Innate T cells such as invariant NKT cells provide immediate immune defense, whereas adaptive T cells require a phase of expansion and functional differentiation outside the thymus. Naive adaptive T lymphocytes should not proliferate much after positive selection in the thymus to ensure a highly diverse TCR repertoire. In contrast, oligoclonal innate lymphocyte populations are efficiently expanded through intrathymic proliferation. For CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are thought to be generated by agonist recognition, it is not clear whether they proliferate upon thymic selection. In this study, we investigated thymic and peripheral T cell proliferation by genetic pulse labeling. To this end, we used a mouse model in which all developing αβ thymocytes were marked by expression of a histone 2B–enhanced GFP (H2BeGFP) fusion-protein located within the Tcrd locus (TcrdH2BeGFP). This reporter gene was excised during TCR α-chain VJ-recombination, and the retained H2BeGFP signal was thus diluted upon cell proliferation. We found that innate T cells such as CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells all underwent a phase of intense intrathymic proliferation, whereas adaptive CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive thymocytes including thymic Tregs cycled, on average, only once after final selection. After thymic exit, retention or loss of very stable H2BeGFP signal indicated the proliferative history of peripheral αβ T cells. There, peripheral Tregs showed lower levels of H2BeGFP compared with CD4+Foxp3− T cells. This further supports the hypothesis that the Treg repertoire is shaped by self-Ag recognition in the steady-state.
Public transport policy and performance: The results of a South African public opinion poll
Authors: Luke Rose , Heyns Gert
Published: July 2013

Public opinion plays a vital role in a democracy, as democracies are, by nature responsive to the people. In South Africa, public participation is entrenched in the Constitution. Despite this, the spate of service delivery protests in South Africa in recent years would appear to indicate that the government is out of touch with the opinions of the South African citizens. Public  transport  policy  in  South  Africa  is  described  by  a  number  of  documents,  mainly the  White  Paper  on  National  Transport  Policy,  Moving  South  Africa  and,  more  recently, the National Development Plan. An annual survey of 1000 South Africans is conducted to gauge opinion on transport related matters. The purpose of this article was to compare the current public transport policies (as stated above) and the public opinion on public transport (as gauged by the survey) in order to determine the extent to which these are aligned. The results  show  that  current  public  transport  policy  is  relatively  strongly  aligned  with  the public transport needs of the South African population, however, concerns regarding public transport such as mobility, accessibility, affordability and safety have not yet to be addressed satisfactorily.