bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Curriculum to Address Family Medicine Residents' Skills in Treating Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Smith Corey D.
Published: July 2014

Chronic pain is a challenging condition, both for the patient, who is coping with constant pain and limitations in functionality, and for the treating physician. Narcotic medications, often used for the treatment of chronic pain, can be addictive and rates of overdose deaths associated with their use have increased significantly in the last 10 years [1]. Behavioral and physician faculty at the Lincoln Family Medicine Center developed a curriculum to improve family medicine residents' skills in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. The experience includes education in pain physiology and assessment, administration of medications, adjunctive treatments, and interactions with difficult patients. Two cohorts of residents have participated in the curriculum with positive results. The curriculum may be helpful for primary care providers with privileges to prescribe narcotic medications and is targeted towards resident physicians.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Theory and Treatment Update
Authors: Kirkpatrick Heather A. , Heller Grant M.
Published: July 2014

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the few mental disorders in which the cause is readily identifiable. In this article, we review the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and presentation of patients with PTSD in primary care. The purpose of this article is to review current literature regarding theory, etiology, and treatment effectiveness. Key findings in terms of neurobiological underpinnings with implications for future treatment are discussed. Recommendations regarding effective psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, emerging treatment, and management issues in primary care settings are offered.
Geopolitics of Grant Writing: Discursive and Stylistic Features of Nonprofit Grant Proposals in Nepal and the United States
Authors: Khadka Santosh
Published: July 2014

This study examines the global-local interplay of genre features in a select sample of nonprofit grant proposals from two particular sites—Nepal and the United States. Critically analyzing the carefully selected samples from both the sites on their own terms first and then in clusters (of Nepalese and American proposals) by exploiting the genre and discourse analysis theories and techniques published in genre, genre analysis, and grant proposal scholarship, this study attempts to examine the genre of nonprofit grant proposal in both comparative and non-comparative terms. While the study acknowledges that each instance of nonprofit grant proposal is unique, complex, and therefore non-generalizable, it does draw some broad generalizations about the similarities and differences in the rhetorical “moves,” organization, and/or composition strategies of grant writers from these two different geopolitical locations. The study finds that variations observed across samples and grant writers reflect the unique rhetorical situations of these writers, whereas uniformities have to do with the global circulation of Western genre forms in the rest of the world via global organizations like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund—which are also the major donors in developing countries like Nepal. And finally, the study reaffirms the fact that constraints like funding agencies' guidelines and reviewers' preferences have a considerable influence on genre features and forms. That has been the case with both the Nepalese and American proposals sampled in this study.
Engineering and Narrative: Literary Prerequisites as Indirect Communication for Technical Writing
Authors: Jeyaraj Joseph
Published: July 2014

While Engineering values direct communication, indirect communication produces a kind of literacy salient for engineers that direct communication may not offer in the way indirect communication does. This article emphasizes the inadequacies of overly emphasizing direct communication for Engineering majors and explains how teaching indirect communication in the form of literature has the potential to cover some of the inadequacies one can encounter if one were to overly emphasize direct communication.
Proposal Pitfalls Plaguing Researchers: Can Technical Communicators Make a Difference?
Authors: Lemanski Steve
Published: July 2014

The facts bear out that the odds are against most scientific researchers and scholars—especially those just starting out—in their attempts to win funding for their research projects through their grant proposals. In this article, the author takes a close look at some of the proposal-related problems and pitfalls that have historically challenged scholarly grant seekers. The intellectual prowess and specialized training of academics can sometimes be their downfall, when it comes to persuading government agencies and foundations to fund their well conceived, but unconvincingly presented projects. In examining numerous studies, surveys, and insightful articles of experts in the genre of the research grant proposal, it becomes evident that technical communicators could quickly become the best friends of scholars, when the former harness the rhetorical and stylistic skills that are almost instinctive to them, and apply them to writing grant proposals, a task which is all too often a disappointing exercise for the latter.
Fine Mapping and Functional Studies of Risk Variants for Type 1 Diabetes at Chromosome 16p13.13
Authors: Tomlinson M. Joseph , Pitsillides Achilleas , Pickin Rebecca , Mika Matthew , Keene Keith L. , Hou Xuanlin , Mychaleckyj Josyf , Chen Wei-Min , Concannon Patrick , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna
Published: July 2014

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the chromosomal region 16p13.13 have been previously associated with risk for several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. To identify and localize specific risk variants for type 1 diabetes in this region and understand the mechanism of their action, we resequenced a 455-kb region in type 1 diabetic patients and unaffected control subjects, identifying 93 novel variants. A panel of 939 SNPs that included 46 of these novel variants was genotyped in 3,070 multiplex families with type 1 diabetes. Forty-eight SNPs, all located in CLEC16A, provided a statistically significant association (P < 5.32 × 10−5) with disease, with rs34306440 being most significantly associated (P = 5.74 × 10−6). The panel of SNPs used for fine mapping was also tested for association with transcript levels for each of the four genes in the region in B lymphoblastoid cell lines. Significant associations were observed only for transcript levels of DEXI, a gene with unknown function. We examined the relationship between the odds ratio for type 1 diabetes and the magnitude of the effect of DEXI transcript levels for each SNP in the region. Among SNPs significantly associated with type 1 diabetes, the common allele conferred an increased risk for disease and corresponded to lower DEXI expression. Our results suggest that the primary mechanism by which genetic variation at CLEC16A contributes to the risk for type 1 diabetes is through reduced expression of DEXI.
Role of Heparanase-Driven Inflammatory Cascade in Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Goldberg Rachel , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Gil Natali , Hermano Esther , Li Jin-Ping , van der Vlag Johan , Atzmon Ruth , Meirovitz Amichay , Elkin Michael
Published: July 2014

Renal involvement is a major medical concern in the diabetic population, and with the global epidemic of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy (DN) became the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in the Western world. Heparanase (the only known mammalian endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate) is essentially involved in DN pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the exact mode of heparanase action in sustaining the pathology of DN remains unclear. Here we describe a previously unrecognized combinatorial circuit of heparanase-driven molecular events promoting chronic inflammation and renal injury in individuals with DN. These events are fueled by heterotypic interactions among glomerular, tubular, and immune cell compartments, as well as diabetic milieu (DM) components. We found that under diabetic conditions latent heparanase, overexpressed by glomerular cells and posttranslationally activated by cathepsin L of tubular origin, sustains continuous activation of kidney-damaging macrophages by DM components, thus creating chronic inflammatory conditions and fostering macrophage-mediated renal injury. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the enzyme action in diabetic kidney damage is critically important for the proper design and future implementation of heparanase-targeting therapeutic interventions (which are currently under intensive development and clinical testing) in individuals with DN and perhaps other complications of diabetes.
GABA Promotes Human β-Cell Proliferation and Modulates Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Purwana Indri , Zheng Juan , Li Xiaoming , Deurloo Marielle , Son Dong Ok , Zhang Zhaoyun , Liang Christie , Shen Eddie , Tadkase Akshaya , Feng Zhong-Ping , Li Yiming , Hasilo Craig , Paraskevas Steven , Bortell Rita , Greiner Dale L. , Atkinson Mark , Prud’homme Gerald J. , Wang Qinghua
Published: July 2014

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) exerts protective and regenerative effects on mouse islet β-cells. However, in humans it is unknown whether it can increase β-cell mass and improve glucose homeostasis. To address this question, we transplanted a suboptimal mass of human islets into immunodeficient NOD-scid-γ mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. GABA treatment increased grafted β-cell proliferation, while decreasing apoptosis, leading to enhanced β-cell mass. This was associated with increased circulating human insulin and reduced glucagon levels. Importantly, GABA administration lowered blood glucose levels and improved glucose excursion rates. We investigated GABA receptor expression and signaling mechanisms. In human islets, GABA activated a calcium-dependent signaling pathway through both GABA A receptor and GABA B receptor. This activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–Akt and CREB–IRS-2 signaling pathways that convey GABA signals responsible for β-cell proliferation and survival. Our findings suggest that GABA regulates human β-cell mass and may be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes or improvement of islet transplantation.
Substance P Promotes Diabetic Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing Through Molecular Mechanisms Mediated via the Neurokinin-1 Receptor
Authors: Yang Lingling , Di Guohu , Qi Xia , Qu Mingli , Wang Yao , Duan Haoyun , Danielson Patrik , Xie Lixin , Zhou Qingjun
Published: July 2014

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide, predominantly released from sensory nerve fibers, with a potentially protective role in diabetic corneal epithelial wound healing. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the protective mechanism of SP against hyperglycemia-induced corneal epithelial wound healing defects, using type 1 diabetic mice and high glucose–treated corneal epithelial cells. Hyperglycemia induced delayed corneal epithelial wound healing, accompanied by attenuated corneal sensation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impairments of Akt, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Sirt1 activation, as well as decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity. However, SP application promoted epithelial wound healing, recovery of corneal sensation, improvement of mitochondrial function, and reactivation of Akt, EGFR, and Sirt1, as well as increased ROS scavenging capacity, in both diabetic mouse corneal epithelium and high glucose–treated corneal epithelial cells. The promotion of SP on diabetic corneal epithelial healing was completely abolished by a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist. Moreover, the subconjunctival injection of NK-1 receptor antagonist also caused diabetic corneal pathological changes in normal mice. In conclusion, the results suggest that SP-NK-1 receptor signaling plays a critical role in the maintenance of corneal epithelium homeostasis, and that SP signaling through the NK-1 receptor contributes to the promotion of diabetic corneal epithelial wound healing by rescued activation of Akt, EGFR, and Sirt1, improvement of mitochondrial function, and increased ROS scavenging capacity.
Regulation of Inflammatory Phenotype in Macrophages by a Diabetes-Induced Long Noncoding RNA
Authors: Reddy Marpadga A. , Chen Zhuo , Park Jung Tak , Wang Mei , Lanting Linda , Zhang Qiang , Bhatt Kirti , Leung Amy , Wu Xiwei , Putta Sumanth , Sætrom Pål , Devaraj Sridevi , Natarajan Rama
Published: July 2014

The mechanisms by which macrophages mediate the enhanced inflammation associated with diabetes complications are not completely understood. We used RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptome of bone marrow macrophages isolated from diabetic db/db mice and identified 1,648 differentially expressed genes compared with control db/+ mice. Data analyses revealed that diabetes promoted a proinflammatory, profibrotic, and dysfunctional alternatively activated macrophage phenotype possibly via transcription factors involved in macrophage function. Notably, diabetes altered levels of several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Because the role of lncRNAs in diabetes complications is unknown, we further characterized the function of lncRNA E330013P06, which was upregulated in macrophages from db/db and diet-induced insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice, but not from type 1 diabetic mice. It was also upregulated in monocytes from T2D patients. E330013P06 was also increased along with inflammatory genes in mouse macrophages treated with high glucose and palmitic acid. E330013P06 overexpression in macrophages induced inflammatory genes, enhanced responses to inflammatory signals, and increased foam cell formation. In contrast, small interfering RNA–mediated E330013P06 gene silencing inhibited inflammatory genes induced by the diabetic stimuli. These results define the diabetic macrophage transcriptome and novel functional roles for lncRNAs in macrophages that could lead to lncRNA-based therapies for inflammatory diabetes complications.
Hyperhomocysteinemia Potentiates Hyperglycemia-Induced Inflammatory Monocyte Differentiation and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Fang Pu , Zhang Daqing , Cheng Zhongjian , Yan Chenghui , Jiang Xiaohua , Kruger Warren D. , Meng Shu , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Choi Eric T. , Han Yaling , Yang Xiao-feng , Wang Hong
Published: July 2014

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with increased diabetic cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of HHcy in atherogenesis associated with hyperglycemia (HG) remains unknown. To examine the role and mechanisms by which HHcy accelerates HG-induced atherosclerosis, we established an atherosclerosis-susceptible HHcy and HG mouse model. HHcy was established in mice deficient in cystathionine β-synthase (Cbs) in which the homocysteine (Hcy) level could be lowered by inducing transgenic human CBS (Tg-hCBS) using Zn supplementation. HG was induced by streptozotocin injection. Atherosclerosis was induced by crossing Tg-hCBS Cbs mice with apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and feeding them a high-fat diet for 2 weeks. We demonstrated that HHcy and HG accelerated atherosclerosis and increased lesion monocytes (MCs) and macrophages (MØs) and further increased inflammatory MC and MØ levels in peripheral tissues. Furthermore, Hcy-lowering reversed circulating mononuclear cells, MC, and inflammatory MC and MC-derived MØ levels. In addition, inflammatory MC correlated positively with plasma Hcy levels and negatively with plasma s-adenosylmethionine–to–s-adenosylhomocysteine ratios. Finally, l-Hcy and d-glucose promoted inflammatory MC differentiation in primary mouse splenocytes, which was reversed by adenoviral DNA methyltransferase-1. HHcy and HG, individually and synergistically, accelerated atherosclerosis and inflammatory MC and MØ differentiation, at least in part, via DNA hypomethylation.
Anaerobes and Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy: Virulence Factors Contributing to Vaginal Colonisation
Authors: Africa Charlene , Nel Janske , Stemmet Megan
Published: July 2014

The aetiology and pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is unclear but it appears to be associated with factors that disrupt the normal acidity of the vagina thus altering the equilibrium between the normal vaginal microbiota. BV has serious implications for female morbidity, including reports of pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and infertility. This paper reviewed new available information regarding possible factors contributing to the establishment of the BV vaginal biofilm, examined the proposed role of anaerobic microbial species recently detected by new culture-independent methods and discusses developments related to the effects of BV on human pregnancy. The literature search included Pubmed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Because of the complexity and diversity of population groups, diagnosis and methodology used, no meta-analysis was performed. Several anaerobic microbial species previously missed in the laboratory diagnosis of BV have been revealed while taking cognisance of newly proposed theories of infection, thereby improving our understanding and knowledge of the complex aetiology and pathogenesis of BV and its perceived role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Chrysin Suppressed Inflammatory Responses and the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Pathway after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Jiang Yong , Gong Fu-Liang , Zhao Guang-Ben , Li Jie
Published: July 2014

Chrysin (CH), a natural plant flavonoid, has shown a variety of beneficial effects. Our present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CH three days after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats and to probe the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. SCI was induced using the modified weight-drop method in Wistar rats. Then, they were treated with saline or CH by doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg for 26 days. Neuronal function was assessed with the Basso Beattle Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB). The water content of spinal cord was determined after traumatic SCI. The NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serums, as well as the apoptotic marker, caspase-3, of spinal cord tissues were measured using commercial kits. The protein level and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by western blot and a commercial kit, respectively. NO (nitric oxide) production was evaluated by the determination of nitrite concentration. The rats with SCI showed marked reductions in BBB scores, coupled with increases in the water content of spinal cord, the NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, NO production and caspase-3. However, a CH supplement dramatically promoted the recovery of neuronal function and suppressed the inflammatory factors, as well as the iNOS pathway in rats with SCI. Our findings disclose that CH improved neural function after SCI in rats, which might be linked with suppressing inflammation and the iNOS pathway.
Intranasal DNA Vaccine for Protection against Respiratory Infectious Diseases: The Delivery Perspectives
Authors: Xu Yingying , Yuen Pak-Wai , Lam Jenny
Published: July 2014

Intranasal delivery of DNA vaccines has become a popular research area recently. It offers some distinguished advantages over parenteral and other routes of vaccine administration. Nasal mucosa as site of vaccine administration can stimulate respiratory mucosal immunity by interacting with the nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT). Different kinds of DNA vaccines are investigated to provide protection against respiratory infectious diseases including tuberculosis, coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) etc. DNA vaccines have several attractive development potential, such as producing cross-protection towards different virus subtypes, enabling the possibility of mass manufacture in a relatively short time and a better safety profile. The biggest obstacle to DNA vaccines is low immunogenicity. One of the approaches to enhance the efficacy of DNA vaccine is to improve DNA delivery efficiency. This review provides insight on the development of intranasal DNA vaccine for respiratory infections, with special attention paid to the strategies to improve the delivery of DNA vaccines using non-viral delivery agents.
A Locomotion Intent Prediction System Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion
Authors: Chen Baojun , Zheng Enhao , Wang Qining
Published: July 2014

Locomotion intent prediction is essential for the control of powered lower-limb prostheses to realize smooth locomotion transitions. In this research, we develop a multi-sensor fusion based locomotion intent prediction system, which can recognize current locomotion mode and detect locomotion transitions in advance. Seven able-bodied subjects were recruited for this research. Signals from two foot pressure insoles and three inertial measurement units (one on the thigh, one on the shank and the other on the foot) are measured. A two-level recognition strategy is used for the recognition with linear discriminate classifier. Six kinds of locomotion modes and ten kinds of locomotion transitions are tested in this study. Recognition accuracy during steady locomotion periods (i.e., no locomotion transitions) is 99.71% ± 0.05% for seven able-bodied subjects. During locomotion transition periods, all the transitions are correctly detected and most of them can be detected before transiting to new locomotion modes. No significant deterioration in recognition performance is observed in the following five hours after the system is trained, and small number of experiment trials are required to train reliable classifiers.
Identification and Characterization of the Insecticidal Toxin “Makes Caterpillars Floppy” in Photorhabdus temperata M1021 Using a Cosmid Library
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Jang Eun-Kyung , Kim Min-Sung , Shin Jin-Ho , Park Gun-Seok , Khan Abdur , Hong Sung-Jun , Jung Byung-Kwon , Choi JungBae , Park YeongJun , Kwak Yunyoung , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: July 2014

Photorhabdus temperata is an entomopathogenic enterobacterium; it is a nematode symbiont that possesses pathogenicity islands involved in insect virulence. Herein, we constructed a P. temperata M1021 cosmid library in Escherichia coli XL1-Blue MRF` and obtained 7.14 × 105 clones. However, only 1020 physiologically active clones were screened for insect virulence factors by injection of each E. coli cosmid clone into Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor larvae. A single cosmid clone, PtC1015, was consequently selected due to its characteristic virulent properties, e.g., loss of body turgor followed by death of larvae when the clone was injected into the hemocoel. The sequence alignment against the available sequences in Swiss-Prot and NCBI databases, confirmed the presence of the mcf gene homolog in the genome of P. temperata M1021 showing 85% homology and 98% query coverage with the P. luminescens counterpart. Furthermore, a 2932 amino acid long Mcf protein revealed limited similarity with three protein domains. The N-terminus of the Mcf encompassed consensus sequence for a BH3 domain, the central region revealed similarity to toxin B, and the C-terminus of Mcf revealed similarity to the bacterial export domain of ApxIVA, an RTX-like toxin. In short, the Mcf toxin is likely to play a role in the elimination of insect pests, making it a promising model for use in the agricultural field.
Diabetic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Ineffective for Improving Limb Ischemia Due to Their Impaired Angiogenic Capability
Authors: Kim Hyongbum , Han Ji Woong , Lee Ji Yoon , Choi Yong Jin , Sohn Young-Doug , Song Myungjae , Yoon Young-Sup
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetes on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in terms of their angiogenic and therapeutic potential for repairing tissue ischemia. We culture-isolated MSCs from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (D-MSCs) and compared their proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenic effects with those from normal rats (N-MSCs). The angiogenic effects of MSCs were evaluated by real-time PCR, in vitro tube formation assay, and transplantation of the MSCs into a hindlimb ischemia model followed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. The number of MSCs derived from diabetic rats was smaller, and their proliferation rate was slower than N-MSCs. Upon induction of differentiation, the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of D-MSCs were aberrant compared to N-MSCs. The expression of angiogenic factors was lower in D-MSCs than N-MSCs. D-MSCs cocultured with endothelial cells resulted in decreased tube formation compared to N-MSCs. D-MSCs were ineffective to improve hindlimb ischemia and showed lower capillary density and angiogenic gene expression in ischemic limbs than N-MSCs. D-MSCs have defective proliferation and angiogenic activities and are ineffective for repairing hindlimb ischemia. Newer measures are needed before MSCs can be employed as a source for autologous cell therapy.
A nanometric cushion for enhancing scratch and wear resistance of hard films
Authors: Gotlib-Vainshtein Katya , Girshevitz Olga , Sukenik Chaim N , Barlam David , Cohen Sidney R
Published: July 2014

Scratch resistance and friction are core properties which define the tribological characteristics of materials. Attempts to optimize these quantities at solid surfaces are the subject of intense technological interest. The capability to modulate these surface properties while preserving both the bulk properties of the materials and a well-defined, constant chemical composition of the surface is particularly attractive. We report herein the use of a soft, flexible underlayer to control the scratch resistance of oxide surfaces. Titania films of several nm thickness are coated onto substrates of silicon, kapton, polycarbonate, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The scratch resistance measured by scanning force microscopy is found to be substrate dependent, diminishing in the order PDMS, kapton/polycarbonate, Si/SiO2. Furthermore, when PDMS is applied as an intermediate layer between a harder substrate and titania, marked improvement in the scratch resistance is achieved. This is shown by quantitative wear tests for silicon or kapton, by coating these substrates with PDMS which is subsequently capped by a titania layer, resulting in enhanced scratch/wear resistance. The physical basis of this effect is explored by means of Finite Element Analysis, and we suggest a model for friction reduction based on the "cushioning effect” of a soft intermediate layer.
Les relations entre adolescents et grands-parents en Suisse : séparation conjugale et équilibre entre lignées
Authors: Pillonel Alexandre , Hummel Cornelia , De Carlo Ivan
Published: July 2014

Quels types de relations entretiennent deux générations familiales, les grands-parents et les petits-enfants, lorsque le couple qui constitue la génération intermédiaire est séparé ? Les analyses sont menées à partir de l’enquête Enfants, adolescents et leurs grands-parents dans une société en mutation , effectuée en Suisse en 2004 auprès de 685 adolescent(e)s sur leurs relations aux grands-parents. Elles mettent en lumière plusieurs facettes de ces relations, notamment en ce qui concerne les effets de lignée. Contrastant avec l’assertion aujourd’hui classique d’un biais matrilatéral associé à la séparation conjugale, nos analyses multivariées font apparaître des résultats inédits : si les relations entre les deux générations sont effectivement moins intenses en situation de séparation conjugale qu’en situation d’union, la différence est relativement faible. Par ailleurs, le biais matrilatéral s’exprime tant au sein des familles où les parents sont séparés qu’au sein des familles où les parents vivent ensemble, et la séparation conjugale n’est pas associée à une augmentation du biais matrilatéral. Ces résultats peuvent être interprétés comme un signe de l’évolution, dans nos sociétés, des relations avec la parenté suite à la séparation conjugale.
Concordance entre origine ethnique déclarée et origines ancestrales chez les Gaspésiens
Authors: Vézina Hélène , Tremblay Marc , Lavoie Ève-Marie , Labuda Damian
Published: July 2014

Résumé L’identité ethnique d’un individu relève d’un sentiment d’appartenance plus ou moins prononcé à un groupe possédant certaines caractéristiques propres. Dans les recensements et de nombreuses enquêtes quantitatives, une question sur l’origine ethnique est posée aux participants et on peut se demander dans quelle mesure les réponses fournies correspondent aux origines ancestrales des répondants. À partir d’informations généalogiques portant sur près de 400 individus résidant dans la région de la Gaspésie (Est du Québec), cette étude compare l’origine déclarée par les participants à celles des premiers immigrants de leur ascendance établis sur le sol québécois. Les généalogies des participants ont été reconstruites, les ancêtres immigrants identifiés et leurs origines géographiques documentées. Les résultats montrent que l’origine déclarée par les participants gaspésiens trouve une correspondance sur le plan des origines ancestrales. Bien que presque tous les participants aient des ancêtres immigrants d’origines diverses, le groupe d’appartenance est, dans la majorité des cas, le plus représenté parmi ces ancêtres. En particulier, les répondants ont davantage tendance à s’identifier à leurs origines paternelles qu’à leurs origines maternelles lorsque celles-ci diffèrent. Malgré une histoire de peuplement diversifiée et un métissage important, les Gaspésiens ont donc conservé un sentiment d’appartenance ethnique qui reflète aujourd’hui encore une certaine réalité démographique et génétique.
La mobilité ethnique des Autochtones du Canada entre les recensements de 2001 et 2006
Authors: Caron-Malenfant Éric , Coulombe Simon , Guimond Eric , Grondin Chantal , Lebel André
Published: July 2014

Résumé Cet article présente les résultats d’une analyse de la mobilité ethnique intragénérationnelle des Autochtones au moyen d’une source de données qui permet, pour la première fois au Canada, une estimation directe du phénomène : l’appariement entre les recensements de la population de 2001 et 2006. La mobilité ethnique intragénérationnelle, en d’autres termes les changements de déclaration de l’identité autochtone au cours de la vie, a contribué de manière importante à l’accroissement des populations métisses et indiennes de l’Amérique du Nord vivant hors des réserves indiennes au cours des dernières décennies. Cependant, les estimations publiées jusqu’ici reposant toutes sur des mesures indirectes, elles ne permettaient qu’une connaissance limitée des caractéristiques qui y sont liées. L’analyse, descriptive puis multivariée, montre que les gains de population que connaissent les Autochtones en raison de la mobilité ethnique résultent en réalité de flux multidirectionnels liés à certaines caractéristiques clés, comme le fait d’avoir des origines ethniques mixtes. L’article explore également les effets de la mobilité ethnique sur la composition sociodémographique des populations autochtones, leur répartition géographique étant notamment modifiée suite aux changements qui touchent la déclaration de l’identité aux recensements.
Évaluer la situation budgétaire de son ménage, en tête-à-tête avec l'enquêteur ou en présence du partenaire
Authors: Festy Patrick , Gaymu Joëlle , Thévenin Marc
Published: July 2014

Résumé Bien que l’instruction soit généralement donnée aux enquêteurs de passer le questionnaire en tête-à-tête avec l’enquêté(e), une part importante des entretiens sont réalisés en présence du partenaire, en particulier aux âges avancés – environ 40 % dans l’enquête Études des relations familiales et intergénérationnelles (Erfi, 2005) quand l’enquêté(e) a 50 ans ou plus. Les couples dont le conjoint assiste à l’entretien n’ont pas les mêmes caractéristiques que ceux qui répondent en tête-à-tête à l’enquêteur, les différences entre les deux groupes étant plus marquées lorsque le répondant est une femme. À la question sur la situation financière du ménage, rien ne différencie les réponses masculines et féminines, pour l’ensemble de l’échantillon, mais les hommes déclarent plus souvent avoir des difficultés à joindre les deux bouts que les femmes lorsque l’entretien se déroule en tête-à-tête, et c’est l’inverse en présence de leur conjoint : ils mentionnent alors plus d’aisance financière que les femmes. Les facteurs associés aux difficultés budgétaires sont toutefois identiques pour les hommes et les femmes, selon qu’ils sont interrogés en tête-à-tête ou en présence de leur conjoint. Il est difficile de dire si, en règle générale, la présence du conjoint améliore ou détériore la qualité des réponses des enquêtés, mais l’interprétation qu’on peut donner de celles-ci dépend pour partie des conditions de passation des questionnaires.
Aquatic Invertebrate Abundance and Biomass in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri Bottomland Hardwood Forests During Winter
Authors: Foth Justyn R. , Straub Jacob N. , Kaminski Richard M. , Davis J. Brian , Leininger Theodor D.
Published: July 2014

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley once had extensive bottomland hardwood forests, but less than 25% of the original area remains. Impounded bottomland hardwood forests, or greentree reservoirs, and naturally flooded forests are important sources of invertebrate or other prey for waterfowl, but no previous studies of invertebrate abundance and biomass have been at the scale of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Additionally, the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan requires precise, contemporary estimates of invertebrate biomass in hardwood bottomlands to determine potential foraging carrying capacity of these habitats for wintering ducks. We used sweep nets to collect aquatic invertebrates from four physiographically disjunct hardwood bottomlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and Mississippi's Interior Flatwoods region during winters 2008–2010. Invertebrate abundance varied inversely with water depth in both early and late winter, with greatest abundances in depths ranging from 10 to 20 cm. The estimate of invertebrate biomass in naturally flooded forests of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley for both years combined was 18.39 kg(dry)/ha (coefficient of variation [CV]  =  15%). When we combined data across regions, sites, greentree reservoirs and naturally flooded forests, and years, the estimate of mean invertebrate biomass decreased to 6.6 kg/ha but precision increased to CV  =  9%. We recommend the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture adopt 18.39 kg(dry)/ha as a revised estimate for invertebrate biomass for naturally flooded forests, because this estimate is reasonably precise and less than 2% of remaining hardwood bottomland is impounded greentree reservoirs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Additionally, we recommend managing to invoke dynamic flooding regimes in greentree reservoirs to mimic natural flood events and provide maximal coverage of depths less than 30 cm to facilitate foraging ducks' access to nektonic and benthic invertebrates, acorns, and other natural seeds.
Comparing E-Government Research in Developed vs. Emerging Economies
Authors: Muñoz Laura Alcaide , Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez
Published: July 2014

Many countries have implemented changes in public sector management models based on the strategic and intensive use of new information and communication technologies. However, most research has focused on developed countries, with the area of emerging economies being neglected. This chapter offers a framework to help public administrators and researchers evaluate the field of e-Government research in emerging economies, identifying research gaps and possibilities for improvement in the context of e-government research in developing countries. The findings reveal the existence of various research gaps and highlight areas that should be addressed in future research, especially in developing countries. Indeed, the research approach to e-government remains immature, focusing on particular cases or dimensions, while little has been done to produce theories or models to clarify and explain the political processes of e-government.
Realizing E-Government
Authors: Roman Alexandru V.
Published: July 2014

There is a growing recognition among scholars, practitioners, and elected officials that e-government success is not a deterministic outcome of entrepreneurial design or exacting implementation. In fact, constructing cost-efficient and policy effective e-government platforms has proved to be much more challenging than originally expected. In many instances, failed e-government experiments have led to significant financial losses and to increased dissatisfaction levels among citizenry. These latter experiences have nuanced the need for a much more thorough understanding and appreciation for the difficulties faced within the conceptualization and application of e-government platforms in successfully achieving the expected administrative and democratic outcomes. This chapter, by tracing the evolution of e-government both as a concept and as an administrative trend within the transformation of governance, delineates the main challenges in achieving the core goals and the democratic scope of e-governance. It is argued that in e-governance, success is a function of three fundamental vectors – security, functionality, and transformation.
Not Just Videogames
Authors: Asquer Alberto
Published: July 2014

The aim of this chapter is to discuss how the emerging process of gamification can impact the production of public services. Gamification is a relatively recent phenomenon that relates, in broad terms, to the introduction to game elements in non-game contexts. After reviewing the concept, design principles and techniques, and effects of gamification, the chapter discusses the extent to which gamification may affect the production and delivery of public services. The conclusions discuss the possible role of gamification in reshaping the identity and role of citizens and their relationship with public authorities.
Social Inclusion of Australian Children in the Digital Age
Authors: Daly Anne , Gong Cathy Honge , Dugdale Anni , Abello Annie
Published: July 2014

This chapter presents evidence on the access to the Internet for Australian children aged 5-15 years at a small area level, based mainly on the 2006 census data. It shows that there are areas of Australia, particularly in regional Australia, that have relatively low proportions of children who have access to the Internet at home. The geographical distribution of these areas is correlated with risk of social exclusion as measured by Child Social Exclusion Index. There was also a positive correlation between the proportion of children in an area with access to the Internet at home and average educational outcomes. The chapter concludes that there is some evidence of a digital divide for Australian children based on location of residence and socio-economic factors, which may have significant implications for children's ability to participate in society both now and in the future, and this requires further research.
Optimal Introduction Timing Policy for a Successive Generational Product
Authors: Aggrawal Deepti , Singh Ompal , Anand Adarsh , Agarwal Mohini
Published: July 2014

Globalized economy has led firms to introduce new innovations in the market quite frequently. Optimal Introduction time is an important strategic decision for firms because an early introduction may not take off as customers; channel members and other required partners might not be receptive enough, on the other hand too late an entry results in loss of opportunity for the firm. The decision is even more critical when introducing successive generations over time. In this study, the authors have developed an analytical approach to help decide the optimal introduction time for successive generational product. The timing decision depends on whether firms push the product to market before competitors or invest more time in process & product design and improvement. The authors have examined the case where a firm introduces successive generations of a durable product for which demand is characterized by an innovation diffusion process. Results are supplemented by a numerical example.
Confirmative Pressures in ERP Institutionalisation
Authors: Pishdad Azadeh , Haider Abrar
Published: July 2014

In the normal progression of events, firstly the technology is implemented, and then it is assimilated in the organisation. Once its usage becomes routinized and embedded within the organisations' work processes and value chain activities, it leads to successful institutionalisation. Institutionalisation of technology, thus, is not a linear process, one that is independent of any organisational, cultural, technical, social, and environmental causes and effects that shape and reshape use of technology. Information system researchers, however, tended to limit their attention to the effects of the institutional environment (i.e., coercive, normative and mimetic pressure) on structural conformity and isomorphism, so they fail to study the role of other institutional contexts which affect technology implementation and institutionalisation in organisations. This paper, therefore, aims to fill this gap by introducing confirmative pressure as a new form of isomorphism among organisation and other sub-institutions. This paper presents an illustrative case study of ERP adopting organisation in Australia to show how various isomorphic mechanisms affect ERP implementation and institutionalisation process.
A Comprehensive Summary Review of Internet Advertising and Online Market Places that Provides Detailed Insights and Understanding On What Information Systems Discipline is About
Authors: Idemudia Efosa
Published: July 2014

To the best of our knowledge there has been no study that has published a literature review of Internet advertising, online market places, and social e-commerce in the Information System discipline journals. Publishing such articles relating to literature reviews of online market places and Internet advertising is extremely important and essential for the following reasons: (1) to provide insights and understanding to social media and online firms on strategies that can be implemented to improve Internet revenues and click-through rates, (2) provide a comprehensive analysis of some of the most influential studies in Internet advertising and social e-commerce, (3) present some of the benefits and limitations of prior studies in Internet advertising and social e-commerce, (4) encourage scholars and researchers in all disciplines to educate and enlighten college students on what Information systems consist of, and (5) present techniques to measure the effectiveness of Internet advertising and the vast monetary value of Internet advertising.
Competitive Strategies in the Computer Industry
Authors: Akhter Shameem , Rahman Nayem , Rahman Mohammad Nirjhar
Published: July 2014

A firm's competitive behavior is very important for its survival. Relevant stakeholders in an industry are interested in a firm's operational as well as financial performance. In order to gain competitive advantage, a firm must remain steadfast during changes it goes through over time. This is true for the computer industry as well. The computer industry has been advancing very fast and firms in the industry are experiencing fierce competition for many reasons. This study examines the computer industry in terms of Michael Porter's framework for analyzing the profitability. The authors conduct a critical analysis of the threat of new entrants into the computer industry segment, the bargaining power of suppliers in the industry, the bargaining power of buyers in the industry, the threat of substitute products or services, and rivalry among competitors in the industry. This study has implications for incumbent firms and new entrants into the computer manufacturing industry that evaluate competitive strategies in the industry.
Do I Matter?
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Anson Rob
Published: July 2014

Advances in technology-mediated learning (TML) have created opportunities to personalize learning, based on the assumption that individual differences affect one's ability to learn. However, cumulative research on individual differences is equivocal, and largely excludes the learning process. The authors argue that without a model that incorporates the process of learning, the authors cannot empirically assess how individual differences influence learning outcomes. This study first models the learning process in terms of two sub-processes: process appropriation and content assimilation. Second, it partially tests the model within a technology-mediated learning (TML) environment used to provide end-user IT training. The results support the efficacy of individual differences' influence on learning outcomes, while shedding light on how this effect occurs. Individual differences affect the appropriation of TML supplied structures, which in turn impacts learning outcomes. The research method used in the study is a laboratory experiment. Data was analyzed using SEM.
Triorchidism: Genetic and imaging evaluation in an adult male
Authors: Belba Arben , Riversi Valentina , Mari Francesca , Cellesi Eleonora , Ponchietti Roberto
Published: July 2014

We report the results of imaging and cytogenetic studies in a case of triorchidism in a 54 years old male without any associated anomaly. A scrotal ultrasonography revealed the presence of two testes within the left hemiscrotum with complete septation and echotexture and vascular flow pattern similar to the vascular flow of the normal right testis. There was no focal abnormal echogenicity suggesting malignancy. Scrotal MRI confirmed two soft-tissue structures in the left hemiscrotum with normal signal intensity at T1w and T2w images. Both testes had a tunica albuginea with low-signal intensity. Cytogenetic analysis resulted in normal male karyotype 46XY. Array-CGH analysis detected the presence of two interstitial rearrangements: a ~120 Kb deletion of chromosome 1 and a ~140 Kb deletion of chromosome 16. Currently there are little details on the functions of both genes.
An important mechanism sustaining the atmospheric "water tower" over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu X. , Zhao T. , Lu C. , Guo Y. , Chen B. , Liu R. , Li Y. , Shi X.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau (TP), referred to as the "roof of the world" is also known as the "world water tower", because it contains a large amount of water resources and ceaselessly transports these waters to its surrounding areas. However, it is not clear how these waters are being supplied and replenished. In particular, how plausible hydrological cycles can be realized between tropical oceans and the TP. In order to explore the mechanism sustaining the atmospheric "water tower" over the TP, the relationship of a "heat source column" over the plateau and moist flows in the Asian summer monsoon circulation is investigated, here we show that the plateau's thermal structure leads to dynamic processes with an integration of two couples of lower convergences and upper divergences, respectively, over the plateau's southern slopes and main platform, which relay moist air in two ladders up to the plateau. Similarly to the CISK (Conditional Instability of the Second Kind) mechanism of tropical cyclones, the elevated warm-moist air, in turn, forces convective weather systems, hence building a water cycle over the plateau. An integration of mechanical and thermal TP-forcing is revealed in relation to the Asian summer monsoon circulation knitting a close tie of vapor transport from tropical oceans to the atmospheric "water tower" over the TP.