bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) And Reduction of Chronic Disease Risk Factors in Canada
Authors: Morton Darren , Rankin Paul , Kent Lillian , Sokolies Rex , Dysinger Wayne , Gobble John , Diehl Hans
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The short-term effectiveness of the nutrition-centred Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) lifestyle intervention for improving selected chronic disease risk factors was examined in the Canadian setting.

Methods: A total of 1003 people (aged 56.3 ± 12.1 years, 68% female) were self-selected to participate in one of 27 CHIP interventions hosted in community settings by Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout Canada, between 2005 and 2011. The program centred on the promotion of a whole-food, plant-based eating pattern, and daily physical activity was also encouraged. Biometric measures, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS), were determined at program entry and 30 days into the intervention.

Results: Over 30 days, significant overall reductions (P<0.001) were recorded in the participants’ BMI (-3.1%), systolic BP (-7.3%), diastolic BP (-4.3%), total cholesterol ([TC] -11.3%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ([LDL-C] -12.9%), triglycerides ([TG] -8.2%), and FBS (-7.0%). Participants with the highest classifications of TC, LDL-C, TG, and FBS at program entry experienced approximately 20% reductions in these measures in 30 days.

Conclusions: The CHIP intervention, which centres on a whole-food, plant-based eating pattern, can lead to rapid and meaningful reductions in chronic disease risk factors in the Canadian context.
Registered Dietitians’ Roles in Decision-making Processes For PEG Placement in the Elderly
Authors: Szeto Maria O.P. , Maillet Julie O'sullivan , Brody Rebecca A. , Parrott J. Scott
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The role of registered dietitians (RDs) in decisionmaking for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement was explored. The ethical climate in their workplace and the relationship between decision-making and the ethical climate were examined.

Methods: The survey included 67 RDs in complex continuing care and long-term care settings in Ontario. Descriptive statistics were used to describe roles, ethical climate, and professional characteristics. Pearson's and nonparametric correlations were used to examine relationships between roles, ethical climate, and professional characteristics.

Results: Among the respondents, 97% thought RDs had a role in decision-making processes. The majority of RDs were usually or always involved in two roles: identifying relevant nutrition issues (91.2%) and discussing feeding options and alternatives (80.7%). Dietitians’ roles in decision-making processes were more extensive when their relationship with physicians was positive (r=0.321, P=0.016), they had adequate knowledge (r=0.465, P<0.001) and adequate skills (r=0.520, P<0.001), and they were more satisfied with their role (r=0.554, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Registered dietitians performed a variety of roles in decision-making processes concerning PEG placement in the elderly. A positive working relationship with physicians, knowledge, skills, and role satisfaction significantly increase RDs’ involvement with patients and families.
Nutritional Risk in Community-dwelling Older Men: The Manitoba Follow-up Study
Authors: Lengyel Christina O. , Tate Robert B. , Bayomi Dennis J.
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The role of nutrition in older men’s health and successful aging has been inadequately studied. We examined the relationships among nutritional risk, self-rated health, and successful aging in community-dwelling Canadian older men.

Methods: The surviving cohort of the Manitoba Follow-up Study (n=690, mean age = 86.8 years) were sent a selfadministered nutrition survey in December 2007. The survey consisted of the Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition, version II (SCREEN II), a validated tool for assessing nutritional risk of cognitively intact community-living older adults, and questions about successful aging and health.

Results: Of the 553 surveys returned (80% response), 522 with complete SCREEN II data were included in the analysis. Forty-four percent of respondents were at high nutritional risk, 24% were at moderate risk, and 32% were at low risk. Significant relationships were found between nutritional risk and self-rated health (P<0.0001) and successful aging (P=0.008), with greater nutritional risk associated with lower self-ratings of health and successful aging. Higher use of prescription medication was related to greater nutritional risk (P=0.004).

Conclusions: Nutritional screening programs for communitydwelling older men are warranted as two-thirds of the study participants were at nutritional risk. Identifying older men at nutritional risk is a critical step in the process of nutritional assessment, and subsequent nutrition interventions and followup are required to prevent further health decline.
Crafting Meaning: Arts-informed Dietetics Education
Authors: Lordly Daphne
Published: May 2014

Purpose: University nutrition students’ experiences of participation in an arts module as part of a senior nutrition course were explored to gain an understanding of the relationship of art to dietetics practice.

Methods: The module comprised discussions, readings, and presentations from dietitian artists, along with three assignments: the production of art, an artist statement, and a reflection paper. The art production depicting an aspect of body image was presented to the class and optionally at a body image conference. An exploratory, qualitative methodology informed by Schön’s reflective practice framework was employed. Three surveys administered at various times during the arts module were used to collect students’ reflections and were thematically analyzed.

Results: Three themes emerged: hesitance to acceptance, emotion and connection, and relationship with dietetics. The education process facilitated a transformation among students, noted as changes in knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes over the course of the module.

Conclusions: The arts provide an alternative platform for an exploration of self and others, for improving practice, and for an examination of novel ways for doing so. Reflection as an education component enables students to contemplate relationships, knowledge, emotions, and practice as interrelated and evolving entities.
Polymerization of Vinylpyrrolidone to Form a Neutral Coating on Anionic Nanomaterials in Aqueous Suspension for Rapid Sedimentation
Authors: Lai Edward , Iqbal Zafar , Nour Sherif
Published: May 2014

Nanomaterials in water present an array of identifiable potential hazards to ecological and human health. There is no general consensus about the influence of anionic or cationic charge on the toxicity of nanomaterials on environmental ecology. One challenge is the limited number of scalable technologies available for the removal of charged nanomaterials from water. A new method based on polymer coating has been developed in our laboratory for rapid sedimentation of nanomaterials in aqueous suspension. Using colloidal silica as a model inorganic oxide, coating of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) around the SiO2 nanoparticles produced SiO2@PVP particles, as indicated by a linear increase of nephelometric turbidity. Purification of the water sample was afforded by total sedimentation of SiO2@PVP particles when left for 24 h. Characterization by capillary electrophoresis (CE) revealed nearly zero ionic charge on the particles. Further coating of polydopamine (PDA) around those particles in aqueous suspension produced an intense dark color due to the formation of SiO2@PVP@PDA. The SiO2@PVP@PDA peak appeared at a characteristic migration time of 4.2 min that allowed for quantitative CE-UV analysis to determine the original SiO2 concentration with enhanced sensitivity and without any ambiguous identity.
Physical Activity Levels in Women Attending Breast Screening, Receiving Chemotherapy and Post-Breast Cancer Treatment; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lahart Ian , Metsios George , Nevill Alan , Carmichael Amtul
Published: May 2014

Background: A lack of physical activity (PA) is a well-recognised risk factor in the development of breast cancer (BC) and evidence-base research on the impact of PA on BC survival is consolidating. However, evidence reveals that BC survivors have low levels of PA, suggesting the need of targeted interventions to enhance the PA behaviour of BC survivors. Unfortunately, there is lack of data from the UK about the PA behaviours of women at various stages of diagnosis and treatment of BC. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess PA levels in women at different stages of BC pathway. Patients and Methods: A convenient sample of patients was selected at various stages of presentation and treatment of BC. Patients attending for breast screening for NHSBSP (n = 188), post-operative patients attending for chemotherapy (n = 41) and BC patients within one year’s post-treatment (n = 80) were invited to take part in this cross-sectional study. Results: Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of a chemotherapy participant not meeting PA guidelines (i.e., being in the low activity category) were three times higher than the odds of a NHSBPS attendee not meeting PA guidelines, and compared to post-treatment participants, the chemotherapy patient’s odds of not meeting PA guidelines was four times higher. The odds of NHSBPS attendees being in the high activity category compared to the moderate category were three times higher than that of a post-treatment participant. Conclusions: The current study suggests the need to establish robust PA interventions to enhance the PA behaviour of breast cancer survivors.
Tagging SNPs in the MTHFR Gene and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Bao-Sheng , Bu Guo-Yun , Li Mu , Chang Bin-Ge , Zhou Yi-Pin
Published: May 2014

Stroke is currently the leading cause of functional impairments worldwide. Folate supplementation is inversely associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism. The aim of this study is to examine whether genetic variants in MTHFR gene are associated with the risk of ischemic stroke and fasting total serum homocysteine (tHcy) level. We genotyped nine tag SNPs in the MTHFR gene in a case-control study, including 543 ischemic stroke cases and 655 healthy controls in China. We found that subjects with the rs1801133 TT genotype and rs1801131 CC genotype had significant increased risks of ischemic stroke (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–2.61, p = 0.004; adjusted OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.12–3.56, p = 0.01) compared with subjects with the major alleles. Haplotype analysis also found that carriers of the MTHFR CTTCGA haplotype (rs12121543-rs13306553-rs9651118-rs1801133-rs2274976-rs1801131) had a significant reduced risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35–0.82) compared with those with the CTTTGA haplotype. Besides, the MTHFR rs1801133 and rs9651118 were significantly associated with serum levels of tHcy in healthy controls (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.02). These findings suggest that variants in the MTHFR gene may influence the risk of ischemic stroke and serum tHcy.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of 5-Substituted-2-furoyl Diacylhydazide Derivatives with Aliphatic Chain
Authors: Cui Zining , Li Xinghai , Tian Fang , Yan Xiaojing
Published: May 2014

A series of 5-substituted-2-furoyl diacylhydazide derivatives with aliphatic chain were designed and synthesized. Their structures were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The anti-tumor bioassay revealed that some title compounds exhibited promising activity against the selected cancer cell lines, especially against the human promyelocytic leukemic cells (HL-60). Their fungicidal tests indicated that most of the title compounds showed significant anti-fungal activity. The preliminary structure-activity relationship showed that the aliphatic chain length and differences in the R2 group had obvious effects on the anti-tumor and anti-fungal activities. The bioassay results demonstrated that the title compounds hold great promise as novel lead compounds for further drug discovery.
Agrosilvopastoral Systems in Northern Thailand and Northern Laos: Minority Peoples’ Knowledge versus Government Policy
Authors: Choocharoen Chalathon , Neef Andreas , Preechapanya Pornchai , Hoffmann Volker
Published: May 2014

Traditional agrosilvopastoral systems have been an important component of the farming systems and livelihoods of thousands of ethnic minority people in the uplands of Mainland Southeast Asia. Drawing on a combination of qualitative and participatory inquiries in nine ethnic minority communities, this study emphasizes the complex articulation of local farmers’ knowledge which has been so far excluded from governmental development and conservation policies in the northern uplands of Thailand and Laos. Qualitative analysis of local knowledge systems is performed using the Agroecological Knowledge Toolkit (AKT5) software. Results show that ethnic minorities in the two countries perceive large ruminants to be a highly positive component of local forest agro-ecosystems due to their contribution to nutrient cycling, forest fire control, water retention, and leaf-litter dispersal. The knowledge and perceptions of agrosilvopastoral farmers are then contrasted with the remarkably different forestry policy frameworks of the two countries. We find that the knowledge and diversity of practices exercised by ethnic minority groups contrasts with the current simplified and negative image that government officials tend to construct of agrosilvopastoral systems. We conclude that local knowledge of forest-livestock systems can offer alternative or complementary explanations on ecological cause-and-effect relationships which may need further scientific investigation and validation.
Control of Adjustable Compliant Actuators
Authors: Misgeld Berno , Gerlach-Hahn Kurt , Rüschen Daniel , Pomprapa Anake , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: May 2014

Adjustable compliance or variable stiffness actuators comprise an additional element to elastically decouple the actuator from the load and are increasingly applied to human-centered robotic systems. The advantages of such actuators are of paramount importance in rehabilitation robotics, where requirements demand safe interaction between the therapy system and the patient. Compliant actuator systems enable the minimization of large contact forces arising, for example, from muscular spasticity and have the ability to periodically store and release energy in cyclic movements. In order to overcome the loss of bandwidth introduced by the elastic element and to guarantee a higher range in force/torque generation, new actuator designs consider variable or nonlinear stiffness elements, respectively. These components cannot only be adapted to the walking speed or the patient condition, but also entail additional challenges for feedback control. This paper introduces a novel design method for an impedance-based controller that fulfills the control objectives and compares the performance and robustness to a classical cascaded control approach. The new procedure is developed using a non-standard positive-real Η2 controller design and is applied to a loop-shaping approach. Robust norm optimal controllers are designed with regard to the passivity of the actuator load-impedance transfer function and the servo control problem. Classical cascaded and positive-real Η2 controller designs are validated and compared in simulations and in a test bench using a passive elastic element of varying stiffness.
Antiprotozoal Activity of Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) and Its Main Alkamide Constituents
Authors: Althaus Julia , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Schmidt Thomas
Published: May 2014

In the course of our ongoing screening of plants of the family Asteraceae for antiprotozoal activity, a CH2Cl2-extract from the flowering aerial parts of Achillea ptarmica L. (sneezewort yarrow) was found to be active in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 = 0.67 µg/mL) and Plasmodium falciparum (IC50 = 6.6 μg/mL). Bioassay guided fractionation led to the isolation and identification of five alkamides from the most active fractions. Pellitorine and 8,9-Z-dehyropellitorine are the main components of the extract. Beside these olefinic acid amides, four alkamides with diene-diyne structures were isolated. All alkamides were tested for antiprotozoal activity in vitro. Pellitorine was the most active compound so far within this study against P. falciparum (IC50 = 3.3 µg/mL), while 8,9-Z-dehydropellitorine was most active against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50 = 2.0 µg/mL). The activity of pure pellitorine against Plasmodium is higher than that of the crude extract and thus explains the activity of the latter. None of the isolated alkamides, however, was as active against T. b. rhodesiense as the crude extract whose antitrypanosomal activity must therfore be due to a synergistic effect of the isolated compounds or to more active yet to be identified constituents.
Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Addition of 2-Aminobenzonitriles to Sodium Arylsulfinates: Synthesis of o-Aminobenzophenones
Authors: Chen Jiuxi , Li Jianjun , Su Weike
Published: May 2014

The first example of the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of o-aminobenzophenones in moderate to excellent yields via a direct addition of sodium arylsulfinates to unprotected 2-aminobenzonitriles was reported. A plausible mechanism for the formation of o-aminobenzophenones involving desulfination and addition reactions was proposed. The utility of this transformation was demonstrated by its compatibility with a wide range of functional groups. Thus, the method represents a convenient and practical strategy for synthesis of o-aminobenzophenones.
Chlorine Isotope Effects from Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Suggest Intramolecular C-Cl Bond Competition in Trichloroethene (TCE) Reductive Dehalogenation
Authors: Cretnik Stefan , Bernstein Anat , Shouakar-Stash Orfan , Löffler Frank , Elsner Martin
Published: May 2014

Chlorinated ethenes are prevalent groundwater contaminants. To better constrain (bio)chemical reaction mechanisms of reductive dechlorination, the position-specificity of reductive trichloroethene (TCE) dehalogenation was investigated. Selective biotransformation reactions (i) of tetrachloroethene (PCE) to TCE in cultures of Desulfitobacterium sp. strain Viet1; and (ii) of TCE to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) in cultures of Geobacter lovleyi strain SZ were investigated. Compound-average carbon isotope effects were −19.0‰ ± 0.9‰ (PCE) and −12.2‰ ± 1.0‰ (TCE) (95% confidence intervals). Using instrumental advances in chlorine isotope analysis by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry, compound-average chorine isotope effects were measured for PCE (−5.0‰ ± 0.1‰) and TCE (−3.6‰ ± 0.2‰). In addition, position-specific kinetic chlorine isotope effects were determined from fits of reactant and product isotope ratios. In PCE biodegradation, primary chlorine isotope effects were substantially larger (by −16.3‰ ± 1.4‰ (standard error)) than secondary. In TCE biodegradation, in contrast, the product cis-DCE reflected an average isotope effect of −2.4‰ ± 0.3‰ and the product chloride an isotope effect of −6.5‰ ± 2.5‰, in the original positions of TCE from which the products were formed (95% confidence intervals). A greater difference would be expected for a position-specific reaction (chloride would exclusively reflect a primary isotope effect). These results therefore suggest that both vicinal chlorine substituents of TCE were reactive (intramolecular competition). This finding puts new constraints on mechanistic scenarios and favours either nucleophilic addition by Co(I) or single electron transfer as reductive dehalogenation mechanisms.
Quantitative Analysis of Staphylococcus Enterotoxin A by Differential Expression of IFN-γ in Splenocyte and CD4+ T-Cells
Authors: Rasooly Reuven , Hernlem Bradley
Published: May 2014

Staphylococcus aureus is an important bacterial pathogen that produces a range of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins (SEs) which cause gastroenteritis and superantigen activation of T cells, the mechanism of which is not well understood. The ability to rapidly detect and quantify SEs is very important in order to learn the causes of staphylococcal outbreaks and to stop similar outbreaks in the future. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed for detection of several SEs. However, these immunological methods cannot distinguish between active and inactive toxin. It is known that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expressed in response to stimulation by SEs contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection. Nonetheless, the cellular source of IFN-γ is still unclear and the contributions of the specific splenocyte types. In our effort to understand the immunologic response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A (SEA) exposure, we studied IFN-γ production in mouse splenocytes. We demonstrated that short term ex vivo exposure of splenocytes or primary naïve CD4+ T-cells to biologically active SEA induces differential expression of IFN-γ mRNA in a time and dose dependent manner and the expression levels reflect the levels of IFN-γ secreted protein. Positive isolated CD4+ T-cells accounted for only 10% of IFN-γ production. We also demonstrate that expression of IFN-γ can be used for rapid quantitative analysis of active SEA with a detection limit of 1 ng/mL.
Delayed Behavioral Effects of Early Life Toxicant Exposures in Aquatic Biota
Authors: Weis Judith
Published: May 2014

Behavioral development occurs together with the development of the nervous system. Studies on mammals indicate that exposures to some chemicals during embryonic development at concentrations that do not produce anatomical malformations may nevertheless produce behavioral deficits later in life, an example of delayed effects. There have been reports of delayed effects in aquatic organisms. Delayed behavioral effects of mercury, chlorinated and other pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and some synthetic hormones in the environment have been reported in fishes and invertebrates; in some cases behavioral effects are manifested years after the exposure. Another type of delayed behavioral effect results from exposure of mature females before fertilization (maternal exposure). Even when embryos and larvae are reared in clean water, offspring may manifest abnormal behaviors following maternal exposure. The reported behavioral changes are generally deleterious and compromise the fitness of the animal in its natural environment. Delayed effects and their impacts on fitness are not considered in standard short-term embryo bioassays, which will therefore underestimate neurotoxicity. The literature in the field is scattered and has not been reviewed. The objective of this paper is to review and synthesize what is known about delayed behavioral effects in aquatic biota.
Requirement of Simultaneous Assessment of Crystal- and Supernatant-Related Entomotoxic Activities of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains for Biocontrol-Product Development
Authors: Argôlo-Filho Ronaldo , Costa Robson , Pinheiro Daniele , Corrêa Fábio , Valicente Fernando , Pomella Alan , Loguercio Leandro
Published: May 2014

Bioinsecticides with lower concentrations of endospores/crystals and without loss of efficiency are economically advantageous for pest biocontrol. In addition to Cry proteins, other Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins in culture supernatants (SN) have biocontrol potential (e.g., Vip3A, Cry1I, Sip1), whereas others are unwanted (β-exotoxins), as they display widespread toxicity across taxa. A strain simultaneously providing distinct toxin activities in crystals and SN would be desirable for bioinsecticides development; however, strains secreting β-exotoxins should be discarded, independently of other useful entomotoxins. Entomotoxicity of crystals and SN from a Brazilian Bt tolworthi strain (Btt01) was tested against Spodoptera frugiperda to assess the potential for biocontrol-product development based on more than one type of toxin/activity. Tests showed that 107 endospores mL−1 caused >80% of larvae mortality, suggesting Btt01 may be used in similar concentrations as those of other Bt-based biopesticides. When it was applied to cornfields, a significant 60% reduction of larvae infestation was observed. However, bioassays with Btt01 SN revealed a thermostable toxic activity. Physicochemical characterization strongly suggests the presence of unwanted β-exotoxins, with isolate-specific temporal variation in its secretion. Knowledge of the temporal pattern of secretion/activity in culture for all forms of toxins produced by a single strain is required to both detect useful activities and avoid the potential lack of identification of undesirable toxins. These findings are discussed in the contexts of commercial Bt product development, advantages of multiple-activity strains, and care and handling recommended for large-scale fermentation systems.
Long-term Trends of Organic Carbon Concentrations in Freshwaters: Strengths and Weaknesses of Existing Evidence
Authors: Filella Montserrat , Rodríguez-Murillo Juan
Published: May 2014

Many articles published in the last few years start with the assumption that the past decades have seen an increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the rivers and lakes of the Northern Hemisphere. This study analyses whether the existing evidence supports this claim. With this aim, we have collected published studies where long series of organic carbon concentrations (i.e., longer than 10 years) were analyzed for existing trends and have carefully evaluated the 63 articles found. Information has been collated in a comprehensive and comparable way, allowing readers to easily access it. The two main aspects considered in our analysis have been the analytical methods used and the data treatment methods applied. Both are sensitive issues because, on the one hand, the difficulties associated with correctly determining organic carbon concentrations in surface waters are well known, while, on the other, dealing with real environmental data (i.e., lack of normality, censoring, missing values, etc.) is an extremely intricate matter. Other issues such as data reporting and the geographical location of the systems studied are also discussed. In conclusion, it is clear that organic carbon concentrations have increased in some surface waters in the Northern Hemisphere since the 1990s. However, due to a lack of data in many parts of the world, it is not known whether this phenomenon is general and, more importantly, in the areas for which such data do exist, the reporting and methodological problems in the published studies prevent any conclusion on the existence of a general temporal behavior of organic carbon from being drawn.
Le Tâlech et les Tâlech : ethnie et région dans le Nord-Ouest de l'Iran
Authors: Bazin Marcel
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - The Tâlesh region and the Tâlesh people in north-western Iran :

The Tâlesh range, between the Caspian coastal plains and the plateaus of Azerbaijan, holds its name from the inhabitants of the eastern side, the Tâlesh. These Highlanders have adapted themselves to their mountainous and woody environment by intricate pastoral migrations. Thus, this group is quite original with regard to its neighbours, the Gilak sedentary rice-growers of the Gilân plain, and the Azeri Turks of the Ardabil and Khalkhâl regions. But beyond this originality of the whole people, a great diversity can be observed between the different valleys, due to relief partition, political anarchy, and recent Turkish penetration in northern Tâlesh.
Vieux sédentaires Tadjik et immigrants Pachtoun dans le sillon de Ghazni (Afghanistan oriental)
Authors: Balland Daniel
Published: May 2014

Résumé. - Le district de Shelgar, extrémité septentrionale du grand sillon topographique Ghazni - Qandahâr, présente un peuplement hétérogène de villageois sédentaires tadjik et pashtoun ; les seconds sont des immigrants récents venus à partir du dix-huitième siècle selon des processus assez variés qui ont pu être reconstitués malgré l'absence de sources écrites. La frontière ethno-linguistique est nette et correspond en outre à une double opposition géographique : des différences dans l'habitat (qal'a pashtoun/ maison à étage tadjik ; groupement en ordre lâche du village pashtoun/village tadjik très compact) et dans l'utilisation du sol irrigué (arboriculture spéculative tadjikjcéréaliculture pashtoun) rendent en effet perceptible la dualité de peuplement au niveau de la simple observation du paysage. On note cependant une tendance à l'affaiblissement des contrastes par suite d'empruits réciproques : alors que les Tadjik adoptent de plus en plus l'habitat en qal'a, les Pashtoun accordent une place croissante aux cultures arbustives.
De l'espace productif à l'espace récréationnel : le cas luxembourgeois
Authors: Demeuldre A. , Barbaza Yvette
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - Located in the Ardennes Massive, Noville is ever a completely agricultural rural district, in process of reconstitution, when the half of the Ortho territory is devoted to touring activity.
La concurrence entre distributeurs favorise-t-elle la variété des produits ?
Authors: Waelbroeck Patrick , Allain Marie-Laure
Published: May 2014

We examine the impact of horizontal and vertical market structure on product variety. We consider a market for horizontally differentiated products where the cost of a new-product launch is fixed and spread between the manufacturing and retail industries. We show that a vertically integrated firm offers a wider variety of products than a chain of monopolies. If the launch cost is shared equally across the vertical entity or supported mainly by manufacturers, inter-vendor competition partially restores the incentives to innovate. By contrast , when most of the cost is borne by the retail sector, competition between merchants may foster even more innovation than vertical integration. In both cases, retail concentration reduces product variety.
Concurrence et stockage stratégique sur le marché gazier
Authors: Poudou Jean-Christophe , Mirabel François , Baranes Edmond
Published: May 2014

Cet article s’intéresse au rôle stratégique de l’activité de stockage du gaz et de sa régulation lorsqu’il existe un marché spot de la ressource. Dans la lignée de la littérature sur ce thème, nous envisageons l’activité de stockage comme un instrument de flexibilité pour les approvisionnements en gaz d’un opérateur qui sert la demande en période de pointe. Dans ce cas, un arbitrage est fait entre l’utilisation du stockage et le recours à un marché de court terme pour servir la demande. L’originalité de notre modèle réside dans le lien établi entre les volumes de gaz stockés et le prix sur le marché spot : dans certains cas, le gaz stocké permet de fournir une partie de la demande et contribue ainsi à faire baisser le prix sur le marché de court terme. On montre qu’il est parfois optimal pour le régulateur de permettre du stockage stratégique, notamment lorsque le nombre d’arbitragistes sur le marché spot est insuffisant (marché peu fluide).
Analyse coût-bénéfice dans un contexte de concurrence intermodale et intramodale
Authors: Vibes Catherine , Ivaldi Marc
Published: May 2014

Cette étude propose une approche pour évaluer l’impact d’une infrastructure de transport sur le bien-être social en tenant compte explicitement de ses effets sur la concurrence intermodale et intramodale. La réalisation d’une infrastructure particulière change les caractéristiques du mode de transport associé et donc les conditions de la concurrence. À l’aide d'un exemple, nous simulons comment une nouvelle infrastructure ferroviaire sur une liaison spécifique modifie l’équilibre du marché dans lequel les consommateurs choisissent un mode de transport ainsi qu’un opérateur pour voyager entre deux villes particulières. Simultanément les opérateurs décident de manière stratégique des prix associés aux différents services qu’ils fournissent. De là, cette approche appliquée à différents projets d’investissements permet de les classer dans un environnement de concurrence imparfaite.
Fusions horizontales sur le marché de l'Internet
Authors: Cortade Thomas , Baranes Edmond
Published: May 2014

This paper focuses on the vertical relationship between Internet Backbone Providers (IBPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and the difficulties created in that relationship by the IBPs’ strong market power. We propose a two-stage sequential game to analyze competition between horizontally differentiated ISPs in the service market and IBP Cournot competition in the backbone market. When the backbone market is unregulated, we find that consolidation among ISPs may reduce access charges by leveraging positive externalities in installed bases.
Le contrôle des concentrations en France : une analyse empirique des avis du Conseil de la concurrence
Authors: Menoni Benoît , Janin Lionel
Published: May 2014

We consider the factors explaining the rulings by the French Competition Council (Conseil de la Concurrence) in merger cases, to which we apply a latent-variable decision model. We use the factors mentioned in Council opinions as explanatory variables, although we acknowledge that this raises a potential endogeneity issue. In an initial specification, entry barriers and buyer power are shown to be the main supporting arguments given in the opinions. Using a second specification that excludes some endogenous factors, we find that market share and the industry concerned are the more objective determinants of the opinions, but with low explanatory power. For a selected group of transactions, we also compare Council opinions with stockmarket reaction to merger announcements.
Comment décentraliser la politique européenne de concurrence ?
Authors: Vergé Thibaud , Malavolti-Grimal Estelle , Loss Frédéric
Published: May 2014

This article focuses on decentralized implementation of European Union competition policy. Delegating the control of interfirm agreements makes it possible to benefit from better local information. However , because of conflicts of interest, decisions taken may not be in line with overall economic welfare. We show that this problem can be alleviated when the central authority delegates auditing but retains decision-making control. However, the central authority must make concessions : it must sometimes follow the national authority’s recommendations in order to give the latter adequate incentives to collect information.
Politique environnementale et politique de la concurrence
Authors: David Maia
Published: May 2014

Cet article étudie les conflits d’objectifs entre une agence environnementale et une autorité de la concurrence dans un duopole asymétrique. On examine les cas où l’autorité de la concurrence peut s’opposer à une taxe environnementale afin d’éviter la position dominante d’une firme et pour limiter les risques de collusion. On introduit alors une politique qui porte sur un niveau d’investissement dans la dépollution. Cette politique peut notamment prendre la forme d’une norme de procédé ou d’une approche volontaire. On montre qu’une autorité de la concurrence qui maximise le surplus des agents dans l’économie préfère une politique sur l’investissement à une taxe dès que la firme la plus efficace pour produire est la plus polluante.
Le développement des transferts publics d'éducation et d'assurance vieillesse par génération en France : 1850-2000
Authors: Suwa-Eisenmann Akiko , Bourdieu Jérôme , Bommier Antoine , Zuber Stéphane
Published: May 2014

On pense généralement que l’État-providence redistribue les ressources vers les générations anciennes aux dépens des générations les plus jeunes. Cependant, cette opinion se fonde sur une vision partielle du système de transferts qui se focalise sur les dépenses de vieillesse. Notre article montre que la prise en compte des transferts descendants d’éducation modifie le tableau de la redistribution intergénérationnelle. Les générations nées entre 1910 et 1920 , qui ont bénéficié de la mise en place des systèmes de retraites, ont également financé substantiellement l’éducation de leurs enfants. Les générations nées entre 1990 et 2000 vont payer d’importants transferts ascendants à leurs parents mais elles reçoivent un transfert éducatif du même ordre. Au final, les générations nées entre 1950 et 1960 sont les plus mal loties, mais leurs pertes restent mesurées.
Impact de l'introduction d'une dose de capitalisation en Tunisie : simulations à l'aide d'un modèle à générations imbriquées
Authors: Ben Braham Mehdi
Published: May 2014

Nous présentons dans ce papier l’impact des évolutions démographiques sur l’équilibre financier du système de retraite en Tunisie. Il s’agit par la suite d’analyser, à l’aide d’un modèle à générations imbriquées en économie fermée, l’impact de deux types de réforme introduisant une dose de capitalisation, parallèlement au système par répartition existant. Le premier scénario de réforme correspond à l’introduction d’un fonds de réserve, le second à la mise en place d’un pilier capitalisé. Nous mesurons l’impact sur le niveau d’épargne et de consommation. Le modèle met en évidence un effet d’éviction important qui limite l’impact sur l’épargne. Les simulations montrent que le poids de la réforme est davantage supporté par certaines générations.
Les stabilisateurs automatiques en France
Authors: Espinoza Raphaël
Published: May 2014

This paper uses the MESANGE model to estimate the strength of automatic stabilizers. Following a demand shock, the attenuation of GDP volatility is moderate (10 %) in the first year, but greater (20 %) in the second year. The items with the greatest stabilizing influence are VAT, taxes on production, and unemployment benefits. The stabilizing effect also depends on the dynamic profile of the disturbance , and can vary by a factor of two depending on the profile. For supply shocks, the results depend on the implications for potential GDP. Public finances contribute to adjustment after a positive productivity shift, but appear to have increased GDP volatility by 10 percent due to oil-price variations between 1990 and 2000.
L'inflation et la rentabilité des actions : une relation énigmatique et un casse-tête pour les banques centrales
Authors: Rouabah Abdelaziz
Published: May 2014

Cet article réexamine la problématique de la relation empirique négative entre la rentabilité des actions et les anticipations d’inflation. Le fondement théorique de cette relation est l’identité de Fisher. Dans ce contexte, la valeur réelle d’un actif est indépendante de l’inflation anticipée. Or les récents tests empiriques semblent rejeter le postulat de Fisher et les résultats des estimations économétriques tenant compte de l’activité économique anticipée vont à l’encontre de l ’ hypothèse proxy de Fama. Cette analyse propose l’introduction d’une dimension supplémentaire, qui est la pluralité des régimes sous-jacents à la rentabilité boursière, dans l'analyse de la relation de l’inflation anticipée et des taux nominaux de la rentabilité des actions. Les estimations obtenues sur des données relatives à la zone euro et au Luxembourg sont plutôt en faveur du postulat de Fisher. Ainsi, les actions offrent une protection contre l’inflation et l’évolution de leur prix serait un indicateur avancé pour l’inflation anticipée.
Les contributions privées au financement de la dépendance dans le cadre de l'obligation alimentaire : pratiques judiciaires et implications distributives
Authors: Duée Michel , Rebillard Cyril , Wittwer Jérôme , Gramain Agnès
Published: May 2014

This paper seeks to analyze economic transfers relating to the financing of long-term care for the elderly, as they arise from court decisions on the legal duty to financially support ascendants. The first section reviews the computation of the support obligation based on a sample of court decisions between 2000 and 2003. The financial contribution rule estimated from the decisions is found to be anti-redistributive in interfamily distribution terms but redistributive in intrafamily distribution terms. The second section uses the DESTINE model to simulate a representative sample of persons aged 75 or older and those legally responsible for their financial support, and uses the sample to examine the distributive effects of the financial contribution rule.
Impacts de la salinité sur l'efficience technique de l'agriculture irriguée : application au cas des Oasis de Nefzaoua en Tunisie
Authors: Salah Matoussi Mohamed , Belloumi Mounir
Published: May 2014

La détermination de la performance productive des irrigants dans des oasis du sud Tunisien en utilisant l’approche paramétrique de frontière stochastique de production constitue la base de ce travail. En effet, la production des dattes sur pied s’explique par quatre facteurs : la quantité d’eau appliquée, le travail, le fumier et le phosphate. L’élasticité de la demande d’eau d ’ irrigation est estimée à -1,17, ce qui nous permet de suggérer qu’une tarification appropriée de l’eau d’irrigation pourrait contribuer à conserver la ressource de plus en plus rare. En outre, l’estimation du model d’inefficience technique a montré que la salinisation affecte négativement l’efficience technique. La valeur moyenne estimée des indices d’efficience technique est égale à 0,653.
4-Hydroxy-6-alkyl-2-pyrones as nucleophilic coupling partners in Mitsunobu reactions and oxa-Michael additions
Authors: Burns Michael J , Ronson Thomas O , Taylor Richard J K , Fairlamb Ian J S
Published: May 2014

Two mild and efficient strategies have been developed for the O-functionalisation of 4-hydroxy-6-alkyl-2-pyrones, by using them as nucleophilic partners in oxa-Michael additions and the Mitsunobu reaction. The reactions proceed in moderate to excellent yields on a range of substrates containing useful functionality. The reactions serve as practical and valuable synthetic methods to construct complex 2-pyronyl ethers, which are found embedded in a number of natural products.
Countertransference and the Criminal
Authors: Sharon Lorraine
Published: May 2014

Vignette:
The Volitional Rule, Personality Disorders and the Insanity Defense
Authors: Rachlin Stephen , Halpern Abraham L , Portnow Stanley L
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Recently, both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Bar Association have adopted position statements on the insanity defense, recommending the abandonment of the volitional aspect of the legal standard. The authors believe that this reform is long overdue. Defendants whose diagnosis, based largely on inadequate behavior controls, is personality disorder may best be considered as having "non-exculpatory mental conditions." The problems created when such individuals enter the interface between psychiatry and the law is illustrated by reviewing the vicissitudes of thought relative to the antisocial personality. With the introduction of DSM-III, disorders of impulse control, and particularly pathological gambling, have been advanced in support of a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Acts simply not resisted may in fact be distinguishable from those which the authors consider truly irresistible, utilizing a framework presented here. Finally, it is concluded that legislation should be enacted specifically to eliminate conditions classified on the basis of disturbances of volition and/or behavior from the umbrella of exculpatory mental disorders.
PSYCHOSTIMULANT THERAPY FOR DEPRESSED MEDICALLY ILL PATIENTS
Authors: Ayd Frank J
Published: May 2014

PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Update
Developing a Holding Environment During the Treatment of the Borderline Patient
Authors: Quaytman Miles
Published: May 2014

This month's column features a Grand Rounds presentation from Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, coordinated by Miles Quaytman, MD. Dr. Quaytman, Senior Clinician of the Sheppard Pratt Personality Disorders Program, assembled a multidisciplinary panel of staff members to demonstrate and discuss the stages of development of the holding environment during the treatment of a borderline patient. Dr. Quaytman completed his residency training at Sheppard Pratt and joined the staff there in 1978. His special interest is in understanding and treating psychotic and borderline patients and he is presently participating in several current research projects involving borderline patients.
New Lessons About an Old, Reliable Treatment
Authors: Fawcett Jan
Published: May 2014

ECTs efficacy, reliability, and relative safety have ensured its continued use in the face of major public assaults and controversy.
Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety Issues of Mood-Stabilizing Agents
Authors: Zajecka John
Published: May 2014

The combination of the anticonvulsants divalproex sodium and carbamazepine, either together or individually with lithium, may offer greater therapeutic efficacy in some bipolar patients when compared to monotherapy.
Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia
Authors: Kaufmann Charles A , Malaspina Dolores
Published: May 2014

Despite decades of study, the role of genetic factors contributing to the development of and vulnerability to schizophrenia has not been fully clarified.
Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia Revisited
Authors: De Lecuona Juan M , Joseph K Sunny , Iqbal Naveed , Asnis Gregory M
Published: May 2014

The concept that hyperdopaminergia is central to schizophrenia developed originally from indirect pharmacological evidence.
Assessing and Treating the Patient at Risk for Suicide
Authors: Fawcett Jan , Clark David C , Busch Katie A
Published: May 2014

Research has not enabled us to determine which individual patients require strict supervision and medical care to prevent self-destruction.
Review and Update: Benzodiazepines in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Coffey Barbara J
Published: May 2014

A primary task of emotional and psychological life for the child is to master the anxieties and fears that occur with the vicissitudes of normal development.
The Role of the Family in Major Depressive Illness
Authors: Keitner Gabor I , Miller Ivan W , Ryan Christine E
Published: May 2014

To neglect the social environment in which major psychiatric illness in general, and affective disorders in particular, exists, limits therapeutic effectiveness and likely prolongs the illness.
Alcoholism as a Family Dysfunction
Authors: Cook Brian L , Winokur George
Published: May 2014

In the family unit, dysfunctional characteristics may be involved in the etiology of alcoholism.
About Emotion
Authors: Nathanson Donald L
Published: May 2014

No matter how it is described or understood, all psychotherapy involves emotion.
Affect and Intimacy
Authors: Kelly Vernon C
Published: May 2014

Affect theory permits exciting new ways of understanding the formation, maintenance, and treatment of relationships.
The Pathophysiologic Significance of Hyperadrenocorticism: Antiglucocorticoid Strategies
Authors: Murphy Beverley E P , Wolkowitz Owen M
Published: May 2014

The idea that adrenal steroids might play a more direct role in major depression is perhaps not so surprising when one considers the prominent role played by other steroids in behavior.
The HPA Axis and Psychopathology: Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Starkman Monica N
Published: May 2014

Cushing's disease, the major type of spontaneous Cushing's syndrome, is the classic endocrine disease characterized by hypersecretion of Cortisol and diminished suppression of Cortisol by dexamethasone.
Behavioral Side Effects of Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Reus Victor I , Wolkowitz Owen M
Published: May 2014

Behavioral side effects of corticosteroids and corticotropin have been recognized since the introduction of these drugs into routine medical usage.
Computers and Psychiatric Education: The "Taxi Driver" Mental Status Examination
Authors: Hyler Steven E , Bujold Anne E
Published: May 2014

The use of computers to incorporate and synthesize new data with existing information has enabled medical educators to handle with ease an impossibly large database and present it to students in an interesting and engaging way.