bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple and High-Throughput Analysis of Amatoxins and Phallotoxins in Human Plasma, Serum and Urine Using UPLC-MS/MS Combined with PRiME HLB μElution Platform
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhao Yunfeng , Li Haijiao , Zhou Shuang , Chen Dawei , Zhang Yizhe , Yao Qunmei , Sun Chengye
Published: May 2016

Amatoxins and phallotoxins are toxic cyclopeptides found in the genus Amanita and are among the predominant causes of fatal food poisoning in China. In the treatment of Amanita mushroom poisoning, an early and definite diagnosis is necessary for a successful outcome, which has prompted the development of protocols for the fast and confirmatory determination of amatoxins and phallotoxins in human biological fluids. For this purpose, a simple, rapid and sensitive multiresidue UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, γ-amanitin, phalloidin (PHD) and phallacidin (PCD) in human plasma, serum and urine was developed and validated. The diluted plasma, serum and urine samples were directly purified with a novel PRiME technique on a 96-well μElution plate platform, which allowed high-throughput sample processing and low reagent consumption. After purification, a UPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This method fulfilled the requirements of a validation test, with good results for the limit of detection (LOD), lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), accuracy, intra- and inter-assay precision, recovery and matrix effects. All of the analytes were confirmed and quantified in authentic plasma, serum and urine samples obtained from cases of poisoning using this method. Using the PRiME μElution technique for quantification reduces labor and time costs and represents a suitable method for routine toxicological and clinical emergency analysis.
Clostridium difficile Toxins A and B: Insights into Pathogenic Properties and Extraintestinal Effects
Authors: Di Bella Stefano , Ascenzi Paolo , Siarakas Steven , Petrosillo Nicola , Di Masi Alessandra
Published: May 2016

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has significant clinical impact especially on the elderly and/or immunocompromised patients. The pathogenicity of Clostridium difficile is mainly mediated by two exotoxins: toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB). These toxins primarily disrupt the cytoskeletal structure and the tight junctions of target cells causing cell rounding and ultimately cell death. Detectable C. difficile toxemia is strongly associated with fulminant disease. However, besides the well-known intestinal damage, recent animal and in vitro studies have suggested a more far-reaching role for these toxins activity including cardiac, renal, and neurologic impairment. The creation of C. difficile strains with mutations in the genes encoding toxin A and B indicate that toxin B plays a major role in overall CDI pathogenesis. Novel insights, such as the role of a regulator protein (TcdE) on toxin production and binding interactions between albumin and C. difficile toxins, have recently been discovered and will be described. Our review focuses on the toxin-mediated pathogenic processes of CDI with an emphasis on recent studies.
Immunotoxin Therapies for the Treatment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent Cancers
Authors: Simon Nathan , FitzGerald David
Published: May 2016

Many epithelial cancers rely on enhanced expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to drive proliferation and survival pathways. Development of therapeutics to target EGFR signaling has been of high importance, and multiple examples have been approved for human use. However, many of the current small molecule or antibody-based therapeutics are of limited effectiveness due to the inevitable development of resistance and toxicity to normal tissues. Recombinant immunotoxins are therapeutic molecules consisting of an antibody or receptor ligand joined to a protein cytotoxin, combining the specific targeting of a cancer-expressed receptor with the potent cell killing of cytotoxic enzymes. Over the decades, many bacterial- or plant-based immunotoxins have been developed with the goal of targeting the broad range of cancers reliant upon EGFR overexpression. Many examples demonstrate excellent anti-cancer properties in preclinical development, and several EGFR-targeted immunotoxins have progressed to human trials. This review summarizes much of the past and current work in the development of immunotoxins for targeting EGFR-driven cancers.
Single-Cell Genomics for Virology
Authors: Ciuffi Angela , Rato Sylvie , Telenti Amalio
Published: May 2016

Single-cell sequencing technologies, i.e., single cell analysis followed by deep sequencing investigate cellular heterogeneity in many biological settings. It was only in the past year that single-cell sequencing analyses has been applied in the field of virology, providing new ways to explore viral diversity and cell response to viral infection, which are summarized in the present review.
Insulin Treatment of Mice Recipients Preserves β-Cell Function in Porcine Islet Transplantation
Authors: Pakhomov Oleg , Honiger Jiry , Gouin Edouard , Cariolet Roland , Reach Gerard , Darquy Sylviane
Published: May 2016

Encapsulation of islets of Langerhans confers protection against cell-mediated immune destruction and so should allow the transplantation of islets without immunosuppression. Xenotransplantation of encapsulated islets of Langerhans might therefore help overcome problems of human organ donor shortage. Given that islets exposed to sustained hyperglycemia show impaired β-cell function, we set out to determine whether recipient treatment with insulin could improve transplantation success rate. Islets of Langerhans were obtained from Specific Germ-Free (SPF) pig pancreas and cultured overnight. Islets were encapsulated in AN69 fibers and implanted into the peritoneal cavity of diabetic mice. A group of implanted mice was treated with exogenous insulin from day 3 to day 7 after grafting. Islet implantation depressed plasma glucose in all the mice, both insulin treated and untreated. Glycemia slowly increased in the non-insulin-treated mice, whereas the decrease observed in the insulin-treated mice was maintained until day 29 of follow-up. We found significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05 at day 18 and day 20, p < 0.001 at day 23 and day 29). No improvement of hyperglycemia was observed in diabetic mice implanted with empty fibers. When islet-containing fibers were removed from the peritoneal cavity of mice 1 month after the graft plasma glucose increased markedly. We demonstrate that treatment of recipients with exogenous insulin in the immediate posttransplantation period has a positive effect on β-cell function in transplanted macroencapsulated porcine islets.
Mechanisms of Alloimmune Tolerance Associated with Mixed Chimerism Induced by Vascularized Bone Marrow Transplants
Authors: Ramsamooj Rajen , Llull Ramon , Patel Mayuri P. , Beko Kenneth R. , Black Kirby S. , Hewitt Charles W.
Published: May 2016

Rat limb allograft recipients represent surgically induced, immediately vascularized bone marrow transplant (VBMT) chimeras. The majority of these chimeras undergo tolerance while a minority develop graft versus host disease (GVHD). T-cell chimerism and associated mechanisms of cellular immune nonresponsiveness were investigated in tolerant VBMT chimeras. A strong correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between the clinical onset of GVHD and levels of donor T-cell chimerism approximating or greater than 50%. However, stable mixed chimerism was associated with tolerance. In conclusion, three major sequential mechanisms of immune nonresponsiveness were elucidated in tolerant VBMT chimeras over time and included development of nonspecific suppressor cells (which potentially represent natural suppressor cells), maturation of antigen-specific suppressor cell circuits, and eventually putative clonal inactivation.
FAK Kinase Activity Is Required for the Progression of c-MET/β-Catenin-Driven Hepataocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shang Na , Arteaga Maribel , Zaidi Ali , Cotler Scott J. , Breslin Peter , Ding Xianzhong , Kuo Paul , Nishimura Michael , Zhang Jiwang , Qiu Wei
Published: May 2016

There is an urgent need to develop new and more effective therapeutic strategies and agents to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have recently found that deletion of Fak in hepatocytes before tumors form inhibits tumor development and prolongs survival of animals in a
c-MET (MET)/β-catenin (CAT)-driven HCC mouse model. However, it has yet to be determined whether FAK expression in hepatocytes promotes MET/CAT-induced HCC progression after tumor initiation. In addition, it remains unclear whether FAK promotes HCC development through its kinase activity.
We generated hepatocyte-specific inducible Fak-deficient mice (Alb-creERT2; Fakflox/flox) to examine the role of FAK in HCC progression. We reexpressed wild-type and mutant FAK in Fak-deficient mice to determine FAK’s kinase activity in HCC development.
We also examined the efficacy of a FAK kinase inhibitor PF-562271 on HCC inhibition. We found that deletion of Fak after tumors form significantly repressed MET/CAT-induced tumor progression. Ectopic FAK expression restored HCC formation in hepatocyte-specific Fak-deficient mice.
However, overexpression of a FAK kinase-dead mutant led to reduced tumor load compared to mice that express wild-type FAK. Furthermore, PF-562271 significantly suppressed progression of MET/CAT-induced HCC. Fak kinase activity is important for MET/CAT-induced HCC progression. Inhibiting FAK kinase activity provides a potential therapeutic strategy to treat HCC.
Bi- and trinuclear copper(I) complexes of 1,2,3-triazole-tethered NHC ligands: synthesis, structure, and catalytic properties
Authors: Gu Shaojin , Du Jiehao , Huang Jingjing , Xia Huan , Yang Ling , Xu Weilin , Lu Chunxin
Published: May 2016

A series of copper complexes (3–6) stabilized by 1,2,3-triazole-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene ligands have been prepared via simple reaction of imidazolium salts with copper powder in good yields. The structures of bi- and trinuclear copper complexes were fully characterized by NMR, elemental analysis (EA), and X-ray crystallography. In particular, [Cu2(L2)2](PF6)2 (3) and [Cu2(L3)2](PF6)2 (4) were dinuclear copper complexes. Complexes [Cu3(L4)2](PF6)3 (5) and [Cu3(L5)2](PF6)3 (6) consist of a triangular Cu3 core. These structures vary depending on the imidazolium backbone and N substituents. The copper–NHC complexes tested are highly active for the Cu-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction in an air atmosphere at room temperature in a CH3CN solution. Complex 4 is the most efficient catalyst among these polynuclear complexes in an air atmosphere at room temperature.
A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF 50 YEARS OF DAILY SOLAR WIND VELOCITY DATA
Authors: LI K. J. , ZHANNG J. , FENG W.
Published: May 2016

Daily mean value of solar wind velocity measured by various spacecraft near the Earth’s orbit from 1963 November 27 to 2013 December 31 given by OMNIWeb is utilized to investigate its characteristics through statistical analyses. The percent probability distribution of solar wind velocity can be described well by the Γ distribution function with the most probable velocity to be

373

km

s

−
1

. It is found that solar wind could be statistically classified into three groups: (1) the low-velocity wind,

v
<
450

km

s

−
1

, which positively responds to, and in the cycle phase lags, the solar activity cycle; (2) the high-velocity wind,

450
≤
v
<
725

km

s

−
1

, which negatively responds to, and in the cycle phase leads, the solar activity cycle, but in a short timescale (one-rotation-period) lags the solar activity cycle; and (3) the extreme-high-velocity wind,

v
≥
725

km

s

−
1

, which positively responds to, and in cycle phase leads, the solar activity cycle. A period of about 27 days is determined for solar wind in the first two groups, so that solar wind in the groups is modulated by the solar rotation and related with solar long-life magnetic structures. Solar wind of extreme high velocity appears mainly at the descending phases of the solar cycles.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE SNAPSHOT SURVEY FOR RESOLVED COMPANIONS OF GALACTIC CEPHEIDS*
Authors: Evans Nancy Remage , Bond Howard E. , Schaefer Gail H. , Mason Brian D. , Tingle Evan , Karovska Margarita , Pillitteri Ignazio
Published: May 2016

We have conducted an imaging survey with the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) of 70 Galactic Cepheids, typically within 1 kpc, with the aim of finding resolved physical companions. The WFC3 field typically covers the 0.1 pc area where companions are expected. In this paper, we identify 39 Cepheids having candidate companions, based on their positions in color–magnitude diagrams, and having separations

≥

5
″

from the Cepheids. We use follow-up observations of 14 of these candidates with XMM-Newton, and of one of them with ROSAT, to separate X-ray-active young stars (probable physical companions) from field stars (chance alignments). Our preliminary estimate, based on the optical and X-ray observations, is that only 3% of the Cepheids in the sample have wide companions. Our survey easily detects resolved main-sequence companions as faint as spectral type K. Thus the fact that the two most probable companions (those of FF Aql and RV Sco) are earlier than type K is not simply a function of the detection limit. We find no physical companions having separations larger than 4000 au in the X-ray survey. Two Cepheids are exceptions in that they do have young companions at significantly larger separations (δ Cep and S Nor), but both belong to a cluster or a loose association, so our working model is that they are not gravitationally bound binary members, but rather cluster/association members. All of these properties provide constraints on both star formation and subsequent dynamical evolution. The low frequency of true physical companions at separations

>

5
″

is confirmed by examination of the subset of the nearest Cepheids and also the density of the fields.
INFERRING GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIALS FROM MASS DENSITIES IN CLUSTER-SIZED HALOS
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Stark Alejo , Gifford Daniel , Kern Nicholas
Published: May 2016

We use N-body simulations to quantify how the escape velocity in cluster-sized halos maps to the gravitational potential in a ΛCDM universe. Using spherical density-potential pairs and the Poisson equation, we find that the matter density inferred gravitational potential profile predicts the escape velocity profile to within a few percent accuracy for group and cluster-sized halos (10

M

, with respect to the critical density). The accuracy holds from just outside the core to beyond the virial radius. We show the importance of explicitly incorporating a cosmological constant when inferring the potential from the Poisson equation. We consider three density models and find that the Einasto and Gamma profiles provide a better joint estimate of the density and potential profiles than the Navarro, Frenk, and White profile, which fails to accurately represent the escape velocity. For individual halos, the 1σ scatter between the measured escape velocity and the density-inferred potential profile is small (<5%). Finally, while the sub-halos show 15% biases in their representation of the particle velocity dispersion profile, the sub-halo escape velocity profile matches the dark matter escape velocity profile to high accuracy with no evidence of velocity bias outside 0.4r
200.
Boko Haram et la mise en récit du terrorisme au « Sahelistan »
Authors: Pérouse de Montclos Marc-Antoine
Published: May 2016

La mise en récit du terrorisme au « Sahelistan » fait preuve d’une certaine myopie historique. Dans le cas de la secte djihadiste Boko Haram au nord-est du Nigeria, elle ignore ainsi le vieux clivage qui a opposé l’empire du Borno au califat de Sokoto. De plus, elle tend à redécouvrir des phénomènes anciens de rébellion sous la bannière d’un islam radical. Enfin, elle replace systématiquement les djihads du monde contemporain dans une perspective globale qui revient à négliger les dynamiques locales des insurgés. À partir des exemples de Rabeh et cheikh Hayat, cet article vise à déconstruire les représentations du péril mahdiste autrefois ou terroriste aujourd’hui. L’objectif est d’analyser à la fois les différences et les récurrences d’insurrections qui permettent d’apprécier les profondes transformations de l’islam dans la région du Borno.
Boko Haram, une impossible sociologie politique ?
Authors: Cohen Corentin
Published: May 2016

Cet article propose de déconstruire la lecture globalisante et le label « Boko Haram » pour contribuer à une sociologie politique du mouvement et de la violence armée dans la région du bassin du lac Tchad. Il s’appuie sur des entretiens, notamment avec des déplacés, et des observations réalisées au cours de plusieurs terrains de recherche. L’auteur met en lumière les dynamiques de prédation, la faculté du groupe de créer du lien politique et de se connecter aux dynamiques sociales locales. Boko Haram est un mouvement hétérogène avec des formes de liens politiques et d’implantations locales précises. Enfin, les dynamiques du conflit dépassent largement les racines de Boko Haram et agrègent des acteurs aux ambitions, rationalités et savoir-faire différents.
Mensonge, fonctions limite et intimité
Authors: Balsamo Maurizio
Published: May 2016

Le mensonge comme nécessaire traduction-déformation de l’histoire, et le mensonge comme recherche d’une limite dans les processus d’expropriation subjective, constituent des axes théorico-cliniques pour réfléchir sur certaines situations que la psychanalyse rencontre dans sa pratique. Le dévoilement du mensonge dans la cure et la différence entre espace privé et intimité sont, peut-être, la condition préalable pour accéder au droit du patient de se dire enfin la vérité ou de la déformer quand il ne peut pas faire autrement.
De l’intime et de son partage au temps de la grossesse
Authors: Schauder Claude
Published: May 2016

Une recherche, explorant les processus de la parentalité ainsi qu’une longue fréquentation clinique de femmes enceintes demandant de l’aide nous ont amené à constater que le temps de la gestation correspond pour beaucoup à une alternance de moments où celles-ci éprouvent le besoin de se recentrer sur elles-mêmes et leur bébé mais aussi de temps de partage hautement investis. Au cours de la grossesse l’intimité prend ainsi une valeur particulière, à la fois en tant que temps du secret, de la pensée mais aussi du dialogue. C’est en effet dans cette intimité, que se nouent les premiers liens entre la mère et son bébé, entre ce dernier et son père. C’est encore là que le couple de géniteurs se renoue pour devenir parental. Pour certains d’entre eux, il s’agira d’une expérience de l’intimité encore inédite, y compris dans leur sexualité. C’est dans le secret de cette même intimité que d’autres décideront de garder précieusement jusqu’à l’accouchement le sexe de leur enfant ou le prénom qu’ils auront choisi pour lui. Le temps de la grossesse, qu’on peut aussi appeler « temps de l’intime », nous apparaît donc comme particulièrement révélateur de ce dont l’intimité peut être le siège et de ce qu’elle peut receler de potentialités.
Poésie et intimité
Authors: Carrai Stefano
Published: May 2016

L’article se focalise sur le dialogue intérieur de Pétrarque, qui, dans son Secretum, se dédouble afin de mieux converser avec Saint Augustin sur les thèmes du péché et de l’âme, aboutissant à une véritable confession délivrée en public. Il explore ensuite la tendance des poètes de tous les temps à dialoguer avec leur âme ou leur cœur ; un topos inauguré par l’empereur Adrien et, justement, relancé par Pétrarque dans son Chansonnier . Il s’agit d’un moyen rhétorique qui donne accès à une forme d’introspection profonde et, à la fois, à une représentation efficace de la dynamique qui met en relation les sentiments opposés présents à l’intérieur de l’âme de l’auteur. Le topos du dialogue avec l’âme est une variante du dialogue avec le cœur : le ton mélancolique de ce genre poétique rend cette structure dialogique très appropriée à la sensibilité des auteurs romantiques, et notamment de Leopardi. Dans ce climat surgira également une autre version de ce thème, illustrée, par exemple, chez Musset, dans une chanson où le débat intime porte sur l’alternative entre fidélité en amour et libertinage.
Le « Léviathan » de Julien Green : le secret de Polichinelle et l’ intime « clos »... de l’Autre
Authors: Girimonti Greco Giuseppe , Sinigaglia Ezio
Published: May 2016

Dans cet article, nous proposons une lecture d’un conte « inquiétant » de Julien Green – Léviathan ou La Traversée inutile , le plus « jamesien » du recueil Le voyageur sur la Terre , qui réunit cinq récits de jeunesse de cet auteur américain naturalisé français. Nous nous sommes concentrés sur le thème de l’intime du personnage du voyageur par rapport à la curiosité « anthropologique » du capitaine Suger, un véritable loup de mer qui se conduit en psychologue et harcèle le héros, presque muet et inaccessible, pour lui arracher son secret et sa vérité profonde. Une fois le secret (de Polichinelle) avoué, le capitaine reste, tout de même, les mains vides, et le lecteur est libre de tout imaginer et de se livrer à toutes formes d’hypothèses. La structure du récit renvoie non seulement aux chefs-d’œuvre d’Henry James, mais aussi à d’autres auteurs du roman moderne et à d’autres textes célèbres des xix e et xix e  siècles où la relation entre un personnage obsédé par la volonté de savoir et un autre personnage clos et réticent est importante d’un point de vue narratif et métanarratif.
Hérodote et le monde arabe ou Hérodote et les Arabes ? Quarante ans d’analyses géopolitiques
Authors: Giblin Béatrice
Published: May 2016

Le thème du monde arabe s’est presque imposé pour l’anniversaire d’une revue de géographie et de géopolitique puisque c’est là que les guerres et conflits géopolitiques sont les plus anciens et les plus nombreux et qu’ils nous concernent le plus directement comme les attentats du 7 janvier et du 13 novembre 2015 l’ont tragiquement rappelé. Avant de revenir sur la façon dont Hérodote a abordé le monde arabe, il est utile de préciser ce qu’on entend par monde arabe. Désormais l’unité des États arabes ne se manifeste qu’à l’ONU où ils votent toujours avec une unanimité remarquable contre Israël car la gravité des divisions qui caractérisent le monde arabe rend toute perspective d’unité politique des plus improbable. Avec le recul du temps et à la relecture des articles d’ Hérodote sur les conflits entre Arabes, j’ai réalisé, d’une part, que les conflits arabes sont l’un des thèmes principaux de la revue et, d’autre part, que le choix des thèmes, étaient souvent contre l’air (bien-pensant) du temps et annonçaient les crises à venir. À de nombreuses reprises, Hérodote a abordé une ou plusieurs caractéristiques des situations géopolitiques du monde arabe, et nous revenons sur ces numéros pour retracer l’histoire d’ Hérodote et du monde arabe.
L’Arabie saoudite à l’épreuve de la transition de pouvoir
Authors: Kajja Kamal
Published: May 2016

La question de succession en Arabie saoudite revêt une grande importance pour les Al-Saoud mais également pour leur allié américain. Cette question a été par le passé la cause de rivalités et de luttes pour le pouvoir au sein de la famille royale saoudienne. La mort du roi Abdallah le 23 janvier 2015, et le véritable « coup de force » réalisé par Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz au lendemain de son avènement sur le trône saoudien ont ainsi marqué le retour en force du clan Soudeiri. Un retour qui s’est manifesté à travers une concentration des pouvoirs entre les mains de ce clan et une « neutralisation » des clans rivaux. Cette transition, survenue sur fond d’énormes bouleversements géopolitiques qu’a connus la région du Moyen-Orient, s’annonce problématique et risque d’exacerber les luttes fratricides au sein des Al-Saoud. Ceci n’a fait que relancer le débat sur la question de succession et les rivalités de pouvoir au sein des Al-Saoud.
Les Arabes chrétiens, miroirs des échecs politiques du monde arabe
Authors: Blanc Pierre
Published: May 2016

Depuis plus d’un siècle, la situation des Arabes chrétiens constitue un révélateur des dynamiques du monde arabe. Au tournant du xix e siècle, ils n’ont eu de cesse de s’engager dans le mouvement culturel de renaissance arabe qui était vecteur d’émancipation après plusieurs siècles de tutelle ottomane. Par la suite, ils ont été très présents dans les formations politiques qui, du nationalisme au socialisme, dépassaient les clivages communautaires. Cependant, les échecs politiques des pouvoirs nationalistes et socialistes ont fait place à l’affirmation progressive d’un islamisme très diversifié dans ses formulations et plus ou moins agressif envers les chrétiens ou les musulmans déviants. Cet article revient sur les représentations des chrétiens chez certains islamistes qui menacent leur insertion dans les sociétés arabes, voire leur survie dans certains cas. Il aborde aussi les dynamiques d’insertion politiques des chrétiens qui ont précédé cette montée en puissance de l’islamisme, puis il analyse leur situation actuelle.
Les Arabes, les Turcs ; si loin, si proches
Authors: Seni Nora
Published: May 2016

Cet article s’attache à repérer les représentations par lesquelles, de la fin de l’Empire ottoman à aujourd’hui, la Turquie et les Turcs pensent et perçoivent le monde arabe. L’imaginaire qu’ils nourrissent à son égard varie avec les mutations du paradigme identitaire par lequel la Turquie s’autodéfinit. Ce texte précise dans un premier temps ce qu’il faut entendre par la notion de paradigme ou de matrice identitaire et montre comment ce paradigme évolue parallèlement aux relations entre l’Europe et l’Empire ottoman puis entre l’Europe et la Turquie contemporaine. L’article montre que de la distance avec l’Europe dérivent les positionnements pro-occidentaux ou pro-arabo-islamiques de l’Empire finissant et de la République turque. Dans les années qui ont suivi 2007-2008, pendant lesquelles la France de Nicolas Sarkozy et l’Allemagne d’Angela Merkel ont multiplié les déclarations déniant à la Turquie toute vocation à intégrer un jour l’UE, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, entamant une révolution culturelle sur la scène domestique, a abandonné progressivement les principes de mixité, de libertés laïques, et tenté d’inscrire la Turquie au sein d’un monde islamique-arabe dont la Turquie disputerait le leadership à l’Arabie saoudite. D’un « orientalisme ottoman » serait-on passé, après un siècle d’ambition occidentale, à un orientalisme turc  ?
L’Algérie dans le monde arabe
Authors: Metaoui Fayçal
Published: May 2016

Fayçal Metaoui rappelle combien l’Algérie appartient au monde arabo-musulman. Aussi, après l’indépendance, le nouvel État a-t-il soutenu le panarabisme d’Abdel Nasser à partir d’une idéologie socialiste et a décidé l’arabisation du pays. L’Algérie est un membre actif de la Ligue arabe et travaille sur le plan diplomatique à renforcer ses rapports avec tous les pays de l’Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient. Quant à la dimension amazighe de l’Algérie, elle fut niée pendant vingt ans par le régime militaire de Boumediène, mais depuis les années 2000 la langue tamazight est reconnue comme langue nationale. Quant aux mouvements islamistes radicaux, personne n’y est favorable ni en Kabylie ni dans d’autres régions du pays.
Assessment of Topical Skin Care Practices in Long-Term Institutional Nursing Care from a Health Service Perspective
Authors: Rahn Yasmin , Lahmann Nils , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan
Published: May 2016

Skin aging is associated with increased skin vulnerability and susceptibility to ulcerations and dermatoses, making intensive skin care required, especially for older adults. As part of a nationwide prevalence study, data of 3,385 residents 60 and older were collected to analyze skin care practices in German long-term care facilities. The objective of the current study was to gain detailed insights into frequencies of leave-on skin care product applications by nursing care professionals for older adults. The 10 most frequently treated body parts accounted for >94% of all skin applications. Variations related to gender, age, and skin areas indicate differences in perceived skin care needs, although the evidence base supporting basic skin care interventions in this setting is weak. Gender, age, and clinical status seem to influence skin care practices. These factors must be taken into account to improve topical skin care and health in long-term care. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
42
(6), 18–24.]
Older Adults' and Caregivers' Perspectives on In-Home Monitoring Technology
Authors: Epstein Iris , Aligato Allan , Krimmel Tyler , Mihailidis Alex
Published: May 2016

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the application and investigation of in-home monitoring systems to support older adults with dementia and their caregivers. The current study focused on a monitoring system that included the use of motion sensors and Internet connections with one-way communication capabilities. Only a limited number of studies have explored and compared older adults' and caregivers' perspectives on such monitoring systems. The purpose of the current study was to explore older adults' and caregivers' perspectives on in-home monitoring systems using photo elicitation techniques. Three overarching themes emerged: (a)
feeling cared for
(which included two sub-themes), (b)
feeling cared about
(which included three sub-themes), and (c)
suggestions for change
(which included four sub-themes). These results revealed the duality of care when using in-home monitoring. Clinical and other future implications are discussed. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
42
(6), 43–50.]
Relationships between soil hydraulic parameters and induced polarization spectra
Authors: Nordsiek Sven , Diamantopoulos Efstathios , Hördt Andreas , Durner Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Spectral induced polarization is a promising method to estimate soil hydraulic properties relatively quickly without interfering with the subsurface. It is essential for the interpretation of the spectral induced polarization data to understand the relationships between soil hydraulic properties and the parameters obtained from spectral induced polarization measurements. Recent studies often relate to certain types of unconsolidated sediments, e.g., artificial mixtures of sand and clay, or refer to particular pairs of soil hydraulic and complex electrical parameters. In the present study, we investigated seven samples of natural soils and a pure sand sample in the laboratory by spectral induced polarization and soil hydraulic measurements. After examining single combinations of parameters that can be expected from theoretical considerations, we calculated the correlation coefficients for all available pairs of complex electrical and soil hydraulic parameters. Based on this, two new empirical relationships are proposed and discussed in more detail. First, a linear relationship between the van Genuchten–Mualem parameter and the inverse of the normalized chargeability is described. Second, a power law was found to estimate the saturated hydraulic conductivity from the DC resistivity , the normalized chargeability , and the fluid conductivity .
Application of combined time‐lapse seismic refraction and electrical resistivity tomography to the analysis of infiltration and dissolution processes in the epikarst of the Causse du Larzac (France)
Authors: Valois Rémi , Galibert Pierre‐Yves , Guerin Roger , Plagnes Valérie
Published: May 2016

In geophysical and hydrological studies, it can be challenging to achieve a complete understanding of infiltration processes in the upper zone of a karstic aquifer since this type of medium is highly heterogeneous and may contain a perched aquifer. In an effort to further investigate such aquifers, time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography and time‐lapse seismic refraction tomography were carried out at three different epochs and at two sites on a dolostone plateau of Southern France. The first site has a sinkhole, whereas the second covers a less efficiently drained area, which is characterized by temporary lakes during periods of heavy rain.

These studies show that shallow time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography and time‐lapse seismic refraction tomography analyses are correlated with hydrological data because resistivities and propagation velocities decrease with increasing rainfall. Nevertheless, the Biot–Gassmann relationship does not provide an adequate explanation for the strong variations in velocity observed in the upper parts of the models. This could be explained by the dissolution process called ghost‐rock weathering, which directly attacks the dolostone rock frame of the studied area. The assessment of such processes can lead to an improved understanding of velocity variations and to the localization of dissolution processes that may affect karstic landscapes or even lead to their collapse.
Public Investment and Fiscal Sustainability in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
Authors: Tosun Mehmet Serkan , Yılmaz Serdar
Published: May 2016

In this chapter we analyze fiscal adjustments following economic shocks in the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries. Using an unbalanced panel data, we examine empirically 81 developing countries including eight WAEMU countries over the 1980-2012 period. We compare the cyclicality of fiscal policy in WAEMU to other developing countries. While we focus on the response of public investment to changes in GDP, we also examine responses of current public expenditure and fiscal balance. We find that there is strong procyclicality in fiscal policy in WAEMU countries. Procyclicality is strongest in public investment and WAEMU countries are more procyclical in their fiscal policy compared to a group of countries that include European and Middle East and North African (MENA) countries.
The Effects of International Openness on the Public Sector Growth
Authors: Özdemir Ali R.
Published: May 2016

Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) with panel corrected standard errors for OECD panel data this chapter, in contrast to Compensation hypothesis, finds a negative relationship between openness and the rate of public sector growth. In addition, this inverse relationship is found to be the strongest when electoral systems are more competitive. The empirical results presented here also suggests that openness constrains government growth more when the governments are run by either left-leaning parties or by left-leaning coalitions. This result holds for most measures of government spending and is robust to the inclusion of a wide range of controls. Unlike the existing empirical literature, which focuses on the ‘compensation effect' of openness on government growth, this study supports the ‘competition effect' of openness drawn from the literature on local public finance.
Public Spending and Governance Performance
Authors: Santoro Lodovico , Capasso Salvatore
Published: May 2016

The main objective of the chapter is to study the interaction between the level and composition of government expenditure and governance performance in Europe and in MENA countries. The perceived level of corruption provides a possible measure of governance performance. The idea is that more corruption entails greater than optimally volumes of public expenditure and an inefficient allocation of this. The study involves a descriptive and a simple econometric analysis. Results are enlightening and point out that total government expenditure appears to be positively correlated to poorer governance performance, and hence to more corruption, only when the volumes of public expenditure is already high.
Tax Systems, Economic Development, and Good Governance
Authors: Çevik Savaş
Published: May 2016

The chapter examines tax structure and its relation to good governance and economic development in the MENA countries. First, it discusses how different tax systems and tax structures in the region compared with other countries. MENA region can be characterized with low level of tax-to-GDP ratio compared to other groups of countries. However, tax systems considerably diverge within the region. Most importantly, whether having hydrocarbon revenues meaningfully divides the region's countries with respect to tax composition, tax levels, tax ratios and tax regimes. Literature suggests that natural resource revenue is also an important determinant of governance and institutional development that have impact on economic development, while good governance, a more legitimate and responsive state is an essential factor for a more adequate level of tax effort. Therefore, the second section of the study examines the relationships between taxation and good governance with emphasis on the MENA region.
Shadow Economy
Authors: Akbulut Hale
Published: May 2016

The aim of this chapter is to investigate shadow economy on an EU-27 and Turkey basis. For this purpose, firstly the definition, causes\ and consequences of shadow economy together with its relationship with tax evasion are discussed. In addition, the causes of shadow economy are examined for EU-27 during the period 2003-2012. It was done both statistically and empirically by employing scatter plot diagrams and the random effects model. While empirical findings confirm the effects of taxes, income level, trade and population on the shadow economy, statistical findings mention the effects of governance related indicators. Another main finding of this chapter is about Turkey. Accordingly, shadow economy in Turkey is observed to be higher than in the EU-27 and taking into consideration the comparative statistical findings about the causes of shadow economy, the main reasons of shadow economy in Turkey are thought to be governance related.
Taxes, Natural Resource Endowment, and the Supply of Labor
Authors: Razzak Weshah A. , Laabas Belkacem
Published: May 2016

We use the work-leisure choice model to compute equilibrium weekly hours worked for a number of Arab countries and compare them to the G7 countries. We show that the labor supply curve is elastic in all Arab countries, and provide a new measure of labor productivity. This finding confirms previous research that workers respond to incentives, which has serious implications for tax and social security policies. We also provide some policy simulations pertinent to the effects of taxation on welfare and poverty.
Comparing the Size of the Market in Potential High Speed Rail Corridors of the Midwest
Authors: Schwieterman Joseph P.
Published: May 2016

Transportation planners in the Midwest are advancing an agenda for high-speed rail while simultaneously investing in numerous corridors that have different strengths and weaknesses. To assist in establishing priorities, this paper compares the size of the travel markets in seven of these Midwestern corridors. Using a technique known as the gravity model, it demonstrates that the corridors linking Chicago to Cincinnati and Detroit likely exceed the others on the basis of total passenger traffic, and, along with the Chicago – Twin Cities route, rank at the top with respect to the passenger-miles of travel. The routes to Cleveland, St. Louis, and other locales compare less favorably. The top corridors, while shown to be only a fraction of the size of the California and Northeast Corridor routes, are found to be appreciably larger than most of the country's proposed high speed rail corridors, suggesting they have considerable potential for rail-passenger development.
High Speed Rail
Authors: Selladurai Raj , VandeWerken George
Published: May 2016

High-speed rail is gaining momentum worldwide in many countries in the world including the United States and especially in the state of California, Florida, and Texas currently. Focusing on the list of topics below would enable readers including professionals, policy-makers, leaders, staff, academicians, scholars, and students to explore assignments and research into innovative ideas, plans, and strategies related to high-speed rail in the U.S. The chapter presents a list of topics that includes case studies, research questions, projects, and other suggestions to stimulate further research and explore assignments into more optimal formulation and implementation of high-speed rail for the U.S. in the future.
Organizational Leadership and Resources in Driving Creativity and Innovation
Authors: Kittilaksanawong Wiboon
Published: May 2016

Organizational leadership and resources are the critical drivers of creativity and innovation. The extent to which a firm can embody creative ideas in its products in such a way that meets customer requirements largely determines its profitability and growth. Such creative ideas, which are manifested in a firm's products and practices, are an integral part of organizational innovation. Prior studies related to creativity have mostly examined the stages of idea generation, whereas those related to innovation have largely investigated the latter implementation phase of idea generation. To extend this line of research, this chapter discusses several theories and concepts of creativity and innovation and then applies a multi-level analysis including individual, team, organizational, and industry level to provide a guiding research framework for academics and a set of drivers for managers to optimize creativity and innovation in the organization.
Fast Fashion Business Model
Authors: Arrigo Elisa
Published: May 2016

Fast fashion is a commonly adopted strategy in fashion retailing, the relevance of which is well recognized both in academia and in practice; however fast fashion research is still under-developed and frequently focused on a single aspect of management or marketing. On the contrary, the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the whole fast fashion business model by describing its key drivers from a strategic management perspective. To reach this purpose, a critical systemization of the fast fashion literature review has been carried out and the fast fashion business models of the three major fast fashion companies worldwide have been investigated through the case study methodology. Findings have highlighted how the fast fashion business model is characterized by efficiency, speed and flexibility, all features that allow fast fashion companies to succeed in the highly competitive and over-supplied apparel market.
How to Use Sizing Technology and Fashion Metadata to Improve the User Experience for Online Fashion Retail
Authors: Peng Fanke , Vecchi Alessandra , Al-Sayegh Mouhannad , Hamilton Susan
Published: May 2016

This chapter aims to open a dialogue on the importance and influence of sizing technology and fashion metadata on fashion e-commerce, especially the use of body metadata and garment metadata. It describes the e-Size project, its objectives, its contribution to specific innovation areas, the methodological approach adopted, as well as presenting the results of an exploratory survey administered to a convenience sample of customers in the attempt to assess the potential validity of the use of sizing software applications amongst fashion retailers. The chapter consists of six sections. The first section outlines the opportunities and challenges for online fashion retailers, the second and third sections analyze fashion metadata (What & How) and Size Technologies for Online Fashion Retail, the fourth section describes the methodology adopted. While the fifth section highlights the preliminary findings of the research, the final section illustrates the conclusion, their limitations and directions for further research.
Augmented Reality as a Tool to Enhance the Experiential Value of Online Shopping
Authors: Çadırcı Tuğçe Ozansoy , Köse Şirin Gizem
Published: May 2016

Perceived shopping value is an essential factor that affects the purchase decisions of consumers (Babin, Darden & Griffin, 1994). Former research has proved that experiential value associated with shopping activities helps retailers to create sustainable relationships with their consumers (Mathwick, Malhotra & Rigdon, 2001). Therefore, many retailers are seeking for interactive applications that facilitate the online shopping experience. Applications like Augmented Reality (AR) which provides a direct product experience for online shoppers can be a valuable tool for online fashion retailers. This paper aims to provide insights about AR applications' probable experiential value in online fashion retailing. As a result, a conceptualization of AR's experiential value is proposed with hedonic and utilitarian value perspectives combined with assumed benefit and risks of online shopping that can be eliminated with the use of AR technology.
Fusion of Artisan and Virtual
Authors: Webster Karen
Published: May 2016

Three defining pillars spearhead the current global fashion system: speed to market, overt supply (and consumption) and low prices. This contrasts with a juxtaposing position, through the evolution of slow fashion constructs, embracing artisan techniques with bespoke methodologies. Additional to this is an emerging paradigm integrating new technologies including the strengthening of online retail, virtual interfaces for communication with end-users including customised manufacturing and small scale production runs plus the capacity to communicate and market to anyone, anywhere at anytime across the globe. When these two potentially disparate cultural positions in fashion are considered in tandem, it can facilitate opportunities for small-scale operations to use their size as a platform for flexibility, responsiveness and growth. This model provides for customised and personalised options for a discerning and socially responsible fashion customer. The blurring of bespoke and virtual sees the rise of the digital fashion artisans.
CRM in Fashion Retail
Authors: Castaldo Sandro , Grosso Monica
Published: May 2016

Relational resources can help fashion retailers facing the increasing uncertainty which is characterizing their competitive arena by developing customers' store loyalty. This paper illustrates the results of a study aimed at developing and testing a model of store loyalty building in the fashion retail context. Hypothesis referring to loyalty antecedents have been derived from previous studies and are not only limited to the key relational variables already identified in the literature (trust, satisfaction and perceived value) but also to their antecedents among the retailing-mix levers to provide managerial directions to fashion retail managers. The developed model has been empirically tested. Data have been collected using a phone survey; the sample is composed of around 1,400 fashion retail customers. The most important result of the study are: the role of trust as a loyalty antecedent and the poor, and negative, role of salespeople within the model.
Fashion Brand Management
Authors: Ritch Elaine Laidlaw
Published: May 2016

This chapter considers the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to address concerns that garment-worker exploitation was involved in fashion production. It looks back to the success of philanthropy from the Victorian era in alleviating poverty and empowering employees. The chapter also considers evidence from the Hawthorne Studies to support implementing CSR for the benefit of employees and business, backed up with more recent examples from Sri Lanka. This is followed by exploring two fashion organisations for which CSR activities are central to their operations and finally, the chapter draws to a close by presenting excerpts from consumer interviews as they evaluate fashion garment labels that address the workers involved in producing fashion.