bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Cholera in the Americas: An Opportunistic Societal Infection
Authors: Cerda Rodrigo , Lee Patrick T.
Published: September 2013

In the Americas, the only two cholera epidemics of the past century have occurred in the past 25 years.

Lessons from the 1991 Peruvian cholera epidemic can help to focus and refine the response to the current Haitian epidemic. After three years of acute epidemic response, we have an opportunity to refocus on the chronic conditions that make societies vulnerable to cholera.

More importantly, even as international attention wanes in the aftermath of the earthquake and acute epidemic, we are faced with a need for continued and coordinated investment in improving Haiti’s structural defenses against cholera, in particular access to improved water and sanitation.
Participants' Recommendations for the Ideal Grief Group: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dyregrov Kari , Dyregrov Atle , Johnsen Iren
Published: September 2013

Based on the results from the qualitative part of the study “Grief Groups in Norway” conducted in 2009–2011, this article focuses on grief group participants' recommendations for good or ideal grief groups. Participants have insightful observations about grief groups and how they can be improved, and taking their point of view seriously is one important way of ensuring that users of such group get an optimal experience from joining such groups. Using their experiences to adjust the structure and function of the groups, one can allow for practical solutions for organizations that have difficulties starting up grief support groups, for example, in areas where the population density is low. A major finding in this study was that grief group participants stressed the importance of thorough information before and at the start of grief groups. This concerned information about the aim, structure, organization, and possible effects and limitations of group participation.
Influence of active reminders on oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients
Authors: Eppright Matthew , Shroff Bhavna , Best Al M. , Barcoma Elvi , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To determine if text message reminders regarding oral hygiene compliance have an influence on the level of compliance within an orthodontic population.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 42 orthodontic patients were assigned to a text message or control group. Parents of patients assigned to the text message group received a reminder text message one weekday each week. Oral hygiene compliance was measured using bleeding index (BI), modified gingival index (MGI), and plaque index (PI), and visual examination of white spot lesion (WSL) development at baseline (T0), two appointments after baseline (T1), and four appointments after baseline (T2).

Results:

BI, MGI, and PI scores were significantly lower in the text message group than in the control group at T2.

Conclusion:

A text message reminder system is effective for improving oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients.
Prediction of Retinopathy at 20 Years After Onset in Younger-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Using Mean Metabolic Memory-Free HbA1c Values
Authors: Hirose Akira , Furushima Daisuke , Yamaguchi Naohito , Kitano Shigehiko , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic memory, in which past hyperglycemia could affect future retinopathy, is a potential issue in studying the relationship between glycemia and retinopathy. We examined retrospectively if mean “metabolic memory-free” glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) values covering total diabetes duration could predict retinopathy in younger-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were T1DM onset before age 30 years, first visit to our center between 1988 and 1990 soon after onset, continuous HbA1c data for 20 years, and a 20-year follow-up retinopathy examination. Retinopathy predictive capabilities of HbA1c variables were examined.

RESULTS

Of 15 subjects, 5 were retinopathy-positive and 10 were retinopathy-negative at the 20-year follow-up. Mean metabolic memory-free HbA1c values for the 20 years showed a substantial capacity to predict retinopathy at 20 years. The longer the period without HbA1c data following onset in simulation, the less accurate the prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c values may predict retinopathy better if metabolic memory-free data are used.
B-Lymphocyte Depletion With Rituximab and β-Cell Function: Two-Year Results
Authors: Pescovitz Mark D. , Greenbaum Carla J. , Bundy Brian , Becker Dorothy J. , Gitelman Stephen E. , Goland Robin , Gottlieb Peter A. , Marks Jennifer B. , Moran Antoinette , Raskin Philip , Rodriguez Henry , Schatz Desmond A. , Wherrett Diane K. , Wilson Darrell M. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Skyler Jay S. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Anti-CD20 Study Group
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported that selective depletion of B-lymphocytes with rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, slowed decline of β-cell function in recent-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at 1 year. Subjects were followed further to determine whether there was persistence of effect.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty-seven subjects (aged 8–40 years) were randomly assigned to, and 81 received, infusions of rituximab or placebo on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. The primary outcome—baseline-adjusted mean 2-h area under the curve (AUC) serum C-peptide during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) at 1 year—showed higher C-peptide AUC with rituximab versus placebo. Subjects were further followed with additional MMTTs every 6 months.

RESULTS

The rate of decline of C-peptide was parallel between groups but shifted by 8.2 months in rituximab-treated subjects. Over 30 months, AUC, insulin dose, and HbA1c were similar for rituximab and placebo. However, in evaluating change in C-peptide over the entire follow-up period, the rituximab group means were significantly larger as compared within assessment times with the placebo group means using a global test (P = 0.03). Odds ratio for loss of C-peptide to <0.2 nmol/L following rituximab was 0.565 (P = 0.064). B-lymphocytes recovered to baseline values by 18 months. Serum IgG levels were maintained in the normal range but IgM levels were depressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Like several other immunotherapeutic approaches tested, in recent-onset T1DM, rituximab delays the fall in C-peptide but does not appear to fundamentally alter the underlying pathophysiology of the disease.
Feasibility of Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kumareswaran Kavita , Thabit Hood , Leelarathna Lalantha , Caldwell Karen , Elleri Daniela , Allen Janet M. , Nodale Marianna , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Evans Mark L. , Hovorka Roman
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Closed-loop insulin delivery offers a promising treatment option, but to date, it has only been evaluated in type 1 diabetes. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of fully closed-loop subcutaneous insulin delivery in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve subjects (seven males, age 57.2 years, BMI 30.5 kg/m2) with noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 8.4% [68 mmol/mol], diabetes duration 7.6 years) underwent two 24-h visits (closed-loop and control) in a randomized crossover design. During closed-loop visits, the subjects’ routine diabetes therapy was replaced with model predictive control algorithm-driven subcutaneous insulin pump delivery based on real-time continuous glucose monitoring. Meals were unannounced, and no additional insulin was administered for carbohydrates consumed. During control visits, the usual diabetes regimen was continued (metformin 92%, sulfonylureas 58%, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors 33%). On both visits, subjects consumed matched 50- to 80-g carbohydrate meals and optional 15-g carbohydrate snacks and remained largely sedentary. Plasma glucose measurements evaluated closed-loop performance.

RESULTS

Compared with conventional therapy, 24 h of closed-loop insulin delivery increased overall the median time in target plasma glucose (3.9–8.0 mmol/L) from 24 to 40% (P = 0.016), despite sensor under-reading by a median of 1.2 mmol/L. The benefit of the closed-loop system was more prominent overnight, with greater time in target glucose (median 78 vs. 35%; P = 0.041) and less time in hyperglycemia (22 vs. 65%; P = 0.041). There was no hypoglycemia during either intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A closed-loop system without meal announcement and using subcutaneous insulin delivery in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes appears feasible and safe. Improvement in postprandial glucose control may require further optimization of system performance.
Correlates of Treatment Patterns Among Youth With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Badaru Angela , Klingensmith Georgeanna J. , Dabelea Dana , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Dolan Lawrence , Lawrence Jean M. , Marcovina Santica , Beavers Daniel , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Pihoker Catherine
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To describe treatment regimens in youth with type 2 diabetes and examine associations between regimens, demographic and clinical characteristics, and glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This report includes 474 youth with a clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes who completed a SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study visit. Diabetes treatment regimen was categorized as lifestyle alone, metformin monotherapy, any oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) other than metformin or two or more OHAs, insulin monotherapy, and insulin plus any OHA(s). Association of treatment with demographic and clinical characteristics (fasting C-peptide [FCP], diabetes duration, and self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG]), and A1C was assessed by χ2 and ANOVA. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate independent associations of treatment regimens and A1C, adjusting for demographics, diabetes duration, FCP, and SMBG.

RESULTS

Over 50% of participants reported treatment with metformin alone or lifestyle. Of the autoantibody-negative youth, 40% were on metformin alone, while 33% were on insulin-containing regimens. Participants on metformin alone had a lower A1C (7.0 ± 2.0%, 53 ± 22 mmol/mol) than those on insulin alone (9.2 ± 2.7%, 77 ± 30 mmol/mol) or insulin plus OHA (8.6 ± 2.6%, 70 ± 28 mmol/mol) (P < 0.001). These differences remained significant after adjustment (7.5 ± 0.3%, 58 ± 3 mmol/mol; 9.1 ± 0.4%, 76 ± 4 mmol/mol; and 8.6 ± 0.4%, 70 ± 4 mmol/mol) (P < 0.001) and were more striking in those with diabetes for ≥2 years (7.9 ± 2.8, 9.9 ± 2.8, and 9.8 ± 2.6%). Over one-half of those on insulin-containing therapies still experience treatment failure (A1C ≥8%, 64 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of youth with type 2 diabetes were managed with lifestyle or metformin alone and had better glycemic control than individuals using other therapies. Those with longer diabetes duration in particular commonly experienced treatment failures, and more effective management strategies are needed.
Protective effect of tea polyphenols on the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Xue Rongliang , Lv Jianrui , Gao Jing , Fu Rongguo , Li Wei , Lei Xiaoming , Wu Gang , Xue Li , Zhang Zhenni
Published: September 2013

This study was to investigate the protective effects of tea polyphenols on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (GCIR) injury. Sprague Dawley rats underwent four-vessel occlusion to construct the model of GCIR. Half an hour before complete occlusion, they were treated with tea polyphenols (TP) (6.4%; 100 or 200 mg/kg) via tail intravenous injection. 24 h after reperfusion, BBB permeability was evaluated by measuring brain water content (BWC) and residual amount of Evan’s blue dye in cerebral tissue. In addition to this, MMP-9 and collagen IV protein expression in cerebral tissue were also detected using immunohistochemistry. ANOVA and SNK-q were used to do statistical analysis. Statistical significance was considered at P<0.05. Compared to the untreated, the TP-treated rats had significantly decreased BWC (P<0.05), decreased residual amount of Evan’s blue dye in cerebral tissue (P<0.05), down-regulated MMP-9 (P<0.05) and up-regulated collagen IV expression in brain tissue (P<0.05). It can be concluded from these findings that TP may reduce the MMP-9 mediated collagen IV degradation caused by GCIR to protect the BBB.
Pathogenesis, modulation, and therapy of Alzheimer’s disease: A perspective on roles of liver-X receptors
Authors: Štefulj Jasminka , Panzenboeck Ute , Hof Patrick , Šimić Goran
Published: September 2013

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been mostly linked to aberrant amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau proteins metabolism, disturbed lipid/cholesterol homeostasis, and progressive neuroinflammation. Liver X receptors (LXR) are ligand-activated transcription factors, best known as the key regulators of cholesterol metabolism and transport. In addition, LXR signaling has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. In this brief review, we focus on the outcome of studies implicating LXR in the pathogenesis, modulation, and therapy of AD.
Relentless Mining in Meghalaya, India
Authors: Sarma Kiranrmay , Yadav Pramod K
Published: September 2013

Local people of Meghalaya and migrants from neighboring states and even from Bangladesh have started mining to survive, putting increased pressure on land and water supplies. The mining activities have brought in the desired effect of economic growth but on the other hand, affected the environment in a variety of ways, which contributed to its degradation. The pertinent question that everybody needs to ask: who pays the cost of degradation? Local indigenous people who are not knowledgeable about future disaster are not able to bear the cost. Scientists must speak loudly about the impending disaster of natural resources exploitation to make this knowledge available to others in a form that can impact decision making. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/cs.v1i1.8578 Conservation Science 2013 1(1), 5-12
Assessing the Temporal Variation in the Perceived Eects of Invasive Plant Species on Rural Livelihoods: A Case of Mikania micrantha Invasion in Nepal
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Rai Roshani
Published: September 2013

Aim This study aims to assess effects of invasion of Mikania micrantha on the livelihoods of rural communities and evaluates how perceived effects vary with the presence duration of invasive plants in a particular landscape. Location The study was conducted in the buffer zone communities of two protected areas in Nepal—Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Chitwan National Park. Materials and Methods Questionnaire interviews were performed among a total of 473 households from the target communities. The questionnaire mainly focused on a five-year gap evaluation of the current situation. The households were stratified into three strata based on their proximity to the forest and a systematic random sampling was used to select the households. Household heads of either gender were interviewed based on their availability during the visit. Key findings The results show that time decay effects exist in the interface between invasive plants and rural livelihoods, as people gradually start to consider that these plants have self-grown in their landscape. However, the number of affected households increases with duration of the stay of invasive plants in the landscape. Conservation implications The study shows that the perceived effects of invasive plants on rural households vary over time, and hence the response of rural households to the invasion. On the contrary, the perceived ecological effects of invasive plants remain the same. The results indicate the complication in managing the invaded area particularly in rural areas, which has forced the local people to use invasive plants such as Mikania in their daily lives in the absence of any strategy to control its spread. However, it can be concluded that Mikania cannot win the support of local communities in the invaded areas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/cs.v1i1.8579   Conservation Science 2013 1(1), 13-18
Factors Affecting Peoples' Participation on Vulture Conservation from Kaski district of Nepal
Authors: KC Shumsher , Timilsina YP
Published: September 2013

Aim This paper explores the social factors affecting local peoples' participation in the vulture conservation. Location Kaski, Nepal. Materials and Methods This study examines attitude of local people towards vulture conservation using a questionnaire survey of 130 households drawn randomly from the two vicinities of the vulture colonies. Key findings The results show that 77.4% of respondents rear an average of 2.97 livestock unit (LSU) per household. More than half of respondents who rear livestock (53.82%) dump livestock carcasses in the open fields. Ethnicity, age, education status, gender, livestock unit and involvement in conservation activities are the most significant predictors for the positive attitudes towards vulture conservation. Those who are young, male, educated, involved in organizations and do not rear livestock are most likely to support vulture conservation. Conservation implications Conservation education is a key for vulture conservation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/cs.v1i1.8580 Conservation Science 2013 1(1), 19-26
Population status, nesting habitat selection and conservation threats of lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) in the eastern lowlands of Nepal
Authors: Karki Santosh , Thapa Tej Bahadur
Published: September 2013

Aim This research examines the status of distribution, nesting habitat selection and conservation threats of lesser adjutant storks. Location Eastern Nepal Materials and Methods Direct observation along line transects method was used to determine population status, distribution and nesting habitat preference of storks in different habitats of the study area. Questionnaire surveys to local people drawn randomly were used to study the socio-cultural dimensions of lesser adjutant storks conservation. Key findings There were a total of 98 individuals in pre-breeding and 240 individuals of lesser adjutant stork in post-breeding periods (94 chicks and 146 adults) in the study area. On average, there were 1.29 chicks per nest. Bombax ceiba and Adina cordifolia were found to be the most preferred nesting trees for lesser adjutant storks. Habitat preference of lesser adjutant storks revealed that colonies were more likely to occur in farmlands and swamps. All the nests of lesser adjutant storks were found on trees above 30 m height, the average tree height was 42.5 ± 6.8 m and the average nest height was 34.4 ± 4.3 m. Questionnaire surveys revealed that people were not aware about conservation of lesser adjutant storks. More than 80% of respondents (n=145) opined that forest destruction was the most serious threat to storks followed by human disturbance (79%), poaching (73%), pesticide use (52%), and urbanization/industrialization (43%). Conservation implications Protection of nesting tree species such as Bombax ceiba and Adina cordifolia should be given a high priority for the conservation of storks in the eastern Nepal. Conservation education programs to control excessive pesticides in the rice fields should also be carried out in the region. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/cs.v1i1.8581 Conservation Science 2013 1(1), 27-35
Altered Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Language-Related Brain Regions in Association with Verbal Memory Performance in Euthymic Bipolar Patients
Authors: Reinke Britta , Ven Vincent , Matura Silke , Linden David , Oertel-Knöchel Viola
Published: September 2013

Potential abnormalities in the structure and function of the temporal lobes have been studied much less in bipolar disorder than in schizophrenia. This may not be justified because language-related symptoms, such as pressured speech and flight of ideas, and cognitive deficits in the domain of verbal memory are amongst the hallmark of bipolar disorder (BD), and contribution of temporal lobe dysfunction is therefore likely. In the current study, we examined resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between the auditory cortex (Heschl’s gyrus [HG], planum temporale [PT]) and whole brain using seed correlation analysis in n = 21 BD euthymic patients and n = 20 matched healthy controls and associated it with verbal memory performance. In comparison to controls BD patients showed decreased functional connectivity between Heschl’s gyrus and planum temporale and the left superior and middle temporal gyrus. Additionally, fronto-temporal functional connectivity with the right inferior frontal/precentral gyrus and the insula was increased in patients. Verbal episodic memory deficits in the investigated sample of BD patients and language-related symptoms might therefore be associated with a diminished FC within the auditory/temporal gyrus and a compensatory fronto-temporal pathway.
Invitation for Discussion of a Paper Published in Climate: Akasofu, S.-I. On the Present Halting of Global Warming. Climate 2013, 1, 4–11
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun , Costache Delia
Published: September 2013

It has recently been brought to our attention by members of the scientific community that a paper published in Climate (ISSN 2225-1154, http://www.mdpi.com/journal/climate) has raised some controversy regarding its originality, overall quality, and the scientific validity of the data presented. Moreover, two members have resigned from the Editorial Board, stating they are not willing to be associated with a journal where such articles are published. The paper they referred to was “Akasofu, S.-I. On the Present Halting of Global Warming. Climate 2013, 1, 4–11”, published in the first issue of Climate in May 2013 [1], available online at: http://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/1/1/4. [...]
Current Challenges in Home Nutrition Services for Frail Older Adults in Japan—A Qualitative Research Study from the Point of View of Care Managers
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Kimata Takaya , Uemura Kazumasa
Published: September 2013

Preventive care for frail older adults includes providing tailor-made diet information suited to their health conditions. The present study aims to explore the current situation and challenges of home nutrition advice for Japanese frail older adults using qualitative data from a ten-person group discussion among care managers. As the results of our analysis, nine themes were identified: (1) Homebound older adults develop poor eating habits; meals turn into a lonely and unpleasant experience; (2) With age, people’s eating and drinking patterns tend to deteriorate; (3) Many older adults and their family know little about food management according to condition and medication; (4) Many older adults do not understand the importance of maintaining a proper diet; (5) Many homebound older adults do not worry about oral hygiene and swallowing ability; (6) Some older adults are at high risk for food safety problems; (7) Only a limited range of boil-in-the-bag meal options are available for older adults; (8) Many older adults feel unduly confident in their own nutrition management skills; and (9) For many family caregivers, nutrition management is a burden. We conclude that the provision of tailor-made information by skilled dietitians and high-quality home-delivered meal service are essential for the successful nutrition management of the older adults.
Synthesis and Thermotropic Studies of a New Series of Teraryl Liquid Crystals 2-(4'-Alkoxybiphen-4-yl)-5-Cyanopyridines
Authors: Chia Win-Long , Lin Xue-Ming
Published: September 2013

A new series of teraryl 2-(4'-alkoxybiphen-4-yl)-5-cyanopyridines (nO-PPPyCN, n = 2–8) compounds, bearing a cyanopyridine terminus, were synthesized using a short 2-step reaction with overall yields between 33% and 69%. Spectral analyses were in accord with the expected structures. Thermotropic behavior of the teraryl compounds was investigated using polarised optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All compounds exhibited both enantiotropic nematic and smectic A phases, with an additional enantiotropic smectic C phase when n = 7 and 8. Polymesomorphism appears to be a common behavior in this series of linear liquid crystal compounds.
Genetic Aspects of Scurvy and the European Famine of 1845–1848
Authors: Delanghe Joris , De Buyzere Marc , Speeckaert Marijn , Langlois Michel
Published: September 2013

The view of scurvy being exclusively a nutritional disorder needs to be updated. Genetic polymorphisms of HFE and haptoglobin (Hp) may explain the geographic variability of mortality caused by the European famine of the mid-19th century. In this period, potatoes had fallen victim to the potato blight and Ireland was more severely hit than continental Europe. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder with mutations in the HFE gene, characterized by iron overload (with a reduced vitamin C stability) and with a predominance of affected men. The Irish have the world’s highest frequency of the C282Y mutation and the particular iron metabolism of the Irish helps to understand the size of the catastrophe and the observed overrepresentation of male skeletons showing scurvy. Hp is a plasma α2-glycoprotein characterized by 3 common phenotypes (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2). When the antioxidant capacity of Hp is insufficient, its role is taken over by hemopexin and vitamin C. The relative number of scurvy victims corresponds with the Hp 2-2 frequency, which is associated with iron conservation and has an impact on vitamin C stability. As iron is more abundant in males, males are overrepresented in the group of skeletons showing scurvy signs.
A Study of Soil Line Simulation from Landsat Images in Mixed Grassland
Authors: Xu Dandan , Guo Xulin
Published: September 2013

The mixed grassland in Canada is characterized by low to medium green vegetation cover, with a large amount of canopy background, such as non-photosynthetic vegetation residuals (litter), bare soil, and ground level biological crust. It is a challenge to extract the canopy information from satellite images because of the influence of canopy background. Therefore, this study aims to extract a soil line, a representation of bare soil with litter and soil crust in the surface, from Landsat images to reduce the background effect. Field work was conducted in the West Block of Grasslands National Park (GNP) in Canada, which represents the northern mixed grassland from late June to early July 2005. Six TM images with either no or only a small amount of cloud content were collected in 2005. In this study, soil lines were extracted directly from images by quantile regression and the (R, NIRmin) method. The results show that, (1) both cloud and cloud shadow have obvious influence on simulating soil line automatically from images; (2) green up and late senescence seasons are relatively better for soil line simulation; (3) the (R, NIRmin) method is better for soil line simulation than quantile regression to extract green biomass or green cover information.
MARS, a Multi-Agent System for Assessing Rowers’ Coordination via Motion-Based Stigmergy
Authors: Avvenuti Marco , Cesarini Daniel , Cimino Mario
Published: September 2013

A crucial aspect in rowing is having a synchronized, highly-efficient stroke. This is very difficult to obtain, due to the many interacting factors that each rower of the crew must perceive. Having a system that monitors and represents the crew coordination would be of great help to the coach during training sessions. In the literature, some methods already employ wireless sensors for capturing motion patterns that affect rowing performance. A challenging problem is to support the coach’s decisions at his same level of knowledge, using a limited number of sensors and avoiding the complexity of the biomechanical analysis of human movements. In this paper, we present a multi-agent information-processing system for on-water measuring of both the overall crew asynchrony and the individual rower asynchrony towards the crew. More specifically, in the system, the first level of processing is managed by marking agents, which release marks in a sensing space, according to the rowers’ motion. The accumulation of marks enables a stigmergic cooperation mechanism, generating collective marks, i.e., short-term memory structures in the sensing space. At the second level of processing, information provided by marks is observed by similarity agents, which associate a similarity degree with respect to optimal marks. Finally, the third level is managed by granulation agents, which extract asynchrony indicators for different purposes. The effectiveness of the system has been experimented on real-world scenarios. The study includes the problem statement and its characterization in the literature, as well as the proposed solving approach and initial experimental setting.
Effects of Reduced Tillage on Crop Yield, Plant Available Nutrients and Soil Organic Matter in a 12-Year Long-Term Trial under Organic Management
Authors: Zikeli Sabine , Gruber Sabine , Teufel Claus-Felix , Hartung Karin , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: September 2013

A field experiment was performed in Southwest Germany to examine the effects of long-term reduced tillage (2000–2012). Tillage treatments were deep moldboard plow: DP, 25 cm; double-layer plow; DLP, 15 + 10 cm, shallow moldboard plow: SP, 15 cm and chisel plow: CP, 15 cm, each of them with or without preceding stubble tillage. The mean yields of a typical eight-year crop rotation were 22% lower with CP compared to DP, and 3% lower with SP and DLP. Stubble tillage increased yields by 11% across all treatments. Soil nutrients were high with all tillage strategies and amounted for 34–57 mg kg−1 P and 48–113 mg kg−1 K (0–60 cm soil depth). Humus budgets showed a high carbon input via crops but this was not reflected in the actual Corg content of the soil. Corg decreased as soil depth increased from 13.7 g kg−1 (0–20 cm) to 4.3 g kg−1 (40–60 cm) across all treatments. After 12 years of experiment, SP and CP resulted in significantly higher Corg content in 0–20 cm soil depth, compared to DP and DLP. Stubble tillage had no significant effect on Corg. Stubble tillage combined with reduced primary tillage can sustain yield levels without compromising beneficial effects from reduced tillage on Corg and available nutrient content.
Experimental Analysis of a Vertical Drop Shaft
Authors: Padulano Roberta , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Carravetta Armando
Published: September 2013

An experimental campaign is undertaken in order to investigate the hydraulic features of a vertical drop shaft, also considering the influence of a venting system consisting of a coaxial vertical pipe, projecting within the drop shaft with different plunging rates. Three different flow regimes are observed: a “weir flow” for very low head values, where the flow profile is subject to the atmospheric pressure; a “full flow” for high head values, where water flows in a pressurized regime along the whole shaft; and a “transitional flow” for intermediate water head values. Weir flow and full flow can be experimentally investigated under steady-state conditions, whereas transitional flow is a pulsating condition, alternately switching from full flow to weir flow. Considering some significant geometric parameters, a head-discharge relation is sought both for the non-vented and for the vented configurations, by means of an energy balance equation, with specific assumptions about intake losses.
Le mouvement des chômeurs de l'hiver 1997-1998
Authors: Maurer Sophie
Published: September 2013

Le mouvement des chômeurs de l’hiver 1997-1998 a partiellement remis en question les conclusions des travaux menés jusqu’alors, notamment l’improbabilité de l’émergence d’une action collective des sans-emploi. Il a donc semblé nécessaire de réinterroger les analyses traditionnelles en partant des discours des chômeurs eux-mêmes, afin de mettre en évidence les supports spécifiques sur lesquels se fondent leur engagement et les ressources individuelles qu’ils ont mises en jeu dans leur participation à la mobilisation. L’analyse d’une trentaine d’entretiens menés auprès de chômeurs mobilisés et non mobilisés permet de distinguer trois types de processus d’engagement. Le premier est fondé sur une socialisation politique favorable à ce type de mobilisation. Le deuxième a pour support les carences relationnelles que la mobilisation et les liens sociaux qui s’y nouent viennent, en partie, atténuer. Le troisième repose sur un sentiment de révolte auquel la mobilisation fournit un cadre d’expression. Les motivations ou revendications strictement politiques ne semblent occuper qu’une place secondaire dans les processus d’engagement de la plupart des chômeurs interviewés, et se diluer dans des demandes plus individuelles et peut-être plus vitales encore.
Les jeunes adultes en Europe : indépendance résidentielle, activité, ressources
Authors: Chambaz Christine
Published: September 2013

La situation des jeunes adultes est hétérogène. Elle l’est plus encore lorsqu’on l’appréhende dans une perspective comparatiste. A partir de données tirées du Panel communautaire des ménages, cet article présente la situation des jeunes Européens. Il met en avant la diversité des politiques sociales à leur égard, leurs effets sur cette population et, finalement, leurs situations contrastées. Cependant, au-delà de ces différences, quelques lignes de force apparaissent, permettant de diviser les pays de l’Union européenne en cinq groupes en fonction de l’indépendance résidentielle, de l’activité et des ressources des jeunes adultes. Ainsi, si en France et en Belgique ils demeurent assez longtemps chez leurs parents, ils ont souvent un statut d’étudiant alors qu’en Grèce, en Espagne et en Italie, cette présence est non seulement plus longue mais se fait également en étant plus souvent actifs ou chômeurs. Au Danemark, aux Pays-Bas, au Royaume-Uni et plus encore en Finlande, l’indépendance résidentielle et l’entrée dans la vie active sont plus précoces. D’autres lignes de fracture tels les transferts sociaux plus ou moins généreux selon les pays influent sur la pauvreté de cette catégorie d’âge.
MYRIADE : le modèle de microsimulation de la CNAF [Un outil d'évaluation des politiques sociales]
Authors: Legendre François
Published: September 2013

Myriade est le modèle de microsimulation en cours de développement à la Caisse nationale des allocations familiales (CNAF). Avec cet outil, la branche Famille améliore ses possibilités d’études, de prévisions et de chiffrages. En effet, les autres sources statistiques dont elle dispose sont représentatives de la population des allocataires et fournissent une information détaillée pour chacun d’eux. Cependant, ces caractéristiques posent parfois problème, notamment lorsqu’il s’agit d’étudier la mise en place d’une nouvelle prestation ou la modification de la législation dans le sens d’un élargissement du champ des bénéficiaires. MYRIADE évite ces difficultés car il est représentatif de l’ensemble des ménages de la France métropolitaine. L’apport de MYRIADE est de trois ordres: un chiffrage peut être fait en prenant en compte l’ensemble des ménages français; chaque individu peut être localisé à la fois dans un ménage, un foyer fiscal ou une famille; MYRIADE permet de distinguer les conséquences fiscales et sociales d’une mesure.
La redistribution au bénéfice des familles : l'apport du modèle MYRIADE
Authors: Legendre François
Published: September 2013

Par les charges qu’elle occasionne, la présence des enfants tend à réduire le niveau de vie des familles. La collectivité compense en partie ces charges par le biais de prestations familiales et/ ou de réductions d’impôts. Cette étude, réalisée à partir du modèle de microsimulation MYRIADE, s’attache à décrire ces transferts au bénéfice des familles, sans prétendre traiter de l’adéquation entre ces transferts et les dépenses dues à la présence des enfants. Le champ retenu est large quoique limité aux flux monétaires: les prestations familiales, les allocations logement, les minima sociaux, l’impôt sur le revenu et la taxe d’habitation. Afin de mieux caractériser cette redistribution, une méthodologie particulière a été adoptée. Plutôt que de calculer la différence entre le revenu disponible de chaque famille et son revenu primaire, les auteurs ont isolé la variation du revenu disponible que l’on peut attribuer au benjamin dans chaque famille comptant au moins un enfant de moins de vingt-cinq ans. Cette variation de revenu disponible occasionnée par la présence du benjamin est en moyenne de 200 euros par mois. Elle est par ailleurs largement déterminée par le rang du benjamin et par son âge.
L’informatique et le système d’information des Allocations familiales
Authors: Kounowski Gilles
Published: September 2013

Souvent méconnu et parfois fustigé lorsqu’il est source de dysfonctionnement ou de retard dans le traitement des dossiers des allocataires, le système informatique des caisses d’Allocations familiales (CAF) n’en demeure pas moins un rouage essentiel dans le bon fonctionnement de cette machine complexe qu’est la branche Famille de la Sécurité sociale. Cet article présente l’architecture d’un système informatique qui ne se contente pas d’une simple gestion du dossier des allocataires. Même si la bonne gestion des dossiers demeure au centre des préoccupations de l’informatique des CAF, le système est plus vaste (il couvre des applications comme la gestion mais également les ressources humaines) et plus ambitieux (il intègre à la fois les nouvelles technologies et explore de nouvelles applications). L’auteur décrit le fonctionnement du système mais également ses principaux outils logiciels (CRISTAL, SID…). Il explicite également les processus de constitution de ce vaste ensemble faisant appel, pour une large part, à des ressources internes, et expose ses pistes d’évolutions dont certaines sont déjà en germe, voire en phase d’expérimentation.
Les familles à cinq générations : entre plaisir et souffrance
Authors: Arfeux-Vaucher Geneviève
Published: September 2013

Réalité encore jamais étudiée en France, les familles à cinq générations sont maintenant visibles. L’étude présentée dans cet article, comme le recensement de l’INSEE en 1999, en témoignent. Comment s'explique cette structure familiale nouvelle? Que vivent les différentes générations qui les composent? Quels sont les points communs et les différences avec les familles comptant moins de générations? Quel est leur devenir? Issues d’une première enquête, les données exposées dégagent des enseignements qui sont à prendre comme point de départ d’une exploration à poursuivre, tant quantitativement que qualitativement. En effet, cette nouvelle structure de la famille concerne beaucoup d’enfants et de jeunes, leur procurant un autre modèle d’apprivoisement de leur futur.
La construction paradoxale d’un problème politique: l’exemple des familles monoparentales (1968 - 1988)
Authors: Martin-Papineau Nathalie
Published: September 2013

L'auteur propose de mettre au jour les voies par lesquelles une pratique familiale, la monoparentalité, a progressivement été érigée en problème politique au terme d’un processus d’émergence qui l’a extraite du champ social pour « l’installer » parmi les objets d’intervention du champ politique. Ce qui se joue alors à l’intersection du politique et du social à propos de la famille semble digne d’intérêt. En effet, comment expliquer que la monoparentalité se soit retrouvée, à un moment de son histoire – alors qu’elle se déroule mais ne commence pas – parmi les problèmes politiques ? Pourquoi au début des années soixante-dix? Comment et pourquoi a-t-elle acquis une visibilité sociale, préalable indispensable à toute politisation ? Ce travail est donc consacré à la découverte des logiques s'exerçant aux frontières du politique et du social : elles réalisent l'articulation entre ces deux secteurs auxquels on peut attribuer des caractéristiques et des forces autonomes, mais l'on ne saurait les considérer comme indépendants l’un de l’autre.
La parenté dans les sociétés occidentales modernes: un éclairage structural
Authors: Dechaux Jean-Hugues
Published: September 2013

Cet article invite la sociologie à traiter du « système de parenté » des sociétés occidentales modernes. Dans un premier temps, il définit et souligne l’intérêt d’une sociologie des structures de la parenté et montre qu’une telle approche suppose la réappropriation critique de certaines notions classiques de l’ethnologie. Il propose, dans un second temps, quelques catégories d’analyse destinées à cerner l’organisation structurale de la parenté et les relations dont elle est constituée et les illustre à partir de résultats concernant la France. Pour finir, l’auteur insiste sur la nécessité de se défaire des fausses dichotomies (tradition versus modernité) qui entravent l’étude des faits de parenté.
Les ruses de la raison juridique [Le contrôle sur place des bénéficiaires de prestations familiales]
Authors: Dubois Vincent , Dulong Delphine
Published: September 2013

Domiciliary checks on the situation of family allowance recipients are conducted in the name of a strict application of the legislation. In practice, however, the imperative of legal rigour does not preclude reaching accommodations, exercising discretion, or employing resources and methods of investigation from outside the regulatory sphere. Observation of the work being done shows that checks are actually about constructing the social reality of situations, based as much as possible on the rules and criteria available to the inspectors. In this work the law is thus used to give force to judgements established on other bases, with the formal rules and their interpretation being ultimately less important than the power relationships established during the checks. Yet what eludes legal logic is nevertheless still directed towards attaining " regularization " and definition in conformity with legal principles. More than a simple contrast between formal and informal approaches, what is observed is their imbrication in what is termed here the " cunning of legal reason", meaning the role of social logics external to the law in the successful definition of situations on legal bases.
Le défi des CAF : construire un réseau d’acteurs dans une bureaucratie
Authors: Eggrickx Ariel , Briole Alain
Published: September 2013

Pour assurer un service de qualité et favoriser le changement, les caisses d’Allocations familiales (CAF) doivent réussir à développer des démarches transversales et participatives alors que leur structure bureaucratique est peu propice à ce type de démarches. Les études de cas montrent que seules la CAF de petite taille et la CAF organisée en unités décentralisées ont pu adopter un fonctionnement privilégiant les liens latéraux et propice à l’innovation. Dans les deux autres CAF, la culture hiérarchique trop prégnante et la division du travail compromettent toute approche transversale, en dépit des intentions et efforts de la direction. Le changement suppose une confrontation des points de vue dans l’équipe de direction pour améliorer la pertinence des projets, et aussi une forte adhésion pour leur mise en oeuvre. Cette construction et préservation d’un esprit d’équipe nécessite des efforts soutenus. En effet, le souci d’efficacité à court terme peut conduire le directeur à laisser libre cours à la dynamique la plus naturelle, consistant à marginaliser et «instrumentaliser » les acteurs, qu’ils soient cadres de direction ou administrateurs. Paradoxalement, une direction qui donne les moyens aux administrateurs d’assurer véritablement leur rôle de relais des usagers et de contrepouvoir se donne des atouts pour opérer le passage d’une logique technocratique à une organisation ouverte sur l’usager.
Identification and symbiotic ability of Psathyrellaceae fungi isolated from a photosynthetic orchid, Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Yagame Takahiro , Funabiki Eriko , Nagasawa Eiji , Fukiharu Toshimitsu , Iwase Koji
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Photosynthetic orchids found in highly shaded forests are often mixotrophic, receiving part of their carbon energy via ectomycorrhizal fungi that had originally received carbohydrate from trees. A photosynthetic orchid, Cremastra appendiculata, is also found under highly shaded forest, but our preliminary data suggested that its associated fungi were not ectomycorrhizal. We tested whether their relation is an unusual example of a mixotrophic orchid associating with saprotrophic fungi by direct detection of fungal DNAs in conjunction with isolation of the fungus in pure culture and experimental inoculation of orchid seeds with the fungus.

• Methods: For isolated mycobionts of C. appendiculata plants, two regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU), were sequenced, and fruiting bodies of the one isolate, SI1‐1 were induced. In addition, two fungal isolates, SI1‐1 and KI1‐1, were grown in symbiotic cultures with C. appendiculata to verify their status as mycobionts.

• Key results: In phylogenetic analyses, all isolates clustered with fungi belonging to Coprinellus in Psathyrellaceae of Agaricales. Phylogenetic analyses of these DNA sequences showed that five fungal isolates from C. appendiculata, including SI1‐1 and two mycobionts isolated from the mycoheterotrophic orchid Epipogium roseum, have very similar ITS sequences. Isolate SI1‐1 was identified as Coprinellus domesticus based on the morphological characteristics of the fruiting body. Isolates SI1‐1 and KI1‐1 induced seed germination of C. appendiculata as mycobionts.

• Conclusions: This report is the first of a mycorrhizal symbiosis between a fungus in Psathyrellaceae and a photosynthetic orchid, revealing a new pathway to full mycoheterotrophy and contributing to our understanding of the evolution of mycoheterotrophy.
Topochemical control of the photodimerization of aromatic compounds by γ-cyclodextrin thioethers in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Hai Ming , Wenz Gerhard
Published: September 2013

The formation of soluble 1:2 complexes within hydrophilic γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) thioethers allows to perform photodimerizations of aromatic guests under controlled, homogenous reaction conditions. The quantum yields for unsubstituted anthracene, acenaphthylene, and coumarin complexed in these γ-CD thioethers were found to be up to 10 times higher than in the non-complexed state. The configuration of the photoproduct reflected the configuration of the dimeric inclusion complex of the guest. Anti-parallel orientation of acenaphthylene within the CD cavity led to the exclusive formation of the anti photo-dimer in quantitative yield. Parallel orientation of coumarin within the complex of a CD thioether led to the formation of the syn head-to-head dimer. The degree of complexation of coumarin could be increased by employing the salting out effect.