bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Blood Glucose in the Absence of Hepatic Glucose Production During Prolonged Fasting in Mice
Authors: Mutel Elodie , Gautier-Stein Amandine , Abdul-Wahed Aya , Amigó-Correig Marta , Zitoun Carine , Stefanutti Anne , Houberdon Isabelle , Tourette Jean-André , Mithieux Gilles , Rajas Fabienne
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Since the pioneering work of Claude Bernard, the scientific community has considered the liver to be the major source of endogenous glucose production in all postabsorptive situations. Nevertheless, the kidneys and intestine can also produce glucose in blood, particularly during fasting and under protein feeding. The aim of this study was to better define the importance of the three gluconeogenic organs in glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated blood glucose regulation during fasting in a mouse model of inducible liver-specific deletion of the glucose-6-phosphatase gene (L-G6pc−/− mice), encoding a mandatory enzyme for glucose production. Furthermore, we characterized molecular mechanisms underlying expression changes of gluconeogenic genes (G6pc, Pck1, and glutaminase) in both the kidneys and intestine.

RESULTS

We show that the absence of hepatic glucose release had no major effect on the control of fasting plasma glucose concentration. Instead, compensatory induction of gluconeogenesis occurred in the kidneys and intestine, driven by glucagon, glucocorticoids, and acidosis. Moreover, the extrahepatic action of glucagon took place in wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a definitive quantitative estimate of the capacity of extrahepatic gluconeogenesis to sustain fasting endogenous glucose production under the control of glucagon, regardless of the contribution of the liver. Thus, the current dogma relating to the respective role of the liver and of extrahepatic gluconeogenic organs in glucose homeostasis requires re-examination.
IL-21 Is an Antitolerogenic Cytokine of the Late-Phase Alloimmune Response
Authors: Petrelli Alessandra , Carvello Michele , Vergani Andrea , Lee Kang Mi , Tezza Sara , Du Ming , Kleffel Sonja , Chengwen Liu , Mfarrej Bechara G. , Hwu Patrick , Secchi Antonio , Leonard Warren J. , Young Deborah , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Markmann James F. , Zajac Allan J. , Fiorina Paolo
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to affect Treg/Teff balance. However, the mechanism by which IL-21 orchestrates alloimmune response and interplays with Tregs is still unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The interplay between IL-21/IL-21R signaling, FoxP3 expression, and Treg survival and function was evaluated in vitro in immunologically relevant assays and in vivo in allogenic and autoimmune models of islet transplantation.

RESULTS

IL-21R expression decreases on T cells and B cells in vitro and increases in the graft in vivo, while IL-21 levels increase in vitro and in vivo during anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation/allostimulation in the late phase of the alloimmune response. In vitro, IL-21/IL-21R signaling (by using rmIL-21 or genetically modified CD4+ T cells [IL-21 pOrf plasmid–treated or hIL-21-Tg mice]) enhances the T-cell response during anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation/allostimulation, prevents Treg generation, inhibits Treg function, induces Treg apoptosis, and reduces FoxP3 and FoxP3-dependent gene transcripts without affecting FoxP3 methylation status. In vivo targeting of IL-21/IL-21R expands intragraft and peripheral Tregs, promotes Treg neogenesis, and regulates the antidonor immune response, whereas IL-21/IL-21R signaling in Doxa-inducible ROSA-rtTA-IL-21-Tg mice expands Teffs and FoxP3− cells. Treatment with a combination of mIL-21R.Fc and CTLA4-Ig (an inhibitor of the early alloimmune response) leads to robust graft tolerance in a purely alloimmune setting and prolonged islet graft survival in NOD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-21 interferes with different checkpoints of the FoxP3 Treg chain in the late phase of alloimmune response and, thus, acts as an antitolerogenic cytokine. Blockade of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway could be a precondition for tolerogenic protocols in transplantation.
Lactation Intensity and Postpartum Maternal Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Resistance in Women With Recent GDM
Authors: Gunderson Erica P. , Hedderson Monique M. , Chiang Vicky , Crites Yvonne , Walton David , Azevedo Robert A. , Fox Gary , Elmasian Cathie , Young Stephen , Salvador Nora , Lum Michael , Quesenberry Charles P. , Lo Joan C. , Sternfeld Barbara , Ferrara Assiamira , Selby Joseph V.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between breastfeeding intensity in relation to maternal blood glucose and insulin and glucose intolerance based on the postpartum 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results at 6–9 weeks after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We selected 522 participants enrolled into the Study of Women, Infant Feeding, and Type 2 Diabetes (SWIFT), a prospective observational cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California members diagnosed with GDM using the 3-h 100-g OGTT by the Carpenter and Coustan criteria. Women were classified as normal, prediabetes, or diabetes according to American Diabetes Association criteria based on the postpartum 2-h 75-g OGTT results.

RESULTS

Compared with exclusive or mostly formula feeding (>17 oz formula per 24 h), exclusive breastfeeding and mostly breastfeeding (≤6 oz formula per 24 h) groups, respectively, had lower adjusted mean (95% CI) group differences in fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) of −4.3 (−7.4 to −1.3) and −5.0 (−8.5 to −1.4), in fasting insulin (μU/mL) of −6.3 (−10.1 to −2.4) and −7.5 (−11.9 to −3.0), and in 2-h insulin of −21.4 (−41.0 to −1.7) and −36.5 (−59.3 to −13.7) (all P < 0.05). Exclusive or mostly breastfeeding groups had lower prevalence of diabetes or prediabetes (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher intensity of lactation was associated with improved fasting glucose and lower insulin levels at 6–9 weeks’ postpartum. Lactation may have favorable effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity that may reduce diabetes risk after GDM pregnancy.
Design of Decision Service Using Cause-and-Effect Business Process Analysis
Authors: Levina Olga
Published: October 2011

Design of Decision Service Using Cause-and-Effect Business Process Analysis

Business processes are executed according to a specific business logic that can be formulated as business rules. Often decisions are taken during the course of the process to fulfill conditions or exceptions leading to process variations. These decisions are meant to support business process operations and are composed of a set of business rules, additionally being based on a solid process relevant knowledge and know-how. These processes are here referred to as decision knowledge intensive processes. In this paper the question of how business rules and consequently operational decisions can be derived from the business process model is addressed. The therefore necessary business process analysis and decision identification are performed using the cause-and-effect approach. Service-oriented implementation of the found decisions is suggested and outlined.
The Presence of the Customer and the Supplier Perspectives in Studies on Software Development Project Success
Authors: Ahonen Jarmo , Savolainen Paula
Published: October 2011

The Presence of the Customer and the Supplier Perspectives in Studies on Software Development Project Success

A systematic literature review on software development project success/failure from customer's or supplier's perspective is presented. The review covers studies published in peer-reviewed journals only. The results show that knowledge on software development project success/failure is multidisciplinary and fragmented. In addition, there are very few studies that consider software development project success from the supplier's perspective. One of the main contributions of this article is the table of articles in which articles have been classified by the perspective which they discuss. Another contribution is the list of journals in which the accepted articles have been published. Moreover, these results show a clear lack in our understanding of software development project success in outsourcing situations.
Competence Orientation in Business Informatics International Master Program
Authors: Chauchat Jean-Hugues , Zolotaryova Iryna
Published: October 2011

Competence Orientation in Business Informatics International Master Program

The need for competence-based approach in professional and educational standards is required by modern economy. Development and improvement of systems of different competences provides a link between education and training and labor market. The discussion on the current state and prospects of development of joint master's program in Business Informatics is being held. Hereby there is a suggestion on competencies description for the Business Informatics Curriculum based on descriptors. To realize the competence oriented model for masters' program it is suggested to mark out educational concepts through the type of courses in each discipline.
HOP (Humulus lupulus L.) Breeding Aimed at High Contents of Desmethylxanthohumol (DMX)
Authors: Nesvadba Vladimír , Krofta Karel , Polončíková Zděnka
Published: October 2011

HOP (Humulus lupulus L.) Breeding Aimed at High Contents of Desmethylxanthohumol (DMX)

Three female plants (cultivars Agnus, Columbus and Admiral) and two male genotypes (99/14 and 00/6) were chosen for diallel breeding. The highest content of desmethylxanthohumol (DMX) was determined in the progenies of "Agnus x male 99/14 and 00/6", resp. However, the differences between the progenies were not statistically significant. Within combination breeding the highest content of DMX was found in genotypes originating from cultivar Vital. These progenies show higher contents of DMX than the other ones with 99% probability. In the second part of the breeding process aimed at high content of DMX we tested the hop gene pool as well as contemporary breeding material. In currently cultivated bitter hop cultivars the contents of DMX are low from 0.14 to 0.18% (Agnus, Magnum, Sládek, Dunav, Pioneer, etc.). New genotype with very high content of DMX (0.37, resp. 0.27%). In 2008 the first Czech hop cultivar (Vital) for pharmaceutical utilization was released. This variety shows high content of pharmaceutically needed compound, DMX (0.3-0.4% w/w). In comparison with other bitter cultivars of hops this content is 2-3xhigher.
The Reciprocal Internal/External Frame of Reference Model
Authors: Möller Jens , Retelsdorf Jan , Köller Olaf , Marsh Herb W.
Published: October 2011

The reciprocal internal/external frame of reference model (RI/EM) combines the internal/external frame of reference model and the reciprocal effects model. The RI/EM predicts positive effects of mathematics and verbal achievement and academic self-concepts (ASC) on subsequent mathematics and verbal achievements and ASCs within domains and negative effects of mathematics and verbal achievements and ASCs on subsequent achievements and ASCs across domains. Although ample support was provided for the I/E model by cross-sectional data and for the REM within a single domain, there has been almost no research on the longitudinal generalizability of the reciprocal cross-domain effects. Using three waves of data collection from Grade 5 to Grade 8 with N = 1,508 students, analyses supported the validity of the RI/EM, revealing positive longitudinal effects of grades and ASCs on subsequent grades and ASCs within domains and negative effects of grades on subsequent ASCs across domains. There were also small negative effects of ASCs on subsequent grades across domains.
“Staffing to the Test”
Authors: Cohen-Vogel Lora
Published: October 2011

Faced with mounting policy pressures from federal and state accountability programs, school leaders are reallocating curricula, time, even diet in an attempt to boost student achievement. To explore whether they are using test score data to reallocate their teacher resources as well, I designed a cross-case, cross-sectional study and explored principals’ reported staffing practices in one higher performing and one lower performing elementary school in each of five Florida school districts. Findings show that school leaders are “staffing to the test” by hiring, moving, and developing teachers in an effort to increase their schools’ overall performance. The paper discusses the implications of evidence-based staffing for policy, practice and future research.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Substance Use Presentations to an Emergency Department
Authors: Bell Lisa , Stargatt Robyn , Bosanac Peter , Castle David , Braitberg George , Coventry Neil
Published: October 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and referral pattern of children and adolescents with mental health problems, substance misuse and comorbidity presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a large public hospital.

Method: A file audit of the ED information system was conducted over a 12 month period. Outcome measures included age, gender, diagnostic presentation, assessment, referral and disposal.

Results: Forty-four substance misuse, 128 mental health and 82 comorbidity presentations were identified; 80% required treatment within 30 minutes. Few substance misuse cases were seen by mental health services and no substance misuse cases were referred for mental health service assessment. All mental health and comorbidity cases were seen by mental health services; 41% were referred to outpatient and 18% to inpatient services. Those with mental health problems displayed high levels of self-mutilation, and those with comorbidity displayed high levels of self-mutilation and substance misuse. Alcohol use was common in the substance misuse group, and over the counter or prescription medications were abused by the mental health and comorbidity groups.

Conclusions: This age group places a high demand on the ED. All children and adolescents with recognized mental health symptoms were seen by mental health services, but those with substance misuse were not. Given the long-term problems associated with substance misuse, this is a missed opportunity for intervention.
The Conflict between Accountability and Confidentiality in Medicare's Access to Psychiatrists' Notes
Authors: Jewell Paul
Published: October 2011

Objective: The aims of this paper were to identify a conflict between psychiatrists' obligations regarding patient confidentiality and Medicare's auditing procedures, and to examine potential resolutions to the conflict.

Conclusion: While it is reasonable for Medicare, as a taxpayer-funded instrumentality, to require documentary evidence to substantiate and justify claims, such a requirement constitutes a significant breach of patient confidentiality. Obtaining patient consent appears to be the only ethical resolution of the issue.
Local and Transnational Dialogues on Memory and Violence in Jamaica and Toronto: Staging Letters from the Dead among the Living
Authors: Ford-Smith Honor
Published: October 2011

This essay describes, Letters from the Dead, a series of community-engaged performances that stage public ceremonies of mourning as a way of protesting the death of hundreds of youth in inner city violence in Toronto, in Kingston, Jamaica, and elsewhere. In different ways, the performances make visible the social cost of the devastating effects of violence. They create a symbolic public space for critical community reflection and for dialogue between those affected by violence across local and national borders. They draw on imagery from social movements in which commemoration becomes a protest against neoliberalism and they mix this iconography with local images and narratives to create dialogue about the relationship between colonial and contemporary power and violence. In multiple ways the performances remember those who have been killed so as to bring about the reimagination of human communities in which lives can have value in the present.
The Bridge: Toward Relational Aesthetic Inquiry in the MontrealLife StoriesProject
Authors: Sajnani Nisha , Linds Warren , Ndejuru Lisa , Wong Alan ,   Members of the Living Histories Ensemble
Published: October 2011

The Living Histories Theatre Ensemble (LHTE) is a socially-engaged improvisational theatre collective exploring the intersections of oral history and performance within a community-university research alliance entitled, “Life Stories of Montrealers Displaced by Genocide, War, and other Human Rights Violations.” This paper explores the LHTE's adaptations of Playback Theatre, and specifically the evolution of a technique called the “Bridge”, towards more fully reflecting values espoused within the Montreal Life Stories project.
Squaw Hall—A Community Remembers
Authors: Harwood Nicola
Published: October 2011

Squaw Hall—A Community Remembers, documents an artist's response to returning to her home community of Williams Lake, BC to co-facilitate a community-based project exploring an Aboriginal-centred history of the area. Williams Lake borders three major First Nations including Secwepemc, Carrier, and Tsilhqot'in First Nation communities. The project artists worked with youth to write and perform a play on issues of importance to them including: gang violence, drug and alcohol use, and family struggles. The youth were also trained in media skills and created a short film which documented their elders' experiences as youth. The project revealed both the struggles and resilience of the communities as well as a fondness for the early days of the Williams Lake Stampede, when Aboriginal families would sometimes travel for days by horse and wagon to compete in the rodeo and dance at the Squaw Hall, the Indian dance hall.
Adapting City of Dreams: Staging an Urban Imaginary
Authors: Johnston Caleb
Published: October 2011

This article documents the recent production of City of Dreams, a theatre-installation work created in a transnational collaboration between UK and Vancouver artists, and which premiered at the 2011 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival in Vancouver. I draw on interviews conducted with cast members to assess the possibilities for constructing a poetic cartography of the city. I also consider the dilemmas and opportunities of representing public-private memory, and the uneasy ambiguity with which the project attempted to forge identification with a shared urban imaginary.
Judith Thompson's Body and Soul: Tactics of Theatre in the Corporate Strategy
Authors: Moll Sorouja
Published: October 2011

The monologue for Canadian playwright, director, and producer, Judith Thompson is direct and intimate: “there is no looking away from it, we must go on the journey of the monologue … even if … she is breathing fire that burns the air we breathe” (She Speaks viii). Drawing on this imperative to speak inherent in the monologue form, the women of Thompson's Body and Soul ensemble—Lois, Francine, Janice, Polly, Judy, Barbie, Gloria, Pauline, Ruth, Jeannine, Ann Marie, Rhonda, and Glenda—embarked on that journey to create their play. The other necessary element of the monologue, however, is the listener, and while working within a corporate marketing strategy the women found the audience to share their understanding of beauty and body, and their real experiences of identity and desire, and negotiation and change.
Staging the Internet: Representation (Bodies, Memories) and Digital Audiences
Authors: Irwin Kathleen
Published: October 2011

If, as Jon MacKenzie writes, the world is now a “designed environment in which an array of global performances unfold,” what does performance designed for that most global of stages, the Internet, look like? This shift has caused me, as a scenographer, to consider how what I do is made complex by understanding that stage and audience are now globalized. MacKenzie suggests that feelings and affects are dispersed globally through social networking practices that communicate with a speed and intensity never before known. Here, such an experience is foregrounded: The Wilderness Downtown exemplifies the affective and globalized turn in interactive performance designed for the Internet and meant to engage each viewer “where they live.” The Wilderness Downtown elicits, through memory and sophisticated technology, a global feeling that is immensely “affective.” It succeeds in creating an awareness of being both local and global, unique but interconnected. Is this the future of scenographic representation?
Effects of aging and sheet thickness on the room temperature deformation behavior and in-plane anisotropy of cold rolled and solution treated Nimonic C-263 alloy sheet
Authors: Ankamma Kandula , Singh Ashok Kumar , Prasad Konduri Satya , Reddy Gangireddy Chandra Mohan , Komaraiah Methuku , Prasad Namburi Eswara
Published: October 2011

The deformation behavior under uni-axial tensile loading is investigated and reported in the case of cold rolled Nimonic C-263 alloy sheet products of different thicknesses (0.5 mm and 1 mm) in the solution treated and aged conditions. The studies conducted include (i) Microstructure, (ii) X-ray diffraction, (iii) Texture and (iv) Tensile properties and in-plane anisotropy in the yield behavior (both tensile yield strength and ultimate tensile strength as well as ductility). The results of the present study showed that despite the presence of weak crystallographic texture in this crystal symmetric material, the degrees of in-plane anisotropy in strength as well as plastic deformation properties are found to be significant in both solution treated and aged conditions, thus having significant technological relevance for both further processing and design purposes. Further, the influence of aging and sheet thickness on the tensile deformation behaviour is also found to be considerable. A brief discussion on the technological implications of these results is also included.
Observation of early melting stages of an Al – Cu alloy in a temperature gradient
Authors: Fischer Stephanie , Rettenmayr Markus
Published: October 2011

Homogeneous Al-3.7 wt.% Cu samples (Al solid solution) were (partially) melted by rapid heating in a steep temperature gradient and quenched immediately after the onset of melting. Traces of melting, particularly intragranular eutectic and θ-phase particles as well as intergranular eutectic and θ-phase layers, were observed in the quenched microstructure. The intragranular particles (mean diameter locally < 200 nm) represent former liquid droplets that nucleated as a consequence of some supersaturation of the Al solid solution. The intergranular layers represent former liquid films that nucleated at the grain boundaries. At temperatures slightly above the solidus temperature, segmentation of the film was observed. Concentration distributions measured using energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicate the migration direction of the film and the supersaturation as the driving force for migration.
Investigation of the dependence of structural and mechanical properties of cement-bonded bauxite refractories on their process conditions
Authors: Katsavou Ioanna D. , Krokida Magdalini , Ziomas Ioannis
Published: October 2011

Properties such as density, porosity, shrinkage and compressive strength of bauxite refractories were investigated by selecting different bauxite grain size, water content, molding pressure and firing temperature. The stress – strain data were modeled using parameters such as maximum stress, maximum strain, elasticity and non linearity. Simple mathematical models were used to correlate the examined properties with production conditions and materials’ characteristics, through regression analysis. Thus, it was found that firing at 1 400 °C led to shrinkage, while low porosity and high maximum stress refractories are produced when increasing all production conditions. Maximum strain and the non-linearity parameter increase with temperature, while molding pressure increases only maximum strain. Finally, the elasticity parameter decreases with grain size and molding pressure.
Role of microalloying elements in the microstructure of hot rolled steels
Authors: Gómez Manuel , Medina Sebastián F.
Published: October 2011

A comparative study of some of the most important effects of the diverse microalloying elements on austenite and ferrite microstructure of hot rolled microalloyed steels is carried out. The values of different aspects such as pinning and driving forces, size of precipitates, activation energies or diffusion coefficients are discussed. Titanium is the most effective element to control grain growth at high reheating temperatures and a weight Ti/N ratio close to 2 is recommended. Aluminum can help to control grain growth at medium temperatures, but its addition to Ti steels can promote abnormal grain growth. Niobium is the most effective element to inhibit static recrystallization of austenite, due to the adequate precipitation temperature range at deformation temperatures and the strong pinning effect of Nb carbonitrides. Finally, the preferential nucleation of intragranular ferrite on particles such as vanadium carbonitrides enhances the ferrite grain refinement.
Tool or Toy? Virtual Globes in Landscape Planning
Authors: Schroth Olaf , Pond Ellen , Campbell Cam , Cizek Petr , Bohus Stephen , Sheppard Stephen R. J.
Published: October 2011

Virtual globes, i.e., geobrowsers that integrate multi-scale and temporal data from various sources and are based on a globe metaphor, have developed into serious tools that practitioners and various stakeholders in landscape and community planning have started using. Although these tools originate from Geographic Information Systems (GIS), they have become a different, potentially interactive and public tool set, with their own specific limitations and new opportunities. Expectations regarding their utility as planning and community engagement tools are high, but are tempered by both technical limitations and ethical issues [1,2]. Two grassroots campaigns and a collaborative visioning process, the Kimberley Climate Adaptation Project case study (British Columbia), illustrate and broaden our understanding of the potential benefits and limitations associated with the use of virtual globes in participatory planning initiatives. Based on observations, questionnaires and in-depth interviews with stakeholders and community members using an interactive 3D model of regional climate change vulnerabilities, potential impacts, and possible adaptation and mitigation scenarios in Kimberley, the benefits and limitations of virtual globes as a tool for participatory landscape planning are discussed. The findings suggest that virtual globes can facilitate access to geospatial information, raise awareness, and provide a more representative virtual landscape than static visualizations. However, landscape is not equally representative at all scales, and not all types of users seem to benefit equally from the tool. The risks of misinterpretation can be managed by integrating the application and interpretation of virtual globes into face-to-face planning processes.
Structural Determinants of CX-4945 Derivatives as Protein Kinase CK2 Inhibitors: A Computational Study
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Wang Xia , Wang Jian , Wang Jinghui , Li Yan , Yang Ling , Li Guohui
Published: October 2011

Protein kinase CK2, also known as casein kinase-2, is involved in a broad range of physiological events including cell growth, proliferation and suppression of apoptosis which are related to human cancers. A series of compounds were identified as CK2 inhibitors and their inhibitory activities varied depending on their structures. In order to explore the structure-activity correlation of CX-4945 derivatives as inhibitors of CK2, in the present study, a set of ligand- and receptor-based 3D-QSAR models were developed employing Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis (CoMSIA). The optimum CoMFA (Rcv2 = 0.618, Rpred2 = 0.892) and CoMSIA (Rcv2 = 0.681, Rpred2 = 0.843) models exhibited reasonable statistical characteristics for CX-4945 derivatives. The results indicated that electrostatic effects contributed the most to both CoMFA and CoMSIA models. The combination of docking analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation showed that Leu45, Lys68, Glu81, Val116, Asp175 and Trp176 of CK2 which formed several direct or water-bridged H-bonds with CX-4945 are crucial for CX-4945 derivatives recognition to CK2. These results can offer useful theoretical references for designing more potent CK2 inhibitors.
DNA Movies and Panspermia
Authors: Norris Victor , Grondin Yohann
Published: October 2011

There are several ways that our species might try to send a message to another species separated from us by space and/or time. Synthetic biology might be used to write an epitaph to our species, or simply “Kilroy was here”, in the genome of a bacterium via the patterns of either (1) the codons to exploit Life's non-equilibrium character or (2) the bases themselves to exploit Life's quasi-equilibrium character. We suggest here how DNA movies might be designed using such patterns. We also suggest that a search for mechanisms to create and preserve such patterns might lead to a better understanding of modern cells. Finally, we argue that the cutting-edge microbiology and synthetic biology needed for the Kilroy project would put origin-of-life studies in the vanguard of research.
Development and Evaluation of a Miniaturized Taste Sensor Chip
Authors: Tahara Yusuke , Ikeda Akihiro , Maehara Yoshihiro , Habara Masaaki , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: October 2011

A miniaturized taste sensor chip was designed for use in a portable-type taste sensing system. The fabricated sensor chip (40 mm × 26 mm × 2.2 mm) has multiple taste-sensing sites consisting of a poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel with KCl as the electrolyte layer for stability of the membrane potential and artificial lipid membranes as the taste sensing elements. The sensor responses to the standard taste substances showed high accuracy and good reproducibility, which is comparable with the performance of the sensor probe of the commercialized taste sensing system. Thus, the fabricated taste sensor chip could be used as a key element for the realization of a portable-type taste sensing system.
Genetic Diversity in Fusarium graminearum from a Major Wheat-Producing Region of Argentina
Authors: Alvarez Cora Lilia , Somma Stefania , Proctor Robert H. , Stea Gaetano , Mulè Giuseppina , Logrieco Antonio F. , Pinto Virginia Fernandez , Moretti Antonio
Published: October 2011

The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is a group of mycotoxigenic fungi that are the primary cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat worldwide. The distribution, frequency of occurrence, and genetic diversity of FGSC species in cereal crops in South America is not well understood compared to some regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Therefore, we examined the frequency and genetic diversity of a collection of 183 FGSC isolates recovered from wheat grown during multiple growing seasons and across a large area of eastern Argentina, a major wheat producing region in South America. Sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor 1−α and β-tubulin genes as well as Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analyses indicated that all isolates were the FGSC species F. graminearum sensu stricto. AFLP analysis resolved at least 11 subgroups, and all the isolates represented different AFLP haplotypes. AFLP profile and geographic origin were not correlated. Previously obtained trichothecene production profiles of the isolates revealed that the 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype was slightly more frequent than the 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype among the isolates. These data extend the current understanding of FGSC diversity and provide further evidence that F. graminearum sensu stricto is the predominant cause of FHB in the temperate main wheat-growing area of Argentina. Moreover, two isolates of F. crookwellense and four of F. pseudograminearum were also recovered from wheat samples and sequenced. The results also suggest that, although F. graminearum sensu stricto was the only FGSC species recovered in this study, the high level of genetic diversity within this species should be considered in plant breeding efforts and development of other disease management strategies aimed at reducing FHB.
La politique familiale au Québec : la recherche d’un équilibre entre différents objectifs
Authors: Rose Ruth
Published: October 2011

La politique familiale du Québec, de loin la plus élaborée de toute l’Amérique du Nord, se compare favorablement à celles des pays européens les plus progressistes en la matière. En plus de la promotion de la natalité, cette politique vise l’équité sociale, le développement des enfants et l’intégration des femmes en emploi. Ensemble, le gouvernement fédéral et le gouvernement du Québec offrent aux familles les plus pauvres un soutien monétaire assez généreux. Les montants versés diminuent à mesure que le revenu familial augmente, mais les familles ayant des revenus supérieurs à 100 000 $ par année reçoivent quand même une aide de plusieurs milliers de dollars. Par ailleurs, le Québec est la seule province canadienne à proposer des services de garde à un tarif réduit de 7 $ par jour pour les enfants d’âge préscolaire et scolaire. En outre, il offre des prestations parentales pendant un maximum de 55 semaines, dont cinq réservées aux pères, à des conditions plus généreuses que le programme fédéral d’assurance emploi en vigueur dans les autres provinces. Cette politique familiale semble avoir eu un impact favorable sur l’indice synthétique de fécondité, qui est passé de 1,45 en 2000 à 1,74 en 2008, ainsi que sur la participation au marché du travail des mères.
L’évolution de la fécondité et la politique familiale québécoise
Authors: Lapierre-Adamcyk Evelyne
Published: October 2011

Fondé sur un examen de la fécondité des générations québécoises, cet article a pour but de vérifier la vraisemblance d’un effet positif de la mise en place graduelle de diverses mesures de la politique familiale du Québec sur la descendance finale. L’analyse du comportement des générations permet de mettre en relation l’âge atteint par les générations successives ainsi que leur descendance par rang et le moment où les diverses mesures sont adoptées. On évite ainsi le piège des fluctuations de l’indice synthétique de fécondité essentiellement liées aux modifications du calendrier des naissances. Les résultats montrent qu’il est plausible que la progression lente, à l’occasion stagnante, mais inexorable, du développement de la politique familiale soit associée à la modeste remontée de la descendance des générations nées après 1956. On remarque toutefois que l’effet de la politique plus complète et plus généreuse qui existe depuis 2005 ne peut encore être observé, les générations qui peuvent en bénéficier étant en plein âge reproductif.
L’action publique et la fécondité – Aperçu d’une étude empirique du processus qui régit la première naissance au Canada
Authors: Laplante Benoît , Morency Jean-Dominique , Constanza Street María
Published: October 2011

Studies on the relationship between state policy and fertility usually seek to evaluate the impact of one or more measures on fertility. This article does not aim to focus on the impact of one measure in particular, or of public measures as a whole, on fertility, but rather on the way in which Canadian couples that are likely to have a first child react to the environment created by the state and the labour market. We use data from a prospective longitudinal survey of households conducted by Statistics Canada - Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics. We focus on couples in which both spouses are wage-earners before the birth of their first child. Our results show that few factors have a noticeable impact. The decision leading to the first birth appears to be governed by two different mechanisms - depending on whether or not the couple’s income is modest. When the family income is modest, the decision is based on the amount of recurrent financial support ; when the family income is average, the decision is based instead on the amount of maternity benefits that will compensate for the loss of income during maternity leave. In all cases, the female spouse’s permanent employment plays a decisive role. Ownership of the family residence also plays an important role. To sum up, the decision to have a first child appears to depend, above all, on the female spouse’s financial and employment circumstances and on the couple’s evaluation of what the family’s financial situation will be once the child is born.
Politiques familiales et fécondité en Allemagne aux XIXe et XXe siècles
Authors: Salles Anne
Published: October 2011

En dépit des efforts déployés par les gouvernements allemands, notamment sous le Troisième Reich et du temps de la République démocratique allemande (RDA), les effets des politiques familiales allemandes sur la fécondité sont restés limités. On constate au mieux une stabilisation de la fécondité chez les femmes nées dans les années 1910 et dans les années 1950. La RDA affiche ainsi une descendance finale supérieure à celle de la République fédérale d’Allemagne (RFA) d’environ 0,2 enfant par femme pour les Allemandes nées dans les années 1950. Cet impact relativement faible s’explique par un contexte sociopolitique parfois défavorable et par l’ambiguïté des politiques menées. Les politiques familiales poursuivent en effet des objectifs divers et parfois contradictoires. La volonté de permettre un meilleur contrôle et suivi médical des naissances, de maintenir les mères dans l’emploi, de respecter la liberté des femmes et, plus généralement de l’individu, mais aussi la politique eugénique du Troisième Reich ont pu aller à l’encontre de l’objectif nataliste et limiter la portée nataliste des politiques familiales.
Reticulate evolution in the Crepidomanes minutum species complex (Hymenophyllaceae)
Authors: Nitta Joel H. , Ebihara Atsushi , Ito Motomi
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the Study: Hybridization is an important mechanism of speciation in plants and often results in complexes that comprise multiple sexual diploids and their hybrid offspring. However, the intricacy of these systems has prevented a thorough understanding of many groups. The Crepidomanes minutum species complex (Hymenophyllaceae) is a widely distributed, morphologically variable fern species complex. Although prior reports of apogamy and polyploidy suggest hybridization, it has never been the focus of a phylogenetic study.

• Methods: Morphology, nuclear (gapCp), and chloroplast (rbcL) DNA sequences, cytology, field observation, and spore counts were used to infer phylogeny and trace hybrid origins.

• Key Results: The C. minutum species complex is composed of at least three major clades: the African clade, clade 1 (East Asia and the Pacific), and clade 2 (Southeast Asia and the South Pacific). Clades 1 and 2 differ strikingly in morphological variation (uniform in clade 1 vs. highly variable in clade 2) and occurrence of hybrids (rare in clade 1 vs. frequent in clade 2). Apogamy and polyploidy were confirmed as likely mechanisms of hybrid stabilization in clade 2. Despite the large genetic distance between clades 1 and 2, several specimens were observed with gapCp sequences from both; diploid genome size and sexual reproduction indicate maintenance of genetic diversity via introgression or incomplete lineage sorting, rather than ongoing hybridization, in these specimens.

• Conclusions: The C. minutum species complex is a reticulate network including multiple diploid lineages and their stabilized hybrid crosses. Additional sampling focused on reproductive mode and ploidy level is needed to delimit diploid species and hybrids.
Impact of HCV Protease-Inhibitor-Based Triple Therapy for Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection
Authors: Ferenci Peter , Reddy K Rajender
Published: October 2011

Boceprevir and telaprevir are the first HCV protease inhibitors to be approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. These drugs must be used in combination with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (P/R) to maximize efficacy and prevent the emergence of resistance-associated variants (RAVs). In randomized, placebo-controlled international studies in treatment-naive and previously treated HCV patients, treatment with either boceprevir- or telaprevir-based triple therapy regimens significantly increased sustained virological response rates compared with placebo plus P/R. Protease inhibitors have the potential, not only to significantly increase cure rates among patients with genotype 1 infection, but also to reduce the duration of treatment for patients who have an extended rapid virological response. Boceprevir is associated with an increased incidence of anaemia and dysgeusia and telaprevir is associated with an increased incidence of rash and anaemia. The emergence of RAVs was associated with an increased risk of virological failure in clinical studies. Although these new drugs bring significant promise, it remains unclear if all genotype 1 patients will need triple therapy. Here, we review some of the complexities uncovered and controversies highlighted by the introduction of HCV protease inhibitors.
The Relationship Between BPR and ERP-Systems
Authors: Paper David , Tingey Kenneth B. , Mok Wai
Published: October 2011

Vicro Communications (we use a pseudonym to mask the identity of the organization) sought to reengineer its basic business processes with the aid of data-centric enterprise software. Vicro management however made the mistake of relying completely on the software to improve the performance of its business processes. It was hoped that the software would increase information sharing, process efficiency, standardization of IT platforms, and data mining/warehousing capabilities. Management however made no attempt to rethink existing processes before embarking on a very expensive implementation of the software. Moreover, management made no attempt to obtain feedback or opinions from employees familiar with existing business or legacy systems prior to investing the software. Unfortunately for Vicro, the reengineering effort failed miserably even after investing hundreds of millions of dollars in software implementation. As a result, performance was not improved and the software is currently being phased out.
Heineken USA
Authors: Kim Gyeung-min , Price John
Published: October 2011

To facilitate the parent companys push to gain market share, Heineken USA needed to be more responsive to market demand fluctuation. Because of the long lead-time between order and delivery, they found that responding to marketplace changes in a timely fashion was becoming increasingly difficult. In the meantime, major competitors such as Anheuser Busch were responding to consumer demands for fresher products by providing freshness label dating. Heineken USA launched its new Internet based system called Heineken Operational Planning System (HOPS) to allow the parent company to produce the beer closer to the time when they need to deliver it, so the customer receives a fresher product. The new system enables Heineken USA to achieve 50% reduction in the lead-time from order to delivery and 10% increase in sales.
The Lonely Comate - The Adoption-Failure of an Intranet-based Consumer and Market Intelligence System
Authors: Hendriks Paul H. J. , Jacobs Wendy H.
Published: October 2011

The case study concerns the disappointing reception of an intranet application at TopTech, a prominent player in the field of electronics. The application in question, called Comate, which stands for Consumer and Market Intelligence Technology Environment, was conceived and built by the central staff department for Consumer and Marketing Intelligence (CMI) of the company. When this application was introduced some years ago, its purpose was to smooth information flows between CMI departments worldwide and to enhance networking between these departments. The organization decided to form a project team to investigate the reasons for the lacking acceptance of the system by intended users and to establish what would be the most appropriate reaction on the part of Central CMI: change the system, initiate new, supportive initiatives, or abandon the Comate project altogether. The case study examines how this project team tackled the problem. The team decided to address the evaluation, diagnosis, and redesign of the system and its possible contribution to CMI from the perspective of the systems acceptability. Key component in its methodology was the integrated use of the Technology Acceptance model (TAM) and Task-Technology Fit model (TTF).
Managing Information Security on a Shoestring Budget
Authors: Sridhar Varadharajan , Bhasker Bharat
Published: October 2011

As organizations continue to deploy mission-critical, network-centric information systems, managing the security of such systems has become very critical. Building and managing such security infrastructure can be potentially very expensive, especially for small and medium-sized organizations. The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIML), the premier teaching and research business school in India, embarked on implementing a robust security management infrastructure with a limited budget on hand. The case examines how IIML successfully implemented the security infrastructure by appropriately developing security policies and selecting a proper combination of freeware and proprietary software components. Since security management is not a one-time activity and uses intensive technology, a careful analysis is required to assess whether the maintenance of the security infrastructure can be done in-house or outsourced. The case illustrates the trade-offs involved and presents experiences of IIML in outsourcing the post-implementation phase to a Security Service Provider. The case also highlights the challenges organizations face while implementing freeware security products and outsourcing security services.
Bankcard Payment System in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Fong Michelle W. L.
Published: October 2011

An efficient payment system is necessary to support efficient trading in goods and services within open market economies. Information technology has been used by many of these economies to achieve efficiency in their payment systems. The Peoples Republic of China, an emerging market economy, regards an efficient electronic payment system as imperative for economic liberalization, for supporting low cash usage and improving monetary control within the economy. By means of the Golden Card project, it aimed for a flexible, convenient, fast, secure and seamless electronic payment system beneficial to economic performance. Although efficiencies in the electronic payment system were achieved in some of the developed regions, there have been teething problems such as low public confidence in the system, weak technological support and inadequate regulatory framework that prevent the full realization of a supportive payment system for overall economic development.
Student Laptop Ownership Requirement and Centralization of Information Technology Services at a Large Public University
Authors: Newby Gregory B.
Published: October 2011

A large, highly ranked public university implemented a requirement for all incoming undergraduates to own a laptop computer starting in fall, 2000. To control increased expenditures for information technology, this requirement has shifted some of the cost of technology to students by decreasing the need for centralized general-purpose computing laboratories. At the same time, a shift towards centralized academic computing support occurred. This shift was away from information technology resources, services and support based in individual departments. This shift, engineered by the newly formed office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), was envisioned to generate cost savings through economies of scale. The educational impact of the laptop requirement is starting to be felt, but adoption is not widespread in daily classroom use. Envisioned cost savings have not yet become apparent. However, laptop ownership has enabled some new classroom activities and helped to reinforce the leading-edge image of the university.