bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Initial Lower Extremity Amputation Rates Among Veterans Health Administration Health Care System Users From 2000 to 2004
Authors: Tseng Chin-Lin , Rajan Mangala , Miller Donald R. , Lafrance Jean-Philippe , Pogach Leonard
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate temporal trends in rates of initial lower extremity amputation (ILEA) among patients with diabetes in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective administrative data analysis of VHA clinic users with diabetes in fiscal years (FY) 2000 to 2004 (1 October 1999–30 September 2004). We calculated annual age– and sex–standardized rates of initial major, minor, and total amputations for the overall population and for various racial/ethnic groups (African Americans, Hispanics, and whites). Trends in ILEA risk were evaluated with and without adjustment for demographic characteristics and other potential risk factors, including presence of microvascular and macrovascular diseases, and antiglycemic treatment.

RESULTS

Study populations of VHA patients with diabetes and without prior amputations ranged from 405,580 in FY 2000 to 739,377 in FY 2004. Age- and sex-standardized ILEA rates decreased by 34% (7.08/1,000 patients in FY 2000 to 4.65/1,000 patients in FY 2005) during the 5-year period. Minor and major amputation rates decreased by 33% (4.59 to 3.06/1,000) and 36% (2.49 to 1.59/1,000), respectively. Of major amputations, below-knee rates decreased from 1.08 to 0.87/1,000 (−19%), and above-knee decreased from 1.41 to 0.72/1,000 (−49%). Similar trends were seen for all racial groups. ILEA risk decreased by 28% (odds ratio 0.72 [95% CI 0.68–0.75]) when FY 2004 was compared with FY 2000 in the model, adjusting for demographic characteristics. This risk decrease was 22% in the model adjusting for all independent variables (odds ratio 0.78 [95% CI 0.74–0.82]).

CONCLUSIONS

Downward 5-year trends in ILEA rates were observed for all amputation levels and among all racial groups, even after adjustment for risk differences over time.
Cross-Sectional Associations Between Measures of Sleep and Markers of Glucose Metabolism Among Subjects With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Knutson Kristen L. , Van Cauter Eve , Zee Phyllis , Liu Kiang , Lauderdale Diane S.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether sleep duration and quality are associated with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or estimated insulin resistance in a community-based sample of early middle-aged adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was an ancillary study to the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. Habitual sleep duration and fragmentation were estimated from 6 days of wrist actigraphy collected in 2003–2005. Insomnia was defined as self-reported difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the night three or more times per week plus average sleep efficiency of <80% based on actigraphy. Fasting blood samples to measure glucose and insulin were collected after the sleep measures during the CARDIA clinical examination in 2005–2006. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) method. Analyses were cross-sectional and stratified by the presence of diabetes.

RESULTS

There was no association between sleep measures and fasting glucose, insulin, or HOMA in the 115 subjects without diabetes. Among the 40 subjects with diabetes, after adjustment for covariates, 10% higher sleep fragmentation was associated with a 9% higher fasting glucose level, a 30% higher fasting insulin level, and a 43% higher HOMA level. Insomnia was associated with a 23% higher fasting glucose level, a 48% higher fasting insulin level, and an 82% higher HOMA level.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed association between poor sleep quality and higher glucose, insulin, and estimated insulin resistance among subjects with diabetes warrants further examination of the effect of sleep disturbances on glucose control in type 2 diabetes.
Risk of Diabetes Among Young Adults Born Preterm in Sweden
Authors: Crump Casey , Winkleby Marilyn A. , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have suggested that preterm birth is associated with diabetes later in life. These studies have shown inconsistent results for late preterm births and have had various limitations, including the inability to evaluate diabetic outpatients or to estimate risk across the full range of gestational ages. Our objective was to determine whether preterm birth is associated with diabetes medication prescription in a national cohort of young adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a national cohort study of 630,090 infants born in Sweden from 1973 through 1979 (including 27,953 born preterm, gestational age <37 weeks), followed for diabetes medication prescription in 2005–2009 (ages 25.5–37.0 years). Medication data were obtained from all outpatient and inpatient pharmacies throughout Sweden.

RESULTS

Individuals born preterm, including those born late preterm (gestational age 35–36 weeks), had modestly increased odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes medication prescription relative to those born full term, after adjusting for fetal growth and other potential confounders. Insulin and/or oral diabetes medications were prescribed to 1.5% of individuals born preterm compared with 1.2% of those born full term (adjusted OR 1.13 [95% CI 1.02–1.26]). Insulin without oral diabetes medications was prescribed to 1.0% of individuals born preterm compared with 0.8% of those born full term (1.22 [1.08–1.39]).

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm birth, including late preterm birth, is associated with a modestly increased risk of diabetes in young Swedish adults. These findings have important public health implications given the increasing number of preterm births and the large disease burden of diabetes, particularly when diagnosed in young adulthood.
Variants of GCKR Affect Both β-Cell and Kidney Function in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bonetti Sara , Trombetta Maddalena , Boselli Maria Linda , Turrini Fabiola , Malerba Giovanni , Trabetti Elisabetta , Pignatti Pier Franco , Bonora Enzo , Bonadonna Riccardo C.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

In genome-wide association studies, performed mostly in nondiabetic individuals, genetic variability of glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) affects type 2 diabetes-related phenotypes, kidney function, and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We tested whether GCKR variability affects type 2 diabetes or kidney-related phenotypes in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 509 GAD-negative patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, we 1) genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms in GCKR genomic region: rs6717980, rs1049817, rs6547626, rs780094, rs2384628, and rs8731; 2) assessed clinical phenotypes, insulin sensitivity by the euglycemic insulin clamp, and β-cell function by state-of-the-art modeling of glucose/C-peptide curves during an oral glucose tolerance test; and 3) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.

RESULTS

The major alleles of rs6717980 and rs2384628 were associated with reduced β-cell function (P < 0.05), with mutual additive effects of each variant (P < 0.01). The minor alleles of rs1049817 and rs6547626 and the major allele of rs780094 were associated with reduced eGFR according to a recessive model (P < 0.03), but with no mutual additive effects of the variants. Additional associations were found between rs780094 and 2-h plasma glucose (P < 0.05) and rs8731 and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) and triglycerides (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are compatible with the idea that GCKR variability may play a pathogenetic role in both type 2 diabetes and CKD. Genotyping GCKR in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes might help in identifying patients at high risk for metabolic derangements or CKD.
Understanding Physicians’ Challenges When Treating Type 2 Diabetic Patients’ Social and Emotional Difficulties
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Hultgren Brittney A. , Brooks Kelly M. , Ritholz Marilyn D. , Abrahamson Martin J. , Weinger Katie
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To explore physicians’ awareness of and responses to type 2 diabetic patients’ social and emotional difficulties.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 19 physicians. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: 1) physicians’ awareness of patients’ social and emotional difficulties: physicians recognized the frequency and seriousness of patients’ social and emotional difficulties; 2) physicians’ responses to patients’ social and emotional difficulties: many reported that intervening with these difficulties was challenging with few treatment options beyond making referrals, individualizing care, and recommending more frequent follow-up visits; and 3) the impact of patients’ social and emotional difficulties on physicians: few available patient treatment options, time constraints, and a perceived lack of psychological expertise contributed to physicians’ feeling frustrated, inadequate, and overwhelmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition and understanding of physicians’ challenges when treating diabetes patients’ social and emotional difficulties are important for developing programmatic interventions.
Detecting Molecular Features of Spectra Mainly Associated with Structural and Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Co-Products from BioEthanol Production Using DRIFT with Uni- and Multivariate Molecular Spectral Analyses
Authors: Yu Peiqiang , Damiran Daalkhaijav , Azarfar Arash , Niu Zhiyuan
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to use DRIFT spectroscopy with uni- and multivariate molecular spectral analyses as a novel approach to detect molecular features of spectra mainly associated with carbohydrate in the co-products (wheat DDGS, corn DDGS, blend DDGS) from bioethanol processing in comparison with original feedstock (wheat (Triticum), corn (Zea mays)). The carbohydrates related molecular spectral bands included: A_Cell (structural carbohydrates, peaks area region and baseline: ca. 1485–1188 cm−1), A_1240 (structural carbohydrates, peak area centered at ca. 1240 cm−1 with region and baseline: ca. 1292–1198 cm−1), A_CHO (total carbohydrates, peaks region and baseline: ca. 1187–950 cm-1), A_928 (non-structural carbohydrates, peak area centered at ca. 928 cm−1 with region and baseline: ca. 952–910 cm−1), A_860 (non-structural carbohydrates, peak area centered at ca. 860 cm−1 with region and baseline: ca. 880–827 cm-1), H_1415 (structural carbohydrate, peak height centered at ca. 1415 cm−1 with baseline: ca. 1485–1188 cm−1), H_1370 (structural carbohydrate, peak height at ca. 1370 cm−1 with a baseline: ca. 1485–1188 cm−1). The study shows that the grains had lower spectral intensity (KM Unit) of the cellulosic compounds of A_1240 (8.5 vs. 36.6, P < 0.05), higher (P < 0.05) intensities of the non-structural carbohydrate of A_928 (17.3 vs. 2.0) and A_860 (20.7 vs. 7.6) than their co-products from bioethanol processing. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the peak area intensities of A_Cell (structural CHO) at 1292–1198 cm−1 and A_CHO (total CHO) at 1187–950 cm−1 with average molecular infrared intensity KM unit of 226.8 and 508.1, respectively. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the peak height intensities of H_1415 and H_1370 (structural CHOs) with average intensities 1.35 and 1.15, respectively. The multivariate molecular spectral analyses were able to discriminate and classify between the corn and corn DDGS molecular spectra, but not wheat and wheat DDGS. This study indicated that the bioethanol processing changes carbohydrate molecular structural profiles, compared with the original grains. However, the sensitivities of different types of carbohydrates and different grains (corn and wheat) to the processing differ. In general, the bioethanol processing increases the molecular spectral intensities for the structural carbohydrates and decreases the intensities for the non-structural carbohydrates. Further study is needed to quantify carbohydrate related molecular spectral features of the bioethanol co-products in relation to nutrient supply and availability of carbohydrates.
Lobophorin C and D, New Kijanimicin Derivatives from a Marine Sponge-Associated Actinomycetal Strain AZS17
Authors: Wei Rong-Bian , Xi Tao , Li Jing , Wang Ping , Li Fu-Chao , Lin Yong-Cheng , Qin Song
Published: March 2011

Marine sponge Hymeniacidon sp. was collected from coastal waters of the East China Sea to isolate symbiotic microorganisms. The resulting sponge-associated actinomycete, Streptomyces carnosus strain AZS17, was cultivated in a 20 L volume of medium for production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Bioassay-guided isolation and purification by varied chromatographic methods yielded two new compounds of kijanimicin derivatives, AS7-2 and AS9-12. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopy and comparison with literatures. Results showed these two compounds were structurally similar to the previously reported compounds lobophorin A and B, yet differed in specific bond forms, stereochemistry and optical activities. The two novel compounds were named lobophorin C and D. In vitro cytotoxicity investigation by MTT assay indicated their selective activities. Lobophorin C displayed potent cytotoxic activity against the human liver cancer cell line 7402, while lobophorin D showed significant inhibitory effect on human breast cancer cells MDA-MB 435.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Acenaphthene Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents
Authors: Xie Yong-Mei , Deng Yi , Dai Xiao-Yun , Liu Jie , Ouyang Liang , Wei Yu-Quan , Zhao Ying-Lan
Published: March 2011

Twelve novel acenaphthene derivatives have been synthesized. The structures of all compounds were confirmed by 1H-NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Their antitumor activities were evaluated in six human solid tumor cell lines, namely non-small cell lung cancer (H460), human colon adenocarcinoma (SW480), human breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-468 and SKRB-3), human melanoma cell (A375) and human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) . Among them, compound 3c shows the best antitumor activity against SKRB-3 cell line, as high as the positive control adriamycin.
The Effect of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide on Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Cheng Daye , Kong Hong
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) on alcohol-induced liver damage in rats. A total of 36 rats were divided into control, ethanol and ethanol + LBP groups. Rats in the ethanol group were fed 7 g ethanol/kg body weight by gastric infusion, three times a day, for 30 consecutive days, while rats in the control group received the same volume of physiological saline instead of ethanol, and rats in ethanol + LBP group were fed both ethanol (7 g/kg body weight) and LBP (300 mg/Kg body weight/day). Alcoholic liver injury was examined by serum ALT and AST activities, alcoholic fatty liver was assessed by lipid levels, and oxidative stress was evaluated by SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GSH and MDA assays. In the ethanol group, a significant elevation of enzymes and lipid in serum, increased MDA level and depletion of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GSH in liver were observed. LBP administration significantly ameliorated liver injury, prevented the progression of alcohol-induced fatty liver, and improved the antioxidant functions when compared with the ethanol group. Histopathological examination of rat liver revealed that LBP administration protected liver cells from the damage induced by ethanol. The results suggest that LBP is a promising agent to protect the liver from hepatotoxicity and fatty liver induced by ethanol intake.
Three Realizations and Comparison of Hardware for Piezoresistive Tactile Sensors
Authors: Vidal-Verdú Fernando , Oballe-Peinado Óscar , Sánchez-Durán José A. , Castellanos-Ramos Julián , Navas-González Rafael
Published: March 2011

Tactile sensors are basically arrays of force sensors that are intended to emulate the skin in applications such as assistive robotics. Local electronics are usually implemented to reduce errors and interference caused by long wires. Realizations based on standard microcontrollers, Programmable Systems on Chip (PSoCs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have been proposed by the authors for the case of piezoresistive tactile sensors. The solution employing FPGAs is especially relevant since their performance is closer to that of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) than that of the other devices. This paper presents an implementation of such an idea for a specific sensor. For the purpose of comparison, the circuitry based on the other devices is also made for the same sensor. This paper discusses the implementation issues, provides details regarding the design of the hardware based on the three devices and compares them.
Trois exemples d'application du modèle défi à la dynamique de l'emploi et à l'internationalisation de l'économie
Authors: Rocherieux François
Published: March 2011

Three examples of the application of the Defi model to employment dynamics and to internationalization of the economy, by François Rocherieux.

The relationship between employment dynamics and internationalization, a topic of considerable current interest, has been chosen to illustrate the applications of the Defi model. The macroeconomic analysis conducted through the sectional system shows the full significance of international outlets upon employment levels. Then, by examining jointly the structural characteristics of the exporting section of the economy, and the means by which imports enter the national economy, the interdependence between international inputs and international outputs for the economy are underlined. The particular place held by industrial investment goods in international trade justifies a comparison of electrical equipment and electronics activities, which examines these categories both in terms of their macroeconomic specialization and in terms of their place in the system of production.
Ecarts de productivité et de rentabilité entre exploitations agricoles
Authors: Pinon Pierre , Rini Gilbert
Published: March 2011

Ecarts de productivité et de rentabilité entre exploitations agricoles,

par Pierre Pinon, Gilbert Rini.

L'analyse des disparités internes à l'agriculture française peut s'appuyer sur l'observation des écarts de productivité entre exploitations agricoles.

Des conventions sont utilisées pour approcher ces écarts à partir des données du « Réseau d information comptable agricole » au cours des années 1978 et 1979, puis sur l'échantillon permanent 1976-1978.

Il semble que l'explication des inégalités ne réside pas uniquement dans l'allocation des facteurs de production traditionnellement retenus capital, travail, terre, mais qu'elle soit également à rechercher dans l'aptitude du chef d exploitation à les combiner au mieux.

Une mesure des hausses de revenus — toutes choses égales d ailleurs — qui résulteraient, catégorie par catégorie d'exploitation, d'une réduction des différences de productivité par alignement sur les entreprises les plus productives est proposée.
Impôt sur les sociétés : dispersion et dynamisme
Authors: Chevallier Jean-Yves , Demay Elisabeth , Stepnik Hélène
Published: March 2011

Corporation Taxes: distribution and trends,

by Jean- Yves Chevallier, Elisabeth Demay, Hélène Stepnik; Max Tabouillot.

Statistical analysis of companies produces is more effective when focus- sed on the entire distribution (or «spread») of data rather than on mean or median values. The data requirements of such an approach were solved by building a model covering 80% of all firms engaged in producing goods and services. Examining corporation taxes with this model offers new and interesting results.

It reveals that contribution to value added is highly concentrated, as is the payment of coporation taxes. The concentration of corporation tax is even greater than the concentration of income tax, despite the proportionality of the former and the progressivity of the latter.

Sorting companies in ascending order of corporation tax paid yields the following results.

The first 40% of enterprises produce one fourth of total added value and pay an insignificant amount of the corporation tax.

The following 50% produce another fourth of the total added value and pay 15% of the total corporation tax.

The upper 1 0% produce half the added value and pay 85% of the corporation tax.

The steadiness of this pattern hides considerable annual variations in the tax paid by each firm over the five-year sample. Almost every company goes through a poor year, with profits falling by 10% or more. Such firms typically overpay their taxes, positive final tax payments are for the most part-paid by firms whose annual added value increase by 10% or more.

Although these microeconomic variations complicate the analysis and forecasting of the corporation tax, the macroeconomic result is not random. The study sharply points out that, whatever the industry, firms which are more profitable than average create new jobs, pay higher wages, and invest more.

The first two sections of this paper describe statistical characteristics of the corporation tax. The third section studies tax overpayments resulting from variations in taxable income, and illustrates the possibilities for analysis and simulation the model offers.
La maquette Désir
Authors: Bureau Dominique , Miqueu Didier , Norotte Michel
Published: March 2011

The core-model Désir,

by Dominique Bureau, Didier Miqueu, Michel Norotte.

The core-model described in this paper was made to demonstrate the static and dynamic functioning of a disequilibrium model with several regimes. Within the keynesian regime. Desir's structure and properties are found to be very similar to those of big macroeconometric models.
Le modèle Hermès-France
Authors: Faubry Eric , Moncomble Jean-Eudes , Vidal de la Blache Olivier , Zagamé Paul
Published: March 2011

The Hermès-France model,

by Eric Faubry, Jean-Eudes Moncomble, Olivier Vidal de la Blache, Paul Zagamé.

The Hermès-France model is the French part of a system of dynamic econometric medium-term models representing the economies of the EEC Nine economic branches are distinguished, among which three represent industry, in the accounting system of S.0.E.C. Energy has been modelled specifically: it is considered as a specific production factor in productive branches and the energetic choices of households and the productive sector are described in a detailed nomenclature of eight energetic products. Therefore, such a system of models permits to improve the analysis of macro-sectoral phenomena, because of three substantial contributions:

the direct integration of energy into the sectoral production functions allows a finer study of questions related to employment, investment, productivity, competitivity, by reference to a mean price of energy use;

the study of choice behaviour between various utilized forms of energy in terms of prices: a price variation for one kind modifies the choice structure, the mean price of energy and, hence, the global demand for energy and for other production factors;

finally, the growing interpénétration of European economies leads, even on medium term, to the use of linked models for a better understanding of competitivity and redistribution effects of the productive activities.

The construction of the Hermès model has led to original econometric contributions: estimation of sectoral "putty-clay energy" production functions and use of dynamic "translog" functions in order to describe the allocation of energy between the different products. These works have permitted to corroborate, on a sectoral level, results established from a global point of view, i.e. the complementarity of investment and energy considered as production factors : the rise of the price of energy has contributed to lower the productive investment rate in French industrial sectors.

The Hermès model will be utilized for forecasts or alternative studies. "Linked" utilizations will simultaneously use the models of different countries, the interface being made of bilateral flows. The utilizations in which the national models will work alone will be used by decentralized teams. Therefore, each country will benefit from a new model in which energy will be a specific production factor for industry.
Les aides publiques à l'industrie : éléments d'évaluation
Authors: Le Foll Jean
Published: March 2011

Public aids to industry: elements of assessment,

by Jean Le Foll.

Financial aids from the State to industrial firms constitute an important means of public intervention in the production system But what do we mean by aid to industry? What are the objectives, and who are the actual beneficiaries ? The answers are often ambiguous or partial. The ever more clearly expressed objective to modernize manufacturing industries and the high growth of financial aids over the past four years, incite us to take this analysis further.

A presentation of annual flows in large categories summarizes the detailed description, appearing in annex, of the various forms of financial aids studied and their evolution during the past fifteen years. It already enables pinpointing a few interesting characteristics: very high growth of export aids over all the period and of nearly all types of aid since 1981, high concentration in four industrial sectors, iron and steel industry, shipbuilding, aeronautics, data processing, as well as in a limited number of large groups, influence of social factors and national independence considerations in the assignment of these public funds.

In order to go beyond this first level of observations, it is then necessary to develop the appreciation criteria and elements of comparison. The diversity of the objectives of public intervention in the production system and the diversity of the means used —financial aid generally not being the most important— then lead to a first answer: it is nearly impossible to make a single and complete assessment of whether financial aid alone can achieve all these objectives.

At the level of the subsidized firm, it appears first of all that public aid allows taking action, which would not have been made or only to a lesser extent without it, since such action was deemed to be scarcely profitable or too risky by entrepreneurs. It also appears that the permanence and the complexity of the main aid procedures in the French system create changes in behaviour and specific interdependences between entreprises and the administrative depaitments concerned.

Finally if the more general effects of aids to industry are considered, we are led to studying their impact on regional development, development of the subsidized industries, the balance of payments, public funds and employment. It can then be noticed that over and beyond the expected results, it is really important to take into account the indirect shifting or crowding out effects which, although difficult to measure, significantly lower the efficiency which may have been assessed beforehand at the mi- croeconomic level. Greater transparency and more systematic posterior assessments would help increase the efficiency of these aids and their suitability for the mam objective of industrial modernization.
Groupes publics et politique industrielle
Authors: Rouilleault Henri
Published: March 2011

Public groups and industrial policy,

by Henri Rouilleault.

The measures to widen the public manufacturing sector taken in 1981-1982 aimed at creating a key instrument for the industrial development of France.

The experience gained over a few years hetps in better assessing the conditions in which this aim can be reached. First, it shows that the resumption of investment by the public groups sets a problem of sectonal allocation rather than a simple quantitative one. Secondly, it underlines that the originality of these groups in the field of employment may be more linked with the quality of industrial relations than with a global objective of no lay-offs. Besides, the scale of losses in certain intermediate goods sectors is likely to cut down the public financing of the electronic sector development and renovation of processing industries.

Furthermore, the scope and limits of the reorganization policies as well as the modification of the relations of public industrial groups with public utilities and the contractual character of the planning of their strategy, appear more clearly.
Les budgets de programmes, quinze ans après
Authors: Poinsard Robert
Published: March 2011

Programmes budgets, fifteen years later,

by Robert Poinsard.

Programmes budgets were designed to provide a permanent synthesis of public information on the activities of the State as a whole. They have not, however, completely fulfilled the expectations of those who devised them .They are indeed a remarkable, albeit imperfect, source of information but they have failed to bring about any fundamental change to the conditions in which public decisions, particularly budget decisions, are made.

The present lull in the development of programmes budgets now poses a threat to the progress which has already been achieved and to their hitherto unexploited potential ; the tell-tale signs of decline are already perceptible. It need not be an irreversible process, however, if their capacity to inform can be enhanced and if experiments are carried out to demonstrate the possibility of using them to prepare budgetary decisions.

First of all, programmes budgets are described as we know them today. After this, the author goes on to describe the expectations they aroused as possible aids to decision-making, with a few examples of results achieved in this field. Finally, suggestions are made as to how they can be made more informative and what can be done to study the real problems they pose.
Adherence to Canada's Food Guide among Pharmacy Students
Authors: Allen Jean Paul , Taylor Jeff G. , Rozwadowski Melanie M. , Boyko Jenifer A. , Blackburn David F.
Published: March 2011

Background:

Canada's Food Guide is a well-recognized tool used to optimize the diets of Canadians. Although community pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate their clients about healthy eating, it is not known if they are adequately prepared to do so.

Methods:

We developed a questionnaire to assess knowledge of and adherence to Canada's Food Guide among undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Saskatchewan.

Results:

Of 354 registered pharmacy students, 291 completed the survey, for a response rate of 82.2%. Overall, knowledge of the Food Guide was poor. In almost every food group category, less than 50% of respondents could correctly identify the number of recommended daily servings for adults under 50 years of age. Self-reported adherence to the Food Guide was similarly poor. For instance, in the vegetables and fruit category, 86.5% (64/74) of males and 67.6% (140/207) of females failed to reach daily recommendations. Of the students who responded, the vast majority (93.4%; 254/272) believed that the Food Guide was a useful tool that pharmacists should be taught, and 65.4% (178/272) reported feeling comfortable advising adults about their general nutrition needs.

Discussion:

Pharmacy students appear unprepared to educate clients about recommendations in Canada's Food Guide, and their personal dietary habits fell far below recommendations.

Conclusion:

Clearly, more attention needs to be paid to general nutrition among pharmacy students, for both personal and professional reasons.
THE USE OF SPATIAL DATA FOR SEGMENTATION OF THE POSTAL SERVICE MARKET
Authors: Marković Dejan , Grgurović Biljana , Štrbac Slavica
Published: March 2011

Modern trends in the field of postal traffic imply the existence of a large number of providers who distribute these services. A trend of this kind sets highly rigorous requirements regarding structure and quality of the services. On the other hand, the users are a heterogenous group with specific characteristics, which significantly complicates the process of segmentation, choice of a target market and formulating of an adequate marketing strategy. Application of some standard methods of demographic and psychographic segmentation, in the opinion of the authors of this paper, results in very general grouping most often based on assumptions. The aim is to point out the significance of spatial data and how the results obtained by application of a geographic information system (GIS) can be used in the case of segmentation of the postal service market.
MOBILE SERVICE USAGE BEHAVIOR IN KOREA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Sawng Yeong-Wha , Kim Seung-Ho , Lee Jungmann , Oh Young Sam
Published: March 2011

Whilst mobile services have grown to a sizeable market in recent years, and leaps and bounds have been made in related technology, consumers’ usage behavior with regard to these services has received little attention from researchers. Studies on related topics are few and scarce, if compared, for example, to studies on information systems or web services. The main purpose of this study is to investigate consumers’ usage behavior in mobile services to provide pointers for future development of this field. Specifically, this study attempts to identify variables influencing the use of mobile service consumers. We developed an information technology acceptance model to determine usage characteristics and usage trends in mobile services and predict consumers’ usage behavior based on patterns discerned from these characteristics and trends. Information technology acceptance models are a useful tool for understanding the behavior of consumers of services such as mobile services, combining aspects of a technology and service good, from the perspective of behavioral science. This study, comprehensively concerned with mobile service marketing-related issues, considers both factors influencing consumers’ usage behavior and also technical aspects of services. Factors influencing the behavior of mobile service consumers are investigated empirically, by examining them in a real-world context. The expected outcomes of this study are as follows: First, it will predict consumers’ usage behavior with regard to mobile services based on usage characteristics at the level of task management, and discern identifiable and recurring patterns. Second, it will awaken providers to the importance of technical and functional performance and a clear understanding of consumers’ needs for the success of marketing mobile services.
Gobernanza y precaución en la Unión Europea: una crítica pragmática
Authors: Eizagirre Andoni , Urteaga Eguzki
Published: March 2011

Résumé Les implications opérationnelles du principe de précaution ont alimenté une partie des récentes controverses autour des politiques de régulation des sciences et technologies. Notre hypothèse est que les différentes interprétations du principe de précaution s’expliquent par différentes manières de comprendre les standards de régulation en particulier et la science régulatrice en général. Il convient de préciser que l’Union Européenne a aussi reconnu le besoin de reconsidérer l’analyse technique du risque et d’incorporer au processus d’évaluation des normes d’action destinées à intégrer les incertitudes liées à l’avancée de la connaissance. D’une certaine manière, la pertinence de situer le problème dans le cadre des standards de régulation est envisagée, ce qui demande de comprendre que les analyses de risques doivent être complétées par de nouvelles modalités de gestion de l’impact des avancées scientifico-techniques. Concernant l’organisation de l’article, nous identifions succinctement les différentes assertions du principe de précaution ; ainsi, de manière instrumentale, cela nous permet d’amener notre diagnostic et le cadre d’analyse de la problématique : le principe de précaution propose une modalité alternative de comprendre l’activité régulatrice. Les conflits ayant surgi autour du principe de précaution peuvent être considérés comme des indicateurs de la tension qui règne entre les différentes façons de comprendre le problème du risque ainsi que le critère d’évidence, et pas uniquement comme une décision préventive, imposée et politique, qui émanerait des limites de la connaissance actuellement disponible. Dans ce cas, le débat sur le principe de précaution impliquerait le fait que les éléments et les mécanismes de régulation doivent prendre en compte dans leurs politiques de gouvernance les sciences et technologies.
Definición y diseño de un modelo de Inteligencia Competitiva (IC) para mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones estratégicas
Authors: Arrieta Juan Antonio , Azkarate Ing. Ander
Published: March 2011

Résumé Cet article présente le concept d’intelligence compétitive (dans la suite du texte, IC) comme un outil nécessaire pour l’identification des opportunités, menaces et risques et en conséquence l’amélioration du processus de prise de décisions stratégiques dans l’entreprise. L’article clarifie la relation qu’entretient l’IC avec l’innovation et la compétitivité de l’entreprise ; il propose également une vision complète des modèles d’IC existants. En outre, l’analyse de la littérature sur le sujet permet d’identifier le manque d’une nouvelle approche qui soit globale, holistique et intégratrice.
Pratiques soutenables des technologies de communication en entreprise
Authors: Jauréguiberry Francis
Published: March 2011

Résumé Le développement des technologies de la communication a très largement contribué à l’avènement d’une société qui tend vers l’immédiateté, la simultanéité, l’accélération et la densification du temps. Outils indispensables dans la chrono-compétition que se livrent les entreprises, et dans l’organisation même du travail en leur sein, ces technologies sont aussi les vecteurs d’une nouvelle pression temporelle, de situations d’urgences et de surcharges informationnelles porteuses de dysfonctionnements inédits, de stress et parfois de souffrance au travail. Une des façons d’échapper à ces conséquences négatives passe par la mise en œuvre de pratiques soutenables de l’environnement télécommunicationnel, en particulier par l’instauration de sas temporel et de déconnexion partielle.
Effectiveness of Livewell Additives on Largemouth Bass Survival
Authors: Ostrand Kenneth G. , Siepker Michael J. , Wahl David H.
Published: March 2011

Livewell conditions during competitive angling events are thought to affect fish mortality. We examined the effects of livewell additives on initial and delayed mortality of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. We applied three treatments (salt, ice, or salt and ice) to livewells during tournaments conducted on lakes in Illinois, United States, as well as in laboratory and pond experiments designed to examine the effects of fish size and ambient water temperature on mortality. Fish were collected after tournament weigh-in procedures were completed and monitored for delayed mortality every 24 h for 5 d. Initial mortality did not differ among livewell additives during these field experiments. Although delayed mortality was high (35%), it was not significantly different among livewells that contained salt (56%), ice (48%), ice and salt (40%), and controls (30%). Additives administered during the laboratory experiments, at cool water temperatures, resulted in significantly lower delayed mortalities than those observed during the field experiments when ambient water temperatures were warmer. Initial and delayed mortality did not differ among livewell additives during the laboratory experiments. Larger fish in field experiments had significantly greater delayed mortality than smaller fish in the pond experiments even though initial and delayed mortality did not differ among livewell additives. Our results suggest that fish size and ambient water temperature have a greater influence on delayed mortality observed during competitive angling events than the specific livewell additives studied here.
High TCR Stimuli Prevent Induced Regulatory T Cell Differentiation in a NF-κB–Dependent Manner
Authors: Molinero Luciana L. , Miller Michelle L. , Evaristo César , Alegre Maria-Luisa
Published: March 2011

The concentration of Ag or mitogenic stimuli is known to play an important role in controlling the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into different effector phenotypes. In particular, whereas TCR engagement at low Ag doses in the presence of TGF-β and IL-2 can promote differentiation of Foxp3-expressing induced regulatory T cells (iTregs), high levels of Ag have been shown in vitro and in vivo to prevent Foxp3 upregulation. This tight control of iTreg differentiation dictated by Ag dose most likely determines the quality and duration of an immune response. However, the molecular mechanism by which this high-dose inhibition of Foxp3 induction occurs is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that when cells are in the presence of CD28 costimulation, TCR-dependent NF-κB signaling is essential for Foxp3 inhibition at high doses of TCR engagement in mouse T cells. Prevention of Foxp3 induction depends on the production of NF-κB–dependent cytokines by the T cells themselves. Moreover, T cells that fail to upregulate Foxp3 under iTreg-differentiating conditions and high TCR stimulation acquire the capacity to make TNF and IFN-γ, as well as IL-17 and IL-9. Thus, NF-κB helps T cells control their differentiation fate in a cell-intrinsic manner and prevents peripheral iTreg development under conditions of high Ag load that may require more vigorous effector T cell responses.
Phospholipase C-β3 Is a Key Modulator of IL-8 Expression in Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bezzerri Valentino , d’Adamo Pio , Rimessi Alessandro , Lanzara Carmen , Crovella Sergio , Nicolis Elena , Tamanini Anna , Athanasakis Emmanouil , Tebon Maela , Bisoffi Giulia , Drumm Mitchell L. , Knowles Michael R. , Pinton Paolo , Gasparini Paolo , Berton Giorgio , Cabrini Giulio
Published: March 2011

Respiratory insufficiency is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). An excessive neutrophilic inflammation, mainly orchestrated by the release of IL-8 from bronchial epithelial cells and amplified by chronic bacterial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leads to progressive tissue destruction. The anti-inflammatory drugs presently used in CF patients have several limitations, indicating the need for identifying novel molecular targets. To address this issue, we preliminarily studied the association of 721 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 135 genes potentially involved in signal transduction implicated in neutrophil recruitment in a cohort of F508del homozygous CF patients with either severe or mild progression of lung disease. The top ranking association was found for a nonsynonymous polymorphism of the phospholipase C-β3 (PLCB3) gene. Studies in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to P. aeruginosa revealed that PLCB3 is implicated in extracellular nucleotide-dependent intracellular calcium signaling, leading to activation of the protein kinase Cα and Cβ and of the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB p65. The proinflammatory pathway regulated by PLCB3 acts by potentiating the Toll-like Receptors’ signaling cascade and represents an interesting molecular target to attenuate the excessive recruitment of neutrophils without completely abolishing the inflammatory response.
Filarial Infection Suppresses Malaria-Specific Multifunctional Th1 and Th17 Responses in Malaria and Filarial Coinfections
Authors: Metenou Simon , Dembele Benoit , Konate Siaka , Dolo Housseini , Coulibaly Yaya I. , Diallo Abdallah A. , Soumaoro Lamine , Coulibaly Michel E. , Coulibaly Siaka Y. , Sanogo Dramane , Doumbia Salif S. , Traoré Sekou F. , Mahanty Siddhartha , Klion Amy , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: March 2011

The mechanisms underlying the modulation of both the malaria-specific immune response and the course of clinical malaria in the context of concomitant helminth infection are poorly understood. We used multiparameter flow cytometry to characterize the quality and the magnitude of malaria-specific T cell responses in filaria-infected and -uninfected individuals with concomitant asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mali. In comparison with filarial-uninfected subjects, filarial infection was associated with higher ex vivo frequencies of CD4+ cells producing IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17A (p = 0.01, p = 0.001, and p = 0.03, respectively). In response to malaria Ag stimulation, however, filarial infection was associated with lower frequencies of CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A (p < 0.001, p = 0.04, and p = 0.04, respectively) and with higher frequencies of CD4+IL10+T cells (p = 0.0005). Importantly, filarial infection was associated with markedly lower frequencies of malaria Ag-specific Th1 (p < 0.0001), Th17 (p = 0.012), and “TNF-α” (p = 0.0008) cells, and a complete absence of malaria-specific multifunctional Th1 cells. Filarial infection was also associated with a marked increase in the frequency of malaria-specific adaptive regulatory T/Tr1 cells (p = 0.024), and the addition of neutralizing anti–IL-10 Ab augmented the amount of Th1-associated cytokine produced per cell. Thus, among malaria-infected individuals, concomitant filarial infection diminishes dramatically the frequencies of malaria-specific Th1 and Th17 T cells, and alters the quality and magnitude of malaria-specific T cell responses.
Enrichment withn-3 fatty acid by tuna oil feeding of pigs: changes in composition and properties of bacon and different sausages as affected by the supplementation period
Authors: Khiaosa-ard R. , Chungsiriwat P. , Chommanart N. , Kreuzer M. , Jaturasitha S.
Published: March 2011

Khiaosa-ard R., Chungsiriwat P., Chommanart N., Kreuzer M. and Jaturasitha S. 2011. Enrichment with n-3 fatty acid by tuna oil feeding of pigs: changes in composition and properties of bacon and different sausages as affected by the supplementation period. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 87–95. Belly, lean from the shoulder and backfat obtained from 80 pigs, fed either no or 1.6 kg tuna oil during fattening (35–90 kg body weight), were used to prepare bacon, Chinese-style sausage and Vienna-style sausage. The tuna oil had been supplemented either initially, at the end, or continuously during fattening. In all meat products, tuna oil supplementation clearly increased contents of n-3 fatty acids (FA), especially of the long-chain n-3 FA. Differences among supplementation periods were pronounced only in the n-3 FA proportion of total FA being lower with early tuna oil feeding. Thiobarbituric acid value, which was high in dry Chinese-style sausage, was mostly enhanced by tuna oil, whereas the period of tuna oil supplementation had no systematic influence. In conclusion, any mode of tuna oil supplementation investigated was efficient in enriching n-3 FA, but care should be taken in producing dry sausages due to their susceptibility to rancidity during storage time.
Comparison of Angus cattle populations using gene variants and microsatellites
Authors: Carruthers C R , Plante Y. , Schmutz S M
Published: March 2011

Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in six genes (LEP, IGF2, MC1R, PMCH, CAPN1, and CAST), which have been previously associated with traits of economic importance, were used to compare allele frequencies of two populations of Angus cattle: a Canadian population and an International population. The same populations were also genotyped at 22 microsatellite markers. A significantly higher frequency of the CAST A allele, which is positively correlated with beef tenderness, was observed in the Canadian population (0.948) than in the International population (0.788; P = 0.007). Mean heterozygosity was higher for both populations using microsatellite data (0.578) compared with SNP data (0.332), due to the highly polymorphic nature of microsatellite markers. Key words: Angus cattle, diversity, heterozygosity, population assignment, selection