bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmembrane TNF-α Promotes Suppressive Activities of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells via TNFR2
Authors: Hu Xin , Li Baihua , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Xianxian , Wan Lin , Lin Guohong , Yu Min , Wang Jing , Jiang Xiaodan , Feng Wei , Qin Zhihai , Yin Bingjiao , Li Zhuoya
Published: December 2013

It has been reported that TNFR2 is involved in regulatory T cell induction and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation, two kinds of immunosuppressive cells contributing to tumor immune evasion. Because transmembrane TNF-α (tmTNF-α) is the primary ligand for TNFR2, we hypothesized that tmTNF-α is mainly responsible for the activation of MDSCs. Indeed, we found that tmTNF-α, rather than secretory TNF-α (sTNF-α), activated MDSCs with enhanced suppressive activities, including upregulating arginase-1 and inducible NO synthase transcription, promoting secretion of NO, reactive oxygen species, IL-10, and TGF-β, and enhancing inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. This effect of tmTNF-α was mediated by TNFR2, as TNFR2 deficiency significantly impaired tmTNF-α–induced release of IL-10 and NO and inhibition of T cell proliferation by MDSC supernatant. Furthermore, tmTNF-α caused p38 phosphorylation and NF-κB activation, whereas inhibition of NF-κB or p38 with an inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or SB203580 abrogated tmTNF-α–mediated increased suppression of lymphocyte proliferation by MDSCs. Consistently, our in vivo study showed that ectopic expression of uncleavable tmTNF-α mutant by 4T1 cells significantly promoted tumor progression and angiogenesis, accompanied with more accumulation of MDSCs and regulatory T cells in the tumor site, increased production of NO, IL-10, and TGF-β, as well as poor lymphocyte infiltration. In contrast, enforced expression of sTNF-α mutant by 4T1 cells that only released sTNF-α without expression of surface tmTNF-α markedly reduced MDSC accumulation and induced more lymphocyte infiltration instead, showing obvious tumor regression. Our data suggest that tmTNF-α acts as a potent activator of MDSCs via TNFR2 and reveals another novel immunosuppressive effect of this membrane molecule that promotes tumor immune escape.
Requirement for MyD88 Signaling in B Cells and Dendritic Cells for Germinal Center Anti-Nuclear Antibody Production in Lyn-Deficient Mice
Authors: Hua Zhaolin , Gross Andrew J. , Lamagna Chrystelle , Ramos-Hernández Natalia , Scapini Patrizia , Ji Ming , Shao Haitao , Lowell Clifford A. , Hou Baidong , DeFranco Anthony L.
Published: December 2013

The intracellular tyrosine kinase Lyn mediates inhibitory receptor function in B cells and myeloid cells, and Lyn−/− mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that closely resembles human systemic lupus erythematosus. TLR-signaling pathways have been implicated in the production of anti-nuclear Abs in systemic lupus erythematosus and mouse models of it. We used a conditional allele of Myd88 to determine whether the autoimmunity of Lyn−/− mice is dependent on TLR/MyD88 signaling in B cells and/or in dendritic cells (DCs). The production of IgG anti-nuclear Abs, as well as the deposition of these Abs in the glomeruli of the kidneys, leading to glomerulonephritis in Lyn−/− mice, were completely abolished by selective deletion of Myd88 in B cells, and autoantibody production and glomerulonephritis were delayed or decreased by deletion of Myd88 in DCs. The reduced autoantibody production in mice lacking MyD88 in B cells or DCs was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in the spontaneous germinal center (GC) response, suggesting that autoantibodies in Lyn−/− mice may depend on GC responses. Consistent with this view, IgG anti-nuclear Abs were absent if T cells were deleted (TCRβ−/− TCRδ−/− mice) or if T cells were unable to contribute to GC responses as the result of mutation of the adaptor molecule SAP. Thus, the autoimmunity of Lyn−/− mice was dependent on T cells and on TLR/MyD88 signaling in B cells and in DCs, supporting a model in which DC hyperactivity combines with defects in tolerance in B cells to lead to a T cell–dependent systemic autoimmunity in Lyn−/− mice.
A Feeder-Free Differentiation System Identifies Autonomously Proliferating B Cell Precursors in Human Bone Marrow
Authors: Kraus Helene , Kaiser Sandra , Aumann Konrad , Bönelt Peter , Salzer Ulrich , Vestweber Dietmar , Erlacher Miriam , Kunze Mirjam , Burger Meike , Pieper Kathrin , Sic Heiko , Rolink Antonius , Eibel Hermann , Rizzi Marta
Published: December 2013

The peripheral B cell compartment is maintained by homeostatic proliferation and through replenishment by bone marrow precursors. Because hematopoietic stem cells cycle at a slow rate, replenishment must involve replication of precursor B cells. To study proliferation of early human B cell progenitors, we established a feeder cell–free in vitro system allowing the development of B cells from CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells up to the stage of immature IgM+ B cells. We found that pro-B and pre-B cells generated in vitro can proliferate autonomously and persist up to 7 wk in culture in the absence of signals induced by exogenously added cytokines. Nevertheless, addition of IL-7 enhanced pre-B cell expansion and inhibited maturation into IgM+ B cells. The B cell precursor subsets replicating in vitro were highly similar to the bone marrow B cell precursors cycling in vivo. The autonomous proliferation of B cell precursor subsets in vitro and their long-term persistence implies that proliferation during pro-B and pre-B cell stages plays an important role in the homeostasis of the peripheral B cell compartment. Our in vitro culture can be used to study defects in B cell development or in reconstitution of the B cell pool after depletion and chemotherapy.
Identification of B7-H1 as a Novel Mediator of the Innate Immune/Proinflammatory Response as well as a Possible Myeloid Cell Prognostic Biomarker in Sepsis
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Yaping , Chung Chun-Shiang , Yuan Zhenglong , Monaghan Sean F. , Wang Fei , Ayala Alfred
Published: December 2013

Identifying relevant mediators responsible for the pathogenesis during sepsis may lead to finding novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Recent studies indicate programmed cell death receptor (PD)-1 plays a significant role in the development of immune suppression associated with sepsis. In this study, we determine whether B7-H1, the primary ligand of PD-1, contributes to the pathogenesis of sepsis. We report that B7-H1 is upregulated extensively on various immune cells during sepsis and B7-H1 gene deficiency protects mice from the lethality of sepsis. In terms of the histological development of multiple organ damage and inflammatory cytokine levels in circulation or at infectious site, B7-H1–deficient mice showed a remarkable reduction in these indices when compared with wild-type mice. However, B7-H1 gene-deficient mice did not exhibit a lower bacterial burden when compared with wild-type mice, although they recruited more macrophages and neutrophils into infectious site. In addition, we found that, during sepsis, whereas there were no marked differences affecting ex vivo macrophage cytokine productive capacity between PD-1 and B7-H1 gene-deficient mice, preservation of ex vivo macrophage phagocytic function was only seen in septic PD-1 knockout mouse cells. Finally, higher percentage B7-H1+ neutrophils in peripheral blood correlated not only with higher levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (CCL2, IL-6, CXCL2, KC, TNF-α, and IL-10), but with lethal outcome as well. Together, these results indicate B7-H1 contributes to septic morbidity in fashion distinct from PD-1 and suggest B7-H1 expression on neutrophils could be used as a biomarker of septic severity.
Id3 and Id2 Act as a Dual Safety Mechanism in Regulating the Development and Population Size of Innate-like γδ T Cells
Authors: Zhang Baojun , Lin Yen-Yu , Dai Meifang , Zhuang Yuan
Published: December 2013

The innate-like T cells expressing Vγ1.1 and Vδ6.3 represent a unique T cell lineage sharing features with both the γδ T and the invariant NKT cells. The population size of Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cells is tightly controlled and usually contributes to a very small proportion of thymic output, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. Deletion of Id3, an inhibitor of E protein transcription factors, can induce an expansion of the Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cell population. This phenotype is much stronger on the C57BL/6 background than on the 129/sv background. Using quantitative trait linkage analysis, we identified Id2, a homolog of Id3, to be the major modifier of Id3 in limiting Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cell expansion. The Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ phenotype is attributed to an intrinsic weakness of Id2 transcription from Id2 C57BL/6 allele, leading to an overall reduced dosage of Id proteins. However, complete removal of both Id2 and Id3 genes in developing T cells suppressed the expansion of Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cells because of decreased proliferation and increased cell death. We showed that conditional knockout of Id2 alone is sufficient to promote a moderate expansion of γδ T cells. These regulatory effects of Id2 and Id3 on Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cells are mediated by titration of E protein activity, because removing one or more copies of E protein genes can restore Vγ1.1+Vδ6.3+ T cell expansion in Id2 and Id3 double conditional knockout mice. Our data indicated that Id2 and Id3 collaboratively control survival and expansion of the γδ lineage through modulating a proper threshold of E proteins.
Background-Oriented Schlieren Imaging for Full-Scale and In-Flight Testing
Authors: Raffel Markus , Heineck James T. , Schairer Edward , Leopold Friedrich , Kindler Kolja
Published: December 2013

Background-oriented schlieren (BOS) methods suited for large-scale and in-flight testing are presented with special emphasis on the detection and tracing of blade tip vortices in situ. Retroreflective recording and photogrammetric epipolar analysis for the computation of the vortices'
spatial coordinates in the wind tunnel are described. Feasibility and fidelity of reference-free BOS in conjunction with natural formation backgrounds and related evaluation methods are discussed, additionally, illustrating their simplicity and robustness. Results of successful image acquisition
from a chaser aircraft are presented allowing vortex wakes to be identified at a wide range of flight attitudes, including complex maneuvers.
Parasite Infection and Tuberculosis Disease among Children: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Franke Molly F. , del Castillo Hernán , Pereda Ynés , Lecca Leonid , Fuertes Jhoelma , Cárdenas Luz , Becerra Mercedes C. , Bayona Jaime , Murray Megan
Published: December 2013

We conducted a case–control study to examine associations between parasite infection, including protozoa infection, and tuberculosis (TB) in children in Lima, Peru. We enrolled 189 matched-pairs. In multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses, Blastocystis hominis infection (rate ratio = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.64, P = 0.002) was strongly associated with a lower risk of TB. We observed a statistically significant inverse linear dose-response relationship between Blastocystis hominis infection and TB. These findings should be confirmed in future prospective studies.
Sachet Water Quality and Brand Reputation in Two Low-Income Urban Communities in Greater Accra, Ghana
Authors: Stoler Justin , Tutu Raymond A. , Ahmed Hawa , Frimpong Lady Asantewa , Bello Mohammed
Published: December 2013

Sachet water has become an important primary source of drinking water in western Africa, but little is known about bacteriologic quality and improvements to quality control given the recent, rapid evolution of this industry. This report examines basic bacteriologic indicators for 60 sachet water samples from two very low-income communities in Accra, Ghana, and explores the relationship between local perceptions of brand quality and bacteriologic quality after controlling for characteristics of the vending environment. No fecal contamination was detected in any sample, and 82% of total heterotrophic bacteria counts were below the recommended limit for packaged water. Sachets from brands with a positive reputation for quality were 90% less likely to present any level of total heterotrophic bacteria after controlling for confounding factors. These results contrast with much of the recent sachet water quality literature and may indicate substantial progress in sachet water regulation and quality control.
Cutaneous Emergence of Eustrongylides in Two Persons from South Sudan
Authors: Eberhard Mark L. , Ruiz-Tiben Ernesto
Published: December 2013

Two large, living worms were collected as they emerged from the lower limb of each of two persons in South Sudan. The worms were observed by staff of the South Sudan Guinea Worm Eradication Program during surveillance activities in communities at-risk for cases of Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis). The worms measured 7 and 8 cm in length and were identified as fourth-stage larvae of Eustrongylides. This is the first report of such worms emerging from the skin; all five previous reports of human infection involved surgical removal of worms from the peritoneal cavity.
National Workplace Health Promotion Surveys: The Affordable Care Act and Future Surveys
Authors: DeJoy David M. , Dyal Mari-Amanda , Padilla Heather M. , Wilson Mark G.
Published: December 2013

This commentary reviews findings from the four previous national surveys of workplace health promotion activities (1985, 1992, 1999, and 2004, respectively) and offers recommendations for future surveys mandated under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Future surveys should place greater emphasis on assessing program quality, reach, and effectiveness. Both employer and employee input should be sought. In addition, sampling plans should differentiate worksites from employers, and results should include public as well as private sector organizations. Ideas are offered for addressing these limitations and for creating a sustainable survey process and multifunctional database of results.
Faith-Based Initiatives in Health Promotion: History, Challenges, and Current Partnerships
Authors: Levin Jeff
Published: December 2013

Faith-based institutions and organizations represent a longstanding yet underutilized resource for health promotion and disease prevention efforts. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and its affiliated office within the Department of Health and Human Services, are the highest-profile markers of federal efforts, but most faith-health partnerships are not federally funded and date back many decades. Formal partnerships between the faith-based and public health sectors encompass activities in the fields of health behavior and health education, health policy and management, epidemiology and biostatistics, and environmental health. These partnerships are instrumental for achieving both domestic and global health promotion priorities.
School Reform: The Role of Physical Education Policy in Physical Activity of Elementary School Children in Alabama's Black Belt Region
Authors: Robinson Leah E. , Wadsworth Danielle D. , Webster E. Kipling , Bassett David R.
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To investigate the implementation of state- and school-mandated physical education (PE) and physical activity policies on students' school-day physical activity behaviors.

Design.

Observational, cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Five elementary schools in rural Alabama.

Subjects.

Six hundred and eighty-three school-age children.

Measures.

School-day physical activity behaviors were assessed with pedometer step count, the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT), and the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY).

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were used to describe the current health and in-school physical activity behaviors of students.

Results.

Students accumulated a daily average of 4079.57 (± 1678.1) and 3473.44 (± 1073.37) steps for boys and girls, respectively, throughout the school day. SOFIT findings indicate that students spent an average of 23.80 ± 5.33 min/d in PE and that 14.33 ± 6.10 min/d were spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This equates to 59.38% of PE time spent in MVPA. SOPLAY findings showed that recess and before/after school activity was not provided.

Conclusions.

It appears that schools were in compliance with the state-mandated PE policies on paper but not in actuality. Students did not attend PE for 30 min/d. The implementation of PE as the sole physical activity opportunity provides inadequate amounts of physical activity during the school day.
Partnerships for Parks and Physical Activity
Authors: Shulaker Bianca D. , Isacoff Jennifer W. , Cohen Deborah A. , Marsh Terry , Wier Megan , Bhatia Rajiv
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

Given the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary active living interventions, this article describes an innovative partnership for park design and evaluation.

Design.

The Trust for Public Land partnered with the RAND Corporation and the San Francisco Department of Public Health to generate context-sensitive active park design, establish evaluation methods, and build the framework for future collaboration.

Setting.

These partners worked together from 2009 to 2012 to design, renovate, and study parks in San Francisco, California.

Subjects.

The three partnering organizations are the focus of this article.

Intervention.

The Trust for Public Land's Parks for People–Bay Area Program raised more than $16 million to renovate three San Francisco parks, which served as the intervention for a study that initially brought the three partnering organizations together.

Measures.

The authors, who represent the three partners, collaborated to develop the lessons learned.

Analysis.

This article is a description and commentary about a partnership that emphasized community involvement and rigorous evaluation.

Results.

Lessons learned and elements for successful partnerships include collaborating with organizations with differing expertise, deciding upon goals initially, finding a common language, involving local communities, and recognizing the importance and appropriate role of evaluations.

Conclusion.

The model for collaboration and community involvement presented supports and encourages other organizations to use strategic, multidisciplinary partnerships and highlights the importance of evaluation.
Prioritizing School Intramural and Interscholastic Programs Based on Observed Physical Activity
Authors: Bocarro Jason N. , Kanters Michael A. , Edwards Michael B. , Casper Jonathan M. , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To examine which school sports engage children in more physical activity.

Design.

Observational, cross-sectional study examining differences between intramural (IM) and interscholastic (IS) sports.

Setting.

Athletic facilities at two schools with IM sports and two schools with IS sports in Wake County, North Carolina.

Subjects.

Middle-school children (N = 6735)

Measures.

Percentage of children observed in sedentary, moderate, and vigorous activity assessed by the System for Observation Play and Leisure Among Youth (SOPLAY). Energy expenditure and physical activity intensity were also estimated by using MET values.

Analysis.

T-tests; generalized linear model using cumulative logit link function.

Results.

IM sports had higher MET values than IS sports (t = −3.69, p < .001), and IM sports ranked in four of the top five sports in terms of average MET values. Regression models found a significant interaction between school sport delivery model and gender, with boys significantly less physically active in IS programs than boys in IM programs (B = –.447, p < .001) but more physically active (B = .359, p < .001) than girls in IM sports.

Conclusion.

Regardless of sport type, IM sports generated more physical activity than IS sports among boys but not girls. Soccer, basketball, and track, regardless of school delivery approach, provide the highest physical activity levels. Results suggest that school administrators consider reassessing their programs to more efficiently use diminishing resources to increase students' physical activity levels.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Elementary School Practices and Children's Physical Activity during School
Authors: Carlson Jordan A. , Mignano Alexandra M. , Norman Gregory J. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Kerr Jacqueline , Arredondo Elva M. , Madanat Hala , Cain Kelli L. , Elder John P. , Saelens Brian E. , Sallis James F.
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To examine school socioeconomic status (SES) in relation to school physical activity-related practices and children's physical activity.

Design.

A cross-sectional design was used for this study.

Setting.

The study was set in 97 elementary schools (63% response rate) in two U.S. regions.

Subjects.

Of the children taking part in this study, 172 were aged 10.2 (standard deviation (SD) = 1.5) years; 51.7% were girls, and 69.2% were White non-Hispanic.

Measures.

School physical education (PE) teachers or principals responded to 15 yes/no questions on school physical activity-supportive practices. School SES (low, moderate, high) was derived from the percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. Children's moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during school was measured with accelerometers.

Analysis.

School level analyses involved linear and logistic regression; children's MVPA analyses used mixed effects regression.

Results.

Low-SES schools were less likely to have a PE teacher and had fewer physical activity-supportive PE practices than did high-SES schools (p < .05). Practices related to active travel to school were more favorable at low-SES schools (p < .05). Children attending high-SES schools had 4.4 minutes per day more of MVPA during school than did those at low-SES schools, but this finding was not statistically significant (p = .124).

Conclusion.

These findings suggest that more low- and moderate-SES elementary schools need PE teachers in order to reduce disparities in school physical activity opportunities and that PE time needs to be supplemented by classroom teachers or other staff to meet guidelines.
Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Built Environment Health Promotion Strategy: Evaluating the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention
Authors: Cosco Nilda G. , Moore Robin C. , Smith William R.
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Preventing Obesity by Design (POD), a childcare center outdoor renovation intervention.

Design.

Pre-post intervention evaluation.

Setting.

North Carolina licensed childcare centers (N = 27).

Subjects.

Preschool children.

Intervention.

Outdoor renovation, teacher training.

Measures.

Behavior mapping, Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale (POEMS), center director interview.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares and logistic regressions calculated to assess levels of association between environmental change, children's physical activity (PA), social behaviors, and environmental quality. Qualitative interview data analyzed to help understand intervention impact.

Results.

Behavior mapping showed that site layout attributes, such as the form (i.e., “single loop” and “double loop”) of pathways (functioning as circulation routes and wheeled toy settings), are associated with higher levels of PA. Teacher interaction was associated with decreased children's PA. Absence of teacher or lack of child/child interaction was associated with increased PA. POEMS assessment of environmental quality was higher after renovation. POEMS domains (Physical Space and Teacher/Caregiver Roles) were positively associated with PA. After renovation, 68% of center directors reported positive changes in children's behavior and 40% mentioned edible plant installations as greatest success.

Conclusion.

Built environment renovation of childcare center outdoors, including looped pathways installation, coupled with teacher training, may support increased PA. Renovation, including food gardens, may be a key to success for preschool health promotion and support change in childcare policy.
Multistate Evaluation of Safe Routes to School Programs
Authors: Stewart Orion , Moudon Anne Vernez , Claybrooke Charlotte
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

State Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs provide competitive grants to local projects that support safe walking, bicycling, and other modes of active school travel (AST). This study assessed changes in rates of AST after implementation of SRTS projects at multiple sites across four states.

Design.

One-group pretest and posttest.

Setting.

Florida, Mississippi, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Subjects.

Convenience sample of 48 completed SRTS projects and 53 schools affected by a completed SRTS project.

Intervention.

State-funded SRTS project.

Measures.

AST was measured as the percentage of students walking, bicycling, or using any AST mode. SRTS project characteristics were measured at the project, school, and school neighborhood levels.

Analysis.

Paired-samples t-tests were used to assess changes in AST. Bivariate analysis was used to identify SRTS project characteristics associated with increases in AST. Data were analyzed separately at the project (n = 48) and school (n = 53) levels.

Results.

Statistically significant increases in AST were observed across projects in all four states. All AST modes increased from 12.9% to 17.6%; walking from 9.8% to 14.2%; and bicycling from 2.5% to 3.0%. Increases in rates of bicycling were negatively correlated with baseline rates of bicycling.

Conclusion.

State-funded SRTS projects are achieving one of the primary program goals of increasing rates of AST. They may be particularly effective at introducing bicycling to communities where it is rare. The evaluation framework introduced in this study can be used to continue tracking the effect of state SRTS programs as more projects are completed.
Huge “Wellness Incentives” are More about Health Plan Benefit Design Than Health Promotion
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P.
Published: December 2013

Regulations governing employers' use of financial incentives for employees who participate in health promotion programs or are successful in achieving health goals go into effect today (January 1, 2014). It is important to recognize that huge incentives have more to do with health plan design and less to do with effective strategies to improve health. Comprehensive health promotion programs need to increase awareness of the link between lifestyle and health, enhance motivation to improve health, build the skills important for a healthy lifestyle, and provide an abundance of opportunities to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Texas hold'em poker: a qualitative analysis of gamblers' perceptions
Authors: Bouju Gaëlle , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Quistrebert-Davanne Virginie , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , V_nisse Jean-Luc
Published: December 2013

The authors examined gamblers' perceptions of Texas Hold'Em (HE) poker, especially regarding excessive behaviours and the nature of skill involved. Sixteen regular HE gamblers were assessed through a semi-structured interview and took part in a session of gambling exposure. A qualitative thematic analysis and a comparative analysis on problem and social gamblers were performed. Problem gamblers had an emotional profile that was characterized by a lack of self-regulation and difficulties with delayed gratification. The desire to take on a new persona through poker seems to be implicated in excessive poker behaviours. Three kinds of skills came to the fore: technical skills (mastery of rules and strategies), psychological skills (self-regulation and accurate analysis of adversaries), and financial skills (the ability to correctly assess the financial risk). The results support the fact that poker deserves to be set apart from other gambling forms, especially when it comes to prevention and treatment.
Gambling behind bars: does prison provide ideal conditions?
Authors: Beauregard Val_rie , Brochu Serge
Published: December 2013

While studies exist on the gambling habits of the correctional population prior to incarceration, little information exists on gambling habits during imprisonment. This article aims to describe gambling practices in Quebec prisons. The impact of prison life on these activities and their meaning will be analyzed, relying on semi-structured interviews with 51 men currently detained in three federal penitentiaries in Quebec. Contrary to our expectations, the regulations prohibiting gambling in Correctional Service of Canada institutions do not present a central obstacle to this practice. In fact, participation in gambling is limited more by elements connected to the detention institution and the sentence. The availability of certain games, more particularly card games such as poker, as well as the pleasure resulting from those games seem considerably limited in comparison with group bets like sports pools.
The feasibility of providing gambling-related self-help information to college students who screen for disordered gambling via an online health survey: an exploratory study
Authors: Martin Ryan J.
Published: December 2013

Individuals with gambling disorders are reluctant to enter formal gambling treatment and often recover without it. For this reason, it is important to provide disordered gamblers with resources that facilitate treatment on their own (i.e., self-help). This exploratory study examined the feasibility of collecting contact information and providing gambling-related self-help information to a sample of college students who indicated possible disordered gambling behavior via an online health survey. Results indicated that among the 60 participants who met the threshold for possible disordered gambling behavior, 29 (48.3%) voluntarily provided their contact information. Subsequently, gambling-related resources were emailed to these participants. The findings of this exploratory study indicate that online health surveys completed by a large number of students might be advantageous for screening and intervening in disordered gambling in this population.
Evaluation of the quality of services provided by a gambling helpline: an empirical study
Authors: Ferland Francine , Ladouceur Robert , Giroux Isabelle , Savard Cathy , Ruel Sophie , Leclerc Marie-Frédérique , Guimond François
Published: December 2013

This study evaluates the quality of the services provided by a helpline according to the type of caller and the type of request. One hundred and fifteen bogus calls made by simulated clients were used for the evaluation. Results showed that 87% of the calls received an adequate response from the helpline information/referral counsellors (IRCs). Referral requests made by a loved one were less frequently rated as adequate. The quality of responses was better for requests for a referral than they were for information. The simulated client method allowed for experimentation in how a caller could respond emotionally when contacting the helpline. The method revealed that answers given to a loved one could be frustrating and that some IRCs have more difficulties providing general information about gambling than providing the name of a rehabilitation centre. These results should help to improve the quality of the services offered by the helpline to respond more specifically to the callers' information and referral requests.
In Praise of the Intercessor: Mawāhib al-Nāfiʿ fī Madāʾiḥ al-Shāfiʿ by Amadu Bamba Mbacké (1853–1927)
Authors: Ware Rudolph
Published: December 2013

In Praise of the Intercessor is an effort to capture in English verse an echo of the original meaning, rhythm, and tenor of a panegyric written by one of West Africa’s most famous Sufi shaykhs, Amadu Bamba. The founder of the Muridiyya wrote literally hundreds of distinct works in Arabic verse, but the piece translated here is one of his most widely recited poems, and the translation notes here expound upon the significance of some his poetic allusions for Murids. The introduction offers reflections on the role of praise poetry in Islamic scholarly culture, as well as the challenges and immense rewards in translating such works in fresh ways.
How Enterprise Education Can Promote Deep Learning to Improve Student Employability
Authors: Moon Rob , Curtis Vic , Dupernex Simon
Published: December 2013

This paper focuses on identifying the approaches students take to their learning, with particular regard to issues of enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation when comparing the traditional lecture format to a more applied, practice-based case study format. The notions of deep and surface learning are used to explain student learning. More active methods of teaching (such as discussion and case studies) promote a deep approach; and work elsewhere has suggested that these methods are more effective than lectures for the promotion of thought. For this study, questionnaire surveys were used to determine whether there was a difference in approach to learning between most and least beneficial course modules, and between the lecture-based and more applied, practice-based case study formats. The findings indicated that deeper learning results from a more active approach, with students who adopted deeper learning being better able to apply their learning in different entrepreneurial contexts.
Teaching Entrepreneurship to University Students through Experiential Learning
Authors: Mason Colin , Arshed Norin
Published: December 2013

The view that entrepreneurship education should be based on experiential approaches to learning is gaining ground. However, there is both little discussion in the literature on what form experiential education should take and a paucity of examples of experiential approaches to learning. This paper helps to fill these gaps. It provides a case study of an experiential learning assignment that formed an important part of a first-year entrepreneurship course in a Scottish university. It describes how the assignment was designed, what activities were undertaken by students and, using their learning reflections for evidence, identifies the learning outcomes and the effect on entrepreneurial intent, motivations and capabilities. The evidence suggests that the assignment was an effective learning experience for the students, complementing and reinforcing prior classroom learning through application. It facilitated learning about the real world of the entrepreneur, something which would otherwise not have been possible, and had a positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions.
Research Note: Travel Time as a Proxy for Travel Cost in a Heritage Tourist Destination
Authors: Han Sang-Hyun , Byun Woo-Hee , Lee Timothy Jeonglyeol , Lee Choong-Ki
Published: December 2013

This study proposes that ‘travel time’ derived from a geographic information system (GIS) can be used as a numerical proxy for travel cost in place of ‘travel distance’ in the standard travel cost method (TCM). The study examines the validity and usefulness of the ‘shortest transport time’ compared to the ‘shortest transport distance’. The investigation was conducted at the Hahoe Heritage Village in South Korea by means of a survey of visitors leaving the village after sightseeing. In all, 552 surveys were valid for econometric analysis. The zonal TCM was applied to estimate consumer surplus for the research site. The study contributes to the pursuit of a more practical methodology for investigating the travel cost model.
Benchmarking International Tourism Destinations
Authors: Assaf A. George , Dwyer Larry
Published: December 2013

Industry productivity growth measures the contribution to the growth of the economy that an industry delivers. Benchmarking international tourism destinations in respect of their productivity is often avoided due to the difference in tourism characteristics between destinations. This paper introduces a novel approach to destination benchmarking that is theoretically motivated to account for this problem. The benchmarking framework proposed uses separate groups of countries with similar characteristics to construct a metafrontier that envelops these groups, and as such represents the world tourism industry. The paper confirms that ignoring heterogeneity (that is, differences in destination characteristics) can lead to bias in the productivity rankings of different countries. The results show that North American and European countries lead the world tourism industry in terms of productivity growth, while African countries lag behind. On average, most African countries are also not catching up with the world tourism industry. The outcome is development of a robust and comprehensive benchmarking methodology that can provide governments and national tourism offices with an accurate assessment of their international tourism performance.
Effects of Social Network and Destination on Earnings and Economic Integration of Female Mexican Migrants
Authors: Gastón María Teresa Teresa
Published: December 2013

As immigrant contributions to the U.S. economy and society are debated, female migrants continue to increase their number in the U.S. work force. Little is known about the economic experiences of undocumented female Mexican migrants in the United States. Do women in traditional migrant destinations fare better than those in new destination cities, as has been shown for males? Does a strong social network positively impact earnings and participation in economic life? This study explores these questions with data collected at Mexican consulates in seven U.S. cities during 2004 and 2005 by Pew Hispanic Center field researchers. Controlling for education level and English fluency, social network and destination are examined for their effects on earnings and economic integration. The effects of social network on economic outcomes are also examined separately in new and traditional destinations. Evidence of the effect of education, English, social network, and destination on earnings and economic integration is consistent with previous findings for males, but nuances are found for this sample of female migrants that contributes to the literature. Experiences differ by destination with women in traditional migrant destination cities experiencing greater economic integration. Findings provide a rare glimpse into the economic experiences of undocumented female migrants in the U.S. Further research examining these factors after the recession and after increaseddeportations and anti-immigrant state and local ordinances is recommended.
Evidencia sobre la movilidad económica intergeneracional en Nicaragua
Authors: Mendoza Tijerino Francisco , Narváez Silva Carlos
Published: December 2013

En base a las Encuestas de Medición del Nivel de Vida 2005 y 2009 se estimó la elasticidad económica intergeneracional para el caso de Nicaragua, medida que permite apreciar el grado de movilidad económica entre generaciones. Se identificó un gran contraste entre los niveles de ingresos generados por los más ricos y los más pobres, obteniéndose un coeficiente de Gini de 0.489, superior al coeficiente del ingreso estimado por el Instituto Nacional de Información de Desarrollo debido, en parte, a la forma de construcción de la variable ingreso. La desigualdad persistente a través de una generación se analiza bajo el enfoque de divergencia en las capacidades y libertades de los individuos, permitiendo así relacionarla directamente con el grado de desarrollo económico. Se utilizó el método de variable instrumental y datos de corte transversal agrupados en el tiempo para estimar el valor de la elasticidad intergeneracional en Nicaragua, que se encuentra entre 0.25 y 0.33, indicando quela desigualdad en la distribución de ingresos perdura con el paso de una generación.
El Capítulo Nicaragua y su articulación con el Comité Consultivo del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (CCSICA)
Authors: Osorio Mercado Hloreley , Sánchez González Mario , Olivares Morales Marissa
Published: December 2013

Desde 2005 el Comité Consultivo del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (CCSICA) dispone de capítulos nacionales en cada uno de los países centroamericanos (a excepción de El Salvador). La investigación muestra la trayectoria que ha tenido el Capítulo Nicaragua y su articulación con el CCSICA, cuyos mecanismos de comunicación, retroalimentación y seguimiento al capítulo nacional han sido débiles.El estudio reveló que el Capítulo Nicaragua está en proceso de constituirse en un espacio para reflexión, análisis y promoción de la integración centroamericana. Entre sus retos están la ampliación y el fortalecimiento de su liderazgo, y el establecimiento y regularización de los mecanismos de funcionamiento y comunicación entre sus miembros. Su labor ha sido de posicionamiento político, pero hace falta desarrollar capacidades técnicas para formulación de propuestas, incidencia y auditoría, un mayor involucramiento de la ciudadanía local en los procesos de integración regional y la dinamización de su comunicación con el CCSICA.
‘Mujer y Familia Migrante’: un programa para contribuir a la salud emocional
Authors: Polanco Hernández Graciela
Published: December 2013

La necesidad de migrar de los mexicanos hacia los Estados Unidos ha alcanzado Estados que no tenían esta tradición, como es el caso del estado de Veracruz. El fenómeno migratorio tiene grandes costos sociales tanto para los que migran como para la familia que se queda en el lugar de origen. Esta situación ha propiciado que la dinámica y la estructura de la familia cambien para una mejor adaptación y supervivencia. Se realizó un estudio para evaluar el programa ‘Mujer y Familia Migrante’ desarrollado por el Servicio Jesuita a Migrantes en comunidades de Veracruz, México. Se tuvo la participación de 58 beneficiarias del programa con un rango de edad entre 16 y 70 años y una media de 41.34 años. Se utilizó la técnica de grupos focales en siete comunidades participantes. La evaluación reporta que el programa les brindó herramientas cognitivas a las mujeres para enfrentar y solucionar las vicisitudes que se les presentan diariamente ante la migración masculina.
Conferencia Internacional de Publicaciones Académicas: un espacio para compartir experiencias y plantear nuevos desafíos
Authors: Pérez Picado Anielka María
Published: December 2013

En agosto de 2013 se realizó en México la Cuarta Conferencia Internacional PKP (Public Knowledge Project) sobre publicaciones académicas. El evento, que se celebró por primera vez en América Latina, movilizó a editores de revistas científicas, bibliotecarios, investigadores, desarrolladores de sitios web y promotores del Movimiento de Acceso Abierto a nivel mundial.
Effect of Xanthan and Arabic Gums on Foaming Properties of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Seed Protein Isolate
Authors: Dawa Quirino , Hua Yufei , Chamba Moses Vernonxious Madalitso , Masamba Kingsley George , Zhang Caimeng
Published: December 2013

Understanding how foaming properties of proteins are affected by factors such as pH, salt concentration and temperature is essential in predicting their performance and utilisation. In this study, the effects of pH and salt concentration were studied on the foaming properties of pumpkin seed protein isolate (PSPI) and PSPI- xanthan (XG)/Arabic (GA) gum blends. The foaming properties of the PSPI-GA/XG blends were also compared with egg white. Foam stability (FS) was significantly affected by pH with PSPI: GA (25:4) and PSPI: XG (25:1) having a significantly higher stability at pH 2 with the lowest foam stability at pH 4. Sodium chloride (0.2-1.0 M) did not significantly affect foaming properties although PSPI: GA (25:4) had the highest FC (89.33 ± 3.24%) and FS (76.83 ± 1.53 min) at 0.2 M sodium chloride concentration. The foaming capacity (FC) of PSPI: GA (25:4) blend (128.00 ± 0.91%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of egg white (74.00 ± 1.33%) but its FS was significantly lower. It was further revealed that the FC of egg white (74.00 ± 1.33%) was comparable to the PSPI:XG (25:1) blend (74.00 ± 1.46%) but the FS for egg white (480.00 ± 2.67 min) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the FS (116.21 ± 0.86 min) of PSPI:XG (25:1). The foaming properties of PSPI and PSPI-xanthan (XG)/Arabic (GA) blends were significantly affected by pH. Optimum foaming properties, PSPI:XG (25:1) and PSPI:GA (25:4) were observed at pH 2 and heat treatment temperature of 80 ºC.
Mechanism and preclinical prevention of increased breast cancer risk caused by pregnancy
Authors: Haricharan Svasti , Dong Jie , Hein Sarah , Reddy Jay P , Du Zhijun , Toneff Michael , Holloway Kimberly , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Huang Shixia , Atkinson Rachel , Woodward Wendy , Jindal Sonali , Borges Virginia F , Gutierrez Carolina , Zhang Hong , Schedin Pepper J , Osborne C Kent , Tweardy David J , Li Yi
Published: December 2013

While a first pregnancy before age 22 lowers breast cancer risk, a pregnancy after age 35 significantly increases life-long breast cancer risk. Pregnancy causes several changes to the normal breast that raise barriers to transformation, but how pregnancy can also increase cancer risk remains unclear. We show in mice that pregnancy has different effects on the few early lesions that have already developed in the otherwise normal breast—it causes apoptosis evasion and accelerated progression to cancer. The apoptosis evasion is due to the normally tightly controlled STAT5 signaling going astray—these precancerous cells activate STAT5 in response to pregnancy/lactation hormones and maintain STAT5 activation even during involution, thus preventing the apoptosis normally initiated by oncoprotein and involution. Short-term anti-STAT5 treatment of lactation-completed mice bearing early lesions eliminates the increased risk after a pregnancy. This chemoprevention strategy has important implications for preventing increased human breast cancer risk caused by pregnancy.
Chromatin signature of widespread monoallelic expression
Authors: Nag Anwesha , Savova Virginia , Fung Ho-Lim , Miron Alexander , Yuan Guo-Cheng , Zhang Kun , Gimelbrant Alexander A
Published: December 2013

In mammals, numerous autosomal genes are subject to mitotically stable monoallelic expression (MAE), including genes that play critical roles in a variety of human diseases. Due to challenges posed by the clonal nature of MAE, very little is known about its regulation; in particular, no molecular features have been specifically linked to MAE. In this study, we report an approach that distinguishes MAE genes in human cells with great accuracy: a chromatin signature consisting of chromatin marks associated with active transcription (H3K36me3) and silencing (H3K27me3) simultaneously occurring in the gene body. The MAE signature is present in ∼20% of ubiquitously expressed genes and over 30% of tissue-specific genes across cell types. Notably, it is enriched among key developmental genes that have bivalent chromatin structure in pluripotent cells. Our results open a new approach to the study of MAE that is independent of polymorphisms, and suggest that MAE is linked to cell differentiation.