bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Stability of Freeway Macroscopic Traffic Stream Models
Authors: Liu Chenhao , Williams Billy M. , Rouphail Nagui M.
Published: February 2013

A key assumption for the successful deployment of mesoscopic transportation network simulation to assess network behavior and performance at a future planning horizon is that the parameters of the constituent macroscopic traffic stream models remain stable at relatively long planning time scales. However, no research has been undertaken to test this assumption systematically. Assessing the validity of this implicit assumption requires rigorous analysis based on empirical traffic data covering a long period. Extensive freeway management systems have now been in place long enough to provide these empirical data. A method to investigate the issue of temporal stability of freeway macroscopic traffic stream models rigorously with 15 years of traffic data from the London Orbital Motorway is presented and implemented. Two forms of macroscopic traffic stream models, namely, a two-regime and a three-regime model form, were studied in this research. With a 13-week, outlier-corrected moving window sampling method and maximum likelihood parameter estimation, time series were developed for the model parameters. The temporal stability characteristics and correlation properties of the fitted parameters are analyzed and discussed. The parameters were found to be relatively stable over time and did not exhibit statistically significant seasonal correlation. Parameter variability was found to be governed primarily by the relative scatter of heavily congested observations and how well the heavily congested regime was represented in the individual data samples. Therefore, modelers should ensure that traffic stream model calibration data sets are free from outliers and well distributed across the model regimes.
Road Capacity and Travel Times with Bus Lanes and Intermittent Priority Activation
Authors: Chiabaut Nicolas , Xie Xiaoyan , Leclercq Ludovic
Published: February 2013

This study is focused on capacity and travel times in a signalized corridor and bus lanes with intermittent priority (BLIPs). These strategies consist of opening the bus lane to general traffic intermittently when a bus is not using it. Although the benefits of such strategies have been pointed out in the literature, the activation phase has received little attention. In an attempt to fill this gap, the activation of BLIP strategies was studied analytically. To this end, the extended kinematic wave model with bounded acceleration was chosen. BLIP activation reduced capacity and increased the travel time of buses. However, even if this strategy seems to be counterproductive at first, it clearly increases the performance of transit buses on a larger scale.
Health-promoting Vending Machines: Evaluation of a Pediatric Hospital Intervention
Authors: van Hulst Andraea , Barnett Tracie A. , Déry Véronique , Côté Geneviève , Colin Christine
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Taking advantage of a natural experiment made possible by the placement of health-promoting vending machines (HPVMs), we evaluated the impact of the intervention on consumers’ attitudes toward and practices with vending machines in a pediatric hospital.

Methods: Vending machines offering healthy snacks, meals, and beverages were developed to replace four vending machines offering the usual high-energy, low-nutrition fare. A pre- and post-intervention evaluation design was used; data were collected through exit surveys and six-week follow-up telephone surveys among potential vending machine users before (n=293) and after (n=226) placement of HPVMs. Chi-2 statistics were used to compare pre- and post-intervention participants’ responses.

Results: More than 90% of pre- and post-intervention participants were satisfied with their purchase. Post-intervention participants were more likely to state that nutritional content and appropriateness of portion size were elements that influenced their purchase. Overall, post-intervention participants were more likely than pre-intervention participants to perceive as healthy the options offered by the hospital vending machines. Thirty-three percent of post-intervention participants recalled two or more sources of information integrated in the HPVM concept. No differences were found between pre- and postintervention participants’ readiness to adopt healthy diets.

Conclusions: While the HPVM project had challenges as well as strengths, vending machines offering healthy snacks are feasible in hospital settings.
Promoting eHealth Literacy in Older Adults: Key Informant Perspectives
Authors: Manafò Elizabeth , Wong Sharon
Published: February 2013

Health literacy has the potential to improve an individual’s capacity to access, understand, evaluate, and communicate basic health information and services in order to make appropriate health decisions. We developed a research agenda to help older adults become aware of health literacy and its function in promoting their nutritional health and well-being. A key activity is the development, implementation, and evaluation of an eHealth literacy tool, eSEARCH, targeted at older adults to help improve their eHealth literacy skills. Before consultations were held with this subpopulation to assess their eHealth literacy needs and abilities, key informant interviews were conducted with eight experts in the field of health literacy, the older adult population, and/or online communications. Some experts were identified from the relevant literature; others were identified by informants who had already been interviewed. Informants were asked nine questions about the perceived importance of health literacy in Canada, key considerations in developing an eHealth literacy tool, and supporting resources for advancement of the eHealth literacy tool. Informants agreed that health literacy is a key concept and stressed that key considerations for development of the eSEARCH tool are identifying the target population’s needs, focusing on health promotion, and increasing confidence in information-seeking behaviours. Identified challenges are ensuring accessibility, applicability to older adults, and adoption of the tool by dietetic and other health care professionals.
Sources ofTransand Saturated Fatty Acids: In the Diets of Vancouver Children
Authors: Mulder Kelly A. , Ferdinands Alexa R. , Richardson Kelly J. , Innis Sheila M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Amounts and sources of trans fatty acids (TFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were examined in the diets of children aged five to six years after changes in TFA in Canadian foods.

Methods: Dietary intake was assessed for 100 Vancouver children, using three 24-hour recalls during parental interviews. Trans fatty acid and SFA intakes and food sources were determined for each child.

Results: The TFA intake was 0.71 ± 0.31% of energy, and 12% of children consumed over 1% of energy from TFA. Saturated fatty acids intakes were 12.5 ± 3.39% of energy, and 81% of the children consumed more than 10% of energy from SFA. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes were 12.0 ± 3.0% and 5.79 ± 2.16% of energy, respectively. Major sources of TFA were dairy products, fast foods, and bakery products. Major sources of SFA were dairy products, processed foods, fast food, and bakery products.

Conclusions: The TFA intakes of children aged five to six years have decreased since 2004 to a 95th percentile intake of 1.28% of energy, but more than 80% of children consume over 10% of energy from SFA. Removing TFA from snacks and bakery products would decrease the highest TFA intakes to 1% of energy. This study suggests that increased efforts by industry or educational guidance for parents is required to enable selection of foods lower in TFA, and that greater emphasis is needed on SFA.
A Polynomial-Time Algorithm for Computing the Maximum Common Connected Edge Subgraph of Outerplanar Graphs of Bounded Degree
Authors: Akutsu Tatsuya , Tamura Takeyuki
Published: February 2013

The maximum common connected edge subgraph problem is to find a connected graph with the maximum number of edges that is isomorphic to a subgraph of each of the two input graphs, where it has applications in pattern recognition and chemistry. This paper presents a dynamic programming algorithm for the problem when the two input graphs are outerplanar graphs of a bounded vertex degree, where it is known that the problem is NP-hard, even for outerplanar graphs of an unbounded degree. Although the algorithm repeatedly modifies input graphs, it is shown that the number of relevant subproblems is polynomially bounded, and thus, the algorithm works in polynomial time.
Half-Titanocenes Containing Anionic Ancillary Donor Ligands: Effective Catalyst Precursors for Ethylene/Styrene Copolymerization
Authors: Nomura Kotohiro
Published: February 2013

This review summarizes recent results for ethylene/styrene copolymerization using half-titanocenes containing anionic donor ligands, Cp’TiX2(Y) (X = halogen, alkyl; Y = aryloxo, ketimide etc.)–cocatalyst systems. The product composition, the styrene incorporation and microstructures in the resultant copolymers are highly influenced by the anionic donor employed. A methodology for an exclusive synthesis of the copolymers even under high temperature and high styrene concentrations has been introduced on the basis of a proposed catalytically-active species in this catalysis.
Heat Generation and Transfer Behaviors of Ti-Coated Carbon Steel Rod Adaptable for Ablation Therapy of Oral Cancer
Authors: Naohara Takashi , Aono Hiromichi , Maehara Tsunehiro , Hirazawa Hideyuki , Matsutomo Shinya , Watanabe Yuji
Published: February 2013

For the purpose of developing a novel ablation therapy for oral cancer, the heat generation and transfer properties of a Ti-coated carbon steel rod with 20-mm length and 1.8-mm outer diameter were investigated by means of a high-frequency induction technique at 300 kHz. The heat generation measurement performed using water (15 mL) revealed that the difference of the inclination angles (θ = 0°, 45° and 90°) relative to the magnetic flux direction only slightly affects the heating behavior, exhibiting the overlapped temperature curves during an induction time of 1200 s. These results suggest that the effect of the shape magnetic anisotropy is almost eliminated, being convenient for the precise control of the ablation temperature in clinical use. In the experiments utilizing a tissue-mimicking phantom, the heat transfer concentrically occurred in the lateral direction for both the planar surface and a 10-mm deep cross-section. However, the former exhibited a considerably lower increase in temperature (ΔT), probably due to the effect of heat dissipation to the ambient air. No significant heat transfer was found to occur to the lower side of the inserted Ti-coated carbon steel rod, which is situated in the longitudinal direction.
Sources of Secondary Metabolite Variation in Dysidea avara (Porifera: Demospongiae): The Importance of Having Good Neighbors
Authors: De Caralt Sonia , Bry Delphine , Bontemps Nataly , Turon Xavier , Uriz Maria-Jesus , Banaigs Bernard
Published: February 2013

Several studies report temporal, geographical, and intra-individual variation in sponge metabolite yields. However, the internal and/or external factors that regulate the metabolite production remain poorly understood. Dysidea avara is a demosponge that produces sesquiterpenoids (avarol and derivatives) with interesting medical properties, which has prompted addressed studies to obtain enough amounts of these metabolites for research on drug discovery. Within this framework, specimens of Dysidea avara from a population of the Northwest Mediterranean were sampled and their secondary metabolites quantified to assess their variability and the possible relationship with external (seasonality, interactions with neighbors) and internal (reproductive stages) factors. The results show a variation of the amount of both avarol and its monoacetate derivative with time, with no clear relationship with seawater temperature. A trade-off with sponge reproduction was not found either. However, our results showed for the first time that sponges are able to increase production or accumulation of secondary metabolites in their peripheral zone depending on the nature of their neighbors. This finding could explain part of the high variability in the amount of secondary metabolites usually found in chemical ecology studies on sponges and opens new biotechnological approaches to enhance the metabolite yield in sponge cultures.
Catalytic activity of nanostructured Au: Scale effects versus bimetallic/bifunctional effects in low-temperature CO oxidation on nanoporous Au
Authors: Wang Lu-Cun , Zhong Yi , Jin Haijun , Widmann Daniel , Weissmüller Jörg , Behm R Jürgen
Published: February 2013

The catalytic properties of nanostructured Au and their physical origin were investigated by using the low-temperature CO oxidation as a test reaction. In order to distinguish between structural effects (structure–activity correlations) and bimetallic/bifunctional effects, unsupported nanoporous gold (NPG) samples prepared from different Au alloys (AuAg, AuCu) by selective leaching of a less noble metal (Ag, Cu) were employed, whose structure (surface area, ligament size) as well as their residual amount of the second metal were systematically varied by applying different potentials for dealloying. The structural and chemical properties before and after 1000 min reaction were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic behavior was evaluated by kinetic measurements in a conventional microreactor and by dynamic measurements in a temporal analysis of products (TAP) reactor. The data reveal a clear influence of the surface contents of residual Ag and Cu species on both O2 activation and catalytic activity, while correlations between activity and structural parameters such as surface area or ligament/crystallite size are less evident. Consequences for the mechanistic understanding and the role of the nanostructure in these NPG catalysts are discussed.
Microwave-assisted three-component domino reaction: Synthesis of indolodiazepinotriazoles
Authors: Arigela Rajesh K , Sharma Sudhir K , Kumar Brijesh , Kundu Bijoy
Published: February 2013

A microwave-assisted three-component protocol involving N-1 alkylation of 2-alkynylindoles with epichlorohydrin, ring opening of the epoxide with sodium azide, and an intramolecular Huisgen azide–internal alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino sequence has been described. The efficacy of the methodology has been demonstrated by treating various 2-alkynylindoles (aromatic/aliphatic) with epichlorohydrin and sodium azide furnishing annulated tetracyclic indolodiazepinotriazoles in satisfactory yields.
Risk of Tuberculosis after Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation: A Comparison between Efavirenz and Nevirapine Using Inverse Probability Weighting
Authors: Hermans Sabine M , Manabe Yukari C , Kiragga Agnes N , Hoepelman Andy IM , Lange Joep MA , Van Leth Frank
Published: February 2013

Background

There is a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) early after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. This historical cohort study evaluated the association of efavirenz (EFV) compared to nevirapine (NVP) with post-ART TB among patients initiated on first-line ART from 2005 to 2009 in a large, urban HIV clinic in Uganda.

Methods

Hazard ratios (HR) for developing TB were computed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with inverse weighting of the probability of being prescribed NVP or EFV (calculated by a multi-variable logistic regression model), stratifying by baseline CD4+ T-cell count. Adjustment for time-updated CD4+ T-cell count, restriction of the analysis to patients remaining in follow-up and a TB-free survival analysis were performed as sensitivity analyses.

Results

ART was initiated in 5,797 patients; 66% were women with a mean age of 37 years (sd 9) and a median baseline CD4+ T-cell count of 117 cells/mm3 (IQR 43–182). Overall, 60% ( n=3,484) were initiated on NVP and 40% ( n=2,313) on EFV. In the first 2 years of ART, 377 patients developed TB. The use of EFV compared to NVP was independently associated with higher TB incidence in patients with a baseline CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/mm3 (HR 2.05 [95% CI 1.29, 3.27]; P=0.003), but not at higher CD4+ T-cell counts (HR 0.71 [95% CI 0.39, 1.31]; P=0.428). These estimates were robust to all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

There was a higher incidence of TB in patients with baseline CD4+ T-cell counts <100 cells/mm3 initiated on EFV compared to those initiated on NVP. Further research in a trial setting or a larger multisite observational cohort is needed to confirm these findings.
Inégalités et croissance : une histoire des idées
Authors: Bourguignon François
Published: February 2013

Résumé Depuis les années 1950 jusqu’à nos jours, la relation entre inégalité, croissance et pauvreté alimente d’intenses débats académiques, qui façonnent les politiques des États et des organismes de développement. L’histoire des idées des sciences économiques démontre des changements de paradigme de la croissance, et la mise en avant progressive de l’accumulation d’actifs productifs dans les groupes les plus défavorisés. Cela se concrétise dans des outils de mesures, des programmes sociaux et de nouvelles modalités de pilotage des politiques publiques.
L'implication du Qatar dans les révolutions arabes : stratégie d'influence ou OPA ?
Authors: Kodmani Hala
Published: February 2013

Comme dans les autres domaines où il investit, le Qatar a trouvé dans les révolutions arabes une formidable occasion de déborder ses étroites frontières pour se projeter sur la scène internationale. Si le maximum de visibilité était l’objectif principal de l’implication de l’Emirat, on peut estimer qu’il est largement réalisé. Mais son soutien privilégié aux mouvements islamistes aiguise les critiques tandis que l’effectivité de son influence reste discutable dans des dynamiques très mouvantes.
Le Qatar et l'islam de France : vers une nouvelle idylle ?
Authors: Seniguer Haouès
Published: February 2013

Il n’existe pas beaucoup de sources scientifiques sur le Qatar, son régime et les dessous de sa politique étrangère en général, et moins encore sur le montant de ses financements de l’islam ou des projets qui tournent autour de la religion musulmane, que ce soit dans le monde arabe ou en Occident. La relation des mécènes qataris à l’islam de France ou européen, œuvrant dans les cercles plus ou moins proches des centres du pouvoir officiel, est tout sauf évidente. En tous les cas, elle mériterait un traitement sur le plus long terme. C’est pourquoi, en la matière, il s’est agi pour nous, au cours de cet article, de formuler une série d’hypothèses explicatives à partir de faits objectifs incontestables : la France est le pays européen qui compte le plus grand nombre de musulmans (entre cinq et six millions de personnes, pratiquantes ou non), dont certains sont victimes d’exclusion socio-économique ; l’absence de magistère centralisateur, ajoutée à l’émergence de nouvelles générations françaises musulmanes de plus en plus détachées des pays dont leurs parents sont originaires, décuplent les capacités d’ancrage et d’attrait d’une idéologie islamiste (dont le Qatar est l’un des hérauts), par essence « déterritorialisée », qui essaye d’articuler réaffirmation identitaire, y compris orthodoxe et orthopraxe, et citoyenneté. En misant sur des personnalités européennes musulmanes de premier plan, en particulier en raison de leur forte audience et médiatisation, tel le prédicateur suisse Tariq Ramadan, la seconde épouse de l’émir Hamad Ben Khalifa Al-Thani, Mozah bint Nasser, tente de promouvoir la valorisation de l’image de son pays auprès des musulmans d’Europe, Français en particulier, entre autres pour faire pièce à ses concurrents salafistes, eux, financés et soutenus par l’Arabie saoudite. Le Qatar, du moins la ligne défendue par l’émir et sa deuxième femme, cherche à faire d’une pierre deux coups : d’une part, réduire, à l’interne et à l’externe, la part d’influence du wahhabisme, et d’autre part, bénéficier d’une bonne image de marque auprès des Européens de confession musulmane. Car, en effet, personne ne pourrait croire, réalistement, que le Qatar s’intéresse à tout, investisse partout, sauf dans l’islam !
Les outils de contrôle de gestion : entre stabilité et changement
Authors: Chanegrih Tarek
Published: February 2013

Résumé Cet article cherche à évaluer la dynamique d’évolution des outils de contrôle de gestion des entreprises manufacturières françaises de plus de 100 salariés. Il s’intéresse particulièrement à la nature, à la localisation et à la perception du succès de ces changements. Les résultats de la recherche, menée auprès de 65 entreprises, montrent une stabilité des systèmes de rémunération et de coûts qui contraste avec une plus grande évolution des systèmes de mesure de la performance et de reporting. De plus la recherche met en évidence le caractère évolutionniste et non révolutionnaire des changements en contrôle de gestion. Enfin, les résultats de l’étude empirique montrent que le fort degré d’implication de la direction dans les projets les plus importants affaiblit les résistances aux changements, et permet ainsi de réussir les changements les plus prioritaires, qui semblent être les plus complexes.
Les politiques de contrôle des stupéfiants au Nigeria : centralisation, répression et insécurité
Authors: Klantschnig Gernot , Garnier Adèle
Published: February 2013

Résumé Cet article examine les politiques de contrôle des stupéfiants au Nigeria en se fondant sur des sources jusqu’alors inaccessibles. Il analyse l’émergence d’une agence spécialisée dans le contrôle des stupéfiants et les transformations de la gouvernance de cette agence depuis 1989. L’accent est mis sur la perception par les agents en charge du contrôle des stupéfiants de leur travail et de leur insertion dans les réseaux de coopération internationale. Nous montrons que l’évolution du contrôle des stupéfiants au Nigeria a moins à voir avec l’évolution de la criminalité sur le terrain qu’avec les dynamiques politiques de l’État postcolonial en matière de centralisation, sa préférence pour des politiques répressives et une tendance à externaliser ses conflits internes autour des idées et des ressources en matière de contrôle des stupéfiants.
Les valeurs coopératives face à la crise abyssale de nos sociétés
Authors: Adam Michel
Published: February 2013

Résumé L’humanité est entrée dans l’ère de l’Anthropocène (Lorius, 2010). Les défis qu’elle affronte sont colossaux et son avenir à long terme incertain. Face à l’ampleur de la crise en cours, les valeurs coopératives sont-elles un atout pour relever ces défis ? Valeurs opératoires plus que déclaratives, elles doivent d’abord être identifiées pour être mises en actes, en tant qu’instances fondatrices de l’action finalisée – le travail – et influencées par celle-ci en retour, soumises à de nombreux paradoxes, qu’il nous faut apprendre à déjouer. Il en va de même de la coopération, processus complexe plus que drapeau identitaire. Une dialogique (Morin, 1977) s’instaure qui invite à la complexité, à la reliance plus qu’à la simplification réductrice. Au sein des organisations, l’entreprise tout particulièrement est devenue un lieu de vie majeur, source d’un double attachement, où tentent de se conjuguer, sans garantie de succès définitifs, le « pour soi », le « pour nous » et le « pour eux », conditions imbriquées d’un entrepreneuriat vivant et vivable. Et d’un développement soutenable, c’est-à-dire ouvrant sur une autre coopération trop négligée, la coopération avec la Nature (Routhley, 1992). C’est d’abord le changement du regard sur les « choses » qui est ici en jeu.
L'intelligence économique territoriale comme approche par la coopération sur un territoire : positionnements et collaboration d'universitaires et de consultants en Aquitaine
Authors: Bourret Christian , Chabannes Henri F. , Marnat Christophe
Published: February 2013

Résumé La question du développement économique des territoires, de leur attractivité, ou, tout aussi fondamentalement, celle de la survie des entreprises locales, constituent une préoccupation majeure des pouvoirs publics et de nombreux autres acteurs. Dans cet article, nous proposons des éléments pour une approche coopérative faisant converger problématiques d’intelligence économique et d’intelligence territoriale pour une approche globale du territoire comme intelligence collective construite conjointement par tous ses acteurs. Nous l’abordons à travers la coopération d’universitaires et de consultants sur actions concernant le territoire aquitain. Nous partirons de la crise économique et sociétale actuelle qui favorise les réflexions autour d’un autre modèle de développement économique durable et équitable. Nous proposerons ensuite d’essayer de faire converger intelligence économique et intelligence territoriale pour une intelligence collective globale des territoires : IET ou Intelligence Économique Territoriale. Puis, nous nous interrogerons sur les positionnements respectifs des universitaires et des consultants avec l’émergence d’un positionnement hybride de consultant-chercheur qu’il conviendra de mieux analyser dans d’autres travaux.
L'assistance à la maîtrise d'ouvrage : quelles modalités d'accompagnement ?
Authors: Olasagasti Elorri
Published: February 2013

Résumé Le sujet des dysfonctionnements dans la production architecturale, s’il n’est pas récent, reste encore une problématique que les maîtres d’ouvrages et les maîtres d’œuvre ont du mal à résoudre dans un contexte où les réglementations de plus en plus nombreuses amènent avec elles la multiplication d’acteurs. Dans ce cas, comment accompagner, en tant qu’assistant à la maîtrise d’ouvrage, les acteurs sur cette problématique ? Ce travail présente notre réflexion sur les modalités d’accompagnement favorisant l’implication des acteurs. Pour cela, nous avons, à travers la littérature, approfondi le constat selon lequel la gestion des projets architecturaux est globalement assez peu efficace et efficiente malgré de nouvelles fonctions d’accompagnement qui se développent, telles que l’assistance à la maîtrise d’ouvrage. Notre cheminement nous a conduite à mettre en lumière l’importance que revêt un accompagnement favorisant l’implication des acteurs dans le projet. Nous avons expérimenté cet aspect sur un terrain constitué par un projet de reconversion architecturale d’une SCI. Dans ce projet, nous sommes intervenue en tant qu’assistante à la maîtrise d’ouvrage, dans le cadre d’une CIFRE, sur une durée de trois ans. Cette immersion nous a permis de dégager des modalités concrètes d’accompagnement qui favorisent l’implication des différents acteurs de l’organisation dans le projet et ceci, dès les phases amont.
Using GIS to Explore the Retail Structure of Market Towns in Ireland
Authors: Dwan Bill
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach to quantifying and comparing retail structures. It explores the retail landscape of the three largest market towns in County Tipperary, Republic of Ireland, namely: Clonmel, Thurles and Nenagh. The context for the study is provided through an overview of recent changes in the Irish retail sector, the dynamic of market towns and the associated challenges inherent in defining retail structure. Using demographic and retail store location data a demand threshold analysis is undertaken on custom-defined catchments for each market town (derived using a Huff Model). The paper highlights that applied GIS approaches can effectively be used to examine retail structure and to benchmark the relative under- or over-penetration of retail activity within a given set of markets. The paper also underlines the limitations inherent in such analysis and the need for high quality longitudinal data on retail demand and supply.
Network Planning and Retail Store Segmentation
Authors: Bermingham Philip , Hernandez Tony , Clarke Ian
Published: February 2013

Store segmentation aims to divide a network of stores into meaningful groups, typically based on a combination of operational, site and trading environment characteristics. It is an increasingly important component within network planning activities of major retail chains due to the significant capital investment that is physically grounded in their large store networks. The paper outlines findings from case study research that has focused on developing spatial decision support tools that enable decision makers to explore, construct and visualize store segments. An integrated spatial statistical approach to store segmentation is detailed and associated benefits and shortfalls discussed. The paper highlights the potential to develop customised geospatial tools to support network planning decision making activities. It is argued that geospatial decision support tools need to be designed to accommodate the varying GIS skill-levels of potential end-users and that fundamentally more emphasis needs to be placed on creating tools that can be used by decision-makers as opposed to analysts.
Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 Enhances Experimental Asthma by Promoting Th2 and Th17 and Limiting Regulatory T Cell and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Responses
Authors: Park Shin Yong , Jing Xuefang , Gupta Dipika , Dziarski Roman
Published: February 2013

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease involving cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity. We reveal that antibacterial innate immunity protein, peptidoglycan recognition protein (Pglyrp)1, is involved in the development of allergic asthma. Pglyrp1−/− mice developed less severe asthma than wild-type (WT) mice following sensitization with house dust mite (allergen) (HDM). HDM-sensitized Pglyrp1−/− mice, compared with WT mice, had diminished bronchial hyperresponsiveness (lung airway resistance); numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs; inflammatory cell infiltrates in the lungs around bronchi, bronchioles, and pulmonary arteries and veins; lung remodeling (mucin-producing goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia and smooth muscle hypertrophy and fibrosis); levels of IgE, eotaxins, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17 in the lungs; and numbers of Th2 and Th17 cells and expression of their marker genes in the lungs. The mechanism underlying this decreased sensitivity of Pglyrp1−/− mice to asthma was increased generation and activation of CD8α+β+ and CD8α+β− plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and increased recruitment and activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells in the lungs. In vivo depletion of pDC in HDM-sensitized Pglyrp1−/− mice reversed the low responsive asthma phenotype of Pglyrp1−/− mice to resemble the more severe WT phenotype. Thus, Pglyrp1−/− mice efficiently control allergic asthma by upregulating pDC and Treg cells in the lungs, whereas in WT mice, Pglyrp1 is proinflammatory and decreases pDC and Treg cells and increases proasthmatic Th2 and Th17 responses. Blocking Pglyrp1 or enhancing pDC in the lungs may be beneficial for prevention and treatment of asthma.
BET Protein Function Is Required for Inflammation: Brd2 Genetic Disruption and BET Inhibitor JQ1 Impair Mouse Macrophage Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Belkina Anna C. , Nikolajczyk Barbara S. , Denis Gerald V.
Published: February 2013

Histone acetylation regulates activation and repression of multiple inflammatory genes known to play critical roles in chronic inflammatory diseases. However, proteins responsible for translating the histone acetylation code into an orchestrated proinflammatory cytokine response remain poorly characterized. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are “readers” of histone acetylation marks, with demonstrated roles in gene transcription, but the ability of BET proteins to coordinate the response of inflammatory cytokine genes through translation of histone marks is unknown. We hypothesize that members of the BET family of dual bromodomain-containing transcriptional regulators directly control inflammatory genes. We examined the genetic model of brd2 lo mice, a BET protein hypomorph, to show that Brd2 is essential for proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. Studies that use small interfering RNA knockdown and a small-molecule inhibitor of BET protein binding, JQ1, independently demonstrate BET proteins are critical for macrophage inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we show that Brd2 and Brd4 physically associate with the promoters of inflammatory cytokine genes in macrophages. This association is absent in the presence of BET inhibition by JQ1. Finally, we demonstrate that JQ1 ablates cytokine production in vitro and blunts the “cytokine storm” in endotoxemic mice by reducing levels of IL-6 and TNF-α while rescuing mice from LPS-induced death. We propose that targeting BET proteins with small-molecule inhibitors will benefit hyperinflammatory conditions associated with high levels of cytokine production.
Troxerutin Counteracts Domoic Acid–Induced Memory Deficits in Mice by Inhibiting CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β–Mediated Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Lu Jun , Wu Dong-mei , Zheng Yuan-lin , Hu Bin , Cheng Wei , Zhang Zi-feng , Li Meng-qiu
Published: February 2013

The C/EBP β is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that regulates a variety of biological processes, including metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, and immune response. Recent findings show that C/EBP β–induced inflammatory responses mediate kainic acid–triggered excitotoxic brain injury. In this article, we show that protein kinase C ζ enhances K-ras expression and subsequently activates the Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway in the hippocampus of domoic acid (DA)–treated mice, which promotes C/EBP β expression and induces inflammatory responses. Elevated production of TNF-α impairs mitochondrial function and increases the levels of reactive oxygen species by IκB kinase β/NF-κB signaling. The aforementioned inflammation and oxidative stress lead to memory deficits in DA-treated mice. However, troxerutin inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression, enhances type 1 protein phosphatase α dephosphorylation, and abolishes MEK/ERK1/2/C/EBP β activation, which subsequently reverses the memory impairment observed in the DA-treated mice. Thus, troxerutin is recommended as a potential candidate for the prevention and therapeutic treatment of cognitive deficits resulting from excitotoxic brain damage and other brain disorders.
Cutting Edge: Cell-Autonomous Control of IL-7 Response Revealed in a Novel Stage of Precursor B Cells
Authors: Sandoval Gabriel J. , Graham Daniel B. , Bhattacharya Deepta , Sleckman Barry P. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Swat Wojciech
Published: February 2013

During early stages of B-lineage differentiation in bone marrow, signals emanating from IL-7R and pre-BCR are thought to synergistically induce proliferative expansion of progenitor cells. Paradoxically, loss of pre-BCR–signaling components is associated with leukemia in both mice and humans. Exactly how progenitor B cells perform the task of balancing proliferative burst dependent on IL-7 with the termination of IL-7 signals and the initiation of L chain gene rearrangement remains to be elucidated. In this article, we provide genetic and functional evidence that the cessation of the IL-7 response of pre-B cells is controlled via a cell-autonomous mechanism that operates at a discrete developmental transition inside Fraction C′ (large pre-BII) marked by transient expression of c-Myc. Our data indicate that pre-BCR cooperates with IL-7R in expanding the pre-B cell pool, but it is also critical to control the differentiation program shutting off the c-Myc gene in large pre-B cells.
Autoreactive Th1 Cells Activate Monocytes To Support Regional Th17 Responses in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Simons Donald M. , Oh Soyoung , Kropf Elizabeth , Aitken Malinda , Garcia Victoria , Basehoar Alissa , Caton Andrew J.
Published: February 2013

We have examined mechanisms underlying the formation of pathologic Th17 cells using a transgenic mouse model in which autoreactive CD4+ T cells recognize influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) as a ubiquitously expressed self-Ag and induce inflammatory arthritis. The lymph nodes of arthritic mice contain elevated numbers of inflammatory monocytes (iMO) with an enhanced capacity to promote CD4+ Th17 cell differentiation, and a regional inflammatory response develops in the paw-draining lymph nodes by an IL-17–dependent mechanism. The activation of these Th17-trophic iMO precedes arthritis development and occurs in the context of an autoreactive CD4+ Th1 cell response. Adoptive transfer of HA-specific CD4+ T cells into nonarthritic mice expressing HA as a self-Ag similarly led to the formation of Th1 cells and of iMO that could support Th17 cell formation, and, notably, the accumulation of these iMO in the lymph nodes was blocked by IFN-γ neutralization. These studies show that autoreactive CD4+ Th1 cells directed to a systemically distributed self-Ag can promote the development of a regional Th17 cell inflammatory response by driving the recruitment of Th17-trophic iMO to the lymph nodes.
Active Demethylation of the Foxp3 Locus Leads to the Generation of Stable Regulatory T Cells within the Thymus
Authors: Toker Aras , Engelbert Dirk , Garg Garima , Polansky Julia K. , Floess Stefan , Miyao Takahisa , Baron Udo , Düber Sandra , Geffers Robert , Giehr Pascal , Schallenberg Sonja , Kretschmer Karsten , Olek Sven , Walter Jörn , Weiss Siegfried , Hori Shohei , Hamann Alf , Huehn Jochen
Published: February 2013

Stable expression of Foxp3 in regulatory T cells (Tregs) depends on DNA demethylation at the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR), a conserved, CpG-rich region within the Foxp3 locus. The TSDR is selectively demethylated in ex vivo Tregs purified from secondary lymphoid organs, but it is unclear at which stage of Treg development demethylation takes place. In this study, we show that commitment to a stable lineage occurred during early stages of murine thymic Treg development by engraving of lineage-specific epigenetic marks in parallel with establishment of a Treg-specific gene expression profile. TSDR demethylation was achieved through an active mechanism and involved enzymes of the ten-eleven-translocation family and hydroxylation of methylated cytosines, a modification that is implicated as an initiating step of mitosis-independent DNA demethylation pathways and has not yet been observed at specific loci during immune cell differentiation. Together, our results demonstrate that initiating TSDR demethylation during early stages of thymic Treg development commences stabilization of Foxp3 expression and guarantees full functionality and long-term lineage stability of Tregs.
Update on Complications in Pediatric Anesthesia
Authors: de Francisci Giovanni , Papasidero Angela Elisa , Spinazzola Giorgia , Galante Dario , Caruselli Marco , Pedrotti Dino , Caso Antonio , Lambo Massimo , Melchionda Matteo , Faticato Maria Grazia
Published: February 2013

Complications in pediatric anesthesia can happen, even in our modern hospitals with the most advanced equipment and skilled anesthesiologists. It is important, albeit in a tranquil and reassuring way, to inform parents of the possibility of complications and, in general, of the anesthetic risks. This is especially imperative when speaking to the parents of children who will be operated on for minor procedures: in our experience, they tend to think that the anesthesia will be a light anesthesia without risks. Often the surgeons tell them that the operation is very simple without stressing the fact that it will be done under general anesthesia which is identical to the one we give for major operations. Different is the scenario for the parents of children who are affected by malignant neoplasms: in these cases they already know that the illness is serious. They have this tremendous burden and we choose not to add another one by discussing anesthetic risks, so we usually go along with the examination of the child without bringing up the possibility of complications, unless there is some specific problem such as a mediastinal mass.
Ecological setting of the Fraser River delta and its urban estuary
Authors: Schaefer V
Published: February 2013

The Fraser River delta is rich with marshes, old fields, bogs, and agricultural land. All of the natural elements of the delta are interdependent with each other. Similarly, the delta is interconnected with surrounding marine ecosystems of Burrard Inlet and
Boundary Bay and the urban forests of the Burrard Peninsula and the Surrey uplands.

The delta is of global significance in its role as a major stopover point for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway and in its vital contribution to supporting the salmon runs of the Fraser River. It also has an international role in maintaining biodiversity.

Natural ecosystems of the delta have been significantly degraded and continue to be threatened by urbanization and population growth, but major short- and long-term programs are in place to restore and manage several of the affected areas.
’n Evaluering van drie interkulturele gemeenskapsprojekte
Authors: Ries Johannes , Hendriks H. Jurgens
Published: February 2013

An evaluation of three intercultural community projects. An intercultural framework for servanthood was explored in three Christian community projects. The framework consists of six basic principles, as defined by Duane Elmer, namely openness, acceptance, trust, learning, understanding and serving. This framework is brought into conversation with Miroslav Volf ’s metaphor of an embrace. In all of this koinonia and diaconia play a pivotal role – especially in the relationship between the two modi. With this hermeneutical framework as point of departure, an empirical study was undertaken to discern the processes and structures within intercultural Christian community projects; and to evaluate the transformation in relationships and the sustainability of the development projects.
Personalized Medicine in Screening for Malignant Disease: A Review of Methods and Applications
Authors: Schmalfuss F. , Kolominsky-Rabas P.L.
Published: February 2013

Personalized medicine (PM) is currently a hot topic in the professional world. It is often called the medicine of the future and has already achieved resounding success in the area of targeted therapy. Nevertheless, integration of the concepts of PM into routine clinical practice is slow. This review is intended to give an overview of current and potential applications of PM in oncology. PM could soon play a decisive role, especially in screening. The relevance of PM in screening was examined in the case of four common cancers (colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer). A literature search was performed. This showed that biomarkers in particular play a crucial role in screening. In summary, it can be emphasized that there are already numerous known promising biomarkers in malignant disease. This results in several possibilities for individualizing and revolutionizing screening.
Repopulation of Ovarian Cancer Cells after Chemotherapy
Authors: Telleria Carlos M.
Published: February 2013

The high mortality rate caused by ovarian cancer has not changed for the past thirty years. Although most patients diagnosed with this disease respond to cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy and undergo remission, foci of cells almost always escape therapy, manage to survive, and acquire the capacity to repopulate the tumor. Repopulation of ovarian cancer cells that escape front-line chemotherapy, however, is a poorly understood phenomenon. Here I analyze cancer-initiating cells, transitory senescence, reverse ploidy, and cellular dormancy as putative players in ovarian cancer cell repopulation. As part of the standard of care, ovarian cancer patients do not receive treatment between primary cytotoxic therapy and clinical relapse. Understanding the mechanisms driving cellular escape from chemotherapy should lead to the development of low toxicity, chronic treatment approaches that can be initiated right after primary therapy to interrupt cell repopulation and disease relapse by keeping it dormant and, therefore, subclinical.
Pharmacotherapy Options for the Management of Cluster Headache
Authors: Pomeroy Jared L. , Marmura Michael J.
Published: February 2013

Cluster headache is a primary headache syndrome characterized by attacks of severe unilateral headache typically lasting 30 to 180 minutes without treatment and prominent autonomic symptoms on the affected side. Often attacks occur in cycles lasting weeks to months with up to 8 attacks per day, and a minority of individuals continue to experience attacks throughout the year. Persons with cluster headache usually require both acute medication for attacks and preventive treatment to keep the headaches from occurring. Subcutaneous sumatriptan is the most effective medication for acute cluster attacks, but other triptans such as zolmitriptan nasal spray are also effective. inhaling 100% oxygen is also effective and is a useful treatment for those with frequent attacks or contraindications to triptans. Corticosteroids are among the most effective transitional treatments, typically used at the start of a cycle. Dihydroergotamine is an effective treatment for refractory or severe cluster headache with multiple attacks requiring large triptan doses. Verapamil and lithium are among the most effective preventive medications with good evidence of effectiveness, but other studies support the use of gabapentin, topiramate, diavalproex sodium, and methysergide, to name a few. Each of these medications requires monitoring for adverse events and can be discontinued within a few weeks of a cluster headache cycle.
A Review of Existing Treatments for Substance abuse among the Elderly and Recommendations for Future Directions
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis , Sacco Paul
Published: February 2013

Background

With population aging, there is widespread recognition that the healthcare system must be prepared to serve the unique needs of substance using older adults (OA) in the decades ahead. As such, there is an increasingly urgent need to identify efficient and effective substance abuse treatments (SAT) for OA. Despite this need, there remains a surprising dearth of research on treatment for OA.

Aims of review

This review describes and evaluates studies on SAT applied to and specifically designed for OA over the last 30 years with an emphasis on methodologies used and the knowledge gained.

Methods

Using three research databases, 25 studies published in the last 30 years which investigated the impact of SAT on OA and met specific selection criteria were reviewed.

Results

A majority of the studies were methodologically limited in that they were pre-to-post or post-test only studies. Of the randomized controlled trials, many were limited by sample sizes of 15 individuals or less per group, making main effects difficult to detect. Thus, with caution, the literature suggests that among treatment seeking OA, treatment, whether age-specific or mixed-age, generally works yielding rates of abstinence comparable to general populations and younger cohorts. It also appears that with greater treatment exposure (higher dosage), regardless of level of care, OA do better. Finally, based on only two studies, age-specific treatment appears to potentiate treatment effects for OA. Like younger adults, OA appear to have a heterogeneous response to treatments, and preliminary evidence suggests a possibility of treatment matching for OA.

Conclusions

Expansion of research on SAT for OA is urgently needed for maximum effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system serving these individuals. Future research needs to include laboratory and community based randomized controlled trials with high internal validity of previously vetted evidenced-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications such as naltrexone, to determine the best fit for OA.