bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can floral display size compensate for Allee effects caused by low population abundance and density inSynthyris bullii(Plantaginaceae), a rare species?
Authors: Chi Katherine , Molano‐Flores Brenda 
Published: February 2014

•Premise of the study:Conservation seeks to address the issues of small population size, and the reproductive limitations confronting these populations. Sparse, small plant populations often suffer Allee effects such as pollinator limitation. However, some studies show that plants in sparse populations experience reduced resource competition. As a result, these plants may produce larger floral displays, which are also predicted to attract pollinators. The negative impacts from reduced floral quantity may thus be offset by improved floral quality.•Methods:In a 2‐yr field study, population abundance and density were quantified for 24 populations ofSynthyris bullii(Plantaginaceae), a rare prairie endemic. In each population, data were collected on inflorescence size, fruit/seed set, and seed germination.•Key results:Inflorescence size had a positive relationship with population inflorescence abundance and density. Fruit set and germination responded positively to floral quality (i.e., flower density). In comparison, seed set showed a positive relationship with only floral quantity (i.e., population abundance).•Conclusions:Contrary to our predictions, inflorescence size and population size were not inversely related. While attractive floral displays in sparse populations potentially compensate in terms of fruit set, population abundance nevertheless plays an important role in seed set. Because floral quality and quantity differ in their ability to explain reproductive outcomes, studies should examine reproduction at several stages, otherwise the impacts of population size may be overlooked. Allee effects manifesting at a critical stage of reproduction, such as seed production, may act as a bottleneck impeding successful recruitment.
Rente pétrolière et crise économique
Authors: Greggio Rodolphe , Mafféi Benoît 
Published: February 2014

La situation actuelle sur le marché du pétrole est traversée par un paradoxe majeur : des cours élevés du brut coexistent avec un équilibre très précaire en termes de quantités, une offre surabondante faisant face à une demande minée notamment par la crise économique. Mais un tel contraste, qui – au passage – remet en question la validité de l’hypothèse du « pic pétrolier », du moins à court-moyen terme, peut être élucidé à condition de porter son attention, au-delà des déterminants classiques de nature technico-économique, sur des problématiques plus spécifiquement géopolitiques, au croisement de l’économique, du social et du politique. Il apparaît alors que les cours du pétrole sont tout d’abord tributaires des stratégies intérieures et extérieures des nations (notamment les grands exportateurs) et plus largement des intérêts des acteurs de la filière, qui ont pour objectif, dans un contexte de forte opacité du marché, la stabilisation d’un certain nombre de zones géographiques sous tension.
Gabon, pays émergent
Authors: Gambotti Christian 
Published: February 2014

Dès son élection, en 2009, le président de la République Ali Bongo Ondimba a lancé un Plan stratégique Gabon émergent 2025 (PSGE) dont les trois piliers sont le « Gabon industriel », le « Gabon vert » et le « Gabon des services ». L’objectif est de diversifier l’économie gabonaise pour sortir de l’économie de la rente que représentent encore les revenus du pétrole. La marche vers l’émergence est engagée. Mais le temps presse avec l’échéance électorale de 2016. La population, avide de croissance et de consommation, attend encore les résultats du PSGE, comme elle attend un meilleur partage des fruits de la croissance. Déjà, le mérite du PSGE aura été de rendre visible, sur la scène internationale, l’action des dirigeants gabonais. Mais il faut passer des slogans mobilisateurs aux actes, ce qui est une manière de réhabiliter l’action politique et l’idée d’une destinée collective.
L'amélioration des services de l'eau en faveur des pauvres dans les pays émergents
Authors: Mugisha Silver , Dahan Lionel , Morel Pierre 
Published: February 2014

Le besoin d’améliorer des services de l’eau en faveur des pauvres se fait de plus en plus ressentir parmi les donateurs, dans les gouvernements et parmi les représentants de la société civile. Cet article est fondé sur l’expérience de compagnies des eaux des pays africains sub-sahariens. Il vise à mettre en valeur des projets durables de toute nature en faveur des pauvres : collaboration, communication, intégration ou mise en œuvre effective. En nous appuyant sur l’expérience du secteur de l’eau en Ouganda, nous discutons également la difficulté de mettre en place des incitations pour un service de l’eau qui soit en faveur des pauvres, et de définir des critères permettant d’évaluer l’efficacité de subventions ciblées pour l’investissement.
La croissance de l'économie mexicaine sous les gouvernements du PAN et bien au-delà
Authors: Esquivel Gerardo 
Published: February 2014

Ce travail analyse le développement de l’économie mexicaine sous les deux présidences du Parti d’Action Nationale (PAN). Nous verrons que la croissance économique du Mexique est restée médiocre au regard des résultats passés ou de ceux des autres pays. Nous verrons également que cette évolution s’inscrit dans une tendance à long terme, ce qui nous amènera à qualifier ces problèmes de structurels. En ce sens, nous verrons que la productivité au travail est actuellement inférieure à ce qu’elle était il y a 30 ans. Pour expliquer cette situation, deux facteurs sont à analyser : le faible niveau de crédit accordé par le secteur privé et la faiblesse des taux de formation de capital humain.
Le travail universitaire au Mexique, du salaire au mérite au travail à la tâche ?
Authors: Gil Antón Manuel 
Published: February 2014

À partir de 1989, suite à la profonde crise économique que connut le Mexique, le mode de régulation des professions de l’éducation supérieure a radicalement changé. La rémunération du travail, auparavant essentiellement salarial (c’est-à-dire garantie par des Conventions Collectives) perdait 60 % de sa valeur. Par la suite, le redressement progressif du revenu des personnels académiques, ne s’est pas fait par des augmentations salariales, mais par la mise en place de programmes laissant aux enseignants à temps plein la possibilité d’obtenir des ressources supplémentaires, « payées au mérite », individuellement et hors-salaire, sous condition d’évaluation positive de leur production académique. Aujourd’hui, la part du salaire dans le revenu de l’élite de l’enseignement supérieur est tombée à tout juste 30 %, l’essentiel étant composé de prestations ou de récompenses additionnelles et irrégulières. En nous penchant sur le modèle des Transferts Monétaires Conditionnés, nous montrerons les réussites et les limites d’un tel système, ainsi que les effets contradictoires qu’il peut engendrer.
Targeting S1P1 Receptor Protects against Murine Immunological Hepatic Injury through Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Liu Guangwei , Bi Yujing , Wang Ruoning , Yang Hui , Zhang Yan , Wang Xiao , Liu Huanrong , Lu Yun , Zhang Zhengguo , Chen Wanna , Chu Yiwei , Yang Ruifu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Although FTY720 may alter migration and homing of lymphocytes via sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, our recent studies indicated that FTY720 directly controls the differentiation of Th1 cells to regulatory T cells (Tregs) by targeting S1P1. However, the pharmacological function of FTY720 in immunological hepatic injury remains unknown. In this study, the role and regulatory signaling pathway of S1P receptor were investigated using a pharmacological approach in immune-mediated hepatic injury (IMH). In the context of IMH, FTY720 significantly ameliorated mortality and hepatic pathology. In FTY720-treated mice, recruited CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) mediate protection against IMH and are functional suppressive immune modulators that result in fewer IFN-γ–producing Th1 cells and more Foxp3+ Tregs. In agreement, FTY720-treated MDSCs promote the reciprocal differentiation between Th1 cells and Tregs in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FTY720 treatment induced inducible NO synthase expression and NO production in MDSCs. Pharmacologic inhibition of inducible NO synthase completely eliminates MDSC suppressive function and eradicates their inducible effects on T cell differentiation. Finally, the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, photocopies the effects of FTY720 on MDSCs, implicating mTOR as a downstream effector of S1P1 signaling. This study identifies MDSCs as an essential component that provides protection against IMH following FTY720 or rapamycin treatment, validating the S1P1–mTOR signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target in hepatic injury.
Noncoding RNAs and LRRFIP1 Regulate TNF Expression
Authors: Shi Lihua , Song Li , Fitzgerald Michael , Maurer Kelly , Bagashev Asen , Sullivan Kathleen E. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Noncoding RNAs have been implicated in the regulation of expression of numerous genes; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. We identified bidirectional, long noncoding RNAs upstream of the TNF gene using five different methods. They arose in a region where the repressors LRRFIP1, EZH2, and SUZ12 were demonstrated to bind, suggesting a role in repression. The noncoding RNAs were polyadenylated, capped, and chromatin associated. Knockdown of the noncoding RNAs was associated with derepression of TNF mRNA and diminished binding of LRRFIP1 to both RNA targets and chromatin. Overexpression of the noncoding RNAs led to diminished expression of TNF and recruitment of repressor proteins to the locus. One repressor protein, LRRFIP1, bound directly to the noncoding RNAs. These data place the noncoding RNAs upstream of TNF gene as central to the transcriptional regulation. They appear to serve as a platform for the assembly of a repressive complex.
Tim-3 Directly Enhances CD8 T Cell Responses to Acute Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Gorman Jacob V. , Starbeck-Miller Gabriel , Pham Nhat-Long L. , Traver Geri L. , Rothman Paul B. , Harty John T. , Colgan John D. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
T cell Ig and mucin domain (Tim) 3 is a surface molecule expressed throughout the immune system that can mediate both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. Previous studies have provided evidence that Tim-3 functions to enforce CD8 T cell exhaustion, a dysfunctional state associated with chronic stimulation. In contrast, the role of Tim-3 in the regulation of CD8 T cell responses to acute and transient stimulation remains undefined. To address this knowledge gap, we examined how Tim-3 affects CD8 T cell responses to acute Listeria monocytogenes infection. Analysis of wild-type (WT) mice infected with L. monocytogenes revealed that Tim-3 was transiently expressed by activated CD8 T cells and was associated primarily with acquisition of an effector phenotype. Comparison of responses to L. monocytogenes by WT and Tim-3 knockout (KO) mice showed that the absence of Tim-3 significantly reduced the magnitudes of both primary and secondary CD8 T cell responses, which correlated with decreased IFN-γ production and degranulation by Tim-3 KO cells stimulated with peptide Ag ex vivo. To address the T cell–intrinsic role of Tim-3, we analyzed responses to L. monocytogenes infection by WT and Tim-3 KO TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells following adoptive transfer into a shared WT host. In this setting, the accumulation of CD8 T cells and the generation of cytokine-producing cells were significantly reduced by the lack of Tim-3, demonstrating that this molecule has a direct effect on CD8 T cell function. Combined, our results suggest that Tim-3 can mediate a stimulatory effect on CD8 T cell responses to an acute infection.
Tissue Distribution and Dependence of Responsiveness of Human Antigen-Specific Memory B Cells
Authors: Giesecke Claudia , Frölich Daniela , Reiter Karin , Mei Henrik E. , Wirries Ina , Kuhly Rainer , Killig Monica , Glatzer Timor , Stölzel Katharina , Perka Carsten , Lipsky Peter E. , Dörner Thomas 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMemory B cells (mBCs) are a key to immunologic memory, yet their distribution within lymphoid organs and the individual role of these for mBC functionality remain largely unknown. This study characterized the distribution and phenotype of human (Ag-specific) mBCs in peripheral blood (PB), spleen, tonsil, and bone marrow. We found that the spleen harbors most mBCs, followed by tonsils, BM, and PB, and we detected no major differences in expression of markers associated with higher maturity. Testing the distribution of tetanus toxoid–specific (TT+) mBCs revealed their presence in PB during steady state, yet absolute numbers suggested their largest reservoir in the spleen, followed by tonsils. To explore the role of both tissues in the maintenance of reactive B cell memory, we revaccinated controls and splenectomized and tonsillectomized individuals with TT. All donor groups exhibited comparable emergence of anti-TT IgG, TT+ plasma cells, and TT+ mBCs in the PB, together with similar molecular characteristics of TT+ plasma cells. In summary, human mBCs recirculate through PB and reside in different lymphoid organs that do not reflect different mBC maturity stages. The spleen and tonsil, although harboring the largest number of overall and TT+ mBCs, appear to be dispensable to preserve adequate responsiveness to secondary antigenic challenge.
Regulator of Fatty Acid Metabolism, Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase 1, Controls T Cell Immunity
Authors: Lee JangEun , Walsh Matthew C. , Hoehn Kyle L. , James David E. , Wherry E. John , Choi Yongwon 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are essential constituents of cell membranes, signaling molecules, and bioenergetic substrates. Because CD8+ T cells undergo both functional and metabolic changes during activation and differentiation, dynamic changes in FA metabolism also occur. However, the contributions of de novo lipogenesis to acquisition and maintenance of CD8+ T cell function are unclear. In this article, we demonstrate the role of FA synthesis in CD8+ T cell immunity. T cell–specific deletion of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1), an enzyme that catalyzes conversion of acetyl coenzyme A to malonyl coenzyme A, a carbon donor for long-chain FA synthesis, resulted in impaired peripheral persistence and homeostatic proliferation of CD8+ T cells in naive mice. Loss of ACC1 did not compromise effector CD8+ T cell differentiation upon listeria infection but did result in a severe defect in Ag-specific CD8+ T cell accumulation because of increased death of proliferating cells. Furthermore, in vitro mitogenic stimulation demonstrated that defective blasting and survival of ACC1-deficient CD8+ T cells could be rescued by provision of exogenous FA. These results suggest an essential role for ACC1-mediated de novo lipogenesis as a regulator of CD8+ T cell expansion, and may provide insights for therapeutic targets for interventions in autoimmune diseases, cancer, and chronic infections.
Pre-Exercise Ingestion of Pickle Juice, Hypertonic Saline, or Water and Aerobic Performance and Thermoregulation
Authors: Peikert Jarett , Miller Kevin C. , Albrecht Jay , Tucker Jared , Deal James 
Published: February 2014

Context:
Ingesting high-sodium drinks pre-exercise can improve thermoregulation and performance. Athletic trainers (19%) give athletes pickle juice (PJ) prophylactically for cramping. No data exist on whether this practice affects aerobic performance or thermoregulation.

Objective:
To determine if drinking 2 mL/kg body mass of PJ, hypertonic saline, or deionized water (DIW) pre-exercise affects aerobic performance or thermoregulation.

Design:
Crossover study.

Setting:
Controlled laboratory study.

Patients or Other Participants:
Nine euhydrated men (age = 22 ± 3 years, height = 184.0 ± 8.2 cm, mass = 82.6 ± 16.0 kg) completed testing.

Intervention(s):
Participants rested for 65 minutes. During this period, they ingested 2 mL/kg of PJ, hypertonic saline, or DIW. Next, they drank 5 mL/kg of DIW. Blood was collected before and after ingestion of all fluids. Participants were weighed and ran in the heat (temperature = 38.3°C ± 1°C, relative humidity = 21.1% ± 4.7%) at increasing increments of maximal heart rate (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%) until exhaustion or until rectal temperature exceeded 39.5°C. Participants were weighed postexercise so we could calculate sweat volume.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Time to exhaustion, rectal temperature, changes in plasma volume, and sweat volume.

Results:
Time to exhaustion did not differ among drinks (PJ = 77.4 ± 5.9 minutes, hypertonic saline = 77.4 ± 4.0 minutes, DIW = 75.7 ± 3.2 minutes; F2,16 = 1.1, P = .40). Core temperature of participants was similar among drinks (PJ = 38.7°C ± 0.3°C, hypertonic saline = 38.7°C ± 0.4°C, DIW = 38.8°C ± 0.4°C; P = .74) but increased from pre-exercise (36.7°C ± 0.2°C) to postexercise (38.7°C ± 0.4°C) (P &lt; .05). No differences were observed for changes in plasma volume or sweat volume among drinks (P &gt; .05).

Conclusions:
Ingesting small amounts of PJ or hypertonic saline with water did not affect performance or select thermoregulatory measures. Drinking larger volumes of PJ and water may be more effective at expanding the extracellular space.
An Evidence-Based Practice Educational Intervention for Athletic Trainers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Welch Cailee E. , Van Lunen Bonnie L. , Hankemeier Dorice A. 
Published: February 2014

Context:
As evidence-based practice (EBP) becomes a necessity in athletic training, Web-based modules have been developed and made available to the National Athletic Trainers' Association membership as a mechanism to educate athletic trainers (ATs) on concepts of EBP.

Objective:
To assess the effect of an educational intervention on enhancing knowledge of EBP among ATs.

Design:
Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:
Web-based modules and knowledge assessment.

Patients or Other Participants:
A total of 164 of 473 ATs (34.7% response rate), including professional athletic training students, graduate students, clinical preceptors, educators, and clinicians, were randomized into a control group (40 men, 42 women) or experimental group (33 men, 49 women).

Intervention(s):
Ten Web-based modules were developed that covered concepts involved in the EBP process. Both groups completed the Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge Assessment before and after the intervention phase. During the intervention phase, the experimental group had access to the Web-based modules for 4 weeks, whereas the control group had no direct responsibilities for the investigation. The knowledge assessment consisted of 60 multiple choice questions pertaining to concepts presented in the 10 modules. Test-retest reliability was determined to be good (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1] = 0.726, 95% confidence interval = 0.605, 0.814).

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Independent variables consisted of group (control, experimental) and time (preassessment, postassessment). Knowledge scores were tabulated by awarding 1 point for each correct answer (maximum = 60). Between-group and within-group differences were calculated using a 2 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance (P ≤ .05), post hoc t tests, and Hedges g effect size with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:
We found a group × time interaction (F1,162 = 26.29, P &lt; .001). No differences were identified between the control (30.12 ± 5.73) and experimental (30.65 ± 5.93) groups during the preassessment (t162 = 0.58, P = .84). The experimental group (36.35 ± 8.58) obtained higher scores on the postassessment than the control group (30.99 ± 6.33; t162 = 4.55, P = .01). No differences were identified among time instances within the control group (t81 = 1.77, P = .08); however, the experimental group obtained higher scores on the postassessment than the preassessment (t81 = 7.07, P &lt; .001).

Conclusions:
An educational intervention consisting of 10 Web-based modules was an effective mechanism to increase knowledge of foundational EBP concepts among ATs. However, it is not known whether ATs are integrating EBP into daily clinical practice. Researchers should determine whether increased knowledge of EBP affects the daily clinical decision making of ATs.
Future Directions of Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training: Perceived Strategies to Enhance the Use of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Welch Cailee E. , Hankemeier Dorice A. , Wyant Aimee L. , Hays Danica G. , Pitney William A. , Van Lunen Bonnie L. 
Published: February 2014

Context:
The shift to a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP) in athletic training is a necessary step in both the optimization of patient care and the advancement of athletic trainers (ATs) as health care professionals. Whereas individuals have gained knowledge in this area, most ATs still are not practicing in an evidence-based manner. Exploring perceived strategies to enhance the use of EBP will help to determine the best approaches to assist ATs in applying EBP concepts to practice to improve patient care.

Objective:
To explore beneficial strategies and techniques ATs perceived would promote successful implementation of EBP within athletic training education and clinical practice.

Design:
Qualitative study.

Setting:
Individual telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants:
Twenty-five ATs (12 educators, 13 clinicians; athletic training experience = 16.00 ± 9.41 years) were interviewed.

Data Collection and Analysis:
One phone interview was conducted with each participant. After the interview was transcribed, the data were analyzed and coded into common themes and categories. Triangulation of the data occurred via the use of multiple researchers and member checking to confirm the accuracy of the data.

Results:
Participants identified several components they perceived as essential for enhancing the use of EBP within the athletic training profession. These components included the need for more EBP resources, more processed information, focused workshops, peer discussion and mentorship, and continual repetition and exposure. Participants also indicated that ATs need to accept their professional responsibilities to foster EBP in their daily practices.

Conclusions:
The proper shift to a culture of EBP in athletic training will take both time and a persistent commitment by ATs to create strategies that will enhance the implementation of EBP across the profession. Researchers should focus on continuing to identify effective educational interventions for ATs and to determine successful strategies to implement EBP into didactic curricula and clinical practice. Additional focus should be given to which strategies most effectively produce changes in clinical practice.