bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glacier velocity measurements in the eastern Yigong Zangbo basin, Tibet, China
Authors: Ke Chang-Qing , Kou Cheng , Ludwig Ralf , Qin Xiang
Published: October 2013

We apply the feature-tracking method to L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to derive detailed motion patterns of glaciers in the Yigong Zangbo basin during summer 2007. The results indicate that the flow patterns are generally constrained by the valley geometry and terrain complexity. The mean velocities of the 12 glaciers were 15–206 m a−1,with a maximum of 423 m a−1 for Glacier No. 5a. The majority of the glaciers exhibited high and low velocities in their upper and lower sections, respectively. The glacier area ranges from 3 to 42 km2. It is found that velocity shows a positive correlation with the glacier area and length. Many small-scale temporal/spatial variations in the glacier flow patterns were observed along the central glacier flowline.
Dependence of century-scale projections of the Greenland ice sheet on its thermal regime
Authors: Seroussi H. , Morlighem M. , Rignot E. , Khazendar A. , Larour E. , Mouginot J.
Published: October 2013

Observations show that the Greenland ice sheet has been losing mass at an increasing rate over the past few decades, which makes it a major contributor to sea-level rise. Here we use a three-dimensional higher-order ice-flow model, adaptive mesh refinement and inverse methods to accurately reproduce the present-day ice flow of the Greenland ice sheet. We investigate the effect of the ice thermal regime on (1) basal sliding inversion and (2) projections over the next 100 years. We show that steady-state temperatures based on present-day conditions allow a reasonable representation of the thermal regime and that both basal conditions and century-scale projections are weakly sensitive to small changes in the initial temperature field, compared with changes in atmospheric conditions or basal sliding. We conclude that although more englacial temperature measurements should be acquired to validate the models, and a better estimation of geothermal heat flux is needed, it is reasonable to use steady-state temperature profiles for short-term projections, as external forcings remain the main drivers of the changes occurring in Greenland.
Detection of Human Impacts by an Adaptive Energy-Based Anisotropic Algorithm
Authors: Prado-Velasco Manuel , Marín Rafael , Del Rio Cidoncha Gloria
Published: October 2013

Boosted by health consequences and the cost of falls in the elderly, this work develops and tests a novel algorithm and methodology to detect human impacts that will act as triggers of a two-layer fall monitor. The two main requirements demanded by socio-healthcare providers—unobtrusiveness and reliability—defined the objectives of the research. We have demonstrated that a very agile, adaptive, and energy-based anisotropic algorithm can provide 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity, in the task of detecting impacts under demanding laboratory conditions. The algorithm works together with an unsupervised real-time learning technique that addresses the adaptive capability, and this is also presented. The work demonstrates the robustness and reliability of our new algorithm, which will be the basis of a smart falling monitor. This is shown in this work to underline the relevance of the results.
Smoking Behaviour and Mental Health Disorders—Mutual Influences and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Minichino Amedeo , Bersani Francesco , Calò Wanda , Spagnoli Francesco , Francesconi Marta , Vicinanza Roberto , Delle Chiaie Roberto , Biondi Massimo
Published: October 2013

Tobacco use is strongly associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to meet current criteria for mental health conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and psychosis. Evidence also suggest that smokers with psychiatric disorders may have more difficulty quitting, offering at least a partial explanation for why smoking rates are higher in this population. The mechanisms linking mental health conditions and cigarette smoking are complex and likely differ across each of the various disorders. The most commonly held view is that patients with mental health conditions smoke in an effort to regulate the symptoms associated with their disorder. However some recent evidence suggests that quitting smoking may actually improve mental health symptoms. This is particularly true if the tobacco cessation intervention is integrated into the context of ongoing mental health treatment. In this paper we reviewed and summarized the most relevant knowledge about the relationship between tobacco use and dependence and psychiatric disorders. We also reviewed the most effective smoking cessation strategies available for patients with psychiatric comorbidity and the impact of smoking behavior on psychiatric medication.
Microscale Diffusion Measurements and Simulation of a Scaffold with a Permeable Strut
Authors: Lee Seung , Lee Byung , Lee Jongwan , Kim Seongjun , Kim Jung , Jeong Young , Jin Songwan
Published: October 2013

Electrospun nanofibrous structures provide good performance to scaffolds in tissue engineering. We measured the local diffusion coefficients of 3-kDa FITC-dextran in line patterns of electrospun nanofibrous structures fabricated by the direct-write electrospinning (DWES) technique using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) method. No significant differences were detected between DWES line patterns fabricated with polymer supplied at flow rates of 0.1 and 0.5 mL/h. The oxygen diffusion coefficients of samples were estimated to be ~92%–94% of the oxygen diffusion coefficient in water based on the measured diffusion coefficient of 3-kDa FITC-dextran. We also simulated cell growth and distribution within spatially patterned scaffolds with struts consisting of either oxygen-permeable or non-permeable material. The permeable strut scaffolds exhibited enhanced cell growth. Saturated depths at which cells could grow to confluence were 15% deeper for the permeable strut scaffolds than for the non-permeable strut scaffold.
Effect of Chain-Extenders on the Properties and Hydrolytic Degradation Behavior of the Poly(lactide)/ Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blends
Authors: Dong Weifu , Zou Benshu , Yan Yangyang , Ma Piming , Chen Mingqing
Published: October 2013

Biodegradable poly(lactide)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends were prepared by reactive blending in the presence of chain-extenders. Two chain-extenders with multi-epoxy groups were studied. The effect of chain-extenders on the morphology, mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and hydrolytic degradation of the blends was investigated. The compatibility between the PLA and PBAT was significantly improved by in situ formation of PLA-co-PBAT copolymers in the presence of the chain-extenders, results in an enhanced ductility of the blends, e.g., the elongation at break was increased to 500% without any decrease in the tensile strength. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results reveal that cold crystallization of PLA was enhanced due to heterogeneous nucleation effect of the in situ compatibilized PBAT domains. As known before, PLA is sensitive to hydrolysis and in the presence of PBAT and the chain-extenders, the hydrolytic degradation of the blend was evident. A three-stage hydrolysis mechanism for the system is proposed based on a study of weight loss and molecular weight reduction of the samples and the pH variation of the degradation medium.
OsPOP5, A Prolyl Oligopeptidase Family Gene from Rice Confers Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tan Cun-Mei , Chen Rong-Jun , Zhang Jian-Hua , Gao Xiao-Ling , Li Li-Hua , Wang Ping-Rong , Deng Xiao-Jian , Xu Zheng-Jun
Published: October 2013

The prolyl oligopeptidase family, which is a group of serine peptidases, can hydrolyze peptides smaller than 30 residues. The prolyl oligopeptidase family in plants includes four members, which are prolyl oligopeptidase (POP, EC3.4.21.26), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV, EC3.4.14.5), oligopeptidase B (OPB, EC3.4.21.83), and acylaminoacyl peptidase (ACPH, EC3.4.19.1). POP is found in human and rat, and plays important roles in multiple biological processes, such as protein secretion, maturation and degradation of peptide hormones, and neuropathies, signal transduction and memory and learning. However, the function of POP is unclear in plants. In order to study POP function in plants, we cloned the cDNA of the OsPOP5 gene from rice by nested-PCR. Sequence analysis showed that the cDNA encodes a protein of 596 amino acid residues with Mw ≈ 67.29 kD. In order to analyze the protein function under different abiotic stresses, OsPOP5 was expressed in Escherichia coli. OsPOP5 protein enhanced the tolerance of E. coli to high salinity, high temperature and simulated drought. The results indicate that OsPOP5 is a stress-related gene in rice and it may play an important role in plant tolerance to abiotic stress.
Protein Adsorption on Various Plasma-Treated Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrates
Authors: Recek Nina , Jaganjac Morana , Kolar Metod , Milkovic Lidija , Mozetič Miran , Stana-Kleinschek Karin , Vesel Alenka
Published: October 2013

Protein adhesion and cell response to plasma-treated polymer surfaces were studied. The polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was treated in either an oxygen plasma to make the surface hydrophilic, or a tetrafluoromethane CF4 plasma to make the surface hydrophobic. The plasma source was radiofrequency (RF) discharge. The adsorption of albumin and other proteins from a cell-culture medium onto these surfaces was studied using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cellular response to plasma-treated surfaces was studied as well using an MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fastest adsorption rate was found on the hydrophilic oxygen plasma-treated sample, and the lowest was found on the pristine untreated sample. Additionally, the amount of adsorbed proteins was higher for the oxygen-plasma-treated surface, and the adsorbed layer was more viscoelastic. In addition, cell adhesion studies support this finding because the best cell adhesion was observed on oxygen-plasma-treated substrates.
Copper-Catalyzed Three- Five- or Seven-Component Coupling Reactions: The Selective Synthesis of Cyanomethylamines, N,N-Bis(Cyanomethyl)Amines and N,N'-Bis(Cyanomethyl)Methylenediamines Based on a Strecker-Type Synthesis
Authors: Sakai Norio , Takahashi Nobuaki , Inoda Daiki , Ikeda Reiko , Konakahara Takeo
Published: October 2013

We have demonstrated that a cooperative catalytic system comprised of CuCl and Cu(OTf)2 could be used to effectively catalyse the three-, five- and seven-component coupling reactions of aliphatic or aromatic amines, formaldehyde, and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN), and selectively produce in good yields the corresponding cyanomethylamines, N,N-bis(cyanomethyl)amines and N,N'-bis(cyanomethyl)methylenediamines.
Mobilization of Stored Iron in Mammals: A Review
Authors: Linder Maria
Published: October 2013

From the nutritional standpoint, several aspects of the biochemistry and physiology of iron are unique. In stark contrast to most other elements, most of the iron in mammals is in the blood attached to red blood cell hemoglobin and transporting oxygen to cells for oxidative phosphorylation and other purposes. Controlled and uncontrolled blood loss thus has a major impact on iron availability. Also, in contrast to most other nutrients, iron is poorly absorbed and poorly excreted. Moreover, amounts absorbed (~1 mg/day in adults) are much less than the total iron (~20 mg/day) cycling into and out of hemoglobin, involving bone marrow erythropoiesis and reticuloendothelial cell degradation of aged red cells. In the face of uncertainties in iron bioavailability, the mammalian organism has evolved a complex system to retain and store iron not immediately in use, and to make that iron available when and where it is needed. Iron is stored innocuously in the large hollow protein, ferritin, particularly in cells of the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Our current understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms by which this stored iron in ferritin is mobilized and distributed—within the cell or to other organs—is the subject of this review.
The Use of Central Nervous System Active Drugs During Pregnancy
Authors: Källén Bengt , Borg Natalia , Reis Margareta
Published: October 2013

CNS-active drugs are used relatively often during pregnancy. Use during early pregnancy may increase the risk of a congenital malformation; use during the later part of pregnancy may be associated with preterm birth, intrauterine growth disturbances and neonatal morbidity. There is also a possibility that drug exposure can affect brain development with long-term neuropsychological harm as a result. This paper summarizes the literature on such drugs used during pregnancy: opioids, anticonvulsants, drugs used for Parkinson’s disease, neuroleptics, sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, psychostimulants, and some other CNS-active drugs. In addition to an overview of the literature, data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (1996–2011) are presented. The exposure data are either based on midwife interviews towards the end of the first trimester or on linkage with a prescribed drug register. An association between malformations and maternal use of anticonvulsants and notably valproic acid is well known from the literature and also demonstrated in the present study. Some other associations between drug exposure and outcome were found.
A Thermoelectric Generator Using Porous Si Thermal Isolation
Authors: Hourdakis Emmanouel , Nassiopoulou Androula
Published: October 2013

In this paper we report on a thermoelectric generator (TEG) using thermal isolation provided by a thick porous Si layer locally formed on the Si wafer and thermocouples composed of p-doped polycrystalline Si/Al. The “hot” contacts of the thermocouples lie on the porous Si layer, while the “cold” contacts lie on bulk crystalline Si. A housing was also designed and fabricated in order to transfer any external temperature change on the “hot” contacts of the thermocouples, the “cold” contacts being isolated from the “hot” contacts by a thick resist layer. The fabrication of the sensing element (Si die) is fully compatible with batch Si processing. The output power of the thermoelectric generator depends on the porous Si isolation layer thickness, porosity, structure and morphology. For a mesoporous Si layer of 60% porosity and a macroscopic temperature differential of 10 K, an output power of 0.39 μW/cm2 was measured for a 50 μm thick porous Si layer.
On Using Maximum a Posteriori Probability Based on a Bayesian Model for Oscillometric Blood Pressure Estimation
Authors: Lee Soojeong , Jeon Gwanggil , Lee Gangseong
Published: October 2013

The maximum amplitude algorithm (MAA) is generally utilized in the estimation of the pressure values, and it uses heuristically obtained ratios of systolic and diastolic oscillometric amplitude to the mean arterial pressure (known as systolic and diastolic ratios) in order to estimate the systolic and diastolic pressures. This paper proposes a Bayesian model to estimate the systolic and diastolic ratios. These ratios are an improvement over the single fixed systolic and diastolic ratios used in the algorithms that are available in the literature. The proposed method shows lower mean difference (MD) with standard deviation (SD) compared to the MAA for both SBP and DBP consistently in all the five measurements.
Measuring the Willingness to Pay for Tap Water Quality Improvements: Results of a Contingent Valuation Survey in Pusan
Authors: Kwak So-Yoon , Yoo Seung-Hoon , Kim Chang-Seob
Published: October 2013

With increasing concern regarding health, people have developed an interest in the safety of drinking water. In this study, we attempt to measure the economic benefits of tap water quality improvement through a case study on Pusan, the second largest city in Korea. To this end, we use a scenario that the government plans to implement a new project of improving water quality and apply the contingent valuation (CV) method. A one-and-one-half bounded dichotomous choice question (OOHBDC) format is employed to reduce the potential for response bias in multiple-bound formats such as the double-bound model, while maintaining much of the efficiency. Moreover, we employ the spike model to deal with zero willingness to pay (WTP) responses from the OOHBDC CV survey. The CV survey of 400 randomly selected households was rigorously designed to comply with the guidelines for best-practice CV studies using person-to-person interviews. From the spike OOHBDC CV model, the mean WTP for the improvement was estimated to be KRW 2,124 (USD 2.2), on average, per household, per month. The value amounts to 36.6% of monthly water bill and 20.2% of production costs of water. The conventional OOHBDC model produces statistically insignificant mean WTP estimate and even negative value, but the OOHBDC spike model gives us statistically significant mean WTP estimate and fitted our data well. The WTP value to Pusan residents can be computed to be KRW 31.2 billion (USD 32.1 million) per year.
Managing Local Coastal Stressors to Reduce the Ecological Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming
Authors: Ghedini Giulia , Russell Bayden , Connell Sean
Published: October 2013

Anthropogenic activities have increased the number of stressors acting on ecosystems. When multiple stressors act simultaneously, there is a greater probability of additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects occurring among them. Where additive and synergistic effects occur, managers may yield disproportionately large benefits where they first act upon synergies. Stressors act, however, at different spatial and temporal scales. Global stressors (e.g., ocean acidification and warming) tend to change slowly over long periods of time, although their intensity and effects are contingent on local conditions. On the other hand, local stressors tend to change rapidly over shorter, more defined spatial and temporal scales. Hence, local stressors can be subject to a greater degree of control through local management (e.g., eutrophication and overfishing) while global stressors are characterized by an intrinsic inertia whose effects last for decades, if not centuries. Although the reduction of carbon emissions is an international priority for managing global stressors, it requires international agreements and management applications that take considerable time to develop. Managers, however, may ‘buy time’ by acting on stressors whose governance is local (e.g., reducing nutrient input) and are known to synergize with global stressors (e.g., enriched CO2). Such local actions may potentially disrupt synergies with the more slowly changing global stressors that can only be reduced over longer time scales.
Una relación conflictiva: la Inquisición novohispana y el chocolate
Authors: Méndez María Águeda
Published: October 2013

RESUMEN- En la Nueva España, el chocolate pasó de ser precursor de la moneda, ensalzado, usado en rituales y consumido sólo por las élites, a ser utilizado como vehículo para actos de hechicería, generalmente con connotaciones amorosas (lograr amores perdidos o distantes, « amansar » maridos, apaciguar el mal carácter, someter la voluntad del otro). También se empleaba para hacer o contrarrestar maleficios y para adivinar. Mediante documentos de la Inquisición novohispana de los siglos XVI, XVII y XVIII, del Archivo General de la Nación de México, se aprecia que, tanto los que proporcionaban las sustancias, como los que las usaban, formaban una cultura marginada de la supervivencia, en una especie de rebelión solapada para resistir el orden y condiciones que les eran extraños y que les habían sido impuestos.
Comer y beber en La Habana colonial
Authors: Luzón José Luis
Published: October 2013

RESUMEN- El lento proceso de cubanización en el consumo de alimentos y bebidas en la Cuba del siglo XIX. Los sabores, dominados en un primer tiempo por los hábitos peninsulares, se fueron acriollando, sobre todo a partir de 1880. Aunque apreciaban las normas españolas y los aportes internacionales (franceses sobre todo), los miembros de la élite cubana fueron asumiendo cada vez más, por motivos de orden afectivo, los platos autóctonos y contribuyeron a una nacionalización de la herencia hispana.
De viandas, lujos y sabores. La burguesía mexicana y sus delicias culinarias a finales del Siglo XIX
Authors: Suárez Escobar Marcela
Published: October 2013

RÉSUMÉ- Coutumes, odeurs et saveurs, nourritures et boissons qui jalonnent la vie des hommes et des femmes de l'élite mexicaine à la fin du XIXe siècle et au début du XXe. L'accent est mis sur le métissage culturel qui s'exprimait à table. Quelques recettes originales tirées de documents de cette époque. Evocation des plaisirs des sybarites mexicains et vision générale du patrimoine gastronomique du pays.
Elogio y nostalgia de la cocina venezolana
Authors: Cartay Rafael
Published: October 2013

RÉSUMÉ- Formation d'une personnalité vénézuélienne dans le domaine culinaire, des dernières années du XIXe siècle à la moitié du XXe. Evocation des processus par lesquels les saveurs se sont combinées, et se sont composés des plats caractéristiques du pays. Des personnalités régionales à une personnalité nationale, grâce à la mise à profit des ressources locales et des apports extérieurs. Quelques exemples de plats nationaux.
De maíz y tamales
Authors: Didou Aupetit Sylvie , Ramírez Bonilla Juan José
Published: October 2013

RESUMEN- Desde los tiempos precortesianos al siglo XX en sus postrimerías, omnipresencia del tamal en la cocina mexicana, en las infinitas variaciones de ingredientes y sabores.
Le "meilleur café du monde"
Authors: Tulet Jean-Christian
Published: October 2013

RESUMEN- Casi todos los países productores de América Latina pretenden poseer el « mejor café del mundo ». Una opinión tan ampliamente compartida procede en parte de la diversidad de los criterios que permiten establecer lo que es un buen café y de la fuerte subjetividad que de allí se sigue. También corresponde al interés de alcanzar la excelencia, lo cual da la seguridad de vender la producción al mejor precio posible. Y procede, esencialmente, de los cuidados constantes que dedican a todas las etapas de la elaboración del café verde unos caficultores, pequeños o grandes, orgullosos de sus competencias y de sus resultados. Así es como la formación de un sabor corresponde a una construcción fundada en una historia (de que se nutre la maestría técnica) yen una organización territorial.
Los aromas y sabores del amor: coplas populares mexicanas
Authors: González Aurelio
Published: October 2013

RESUMEN- La identificación de la mujer amada con una flor es un motivo presente en la literatura amorosa culta desde tiempos muy antiguos y también es frecuente en la lírica popular. La asociación, en la canción tradicional y popular mexicana, de las flores y también de las frutas con la mujer amada nos presenta un mundo sensorial de sabores y olores que se relacionan con el amor. Tomando como base el Cancionero Folklórico de México, en este trabajo se revisan las distintas formas en que aparecen sabores y olores, así como las principales frutas que se toman como referente, mostrando cómo muchos rasgos de la canción lírica mexicana son comunes a toda la lírica popular hispánica de nuestro tiempo, pero también el desarrollo notable de metáforas vegetales (cortar flores y comer frutas) que expresan el dominio erótico del hombre sobre la mujer.
Biodistribution and dosimetry of 195mPt-cisplatin in normal volunteers
Authors: Wagener J. , Smith S. V. , Soni N. , Marjanovic-Painter B. , Zinn C. , Van de Wiele C. , D’Asseler Y. , Perkins G. , Zeevaart J. R. , Sathekge M.
Published: October 2013

195mPt-cisplatin is regarded as a promising imaging agent for optimizing dosage in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods: We investigated the whole-body distribution and radiation dosimetry of 195mPt-cisplatin in humans. Whole-body scans were obtained up to 144 h after intravenous injection of 112.4 MBq 195mPt-cisplatin in each of five subjects. Blood samples were taken at various times up to 144 h after injection. Urine was collected up to 114 h after injection for calculation of renal clearance and whole-body clearance. Time/activity curves were generated by fitting the organ-specific geometric mean counts, obtained from regions of interest, on the respective images as a function of the time after injection. OLINDA software package was applied to calculate the absorbed radiation dose for various organs. Results: Most of the activity (32 ± 4%) was excreted in the urine during the first 5 h. The effective clearance half-life derived from extrapolation of the whole-body curve was 40 hours (1.7 days). On average, the highest dose was received by the kidneys (mean dose received 2.68 ± 1.5 mGy/MBq), followed by the spleen (mean dose received 1.6 ± 0.8 mGy/MBq) followed by the liver (mean dose received 1.45 ± 0.38 mGy/MBq). The estimated mean effective dose for the adult subject was 0.185 ± 0.034 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: 195mPt-cisplatin proved a safe radiopharmaceutical with a favourable bio distribution for early and delayed imaging of pathology above the diaphragm. The ED obtained was 0.185 ± 0.034 mSv/MBq. The highest organ dose was received by the kidneys (2.68 ± 1.5 mGy/ MBq).
The chemistry of isoindole natural products
Authors: Speck Klaus , Magauer Thomas
Published: October 2013

This review highlights the chemical and biological aspects of natural products containing an oxidized or reduced isoindole skeleton. This motif is found in its intact or modified form in indolocarbazoles, macrocyclic polyketides (cytochalasan alkaloids), the aporhoeadane alkaloids, meroterpenoids from Stachybotrys species and anthraquinone-type alkaloids. Concerning their biological activity, molecular structure and synthesis, we have limited this review to the most inspiring examples. Within different congeners, we have selected a few members and discussed the synthetic routes in more detail. The putative biosynthetic pathways of the presented isoindole alkaloids are described as well.
L'enseignement en Communauté flamande (1988-2013)
Authors: Fannes Pieter , Vranckx Bart , Simon Frank , Depaepe Marc
Published: October 2013

La communautarisation de l’enseignement a été opérée en 1988. Depuis lors, les Communautés française et flamande mènent des politiques sensiblement différentes en matière d’éducation et de formation. Côté francophone, les structures anciennes ont été globalement conservées. Côté néerlandophone en revanche, deux ruptures fondamentales ont été opérées d’emblée : la Communauté a mis fin à l’expérience de l’enseignement secondaire rénové et elle a transféré son rôle de pouvoir organisateur à un organe autonome. Adopté le 4 juin 2013, un masterplan relatif à l’enseignement secondaire flamand est appelé à creuser davantage encore l’écart entre les deux systèmes, par l’abandon de la traditionnelle différenciation entre filières générale, technique, professionnelle et artistique. Spécialement destiné au public francophone, le présent Courrier hebdomadaire dresse un état des lieux de l’enseignement flamand. Il présente son organisation : structures, acteurs et mécanismes de financement. Il retrace les principaux changements intervenus dans le paysage scolaire et universitaire flamand depuis 25 ans. Il analyse les grandes lignes des politiques éducatives flamandes : démocratisation, égalité des chances, contrôle de la qualité, rationalisation, internationalisation. Il s’intéresse aussi à trois dossiers faisant actuellement l’objet de vifs débats : l’enseignement néerlandophone à Bruxelles, le port du voile et la féminisation du personnel enseignant. Divers tableaux statistiques consacrés à la population scolaire enrichissent l’exposé.
Droit de l'information
Authors: Spitz Brad , Crouzet Juliette , Bernier Claire , Cullaffroz-Jover Sandrine
Published: October 2013

La rubrique Droit de l’information de ce numéro propose quatre textes : - le point sur la position des juges en matière de droit d’auteur ; - un article sur le droit au déréférencement des données personnelles sur Internet ; - les éléments clés d’une politique raisonnée de gestion des équipements nomades au sein d’une entreprise ; - et la chronique de David Forest sur la frontière entre espace public et privé sur les réseaux sociaux.
E-Learning, Mobility, and Time
Authors: Terras Melody M. , Ramsay Judith
Published: October 2013

Psychological theory and research has contributed to the characterisation and resolution of numerous applied problems in educational and technological contexts. In this chapter, the authors consider psychological theory and research concerning time and discuss how it can inform the understanding of the temporal dimension of mobile learning. Mobile learning presents a number of specific psychological challenges to learners (Terras & Ramsay, 2012), and in this chapter, the authors explore those psychological influences that are time-based. Specifically, they highlight the importance of considering the psychological dimension of time (i.e. how it is perceived and experienced) and illustrate how the subjective experience of time influences the mobile learning experience. The authors identify eight important psychological factors that educational developers and technologists alike should seek to manage in the quest for successful mobile learning. In doing so, they characterise the psychological infrastructure that is required to support the temporal aspects of mobile learning. In particular, the authors highlight the importance of time perception and time management skills as learners need to monitor and allocate their time appropriately across the learning task. Mobile learners also require good meta-cognitive awareness, and they require a high degree of meta-cognitive skills in order to effectively monitor and control their environment and thereby their learning. The discussion highlights the psychological challenges that learners, education providers, and software developers need to overcome in order to address the temporal demands of elearning and maximise the potential of mobile learning.
Characterizing Online Learners’ Time Regulation
Authors: Romero Margarida , Gentil Christophe
Published: October 2013

The importance of the time factor in online learning is starting to be recognized as one of the main factors in the learners’ achievements and drop outs (Barbera, Gros, & Kirshner, 2012; Park & Choi, 2009; Romero, 2010). Despite the recognition of the time factor importance, there is still the need for theorizing temporality in the context of online education. In this chapter, the authors contribute to the advancement of the evaluation of time factors in online learning by adapting the theoretical framework of the Academic Learning Times (Caldwell, Huitt, & Graeber, 1982; Berliner, 1984) for evaluating the online learners’ time regulation. For this purpose, they compare two case studies based on the Academic Learning Times framework. The case studies characterize online learner regulation based on an analysis of online learners at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Spain, and the initiatives taken by the instructional team of the Virtual Campus at the University of Limoges (CVTIC) to support online learner time regulation on this virtual campus in France. After comparing the two case studies, the chapter provides guidelines for improving online learners’ individual and collaborative time regulation and reflects about the need to advance in the theorization of the time factor frameworks in online education.
The Impact of Combining Video Podcasting and Lectures on Students’ Assimilation of Additional Knowledge
Authors: Jiménez-Castillo David , Fernández Raquel Sánchez
Published: October 2013

Podcasting is evolving rapidly in higher education due to its pedagogical possibilities, such as providing supplementary materials to increase learning. This chapter aims to provide insights about the complementarity between traditional and innovative methods in teaching practice. In particular, the authors examine the value of video podcasts in the learning process, investigating how prior knowledge gained from lectures, students’ attitude toward using this tool, and its effective use, may account for the assimilation of additional knowledge presented in this multimedia format. Drawing on several learning-related theories, they develop a conceptual model that is empirically tested. After following instrumental design principles and a formal research procedure, the findings show the influence of prior knowledge and effective use on students’ assimilation capacity. Moreover, attitude positively affects the effective use of the tool. Finally, the authors discuss the main academic and practical contributions of this study and provide recommendations and future research directions.
Social Media Tools in Initial Teacher Education
Authors: Mâţă Liliana
Published: October 2013

This chapter investigates the current context of integrating and exploiting social media tools in initial teacher education. The theoretical part highlights the latest approaches of social media on an international level from the perspective of the following elements: a) the concept of social media, b) the categories of tools, c) the implications of integrating social media technologies in the field of teacher education, and d) the configuration of innovative model of social media in the context of teacher training. The methodological part presents the results of a content analysis research of the way in which new social media tools may be used in initial teacher training. The research results contribute to establishing the main issues in this field as well as new solutions and directions for improving initial training programmes for teachers by means of social media tools.
Affect Recognition for Web 2.0 Intelligent E-Tutoring Systems
Authors: Akputu Oryina Kingsley , Seng Kah Phooi , Lee Yun Li
Published: October 2013

This chapter describes how a machine vision approach could be utilized for tracking learning feedback information on emotions for enhanced teaching and learning with Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). The chapter focuses on analyzing learners’ emotions to show how affective states account for personalization or traceability for learning feedback. The chapter achieves this goal in three ways: (1) by presenting a comprehensive review of adaptive educational learning systems, particularly inspired by machine vision approaches; (2) by proposing an affective model for monitoring learners’ emotions and engagement with educational learning systems; (3) by presenting a case-based technique as an experimental prototype for the proposed affective model, where students’ facial expressions are tracked in the course of studying a composite video lecture. Results of the experiments indicate the superiority of such emotion-aware systems over emotion-unaware ones, achieving a significant performance increment of 71.4%.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perspectives and Practices in Utilizing Ubiquitous Technologies for Academic-Oriented Learning and Knowledge Management
Authors: Daunert Anna Liza , Harteis Christian
Published: October 2013

Technological innovations are rapidly growing and changing, and it is hard to ignore their role and influence in people’s daily activities. This particularly applies to universities and to the learning activities of students. That is, these technologies have become ubiquitous, which is confirmed in the survey conducted among pre-service teachers, in that each of the respondents (N = 331) uses (one or at least one of) these technological devices and/or Web-based tools everyday. In order to determine the role of these ubiquitous technologies (u-technologies) in learning, the authors focus on the students’ preferences and experiences with u-technologies. The survey results provide information about which particular technological devices and Web-based tools/applications the students prefer and use for specific purposes, particularly for learning and knowledge management activities. Thus, this chapter provides a glimpse of what students prefer and use as well as an analysis of issues and perspectives in the context of learning with u-technologies in higher education.
Problem with Multi-Video Format M-Learning Applications
Authors: Adeyeye Michael O. , Musa Adebola G. , Botha Adele
Published: October 2013

The browser war is far from over, and the HTML5  tag has not improved video access despite its promises to work without specifying a plug-in. This chapter discusses m-learning with respect to video. It outlines the m-learning paradigm in conjunction with the technical aspects of video display in browsers, when varying media formats are used. The  tag used in this work renders videos from two sources with different MIME types. Feeds from the video sources, namely YouTube and UCT Matterhorn, are pulled by a Website that acts as a content aggregator. The content aggregator presents the various user-generated contents and lectures from the two repositories to both lecturers and students as a single source. By leveraging on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, the application should render uniform video display and gather comments among various students, who use various personal mobile devices. Results show that a uniform display cannot be achieved when developing an application for personal mobile devices.
Structure-Based Design of Altered MHC Class II–Restricted Peptide Ligands with Heterogeneous Immunogenicity
Authors: Chen Shuming , Li Yili , Depontieu Florence R. , McMiller Tracee L. , English A. Michelle , Shabanowitz Jeffrey , Kos Ferdynand , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , Rosenberg Steven A. , Hunt Donald F. , Mariuzza Roy A. , Topalian Suzanne L.
Published: October 2013

Insights gained from characterizing MHC–peptide–TCR interactions have held the promise that directed structural modifications can have predictable functional consequences. The ability to manipulate T cell reactivity synthetically or through genetic engineering might thus be translated into new therapies for common diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. In the current study, we determined the crystal structure of HLA-DR4 in complex with the nonmutated dominant gp100 epitope gp10044–59, associated with many melanomas. Altered peptide ligands (APLs) were designed to enhance MHC binding and hence T cell recognition of gp100 in HLA-DR4+ melanoma patients. Increased MHC binding of several APLs was observed, validating this approach biochemically. Nevertheless, heterogeneous preferences of CD4+ T cells from several HLA-DR4+ melanoma patients for different gp100 APLs suggested highly variable TCR usage, even among six patients who had been vaccinated against the wild-type gp100 peptide. This heterogeneity prevented the selection of an APL candidate for developing an improved generic gp100 vaccine in melanoma. Our results are consistent with the idea that even conservative changes in MHC anchor residues may result in subtle, yet crucial, effects on peptide contacts with the TCR or on peptide dynamics, such that alterations intended to enhance immunogenicity may be unpredictable or counterproductive. They also underscore a critical knowledge gap that needs to be filled before structural and in vitro observations can be used reliably to devise new immunotherapies for cancer and other disorders.
Antigen Modulation Confers Protection to Red Blood Cells from Antibody through Fcγ Receptor Ligation
Authors: Stowell Sean R. , Liepkalns Justine S. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Girard-Pierce Kathryn R. , Smith Nicole H. , Arthur C. Maridith , Zimring James C.
Published: October 2013

Autoantibodies and alloantibodies can damage self-tissue or transplanted tissues through either fixation of complement or ligation of FcγRs. Several pathways have been described that imbue self-tissues with resistance to damage from complement fixation, as a protective measure against damage from these Abs. However, it has been unclear whether parallel pathways exist to provide protection from FcγR ligation by bound Abs. In this article, we describe a novel pathway by which cell surface Ag is specifically decreased as a result of Ab binding (Ag modulation) to the extent of conferring protection to recognized cells from Fcγ-dependent clearance. Moreover, the Ag modulation in this system requires FcγR ligation. Together, these findings provide unique evidence of self-protective pathways for FcγR-mediated Ab damage.
MAIT Recognition of a Stimulatory Bacterial Antigen Bound to MR1
Authors: López-Sagaseta Jacinto , Dulberger Charles L. , McFedries Amanda , Cushman Mark , Saghatelian Alan , Adams Erin J.
Published: October 2013

MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent a subpopulation of αβ T cells with innate-like properties and limited TCR diversity. MAIT cells are of interest because of their reactivity against bacterial and yeast species, suggesting that they play a role in defense against pathogenic microbes. Despite the advances in understanding MAIT cell biology, the molecular and structural basis behind their ability to detect MR1–Ag complexes is unclear. In this study, we present our structural and biochemical characterization of MAIT TCR engagement of MR1 presenting an Escherichia coli–derived stimulatory ligand, rRL-6-CH2OH, previously found in Salmonella typhimurium. We show a clear enhancement of MAIT TCR binding to MR1 due to the presentation of this ligand. Our structure of a MAIT TCR/MR1/rRL-6-CH2OH complex shows an evolutionarily conserved binding orientation, with a clear role for both the CDR3α and CDR3β loops in recognizing the rRL-6-CH2OH stimulatory ligand. We also present two additional xenoreactive MAIT TCR/MR1 complexes that recapitulate the docking orientation documented previously, despite having variation in the CDR2β and CDR3β loop sequences. Our data support a model by which MAIT TCRs engage MR1 in a conserved fashion, with their binding affinities modulated by the nature of the MR1-presented Ag or diversity introduced by alternate Vβ usage or CDR3β sequences.
Proportional reasoning as a threshold to numeracy at university: A framework for analysis
Authors: Lloyd Pam , Frith Vera
Published: October 2013

There is a generally acknowledged need for students to be quantitatively literate in an increasingly quantitative world. This includes the ability to reason critically about data in context. We have noted that students experience difficulty with the application of certain mathematical and statistical concepts, which in turn impedes progress in the development of students’ critical reasoning ability. One such concept, which has the characteristics of a threshold concept, is that of proportional reasoning. The main focus of this article is a description of the development of a framework using an adapted phenomenographic approach that can be used to describe students’ experiences in the acquisition of the concept of comparing quantities in relative terms. The framework has also helped to make explicit the elements that constitute a full understanding of the requirements for the proportional comparison of quantities. Preliminary results from using the framework to analyse students’ responses to assessment questions showed that many students were challenged by proportional reasoning. When considering the notion of the liminal space that is occupied en route to a full understanding of a threshold concept, about half of the students in the study were at the preliminal stage of understanding the concept and very few were at the threshold.
Effect of multiple vacuum packs on colour development and stability in beef steaks
Authors: Avilés C. , Juárez M. , Larsen I. L. , Rodas-González A. , Aalhus J. L.
Published: October 2013

Avilés, C., Juárez, M., Larsen, I. L., Rodas-González, A. and Aalhus, J. L. 2014. Effect of multiple vacuum packs on colour development and stability in beef steaks. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 63–69. The aim of this study was to compare the colour stability of steaks from longissimus dorsi muscle previously submitted to four treatments of vacuum packaging and aged for 15 d. Muscle portions were either vacuum packed and aged for 15 d (NRP), or repacked after 2 h (RP2h), 8 d (RP8d) and after 2 h and 8 d (RP2h+8d). Purge loss values from RP8d and RP2h+8d treatments were higher (P=0.019) than those from NRP and drip loss was higher (P=0.001) for RP2h and RP8d. Colour changes during a 30-min period of exposure to atmospheric oxygen immediately after opening the packages were similar for repackaged-aged steaks and NRP steaks (P>0.05). Nevertheless, colour stability during subsequent retail display under atmospheric air conditions was affected by the packaging treatment. The decrease in chroma values (P=0.043) and the increase in hue (P=0.011) between day 3 and day 6 was minimum for RP2h+8d, compared with NRP, RP2h and RP8d. Also, the proportion of pigment in the myoglobin form in these three treatments dramatically increased from day 3 to day 6, while no effect was observed for RP2h+8d (P=0.005). Similarly, the decrease over time in the proportion of pigment in the oxymyoglobin form in meat from the RP2h+8d treatment was much lower (P=0.002) than for the other three packaging treatments. Changes in colour stability associated with multiple vacuum packagings may confound results in experimental designs. Thus, if beef colour is to be evaluated, repeated vacuum packaging should be limited.
Ascophyllum extract application can promote plant growth and root yield in carrot associated with increased root-zone soil microbial activity
Authors: Alam Mohammed Zahidul , Braun Gordon , Norrie Jeffrey , Mark Hodges D.
Published: October 2013

Alam, M. Z., Braun, G., Norrie, J. and Hodges, D. M. 2014. Ascophyllum extract application can promote plant growth and root yield in carrot associated with increased root-zone soil microbial activity. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 337–348. Root growth and soil microbial activity were examined in two cultivars of carrot following treatment with Ascophyllum nodosum marine-plant extract. Field experiments were established in grower-managed fields of Maverick and Pronto carrots during 2010 and 2011. Soluble Ascophyllum extract powder (SAEP) was applied weekly, bi-weekly or tri-weekly at rates of 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 or 1.0 g L−1 over 11 to 13 wk. Results indicate that SAEP treatment increased root yields of Maverick and Pronto by about 20 and 15%, respectively, reduced proportion of smaller roots and improved harvest index (HI). Maximum yield was found at or above 0.50 g L−1 SAEP for Maverick and at 0.75 g L−1 for Pronto. Soil microbial colony counts, respiration and metabolic activity increased following SAEP applications, but varied with SAEP rate and application frequency. Using the Biolog microbial analysis system, maximum average well colour development (AWCD), substrate diversity (H), substrate evenness (E), and substrate richness (S) responses to extract treatment generally showed successive increases at 0.50, 0.75 and 1 g L−1 SAEP at tri-weekly application frequencies. With more frequent applications, rates below 1 g L−1 led to greater microbial growth, respiration and functional activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a strong relationship between carrot growth, soil microbial populations and activity parameters. These results suggest that seaweed extract application can result in an increase in soil microbial activity associated with increased yield in carrots.