bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maîtrise ou traumatisme : le choix adolescent
Authors: Novick Jack , Novick Kerry Kelly
Published: November 2012

Résumé Une description complète de l’adolescence peut être faite à partir d’un modèle conceptuel articulant deux types de systèmes, ouverts et fermés. Loin de représenter des catégories diagnostiques, ces systèmes sont des constructions illustrant différents choix possibles, pour l’adolescent, d’adaptation à un moment critique de son développement. Les systèmes ouverts signent l’effort pour transformer le soi, tandis que les systèmes fermés indiquent un besoin de contrôler, forcer, changer les autres. La référence à ces deux systèmes est profondément porteuse pour la pratique et la théorie, notamment parce qu’ils ouvrent à un regard différent sur l’adolescence, dont le but ne serait plus la séparation mais bien la transformation.
Dynamique de la gestion de l'information dans les interactions en classe : complétude et saturation
Authors: Grobet Anne
Published: November 2012

Cet article vise à mettre en évidence certaines facettes de l’organisation de l’information dans les interactions en classe, en lien avec le prolongement ou la clôture des négociations. À partir de l’analyse d’extraits d’interactions issues de l’enseignement bilingue aux niveaux secondaire et tertiaire, je discute la question de la complétude interactionnelle, développée dans les travaux de l’analyse conversationnelle et du discours, qui est mise en relation avec la notion plus récente de « saturation informationnelle ». L’analyse des exemples fait apparaître que si pour les enseignants, ces processus interactionnel et informationnel vont souvent de pair, il n’en va pas nécessairement de même pour les étudiants, en raison de l’asymétrie propre aux interactions didactiques.
Longues séquences dans l'interaction : ordre de l'activité, cadres participatifs et temporalités
Authors: Traverso Véronique
Published: November 2012

Cet article propose une réflexion sur l’analyse des « longues séquences » dans l’interaction et présente une méthodologie relevant de l’analyse conversationnelle pour étudier la façon dont les participants les organisent. Cette méthodologie est mise en œuvre sur un extrait de réunion. L’analyse prend en compte plusieurs dimensions rarement intégrées dans la description de ce niveau de l’interaction : le nombre de participants et la construction de cadres participatifs en perpétuelle reconfiguration et la multimodalité des ressources mises en œuvre, faisant intervenir, outre les regards et les orientations gestuelles et posturales, la prise de notes effectuée de ce qui se passe.
Émergence, temporalité et grammaire-dans-l'interaction : disloquée à gauche et nominativus pendens en français contemporain
Authors: Pekarek Doehler Simona , Stoenica Ioana-Maria
Published: November 2012

Dans cette contribution, nous interrogerons la nature contingente, émergente et foncièrement temporelle des structures linguistiques à travers l’étude de deux constructions classiques en français : la construction dite « disloquée à gauche » et le nominativus pendens . Dans un premier temps, nous mettrons en relief les spécificités d’une grammaire de l’interaction, voire d’une grammaire-dans-l’interaction, en cherchant à établir un dialogue entre les travaux sur la grammaire de l’oral et ceux sur la grammaire de l’interaction. Dans un second temps, nous examinerons ces spécificités à travers l’étude de la manière dont les constructions susmentionnées s’inscrivent, sur les plans formel et fonctionnel, dans la séquentialité de l’interaction. Par là, nous espérons apporter un éclairage empirique sur la nature malléable, adaptative de ce qui est communément appelé « grammaire ».
Ordre public versus ordre privé
Authors: Baudry Bernard , Chassagnon Virgile
Published: November 2012

Résumé Peu de travaux académiques se sont intéressés à la place centrale que Williamson accorde au droit dans sa théorisation. Cet article propose d’y remédier en offrant une relecture critique de l’approche law and economics de Williamson à partir de l’étude des relations collectives de travail aux États-Unis. Pour Williamson, le droit fixe, d’un point de vue positif, les « règles du jeu » (ordre public), les individus négociant ensuite librement des règles qui constituent les institutions de la gouvernance (ordre privé), et, d’un point de vue normatif, cette partition est optimale, compte tenu de la logique de l’ economizing propre aux individus. Or, nous montrons qu’en réalité le droit américain des relations de travail relève du « pluralisme juridique » et que le modèle de l’ordre privé, remis en cause depuis une trentaine d’années, contient de nombreuses limites. Dans ces conditions, l’analyse du schéma ordre public/ordre privé que Williamson propose ne semble plus guère pertinente.
Dépenses publiques d'éducation et inégalités
Authors: Allègre Guillaume , Melonio Thomas , Timbeau Xavier
Published: November 2012

Résumé Nous mesurons l’impact redistributif des dépenses éducatives et de leur financement. Nous adoptons une perspective de cycle de vie qui consiste à estimer pour chaque individu les dépenses publiques d’éducation dont il a bénéficié, et l’imposition nécessaire pour les financer. Nous concluons que les dépenses d’éducation et leur financement public, au-delà de l’âge de l’enseignement obligatoire, aggravent légèrement les inégalités entre ménages classés selon l’origine sociale ; en revanche, nos résultats s’inversent quand les individus sont classés selon leur revenu futur estimé. Ces transferts sont un enjeu d’équité marginal par rapport à celui lié aux différences de parcours scolaires et professionnels en fonction du milieu social.
Le crédit commercial : un substitut au crédit bancaire... quand le développement financier est faible
Authors: Couppey-Soubeyran Jézabel , Héricourt Jérôme , Chaari Inès
Published: November 2012

Résumé À l’aide d’une base de données de plus de 1 100 entreprises de la région mena , cet article examine les déterminants de l’utilisation du crédit commercial. Dans un premier temps, nous montrons que la difficulté d’accès au crédit bancaire influence positivement le recours au crédit commercial, ce qui tend à faire du crédit commercial un substitut (même imparfait) du crédit bancaire. De la même façon, la qualité de la structure financière influence négativement le recours au crédit commercial, soulignant l’utilité de ce dernier pour les entreprises à la santé financière précaire. Dans un second temps, nous montrons que les résultats précédents tendent à s’affaiblir (voire à disparaître) au-delà d’un certain niveau de développement financier. Passé ce seuil, le crédit commercial deviendrait un complément du crédit bancaire dont l’importance dépend surtout de l’intensité des relations commerciales avec les entreprises partenaires.
Le commerce des services, un commerce en trompe-l'œil ?
Authors: Broussolle Damien
Published: November 2012

Résumé L’article s’intéresse au commerce transfrontière de services dont la compréhension courante peut résulter de méprises. En premier lieu, il étudie les conséquences, sur l’étendue des services, de la définition proposée par Hill [1999] qui s’impose progressivement. Il soutient que les activités exportatrices liées à l’information sont très probablement considérées à tort comme appartenant aux services. En deuxième lieu, il montre que, malgré des améliorations, les informations sur le commerce de services fournies par la Balance peuvent induire en erreur. D’une part, la Balance propose encore des données en partie hétérogènes ; d’autre part, contrairement aux apparences, la Balance ne fournit pas d’informations pertinentes sur le commerce des activités de services. Une large proportion des échanges du compte des services n’est pas due aux activités de services.
Knowledge in Economics and Economic Reform
Authors: Vranceanu Radu , Barthélemy Jérôme
Published: November 2012

Résumé Les doutes sur le bien-fondé de l’économie de marché et la faiblesse des connaissances en économie sont deux faits avérés en France. Dans cet article, nous utilisons les données d’une enquête menée en décembre 2009 via Internet au sein du réseau d’une grande école de commerce, pour étudier s’il existe un lien entre ces deux phénomènes. Un modèle de régression permet d’expliquer l’opinion sur les réformes pro-marché, tout en prenant en compte le caractère endogène des connaissances en économie et les caractéristiques des répondants. Les résultats suggèrent que les connaissances économiques influencent effectivement l’opinion sur les réformes pro-marché. JEL Code : A11, A14, A20, C83
Catálogo comentado de las especies de Cyaneolytta Péringuey, 1909 (Coleoptera, Meloidae) del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Madrid, España) y clave de las especies del género
Authors: García-Rollán M.
Published: November 2012

Se presenta información sobre especies de Cyaneolytta Péringuey, 1909 en forma de catálogo comentado de los ejemplares existentes en el Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales de Madrid. Se citan por primera vez Cyaneolyyta affinis (Haag-Rutenberg, 1880) y C. depressicornis costipennis Kaszab, 1953 en Kenya, C. episcopalis (Harold, 1878), C. gestroi (Haag-Rutenberg, 1880) y C. metasternalis (Fairmaire, 1888) en Tanzania, C. signifrons (Fahraeus, 1870) en la República Democrática del Congo y C. suahela (Kolbe, 1898) en la isla de Zanzíbar (Tanzania). Se incluye una clave de todas las especies y subespecies del género
Needs-based syllabus design for students of English in Hungarian technical universities
Authors: Sárdi Csilla
Published: November 2012

L'utilité d'une analyse des besoins pour la création d'un programme a été très largement reconnue dans le domaine de l'enseignement et l'apprentissage des langues pour des groupes cibles. Néanmoins, malgré la quantité de recherches empiriques sur l'analyse des besoins et les nombreuses études théoriques sur la création des programmes, aucune approche systématique reliant les deux domaines n'existe encore. Autrement dit, on ne sait pas encore traduire les conclusions d'une analyse des besoins en méthode de création des programmes. Nous décrivons l'intégration dans la création d'un programme des résultats d'une analyse des besoins en langue anglaise d'étudiants d'une université technique hongroise. Cet article représente des travaux en cours ; la création de ce programme fait partie d'un sujet de recherche de doctorat.
« Mais où est donc passé mon crédit documentaire ? » Acquisition du langage de spécialité
Authors: Joncheray Marie-Françoise
Published: November 2012

L'observation des parcours d'apprentissage dans une classe de BTS Commerce international a permis de mettre en évidence la nécessaire présence d'un système de référence construit en L1, pour permettre l'acquisition de ces mêmes notions en langue étrangère. En l'absence d'un tel système, l'apprentissage ne se fait pas.
La mondialisation de l’économie : de nouveaux enjeux, de nouveaux contextes culturels
Authors: Sturge-Moore Olivier
Published: November 2012

La mondialisation de l’économie est l’un des faits les plus marquants de cette fin de siècle. Elle affecte de très nombreux domaines, et tout particulièrement la dimension culturelle. Le monde de l’entreprise est directement concerné et de nombreuses données qui en relèvent vont être amenées à être redéfinies, formant de nouveaux contextes culturels dont l’exploitation pédagogique nous paraît aussi passionnante que nécessaire pour les futurs utilisateurs que sont nos étudiants. Cet article a pour principal objectif d’attirer l’attention sur le fait que la recherche en didactique des langues de spécialité doit prendre en compte les nouveaux contextes culturels qui sont en train d’émerger de ce processus, sinon elle risque de se poser en paradoxe par rapport à l’extension et au rôle de l’anglais en tant que langue universelle mais dont la vocation doit être également multiculturelle.
Effect of Stimuli, Transducers and Gender on Acoustic Change Complex
Authors: Shetty Hemanth Narayan , Manjula Puttabasappa
Published: November 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stimuli, transducers and gender on the latency and amplitude of acoustic change complex (ACC). ACC is a multiple overlapping P1-N1-P2 complex reflecting acoustic changes across the entire stimulus. Fifteen males and 15 females, in the age range of 18 to 25 (mean = 21.67) years, having normal hearing participated in the study. The ACC was recorded using the vertical montage. The naturally produced stimuli /sa/ and /si/ were presented through the insert earphone/loud speaker to record the ACC. The ACC obtained from different stimuli presented through different transducers from male/female participants were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. Dependent t-test and independent t-test were performed when indicated. There was a significant difference in latency of 2N1 at the transition, with latency for /sa/ being earlier; but not at the onset portions of ACC. There was no significant difference in amplitude of ACC between the stimuli. Among the transducers, there was no significant difference in latency and amplitude of ACC, for both /sa/ and /si/ stimuli. Female participants showed earlier latency for 2N1 and larger amplitude of N1 and 2P2 than male participants, which was significant. ACC provides important insight in detecting the subtle spectral changes in each stimulus. Among the transducers, no difference in ACC was noted as the spectra of stimuli delivered were within the frequency response of the transducers. The earlier 2N1 latency and larger N1 and 2P2 amplitudes noticed in female participants could be due to smaller head circumference. The findings of this study will be useful in determining the capacity of the auditory pathway in detecting subtle spectral changes in the stimulus at the level of the auditory cortex.
Comparing imagery in The Greedy Hippo and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Authors: Botha John R.
Published: November 2012

This article used as point of departure the Ngano song-story entitled The Greedy Hippo as developed by Christiaan van der Westhuizen and based on the Tambani embroidery project. This animated interpretation of The Greedy Hippo is used to further the aims of interdisciplinary research as stated by the original project by comparing its fantasy imagery with that of the Chinese film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by director Ang Lee. The analysis of the images in both works of art has been based on Jungian archetypes, with specific reference to the need for an esoteric and imaginative reading of fantasy in the chosen works of art. Reference was made to the dominant role of realism as style in Western art as opposed to the more esoteric, symbolic, and fantasy imagery of the art of other cultures, with emphasis on China. Chinese landscape painting and even poetry has been briefly contextualised with regards to the chosen works of art. Finally, the different characters of both works of art were analysed within the contexts of their symbolic meanings as based on Jungian archetypes, with particular reference to the scenes where the characters are depicted as flying through the air, which were explained within the contexts of Wu Xia martial arts style films.s.
Changes in school biology in South Africa after ‘apartheid’
Authors: Le Grange Lesley
Published: November 2012

The national curriculum frameworks for school biology (Life Sciences) have undergone several changes since the dismantling of apartheid. These changes have been characterised by pendulum swings between traditional academic biology and humanistic biology. In this article I discuss these pendulum swings and the reasons for them. I point out that even though we have witnessed these pendulum swings, the different curriculum frameworks for Life Sciences can be seen as iterations of the same curriculum paradigm – all according to the Tylerian mould. I also argue that productive learning of both academic and humanistic biology depends on what teachers do and think, rather than the content of a particular curriculum framework.
Hormonal Contraception and Diabetes
Authors: Pallardo L.F. , Cano A , Cristobal I , Blanco M.A. , Lozano M , Lete I
Published: November 2012

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing diabetes mellitus (DM), mainly type 2 DM, as well as metabolic syndrome. The presence of subsequent pregnancies increases the risk. In addition, pregnancy in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM also elevates the risk of morbidity and mortality for both mothers and offspring. Thus, all women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 DM should receive preconception care to optimize glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 6%). In those cases with macrovascular or microvascular complications, family planning is even more important in order to avoid the risk of aggravation of such complications associated with a new pregnancy. The present review analyzes the metabolic and cardiovascular repercussions of hormone contraception in non-diabetic women as well as in type 1 and type 2 DM patients with and without macrovascular and microvascular complications. Finally, the recommendations pertaining to hormonal contraceptive methods for women with diabetes are summarized.
Mini-Workshop: Boundary Value Problems and Spectral Geometry
Authors: Behrndt Jussi , Pankrashkin Konstantin , Post Olaf
Published: November 2012

Boundary value problems and spectral geometry is an attractive and rapidly developing area in modern mathematical analysis. The interaction of PDE methods with concepts from operator theory and differential geometry is particularly challenging and leads directly to new insights and applications in various branches of pure and applied mathematics, e.g., analysis on manifolds, global analysis and mathematical physics. Some recent contributions in the field of boundary value problems and spectral geometry concern, e.g., construction of isospectral manifolds with boundary, eigenvalue and resonance distribution for large energies, multidimensional inverse spectral problems, singular perturbations, new regularity techniques, Dirichletto-Neumann maps and Titchmarsh-Weyl functions.
Control Theory: Mathematical Perspectives on Complex Networked Systems
Authors: Allgöwer Frank , Blondel Vincent , Helmke Uwe
Published: November 2012

Control theory is an interdisciplinary field that is located at the crossroads of pure and applied mathematics with systems engineering and the sciences. Its range of applicability and its techniques evolve rapidly with new developments in communication systems and electronic data processing. Thus, in recent years networked control systems emerged as a new fundamental topic, which combines complex communication structures with classical control methods and requires new mathematical methods. A substantial number of contributions to this workshop was devoted to the control of networks of systems. This was complemented by a series of lectures on other current topics like fundamentals of nonlinear control systems, model reduction and identification, algorithmic aspects in control, as well as open problems in control.
Evaluation of rK-39 Strip Test Using Urine for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Region of India
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Pandey Krishna , Das Vidya Nand Rabi , Das Sushmita , Verma Neena , Ranjan Alok , Lal Sekhar Chandra , Topno Kamal Roshan , Singh Shubhankar Kumar , Verma Rakesh Bihari , Kumar Ashish , Sardar Abul Hasan , Purkait Bidyut , Das Pradeep
Published: November 2012

The definitive diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) requires invasive procedures for demonstration of parasites in tissue smear or culture. These procedures need expertise and laboratory supports and cannot be performed in the field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the existing rK-39 immunochromatographic nitrocellulose strips test (ICT) with some modification in human urine for diagnosis of VL. The test was performed on both sera and urine samples on the same 786 subjects (365 confirmed VL and 421 control subjects). The sensitivity of the rK-39 ICT in serum was 100%, whereas the specificity was 93.8%, 100%, and 96.2% in healthy controls from endemic, non-endemic, and other infectious diseases, respectively. However, in urine samples, the test showed 96.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Considering sensitivity and feasibility of the test in the field, rK-39 ICT using urine samples can be an alternative to conventional invasive VL diagnosis.
Ouverture de ‘Global Cities and Knowledge Management - 1’
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M. , Cappellin Riccardo
Published: November 2012

Global markets impose an important transformation of the firms’ growth policies where innovation and imitation (of products and processes) play a primary role to meet a volatile demand. Many countries now have strong links with global corporations and within these countries most activity is concentrated in a few metropolitan areas (world cities). World cities configure aggregation-sites for knowledge-intensive businesses and for populations requiring sophisticated immaterial consumption. Large metropolitan areas of the de-materialized economy are thus assuming the dual role of knowledge creation pole (knowledge hub) and of intangible consumption pole (consumer hub).
Global Networks, Knowledge Management and World Cities
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M.
Published: November 2012

Global markets are revolutionising the basic concepts of research, manufacturing and marketing, and developing corporate networks based on competitive alliances. In global managerial economics, knowledge management thus becomes the crucial competitive factor, creating knowledge production hubs, particularly in cities with a high level of intangible consumption, where people, capital and ideas are concentrated (consumer hubs). The level of aggregation of knowledge production and intangible consumption classifies large conurbations with unconventional metrics, establishing new types of scales for ‘world cities’.
Urban Growth: Is It a Never Ending Story?
Authors: Capello Roberta
Published: November 2012

In the post-industrial society or knowledge economy, which are the determinants that explain urban growth? The aim of the paper is to give an answer to this question by critically analyzing the contributions that exist in the urban economic literature.
Contemporary Art Firms and Value Creation in Global Cities
Authors: Federica Codignola
Published: November 2012

Culture is increasingly important in the contemporary processes of economic value creation, and cities are able to generate urban requalification processes by enhancing the level and complexity of cultural intervention. Recently, these strategies have focused increasingly on contemporary art, and specifically on contemporary artistic firms that can stimulate a significant amount of original knowledge production in global cities.
Local and global perspectives on the virtual water trade
Authors: Tamea S. , Allamano P. , Carr J. A. , Claps P. , Laio F. , Ridolfi L.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Recent studies on fluxes of virtual water are showing how the global food and goods trade interconnects the water resources of different and distant countries, conditioning the local water balances. This paper presents and discusses the assessment of virtual water fluxes between a single country and its network of trading partners, delineating a country's virtual water budget in space and time (years 1986–2010). The fluxes between the country under study and its importing/exporting partners are visualized with a geographical representation shaping the trade network as a virtual river/delta. Time variations of exchanged fluxes are quantified to show possible trends in the virtual water balance, while characterizing the time evolution of the trade network and its composition in terms of product categories (plant-based, animal-based, luxury and non-edible). The average distance traveled by virtual water to arrive to the place of consumption is also introduced as a new measure for the analysis of globalization of the virtual water trade. Using Italy as an example, we find that food trade has a steadily growing importance compared to domestic production, with a major component represented by plan-based products, and luxury products taking an increasingly larger share (26% in 2010). In 2010 Italy had an average net import of 55 km3 of virtual water (38 km3 in 1986), a value which poses the country among the top net importers in the world. On average each cubic meter of virtual water travels nearly 4000 km before entering Italy, while export goes to relatively closer countries (average distance: 2600 km), with increasing trends in time which are almost unique among the world countries. Analyses proposed for Italy are replicated for 10 other world countries, triggering similar investigations on different socio-economic actualities.
Evaluation of indirect loss from hypothetical catastrophes in two regions with different economic development levels in China
Authors: Xie W. , Li N. , Wu J.-D. , Liu X.-Q.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. This study evaluates and compares the indirect economic loss (IEL) resulting from two hypothetical catastrophes occurring in China – in developed Shanghai and in less-developed Sichuan – to provide new measures of disaster reduction. IEL was divided into indirect economic loss due to the disruption of production process (IEL I) and indirect economic loss induced by the disturbance of industrial lines (IEL II). An input-output model was used to assess these two types of IEL. The study showed that (1) developed regions may be more vulnerable with respect to IEL; (2) IEL II is the primary factor contributing to total IEL; (3) decision makers need to focus on IEL II beside IEL I which is usually the main disaster-reduction target after a disaster; and (4) tradeoff between economic growth and disaster prevention is needed to achieve regional sustainable development.
Evaluation of potential meteorological triggers of large landslides in sensitive glaciomarine clay, eastern Canada
Authors: Gauthier D. , Hutchinson D. J.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Heavy rains spread over some interval preceding large landslides in sensitive glaciomarine clay in eastern Canada are often noted as a triggering or causative factor in case studies or research reports for individual landslides, although the quantity or duration of the triggering rain event has never been characterized adequately. We selected five large landslide events that occurred in the glaciomarine clay in eastern Canada, and calculated cumulative antecedent precipitation for intervals ranging between one and 365 days preceding each event. We also calculated the antecedent precipitation values for every other day in the record, and computed the relative rank of the landslide day within the complete record. Our results show that several intervals for each landslide event are highly ranked – including those preceding a presumably earthquake-triggered landslide – but overall the rankings were highly variable, ranging between 99% and 6%. The set of highest-ranking intervals are unique for each event, including both short and long-term cumulative precipitation. All of the landslides occurred in the spring months, and the release of sequestered surface and ground water during the spring ground thaw may be related to the timing of the large landslides, so that the evolution of ground frost in the early winter may be of interest for landslide prediction. We found no simple precipitation threshold for triggering large landslides in sensitive glaciomarine clay in eastern Canada, suggesting that some complex temporal and spatial combination of pre-conditions, external energy (e.g. earthquakes), precipitation triggers and other factors such as ground frost formation and thaw are required to trigger a landslide.
Radio-frequency probes of Antarctic ice birefringence at South Pole vs. East Antarctica; evidence for a changing ice fabric
Authors: Besson D. , Doolin N. , Stockham M. , Kravchenko I.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Following pioneering efforts in East Antarctica, we herein report on the amplitude and temporal characteristics of polarized surface radar echo data collected in South Polar ice using radio sounding equipment with 0.5-ns echo-time precision. We observe strong echoes at 6, 9.6, 13.9, 17, and 19 μs following vertical pulse emission from the surface, in the upper half of the ice sheet. The synchronicity of those echoes for all broadcast azimuthal polarizations affirms the lack of observable birefringence over the upper half of the ice sheet, in contrast to East Antarctica measurements in the vicinity of Dome Fuji, and signifies a dramatic difference in the character of the ice sheet in the intervening 1400 km. Of the five strongest echoes, three exhibit an evident correlation with the local surface ice flow direction, qualitatively consistent with measurements in East Antarctica. Our radio sounding measurements also permit the most precise determination to date of the ice thickness at South Pole.
Gold-Nanoparticle Decorated Graphene-Nanostructured Polyaniline Nanocomposite-Based Bienzymatic Platform for Cholesterol Sensing
Authors: Saini Deepshikha , Chauhan Ruchika , Solanki Pratima R. , Basu T.
Published: November 2012

A novel nanobiocomposite bienzymatic amperometric cholesterol biosensor, coupled with cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), was developed based on the gold-nanoparticle decorated graphene-nanostructured polyaniline nanocomposite (NSPANI-AuNP-GR) film which was electrochemically deposited onto indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrode from the nanocomposite (NSPANI-AuNP-GR) dispersion, as synthesized by in situ polymerization technique. The gold nanoparticle-decorated graphene-nanostructured polyaniline nanocomposite (NSPANI-AuNP-GR) offers an efficient electron transfer between underlining electrode and enzyme active center. The bienzymatic nanocomposite bioelectrodes ChOx-HRP/NSPANI-AuNP-GR/ITO have exhibited higher sensitivity, linearity, and lowerKmvalue than monoenzymatic bioelectrode (ChOx/NSPANI-AuNP-GR/ITO). It is inferred that bienzyme-based nanobioelectrodes offer wider linearity (35 to 500 mg/dL), higher sensitivity (0.42 μAmM−1), low km value of 0.01 mM and higher accuracy for testing of blood serum samples than monoenzyme system. Mechanism of the overall biochemical reaction has been proposed to illustrate the enhanced biosensing performance of the bienzyme system. The novelty of the electrode lies on reusability, extended shelf life, and accuracy of testing blood serum samples.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Glucose Levels in Weanling Piglets Plasma as a Function of Deoxynivalenol Exposure
Authors: Hopton Richard P. , Oswald Isabelle P. , Hardie Laura J. , Turner Paul C. , Fisher Julie
Published: November 2012

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin contaminant of cereal crops, and whilst animal toxicity has demonstrated its role at low doses in animals, and in human toxicity in general remains unclear. Here we investigated potential biological markers in sera using samples obtained from a previous DON-controlled feeding study on weanling piglets. Piglets (n=10 per group) received diets containing 0 (control), 240, 560-or 840 μg DON/kg feed for 28 days. Plasma samples collected at the end of the DON exposure trial were reassessed, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A modest trend was observed between plasma glucose concentration and DON ingestion (P=0.04). Plasma DON (P=0.04) and plasma protein-associated DON (P=0.08) were moderately correlated with DON ingestion in a more limited survey of a subset of samples used for glucose analysis (n=20). This is a preliminary study but suggests that a more detailed survey of the temporal nature of these biological measures is warranted.
To What Extent Do Protected Areas Determine the Conservation of Native Flora? A Case Study in the Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso
Authors: Traoré Lassina , Ouédraogo Amadé , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: November 2012

Natural vegetation contributes significantly to the daily needs of local people especially in the developing countries. This exerts a high pressure on freely accessible natural savannas and jeopardizes the conservation of protected areas. In Burkina Faso, conservation measures, such as the creation of protected forests, have been taken to safeguard the remaining indigenous vegetation. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these protected areas in conserving biodiversity. This study compared the diversity and structural characteristics of the vegetation communities in protected and unprotected areas in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. A total of 208 species representing 41 families and 145 genera were found. Significant differences were found between the species richness in the north Sudanian sector for tree savannas and in the south Sudanian sector for the shrub savannas, tree savannas, savanna woodlands, and the woodlands of land use types. All tree size-class distributions in each vegetation type formed a reverse J-shaped curve, indicating vegetation dominated by juvenile individuals. Similarity in tree species composition between management regimes was found to be low, which reflects differences in habitat conditions, disturbance, and topography. Urgent measures are needed to ensure effective and efficient management and conservation of biodiversity in the protected areas of Burkina Faso.
Coping with a Lower Limb Amputation due to Vascular Disease in the Hospital, Rehabilitation, and Home Setting
Authors: Couture Mélanie , Desrosiers Johanne , Caron Chantal D.
Published: November 2012

Objectives. To explore the coping strategies used following a lower limb amputation and their relationship to adjustment in the hospital, rehabilitation, and home setting. Method. Sixteen individuals who had a lower limb amputation due to vascular disease completed questionnaires, including the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), during hospitalization (T1), at the end of rehabilitation (T2), and 2-3 months after discharge from rehabilitation (T3). A subsample (n=10) also participated in three semistructured interviews analyzed using the approach of Miles and Huberman. Results. Self-controlling was the coping strategy used most, followed by seeking social support and positive reappraisal. Three additional coping strategies not found in the WCQ were identified in the qualitative data: noticing progress, learning new things, and using humor. Confrontive coping (T1) and escape-avoidance (T1, T2, and T3) were related to adjustment problems while positive reappraisal (T1 and T3), seeking social support (T1 and T3), and planful problem solving (T3) were associated with positive adjustment. Conclusion. Coping strategies used to deal with the amputation seem to vary across settings, thus signifying the complexity of the coping process following a lower limb amputation due to vascular disease.
Computational Cardiology: The Heart of the Matter
Authors: Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: November 2012

This paper reviews the newest developments in computational cardiology. It focuses on the contribution of cardiac modeling to the development of new therapies as well as the advancement of existing ones for cardiac arrhythmias and pump dysfunction. Reviewed are cardiac modeling efforts aimed at advancing and optimizing existent therapies for cardiac disease (defibrillation, ablation of ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac resynchronization therapy) and at suggesting novel treatments, including novel molecular targets, as well as efforts to use cardiac models in stratification of patients likely to benefit from a given therapy, and the use of models in diagnostic procedures.
Occurrence of Fetal Macrosomia Rate and Its Maternal and Neonatal Complications: A 5-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Najafian Mahin , Cheraghi Maria
Published: November 2012

Background. Macrosomia is defined as an infant’s birth weight of more than 4000 g at term which is to different maternal and neonatal complications. Several studies have been done on factors influencing risk of macrosomia, but there is lack of information and study in our country regarding macrosomia complications. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of macrosomia and its complications. Method. A cohort study was conducted from 2007 to 2011 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Razi Hospital in Ahvaz city, Iran. All pregnant mothers who were referred to Obstetrics and Gynecology Department for delivery were included in this study. The total number of 201,102 pregnant mothers was recruited and divided into case and control groups after delivery (macrosomia (case) and normal weight infants (control) groups). Results. Out of total deliveries (201,102), there were 1800 macrosomia, (9%). Gestational diabetes, maternal obesity (BMI), maternal aged and positive history of previous macrosomia were the major risk factors for macrosomia which were compared with the normal weight infant groups (
for all parameters). Neonatal complications associated with macrosomia included humerus—clavicle fractures and arm—brachial plexus injury which were significant compared to the control group ( for all parameters). Conclusion. The macrosomia is potentially dangerous for the mother and the neonate. It is important to recognize the suspected fetal macrosomia to prevent its risk factors and complications. There is a need to provide all delivery facilities and care services to prevent and reduce the maternal and neonatal macrosomia complications.
RhC Phenotyping, Adsorption/Elution Test, and SSP-PCR: The Combined Test for D-Elute Phenotype Screening in Thai RhD-Negative Blood Donors
Authors: Srijinda Songsak , Suwanasophon Chamaiporn , Visawapoka Unchalee , Pongsavee Malinee
Published: November 2012

The Rhesus (Rh) blood group is the most polymorphic human blood group and it is clinically significant in transfusion medicine. Especially, D antigen is the most important and highly immunogenic antigen. Due to anti-D, it is the cause of the hemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reaction. About 0.1%–0.5% of Asian people are RhD-negative, whereas in the Thai population, the RhD-negative blood type only occurs in 0.3%. Approximately 10%–30% of RhD-negative in Eastern Asian people actually were D-elute (DEL) phenotype, the very weak D antigen that cannot be detected by indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). There are many reports about anti-D immunization in RhD-negative recipients through the transfusion of red blood cells from individuals with DEL phenotype. D-elute phenotype screening in Thai RhD-negative blood donors was studied to distinguish true RhD-negative from DEL phenotype. A total of 254 Thai serologically RhD-negative blood donors were tested for RhCE phenotypes and anti-D adsorption/elution test. In addition, RhC(+) samples were tested for RHD 1227A allele by SSP-PCR technique. The RhD-negative phenotype samples consisted of 131 ccee, 4 ccEe, 1 ccEE, 101 Ccee, 16 CCee, and 1 CcEe. The 42 Ccee and 8 CCee phenotype samples were typed as DEL phenotype and 96% of DEL samples were positive for RHD 1227A allele. The incidence of RhC(+) was 46.4%, and 48 of the 118 RhC(+) samples were positive for both anti-D adsorption/elution test and SSP-PCR technique for RHD 1227A allele. The sensitivity and specificity were 96% and 100%, respectively, for RHD 1227A detection as compared with the adsorption/elution test. In conclusion, RhC(+) phenotype can combine with anti-D adsorption/elution test and RHD 1227A allele SSP-PCR technique for distinguishing true RhD-negative from DEL phenotype.
Zinc-Salt-Mediated Synthesis, Growth Kinetic, and Shaped Evolution of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Dare E. O. , Makinde O. W. , Ogundele K. T. , Osinkolu G. A. , Fasasi Y. A. , Sonde I. , Bamgbose J. T. , Maaza M. , Sithole J. , Ezema F. , Adewoye O. O.
Published: November 2012

We report the synthesis of various shaped silver nanoparticles mediated by ZnCl2 salt. It has been demonstrated that the salt, PVP/AgNO3 mole ratio, and the type of polyol (EG, DEG,and GL) significantly determined twinning probability, which is an index of silver seed growth origin. High twining probability arising from low PVP/Ag+ ratio and 50 mole% salt favours 1D grown nanowires and nanorods, whereas low twining amidst high mole% salt (150) in DEG offered 2D grown nanoflakes and nanosheets. Other shaped silver nanoparticles have been found. Accidentally, we arrived at a core-shell heterostructure of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite with Ag core enrichment when mole% of the salt was made up to 300. Growth kinetic of nanosphere obtained was monitored, and effect of salt mediation was found crucial. Structural evolution of shaped Ag nanoparticles and nanocomposites have been monitored using XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, and UV/vis.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Improves Balance and Knee Extensors Strength of Older Fallers
Authors: Pereira Marcelo Pinto , Gonçalves Mauro
Published: November 2012

Falls are one of the major problems for elderly people and proprioceptive exercises have been suggested as an alternative in rehabilitation and preventive programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise program on balance, knee extension and flexion isometric torque, and knee extension rate of force development (RFD). Fourteen older faller subjects (>60 years) were equally assigned into two groups: a control group (CG: n=7) and a training group (TG: n=7). The PNF training program was performed for 10 weeks on TG, with a frequency of three times per week. Patients were assessed before and after the PNF program, with respect to balance (Berg Balance Scale score—BBS), knee maximal isometric extension and flexion torque, knee extensor RFD, and knee extensors and flexors neuromuscular activation level and coactivation level around the knee. After 10 weeks, balance (P<0.001) and knee extension torque (P=0.05) were improved in TG while no differences were found for CG. These improvements were mainly attributed to central nervous system adaptations, since no differences were found for neuromuscular activation level and coactivation.
Two-Dimensional Software Defect Models with Test Execution History
Authors: Ishii Tomotaka , Dohi Tadashi
Published: November 2012

In general, the software-testing time may be measured by two kinds of time scales: calendar time and test execution time. In this paper, we develop two-dimensional software reliability models with two-time measures and incorporate both of them to assess the software reliability with higher accuracy. Since the resulting software defect models are based on the familiar nonhomogeneous Poisson processes with two time scales, which are the natural extensions of one-dimensional software defect models, it is possible to treat the time data both simultaneously and effectively. We investigate the dependence of test-execution time as a testing effort on the software reliability assessment and validate quantitatively the software defect models with two-time scales. We also consider an optimization problem when to stop the software testing in terms of two-time measurements.
Quantum Dynamics of Interacting Modes in Intracavity Third Harmonic Generation Process
Authors: Gevorgyan Menua , Gevorgyan Saribek
Published: November 2012

We study the quantum dynamics of the number of photons of the interacting modes, the dynamics of the quantum entropy, and the Wigner function of the states of the fundamental and the third harmonic modes for the process of intracavity third harmonic generation. It is shown that the quantum dynamics of the system strongly depends on the external resonant perturbation of the fundamental mode and on the coupling coefficient of the interacting modes. In the region of long interaction times, the modes of the field can be both in stable and
in unstable states—depending on the above-mentioned quantities. In the paper, we also investigate the dynamics of transition of the system from stable to unstable states.
Layered Materials with Catalytic Applications: Pillared and Delaminated Zeolites from MWW Precursors
Authors: Díaz Urbano
Published: November 2012

Delaminated and pillared zeolites are an innovative family of molecular sieves which introduced a different concept inside the synthesis of active catalysts or inorganic supports. These types of materials exhibit an elevated accessibility due to their open structure, characterized by the high external surface area without imposed restrictions controlled by the pore sizes. These open zeolites are conformed by crystalline ordered (pillared zeolites) or disordered (delaminated zeolites) individual layers, exhibiting textural properties which are favorable to carry out catalytic processes in which it is necessary to employ catalysts with completely accessible active sites. The elevated external surface area of these zeolites is profitable to generate more specific organic-inorganic materials, acting in this case as stable inorganic matrixes. The preparation of this open type-zeolites family is based on the modification of, previously synthesized, zeolitic precursors which are preexpanded to obtain the final delaminated or pillared zeolites which exhibit very different physicochemical properties compared with the starting precursors. Along this paper, the most relevant MWW-type high accessible zeolitic materials will be considered. Their nature, characteristics, and reactivity will be shown in the function of the employed synthesis method for their preparation and the postsynthesis treatments carried out, tuning their properties.
Preparation of99mTc-Clomiphene Citrate as a Novel Agent for Breast Cancer Imaging
Authors: Ibrahim Ismail Taha , Elkolally Mohamed Taha , Abd Elgany Ibrahim Yousof , Abd Albary Ahmed , Hodhod Elsayed Mohamed
Published: November 2012

The aim of this work was to develop a novel99mTc-labelled derivative based on triphenylethylene for breast cancer imaging.99mTc-Clomiphene was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 94.4% by adding99mTc to 1.5 mg Clomiphene citrate in the presence of 10 μg SnCl2at pH 7. The optimization of the labeling yield of Clomiphene citrate, with99mTc, is described. The reaction parameters that affect the labeling yield were studied to optimize the labeling conditions. Radiochemical purity of the final product has been verified by means of paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis. Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) as a model of breast cancer cells was injected intraperitoneally (IP) to produce ascites and intramuscularly (IM) to produce solid tumor. Biodistribution study was carried out by the injecting solution of99mTc-Clomiphene in normal and tumor bearing mice. The uptake in ascites was over 12.5 % injected dose per gram tissue body weight, at 1hr after injection and above 12% in solid tumor. The T/NT value for99mTc-Clomiphene complex was found to be which was higher than that of the commercially available99mTc-MIBI. This data revealed the localization of tracer in tumor tissue with high percent sufficient to use99mTc-Clomiphene as a promising tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Improved Chromatographic Methods for Determination of Bioactive Compounds from Aloe vera Leaves
Authors: Azaroual L. , Liazid A. , Barbero G. F. , Brigui J. , Palma M. , Barroso C. G.
Published: November 2012

In this work three chromatographic methods were developed to reduce the total time of the analysis of main compounds in Aloe vera extracts.
The first method was developed in a regular reverse phase chromatographic system using a particulate reverse phase C-18 column. Methods already published were used as a starting point for the development of the new method. All the compounds were separated in 32 minutes. The second method was developed in a regular reverse phase chromatographic system employing a monolithic type column. Using a 4.5 mL min−1 flow, the total time of analysis was reduced to 6 minutes with very similar resolution values. The third method was developed in an ultraperformance liquid chromatographic system, and the final time for the analysis of the phenolic compounds was reduced to 4 minutes. The analytical properties of the three chromatographic methods were compared for the main compounds in the chromatograms. Robustness of the three new methods was also checked with regard to the injection volume and the amount of methanol in the sample. A fast method (4 min) is then available for bioactive compounds from Aloe vera determination.