bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precious Metals in Automotive Technology: An Unsolvable Depletion Problem?
Authors: Bardi Ugo , Caporali Stefano
Published: April 2014

Since the second half of the 20th century, various devices have been developed in order to reduce the emissions of harmful substances at the exhaust pipe of combustion engines. In the automotive field, the most diffuse and best known device of this kind is the “three way” catalytic converter for engines using the Otto cycle designed to abate the emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and unburnt hydrocarbons. These catalytic converters can function only by means of precious metals (mainly platinum, rhodium and palladium) which exist in a limited supply in economically exploitable ores. The recent increase in prices of all mineral commodities is already making these converters significantly expensive and it is not impossible that the progressive depletion of precious metals will make them too expensive for the market of private cars. The present paper examines how this potential scarcity could affect the technology of road transportation worldwide. We argue that the supply of precious metals for automotive converters is not at risk in the short term, but that in the future it will not be possible to continue using this technology as a result of increasing prices generated by progressive depletion. Mitigation methods such as reducing the amounts of precious metals in catalysts, or recycling them can help but cannot be considered as a definitive solution. We argue that precious metal scarcity is a critical factor that may determine the future development of road transportation in the world. As the problem is basically unsolvable in the long run, we must explore new technologies for road transportation and we conclude that it is likely that the clean engine of the future will be electric and powered by batteries.
Improved Metathesis Lifetime: Chelating Pyridinyl-Alcoholato Ligands in the Second Generation Grubbs Precatalyst
Authors: Du Toit Jean , Jordaan Margaritha , Huijsmans Carlijn , Jordaan Johannes , Van Sittert Cornelia , Vosloo Hermanus
Published: April 2014

Hemilabile ligands can release a free coordination site “on demand” of an incoming nucleophilic substrate while occupying it otherwise. This is believed to increase the thermal stability and activity of catalytic systems and therefore prevent decomposition via free coordination sites. In this investigation chelating pyridinyl-alcoholato ligands were identified as possible hemilabile ligands for incorporation into the second generation Grubbs precatalyst. The O,N-alcoholato ligands with different steric bulk could be successfully incorporated into the precatalysts. The incorporation of the sterically hindered, hemilabile O,N-ligands improved the thermal stability, activity, selectivity and lifetime of these complexes towards the metathesis of 1-octene. A decrease in the activity of the second generation Grubbs precatalyst was additionally observed after incorporating a hemilabile O,N-ligand with two phenyl groups into the system, while increasing their lifetime.
In-Silico Analyses of Sesquiterpene-Related Compounds on Selected Leishmania Enzyme-Based Targets
Authors: Bernal Freddy , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: April 2014

A great number of sesquiterpenes are reported in the available literature as good antileishmanial leads. However, their mode of action at the molecular level has not been elucidated. The lack of molecular studies could be considered an impediment for studies seeking to improve sesquiterpene-based drug design. The present in silico study allows us to make important observations about the molecular details of the binding modes of a set of antileishmanial sesquiterpenes against four drug-enzyme targets [pteridine reductase-1 (PTR1), N-myristoyl transferase (NMT), cysteine synthase (CS), trypanothione synthetase (TryS)]. Through molecular docking it was found that two sesquiterpene coumarins are promising leads for the PTR1 and TryS inhibition purposes, and some xanthanolides also exhibited better affinity towards PTR1 and CS binding. In addition, the affinity values were clustered by Principal Component Analysis and drug-like properties were analyzed for the strongest-docking sesquiterpenes. The results are an excellent starting point for future studies of structural optimization of this kind of compounds.
Non-Conventional Methodologies in the Synthesis of 1-Indanones
Authors: Oliverio Manuela , Nardi Monica , Costanzo Paola , Cariati Luca , Cravotto Giancarlo , Giofrè Salvatore , Procopio Antonio
Published: April 2014

1-Indanones have been successfully prepared by means of three different non-conventional techniques, namely microwaves, high-intensity ultrasound and a Q-tube™ reactor. A library of differently substituted 1-indanones has been prepared via one-pot intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation and their efficiency and “greenness” have been compared.
Pre-Exercise Nutrition: The Role of Macronutrients, Modified Starches and Supplements on Metabolism and Endurance Performance
Authors: Ormsbee Michael , Bach Christopher , Baur Daniel
Published: April 2014

Endurance athletes rarely compete in the fasted state, as this may compromise fuel stores. Thus, the timing and composition of the pre-exercise meal is a significant consideration for optimizing metabolism and subsequent endurance performance. Carbohydrate feedings prior to endurance exercise are common and have generally been shown to enhance performance, despite increasing insulin levels and reducing fat oxidation. These metabolic effects may be attenuated by consuming low glycemic index carbohydrates and/or modified starches before exercise. High fat meals seem to have beneficial metabolic effects (e.g., increasing fat oxidation and possibly sparing muscle glycogen). However, these effects do not necessarily translate into enhanced performance. Relatively little research has examined the effects of a pre-exercise high protein meal on subsequent performance, but there is some evidence to suggest enhanced pre-exercise glycogen synthesis and benefits to metabolism during exercise. Finally, various supplements (i.e., caffeine and beetroot juice) also warrant possible inclusion into pre-race nutrition for endurance athletes. Ultimately, further research is needed to optimize pre-exercise nutritional strategies for endurance performance.
Phenolic Lipids Affect the Activity and Conformation of Acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus electricus (Electric eel)
Authors: Stasiuk Maria , Janiszewska Alicja , Kozubek Arkadiusz
Published: April 2014

Phenolic lipids were isolated from rye grains, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) from Anacardium occidentale, and fruit bodies of Merrulius tremellosus, and their effects on the electric eel acetylcholinesterase activity and conformation were studied. The observed effect distinctly depended on the chemical structure of the phenolic lipids that were available for interaction with the enzyme. All of the tested compounds reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase. The degree of inhibition varied, showing a correlation with changes in the conformation of the enzyme tested by the intrinsic fluorescence of the Trp residues of the protein.
Synthesis, Radiolabelling and In Vitro Characterization of the Gallium-68-, Yttrium-90- and Lutetium-177-Labelled PSMA Ligand, CHX-A''-DTPA-DUPA-Pep
Authors: Baur Benjamin , Solbach Christoph , Andreolli Elena , Winter Gordon , Machulla Hans-Jürgen , Reske Sven
Published: April 2014

Since prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been identified as a diagnostic target for prostate cancer, many urea-based small PSMA-targeting molecules were developed. First, the clinical application of these Ga-68 labelled compounds in positron emission tomography (PET) showed their diagnostic potential. Besides, the therapy of prostate cancer is a demanding field, and the use of radiometals with PSMA bearing ligands is a valid approach. In this work, we describe the synthesis of a new PSMA ligand, CHX-A''-DTPA-DUPA-Pep, the subsequent labelling with Ga-68, Lu-177 and Y-90 and the first in vitro characterization. In cell investigations with PSMA-positive LNCaP C4-2 cells, KD values of ≤14.67 ± 1.95 nM were determined, indicating high biological activities towards PSMA. Radiosyntheses with Ga-68, Lu-177 and Y-90 were developed under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, moderate pH of 5.5 and 7.4, respectively) and resulted in nearly quantitative radiochemical yields within 5 min.
Historical Perspective of Advances in the Science and Technology of Polymer Blends
Authors: Robeson Lloyd
Published: April 2014

This paper will review the important developments in the field of polymer blends. The subject of polymer blends has been one of the most prolific areas in polymer science and technology in the past five decades judging from publications and patents on the subject. Although a continuing important subject, the peak intensity occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. The author has been active in this area for five decades and this paper is a recollection of some of the important milestones/breakthroughs in the field. The discussion will cover the development of the theory relevant to polymer blends, experimental methods, approaches to achieve compatibility in immiscible/incompatible blends, the nature of phase separation and commercial activity.
Polymeric Slippery Coatings: Nature and Applications
Authors: Samaha Mohamed , Gad-el-Hak Mohamed
Published: April 2014

We review recent developments in nature-inspired superhydrophobic and omniphobic surfaces. Water droplets beading on a surface at significantly high static contact angles and low contact-angle hystereses characterize superhydrophobicity. Microscopically, rough hydrophobic surfaces could entrap air in their pores resulting in a portion of a submerged surface with air–water interface, which is responsible for the slip effect. Suberhydrophobicity enhances the mobility of droplets on lotus leaves for self-cleaning purposes, so-called lotus effect. Amongst other applications, superhydrophobicity could be used to design slippery surfaces with minimal skin-friction drag for energy conservation. Another kind of slippery coatings is the recently invented slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), which are one type of omniphobic surfaces. Certain plants such as the carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher inspired SLIPS. Their interior surfaces have microstructural roughness, which can lock in place an infused lubricating liquid. The lubricant is then utilized as a repellent surface for other liquids such as water, blood, crude oil, and alcohol. In this review, we discuss the concepts of both lotus effect and Nepenthes slippery mechanism. We then present a review of recent advances in manufacturing polymeric and non-polymeric slippery surfaces with ordered and disordered micro/nanostructures. Furthermore, we discuss the performance and longevity of such surfaces. Techniques used to characterize the surfaces are also detailed. We conclude the article with an overview of the latest advances in characterizing and using slippery surfaces for different applications.
A Novel Cell Seeding Chamber for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Hennig Jörn , Drescher Philipp , Riedl Christina , Schieker Matthias , Seitz Hermann
Published: April 2014

There is an increasing demand for bone graft substitutes that are used as osteoconductive scaffolds in the treatment of bone defects and fractures. Achieving optimal bone regeneration requires initial cell seeding of the scaffolds prior to implantation. In order to achieve an efficient seeding of the scaffolds, a novel cell seeding chamber was developed. The cell seeding chamber is a closed assembly that works like an hourglass. The position of the scaffold is between two reservoirs containing the cell suspension (e.g., blood or autologous bone marrow). The cell suspension at the upper reservoir flows through the scaffold by gravitational force. The cell suspension is collected at the lower reservoir. When the upper reservoir is empty the whole assembly is turned and the process starts again. In this study, a new compact cell seeding chamber for initial cell seeding has been developed that can be used in situ. The basic functionality of the cell seeding chamber was demonstrated with a blood substitute.
A Novel Technique Based on the Combination of Labeled Co-Occurrence Matrix and Variogram for the Detection of Built-up Areas in High-Resolution SAR Images
Authors: Li Na , Bruzzone Lorenzo , Chen Zengping , Liu Fang
Published: April 2014

Interests in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data analysis is driven by the constantly increased spatial resolutions of the acquired images, where the geometries of scene objects can be better defined than in lower resolution data. This paper addresses the problem of the built-up areas extraction in high-resolution (HR) SAR images, which can provide a wealth of information to characterize urban environments. Strong backscattering behavior is one of the distinct characteristics of built-up areas in a SAR image. However, in practical applications, only a small portion of pixels characterizing the built-up areas appears bright. Thus, specific texture measures should be considered for identifying these areas. This paper presents a novel texture measure by combining the proposed labeled co-occurrence matrix technique with the specific spatial variability structure of the considered land-cover type in the fuzzy set theory. The spatial variability is analyzed by means of variogram, which reflects the spatial correlation or non-similarity associated with a particular terrain surface. The derived parameters from the variograms are used to establish fuzzy functions to characterize the built-up class and non built-up class, separately. The proposed technique was tested on TerraSAR-X images acquired of Nanjing (China) and Barcelona (Spain), and on a COSMO-SkyMed image acquired of Hangzhou (China). The obtained classification accuracies point out the effectiveness of the proposed technique in identifying and detecting built-up areas.
A Multipoint Correction Method for Environmental Temperature Changes in Airborne Double-Antenna Microwave Radiometers
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhao Kai , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2014

This manuscript describes a new type Ka-band airborne double-antenna microwave radiometer (ADAMR) designed for detecting atmospheric supercooled water content (SCWC). The source of the measurement error is investigated by analyzing the model of the system gain factor and the principle of the auto-gain compensative technique utilized in the radiometer. Then, a multipoint temperature correction method based on the two-point calibration method for this radiometer is proposed. The multipoint temperature correction method can eliminate the effect of changes in environmental temperature by establishing the relationship between the measurement error and the physical temperatures of the temperature-sensitive units. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the correction method, the long-term outdoor temperature experiment is carried out. The multipoint temperature correction equations are obtained by using the least square regression method. The comparison results show that the measuring accuracy of the radiometer can be increased more effectively by using the multipoint temperature correction method.
Can Local Institutions Help Sustain Livelihoods in an Era of Fish Declines and Persistent Environmental Change? A Cambodian Case Study
Authors: Marschke Melissa , Lykhim Ouk , Kim Nong
Published: April 2014

This paper sets out to explore fishers’ perceptions of environmental change in coastal Cambodia and to then examine the role of local institutions in working with villagers to adapt to such challenges. The analysis shows that: (1) fishers observe species decline, irregular tides and a change in weather patterns; and (2) local institutions have been working to address some of these issues through a series of resource management and livelihood projects for over a decade. We note that local institutions are well placed to deal with certain types of environmental change projects, such as protecting small patches of mangrove trees or creating fish sanctuaries, along with less controversial, tourism-related projects. It is impossible, however, for local institutions to tackle bigger issues, such as over-fishing or large-scale resource extraction. Fishing villages are dealing with multiple challenges (environmental change and beyond), which may make fishing a less viable option for coastal villagers in the medium to long term. As such, key policy responses include acknowledging and building upon the work of local institutions, enhanced support for patrolling at national and provincial levels, developing response scenarios for coastal environmental change, involving local institutions in scientific monitoring and piloting projects that consider fishing and non-fishing livelihoods.
Sustainable Urban Renewal: The Tel Aviv Dilemma
Authors: Arch Asaf
Published: April 2014

The city of Tel Aviv needs extensive urban renewal projects to answer the demand for housing. The area suitable for such a project is the older southern part of Tel Aviv, made up of small parcels of land with single units. This area has undergone an extreme gentrification process, which makes assembling small parcels into large ones a very difficult task. Owners holding out for higher prices may either prevent or significantly delay socially efficient redevelopment. The only current option for the Tel Aviv Municipality that will lead to efficient land assembly for private redevelopment currently is the option of private entrepreneurship. We wish to describe a mechanism that will solve the hold-out problem and lead to efficiency in land assembly without resorting to the intervention of the government to execute eminent domain. The mechanism requires the municipality to plan the development that will best suit the city, thus allowing the valuation of the parcel to reflect its true price for the owner. If the owners are still reluctant to sell, the municipality can then tax him according to the new value of the land.
Uremic Toxins and Lipases in Haemodialysis: A Process of Repeated Metabolic Starvation
Authors: Stegmayr Bernd
Published: April 2014

Severe kidney disease results in retention of uremic toxins that inhibit key enzymes for lipid breakdown such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL). For patients in haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) the LPL activity is only about half of that of age and gender matched controls. Angiopoietin, like protein 3 and 4, accumulate in the uremic patients. These factors, therefore, can be considered as uremic toxins. In animal experiments it has been shown that these factors inhibit the LPL activity. To avoid clotting of the dialysis circuit during HD, anticoagulation such as heparin or low molecular weight heparin are added to the patient. Such administration will cause a prompt release of the LPL and HL from its binding sites at the endothelial surface. The liver rapidly degrades the release plasma compound of LPL and HL. This results in a lack of enzyme to degrade triglycerides during the later part of the HD and for another 3–4 h. PD patients have a similar baseline level of lipases but are not exposed to the negative effect of anticoagulation.
Magnesiothermic conversion of the silica-mineralizing golden algae Mallomonas caudata and Synura petersenii to elemental silicon with high geometric precision
Authors: Petrack Janina , Jost Steffen , Boenigk Jens , Epple Matthias
Published: April 2014

Chrysophyceae, also known as golden algae, contain characteristic, three-dimensional biomineralized silica structures. Their chemical composition and microscopic structure was studied. By high-temperature conversion of the skeleton of Mallomonas caudata and Synura petersenii into elementary silicon by magnesium vapour, nanostructured defined replicates were produced which were clearly seen after removal of the formed magnesium oxide with acid.
Longterm Safety, Efficacy, and Inhibition of Structural Damage Progression Over 5 Years of Treatment with Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Abatacept in Inadequate Responders to Methotrexate Trial
Authors: Kremer Joel M. , Peterfy Charles , Russell Anthony S. , Emery Paul , Abud-Mendoza Carlos , Sibilia Jean , Becker Jean-Claude , Westhovens Rene , Genant Harry K.
Published: May 2014

Objective.

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of longterm abatacept (ABA) treatment over 5 years in methotrexate (MTX)-refractory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Patients from the 1-year, double-blind Abatacept in Inadequate Responders to Methotrexate (AIM) study (NCT00048568) received open-label ABA (∼10 mg/kg) in the longterm extension (LTE). Safety was assessed for patients who received ≥ 1 ABA dose, and efficacy for patients randomized to ABA and treated in the LTE. Radiographs were evaluated for changes in Genant-modified Sharp scores.

Results.

Out of 652 patients, 539 entered the LTE (ABA, n = 378; placebo, n = 161). At Year 5, 72.4% were ongoing; discontinuation rates declined over time. Incidence rates of serious adverse events, serious infections, malignancies, and autoimmune events were 13.87, 2.84, 1.45, and 0.99 events/100 patient-years exposure, respectively. American College of Rheumatology 20 response was 82.3% (n = 373) and 83.6% (n = 268) at years 1 and 5, respectively. Disease Activity Score 28 C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 2.6 and ≤ 3.2 were achieved by 25.4% and 44.1% of patients at Year 1 (n = 370), and 33.7% and 54.7% at Year 5 (n = 267), respectively. Mean changes in DAS28-CRP and Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index at Year 1 [–2.83 (n = 365) and −0.68 (n = 369)] were maintained at Year 5 [−3.14 (n = 264) and −0.77 (n = 271)] for patients continuing treatment. Of them, 59.5% (n = 291) and 45.1% (n = 235) remained free from radiographic progression at years 1 and 5, respectively.

Conclusion.

In MTX-refractory patients with RA, longterm ABA treatment was well tolerated and provided consistent safety and sustained efficacy, with high patient retention. Radiographic progression continued to be inhibited with ongoing treatment.
Comparison of Labial Minor Salivary Gland Biopsies from Childhood Sjögren Syndrome and Age-matched Controls
Authors: Yokogawa Naoto , Lieberman Scott M. , Alawi Faizan , Bout-Tabaku Sharon , Guttenberg Marta , Sherry David D. , Vivino Frederick B.
Published: May 2014

Objective.

To determine an appropriate focus score cutoff for childhood Sjögren syndrome (SS).

Methods.

Labial salivary gland tissue from specimens from children with SS and age-matched controls was retrospectively identified and reviewed by a blinded oral pathologist.

Results.

The presence of any focal sialadenitis (focus score > 0 foci/4 mm2) was common among childhood SS samples but present in only 1 of 8 control samples.

Conclusion.

The presence of any focal lymphocytic sialadenitis in minor labial salivary gland tissue is suggestive of childhood SS and should be included in future childhood SS-specific diagnostic or classification criteria.
Jeunes incarcérés en cellules individuelles. De la totalitarisation de l'expérience à l'utopie disciplinaire ?
Authors: Scheer David
Published: April 2014

Cette contribution vise à comprendre l’expérience de détention des mineurs détenus en Établissements Pénitentiaires pour Mineurs (EPM). Les expériences carcérales seront ici approchées par l’espace d’un lieu particulier : la cellule, au travers d’une méthodologie mêlant observations, entretiens et dessins de jeunes détenus. Une lecture de l’ouvrage Asiles de Goffman sera également l’occasion d’interroger la dimension spatiale de toute vie recluse. Enfin, il s’agira de montrer, en nous centrant uniquement sur l’expérience cellulaire, comment les EPM proposent, ou pas, une « nouvelle » manière d’enfermer ; et par conséquent permettent d’interroger une mutation – qui n’en est pas vraiment une – de l’institution pénitentiaire.
La Provence, terre de violence ?
Authors: Mucchielli Laurent , Raquet Émilie , Saladino Claire , Raffin Valérie
Published: April 2014

À en croire les agendas politique et médiatique, la région provençale connaîtrait des problèmes de « violence » exceptionnels. Cet article soumet cette représentation à l’épreuve de la vérification statistique. Après avoir examiné les données policières disponibles, les auteurs mobilisent les enquêtes en population générale pour comparer la région provençale au reste de la France puis à la région francilienne. Les résultats sont contrastés : les trois ensembles – la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), la région Île-de-France (IDF) et la France métropolitaine – présentent des taux différents selon les victimations. Mais dans tous les cas, les victimations qui correspondent le plus à l’idée de « violence », c’est-à-dire d’atteintes à l’intégrité physique (agressions physiques, vols avec violence), ne spécifient pas la région PACA. Les données permettent par ailleurs de mesurer le poids de certains facteurs structurels tels que la densité urbaine et la précarité socio-économique. Fort de ces résultats, les auteurs concluent en critiquant les approches culturalistes en sociologie.
Les préparations de cours : apprendre à écrire, écrire pour faire apprendre
Authors: Scheepers Caroline
Published: April 2014

Cette contribution se penche sur les préparations de cours rédigées par de futurs enseignants. Par « préparations de cours », il faut ici entendre l’outil sémiotique par lequel le stagiaire anticipe et met par écrit son intervention dans la classe de stage. Cet outil sémiotique réunit généralement des traces écrites hétérogènes (fiche administrative, révision des savoirs abordés, développement méthodologique, documents destinés aux élèves...). Trois questions de recherche sous-tendent l’étude. Primo, quelles postures peut-on cerner dans les préparations de cours mises au point par les stagiaires ? Secundo, que nous donnent à voir les préparations de leçons expressément dévolues à l’enseignement-apprentissage de l’écriture ? Tertio, comment le formateur d’enseignants peut-il accompagner efficacement l’écriture de préparations adéquates auprès des futurs enseignants qui lui sont confiés ? Les réponses avancées se fondent sur un corpus de plusieurs centaines de préparations, dont les auteurs sont de futurs professeurs des écoles, du collège ou du lycée.
Les outils scripturaux des enseignants de français langue première et langue seconde
Authors: Hamez Marie-Pascale
Published: April 2014

En classe, pour construire les significations des objets d’enseignement, les interactions entre les participants (enseignants, élèves) s’organisent autour d’actions conjointes qui utilisent des outils concrets employés au bénéfice des processus d’enseignement et d’apprentissage (représentations picturales, vidéo, cédéroms...) et des outils sémiotiques propres à la discipline enseignée (textes de référence, tableaux de conjugaison, etc.). En classe de français, des écrits réalisés par les enseignants constituent des ressources sémiotiques qui prennent sens en situation didactique en focalisant l’attention des élèves sur certaines propriétés des objets d’enseignement. L’étude s’intéresse à ces outils scripturaux employés, lors d’activités de production écrite, par des professeurs de français langue première exerçant en Sixième et par des professeurs de français langue seconde exerçant en collège, en unité pédagogique pour élèves allophones arrivants (UPE2A). Il s’agit de tenter de mieux connaitre des pratiques d’enseignement du même objet, en l’occurrence la production écrite en langue française, dans deux contextes d’enseignement différents. Ces contextes impliquent chez les enseignants diverses formations, socialisations, influences et références professionnelles susceptibles d’orienter leur travail, en classe, pendant les phases d’interaction. Quels usages font-ils de l’écriture en classe pour accompagner leurs élèves lors d’activités de production écrite ? La méthodologie adoptée repose sur une enquête par questionnaire (84 documents complétés par des professeurs de français exerçant en Sixième et 25 par des professeurs de français langue seconde exerçant en UPE2A). L’analyse des réponses obtenues permet de dégager des invariants et des grandes tendances au sein des deux contextes d’enseignement : Sixième et UPE2A. Sont examinées en particulier les déclarations portant sur i) la teneur et le rôle des annotations professorales et ii) l’utilisation d’outils structurants : grilles de lecture, d’évaluation, fiches-outils...
Former les futurs enseignants du Québec à écrire et à enseigner l'écriture
Authors: Lord Marie-Andrée , Sauvaire Marion
Published: April 2014

L’enseignement de l’écriture occupe une place centrale dans la discipline « français », le développement des compétences langagières écrites constituant l’une des missions fondamentales de l’école. Pour que cette tâche soit assumée avec compétence, la formation initiale des enseignants devrait reposer à la fois sur le développement de leurs compétences en écriture et sur l’appropriation de connaissances sur l’écriture. Cet article présente un dispositif didactique ayant cette double visée : la formation à l’écriture et celle à l’enseignement de l’écriture. Le dispositif est utilisé dans des cours de didactique de l’écriture offerts en formation initiale à l’enseignement du français dans une université québécoise. Il a été adapté au fil des ans dans le but d’articuler l’enseignement de savoirs sur l’écriture avec des pratiques permettant de développer les habiletés des futurs enseignants à planifier, produire, réviser et réécrire des textes de genres variés qu’ils auront à enseigner.
Les écritures intermédiaires réflexives en littératie avancée
Authors: Leblay Christophe
Published: April 2014

La génétique textuelle propose une description linguistique de l’écriture comme processus s’inscrivant autant dans la dimension spatiale de la page ou de l’écran que dans la dimension temporelle c’est-à-dire dans l’avant d’un texte qui sera finalement stabilisé. Un tel choix s’appuie sur le présupposé méthodologique selon lequel le produit ne peut qu’être l’image illusoire de la production. Ainsi, bien avant de prendre en compte le seul produit, il convient de considérer les écritures qui le précèdent. Il est demandé à des apprenants scripteurs, futurs enseignants et/ou futurs rédacteurs-traducteurs, de produire des écrits intermédiaires entre les énoncés-consignes (textes sources) et l’écrit final qu’ils doivent produire (textes cibles). Le corpus, composés de 40 carnets d’apprentissage (en français ou en finnois) enregistrés sur un environnement numérique de travail, a été produit en accompagnement à des écritures professionnelles. Ce travail d’écriture intermédiaire offre aux scripteurs un temps imposé pour revenir et considérer autrement leurs propres écritures en mettant en relation l’expérience de chacun d’entre eux et les réflexions/lectures théoriques attendues. Il s’agit bien de montrer aux étudiants, lors de séances communes de feed-back, tirées de ces carnets d’apprentissage, en quoi la pensée réflexive est une vraie attente de la formation universitaire parce qu’elle permet une co-construction des pratiques d’écriture.
Managing CSCL Activity through networking models
Authors: Casillas Luis , Daradoumis Thanasis , Caballé Santi
Published: April 2014

This study aims at managing activity carried out in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) environments. We apply an approach that gathers and manages the knowledge underlying huge data structures, resulting from collaborative interaction among participants and stored as activity logs. Our method comprises a variety of important issues and aspects, such as: deep understanding of collaboration among participants in workgroups, definition of an ontology for providing meaning to isolated data manifestations, discovering of knowledge structures built in huge amounts of data stored in log files, and development of high-semantic indicators to describe diverse primitive collaborative acts, and binding these indicators to formal descriptions defined in the collaboration ontology; besides our method includes gathering collaboration indicators from web forums using natural language processing (NLP) techniques.
Perception Of Space, Empathy And Cognitive Processes: Design Of A Video Game For The Measurement Of Perspective Taking Skills
Authors: Di Tore Pio Alfredo
Published: April 2014

The perspective-taking skills require the ability to manipulate spatial reference systems and are the basis of the empathetic process. Empathy, in its relations with space representation and manipulation of spatial reference systems, is the investigation subject of this work, whose aim is the design of a videogame aimed at the measurement of the player's perspective taking skills. The idea of creating a video game on perspective taking is based on a classic Piagetian task, the three mountains problem, object of recent attention by the Italian scientific community that is involved in research in education. The current stage of the project has produced a video game, now in alpha testing release. The article discusses the software theoretical framework (spatial theory of empathy), describes the choices made in the design stage and comment on first results obtained during the alpha testing.
Wiring Role Taking in Collaborative Learning Environments. SNA and Semantic Web can improve CSCL script?
Authors: Capuano Nicola , Mangione Giuseppina Rita , Mazzoni Elvis , Miranda Sergio , Orciuoli Francesco
Published: April 2014

Over the past years the concept of role in distance education has become a promising construct for analysing and facilitating collaborative processes and outcomes. Designing effective collaborative learning processes is a complex task that can be supported by existing good practices formulated as pedagogical patterns or scripts. Over the past years, the research on technology enhanced learning has shown that collaborative scripts for learning act as mediating artefacts not only designing educational scenarios but also structuring and prescribing roles and activities. Conversely, existing learning systems are not able to provide dynamic role management in the definition and execution of collaborative scripts. This work proposes the application of Social Network Analysis in order to evaluate the expertise level of a learner when he/she is acting, with an assigned role, within the execution of a collaborative script. Semantic extensions to both IMS Learning Design and Information Packaging specifications are also proposed to support roles management.
A Multi-Tiered Perspective on Healthcare Interoperability
Authors: Kuziemsky Craig
Published: May 2014

The current healthcare delivery paradigm is defined by integrative care delivery across disparate providers and services. Therefore the ability to deliver efficient and effective healthcare services is dependent on designing and implementing interoperable systems. However, the notion of interoperability is multifaceted and complex. Although the exchange of data is often described as analogous with interoperability it must be remembered that healthcare is a process oriented domain and clinical, management, organizational and other processes must be considered as part of interoperability. This chapter discusses healthcare delivery and the role interoperability plays in supporting its delivery. First, the chapter provides a background on healthcare interoperability from multiple perspectives. Then it presents a case study of collaborative care delivery and uses it to outline specific interoperability requirements. The chapter then uses these requirements to develop a multi-tiered framework of healthcare interoperability, concluding with a discussion of the implications of the framework for interoperability research and for systems design to support integrated healthcare delivery.
On the Integration of Clinical Archetypes with Ontologies and Rules
Authors: Lezcano Leonardo
Published: May 2014

This chapter presents an approach to translate definitions expressed in openEHR Archetype Definition Language (ADL) to a formal representation using ontology languages. The approach is implemented in the ArchOnt framework, which is also described. The integration of those formal representations with clinical rules is then studied, providing an approach to reuse reasoning on concrete instances of clinical data. Sharing the knowledge expressed in the form of rules is coherent with the philosophy of open sharing underlying clinical archetypes, and it also extends reuse to propositions of declarative knowledge as those encoded for example in clinical guidelines. Thus, this chapter describes the techniques to map archetypes to formal ontologies and how rules can be attached to the resulting representation. In addition, the translation allows specifying logical bindings to equivalent clinical concepts from other knowledge sources. Such bindings encourage reuse as well as ontology reasoning and navigability across different ontologies. Another significant contribution of the chapter is the application of the presented approach as part of two research projects in collaboration with teaching hospitals in Madrid. Examples taken from those cases, such as the development of alerting systems aimed at improving patient safety, are explained. Besides the direct applications described, the automatic translation of archetypes to an ontology language fosters a wide range of semantic and reasoning activities to be designed and implemented on top of a common representation instead of taking an ad-hoc approach.
Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Sunitinib
Authors: Gomes da Fonseca Leonardo , Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Sabbaga Jorge , Hoff Paulo Marcelo
Published: April 2014

A 55-year old man was treated with sunitinib 50 mg/day for 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off, as a first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. During the fourth week of the first cycle, he was admitted to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain and vomiting. Acute acalculous cholecystitis was diagnosed. Sunitnib-associated cholecystitis is a rare adverse event previously reported in few cases. The mechanism behind this complication is not fully understood, although vascular endothelial dysfunction may play a role. The use of this drug is expanding in clinical oncology, and physicians should be aware of this life-threating adverse event.
Spinal cord compression as initial presentation of metastatic occult follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Sharfuzzaman AMSM , Mostafa Md Golam
Published: April 2014

Metastatic tumors are the most common tumors of the spine, accounting for 98% of all spine lesions. But spinal cord compression as the initial presentation of metastatic occult follicular carcinoma without any thyroid enlargement is unusual and relatively rare. This report describes a 35-years-old female patient presenting with paraplegia and urinary incontinence for the last two months. She had no thyroid enlargement; no thyroid related symptoms and her biochemical thyroid profile was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spine shows a huge mass compressing the spinal cord at D11-D12 involving both the spinal and paraspinal areas. The patient was treated by surgery and radioiodine ablation as the histopathology showed metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. This case was reported because of the rarity of the disease. Early diagnosis and initiation of the treatment should promise a good prognosis for a patient with metastatic spinal cord compression.
The Association between Employee Obesity and Employer Costs: Evidence from a Panel of U.S. Employers
Authors: Van Nuys Karen , Globe Denise , Ng-Mak Daisy , Cheung Hoiwan , Sullivan Jeff , Goldman Dana
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

To estimate the employer costs associated with employee obesity.

Design.

The study used cross-sectional analysis of employee health-risk assessment, disability, workers' compensation, and medical claims data from 2006 to 2008.

Setting.

The study took place in the United States from 2006 to 2008.

Subjects.

A panel database with 29,699 employees drawn from a panel of employers and observed for 3 years each (N = 89,097) was used.

Measures.

Workdays lost owing to illness and disability; the cost of medical, short-term disability, and workers' compensation claims; and employees' adjusted body mass indices (BMI) were measured.

Analysis.

We model the number and probability of workdays lost from illness, short-term disability, and workers' compensation events; short-term disability and workers' compensation payments; and health care spending as a function of BMI. We estimate spline regression models and fit results using a third-degree fractional polynomial.

Results.

Probability of disability, workers' compensation claims, and number of days missed owing to any cause increase with BMI above 25, as do total employer costs. The probability of a short-term disability claim increases faster for employees with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes. Normal weight employees cost on average $3830 per year in covered medical, sick day, short-term disability, and workers' compensation claims combined; morbidly obese employees cost more than twice that amount, or $8067, in 2011 dollars.

Conclusion.

Obesity is associated with large employer costs from direct health care and insurance claims and indirect costs from lost productivity owing to workdays lost because of illness and disability.
Editor's Notes
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P.
Published: April 2014

I am a baby boomer. I have reached the age where people close to me, young and old, have started to die. Baby boomers are being forced to deal with issues that used to be abstract, issues that our parents had to deal with. Now we are the parents. Uncle Stu was the seventh family member or close friend I have lost in the past 7 years, the fifth in the last 3 years. Should our focus be to extend our loved ones' lives through medical care or to help them have a good death?
Atmospheric boundary layer top height in South Africa: measurements with lidar and radiosonde compared to three atmospheric models
Authors: Korhonen K. , Giannakaki E. , Mielonen T. , Pfüller A. , Laakso L. , Vakkari V. , Baars H. , Engelmann R. , Beukes J. P. , Van Zyl P. G. , Ramandh A. , Ntsangwane L. , Josipovic M. , Tiitta P. , Fourie G. , Ngwana I. , Chiloane K. , Komppula M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric lidar measurements were carried out at Elandsfontein measurement station, on the eastern Highveld approximately 150 km east of Johannesburg in South Africa throughout 2010. The height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) top was continuously measured using a Raman lidar, PollyXT (POrtabLe Lidar sYstem eXTended). High atmospheric variability together with a large surface temperature range and significant seasonal changes in precipitation were observed, which had an impact on the vertical mixing of particulate matter, and hence, on the PBL evolution. The results were compared to radiosondes, CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) space-borne lidar measurements and three atmospheric models that followed different approaches to determine the PBL top height. These models included two weather forecast models operated by ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts) and SAWS (South African Weather Service), and one mesoscale prognostic meteorological and air pollution regulatory model TAPM (The Air Pollution Model). The ground-based lidar used in this study was operational for 4935 h during 2010 (49% of the time). The PBL top height was detected 86% of the total measurement time (42% of the total time). Large seasonal and diurnal variations were observed between the different methods utilised. High variation was found when lidar measurements were compared to radiosonde measurements. This could be partially due to the distance between the lidar measurements and the radiosondes, which were 120 km apart. Comparison of lidar measurements to the models indicated that the ECMWF model agreed the best with mean relative difference of 15.4%, while the second best correlation was with the SAWS model with corresponding difference of 20.1%. TAPM was found to have a tendency to underestimate the PBL top height. The wind speeds in the SAWS and TAPM models were strongly underestimated which probably led to underestimation of the vertical wind and turbulence and thus underestimation of the PBL top height. Comparison between ground-based and satellite lidar shows good agreement with a correlation coefficient of 0.88. On average, the daily maximum PBL top height in October (spring) and June (winter) was 2260 m and 1480 m, respectively. To our knowledge, this study is the first long-term study of PBL top heights and PBL growth rates in South Africa.
CLAAS: the CM SAF cloud property data set using SEVIRI
Authors: Stengel M. , Kniffka A. , Meirink J. F. , Lockhoff M. , Tan J. , Hollmann R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. An 8-year record of satellite-based cloud properties named CLAAS (CLoud property dAtAset using SEVIRI) is presented, which was derived within the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring. The data set is based on SEVIRI measurements of the Meteosat Second Generation satellites, of which the visible and near-infrared channels were intercalibrated with MODIS. Applying two state-of-the-art retrieval schemes ensures high accuracy in cloud detection, cloud vertical placement and microphysical cloud properties. These properties were further processed to provide daily to monthly averaged quantities, mean diurnal cycles and monthly histograms. In particular, the per-month histogram information enhances the insight in spatio-temporal variability of clouds and their properties. Due to the underlying intercalibrated measurement record, the stability of the derived cloud properties is ensured, which is exemplarily demonstrated for three selected cloud variables for the entire SEVIRI disc and a European subregion. All data products and processing levels are introduced and validation results indicated. The sampling uncertainty of the averaged products in CLAAS is minimized due to the high temporal resolution of SEVIRI. This is emphasized by studying the impact of reduced temporal sampling rates taken at typical overpass times of polar-orbiting instruments. In particular, cloud optical thickness and cloud water path are very sensitive to the sampling rate, which in our study amounted to systematic deviations of over 10% if only sampled once a day. The CLAAS data set facilitates many cloud related applications at small spatial scales of a few kilometres and short temporal scales of a~few hours. Beyond this, the spatiotemporal characteristics of clouds on diurnal to seasonal, but also on multi-annual scales, can be studied.