bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol targeting of AKT and p53 in glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem-like cells to suppress growth and infiltration
Authors: Clark Paul A. , Bhattacharya Saswati , Elmayan Ardem , Darjatmoko Soesiawati R. , Thuro Bradley A. , Yan Michael B. , van Ginkel Paul R. , Polans Arthur S. , Kuo John S.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with median survival of less than 2 years with current treatment. Glioblastomas exhibit extensive intratumoral and interpatient heterogeneity, suggesting that successful therapies should produce broad anticancer activities. Therefore, the natural nontoxic pleiotropic agent, resveratrol, was studied for antitumorigenic effects against GBM.

METHODS

Resveratrol's effects on cell proliferation, sphere-forming ability, and invasion were tested using multiple patient-derived GBM stem-like cell (GSC) lines and established U87 glioma cells, and changes in oncogenic AKT and tumor suppressive p53 were analyzed. Resveratrol was also tested in vivo against U87 glioma flank xenografts in mice by using multiple delivery methods, including direct tumor injection. Finally, resveratrol was delivered directly to brain tissue to determine toxicity and achievable drug concentrations in the brain parenchyma.

RESULTS

Resveratrol significantly inhibited proliferation in U87 glioma and multiple patient-derived GSC lines, demonstrating similar inhibitory concentrations across these phenotypically heterogeneous lines. Resveratrol also inhibited the sphere-forming ability suggesting anti–stem cell effects. Additionally, resveratrol blocked U87 glioma and GSC invasion in an in vitro Matrigel Transwell assay at doses similar to those mediating antiproliferative effects. In U87 glioma cells and GSCs, resveratrol reduced AKT phosphorylation and induced p53 expression and activation that led to transcription of downstream p53 target genes. Resveratrol administration via oral gavage or ad libitum in the water supply significantly suppressed GBM xenograft growth; intratumoral or peritumoral resveratrol injection further suppressed growth and approximated tumor regression. Intracranial resveratrol injection resulted in 100-fold higher local drug concentration compared with intravenous delivery, and with no apparent toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol potently inhibited GBM and GSC growth and infiltration, acting partially via AKT deactivation and p53 induction, and suppressed glioblastoma growth in vivo. The ability of resveratrol to modulate AKT and p53, as well as reportedly many other antitumorigenic pathways, is attractive for therapy against a genetically heterogeneous tumor such as GBM. Although resveratrol exhibits low bioavailability when administered orally or intravenously, novel delivery methods such as direct injection (i.e., convection-enhanced delivery) could potentially be used to achieve and maintain therapeutic doses in the brain. Resveratrol's nontoxic nature and broad anti-GBM effects make it a compelling candidate to supplement current GBM therapies.
Variability of intraoperative electrostimulation parameters in conscious individuals: language cortex
Authors: Roux Franck-Emmanuel , Durand Jean-Baptiste , Djidjeli Imène , Moyse Emmanuel , Giussani Carlo
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

Electrostimulation in awake brain mapping is widely used to guide tumor removal, but methodologies can differ substantially across institutions. The authors studied electrostimulation brain mapping data to characterize the variability of the current intensity threshold across patients and the effect of its variations on the number, type, and surface area of the essential language areas detected.

METHODS

Over 7 years, the authors prospectively studied 100 adult patients who were undergoing intraoperative brain mapping during resection of left hemisphere tumors. In all 100 cases, the same protocol of electrostimulation brain mapping (a controlled naming task—bipolar stimulation with biphasic square wave pulses of 1-msec duration and 60-Hz trains, maximum train duration 6 sec) and electrocorticography was used to detect essential language areas.

RESULTS

The minimum positive thresholds of stimulation varied from patient to patient; the mean minimum intensity required to detect interference was 4.46 mA (range 1.5–9 mA), and in a substantial proportion of sites (13.5%) interference was detected only at intensities above 6 mA. The threshold varied within a given patient for different naming areas in 22% of cases. Stimulation of the same naming area with greater intensities led to slight changes in the type of response in 19% of cases and different types of responses in 4.5%. Naming sites detected were located in subcentimeter cortical areas (50% were less than 20 mm2), but their extent varied with the intensity of stimulation. During a brain mapping session, the same intensity of stimulation reproduced the same type of interference in 94% of the cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean stimulation intensities required to produce interfereince in the left inferior frontal lobe (Broca's area), the supramarginal gyri, and the posterior temporal region.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrasubject and intersubject variations of the minimum thresholds of positive naming areas and changes in the type of response and in the size of these areas according to the intensity used may limit the interpretation of data from electrostimulation in awake brain mapping. To optimize the identification of language areas during electrostimulation brain mapping, it is important to use different intensities of stimulation at the maximum possible currents, avoiding afterdischarges. This could refine the clinical results and scientific data derived from these mapping sessions.
Disability risk or unimproved symptoms following shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus: post hoc analysis of SINPHONI-2
Authors: Yamada Shigeki , Kimura Teruo , Jingami Naoto , Atsuchi Masamichi , Hirai Osamu , Tokuda Takahiko , Miyajima Masakazu , Kazui Hiroaki , Mori Etsuro , Ishikawa Masatsune , _ _
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to assess the influence of presurgical clinical symptom severity and disease duration on outcomes of shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The authors also evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid tap test as a predictor of improvements following shunt surgery.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients (45 men and 38 women, mean age 76.4 years) underwent lumboperitoneal shunt surgery, and outcomes were evaluated until 12 months following surgery. Risks for poor quality of life (Score 3 or 4 on the modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and severe gait disturbance were evaluated at 3 and 12 months following shunt surgery, and the tap test was also conducted. Age-adjusted and multivariate relative risks were calculated using Cox proportional-hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of 83 patients with iNPH, 45 (54%) improved by 1 point on the mRS and 6 patients (7%) improved by ≥ 2 points at 3 months following surgery. At 12 months after surgery, 39 patients (47%) improved by 1 point on the mRS and 13 patients (16%) improved by ≥ 2 points. On the gait domain of the iNPH grading scale (iNPHGS), 36 patients (43%) improved by 1 point and 13 patients (16%) improved by ≥ 2 points at 3 months following surgery. Additionally, 32 patients (38%) improved by 1 point and 14 patients (17%) by ≥ 2 points at 12 months following surgery. In contrast, 3 patients (4%) and 2 patients (2%) had worse symptoms according to the mRS or the gait domain of the iNPHGS, respectively, at 3 months following surgery, and 5 patients (6%) and 3 patients (4%) had worse mRS scores and gait domain scores, respectively, at 12 months after surgery. Patients with severe preoperative mRS scores had a 4.7 times higher multivariate relative risk (RR) for severe mRS scores at 12 months following surgery. Moreover, patients with severe gait disturbance prior to shunt surgery had a 46.5 times greater multivariate RR for severe gait disturbance at the 12-month follow-up. Patients without improved gait following the tap test had multivariate RRs for unimproved gait disturbance of 7.54 and 11.2 at 3 and 12 months following surgery, respectively. Disease duration from onset to shunt surgery was not significantly associated with postoperative symptom severity or unimproved symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with iNPH should receive treatment before their symptoms become severe in order to achieve an improved quality of life. However, the progression of symptoms varies between patients so specific timeframes are not meaningful. The authors also found that tap test scores accurately predicted shunt efficacy. Therefore, indications for shunt surgery should be carefully assessed in each patient with iNPH, considering the relative risks and benefits for that person, including healthy life expectancy.
Intracranial meningioma with vertebral or intraspinal metastasis: report of 2 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Singh Ranjodh , Ryan Christopher , Chohan Muhammad O. , Tisnado Jamie , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios F. , Bilsky Mark H.
Published: July 2016

Extracranial meningioma metastases (EMM) occur in 0.1% of intracranial meningioma patients and are more commonly seen in those with atypical and anaplastic histologies. While the lungs and pleura are the most common site of EMM, intraspinal and vertebral EMM also occur and are not well described in the literature. Although the presence of EMM can worsen prognosis, no standard of care has been established for EMM management.

All patients treated for recurrent atypical/anaplastic meningiomas between January 1985 and July 2014 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were screened for intraspinal and vertebral EMM. Of these patients, 2 were identified as having recurrent meningioma complicated by vertebral or intraspinal EMM. A review of the literature was also conducted. The PubMed database was screened for intraspinal and vertebral EMM cases reported in the literature from 1985 to 2015. Nineteen articles were identified from the literature and included 24 individual cases with a total of 34 vertebral or intraspinal EMM. Forty-two percent (10/24) of patients with vertebral or intraspinal EMM had WHO Grade I tumors. Furthermore, 25% (6/24) of vertebral and intraspinal EMM occurred after the primary tumor but prior to any recurrence.

This paper highlights that vertebral and intraspinal EMM can occur in patients with WHO Grade I meningiomas and can occur before tumor recurrence. This challenges the notion that EMM are seen primarily in high-grade atypical and anaplastic meningiomas.
An FDTD Study of Errors in Magnetic Direction Finding of Lightning Due to the Presence of Conducting Structure Near the Field Measuring Station
Authors: Suzuki Yosuke , Araki Shohei , Baba Yoshihiro , Tsuboi Toshihiro , Okabe Shigemitsu , Rakov Vladimir
Published: July 2016

Lightning electromagnetic fields in the presence of conducting (grounded) structure having a height of 60 m and a square cross-section of 40 m × 40 m within about 100 m of the observation point are analyzed using the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Influence of the conducting structure on the two orthogonal components of magnetic field is analyzed, and resultant errors in the estimated lightning azimuth are evaluated. Influences of ground conductivity and lightning current waveshape parameters are also examined. When the azimuth vector passes through the center of conducting structure diagonally (e.g., azimuth angle is 45°) or parallel to its walls (e.g., azimuth angle is 0°), the presence of conducting structure equally influences Hx and Hy, so that Hx/Hy is the same as in the absence of structure. Therefore, no azimuth error occurs in those configurations. When the conducting structure is not located on the azimuth vector, the structure influences Hx and Hy differently, with the resultant direction finding error being greater when the structure is located closer to the observation point.
A Logical Analysis of Existential Dependence and Some Other Ontological Concepts—A Comment to Some Ideas of Eugenia Ginsberg-Blaustein
Authors: Magdziak Marek
Published: July 2016

This paper deals with several problems concerning notion of existential dependence and ontological notions of existence, necessity and fusion. Following some ideas of Eugenia Ginsberg-Blaustein, the notions are treated in reference to objects, in relation to the concepts of state of affairs and subject of state of affairs. It provides an axiomatic characterization of these concepts within the framework of a multi-modal propositional logic and then presents a semantic analysis of these concepts. The semantics are a slight modification to the standard relational semantics for normal modal propositional logic.
Molecular Genetics of Intracranial Meningiomas with Emphasis on Canonical Wnt Signalling
Authors: Pećina-Šlaus Nives , Kafka Anja , Lechpammer Mirna
Published: July 2016

Research over the last decade recognized the importance of novel molecular pathways in pathogenesis of intracranial meningiomas. In this review, we focus on human brain tumours meningiomas and the involvement of Wnt signalling pathway genes and proteins in this common brain tumour, describing their known functional effects. Meningiomas originate from the meningeal layers of the brain and the spinal cord. Most meningiomas have benign clinical behaviour and are classified as grade I by World Health Organization (WHO). However, up to 20% histologically classified as atypical (grade II) or anaplastic (grade III) are associated with higher recurrent rate and have overall less favourable clinical outcome. Recently, there is emerging evidence that multiple signalling pathways including Wnt pathway contribute to the formation and growth of meningiomas. In the review we present the synopsis on meningioma histopathology and genetics and discuss our research regarding Wnt in meningioma. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process in which Wnt signalling plays an important role, is shortly discussed.
Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
Authors: Konsolakis Michalis
Published: July 2016

Nowadays, heterogeneous catalysis plays a prominent role.[...]
Measuring the Distance between Sets of ARMA Models
Authors: Triacca Umberto
Published: July 2016

A distance between pairs of sets of autoregressive moving average (ARMA) processes is proposed. Its main properties are discussed. The paper also shows how the proposed distance finds application in time series analysis. In particular it can be used to evaluate the distance between portfolios of ARMA models or the distance between vector autoregressive (VAR) models.
Harnessing the Flexibility of Thermostatic Loads in Microgrids with Solar Power Generation
Authors: Morales González Rosa , Shariat Torbaghan Shahab , Gibescu Madeleine , Cobben Sjef
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a demand response (DR) framework that intertwines thermodynamic building models with a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization method. The framework optimizes heating/cooling schedules of end-users inside a business park microgrid with local distributed generation from renewable energy sources (DG-RES) based on two separate objectives: net load minimization and electricity cost minimization. DG-RES is treated as a curtailable resource in anticipation of future scenarios where the infeed of DG-RES to the regional distribution network could be limited. We test the DR framework with a case study of a refrigerated warehouse and an office building located in a business park with local PV generation. Results show the technical potential of the DR framework in harnessing the flexibility of the thermal masses from end-user sites in order to: (1) reduce the energy exchange at the point of connection; (2) reduce the cost of electricity for the microgrid end-users; and (3) increase the local utilization of DG-RES in cases where DG-RES exports to the grid are restricted. The results of this work can aid end-users and distribution network operators to reduce energy costs and energy consumption.
A New Fault Diagnosis Algorithm for PMSG Wind Turbine Power Converters under Variable Wind Speed Conditions
Authors: Qiu Yingning , Jiang Hongxin , Feng Yanhui , Cao Mengnan , Zhao Yong , Li Dan
Published: July 2016

Although Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) wind turbines (WTs) mitigate gearbox impacts, they requires high reliability of generators and converters. Statistical analysis shows that the failure rate of direct-drive PMSG wind turbines’ generators and inverters are high. Intelligent fault diagnosis algorithms to detect inverters faults is a premise for the condition monitoring system aimed at improving wind turbines’ reliability and availability. The influences of random wind speed and diversified control strategies lead to challenges for developing intelligent fault diagnosis algorithms for converters. This paper studies open-circuit fault features of wind turbine converters in variable wind speed situations through systematic simulation and experiment. A new fault diagnosis algorithm named Wind Speed Based Normalized Current Trajectory is proposed and used to accurately detect and locate faulted IGBT in the circuit arms. It is compared to direct current monitoring and current vector trajectory pattern approaches. The results show that the proposed method has advantages in the accuracy of fault diagnosis and has superior anti-noise capability in variable wind speed situations. The impact of the control strategy is also identified. Experimental results demonstrate its applicability on practical WT condition monitoring system which is used to improve wind turbine reliability and reduce their maintenance cost.
A Multi-Satellite Approach for Water Storage Monitoring in an Arid Watershed
Authors: Ghebreyesus Dawit , Temimi Marouane , Fares Ali , Bayabil Haimanote
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to use satellite imagery to monitor the water budget of Al Ain region in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Inflows and outflows were estimated and the trend of water storage variation in the study area was examined from 2005 to 2014. Evapotranspiration was estimated using the simplified Penman-Monteith equation. Landsat images were used to determine the extent of agricultural and green areas. Time series of gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) observations over the study area were used to assess the inferred water storage variation from satellite data. The change of storage inferred from the Water Budget Equation showed a decreasing trend at an average rate of 2.57 Mm3 annually. Moreover, GRACE readings showed a decreasing trend at a rate of 0.35 cm of water depth annually. Mann-Kendal, a non-parametric trend test, proved the presence of significant negative trends in both time series at a 5% significance level. A two-month lag resulted in a better agreement (R2 = 0.55) between the change in water storage and GRACE anomalies within the study area. These results suggest that water storage in the study area is being depleted significantly. Moreover, the potential of remote sensing in water resource management, especially in remote and arid areas, was demonstrated.
The White Mountain Recreational Enterprise: Bio-Political Foundations for White Mountain Apache Natural Resource Control, 1945–1960
Authors: Tomblin David
Published: July 2016

Among American Indian nations, the White Mountain Apache Tribe has been at the forefront of a struggle to control natural resource management within reservation boundaries. In 1952, they developed the first comprehensive tribal natural resource management program, the White Mountain Recreational Enterprise (WMRE), which became a cornerstone for fighting legal battles over the tribe’s right to manage cultural and natural resources on the reservation for the benefit of the tribal community rather than outside interests. This article examines how White Mountain Apaches used the WMRE, while embracing both Euro-American and Apache traditions, as an institutional foundation for resistance and exchange with Euro-American society so as to reassert control over tribal eco-cultural resources in east-central Arizona.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Codon Usage Bias in Epichloë festucae
Authors: Li Xiuzhang , Song Hui , Kuang Yu , Chen Shuihong , Tian Pei , Li Chunjie , Nan Zhibiao
Published: July 2016

Analysis of codon usage data has both practical and theoretical applications in understanding the basics of molecular biology. Differences in codon usage patterns among genes reflect variations in local base compositional biases and the intensity of natural selection. Recently, there have been several reports related to codon usage in fungi, but little is known about codon usage bias in Epichloë endophytes. The present study aimed to assess codon usage patterns and biases in 4870 sequences from Epichloë festucae, which may be helpful in revealing the constraint factors such as mutation or selection pressure and improving the bioreactor on the cloning, expression, and characterization of some special genes. The GC content with 56.41% is higher than the AT content (43.59%) in E. festucae. The results of neutrality and effective number of codons plot analyses showed that both mutational bias and natural selection play roles in shaping codon usage in this species. We found that gene length is strongly correlated with codon usage and may contribute to the codon usage patterns observed in genes. Nucleotide composition and gene expression levels also shape codon usage bias in E. festucae. E. festucae exhibits codon usage bias based on the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values of 61 sense codons, with 25 codons showing an RSCU larger than 1. In addition, we identified 27 optimal codons that end in a G or C.
Signaling Pathways in Melanogenesis
Authors: D’Mello Stacey , Finlay Graeme , Baguley Bruce , Askarian-Amiri Marjan
Published: July 2016

Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells found in skin, hair follicles, eyes, inner ear, bones, heart and brain of humans. They arise from pluripotent neural crest cells and differentiate in response to a complex network of interacting regulatory pathways. Melanins are pigment molecules that are endogenously synthesized by melanocytes. The light absorption of melanin in skin and hair leads to photoreceptor shielding, thermoregulation, photoprotection, camouflage and display coloring. Melanins are also powerful cation chelators and may act as free radical sinks. Melanin formation is a product of complex biochemical events that starts from amino acid tyrosine and its metabolite, dopa. The types and amounts of melanin produced by melanocytes are determined genetically and are influenced by a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as hormonal changes, inflammation, age and exposure to UV light. These stimuli affect the different pathways in melanogenesis. In this review we will discuss the regulatory mechanisms involved in melanogenesis and explain how intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate melanin production. We will also explain the regulatory roles of different proteins involved in melanogenesis.
Mesoporous C/CrN and C/VN Nanocomposites Obtained by One-Pot Soft-Templating Process
Authors: Kiener Julien , Ersen Ovidiu , Parmentier Julien
Published: July 2016

Nanocomposites of ordered mesoporous carbon associated with chromium nitride (CrN) or vanadium nitride (VN) nanoparticles were obtained by a simple one-pot synthesis based on the solvent evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) process using Pluronic triblock surfactant as soft-template and a phenol-based resin (resol) as carbon precursor. These nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Electron tomography (or 3D-TEM) technique was particularly useful for providing direct insight on the internal architecture of C/CrN nanocomposite. Nanocomposites showed a very well organized hexagonal mesoporous carbon structure and a relatively high concentration of nanoparticles well distributed in the porous network. The chromium and vanadium nitrides/mesoporous carbon nanocomposites could have many potential applications in catalysis, Li-ion batteries, and supercapacitors.
Numerical Study of Laminar Flow and Convective Heat Transfer Utilizing Nanofluids in Equilateral Triangular Ducts with Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Ting Hsien-Hung , Hou Shuhn-Shyurng
Published: July 2016

This study numerically investigates heat transfer augmentation using water-based Al2O3 and CuO nanofluids flowing in a triangular cross-sectional duct under constant heat flux in laminar flow conditions. The Al2O3/water nanofluids with different volume fractions (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and CuO/water nanofluids with various volume fractions (0.05%, 0.16%, 0.36%, 0.5%, and 0.8%) are employed, and Reynolds numbers in the range of 700 to 1900 in a laminar flow are considered. The heat transfer rate becomes more remarkable when employing nanofluids. As compared with pure water, at a Peclet number of 7000, a 35% enhancement in the convective heat transfer coefficient, is obtained for an Al2O3/water nanofluid with 2% particle volume fraction; at the same Peclet number, a 41% enhancement in the convective heat transfer coefficient is achieved for a CuO/water nanofluid with 0.8% particle volume concentration. Heat transfer enhancement increases with increases in particle volume concentration and Peclet number. Moreover, the numerical results are found to be in good agreement with published experimental data.
Mechanical Behavior of Dowel-Type Joints Made of Wood Scrimber Composite
Authors: He Minjuan , Tao Duo , Li Zheng , Li Maolin
Published: July 2016

As a renewable building material with low embodied energy characteristics, wood has gained more and more attention in the green and sustainable building industry. In terms of material resource and physical properties, scrimber composite not only makes full use of fast-growing wood species, but also has better mechanical performance and less inherent variability than natural wood material. In this study, the mechanical behavior of bolted beam-to-column joints built with a kind of scrimber composite was investigated both experimentally and numerically. Two groups of specimens were tested under monotonic and low frequency cyclic loading protocols. The experimental results showed that the bolted joints built with scrimber composite performed well in initial stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation. A three-dimensional (3D) non-linear finite element model (FEM) for the bolted beam-to-column joints was then developed and validated by experimental results. The validated model was further used to investigate the failure mechanism of the bolted joints through stress analysis. This study can contribute to the application of the proposed scrimber composite in structural engineering, and the developed FEM can serve as a useful tool to evaluate the mechanical behavior of such bolted beam-to-column joints with different configurations in future research.
DNA Cleavage and Condensation Activities of Mono- and Binuclear Hybrid Complexes and Regulation by Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Shuo , Dai Mingxing , Zhang Chunping , Jiang Bingying , Xu Junqiang , Zhou Dewen , Gu Zhongwei
Published: July 2016

Hybrid complexes with N,N′-bis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine and cyclen moieties are novel enzyme mimics and controlled DNA release materials, which could interact with DNA through three models under different conditions. In this paper, the interactions between plasmid DNA and seven different complexes were investigated, and the methods to change the interaction patterns by graphene oxide (GO) or concentrations were also investigated. The cleavage of pUC19 DNA promoted by target complexes were via hydrolytic or oxidative mechanisms at low concentrations ranging from 3.13 × 10−7 to 6.25 × 10−5 mol/L. Dinuclear complexes 2a and 2b can promote the cleavage of plasmid pUC19 DNA to a linear form at pH values below 7.0. Furthermore, binuclear hybrid complexes could condense DNA as nanoparticles above 3.13 × 10−5 mol/L and partly release DNA by graphene oxide with π-π stacking. Meanwhile, the results also reflected that graphene oxide could prevent DNA from breaking down. Cell viability assays showed dinuclear complexes were safe to normal human hepatic cells at relative high concentrations. The present work might help to develop novel strategies for the design and synthesis of DNA controllable releasing agents, which may be applied to gene delivery and also to exploit the new application for GO.
Spiritual/Religious Needs of Adolescents with Cancer
Authors: Zeighamy Hamideh , Sadeghi Narges
Published: July 2016

Adolescents, when faced with cancer and hospitalization, experience different needs that can have a profound impact on the adolescent and their family. Spirituality and religion are helpful in order to find meaning in the experience of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the spiritual/religious needs of adolescents with cancer in Iran. This study was an exploratory qualitative research. Adolescents with cancer, their families and nurses working in cancer unit formed the participants. The study environment was the cancer unit and the study population was adolescents with cancer in Kerman, Iran. Purposeful sampling and, semi-structured interviews with 14 adolescents with cancer and their families and six nurses were performed individually. To analyze the data, qualitative content analysis was used. From the data analysis four main themes emerged: the need for a relationship with God; the need for a relationship with the self; the need for a relationship with others; and the need for a relationship with the environment and nature. The results of this study provided a new vision in meeting the spiritual/religious needs of adolescents with cancer. According our result, adolescents with cancer, in addition to their developmental stage, need to face the other needs that can come along with the needs of this age period. Regarding these needs, it is helpful to find purpose and meaning in the experience of suffering and pain, and it can prevent spiritual distress.
Kernel Supervised Ensemble Classifier for the Classification of Hyperspectral Data Using Few Labeled Samples
Authors: Chen Jike , Xia Junshi , Du Peijun , Chanussot Jocelyn , Xue Zhaohui , Xie Xiangjian
Published: July 2016

Kernel-based methods and ensemble learning are two important paradigms for the classification of hyperspectral remote sensing images. However, they were developed in parallel with different principles. In this paper, we aim to combine the advantages of kernel and ensemble methods by proposing a kernel supervised ensemble classification method. In particular, the proposed method, namely RoF-KOPLS, combines the merits of ensemble feature learning (i.e., Rotation Forest (RoF)) and kernel supervised learning (i.e., Kernel Orthonormalized Partial Least Square (KOPLS)). In particular, the feature space is randomly split into K disjoint subspace and KOPLS is applied to each subspace to produce the new features set for the training of decision tree classifier. The final classification result is assigned to the corresponding class by the majority voting rule. Experimental results on two hyperspectral airborne images demonstrated that RoF-KOPLS with radial basis function (RBF) kernel yields the best classification accuracies due to the ability of improving the accuracies of base classifiers and the diversity within the ensemble, especially for the very limited training set. Furthermore, our proposed method is insensitive to the number of subsets.
Sensor Localization from Distance and Orientation Constraints
Authors: Porta Josep , Rull Aleix , Thomas Federico
Published: July 2016

The sensor localization problem can be formalized using distance and orientation constraints, typically in 3D. Local methods can be used to refine an initial location estimation, but in many cases such estimation is not available and a method able to determine all the feasible solutions from scratch is necessary. Unfortunately, existing methods able to find all the solutions in distance space can not take into account orientations, or they can only deal with one- or two-dimensional problems and their extension to 3D is troublesome. This paper presents a method that addresses these issues. The proposed approach iteratively projects the problem to decrease its dimension, then reduces the ranges of the variable distances, and back-projects the result to the original dimension, to obtain a tighter approximation of the feasible sensor locations. This paper extends previous works introducing accurate range reduction procedures which effectively integrate the orientation constraints. The mutual localization of a fleet of robots carrying sensors and the position analysis of a sensor moved by a parallel manipulator are used to validate the approach.
Sensors for Entertainment
Authors: Lamberti Fabrizio , Sanna Andrea , Rokne Jon
Published: July 2016

Sensors are becoming ubiquitous in all areas of science, technology, and society. In this Special Issue on “Sensors for Entertainment”, developments in progress and the current state of application scenarios for sensors in the field of entertainment is explored.
Knowledge to Manage the Knowledge Society: The Concept of Theoretical Incompleteness
Authors: Minati Gianfranco
Published: July 2016

After having outlined the essential differences between non-complex systems and complex systems we briefly recall the conceptual approaches considered by the pre-complexity General Systems Theory introduced by Von Bertalanffy in 1968 and those of the science of complexity and post-Bertalanffy General Systems Theory. In this context, after outlining the concept of completeness, we consider cases of incompleteness in various disciplines to arrive at theoretical incompleteness. The latter is clarified through several cases of different natures and by approaches in the literature, such as logical openness, the Dynamic Usage of Models (DYSAM), and the principle of uncertainty in physics. The treatment and the contrast between completeness and incompleteness are introduced as a conceptual and cultural context, as knowledge to manage the knowledge society in analogy, for example, with the transition from the logic of certainty to that of uncertainty introduced by De Finetti. The conceptual framework of completeness is not appropriate for dealing with complexity. Conversely, the conceptual framework of incompleteness is consistent and appropriate with interdisciplinary complexity.
Recherche-Action, Formation : quelle articulation ?
Authors: Seibel Claude , Hugon Marie-Anne
Published: July 2016

L 'I.N.R.P., au cœur de la problématique de la « Recherche-Action » a organisé, en 1986, un colloque pour élucider cette notion. Les auteurs de l'article, responsables du colloque, nous montrent comment la formation se trouve en interaction forte avec la «Recherche-Action » car celle-ci engage dans une interaction dynamique de co-formation tous les acteurs de la recherche. Malgré cela, le transfert des acquis de la Recherche-Action reste un problème non encore complètement résolu : il faut pouvoir rendre compte de la « densité du vécu» de la recherche pour éviter l'écueil du modèle inapplicable, pour permettre d'en transférer les résultats dans des situations concrètes, pour enclencher de nouvelles dynamiques, pour pouvoir transposer son organisation dans des actions de formation.
Une expérience de pédagogie interculturelle : prolongements sur le plan de la formation et valeur thérapeutique
Authors: Rohart Jean-Daniel
Published: July 2016

L'auteur relate sur le ton du récit, son expérience d'enseignant dans une classe de seconde dont les origines ethniques et culturelles étaient extrêmement diversifiées : classe difficile mais source de richesses pour qui sait les utiliser.

Il nous explique comment, au cours de l'année scolaire, en prenant une attitude de « considération positive » envers les élèves de cultures différentes, il les aide à dépasser le conflit pour apprendre à s'écouter. Sans sous-estimer les difficultés de son entreprise, il nous montre que le maître qui vit l'acte éducatif comme une perpétuelle remise en question de soi, «s'auto-éduque » tout en éduquant. Pratique "thérapeutique» et formatrice, faire cours à une classe interculturelle participerait à la formation continue de l'enseignant.
Une recherche sur les instituteurs débutants en France
Authors: Louvet Andrée
Published: July 2016

Phénomène récent, depuis quelques années les jeunes diplômés boudent le métier d'instituteur ; on constate actuellement une véritable pénurie d'enseignants, les niveaux d'exigence de recrutement ne correspondant pas aux possibilités de carrière.

Placés, dès leur prise de fonction dans la situation de remplaçants et ce pour de nombreuses années, les instituteurs débutants ont du mal à se motiver pour le métier ; outre les difficultés matérielles liées à leur condition de remplaçant (problèmes de déplacements, de logement), ils ont le sentiment désagréable d'être les « bouche-trou » de l'Éducation nationale. L 'impression de méfiance à leur égard tant de la part des parents que de la part des collègues, les mettent mal à l'aise.

Ils ne sont pas pour autant demandeur d'aide par peur d'être floués ou que celle-ci ne se retourne contre eux.

Les instituteurs de la recherche qui s'étaient orientés vers des propositions d'aide aux débutants, prennent maintenant du recul et se donnent les moyens d'analyser les spécificités des conditions locales de la prise de fonction afin d'élaborer des modalités d'action adaptées.
Pour une meilleure adaptation de la formation continuée dans le premier degré : approche des représentations des instituteurs
Authors: Raymond J.
Published: July 2016

J. Raymond est Directeur d'École Normale au Bourget. Il propose une étude des attentes et représentations des instituteurs concernant leur formation continuée, à partir d'un outil, le SYMLOG, qui permet de les analyser relativement à des valeurs à caractère universel.

Comment se situent les instituteurs vis-à-vis de ces valeurs ? Quelle « leçon » tirer de cette analyse pour une réflexion sur la formation à proposer ? Tel est le questionnement de base de cet article.
La question du modèle dans les discours des instituteurs
Authors: Baillauquès Simone
Published: July 2016

À partir de l'analyse de contenu de discussions de groupes d'instituteurs s'exprimant sur "la relation pédagogique vécue dans la classe», Simone Baillauquès étudie le rapport de ces maîtres au modèle. Est évoqué d'abord « le maître-modèle » celui qui est imposé, « idéal impossible » ; objet de rejet et d'envie, ce maître-modèle soutient la culpabilité. Deux autres modèles viennent ensuite en contrepoint :

- le confident qui accorde son soutien à la demande du débutant ;

- le catalyseur qui au-delà du confident, aide à l'épanouissement, à l'explosion du débutant.

Et pourquoi de telles images sur le métier d'enseignant ? Est-ce dû à des composantes de la personnalité des enseignants ou à des paramètres culturels et professionnels ?

L'auteur espère qu'avec l'arrivée en formation initiale des nouveaux instituteurs, plus âgés, munis d'un DEUG, ces images traditionnelles du maître seront remises en cause.
Les enseignants du second degré en France : Etudes typologiques
Authors: Hédoux Jacques
Published: July 2016

Jacques Hédoux, sociologue, dresse une typologie des enseignants du second degré en France à partir d'un corpus de recherches publiées entre 1969 et 1986.

Tout au long de l'article, il mentionne les textes qui lui ont servi à étayer sa typologie. Il répartit ainsi les enseignants selon quatre pôles : le pôle «conservateur-traditionnel » ; le pôle «réactionnaire-conservateur» ; le pôle «réformiste-novateur» ; le pôle «critique-novateur». Il décrit pour chaque catégorie, les attitudes dominantes, idéologiques et pédagogiques, en liaison avec des caractéristiques socio-culturelles.

Mais peut-on mettre en rapport ces types variés d'enseignants avec leurs pratiques effectives et leurs résultats ? Pour l'auteur la question n'a pas véritablement été étudiée à ce jour.
Des approches sociologiques de la formation des maîtres
Authors: Lessard Claude , Lahaye Louise , Tardif Maurice
Published: July 2016

Claude Lessard nous propose quatre approches sociologiques de la formation des maîtres, approches qui accordent plus ou moins d'importance à la formation dans la constitution de l'identité professionnelle des maîtres.

- L'approche symboliste-interactionniste.

- L 'approche structuro-fonctionnaliste.

- L'approche marxiste.

- L 'approche en terme de champ.

L 'auteur nous invite à ne pas considérer ces quatre approches comme exclusives mais à les replacer dans un continuum allant des acteurs et de leurs rapports au système de formation, à ce système de formation et à ses rapports avec le système éducatif et la société.

Si la sociologie de la formation des maîtres veut être autre chose qu'une pluralité de perspectives, elle doit aujourd'hui rechercher sa propre cohérence.
Ciel, qui suis-je : chercheur, formateur, ni l'un ni l'autre ou les deux à la fois ?
Authors: Cros Françoise
Published: July 2016

De quelle identité parlons-nous lorsque nous évoquons le métier de chercheur et celui de formateur en sciences de l'éducation ? À travers une expérience vécue qui est celle de la mise en place de la rénovation des collèges en France, l'auteur tente de dégager la spécificité et la complémentarité de ces deux professions. Qu'appelons-nous valorisation de la recherche pédagogique ? Le modèle emprunté aux sciences dites exactes n'étant pas approprié, il convient d'inventer un modèle nouveau où interviennent (parfois même prioritairement) la démarche et le processus qui ont abouti aux résultats de la recherche. Peut-être sommes-nous là aux confins de savoirs/ pouvoirs différents, avec leurs propres modes d'appropriation. Une nouvelle complémentarité est à inventer, sans sectarisme.
Peut-on former les enseignants novices à la réflexion des experts
Authors: Tochon François
Published: July 2016

La formation des enseignants a souvent été élaborée selon un concept théorique tenant peu compte du contexte interactif de la classe. Un paradigme récent de recherche sur la réflexion des enseignants tente au contraire d'analyser les pratiques de pédagogues chevronnés, celles-ci étant susceptibles d'être transférées dans une formation plus pragmatique et mieux contextualisée. Cet effort prometteur ne peut aboutir que si l'institution sépare clairement le rôle des formateurs de celui des évaluateurs des enseignants, puisque le langage de la pratique nécessite la libre expression.
Les médecins scolaires — Un épisode dans leur formation
Authors: Coridian Charles
Published: July 2016

Depuis sa création en 1945, la médecine scolaire a connu plusieurs changements importants dans la définition de ses missions.

En 1982, la médecine scolaire est inscrite dans une perspective de santé publique rénovée, beaucoup plus centrée sur les groupes. La formation des médecins scolaires va être adaptée à cette nouvelle orientation. Plus de deux cents médecins scolaires vont bénéficier de cette formation, qui ne sera assurée que pendant trois années. L'article présente ces évolutions et analyse leurs conséquences pour les médecins scolaires.
Les demandes et besoins en formation des personnels confrontés aux publics de faibles niveaux de qualification : compte rendu d'enquête
Authors: Vaniscotte Francine
Published: July 2016

Deux circulaires ministérielles ont en 1984-1985 proposé un élargissement des missions des Écoles Normales, afin de venir en aide aux formateurs confrontés aux publics de faibles niveaux de qualification professionnelle. Une enquête fut alors conduite pour préciser les besoins en formation de ces formateurs.

Elle a mis en évidence une typologie des organismes qui s'occupent de ces formations, les stratégies et les démarches utilisées par les formateurs, les difficultés qu'ils rencontrent autant que leurs besoins et demandes de formation.

Cette enquête fournit un matériau utile pour les centres de formation et les Écoles Normales voulant mettre en œuvre des formations pour les personnels hors Éducation Nationale confrontés aux problèmes de l'illettrisme et des faibles niveaux de qualification professionnelle.
La qualité globale — Le management participatif
Authors: Menot Michel
Published: July 2016

M. Menot est proviseur de lycée d'enseignement général ; à ce titre, il prend acte des démarches des chefs d'entreprise pour résoudre les problèmes de fonctionnement et augmenter l'efficacité de l'organisation et des actions. À partir du concept de « qualité globale » et des principes de base qui l'accompagnent, l'auteur présente trois outils primordiaux pour la participation optimale des individus et des groupes, tous concernés par le développement de leur établissement. M. Menot se demande alors dans quelle mesure l'institution éducative pourrait développer une telle démarche de progrès.
Des enseignants entre la souffrance et la dépression — de l'interpénétration de leurs conflits sociaux et psychiques
Authors: Didier-Passaquay Geneviève
Published: July 2016

G. Passaquay gives an account of the author's experience with the re-training of « teachers in difficulties ». The article traces the development of personality problems leading to severe depression : after a progression from tiredeness to difficulties in interpersonal relations and to more or less complete withdrawal into their selves, the abandonment of their professional task as teachers. Illness provides the only available solution.

Group Therapy's task consists in the main of giving the participants the opportunity to talk in a process of revaluating their self concept, while fully respecting every members' chosen path to achieve this. The author concludes by inviting the reader to reflect on the conditions necessary for successful teaching.
Formation théorique et formation pratique en didactique du français langue maternelle
Authors: Rope Françoise
Published: July 2016

The author analyses the processes and reasons which lead some teachers and trainers to reserach work, particularly in the teaching of French. They turn to research mainly to make up for insufficient professional training and to do some inservice training. Research has changed their teaching strategies with learners ; this research-oriented inservice training experienced as self-training has often enabled them to move towards other research fields.
De l'instituteur à l'expert. Les IUFM et l'évolution des institutions de formation
Authors: Bourdoncle Raymond
Published: July 2016

The age-old separation between teacher training colleges and universities used to reflect the very different social functions of primary and secondary education. This division strongly appeared in the different training methods and programs. Teacher training colleges tried to produce educators for the people by means of a charismatic and moral, as much as by intellectual types of training. Universities trained cultured people for the educated classes through the thorough study of a subject. Today, while secondary as well as primary schools deal with almost all the pupils within an age group, primary schoolteachers have become "school teachers" and all teachers are trained in the same place, the Iiufm. and in accordance with the same conception of the teacher as a professional expert. The former patterns of training generated strong loyalties evoking a sens of professional vocation. How will this he affected by the new models of professionalisation promoved by the IUFM ?
Une école normale assume son rôle de structure de formation et d'incitation à l'occasion du bicentenaire
Authors: Dodeman J.-L.
Published: July 2016

Un an après l'année du bicentenaire de la Révolution française, un professeur d'École normale analyse tes actions entreprises au niveau de l'École primaire. L'Ecole normale fut sollicitée comme aide aux initiatives. C'est pourquoi fut mise en place une réflexion didactique sur la Révolution française ; diverses filières de formation furent mobilisées autour de l École normale (archives départementales. Centre Départemental de Documentation Pédagogique, ...).

Les situations de formation révèlent la prédominance des conceptions de l'histoire comme accumulation érudite aux dépens de la transposition didactique.