bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Worker Perspectives on the Use of New Media to Reconfigure Socio-spatial Relations in Belfast
Authors: Reilly Paul
Published: April 2012

Cyber enthusiasts as far back as Rheingold have suggested that cyberspatial technologies such as the Internet have the potential to transform space–time relations and create new social spaces, thus ameliorating social conflict in contested areas. However, a more sceptical view of cyberspatial communication is provided by Hampton, who argues that on-line interactions cannot be artifically separated from their off-line contexts. This article will analyse whether these technologies are changing the nature of territorial disputes and patterns of social interaction between Protestant and Catholic interface communities in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Interviews were conducted with nine community workers to investigate this issue. Focusing on the possibility of using social media to facilitate intergroup contact, the paper argues that on-line interactions alone do not appear to have the potential to build mutual understanding and trust between rival interface communities. Indeed, community workers fear that may young people use these sites to exacerbate intercommunity tensions.
Putting Values and Institutions Back into the Theory of Strategic Action Fields
Authors: Goldstone Jack A. , Useem Bert
Published: April 2012

Neil Fligstein and Doug McAdam have presented a new theory of how collective action creates the structure and dynamics of societies. At issue is the behavior of social movements, organizations, states, political parties, and interest groups. They argue that all of these phenomena are produced by social actors (which may be individuals or groups) involved in strategic action. This allows Fligstein and McAdam to advance a unified theory of “strategic action fields.” This article takes issue with aspects of Fligstein and McAdam’s important contribution. We argue that that all organizations are not essentially the same; in addition to the location and interactions of their strategic actors, their dynamics are shaped and distinguished by differing values and norms, by the autonomy of institutions embedded in strategic action fields, and by the fractal relationships that nested fields have to broader principles of justice and social organization that span societies. We also criticize the view that social change can be conceptualized solely in terms of shifting configurations of actors in strategic action fields. Rather, any theory of social action must distinguish between periods of routine contention under the current institutions and norms and exceptional challenges to the social order that aim to transform those institutions and norms.
Evaluation of extracting titanium dioxide from water-based paint sludge in auto-manufacturing industries and its application in paint production
Authors: Khezri Seyed Mostafa , Shariat Seyed Mahmood , Tabibian Sahar
Published: April 2012

Almost 2555–4380 tons of paint sludge are produced annually in an auto-manufacturing plant; recycling and reproduction of beneficial materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and its application in paint production from paint sludge are evaluated in this article. The disposal of these sludge is environmentally important and is the main and most serious challenge for auto-manufacturing units. Today, these sludge are recognized as toxic wastes, whose disposal is much costly and constrained by environmental standards. Controlled disposal requires spaces, which are expensive and impermeable, because the sludge contains large amounts of hazardous materials such as heavy metals, solvents, and other materials polluting wells, springs, and other water resources. In this research, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy was carried out to determine the types of sludge combinations. Then, chemical digestion and centrifuge was used to extract TiO2, the extracted TiO2 reached 67.41% using these techniques. Next, a powder containing TiO2 in a certain percentage was used for paint production. Here, not only the amount of sludge decreased to as much as 70% but also the fresh paint required annually will be reduced by 21%. Furthermore, all heavy metals and toxic wastes will be removed as an environmental challenge.
Enhancing the usability and performance of structured association mapping algorithms using automation, parallelization, and visualization in the GenAMap software system
Authors: Curtis Ross E , Goyal Anuj , Xing Eric P
Published: April 2012

Background

Structured association mapping is proving to be a powerful strategy to find genetic polymorphisms associated with disease. However, these algorithms are often distributed as command line implementations that require expertise and effort to customize and put into practice. Because of the difficulty required to use these cutting-edge techniques, geneticists often revert to simpler, less powerful methods.

Results

To make structured association mapping more accessible to geneticists, we have developed an automatic processing system called Auto-SAM. Auto-SAM enables geneticists to run structured association mapping algorithms automatically, using parallelization. Auto-SAM includes algorithms to discover gene-networks and find population structure. Auto-SAM can also run popular association mapping algorithms, in addition to five structured association mapping algorithms.

Conclusions

Auto-SAM is available through GenAMap, a front-end desktop visualization tool. GenAMap and Auto-SAM are implemented in JAVA; binaries for GenAMap can be downloaded from http://sailing.cs.cmu.edu/genamap.
Bilateral multifocal Warthin's tumors in upper neck lymph nodes. report of a case and brief review of the literature
Authors: Naujoks Christian , Sproll Christoph , Singh Daman Deep , Heikaus Sebastian , Depprich Rita , Kübler Norbert R , Handschel Jörg
Published: April 2012

Cystadenolymphomas (Warthin's tumors) are the second most frequent lesions of the parotid gland. Due to their benign clinical behavior, the low rates of recurrence and malignant transformation they were classified as tumor-like lesions. In addition, a polyclonal growth of the epithelial components of the tumor could be detected. Warthin's tumors occur bilateral in 7-10%, whereas a multifocal appearance is extremely rare. Even if the pathogenesis is still unclear a heterotopia of salivary tissue during embryogenesis is the most likely explanation for the origin of these tumors in the upper neck and periparotideal region. Here we present a rare case of bilateral, multifocal, extraglandular Warthin's tumors in lymph nodes of the upper neck and give a brief review of the literature. If a primary malignancy can be excluded by a careful staging procedure prior to the operation an isolated excision of the lesions of the neck is the adequate treatment.
Carboplatin- or Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer: The COCIS Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: Rossi Antonio , Di Maio Massimo , Chiodini Paolo , Rudd Robin Michael , Okamoto Hiroaki , Skarlos Dimosthenis Vasilios , Früh Martin , Qian Wendi , Tamura Tomohide , Samantas Epaminondas , Shibata Taro , Perrone Francesco , Gallo Ciro , Gridelli Cesare , Martelli Olga , Lee Siow-Ming
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Since treatment efficacy of cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains contentious, a meta-analysis of individual patient data was performed to compare the two treatments.

Patients and Methods

A systematic review identified randomized trials comparing cisplatin with carboplatin in the first-line treatment of SCLC. Individual patient data were obtained from coordinating centers of all eligible trials. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). All statistical analyses were stratified by trial. Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment toxicity. OS and PFS curves were compared by using the log-rank test. ORR was compared by using the Mantel-Haenszel test.

Results

Four eligible trials with 663 patients (328 assigned to cisplatin and 335 to carboplatin) were included in the analysis. Median OS was 9.6 months for cisplatin and 9.4 months for carboplatin (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.27; P = .37). There was no evidence of treatment difference between the cisplatin and carboplatin arms according to sex, stage, performance status, or age. Median PFS was 5.5 and 5.3 months for cisplatin and carboplatin, respectively (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.29; P = .25). ORR was 67.1% and 66.0%, respectively (relative risk, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.16; P = .83). Toxicity profile was significantly different for each of the arms: hematologic toxicity was higher with carboplatin, and nonhematologic toxicity was higher with cisplatin.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis of individual patient data suggests no differences in efficacy between cisplatin and carboplatin in the first-line treatment of SCLC, but there are differences in the toxicity profile.
Long-term Reduction in Adverse Drug Events: An Evidence-Based Improvement Model
Authors: Gazarian Madlen , Graudins Linda Velta
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To develop and test an evidence-based model for reducing medication errors and harm in hospitalized children.

METHODS:

Prospective interrupted time series study evaluating the effectiveness of a multifaceted, staged intervention over 4 years in a major urban pediatric referral hospital. Guidelines for safe pediatric prescribing were implemented by using an evidence-based model. Key components included early clinician engagement and improved multidisciplinary communication, consensus development, interactive education, and timely data feedback by using iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Impact on medication error and harm (adverse drug events, [ADEs]) was measured by using standard definitions and a multimethod approach. Prospective data from voluntary reports by nursing, medical, and pharmacy staff and intensive chart review were combined. All data were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel, including causality assessments for ADEs.

RESULTS:

Reviewed over 3 time periods were 1011 patients with 6651 medication orders. Total ADEs decreased by > 50% in the first year and this was maintained at 4 years. Greatest improvements were in potential ADEs, which decreased from 12.26 per 100 patients at baseline to 4.60 per 100 patients at 4 years (P < .05). Total medication errors decreased from 4.51 per 100 orders at baseline to 2.78 per 100 orders at 4 years (P < .05). Prescribing errors decreased by 65%, from 4.07 per 100 orders at baseline to 2.05 orders at 4 years (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

A multifaceted, evidence-based model for safe prescribing guideline implementation, engaging multidisciplinary clinicians, was effective in reducing medication error and harm in hospitalized children, resulting in sustained long-term improvement.
Characteristic Color Use in Different Film Genres
Authors: Chen I-Ping , Wu Fang-Yi , Lin Chih-Hsiang
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop a color analysis protocol for studying use of colors in films. The typical color use in films of romance, comedy, horror, sci-fi, and action genres was evaluated. A custom-made software was used for extracting contrast, saturation, brightness, red, green, yellow and blue values from all sampled frames. We found that among the chosen five film categories, patterns of coloring could be divided into two groups—one comprised romance and comedy, and the other horror, sci-fi, and action. Colors in romance and comedy tend to have higher contrast and brightness and are rich in red and yellow while in horror, sci-fi and action it is the reverse. Sci-fi films usually show the highest average standard deviation of brightness, as well as red, green, yellow, and blue among these five film categories. This indicates that colors of sci-fi films tend to vary greatly as the story progresses. The color analysis protocol developed in this study can be a valuable tool for exploring the aesthetic functions of colors in films.
Contrast and Assimilation in Aesthetic Judgments of Visual Artworks
Authors: Arielli Emanuele
Published: April 2012

Contrast effects occur when an individual judges a target stimulus as being further removed from its position on some dimension than it actually is, due to exposure to a context stimulus presenting an opposite value on this dimension. In assimilation effects, on the contrary, the reverse occurs such that judgment about the target is brought nearer to the context stimulus. The objective of this article is to verify whether assimilation and contrast can be observed in aesthetic evaluation of visual artworks. The results demonstrated that when the context stimulus was formally similar to one of two artworks used in the comparison (the target) but aesthetically slightly inferior to it, an assimilation effect was observed. In contrast, when the context stimulus was formally similar to the target but definitely of inferior aesthetic quality, a contrast effect was observed. These results demonstrate the impact of contextual factors on aesthetic judgment.
La chirurgie esthétique et plastique au service du mieux vieillir
Authors: Mateu Jacques
Published: April 2012

Les chirurgiens-plasticiens doivent-ils avoir honte de pratiquer une chirurgie esthétique, notamment auprès des femmes et des hommes vieillissants ? À partir de la présentation du concept de chirurgie esthétique, l’article analyse les motivations des patients, les réponses apportées par les chirurgiens et leurs effets dans la vie des personnes.
Le corps sexué au cœur du politique. Dépendances et justice sociale
Authors: Gardien Ève
Published: April 2012

Avec la définition du concept de santé sexuelle en 1974, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) a mis en avant la part de responsabilité de nos sociétés dans l’état de bonne ou mauvaise santé sexuelle des populations. La sexualité sortant ainsi du champ de l’intime, se pose la question de la justice sociale. Après un détour pour appréhender la part de l’environnement social dans l’apprentissage des techniques sexuelles, le développement des corps humains et la production des situations de dépendance, John Rawls et Amartya Sen seront sollicités. Si Rawls permettra de fonder un cadre de principes généraux, la proposition théorique de Sen amènera vers un nouvel objectif de compensation : une égale liberté sexuelle.
Les transformations de la vie sexuelle après cinquante ans : un vieillissement genré
Authors: Bajos Nathalie , Bozon Michel
Published: April 2012

Une comparaison entre les enquêtes nationales sur les comportements sexuels menées en France en 1970 et en 2006 met en évidence une prolongation, une intensification et une diversification de la vie sexuelle après 50 ans au fil du temps, ainsi qu’un rapprochement des comportements des femmes et des hommes. Néanmoins une tendance à se retirer de la vie sexuelle continue à apparaître dès 50 ans chez les femmes, au moment où elles sortent de la phase reproductive de leur vie, alors qu’elle ne se manifeste que dix ans plus tard chez les hommes, au moment où s’arrête leur vie professionnelle.
Constructions sociales et professionnelles de la sexualité dans le contexte de la maladie d'alzheimer
Authors: Giami Alain , Ory Lorraine
Published: April 2012

Une analyse de la littérature scientifique et professionnelle sur le thème « sexualité et Alzheimer » a été réalisée afin d’appréhender les représentations savantes et professionnelles de la sexualité dans le champ de la maladie d’Alzheimer. Peu traité, ce thème est centré autour de la question des « comportements sexuels inappropriés », dont notamment « l’hypersexualité » qu’il s’agit de contenir, voire même de réduire. Ces comportements apparaissent comme une source de malaise pour les soignants, lorsqu’ils y sont confrontés dans leur pratique, ainsi que pour l’entourage familial.
Regards sur l'intimité du dément
Authors: Ribes Gérard
Published: April 2012

Le vieillissement nécessite un ajustement au corps et interroge la personne vieillissante sur les différents registres de son intimité dans un environnement social porteur de visions négatives sur la sexualité des personnes âgées. La maladie d’Alzheimer oblige l’entourage (conjoint, famille, soignants) à s’interroger et à se positionner vis-à-vis de l’intimité et de la sexualité de la personne malade. Au sein d’un couple, permettre à celui qui est touché par la maladie de rester un individu pouvant exprimer du désir et s’inscrire dans une sexualité normale, c’est entretenir un mode relationnel et communicationnel. Au sein d’une institution, la question de l’anormalité, voire de la bestialité des comportements sexuels oblige les équipes soignantes à une réflexion sur la nature des comportements sexués de la personne malade. Et invite à une réflexion institutionnelle globale sur la place de l’intimité au sein de l’établissement et sur les représentations des soignants concernant la sexualité.
Value Sensitive Transfer (VST) of Systems Among Countries
Authors: Ahmed Malik Aleem , Janssen Marijn , van den Hoven Jeroen
Published: April 2012

Systems like large technical and operational networks are necessary in modern societies, yet they are costly and time-consuming to develop. Instead of countries and organizations having to build systems from scratch, the transfer of systems is becoming more common. Yet systems reflect the values of the societies in which they are built and of the designers who develop them. Public values differ among cultures and countries; this not only hinders the transfer of systems but results in a lack of their adoption and acceptance by the receiving country. This article investigates the case of the transfer of parliamentary webcasting/telecasting systems from the US to Pakistan to better understand the international transfer of e-government systems. Although the concept of systems transfer is simple, implementing the system within a different cultural setting was more complicated than initially anticipated. The transfer of the system was influenced by the political objectives and cultural differences. Value tensions were found, especially surrounding openness, transparency, and accountability. Hence, the authors propose broadening the perspective on the transfer and development of systems by taking value differences into consideration. Toward this purpose, a framework for designing Value Sensitive Transfers (VST) is proposed.
Deadlock Free Routing Algorithm for Minimizing Data Packet Transmission in Network on Chip
Authors: Somasundaram K. , Plosila Juha
Published: April 2012

Network on chip (NoC) has been proposed as a solution for addressing the design challenges of future high performance nanoscale architectures. In NoCs, the traditional routing schemes are routing packets through a single path or multiple paths from one source node to a destination node, minimizing the congestion in the routing architecture. Although these routing algorithms are moderately efficient, they are time dependent. To reduce overall data packet transmission time in the network, the authors consider a network with multiple sources and multiple destinations. Multi-dimensional routing problems appear naturally in several resource allocation problems, communication networks and wireless sensor networks. In this paper, the authors have constructed a deadlock-free multi-dimensional path routing algorithm for minimizing the congestion in NoC.
Analysis and Evaluation of a New Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance for Computing Systems
Authors: Hamidi Hodjat , Vafaei Abbas , Monadjemi Seyed Amir Hassan
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the authors present a new approach to algorithm based fault tolerance (ABFT) for High Performance computing system. The Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance approach transforms a system that does not tolerate a specific type of fault, called the fault-intolerant system, to a system that provides a specific level of fault tolerance, namely recovery. The ABFT techniques that detect errors rely on the comparison of parity values computed in two ways, the parallel processing of input parity values produce output parity values comparable with parity values regenerated from the original processed outputs, can apply convolution codes for the redundancy. This method is a new approach to concurrent error correction in fault-tolerant computing systems. This paper proposes a novel computing paradigm to provide fault tolerance for numerical algorithms. The authors also present, implement, and evaluate early detection in ABFT.
Context, Gender and Intended Use of Mobile Messaging, Entertainment and Social Media Services
Authors: Sell Anna , de Reuver Mark , Walden Pirkko , Carlsson Christer
Published: April 2012

The added value of mobile services is decided by the context in which they are used. In this paper, the authors study how the context-of-use influences the intention to adopt mobile messaging, entertainment and social media services. While doing so, the authors compare the intended use between males and females. The results are based on a large scale survey study among Finnish consumers. According to the findings, the context-of-use matters for mobile entertainment and messaging services, but not for social media services. Fit with social context is only important for social media services, whilst work-related context matters only for messaging services. In general, context-of-use is more decisive for men than women. However, while ubiquitous context-of-use is much more important for males, social and work context are relevant only for females. The results have important implications for service providers on how to develop and implement specific context-aware mobile services.
A Collaborative QoS-Aware Service Evaluation Method Among Multi-Users for a Shared Service
Authors: Dou Wanchun , Lv Chao , Zhang Xuyun , Chen Jinjun
Published: April 2012

In service selection, an end user often has his or her personal preferences imposing on a candidate service’s non-functional properties. For a service selection process promoted by a group of users, candidate services are often evaluated by a group of end users who may have different preferences or priorities. In this situation, it is often a challenging effort to make a tradeoff among various preferences or priorities of the users. In view of this challenge, a multi-criteria decision-making method, named AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), is introduced to transform both qualitative personal preferences and users’ priorities into numeric weights. Furthermore, a QoS-aware service evaluation method is presented for a shared service’s co-selection taking advantage of AHP theory. At last, a case study is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.
One decade of parallel fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10–PM2.5) particulate matter measurements in Europe: trends and variability
Authors: Barmpadimos I. , Keller J. , Oderbolz D. , Hueglin C. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The trends and variability of PM10, PM2.5 and PMcoarse concentrations at seven urban and rural background stations in five European countries for the period between 1998 and 2010 were investigated. Collocated or nearby PM measurements and meteorological observations were used in order to construct Generalized Additive Models, which model the effect of each meteorological variable on PM concentrations. In agreement with previous findings, the most important meteorological variables affecting PM concentrations were wind speed, wind direction, boundary layer depth, precipitation, temperature and number of consecutive days with synoptic weather patterns that favor high PM concentrations. Temperature has a negative relationship to PM2.5 concentrations for low temperatures and a positive relationship for high temperatures. The stationary point of this relationship varies between 5 and 15 °C depending on the station. PMcoarse concentrations increase for increasing temperatures almost throughout the temperature range. Wind speed has a monotonic relationship to PM2.5 except for one station, which exhibits a stationary point. Considering PMcoarse, concentrations tend to increase or stabilize for large wind speeds at most stations. It was also observed that at all stations except one, higher PM2.5 concentrations occurred for east wind direction, compared to west wind direction. Meteorologically adjusted PM time series were produced by removing most of the PM variability due to meteorology. It was found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations decrease at most stations. The average trends of the raw and meteorologically adjusted data are −0.4 μg m−3 yr−1 for PM10 and PM2.5 size fractions. PMcoarse have much smaller trends and after averaging over all stations, no significant trend was detected at the 95% level of confidence. It is suggested that decreasing PMcoarse in addition to PM2.5 can result in a faster decrease of PM10 in the future. The trends of the 90th quantile of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were examined by quantile regression in order to detect long term changes in the occurrence of very large PM concentrations. The meteorologically adjusted trends of the 90th quantile were significantly larger (as an absolute value) on average over all stations (−0.6 μg m−3 yr−1).
Atmospheric mercury observations from Antarctica: seasonal variation and source and sink region calculations
Authors: Pfaffhuber K. A. , Berg T. , Hirdman D. , Stohl A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Long term atmospheric mercury measurements in the Southern Hemisphere are scarce and in Antarctica completely absent. Recent studies have shown that the Antarctic continent plays an important role in the global mercury cycle. Therefore, long term measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) were initiated at the Norwegian Antarctic Research Station, Troll (TRS) in order to improve our understanding of atmospheric transport, transformation and removal processes of GEM. GEM measurements started in February 2007 and are still ongoing, and this paper presents results from the first four years. The mean annual GEM concentration of 0.93 ± 0.19 ng m−3 is in good agreement with other recent southern-hemispheric measurements. Measurements of GEM were combined with the output of the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART, for a statistical analysis of GEM source and sink regions. It was found that the ocean is a source of GEM to TRS year round, especially in summer and fall. On time scales of up to 20 days, there is little direct transport of GEM to TRS from Southern Hemisphere continents, but sources there are important for determining the overall GEM load in the Southern Hemisphere and for the mean GEM concentration at TRS. Further, the sea ice and marginal ice zones are GEM sinks in spring as also seen in the Arctic, but the Antarctic oceanic sink seems weaker. Contrary to the Arctic, a strong summer time GEM sink was found, when air originates from the Antarctic plateau, which shows that the summertime removal mechanism of GEM is completely different and is caused by other chemical processes than the springtime atmospheric mercury depletion events. The results were corroborated by an analysis of ozone source and sink regions.
Arctic Ocean circulation and variability – advection and external forcing encounter constraints and local processes
Authors: Rudels B.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The first hydrographic data from the Arctic Ocean, the section from the Laptev Sea to the passage between Greenland and Svalbard obtained by Nansen on his drift with Fram 1893–1896, aptly illustrate the main features of Arctic Ocean oceanography and indicate possible processes active in transforming the water masses in the Arctic Ocean. Many, perhaps most, processes were identified already by Nansen, who put his mark on almost all subsequent research in the Arctic. Here we shall revisit some key questions and follow how our understanding has evolved from the early 20th century to present. What questions, if any, can now be regarded as solved and which remain still open? Five different but connected topics will be discussed: (1) The low salinity surface layer and the storage and export of freshwater. (2) The vertical heat transfer from the Atlantic water to sea ice and to the atmosphere. (3) The circulation and mixing of the two Atlantic inflow branches. (4) The formation and circulation of deep and bottom waters in the Arctic Ocean. (5) The exchanges through Fram Strait. Foci will be on the potential effects of increased freshwater input and reduced sea ice export on the freshwater storage and residence time in the Arctic Ocean, on the deep waters of the Makarov Basin, and on the circulation and relative importance of the two inflows, over the Barents Sea and through Fram Strait, for the distribution of heat in the intermediate layers of the Arctic Ocean.
Strong Law of Large Numbers of the Offspring Empirical Measure for Markov Chains Indexed by Homogeneous Tree
Authors: Huang Huilin
Published: April 2012

We study the limit law of the offspring empirical measure and for Markov chains indexed by homogeneous tree with almost everywhere convergence. Then we prove a Shannon-McMillan theorem with the convergence almost everywhere.
Construire un outil de contrôle au sein des organisations publiques : une opportunité au développement d’un nouveau mode d’action
Authors: Dreveton Benjamin
Published: April 2012

A partir d’une étude de cas, menée en collaboration avec une agence française (l’Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie) sur une période de deux ans, cette recherche s’intéresse au rôle joué par les acteurs de la construction d’un outil de calcul des coûts. En associant le processus de création d’un outil de gestion à un processus d’innovation managériale, cette recherche fait émerger un facteur de succès de l’implantation des outils de contrôle au sein des organisations publiques : la nécessaire création et stabilisation d’un nouvel espace social.
Diversité culturelle et performance des équipes sportives de haut niveau : le cas du Tour de France
Authors: Gueguen Gaël
Published: April 2012

Rechercher les meilleurs talents au sein d’une équipe de travail peut nuire à la cohésion de l’ensemble. Si l’équipe recrute au niveau mondial, une diversité culturelle trop forte peut poser des problèmes de coordination. Le cas des équipes sportives de haut niveau qui retiennent les meilleurs athlètes internationaux sera étudié. Du fait de l’importance des sponsors et du caractère mondial des compétitions, nous nous intéresserons au cas des équipes cyclistes professionnelles. En analysant les résultats de 487 équipes ayant participé à 23 Tours de France, nous chercherons à savoir si la diversité culturelle nuit à la performance.
Formative Assessment: Revisiting the territory from the point of view of teachers
Authors: Morrissette Joëlle
Published: April 2012

This research documented the know-how of five elementary-school teachers regarding formative assessment, working from their point of view on the question. Group interviews gave them the opportunity to negotiate their “ways of doing things,” by revisiting and elaborating upon assessment episodes that had been previously identified on classroom videotapes. An interactionist analysis served to describe the territory of formative assessment according to the range of their formal and informal “ways of doing things.”
Accrochage scolaire et alliances éducatives : vers une intégration des approches scolaires et communautaires
Authors: Blaya Catherine , Gilles Jean-Luc , Plunus Ghislain , Tièche Christinat Chantal
Published: April 2012

À partir d’une revue des facteurs de risque du décrochage scolaire et en vue d’illustrer le caractère multidimensionnel de la problématique, le présent texte montre l’importance des facteurs scolaires et en particulier la prégnance des effets de l’étiquetage et du climat scolaire sur le phénomène du décrochage. Si l’école peut générer de l’exclusion, elle peut aussi, dans certains cas, cultiver des facteurs de protection, par exemple par des relations de soutien, d’empathie et d’accompagnement individualisé, qui peuvent faciliter l’accrochage scolaire de jeunes à risque. Dans ce contexte, nous illustrons l’approche scolaire du traitement du décrochage en décrivant des structures qui permettent aux élèves en difficulté de sortir, pour des périodes plus ou moins courtes, d’un environnement scolaire avec lequel ils entretiennent des interactions problématiques pour les amener à se reconstruire dans des lieux qui offrent des possibilités de réinvestissement affectif et cognitif. À côté de cette approche scolaire, se développe depuis une quinzaine d’années une autre approche qualifiée de communautaire, car elle mobilise un ensemble très large d’acteurs de toutes les sphères de la société qui peuvent contribuer à l’accrochage scolaire et à l’insertion socioprofessionnelle des jeunes. Cette approche est illustrée à travers l’exemple de la recherche collaborative menée en Communauté française de Belgique et qui vise la mise en place d’un dispositif de concertation intersectorielle de lutte contre le décrochage scolaire. Enfin, dans la dernière partie de ce texte nous avançons quelques propositions pour une approche qualité dans la mise en place, l’analyse et la régulation de nouvelles alliances éducatives incorporant les approches scolaire et communautaire.
One‐Dimensional SDS Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins
Authors: Gallagher Sean R.
Published: April 2012

One‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins provides information about the molecular size, amount, and purity of a protein sample. Separated proteins can be recovered from polyacrylamide gels for subsequent characterization by a variety of secondary techniques, such as mass spectrometry to determine post‐translational modifications and the amino acid sequence. In addition, one‐dimensional electrophoresis is the standard first step in immunoblotting and immunodetection. Protein separations in vertical slab gels are performed in a variety of formats. Most recently, small format minigels are typical due to their ease of use, low relative cost, and ready commercial availability. Larger gels provide more separation area and thus better resolution for complex samples and continue to be in use for specialized analysis. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 68:10.1.1‐10.1.44. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of CID/ETD Mass Spectrometry to Analyze Glycopeptides
Authors: Mechref Yehia
Published: April 2012

Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) does not allow the characterization of glycopeptides because of the fragmentation of glycan structures and limited fragmentation of peptide backbones. Electron transfer dissociation (ETD) MS/MS, on the other hand, offers a complementary approach, prompting only peptide backbone fragmentation while keeping post‐translational modifications intact. Characterization of glycopeptides using both CID and ETD is summarized in this unit. While CID provides information related to the composition of glycan moieties attached to a peptide backbone, ETD permits de novo sequencing of peptides. Radical anion transfer of electrons to the peptide backbone in ETD induces cleavage of the N‐Cα bond. The glycan moiety is retained on the peptide backbone, largely unaffected by the ETD process, thus allowing the identification of the amino acid sequence of a glycopeptide and its glycosylation site. This unit discusses the use of both CID and ETD for better characterization of glycopeptides. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 68:12.11.1‐12.11.11. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Protein Folding Mechanisms: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches to Probing Energy Landscapes
Authors: Morris Elizabeth R. , Searle Mark S.
Published: April 2012

We present an overview of the current experimental and theoretical approaches to studying protein folding mechanisms, set against current models of the folding energy landscape. We describe how stability and folding kinetics can be determined experimentally and how this data can be interpreted in terms of the characteristic features of various models from the simplest two‐state pathway to a multi‐state mechanism. We summarize the pros and cons of a range of spectroscopic methods for measuring folding rates and present a theoretical framework, coupled with protein engineering approaches, for elucidating folding mechanisms and structural features of folding transition states. A series of case studies are used to show how experimental kinetic data can be interpreted in the context of non‐native interactions, populated intermediates, parallel folding pathways, and sequential transition states. We also show how computational methods now allow transient species of high energy, such as folding transition states, to be modeled on the basis of experimental ϕ‐value analysis derived from the effects of point mutations on folding kinetics. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 68:28.2.1‐28.2.22. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Culturing Embryonic Nasal Explants for Developmental and Physiological Study
Authors: Klenke Ulrike , Taylor‐Burds Carol
Published: April 2012

Primary cultures obtained from embryonic nasal placodes can maintain olfactory neurons, olfactory ensheathing cells, and large numbers of gonadotropin releasing hormone‐1 (GnRH) neurons. Depending on the age of the starting material, one can examine cell interactions important for placode formation or neuronal migration and axonal outgrowth. When generated at E11.5 in mouse, neuronal migration and axon outgrowth away from the main tissue mass occurs. This area of the explant, the periphery, is only a few cells thick. This characteristic offers the opportunity to image single cells and axons and allows pharmacological and molecular manipulations as well as physiological recordings to be performed. Here, we describe a system for culturing nasal explants used in our laboratory. This model system provides a method for obtaining physiological cellular responses with post hoc immunohistochemistry, or gene expression studies, on cells arising from the nasal placode. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 59:3.25.1‐3.25.16. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Protein Cross‐Linking Assay for Measuring Cell Surface Expression of Glutamate Receptor Subunits in the Rodent Brain After In Vivo Treatments
Authors: Boudreau Amy C. , Milovanovic Mike , Conrad Kelly L. , Nelson Christopher , Ferrario Carrie R. , Wolf Marina E.
Published: April 2012

Trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors between intracellular and cell surface compartments is important for regulating neurotransmission. We developed a method for determining if an in vivo treatment has altered receptor distribution in a particular region of rodent brain. After the treatment, brain slices are rapidly prepared from the region of interest. Then, cell surface–expressed proteins are covalently cross‐linked using the membrane‐impermeable, bifunctional cross‐linker bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS3). This increases the apparent molecular weight of surface receptors, while intracellular receptors are not modified. Thus, surface and intracellular receptor pools can be separated and quantified using SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting. This method is particularly useful for analyzing AMPA receptor subunits, offering advantages in accuracy, efficiency, and cost compared to biotinylation. A disadvantage is that some antibodies no longer recognize their target protein after cross‐linking. We have used this method to quantify changes in receptor distribution after acute and chronic exposure to psychomotor stimulants. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 59:5.30.1‐5.30.19. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diet‐Induced Models of Obesity (DIO) in Rodents
Authors: Bagnol Didier , Al‐Shamma Hussien A. , Behan Dominic , Whelan Kevin , Grottick Andrew J.
Published: April 2012

Obesity results from a complex interplay between a susceptible genotype and an environment that both promotes increased caloric intake and enables sustained decreases in energy expenditure. One commonly employed approach to modeling obesity in preclinical species is the diet‐induced obese (DIO) rodent. Here, theoretical and practical considerations for producing obese rodents via dietary manipulation, and for assessing drug‐induced changes in food intake and body weight are described. Based on these considerations, a standardized protocol for diet‐induced obesity in both mouse and rat is provided and sample data from these models are also described. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 59:9.38.1‐9.38.13. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Near‐Infrared Molecular Probes for In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Bloch Sharon , Akers Walter , Achilefu Samuel
Published: April 2012

Cellular and tissue imaging in the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelengths between 700 and 900 nm is advantageous for in vivo imaging because of the low absorption of biological molecules in this region. This unit presents protocols for small animal imaging using planar and fluorescence lifetime imaging techniques. Included is an overview of NIR fluorescence imaging of cells and small animals using NIR organic fluorophores, nanoparticles, and multimodal imaging probes. The development, advantages, and application of NIR fluorescent probes that have been used for in vivo imaging are also summarized. The use of NIR agents in conjunction with visible dyes and considerations in selecting imaging agents are discussed. We conclude with practical considerations for the use of these dyes in cell and small animal imaging applications. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 60:12.27.1‐12.27.20. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity measures: American College of Rheumatology recommendations for use in clinical practice
Authors: Anderson Jaclyn , Caplan Liron , Yazdany Jinoos , Robbins Mark L. , Neogi Tuhina , Michaud Kaleb , Saag Kenneth G. , O'dell James R. , Kazi Salahuddin
Published: April 2012

Objective

Although the systematic measurement of disease activity facilitates clinical decision making in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), no recommendations currently exist on which measures should be applied in clinical practice in the US. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) convened a Working Group (WG) to comprehensively evaluate the validity, feasibility, and acceptability of available RA disease activity measures and derive recommendations for their use in clinical practice.

Methods

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Disease Activity Measures Working Group conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify RA disease activity measures. Using exclusion criteria, input from an Expert Advisory Panel (EAP), and psychometric analysis, a list of potential measures was created. A survey was administered to rheumatologists soliciting input. The WG used these survey results in conjunction with the psychometric analyses to derive final recommendations.

Results

Systematic review of the literature resulted in identification of 63 RA disease activity measures. Application of exclusion criteria and ratings by the EAP narrowed the list to 14 measures for further evaluation. Practicing rheumatologists rated 9 of these 14 measures as most useful and feasible. From these 9 measures, the WG selected 6 with the best psychometric properties for inclusion in the final set of ACR‐recommended RA disease activity measures.

Conclusion

We recommend the Clinical Disease Activity Index, Disease Activity Score with 28‐joint counts (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C‐reactive protein), Patient Activity Scale (PAS), PAS‐II, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data with 3 measures, and Simplified Disease Activity Index because they are accurate reflections of disease activity; are sensitive to change; discriminate well between low, moderate, and high disease activity states; have remission criteria; and are feasible to perform in clinical settings.
A Versatile Synthetic Platform for a Wide Range of Functionalized Biomaterials
Authors: You Zhengwei , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2012

The introduction of functionalities to synthetic biomaterials represents a major direction and a significant challenge in biomedical engineering. A synthetic platform using novel acid‐induced epoxide ring‐opening polymerization promoted by a newly designed catalyst to produce a variety of biodegradable and functionalized biomaterials is reported. The polymerization proceeds smoothly in the presence of functional groups including alkenyl, aromatic, ether, ester, and free hydroxyl groups. The functionalities of the resultant biomaterials can be further enriched using many post‐functionalization methods. This platform yields biomaterials with a wide range of hydrophilicity, crystallinity, charge, mechanical properties, and cell interactions. This platform for functionalized biomaterials is simple, versatile, and can be easily adapted to specific cell types and tissues of interest.
Flexible Hybrid Paper Made of Monolayer Co3O4 Microsphere Arrays on rGO/CNTs and Their Application in Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Yuan Changzhou , Yang Long , Hou Linrui , Li Jiaoyang , Sun Yaxin , Zhang Xiaogang , Shen Laifa , Lu Xiangjun , Xiong Shenglin , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: April 2012

A facile one‐step hydrothermal method is developed for large‐scale production of well‐designed flexible and free‐standing Co3O4/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrid paper as an electrode for electrochemical capacitors. Densely packed unique Co3O4 monolayer microsphere arrays uniformly cover the surface of the rGO/CNTs film. The alkaline hydrothermal treatment leads to not only the deposition of Co3O4 microspheres array, but also the reduction of the GO sheets at the same time. The unique hybrid paper is evaluated as an electrode for electrochemical capacitors without any ancillary materials. It is found that the obtained hybrid flexible paper, composed of Co3O4 microsphere array anchored to the underling conductive rGO/CNTs substrate with robust adhesion, is able to deliver high specific capacitance with excellent electrochemical stability even at high current densities, suggesting its promising application as an efficient electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.
The Development of Hydrazine‐Processed Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 Solar Cells
Authors: Bob Brion , Lei Bao , Chung Choong‐Heui , Yang Wenbing , Hsu Wan‐Ching , Duan Hsin‐Sheng , Hou William Wei‐Jen , Li Sheng‐Han , Yang Yang
Published: April 2012

The hydrazine‐based deposition of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) thin films has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potential for the high‐throughput production of photovoltaic devices based on this absorber material. This article provides an introduction as well as presenting a complete picture of the current status of hydrazine‐based CIGS solar‐cell fabrication, including the three major steps of this deposition process: dissolution of the precursor materials in hydrazine, deposition of a film from the resulting precursor solution, and the completion and characterization of a photovoltaic device following absorber deposition. Recent discoveries are then discussed, regarding the dissolution chemistry of the relevant precursor complexes in hydrazine, which together represent the true foundation of this processing method. Recent studies on CIGS film formation are then summarized, including the control and analysis of the crystalline phase, electronic bandgap, and film morphology. Finally, the latest progress in high‐performance device fabrication is highlighted, with a focus on optoelectronic characterization including current–voltage, junction capacitance, and minority carrier lifetime measurements. Finally, a discussion and future outlook is provided.