bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using ambient noise in identifying hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers in the Nile delta basin, Egypt
Authors: fergany elsayed , Bonnefoy-Claudet Sylvette
Published: October 2012

The Nile delta basin has a rapidly growing population exceeding 40 million with a need for renewable natural sources of energy and water. This study presents a reliable exploration tool for identifying hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers in the Nile delta basin using horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratios of ambient noise measurements. More than 100 measurements were taken using broadband portable stations at three parallel profiles crossing the basin from south to north. The dataset was processed and interpreted in terms of geologic structure, which was characterized by multiple successive depositions from the Nile Valley and Mediterranean Sea. Two H/V peaks were picked up at a low frequency ~0.3 Hz and a relatively high frequency at ~1 Hz. The H/V results were correlated with geologic structure maps and the profiles provided a good indication of the gas producing horizon in the Nile delta at a lower frequency and the main aquifer in the basin at a higher frequency. Application of ambient noise as an exploration tool is highly time and cost effective for use in densely populated areas.
Carbon emission: A global challenge that requires global solutions
Authors: Benyahia Farid
Published: October 2012

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere keeps increasing, relentlessly approaching the critical threshold identified as a point of no return for global warming. Recent research on carbon sequestration revealed that emission reduction targets would be hard to achieve with a single solution, namely underground storage, since a great deal of issues are still outstanding. To name but a few of these, one can cite a legal framework, international cooperation and availability of underground storage sites of sufficient quality and capacity. The nature of the outstanding issues is truly global, requiring a global approach for carbon management. Work supported by QNRF addressed important aspects of carbon management and constitutes the basis for the work presented herein. The objectives of this work include a balanced analysis of CO2 mitigation methods currently being tested or still under development, and the best way forward to break the cycle of undecisiveness currently being adopetd by most nations.
The topics covered include carbon capture, underground storage in both depleted reservoirs and saline aquifers, carbon conversion, energy efficiency and development of carbon sinks on a global scale.
The work has shown so far that the bulk of man made carbon emissions arise from combustion processes, essentially power generation using fossil fuels, and this is relatively well documented by the international energy agency compared to other sources of emissions. The cost of capturing combustion CO2 constitutes the bulk of the composite cost of carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCSU). Once CO2 is captured, it has to be disposed of where facilities are available. In the absence of suitable storage sites, other forms of carbon emission reduction have been identified and would include energy efficiency, carbon conversion and mandatory carbon sinks. The work has shown that it is practically impossible to expect all nations emitting CO2 to employ CCS only. The work achieved is of great significance in highlithing the complexity of carbon management on a global scale and offers alternatives that are both technically feasible and economically balanced.
A wind turbine for microgeneration in Qatar
Authors: Aroussi Abdelwahab , Benamor Abdelbaki
Published: October 2012

Wind has been used as a natural renewable energy source for a few thousand years. Early applications included wind-powered ships, grain mills, water pumps, and threshing machines. With the evolution of technology, the last decades of the 20th century in particular, saw the development of machines which efficiently extract power from wind. These wind turbines are machines with rotating blades that convert the kinetic energy of wind into useful power.

Qatar, like other nations, is striving to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and as a consequence of its carbon footprint. This is despite the nation rich resources of natural gas which is deemed to be the cleanest of all fossil fuels. The need to develop a complementary renewable energy input into the grid will help diversify the energy mix of the country. The obvious renewable energy source is the sun and huge efforts and resources are being spent on optimising the technology for the hostile environment of Qatar.

This paper describes the development of a small-scale wind turbine for microgeneration in the Qatari environment. The generation of electricity from wind is an improving technology with an equally increasing popularity as solar power. It is an inexhaustible resource that has no associated greenhouse gas emissions and does not use any water during the electricity generation process. Both issues are of prime concern to Qatar.

The adopted strategy in the development of the microgenerator is described here. The unfavorable wind environment in Qatar is the prevalent design challenge. The wind map of Qatar is not ideal for harnessing the wind but velocities ranging from 3.6m/s to 6.3m/s are regularly registered and would produce sufficient electricity for domestic applications. The approach adopted in deciding between two or three-bladed wind turbines is driven by the trade-off between aerodynamic efficiency, complexity, cost, noise and aesthetics, which are fully explained. Additional design considerations also include wind climate, rotor type, generator type, load and noise minimisation, and control approach.

The turbine is designed to complement and supplement existing electricity supply. It is physically small with minimal visual or audible impact. It requires minimum maintenance and is economically competitive.
Benchmark study of density functional methods for organometallic reactions
Authors: Raju Rajesh Kumar , Bengali Ashfaq , Brothers Edward
Published: October 2012

Reactions involving the formation of new metal-ligand bonds are particularly important in the energy industry as most catalytic processes involves the use of organometallic complexes as the catalyst. Using computational methods it is now possible to predict pathways and energy barriers for various catalytic reactions. We can easily predict whether a reaction is feasible or not without having to perform experiments. However, the main limitation of computational approaches is that they are highly dependent on the method that is chosen. Density functional theory (DFT) has become the preferred method for calculating a variety of molecular properties such as thermochemistry and thermochemical kinetics but, there is no universally accepted DFT functional which can be used for these types of studies. The aim of the present study is to find the best suited functional(s) for calculations involving the enthalpy of formations of organometallic complexes. We present a database of enthalpy of formation (ΔH) for 23 organometallic complexes using 26 different density functional methods and studied the accuracy of each DFT functional with respect to the experimental ΔH value. We find the most accurate functional is M06 with a mean unsigned error (MUE) of 1.9 kcal/mol, followed closely by WB97XD, M06L, PBEPBE, PW91PW91 and TPSSTPSS (MUE = 2.0, 2.0, 2.0, 2.1 and 2.3 kcal/mol respectively). The widely accepted traditional functional B3LYP shows very poor performance with a MUE value of 8.6 kcal/mol.
Study of oil/water emulsions in horizontal production pipes
Authors: Ramadhan Haider , Umar Zahra , Sarieddine Makram , Salama Ghada , Fahes Mashhad , Nasrabadi Hadi , Manson Simon , Haouche Mohamed , Cheneviere Pascal
Published: October 2012

The ability to predict performance of two-phase oil/water flow in pipes is essential for production operations from oil wells. Emulsions created between the flowing oil and water phases under turbulent conditions complicate the flow pattern and need to be further understood and characterized. Even when de-emulsifiers are used, turbulent emulsified flow cannot be avoided in certain sections of the pipe.

The objective of this study is to enhance the ability to predict flow in production pipes for Qatar oil producing wells on the basis of a comprehensive experimental and simulation study. For the simulation study, using the actual field data, a model was built with LedaFlow© software, which can simulate the flow of oil and water in horizontal pipes. In parallel, experimental setups (batch and flowing) were built in our laboratory to study various parameters affecting emulsification using actual oil and water samples from Qatar. This intends to better understand and characterize the oil and water properties, factors affecting emulsion formation and flow conditions that govern the emulsification. This work is funded by an 11th cycle Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) project [UREP 11-128-2-045] as a collaboration between Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMU-Q) and Total Research Center-Qatar (TRC-Q).

The results of the experimental work are very valuable in characterizing the conditions under which emulsions are formed, the types of emulsions created and the factors affecting it specifically for oil and water samples from Qatar wells. The work will continue in the future, to incorporate these experimental results in the simulation model and better match the field production data. The collaboration between TAMU-Q and TRC-Q was very beneficial in bringing in expertise from both institutions where academic research and industry experience and resources were combined to the benefit of the students, the researchers as well as the local industry.
Thermal performance prediction of a single effect air-cooled absorption air conditioner with direct expansion evaporator
Authors: Sim LikFang , Ghani Saud
Published: October 2012

According to the World Resources Institute, in the building sector, commercial buildings contributed 9.9% of greenhouse gases (GHG) and 5.6% of GHG emissions are from residential buildings. In the Gulf, the building sector is the biggest electricity consumer. During the summer months, the local dry bulb temperature can go beyond 50°C therefore it is essential to depend on mechanical ventilation systems to reduce indoor temperature.

In Qatar, the majority of residential buildings still rely on conventional vapour compression cycle systems for space cooling. The major drawback of this system is the high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant and CO2 produced to power the compressor. Absorption cooling is a technology that has been disregarded in the past due to its low coefficient of performance (COP) compared to vapour compression cycle and lack of strong policies on GHG and CO2 emission. Recently, researchers and engineers started to focus on utilising absorption chillers for space cooling due to the advantage of its low carbon emission. Research in the past has shown that absorption chillers can cut down 16.7% of CO2 emission compared to vapour compression chillers.

An absorption chiller is a machine that uses heat to drive the cooling system instead of electricity as commonly known in vapour compression refrigeration systems. The major difference between the two systems is that absorption refrigeration uses a heat source to increase the pressure at the condenser instead of a mechanical compressor. This makes the absorption refrigeration system very attractive when low grade heat is available.

The objective of this study is to use a numerical method to predict the rate of heat transfer and thermal performance of a small capacity (3kW) air-cooled absorption system with a direct expansion evaporator. The parameters of the study focuses on the ambient temperature ranges from 28-35°C. The concept of air-cooled absorption refrigeration systems have become more acceptable due to the exclusion of cooling towers. Although cooling towers are a key component in absorption refrigeration systems, they often consume large volumes of water due to evaporation. Another disadvantage of cooling towers is that legionella contamination often occurs when the cycle is not properly maintained.
Enhanced mechanical response of hybridized magnesium nano-composites as a function of strain rate
Authors: Kouhi Habibi Meisam , Hamouda Abdelmagid Salem , Gupta Manoj
Published: October 2012

Background:
In this work, hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composites were fabricated utilizing a powder metallurgy route followed by a microwave-assisted rapid sintering technique and hot extrusion. Hybrid reinforcements (ball milled Al-CNT particles) comprising different contents of CNTs coated with fixed amounts of Al were used for strengthening.

Objective:
The mechanical response of hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composites as a function of strain rate was investigated.

Method:
Tensile and compressive tests for monolithic Mg along with hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composites at quasi-static and dynamic regimes were carried out using: (i) an MTS servohydraulic testing machine and (ii) a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus with an average strain rate of 10¯⁴ s¯¹ and 2×10³ s¯¹, respectively. Considering the crystallographic texture, the different mechanical responses of Mg due to the presence of hybrid Al-CNT particles as a function of strain rate under both tension and compression is differentiated here.

Results:
The hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composites exhibited slightly smaller average matrix grain sizes compared to monolithic Mg and a reasonable hybrid Al-CNT particles distribution. The presence of hybrid Al-CNT particles weakens the basal texture and accentuates the prismatic texture (basal plane orientation parallel to ED) compared to the monolithic pure Mg which contributes to strengthening the hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composite compared to monolithic Mg. It was also observed that the tremendous increase in strain rate led to a considerable increase in flow stress of monolithic Mg along with hybrid Mg/Al-CNT nano-composites under both tension and compression.

Conclusions:
During the tension test at both high and low strain rates, prismatic slip is the main deformation mechanism, leading to alignment of the directions with the tensile axis and to a spread of the basal plane parallel to the tensile axis. Tensile twinning is enhanced at high strain rates and remains the predominant deformation mechanism during the early stages of deformation in compression tests.
Effects of mineralogy on wormhole propagation in carbonate acidizing
Authors: Waheed Madiha , Al-Heidous Aysha , Al-Sulaiti Hamyan , El Cheikh Ali Nour , Zoghbi Bilal , Salama Ghada , Fahes Mashhad , Alsammarraie Mohammed , Cheneviere Pascal
Published: October 2012

Matrix acidizing is a common stimulation method for wells in carbonate reservoirs. Typically, 15% HCl in water, and some additives for specific purposes, is injected into carbonate rocks to create wormholes to improve hydrocarbon flow. These wormholes are formed by acid dissolution of the carbonate rock. The path by which the wormholes are formed is normally of lowest resistance. The path of rock dissolution is governed by permeability heterogeneity and normally follows the path of highest permeability. There are other aspects that could influence the path of the wormhole, that is mineralogy heterogeneity. When an acid is exposed to an insoluble mineral, it is expected that it will change its path and could deviate, even from the path of highest permeability. Effects of this process on the stimulation treatment are expected to vary from one rock type to another.

The objective of this study was to compare the path of the wormhole in rocks with homogenous mineralogy with that of rocks with heterogeneous mineralogy. In both cases, the permeability distribution in the rock was analyzed and compared to the path of the wormhole. The ultimate goal was to define whether the presence of acid insoluble minerals affects the path of the wormhole. Micro-CT scanning at various resolutions was utilized to visualize the pore space connectivity. Thin section analysis of rock samples was used, in combination with micro-CT images, to identify mineralogy at various locations. This was conducted with the support of scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.

Thin section analysis was conducted for the same rock samples that were scanned and the results were compared so that CT-images can be calibrated and used to identify mineralogy of other similar rock samples. The results were beneficial to the research team as more information about the rock properties from CT-scan images were obtained.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on Co/Al₂O₃ catalyst: Effects of carbidization and reduction conditions
Authors: Vallejos-Burgos Fernando , Pan Zhendong , Bukur Dragomir B
Published: October 2012

Alumina supported cobalt (Co) catalysts are the preferred choice for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) when using natural gas as raw material, which is the case of Qatar. It is thus of economical interest to find ways of increasing activity and/or selectivity of these catalysts. One way of modifying catalytic activity, consists of transformation of the active Co phase crystallites. A shift from the abundance of the face-centered cubic (fcc) Co to hexagonal-close packed (hcp) Co phase has been found to increase catalyst activity [1]. This can be accomplished through the carbidization-reduction step with Co carbide as an intermediate.

The catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of alumina support (15% Co/Al₂O₃). Its fcc form was obtained by reducing calcined catalyst in pure hydrogen at 375°C for 10 h. The hcp form was subsequently prepared by carbidization with pure CO for 14 h at 220°C, followed by reduction in pure hydrogen at 220 or 250°C for 9 h. The catalyst was tested in a fixed-bed reactor at 220°C, 20 bar, H₂/CO ratio of 2 and a space velocity of 3.5 NL/g-cat/h.

The figure shows thermogravimetric results during the first reduction step which decreases weight of the sample due to the Co(II,III) → Co⁰ transformation and weight gain during the carbidization step. After 14 h of carbidization, the stoichiometric Co₂C amount is obtained. Temperature programmed hydrogenation and oxidation of this sample showed evidence for the presence of Co₂C and absence of free carbon. CO conversion during FTS decreased from 59% (H₂ reduction) to 55% or 48% after carbidization-reduction pretreatment (at 220 and 250°C respectively); suggesting the need for future studies on alternative reduction/carbidization conditions. Methane selectivity increased from 8% for H₂ reduced catalyst to 11% after both carbidization-reduction pretreatments, probably due to presence of surface and/or bulk carbides.

[1] Karaca H. et al. Journal of Catalysis 277 (2011) 14.
Genetic diversity of the endangered mangrove species Avicennia marina in Qatar using DNA markers
Authors: Ahmed Talaat , Babssail Amna Hussain
Published: October 2012

Mangroves are evergreen trees that grow along the coastal areas of Qatar. The largest and oldest area of mangroves can be found around Al-Thakhira and Al-Khor. Other mangrove areas originate from fairly recent plantings by the government, although unfortunately the picturesque mangrove lake in Al-Wakra has now been uprooted. Avicinnia marina is the predominant mangrove species found in the region. Mangroves protect and stabilize low lying coastal land and provide protection and food sources for estuarine and coastal fishery food chains. They also serve as feeding, breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, birds and other wildlife.
A total of 21 individuals of A. marina, representing seven diverse natural and artificial populations, were sampled throughout its range in Qatar. Leaves from 2-3 randomly selected trees at each location were collected. The locations were as follows: Al-Rawis, Ras-Madpak, Fuwairt, Summaseima, Al-khour, AL-Mafjar and Zekreet.
Total genomic DNA was extracted using commercial DNeasy Plant System (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, CA) kit. To be used for genetic diversity analysis. A total of 12 (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) ISSR primers were used to amplify DNA fragments using genomic DNA.
The 12 ISSR primers amplified polymorphic bands among mangrove samples in different areas as well as within each area, indicating the existance of variation within each area and among the different areas of mangrove in Qatar. The results could characterize Avicennia marina populations existing in different areas of Qatar and establish DNA fingerprint documentations for mangrove population to be used in further studies. Moreover, existence of genetic variation within and among Avicennia marina populations is a strong indication of the ability of such populations to adapt different environmental conditions in Qatar. This study could be a warning to save mangrove in Qatar and save the environment as well.
Forecasting breaks of oil and gas pipelines
Authors: El-Abbasy Mohamed , Senouci Ahmed , Zayed Tarek
Published: October 2012

Even though oil and gas pipelines are the safest way to transport petroleum products, they still break generating hazardous consequences and irreparable environmental damages. Many models have been developed in the last decade to predict pipeline failure and conditions. However, most of these models were limited to one break type, such as corrosion, or relied mainly on expert opinion analysis. The objective of this paper is to develop a model that predicts the break cause of oil and gas pipelines based on factors other than corrosion. A fuzzy-based model was developed to help decision makers predict break occurrence using fuzzy expert system (FES) according to historical data of pipeline accidents. The model was able to satisfactorily predict pipeline breaks due to mechanical, operational, corrosion, third party, and natural hazards with an average percent validity of 93%. The developed model will assist decision makers and pipeline operators to predict the expected break cause(s) and to take the necessary actions to avoid them.
Hacia un enfoque institucional de los Pagos por Servicios Ambientales: perspectivas sobre la oferta y la demanda de servicios ambientales a partir de dos estudios de caso en la frontera agrícola nicaragüense
Authors: Van Hecken Gert , Bastiaensen Johan , Huybrechs Fredéric
Published: October 2012

Basado en evidencia empírica de dos estudios de caso en Nicaragua, en este artículo examinamos el concepto de Pagos por Servicios Ambientales (PSA) tanto desde una perspectiva de demanda como de oferta. Primero, nuestro análisis de un proyecto de PSA para la promoción de prácticas silvopastoriles sugiere que una combinación de factores económicos y no-económicos motivó a los agricultores a adoptar las prácticas deseadas. El segundo estudio de caso evalúa la propensión a pagar (PAP) por un mejor suministro local de agua potable en una cuenca hidrográfica. A pesar de la existencia de una demanda por un servicio mejorado de agua potable en la cuenca baja y una consciencia de interdependencias entre la cuenca alta y la cuenca baja, la viabilidad de un sistema de PSA con financiamiento local es debilitada por la existencia de percepciones locales sobre externalidades agrícolas y derechos (formales e informales) de uso de la tierra y de otros recursos naturales. Concluimos que el enfoque ‘mercantil-Coasiano’ de PSA falla primordialmente al no considerar las interacciones complejas e inevitables entre los mecanismos de PSA y el contexto institucional más amplio en el cual están inmersos. Por tanto, un enfoque más flexible que reconoce los resultados complejos proviniendo de interacciones institucionales podría ser más apropiado para investigar las oportunidades y limitaciones de sistemas de PSA y de otros instrumentos de gobernanza de los recursos naturales.
¿Institución patrón-dependiente o indeterminación social? Genealogía crítica del sistema de habilitación en el café
Authors: Mendoza René , Fernández Edgar , Kuhnekath Klaus
Published: October 2012

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar de manera crítica el sistema de habilitación en la producción cafetalera en Nicaragua, ya que consideramos que es una ‘fábrica de pobreza’. Más precisamente, intentamos entender si dicho sistema es una “institución patrón dependiente” que determina la conducta de los actores (perspectiva determinista) o es una institución que permite acciones no limitadas a través de una determinación social (perspectiva voluntarista). Nuestro análisis parte de una crítica tanto de la perspectiva determinista como de la voluntarista para luego adoptar un enfoque que nos hace incluir tanto elementos estructurales como de actores individuales. De esta manera alcanzamos un resultado doble identificando, por una parte, elementos que explican cómo el sistema de habilitación se ha mantenido por siglos y, por otra parte, las oportunidades que esconde dicho sistema y que permiten cambiarlo.
Desarrollo territorial rural: ¿una oportunidad para incluir a los pobres en el desarrollo?
Authors: Maldidier Cristobal
Published: October 2012

El funcionamiento de los proyectos de desarrollo de la cooperación internacional no ha sido consistente con la búsqueda de rutas de desarrollo para los sectores pobres y vulnerables de las áreas rurales. Hoy en día, un nuevo enfoque llamado de desarrollo territorial rural pretende ofrecer posibilidades nuevas para agilizar un giro en las prácticas de los proyectos. ¿Será solamente una nueva etiqueta para designar viejas recetas o constituye realmente un nuevo concepto? ¿En qué medida y bajo qué condiciones este enfoque ofrece nuevas oportunidades para fomentar un desarrollo que incluya a los grupos sociales más desfavorecidos de las áreas rurales? En la primera parte del artículo se revisitan las razones por las cuales los proyectos de desarrollo, aunque sean “participativos”, no logran beneficiar a los grupos vulnerables, recurriendo al análisis de los juegos de actores en las intervenciones de desarrollo, tal como lo ha abordado la antropología del desarrollo. En una segunda parte seanaliza cómo el enfoque de “desarrollo territorial”, al reconocer el protagonismo de los actores locales en manejar su propio futuro y la necesidad de negociar con ellos los proyectos, representa un avance que permite mejorar las prácticas de los proyectos de la cooperación internacional. Sin embargo, sin abrir específicamente los espacios para que los grupos vulnerables puedan negociar sus propias agendas de desarrollo, y sin ayudar a que estos grupos aumenten sus capacidades de iniciativa local, de organización y de representación, el desarrollo territorial seguirá siendo tan excluyente como siempre. Se concluye cómo le toca a las ONG y aquellos organismos de desarrollo comprometidos – por sus valores y su historia – con los sectores excluidos del campo, consolidar sus alianzas y compromisos con este sector, y re-politizar su agenda, alejándose del carácter a menudo técnico y “despolitizado” de los proyectos de desarrollo.
Proceso de registro vitales en Honduras
Authors: Castro Olvis Adalid , Andino Lorena Rivera Maritza
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v1i0.837 Población y Desarrollo - Argonautas y Caminantes Vol.1 2003 31-35
El envejecimiento de la población en Honduras
Authors: Castellón Raúl Hernández , Aguilar Francisco , Baca Hector Y , Borjas Ulda R , Borjas Claudio A , Borjas Noemí , Monje Digna América , Ponce Victoria , García Nelson Raudales , Molina Sonia Salguero
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v2i0.827 Población y Desarrollo - Argonautas y Caminantes Vol.2 2004 35-57
A 10 años de la Honduras de hoy y la Honduras del mañana
Authors: Cabellero Zeitun Elsa Lily
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v2i0.831 Población y Desarrollo - Argonautas y Caminantes Vol.2 2004 101-103
Navigating the Difficult Robotic Assisted Pyeloplasty
Authors: Thiel David D.
Published: October 2012

Pyeloplasty is the gold standard therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Robotic assisted pyeloplasty has been widely adopted by urologists with and without prior laparoscopic pyeloplasty experience. However, difficult situations encountered during robotic assisted pyeloplasty can significantly add to the difficulty of the operation. This paper provides tips for patient positioning, port placement, robot docking, and intraoperative dissection and repair in patients with the difficult situations of obesity, large floppy liver, difficult to reflect colon (transmesenteric pyeloplasty), crossing vessels, large calculi, and previous attempts at ureteropelvic junction repair. Techniques presented in this paper may aid in the successful completion of robotic assisted pyeloplasty in the face of the difficult situations noted above.
L’ambition territoriale dans le dossier de la santé en français
Authors: Gilbert Anne , Lefebvre Marie , Bouchard Louise
Published: October 2012

Dix ans se sont écoulés depuis le jugement Montfort, qui consacrait l’Hôpital comme une composante essentielle de la vitalité des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire. Jusqu’à quel point cette reconnaissance du droit à un service en français, accessible dans des établissements localisés dans les milieux dans lesquels la minorité évolue, a-t-elle mené à une ambition plus territoriale chez les intervenants francophones ? L’analyse des propos tenus par 38 participants à un exercice de cartographie conceptuelle sur l’avenir des services de santé en français en Ontario révèle qu’ils ne s’aventurent pas très loin sur le terrain des modalités de l’édification d’un véritable territoire francophone en santé. L’institution est évoquée, mais davantage comme un projet appartenant à un horizon lointain que comme un enjeu actuel. En guise de conclusion, les auteures se sont interrogées sur les effets d’une telle vision sur l’avenir des services de santé en français.
Défis liés à la culture dans la réponse aux besoins des familles francophones de l’Alberta
Authors: Gauvin France , Pierce Tamarha , Gagné Marie-Hélène
Published: October 2012

Cette étude examine les besoins et les défis en matière de soutien social de répondants francophones albertains, répartis en cinq sous-groupes selon leur lieu d’origine. La langue et l’hétérogénéité culturelle dans un contexte minoritaire sont prises en compte sous l’angle des processus d’acculturation. Une méthode mixte (quantitative et qualitative) a permis de dresser un portrait global des expériences de stress et de soutien en lien avec des événements de vie, des facteurs limitant l’accès aux ressources et des besoins prioritaires des répondants. La discussion met en relief l’importance de concevoir des services culturellement adaptés aux besoins de cette communauté.
Analyse comparative du rapport à l’identité chez les jeunes des communautés de langue officielle au Canada
Authors: Gérin-Lajoie Diane
Published: October 2012

L’article porte sur le discours des jeunes sur la question du rapport à l’identité et du sens d’appartenance au groupe, dans le contexte des minorités de langue officielle au Canada. En constante évolution, le rapport à l’identité se voit influencé par les pratiques sociales des individus, pratiques qui elles-mêmes s’inscrivent dans des rapports de pouvoir particuliers. Dans le contexte des minorités de langue officielle au Canada, comment s’articule ce rapport à l’identité chez les jeunes ? Comment le contexte historique et social vient-il influencer la façon dont ils perçoivent leur rapport à la langue et à la culture minoritaires ? Les résultats qui servent à la présente analyse sont tirés de deux études ethnographiques d’une durée de trois ans chacune portant sur le rapport à l’identité chez les jeunes fréquentant les écoles de langue anglaise au Québec et les écoles de langue française en Ontario.
Lieux de rencontre et de transition : espaces liminaires et zones de contact dans Nikolski
Authors: den Toonder Jeanette
Published: October 2012

Nikolski de Nicolas Dickner est un roman d’apprentissage où l’émancipation et l’autodétermination des trois protagonistes sont motivées par l’absence de liens familiaux. Comme les processus d’émancipation de ces personnages non stéréotypés sont essentiellement déterminés par les lieux où ils s’aventurent, cet article se concentre sur l’étude de ces lieux qui se présentent comme des espaces de l’entre-deux, où l’inconnu et le familier se rencontrent, et qui donnent lieu à des rendez-vous inattendus qui changent le cours de la vie des personnages. La notion de zone de contact, qui permet l’étude approfondie des effets créés par les lieux liminaires et les rencontres entre les personnages, se trouve à la base de cette analyse.
Stimulateurs des défenses naturelles des plantes : une nouvelle stratégie phytosanitaire dans un contexte d’écoproduction durable.
Authors: Benhamou Nicole , Rey Patrice
Published: October 2012

Après avoir été longtemps dépendante des pesticides, l’agriculture mondiale est aujourd’hui frappée par un courant qui favorise des pratiques plus durables et plus respectueuses de l’environnement. Pour répondre à ces nouvelles exigences, les agriculteurs doivent se tourner vers l’exploitation et la rentabilisation des ressources naturelles par le biais de pratiques agricoles combinant la performance et la protection des cultures à un moindre coût écologique. Dans ce contexte, le développement de molécules biologiques capables de stimuler les défenses naturelles des végétaux (SDN) est une stratégie qui attire de plus en plus l’attention. Une molécule SDN est un éliciteur susceptible de déclencher une série d’évènements biochimiques menant à l’expression de la résistance chez la plante. La perception du signal par des récepteurs membranaires spécifiques et sa transduction par diverses voies de signalisation conduisent à la synthèse et à l’accumulation synchronisée de molécules défensives parmi lesquelles certaines jouent un rôle structural alors que d’autres exercent une fonction antimicrobienne directe. Les barrières structurales contribuent à retarder la progression de l’agent pathogène dans les tissus de la plante et à empêcher la diffusion de substances délétères telles des enzymes de dégradation des parois ou des toxines. Les mécanismes biochimiques incluent, entre autres, la synthèse de protéines de stress et d’inhibiteurs de protéases ainsi que la production de phytoalexines, des métabolites secondaires ayant un fort potentiel antimicrobien. Les progrès remarquables accomplis ces dernières années en termes de compréhension des mécanismes impliqués dans la résistance induite chez les plantes se traduisent aujourd’hui par la commercialisation d’un nombre de plus en plus important de SDN capables de stimuler le « système immunitaire » des plantes en mimant l’effet des agents pathogènes.
Sense and Synchrony: Infant Communication and Musical Improvisation
Authors: Gratier Maya , Magnier Julien
Published: October 2012

This paper explores the forms and functions of synchrony in two communicative contexts: jazz musicians’ performances and vocal communication between mothers and infants. We present the view that musical expression is first and foremost a form of communication, involving socially distributed practices that enable a coordination of ideas, intentions and meanings. We report on studies in developmental psychology that have highlighted infants’ early abilities to connect with others. Synchrony is quite possibly the most fundamental of these abilities, enabling flexible and affectionate social encounters. We go on to argue that synchrony grounds meaning and culture within interpersonal processes. Synchrony is, at heart, a semiotic process which can readily do without language.
Mental Health Triage Tools for Medically Cleared Disaster Survivors: An Evaluation by MRC Volunteers and Public Health Workers
Authors: Brannen Donald E. , Barcus Robert , McDonnell Mark A. , Price Andrea , Alsept Corey , Caudill Kimberly
Published: October 2012

Objective

Psychological assessment after disasters determines which survivors are acutely distressed or medically compromised and what kind of assistance is needed (whether practical or psychological). A mental health triage tool can help direct more people to the appropriate type of help. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Fast Mental Health Triage Tool (FMHT) and the Alsept-Price Mental Health Scale (APMHS) among public health workers and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers in conducting mental health triage. Both tools screen for ability to follow simple commands, chronic medical conditions, mental health conditions and services, occult injuries, and traumatic events in the past year. Both were designed for use in disasters where mental health resources are scarce and survivors are already medically triaged.

Methods

Volunteers (n = 204) and workers (n = 66) were randomized into 3 groups, with 79 participating. Fifty-nine raters completed 20 each of 1180 mental health clinical vignettes of disaster survivors.

Results

The survey presenting the vignettes was highly reliable at 0.771; the study model was parallel between baseline and treatment; and the interclass correlation among the raters was high at 0.852. Each rater triaged the same cases, but the rater was randomly assigned to use FMHT, APMHS, or no tool or scale. Between-subject effect for the tools used was significant (P = .039). The FMHT was significantly better than no tool in correct mental health triage, 67.3% to 51.5% (P = .028).

Conclusion

The incorporation of a temporal component should be evaluated for potential inclusion in existing mental health triage systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:20-28)
A Review of Surface Plasmon Resonance‐Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Hou Wenbo , Cronin Stephen B.
Published: October 2012

In the past decade, the surface plasmon resonance of Ag and Au nanoparticles has been investigated to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic processes. The photocatalytic production of fuels is particularly interesting for its ability to store the sun's energy in chemical bonds that can be released later without producing harmful byproducts. This Feature Article reviews recent work demonstrating plasmon‐enhanced photocatalytic water splitting, reduction of CO2 with H2O to form hydrocarbon fuels, and degradation of organic molecules. Focus is placed on several possible mechanisms that have been previously discussed in the literature. A particular emphasis is given to several aspects of these mechanisms that are not fully understood and will require further investigation.
Conformal Coating by High Pressure Chemical Deposition for Patterned Microwires of II–VI Semiconductors
Authors: Sparks Justin R. , He Rongrui , Healy Noel , Chaudhuri Subhasis , Fitzgibbons Thomas C. , Peacock Anna C. , Sazio Pier J. A. , Badding John V.
Published: October 2012

Deposition techniques that can uniformly and conformally coat deep trenches and very high aspect ratio pores with uniform thickness films are valuable in the synthesis of complex three‐dimensionally structured materials. Here it is shown that high pressure chemical vapor deposition can be used to deposit conformal films of II–VI semiconductors such as ZnSe, ZnS, and ZnO into high aspect ratio pores. Microstructured optical fibers serve as tailored templates for the patterning of II–VI semiconductor microwire arrays of these materials with precision and flexibility. In this way, centimeters‐long microwires with exterior surfaces that conform well to the nearly atomically smooth silica templates can be fabricated by conformal coating. This process allows for II–VI semiconductors, which cannot be processed into optical fibers with conventional techniques, to be fabricated into step index and microstructured optical fibers.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Vinylogous Michael Addition of Dicyanoolefins to Imine Intermediates Generated in situ from Arenesulfonylalkylindoles
Authors: Zhu Xing‐Li , He Wu‐Jun , Yu Liang‐Liang , Cai Chang‐Wu , Zuo Zong‐Le , Qin Da‐Bin , Liu Quan‐Zhong , Jing Lin‐Hai
Published: October 2012

An organocatalytic asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of dicyanoolefins to vinylogous imine intermediates generated in situ from arenesulfonylalkylindoles has been developed. This protocol provides an easy and convenient approach to C‐3 alkyl‐substituted indole derivatives with high yields (up to 93%), diastereomeric ratios (up to 99:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). The resulting adducts can be also readily converted to pyrazolo derivatives or α‐alkylation products of ketones without any decrease of the diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities.
The First Catalytic, Enantioselective Aza‐Henry Reaction of an Unactivated Cyclic Imine
Authors: Amarasinghe Nilupa R. , Turner Peter , Todd Matthew H.
Published: October 2012

The aza‐Henry reaction is an efficient route to important chiral, vicinal diamines. Reports of the asymmetric version typically use electron‐deficient acyclic imines. We report the first example of a catalytic, asymmetric aza‐Henry reaction on an unfunctionalized cyclic imine that gives access to enantiopure diamine derivatives under experimentally straightforward conditions. The stereocentre is established through the initial nitromethane addition to the imine. The scalemic intermediate may be trapped through acylation, then crystallized.
A Cooperative Catalytic System of Platinum/Iridium Alloyed Nanoclusters and a Dimeric Catechol Derivative: An Efficient Synthesis of Quinazolines Through a Sequential Aerobic Oxidative Process
Authors: Yuan Hao , Yoo Woo‐Jin , Miyamura Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shū
Published: October 2012

A cooperative catalytic system of heterogeneous polymer‐supported bi‐metallic platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) alloyed nanoclusters and 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl‐1,1′‐spiro‐bisindane (TTSBI) enabled the facile preparation of quinazoline derivatives with low catalyst loadings and broad substrate scope under mild aerobic oxidative conditions. The ability to perform the reaction in gram‐scale and under open‐air conditions highlights the synthetic application of this cooperative catalytic system.
L‐Threo‐Dihydroxyphenylserine corrects neurochemical abnormalities in a menkes disease mouse model
Authors: Donsante Anthony , Sullivan Patricia , Goldstein David S. , Brinster Lauren R. , Kaler Stephen G.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Menkes disease is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder of infancy caused by mutations in a copper‐transporting adenosine triphosphatase gene, ATP7A. Among its multiple cellular tasks, ATP7A transfers copper to dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) within the lumen of the Golgi network or secretory granules, catalyzing the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. In a well‐established mouse model of Menkes disease, mottled‐brindled (mo‐br), we tested whether systemic administration of L‐threo‐dihydroxyphenylserine (L‐DOPS), a drug used successfully to treat autosomal recessive norepinephrine deficiency, would improve brain neurochemical abnormalities and neuropathology.

Methods

At 8, 10, and 12 days of age, wild‐type and mo‐br mice received intraperitoneal injections of 200μg/g body weight of L‐DOPS, or mock solution. Five hours after the final injection, the mice were euthanized, and brains were removed. We measured catecholamine metabolites affected by DBH via high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, and assessed brain histopathology.

Results

Compared to mock‐treated controls, mo‐br mice that received intraperitoneal L‐DOPS showed significant increases in brain norepinephrine (p < 0.001) and its deaminated metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (p < 0.05). The ratio of a non–beta‐hydroxylated metabolite in the catecholamine biosynthetic pathway, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, to the beta‐hydroxylated metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol, improved equivalently to results obtained previously with brain‐directed ATP7A gene therapy (p < 0.01). However, L‐DOPS treatment did not arrest global brain pathology or improve somatic growth, as gene therapy had.

Interpretation

We conclude that (1) L‐DOPS crosses the blood–brain barrier in mo‐br mice and corrects brain neurochemical abnormalities, (2) norepinephrine deficiency is not the cause of neurodegeneration in mo‐br mice, and (3) L‐DOPS treatment may ameliorate noradrenergic hypofunction in Menkes disease. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:259–265
Dopamine deficiency underlies learning deficits in neurofibromatosis‐1 mice
Authors: Diggs‐Andrews Kelly A. , Tokuda Kazuhiro , Izumi Yukitoshi , Zorumski Charles F. , Wozniak David F. , Gutmann David H.
Published: October 2012

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are prone to learning and behavioral abnormalities, including problems with spatial learning and attention. The molecular etiology for these deficits is unclear, as previous studies have implicated defective dopamine, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and Ras homeostasis. Using behavioral, electrophysiological, and primary culture, we now demonstrate that reduced dopamine signaling is responsible for cAMP‐dependent defects in neuron function and learning. Collectively, these results establish defective dopaminergic function as a contributing factor underlying impaired spatial learning and memory in children and adults with NF1, and support the use of treatments that restore normal dopamine homeostasis for select individuals. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:309–315
Antibodies to contactin‐1 in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Querol Luis , Nogales‐Gadea Gisela , Rojas‐Garcia Ricard , Martinez‐Hernandez Eugenia , Diaz‐Manera Jordi , Suárez‐Calvet Xavier , Navas Miquel , Araque Josefa , Gallardo Eduard , Isabel Illa
Published: October 2012

Objective

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a frequent autoimmune neuropathy with a heterogeneous clinical spectrum. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that autoantibodies may be involved in its pathogenesis, but the target antigens are unknown. Axoglial junction proteins have been proposed as candidate antigens. We examined the reactivity of CIDP patients' sera against neuronal antigens and used immunoprecipitation for antigen unraveling.

Methods

Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons were used to select patients' sera that showed robust reactivity with the cell surface of neurons. The identity of the antigens was established by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and subsequently confirmed with cell‐based assays, immunohistochemistry with teased rat sciatic nerve, and immunoabsorption experiments.

Results

Four of 46 sera from patients with CIDP reacted strongly against hippocampal neurons (8.6%) and paranodal structures on peripheral nerve. Two patients' sera precipitated contactin‐1 (CNTN1), and 1 precipitated both CNTN1 and contactin‐associated protein 1 (CASPR1). Reactivity against CNTN1 was confirmed in 2 cases, whereas the third reacted only when CNTN1 and CASPR1 were cotransfected. No other CIDP patient or any of the 104 controls with other neurological diseases tested positive. All 3 patients shared common clinical features, including advanced age, predominantly motor involvement, aggressive symptom onset, early axonal involvement, and poor response to intravenous immunoglobulin.

Interpretation

Antibodies against the CNTN1/CASPR1 complex occur in a subset of patients with CIDP who share common clinical features. The finding of this biomarker may help to explain the symptoms of these patients and the heterogeneous response to therapy in CIDP. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:370–380