bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Extraction of the Self-Rotational Speed for Cells in an Electrokinetics Force Field by an Image Matching Algorithm
Authors: Yang Xieliu , Niu Xihui , Liu Zhu , Zhao Yuliang , Zhang Guanglie , Liang Wenfeng , Li Wen
Published: September 2017

We present an image-matching-based automated algorithm capable of accurately determining the self-rotational speed of cancer cells in an optically-induced electrokinetics-based microfluidic chip. To automatically track a specific cell in a video featuring more than one cell, a background subtraction technique was used. To determine the rotational speeds of cells, a reference frame was automatically selected and curve fitting was performed to improve the stability and accuracy. Results show that the algorithm was able to accurately calculate the self-rotational speeds of cells up to ~150 rpm. In addition, the algorithm could be used to determine the motion trajectories of the cells. Potential applications for the developed algorithm include the differentiation of cell morphology and characterization of cell electrical properties.
The Native Fruit Geoffroea decorticans from Arid Northern Chile: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activities and In Vitro Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory and Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Enzymes
Authors: Jiménez-Aspee Felipe , Theoduloz Cristina , Soriano Maria , Ugalde-Arbizu Maider , Alberto Maria , Zampini Iris , Isla Maria , Simirgiotis Mario , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: September 2017

The native tree Geoffroea decorticans (chañar) grows in the arid lands of northern Chile. It has been used as a food plant since prehistoric times. Phenolic-enriched extracts (PEEs) of Chilean chañar fruits were assessed for their chemical composition, antioxidant properties and inhibition of pro-inflammatory and metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes. Phenolic profiles were determined by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. The PEEs of G. decorticans showed a strong effect towards the enzymes COX-1/COX-2, with inhibition percentages ranging from inactive to 92.1% and inactive to 76.0% at 50 µg PEE/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of the PEEs towards lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity were between 43.6–96.8 and 98.9–156.0 μg PEE/mL, respectively. Samples inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 0.8–7.3 μg PEE/mL) and lipase (9.9 to >100 μg PEE/mL). However, samples did not inhibit α-amylase. The HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the PEEs allowed the tentative identification of 53 compounds, mainly flavonol glycosides and procyanidins. The procyanidin content of the Chilean G. decorticans pulp was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity and the inhibition of the enzyme α-glucosidase. These results indicate that the Chilean chañar fruit contains bioactive polyphenols with functional properties.
Sulfadiazine Salicylaldehyde-Based Schiff Bases: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Krátký Martin , Dzurková Magdaléna , Janoušek Jiří , Konečná Klára , Trejtnar František , Stolaříková Jiřina , Vinšová Jarmila
Published: September 2017

The resistance among microbes has brought an urgent need for new drugs. Thus, we synthesized a series of Schiff bases derived from the sulfa drug sulfadiazine and various salicylaldehydes. The resulting 4-[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzene-sulfonamides were characterized and evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, moulds, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria (M. kansasii, M. avium) and their cytotoxicity was determined. Among bacteria, the genus Staphylococcus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, showed the highest susceptibility, with minimum inhibitory concentration values from 7.81 µM. The growth of Candida sp. and Trichophyton interdigitale was inhibited at concentrations starting from 1.95 µM. 4-[(2,5-Dihydroxybenzylidene)amino]-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide was identified as the most selective Schiff base for these strains with no apparent cytotoxicity and a selectivity index higher than 16. With respect to M. tuberculosis and M. kansasii that were inhibited within the range of 8 to 250 µM, unsubstituted 4-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)amino]-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide meets the selectivity requirement. In general, dihalogenation of the salicylic moiety improved the antibacterial and antifungal activity but also increased the cytotoxicity, especially with an increasing atomic mass. Some derivatives offer more advantageous properties than the parent sulfadiazine, thus constituting promising hits for further antimicrobial drug development.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Modeling of Kinase Selectivity Profiles
Authors: Kothiwale Sandeepkumar , Borza Corina , Pozzi Ambra , Meiler Jens
Published: September 2017

The discovery of selective inhibitors of biological target proteins is the primary goal of many drug discovery campaigns. However, this goal has proven elusive, especially for inhibitors targeting the well-conserved orthosteric adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding pocket of kinase enzymes. The human kinome is large and it is rather difficult to profile early lead compounds against around 500 targets to gain an upfront knowledge on selectivity. Further, selectivity can change drastically during derivatization of an initial lead compound. Here, we have introduced a computational model to support the profiling of compounds early in the drug discovery pipeline. On the basis of the extensive profiled activity of 70 kinase inhibitors against 379 kinases, including 81 tyrosine kinases, we developed a quantitative structure–activity relation (QSAR) model using artificial neural networks, to predict the activity of these kinase inhibitors against the panel of 379 kinases. The model’s performance in predicting activity ranges from 0.6 to 0.8 depending on the kinase, from the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The profiler is available online at http://www.meilerlab.org/index.php/servers/show?s_id=23.
Preparation, Characterization, and Preliminary In Vitro Testing of Nanoceria-Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Grillone Agostina , Li Tianshu , Battaglini Matteo , Scarpellini Alice , Prato Mirko , Takeoka Shinji , Ciofani Gianni
Published: September 2017

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), well known for their pro- and antioxidant features, have been recently proposed for the treatment of several pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. However, interaction between nanoceria and biological molecules such as proteins and lipids, short blood circulation time, and the need of a targeted delivery to desired sites are some aspects that require strong attention for further progresses in the clinical application of these nanoparticles. The aim of this work is the encapsulation of nanoceria into a liposomal formulation in order to improve their therapeutic potentialities. After the preparation through a reverse-phase evaporation method, size, Z-potential, morphology, and loading efficiency of nanoceria-loaded liposomes were investigated. Finally, preliminary in vitro studies were performed to test cell uptake efficiency and preserved antioxidant activity. Nanoceria-loaded liposomes showed a good colloidal stability, an excellent biocompatibility, and strong antioxidant properties due to the unaltered activity of the entrapped nanoceria. With these results, the possibility of exploiting liposomes as carriers for cerium oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated here for the first time, thus opening exciting new opportunities for in vivo applications.
Insights into the Hexose Liver Metabolism—Glucose versus Fructose
Authors: Geidl-Flueck Bettina , Gerber Philipp
Published: September 2017

High-fructose intake in healthy men is associated with characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Extensive knowledge exists about the differences between hepatic fructose and glucose metabolism and fructose-specific mechanisms favoring the development of metabolic disturbances. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between fructose consumption and metabolic alterations is still debated. Multiple effects of fructose on hepatic metabolism are attributed to the fact that the liver represents the major sink of fructose. Fructose, as a lipogenic substrate and potent inducer of lipogenic enzyme expression, enhances fatty acid synthesis. Consequently, increased hepatic diacylglycerols (DAG) are thought to directly interfere with insulin signaling. However, independently of this effect, fructose may also counteract insulin-mediated effects on liver metabolism by a range of mechanisms. It may drive gluconeogenesis not only as a gluconeogenic substrate, but also as a potent inducer of carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), which induces the expression of lipogenic enzymes as well as gluconeogenic enzymes. It remains a challenge to determine the relative contributions of the impact of fructose on hepatic transcriptome, proteome and allosterome changes and consequently on the regulation of plasma glucose metabolism/homeostasis. Mathematical models exist modeling hepatic glucose metabolism. Future models should not only consider the hepatic adjustments of enzyme abundances and activities in response to changing plasma glucose and insulin/glucagon concentrations, but also to varying fructose concentrations for defining the role of fructose in the hepatic control of plasma glucose homeostasis.
Augmented Renal Clearance in Critical Illness: An Important Consideration in Drug Dosing
Authors: Mahmoud Sherif , Shen Chen
Published: September 2017

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a manifestation of enhanced renal function seen in critically ill patients. The use of regular unadjusted doses of renally eliminated drugs in patients with ARC might lead to therapy failure. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide and up-to-date summary of the available evidence pertaining to the phenomenon of ARC. A literature search of databases of available evidence in humans, with no language restriction, was conducted. Databases searched were MEDLINE (1946 to April 2017), EMBASE (1974 to April 2017) and the Cochrane Library (1999 to April 2017). A total of 57 records were included in the present review: 39 observational studies (25 prospective, 14 retrospective), 6 case reports/series and 12 conference abstracts. ARC has been reported to range from 14–80%. ARC is currently defined as an increased creatinine clearance of greater than 130 mL/min/1.73 m2 best measured by 8–24 h urine collection. Patients exhibiting ARC tend to be younger (<50 years old), of male gender, had a recent history of trauma, and had lower critical illness severity scores. Numerous studies have reported antimicrobials treatment failures when using standard dosing regimens in patients with ARC. In conclusion, ARC is an important phenomenon that might have significant impact on outcome in critically ill patients. Identifying patients at risk, using higher doses of renally eliminated drugs or use of non-renally eliminated alternatives might need to be considered in ICU patients with ARC. More research is needed to solidify dosing recommendations of various drugs in patients with ARC.
Thermally Stable Bulk Heterojunction Prepared by Sequential Deposition of Nanostructured Polymer and Fullerene
Authors: Hwang Heewon , Lee Hoyeon , Shafian Shafidah , Lee Wooseop , Seok Jeesoo , Ryu Ka , Yeol Ryu Du , Kim Kyungkon
Published: September 2017

A morphologically-stable polymer/fullerene heterojunction has been prepared by minimizing the intermixing between polymer and fullerene via sequential deposition (SqD) of a polymer and a fullerene solution. A low crystalline conjugated polymer of PCPDTBT (poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)]) has been utilized for the polymer layer and PC71BM (phenyl-C71-butyric-acid-methyl ester) for the fullerene layer, respectively. Firstly, a nanostructured PCPDTBT bottom layer was developed by utilizing various additives to increase the surface area of the polymer film. The PC71BM solution was prepared by dissolving it in the 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE), exhibiting a lower vapor pressure and slower diffusion into the polymer layer. The deposition of the PC71BM solution on the nanostructured PCPDTBT layer forms an inter-digitated bulk heterojunction (ID-BHJ) with minimized intermixing. The organic photovoltaic (OPV) device utilizing the ID-BHJ photoactive layer exhibits a highly reproducible solar cell performance. In spite of restricted intermixing between the PC71BM and the PCPDTBT, the efficiency of ID-BHJ OPVs (3.36%) is comparable to that of OPVs (3.87%) prepared by the conventional method (deposition of a blended solution of polymer:fullerene). The thermal stability of the ID-BHJ is superior to the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) prepared by the conventional method. The ID-BHJ OPV maintains 70% of its initial efficiency after thermal stress application for twelve days at 80 °C, whereas the conventional BHJ OPV maintains only 40% of its initial efficiency.
Exploring Flood Resilience Thinking in the Retail Sector under Climate Change: A Case Study of an Estuarine Region of Taipei City
Authors: Chiang Yi-Chang , Ling Tzen-Ying
Published: September 2017

With predictions of extreme precipitation and sea-level rise under climate change that may induce morphological changes of estuaries, increased estuarine flood risk needs to be considered. The aim of this case study was to contemplate sustainability from the perspective of flood resilience that focuses on environmental problems and solutions. The study provided insights into retailers’ resilience thinking regarding the flood-prone Shetzu Peninsula in Taipei City. It is of concern that the retailers strategically identified potential flood risks and have developed adaptive knowledge, skills, and networks. The Location Quotient (LQ) analysis was conducted to verify that the retail sector of Shetzu Peninsula was considered a basic industry. Further assessments, an interactive visualization model and a consumption intensity map, were provided as supportive data. Based on the results, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore 15 key retailers’ resilience thinking on how to adapt to floods in terms of risk communication under climate change. This approach is vital to meet the adaptation challenge in the Shetzu Peninsula. As a result, the study indicated that retailers have strategically identified potential weather-related risks and have implemented adaptation plans for each store functions. The study discussed that, in the face of climate change, maladaptation, interactive visualization models for communicating flood risks, and place attachment are key issues to increase flood resilience under climate change. The introduction of adaptation interventions in terms of urban resilience as a part of a comprehensive strategy helps to manage the impacts of climate change towards urban sustainability.
Water-Thermal Energy Production System: A Case Study from Norway
Authors: Idsø Johannes , Årethun Torbjørn
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new way of producing renewable energy based on fjords as a water heater. We will call this system the Water-thermal Energy Production System (WEPS), because the basic idea is to extract heating and cooling energy from water. Although a prototype of WEPS has existed in Norway for more than ten years, a WEPS currently in operation has not been financially analyzed in the literature. Coastal parts of Norway have a potential of 5 TWh of profitable WEPS-facilities, due to convenient access to fjords containing water with stable all-season temperatures of about 4–12 °C when the depth of the water is about 50 m. This stability of the water temperature makes it possible to extract energy from the fjord in a very efficient way. The potential for economically-profitable WEPS in other parts of the world has not been estimated. In order to answer such a question, more research is required. We have conducted a case study of a WEPS located in the Norwegian municipality of Eid. This is the first full-scale Norwegian WEPS, and it has been operating since 2006. The nascent years have passed, and the technology has been in operation for some years. In this paper, we have made an estimate of the business profitability and the external effects based on past empirical evidence and some assumptions about future development in some key figures. The results suggests that WEPS-Eid has been a profitable investment carrying a positive internal rate of revenue, even if the present underutilization in production capacity will continue in the future. Stability in energy prices for heating purposes has also gained customers compared to the more volatile prices of alternative renewable energy, such as hydropower or wind turbines. The negative, external effects in the operating phase from WEPS-Eid are insignificant. Despite the significant profitability of the WEPS facility in Eid, there are two main obstacles for new entrants. There is a lack of relevant operational information for potential investors due to few facilities. This leads to uncertainty, and investments in WEPS appear as a risky business. Secondly, construction of a WEPS requires both big financial investments in digging and facilitating long trenches for a pipeline system and time and effort spent on acquiring the licenses needed for doing this work. A coordinating unit is probably required in order to get the necessary public and private licenses and to reduce fixed costs by coordinating other tasks in the same trenches, such as pipes for water and sewer, fiber cables and tele-cables. In Eid, the local municipal administration was the coordinating unit.
Cashew as a High Agricultural Commodity in West Africa: Insights towards Sustainable Production in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Monteiro Filipa , Catarino Luís , Batista Dora , Indjai Bucar , Duarte Maria , Romeiras Maria
Published: September 2017

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the West African region has highly diverse agro-climatic conditions, which grant the potential for a remarkable agricultural production of a great diversity of crops. Since the 1980s, the production volumes of most crops have grown vigorously for both domestic and export markets. Traditional food crops—such as rice, groundnuts and sorghum—have been replaced by cash crops, namely cashew. Among the main cashew production areas, West Africa is the most recent and dynamic in the world, accounting for 45% of the worldwide production of cashew nuts in 2015. In consequence, cashew cultivation has acquired an important position in West African smallholder farming, providing positive economic and social effects. In this paper, we provide an overview of the cashew production system in the West African region, using Guinea-Bissau as a case study. In particular, we present some viewpoints concerning the impact of cashew production and discuss how the strong dependence on a single cash crop can compromise the local livelihoods and food security. Finally, some insights are given towards the sustainable production of cashew in the face of the recent risks affecting the agricultural sector in West Africa.
Toward Bulk Synchronous Parallel-Based Machine Learning Techniques for Anomaly Detection in High-Speed Big Data Networks
Authors: Siddique Kamran , Akhtar Zahid , Lee Haeng-gon , Kim Woongsup , Kim Yangwoo
Published: September 2017

Anomaly detection systems, also known as intrusion detection systems (IDSs), continuously monitor network traffic aiming to identify malicious actions. Extensive research has been conducted to build efficient IDSs emphasizing two essential characteristics. The first is concerned with finding optimal feature selection, while another deals with employing robust classification schemes. However, the advent of big data concepts in anomaly detection domain and the appearance of sophisticated network attacks in the modern era require some fundamental methodological revisions to develop IDSs. Therefore, we first identify two more significant characteristics in addition to the ones mentioned above. These refer to the need for employing specialized big data processing frameworks and utilizing appropriate datasets for validating system’s performance, which is largely overlooked in existing studies. Afterwards, we set out to develop an anomaly detection system that comprehensively follows these four identified characteristics, i.e., the proposed system (i) performs feature ranking and selection using information gain and automated branch-and-bound algorithms respectively; (ii) employs logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting techniques for classification; (iii) introduces bulk synchronous parallel processing to cater computational requirements of high-speed big data networks; and; (iv) uses the Infromation Security Centre of Excellence, of the University of Brunswick real-time contemporary dataset for performance evaluation. We present experimental results that verify the efficacy of the proposed system.
Methodology of the Polyoptimization for Spatial Processes
Authors: Biłozor Andrzej , Renigier-Biłozor Małgorzata
Published: September 2017

Optimization is a complex activity that aims to find the best solution for a given activity, considering all existing limitations. The best variant possible in the set of acceptable variants is sought-out. In particular, in urban areas, optimization of land use function as the beginning of a decision-making process requires performing a great number of tasks, which minimize the risk of spatial conflicts, set at the stage of studies and analyses. Polyoptimization is optimization with a vector objective function. The aim of polyoptimization is to find the best solution, concurrently applying several criteria which, due to their limitations, are conflicting as a general rule. It leads to finding compromise solutions (polyoptimum variants in the set of acceptable variants). In the paper the following ideas will be presented – the idea of spatial processes polyoptimization, the methods for determining the collection and selection of compromise solutions, the methodology for determining polioptimum states of the space use, the possibility of using polyoptimization methods that are regarded as supporting decision-making tools in the planning and management of space with the use of GIS tools. The Authors will show the benefits of using the polyoptimization. The methods of formulating and solving problems which are related to selection of optimum way use of land will be delivered.
Successful Sustainable Mobility Measures Selection
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Gaučė Kristina , Damidavičius Jonas
Published: September 2017

In recent years, on the EU transport initiatives, the EU member states have been creating sustainable urban
mobility plans, which is new practice for the majority of the EU cities. Both municipal experts and plan developers
suffer from lack of knowledge, experience and confidence in producing the above introduced documents. The article
analyses possible solutions for sustainable urban mobility plans and presents the sets/scenarios of the proposed measures
exactly corresponding the specificity of cities different in size and significance.
Transformation of Rural Areas with High Urban Impact: the Example of the Largest Cities in the Warmia and Mazury Region
Authors: Szczepanska Agnieszka , Wasilewicz-Pszczółkowska Monika , Krzywnicka Iwona , Senetra Adam
Published: September 2017

The paper discusses rural transformations resulting from urban influences. The analyzed area consists of rural municipalities (the smallest administrative units in Poland) in the immediate vicinity of Olsztyn, Elblag and Ełk – the largest cities in Warmia and Mazury. The type and rate of social and spatial changes in rural areas with high urban impact were analyzed. The following issues have been addressed: – a comparison between demographic changes in rural municipalities neighboring on urban centres and demographic changes in the city, – changes in the land use structure of rural municipalities neighboring on urban centers, with particular emphasis on open and protected spaces, – architectural changes in the analyzed suburban areas, – landscape changes in the analyzed suburban areas.
Application of New Technology Data Acquisition Using Aerial (UAV) Digital Images for the Needs of Urban Revitalization
Authors: Banaszek Anna , Zarnowski Aleksander , Cellmer Anna , Banaszek Sebastian
Published: September 2017

The municipal authorities are responsible for carrying out relevant, objective analysis of areas for revitalization, identifying problems and barriers, diagnosis of the causes and determiningthe appropriate range of activities. From the point of view of urban regeneration one of the key issues is to obtain timely and reliable geospatial data. The article presents the possibility of using digital images obtained from the UAV platform to support the urban regeneration process. As part of the research work involving an inventory of urban space one made photogrametry flights with UAVs DJI Inspire One. Data processing software that was used is Pix4D and QGIS. The results allow the conclusion that the use of UAV in the process of obtaining imaging geoinformation and spatial data for planning and documentation of revitalisation work may be practical mode near-real-time. It replaces the previously used laborious and lengthy process to update data while ensuring their detail and accuracy.
Precise positioning in Europe using the Galileo and GPS combination
Authors: Kwaśniak Dawid , Cellmer Sławomir , Nowel Krzysztof
Published: September 2017

For many years American GPS and Russian GLONNAS were the leading navigation systems widely used for navigation purposes. In recent years two new navigational systems have been developed. These systems are the European Galileo system and the Chinese BeiDou System. The full operability of both systems is foreseen for 2020. The full Galileo constellation will consist of 30 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. In this paper the GPS and Galileo combination is used to obtain precise positions using the MAFA method. Results from GPS only and GPS+Galileo positioning are presented. In the test 11 Galileo satellites were used. The number of visible GPS satellites during the test was between 8 and 12. For Galileo the number of visible satellites was between 2 to 4, with 4 satellites visible for most of the day. Adding Galileo satellites to GPS reduces the PDOP factor value and improves the DGNSS and RTK results.
Problem definition as a stimulus to the creative process: Analysis of a classroom exercise
Authors: Vizioli Renato , Kaminski Paulo
Published: September 2017

Dealing with problem-solving has been a growing challenge in teaching engineering and over the career of these professionals. To increase the ability to understand a problem and consequently improve the quality of the solutions, an exercise was proposed to students of an MBA program, and they have experienced some challenges on interpreting briefing and procedures, to improve creativity and ability on solving problems. The implicit goal was to deal with the understanding of procedures to perform activities in a company and the exercise showed different ways of communicating a scenario and, consequently, different reactions depending upon the briefing. Preliminary results of the exercise indicated that the higher the degree of uncertainty on the problem definition or on an activity description, the more often association is attempted through individual repertoire, covering more varied options. In the case of a tight briefing, the creative effort appears to be overlapped by the execution of simple operations, resulting on a deviation from the required goal. Through a brief theoretical framework, this essay intends to validate these perceptions and increase the use of techniques that improve creative and problem-solving capacity in product design and development.
Exploring the importance of soft and hard skills as perceived by IT internship students and industry: A gap analysis
Authors: Patacsil Frederick , S. Tablatin Christine Lourrine
Published: September 2017

The research paper proposes a skills gap methodology that utilized the respondent experiences in the internship program to measure the importance of the Information Technology (IT) skills gap as perceived by IT students and the industry. The questionnaires were formulated based on previous studies,  however,  was slightly modified, validated and pilot tested  to fit into the needs of the research.  Respondents  of this study were IT students enrolled in internship while industry respondents were the supervisors of the IT students in their respective company.  Internship IT students were selected since they have a strong background on the needs of the company based on their internship experience. The findings revealed that teamwork and communication skills are very important soft skills to be possessed by IT graduates  as perceived by the respondents.  Further, results reveal that there was no significant difference in the perception of the respondents in terms of the  importance of soft skills. However, this finding contradicts the results in the case of hard skills were in there was a big range of disagreement on the importance of hard skills.   IT students perceived that hard skills were very important while industry perceived hard skills were somewhat important. It is recognized that soft  skills are very important communication tool for a customer oriented industry and  that  it is essential to enhance the communication skills of IT students for their future employment. The study suggests that the university should target improvements of soft skills and specific personality development component in the curriculum.
Le care éducatif : principe actif des choix professionnels et des pratiques de travail sexués
Authors: Devineau Sophie , Confais Aurélia
Published: September 2017

Les métiers de CPE et d’enseignant en maternelle comptabilisent respectivement plus de 70 % et 90 % de femmes dans leurs effectifs globaux. Un défaut de parité que la sociologie du genre permet d’éclairer à travers les aspects du care de l’activité de travail prescrite. Parmi les différents constats produits par l’étude, il ressort un rapport sexué au travail engendré notamment par la socialisation différenciée entre les sexes.
Une forme de recherche collaborative impulsée par les praticiens : enjeux, démarche, déplacement(s) des acteurs
Authors: Perez-Roux Thérèse
Published: September 2017

L’article présente une forme de recherche collaborative avec de nouveaux professionnels du monde scolaire : les enseignants référents pour l’adaptation scolaire et la scolarisation des élèves en situation de handicap (ASH). L’étude s’intéresse à la réflexivité, au développement professionnel et aux transactions identitaires de ces professionnels. Les enjeux de reconnaissance et leur lien avec les formes d’implication dans le travail collaboratif sont aussi abordés. La méthodologie, plurielle (focus groupe, séances d’analyse de pratiques, entretiens, questionnaire), s’inscrit dans la durée. Les résultats éclairent un ensemble de tensions repérées dans le cadre des collaborations chercheurs-praticiens. Ils mettent en avant une approche renouvelée de la complexité des acteurs, des systèmes et des contextes de travail. L’étude revient sur les conditions d’une telle collaboration, sur les postures des différents acteurs et sur les liens formation-recherche-formation qu’un tel processus permet de développer.
Présentation et tentative d’analyse de la phase initiale du processus de contractualisation d’une recherche-action de pédagogie
Authors: Robbes Bruno
Published: September 2017

Le projet de recherche présenté dans cet article est né de la demande conjointe de l’équipe enseignante de l’école d’O. de travailler avec des chercheurs et de l’équipe de chercheurs d’étudier des écoles pratiquant des pédagogies actives. Après avoir exposé notre problématique et la méthodologie du projet (socio-clinique institutionnelle, recherche-action de pédagogie), l’auteur décrit trois moments-clés de la phase initiale du processus de contractualisation de la recherche, puis fait un retour sur ce processus. Il analyse le traitement de la commande et des demandes, les différents niveaux d’implication des sujets qui interrogent la fonction de la recherche et ses effets. Il met au jour l’analyseur « temps », les interférences institutionnelles avec l’inspecteur de l’Éducation nationale à propos de l’innovation et de l’évaluation, les effets de son positionnement vis-à-vis des chercheurs et sur le contenu du projet de recherche. Il repère quelques connaissances produites sur le processus de contractualisation d’une recherche action.
Pour une production de connaissances scientifiques mobilisables dans la pratique de terrain : quels types de dynamiques relationnelles entre chercheurs et praticiens ?
Authors: Turlais Amélie
Published: September 2017

Le paradigme positiviste présente la distance du chercheur avec son objet de recherche comme un garant nécessaire à son objectivité, neutralité et autonomie pour produire des connaissances scientifiques. Cependant, depuis les années 1970, cette vision dualiste avec acteurs de terrain d’un côté et chercheurs de l’autre est contestée. Cet article vise à interroger la pertinence qu’il y aurait à considérer la neutralité axiologique comme une condition nécessaire à la scientificité des connaissances produites. Il sera montré que trois types de dynamiques relationnelles entre praticiens et chercheurs sont primordiaux pour produire des connaissances qui seront mobilisables par les acteurs de terrain : la négociation, la reconnaissance et la réflexivité.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Is a Determinant of CD4 T Cell–Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Communication through Membrane Conduits
Authors: Farahnak Soroor , McGovern Toby K. , Kim Rachael , O’Sullivan Michael , Chen Brian , Lee Minhyoung , Yoshie Haruka , Wang Anna , Jang Joyce , Al Heialy Saba , Lauzon Anne-Marie , Martin James G.
Published: September 2017

Activated CD4 T cells connect to airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in vitro via lymphocyte-derived membrane conduits (LMCs) structurally similar to membrane nanotubes with unknown intercellular signals triggering their formation. We examined the structure and function of CD4 T cell–derived LMCs, and we established a role for ASMC-derived basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2b) and FGF receptor (FGFR)1 in LMC formation. Blocking FGF2b’s synthesis and FGFR1 function reduced LMC formation. Mitochondrial flux from ASMCs to T cells was partially FGF2b and FGFR1 dependent. LMC formation by CD4 T cells and mitochondrial transfer from ASMCs was increased in the presence of asthmatic ASMCs that expressed more mRNA for FGF2b compared with normal ASMCs. These observations identify ASMC-derived FGF2b as a factor needed for LMC formation by CD4 T cells, affecting intercellular communication.
Climatology and long-term evolution of ozone and carbon monoxide
in the UTLS at northern mid-latitudes, as seen by IAGOS from 1995
to 2013
Authors: Cohen Yann , Petetin Hervé , Thouret Valérie , Marécal Virginie , Josse Béatrice , Clark Hannah , Sauvage Bastien , Fontaine Alain , Athier Gilles , Blot Romain , Boulanger Damien , Cousin Jean-Marc , Nédélec Philippe
Published: September 2017

Abstract. In situ measurements in the upper troposphere – lower stratosphere (UTLS) are performed in the framework of the European research infrastructure IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) for ozone since 1994 and for carbon monoxide since 2002. The flight tracks cover a wide range of longitudes in the northern extratropics, extending from the North American western coast (125° W) to the eastern Asian coast (135° E), and more recently over the northern Pacific ocean. Different tropical regions are also sampled frequently, such as the Brazilian coast, central and southern Africa, southeastern Asia and the western Maritime Continent. As a result, a new set of climatologies for O3 (Aug. 1994–Dec. 2013) and CO (Dec. 2001–Dec. 2013) in the upper troposphere (UT), tropopause layer and lower stratosphere (LS) are made available, including quasi-global gridded horizontal distributions, and seasonal cycles over eight well sampled regions of interest in the northern extratropics. The seasonal cycles generally show a summertime maximum in O3 and a springtime maximum in CO in the UT, in contrast with the systematic springtime maximum in O3 and the quasi-absence of seasonal cycle of CO in the LS. This study highlights some regional variabilities in the UT notably (i) a west-east difference of O3 in boreal summer with up to 15 ppb more O3 over central Russia compared with northeast America, (ii) a systematic west-east gradient of CO from 60° E to 140° E (especially noticeable in spring and summer with about 5 ppb by 10 degrees longitude), (iii) a broad spring/summer maximum of CO over North East Asia, and (iv) a spring maximum of O3 over Western North America. Thanks to almost 20 years of O3 and 12 years of CO measurements, the IAGOS database is a unique data set to derive trends in the UTLS. Trends in O3 in the UT are positive and statistically significant in most regions, ranging from +0.25 to +0.45 ppb yr−1, characterized by the significant increase of the lowest values of the distribution. No significant trends of O3 are detected in the LS. Trends of CO in the UT, tropopause and LS are all negative and statistically significant. The estimated slopes range from −1.37 to −0.59 ppb yr−1 , with a nearly homogeneous decrease of the lowest values of the monthly distribution (fifth percentile) contrasting with the high inter-regional variability of the highest values (95th percentile).
The Small Whiskbroom Imager for atmospheric compositioN
monitorinG (SWING) and its operations from an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) during the AROMAT campaign
Authors: Merlaud Alexis , Tack Frederik , Constantin Daniel , Georgescu Lucian , Maes Jeroen , Fayt Caroline , Mingireanu Florin , Schuettemeyer Dirk , Meier Andreas Carlos , Schönardt Anja , Ruhtz Thomas , Bellegante Livio , Nicolae Doina , Den Hoed Mirjam , Allaart Marc , Van Roozendael Michel
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The Small Whiskbroom Imager for atmospheric compositioN monitorinG (SWING) is a compact remote sensing instrument dedicated to mapping trace gases from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). SWING is based on a compact visible spectrometer and a scanning mirror to collect scattered sunlight. Its weight, size, and power consumption are respectively 920 g, 27 x 12 x 8 cm3, and 6 W. SWING was developed in parallel with a 2.5 m flying wing UAV. This unmanned aircraft is electrically powered, has a typical airspeed of 100 km h−1, and can operate at a maximum altitude of 3 km. We present SWING-UAV experiments performed in Romania on 11 September 2014 during the Airborne ROmanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace gases (AROMAT) campaign. The UAV was operated up to 700 m above ground, in the vicinity of the large power plant of Turceni (44.67° N, 23.41° E, 116 m a.s.l.). These SWING-UAV flights were coincident with another airborne experiment using the Airborne imaging Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) instrument for Measurements of Atmospheric Pollution (AirMAP), and with ground-based DOAS, lidar, and balloone-borne in-situ observations. The spectra recorded during the SWING-UAV flights are analyzed with the DOAS technique. This analysis reveals NO2 differential slant column densities (DSCDs) up to 13 ± 0.6 x 1016 molec cm−2. These NO2 DSCDs are converted to vertical column densities (VCDs) by estimating air mass factors. The resulting NO2 VCDs are up to 4.7 ± 0.4 x 1016 molec cm−2. The water vapor DSCD measurements, up to 8 ± 0.15 x 1022 molec cm−2, are used to estimate a volume mixing ratio of water vapor in the boundary layer of 0.013 ± 0.002 mol mol−1. These geophysical quantities are validated with the coincident measurements.
A simulated observation database to assess the impact of IASI-NG hyperspectral infrared sounder
Authors: Andrey-Andrés Javier , Fourrié Nadia , Guidard Vincent , Armante Raymond , Brunel Pascal , Crevoisier Cyril , Tournier Bernard
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The highly accurate measurements of the hyperspectral Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) are used in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), atmospheric chemistry and climate monitoring. As the second generation of the European Polar System (EPS-SG) is being developed, a new generation of IASI instruments has been designed to fly on board the MetOp-SG constellation: IASI New Generation (IASI-NG). In order to prepare the arrival of this new instrument, and to evaluate its impact on NWP and atmospheric chemistry applications, a set of IASI and IASI-NG simulated data was built and made available to the public to set a common framework for future impact studies. This paper describes the information available in this database and the procedure followed to run the IASI and IASI-NG simulations. These simulated data were evaluated by comparing IASI-NG to IASI observations. The result is also presented here. Additionally, preliminary impact studies of the benefit of IASI-NG compared to IASI on the retrieval of temperature and humidity in a NWP framework are also shown in the present work. With a channel dataset located in the same wave numbers for both instruments, we showed an improvement of the temperature retrievals along all the atmosphere with a maximum in the troposphere with IASI-NG and a lower benefit for the tropospheric humidity.
A zero-power warming chamber for investigating plant responses to rising temperature
Authors: Lewin Keith F. , McMahon Andrew M. , Ely Kim S. , Serbin Shawn P. , Rogers Alistair
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Advances in understanding and model representation of plant and ecosystem responses to rising temperature have typically required temperature manipulation of research plots, particularly when considering warming scenarios that exceed current climate envelopes. In remote or logistically challenging locations, passive warming using solar radiation is often the only viable approach for temperature manipulation. However, current passive warming approaches are only able to elevate the mean daily air temperature by  ∼  1.5 °C. Motivated by our need to understand temperature acclimation in the Arctic, where warming has been markedly greater than the global average and where future warming is projected to be  ∼  2–3 °C by the middle of the century; we have developed an alternative approach to passive warming. Our zero-power warming (ZPW) chamber requires no electrical power for fully autonomous operation. It uses a novel system of internal and external heat exchangers that allow differential actuation of pistons in coupled cylinders to control chamber venting. This enables the ZPW chamber venting to respond to the difference between the external and internal air temperatures, thereby increasing the potential for warming and eliminating the risk of overheating. During the thaw season on the coastal tundra of northern Alaska our ZPW chamber was able to elevate the mean daily air temperature 2.6 °C above ambient, double the warming achieved by an adjacent passively warmed control chamber that lacked our hydraulic system. We describe the construction, evaluation and performance of our ZPW chamber and discuss the impact of potential artefacts associated with the design and its operation on the Arctic tundra. The approach we describe is highly flexible and tunable, enabling customization for use in many different environments where significantly greater temperature manipulation than that possible with existing passive warming approaches is desired.
A complete representation of uncertainties in layer-counted paleoclimatic archives
Authors: Boers Niklas , Goswami Bedartha , Ghil Michael
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Accurate time series representation of paleoclimatic proxy records is challenging because such records involve dating errors in addition to proxy measurement errors. Rigorous attention is rarely given to age uncertainties in paleoclimatic research, although the latter can severely bias the results of proxy record analysis. Here, we introduce a Bayesian approach to represent layer-counted proxy records – such as ice cores, sediments, corals, or tree rings – as sequences of probability distributions on absolute, error-free time axes. The method accounts for both proxy measurement errors and uncertainties arising from layer-counting-based dating of the records. An application to oxygen isotope ratios from the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) record reveals that the counting errors, although seemingly small, lead to substantial uncertainties in the final representation of the oxygen isotope ratios. In particular, for the older parts of the NGRIP record, our results show that the total uncertainty originating from dating errors has been seriously underestimated. Our method is next applied to deriving the overall uncertainties of the Suigetsu radiocarbon comparison curve, which was recently obtained from varved sediment cores at Lake Suigetsu, Japan. This curve provides the only terrestrial radiocarbon comparison for the time interval 12.5–52.8 kyr BP. The uncertainties derived here can be readily employed to obtain complete error estimates for arbitrary radiometrically dated proxy records of this recent part of the last glacial interval.
Synchronizing 10Be in two varved lake sediment records to IntCal13 14C
Authors: Czymzik Markus , Muscheler Raimund , Adolphi Florian , Mekhaldi Florian , Dräger Nadine , Ott Florian , Slowinski Michal , Blaskiewicz Mirsolaw , Aldahan Ala , Possnert Göran , Brauer Achim
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Time-scale uncertainties between paleoclimate reconstructions often inhibit studying the exact timing, spatial expression and driving mechanisms of climate variations. Detecting and aligning the globally common cosmogenic radionuclide production signal via a curve fitting method provides a tool for the quasi-continuous synchronization of paleoclimate archives. In this study, we apply this approach to synchronize 10Be records from varved sediments of Lakes Tiefer See and Czechowskie covering the Maunder-, Homeric- and 5500 a BP grand solar minima with 14C production rates inferred from the IntCal13 calibration curve. Our analyses indicate best fits with 14C production rates when the 10Be records from Lake Tiefer See were shifted for 8 (−12/+4) (Maunder Minimum), 31 (−16/+12) (Homeric Minimum) and 86 (−22/+18) years (5500 a BP grand solar minimum) towards the past. The best fit between the Lake Czechowskie 10Be record for the 5500 a BP grand solar minimum and 14C production was obtained when the 10Be time-series was shifted 29 (−8/+7) years towards present. No significant fits were detected between the Lake Czechowskie 10Be records for the Maunder- and Homeric Minima and 14C production, likely due intensified in-lake sediment resuspension since about 2800 a BP, transporting old 10Be to the coring location. Our results provide a proof of concept for facilitating 10Be in varved lake sediments as novel synchronization tool required for investigating leads and lags of proxy responses to climate variability. However, they also point to some limitations of 10Be in these archives mainly connected to in-lake sediment resuspension processes.