bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanodots as Peroxidase Nanozymes for Biosensing
Authors: Garg Bhaskar , Bisht Tanuja
Published: December 2016

‘Nanozymes’, a term coined by Scrimin, Pasquato, and co-workers to describe nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics, represent an exciting and emerging research area in the field of artificial enzymes. Indubitably, the last decade has witnessed substantial advancements in the design of a variety of functional nanoscale materials, including metal oxides and carbon-based nanomaterials, which mimic the structures and functions of naturally occurring enzymes. Among these, carbon nanodots (C-dots) or carbon quantum dots (CQDs) offer huge potential due to their unique properties as compared to natural enzymes and/or classical artificial enzymes. In this mini review, we discuss the peroxidase-like catalytic activities of C-dots and their applications in biosensing. The scope intends to cover not only the C-dots but also graphene quantum dots (GQDs), doped C-dots/GQDs, carbon nitride dots, and C-dots/GQDs nanocomposites. Nevertheless, this mini review is designed to be illustrative, not comprehensive.
A Computational Study of Structure and Reactivity of N-Substitued-4-Piperidones Curcumin Analogues and Their Radical Anions
Authors: Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Weiss-López Boris , Araya-Maturana Ramiro
Published: December 2016

In this work, a computational study of a series of N-substitued-4-piperidones curcumin analogues is presented. The molecular structure of the neutral molecules and their radical anions, as well as their reactivity, are investigated. N-substituents include methyl and benzyl groups, while substituents on the aromatic rings cover electron-donor and electron-acceptor groups. Substitutions at the nitrogen atom do not significantly affect the geometry and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) energies of these molecules. On the other hand, substituents on the aromatic rings modify the distribution of FMO. In addition, they influence the capability of these molecules to attach an additional electron, which was studied through adiabatic (AEA) and vertical electron affinities (VEA), as well as vertical detachment energy (VDE). To study electrophilic properties of these structures, local reactivity indices, such as Fukui (f+) and Parr (P+) functions, were calculated, and show the influence of the aromatic rings substituents on the reactivity of α,β-unsaturated ketones towards nucleophilic attack. This study has potential implications for the design of curcumin analogues based on a 4-piperidone core with desired reactivity.
Janus Compounds, 5-Chloro-N4-methyl-N4-aryl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-2,4-diamines, Cause Both Microtubule Depolymerizing and Stabilizing Effects
Authors: Rohena Cristina , Risinger April , Devambatla Ravi , Dybdal-Hargreaves Nicholas , Kaul Roma , Choudhary Shruti , Gangjee Aleem , Mooberry Susan
Published: December 2016

While evaluating a large library of compounds designed to inhibit microtubule polymerization, we identified four compounds that have unique effects on microtubules. These compounds cause mixed effects reminiscent of both microtubule depolymerizers and stabilizers. Immunofluorescence evaluations showed that each compound initially caused microtubule depolymerization and, surprisingly, with higher concentrations, microtubule bundles were also observed. There were subtle differences in the propensity to cause these competing effects among the compounds with a continuum of stabilizing and destabilizing effects. Tubulin polymerization experiments confirmed the differential effects and, while each of the compounds increased the initial rate of tubulin polymerization at high concentrations, total tubulin polymer was not enhanced at equilibrium, likely because of the dueling depolymerization effects. Modeling studies predict that the compounds bind to tubulin within the colchicine site and confirm that there are differences in their potential interactions that might underlie their distinct effects on microtubules. Due to their dual properties of microtubule stabilization and destabilization, we propose the name Janus for these compounds after the two-faced Roman god. The identification of synthetically tractable, small molecules that elicit microtubule stabilizing effects is a significant finding with the potential to identify new mechanisms of microtubule stabilization.
Bioactivities of a New Pyrrolidine Alkaloid from the Root Barks of Orixa japonica
Authors: Liu Xin , Lai Daowan , Liu Qi , Zhou Ligang , Liu Qiyong , Liu Zhi
Published: December 2016

A new pyrrolidine alkaloid named (Z)-3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one was isolated from the ethanol extract of the root barks of Orixa japonica. The structure of the new alkaloid was elucidated on the basis of NMR and MS analysis. The compound exhibited larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 232.09 μg/mL), Anopheles sinensis (LC50 = 49.91 μg/mL), and Culex pipiens pallens (LC50 = 161.10 μg/mL). The new alkaloid also possessed nematicidal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (LC50 = 391.50 μg/mL) and Meloidogynein congnita (LC50 = 134.51 μg/mL). The results indicate that the crude ethanol extract of O. japonica root barks and its isolated pyrrolidine alkaloid have potential for development into natural larvicides and nematicides.
Vitamin B12 Status among Pregnant Women in the UK and Its Association with Obesity and Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Sukumar Nithya , Venkataraman Hema , Wilson Sean , Goljan Ilona , Selvamoni Selvin , Patel Vinod , Saravanan Ponnusamy
Published: December 2016

Background: To evaluate vitamin B12 and folate status in pregnancy and their relationship with maternal obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and offspring birthweight. Methods: A retrospective case-control study of 344 women (143 GDM, 201 no-GDM) attending a district general hospital and that had B12 and folate levels measured in the early 3rd trimester was performed. Maternal history including early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and neonatal data (birthweight, sex, and gestational age) was recorded for all subjects. Results: 26% of the cohort had B12 levels <150 pmol/L (32% vs. 22% in the two groups respectively, p < 0.05) while 1.5% were folate deficient. After adjusting for confounders, 1st trimester BMI was negatively associated with 3rd trimester B12 levels. Women with B12 insufficiency had higher odds of obesity and GDM (aOR (95% CI) 2.40 (1.31, 4.40), p = 0.004, and 2.59 (1.35, 4.98), p = 0.004, respectively), although the latter was partly mediated by BMI. In women without GDM, the lowest quartile of B12 and highest quartile of folate had significantly higher adjusted risk of fetal macrosomia (RR 5.3 (1.26, 21.91), p = 0.02 and 4.99 (1.15, 21.62), p = 0.03 respectively). Conclusion: This is the first study from the UK to show that maternal B12 levels are associated with BMI, risk of GDM, and additionally may have an independent effect on macrosomia. Due to the increasing burden of maternal obesity and GDM, longitudinal studies with B12 measurements in early pregnancy are needed to explore this link.
Improving the Imaging Quality of Ghost Imaging Lidar via Sparsity Constraint by Time-Resolved Technique
Authors: Gong Wenlin , Yu Hong , Zhao Chengqiang , Bo Zunwang , Chen Mingliang , Xu Wendong
Published: December 2016

Ghost imaging via sparsity constraint (GISC)—which is developing into a new staring imaging lidar—can obtain both the range information and spatial distribution of a remote target with the use of the measurements below the Nyquist limit. In this work, schematics of both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) GISC lidar are introduced. Compared with the 2D GISC lidar, we demonstrate by both simulation and experimentally that the signal-to-noise ratio of the 3D GISC lidar can be dramatically enhanced when a time-resolved technique is used to record the target’s reflection signals and the orthogonal characteristic of the target’s 3D surface structure is taken as a priori in the image reconstruction process. Some characteristics of the 2D and 3D GISC lidar systems are also discussed.
Managing the Quality of Experience in the Multimedia Internet of Things: A Layered-Based Approach
Authors: Floris Alessandro , Atzori Luigi
Published: December 2016

This paper addresses the issue of evaluating the Quality of Experience (QoE) for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, with particular attention to the case where multimedia content is involved. A layered IoT architecture is firstly analyzed to understand which QoE influence factors have to be considered in relevant application scenarios. We then introduce the concept of Multimedia IoT (MIoT) and define a layered QoE model aimed at evaluating and combining the contributions of each influence factor to estimate the overall QoE in MIoT applications. Finally, we present a use case related to the remote monitoring of vehicles during driving practices, which is used to validate the proposed layered model, and we discuss a second use case for smart surveillance, to emphasize the generality of the proposed framework. The effectiveness in evaluating classes of influence factors separately is demonstrated.
A Three-Dimensional Movement Analysis of the Spike in Fistball
Authors: Bund Andreas , Ghorbani Saeed , Rathjens Franziska
Published: December 2016

Due to its relevancy to point scoring, the spike is considered as one of the most important skills in fistball. Biomechanical analyses of this sport are very rare. In the present study, we performed a three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the fistball spike, which helps to specify performance parameters on a descriptive level. Recorded by four synchronized cameras (120 Hz) and linked to the motion capture software Simi Motion® 5.0, three female fistball players of the second German league (24–26 years, 1.63–1.69 m) performed several spikes under standardized conditions. Results show that the segment velocities of the arm reached their maximum successively from proximal to distal, following the principle of temporal coordination of single impulses. The wrist shows maximum speed when the fist hits the ball. The elbow joint angle performs a rapid transition from a strong flexion to a (almost) full extension; however, the extension is completed after the moment of ball impact. In contrast, the shoulder joint angle increases almost linearly until the fistball contact and decreases afterward. The findings can be used to optimize the training of the spike.
Technology Clusters Exploration for Patent Portfolio through Patent Abstract Analysis
Authors: Kim Gabjo , Lee Joonhyuck , Jang Dongsik , Park Sangsung
Published: December 2016

This study explores technology clusters through patent analysis. The aim of exploring technology clusters is to grasp competitors’ levels of sustainable research and development (R&D) and establish a sustainable strategy for entering an industry. To achieve this, we first grouped the patent documents with similar technologies by applying affinity propagation (AP) clustering, which is effective while grouping large amounts of data. Next, in order to define the technology clusters, we adopted the term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) weight, which lists the terms in order of importance. We collected the patent data of Korean electric car companies from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to verify our proposed methodology. As a result, our proposed methodology presents more detailed information on the Korean electric car industry than previous studies.
Analyzing Environmental Continuous Improvement for Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Focusing on Its Performance and Information Disclosure
Authors: Murata Koichi
Published: December 2016

This study analyzes the relationship between the implementation and information disclosure of environmental continuous improvement (e-CI) in sustainable supply chain management. The analyzed data relates to e-CI delivered from 19 manufacturing industry types in Japan. A degenerated Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes model, a proposed model for data envelopment analysis, is also used for the analysis. The obtained result is a classification of types of manufacturing industries from the perspective of their capabilities in both e-CI implementation and information disclosure to systematically discover emphatic indicators of these two activities in each manufacturing industry type.
Experimental Analysis and Process Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Removal Using Tuff
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Aquino Andrea , Nicolini Andrea , Cotana Franco
Published: December 2016

Removal of carbon dioxide via selective adsorption is a key process to obtain consumer-grade natural gas from biogas and, more generally, CO2 capture and sequestration from gaseous mixtures. The aim of this work is the characterization and classification of a natural alternative to synthetic zeolites that could be used as a carbon dioxide adsorbent. Tuff particulate, easily available as a byproduct of the construction industry, was tested with different laboratory procedures to verify its suitability for CO2 removal applications. Relevant physical and adsorption properties were measured during an intensive experimental campaign. Porosity, pore size distribution, and specific surface area were obtained with mercury intrusion porosimetry. Adsorption isotherms and saturation curves were obtained using two custom experimental apparatuses. The selective adsorption was finally modeled using an original phenomenological parameterization, and a simplified simulation of the process was performed using a computational fluid dynamic approach, validated against observed data. Results show that natural zeolites represent a very promising and sustainable alternative to synthetic zeolites in pressure swing adsorption processes for CO2 removal.
On Center, Periphery and Average Eccentricity for the Convex Polytopes
Authors: Nazeer Waqas , Kang Shin , Nazeer Saima , Munir Mobeen , Kousar Imrana , Sehar Ammara , Kwun Young
Published: December 2016

A vertex v is a peripheral vertex in G if its eccentricity is equal to its diameter, and periphery P ( G ) is a subgraph of G induced by its peripheral vertices. Further, a vertex v in G is a central vertex if e ( v ) = r a d ( G ) , and the subgraph of G induced by its central vertices is called center C ( G ) of G . Average eccentricity is the sum of eccentricities of all of the vertices in a graph divided by the total number of vertices, i.e., a v e c ( G ) = { 1 n ∑ e G ( u ) ; u ∈ V ( G ) } . If every vertex in G is central vertex, then C ( G ) = G , and hence, G is self-centered. In this report, we find the center, periphery and average eccentricity for the convex polytopes.
Urban Soundscapes: Characterization of a Pedestrian Tourist Route in Sorrento (Italy)
Authors: Aletta Francesco , Brambilla Giovanni , Maffei Luigi , Masullo Massimiliano
Published: December 2016

The tourist experience of built environments has received a lot of attention in tourism marketing and management research. Several studies have shown that the environmental qualities of a place can contribute to its aesthetic appreciation and overall expectation of tourists. Such aesthetic qualities, such as cenery and soundscapes, should thus be regarded as key components of tourists’ satisfaction. This study proposes that a soundscape approach could be a suitable tool in tourism management, due to its general purpose of enhancing the users’ experience of a place, taking into account the acoustic dimension of the environment. Within this framework, this paper describes the characterization of the soundscape of a pedestrian tourist route in Sorrento (Italy). For this purpose, a group of acoustics experts, architects, and planners used the soundwalk method to collect recordings and perceptual data about the sound environment along a pre-defined tourist path. The results suggest that the tourists’ perceptual construct is underpinned by both visual and aural elements contributing to soundscape appreciation.
Synthetic Biodegradable Microparticle and Nanoparticle Vaccines against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Jorquera Patricia , Tripp Ralph
Published: December 2016

Synthetic biodegradable microparticle and nanoparticle platform technology provides the opportunity to design particles varying in composition, size, shape and surface properties for application in vaccine development. The use of particle vaccine formulations allows improvement of antigen stability and immunogenicity while allowing targeted delivery and slow release. This technology has been design to develop novel vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. In the last decade, several nano- and micro-sized RSV vaccine candidates have been developed and tested in animal models showing promising results. This review provides an overview of recent advances in prophylactic particle vaccines for RSV and the multiple factors that can affect vaccine efficacy.
Paleohydraulic Reconstruction of Modern Large Floods at Subcritical Speed in a Confined Valley: Proof of Concept
Authors: Bohorquez Patricio
Published: December 2016

The present study aims to show the accuracy of paleoflood reconstruction techniques based on two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modelling of a large flood. Using this reconstruction technique, we determined trends in flood stages over time in a regulated river. A stretch of the Guadalquivir River (Southern Spain) was selected as the study site. High-resolution orthophotos and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) elevations were acquired just after modern floods. They were used for the identification and location of stage indicators. In addition, water gradients were estimated from gauging records, documentary information and paleostage indicators (PSIs) in two situations: (i) pre-vegetation encroachment; and (ii) post-vegetation encroachment due to upstream impoundment. Standard two-dimensional, flow depth-averaged equations over fixed beds were used in the hydraulic modelling. In a first stage, long records of instrumental data at gauging stations and documentary evidence of flood levels served to calibrate the input parameters of the hydraulic model. In a second stage, paleoflood signatures within sedimentary and botanical sequences served to verify the flood stages in the numerical simulations not only at the river reach where instrumental data exist but also in the downstream river reach. Interestingly, the rating curve obtained from the combined use of documentary information and imagery was nearly as accurate as gauging measurements. The thoughtful comparison of 2D modelled hydraulic variables against inferred values from PSIs and instrumental data supports the paleoflood reconstruction method over fixed beds. Vegetation encroachment provoked 10% deeper floods at the water discharge of 2000 m3 · s−1, which implied an increase of Manning’s roughness coefficient from 0.04 to 0.055 s · m−1/3 in less than 15 years.
Predictors of Residual Renal Function Decline in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: The balANZ Trial
Authors: Htay Htay , Cho Yeoungjee , Pascoe Elaine M. , Darssan Darsy , Hawley Carmel , Johnson David W.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Preservation of residual renal function (RRF) is associated with improved survival. The aim of the present study was to identify independent predictors of RRF and urine volume (UV) in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

The study included incident PD patients who were balANZ trial participants. The primary and secondary outcomes were RRF and UV, respectively. Both outcomes were analyzed using mixed effects linear regression with demographic data in the first model and PD-related parameters included in a second model.

Results

The study included 161 patients (mean age 57.9 ± 14.1 years, 44% female, 33% diabetic, mean follow-up 19.5 ± 6.6 months). Residual renal function declined from 7.5 ± 2.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline to 3.3 ± 2.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 24 months. Better preservation of RRF was independently predicted by male gender, higher baseline RRF, higher time-varying systolic blood pressure (SBP), biocompatible (neutral pH, low glucose degradation product) PD solution, lower peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF) and lower dialysate glucose exposure. In particular, biocompatible solution resulted in 27% better RRF preservation. Each 1 L/day increase in UF was associated with 8% worse RRF preservation ( p = 0.007) and each 10 g/day increase in dialysate glucose exposure was associated with 4% worse RRF preservation ( p < 0.001). Residual renal function was not independently predicted by body mass index, diabetes mellitus, renin angiotensin system inhibitors, peritoneal solute transport rate, or PD modality. Similar results were observed for UV.

Conclusions

Common modifiable risk factors which were consistently associated with preserved RRF and residual UV were use of biocompatible PD solutions and achievement of higher SBP, lower peritoneal UF, and lower dialysate glucose exposure over time.
New syntheses of (±)-tashiromine and (±)-epitashiromine via enaminone intermediates
Authors: Riley Darren L , Michael Joseph P , de Koning Charles B
Published: December 2016

The syntheses of the naturally occurring indolizidine alkaloid (±)-tashiromine and its unnatural epimer (±)-epitashiromine are demonstrated through the use of enaminone chemistry. The impact of various electron-withdrawing substituents at the C-8 position of the indolizidine core on the preparation of the bicyclic system is described.
KEPLER-21b: A ROCKY PLANET AROUND A V = 8.25 mag STAR*
Authors: López-Morales Mercedes , Haywood Raphaëlle D. , Coughlin Jeffrey L. , Zeng Li , Buchhave Lars A. , Giles Helen A. C. , Affer Laura , Bonomo Aldo S. , Charbonneau David , Cameron Andrew Collier , Consentino Rosario , Dressing Courtney D. , Dumusque Xavier , Figueira Pedro , Fiorenzano Aldo F. M. , Harutyunyan Avet , Johnson John Asher , Latham David W. , Lopez Eric D. , Lovis Christophe , Malavolta Luca , Mayor Michel , Micela Giusi , Molinari Emilio , Mortier Annelies , Motalebi Fatemeh , Nascimbeni Valerio , Pepe Francesco , Phillips David F. , Piotto Giampaolo , Pollacco Don , Queloz Didier , Rice Ken , Sasselov Dimitar , Segransan Damien , Sozzetti Alessandro , Udry Stephane , Vanderburg Andrew , Watson Chris
Published: December 2016

HD 179070, aka Kepler-21, is a V = 8.25 F6IV star and the brightest exoplanet host discovered by Kepler. An early detailed analysis by Howell et al. of the first 13 months (Q0–Q5) of Kepler light curves revealed transits of a planetary companion, Kepler-21b, with a radius of about 1.60 ± 0.04

and an orbital period of about 2.7857 days. However, they could not determine the mass of the planet from the initial radial velocity (RV) observations with Keck-HIRES, and were only able to impose a 2σ upper limit of 10

. Here, we present results from the analysis of 82 new RV observations of this system obtained with HARPS-N, together with the existing 14 HIRES data points. We detect the Doppler signal of Kepler-21b with a RV semiamplitude K = 2.00 ± 0.65

, which corresponds to a planetary mass of 5.1 ± 1.7

. We also measure an improved radius for the planet of 1.639 +0.019/−0.015

, in agreement with the radius reported by Howell et al. We conclude that Kepler-21b, with a density of 6.4 ± 2.1

, belongs to the population of small, ≲6

planets with iron and magnesium silicate interiors, which have lost the majority of their envelope volatiles via stellar winds or gravitational escape. The RV analysis presented in this paper serves as an example of the type of analysis that will be necessary to confirm the masses of TESS small planet candidates.
FORMATION OF H i CLOUDS IN SHOCK-COMPRESSED INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM: PHYSICAL ORIGIN OF ANGULAR CORRELATION BETWEEN FILAMENTARY STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro
Published: December 2016

Recent observations of the neutral Galactic interstellar medium showed that filamentary structures of H i clouds are aligned with the interstellar magnetic field. Many interesting applications are proposed based on the alignment, such as measurement of magnetic field strength through the Chandrasekhar–Fermi method and removal of foreground dust emissions for the detection of inflationary polarized emission in the cosmic microwave background radiation. However, the physical origin of the alignment remains to be explained. To understand the mechanism, we examine the formation of H i clouds triggered by shock compression of the diffuse warm neutral medium using three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We show that the shock-compressed medium of density

cm−3 evolves into H i clouds with

cm−3 via thermal instability consistent with previous studies. We apply a machine vision transformation developed by Clark et al. to the simulated column density structures to measure angle correlation between filamentary structures of H i clouds and magnetic field. We find that the orientation of H i filaments depends on the environmental turbulent velocity field, particularly on the strength of shear strain in the direction of the magnetic field, which is controlled by the angle between the shock propagation direction and upstream magnetic field. When the strain along the magnetic field is weak, filamentary components of H i clouds lie perpendicular to the magnetic field. However, the filaments have come to align with the magnetic field, if we enhance the turbulent strain along the magnetic field or if we set turbulence in the preshock medium.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF UC H ii REGIONS AND CLASS II METHANOL MASERS. I. SOURCE CATALOGS
Authors: Hu B. , Menten K. M. , Wu Y. , Bartkiewicz A. , Rygl K. , Reid M. J. , Urquhart J. S. , Zheng X.
Published: December 2016

We conducted Very Large Array C-configuration observations to measure positions and luminosities of Galactic Class II 6.7 GHz methanol masers and their associated ultra-compact H ii regions. The spectral resolution was 3.90625 kHz and the continuum sensitivity reached 45 μJy beam−1. We mapped 372 methanol masers with peak flux densities of more than 2 Jy selected from the literature. Absolute positions have nominal uncertainties of 0.″3. In this first paper on the data analysis, we present three catalogs; the first gives information on the strongest feature of 367 methanol maser sources, and the second provides information on all detected maser spots. The third catalog presents derived data of the 127 radio continuum counterparts associated with maser sources. Our detection rate of radio continuum counterparts toward methanol masers is approximately one-third. Our catalogs list properties including distance, flux density, luminosity, and the distribution in the Galactic plane. We found no significant relationship between luminosities of masers and their associated radio continuum counterparts, however, the detection rate of radio continuum emission toward maser sources increases statistically with the maser luminosities.
Stand Up and Be Counted: Measuring and Mapping the Rheumatology Workforce in Canada
Authors: Barber Claire E.H. , Jewett Lauren , Badley Elizabeth M. , Lacaille Diane , Cividino Alfred , Ahluwalia Vandana , Averns Henry , Baillie Cory , Ellsworth Janet , Pope Janet , Levy Deborah , Charnock Christine , McGowan Claire , Thorne J. Carter , Barnabe Cheryl , Zummer Michel , Lundon Katie , McDougall Robert S. , Thomson John G. , Yacyshyn Elaine A. , Mosher Dianne , Brophy Julie , Ruban Thanu Nadarajah , Marshall Deborah A.
Published: December 2016

Objective.

To characterize the practicing rheumatologist workforce, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) launched the Stand Up and Be Counted workforce survey in 2015.

Methods.

The survey was distributed electronically to 695 individuals, of whom 519 were expected to be practicing rheumatologists. Demographic and practice information were elicited. We estimated the number of full-time equivalent rheumatologists per 75,000 population from the median proportion of time devoted to clinical practice multiplied by provincial rheumatologist numbers from the Canadian Medical Association.

Results.

The response rate was 68% (355/519) of expected practicing rheumatologists (304 were in adult practice, and 51 pediatric). The median age was 50 years, and one-third planned to retire within the next 5–10 years. The majority (81%) were university-affiliated. Rheumatologists spent a median of 70% of their time in clinical practice, holding 6 half-day clinics weekly, with 10 new consultations and 45 followups seen per week. Work characteristics varied by type of rheumatologist (adult or pediatric) and by practice setting (community- or university-based). We estimated between 0 and 0.8 full-time rheumatologists per 75,000 population in each province. This represents a deficit of 1 to 77 full-time rheumatologists per province/territory to meet the CRA recommendation of 1 rheumatologist per 75,000 population, depending on the province/territory.

Conclusion.

Our results highlight a current shortage of rheumatologists in Canada that may worsen in the next 10 years because one-third of the workforce plans to retire. Efforts to encourage trainees to enter rheumatology and strategies to support retention are critical to address the shortage.
The 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease Questionnaire: Construct Validity, Reliability, and Interpretability in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Di Carlo Marco , Becciolini Andrea , Lato Valentina , Crotti Chiara , Favalli Ennio Giulio , Salaffi Fausto
Published: December 2016

Objective.

To study, in a real-life setting, the construct validity, the reliability, and the interpretability of the 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID-12) questionnaire in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods.

In 144 consecutive patients with PsA (81 men and 63 women, mean age of 51.4 ± 12.8 yrs, and 77 receiving biologic treatment), the PsAID-12 and other patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were collected, such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Each patient underwent articular and skin assessment.

Results.

Construct validity: Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor result defined as the PsAID Symptom Score and the PsAID Skin Score. In determining convergent validity, significant correlations were found between the PsAID-12 and the clinical Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA; ρ = 0.867, p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed that the PsAID-12 is determined by the articular disease activity (cDAPSA, p < 0.0001), severity of psoriasis (PsO; physician’s global assessment, p < 0.0001), and the presence of a coexisting fibromyalgia (FM; p < 0.0001). Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.93 for the total PsAID-12. Interpretability: Applying the cDAPSA categorization of disease activity states, the PsAID-12 cutoff values resulted in 1.4 between remission and low disease activity (LDA), 4.1 between LDA and moderate disease activity (MDA), and 6.7 between MDA and high disease activity.

Conclusion.

The PsAID-12 is an excellent PRO to evaluate the effect of PsA. It should be carefully handled in patients with coexisting FM.
L’islam paradoxal
Authors: Terrier Mathieu
Published: December 2016

Le fondamentalisme sunnite a refoulé la spiritualité chiite. Il importe donc de revenir aux origines des multiples divisions sectaires, leurs mémoires concurrentes, leurs différentes herméneutiques du Coran, ainsi qu’à leurs rapports au culte des saints et au politique.
Pour un djihad contre le djihadisme
Authors: Abbès Makram
Published: December 2016

La notion de djihad est équivoque : elle renvoie à la fois à la lutte armée et à la lutte spirituelle. On ne peut toutefois écarter le sens militaire, irréductible à son élaboration juridico-théologique, au profit du seul effort pour contrôler ses passions.
Daech : le dévoiement
Authors: Aubert Bruno
Published: December 2016

Les tenants du parler-vrai ont raison d’affirmer un rapport du terrorisme islamiste à la religion : il n’est pourtant pas celui d’une continuité, mais d’un dévoiement et d’une sinistre caricature.
Islam et christianisme : comparer ce qui est comparable
Authors: Schlegel Jean-Louis
Published: December 2016

Dans un contexte où l’islam fait figure de bouc émissaire, il ne sert à rien de revenir à la lettre du Coran, qui peut être interprétée de multiples manières, mais il importe de faire l’histoire des divisions initiales et de prêter attention à la religion vécue des fidèles.
Gestion des risques : pourquoi s’en préoccuper ?
Authors: Saint-Laurent Pierre
Published: December 2016

La gestion des risques est capitale dans toute décision d’affaires. Aucun entrepreneur ou dirigeant ne décide d’ouvrir de nouveaux marchés, d’embaucher des employés ou de lancer un nouveau produit sans « calculer » les risques. Comment la concurrence réagira-t-elle ? Ce produit atteindra-t-il les cibles de ventes prévues ? Pourquoi alors créer une discipline de la gestion des risques ? Peut-être, justement, parce que les décideurs n’en tiennent pas toujours suffisamment compte…
Apprendre… à apprendre autrement
Authors: Jézéquel Myriam
Published: December 2016

Devant une situation inédite, nous avons souvent le réflexe de nous appuyer sur une théorie éprouvée. Et si on jetait plutôt un regard neuf sur les situations problématiques ? La clé : apprendre à désapprendre. Pas qu’un simple mot mais bien une nouvelle attitude mentale.
Worldsourcing 2.0 – À la recherche de talents à l’échelle mondiale sur les médias sociaux
Authors: Lirio Pamela
Published: December 2016

Il n’y a pas si longtemps, le worldsourcing , c’est-à-dire la recherche ininterrompue des meilleurs matériaux et des meilleurs processus d’innovation, de logistique ou de production à travers tous les fuseaux horaires, a fait son entrée dans les multinationales. Près de dix ans plus tard, l’explosion de l’utilisation des technologies dans les pratiques de gestion fait briller le potentiel de repérage de talents de la même façon.
Environnement mondial et compétitivité
Authors: Warin Thierry
Published: December 2016

Les questions de compétitivité sont d’une grande acuité dans notre environnement mondial incertain. Pourtant, nous vivons le début de la quatrième révolution industrielle. C’est une époque formidable pour qui sait la saisir et accroître la compétitivité de son organisation.
L’avenir de l’innovation jugaad : le juste équilibre entre excellent et satisfaisant
Authors: Rao Madanmohan
Published: December 2016

Le courant de l’innovation frugale, né dans des pays qui ont su faire plus avec moins, trouve désormais un écho dans les plus grandes entreprises qui veulent, elles aussi, apprendre à transformer les contraintes en possibilités.
Êtes-vous un intrapreneur ?
Authors: Filion Louis Jacques
Published: December 2016

Qui sont ces missionnaires qui se comportent comme des entrepreneurs pour transformer des organisations dont ils ne sont pas propriétaires et qui conçoivent et introduisent des innovations, souvent à contre-courant ? Et comment les entreprises peuvent-elles vraiment en tirer profit ?
7 moyens de renforcer
Authors: Vandenberghe Christian
Published: December 2016

Les gestionnaires peuvent utiliser différents mécanismes pour que se manifestent des comportements susceptibles de créer un engagement soutenu des employés dans leurs tâches et un lien solide avec l’entreprise.
La transposition spéculative des attributs divins et la « véritable théodicée » de Hegel
Authors: Picardi Roberta
Published: December 2016

L’article examine la façon dont Hegel traite la représentation des attributs divins, avec référence particulière à deux questions traditionnelles : la question de leur compatibilité réciproque et le problème de l’univocité ou équivocité entre les prédicats humains et divins. Les hypothèses défendues sont les suivantes : la prétention de connaître Dieu en lui attribuant plusieurs prédicats constitue selon Hegel l’erreur fondamentale de la théologie rationnelle ; néanmoins, Hegel ne considère pas tous les attributs divins comme représentations dépourvues de noyau spéculatif et donc simplement destinées à disparaître, avec le passage du niveau de la Représentation au niveau du Concept ; il affirme plutôt la correspondance des prédicats de toute-puissance, bonté, justice et sagesse, avec les déterminations du Concept ; la transposition spéculative de ces attributs divins est une partie intégrante de la « véritable théodicée » de Hegel, car elle représente une réplique – alternative à celle de Leibniz – par rapport à l’anti-théodicée de Pierre Bayle, centrée sur l’affirmation d’une contradiction insoluble entre la bonté, la toute-puissance et la justice divines ; enfin, l’éclaircissement du lien dialectique que Hegel établit entre justice et sagesse divines – à travers leur transposition spéculative – permet de mieux saisir la façon dont il conçoit le rapport entre justice humaine et justice divine, qui est ici examinée à travers une analyse de l’interprétation hégélienne du livre de Job.
Nucleosome dynamics: HMGB1 facilitates nucleosome restructuring and collaborates in estrogen-responsive gene expression
Authors: Scovell William M.
Published: December 2016

The genome in the human cell is extraordinarily compacted in the nucleus. As a result, much of the DNA is inaccessible and functionally inert. Notwithstanding the highly efficient packaging, mechanisms have evolved to render DNA sites accessible that then enable a multitude of factors to carry out ongoing and vital functions. The compaction is derived from DNA complexation within nucleosomes, which can further consolidate into a higher-order chromatin structure. The nucleosome and nucleosomal DNA are not static in nature, but are dynamic, undergoing structural and functional changes as the cell responds to stresses and/or metabolic or environmental cues. We are only beginning to understand the forces and the complexes that engage the nucleosome to unearth the tightly bound and inaccessible DNA sequences and provide an opening to more accessible target sites. In many cases, current findings support a major role for the action of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs) in providing an avenue to factor accessibility that leads to the activation of transcription. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) does not bind to the estrogen response element (ERE) in the canonical nucleosome. However, evidence will be presented that HMGB1 restructures the nucleosome in an ATP-independent manner and also facilitates access and strong binding of ERα to ERE. The features that appear important in the mechanism of action for HMGB1 will be highlighted, in addition to the characteristic features of the restructured nucleosome. These findings, together with previous evidence, suggest a collaborative role for HMGB1 in the step-wise transcription of estrogen-responsive genes. In addition, alternate mechanistic pathways will be discussed, with consideration that “HMGB1 restructuring” of the nucleosome may generally be viewed as a perturbation of the equilibrium of an ensemble of nearly isoenergetic nucleosome states in an energy landscape that is driven by conformational selection by HMGB1.
Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Swimming Teaching
Authors: Guo Han
Published: November 2016

Swimming is one of the most popular spots among college students, though it is hard to master. With virtual reality (VR) technology, problems of the low-cross mutual inductance and low efficiency can be solved. A physical model and the software framework of the virtual reality system was proposed. The swimming teaching system can solve the problem that perception-action separation, improve the study ecological validity, and hold great promise for the study of perception- action. A comparison analysis between students' correct and wrong swimming movements is carried out, and the analysis results show that the virtual reality system solves the problem of monotonicity in real swimming teaching.
A Repository for the Storage of Web Archives
Authors: Goncalves Marlene , Campisi Samantha , Escalante Juan A.
Published: November 2016

Within the web, it is possible to find an important portion of the knowledge of humankind in terms of studies and development. Preserving versions of this web content is required for future reference. File systems or databases are two main alternatives for preserving historical web content. Since databases offer a convenient way to organize and query data with respect to the file systems, they may be preferred for preserving historical web content. Thus, the goal of this chapter is to propose techniques in order to store collections of web files on a database management system. Five techniques were developed and experimentally compared in terms of performance and space. Experimental results show that the proposed techniques based on the change detection require a smaller amount of space, they are more efficient in terms of load on the database, and they have lower performance in terms of processing web file to store.
Glocalism
Authors: Hartman Jennifer D.
Published: November 2016

The interconnectedness of nations and peoples worldwide is changing the face of art education. While some scholars aspire to global education that will encourage students to become engaged in creating a more just and peaceful world, others warn that global education is tied to a neoliberal ideology and must be approached with caution. This chapter will provide a discussion of the promises and challenges of infusing global civic learning into a public school art education environment and address how global civic learning might be situated in a local context in order to avoid some of the possible pitfalls. Then, through a review art education literature, the chapter will make suggestions for the types of curricular endeavors (service learning, ethnography, ecology, and public art) that have successfully been able to situate global civic learning in local environments.
The Collective Aestheticization of Farming as Participatory Civic Engagement
Authors: Coats Cala
Published: November 2016

This chapter is a case study that traces the life of a young artist farmer who developed a community-based educational farm. The case study illuminates networked connections between small-scale farming, a revitalized interest in handmade production, and a burgeoning desire for a living ethics rooted in direct engagements. This chapter reveals the breadth of the handmade revolution, tracing a singular example to investigate the desire to become a small-scale farmer; the network of apprenticing makers, farmers, and artists; the necessary participatory aestheticization of the farm as a marketing strategy and mode of cultural consumption; and the ethical complexity of sustaining the life of a young farmer in the current organic and locally-grown marketplace.
Adaptive Clustering Techniques and Their Applications
Authors: Hudedagaddi Deepthi P. , Tripathy B. K.
Published: November 2016

With the increasing volume of data, developing techniques to handle it has become the need of the hour. One such efficient technique is clustering. Data clustering is under vigorous development. The goal of clustering is to determine the intrinsic grouping in a set of unlabeled data. Several data clustering algorithms have been developed in this regard. Data is uncertain and vague. Hence uncertain and hybrid based clustering algorithms like fuzzy c means, intuitionistic fuzzy c means, rough c means, rough intuitionistic fuzzy c means are being used. However, with the application and nature of data, clustering algorithms which adapt to the need are being used. These are nothing but the variations in existing techniques to match a particular scenario. The area of adaptive clustering algorithms is unexplored to a very large extent and hence has a large scope of research. Adaptive clustering algorithms are useful in areas where the situations keep on changing. Some of the adaptive fuzzy c means clustering algorithms are detailed in this chapter.
Complexity Risk and Modeling Disorder
Authors: Hollmann John K.
Published: November 2016

Despite 50 years of cost accuracy research, companies are generally unable to quantify the worst outcomes. In the process industries about 10 percent of large projects overrun their budgets by 70 percent or more. The system behavior of these blowouts often reflects disorder. For complex projects, the blowout proportion is 15 to 30 percent of projects. Many risk analysts ignore the worst outcomes as “unknown-unknowns” or “black swans”; but they are neither—we know the causes and their impact is somewhat predictable. Cost disasters start with a mix of systemic weakness and risk events. The cost of mundane projects may overrun by 20 to 40% which is bad but no disaster (financiers assume they will overrun by 25%). Add complexity and stress and the projects can cross a “tipping point” into disorder and chaos with cost overruns of 50, 100 or 200 percent-true disasters. This chapter describes complexity risk and the disorder it can lead to, practical measures of complexity and stress and how to incorporate those measures in non-linear risk quantification models.
Integrated Risk-Based and Economic-Based (IRBEB) Methodology for Selection of Project Alternatives
Authors: Raydugin Yuri
Published: November 2016

Selection of a most optimal project alternative in early phases of project development is paramount for overall project success. A standard practice is to make the selection based on economic considerations that overlook risk exposure of a selected alternative. Standalone risk evaluation of alternatives cannot ensure that a most optimal alternative is selected either as economic considerations may be overlooked. Moreover, both economic-based and risk-based alternative's selection methodologies cannot guaranty that all viable alternatives have been considered. This chapter introduces integrated risk-based and economic-based (IRBEB) alternative's selection methodology that includes an algorithm to generate a comprehensive set of all viable project alternatives to choose from.
Development of Web GIS Based Framework for Public Health Management System Using ERDAS Apollo 2010
Authors: Verma Shipra
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes a framework for an essential creation of a public health information visualization platform, for Japanese Encephalitis (JE) disease outbreaks in the Gorakhpur district, India. The Web GIS technology is used with ERDAS Apollo 2010 software at customized level, to develop architecture for Web GIS-based public health information systems. A GUI has been created using Java Server Pages (JSP) for its customization. This will help in extending the benefit of GIS and Web technology for public availability in the area for preparation of the health plan in multitier system.
Smart Energy and Cost Optimization for Hybrid Micro-Grids
Authors: Yahyaoui Imene , Ghraizi Rachid , Tadeo Fernando , Segatto Marcelo Eduardo Vieira
Published: November 2016

This chapter is concerned with the energy management of a hybrid micro-grid composed of photovoltaic/ wind/ battery bank and diesel generator, which is used to supply domestic loads. Hence, a control strategy is proposed to manage the power flow between the power sources and the loads, which ensures the maximization of the renewable sources use, and therefore the minimization of the battery bank and diesel generator use. The control strategy allows the installation operating cost to be minimized and the safe operating for the battery bank to be guaranteed. The strategy is tested using measured data of some climatic parameters of the target area, showing its efficiency in fulfilling the fixed objectives.