Evaluation of PM2.5 Surface Concentration Simulated by Version 1 of the Nasa's MERRA Aerosol Reanalysis Over Israel and Taiwan

Version 1 of the NASA MERRA Aerosol Reanalysis (MERRAero) assimilates bias-corrected 18 aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from MODIS-Terra and MODIS-Aqua, and simulates particulate 19 matter (PM) concentration data to reproduce a consistent database of AOD and PM concentration around 20 the world from 2002 to the end of 2015. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate MERRAeros simulation 21 of fine PM concentration against surface measurements in two regions of the world with relatively high 22 levels of PM concentration but with profoundly different PM composition, those of Israel and Taiwan. 23 Being surrounded by major deserts, Israels PM load is characterized by a significant contribution of 24 mineral dust, and secondary contributions of sea salt particles, given its proximity to the Mediterranean 25 Sea, and sulfate particles originating from Israels own urban activities and transported from Europe. 26 Taiwans PM load is composed primarily of anthropogenic particles (sulfate, nitrate and carbonaceous 27 particles) locally produced or transported from China, with an additional contribution of springtime 28 transport of mineral dust originating from Chinese and Mongolian deserts. The evaluation in Israel 29 produced favorable results with MERRAero slightly overestimating measurements by 6 on average 30 and reproducing an excellent year-to-year and seasonal fluctuation. The evaluation in Taiwan was less 31 favorable with MERRAero underestimating measurements by 42 on average. Two likely reasons 32 explain this discrepancy: emissions of anthropogenic PM and their precursors are largely uncertain in 33 China, and MERRAero doesnt include nitrate particles in its simulation, a pollutant of predominately 34 anthropogenic sources. MERRAero nevertheless simulates well the concentration of fine PM during the 35 summer, when Taiwan is least affected by the advection of pollution from China

Comparing composition and structure in old-growth and harvested (selection and diameter-limit cuts) northern hardwood stands in Quebec

Single-tree selection cutting is sometimes believed to be similar to the natural gap disturbance regime of hardwood forests, but few studies have specifically compared the compositional and structural characteristics of old-growth hardwood stands, undergoing natural gap dynamics and hardwood stands previously subjected to partial cuts. This study characterized and compared the composition (saplings and trees) and structure (gaps, foliage distribution, tree diameter and density, snags and coarse woody debris) of old-growth stands (OG), 12-year-old selection cuts (SC), and 28-33-year-old diameter-limit cuts (DLC) in sugar maple (Acer saccharum)-dominated northern hardwood stands. Results showed marked structural differences between OG and harvested stands, with stronger differences between DLC and OG than between SC and OG. The synchronized formation of numerous canopy openings in harvested stands induced a massive post-harvest recruitment of advance regeneration in both SC and DLC that created a dense foliage layer in the understory. Large living trees (dbh > 39.1 cm) and defective trees were less numerous in SC than OG, which can have a detrimental impact on species dependent on these structural elements, and on the future availability and characteristics of coarse woody debris. Relatively few compositional differences were noticed among stand types, although a greater proportion of mid-tolerant species was found in the post-harvest recruitment cohorts of harvested stands compared to OG, and a lower proportion of beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) saplings was observed in DLC compared to OG and SC. We argue that even if selection cutting is closer to the natural disturbance regime of hardwood forests than diameter-limit cutting, and therefore representing progress toward the development and implementation of a natural-disturbance-based management, a recurring application of selection cutting might lead to a homogenization of forest structure and composition, a reduction of key structural features and a reduction in biological diversity at both the stand and landscape scales. Some management recommendations are proposed

Phase II study of preoperative radiation plus concurrent daily tegafur-uracil (UFT) with leucovorin for locally advanced rectal cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Considerable variation in intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism can occur due to the wide range of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme activity, which can affect both tolerability and efficacy. The oral fluoropyrimidine tegafur-uracil (UFT) is an effective, well-tolerated and convenient alternative to intravenous 5-FU. We undertook this study in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of UFT with leucovorin (LV) and preoperative radiotherapy and to evaluate the utility and limitations of multicenter staging using pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy ultrasound. We also performed a validated pretherapy assessment of DPD activity and assessed its potential influence on the tolerability of UFT treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This phase II study assessed preoperative UFT with LV and radiotherapy in 85 patients with locally advanced T3 rectal cancer. Patients with potentially resectable tumors received UFT (300 mg/m/²/day), LV (75 mg/day), and pelvic radiotherapy (1.8 Gy/day, 45 Gy total) 5 days/week for 5 weeks then surgery 4-6 weeks later. The primary endpoints included tumor downstaging and the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most adverse events were mild to moderate in nature. Preoperative grade 3/4 adverse events included diarrhea (n = 18, 21%) and nausea/vomiting (n = 5, 6%). Two patients heterozygous for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (<it>DPYD</it>) experienced early grade 4 neutropenia (variant IVS14+1G > A) and diarrhea (variant 2846A > T). Pretreatment ultrasound TNM staging was compared with postchemoradiotherapy pathology TN staging and a significant shift towards earlier TNM stages was observed (p < 0.001). The overall downstaging rate was 42% for primary tumors and 44% for lymph nodes. The pCR rate was 8%. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for staging was poor. Anal sphincter function was preserved in 55 patients (65%). Overall and recurrence-free survival at 3 years was 86.1% and 66.7%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 36 node-positive patients (mean duration 118 days).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Preoperative chemoradiotherapy using UFT with LV plus radiotherapy was well tolerated and effective and represents a convenient alternative to 5-FU-based chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer. Pretreatment detection of DPD deficiency should be performed to avoid severe adverse events.</p

Les séminaires de mise en oeuvre (SMO) : un dispositif original d'accompagnement et de développement pédagogique

Dans le cadre de son programme de formations pédagogiques obligatoires des nouveaux enseignants/assistants mis en place depuis 2007, l’Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Enseignement Supérieur (IFRES) de l’Université de Liège propose une modalité originale de développement pédagogique : les séminaires de mise en œuvre (SMO). Un SMO est défini comme un « mini parcours de formation thématique, balisé et accompagné, menant à la conception et l’introduction d’une activité pédagogique dans un cours donné ». La présente communication décrit dans un premier temps les critères définitoires établis pour les SMO. En tant que conseillers pédagogiques, nous avons établi ces critères pour définir les orientations et/ou stratégies pédagogiques adoptées dans le cadre de ce service offert aux encadrants. Dans un second temps, les présupposés théoriques et pédagogiques sur lesquels se fonde chaque critère sont détaillés (Ferman, 2002 ; Viau, 2005 ; Saroyan, Amundsen, McAlpine, Weston, Winer & Gandell, 2006) afin de comprendre l’intérêt d’un dispositif comme celui des SMO et la complémentarité de ceux-ci par rapport aux ateliers/formations plus traditionnellement proposés par l’IFRES. Aux critères définitoires des SMO sont ainsi respectivement associées diverses hypothèses (en termes d’incidences sur la motivation, l’apprentissage ou encore le développement professionnel de l’enseignant/assistant débutant). La validité de ces hypothèses est envisagée ici dans le cas de deux dispositifs de SMO expérimentés durant l’année 2012-2013 (« Concevoir le scénario pédagogique de son cours » et « Créer mon portfolio d’enseignant(e) »), dont l’examen permet tout d’abord d’illustrer la façon dont ces critères sont concrètement mis en œuvre. En relation avec chacune de ces hypothèses, diverses données récoltées auprès des participants - à l’aide d’un questionnaire individuel en ligne, mais aussi à travers les productions réalisées dans le cadre des deux séminaires - sont ensuite analysées en vue d’éprouver l’efficacité des critères définitoires adoptés, et de dresser certaines perspectives de régulation et de développement pour le dispositif des SM

Epidémie à Clostridium difficile survenue à l'hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul à Lille en 2006 (étude descriptive)

LILLE2-BU Santé-Recherche (593502101) / SudocPARIS-BIUM (751062103) / SudocSudocFranceF

Protein contact dermatitis and food allergy to mare milk.

Case ReportsLetterSCOPUS: le.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Polarized low-coherence interferometry applied to birefringent fiber characterization

International audienceWe use a polarization-maintaining low-coherence interferometer to characterize birefringent optical fibers. We show how it is possible to determine the phase and group birefringence, the orientation of the two eigenaxes and the difference of chromatic dispersions along the eigenaxes, performing three measurements only

Le projet 1820-1905@ ou la cocréation d’activités de littératie numérique en classe d’univers social

Inscrite dans une étude souhaitant documenter les enjeux, les besoins et les meilleures pratiques de production, de diffusion et de réception d’oeuvres numériques pour la jeunesse (FRQSC 2017-2020), l’expérience de cocréation dont traite le présent article s’est réalisée auprès d’élèves de 5e année du primaire. L’équipe, constituée des coauteur·rice·s, a développé un projet pédagogique mobilisant la plateforme de prêts numériques, Biblius, ainsi que des activités de littératie numérique en classe d’univers social. Les élèves y ont été invités à explorer, par l’entremise d’oeuvres numériques pour la jeunesse et de dossiers documentaires, la société canadienne de 1820, puis ceux de 1905 pour ultimement présenter en réalité virtuelle un personnage représentatif du début du 20e siècle. L’article qui suit témoigne de la cocréation du projet 1820-1905@ et des constats qui émergent de son expérimentation en classe au regard du développement des compétences de littératie dans le contexte de l’enseignement-apprentissage de l’univers social.Involved in a study aiming to document the issues, needs and best practices of production, distribution, and reception of digital works for youth (FRQSC 2017-2020), the co-creation experience discussed in this article was carried out with 5th grade elementary school students. The team, made up of the co-authors, has developed an educational project involving the digital loan platform, Biblius, as well as digital literacy activities in social sciences classrooms. Students were invited to explore, through digital works for youth and documentary records, the Canadian society of 1820 and those of 1905 to finally present in virtual reality a representative character of the early 20th century. The following article attests of the co-creation of the 1820-1905@ project and the findings that emerge from its experimentation in the classroom regarding the development of literacy skills in the context of teaching-learning in social sciences

Étude des allergènes impliqués dans un cas d'allergie croisée latex-sarrasin

We report the case of an adult patient with occupational allergy to latex (. Hevea brasiliensis) associated with proven food allergy to buckwheat (. Fagopyrum esculentum). Immunological investigation demonstrated the presence of a 50. kDa allergen in both extracts; they were found to share common epitopes, reflecting their cross-allergenicity. The molecular function of this allergen has not yet been identified, but we suspect that it could be Hev b 13, a major latex allergen, which is not yet available for in vitro diagnosis.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe