bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) trends in China, 2013–2018: separating contributions from anthropogenic emissions and meteorology
Authors: Zhai Shixian , Jacob Daniel J. , Wang Xuan , Shen Lu , Li Ke , Zhang Yuzhong , Gui Ke , Zhao Tianliang , Liao Hong
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a severe air pollution
problem in China. Observations of PM2.5 have been available since 2013
from a large network operated by the China National Environmental Monitoring
Center (CNEMC). The data show a general 30 %–50 % decrease in annual mean
PM2.5 across China over the 2013–2018 period, averaging at −5.2 µg m−3 a−1. Trends in the five megacity cluster regions targeted by
the government for air quality control are -9.3±1.8 µg m−3 a−1 (±95 % confidence interval) for Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei,
-6.1±1.1 µg m−3 a−1 for the Yangtze River Delta, -2.7±0.8 µg m−3 a−1 for the Pearl River Delta, -6.7±1.3 µg m−3 a−1 for the Sichuan Basin, and -6.5±2.5 µg m−3 a−1 for the Fenwei Plain (Xi'an). Concurrent 2013–2018
observations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) show that
the declines in PM2.5 are qualitatively consistent with drastic
controls of emissions from coal combustion. However, there is also a large
meteorologically driven interannual variability in PM2.5 that
complicates trend attribution. We used a stepwise multiple linear regression
(MLR) model to quantify this meteorological contribution to the PM2.5 trends across China. The MLR model correlates the 10 d PM2.5
anomalies to wind speed, precipitation, relative humidity, temperature, and
850 hPa meridional wind velocity (V850). The meteorology-corrected
PM2.5 trends after removal of the MLR meteorological contribution can
be viewed as being driven by trends in anthropogenic emissions. The mean
PM2.5 decrease across China is −4.6 µg m−3 a−1 in the
meteorology-corrected data, 12 % weaker than in the original data, meaning
that 12 % of the PM2.5 decrease in the original data is
attributable to meteorology. The trends in the meteorology-corrected data
for the five megacity clusters are -8.0±1.1 µg m−3 a−1 for Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (14 % weaker than in the original
data), -6.3±0.9 µg m−3 a−1 for the Yangtze River Delta
(3 % stronger), -2.2±0.5 µg m−3 a−1 for the Pearl River
Delta (19 % weaker), -4.9±0.9 µg m−3 a−1 for
the Sichuan Basin (27 % weaker), and -5.0±1.9 µg m−3 a−1 for the Fenwei Plain (Xi'an; 23 % weaker); 2015–2017 observations of
flattening PM2.5 in the Pearl River Delta and increases in the Fenwei
Plain can be attributed to meteorology rather than to relaxation of emission
controls.
The ratio of methanogens to methanotrophs and water-level dynamics drive methane transfer velocity in a temperate kettle-hole peat bog
Authors: Rey-Sanchez Camilo , Bohrer Gil , Slater Julie , Li Yueh-Fen , Grau-Andrés Roger , Hao Yushan , Rich Virginia I. , Davies G. Matt
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Peatlands are a large source of methane (CH4) to the
atmosphere, yet the uncertainty around the estimates of CH4 flux from
peatlands is large. To better understand the spatial heterogeneity in
temperate peatland CH4 emissions and their response to physical and
biological drivers, we studied CH4 dynamics throughout the growing
seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Flatiron Lake Bog, a kettle-hole peat bog in
Ohio. The site is composed of six different hydro-biological zones: an open
water zone, four concentric vegetation zones surrounding the open water, and
a restored zone connected to the main bog by a narrow channel. At each of
these locations, we monitored water level (WL), CH4 pore-water
concentration at different peat depths, CH4 fluxes from the ground and
from representative plant species using chambers, and microbial community
composition with a focus here on known methanogens and methanotrophs.
Integrated CH4 emissions for the growing season were estimated as 315.4±166 mgCH4m-2d-1 in 2017 and 362.3±687 mgCH4m-2d-1 in 2018. Median CH4 emission was highest in
the open water, then it decreased and became more variable through the
concentric vegetation zones as the WL dropped, with extreme emission
hotspots observed in the tamarack mixed woodlands (Tamarack) and low
emissions in the restored zone (18.8–30.3 mgCH4m-2d-1).
Generally, CH4 flux from above-ground vegetation was negligible
compared to ground flux (<0.4 %), although blueberry plants were
a small CH4 sink. Pore-water CH4 concentrations varied
significantly among zones, with the highest values in the Tamarack zone,
close to saturation, and the lowest values in the restored zone. While the
CH4 fluxes and pore-water concentrations were not correlated with
methanogen relative abundance, the ratio of methanogens to methanotrophs in
the upper portion of the peat was significantly correlated to CH4
transfer velocity (the CH4 flux divided by the difference in CH4 pore-water concentration between the top of the peat profile and the
concentration in equilibrium with the atmosphere). Since ebullition and
plant-mediated transport were not important sources of CH4 and the peat
structure and porosity were similar across the different zones in the bog,
we conclude that the differences in CH4 transfer velocities, and thus
the flux, are driven by the ratio of methanogen to methanotroph relative
abundance close to the surface. This study illustrates the importance of the
interactions between water-level and microbial composition to better
understand CH4 fluxes from bogs and wetlands in general.
Decreasing uncertainty in flood frequency analyses by including historic flood events in an efficient bootstrap approach
Authors: Bomers Anouk , Schielen Ralph M. J. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Flood frequency curves are usually highly uncertain since they are based on short data sets of measured discharges or weather conditions. To decrease the confidence intervals, an efficient bootstrap method is developed in this study. The Rhine river delta is considered as a case study. We use a hydraulic model to normalize historic flood events for anthropogenic and natural changes in the river system. As a result, the data set of measured discharges could be extended by approximately 600 years. The study shows that historic flood events decrease the confidence interval of the flood frequency curve significantly, specifically in the range of large floods. This even applies if the maximum discharges of these historic flood events are highly uncertain themselves.
California earthquake insurance unpopularity: the issue is the price, not the risk perception
Authors: Pothon Adrien , Gueguen Philippe , Buisine Sylvain , Bard Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Despite California being a highly seismic prone region, most homeowners are not covered against this risk. This study analyses the reasons for homeowners to purchase insurance to cover earthquake losses, with application in California. A dedicated database is built from 18 different data sources about earthquake insurance, gathering data since 1921. A new model is developed to assess the take-up rate based on the homeowners’ risk awareness and the average annual insurance premium amount. Results suggest that only two extreme situations would lead all owners to cover their home with insurance: (1) a widespread belief that a devastating earthquake is imminent, or alternatively (2) a massive decrease in the average annual premium amount by a factor exceeding 6 (from USD 980 to 160, 2015 US dollars). Considering the low likelihood of each situation, we conclude from this study that new insurance solutions are necessary to fill the protection gap.
Auditors and Relationship Banking
Authors: Hinkel Timothy
Published: August 2019

This study examines whether a bank’s relationship with a borrowing firm’s external auditor through a shared client portfolio affects loan pricing. I find that when lenders’ portfolios are more concentrated in firms engaging a particular auditor, borrowers who engage that auditor enjoy lower spreads. This relation is only evident when the lender is the lead arranger who is primarily responsible for information gathering about the borrower. Tests suggest the reduction in information asymmetry facilitating these lower borrowing costs occurs via banks’ enhanced ability to interpret the audited financial statements when they have greater familiarity with the external auditor. My results are relevant to debt-seeking firms who should be mindful of their auditor’s relationship with prospective lenders, as well as regulators seeking to better understand how auditors can affect corporate financing outcomes.
Ferrymead Bridge
Authors: Kirkcaldie D. , Brabhaharan P. , Cowan M. , Wang C. , Hayes G. , Greenfield L.
Published: August 2019

Identified in the Christchurch Lifelines Study as a bridge vulnerable to damage in a major earthquake, the Ferrymead Bridge on the key arterial route connecting the suburbs of Redcliffs and Sumner to the rest of Christchurch has subsequently been under investigation by the Christchurch City Council to increase its traffic capacity and upgrade its earthquake resistance. A contract was let in 2010 to undertake these works.

Surviving the September 2010 Darfield earthquake undamaged, the bridge fell victim to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake with extensive liquefaction and soil lateral spread occurring at the site, displacing the abutments and piers inwards towards the centre of the river. After extensive investigation into options for recovering the bridge, the decision was finally taken to replace the bridge with a new structure.

This paper outlines the initial design to widen and seismically upgrade the original bridge, the damage sustained by the bridge from the Christchurch earthquake and measures instituted to stabilise the bridge as a result of that damage, and focuses particularly on the design now developed for the replacement structure. The significant issues involved in achieving earthquake resistance at a highly liquefiable site and in constructing in an environment of ongoing earthquake activity are discussed.
Efficacy, Adherence and Side Effects of PrEP for HIV-1 Prevention
Authors: Fang Wanyi , Mphoyi Bongani I. , Motake Dineo R. , Liu Jianxin , Li Wenshuang , Mei Fanghua , Lai Shenghan , Wang Jun
Published: August 2019

Each year, approximately two million new HIV infections are reported worldwide. About one decade ago, a company called Gilead Sciences Inc. discovered a new HIV prevention method named as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). When high adherence was kept among high-risk population, PrEP efficacy could reach as high as 99%. However, the adverse effects have been reported from time to time, including low efficacy in certain cases, adherence difficulties and medicinal side effects. In this review, we would summarize the progress of PrEP since its introduction in order to provide insights for HIV prevention.
Anthocyanin Profiling Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Saha Supradip , Singh Jashbir , Paul Anindita , Sarkar Rohan , Khan Zareen , Banerjee Kaushik
Published: August 2019

Background: As a powerful antioxidant and natural colorant, anthocyanins are being used increasingly as a component of food supplements and nutraceutical products. Hence, its characterization is a prerequisite for further exploration of its nutraceutical potential. UV-Vis and MS are the two important techniques, which have been largely employed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of anthocyanins. However, a comprehensive review of the applications of these techniques in literature is scarce. Objective: This paper aims to review the utilization of UV-Vis spectral data as well as mass spectral data for characterization and putative identification of anthocyanins with approaches of quantification. Methods: The techniques described in literature have been thoroughly reviewed and comparatively evaluated. The complementary approaches of UV-Vis and MS spectra have been discussed for identification and quantification of these compounds. Results: Valuable information about the chemical composition and structure of anthocyanins can be predicted from the UV-Vis spectral data, such as number and type of glycosylation as well as absence or presence of acylation, to name a few. It is also pointed out that for their structural confirmation, selectivity of mass detectors with unit and high-resolution analysis could be effective. Conclusions: The combination of LC-MS with UV-Vis spectroscopy provides complementary information on structural details of anthocyanins. In case the analytical reference standards are available, a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer provides selectivity and quantitative sensitivity in analysis. On the other hand, high-resolution MS analysis provides valuable information for tentative identification during nontarget screening of compounds when the reference standard is not available. Highlights: This paper reviews the applications of UV-Vis spectroscopy and LC-MS for qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins.
Doxastic Involuntarism and Evidentialism
Authors: Gamache Joseph ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

It is a curious feature of early modern (specifically empiricist) epistemology and its contemporary heirs in analytic philosophy that belief is held both to be involuntary (doxastic involuntarism), and to be subject to a prescriptive norm of evidence (evidentialism). I begin by laying out these theses, pointing out the tension that exists between them, as well as discussing how they put pressure on religious faith. I then ask why the first thesis—doxastic involuntarism—has come to be so dominant. Following my diagnosis, I advance reasons to think that the thin concept of belief presupposed by doxastic involuntarism is not faithful to our ordinary and more substantial concept of belief. I conclude by outlining an alternative understanding of what it means to believe that p, based on insights of St. Thomas Aquinas and Gabriel Marcel regarding belief and opinion, as well as the relationship between persons and their beliefs.
Statistical Approximation to Synthetic Midship Hull Girder Stress Response
Authors: Steinbakk Gunnhildur Högnadottir , Aarsnes Lars Holterud , Aldrin Magne , Astrup Ole Christian , Haug Ola , Storhaug Gaute , Vanem Erik
Published: August 2019

Combined hydrodynamic and structural models are used to simulate structural responses on ship hulls in a seaway for design and risk assessment purposes. From a safety and inspection perspective, there is demand for continuously monitoring the ship hull conditions to estimate the structural utilization in real time. However, setting up the computer models and running the analysis are time consuming and costly, preventing such models from being used operationally. We developed a statistical model that approximates the wave bending moment output from the computer model, by linking the wave bending moment to ship design parameters and environmental information. This statistical model is computationally cheap and much faster to run than a hydrodynamic model, and may thus act as a virtual indicator sensor for structural condition monitoring. The approximated wave bending moment can also be used to compute fatigue damage for a ship as an indicator for crack risk. Although somewhat sensitive to the training dataset, a validation study reveals that the statistical model performs decently well. For fatigue rates, relative errors range from1.4% to 60% for out-of-sample results with weighted least squares, which is deemed acceptable for an indicator model used for screening a fleet of vessels.
Percepções de estudantes do curso técnico em agropecuária sobre o uso de fertilizantes no semiárido
Authors: Silva Allyne do Nascimento Eufrásio , Moreira Sueli Aparecida , Rodrigues Elaine Cristina do Nascimento , Lichston Juliana Espada
Published: August 2019

Os diferentes conhecimentos expressos sobre o uso de fertilizantes químicos e orgânicos estão intimamente ligados à formação dos agricultores e profissionais que atuam no campo. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o conhecimento dos estudantes do curso Técnico Integrado em Agropecuária do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, campus de Apodi (RN) sobre a utilização de fertilizantes, químicos e orgânicos, na região do semiárido. Para tanto, foram aplicados questionários estruturados para estudantes do curso mencionado nesse campus. Posteriormente, as respostas foram analisadas e categorizadas em seis grupos: Supridores artificiais das necessidades do solo; Uso de fertilizantes sem critério técnico; Fertilizantes prejudiciais à saúde; Fertilizantes agressores do meio ambiente; Adubação orgânica benéfica ao solo; Ênfase Sustentável. Grande parte dos entrevistados acreditava que os fertilizantes químicos são usados para correção e nutrição do solo, trazendo benefícios para a produção, mas podem causar doenças e problemas ambientais, sobretudo em elevadas quantidades. Além disso, os estudantes também acreditam que a adubação orgânica traz inúmeros benefícios, sobretudo por ser natural. Os discentes entrevistados consideram que, tanto os fertilizantes químicos quanto os orgânicos, são importantes para suprir as necessidades do solo, contudo os orgânicos se destacaram por serem mais rentáveis e mais sustentáveis.
Redek zaplet primarne okužbe z Epstein-Barr virusom
Authors: Jarc Georgiev Katja , Ahačič Tina , Najdenov Peter
Published: August 2019

Akutni akalkulozni holecistitis (AAH) je redek zaplet primarne okužbe z virusom Epstein-Barr (EBV). Opisujemo primer 17-letnega fanta, pri katerem je bil zaradi bolečin v trebuhu, izrazitega bruhanja, tonzilitisa ter splenomegalije postavljen sum na infekcijsko mononukleozo. Slednja je bila potrjena s hitrim aglutinacijskim testom za dokaz heterofilnih protiteles razreda IgM proti EBV. Ultrazvočno je bila vidna zadebeljena in razslojena stena žolčnika v odsotnosti žolčnih kamnov. Ob konzervativnem zdravljenju z antibiotikom širokega spektra, analgetično in rehidracijsko terapijo je prišlo do popolne ozdravitve. V slovenski literaturi opisa podobnega primera AAH še nismo beležili, zato želimo z opisanim primerom opozoriti na možnost redkega zapleta – AAH med prebolevanjem okužbe s sicer pogosto prisotnim virusom.
Can we manage frailty at individual level by the use of information and communication technologies: a narrative literature review
Authors: Selak Špela , Albaina Bakaikoa Olatz , Gabrovec Branko
Published: August 2019

An increase in age-related disability and dependence is an almost inevitable consequence of population ageing, whereas frailty seems to be highly prevalent among older adults with prevalence ranging from 5 % to more than 45 %. Among the potential ways to face the challenges of ageing society are healthcare services supported by the use of information and communication technologies. The aim of this research was to define the information and communication technologies used to support the management of frailty, its effects and related challenges within joint action Advantage. A narrative literature review of peer-reviewed literature, using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl and UpToDate databases was carried out. The search resulted in a total of 124634 articles. After excluding duplicates and taking into account inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 sources remained for analysis. The results indicate multidimensional usage of information and communication technologies and show that a wide range of potentially beneficial information and communication technology solutions have been developed, covering prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring to enable older adults to remain independent at home, support caregivers, facilitate remote monitoring and self-management, provide decision support, improve information sharing and coordination of services, support daily activities etc. Many information and communication technologies have a potential to prevent and manage frailty, especially in the domain of physical activity and exercise, social resources and psychological state, falls prevention, support to daily activities and overall well-being. However, there is a lack of evidence on the outcomes of information and communication technologies’ use related to older adults, and their adoption and implementation seem to remain problematic as well. Therefore, strategic approach should be used to support further research as well as to address and foster implementation and (wider) adoption of health-related information and communication technologies.
Free prolin content in Arabidopsis thaliana Cat2 and Cat3 knockout mutants under salt stress
Authors: Didenko N. O. , Buzduga I. M. , Volkov R. A. , Panchuk I. I.
Published: August 2019

Aim. In plants, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic environmental stress resistance mechanisms function in a concerted manner, but the role of specific isoforms of antioxidant enzymes and their relationship to low molecular weight protective compounds is poorly understood. To investigate this question free proline levels were compared under salt stress conditions in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and knockout mutants for the catalase genes Cat2 and Cat3. Methods. Free proline content was measured under various treatments of plants with sodium chloride. Results. It was shown that under salt stress conditions free proline increase is impaired in leaves of mutants lacking CAT2 and CAT3 activity. In addition, cat3 knockout line shows a reduced basal level of proline under non-stress conditions. Conclusions. Suppression of response to salt stress points to a possible link between the rearrangement of the antioxidant system in the Cat genes knockouts and the regulation of protective cellular response to salt stress.Key words: Arabidopsis thaliana, knockout mutants, catalase, proline, sodium chloride.
Long-term videomicroscopy of living cells in vitro: Opportunities and prospects
Authors: Sheiko Y. I. , Balashenko N. A. , Kvitko O. V. , Koneva I. I. , Dromashko S. E.
Published: August 2019

Aim. Intravital video microscopy of cells is a highly informative approach to the study of cell cultures. Often, this method allows refining and complementing the data obtained by researchers at the visual study of living cultures or fixed preparations. The main problem of the long intravital video microscopy is the maintenance of cell activity. To solve this problem, video-computer "Tsitomir" has been developed. Methods. During cultivation the images of the cell culture areas (from one to several hundred) specified by researcher are captured at regular intervals (time-lapse method of photography). A motorized sample stage allows moving the culture vessel with the joystick, as well as to scan the specified cell culture sites automatically. Results. In our investigations, we studied such processes as cell division, death, differentiation, motility and massive changes of cell cultures associated with cancerous transformation, including abnormal morphological changes and cell aggregation. The effectiveness of the intravital cell microscopy use to test the anti-cancer drugs is shown as well. Conclusions. Opportunities of video-complex enable its use in biomedical research, in the development of cell technologies, the study of the action of pharmacological agents and sanitary-hygienic regulation of chemicals in the cell assay systems. Obtained through "Tsitomir" photos and videos can also be used as educational material for students of biological, medical and agricultural universities.Keywords: cell culture, intravital videomicroscopy, differentiation, proliferation, anti-cancer protection.
Discuter et réfléchir son activité par l’instruction au sosie : émergence de contradictions et débats de métier
Authors: Dionne Patricia , Viviers Simon , Saussez Frédéric
Published: August 2019

La pratique des personnes conseillères d’orientation est complexe et exige des espaces-temps de réflexivité pour repenser le travail. Sous l’angle de la psychologie culturelle-historique, la réflexion est conçue comme une reconfiguration du rapport à l’activité laborieuse et repose sur des dynamiques collectives et subjectives. À partir d’instructions au sosie réalisées en collectif, l’analyse ici proposée cerne les fonctions du collectif, de la discussion sur le métier et des contradictions le traversant, pour stimuler la réflexion et dynamiser les affects liés à l’activité de travail. Pour les personnes conseillères impliquées, les réflexions collectives et mises en débat du métier ont soutenu l’établissement d’un rapport subjectif progressivement plus conscient à l’activité de travail, lequel les mène à envisager de nouvelles possibilités d’agir.
Analyse des discours réflexifs produits dans un dispositif de formation en alternance en éducation physique
Authors: Lenzen Benoît , Poussin Bernard
Published: August 2019

Cette recherche porte sur les discours réflexifs produits par des étudiants en formation initiale à l’enseignement de l’éducation physique, dans le cadre d’un dispositif de formation en alternance cherchant à orienter leur réflexivité vers des problématiques didactiques. Ces discours réflexifs se caractérisent par (a) une certaine normativité, inhérente à l’approche « normative » du développement professionnel sous-jacente au dispositif, et (b) une forte présence de dimensions didactiques, avec toutefois une prise en compte limitée de l’activité motrice des élèves dans les situations d’apprentissage complexes. Ces résultats soulignent l’intérêt de programmer, dès la formation initiale, des dispositifs de formation en alternance incluant un outillage conceptuel en didactique. Ils pointent également la nécessité d’une formation spécifique à la lecture de l’activité des élèves.
Focalisation de l’activité sur le mot et genèse orthographique chez de jeunes élèves
Authors: Sémidor Pierre
Published: August 2019

Les enseignantes que nous observons focalisent l’activité de leurs élèves sur le mot, unité fondamentale de l’écrit dans les pratiques expertes. Selon notre hypothèse, grâce au prêt de conscience magistral, les élèves agiraient dès le début des apprentissages formels dans un monde où l’écriture est orthographique sans recours à une définition explicite du mot ni à la connaissance des règles d’orthographe. Nos observations montrent comment, en incorporant les manières d’agir proposées sous forme de scénarios, les élèves écrivent en segmentant graphiquement. Leurs actions et leurs verbalisations manifestent un traitement des unités graphiques comme formes orthographiques en amont de l’enseignement grammatical explicite. L’activité sur le mot induit selon nous une secondarisation de l’habitus scriptural des élèves et peut fonder la genèse orthographique.
Enabling the Individual: Simmel, Dewey and “The Need for a Philosophy of Education”
Authors: Koenig Heike
Published: August 2019

The essay brings together Georg Simmel’s and John Dewey’s reflections on the issues of education against the background of their diagnosis of a crisis in modern culture. In speaking of a “tragedy of culture” (Simmel) or, respectively, of a “tragedy of the lost individual” (Dewey) both thinkers stress the challenge the individual faces in constituting itself as a unity within a highly differentiated culture. I will show that both Simmel’s as well as Dewey’s considerations refer to the urgency of understanding individuality not as something static and fixed but as a coherent manner of interacting with continuously transforming conditions. This is an insight which emerges from Simmel’s “philosophy of life” as well as from Dewey’s “philosophy of experience” and it urges modern education to focus on enabling the individual’s “self-control” and “self-direction” within its own life and experience process.
L’ascendance du maître, ou l’empreinte théorique d’Ivan Wyschnegradsky sur Régime 11, Type A (1978) de Bruce Mather
Authors: Bazin Paul
Published: August 2019

Le compositeur canadien Bruce Mather a fait la rencontre d’Ivan Wyschnegradsky en 1974, quelques années seulement avant le décès de celui-ci. L’amitié qui naît alors entre les deux hommes mène d’abord au premier enregistrement commercial de la musique de Wyschnegradsky par le duo Mather-LePage, puis à la première oeuvre microtonale signée par Mather, Régime 11, Type A (1978), composée pour une formation de deux pianos complémentaires accordés à distance d’un quart de ton. Cet article fait d’abord le survol de certains principes théoriques développés par Wyschnegadsky, relate ensuite la relation qu’il a partagée avec Mather, et propose finalement une analyse de l’ouverture de Régime 11, Type A, dans laquelle le principe d’espaces non-octaviants est repris par celui, qui, aujourd’hui encore, se considère comme le disciple du maître russe.
L’ouverture d’un espace dialogique dans les interventions intellectuelles de Jeanne Lapointe
Authors: Noël Alex
Published: August 2019

Le débat qui a opposé Jeanne Lapointe à Mgr Félix-Antoine Savard et à Pierre Gélinas dans les pages de Cité libre en 1954 et en 1955 est considéré comme un moment phare dans l’émergence de la littérature comme discipline du savoir universitaire. Or, nous croyons qu’il permet aussi de saisir comment et contre quoi s’est érigée la figure de l’intellectuelle chez Lapointe. L’hypothèse au coeur de notre article est donc que se dessinent déjà, dans ce premier débat médiatisé par Cité libre, les contours d’une posture intellectuelle singulière que Lapointe continuera de développer par la suite. Plus précisément, nous souhaitons proposer une définition de cette posture, que nous résumons par les termes de retournement dialogique. Nous entendons par là une stratégie qui vise moins à convaincre l’adversaire qu’à retourner contre le discours monologique de celui-ci ses propres arguments, à renverser contre lui la lecture du monde qu’il impose (et les valeurs qu’elle transporte) dans le but d’ébranler l’hégémonie de son discours (et de sa pensée).
La sensibilité intégraliste sous la Révolution tranquille : l’exemple des chrétiens de gauche de la revue Maintenant (1962-1974)
Authors: Roy Martin
Published: August 2019

Dans le contexte agité de la Révolution tranquille et du renouveau conciliaire, les chrétiens de gauche de la revue Maintenant ont conçu une forme particulière de sensibilité religieuse intégraliste. Ils confèrent, en effet, à la foi chrétienne des incidences élargies, voire totalisantes qui excèdent les seules questions privées et ultimes, mais sans l’assortir de bases institutionnelles typiques d’une chrétienté. Ainsi, partisans d’un intégralisme minimal, ils se dissocient à la fois de la variante maximale de l’intégralisme et de la conception marginaliste du religieux. De la première, ils rejettent principalement l’idéal de chrétienté ; et de la seconde, ils refusent la réduction de la foi chrétienne aux seules questions intimes et ultimes, car, selon eux, elle ne saurait être sans incidences en matière sociopolitique.
« Nous sommes l’un des deux peuples fondateurs et nous voulons être traités comme tel » : la référence canadienne-française dans la presse franco-ontarienne (1969-1982)
Authors: Miville Serge
Published: August 2019

Cette étude de la presse franco-ontarienne entre 1969 et 1982 s’intéresse à la persistance de la référence canadienne-française dans les journaux en Ontario français. L’auteur, qui propose une analyse des principaux hebdomadaires francophones de la province et de l’édition du samedi du Droit, tente de faire ressortir les liens de continuité existant entre l’identité franco-ontarienne et l’identité canadienne-française au lendemain des États généraux du Canada français. Le projet de société en Ontario français, loin d’être « normaliste », s’est largement inspiré d’une certaine interprétation du projet canadien-français. Les journaux citent, notamment, la thèse des deux peuples fondateurs et le droit d’aînesse des Franco-Ontariens dans la province pour justifier l’attribution de nouveaux droits et de nouvelles institutions à la minorité française en Ontario.
Melody matters: An acoustic study of domestic cat meows in six contexts and four mental states
Authors: Schötz Susanne , van de Weijer Joost , Eklund Robert
Published: August 2019

This study investigates domestic cat meows in different contexts and mental states. Measures of fundamental frequency (f0) and duration as well as f0 contours of 780 meows from 40 cats were analysed. We found significant effects of recording context and of mental state on f0 and duration. Moreover, positive (e.g. affiliative) contexts and mental states tended to have rising f0 contours while meows produced in negative (e.g. stressed) contexts and mental states had predominantly falling f0 contours. Our results suggest that cats use biological codes and paralinguistic information to signal mental state.
Homology sensing via non-linear amplification of sequence-dependent pausing by RecQ helicase
Authors: Seol Yeonee , Harami Gábor M , Kovács Mihály , Neuman Keir C
Published: August 2019

RecQ helicases promote genomic stability through their unique ability to suppress illegitimate recombination and resolve recombination intermediates. These DNA structure-specific activities of RecQ helicases are mediated by the helicase-and-RNAseD like C-terminal (HRDC) domain, via unknown mechanisms. Here, employing single-molecule magnetic tweezers and rapid kinetic approaches we establish that the HRDC domain stabilizes intrinsic, sequence-dependent, pauses of the core helicase (lacking the HRDC) in a DNA geometry-dependent manner. We elucidate the core unwinding mechanism in which the unwinding rate depends on the stability of the duplex DNA leading to transient sequence-dependent pauses. We further demonstrate a non-linear amplification of these transient pauses by the controlled binding of the HRDC domain. The resulting DNA sequence- and geometry-dependent pausing may underlie a homology sensing mechanism that allows rapid disruption of unstable (illegitimate) and stabilization of stable (legitimate) DNA strand invasions, which suggests an intrinsic mechanism of recombination quality control by RecQ helicases.
Postural control in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis while wearing a Chêneau brace or performing active self-correction: a pilot study
Authors: Piątek Elżbieta , Kuczyński Michał , Ostrowska Bożena
Published: August 2019

Background

It is known that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is often accompanied by balance deficits. This reciprocal relationship must be taken into account when prescribing new therapeutic modalities because these may differently affect postural control, interacting with therapy and influencing its results.

Objective

The purpose was to compare postural control in girls with AIS while wearing the Chêneau brace (BRA) or performing active self-correction (ASC) with their postural control in a quiet comfortable stance.

Methods

Nine subjects were evaluated on a force plate in three series of two 20-s quiet standing trials with eyes open or closed; three blocks were randomly arranged: normal quiet stance (QST), quiet stance with BRA, and quiet stance with ASC. On the basis of centre-of-pressure (COP) recordings, the spatial and temporal COP parameters were computed.

Results and Discussion

Performing ASC was associated with a significant backward excursion of the COP mean position with eyes open and closed (ES = 0.56 and 0.65, respectively;p < 0.05). This excursion was accompanied by an increase in the COP fractal dimension (ES = 1.05 and 0.98;p < 0.05) and frequency (ES = 0.78;p = 0.10 and ES = 1.14;p < 0.05) in the mediolateral (ML) plane. Finally, both therapeutic modalities decreased COP sample entropy with eyes closed in the anteroposterior (AP) plane. Wearing BRA resulted in ES = 1.45 (p < 0.05) while performing ASC in ES = 0.76 (p = 0.13).

Conclusion

The observed changes in the fractal dimension (complexity) and frequency caused by ASC account for better adaptability of patients to environmental demands and for their adequate resources of available postural strategies in the ML plane. These changes in sway structure were accompanied by a significant (around 25 mm) backward excursion of the mean COP position. However, this improvement was achieved at the cost of lower automaticity, i.e. higher attentional involvement in postural control in the AP plane. Wearing BRA may have an undesirable effect on some aspects of body balance.
Assessment of the Ploidy Level Diversity by Chloroplast Counts in Stomatal Guard Cells of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Mutants
Authors: Chepkoech Emmy , Kinyua Miriam G. , Kiplagat Oliver , Ochuodho Julius , Bado Souleymane , Kinyua Zachary , Kimno Stephen , Chelulei Michael
Published: August 2019

Aims: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important staple food in the world and plays an important role in food and nutritional security. Induced mutation generates variation within potato germplasm to widen the genetic base for breeding purposes. Polyploidy modifies both the genotype and phenotype of an organism, generating diverse changes that consequently transform the potato production. Potato has chromosomes with different ploidy levels which can be determined by counting chloroplasts in stomatal guard cells.

Study Design:  The study was carried out in completely randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, between February 2015 and July 2016.

Methodology: The study involved 163 potato mutants developed from three commercially grown Kenyan potato varieties; Asante, Mpya, and Sherekea irradiated using gamma rays from 60Co source under different dose rates. Three middle leaves of greenhouse-grown plants were randomly selected for chloroplast counts in ten pairs of stomata guard cells on the lower surface of the leaf. Data on the number of chloroplast counts per mutant was calculated as a percentage of the parents or control and descriptive analysis.

Results: The results indicate that the number of ploidy level distribution was decreasing in diploids and triploids and were increasing in tetraploids from M1V1, M1V2 to M1V3 in all the potato mutant populations.

Conclusion: This shows that mutation induction generates genetic variations from which desired mutants may be selected based on the appropriate breeding strategies.
Impact of Disagregated Public Expenditure on Unemployment Rate of Selected African Countries: A Panel Dynamic Analysis
Authors: C. Onuoha Favour , Agbede Moses Oyeyemi,
Published: August 2019

The study examined the impact of disaggregated public expenditure on unemployment rate in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroun, Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo and Tunisia with panel data spanning from 2000 to 2017. The data were majorly sourced from the World Bank Indicator. The study employed Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) techniques for empirical analysis. The findings of two-step system GMM showed that expenditure on infrastructure and education reduce unemployment rate, while expenditure on defense and health increase unemployment rate in the region. The short-run elasticity estimate showed that infrastructure and education expenditures reduce unemployment rate by 9% and 1.83%. A unit rise in defense and health expenditure increase unemployment rate by 5.2% and 84.5%. The long-run elasticities of infrastructure and education expenditure reduce unemployment rate by 3.8% and 7.89%, while the long-run defense and health expenditure elasticities increase unemployment rate by 22.22% and 364.58% in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroun, Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo and Tunisia. The policy implication is that, the positive relationship between expenditure on health and unemployment could be attributed to mismanagement of government funds due to corruption, while that of defense and unemployment could be high rate of insecurity and crimes in the region.Therefore, the study recommended among others a drastic measure to further improve the education sector through adequate investment in education that will help in skills, development and training.
Diabetes Self-management and Its Related Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Health Care Settings of Kerman, Southeast Iran
Authors: Khalooei Ali , Benrazavy Lila
Published: August 2019

Aims: Diabetes self-management (DSM) plays a crucial role in diabetes control. The present study was conducted to evaluate DSM and its related factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among T2DM patients from January to March 2017 in urban healthcare centers of Kerman city, southeast Iran. A total of 600 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study using a multistage sampling method. Valid and reliable diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ) was employed for data collection.

Results: The mean (±SD) score of DSM was 6.92 (±1.17) out of 10 with inter quartile range 6.25-7.70. DSM mean score was higher in patients with higher educational level and household income significantly. Employed subjects (mean=7.18) had a higher DSM mean score than unemployed ones (mean=6.84). Moreover, DSM was better in patients who receive insulin and those with diabetes-related complications. DSM had a direct correlation with the number of visits by specialist physicians (r = 0.257, P < 0.001) and treatment duration (r = 0.103, P = 0.013). University education (Beta = 0.243, P < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of DMS, followed by high school education (Beta = 0.226, P < 0.001) and number of annual visits in primary healthcare centers (Beta = 0.205, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Self-Management behaviors were suboptimal among the diabetes patients. There-fore, designing and implementing effective interventions to improve self-care behaviors of diabetic patients is necessary in the first level of health delivery system in Iran.
Expression patterns of kiss2 and gpr54‐2 in Monopterus albus suggest these genes may play a role in sex reversal in fish
Authors: Yi Ti‐Lin , Pei Meng‐Ting , Yang Dai‐Qin
Published: August 2019

Due to its exceptionally small genome size and protogynous hermaphroditism, Monopterus albus has been proposed as a model for vertebrate sexual development. The Kiss/GPR54 system is a central regulator of sexual development in most vertebrates, but its role in sex reversal remains hypothetical. In contrast to mammals, fishes often possess more than one copy of the kiss and gpr54 genes. Our objectives were to identify all kiss/gpr54 genes in the genome of M. albus and to assess their involvement in sex reversal via their expression patterns (qPCR) in females, males, and intersex specimens. We identified only two genes: kiss2 and gpr54‐2. kiss2 expression was extremely high in the gonads of males, intermediate in females, and low in intersex; and reduced in all tissues of intersex. gpr54 expression was also extremely high in the gonads of males, high in intersex, but low in females. gpr54 expression in brain was high in all three sexes. In conclusion, (a) kiss1 has been functionally replaced in M. albus; (b) the functions of gpr54‐2 in brain are not sex‐specific; (c) kiss2 appears to undergo a ‘reset’ in the expression during the sex change; and (d) sex‐specific expression patterns in the gonads indicate that these two genes may play a role in sex reversal in fish.
Furin‐Controlled Fe3O4 Nanoparticle Aggregation and 19F Signal “Turn‐On” for Precise MR Imaging of Tumors
Authors: Ding Zhanling , Sun Hongbin , Ge Shuchao , Cai Yuan , Yuan Yue , Hai Zijuan , Tao Tongxiang , Hu Jinming , Hu Bing , Wang Junfeng , Liang Gaolin
Published: August 2019

For cancer diagnosis, 1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is advantageous in sensitivity but lacks selectivity. Endogenous 19F MRI signal in humans is barely detectable and thus 19F MRI has very high selectivity. A combination of 1H and 19F MRI is ideal for precise tumor imaging but a protease‐controlled strategy of simultaneous T2 1H MRI enhancement and 19F MRI “Turn‐On” has not been reported. Here, used is a click condensation reaction to rationally project a dual‐functional fluorine probe 4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (TFMB)‐Arg‐Val‐Arg‐Arg‐Cys(StBu)‐Lys‐CBT (1), which is further utilized to functionalize Fe3O4 nanoparticle (IONP) to achieve IONP@1. As such, the IONP aggregation can be activated by furin addition, thereby enhancing the T2 1H MRI signal and switching the 19F NMR/MRI signal “On”. Using this strategy, IONP@1 is successfully applied to detect the activity of the furin enzyme with “Turn‐On” 19F NMR/MRI and T2 1H MRI signals are enhanced. Moreover, IONP@1 is also applied for precise dual‐mode (1H and 19F) MR imaging of tumors in zebrafish under 14.1 T. The current approach, therefore, provides a feasible and robust means to reconcile the dilemma between selectivity and sensitivity of conventional MRI probes. More importantly, it is envisioned that, by substituting the TFMB moiety in 1 with a perfluorinated compound, this “smart” method could be of potential use for precise 1H MR and 19F MR imaging of tumor in mouse or in bigger rodents in near future.
Tunable Spin Characteristic Properties in Spin Valve Devices Based on Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites
Authors: Wang Jingying , Zhang Chuang , Liu Haoliang , Liu Xiaojie , Guo Hangwen , Sun Dali , Vardeny Zeev Valy
Published: August 2019

The hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) form a new class of semiconductors which show promising optoelectronic device applications. Remarkably, the optoelectronic properties of HOIP are tunable by changing the chemical components of their building blocks. Recently, the HOIP spintronic properties and their applications in spintronic devices have attracted substantial interest. Here the impact of the chemical component diversity in HOIPs on their spintronic properties is studied. Spin valve devices based on HOIPs with different organic cations and halogen atoms are fabricated. The spin diffusion length is obtained in the various HOIPs by measuring the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) response in spin valve devices with different perovskite interlayer thicknesses. In addition spin lifetime is also measured from the Hanle response. It is found that the spintronic properties of HOIPs are mainly determined by the halogen atoms, rather than the organic cations. The study provides a clear avenue for engineering spintronic devices based on HOIPs.
Electrocatalytic Enhancement of 0D/1D/2D Multidimensional PtCo Alloy@Cobalt Benzoate/Graphene Composite Catalyst for Alcohol Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Bai Ping , Tian Fuli , Wang Hui , Yang Ting , Bi Xi , Chai Zhanli , Wang Xiaojing
Published: August 2019

PtCo alloy@cobalt benzoate/graphene (PtCo@Co‐BA/Gr) composite catalyst with 0D/1D/2D multidimensional structure is presented with simple solvothermal approach. As the introduced critical carrier, benzoic acid cobalt (II) (Co‐BA) has porous channels matching the size of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles and can enable PtCo alloy particles to be formed in its 1D mesopores through in situ reduction. Experiments indicate that the hydroxyl (OH) groups on the outer surface of Co‐BA are beneficial to form a strong interaction between Co‐BA and graphene. Compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst, the prepared PtCo@Co‐BA/Gr composite catalysts display an enlarged electrochemically active surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and prolonged durability in acidic media toward the oxidation of various alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol, which is mainly due to the increased surface area of PtCo by the confinement of mesoporous Co‐BA fiber, the promotion of water molecule dissociation of Co‐BA skeleton, and the improvement of conductivity by the introduction of graphene.