bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Update of mercury emissions from China's primary zinc, lead and copper smelters, 2000–2010
Authors: Wu Q. R. , Wang S. X. , Zhang L. , Song J. X. , Yang H. , Meng Y.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. China is the largest anthropogenic mercury emitter in the world, where primary nonferrous metal smelting process is regarded as one of the most significant emission sources. In this study, atmospheric mercury emissions from primary zinc, lead and copper smelters in China during 2000–2010 were estimated using a technology-based methodology with comprehensive consideration of mercury concentration in concentrates, smelting process, mercury removal efficiencies of air pollution control devices (APCDs) and installation rate of a certain type of APCD combination. Our study indicated that atmospheric mercury emission from nonferrous metal smelters in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010 was 67.6, 100.1 86.7 80.6 and 72.5 t, respectively. In 2010, the mercury in metal concentrates consumed by primary zinc, lead and copper smelters were 543 t. The mercury emitted into atmosphere, fly ash, other solids, waste water and acid was 72.5, 61.5, 2.0, 3774 and 27.2 t, respectively. Mercury retrieved directly from flue gas as byproduct of nonferrous metal smelting was about 2.4 t. The amounts of mercury emitted into atmosphere were 39.4, 30.6 and 2.5 t from primary zinc, lead and copper smelters, respectively. The largest amount of mercury was emitted from Gansu province, followed by Henan, Yunnan, Hunan, Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi provinces. The average mercury removal efficiency was 90.5%, 71.2% and 91.8% in zinc, lead, and copper smelters, respectively.
Carbon monoxide measurements onboard the CARIBIC passenger aircraft using UV resonance fluorescence
Authors: Scharffe D. , Slemr F. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Zahn A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Goal of the project CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrumented Container) is to carry out regular and detailed observations of atmospheric composition (particles and gases) at cruising altitudes of passenger aircraft, i.e. at 9–12 km. Continuous, fast measurement of CO is indispensable for the chemical characterization of encountered air masses, for the detection of plumes of polluted air and for studying troposphere-stratosphere transport. CO is measured by a commercial resonance fluorescence UV instrument modified for the use onboard passenger aircraft. Modifications were necessary to optimize the instrument reliability allowing unattended operation for several days. The instrument has a precision of 1–2 ppbv at an integration time of 1 s. The response time to reach 63.2% signal strength is 2 s. We describe the modifications of the instrument, the experiences made during its operation since December 2004, the quality control of CO measurements onboard CARIBIC, and suggest a regular service routine that guarantees long-term high-quality data.
The effect of cattle slurry in combination with nitrate and the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide on in situ nitrous oxide and dinitrogen emissions
Authors: McGeough K. L. , Laughlin R. J. , Watson C. J. , Müller C. , Ernfors M. , Cahalan E. , Richards K. G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on N2O and N2 emissions after cattle slurry (CS) application in the presence of nitrate fertiliser on seven different occasions (between March 2009 and March 2011). N2O emissions from CS in the presence of NO3 fertiliser were very high (0.4–8.7% of applied N) over a 20 day period, under mild moist conditions. Emissions were significantly larger from the CS treatment compared to an NH4+-N source, supplying the same rate of N as in the slurry. This study supports the view that organic fertilisers should not be applied at the same time as nitrate based fertilisers, as significant increases in N2O emissions occur. The average N2O mole fraction (N2O/(N2O = N2)) over all seven application dates was 0.34 for CSNO3 compared to 0.24 for the NH4ClNO3 treatment, indicating the dominance of N2 emissions. The rate of nitrification in CSNO3 was slower than in NH4ClNO3 and DCD was found to be an effective nitrification inhibitor in both treatments. However, as N2O emissions were found to be predominantly associated with the NO3 pool, the effect of DCD in lowering N2O emissions is limited in the presence of a NO3 fertiliser. To obtain the maximum cost-benefit of DCD in lowering N2O emissions, under mild moist conditions, its application should be restricted to ammonium based organic or synthetic fertilisers.
Climate and vegetation changes around the Atlantic Ocean resulting from changes in the meridional overturning circulation during deglaciation
Authors: Handiani D. , Paul A. , Dupont L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The Bølling-Allerød (BA, starting ~ 14.5 ka BP) is one of the most pronounced abrupt warming periods recorded in ice and pollen proxies. The leading explanation of the cause of this warming is a sudden increase in the rate of deepwater formation in the North Atlantic Ocean and the resulting effect on the heat transport by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). In this study, we used the University of Victoria (UVic) Earth System-Climate Model (ESCM) to run simulations, in which a freshwater perturbation initiated a BA-like warming period. We found that under present climate conditions, the AMOC intensified when freshwater was added to the Southern Ocean. However, under Heinrich event 1 (HE1, ~ 16 ka BP) climate conditions, the AMOC only intensified when freshwater was extracted from the North Atlantic Ocean, possibly corresponding to an increase in evaporation or a decrease in precipitation in this region. The intensified AMOC led to a warming in the North Atlantic Ocean and a cooling in the South Atlantic Ocean, resembling the bipolar seesaw pattern typical of the last glacial period. In addition to the physical response, we also studied the simulated vegetation response around the Atlantic Ocean region. Corresponding with the bipolar seesaw hypothesis, the rainbelt associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifted northward and affected the vegetation pattern in the tropics. The most sensitive vegetation area was found in tropical Africa, where grass cover increased and tree cover decreased under dry climate conditions. An equal but opposite response to the collapse and recovery of the AMOC implied that the change in vegetation cover was transient and robust to an abrupt climate change such as during the BA period, which is also supported by paleovegetation data. The results are in agreement with paleovegetation records from Western tropical Africa, which also show a reduction in forest cover during this time period. Further agreement between data and model results was found for the uplands of North America and Southern Europe, where grassland along with warm and dry climates were simulated. However, our model simulated vegetation changes in South and North America that were much smaller than reconstructed. Along the west and east coast of North America we simulated drier vegetation than the pollen records suggest.
King George Island ice cap geometry updated with airborne GPR measurements
Authors: Rückamp M. , Blindow N.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Ice geometry is a mandatory requirement for numerical modelling purposes. In this paper we present a consistent data set for the ice thickness, the bedrock topography and the ice surface topography of the King George Island ice cap (Arctowski icefield and the adjacent central part). The new data set is composed of ground based and airborne ground penetrating radar (GPR) and differential GPS (DGPS) measurements, obtained during several field campaigns. Blindow et al. (2010) already provided a comprehensive overview of the ground based measurements carried out in the safely accessible area of the ice cap. The updated data set incorporates airborne measurements in the heavily crevassed coastal areas. Therefore, in this paper special attention is paid to the airborne measurements by addressing the instrument used, survey procedure, and data processing in more detail. In particular, the inclusion of airborne GPR measurements with the 30 MHz BGR-P30-System developed at the Institute of Geophysics (University of Münster) completes the picture of the ice geometry substantially. The compiled digital elevation model of the bedrock shows a rough, highly variable topography with pronounced valleys, ridges, and troughs. Mean ice thickness is 240 ± 6 m, with a maximum value of 422 ± 10 m in the surveyed area. Noticeable are bounded areas in the bedrock topography below sea level where marine based ice exists. The provided data set is required as a basis for future monitoring attempts or as input for numerical modelling experiments. The data set is available from the PANGAEA database at http://dx.doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.770567.
Uncorrected land-use planning highlighted by flooding: the Alba case study (Piedmont, Italy)
Authors: Luino F. , Turconi L. , Petrea C. , Nigrelli G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Alba is a town of over 30 000 inhabitants located along the Tanaro River (Piedmont, northwestern Italy) and is famous for its wine and white truffles. Many important industries and companies are based in Alba, including the famous confectionery group Ferrero. The town suffered considerably from a flood that occurred on 5–6 November 1994. Forty-eight percent of the urban area was inundated, causing severe damage and killing nine people. After the flood, the Alba area was analysed in detail to determine the reasons for its vulnerability. Information on serious floods in this area since 1800 was gathered from official records, state technical office reports, unpublished documents in the municipal archives, and articles published in local and national newspapers. Maps, plans and aerial photographs (since 1954) were examined to reconstruct Alba's urban development over the last two centuries and the planform changes of the Tanaro River. The results were compared with the effects of the November 1994 flood, which was mapped from aerial photographs taken immediately after the flood, field surveys and eyewitness reports. The territory of Alba was subdivided into six categories: residential; public service; industrial, commercial and hotels; sports areas, utilities and standards (public gardens, parks, athletics grounds, private and public sport clubs); aggregate plants and dumps; and agriculture and riverine strip. The six categories were then grouped into three classes with different flooding-vulnerability levels according to various parameters. Using GIS, the three river corridors along the Tanaro identified by the Autorità di Bacino del Fiume Po were overlaid on the three classes to produce a final map of the risk areas. This study shows that the historic floods and their dynamics have not been duly considered in the land-use planning of Alba. The zones that were most heavily damaged in the 1994 flood were those that were frequently affected in the past and sites of more recent urbanisation. Despite recurrent severe flooding of the Tanaro River and its tributaries, areas along the riverbed and its paleochannels have been increasingly used for infrastructure and building (e.g., roads, a municipal dump, a prison, natural aggregate plants, a nomad camp), which has often interfered with the natural spread of the floodwaters. Since the 1994 flood, many remedial projects have been completed along the Tanaro and its tributaries, including levees, bank protection, concrete walls and floodway channels. In spite of these costly projects, some areas remain at high risk for flooding. The method used, which considered historical data, river corridors identified by hydraulic calculations, geomorphological aspects and land-use planning, can indicate with good accuracy flood-prone areas and in consequence to be an useful tool for the coherent planning of urban expansion and the mitigation of flood risk.
Statistical adaptation of ALADIN RCM outputs over the French Alps – application to future climate and snow cover
Authors: Rousselot M. , Durand Y. , Giraud G. , Mérindol L. , Dombrowski-Etchevers I. , Déqué M. , Castebrunet H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. In this study, snowpack scenarios are modelled across the French Alps using dynamically downscaled variables from the ALADIN Regional Climate Model (RCM) for the control period (1961–1990) and three emission scenarios (SRES B1, A1B and A2) for the mid- and late 21st century (2021–2050 and 2071–2100). These variables are statistically adapted to the different elevations, aspects and slopes of the Alpine massifs. For this purpose, we use a simple analogue criterion with ERA40 series as well as an existing detailed climatology of the French Alps (Durand et al., 2009a) that provides complete meteorological fields from the SAFRAN analysis model. The resulting scenarios of precipitation, temperature, wind, cloudiness, longwave and shortwave radiation, and humidity are used to run the physical snow model CROCUS and simulate snowpack evolution over the massifs studied. The seasonal and regional characteristics of the simulated climate and snow cover changes are explored, as is the influence of the scenarios on these changes. Preliminary results suggest that the snow water equivalent (SWE) of the snowpack will decrease dramatically in the next century, especially in the Southern and Extreme Southern parts of the Alps. This decrease seems to result primarily from a general warming throughout the year, and possibly a deficit of precipitation in the autumn. The magnitude of the snow cover decline follows a marked altitudinal gradient, with the highest altitudes being less exposed to climate change. Scenario A2, with its high concentrations of greenhouse gases, results in a SWE reduction roughly twice as large as in the low-emission scenario B1 by the end of the century. This study needs to be completed using simulations from other RCMs, since a multi-model approach is essential for uncertainty analysis.
Evaluating methyl jasmonate for induction of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum, F. circinatum and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
Authors: Vivas M. , Martín J. A. , Gil L. , Solla A.
Published: July 2012

Damping off is probably the most common disease affecting seedlings in forest nurseries. In south-western Europe, the pitch canker and the Dutch elm disease cause relevant economic looses in forests, mostly in adult trees. The ability of the chemical plant elicitor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to induce resistance in Pinus pinaster against Fusarium oxysporum and F. circinatum, and in Ulmus minor against Ophiostoma novo-ulmi was examined. In a first experiment, an aqueous solution of MeJA 5 mM was applied to P. pinaster seeds by immersion or spray, and different concentrations of MeJA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mM) were tested in seedlings before inoculations with F. oxysporum (105 and 107 spores mL–1). In a second experiment, 6-months-old P. pinaster seedlings were sprayed with 0 and 25 mM of MeJA, and later challenged with mycelium of F. circinatum. Finally, 4-year-old U. minor trees were sprayed with 0, 50 and 100 mM of MeJA and subsequently inoculated with O. novo-ulmi (106 spores mL–1). MeJA did not protect P. pinaster seeds and seedlings against F. oxysporum, probably because plants were too young for the physiological mechanisms responsible for resistance to be induced. Based on the morphological changes observed in the treated 6-months-old P. pinaster seedlings (reduction of growth and increased resin duct density), there is evidence that MeJA could have activated the mechanisms of resistance. However, 25 mM MeJA did not reduce plant mortality, probably because the spread of the virulent F. circinatum strain within the tree tissues was faster than the formation of effective defense responses. Based on the lack of phenological changes observed in the treated elms, there is no evidence that MeJA would cause induction of resistance. These results suggest that the use of MeJA to prevent F. oxysporum and F. circinatum in P. pinaster seedlings in nurseries and O. novo-ulmi in U. minor trees should be discarded.
Influence of low temperature and frost duration on Phytophthora alni subsp. alni viability
Authors: Černý K. , Filipová N. , Strnadová V.
Published: July 2012

Limits on the survival of P. alni subsp. alni (PAA) due to low temperature can be expected based on previously published laboratory and field studies. This study presents a laboratory experiment to test the influence of low temperature and frost duration on PAA viability. Ten PAA isolates were incubated at different temperatures (–0.1, –2.5, –5.0, –7.5, and –10.0 °C) and frost durations (0 – 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). A regression analysis confirmed the significant influence of both factors (low temperature and frost duration, and their interaction) on the survival of the pathogen under laboratory conditions. The survival and failure time analysis showed that the survival of the pathogen differs significantly after mild frost (all the isolates tested survived temperatures between –0.1 and –5.0 °C during the entire testing period) and heavy frost (the pathogen died after 21 days of incubation at –7.5 °C and after 2 days at –10.0 °C). Moreover, the viability of the pathogen decreased significantly if the temperature of –5.0 °C was maintained for at least 1 week and the temperature of –7.5 °C persisted in laboratory conditions for at least 4 days. The results of the study proved the pathogen to be very sensitive to heavy frost. The low-temperature limits for PAA occur regularly in Central Europe in January. It is probable that these temperatures can reduce PAA populations in diseased black alder stems. The climate change characterised by increases in the lowest minimum winter temperatures in Central Europe (as hypothesised by IPCC) may pose a significant risk for affected alder population in the area.
Susceptibility of common alder (Alnus glutinosa) seeds and seedlings to Phytophthora alni and other Phytophthora species
Authors: Haque M. M.U. , Casero J.J. Díez
Published: July 2012

Phytophthora alni is a highly destructive host specific pathogen to alders (Alnus spp.) spreading all over Europe. Recently this pathogen has been reported to cause diseases in common alder (Alnus glutinosa) in Spain. Seeds and seedlings of A. glutinosa were tested in vitro for their susceptibility to alder Phytophthora and other Phytophthora species. Isolates of P. alni ssp. alni, P. cinnamomi, P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae and P. palmivora were used in the experiments. Seeds and seedlings were inoculated with a zoospore suspension and uniform mycelial blocks of agar of the Phytophthora species. Susceptibility was calculated in terms of pathogen virulence on seed germination and seedling mortality 42 and 67 days after inoculation respectively. Seed germination and seedling mortality rates varied differently among the isolates used. Results implied that common alder and its seeds and seedlings are at risk to be infected by P. alni. In addition, other Phytophthora species are able to infect this kind of material showing their relative host non-specificity. This is one important finding concerning alder regeneration in infected areas, and the possibility of disease spread on this plant material.
Dothistroma septosporum: spore production and weather conditions
Authors: Dvorak M. , Jankovsky L. , Drapela K.
Published: July 2012

Dothistroma septosporum, the causal agent of Dothistroma needle blight is a widespread fungus which infects more than 80 species of coniferous trees through the entire world. Spreading of the infection is strongly affected by climatic factors of each locality where it is recorded. We attempt to describe the concrete limiting climatic factors necessary for the releasing of conidia of D. septosporum and to find out the timing of its spore production within the year. For this purpose we used an automatic volumetric spore trap and an automatic meteorological station. We found that a minimum daily average temperature of 10 °C was necessary for any spore production, as well as a long period of high air humidity. The values obtained in the present study were a little bit higher than those previously published, which may arise questions about a possible changing trend of the behaviour in the development of the Dothistroma needle blight causal agent. We used autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models to predict the spore counts on the base of previous values of spore counts and dew point. For a locality from Hackerovka, the best ARIMA model was 1,0,0; and for a locality from Lanzhot, the best was 3,1,0.
Effects of root pruning on the growth and rhizosphere soil characteristics of short-rotation closed-canopy poplar
Authors: Du Z. Y. , Xing S. J. , Ma B. Y. , Liu F. C. , Ma H. L. , Wang Q. H.
Published: July 2012

When poplar trees planted at a high density are canopy-closed in plantation after 4-5 years of growth, the roots of adjacent trees will inevitably intermingle together, which possibly restricts the nutrient uptake by root system. Root pruning might stimulate the emergence of fine roots and benefit the tree growth of short-rotation poplar at the stage of canopy closing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of root pruning on DBH (diameter at breast height, 1.3 m), tree height, nutrients (N, P and K) and hormones (indoleacetic acid and cytokinin) in poplar leaves, gas exchange variables (photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance), and rhizosphere soil characteristics. Field experiment was carried out with four-yearold poplar (Populus × euramericana cv. ‘Neva’) planted in a fluvo-aquic loam soil in Shandong province, China in early April, 2008. Three root pruning treatments (severe, moderate and light degree) were conducted at the distances of 6, 8 and 10 times DBH on both inter-row sides of the trees to the depth of 30 cm, respectively. The results showed that the growth performance was obtained in the following order of treatments: moderate > light = control > severe. In the rhizophere soil, moderate and light pruning increased the microbial populations, enzymatic activities, and the concentrations of available N, P, K and organic matter. Generally, root pruning to improve tree growth and rhizosphere soil fertility can be recommended in canopy-closed poplar plantation. The appropriate selection of root pruning intensity is a pivotal factor for the effectiveness of this technique.
An integer programming model for a forest harvest problem in Pinus pinaster stands
Authors: Fonseca T. Fidalgo , Cerveira A. , Mota A.
Published: July 2012

The study addresses the special case of a management plan for maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in common lands. The study area refers to 4,432 ha of maritime pine stands in North Portugal (Perímetro Florestal do Barroso in the county of Ribeira de Pena), distributed among five common lands called baldio areas. Those lands are co-managed by the Official Forest Services and the local communities, essentially for timber production, using empirical guidance. As the current procedure does not guarantee the best thinning and clear-cutting scheduling, it was considered important to develop “easy-to-use” models, supported by optimization techniques, to be employed by the forest managers in the harvest planning of these communitarian forests. Planning of the thinning and clear-cutting operations involved certain conditions, such as: (1) the optimal age for harvesting; (2) the maximum stand density permitted; (3) the minimum volume to be cut; (4) the guarantee of incomes for each of the five baldios in at least a two year period; (5) balanced incomes during the length of the projection period. In order to evaluate the sustainability of the wood resources, a set of constraints lower bounding the average ending age was additionally tested. The problem was formulated as an integer linear programming model where the incomes from thinning and clear-cutting are maximized while considering the constraints mentioned above. Five major scenarios were simulated. The simplest one allows for silvicultural constraints only, whereas the other four consider these constraints besides different management options. Two of them introduce joint management of all common areas with or without constraints addressing balanced distribution of incomes during the plan horizon, whilst the other two consider the same options but for individual management of the baldios. The proposed model is easy to apply, providing immediate advantages for short and mid-term planning periods compared to the empirical methods of harvest planning. Results showed that maximization of production is reached when there are silvicultural restrictions only and when forest management units are regarded as a joint undertaking. The individualized management with a balanced distribution of incomes is an interesting option as it does not drastically reduce the optimal solution while assuring benefits at least every two years.
Relationships between Facebook Intensity, Friendship Contingent Self-Esteem, and Personality in U.S. College Students
Authors: Pettijohn II Terry F. , LaPiene Kimberly E. , Pettijohn Terry F. , Horting Amanda L.
Published: July 2012

U.S. college students (N = 200) completed measures of Facebook use, friendship contingent self-esteem, personality, and narcissism. Those who strongly connected their self-esteem with their quality of friendship relationships were predicted to be more active Facebook users. As predicted, a significant positive relationship between Facebook intensity and friendship contingent self-esteem was found. No significant relationships between Facebook use and personality or narcissism were discovered. Implications for how and why college students use social networking media are discussed, including connections to previous research which discuss the relationship between high friendship contingent self-esteem and risk for depressive symptoms.
Assessing Aggressiveness via Reaction Times Online
Authors: Bluemke Matthias , Zumbach Joerg
Published: July 2012

Aggressive tendencies can be assessed either commonly by explicit measures (self-report questionnaires), or by implicit measures that require the speeded classification of quickly presented stimuli and the recording and analysis of the reaction-times. We explored the psychometric properties of implicit measures assessing aggressiveness objectively: the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and its derivate, the Single-Target IAT. While the IAT focused on the automatic attitude towards aggressiveness, the ST-IAT focused on the self-concept. This feasibility study describes in methodological detail how a diversity of game players can be recruited to take these measures with common web-browser technology, even though reaction-time measurement in the range of a few hundred milliseconds is at stake. Self-reported and objective characteristics of users of violent, less violent, and no games differed. The results are partly in line with what can be expected on the basis of psychological theorizing, but structural-equation modelling shows that implicit measures on attitudes and self-concept differ in quality. Pitfalls and challenges for internet studies on computer players involving reaction-time measures are pointed out.
Adjudication of the Alleged Role of Vitamin D in the Antimicrobial Pathway
Authors: Higa Gerald M. , Hicks Jason , Isabella Christopher
Published: July 2012

Dynamic interactions between microorganism and host have evolved in such a way that while microbial pathogens are the cause of many human infections, a symbiotic relationship is also known to exist. Another important anomaly is that exposure to pathogenic organisms does not necessarily result in development of clinical disease. The latter conclusion infers that susceptibility to infectious disease can be modified by host-related factors. Arguably the two most prominent factors are genetic variability and immunologic status of the exposed individual. Because of the Human Genome and the HapMap projects, developments in genotyping technology have brought the possibility of identifying associations between specific genetic alterations and common diseases closer to reality. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests vitamin D has an important contributory role in the antimicrobial pathway.
Regulation of Inflammatory Pathways in Cancer and Infectious Disease of the Cervix
Authors: Adefuye Anthonio , Sales Kurt
Published: July 2012

Cervical cancer is one of the leading gynaecological malignancies worldwide. It is an infectious disease of the cervix, associated with human papillomavirus infection (HPV), infection with bacterial agents such asChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaas well as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Furthermore, it is an AIDS-defining disease with an accelerated mortality in HIV-infected women with cervical cancer. With the introduction of robust vaccination strategies against HPV in the developed world, it is anticipated that the incidence of cervical cancer will decrease in the coming years. However, vaccination has limited benefit for women already infected with high-risk HPV, and alternative therapeutic intervention strategies are needed for these women. Many pathological disorders, including cervical cancer, are characterised by the exacerbated activation and maintenance of inflammatory pathways which are considered to be regulated by infectious agents. In cervical cancer, hyperactivation of these inflammatory pathways and regulation of immune infiltrate into tissues can potentially play a role not only in tumorigenesis but also in HIV infection. In this paper we will discuss the contribution of inflammatory pathways to cervical cancer progression and HIV infection and the role of HIV in cervical cancer progression.
Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 1 Sequence Variation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Scott Takara A. , Arnold Rebecca S. , Petros John A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been described in every adult neoplasm including prostate cancer. There are marked racial differences in mutations within the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene in individuals with prostate cancer (PCa). The purpose of this study was to identify the variation in COI gene sequence in African and Caucasian Americans with prostate cancer.Methods. We sequenced the COI gene from peripheral blood in 482 prostate cancer patients and 189 controls. All bases that differed from the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) were classified as either silent or missense and the compiled alterations were then compared between races and published reports.Results and Conclusions. We found inherited mtDNA COI missense variants in 8.8% of Caucasian prostate cancer patients (vs. 0.0% controls) and 72.8% of African-American prostate cancer patients (vs. 64.3% controls) A total of 144 COI variants were identified, of which 30 were missense mutations. Of 482 PCa patients, 116 (24.1%) had one or more missense mutations. Further evaluation of this gene and these mutations may allow for the identification of genetically at-risk populations. The high rate of COI mutations in African-Americans may account for some of the racial disparity observed in prostate cancer.
Body-Surface-Area Related Renal Volume: A Common Normal Range from Birth to Adulthood
Authors: Scholbach Th. , Weitzel D.
Published: July 2012

Renal volume is an important parameter of renal development. Deviations from normal volume may indicate pathologic conditions. Thus, during childhood, the ever changing renal volumes require the continuous referral to normal volume charts in order to classify actual volumes, which is rather inconvenient. In daily practice this is frequently disregarded and kidneys are evaluated by their appearance only. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that body surface area (BSA) and renal volume grow proportionally from birth to adulthood. We divided the renal volume of a child by its BSA to get the BSA-related renal volume (BSARV) and found no differences between left and right kidneys and a normal distribution for all kidneys regardless of the patient’s age. BSARV has a common normal range for all age groups with the 10th percentile of 45 and the 90th percentile of 85 mL/m2. 80% of all kidneys do not exceed the volume of their counterparts by more than 20%. BSARV alleviates the correct evaluation of a child’s renal volume regardless of age and reveals pathological influences by the simple observation that a kidney deviates from a former percentile orz-value. This is especially valuable in the followup of kidneys with chronic diseases.
Les cysles d’échanges entre trois générations
Authors: Attias-Donfut Claudine
Published: July 2012

Les relations et les échanges entre trois générations sont analysés dans cet article sur la base des données issues d'une enquête nationale menée en France auprès de membres des trois générations, appartenant à environ 2000 lignées multigénéra-tionnelles. Deux principaux types d'échanges sont traités, les aides à l'habitat et les dons financiers. Ces données font apparaître un lien entre, d'une part, les pratiques de corésidence des jeunes et de leurs parents et, d'autre part, celles des personnes âgées et de leurs enfants adultes. Elles montrent également l'importance des transferts économiques entre générations, qui profitent principalement aux jeunes. Le circuit des aides économiques privées entre générations s'établit en sens inverse du circuit des transferts publics organisé par les systèmes de retraites. Il en résulte des mécanismes circulaires qui contribuent à la régulation économique et sociale et montrent que, loin de se substituer aux solidarités familiales, les solidarités publiques les complètent et les nourrissent.
Le vieillissement au travail et en emploi : bilan synthèse des travaux récents
Authors: David Hélène
Published: July 2012

Ce bilan synthèse souligne la place marginale qu'occupent les travaux sur le vieillissement au travail et en emploi, malgré la centrante du travail dans les sociétés industrielles avancées et les conséquences importantes des conditions de travail et des itinéraires professionnels antérieurs pour la vie à la retraite. Le champ de la vieillesse et du vieillissement étant délimité à partir de critères d'âge et d'exclusion du marché du travail, le rôle du travail et de l'emploi en tant que facteurs structurants du processus de vieillissement est occulté. Les travaux sur cette question sont relativement peu nombreux, bien qu'en croissance depuis la dernière décennie. On peut les partager en trois grandes catégories, selon leurs objets d'analyse: 1) les analyses des statistiques sur la population active, 2) les études des politiques et pratiques des entreprises et de leurs effets sur la main-d'œuvre vieillissante et 3) les études sur différentes catégories de travailleuses et de travailleurs vieillissants. En conclusion, le peu d'influence de ces travaux de recherche sur les acteurs sociaux concernés est attribuée à la faible intervention de l'État dans la vie économique et dans les activités des entreprises privées.
Emploi et protection sociale dans la seconde partie des parcours des âges. Éléments pour une analyse comparée internationale
Authors: Guillemard Anne-Marie
Published: July 2012

Cet article vise à élaborer un cadre théorique articulant sociologie de la protection sociale, sociologie de l'emploi et du marché du travail et sociologie des âges de la vie et du parcours des âges, pour interpréter les transformations intervenues au cours des vingt dernières années dans la distribution du travail sur le cycle de vie et les implications de cette distribution sur le remodelage de la protection sociale. Le marché du travail se resserre sur les âges médians, entraînant une déchronologisation et une détemporalisation du cycle de vie ternaire, scandé par la scolarisation, l'emploi à vie et le passage à la retraite marquant l'entrée dans la vieillesse. L'ordonnancement du parcours des âges se fait imprécis et aléatoire. Tant les politiques de main-d'œuvre des entreprises que les mesures de protection sociale contribuent activement à ce parcours.
Les personnes âgées, la famille et les autres, ou la communauté locale comme milieu de vie
Authors: Martin Jean-Claude
Published: July 2012

Cet article rend compte d'une réflexion sur les différents sens donnés à la notion de communauté dans la littérature sur le thème de la compétence locale en matière de vieillissement. Il questionne la portée de cette notion en regard de la réalité sociologique des personnes âgées dans la communauté, sur la base d'une recherche en cours sur le vieillissement dans deux communautés locales. La conceptualisation de la communauté comme un système ouvert permet de situer différentes catégories d'Acteurs individuels, organisationnels ou collectifs face à certains enjeux. La place des personnes âgées ou le rôle qu'on leur attribue dans l'une ou l'autre dimension de la dynamique communautaire fait entrevoir les possibilités de mobilisation, de participation ou d'intervention.
La politique étrangère du Canada après le 11 septembre
Authors: Cooper Andrew F.
Published: July 2012

Nous tentons ici de tirer quelques conclusions préliminaires à propos de la politique étrangère du Canada depuis les événements du 11 septembre 2001. Nous affirmons que la caractéristique distinctive de cette crise fut la concrétisation de l’éloignement des priorités apportées par la doctrine axworthienne‚ fondée sur la sécurité humaine et les partenariats d’États adhérant aux mêmes valeurs. L’accent fut plutôt mis sur « l’enjeu principal » qu’est la relation bilatérale canado-américaine. D’une part, le Premier ministre et ses conseillers ont démontré, en surface, une ambivalence calculée à l’égard de la gestion des relations canado-américaines. Mais en substance, le principal avocat de « l’enjeu principal » (John Manley) définissait la problématique frontalière en termes d’intérêts canadiens et non nord-américains : on refusait de parler de la frontière en termes de périmètre et on a mis l’accent sur des mesures progressives et technologiques avec la notion de la « frontière intelligente ». Les événements subséquents ont aussi eu tendance à confirmer la quête d’un équilibre entre un bilatéralisme concentré et un multilatéralisme diffus.
Souveraineté et sécurité
Authors: Michaud Nelson
Published: July 2012

Face aux événements qui ont frappé les États-Unis et le monde, il y a un an, le Canada se trouve à une croisée de chemins importante. D’un côté, son statut de puissance moyenne dépend en très grande partie de l’influence qu’il exerce, au-delà de sa puissance militaire et économique, dans le concert des nations ; cette influence est tributaire de la marge de manoeuvre sur laquelle reposent ses interventions et cette marge de manoeuvre est elle-même délimitée par le niveau de souveraineté sur lequel le Canada peut compter. De l’autre, sa proximité géographique, ses alliances militaires et son intégration économique de plus en plus grande en regard des États-Unis l’incitent à ne pas faire la sourde oreille aux demandes de Washington. Quelle route doit-il privilégier ? Celle de la protection de la souveraineté qui assure son statut ou celle de la sécurité continentale qui assure son bien-être ? En se basant sur la grille typologique définie par Krasner quant aux diverses formes de souveraineté, cette étude analyse la menace à la souveraineté canadienne que pose la nouvelle donne continentale en matière de sécurité.
Pearl Harbor et le World Trade Center
Authors: Roussel Stéphane
Published: July 2012

L’attaque japonaise sur Pearl Harbor en décembre 1941, de même que celles contre le World Trade Center et le Pentagone en septembre 2001, ont eu un impact direct sur les relations canado-américaines, notamment en accélérant le processus d’intégration de la défense entre les deux États. Les avis sont cependant partagés sur les conséquences de ce phénomène, certains craignant une atteinte à la souveraineté canadienne, tandis que d’autres y perçoivent une opportunité de renforcer les liens économiques et politiques. Cette étude est une comparaison de l’évolution des relations bilatérales au cours des mois qui ont précédé et suivi les crises de 1941 et 2001. Elle permet d’abord de voir que la dynamique de ces relations obéit, malgré le temps qui les sépare, à une dynamique semblable, que résument bien les termes du « Serment de Kingston ». Elle permet aussi de conclure que les craintes et les espoirs suscités, au Canada, par le processus d’intégration avec les États-Unis, ne sont souvent pas fondés.
Le Canada et le monde
Authors: Potter Evan H.
Published: July 2012

Cet article présente un portrait de l’attitude des Canadiens et des Canadiennes à l’égard du rôle du Canada dans le monde à une conjoncture historique importante. Depuis la fin de la guerre froide, le Canada fait figure de puissance moyenne à la quête d’un nouveau rôle international. À la suite des événements du 11 septembre 2001, le Canada s’est commis à participer à la lutte antiterroriste internationale et a découvert l’importance de porter plus attention à ses relations avec les États-Unis. En se basant sur un grand nombre de sondages sur l’opinion publique canadienne envers la politique étrangère entre 1993 et 2002, cette étude révèle d’importants changements dans les perceptions quant au rôle de leadership du Canada dans le monde, ainsi que certaines continuités qui demeurent toutefois présentes, en regard des attitudes envers l’aide au développement, le commerce et la sécurité internationale. Nous pouvons conclure que les Canadiens, que nous pouvons encore qualifier de multilatéralistes, semblent cependant rechercher une forme d’internationalisme axé davantage sur des résultats qui protégeront le Canada en même temps qu’ils lui seront bénéfiques.
Les défis pour le Canada en matière d’aide publique au développement
Authors: Rioux Jean-Sébastien
Published: July 2012

Lors du sommet des pays du G8 à Kananaskis en juin 2002, le Canada a fait figure de leader international en chapeautant le Plan d’action pour l’Afrique. Dans cet article, nous examinons le programme canadien d’aide publique au développement international (apd) durant les années 1990 pour évaluer plusieurs hypothèses sur les allocations d’apd. Nous découvrons, entre autres choses, que le Canada envoie plus d’aide aux pays membres du Commonwealth ; que le contenu de la couverture médiatique des récipiendaires d’aide peut avoir une influence significative sur les flux d’aide ; et que le Canada, contrairement à ce qu’il prône dans son discours officiel, ne privilégie pas pour autant les pays démocratiques où se pratique la « bonne gouvernance ». Ces résultats nous incitent à réfléchir sur l’avenir du programme d’aide au développement dans le cadre de « l’après 11 septembre ». Pour que le programme d’aide canadien fonctionne mieux, nous suggérons quelques pistes dans la conclusion.
Una gran familia
Authors: Gecelovsky Paul
Published: July 2012

La zléa n’est pas qu’un simple accord de libre-échange ; il s’agit plutôt du canevas d’une nouvelle architecture régionale incorporant libre-échange et démocratie afin de rehausser le niveau de sécurité au sein de la région. La principale considération du Canada en ce qui concerne cette nouvelle architecture régionale est la création d’une collectivité ordonnée sur le plan politique et économique. Nous avançons ici que, pour le Canada, l’objectif de la zléa est de contribuer à la création d’une communauté des Amériques, que le premier ministre Jean Chrétien a appelé « una gran familia ».
Nouvelles identités professionnelles des femmes et syndicalisme : une possible compatibilité ?
Authors: Le Capitaine Catherine
Published: July 2012

Cette étude examine le cas du Mouvement Desjardins dans le secteur financier au Québec. À partir d’un sondage téléphonique auprès de 576 employées syndiquées du Mouvement Desjardins, les principaux résultats de cette recherche quantitative font valoir une plus grande remise en question du syndicalisme par les professionnelles, les personnes développant de faibles sociabilités au travail et celles qui sont insatisfaites de leur salaire. En contrepartie, les conditions de travail défavorables et les actions syndicales proactives et démocratiques renforcent l’adhésion syndicale des femmes.

Le cadre de la recherche sollicite quatre approches théoriques afin de dégager les principaux éléments du rapport d’emploi pouvant affecter l’adhésion syndicale. Tout en considérant les approches matérialiste et instrumentale, le principal apport théorique de cet article prescrit une jonction entre les nouvelles identités professionnelles des femmes, sources d’effritement du syndicalisme, et les actions syndicales, sources de renforcement du syndicalisme.

En s’insérant dans les débats actuels sur l’avenir du syndicalisme, cet article se penche sur le rapport identitaire des femmes syndiquées à l’égard du syndicalisme. En abordant la crise du syndicalisme par la difficulté de représenter la main-d’oeuvre professionnelle dans le secteur des services, cette étude vise à saisir l’arrimage entre les nouvelles identités professionnelles des femmes et l’adhésion syndicale.
L’écriture de l’histoire au présent. Débuts de l’historiographie du cinéma
Authors: Kessler Frank , Lenk Sabine
Published: July 2012

Dès la fin duxixesiècle, on trouve de nombreux textes qui abordent la cinématographie comme un objet ayant une histoire. Ainsi, les photographies animées sont inscrites dans une, voire plusieurs histoires qui, d’une part, les rattachent à des découvertes techniques ou scientifiques du passé et, d’autre part, en esquissent l’évolution à la fois technique et, parfois du moins, formelle. Les auteurs de l’article qui suit cherchent à distinguer quatre dimensions dans ces écrits. Ces dimensions concernent, respectivement, l’établissement d’une généalogie, les querelles de priorité, l’incorporation de l’histoire dans la description de la technologie et, finalement, les débuts d’une histoire des formes. Ajoutons à cela que ces champs d’analyse comportent tous destopoïqui seront repris par la suite par les histoires du cinéma traditionnelles.
Narration in the Transitional Cinema: The Historiographical Claims of the Unauthored Text
Authors: Keil Charlie
Published: July 2012

Though our knowledge of the transitional era has increased substantially over the last few decades, incorporating studies of pivotal institutions, exhibition and reception contexts, and forces of regulation and circulation, formal analysis of the period’s films is still indebted to the singular example of D.W. Griffith, identified as the instigator of the “narrator system” in Tom Gunning’s influential book, D.W. Griffith and the Origins of the American Narrative Film. But the historical accident that resulted in Griffith’s films surviving when those of his contemporaries largely disappeared has defined most historians’ approach to charting a history of narrational changes during the pivotal years of 1908-1913. Rather than challenge Griffith’s importance as an enterprising and influential filmmaker, historians require the means to better contextualize Griffith’s contributions, rewriting in the process a formal history that can incorporate authorship without being defined by it as a governing principle. To this end, this essay will use the opportunity provided by the ongoing restoration and distribution of Thanhouser films from 1910-1913 to investigate how the “unauthored text” from this period can aid in our endeavours to expand the contours of the historiography of the transitional era.