bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La nouvelle confessionnalité scolaire au Québec
Authors: Garant Patrice
Published: March 2015

L’auteur présente la réforme que vient d’adopter le législateur québécois dans un domaine hautement sensible, celui de la place de la religion à l’école publique et notamment l’enseignement religieux. La société québécoise, après avoir accepté un amendement à la Constitution qui a supprimé en 1997 les privilèges confessionnels détenus par les catholiques et les protestants s’est orientée vers une confessionnalité progressive de son système scolaire. La réforme a été précédée d’un Rapport désormais célèbre, le Rapport Proulx, qui préconisait la laïcisation intégrale du système. L’auteur critique ce Rapport comme véhiculant une conception discutable de la laïcité. Il critique les fondements jurisprudentiels sur lesquels s’appuient les auteurs de ce Rapport. Il présente ensuite la solution adoptée par l’Assemblée nationale du Québec dans la Loi 118 du 16 juin 2000, relative à la confessionnalité. Celle-ci se veut un compromis entre les valeurs découlant des Chartes des droits et des textes internationaux, d’une part, et les droits historiques des communautés catholique et protestante du Québec, d’autre part, dans un contexte que l’auteur qualifie de laïcité ouverte ou positive.
Avant-propos
Authors: Charbonneau Yvon
Published: March 2015

Voici l’avant-propos et les notes d’introduction du colloque. L’auteur met en contexte le thème du colloque, les relations Canada-France et souligne la spécificité du caractère bijuridique du Canada.
L’expérience des bureaux privés français
Authors: Kleiman Élie
Published: March 2015

L’évolution rapide du droit des affaires et l’hégémonie de la juridiction de l’État de New York en droit corporatif n’aide en rien le maintien de la tradition civiliste dans ce domaine. Cependant, c’est au juriste civiliste de défendre son système juridique. Pour ce faire, une double formation juridique et la mise en pratique de cette coexistence sont vitales pour assurer l’application du droit civil dans le monde.
L’expérience de la pratique privée au Canada
Authors: Lavertu Geneviève
Published: March 2015

La coexistence des deux traditions juridiques qui cohabitent au Canada est une réalité quotidienne pour le juriste de pratique privée au Québec. En effet, il est devenu commun qu’une même transaction rejoigne des concepts tant de common law que de droit civil. Par ailleurs l’expérience parallèle des deux systèmes comme source de droit inspire chacune des traditions. Il est donc important, pour le juriste de pratique privée, dans le contexte canadien, de maîtriser les deux grandes traditions juridiques.
La coexistence du droit civil et de la common law dans les conventions interaméricaines
Authors: Arrighi Jean Michel
Published: March 2015

L’auteur brosse un portait des différentes conventions interaméricaines et démontre la richesse de ces conventions en matière de coexistence du droit civil et de la common law. De plus, il analyse la problématique de l’élaboration des normes interaméricaines adaptées aux Amériques.
L’influence de la common law dans la pratique du droit, en France et dans l’Union européenne
Authors: Gordon-Krief David
Published: March 2015

L’auteur présente comment le droit des affaires mondialisées se pratique en France. Dans ce pays, les affaires traitées dans le sans-frontières, au-delà de la stabilité et de la rigueur des principes généraux et abstraits de droit civil, dépaysent et décontenancent le juriste français, étranger aux cas particuliers que ne cesse de faire naître la mondialisation : il s’en remet aussi à la common law. En France, les transactions de l’ère mondialisée se traitent donc sous la direction d’avocats de common law, de Grande-Bretagne ou des États-Unis à l’aide des techniques de ce système de droit, maître du cas particulier.
La Bibliothèque du Code civil : un ouvrage au confluent de la tradition et de la modernité
Authors: Normand Sylvio , Saint-Hilaire Maxime
Published: March 2015

La Bibliothèque du Code civil de Charles-Chamilly de Lorimier et Charles-Albert Vilbon, parue au cours de la seconde moitié du XIXe siècle, demeure un des ouvrages de référence marquants de la production juridique québécoise. Les artisans de cet ouvrage présentent le droit civil comme un héritage du passé. L’oeuvre, par sa valorisation des anciens auteurs, propose une lecture du Code civil qui s’inscrit dans la tradition. En même temps, elle se révèle un outil adapté à la transformation que connaît alors la pratique du droit. La Bibliothèque constitue un témoin éloquent de l’évolution de la culture juridique québécoise.
La responsabilité du chef d’entreprise
Authors: Chaumette Patrick
Published: March 2015

À la fin du XIXe siècle, la réparation des risques professionnels, accidents du travail, puis maladies professionnelles, a engendré une mutation du droit de la responsabilité civile. La loi française du 9 avril 1898 a crée une responsabilité de plein droit du chef d’entreprise, permettant une réparation forfaitaire des victimes d’accident du travail; une indemnisation complémentaire peut découler de la reconnaissance de la faute inexcusable de l’employeur. En 1946, ces mécanismes ont été intégrés au droit de la sécurité sociale.

Cette loi centenaire, ce monument historique, semble devenue un bâtiment fortement lézardé, du fait de l’évolution de la réparation de risques plus récents, des accidents de la circulation, aux conséquences des infractions, jusqu’à l’exposition aux poussières d’amiante.

La dynamique de la prévention impose à l’employeur une obligation générale de prévention, accorde au salarié un droit de retrait en cas de risque grave et imminent pour sa vie et sa santé. L’approche de la prévention, rénovée par la directive communautaire du 12 juin 1989, ne saurait rester sans conséquence, dans l’avenir proche, pour la réparation des risques professionnels des travailleurs subordonnés, mais aussi des travailleurs indépendants.
Anthropogenic pressure indicators associated with vessel groundings on coral reefs in a marine protected area
Authors: Hayasaka-Ramírez Sachiko , Ortiz-Lozano Leonardo
Published: March 2015

Historical information was collected on vessel groundings in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (Veracruz Reef System National Park, PNSAV) during the periods 1902–1945 and 1970–2010 to generate specific pressure indicators associated with these events. Information on 126 vessel groundings was gathered, and the cause, specific location, season, and type of vessel were analyzed. Three indicators were generated: stranding pressure, annual pressure, and pressure per site. The highest number of vessel groundings occurred in 1925 and on the Anegada de Adentro reef, the most impacted in both periods. The most common causes of strandings were human error and northerly winds (Nortes). Small vessels were the ones that impacted the most against the reefs. The indicators showed that despite technological advances, pressure caused by groundings in PNSAV continues to occur at a medium level. These indicators are relevant for the management of the area in view of the imminent expansion of the port of Veracruz, which will likely lead to increased vessel traffic and a potential increase in vessel groundings.
Variability of marine biological productivity in the northeastern Pacific over the past millennium
Authors: Juárez Miryam , Sánchez Alberto , González-Yajimovich Oscar
Published: March 2015

In this study we present new data of biogenic opal (BO), organic carbon (OC), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in a highresolution record from the western coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The variability of marine biological productivity in this area is dominated by El Niño and La Niña events on different time scales. The BO and OC contents showed a decrease between AD 1100 and 1400. From AD 1400 to the present, BO and OC showed a significant increase, indicating permanent upwelling conditions. The CaCO3 content showed an inverse correlation with OC, which suggests that the exported OC fluxes are a significant factor controlling CaCO3 dissolution in the sediment. The increase in BO and OC was synchronic with a decline in the number of El Niño events (6 ± 4 every 100 years) over the last 600 years of the millennium.
Observing multidecadal trends in Southern Ocean CO2 uptake: What can we learn from an ocean model?
Authors: Lovenduski Nicole S. , Fay Amanda R. , McKinley Galen A.
Published: March 2015

We use output from a hindcast simulation (1958–2007) of an ocean biogeochemical and ecological model to inform an observational strategy for detection of a weakening Southern Ocean CO2 sink from surface ocean pCO2 data. Particular emphasis is placed on resolving disparate conclusions about the Southern Ocean CO2 sink that have been drawn from surface ocean pCO2 observation studies in the past. We find that long‐term trends in can be used as a proxy for changes in the strength of the CO2 sink but must be interpreted with caution, as they are calculated from small differences in the oceanic and atmospheric pCO2 trends. Large interannual, decadal, and multidecadal variability in ΔpCO2 persists throughout the simulation, suggesting that one must consider a range of start and end years for trend analysis before drawing conclusions about changes in the CO2 sink. Winter‐mean CO2 flux trends are statistically indistinguishable from annual‐mean trends, arguing for inclusion of all available data in future analyses of the CO2 sink. The weakening of the CO2 sink emerges during the observed period of our simulation (1981–2007) in the subpolar seasonally stratified biome (4°C < average climatological temperature < 9°C); the weakening is most evident during periods with positive trends in the Southern Annular Mode. With perfect temporal and spatial coverage, 13 years of pCO data would be required to detect a weakening CO2 sink in this biome. Given available data, it is not yet possible to detect a weakening of the Southern Ocean CO2 sink with much certainty, due to imperfect data coverage and high variability in Southern Ocean surface pCO2.
Equatorial noise emissions with quasiperiodic modulation of wave intensity
Authors: Němec F. , Santolík O. , Hrbáčková Z. , Pickett J. S. , Cornilleau‐Wehrlin N.
Published: March 2015

Equatorial noise (EN) emissions are electromagnetic wave events at frequencies between the proton cyclotron frequency and the lower hybrid frequency observed in the equatorial region of the inner magnetosphere. They propagate nearly perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field, and they exhibit a harmonic line structure characteristic of the proton cyclotron frequency in the source region. However, they were generally believed to be continuous in time. We investigate more than 2000 EN events observed by the Spatio‐Temporal Analysis of Field Fluctuations and Wide‐Band Data Plasma Wave investigation instruments on board the Cluster spacecraft, and we show that this is not always the case. A clear quasiperiodic (QP) time modulation of the wave intensity is present in more than 5% of events. We perform a systematic analysis of these EN events with QP modulation of the wave intensity. Such events occur usually in the noon‐to‐dawn magnetic local time sector. Their occurrence seems to be related to the increased geomagnetic activity, and it is associated with the time intervals of enhanced solar wind flow speeds. The modulation period of these events is on the order of minutes. Compressional ULF magnetic field pulsations with periods about double the modulation periods of EN wave intensity and magnitudes on the order of a few tenths of nanotesla were identified in about 46% of events. We suggest that these compressional magnetic field pulsations might be responsible for the observed QP modulation of EN wave intensity, in analogy to formerly reported VLF whistler mode QP events.
EOF analysis and modeling of GPS TEC climatology over North America
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Zhang Shun‐Rong , Coster Anthea J. , Fang Guangyou
Published: March 2015

An empirical ionospheric model of the total electron content (TEC) over North America (20°–60°N, 40°–140°W) is constructed using the GPS TEC data collected by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Haystack Observatory during the years 2001–2012. This model is based on an analysis of quiet time monthly averages using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition technique, allowing for separation of spatial and temporal variations. The importance of different types of spatial‐temporal variations to the overall TEC variability can be well represented by the characteristics of EOF basis functions and associated principal components coefficients, with various modes. The mode one EOF decomposition constitutes 97.5% of the total variance and therefore represents the essential feature of North America spatial and diurnal variation of the TEC. The mode two EOF, as reported in an earlier study, reveals a large and significant symmetric longitudinal variation of the ionosphere, organized with respect to magnetic declination. The mode three EOF decomposition shows midlatitude latitudinal structure that varies with season in a manner very similar to the so‐called winter anomaly. Because of the quick convergence of EOF decomposition modes, the first four EOF modes are utilized for constructing a TEC empirical model. For each of the EOF modes, the temporal variations are expressed analytically in terms of local time, season, and solar activity, and the spatial variations by cubic‐spline functions. An analysis of accuracy and quality indicates that this regional empirical TEC model can reflect the majority of the quiet time monthly means, and represent characteristic temporal‐spatial variations in the North America.
M/Q = 2 ion distribution in the inner magnetosphere estimated from ion cyclotron whistler waves observed by the Akebono satellite
Authors: Matsuda Shoya , Kasahara Yoshiya , Goto Yoshitaka
Published: March 2015

In this study, we examine the spatial occurrence distributions of H+, He+, and M/Q = 2 ion band ion cyclotron whistler waves observed by the Akebono satellite below an altitude of 10,500 km. These ion cyclotron whistler waves are categorized as electromagnetic ion cyclotron mode waves with characteristic spectrum properties that depend on the ion composition in the plasma. Statistical research is particularly important for clarifying the variation of ion composition in a plasmaspheric ion environment. In this study, essential differences are noted among the observed regions of each ion cyclotron whistler wave band. Our statistical analysis showed that the generation of H+ band ion cyclotron whistlers in the equatorial region is difficult, while M/Q = 2 ion band ion cyclotron whistlers are frequently observed near this region. Thus, a certain amount of M/Q = 2 ions is evident. To explain these statistical results, we propose a model for generation of several bands of ion cyclotron whistlers along a propagation path. In addition, we examine the magnetic local time dependence of the observed ion cyclotron whistlers. The spatial occurrence distribution of the M/Q = 2 ion cyclotron whistler waves is greatest inward of L ∼ 2.4 in the local dayside; however, they extend to L ∼ 3.0 in the local nightside. Our results suggest a density enhancement process of M/Q = 2 ions in the nightside plasmasphere, which is consistent with previous satellite observations. Thus, this study presents important knowledge on the effects of minor ion population on wave propagation and generation.
Evaluation of modeled microwave land surface emissivities with satellite‐based estimates
Authors: Prigent C. , Liang P. , Tian Y. , Aires F. , Moncet J.‐L. , Boukabara S. A.
Published: March 2015

An accurate estimate of the microwave surface emissivity is necessary for the retrieval of atmospheric quantities from microwave imagers or sounders. The objective of this study is to evaluate the microwave land surface emissivity modeling of the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), providing quantitative statistic information for further model improvements. First, the model‐simulated emissivity is compared to emissivity estimates derived from satellite observations (TELSEM, Tool to Estimate Land Surface Emissivities at Microwaves). The model simulations agree reasonably well with TELSEM over snow‐free vegetated areas, especially at vertical polarization up to 40 GHz. For snow‐free surfaces, the mean difference between CRTM and TELSEM emissivities at vertical polarization is lower than 0.01 below 40 GHz and increases to 0.02 at 89 GHz. At horizontal polarization, it increases with frequency, from 0.01 at 10.6 GHz to 0.04 at 89 GHz. Over deserts and snow, larger differences are observed, which can be due to the lack of quality inputs to the model in these complex environments. A further evaluation is provided by comparing brightness temperature (Tbs) simulations with AMSR‐E observations, where CRTM emissivity and TELSEM emissivity are coupled into a comprehensive radiative transfer model to simulate the brightness temperatures, respectively. The comparison shows smaller RMS errors with the satellite‐derived estimates than with the model, despite some significant bias at midday with the satellite‐derived emissivities at high frequencies. This study confirms and extends to the global scale previous evaluations of land surface microwave emissivity model. It emphasizes the needs for better physical modeling in arid regions and over snow‐covered surfaces.
Observations of 14CO2 in ecosystem respiration from a temperate deciduous forest in Northern Wisconsin
Authors: Phillips Claire L. , McFarlane Karis J. , LaFranchi Brian , Desai Ankur R. , Miller John B. , Lehman Scott J.
Published: March 2015

The 14CO2 composition of plant and soil respiration can be used to determine the residence time of photosynthetically fixed carbon before it is released back to the atmosphere. To estimate the residence time of actively cycled carbon in a temperate forest, we employed two approaches for estimating the Δ14CO2 of ecosystem respiration (Δ14C‐Reco) at the Willow Creek AmeriFlux site in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Our first approach was to construct nighttime Keeling plots from subcanopy profiles of Δ14CO2 and CO2, providing estimates of Δ14C‐Reco of 121.7‰ in June and 42.0‰ in August 2012. These measurements are likely dominated by soil fluxes due to proximity to the ground level. Our second approach utilized samples taken over 20 months within the forest canopy and from 396 m above ground level at the nearby LEF NOAA tall tower site (Park Falls, WI). In this canopy‐minus‐background approach we employed a mixing model described by Miller and Tans (2003) for estimating isotopic sources by subtracting time‐varying background conditions. For the period from May 2011 to December 2012 the estimated Δ14C‐Reco using the Miller‐Tans model was 76.8‰. Together, these Δ14C‐Reco values represent mean Reco carbon ages of approximately 1–19 years. We also found that heterotrophic soil‐respired Δ 14C at Willow Creek was 5–38‰ higher (i.e., 1–10 years older) than predicted by the Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach global biosphere carbon model for the 1 × 1 pixel nearest to the site. This study provides much needed observational constraints of ecosystem carbon residence times, which are a major source of uncertainty in terrestrial carbon cycle models.
Full‐wave analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation over terrain using the Improved Tabulated Interaction Method
Authors: Brennan C. , Trinh D. , Pham V. , Condon M. , Mittra R.
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes extending the forward scattering based Tabulated Interaction Method (TIM) for computing electromagnetic wave propagation over terrain profiles to one incorporating backscattering. The proposed method uses a common set of basis functions in conjunction with a “matching technique” to produce a linear system with much fewer unknowns than that created using pulse basis functions and therefore provides a very efficient and accurate method. The original TIM is shown to be a special case of the proposed method whereby the lower triangular portion of the reduced system is retained and solved. The proposed method is compared with the recently proposed Characteristic Basis Function Method with which it shares several features. The complexity and numerical analysis demonstrates that the proposed method has an extremely low computational complexity and storage.
Ceres: Predictions for near‐surface water ice stability and implications for plume generating processes
Authors: Titus Timothy N.
Published: March 2015

This paper will constrain the possible sources and processes for the formation of recently observed H2O vapor plumes above the surface of the dwarf planet Ceres. Two hypotheses have been proposed: (1) cryovolcanism where the water source is the mantle and the heating source is still unknown or (2) comet‐like sublimation where near‐surface water ice is vaporized by seasonally increasing solar insolation. We test hypothesis 2, comet‐like near‐surface sublimation, by using a thermal model to examine the stability of water ice in the near surface. For a reasonable range of physical parameters (thermal inertia, surface roughness, and slopes), we find that water ice is only stable at latitudes higher than ~40–60°. These results indicate that either (a) the physical properties of Ceres are unlike our expectations or (b) an alternative to comet‐like sublimation, such as the cryovolcanism hypothesis, must be invoked.
Expert Systems inDNAInterpretation
Authors: Haned Hinda , Gill Peter
Published: March 2015

Expert systems have been developed as specialized software that can assist forensic scientists to interpret complex DNA profiles. These software allow the evaluation of the weight of the DNA evidence within a likelihood ratio framework, and they are particularly helpful to analyze low‐template DNA mixtures. In this review, we describe the expert systems that have recently become available. We discuss the theoretical principles and advantages and limitations of these systems, along with aspects of performance and validation.
Battered Spouse Syndrome
Authors: Thomas Tracy A. , Clegg Carl , Fremouw William J.
Published: March 2015

Battered spouse syndrome (BWS) was initially conceptualized by Walker (1979). Walker described BWS as comprising several elements, including a three‐stage cycle of violence. The cycle of violence includes an initial “tension” phase, followed by an acute battering incident, and finally a “honeymoon” period. Walker further suggested that women who are abused by an intimate partner typically display learned‐helplessness behavior, guilt, and low self‐esteem. BWS testimony is admissible in all states. Previously, BWS evidence was used to support insanity defenses for women who killed abusive partners. Currently, BWS is rarely used in this capacity. Instead, it is used to bolster claims of self‐defense. This article summarizes the history, theory, and controversy regarding battered spouse syndrome
A Cost‐Efficient Fabrication Strategy for Conductive Ti2AlC Honeycomb Monolith Using Elemental Powders
Authors: Fang Xuanming , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Hui , Li Zhaojin , Li Jialin , Zhou Yanchun
Published: March 2015

A cost‐efficient strategy using elemental powders of Ti, Al, and graphite as starting materials is proposed to fabricate conductive Ti2AlC honeycomb monolith. The honeycomb structure is extruded from a plastic feed material composed of the initial powders and several additives. Phase‐pure Ti2AlC can be obtained with a direct heating schedule, but the shape of the extruded green body will be destroyed due to thermal explosion in Ti−Al−C strongly exothermic system, which is resulted from the rapid release of latent heat from reactions between the elemental powders during heating process. To avoid the thermal explosion, the honeycomb sample is dwelled at 650 °C for 2 h to release latent heat in a controlled manner. As a result, Ti2AlC honeycomb monolith with designed structure is obtained, followed by sintering at elevated temperatures. In addition, the phase evolution and mechanism for pore formation are discussed.
Single Molecule with Dual Function on Nanogold: Biofunctionalized Construct for In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging and SERS Biosensing
Authors: Dinish U. S. , Song Zhegang , Ho Chris Jun Hui , Balasundaram Ghayathri , Attia Amalina Binte Ebrahim , Lu Xianmao , Tang Ben Zhong , Liu Bin , Olivo Malini
Published: March 2015

Multimodal imaging provides complimentary information that is advantageous in studying both cellular and molecular mechanisms in vivo, which has tremendous potential in pre‐clinical research and clinical translational imaging. It is desirable to design probes for multimodal imaging that can be administered minimally but provides multifaceted information. Herein, we demonstrate the complementary dual functional ability of a nanoconstruct for molecular imaging in both photoacoustic (PA) and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing simultaneously in tandem. To realize this, a group of NIR active organic molecules are designed and synthesized that possess both SERS and PA activity. Nanoconstructs realized by anchoring such molecules onto gold nanoparticles are demonstrated for targeting cancer biomarkers in vivo while providing complimentary information about biodistribution and targeting efficiency. In future, such nanoconstructs could play a major role in identifying surgical margins and also for disease monitoring in translational medicine.
Flexible and Highly Sensitive Strain Sensors Fabricated by Pencil Drawn for Wearable Monitor
Authors: Liao Xinqin , Liao Qingliang , Yan Xiaoqin , Liang Qijie , Si Haonan , Li Minghua , Wu Hualin , Cao Shiyao , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2015

Functional electrical devices have promising potentials in structural health monitoring system, human‐friendly wearable interactive system, smart robotics, and even future multifunctional intelligent room. Here, a low‐cost fabrication strategy to efficiently construct highly sensitive graphite‐based strain sensors by pencil‐trace drawn on flexible printing papers is reported. The strain sensors can be operated at only two batteries voltage of 3 V, and can be applied to variously monitoring microstructural changes and human motions with fast response/relaxation times of 110 ms, a high gauge factor (GF) of 536.6, and high stability >10 000 bending–unbending cycles. Through investigation of service behaviors of the sensors, it is found that the microcracks occur on the surface of the pencil‐trace and have a major influence on the functions of the strain sensors. These performances of the strain sensor attain and even surpass the properties of recent strain sensing devices with subtle design of materials and device architectures. The pen‐on‐paper (PoP) approach may further develop portable, environmentally friendly, and economical lab‐on‐paper applications and offer a valuable method to fabricate other multifunctional devices.
Vocal divergence and discrimination of long calls in tamarins: A comparison of allopatric populations of Saguinus fuscicollis nigrifrons and S. f. lagonotus
Authors: Bradley Caitlin E. , McClung Maureen R.
Published: March 2015

Divergence in vocalizations can reduce gene flow by serving as a premating barrier during secondary contact between previously isolated populations. In primates, vocal divergence in long calls of separated populations has been documented, yet recognition of these differences by the respective populations has seldom been studied in the field. To investigate this issue, we studied populations of two subspecies of saddle‐back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis nigrifrons and S. f. lagonotus) that are separated by the Amazon River in Peru. We recorded long calls of each subspecies and detected significant differences between the populations in the number of notes per call, duration of calls, and shifts in starting frequency of notes over the length of calls. In addition, a population of S. f. nigrifrons responded more overtly in measures of approach to playback of long calls of its own subspecies compared to long calls of S. f. lagonotus. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that allopatric divergence of long calls might contribute to reproductive isolation of these subspecies of saddle‐back tamarins, which adds to growing evidence suggesting full species status for these taxa. Am. J. Primatol. 77:679–687, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar output controls generalized spike‐and‐wave discharge occurrence
Authors: Kros Lieke , Eelkman Rooda Oscar H. J. , Spanke Jochen K. , Alva Parimala , van Dongen Marijn N. , Karapatis Athanasios , Tolner Else A. , Strydis Christos , Davey Neil , Winkelman Beerend H. J. , Negrello Mario , Serdijn Wouter A. , Steuber Volker , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Hoebeek Freek E.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Disrupting thalamocortical activity patterns has proven to be a promising approach to stop generalized spike‐and‐wave discharges (GSWDs) characteristic of absence seizures. Here, we investigated to what extent modulation of neuronal firing in cerebellar nuclei (CN), which are anatomically in an advantageous position to disrupt cortical oscillations through their innervation of a wide variety of thalamic nuclei, is effective in controlling absence seizures.

Methods

Two unrelated mouse models of generalized absence seizures were used: the natural mutant tottering, which is characterized by a missense mutation in Cacna1a, and inbred C3H/HeOuJ. While simultaneously recording single CN neuron activity and electrocorticogram in awake animals, we investigated to what extent pharmacologically increased or decreased CN neuron activity could modulate GSWD occurrence as well as short‐lasting, on‐demand CN stimulation could disrupt epileptic seizures.

Results

We found that a subset of CN neurons show phase‐locked oscillatory firing during GSWDs and that manipulating this activity modulates GSWD occurrence. Inhibiting CN neuron action potential firing by local application of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABA‐A) agonist muscimol increased GSWD occurrence up to 37‐fold, whereas increasing the frequency and regularity of CN neuron firing with the use of GABA‐A antagonist gabazine decimated its occurrence. A single short‐lasting (30–300 milliseconds) optogenetic stimulation of CN neuron activity abruptly stopped GSWDs, even when applied unilaterally. Using a closed‐loop system, GSWDs were detected and stopped within 500 milliseconds.

Interpretation

CN neurons are potent modulators of pathological oscillations in thalamocortical network activity during absence seizures, and their potential therapeutic benefit for controlling other types of generalized epilepsies should be evaluated. Ann Neurol 2015;77:1027–1049
Using Dialogical Space to Create Therapy Enhancing Possibilities with Adolescents in Family Therapy
Authors: Errington Lauren
Published: March 2015

In the exchange between living persons in the therapy room there is a dialogical space, which, when attended to, may create therapy enhancing possibilities. This article explores three aspects of the dialogical space – context, the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's use of self – to consider how this space promotes trust, acceptance and dialogue when engaging and working with adolescents in family therapy. It proposes that the focus of the dialogical approach on the human experience of therapy offers an authenticity, which is refreshing when working with adolescents and their families.
Rapid ambient temperature living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene utilizing sodium hypophosphite as reducing agent
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Fei‐Jun , Li Hui‐Na , Hu Xiao‐Hui , Di Wen‐Li , Zhao Shuang
Published: March 2015

A facile, safe, and inexpensive reducing agent, sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2·H2O), has been successfully used to perform ambient temperature living radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St). The rapid radical polymerizations were readily obtained at 25°C, i.e., MMA reached a conversion of ca 90% after 2.5 h, and St reached a conversion of ca 80% after 40 h. The polymerizations of MMA and St exhibited excellent living/controlled nature, as evidenced by pseudo first‐order kinetics of polymerization, linear evolution of molecular weights with increasing monomer conversions, and narrow molecular weight distributions. The various experimental parameters—ligand, solvent, and molar ratio of NaH2PO2·H2O to CuSO4·5H2O—were varied to improve the control of polymerization, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution. 1H NMR analyses and chain‐extension reactions confirm the high chain‐end functionality of the resultant poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42123.
Enzyme immobilization onto renewable polymeric matrixes: Past, present, and future trends
Authors: Bezerra Camilla Salviano , de Farias Lemos Celina Maria Gentil , de Sousa Marylane , Gonçalves Luciana Rocha Barros
Published: March 2015

In this review, we present an overview of the different renewable polymers that are currently being used as matrixes for enzyme immobilization and their properties and of new developments in biocatalysts preparation and applications. Polymers obtained from renewable resources have attracted much attention in recent years because they are environmentally friendly and available in large quantities from natural sources. Different methods for the immobilization of enzymes with these matrixes are reviewed, in particular: (1) binding to a prefabricated biopolymer, (2) entrapment, and (3) crosslinking of enzyme molecules. Emphasis is given to relatively recent developments, such as the use of novel supports, novel entrapment methods and protocols of polymer derivatization, and the crosslinking of enzymes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42125.
The self‐healing mechanism of an industrial acrylic elastomer
Authors: Fan Fan , Szpunar Jerzy
Published: March 2015

The self‐healing materials attract a lot of attention as self‐healing ability considerably improves reliability of service and extends the life time of materials. However, the present self‐healing materials lack the mechanical strength and thus cannot be used in practical applications. The industrial elastomer (VHB 4910) is a strong polymer, which has been used as dielectric actuator. Surprisingly, we observed that VHB 4910 has autonomic self‐healing ability. As this is an acrylic polymer, we analyzed the hydrogen bonding between carbonyl and hydroxyl groups and demonstrated that this bonding and the molecular chain entanglement contributes to its self‐healing ability. The tensile test, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to analyze the self‐healing processes. This study provides an insight into the mechanism of self‐healing behavior and ability of VHB 4910 to recover its strength. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42135.
Development Strategies for Pacific Island Economies: Is There a Role for the Cultural Industries?
Authors: Throsby David
Published: March 2015

Amongst the range of possible strategies to deal with ongoing development challenges facing the Pacific Island economies, one that has some potential is a policy focus on stimulating the creative or cultural industries. This article reviews the rise in interest around the world in the concept of the so‐called creative economy and its role in sustainable development. This interest has particular relevance at the present time in the light of international efforts to raise the profile of culture in development, especially with the replacement in 2015 of the Millennium Development Goals with a new set of sustainable development objectives. The article outlines the current state of the cultural industries' contribution to growth in the Pacific region, and discusses opportunities and obstacles affecting their further development. The article concludes by identifying some important considerations to be taken into account in the design of effective policy strategies in this area in the future.
Study skills in anatomy and physiology: Is there a difference?
Authors: Husmann Polly R. , Barger J. Bradley , Schutte Audra F.
Published: March 2015

Many factors influence the way individual students study, including but not limited to: previous coursework, attitudes toward the class (motivation, intimidation, risk, etc.), metacognition, and work schedules. However, little of this research has involved medical students. The present article asks the question, “Do individual medical students study differently for different classes?” Study skills surveys were given to United States medical students at an allopathic medical school and an osteopathic medical school. Students were surveyed near the end of their first year gross anatomy course and again near the end of their first year physiology course. Survey items included Likert scale and open‐ended questions about study habits and basic demographic information. The survey responses were correlated with each student's final grade percentages in the courses. Analysis revealed that the four most common study habits were reviewing lecture notes, taking practice examinations, completing learning exercises, and making drawings and diagrams. The two surveys (anatomy and physiology) from each individual were also compared to see if students reported different study habits in anatomy versus physiology. A negative correlation was found between changing study habits between courses and final anatomy grade percentages. Additional analyses suggest that those students who do change their study habits between courses are increasing the number of study strategies that they attempt. This increase in the number of study strategies attempted may not allow the student to reach the same depth of understanding as their colleagues who utilize fewer strategies. Anat Sci Educ. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Structure‐guided insights on the role of NS1 in flavivirus infection
Authors: Akey David L. , Brown W.Clay , Jose Joyce , Kuhn Richard J. , Smith Janet L.
Published: March 2015

We highlight the various domains of the flavivirus virulence factor NS1 and speculate on potential implications of the NS1 3D structure in understanding its role in flavivirus pathogenesis. Flavivirus non‐structural protein 1 (NS1) is a virulence factor with dual functions in genome replication and immune evasion. Crystal structures of NS1, combined with reconstructions from electron microscopy (EM), provide insight into the architecture of dimeric NS1 on cell membranes and the assembly of a secreted hexameric NS1‐lipid complex found in patient sera. Three structural domains of NS1 likely have distinct roles in membrane association, replication complex assembly, and immune system avoidance. A conserved hydrophobic inner face is sequestered either on the membrane or in the interior of the secreted hexamer and contains regions implicated in viral replication. The exposed variable outer face is presented to cellular and secreted components of the immune system in infected patients and contains candidate regions for immune system modulation. We anticipate that knowledge of the distinct NS1 domains and assembly will lead to advances in elucidating virus‐host interactions mediated through NS1 and in dissecting the role of NS1 in viral genome replication.
Adult neural stem cells: Long‐term self‐renewal, replenishment by the immune system, or both?
Authors: Beltz Barbara S. , Cockey Emily L. , Li Jingjing , Platto Jody F. , Ramos Kristina A. , Benton Jeanne L.
Published: March 2015

The current model of adult neurogenesis in mammals suggests that adult‐born neurons are generated by stem cells that undergo long‐term self‐renewal, and that a lifetime supply of stem cells resides in the brain. In contrast, it has recently been demonstrated that adult‐born neurons in crayfish are generated by precursors originating in the immune system. This is particularly interesting because studies done many years ago suggest that a similar mechanism might exist in rodents and humans, with bone marrow providing stem cells that can generate neurons. However, the relevance of these findings for natural mechanisms underlying adult neurogenesis in mammals is not clear, because of uncertainties at many levels. We argue here that the recent findings in crayfish send a strong signal to re‐examine existing data from rodents and humans, and to design new experiments that will directly test the contributions of the immune system to adult neurogenesis in mammals.
Mechanoluminescence of Ba2MgSi2O7 doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ phosphor by impulsive deformation
Authors: Shrivastava R. , Kaur J. , Chandra B. P.
Published: March 2015

Di‐barium magnesium silicate phosphor doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ was prepared using a solid‐state reaction technique under a reducing atmosphere. The sample underwent impulsive deformation by impact from a piston for mechanoluminescence (ML) investigations. The temporal ML characteristics of the phosphor were observed, which expressed a single sharp peak with a long decaying period. To investigate the luminescence centre responsible for the ML peak, the ML spectrum of the phosphor was also observed. The recorded ML spectrum was similar in shape and peak wavelength to the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, which verifies the existence of a single emission centre due to the transition of Eu2+ ions, i.e. transitions from any of the sublevels of the 4f65d1 configuration to the 8S7/2 level of the 4f7 configuration. Decay rates for different impact velocities were also calculated using curve‐fitting techniques. The time of the ML peak and the rate of decay did not change significantly with respect to increasing impact velocity of the load and peak ML intensity varied linearly. The mechanism of the ML emission was also discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta-analysis of the effect of goal-directed therapy on bowel function after abdominal surgery
Authors: Gómez-Izquierdo J C , Feldman L S , Carli F , Baldini G
Published: March 2015

Background

Intraoperative goal-directed therapy (GDT) was introduced to titrate intravenous fluids, with or without inotropic drugs, based on objective measures of hypovolaemia and cardiac output measurements to improve organ perfusion. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of GDT on the recovery of bowel function after abdominal surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched for randomized clinical trials and cohort studies, from January 1989 to June 2013, that compared patients who did, or did not, receive intraoperative GDT, and reported outcomes on the recovery of bowel function. Time to first flatus and first bowel motion, time to tolerate oral diet, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and primary postoperative ileus were included.

Results

Thirteen trials with 1399 patients were included in the analysis. GDT shortened the time to the first bowel motion (weighted mean difference (WMD −0·67, 95 per cent c.i. −1·23 to −0·11; P = 0·020) and time to tolerate oral intake (WMD −0·95, −1·81 to −0·10; P = 0·030), and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk difference −0·15, −0·26 to −0·03; P = 0·010). When only high-quality studies were included, GDT reduced only the time to tolerate oral intake (WMD −1·18, −2·03 to −0·33; P = 0·006). GDT was more effective outside enhanced recovery programmes and in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Conclusion

GDT facilitated the recovery of bowel function, particularly in patients not treated within enhanced recovery programmes and in those undergoing colorectal operations.
How Transitional Justice Processes and Official Apologies Influence Reconciliation: The Case of the Chilean ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ and ‘Political Imprisonment and Torture’ Commissions
Authors: Cárdenas Manuel , Páez Darío , Rimé Bernard , Arnoso Maitane
Published: March 2015

Perceptions of the ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ and ‘Political Imprisonment and Torture’ commissions and related beliefs, emotions and socio‐emotional climate were analysed in people affected and unaffected by past political violence in Chile (N = 1278). People directly affected regard institutional apologies as less sincere and effective, and they were more critical of the commissions. Those who have a positive appraisal of the commissions, compared with people who disagree with the commissions activities, are less prone to forget past collective violence; report higher levels of negative emotions, such as shame, and positive ones, such as pride and hope, about the collective past; and consider that the commissions contributed to knowing the truth about what happened to victims and helped bring human rights violators to justice. Those appraising the commissions in a positive fashion also perceive a more positive emotional climate and inter‐group trust, have more confidence in institutions and report more universalistic values. A multiple‐regression analysis suggests that commissions play a relatively successful role as transitional justice rituals, reinforcing reconciliation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygen Reduction at Shape‐Controlled Platinum Nanoparticles and Composite Catalysts Based on (100)Pt Nanocubes on Microporous–Mesoporous Carbon Supports
Authors: Grozovski Vitali , Kasuk Heili , Nerut Jaak , Härk Eneli , Jäger Rutha , Tallo Indrek , Lust Enn
Published: March 2015

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on bare (100)Pt nanoparticles supported by molybdenum‐carbide‐derived carbon [(100)Pt–C(Mo2C)] with high specific surface area and controlled microporosity–mesoporosity, pore size distribution, electrical conductivity, and corrosion stability was studied in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution by using rotating‐disk‐electrode and cyclic voltammetry methods. The C(Mo2C) powder was prepared from Mo2C at a fixed chlorination temperature (750 °C). Pt nanoparticles were prepared through colloid chemistry and deposited onto/into C(Mo2C) and Vulcan XC72 carbon supports for comparison. The ORR cathodic current densities and half‐wave potentials strongly depend on the characteristics of the carbon material used as the support. High values for the ORR current density were calculated for (100)Pt–C(Mo2C) and the half‐wave potential is nearly 80 mV more positive compared with that for the (100)Pt–Vulcan XC72 catalyst with a similar catalyst loading.
Divalent Transition‐Metal‐Ion Stress Induces Prodigiosin Biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor M145: Formation of Coeligiosins
Authors: Morgenstern Anne , Paetz Christian , Behrend Anne , Spiteller Dieter
Published: March 2015

The bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor M145 reacts to transition‐metal‐ion stress with myriad growth responses, leading to different phenotypes. In particular, in the presence of Co2+ ions (0.7 mM) S. coelicolor consistently produced a red phenotype. This phenotype, when compared to the wild type, differed strongly in its production of volatile compounds as well as high molecular weight secondary metabolites. LC‐MS analysis revealed that in the red phenotype the production of the prodigiosins, undecylprodigiosin and streptorubin B, was strongly induced and, in addition, several intense signals appeared in the LC‐MS chromatogram. Using LC‐MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy, two new prodigiosin derivatives were identified, that is, coeligiosin A and B, which contained an additional undecylpyrrolyl side chain attached to the central carbon of the tripyrrole ring system of undecylprodigiosin or streptorubin B. This example demonstrates that environmental factors such as heavy metal ion stress can not only induce the production of otherwise not observed metabolites from so called sleeping genes but alter the products from well‐studied biosynthetic pathways.