Nation, State and Territorial Unity : a Trans-Outaouais View

Le concept de « nation » est couramment utilisé selon plusieurs sens. Alors qu'un certain nombre de Québécois soutiennent qu'une nation doit être un État, il existe dans le monde des nations constituantes de plus grandes nations. La souveraineté doit avoir priorité sur l'association. Une sécession du Québec diviserait le Canada en trois parties au moins et entraînerait leur réorientation à l'opposé du centre. Il y aurait des problèmes éventuels de frontière. Le réveil du nationalisme canadien doit retenir l'attention.The concept of "nation" is currently being applied on more than one level. Whereas many Québécois maintain that a nation should be a state, world experience shows many nations as forming constituent parts of larger-scaled nations. Sovereignty must be seen as having priority over "association". A secession of Québec would split Canada into at least three portions, and would cause a reorientation of the remnant pieces away from the centre. Several potential boundary problems would exist. The recent development of a Canadian nationalism should not be overlooked

Multi-layer Gaussian-based multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (ML-GMCTDH) simulations of ultrafast charge separation in a donor–acceptor complex

We report on first applications of the Multi-Layer Gaussian-based Multi-Configuration Time-Dependent Hartree (ML-GMCTDH) method [Römer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 138, 064106 (2013)] beyond its basic two-layer variant. The ML-GMCTDH scheme provides an embedding of a variationally evolving Gaussian wavepacket basis into a hierarchical tensor representation of the wavefunction. A first-principles parameterized model Hamiltonian for ultrafast non-adiabatic dynamics in an oligothiophene–fullerene charge transfer complex is employed, relying on a two-state linear vibronic coupling model that combines a distribution of tuning type modes with an intermolecular coordinate that also modulates the electronic coupling. Efficient ML-GMCTDH simulations are carried out for up to 300 vibrational modes using an implementation within the QUANTICS program. Excellent agreement with reference ML-MCTDH calculations is obtained

Dreidimensionale Finite-Element-Baugrundmodelle für Ingeniuerprobleme

Bei komplexen Gründungskonstruktionen sind Planungsfehler durch eine konsistente Modellierung vermeidbar. Manuelle Berechnungsmethoden ermöglichen im allgemeinen ein dreidimensionales Vorgehen nicht. Numerische Berechnungsmethoden, wie z.B. die Finite-Element-Methode, sind ein optimales Werkzeug zur ganzheitlichen Simulation des Problems. Die für die Finite-Element-Analyse notwendige Diskretisierung komplexer Bau- grundstrukturen ist manuell nicht zu bewältigen. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt wie ein Finite-Element-Modell automatisch aus einem geotechnischen Modell unter Berücksichtigung der spezifischen Anforderungen der Baugrund-Tragwerk-Struktur und des Bauablaufes erzeugt werden kann. Hierbei wird die Berücksichtigung der geometrischen und der mechanischen Besonderheiten bei der Netzgenerierung dargestellt

Fluid moment hierarchy equations derived from quantum kinetic theory

A set of quantum hydrodynamic equations are derived from the moments of the electrostatic mean-field Wigner kinetic equation. No assumptions are made on the particular local equilibrium or on the statistical ensemble wave functions. Quantum diffraction effects appear explicitly only in the transport equation for the heat flux triad, which is the third-order moment of the Wigner pseudo-distribution. The general linear dispersion relation is derived, from which a quantum modified Bohm-Gross relation is recovered in the long wave-length limit. Nonlinear, traveling wave solutions are numerically found in the one-dimensional case. The results shed light on the relation between quantum kinetic theory, the Bohm-de Broglie-Madelung eikonal approach, and quantum fluid transport around given equilibrium distribution functions.Comment: 5 pages, three figures, uses elsarticle.cl

Phenotypic profiles of cultured glomerular cells following repeated cycles of hydrocarbon injury

Phenotypic profiles of cultured glomerular cells following repeated cycles of hydrocarbon injury.BackgroundThe glomerulus has been implicated as a target of hydrocarbon injury in vitro and in vivo. In the present studies, the phenotypic profiles of cultured rat glomerular cells (GCs) following repeated cycles of hydrocarbon injury were evaluated. Cultured GCs were incubated for 24 hours with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP; 3 μmol/L), a prototypical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and were allowed to recover overnight before two additional cycles of chemical challenge during serial propagation in vitro. At the end of this regimen, control cultures were characterized by predominance of fusiform cells that grew in “hills and valleys,” while GCs subjected to hydrocarbon injury displayed an epithelial morphology characterized by a rounded, polygonal shape clearly distinct from that normally exhibited by glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in culture.MethodsIndirect immunofluorescent detection of cell markers was conducted to identify cells of mesenchymal or epithelial origin. Measurements of DNA synthesis and cell number were performed to determine proliferative capacities of the different cell types in response to hydrocarbon challenge.ResultsImmunofluorescence studies revealed that control GC cultures contained mostly α-smooth muscle (SM) actin-positive cells, with a few (5.1%± 2.6) E-cadherin–positive cells occasionally identified. In contrast, BaP-treated cultures exhibited a mixed cell population in which E-cadherin–positive cells were predominant (66.6%± 4.1). Single-cell cloning of naive cultures of GCs yielded four clones, three of which exhibited a fusiform morphology and were α-SM actin positive (SCC 1 through SCC 3) and one (SCC 4E) that exhibited epithelial characteristics similar to those found in hydrocarbon-treated cultures. Immunofluorescence studies showed that epithelial cells in hydrocarbon-treated cultures, as well as SCC 4E-derived clones, were vimentin positive and cytokeratin negative, characteristics similar to glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GVECs). DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in clone SCC 1 were decreased following acute BaP challenge, while growth rates in SCC 4E-derived clones were unaffected by hydrocarbon injury. Repeated cycles of hydrocarbon challenge in clonal populations yielded different profiles of DNA synthesis, with significant decreases in SCC 1 and no changes in SCC 4E.ConclusionsThese observations suggest that hydrocarbon injury induces differential responses in cells of the glomerulus, resulting in inhibition of GMCs and selective growth advantage of GVECs. These alterations are reminiscent of critical events described in the pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and raise important questions about the pathogenesis of hydrocarbon-induced nephropathies

Chemical Defense of an Asian Snake Reflects Local Availability of Toxic Prey and Hatchling Diet

Species that sequester toxins from prey for their own defense against predators may exhibit population-level variation in their chemical arsenal that reflects the availability of chemically defended prey in their habitat. Rhabdophis tigrinus is an Asian snake that possesses defensive glands in the skin of its neck (nuchal glands\u27), which typically contain toxic bufadienolide steroids that the snakes sequester from consumed toads. In this study, we compared the chemistry of the nuchal gland fluid of R.tigrinus from toad-rich and toad-free islands in Japan and determined the effect of diet on the nuchal gland constituents. Our findings demonstrate that captive-hatched juveniles from toad-rich Ishima Island that had not been fed toads possess defensive bufadienolides in their nuchal glands, presumably due to maternal provisioning of these sequestered compounds. Wild-caught juveniles from Ishima possess large quantities of bufadienolides, which could result from a combination of maternal provisioning and sequestration of these defensive compounds from consumed toads. Interestingly, juvenile females from Ishima possess larger quantities of bufadienolides than do juvenile males, whereas a small sample of field-collected snakes suggests that adult males contain larger quantities of bufadienolides than do adult females. Captive-born hatchlings from Kinkasan Island lack bufadienolides in their nuchal glands, reflecting the absence of toads on that island, but they can sequester bufadienolides by feeding on toads (Bufo japonicus) in captivity. The presence of large quantities of bufadienolides in the nuchal glands of R.tigrinus from Ishima may reduce the risk of predation by providing an effective chemical defense, whereas snakes on Kinkasan may experience increased predation due to the lack of defensive compounds in their nuchal glands

The potential therapeutic role of lymph node resection in epithelial ovarian cancer: a study of 13 918 patients

The aim of the study is to determine the role of lymphadenectomy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. The data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program reported between 1988 and 2001. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for analysis. Of 13 918 women with stage III–IV epithelial ovarian cancer (median age: 64 years), 87.9% were Caucasian, 5.6% African Americans, and 4.4% Asians. A total of 4260 (30.6%) underwent lymph node dissections with a median number of six nodes reported. For all patients, a more extensive lymph node dissection (0, 1, 2–5, 6–10, 11–20, and >20 nodes) was associated with an improved 5-year disease-specific survival of 26.1, 35.2, 42.6, 48.4, 47.5, and 47.8%, respectively (P<0.001). Of the stage IIIC patients with nodal metastases, the extent of nodal resection (1, 2–5, 6–10, 11–20, and >20 nodes) was associated with improved survivals of 36.9, 45.0, 47.8, 48.7, and 51.1%, respectively (P=0.023). On multivariate analysis, the extent of lymph node dissection and number of positive nodes were significant independent prognosticators after adjusting for age, year at diagnosis, stage, and grade of disease. The extent of lymphadenectomy is associated with an improved disease-specific survival of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Ohio Conservation Plan: Plains gartersnake, Thamnophis radix

This plan outlines strategies and methods used in an ongoing study initiated in 1999 to restore a selfsustaining population of the Plains gartersnake (Thamnophis radix) in Ohio. Restoring a self-sustaining population would require increases in the current population to where the ratios of T. radix to T. sirtalis are approximately 1:1 in multiple locations in Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area (KPWA). This ratio would be similar to what was seen earlier by Reichenbach and Dalrymple (1986) at one site in KPWA. The plan was developed by a team of enthusiastic conservationists representing, the Division of Wildlife (ODW), the Columbus and Cleveland Zoos, Westerville North High School Field Study Class, Liberty University, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Tennessee. A thorough review of the plan will be made in 2012 with revisions and updates as needed

Proteomic Characterization of Cellular and Molecular Processes that Enable the Nanoarchaeum equitans-Ignicoccus hospitalis Relationship

Nanoarchaeum equitans, the only cultured representative of the Nanoarchaeota, is dependent on direct physical contact with its host, the hyperthermophile Ignicoccus hospitalis. The molecular mechanisms that enable this relationship are unknown. Using whole-cell proteomics, differences in the relative abundance of >75% of predicted protein-coding genes from both Archaea were measured to identify the specific response of I. hospitalis to the presence of N. equitans on its surface. A purified N. equitans sample was also analyzed for evidence of interspecies protein transfer. The depth of cellular proteome coverage achieved here is amongst the highest reported for any organism. Based on changes in the proteome under the specific conditions of this study, I. hospitalis reacts to N. equitans by curtailing genetic information processing (replication, transcription) in lieu of intensifying its energetic, protein processing and cellular membrane functions. We found no evidence of significant Ignicoccus biosynthetic enzymes being transported to N. equitans. These results suggest that, under laboratory conditions, N. equitans diverts some of its host's metabolism and cell cycle control to compensate for its own metabolic shortcomings, thus appearing to be entirely dependent on small, transferable metabolites and energetic precursors from I. hospitalis