bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
South-east Asia's forest fires: blazing the policy trail
Authors: Yong Ding Li , Peh Kelvin S.-H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTransboundary haze pollution as a result of indiscriminate land clearance by fire has significant health and economic impacts on member states of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN). Meanwhile the impact of the associated carbon emissions, ecological disturbance and biodiversity loss extends well beyond South-east Asia. This is despite the fact there are relatively well-established mechanisms to combat forest fires, and policy-level solutions have existed on paper for years. Although the fires are mostly in Indonesian territory, the involvement of multiple hierarchies of stakeholders in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore adds complexity to the quest for lasting solutions. A more robust approach is required from the region's governments, especially in instilling accountability among large companies, and this is feasible without increasing political tensions within ASEAN. Indonesia's ratification of the Haze Agreement is a significant development but needs to be complemented with actions at the local (e.g. grassroot initiatives in forest protection, firefighting, policing of illegal clearance practices), national (e.g. centralizing ministry-level control of forestry resources) and regional levels (e.g. implementing compliance mechanisms and legal standards to tackle haze and forest fires). Ultimately, actions to combat forest fires may also help secure the long-term conservation of biodiversity-rich peat swamps. Rather than being a source of discord, combating haze pollution could become South-east Asia's defining environmental project.
DES AND RES PROCESSES AND THEIR EXPLICIT SOLUTIONS
Authors: Katehakis Michael N. , Smit Laurens C. , Spieksma Floske M. 
Published: December 2014

This paper defines and studies the down entrance state (DES) and the restart entrance state (RES) classes of quasi-skip free (QSF) processes specified in terms of the nonzero structure of the elements of their transition rate matrix Q. A QSF process is a Markov chain with states that can be specified by tuples of the form (m, i), where $m \in {\open Z}$ represents the “current” level of the state and $i \in {\open Z}^{+}$ the current phase of the state, and its transition probability matrix Q does not permit one-step transitions to states that are two or more levels away from the current state in one direction of the level variable m. A QSF process is a DES process if and only if one step “down” transitions from a level m can only reach a single state in level m − 1, for all m. A QSF process is a RES process if and only if one step “up” transitions from a level m can only reach a single set of states in the highest level M2, largest of all m.We derive explicit solutions and simple truncation bounds for the steady-state probabilities of both DES and RES processes, when in addition Q insures ergodicity. DES and RES processes have applications in many areas of applied probability comprising computer science, queueing theory, inventory theory, reliability, and the theory of branching processes. To motivate their applicability we present explicit solutions for the well-known open problem of the M/Er/n queue with batch arrivals, an inventory model, and a reliability model.
New type of versatile neutron diffractometer with a double-crystal monochromator system
Authors: Mikula P. , Vrána M. 
Published: December 2014

Properties of a special double-crystal (DC) monochromator employing bent-perfect crystals of Si in (1, −1) and (n, −m) settings are presented. The first monochromator was the bent Si(111) crystal (4 mm thickness) and the second one was in the form of a sandwich consisting of two bent Si(111) and Si(220) slabs (2 and 1.3 mm thickness, respectively). It has been found that by a simple exchange of diffraction conditions on the second monochromator one can use either Si(111) + Si(111) bent crystals in (1, −1) setting providing good luminosity and worse diffractometer resolution or Si(111) + Si(220) bent crystals in quasi-dispersive (n, −m) setting providing very good diffractometer resolution and correspondingly weaker luminosity. It has been found that besides an excellent focusing and reflectivity properties of the dispersive double-bent-crystal setting the obtained monochromatic neutron current is sufficiently high for diffraction experiments even at the medium-power research reactor.
Total scattering experiments on glass and crystalline materials at the ESRF on the ID11 Beamline
Authors: Bernasconi Andrea , Wright Jonathan , Harker Nicholas 
Published: December 2014

ID11 is a multi-purpose high-energy beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Owing to the high-energy X-ray source (up to 140 keV) and flexible, high-precision sample mounting which allows small sample–detector distances to be achieved, experiments such as total scattering in transmission geometry are possible. This permits the exploration of a wide Q range and so provides high real-space resolution. A range of samples (glasses and crystalline powders) have been measured at 78 keV, first putting the detector as close as possible to the sample (~10 cm), and then moving it vertically and laterally with respect to the beam in order to have circular and quarter circle sections of diffraction rings, with consequent QMAX at the edge of the detector of about 16 and 28 Å−1, respectively. Data were integrated using FIT2D, and then normalized and corrected with PDFgetX3. Results have been compared to see the effects of Q-range and counting statistics on the atomic pair distribution functions of the different samples. A Q of at least 20 Å−1 was essential to have sufficient real-space resolution for both type of samples while statistics appeared more important for glass samples rather than for crystalline samples.
Avian influenza surveillance in Central and West Africa, 2010–2014
Authors: FULLER T. L. , DUCATEZ M. F. , NJABO K. Y. , COUACY-HYMANN E. , CHASAR A. , APLOGAN G. L. , LAO S. , AWOUME F. , TÉHOU A. , LANGEOIS Q. , KRAUSS S. , SMITH T. B. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYAvian influenza virus (AIV) is an important zoonotic pathogen, resulting in global human morbidity and mortality and substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. Poultry and wild birds have transmitted AIV to humans, most frequently subtypes H5 and H7, but also different strains and subtypes of H6, H9, and H10. Determining which birds are AIV reservoirs can help identify human populations that have a high risk of infection with these viruses due to occupational or recreational exposure to the reservoir species. To assess the prevalence of AIV in tropical birds, from 2010 to 2014, we sampled 40 099 birds at 32 sites in Central Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon) and West Africa (Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo). In Central Africa, detection rates by real-time RT–PCR were 16·6% in songbirds (eight passerine families,n = 1257), 16·4% in kingfishers (family Alcedinidae,n = 73), 8·2% in ducks (family Anatidae,n = 564), and 3·65% in chickens (family Phasianidae,n = 1042). Public health authorities should educate human cohorts that have high exposure to these bird populations about AIV and assess their adherence to biosecurity practices, including Cameroonian farmers who raise small backyard flocks.
The impact of mode of instructional delivery on second language teacher self-efficacy
Authors: Kissau Scott , Algozzine Bob 
Published: December 2014

AbstractResearch has called into question the suitability of fully-online instruction for certain teacher preparation courses. Methodology coursework, in particular, has been singled out in research as ill-suited to online instruction. Recent research, for example, involving second language (L2) teacher candidates has demonstrated that aspiring teachers who completed online methodology instruction were less confident in their abilities to teach L2 learners than their counterparts who completed the same instruction in a face-to-face (F2F) setting. To address the limitations of online instruction, while still incorporating its associated strengths, the development and implementation of hybridized methodology coursework have been proposed. Following this recommendation, the researchers developed and implemented hybridized L2 methodology courses that mirrored their pre-existing online and F2F equivalents. Using a mixed methodology, the researchers then conducted a three-way comparison of instructional delivery modes (online, F2F, hybrid) to investigate their impact on L2 teacher candidate self-efficacy. Although the results demonstrated that all three modes of instruction can be equally effective at increasing candidate confidence, they also highlighted the potential of hybridized instruction to address the limitations of online and F2F instruction, while still including their strengths. The findings also emphasized that simply viewing or participating in live demonstrations of teaching strategies in post-secondary methodology courses is not sufficient. To feel confident in their teaching abilities, teacher candidates need opportunities in their coursework to apply what they have learned in K-12 classrooms. Offering numerous research-based suggestions to improve the design of hybridized methodology courses, the study also serves to inform the development of future hybridized methodology coursework.
Integrated risk management for defined benefit pensions: models and metrics
Authors: MAURER RAIMOND 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) insures private sector defined benefit (DB) pension plans, when an employer becomes insolvent and is unable to pay the pension liabilities. In principle, the insurance premiums collected by PBGC should be sufficient to cover potential losses; this would ensure that PBGC could pay the insured benefits of terminated pension plan without additional external funding (e.g., from taxpayers). Therefore, the risk exposure of the PBGC from insuring DB pension plans arises from the probability of the employer insolvencies; and the terminating plans’ funding status (the excess of the value of the insured plan liabilities over the plan assets). Here we explore only the second component, namely the impact of plan underfunding for the operation of the PBGC. When a DB plan is fully funded, the PBGC's risk exposure for an ongoing plan is low even if the plan sponsor becomes insolvent. Thus the questions most pertinent to the PBGC are: what key risk factors can produce underfunding in a DB plan, and how can these risk factors be quantified? We discuss the key risk factors that produce DB pension underfunding, namely, investment risk and liability risk. These are interrelated and must be considered simultaneously in order to quantify the risk exposure of a DB pension plan. We propose that an integrated risk management model (an Integrated Asset/Liability Model) can help better understand DB pension plan funding risk. We also examine the Pension Insurance Modeling System developed by the PBGC in terms of its own use of some of the building blocks of an integrated risk management model.
Regulation of CDX4 gene transcription by HoxA9, HoxA10, the Mll-Ell oncogene and Shp2 during leukemogenesis
Authors: Bei L , Shah C , Wang H , Huang W , Platanias L C , Eklund E A 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCdx and Hox proteins are homeodomain transcription factors that regulate hematopoiesis. Transcription of the HOX and CDX genes decreases during normal myelopoiesis, but is aberrantly sustained in leukemias with translocation or partial tandem duplication of the MLL1 gene. Cdx4 activates transcription of the HOXA9 and HOXA10 genes, and HoxA10 activates CDX4 transcription. The events that break this feedback loop, permitting a decreased Cdx4 expression during normal myelopoiesis, were previously undefined. In the current study, we find that HoxA9 represses CDX4 transcription in differentiating myeloid cells, antagonizing activation by HoxA10. We determine that tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA10 impairs transcriptional activation of CDX4, but tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA9 facilitates repression of this gene. As HoxA9 and HoxA10 are phosphorylated during myelopoiesis, this provides a mechanism for differentiation stage-specific Cdx4 expression. HoxA9 and HoxA10 are increased in cells expressing Mll-Ell, a leukemia-associated MLL1 fusion protein. We find that Mll-Ell induces a HoxA10-dependent increase in Cdx4 expression in myeloid progenitor cells. However, Cdx4 decreases in a HoxA9-dependent manner on exposure of Mll-Ell-expressing cells to differentiating cytokines. Leukemia-associated, constitutively active mutants of Shp2 block cytokine-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA9 and HoxA10. In comparison with myeloid progenitor cells that are expressing Mll-Ell alone, we find increased CDX4 transcription and Cdx4 expression in cells co-expressing Mll-Ell plus constitutively active Shp2. Increased Cdx4 expression is sustained on exposure of these cells to differentiating cytokines. Our results identify a mechanism for increased and sustained CDX4 transcription in leukemias co-overexpressing HoxA9 and HoxA10 in combination with constitutive activation of Shp2. This is clinically relevant, because MLL1 translocations and constitutive Shp2 activation co-exist in human myeloid leukemias.
In-vivo RGB marking and multicolour single-cell tracking in the adult brain
Authors: Gomez-Nicola Diego , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Perry V. Hugh 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn neuroscience it is a technical challenge to identify and follow the temporal and spatial distribution of cells as they differentiate. We hypothesised that RGB marking, the tagging of individual cells with unique hues resulting from simultaneous expression of the three basic colours red, green and blue, provides a convenient toolbox for the study of the CNS anatomy at the single-cell level. Using γ-retroviral and lentiviral vector sets we describe for the first time the in-vivo multicolour RGB marking of neurons in the adult brain. RGB marking also enabled us to track the spatial and temporal fate of neural stem cells in the adult brain. The application of different viral envelopes and promoters provided a useful approach to track the generation of neurons vs. glial cells at the neurogenic niche, allowing the identification of the prominent generation of new astrocytes to the striatum. Multicolour RGB marking could serve as a universal and reproducible method to study and manipulate the CNS at the single-cell level, in both health and disease.
An engineered genetic selection for ternary protein complexes inspired by a natural three-component hitchhiker mechanism
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Cheol , Portnoff Alyse D. , Rocco Mark A. , DeLisa Matthew P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe bacterial twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway is well known to translocate correctly folded monomeric and dimeric proteins across the tightly sealed cytoplasmic membrane. We identified a naturally occurring heterotrimer, theEscherichia colialdehyde oxidoreductase PaoABC, that is co-translocated by the Tat translocase according to a ternary “hitchhiker” mechanism. Specifically, the PaoB and PaoC subunits, each devoid of export signals, are escorted to the periplasm in a piggyback fashion by the Tat signal peptide-containing subunit PaoA. Moreover, export of PaoA was blocked when either PaoB or PaoC was absent, revealing a surprising interdependence for export that is not seen for classical secretory proteins. Inspired by this observation, we created a bacterial three-hybrid selection system that links the formation of ternary protein complexes with antibiotic resistance. As proof-of-concept, a bispecific antibody was employed as an adaptor that physically crosslinked one antigen fused to a Tat export signal with a second antigen fused to TEM-1 β-lactamase (Bla). The resulting non-covalent heterotrimer was exported in a Tat-dependent manner, delivering Bla to the periplasm where it hydrolyzed β-lactam antibiotics. Collectively, these results highlight the remarkable flexibility of the Tat system and its potential for studying and engineering ternary protein interactions in living bacteria.
Influence of Enzymatic Extrusion Liquefaction Pretreatment for Chinese Rice Wine on the Volatiles Generated from Extruded Rice
Authors: Xu Enbo , Li Hongyan , Wu Zhengzong , Wang Fang , Xu Xueming , Jin Zhengyu , Jiao Aiquan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVolatile compounds in enzymatic extruded rice, produced under different conditions of varying barrel temperature (BT), α‐amylase concentration (AC) and moisture content (MC), were extracted and identified by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and gas chromatography‐linked mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Statistical analyses reflected that the Maillard reaction could be inhibited both by the mild extrusion conditions and the enhanced hydrolysis caused by thermostable α‐amylase. Relative amounts of total volatiles in enzymatic extruded rice were far less than those in severe processed extruded rice. Reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) showed that the amino acids (AAs) involved in Maillrad reaction were utmostly preserved in extruded rice with highest amylase concentration by comparison of total AA content of different extrudates. These results suggest that enzymatic extrusion liquefaction is an effective way to control the generation of volatiles from extruded rice for Chinese rice wine production.
Application of Autochthonous Mixed Starter for Controlled Kedong Sufu Fermentation in Pilot Plant Tests
Authors: Feng Zhen , Xu Miao , Zhai Shuang , Chen Hong , Li Ai‐li , Lv Xin‐tong , Deng Hong‐ling 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTraditional sufu is fermented by back‐slopping and back‐slopping has many defects. The objective of this study was to apply autochthonous mixed starter to control Kedong sufu fermentation. Sufu was manufactured using back‐slopping (batch A) and autochthonous mixed starter (batch B) with Kocuria kristinae F7, Micrococcus luteus KDF1, and Staphylococcus carnosus KDFR1676. Considering physicochemical properties of sufu, 150‐day sufu samples from batch A and 90‐day sufu samples from batch B met the standard requirements, respectively. Considering sensory characteristics of sufu, 150‐day sufu samples from batch A and 90‐day sufu samples from batch B showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). The maturation period of sufu was shortened by 60 d. Profiles of free amino acids and peptides partly revealed the mechanism of typical sensory quality and shorter ripening time of sufu manufactured by autochthonous mixed starter. In final products, content of total biogenic amines was reduced by 48%. Autochthonous mixed starter performed better than back‐slopping. Fermentation had a positive influence on the quality, safety, and sensory properties of sufu. The application of autochthonous mixed starter does not change the sensory characteristics of traditional fermented sufu. In addition, it reduces maturation period and improves their homogeneity and safety. It is possible to substitute autochthonous mixed starter for back‐slopping in the manufacture of sufu.
Multimodality imaging in adnexal torsion
Authors: Patil Aruna R , Nandikoor Shrivalli , Rao Anuradha , M Janardan Govindarajan , Kheda AmithaVikrama , Hari Mahesh , Basappa Sharana 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAdnexal torsions are one among the causes of acute pelvic pain in females. Commonly occurring adnexal torsions are ovarian either involving the normal ovary with functional cysts or an associated mass. Fallopian tube torsions, torsions involving paraovarian, fimbrial cysts and subserosal fibroids are rare. Here we discuss the multimodality imaging approach for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion, its limitations and mimics.
A polymorphism in the porcine miR‐208b is associated with microRNA biogenesis and expressions of SOX‐6 and MYH7 with effects on muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality
Authors: Kim J. M. , Lim K. S. , Hong J. S. , Kang J. H. , Lee Y. S. , Hong K. C. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) encoded by the myosin heavy chain (MHC) genes are muscle‐specific miRNAs (myomiRs) and regulate the expression of MHC isoforms in skeletal muscle. These miRNAs have been implicated in muscle fibre types and their characteristics by affecting the heterogeneity of myosin. In pigs, miR‐208b and miR‐499 are embedded in introns of MYH7 and MYH7b respectively. Here, we identified a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 30 of MYH7 by which porcine miR‐208b is encoded. Based on the association study using a total of 487 pigs including Berkshire (n = 164), Landrace (n = 121) and Yorkshire (n = 202), the miR‐208b SNP (g.17104G>A) had significant effects on the proportions of types I and IIb fibre numbers (P < 0.010) among muscle fibre characteristics and on drip loss (P = 0.012) in meat quality traits. Moreover, the SNP affected the processing of primary miR‐208b into precursor miR‐208b with a marginal trend towards significance (P = 0.053), thereby leading to significant changes in the levels of mature miR‐208b (P = 0.009). These SNP‐dependent changes in mature miR‐208b levels were negatively correlated with the expression levels of its target gene, SOX‐6 (P = 0.038), and positively associated with the expression levels of its host gene, MYH7 (P = 0.046). Taken together, our data suggest that the porcine miR‐208b SNP differentially represses the expression of SOX‐6 by regulating miRNA biogenesis, thereby affecting the expression of MYH7 and the traits of muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality.
Sex‐dependent differences in renal angiotensinogen as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: de Alencar Franco Costa D. , Todiras M. , Campos L. A. , Cipolla‐Neto J. , Bader M. , Baltatu O. C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe renal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in renal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and the roles of androgens in diabetes‐associated renal injury.MethodsRenal injury and fibrosis were studied in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats by albuminuria and by gene expression of collagen I and fibronectin. RAS was investigated by analysing the plasma angiotensinogen (AOGEN) and renin activity (PRA) and their renal gene expression. Also, a group of diabetic rats was treated with the anti‐androgen flutamide.ResultsAlbuminuria was significantly lower in diabetic females than in males (1.2 [0.8–1.5] versus 4.4 [2.2–6.1] mg/24 h, data are median [IQR] values, P < 0.05). Renal AOGEN mRNA levels were increased by diabetes in males (8.1 ± 0.8% in diabetes versus 0.8 ± 0.2% in control, P < 0.001) but not in females (1.0 ± 0.1% in diabetes versus 0.8 ± 0.1% in control, P > 0.05), as were collagen I and fibronectin mRNAs. Furthermore, AOGEN mRNA levels were strongly correlated with albuminuria (Spearman r = 0.64, 95% [CI] 0.36–0.81, P < 0.0001). Diabetes decreased PRA, renal renin mRNA and plasma AOGEN in both females and males. Anti‐androgen treatment decreased albuminuria only in diabetic males without affecting the endocrine or renal RAS.ConclusionsThese data indicate that renal but not hepatic AOGEN or renin is positively associated with diabetic albuminuria and contribute to the sex‐dependent differences in renal injury. Androgens may contribute to albuminuria in male independently of the RAS.