bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambiguous States: Confucius Institutes and Chinese Soft Power in the U.S. Classroom
Authors: Hubbert Jennifer 
Published: January 2015

This article offers an ethnographic examination of representations and perceptions of the Chinese state as manifest through Confucius Institutes in the United States. Confucius Institutes are Chinese language and culture programs that are funded and staffed by the Chinese government. Confucius Institutes are a constituent part of China's soft power policy efforts to communicate to the world that its cultural tradition stresses harmony and that its rise to power will be a peaceful and globally responsible process. Through analyzing parent and student perceptions of “the state” through their experiences with Confucius Institute teachers and pedagogical materials, it is possible to contextualize and problematize the means through which Cold War rhetoric is recast and recirculated in the contemporary “post‐Cold War” historical moment, thus interrogating assumptions about essentialized Chinese difference. This research reveals how understandings of a newly empowered China cast the nation as a threat to U.S. economic and political power in a manner that negates China's soft power efforts, dislocating policy intention and effect. At the same time, this research suggests that as Confucius Institute teachers distance themselves from perceptions of an authoritarian state, parents and students begin to disaggregate perceptions of a monolithic Chinese state in a manner that reinforces the state's soft power goals.
Theorizing Sovereignty and European Integration
Authors: Avbelj Matej 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between the concept of sovereignty and the process of European integration. It is argued that the nature of this relationship has been both mutually informative and transformative. As a particular understanding of sovereignty has influenced and determined the perception of European integration, i.e., its conceptualization, so the process of European integration has reflected back on sovereignty and entailed its rethinking. This poses a particular challenge for legal theorists: how to pin down the meaning of sovereignty and European integration so as to put both in the best conceptual and normative light. The article begins by looking at the traditional perspective on sovereignty and how this has been challenged by European integration. The focus then shifts from sovereignty to European integration in order to examine how different perspectives on sovereignty, when used as an epistemic lens for understanding the process of European integration, have produced uneven conceptions of this integration. Finally, the article concludes by making a choice between the various conceptions of sovereignty and European integration. It is argued that the best conception of European integration is offered by the constitutional form of a union founded on pluralist sovereignty.
Starting Points: Kantian Constructivism Reassessed
Authors: Bagnoli Carla 
Published: January 2015

AbstractG. A. Cohen and J. Raz object that Constructivism is incoherent because it crucially deploys unconstructed elements in the structure of justification. This paper offers a response on behalf of constructivism, by reassessing the role of such unconstructed elements. First, it argues that a shared conception of rational agency works as a starting point for the justification, but it does not play a foundational role. Second, it accounts for the unconstructed norms that constrains the activity of construction as constitutive norms. Finally, on this basis, it draws a contrast between constructivist and foundational methods of ethics, such as deontology and teleology.
Law and the Evolutionary Turn: The Relevance of Evolutionary Psychology for Legal Positivism
Authors: Dyevre Arthur 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn the present essay, I consider the relevance of evolutionary psychology (EP) for legal positivism, addressing the two main traditions in the legal positivist family: (1) the tradition I identify with the works of Hart and Kelsen and characterize as “normativist,” as it tries to describe law as a purely or, at least, as an essentially normative phenomenon, while remaining true to the ideal of scientific objectivity and value‐neutrality; (2) the tradition I broadly refer to as “legal realism,” which equates law with adjudication and “legal science” with the task of explaining judicial behaviour.
Bayesian Modelling of Rainfall Data by Using Non-Homogeneous Hidden Markov Models and Latent Gaussian Variables
Authors: Heaps Sarah E. , Boys Richard J. , Farrow Malcolm 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe present a non-homogeneous hidden Markov model for the spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall data, within a subjective Bayesian framework. In this model, daily rainfall patterns are driven by a small number of unobserved states, interpreted as states of the weather, that evolve in time according to a first-order non-homogeneous Markov chain, with transition probabilities dependent on time varying atmospheric data. The weather states alone do not account for all the space–time structure in the data and so we introduce latent multivariate normal random variables in a flexible model for the probability of rain and the distribution of non-zero rainfall amounts. In the resulting hierarchical non-homogeneous hidden Markov model, rainfall occurrences and non-zero rainfall amounts are spatially dependent and conditionally Markov in time, given the weather state. We build a prior distribution that conveys genuine initial beliefs and apply the model and inferential procedures to data from a network of 12 sites located throughout the UK.
Optimal Retesting Configurations for Hierarchical Group Testing
Authors: Black Michael S. , Bilder Christopher R. , Tebbs Joshua M. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryHierarchical group testing is widely used to test individuals for diseases. This testing procedure works by first amalgamating individual specimens into groups for testing. Groups testing negatively have their members declared negative. Groups testing positively are subsequently divided into smaller subgroups and are then retested to search for positive individuals. We propose a new class of informative retesting procedures for hierarchical group testing that acknowledges heterogeneity among individuals. These procedures identify the optimal number of groups and their sizes at each testing stage to minimize the expected number of tests. We apply our proposals in two settings: human immunodeficiency virus testing programmes that currently use three-stage hierarchical testing and chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening practices that currently use individual testing. For both applications, we show that substantial savings can be realized by our new procedures.
Resolution of diffuse skin and systemic Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal transplant recipient after introduction of everolimus: a case report
Authors: Detroyer D. , Deraedt K. , Schöffski P. , Hauben E. , Lagrou K. , Naesens M. , Delforge M.‐L. , Kuypers D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe present a case report of a patient with diffuse skin and systemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 1 year after renal transplantation. A concomitant Pyrenochaeta romeroi granuloma of the right hallux was diagnosed and illustrated an important immunodysfunction in our patient. Four months after reduction in immunosuppression and switch to everolimus, a total regression of the KS was observed. Reduction in the immunosuppression and treatment with terbinafine cleared the P. romeroi infection, while lowering immunosuppression and changing the type of immunosuppressive therapy were important steps in the successful management of the KS. In recent years, evidence of the antitumor effects of everolimus is increasing: total regression of KS in combination with renal function preservation in renal graft recipients is possible with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor‐based regimens. In addition, with increasing numbers of human immunodeficiency virus‐positive transplant recipients, mTOR inhibitors may play a more crucial role in the management of KS.
Infectious complications following allogeneic stem cell transplantation by using anti‐thymocyte globulin‐based myeloablative conditioning regimens in children with hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Goussetis E. , Efstathiou E. , Paisiou A. , Avgerinou G. , Zisaki K. , Giamouris V.J. , Peristeri I. , Kitra V. , Vessalas G. , Gamaletsou M.N. , Sipsas N.V. , Graphakos S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used to prevent graft failure/rejection in the setting of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for hemoglobinopathies; however, epidemiology data for transplant‐related infections in this population are scarce.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the epidemiology of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections in a cohort of 105 children and adolescents with β‐thalassemia (n = 100) or sickle cell disease (n = 5) who underwent allo‐SCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling (n = 96) or HLA‐compatible unrelated donors (n = 9) in a single institution. All patients received an ATG‐based conditioning regimen.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia was 45.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33–55%), developing at a median of 48 (range 12–142) days without evidence of overt CMV disease. Herpes zoster developed in 8 patients at a median of 12 months post transplant, while 10 patients presented with late onset hemorrhagic cystitis at a median of 35 days post transplant. The cumulative incidence of bacteremia was 17.1% (95% CI 10.6–25%), occurring at a median of 74 (range 24–110) days. No patient developed probable or definite invasive fungal infection. Four deaths were recorded; 2 of them were attributed to infections (toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, respectively).ConclusionThe rate of infections after allo‐SCT, using an ATG‐containing preparative regimen, in our population of pediatric patients with hemoglobinopathies is comparable to that reported elsewhere with the use of non‐ATG containing regimens.
Expression of the β‐glucosidase genePgβglu‐1underpins natural resistance of white spruce against spruce budworm
Authors: Mageroy Melissa H. , Parent Geneviève , Germanos Gaby , Giguère Isabelle , Delvas Nathalie , Maaroufi Halim , Bauce Éric , Bohlmann Joerg , Mackay John J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPeriodic outbreaks of spruce budworm (SBW) affect large areas of ecologically and economically important conifer forests in North America, causing tree mortality and reduced forest productivity. Host resistance againstSBWhas been linked to growth phenology and the chemical composition of foliage, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and population variation are largely unknown. Using a genomics approach, we discovered a β‐glucosidase gene,Pgβglu‐1, whose expression levels and function underpin natural resistance toSBWin mature white spruce (Picea glauca) trees. In phenotypically resistant trees,Pgβglu‐1transcripts were up to 1000 times more abundant than in non‐resistant trees and were highly enriched in foliage. The encoded PgβGLU‐1 enzyme catalysed the cleavage of acetophenone sugar conjugates to release the aglycons piceol and pungenol. These aglycons were previously shown to be active againstSBW. Levels ofPgβglu‐1transcripts and biologically active acetophenone aglycons were substantially different between resistant and non‐resistant trees over time, were positively correlated with each other and were highly variable in a natural white spruce population. These results suggest that expression ofPgβglu‐1and accumulation of acetophenone aglycons is a constitutive defence mechanism in white spruce. The progeny of resistant trees had higherPgβglu‐1gene expression than non‐resistant progeny, indicating that the trait is heritable. With reported increases in the intensity ofSBWoutbreaks, influenced by climate, variation ofPgβglu‐1transcript expression, PgβGLU‐1 enzyme activity and acetophenone accumulation may serve as resistance markers to better predict impacts ofSBWin both managed and wild spruce populations.
Classic myrosinase‐dependent degradation of indole glucosinolate attenuates fumonisin B1‐induced programmed cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Yanting , Wang Jiansheng , Liu Yuanyuan , Miao Huiying , Cai Congxi , Shao Zhiyong , Guo Rongfang , Sun Bo , Jia Chengguo , Zhang Liping , Gigolashvili Tamara , Wang Qiaomei 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) causes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which then leads to programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis. In the process of studying FB1‐induced biosynthesis of glucosinolates, we found that indole glucosinolate (IGS) is involved in attenuating FB1‐induced PCD. Treatment with FB1 elevates the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of camalexin and IGS. Mutants deficient in aliphatic glucosinolate (AGS) or camalexin biosynthesis display similar lesions to Col‐0 upon FB1 infiltration; however, the cyp79B2 cyp79B3 double mutant, which lacks induction of both IGS and camalexin, displays more severe lesions. Based on the fact that the classic myrosinase β‐thioglucoside glucohydrolase (TGG)‐deficient double mutant tgg1 tgg2, rather than atypical myrosinase‐deficient mutant pen2‐2, is more sensitive to FB1 than Col‐0, and the elevated expression of TGG1, but not of PEN2, correlates with the decrease in IGS, we conclude that TGG‐dependent IGS hydrolysis is involved in FB1‐induced PCD. Indole‐3‐acetonitrile (IAN) and indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), the common derivatives of IGS, were used in feeding experiments, and this rescued the severe cell death phenotype, which is associated with reduced accumulation of ROS as well as increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and ROS‐scavenging ability. Despite the involvement of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in restricting FB1‐induced PCD, feeding of IAN and I3C attenuated FB1‐induced PCD in the IAA receptor mutant tir1‐1 just as in Col‐0. Taken together, our results indicate that TGG‐catalyzed breakdown products of IGS decrease the accumulation of ROS by their antioxidant behavior, and attenuate FB1 induced PCD in an IAA‐independent way.
Agrobacterium T‐DNA integration into the plant genome can occur without the activity of key non‐homologous end‐joining proteins
Authors: Park So‐Yon , Vaghchhipawala Zarir , Vasudevan Balaji , Lee Lan‐Ying , Shen Yunjia , Singer Kamy , Waterworth Wanda M. , Zhang Zhanyuan J. , West Christopher E. , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Gelvin Stanton B. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryNon‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major model proposed for Agrobacterium T‐DNA integration into the plant genome. In animal cells, several proteins, including KU70, KU80, ARTEMIS, DNA‐PKcs, DNA ligase IV (LIG4), Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), and ATM‐ and Rad3‐related (ATR), play an important role in ‘classical’ (c)NHEJ. Other proteins, including histone H1 (HON1), XRCC1, and PARP1, participate in a ‘backup’ (b)NHEJ process. We examined transient and stable transformation frequencies of Arabidopsis thaliana roots mutant for numerous NHEJ and other related genes. Mutants of KU70, KU80, and the plant‐specific DNA LIGASE VI (LIG6) showed increased stable transformation susceptibility. However, these mutants showed transient transformation susceptibility similar to that of wild‐type plants, suggesting enhanced T‐DNA integration in these mutants. These results were confirmed using a promoter‐trap transformation vector that requires T‐DNA integration into the plant genome to activate a promoterless gusA (uidA) gene, by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of Nicotiana benthamiana NHEJ genes, and by biochemical assays for T‐DNA integration. No alteration in transient or stable transformation frequencies was detected with atm, atr, lig4, xrcc1, or parp1 mutants. However, mutation of parp1 caused high levels of T‐DNA integration and transgene methylation. A double mutant (ku80/parp1), knocking out components of both NHEJ pathways, did not show any decrease in stable transformation or T‐DNA integration. Thus, T‐DNA integration does not require known NHEJ proteins, suggesting an alternative route for integration.
Seed germination of the invasive species Piper aduncum as influenced by high temperature and water stress
Authors: Wen B , Xue P , Zhang N , Yan Q , Ji M 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPiper aduncum is a common woody weed throughout the tropics and a successful invader in many areas. As this species most often dominates roadsides and forest margins, and these habitats frequently experience extreme changes in temperature and water availability, it is important to understand how the seeds adapt to these stresses. This study investigated the effect of high temperatures and water stress, continuous, periodic or transient, on P. aduncum seed germination before or after imbibition. It was found that P. aduncum seeds exhibited only intermediate tolerance and did not germinate at temperatures above 35°C or water potentials below −0.6 MPa. However, this species is well adapted to local conditions, with fruit ripening in the rainy season, seed desiccation tolerance to eRH 8%, rapid germination under wet conditions, higher temperature tolerance than the maximum ground temperature, germination of most seeds after 60 h continuous heat treatment or daily periodic heat treatments up to 5 h at 40°C and insensitivity to 12 h heat treatment at 40°C during the whole germination process. The intermediate tolerance to high temperature and water stress of P. aduncum, in combination with local environmental conditions in Xishuangbanna, makes P. aduncum an intermediate invader in this area.
Evidence for a functional vasodilatatory role for hydrogen sulphide in the human cutaneous microvasculature
Authors: Kutz Jessica L. , Greaney Jody L. , Santhanam Lakshmi , Alexander Lacy M. 
Published: January 2015

Key points
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is vasoprotective, attenuates inflammation and modulates blood pressure in animal models; however, its specific mechanistic role in the human vasculature remains unclear.
In the present study, we report the novel finding that the enzymes responsible for endogenous H2S production, cystathionine‐γ‐lyase and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase, are expressed in the human cutaneous circulation.
Functionally, we show that H2S‐induced cutaneous vasodilatation is mediated, in part, by tetraethylammonium‐sensitive calcium‐dependent potassium channels and not by ATP‐sensitive potassium channels. In addition, nitric oxide and cyclo‐oxygenase‐derived byproducts are required for full expression of exogenous H2S‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation.
Future investigations of the potential role for H2S with respect to modulating vascular function in humans may have important clinical implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction characteristic of multiple cardiovascular pathologies.
AbstractThe present study aimed to identify the presence of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3‐MST), which endogenously produce hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and to functionally examine the mechanisms of H2S‐induced vasodilatation in the human cutaneous microcirculation. CSE and 3‐MST were quantified in forearm skin samples from 5 healthy adults (24 ± 3 years) using western blot analysis. For functional studies, microdialysis fibres were placed in the forearm skin of 12 healthy adults (25 ± 3 years) for graded infusions (0.01–100 mm) of sodium sulphide (Na2S) and sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS). To define the mechanisms mediating H2S‐induced vasodilatation, microdialysis fibres were perfused with Ringer solution (control), a ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) inhibitor, an intermediate calcium‐dependent potassium channel (KCa) inhibitor, a non‐specific KCa channel inhibitor or triple blockade. To determine the interaction of H2S‐mediated vasodilatation with nitric oxide (NO) and cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) signalling pathways, microdialysis fibres were perfused with Ringer solution (control), a non‐specific NO synthase inhibitor, a non‐selective COX inhibitor or combined inhibition during perfusion of increasing doses of Na2S. CSE and 3‐MST were expressed in all skin samples. Na2S and NaHS elicited dose‐dependent vasodilatation. Non‐specific KCa channel inhibition and triple blockade blunted Na2S‐induced vasodilatation (P < 0.05), whereas KATP and intermediate KCa channel inhibition had no effect (P > 0.05). Separate and combined inhibition of NO and COX attenuated H2S‐induced vasodilatation (all P < 0.05). CSE and 3‐MST are expressed in the human microvasculature. Exogenous H2S elicits cutaneous vasodilatation mediated by KCa channels and has a functional interaction with both NO and COX vasodilatatory signalling pathways.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium sp. Strain VKM Ac-1817D, Capable of Producing 9α-Hydroxy-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione from Phytosterol
Authors: Shtratnikova Victoriya Y. , Schelkunov Mikhail I. , Dovbnya Dmitry V. , Pekov Yury A. , Bragin Eugeny Y. , Ashapkin Vasily V. , Donova Marina V. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Mycobacterium sp. strain VKM Ac-1817D is capable of converting phytosterol into 9α-hydroxy androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (9-OH-AD), which is a valuable intermediate for the steroid pharmaceutical industry. Here, a complete genome sequence of the strain is reported. The genome consists of a single circular 6,324,222-bp chromosome with a G+C content of 66.2% and encodes approximately 6,000 CDSs, 54 tRNAs, and 6 rRNAs.
Genome Sequence of a Fish-Associated Polyomavirus, Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) Polyomavirus 1
Authors: Peretti Alberto , FitzGerald Peter C. , Bliskovsky Valery , Pastrana Diana V. , Buck Christopher B. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
All known polyomaviruses are associated with mammals or birds. Using virion enrichment, random-primed rolling circle amplification, and deep sequencing, we identified a polyomavirus associated with black sea bass (Centropristis striata). The virus has a variety of novel genetic features, suggesting a long evolutionary separation from polyomaviruses of terrestrial animals.
Draft Genome Sequence of Geobacter sp. Strain OR-1, an Arsenate-Respiring Bacterium Isolated from Japanese Paddy Soil
Authors: Ehara Ayaka , Suzuki Haruo , Amachi Seigo 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of Geobacter sp. strain OR-1, an arsenate-respiring bacterium isolated from Japanese paddy soil. It contained two distinct arsenic islands, one including genes for a respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr) as well as for arsenic resistance (
arsD-arsA-acr3-arsR-arrA-arrB
) and the second containing only genes for arsenic resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Yersinia ruckeri Strain CSF007-82, Etiologic Agent of Red Mouth Disease in Salmonid Fish
Authors: Nelson Michael C. , LaPatra Scott E. , Welch Timothy J. , Graf Joerg 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

We present the complete, closed, and finished chromosomal and extrachromosomal genome sequences of
Yersinia ruckeri
strain CSF007-82, the etiologic agent of enteric red mouth disease in salmonid fish. The chromosome is 3,799,036 bp with a G+C content of 47.5% and encodes 3,530 predicted coding sequences (CDS), 7 ribosomal operons, and 80 tRNAs.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from a Rock Dove (Columba livia) in the Russian Federation
Authors: Yurchenko Kseniya S. , Sivay Mariya V. , Glushchenko Alexandra V. , Alkhovsky Sergey V. , Shchetinin Alexey M. , Shchelkanov Michail Y. , Shestopalov Alexander M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome sequence of a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolate, NDV/Altai/pigeon/770/2011, isolated from a rock dove in the Russian Federation. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, this strain was clustered into genotype VIb class II.