bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical analysis of ice vein μ-environments
Authors: Barletta Robert E. , Roe Christopher H. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTIcy environments (glacial ice and sea ice) can be complex ecosystems, supporting a diversity of communities. In particular, the μ-environments in which bacteria and algae are found are poorly understood. One important habitat is the liquid trapped in the ice, either as veins and triple junctions inherent in the ice structure or as liquid inclusions. μ-Raman spectroscopy is an analytical tool with the potential to characterise qualitatively and quantitatively these liquid μ-environments especially with respect to molecular anions such as nitrate, sulphate, bisulphate and MSA. Using a model system for glacial ice, splat-cooled samples were prepared from aqueous solutions of these anions at varying concentrations (50–75 mM total sulphate, 30–200 mM nitrate, and 10–55 mM MSA). Concentrations of these anions in the vein liquid were measured directly and non-destructively at –15 °C using μ-Raman spectroscopy. In agreement with predicted concentrations in glacial ice veins, it was found that typical ionic concentrations in veins are quite high, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.23 M to 3.5 M depending on anion type and initial concentration. For sulphate solutions, it was also possible to measure vein pH's directly. The observed pH in these systems was extremely low, in some cases ~1. The results of these model studies as well as the implications for ice vein concentrations in natural systems of polycrystalline ice are discussed.
Development of vocabulary in Spanish-speaking and Cantonese-speaking English language learners
Authors: UCHIKOSHI YUUKO 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThis study examines vocabulary growth rates in first and second languages for Spanish-speaking and Cantonese-speaking English language learners from kindergarten through second grade. Growth-modeling results show a within-language effect of concepts about print on vocabulary. Language exposure also had an effect on English vocabulary: earlier English exposure led to larger English vocabulary in kindergarten. There was no interference of early English exposure on native-language vocabulary. Moreover, Cantonese-speaking children had higher English expressive vocabulary scores than Spanish-speaking children and this difference remained for the 3 years. In contrast, although there were no significant differences in first language vocabulary at the start of kindergarten, Spanish-speaking children had steeper growth rates in first-language vocabulary than Cantonese-speaking children, after controlling for language of instruction and first-language concepts about print.
New information technologies and their impact on the humanitarian sector
Authors: Meier Patrick 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNew information and communication technologies are impacting the humanitarian sector in profound ways. Both crisis-affected communities and global volunteer networks are becoming increasingly digital. This means that the former are increasingly the source of relevant crisis information, while the latter are becoming more adept at managing and visualizing this information on live crisis maps. This article introduces the field of crisis mapping and provides key examples from Haiti, Russia, Libya, and Somalia to demonstrate how digitally empowered affected communities and volunteer networks are reshaping humanitarian response in the twenty-first century.
What future role for local organizations? A reflection on the need for humanitarian capacity-building
Authors: Audet François 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWhile treating the humanitarian organizations themselves as rational actors, this article considers the factors that influence the decisions and the current logic of Western humanitarian organizations in their dealings with local organizations. This reflection necessarily leads to a re-examination of the current structure of these organizations and to proposed scenarios to identify the best methods for the future, particularly in the relational framework between international organizations and their local partners. Ultimately, the humanitarian organization interventional model must be broadened, taking local humanitarian capacity-building into greater consideration.
Rwanda's Vision 2020 halfway through: what the eye does not see
Authors: Ansoms An , Rostagno Donatella 
Published: September 2012

This paper considers the progress made in the implementation of Rwanda's Vision 2020 programme since its launch in 2000. At the halfway point, the overall picture is quite encouraging. Rwanda's economy is thriving and reported growth figures have been impressive. The country is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals in the fields of education and health care. Its political leaders have been praised for their quality of technocratic governance and their proactive approach to creating an attractive business climate. However, some indicators remain problematic. This paper argues that the current strategy – one of maximum growth at any cost – is counterproductive to the objective of achieving the greatest possible poverty reduction. Strong economic growth, concentrated in the hands of a small elite, results in a highly skewed developmental path with limited trickle-down potential. A possible alternative lies in an exploration of a broad-based inclusive growth model founded on existing strengths and the notion of capacity building among rural small-scale farmers. Striving for a more inclusive concept of growth would appear to be crucial not only for successful poverty reduction, but also with a view to promoting long-term stability and peace in Rwanda.
[Vision 2020 du Rwanda à mi-parcours: ce que l'œil ne voit pas.] Le présent article analyse les progrès accomplis dans la mise en œuvre du programme ‘Vision 2020 du Rwanda’ depuis son lancement en 2000. À mi-terme, le tableau d'ensemble est encourageant. L'économie du Rwanda est en plein essor et les chiffres de croissance rapportés sont impressionnants. Le pays est sur la bonne voie pour atteindre les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement dans les domaines de l'éducation et de santé. Ses dirigeants politiques ont été félicités pour la qualité de leur gouvernance technocratique et leur approche proactive de la création d'un climat propice au business. Toutefois, plusieurs indicateurs restent problématiques. Cet article soutient que la stratégie actuelle – celle d'une croissance maximale à tout prix – est contre-productive par rapport à l'objectif qui vise à atteindre la plus grande réduction possible de la pauvreté. La forte croissance économique, concentrée dans les mains d'une petite élite, résulte en une voie de développement très inégal avec un potentiel limité de retombées. Une alternative possible réside dans l'exploration d'un modèle fondé sur une croissance inclusive sur la base d'un renforcement des capacités des petits agriculteurs. Ceci semble crucial, non seulement pour réduire la pauvreté, mais aussi en vue de promouvoir la stabilité à long terme et la paix au Rwanda.

Mots-clés: Rwanda ; pauvreté ; croissance ; politiques de développement
Riesz bases consisting of root functions of 1D Dirac operators
Authors: Djakov Plamen , Mityagin Boris 
Published: September 2012

For one-dimensional Dirac operators
\[

L
y
=
i

(

1

a
m
p
;
0

0

a
m
p
;
−
1

)

d
y

d
x

+
v
y
,

v
=

(

0

a
m
p
;
P

Q

a
m
p
;
0

)

,

y
=

(

y
1

y
2

)

,

Ly= i \begin {pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1 \end {pmatrix} \frac {dy}{dx} + v y, \quad v= \begin {pmatrix} 0 & P \\ Q & 0 \end {pmatrix}, \;\; y=\begin {pmatrix} y_1 \\ y_2 \end {pmatrix},

\]
subject to periodic or antiperiodic boundary conditions, we give necessary and sufficient conditions which guarantee that the system of root functions contains Riesz bases in

L
2

(
[
0
,
π
]
,

C

2

)
.

L^2 ([0,\pi ], \mathbb {C}^2).

In particular, if the potential matrix

v
v

is skew-symmetric (i.e.,

Q
¯

=
−
P

\overline {Q} =-P

), or more generally if

Q
¯

=
t
P

\overline {Q} =t P

for some real

t
≠
0
,

t \neq 0,

then there exists a Riesz basis that consists of root functions of the operator

L
.

L.
Administration of the cyclic peptide COR‐1 in humans (phase I study): ex vivo measurements of anti‐β1‐adrenergic receptor antibody neutralization and of immune parameters
Authors: Münch Götz , Boivin‐Jahns Valerie , Holthoff Hans‐Peter , Adler Kristin , Lappo Mariola , Truöl Stephan , Degen Heidrun , Steiger Nina , Lohse Martin J. , Jahns Roland , Ungerer Martin 
Published: September 2012

AimsA novel concept for the treatment of heart failure is the neutralization of antibodies against the β1‐adrenergic receptor (anti‐β1AR‐ab). In a rat model of autoimmune cardiomyopathy, the cyclic peptide COR‐1 (given i.v. once monthly) neutralized anti‐β1AR‐abs and prevented anti‐β1AR‐ab‐induced myocardial damage, and completely reverted cardiac dysfunction over 3–6 months.Methods and resultsA clinical phase I trial was designed as a single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Fifty human volunteers received COR‐1 or matching placebo as a single i.v. administration with ascending doses (10–240 mg). Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, while the pharmacokinetic profile of COR‐1 was assessed as a secondary endpoint. All five investigated dose groups were well tolerated; no drug‐related side effects occurred. Pharmacokinetics revealed a favourable profile with an almost complete plasma clearance within 60 min after administration. Pharmacodynamic investigation showed dose‐dependent efficacy with almost complete scavenging of pathological anti‐β1AR‐abs ex vivo at the two highest doses. No anti‐COR‐1 autoantibodies occurred. No other effects on the immune system (such as an increase of crucial cytokines) were observed up to 43 days after drug administration, nor upon incubation of anti‐β1AR‐ab‐positive patient blood samples with COR‐1 ex vivo.ConclusionsCOR‐1 was shown to be safe after i.v. administration in vivo; no relevant side effects occurred. Efficacy was estimated from ex vivo investigation of the potency to neutralize specific anti‐β1‐AR‐abs.
Trial registration: NCT 01043146, Eudra CT 2008‐07745‐31.
First Report of Colletotrichum boninense Causing Anthracnose on Pepper in China
Authors: Diao Y. Z. , Fan J. R. , Wang Z. W. , Liu X. L. 
Published: September 2012

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a severe disease and results in large losses in pepper (Capsicum frutescens) production in China (4). Colletotrichum boninense is one of the Colletotrichum species in pepper in China. In August 2011, anthracnose symptoms (circular, sunken lesions with orange to black spore masses) were observed on pepper fruits in De-Yang, Sichuan Province, China. Three single-spore isolates (SC-6-1, SC-6-2, SC-6-3) were obtained from the infected fruits. A 5-mm diameter plug was transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA); the isolates formed colonies with white margins and circular, dull orange centers. The conidia were cylindrical, obtuse at both ends, and 10.5 to 12.6 × 4.1 to 5.0 μm. The colonies grew rapidly at 25 to 28°C, and the average colony diameter was 51 to 52 mm after 5 days on PDA at 25°C. Based upon these characters, the causal agent was identified as C. boninense. To confirm the identity of the isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified with the ITS1/ITS4 universal primers (1). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (Accession No. JQ926743) of the causal fungus shared 99 to 100% homology with ITS sequences of C. boninense in GenBank (Accession Nos. FN566865 and EU822801). The identity of the causal agent as C. boninense was also confirmed by species-specific primers (Col1/ITS4) (2). In a pathogenicity test, five detached ripe pepper fruits were inoculated with 1 μl of a conidial suspension (106 conidia/mL) or five fruits with 1 μl of sterile water were kept as control. After 7 days in a moist chamber at 25°C, typical anthracnose symptoms had developed on the five inoculated fruits but not on control fruits. C. boninense was reisolated from the lesions, and which was confirmed by morphology and molecular methods as before. There have reports of C. boninense infecting many species of plants, including pepper (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. boninense causing anthracnose on pepper in China. References: (1) A. K. Lucia et al. Phytopathology 93:581, 2002. (2) S. A. Pileggi et al. Can. J. Microbiol. 55:1081, 2009. (3) H. J. Tozze et al. Plant Dis. 93:106, 2009. (4) M. L. Zhang. J. Anhui Agri. Sci. 2:21, 2000.
First Report of Brown Rot Caused by Monilinia fructicola in Sweet Cherry in Maryland
Authors: Chen F. , Liu X. , Schnabel G. 
Published: September 2012

Monilinia fructicola (G. Wint.) Honey is the most important causal agent of brown rot of stone fruits in North America. In July 2010, 20 sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium) of unknown variety with symptoms resembling brown rot were collected from one commercial orchard in Maryland. Each cherry fruit came from a different tree. Symptoms included necrotic areas up to 10 mm in diameter with brown conidia and conidiophores developing from the infection center. Spores from nine symptomatic fruit collected each from different trees of a single orchard were suspended in sterile water, spread onto the surface of 1% agar plates, and incubated at 22°C. After 12 h, single, germinated spores were transferred onto 9-cm petri dishes with potato dextrose agar (PDA). Nine fungal colonies, each from a different fruit, were investigated in three replicates for cultural characteristics on separate petri dishes containing PDA. They were very similar in morphology and grew 12.4 mm per day on average at 22°C, forming branched, monilioid chains of grayish colonies with concentric rings and little sporulation. Rich sporulation was observed on tomato sauce medium (250 ml tomato sauce and 20 g agar in 750 ml water). The lemon-shaped spores had an average size of 15 × 10 μm, which is consistent with M. fructicola. Two colonies were randomly selected to identify the pathogen to the species level using a PCR technique based on cytochrome b sequence amplifications (2). Resulting gel electrophoresis patterns were consistent with M. fructicola. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by inoculating 15 mature sweet cherry fruits of cv. Bing with a conidial suspension (105 spores/ml) of one of the single-spore isolates from cherry. Fruit were stab-inoculated at a point to a depth of 2 mm using a sterile needle. A 10-μl droplet was placed on each wound; control fruit received sterile water without conidia. After 3 days of incubation at room temperature in airtight plastic bags, the inoculated fruit developed typical brown rot symptoms with lesions that were 20.6 mm in diameter. The developing spores on inoculated fruit were confirmed to be M. fructicola. All control fruit remained healthy. The entire detached fruit experiment was repeated 1 week later. M. fructicola is assumed to be the main causal agent of brown rot of sweet cherry in the northeastern United States, but recent studies show that M. laxa is also causing the disease on sweet cherry in many northeastern states (1). For this reason, it is important to delineate species for accurate disease assessments. This study confirms assumptions that M. fructicola is a causal agent of sweet cherry in Maryland. References: (1) K. D. Cox et al. Plant Dis. 12:1584. 2011. (2) J.-M. Hily et al. Pest Manag. Sci. 67:385, 2011.
TAKAYASU RETINOPATHY PRESENTING AS AMAUROSIS FUGAX IN A YOUNG PATIENT
Authors: Strauss Danielle S. , Barbazetto Irene 
Published: September 2012

Purpose:
The purpose of this article was to report a case of Stage 3 Takayasu retinopathy with marked venous staining.

Methods:
Case report with funduscopic, fluorescein angiography, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging angiography correlations.

Results:
A 25-year-old woman presented with Stage 3 Takayasu retinopathy with striking venous staining while maintaining visual acuity of 20/30 because of arterial collateralization to the internal carotid arteries.

Conclusion:
Patients with Takayasu arteritis should be evaluated promptly for Takayasu retinopathy even with good vision because stenosis of major vessels off the aorta is associated with worse visual prognosis.
Genomics and Localization of the Arabidopsis DHHC-Cysteine-Rich Domain S-Acyltransferase Protein Family
Authors: Batistič Oliver 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Protein lipid modification of cysteine residues, referred to as S-palmitoylation or S-acylation, is an important secondary and reversible modification that regulates membrane association, trafficking, and function of target proteins. This enzymatic reaction is mediated by protein S-acyl transferases (PATs). Here, the phylogeny, genomic organization, protein topology, expression, and localization pattern of the 24 PAT family members from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is described. Most PATs are expressed at ubiquitous levels and tissues throughout the development, while few genes are expressed especially during flower development preferentially in pollen and stamen. The proteins display large sequence and structural variations but exhibit a common protein topology that is preserved in PATs from various organisms. Arabidopsis PAT proteins display a complex targeting pattern and were detected at the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, endosomal compartments, and the vacuolar membrane. However, most proteins were targeted to the plasma membrane. This large concentration of plant PAT activity to the plasma membrane suggests that the plant cellular S-acylation machinery is functionally different compared with that of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mammalians.
HDT701, a Histone H4 Deacetylase, Negatively Regulates Plant Innate Immunity by Modulating Histone H4 Acetylation of Defense-Related Genes in Rice
Authors: Ding Bo , Bellizzi Maria del Rosario , Ning Yuese , Meyers Blake C. , Wang Guo-Liang 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Histone acetylation and deacetylation play an important role in the modification of chromatin structure and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Chromatin acetylation status is modulated antagonistically by histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In this study, we characterized the function of histone deacetylase701 (HDT701), a member of the plant-specific HD2 subfamily of HDACs, in rice (Oryza sativa) innate immunity. Transcription of HDT701 is increased in the compatible reaction and decreased in the incompatible reaction after infection by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. Overexpression of HDT701 in transgenic rice leads to decreased levels of histone H4 acetylation and enhanced susceptibility to the rice pathogens M. oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo). By contrast, silencing of HDT701 in transgenic rice causes elevated levels of histone H4 acetylation and elevated transcription of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and defense-related genes, increased generation of reactive oxygen species after pathogen-associated molecular pattern elicitor treatment, as well as enhanced resistance to both M. oryzae and Xoo. We also found that HDT701 can bind to defense-related genes to regulate their expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HDT701 negatively regulates innate immunity by modulating the levels of histone H4 acetylation of PRR and defense-related genes in rice.
Social cognition and metacognition in schizophrenia: evidence of their independence and linkage with outcomes
Authors: Lysaker P. H. , Gumley A. , Luedtke B. , Buck K. D. , Ringer J. M. , Olesek K. , Kukla M. , Leonhardt B. L. , Popolo R. , Dimaggio G. 
Published: September 2012

Lysaker PH, Gumley A, Luedtke B, Buck KD, Ringer JM, Olesek K, Kukla M, Leonhardt BL, Popolo R, Dimaggio G. Social cognition and metacognition in schizophrenia: evidence of their independence and linkage with outcomes.Objective:  Research suggests that many with schizophrenia experience deficits in the ability to make discrete judgments about the thoughts and feelings of others as well as to form larger integrated representations of themselves and others. Little is known about whether these difficulties may be distinguished from one another and whether they are linked with different outcomes.Method:  We administered three assessments of social cognition which tapped the ability to identify emotions and intentions and two metacognitive tasks which called for the formation of more integrated and flexible representations of the self and others. We additionally assessed symptoms, social functioning and neurocognition. Participants were 95 individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.Results:  A principle components analysis followed by a varimax rotation revealed two factors which accounted for 62% of the variance. The first factor was comprised of the three social cognition tests and the second of two tasks that tapped the ability to create representations of oneself and others which integrate more discreet information. The first factor was uniquely correlated with negative symptoms, and the second was uniquely correlated with social function.Conclusion:  Results suggest that deficits in social cognition and metacognition represent different forms of dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Subspecialist emergency management of diverticulitis is associated with reduced mortality and fewer stomas
Authors: Boyce S. A. , Bartolo D. C. C. , Paterson H. M. ,   on behalf of the Edinburgh Coloproctology Unit
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of the study was to compare outcomes for emergency management of diverticulitis before and after the creation of a regional subspecialist colorectal unit.Method  We retrieved data on all emergency admissions for diverticulitis from the regional surgical audit database and compared results before (January 1998 to August 2002) and after (August 2002 to December 2008) establishment of the subspecialist colorectal surgery unit in August 2002. Additional data were retrieved from electronic patient records. The primary outcome measures were mortality and rate of primary anastomosis following resection.Results  There were 879 patients before and 1280 patients after subspecialization. Nonoperative management was undertaken in approximately 80% of cases. Total mortality fell from 3.3 to 1.5% (P = 0.008), attributable to reduced operative mortality (9.6 to 4.2%; P = 0.019). The primary anastomosis rate for all left colon resections increased from 50.3 to 77.9%; P < 0.0001. Stoma formation of any type fell from 46.6 to 27.7%; P < 0001).Conclusion  Emergency management of diverticulitis by subspecialist colorectal surgeons is associated with low overall and operative mortality whilst safely achieving high rates of primary anastomosis.