bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insecurity and Local Governance in Congo's South Kivu
Authors: Mushi Ferdinand Mugumo 
Published: May 2012

SummarySouth Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced recurrent wars for more than 15 years. This Research Report explores the way local systems of governance and networking in South Kivu have been affected by the civil war and the ways in which local communities have tried to cope with chaos and the absence of the state.Most community groups in South Kivu consider that violence and conflict were imposed on them and dissociate themselves, as communities, from violence, this being the work of some organised groups which should not be confused with the communities themselves. The fundamental causes of the wars lie in the ways in which Rwanda and Burundi, to different degrees, involved themselves with these other actors.The report also explores the role of various local organisations and groups in conflict and post‐conflict governance. Governance does not completely disappear when the state collapses. Its structures remain hidden and in retreat, but ready to sprout into existence again. This is especially true for the structures of local and rural governance, and the networks of the church.South Kivu remains volatile and filled with suspicion. The behaviour of many groups is determined by fear of another cycle of war. When some communities can draw on external backing, the extension of such networks establishes another dimension of distrust.A post‐conflict state has need of decentralisation. Multi‐layered, networked governance is a reality and is much less of a threat to viable states than might be imagined. However, when the state is incapable of assuring the security of its own population against external threats, when its own protective services engage in arbitrary activities and live off the people, and when impunity goes unchecked, it is difficult for social mechanisms and local institutions alone to substitute for the lack of a functioning state.
Measuring the ‘Inclusivity’ of Inclusive Business
Authors: Wach Elise 
Published: May 2012

Summary‘Inclusive Business’ has enormous potential to contribute positively to development outcomes. Working through core business models, the ‘Inclusive Business’ approach requires minimal outside support and can often reach a scale unattainable by most direct development interventions. Take for example, Vodafone's M‐PESA service, which has reached more than 18.5 million individuals since 2007 and continues to be a profitable business model (BCtA 2011).But when is business ‘inclusive’ and when is it simply business? How does Coca‐Cola's business model in El Salvador contribute more to women's empowerment than its typical approach to selling fizzy drinks? Accurate information about business impacts – direct and indirect, positive and negative – can help practitioners to better identify (and support) the approaches that can most positively contribute to development.This paper analyses some of the current approaches and frameworks for evaluating ‘Inclusive Business’ impacts. It finds that while they shed light on the complex network of effects that businesses have and the ways in which some firms are attempting to contribute to development, they are unable to provide information about the actual impacts of business activities. More, higher quality, and less partial ‘Inclusive Business’ evaluations are needed to better enable us to harness the potential for business to contribute positively to development.
Using dispersal information to model the species–environment relationship of spreading non‐native species
Authors: Sullivan Martin J. P. , Davies Richard G. , Reino Luís , Franco Aldina M. A. 
Published: May 2012

Summary1. Non‐native species can be major drivers of biodiversity loss and cause economic damage. Predicting the potential distribution of a non‐native species, and understanding the environmental factors that limit this distribution, is useful for informing their potential management. This is often carried out using species distribution models (SDMs) that attempt to classify grid cells as suitable or unsuitable for a species based on a set of environmental covariates.2. A key assumption of SDMs is that a species is in equilibrium with its environment. Spreading non‐native species often violate this assumption due to dispersal limitation.3. We present a simple method for dealing with this problem: dispersal weighting (DW). This uses the probability that a species can disperse to a grid cell to weight a SDM. We use simulations to compare the ability of DW and unweighted models at parameterising the true species–environment relationship (SER) of a simulated species, and to test their ability at predicting the future distribution of this species. We investigate how varying the degree of spatial autocorrelation in explanatory variables affects the performance of the methods.4. Dispersal weighting models outperformed unweighted models at parameterising the SER, and at predicting the future distribution of the species when dispersal probabilities were incorporated into the model predictions. Unweighted models had a stronger tendency than DW models to overestimate the magnitude of relationships with spatially autocorrelated explanatory variables, but underestimate the magnitude of relationships with randomly distributed variables.5. We then applied our method to a real case study, using it to model the distribution of the non‐native common waxbill Estrilda astrild in the Iberian Peninsula as a function of climate and land‐use variables. The relative performance of DW and unweighted models reflected the results of the simulation.6. We conclude that DW models perform better than unweighted models at modelling the true SER of non‐native species, and recommend using DW whenever enough data exist to create a dispersal model.
Cells in the monkey ponto‐medullary reticular formation modulate their activity with slow finger movements
Authors: Soteropoulos Demetris S. , Williams Elizabeth R. , Baker Stuart N. 
Published: May 2012

Key points
The reticulospinal tract is an important pathway communicating instructions for movement from the brain to the spinal cord
Although the reticulospinal tract is usually associated with gross movements such as postural adjustments and walking, recent work has shown that it also connects to spinal centres involved in hand function
In awake monkeys, we recorded from the origin of the reticulospinal tract (the reticular formation) during performance of a fine finger movement task. Cells modulated their firing during finger movements
Stimulation of sites within the reticular formation sometimes activated hand muscles, and some cells within the reticular formation responded to the sensory input following externally imposed movements of the digits
This work supports a role of the reticulospinal tract in hand function in healthy individuals. Additionally, this tract may be able to mediate some recovery of hand function when other pathways are damaged, such as after stroke
Abstract  Recent work has shown that the primate reticulospinal tract can influence spinal interneurons and motoneurons involved in control of the hand. However, demonstrating connectivity does not reveal whether reticular outputs are modulated during the control of different types of hand movement. Here, we investigated how single unit discharge in the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) modulated during performance of a slow finger movement task in macaque monkeys. Two animals performed an index finger flexion–extension task to track a target presented on a computer screen; single units were recorded both from ipsilateral PMRF (115 cells) and contralateral primary motor cortex (M1, 210 cells). Cells in both areas modulated their activity with the task (M1: 87%, PMRF: 86%). Some cells (18/115 in PMRF; 96/210 in M1) received sensory input from the hand, showing a short‐latency modulation in their discharge following a rapid passive extension movement of the index finger. Effects in ipsilateral electromyogram to trains of stimuli were recorded at 45 sites in the PMRF. These responses involved muscles controlling the digits in 13/45 sites (including intrinsic hand muscles, 5/45 sites). We conclude that PMRF may contribute to the control of fine finger movements, in addition to its established role in control of more proximal limb and trunk movements. This finding may be especially important in understanding functional recovery after brain lesions such as stroke.
Protein S‐glutathionylation enhances Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release via the IP3 receptor in cultured aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Lock Jeffrey T. , Sinkins William G. , Schilling William P. 
Published: May 2012

Key points
In non‐excitable cells, oxidative stress increases inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) activity, which can cause Ca2+ oscillations under basal conditions and enhance agonist‐stimulated changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration.
Protein S‐glutathionylation, the reversible modification of cysteine thiols by glutathione, is elevated in response to oxidative stress, but the consequence of glutathionylation for IP3R function is not known.
In this study we provide evidence that Ca2+‐induced Ca2+‐release (CICR) via the IP3R is enhanced by oxidant‐induced glutathionylation in cultured aortic endothelial cells.
Our results suggest glutathionylation may represent a fundamental mechanism for regulating IP3R activity during physiological redox signalling and during pathological oxidative stress.
Abstract  In non‐excitable cells, thiol‐oxidizing agents have been shown to evoke oscillations in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by increasing the sensitivity of the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) to IP3. Although thiol modification of the IP3R is implicated in this response, the molecular nature of the modification(s) responsible for changes in channel activity is still not well understood. Diamide is a chemical oxidant that selectively converts reduced glutathione (GSH) to its disulfide (GSSG) and promotes the formation of protein–glutathione (P‐SSG) mixed disulfide, i.e. glutathionylation. In the present study, we examined the effect of diamide, and the model oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on oscillations in [Ca2+]i in fura‐2‐loaded bovine (BAECs) and human (HAECs) aortic endo‐thelial cells using time‐lapse fluorescence video microscopy. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, acute treatment with either diamide or H2O2 increased the number of BAECs exhibiting asynchronous Ca2+ oscillations, whereas HAECs were unexpectedly resistant. Diamide pretreatment increased the sensitivity of HAECs to histamine‐stimulated Ca2+ oscillations and BAECs to bradykinin‐stimulated Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, in both HAECs and BAECs, diamide dramatically increased both the rate and magnitude of the thapsigargin‐induced Ca2+ transient suggesting that Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR) via the IP3R is enhanced by glutathionylation. Similar to diamide, H2O2 increased the sensitivity of HAECs to both histamine and thapsigargin. Lastly, biochemical studies showed that glutathionylation of native IP3R1 is increased in cells challenged with H2O2. Collectively our results reveal that thiol‐oxidizing agents primarily increase the sensitivity of the IP3R to Ca2+, i.e. enhanced CICR, and suggest that glutathionylation may represent a fundamental mechanism for regulating IP3R activity during physiological redox signalling and during pathologicalical oxidative stress.
GluN1 splice variant control of GluN1/GluN2D NMDA receptors
Authors: Vance Katie M. , Hansen Kasper B. , Traynelis Stephen F. 
Published: May 2012

Key points
NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate the slow component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.
GluN1‐1a/GluN2D receptors, in which the GluN1 subunit does not contain exon‐5 encoded residues in the amino‐terminal domain, previously have been shown to have a low open probability and an exceptionally slow deactivation time course.
In this study, we report that GluN1 splice variants containing residues encoded by exon 5 in their amino‐terminal domain influence agonist potencies, deactivation time course, and single channel properties of GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors.
We also show a model of NMDA receptor gating that can describe the key characteristics of the single channel and macroscopic current responses of GluN1/GluN2D NMDA receptors.
These data demonstrate that the GluN1 amino‐terminal domain is an important determinant in the kinetic and pharmacological properties of GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors.
Abstract  NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate a slow, Ca2+‐permeable component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Recombinant GluN1‐1a/GluN2D receptors are characterized by low channel open probability and prolonged deactivation time course following the removal of agonist. Here, we show that the deactivation time course, agonist potency, and single channel properties of GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors are modulated by alternative RNA splicing of GluN1. Our results demonstrate that GluN1 exon 5, which encodes a 21‐amino‐acid insert in the amino‐terminal domain, is a key determinant of GluN1/GluN2D receptor function. GluN1‐1b/GluN2D receptors, which contain the residues encoded by exon 5, deactivate with a dual exponential time course described by a τFAST of 410 ms and a τSLOW of 1100 ms. This time course is 3‐fold more rapid than that for exon 5‐lacking GluN1‐1a/GluN2D, which deactivates with a τFAST of 1100 ms and a τSLOW of 3400 ms. Exon 5‐containing NMDA receptors also have a two‐fold higher open probability (0.037) than exon 5‐lacking receptors (0.017). Furthermore, inclusion of exon 5‐encoded residues within the GluN1‐1b subunit decreases the potency for the endogenous agonist l‐glutamate. Evaluation of receptor kinetics for NMDA receptors containing mutated GluN1‐1b subunits and wild‐type GluN2D identified residue Lys211 in GluN1‐1b as a key determinant of exon 5 control of the deactivation time course and glutamate potency. Evaluation of a kinetic model of GluN1/GluN2D gating suggests that residues encoded by exon 5 influence several rate‐limiting steps. These data demonstrate that the GluN1 subunit is a key determinant of the kinetic and pharmacological properties of GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors.
Deficiency of sphingomyelin synthase‐1 but not sphingomyelin synthase‐2 causes hearing impairments in mice
Authors: Lu Mei‐Hong , Takemoto Makoto , Watanabe Ken , Luo Huan , Nishimura Masataka , Yano Masato , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Okazaki Toshiro , Oike Yuichi , Song Wen‐Jie 
Published: May 2012

Key points
Sphingomyelin (SM) is a structural component of plasma membrane and may participate in signal transduction. The role of SM metabolism in hearing remains controversial.
Here we examined hearing in mice deficient of SM synthase‐1 (SMS1) or SMS2, and show that only deficiency of SMS1 causes hearing loss.
The hearing loss in SMS1 knockout mice is attributable at least in part to a reduction of endocochlear potential.
The reduction of endocochlear potential is attributable at least in part to atrophy of the cochlear stria vascularis and its altered expression of K+ channels.
Our results establish that SMS1 is essential for normal inner ear function.
Abstract  Sphingomyelin (SM) is a sphingolipid reported to function as a structural component of plasma membranes and to participate in signal transduction. The role of SM metabolism in the process of hearing remains controversial. Here, we examined the role of SM synthase (SMS), which is subcategorized into the family members SMS1 and SMS2, in auditory function. Measurements of auditory brainstem response (ABR) revealed hearing impairment in SMS1−/− mice in a low frequency range (4–16 kHz). As a possible mechanism of this impairment, we found that the stria vascularis (SV) in these mice exhibited atrophy and disorganized marginal cells. Consequently, SMS1−/− mice exhibited significantly smaller endocochlear potentials (EPs). As a possible mechanism for EP reduction, we found altered expression patterns and a reduced level of KCNQ1 channel protein in the SV of SMS1−/− mice. These mice also exhibited reduced levels of distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Quantitative comparison of the SV atrophy, KCNQ1 expression, and outer hair cell density at the cochlear apical and basal turns revealed no location dependence, but more macrophage invasion into the SV was observed in the apical region than the basal region, suggesting a role of cochlear location‐dependent oxidative stress in producing the frequency dependence of hearing loss in SMS1−/− mice. Elevated ABR thresholds, decreased EPs, and abnormal KCNQ1 expression patterns in SMS1−/− mice were all found to be progressive with age. Mice lacking SMS2, however, exhibited neither detectable hearing loss nor changes in their EPs. Taken together, our results suggest that hearing impairments occur in SMS1−/− but not SMS2−/− mice. Defects in the SV with subsequent reductions in EPs together with hair cell dysfunction may account, at least partially, for hearing impairments in SMS1−/− mice.
Cylinder Liner in Ductile Cast Iron for High Loaded Combustion Diesel Engines
Authors: Rejowski Edney Deschauer , Soares Edmo , Roth Ingo , Rudolph Steffen 
Published: May 2012

With the increase of combustion loading and the trend to reduce engine size, there is a need for thinner but stronger wet cylinder liners. While most of the current cylinder liners are made of gray cast iron, due to its good tribological behavior, machinability performance, and competitive price, alternative casting materials such as compact graphite iron, ductile iron, and even steel are being considered to address future engine demands. In this paper, a new ductile iron (DI) cast material for wet cylinder liners is presented. The material has about 60 and 70% higher limits, respectively, for tensile stress and fatigue resistance as compared to conventional gray cast irons, but without a penalty on the tribological properties. There is also a potential improvement to avoid cavitation on the outside surface due to its higher young modulus, which also equates to a higher stiffness.
The tested cylinder liners were induction hardened on the running surface and a slide hone process was used to improve wear and scuffing resistance. The liners were tested in a heavy duty diesel (HDD) engine with a peak cylinder pressure (PCP) of 245 bar and showed similar wear as observed with conventional cylinder liners of gray cast iron material. The DI cylinder liners were also tested in an abusive scuffing engine test without any concern. The improved mechanical properties of the described new DI material introduce possibilities to reduce the liner wall thickness or increase specific output. The preliminary evaluation in this paper showed that this new material is feasible for HDD diesel engines with a PCP up to 250 bar. In cases where the customer needs to increase the bore diameter for output reasons there is the potential to reduce the liner wall thickness by up to 25% based on high mechanical properties (UTS, Young’s modulus and fatigue strength). In both cases, a FEA analysis to support the new component design is recommended.
Measurements of neutron dose equivalent for a proton therapy center using uniform scanning proton beams
Authors: Zheng Yuanshui , Liu Yaxi , Zeidan Omar , Schreuder Andries Niek , Keole Sameer 
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Neutron exposure is of concern in proton therapy, and varies with beam delivery technique, nozzle design, and treatment conditions. Uniform scanning is an emerging treatment technique in proton therapy, but neutron exposure for this technique has not been fully studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the neutron dose equivalent per therapeutic dose, H/D, under various treatment conditions for uniform scanning beams employed at our proton therapy center.Methods: Using a wide energy neutron dose equivalent detector (SWENDI‐II, ThermoScientific, MA), the authors measured H/D at 50 cm lateral to the isocenter as a function of proton range, modulation width, beam scanning area, collimated field size, and snout position. They also studied the influence of other factors on neutron dose equivalent, such as aperture material, the presence of a compensator, and measurement locations. They measured H/D for various treatment sites using patient‐specific treatment parameters. Finally, they compared H/D values for various beam delivery techniques at various facilities under similar conditions.Results: H/D increased rapidly with proton range and modulation width, varying from about 0.2 mSv/Gy for a 5 cm range and 2 cm modulation width beam to 2.7 mSv/Gy for a 30 cm range and 30 cm modulation width beam when 18 × 18 cm2 uniform scanning beams were used. H/D increased linearly with the beam scanning area, and decreased slowly with aperture size and snout retraction. The presence of a compensator reduced the H/D slightly compared with that without a compensator present. Aperture material and compensator material also have an influence on neutron dose equivalent, but the influence is relatively small. H/D varied from about 0.5 mSv/Gy for a brain tumor treatment to about 3.5 mSv/Gy for a pelvic case.Conclusions: This study presents H/D as a function of various treatment parameters for uniform scanning proton beams. For similar treatment conditions, the H/D value per uncollimated beam size for uniform scanning beams was slightly lower than that from a passive scattering beam and higher than that from a pencil beam scanning beam, within a factor of 2. Minimizing beam scanning area could effectively reduce neutron dose equivalent for uniform scanning beams, down to the level close to pencil beam scanning.
Genome Sequence of an Unclassified Pleosporales Species Isolated from Human Nasopharyngeal Aspirate
Authors: Ng Kee Peng , Yew Su Mei , Chan Chai Ling , Soo-Hoo Tuck Soon , Na Shiang Ling , Hassan Hamimah , Ngeow Yun Fong , Hoh Chee Choong , Lee Kok Wei , Yee Wai Yan 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Pleosporales
is the largest order in the fungal class
Dothideomycetes
. We report the 36,814,818-bp draft genome sequence and gene annotation of UM1110, a
Pleosporales
isolate associated with unclassified genera that is potentially a new fungal species. Analysis of the genome sequence led to the finding of genes associated with fungal adhesive proteins, secreted proteases, allergens, and pseudohyphal development.