bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short Paper: A signal-to-noise index to quantify the potential for peak detection in sediment–charcoal records
Authors: Kelly Ryan F. , Higuera Philip E. , Barrett Carolyn M. , Hu Feng Sheng 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCharcoal peaks in lake-sediment records are commonly used to reconstruct fire histories spanning thousands of years, but quantitative methods for evaluating the suitability of records for peak detection are largely lacking. We present a signal-to-noise index (SNI) that quantifies the separation of charcoal peaks (signal) from other variability in a record (noise). We validate the SNI with simulated and empirical charcoal records and show that an SNI > 3 consistently identifies records appropriate for peak detection. The SNI thus offers a means to evaluate the suitability of sediment–charcoal records for reconstructing local fires. MATLAB and R functions for calculating SNI are provided.
THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON MURDER RATES AND ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF HOMICIDE IN ENGLAND AND WALES, 1780–1850
Authors: KING PETER 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTAlthough higher murder rates have traditionally been associated with large cities, this view has recently been challenged by several historians who have argued that ‘homicide rates were negatively correlated with urbanisation and industrialisation’, and this is rapidly becoming the new consensus. By exploring the geography of homicide rates for one area undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization – England and Wales, 1780–1850 – this article challenges this new view and re-assesses the relationship between recorded homicide rates and both modernization and urbanization. After discussing the methodological problems involved in using homicide statistics, it focuses mainly on the first fifteen years for which detailed county-based data is available – 1834–48 – as well as looking at the more limited late eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century evidence. This data raises fundamental questions about the links historians have recently made between urbanization and low homicide rates, since the remote rural parts of England and Wales generally had very low recorded murder rates while industrializing and rapidly urbanizing areas such as Lancashire had very high ones. Potential explanations for these systematic and large variations between urban and rural areas – including the impact of age structures and migration patterns – are then explored.
Debt Capacity and Tests of Capital Structure Theories
Authors: Lemmon Michael L. , Zender Jaime F. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe examine the impact of explicitly incorporating a measure of debt capacity in recent tests of competing theories of capital structure. Our main results are that if external funds are required, in the absence of debt capacity concerns, debt appears to be preferred to equity. Concerns over debt capacity largely explain the use of new external equity financing by publicly traded firms. Finally, we present evidence that reconciles the frequent equity issues by small, high-growth firms with the pecking order. After accounting for debt capacity, the pecking order theory appears to give a good description of financing behavior for a large sample of firms examined over an extended time period.
Applications of the wave kinetic approach: from laser wakefields to drift wave turbulence
Authors: TRINES R. M. G. M. , BINGHAM R. , SILVA L. O. , MENDONÇA J. T. , SHUKLA P. K. , MURPHY C. D. , DUNLOP M. W. , DAVIES J. A. , BAMFORD R. , VAIVADS A. , NORREYS P. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNonlinear wave-driven processes in plasmas are normally described by either a monochromatic pump wave that couples to other monochromatic waves, or as a random phase wave coupling to other random phase waves. An alternative approach involves a random or broadband pump coupling to monochromatic and/or coherent structures in the plasma. This approach can be implemented through the wave-kinetic model. In this model, the incoming pump wave is described by either a bunch (for coherent waves) or a sea (for random phase waves) of quasi-particles. This approach has been applied to both photon acceleration in laser wakefields and drift wave turbulence in magnetized plasma edge configurations. Numerical simulations have been compared to experiments, varying from photon acceleration to drift mode-zonal flow turbulence, and good qualitative correspondences have been found in all cases.
Nonlinear propagation of intense electromagnetic waves in a hot electron–positron plasma
Authors: CHAUDHARY ROZINA , TSINTSADZE NODAR L. , SHUKLA P. K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe creation and annihilation of relativistically hot electron–positron (EP) pair plasmas in the presence of intense electromagnetic (EM) waves, which are not in thermal equilibrium, are studied by formulating a new plasma particle distribution functions, which are valid for both relativistic temperatures and relativistic amplitudes of the EM waves. It is found that intense EM waves in a collisionless EP plasma damp via nonlinear Landau damping. Accounting for the latter, we have obtained relativistic kinetic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with local and non-local nonlinearities. The NLSE depicts nonlinear Landau damping rates for intense EM waves. The damping rates are examined for dense and tenuous pair plasmas. Furthermore, we have studied the modulational instabilities of intense EM waves in the presence of nonlinear Landau damping. Our results reveal a new class of the modulational instability that is triggered by the inverse Landau damping in a relativistically hot EP plasma. Finally, we discuss localization of intense EM waves due to relativistic electron and positron mass increase in a hot pair plasma.
Workspace formulation of planar wire-actuated parallel manipulators
Authors: McColl Derek , Notash Leila 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYIn this paper, a generalized form of the antipodal method from multi-finger grasping is presented and implemented for investigating the workspace of a wide range of planar wire-actuated parallel manipulators. Manipulators with distinct wire attachment points on the base and mobile platform are considered, in the absence and presence of external force. The examined workspaces are verified with the corresponding workspaces developed using static force analysis. By applying an external force, modeled as a wire for the antipodal method, the characteristics of the manipulator could be altered by enlarging its workspace in the direction of the applied force.
Endofungal bacterium controls its host by an hrp type III secretion system
Authors: Lackner Gerald , Moebius Nadine , Hertweck Christian 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Burkholderia rhizoxinica and Rhizopus microsporus form a unique symbiosis in which intracellular bacteria produce the virulence factor of the phytopathogenic fungus. Notably, the host strictly requires endobacteria to sporulate. In this study, we show that the endofungal bacteria possess a type III secretion system (T3SS), which has a crucial role in the maintenance of the alliance. Mutants defective in type III secretion show reduced intracellular survival and fail to elicit sporulation of the host. Furthermore, genes coding for T3SS components are upregulated during cocultivation of the bacterial symbiont with their host. This is the first report on a T3SS involved in bacterial–fungal symbiosis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the T3SS represents a prototype of a clade of yet uncharacterized T3SSs within the hrp superfamily of T3SSs from plant pathogenic microorganisms. In a control experiment, we demonstrate that under laboratory conditions, rhizoxin production was not required for establishment of the symbiotic interaction.
Psycholinguistic Profiling Differentiates Specific Language Impairment From Typical Development and From Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Redmond Sean M. , Thompson Heather L. , Goldstein Sam 
Published: August 2010

Purpose
Practitioners must have confidence in the capacity of their language measures to discriminate developmental language disorders from typical development and from other common disorders. In this study, psycholinguistic profiles were collected from 3 groups: children with specific language impairment (SLI), children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and children with typical development (TD). The capacity of different language indices to successfully discriminate SLI cases from TD and ADHD cases was examined through response operating characteristics curves, likelihood ratios, and binary logistic regression.

Method
The Test of Early Grammatical Impairment (Rice & Wexler, 2001a), Dollaghan and Campbell’s (1998) nonword repetition task, Redmond’s (2005) sentence recall task, and the Test of Narrative Language (Gillam & Pearson, 2004) were administered to 60 children (7–8 years of age).

Results
Diagnostic accuracy was high for all 4 psycholinguistic measures, although modest reductions were observed with the SLI versus ADHD discriminations. Classification accuracy associated with using the Test of Early Grammatical Impairment and the Sentence Recall task was equivalent to using all 4 measures.

Implications
Outcomes confirmed and extended previous investigations, documenting high levels of diagnostic integrity for these particular indices and supporting their incorporation into eligibility decisions, differential diagnosis, and the identification of comorbidity.
On the aesthetic ablation of fuzziness in Chinese expressions in Chinese–English translation
Authors: Wuqiu Fan 
Published: August 2010

Although fuzziness is one of the innate characteristics of language, shared by both Chinese and English, there do exist apparent differentiations between them as far as their roles in aesthetic-effect-generating, representation mode, application field suitability and aesthetic impact are concerned, which has remained a great challenge and regret in either English to Chinese (E–C) or Chinese to English (C–E) translation, particularly in the latter. It’s no exaggeration to say that translation is a profession with no lack of regret and translators are professional regret-tasters. The most impressive regret in C–E translation might lie in the fact that the talent and capability of the translators is painfully restricted in reproducing and conveying the aesthetic effect of Chinese fuzzy expressions.
As an artistically conceived language, Chinese invites macro-induction in terms of linguistic features while English, being logic-oriented, analysis-based and hypotaxis-dependent, is largely ignorant of what is called macro-induction. Hence abundant aesthetic genius of Chinese fuzzy expressions can hardly find its way into the English version. It can be said that generally the process of C–E translation is one of complementing continuously “meaning blank”, of changing “indeterminacy of meaning” into “determinacy of meaning”, with the E–C translation as the opposite. Many language problems in communication are essentially closely related to nationality psychologic archetype complex, which may be a significant try in translation study.
Rifampicin enhances activity of daptomycin and vancomycin against both a polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA)-dependent and -independent Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm
Authors: Olson Michael E. , Slater Shawn R. , Rupp Mark E. , Fey Paul D. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Objectives and methods
This study addressed the efficacy of daptomycin, vancomycin, rifampicin, daptomycin/rifampicin and vancomycin/rifampicin against a polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA)-dependent and -independent Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm using flow cell and guinea pig tissue cage models.

Results
The flow cell model of both PIA-dependent and -independent biofilms demonstrated that the viable cell count after treatment with daptomycin/rifampicin was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) than after treatment with vancomycin, vancomycin/rifampicin, daptomycin or rifampicin alone. To validate these observations, a guinea pig tissue cage model was used. The results demonstrated that the addition of rifampicin to daptomycin or vancomycin sterilized 5/6 tissues cages colonized with S. epidermidis 1457 (PIA producing). Similar results were noted with S. epidermidis 1457 icaADBC::dhfr (non-PIA producing), where daptomycin/rifampicin and vancomycin/rifampicin sterilized 5/6 and 6/6 tissue cages, respectively. There was no statistical difference in comparison with the no-treatment control when both 1457 and 1457 icaADBC::dhfr were treated with vancomycin and daptomycin alone. Furthermore, treatment with rifampicin alone sterilized 5/6 and 3/6 1457 and 1457 icaADBC::dhfr tissue cages, respectively.

Conclusions
Interpretation of these data suggests that rifampicin is highly active against S. epidermidis biofilms and both vancomycin and daptomycin are effective at reducing the subpopulation of bacteria that develop rifampicin resistance.
Tethering Factors Required for Cytokinesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Thellmann Martha , Rybak Katarzyna , Thiele Knut , Wanner Gerhard , Assaad Farhah F. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
At the end of the cell cycle, the nascent cross wall is laid down within a transient membrane compartment referred to as the cell plate. Tethering factors, which act by capturing vesicles and holding them in the vicinity of their target membranes, are likely to play an important role in the first stages of cell plate assembly. Factors required for cell plate biogenesis, however, remain to be identified. In this study, we used a reverse genetic screen to isolate tethering factors required for cytokinesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We focused on the TRAPPI and TRAPPII (for transport protein particle) tethering complexes, which are thought to be required for the flow of traffic through the Golgi and for trans-Golgi network function, as well as on the GARP complex, thought to be required for the tethering of endocytotic vesicles to the trans-Golgi network. We found weak cytokinesis defects in some TRAPPI mutants and strong cytokinesis defects in all the TRAPPII lines we surveyed. Indeed, four insertion lines at the TRAPPII locus AtTRS120 had canonical cytokinesis-defective seedling-lethal phenotypes, including cell wall stubs and incomplete cross walls. Confocal and electron microscopy showed that in trs120 mutants, vesicles accumulated at the equator of dividing cells yet failed to assemble into a cell plate. This shows that AtTRS120 is required for cell plate biogenesis. In contrast to the TRAPP complexes, we found no conclusive evidence for cytokinesis defects in seven GARP insertion lines. We discuss the implications of these findings for the origin and identity of cell plate membranes.
Coexpression Analysis Identifies Rice Starch Regulator1, a Rice AP2/EREBP Family Transcription Factor, as a Novel Rice Starch Biosynthesis Regulator
Authors: Fu Fang-Fang , Xue Hong-Wei 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Starch biosynthesis is important for plant development and is a critical factor in crop quality and nutrition. As a complex metabolic pathway, the regulation of starch biosynthesis is still poorly understood. We here present the identification of candidate regulators for starch biosynthesis by gene coexpression analysis in rice (Oryza sativa). Starch synthesis genes can be grouped into type I (in seeds; sink tissues) and type II (in vegetative tissues; source tissues), and 307 and 621 coexpressed genes are putatively involved in the regulation of starch biosynthesis in rice seeds and vegetative tissues, respectively. Among these genes, Rice Starch Regulator1 (RSR1), an APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding protein family transcription factor, was found to negatively regulate the expression of type I starch synthesis genes, and RSR1 deficiency results in the enhanced expression of starch synthesis genes in seeds. Seeds of the knockout mutant rsr1 consistently show the increased amylose content and altered fine structure of amylopectin and consequently form the round and loosely packed starch granules, resulting in decreased gelatinization temperature. In addition, rsr1 mutants have a larger seed size and increased seed mass and yield. In contrast, RSR1 overexpression suppresses the expression of starch synthesis genes, resulting in altered amylopectin structure and increased gelatinization temperature. Interestingly, a decreased proportion of A chains in rsr1 results in abnormal starch granules but reduced gelatinization temperature, whereas an increased proportion of A chains in RSR1-overexpressing plants leads to higher gelatinization temperatures, which is novel and different from previous reports, further indicating the complicated regulation of starch synthesis and determination of the physicochemical properties of starch. These results demonstrate the potential of coexpression analysis for studying rice starch biosynthesis and the regulation of a complex metabolic pathway and provide informative clues, including the characterization of RSR1, to facilitate the improvement of rice quality and nutrition.
Analysis of the Rice Mitochondrial Carrier Family Reveals Anaerobic Accumulation of a Basic Amino Acid Carrier Involved in Arginine Metabolism during Seed Germination
Authors: Taylor Nicolas L. , Howell Katharine A. , Heazlewood Joshua L. , Tan Tzu Yien W. , Narsai Reena , Huang Shaobai , Whelan James , Millar A. Harvey 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Given the substantial changes in mitochondrial gene expression, the mitochondrial proteome, and respiratory function during rice (Oryza sativa) germination under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, we have attempted to identify changes in mitochondrial membrane transport capacity during these processes. We have assembled a preliminary rice mitochondrial carrier gene family of 50 members, defined its orthology to carriers of known function, and observed significant changes in microarray expression data for these rice genes during germination under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and across rice development. To determine if these transcript changes reflect alteration of the carrier profile itself and to determine which members of the family encode the major mitochondrial carrier proteins, we analyzed mitochondrial integral membrane protein preparations using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and peptide mass spectrometry, identifying seven distinct carrier proteins. We have used mass spectrometry-based quantitative approaches to compare the abundance of these carriers between mitochondria from dry seeds and those from aerobic- or anaerobic-germinated seeds. We highlight an anaerobic-enhanced basic amino acid carrier and show concomitant increases in mitochondrial arginase and the abundance of arginine and ornithine in anaerobic-germinated seeds, consistent with an anaerobic role of this mitochondria carrier. The potential role of this carrier in facilitating mitochondrial involvement in arginine metabolism and the plant urea cycle during the growth of rice coleoptiles and early seed nitrate assimilation under anaerobic conditions are discussed.
Investment decisions in hog finishing: an application of the real options approach
Authors: Odening Martin , Mußhoff Oliver , Balmann Alfons 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this paper, option‐pricing theory is applied to an investment problem in hog production. A stochastic simulation model capable of pricing American‐type options is developed. This is achieved by recursive calculation of the exercise frontier. The model is used to determine the investment trigger and the disinvestment trigger for a pig‐fattening barn under German market conditions. It turns out that the investment trigger, taking into account the value of waiting in an uncertain environment, can be considerably higher compared to classical investment criteria such as the net present value. This offers an explanation as to why farmers are indeed reluctant to invest in hog production. Another finding is the sensitivity of the option prices with respect to the stochastic process that is assumed for revenues and variable costs of the production activity.
Stages and determinants of fertilizer use in semiarid African agriculture: the Niger experience
Authors: Abdoulaye Tahirou , Sanders John H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFertilization is a stepwise decision in Niger. Survey data from a representative sample of 100 households were utilized with individual and joint estimation to evaluate the determinants of fertilizer use at its three different stages: manure alone and two different types of inorganic fertilizer application. The fertilizer price relative to the millet price was always a highly significant determinant of fertilizer adoption. Farmers' experience in seeing the results of fertilization in the field was a principal factor influencing the use of manure and of the micro‐fertilization. Other studies in semiarid regions have emphasized risk, liquidity, or fertilizer responsiveness under harsh conditions but the shift to the micro doses of inorganic fertilizer was statistically associated here with the demonstration trials and the price ratios (fertilizer/millet). A variable reflecting the millet price recovery approximately 6 months after harvest was the most important factor in the decision to raise further inorganic fertilizer use with side dressing. Policy implications were focused on the importance of demonstration trials and improvements in the economic conditions (millet–fertilizer price ratios).
Costs and benefits of livestock systems and the role of market and nonmarket relationships
Authors: Moll Henk A. J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn developing countries livestock are kept not only for their physical products, but also for insurance, financing, and to display status. Though this range of purposes is acknowledged, livestock policies nevertheless often emphasize physical production: a limited perspective that hampers the formulation and implementation of effective livestock policies. This article presents a comprehensive appraisal of costs and benefits of livestock systems that takes into account the institutional environment of livestock keepers. Indicators are developed that capture, quantify, and organize not only the benefits resulting from the physical production, but also those from the intangible functions. The method is illustrated by an analysis of cattle in the Western Province of Zambia. The results indicate that the perspective on livestock systems developed more closely reflects the observed decisions of the livestock keepers.
Novel agonists for cold receptors on sensory neurons
Authors: Wei E. T. 
Published: August 2010

An exciting research topic these past 2 years has been the identification of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel protein receptors on sensory neurons that are linked to thermosensation. Two compounds, menthol and icilin, were shown to activate the putative cold receptor, TRP‐M8 (CMR1, trp‐p8), in vitro. Here, some of the pharmacological properties of icilin are described and compared to menthol, summarized in the table below.

Menthol

Stimulates TRP‐M8 receptor, does not require extracellular  calcium for activity, and does not stimulate the ANKTM1 receptor.

Mint odor

Irritant and harsh taste at high concentrations

Duration of action less than15 min after topical application

After systemic administration, lethal at high concentrations  due to anesthetic activity

Icilin

Stimulates TRP‐M8 and ANKTM1 receptor and requires  extracellular calcium for activity

No odor

No irritant activity on skin or mucous membranes

Action on inflamed skin and mucous membranes (e.g.  eyelids, lips, nasal, and anorectal) can last 4–8 h

No anesthetic activity, and no lethality at doses of up to  1.5 g/kg intraperitoneally, but after systemic administration produces ‘wet dog shakes’ which are rapid, alternating contractions, and relaxations of the supination and pronation muscles about the spinal axis