bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition and Approach Responses Toward Threatening Objects
Authors: Genschow Oliver , Florack Arnd , Wänke Michaela
Published: November 2013

Previous research suggests that positive stimuli are often approached as well as recognized faster than negative stimuli. We argue that this effect does not hold if negative stimuli are associated with threat. Based on fear module theory ( Öhman & Mineka, 2001 , 2003 ), we argue that individuals recognize threatening stimuli faster than positive stimuli because of a constant monitoring of the environment for threatening objects. Moreover, based on the assumption of a motivational account underlying approach-avoidance responses ( Krieglmeyer & Deutsch, 2010 ), we assume the recognition then directly evokes a careful and slow approach of threatening objects. Applying a response time task that measures approach movement and recognition times within the same task, we found that individuals recognize threatening pictures faster than positive pictures, but approach the threatening pictures slower than the positive pictures.
Biases in News Media as Reflected by Personal Pronouns in Evaluative Contexts
Authors: Sendén Marie Gustafsson , Lindholm Torun , Sikström Sverker
Published: November 2013

This paper examines whether pronouns in news media occurred in evaluative contexts reflecting psychological biases. Contexts of pronouns were measured by computerized semantic analysis. Results showed that self-inclusive personal pronouns (We, I) occurred in more positive contexts than self-exclusive pronouns (He/She, They), reflecting self- and group-serving biases. Contexts of collective versus individual pronouns varied; We occurred in more positive contexts than I, and He/She in more positive contexts than They. The enhancement of collective relative to individual self-inclusive pronouns may reflect that media news is a public rather than private domain. The reversed pattern among self-exclusive pronouns corroborates suggestions that outgroup derogation is most pronounced at the category level. Implications for research on language and social psychology are discussed.
Imageability and Form in the Grande Bibliothèque du Québec: The Baroque as a More-Than-Representational Technique toward the Paradoxical Particularity of Experience in Space
Authors: Robertson Sean
Published: November 2013

Because of an inattention to architectural form in building events, architectural geography has yet to fully explore the subjective aspects of the spatial politics of affect. And because of an analytical focus on the programming of affect, it has undertheorized affective styles which may unsettle the performativity of space. Architectural theorists call such spaces ambiguous or contradictory. They variously insist that baroque space is crucial to redressing individualism and capitalism insofar as it encourages relationality, democracy, and resubjectification. I take a more circumscribed approach to the more-than-representational and show that formal spatial ambiguity produces delight and provokes a paradoxical sort of looking, feeling(s), and thinking (ie, the particularity of experience). My argument is based on observant participation and interviews on the affective consistencies (here, in-betweenness) of perception, speed, and ascension in the Grand Bibliothèque du Québec. As for the political merits of the baroque, inasmuch as its tensions strike a contrast with the rhythm of the performativity of space, it must be considered a complement to more expressly representational attempts to wrest loose from the disciplinary doing of the world.
High-throughput DNA sequencing errors are reduced by orders of magnitude using circle sequencing
Authors: Lou Dianne I. , Hussmann Jeffrey A. , McBee Ross M. , Acevedo Ashley , Andino Raul , Press William H. , Sawyer Sara L.
Published: November 2013

Significance

This paper presents a library preparation method that dramatically improves the error rate associated with high-throughput DNA sequencing and is substantially more cost-effective than existing error-correction methods. In this strategy, DNA templates are circularized, copied multiple times in tandem with a rolling circle polymerase, and then sequenced on any high-throughput sequencing machine. Each read produced is computationally processed to obtain a consensus sequence of all linked copies of the original molecule. Because it efficiently reduces sequencing error, this method will be broadly enabling in projects where high-throughput sequencing is applied to detect variation in complex samples such as tumors, microbial populations, and environmental communities.
Applying a multidimensional, register-sensitive approach to visualize normalization in translated and non-translated Dutch
Authors: Delaere Isabelle , De Sutter Gert
Published: November 2013

In this paper we investigate the differences in risk-averse behavior in translated versus non-translated texts by comparing lexical normalization in various registers of translated and non-translated Dutch. We want to verify: (i) to what extent normalization is register dependent; (ii) whether normalizing behavior is similar in translated and non-translated texts of the same register, and (iii) to what extent normalization is source-language dependent. We relied on the Dutch Parallel Corpus to investigate the dispersion of 10 profiles, i.e. sets of synonymous lexical alternatives consisting of a Standard Dutch and a Belgian Standard Dutch alternative. Using an exploratory, multivariate technique we visualized and measured the degrees to which a number of registers of translated and non-translated Dutch conform to linguistic norms.
Identifying translation features in multi-word lexical units
Authors: Sánchez Maribel Tercedor , López Rodríguez Clara I. , Alarcón Navío Esperanza
Published: November 2013

Multi-word lexical units can often be rendered by different lexicalizations in the target language. Variation in the translation of multi-word lexical units, specifically multi-word cognates, can be regarded as an indicator of interference, since there is evidence of a priming effect which leads to the production of such units in interlinguistic communication (Kroll & Stewart 1994). This paper studies the production of multi-word cognates, i.e. formally similar lexical items which are semantically equivalent in two languages, in ecological experimental translation based on real translation tasks in a classroom situation. For this purpose real text units and multiple-choice tasks are used, and the data thus obtained are compared with instances extracted from an English-Spanish comparable corpus of original texts and a Spanish corpus of translated text. The results show that there is a correlation between the spontaneous production of multi-word cognates, as evidenced experimentally, and their frequency as attested by corpora.
Native and non-native English abstracts in contrast
Authors: Xiao Richard , Cao Yan
Published: November 2013

This article takes a composite approach that combines move analysis and multidimensional analysis to a contrastive study of textual variations in discourse moves between native and non-native English abstracts, focusing on the biology discipline. Building on a new multidimensional analysis model of English abstracts established in Cao & Xiao (2013), the present study demonstrates that in comparison with their Chinese counterparts, native English writers display a more active involvement and a more interactive style; and in all obligatory moves, they are also more focused and confident in using intensifying devices. Native and non-native abstracts differ significantly at both dimension level and move level. Such differences are discussed with reference to possible reasons and our suggestions for English abstract writing in China.
How can language be linked to economics?
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Grenier Gilles
Published: November 2013

As the use of languages is playing a more and more important role in economic activities with the globalization of the world economy, there is growing interest in the relationship between language and economic theory. The rapidly expanding literature in this field, however, is highly fragmented. It is difficult to tell what this field of study focuses on, what has actually been investigated, and what remains to be studied. The authors attempt to review, assess and categorize the major orientations of the research on the economics of language. Those include a traditional strand of research that has focused on language and economic status, the dynamic development of languages, and language policy and planning, as well as a relatively new strand based on game theory and pragmatics. The authors propose the use of the term “Language and Economics” to define this area of research.
Interpreting and minority language planning and policy
Authors: Baxter Robert Neal
Published: November 2013

With potential applications for other minority languages, this paper discusses the implications of interpreting to and from Galician, starting with an overview of the current sociolinguistic situation, and the interpreting and translation market in Galicia in the light of political changes. After highlighting the similarities and differences between written translation and oral interpretation, the article examines the role played specifically by interpretation as a prestige-raising activity within the framework of language planning. Finally, the paper also discusses interpreting using minority languages as a tool enabling citizens to exercise their linguistic rights to the full.
Which alphabet on car number-plates in Cyprus?
Authors: Karoulla-Vrikki Dimitra
Published: November 2013

Since the 1990s, language-planning interventions have changed the alphabet on car number-plates in Cyprus three times, while a fourth change is expected to take place in line with the parliamentary decision of 2010. An investigation of the alternating adoption of the 24-letter English (Latin) and the 12-letter Helleno-Latin alphabetical system demonstrates that a minor matter, such as the alphabet on the plates, can be a multilevel language planning issue. It was initiated at the micro-level by individuals and small groups who exercised pressure on the government to change this language practice, but through interventions by government officials and politicians it snowballed to the macro-level. Examination of the issue reveals the pragmatic and symbolic roles attributed to the alphabetical systems as well as the beliefs, perceptions and ideologies about language and identity in Cyprus held among Greek-Cypriots who were involved in the controversy.
The English-Only Myth
Authors: Rao A. Giridhar
Published: November 2013

The first section of this overview starts by briefly sketching the state of the school education system in India. We then note that English-medium private schools are often not much better than government schools (whether English-medium or not). The second section argues that English-medium education in India must be seen in the larger context of a mother-tongue-medium education. English-medium-only education in India gives poor educational results, and it increases social inequalities. The way forward lies in a mother-tongue-based multilingual education that includes English.
Eye-tracking and ERPs in multi-word expression research
Authors: Siyanova-Chanturia Anna
Published: November 2013

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the mechanisms that underlie online processing (comprehension and production) of units above the word level, known as multi-word expressions (MWEs). MWEs are a heterogeneous family of expressions that vary greatly in their linguistic properties but are perceived as highly conventional by native speakers. Extensive behavioural research has demonstrated that, due to their frequency and predictability, MWEs are processed differently from novel strings of language. At the very least, MWEs have been shown to be processed faster than matched control phrases. However, behavioural measures are limited in what they can tell us about MWE processing in the brain above and beyond the speed of processing. The present paper argues in favour of two powerful psycho- and neurolinguistic techniques — eye-tracking and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) — and presents a case for why these techniques are particularly suited for the investigation of phrasal frequency and predictive linguistic mechanisms. A number of studies that have drawn on these methods in their exploration of MWEs are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the unique role of the method and its ability to tap into the underlying mechanisms implicated in MWE processing. It is argued that the two techniques complement, rather than duplicate each other, providing an ever richer account of the (psycho)linguistic phenomenon that MWEs are.
From hacker spirit to collaborative terminology
Authors: Rico Celia
Published: November 2013

Whether dealing with social work, humanitarian assistance, solidarity or cooperation, the multilingual linguistic resources necessary for supporting social mediators within the domain of humanitarian work are significantly lacking. Institutional infrastructures which could be capable of fulfilling these needs end up being excessively rigid and sluggish in responding to the complex linguistic situations in which people in vulnerable circumstances find themselves immersed. As such, in times of need and of assistance following a natural disaster, or as a consequence of armed conflict or due to reasons of social injustice, the traditional, linear and hierarchical processes of terminology production prove inadequate when the tools critical for dealing with urgent situations must be provided.

Unlike the methods typically used in industrial societies, the “network society” proposes new models of collaborative work patterned on virtual communities. This article takes as its premise that the hacker spirit, a key aspect of the “network society” (Castells 2011), is an exceptional point of reference around which new processes for terminology work can be developed. The goal of the article is to explore this terrain and show how these ideas have actually been implemented in practice through the creation of the collaborative platform Humanterm.
The project manager and virtual translation teams
Authors: Rodríguez-Castro Mónica
Published: November 2013

The project manager (PM) has become an inevitable and indispensible component of translation workflow due to the rapid industrialization of the translation industry over the last two decades. A PM serves as the mediator between the translator(s), the language service provider (LSP), and the end client. The human resources of language industry projects are increasingly organized into geographically distributed and culturally heterogeneous “virtual teams”. The virtual character of these teams has created new challenges for group dynamics. This paper attempts to define the fluid role of the modern project manager by focusing on translators’ attitudes toward the PM in virtual teamwork situations, as revealed by an online survey. The survey looked at the factors of (a) communication workflow; (b) matching the skills of team members to projects; (c) interpersonal relationships; (d) translator appreciation, and (e) the PM’s level of team support and supervision. Survey results were analyzed via a regression model as a means of exploring the important elements of a PM’s role in virtual translation teams from the perspective of the team members themselves.
The European Union and translation studies
Authors: Leal Alice
Published: November 2013

The tension between unity versus multiplicity seems to be at the heart of the European Union (EU) and of translation studies (TS). Indeed, a significant parallel between the two is the use of English as a lingua franca (ELF). The EU appears to be torn between a notion of language as a crucial element of one’s identity on the one hand, and a predominantly instrumental, Lockean view of language, on the other. A similar dynamic appears to take place in TS, an area that is par excellence heterogeneous and in which the notion of difference plays a paramount role. Indeed, at times TS appears to be afflicted by a sense of self-consciousness regarding its lack of unity and homogeneity. According to some, the solution is to foster the standardisation of its methods and terminology. But would proposing standardised terminology in a standardised language for the area not inevitably entail repressing different approaches in different languages? The paper explores this question in the context of the use of English as a lingua franca, and proposes various ways out of the dilemma both for the EU and TS.
Found in translation
Authors: Vogel Carl , Lynch Ger , Moreau Erwan , Sanchez Liliana Mamani , Ritchie Phil
Published: November 2013

We describe translation effects that have been studied in the automated text classification literature. We expand on a point within this research space, quality effects, with our own work in this area. We present an efficient method for evaluating text quality on the basis of reference texts. The method, which is general to text classification problems more widely construed, is related to the background literature and argued to be effective on the strength of the fact that it enables quality checking of amounts of text that exceed what is humanly feasible to verify. The method partially automates the process: in processing the entirety of a translated corpus being probed, it ranks items for stylistic conformity with a reference corpus, and the least conforming ranks are indicated as the items most likely to require human intervention.
The turn of audiovisual translation
Authors: Chaume Frederic
Published: November 2013

Audiovisual translation is an academic term that covers both well-established and new ground-breaking linguistic and semiotic transfers like dubbing, subtitling, surtitling, respeaking, audiosubtitling, voice-over, simultaneous interpreting at film festivals, free-commentary and goblin translation, subtitling for the deaf and the hard of hearing, audiodescription, fansubbing and fandubbing. This article presents a classification of audiovisual translation modes or types, and discusses some interesting developments in the audiovisual translation market at the beginning of this new century. Dubbing countries are moving towards subtitling, subtitling countries are beginning to dub, voice-over countries are shifting towards dubbing and subtitling, while voice-over is moving into dubbing and subtitling countries and gaining ground with younger audiences.
Understanding the economics of machine translation
Authors: Vashee Kirti
Published: November 2013

In recent years, machine translation (MT) has begun to take its place alongside translation memory, terminology management and workflow automation as a key tool in large-scale professional translation projects. Nevertheless, misconceptions abound about the ways in which MT affects the professional translation work process. Effective, efficient and appropriate use of MT in professional translation production is a complex affair that requires an awareness and understanding of the factors that shape the success of MT deployments in terms of both systems development and return on investment (ROI). Generally speaking, however, these factors are not well understood by translation buyers, translation agencies or professional translators. This article provides an overview of the factors that shape successful commercial MT use and addresses some common misperceptions surrounding MT in professional translation projects.
ASSIST: a fast versatile local structural comparison tool
Authors: Caprari Silvia , Toti Daniele , Viet Hung Le , Di Stefano Maurizio , Polticelli Fabio
Published: November 2013

Motivation: Structural genomics initiatives are increasingly leading to the determination of the 3D structure of target proteins whose catalytic function is not known. The aim of this work was that of developing a novel versatile tool for searching structural similarity, which allows to predict the catalytic function, if any, of these proteins.

Results: The algorithm implemented by the tool is based on local structural comparison to find the largest subset of similar residues between an input protein and known functional sites. The method uses a geometric hashing approach where information related to residue pairs from the input structures is stored in a hash table and then is quickly retrieved during the comparison step. Tests on proteins belonging to different functional classes, done using the Catalytic Site Atlas entries as targets, indicate that the algorithm is able to identify the correct functional class of the input protein in the vast majority of the cases.

Availability and implementation: The application was developed in Java SE 6, with a Java Swing Graphic User Interface (GUI). The system can be run locally on any operating system (OS) equipped with a suitable Java Virtual Machine, and is available at the following URL: http://www.computationalbiology.it/software/ASSISTv1.zip.

Contact:  polticel@uniroma3.it

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Apoptotic cell death and altered calcium homeostasis caused by frataxin depletion in dorsal root ganglia neurons can be prevented by BH4 domain of Bcl-xL protein
Authors: Mincheva-Tasheva Stefka , Obis Elia , Tamarit Jordi , Ros Joaquim
Published: November 2013

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Major neurological symptoms of the disease are due to degeneration of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons. In this study we have explored the neurodegenerative events occurring by frataxin depletion on primary cultures of neurons obtained from rat DRGs. Reduction of 80% of frataxin levels in these cells was achieved by transduction with lentivirus containing shRNA silencing sequences. Frataxin depletion caused mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, neurite degeneration and apoptotic cell death. A marked increase of free intracellular Ca2+ levels and alteration in Ca2+-mediated signaling pathways was also observed, thus suggesting that altered calcium homeostasis can play a pivotal role in neurodegeneration caused by frataxin deficiency. These deleterious effects were reverted by the addition of a cell-penetrant TAT peptide coupled to the BH4, the anti-apoptotic domain of Bcl-xL. Treatment of cultured frataxin-depleted neurons with TAT-BH4 was able to restore the free intracellular Ca2+ levels and protect the neurons from degeneration. These observations open the possibility of new therapies of FRDA based on modulating the Ca2+ signaling and prevent apoptotic process to protect DRG neurons from neurodegeneration.
Sex- and age-interacting eQTLs in human complex diseases
Authors: Yao Chen , Joehanes Roby , Johnson Andrew D. , Huan Tianxiao , Esko Tõnu , Ying Saixia , Freedman Jane E. , Murabito Joanne , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Metspalu Andres , Munson Peter J. , Levy Daniel
Published: November 2013

Many complex human diseases exhibit sex or age differences in gene expression. However, the presence and the extent of genotype-specific variations in gene regulation are largely unknown. Here, we report results of a comprehensive analysis of expression regulation of genetic variation related to 11 672 complex disease-associated SNPs as a function of sex and age in whole-blood-derived RNA from 5254 individuals. At false discovery rate <0.05, we identified 14 sex- and 10 age-interacting expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). We show that these eQTLs are also associated with many sex- or age-associated traits. These findings provide important context regarding the regulation of phenotypes by genotype–environment interaction.
Modelling the likely impacts of climate-driven changes in cod-capelin overlap in the Barents Sea
Authors: Howell Daniel , Filin Anatoly A.
Published: November 2013

Howell, D., and Filin, A. A. Modelling the likely impacts of climate-driven changes in cod-capelin overlap in the Barents Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: . Recent observations have indicated that the cod distribution within the Barents Sea is expanding towards the northeast. The area into which the cod are expanding has historically been an area with large stocks of polar cod and capelin. It can be expected that the continued expansion of cod into this region would lead to greater availability of these forage fish for cod predation and have a direct impact on the forage fish stock. The distributional shift may also reduce the level of cod cannibalism. Such changes have implications for the management of both cod and capelin fisheries. In this paper, we use two different models (Gadget and STOCOBAR) to examine the effects of the changing overlap on cod and capelin. The results from the two models are compared to reduce uncertainty due to model formulation and exploit the different strengths of the two approaches. Although there are many uncertainties around the ongoing changes, the results indicate that the increased spatial overlap could contribute to modest rises by up to 20% in the average cod stock biomass, but with an increase in the impact of cannibalism, and hence an increased variability in the cod stock size.
Dual role of transcription and transcript stability in the regulation of gene expression inEscherichia colicells cultured on glucose at different growth rates
Authors: Esquerré Thomas , Laguerre Sandrine , Turlan Catherine , Carpousis Agamemnon J. , Girbal Laurence , Cocaign-Bousquet Muriel
Published: November 2013

Microorganisms extensively reorganize gene expression to adjust growth rate to changes in growth conditions. At the genomic scale, we measured the contribution of both transcription and transcript stability to regulating messenger RNA (mRNA) concentration in Escherichia coli. Transcriptional control was the dominant regulatory process. Between growth rates of 0.10 and 0.63 h−1, there was a generic increase in the bulk mRNA transcription. However, many transcripts became less stable and the median mRNA half-life decreased from 4.2 to 2.8 min. This is the first evidence that mRNA turnover is slower at extremely low-growth rates. The destabilization of many, but not all, transcripts at high-growth rate correlated with transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding the mRNA degradation machinery. We identified five classes of growth-rate regulation ranging from mainly transcriptional to mainly degradational. In general, differential stability within polycistronic messages encoded by operons does not appear to be affected by growth rate. We show here that the substantial reorganization of gene expression involving downregulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle genes and acetyl-CoA synthetase at high-growth rates is controlled mainly by transcript stability. Overall, our results demonstrate that the control of transcript stability has an important role in fine-tuning mRNA concentration during changes in growth rate.
Modification of picornavirus genomic RNA using ‘click’ chemistry shows that unlinking of the VPg peptide is dispensable for translation and replication of the incoming viral RNA
Authors: Langereis Martijn A. , Feng Qian , Nelissen Frank H. T. , Virgen-Slane Richard , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J. , Maciejewski Sonia , Filippov Dmitri V. , Semler Bert L. , van Delft Floris L. , van Kuppeveld Frank J.M.
Published: November 2013

Picornaviruses constitute a large group of viruses comprising medically and economically important pathogens such as poliovirus, coxsackievirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus 71 and foot-and-mouth disease virus. A unique characteristic of these viruses is the use of a viral peptide (VPg) as primer for viral RNA synthesis. As a consequence, all newly formed viral RNA molecules possess a covalently linked VPg peptide. It is known that VPg is enzymatically released from the incoming viral RNA by a host protein, called TDP2, but it is still unclear whether the release of VPg is necessary to initiate RNA translation. To study the possible requirement of VPg release for RNA translation, we developed a novel method to modify the genomic viral RNA with VPg linked via a ‘non-cleavable’ bond. We coupled an azide-modified VPg peptide to an RNA primer harboring a cyclooctyne [bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne (BCN)] by a copper-free ‘click’ reaction, leading to a VPg-triazole-RNA construct that was ‘non-cleavable’ by TDP2. We successfully ligated the VPg-RNA complex to the viral genomic RNA, directed by base pairing. We show that the lack of VPg unlinkase does not influence RNA translation or replication. Thus, the release of the VPg from the incoming viral RNA is not a prerequisite for RNA translation or replication.
Streptomyces hoynatensis sp. nov., isolated from deep marine sediment
Authors: Veyisoglu Aysel , Sahin Nevzat
Published: November 2013

A novel actinobacterium, strain S1412T, was isolated from a deep sediment sample, collected from the southern Black Sea coast of Turkey, and was examined using a polyphasic approach. The organism had chemical and morphological features typical of the genus

Streptomyces

. The cell wall of the novel strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose and traces of xylose. The polar lipid profile of S1412T consisted of the predominant compound diphosphatidylglycerol, moderate amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, and minor amounts of phosphatidylglycerol. Strain S1412T exhibited an unusual quinone system, with the predominant compounds MK-10(H8), MK-9(H8) and MK-10(H6) and small amounts of MK-9(H6) and MK-10(H4). Major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1 H and anteiso-C17 : 0. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities for strain S1412T with respect to the most closely related type strains of species of the genus

Streptomyces

were less than 97.0 %. Phenotypic data clearly distinguished the isolate from its closest relatives,

Streptomyces specialis

GW 41-1564T,

Streptomyces mayteni

YIM 60475T,

Streptomyces hainanensis

YIM 47672T,

Streptomyces avicenniae

MCCC1A01535T and

Streptomyces sedi

YIM 65188T. Based on chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain S1412T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the name Streptomyces hoynatensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1412T ( = KCTC 29097T = DSM 42069T).
Streptomyces karpasiensis sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Veyisoglu Aysel , Tatar Demet , Cetin Demet , Guven Kiymet , Sahin Nevzat
Published: November 2013

A novel actinobacteria, designated strain K413T, was isolated from soil collected from Karpaz National Park, Magusa, Northern Cyprus, and characterized to determine its taxonomic position. The isolate was found to have chemical and morphological properties associated with members of the genus

Streptomyces

. Phylogenetic analyses based on almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate was closely related to members of the genus

Streptomyces

, and was shown to form a distinct phyletic line in the

Streptomyces

phylogenetic tree. Strain K413T was most closely related to

Streptomyces marinus

DSM 41968T (98.01 %). Sequence similarities with other strains of the genus

Streptomyces

were below 98.0 %. The cell wall of the novel strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H8) (45.0 %). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data, strain K413T represents a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the name Streptomyces karpasiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K413T ( = KCTC 29096T = DSM 42068T).
Purulent pericarditis and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus
Authors: Held Jürgen , Schmitz Roland , van der Linden Mark , Nührenberg Thomas , Häcker Georg , Neumann Franz-Josef
Published: November 2013

Purulent pericarditis is a life-threatening disease that usually manifests following bacteraemia or through spreading from an intrathoracic focus. Only a few cases of this disease have been reported with Lancefield group C streptococci as aetiological agents, and the primary focus in these infections remains unknown. We report a case of purulent pericarditis with septic and cardiogenic shock, caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (group C) in a 51-year-old patient. The pathogen was possibly contracted through contact with horses. Most probably, it caused initially pneumonia before spreading to the pericardium, either directly or via the bloodstream. A combined therapeutic approach, consisting of antibiotic therapy and repeated pericardial drainage, was necessary to ensure a clinical cure. After discharge, long-term follow-up for development of constrictive pericarditis is considered mandatory.
Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections in Palestine
Authors: Adwan Kamel , Jarrar Naser , Abu-Hijleh Awni , Adwan Ghaleb , Awwad Elena
Published: November 2013

Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs) is increasing worldwide. A total of 41 E. coli isolates were obtained from urine samples from hospitalized patients with a UTI in three hospitals in the northern districts of the West Bank, Palestine during March and June 2011. Resistance rates were: erythromycin (95 %), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (59 %), ciprofloxacin (56 %), gentamicin (27 %), imipenem (22 %), amoxicillin (93 %), amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (32 %), ceftazidime (66 %) and cefotaxime (71 %). No meropenem-resistant isolates were identified in this study. Among the isolates, phylogenetic group B2 was observed in 13 isolates, D in 12 isolates, A in 11 isolates and B1 in five isolates. Thirty-five of the isolates were positive for an extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype. Among these isolates, the bla
CTX-M gene was detected in 25, and eight harboured the bla
TEM gene. None of the isolates contained the bla
SHV gene. Transformation experiments indicated that some of the β-lactamase genes (i.e. bla
CTX-M and bla
TEM) with co-resistance to erythromycin and gentamicin were plasmid encoded and transmissible. Apart from this, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) revealed that the 41 isolates were genetically diverse and comprised a heterogeneous population with 11 ERIC-PCR profiles at a 60 % similarity level.
Inactivation of medial prefrontal cortex or acute stress impairs odor span in rats
Authors: Davies Don A. , Molder Joel J. , Greba Quentin , Howland John G.
Published: November 2013

The capacity of working memory is limited and is altered in brain disorders including schizophrenia. In rodent working memory tasks, capacity is typically not measured (at least not explicitly). One task that does measure working memory capacity is the odor span task (OST) developed by Dudchenko and colleagues. In separate experiments, the effects of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) inactivation or acute stress on the OST were assessed in rats. Inactivation of the mPFC profoundly impaired odor span without affecting olfactory sensitivity. Acute stress also significantly reduced odor span. These findings support a potential role of the OST in developing novel therapeutics for disorders characterized by impaired working memory capacity.
Deletion of PTEN produces deficits in conditioned fear and increases fragile X mental retardation protein
Authors: Lugo Joaquin N. , Smith Gregory D. , Morrison Jessica B. , White Jessika
Published: November 2013

The phosphatase and tensin homolog detected on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene product modulates activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. The PI3K pathway has been found to be involved in the regulation of the fragile X mental retardation protein, which is important for long-term depression and in the formation of new memories. We used delayed fear conditioning and trace fear conditioning to determine learning and memory deficits in neuron subset-specific Pten (NS-Pten) conditional knockout (KO) mice. We found that NS-Pten KO mice had deficits in contextual learning and trace conditioning, but did not have deficits in the ability to learn a conditioned stimulus. Furthermore, we found increased levels in the total and phosphorylated forms of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in the hippocampus of NS-Pten KO mice.
Conserved Changes in the Dynamics of Metabolic Processes during Fruit Development and Ripening across Species
Authors: Klie Sebastian , Osorio Sonia , Tohge Takayuki , Drincovich María F. , Fait Aaron , Giovannoni James J. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: November 2013

Computational analyses of molecular phenotypes traditionally aim at identifying biochemical components that exhibit differential expression under various scenarios (e.g. environmental and internal perturbations) in a single species. High-throughput metabolomics technologies allow the quantification of (relative) metabolite levels across developmental stages in different tissues, organs, and species. Novel methods for analyzing the resulting multiple data tables could reveal preserved dynamics of metabolic processes across species. The problem we address in this study is 2-fold. (1) We derive a single data table, referred to as a compromise, which captures information common to the investigated set of multiple tables containing data on different fruit development and ripening stages in three climacteric (i.e. peach [Prunus persica] and two tomato [Solanum lycopersicum] cultivars, Ailsa Craig and M82) and two nonclimacteric (i.e. strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa] and pepper [Capsicum chilense]) fruits; in addition, we demonstrate the power of the method to discern similarities and differences between multiple tables by analyzing publicly available metabolomics data from three tomato ripening mutants together with two tomato cultivars. (2) We identify the conserved dynamics of metabolic processes, reflected in the data profiles of the corresponding metabolites that contribute most to the determined compromise. Our analysis is based on an extension to principal component analysis, called STATIS, in combination with pathway overenrichment analysis. Based on publicly available metabolic profiles for the investigated species, we demonstrate that STATIS can be used to identify the metabolic processes whose behavior is similarly affected during fruit development and ripening. These findings ultimately provide insights into the pathways that are essential during fruit development and ripening across species.
A Sequence-Ready Physical Map of Barley Anchored Genetically by Two Million Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Ariyadasa Ruvini , Mascher Martin , Nussbaumer Thomas , Schulte Daniela , Frenkel Zeev , Poursarebani Naser , Zhou Ruonan , Steuernagel Burkhard , Gundlach Heidrun , Taudien Stefan , Felder Marius , Platzer Matthias , Himmelbach Axel , Schmutzer Thomas , Hedley Pete E. , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Scholz Uwe , Korol Abraham , Mayer Klaus F.X. , Waugh Robbie , Langridge Peter , Graner Andreas , Stein Nils
Published: November 2013

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an important cereal crop and a model species for Triticeae genomics. To lay the foundation for hierarchical map-based sequencing, a genome-wide physical map of its large and complex 5.1 billion-bp genome was constructed by high-information content fingerprinting of almost 600,000 bacterial artificial chromosomes representing 14-fold haploid genome coverage. The resultant physical map comprises 9,265 contigs with a cumulative size of 4.9 Gb representing 96% of the physical length of the barley genome. The reliability of the map was verified through extensive genetic marker information and the analysis of topological networks of clone overlaps. A minimum tiling path of 66,772 minimally overlapping clones was defined that will serve as a template for hierarchical clone-by-clone map-based shotgun sequencing. We integrated whole-genome shotgun sequence data from the individuals of two mapping populations with published bacterial artificial chromosome survey sequence information to genetically anchor the physical map. This novel approach in combination with the comprehensive whole-genome shotgun sequence data sets allowed us to independently validate and improve a previously reported physical and genetic framework. The resources developed in this study will underpin fine-mapping and cloning of agronomically important genes and the assembly of a draft genome sequence.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: November 2013

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of Education + Training is split into five sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Education; Management Development; Training Techniques; Skills Training; General Training.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Pollitt David
Published: November 2013

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of Education + Training is split into four sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Further education; Higher education; Managemetn education; Generald education and training.
Is there a proctor in the house?
Authors: McMullen Anthony
Published: November 2013

Purpose

This article aims to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and technology‐based services on a limited budget and with limited personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses real world experiences to provide commentary on protocols and practices as they relate to providing library services under increasingly tight budget constraints.

Findings

The rapid growth in online education has brought about many changes to library services. Librarians must make conscious efforts to not only adapt accordingly, but also to stay true to the mission and core values in the face of this rapidly changing landscape.

Originality/value

The paper uses real‐world examples to provide critical commentary on the librarian service ethic as it relates to staying true to the mission as opposed to overreaching in the name of service for all.
Adequacy or inadequacy of budgets for University of Malawi Libraries (UML)
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at adequacy or inadequacy of budgets for University of Malawi Libraries (UML) from financial years 2004 to 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study design was used to collect quantitative data. University budget estimate from 2003/2004 to 2009/2010 financial years were used.

Findings

The results of the study show that of five constituent colleges of the University of Malawi, four (80 per cent) of their college libraries are inadequately funded below 6 per cent. The average funding as a percentage of the total college funding for the five UML in the six‐year financial period from 2004 to 2010 are as follows: Bunda College Library 2.7 per cent; Chancellor College Library 3.72 per cent; College of Medicine Library 3.52 per cent; Kamuzu College of Nursing Library 6.27 per cent; and the Polytechnic Library 3.43 per cent. Only Kamuzu College of Nursing Library received a minimum average of 6 per cent of the total college funding.

Practical implications

The study recommends that college librarians should lobby for increased budgets for UML. College librarians should also consider income‐generating activities as a means to supplement funding through government subvention.

Originality/value

There is very little researched information on inadequacy or adequacy of budgeting and funding on UML. This research adds some information on UML budgeting and financing.
Structural adjustment policies, currency devaluation and liberalised exchange rate on library acquisitions in the University of Malawi Libraries
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the structural adjustment policies on library and information services in the University of Malawi Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was adopted, and data – budget documents and various reports and technical papers – were collected.

Findings

Findings show that libraries in this study were affected by the structural adjustment reforms. Budgets of the libraries increased but were affected by currency devaluations, unavailability of foreign exchange to pay for subscriptions and purchase books and this had negatively impacted on the provision of library and information services.

Research limitations/implications

The study looks at implications of the structural adjustment policies in the five libraries in the University of Malawi, namely the Bunda College, Chancellor College, College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing and the Polytechnic only. However the results give a general picture of both academic and public libraries in Malawi.

Practical implications

Libraries are encouraged to consider adopting UNESCO coupons to solve foreign exchange shortages for software and journal subscriptions as well as engage international publishers with local shops to circumvent paying for library purchases in foreign currency. Libraries are also encouraged to use the Malawi Library and Information Consortium (MALICO) for bargaining prices against ever escalating journal and book prices.

Originality/value

The paper explores the impact of the structural adjustment polices in Malawi.
Functioning staff or staffing functions?
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a model for staffing library functions that is free from the limits of rigid job descriptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the concept of fluid job descriptions and then explains how to use the concept to balance workloads and solve other problems.

Findings

Using this concept allows the best possible use of available talent and skills.

Practical implications

Library directors can make their staff assets go further by avoiding the limitations that rigid job descriptions impose.

Social implications

This model has the potential for increasing job satisfaction of library staffs as well as the efficiency with which they work together in serving their constituencies.

Originality/value

The value of the article is in improving library efficiency, along with employee job satisfaction, by introducing more flexibility into staff workload assignments.
“Retreat. Reveal. Retain”
Authors: Cottrell Terrance (Terry)
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that leaders use staff retreats as a time for budget and planning, more than as a time for working on the prototypical subjects of group cohesion, personality pairing/profiling and teamwork exercises.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis from the perspective of staff retention frames the explanation of staff retreats used primarily as budget exercises, to educate and spark informed debate leading to increased employee satisfaction.

Findings

Open and honest budgetary disclosure is the fundamental desire of employees concerned about macroeconomic issues affecting organizations going forward. Placing these matters first during staff retreats will create the desired group cohesion and retention effects sought through embarking on staff retreat activities.

Originality/value

Staff retreats are very popular, and literature on this topic is plentiful. Positive retention outcomes attained from staff retreats because of a focus on a shared understanding of budget and planning is not, however, a popular idea. This paper suggests that the common retreat goal of group cohesion can be a direct product derived from carefully planned and explained budget disclosure, instead of crafty psychological and team exercises.