bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversification in temporally heterogeneous environments: effect of the grain in experimental bacterial populations
Authors: VENAIL P. A. , KALTZ O. , OLIVIERI I. , POMMIER T. , MOUQUET N.
Published: September 2011

Although theory established the necessary conditions for diversification in temporally heterogeneous environments, empirical evidence remains controversial. One possible explanation is the difficulty of designing experiments including the relevant range of temporal grains and the appropriate environmental trade‐offs. Here, we experimentally explore the impact of the grain on the diversification of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 in a temporally fluctuating environment by including 20 different pairs of environments and four temporal grains. In general, higher levels of diversity were observed at intermediate temporal grains. This resulted in part from the enhanced capacity of disruptive selection to generate negative genotypic correlations in performance at intermediate grains. However, the evolution of reciprocal specialization was an uncommon outcome. Although the temporal heterogeneity is in theory less powerful than the spatial heterogeneity to generate and maintain the diversity, our results show that diversification under temporal heterogeneity is possible provided appropriate environmental grains.
Relationship of site and stand characteristics to Armillaria root disease incidence on ponderosa pine in the Black Hills, South Dakota
Authors: Klutsch J. G. , Kallas‐Richlefs M. A. , Reich R. M. , Harris J. L. , Jacobi W. R.
Published: September 2011

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in the Black Hills National Forest, SD, USA, was surveyed for Armillaria root disease (ARD). The root pathogen Armillaria ostoyae occurred on ponderosa pine seedlings, saplings, pole‐size trees and large‐diameter trees. The mean incidence of aboveground disease symptoms by stem count was low (0.2%), but in certain areas, the incidence was higher, affecting the regeneration success and tree longevity. Symptomatic ponderosa pine were in areas characterized by having higher elevation, greater annual precipitation, more seedlings, bigger large‐diameter trees and greater odds of past harvesting activity than in areas without root disease. Stump density was positively spatially correlated with root disease incidence. No particular soil type was related to disease occurrence; though, in areas with symptomatic trees, soil available water holding capacity (AWC) was greater and soil permeability was less where root disease was present. Spatial analysis confirmed the relationships found in linear correlations, with soil AWC and stump density positively and soil permeability negatively correlated with per cent infected stems ha−1 and basal area infected.
Evaluations of the nutritional value of Jatropha curcas protein isolate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Kumar V. , Makkar H. P. S. , Becker K.
Published: September 2011

Jatropha curcas seeds are rich in oil and protein. The oil is used for biodiesel production. Jatropha seed cake (JSC) obtained after oil extraction is rich in protein; however, it is toxic (phorbol esters content 1.3 mg/g) and consists of 50–60% shells, which are indigestible. The principle of isoelectric precipitation was used to obtain Jatropha protein isolate (JPI) from JSC and it was detoxified (DJPI). Carp (n = 45, 20.3 ± 0.13 g) were randomly distributed into five groups with three replicates and for 12‐week fed iso‐nitrogenous diets (crude protein 38%): Control [fishmeal (FM)‐based protein]; J50 and J75 (50% and 75% of FM protein replaced by DJPI); S50 and S75 (50% and 75% of FM protein replaced by soy protein isolate). Growth performance and nutrient utilisation parameters were highest in S75 group and not significantly different to those in J50 and S50 groups but were significantly higher than those for all other groups. Similar trend was observed for protein and energy digestibilities of experimental diets, whereas opposite trend was observed for the feed to gain ratio. Activities of intestinal digestive enzymes did not different significantly between the five groups. In conclusion, DJPI is a good quality protein source for carp.
Propionate absorbed from the colon acts as gluconeogenic substrate in a strict carnivore, the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Verbrugghe A. , Hesta M. , Daminet S. , Polis I. , Holst J. J. , Buyse J. , Wuyts B. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: September 2011

In six normal‐weight and six obese cats, the metabolic effect of propionate absorbed from the colon was assessed. Two colonic infusions were tested in a crossover design with intervals of 4 weeks. The test solution contained 4 mmol sodium propionate per kg ideal body weight in a 0.2% NaCl solution. Normal saline was given as control solution. Solutions were infused into the hindgut over 30 min. Blood samples were obtained prior to and at various time points after starting the infusion. As body condition did not affect evaluated parameters, all data were pooled. Plasma glucose concentrations showed differences neither over time nor during or after infusion with propionate or control. Plasma amino acid concentrations rose over time (p < 0.001), but were similar for both infusions. Plasma propionylcarnitine rose markedly towards the end of the propionate infusion and decreased afterwards (p < 0.001), whereas 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutarylcarnitine was lower 30 (p = 0.005) and 60 min (p = 0.032) after ending propionate infusions and acetylcarnitine tended to fall at the same time points (p = 0.079; p = 0.080), suggesting inhibition of gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and amino acids, but initiation of propionate‐induced gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, propionate absorbed from the colon is hypothesized to act as gluconeogenic substrate, regardless of the cat’s body condition.
The effect of excess cobalt on milk fatty acid profiles and transcriptional regulation of SCD, FASN, DGAT1 and DGAT2 in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Karlengen I. J. , Harstad O. M. , Taugbøl O. , Berget I. , Aastveit A. H. , Våge D. I.
Published: September 2011

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of excess cobalt (Co) on gene expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD), fatty acid synthase (FASN), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) of lactating dairy cows in relation to milk fatty acid profile. Seven multiparous cows of the Norwegian Red cattle breed (NRF) had their basal diet supplemented with 1.4 g Co as a 24 g/l solution of Co‐acetate per os twice daily for 7 days followed by a 9‐day depuration period. Udder biopsies were performed prior to the treatment period, after 1 week of treatment and immediately after the depuration period. Excess Co reduced the proportion of all cis‐9 monounsaturated fatty acids and increased the proportion of 18:0 in milk. However, gene expression levels of SCD, DGAT1, DGAT2 and FASN were not significantly altered. Our results indicate that the effect of Co on milk fatty acid profile is mediated at the post‐transcriptional level by reduced activity of SCD in the mammary gland. Potential mechanisms explaining how Co might reduce stearoyl‐CoA desaturation are discussed.
Inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB pathway by a grape seed and grape marc meal extract in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Gessner D. K. , Ringseis R. , Siebers M. , Keller J. , Kloster J. , Wen G. , Eder K.
Published: September 2011

In pigs and other monogastric animal, the weaning phase is commonly accompanied by an increased susceptibility to gut disorders such as diarrhoea owing to the induction of an inflammatory process in the intestine during weaning. Given the unfavourable effects of intestinal inflammation on feed consumption, digestive capacity of the intestine and growth of animals, controlling intestinal inflammation is a reasonable approach for the maintenance of performance characteristics of livestock animals. Therefore, this study aimed to study the anti‐inflammatory potential of a commercial polyphenol‐rich grape seed (GS) and grape marc (GM) meal‐based feed additive in a well‐established in vitro intestinal epithelium model (polarized Caco‐2 cells). The anti‐inflammatory potential was evaluated by studying the effect of an ethanolic extract obtained from the GS and GM meal‐based feed additive (GSGME) on the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor NF‐κB, which is considered to play a key role in the induction of weaning‐associated intestinal inflammation. The highest non‐cytotoxic concentrations of the ethanolic GSGME dose dependently reduced TNFα‐induced NF‐κB transactivation and decreased TNFα‐induced mRNA levels of the NF‐κB target genes IL‐1β, IL‐8, MCP‐1 and CXCL1 in Caco‐2 intestinal cells (p < 0.05). No effect of the ethanolic GSGME was observed on the cytoprotective Nrf2 pathway in Caco‐2 cells as evidenced by an unaltered Nrf2 transactivation and unchanged mRNA levels of Nrf2 target genes, such as GPX‐2, NQO1, CYP1A1 and UGT1A1. In conclusion, this study shows that an ethanolic GSGME exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in intestinal cells under in vitro conditions. Thus, polyphenol‐rich GSGM meal‐based feed additives may be useful for the inhibition or prevention of inflammatory processes in the intestine of livestock animals, in particular during states with inappropriate NF‐κB activation in the intestinal tissue, such as the weaning phase. Future studies are warranted to prove the in vivo anti‐inflammatory potential of GSGM meal‐based feed additives.
Effect of dietary citric acid on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler
Authors: Islam K. M. S. , Schaeublin H. , Wenk C. , Wanner M. , Liesegang A.
Published: September 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary citric acid (CA) on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler chicks. A total of 1720 Ross PM3 broiler chicks (days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (430 in each) and reared for a period of 35 days. The diets of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.75% or 1.25% CA by weight respectively. Feed and faeces samples were collected weekly and analysed for acid insoluble ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg). The pH was measured in feed and faeces. At the age of 28 days, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered; tibiae were collected from each bird for the determination of bone mineral density, total ash, Ca, P, Mg and bone‐breaking strength, and blood was collected for the measurement of osteocalcin, serum CrossLaps®, Ca, P, Mg and 1,25(OH)2Vit‐D in serum. After finishing the trial on day 37, all chicks were slaughtered by using the approved procedure. Birds that were fed CA diets were heavier (average body weights of 2030, 2079 and 2086 g in the 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA groups, respectively, relative to the control birds (1986 g). Feed conversion efficiency (weight gain in g per kg of feed intake) was also higher in birds of the CA‐fed groups (582, 595 and 587 g/kg feed intake for 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA respectively), relative to the control birds (565 g/kg feed intake). The digestibility of Ca, P and Mg increased in the CA‐fed groups, especially for the diets supplemented with 0.25% and 0.75% CA. Support for finding was also indicated in the results of the analysis of the tibia. At slaughter, the birds had higher carcass weights and higher graded carcasses in the groups that were fed the CA diets. The estimated profit margin was highest for birds fed the diet containing 0.25% CA. Birds of the 0.75% CA group were found to have the second highest estimated profit margin. Addition of CA up to a level of 1.25% of the diet increased performance, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight and carcass quality, but only in numerical terms. The addition of CA up to 0.75% significantly increased the digestibility of macro minerals, bone ash content, bone mineral density and bone strength of the broiler chicks. It may, therefore, be concluded that the addition of 0.75% CA in a standard diet is suitable for growth, carcass traits, macromineral digestibility and bone mineral density of broiler chicks.
Influence of feeding Tinospora cordifolia peripartum on lactation parameters in crossbred cows
Authors: Mallick S. , Prakash B. S.
Published: September 2011

For studying the effect of dietary supplementation of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) peripartum on lactation an investigation was conducted on 15 pregnant Karan Fries crossbred cows which were divided into two groups: treatment group of eight cows which were supplemented with guduchi at 60 g/day for 45 days prepartum and 120 g/day for 45 days postpartum; control group of seven pregnant cows which were not supplemented with guduchi. Jugular blood samples were collected from all cows during the periparturient period for analysis of various blood cell and plasma parameters. A significantly higher total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was recorded in the guduchi supplemented treatment group in comparison to untreated control cows throughout the experimental period. The increase of milk production over 305 days of lactation due to guduchi supplementation was significant (p < 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in somatic cell count was also observed during the experimental period. Milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and SNF) was similar (p > 0.05) for both the groups. Plasma non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in cows supplemented with guduchi throughout the course of study. Plasma concentration of growth hormone in the treated cows was also significantly higher beginning on the day of parturition up to 3 weeks postpartum (p < 0.05) in comparison to unsupplemented group.
Species assignment and antifungal susceptibilities of black aspergilli recovered from otomycosis cases in Iran
Authors: Szigeti Gyöngyi , Sedaghati Ebrahim , Mahmoudabadi Ali Zarei , Naseri Ali , Kocsubé Sándor , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Varga János
Published: September 2011

Black aspergilli are among the main causative agents of otomycosis worldwide. In this study, the species assignment of black aspergilli isolated from otomycosis cases in Iran was carried out using sequence analysis of part of the calmodulin gene. The results indicate that Aspergillus niger is not the only black Aspergillus species involved in otomycosis cases in Iran: Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus tubingensis are also able to cause ear infections. Antifungal susceptibility tests were carried out against five antifungal drugs including amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine. All isolates were highly susceptible to terbinafine, while they exhibited moderate susceptibilities against amphotericin B, fluconazole and ketoconazole. Aspergillus niger and A. awamori were found to have higher minimal inhibitory concentrations for azoles than A. tubingensis, in accordance with previous findings.
Criteria for assessing operating room utilization in a free‐standing children’s hospital
Authors: Ferrari Lynne R. , Micheli Anne , Whiteley Christopher , Chazaro Raoul , Zurakowski David
Published: September 2011

Background:  The staffed hours of operation in any surgical facility are a valuable institutional resource. The realistic target for the utilization of this resource is dependent on many factors including scheduling, efficiency, and culture of the facility. There is no previously reported measure for the actual utilization of staffed regular operating room (OR) hours in an academic pediatric institution. The leadership of the perioperative services at Children’s Hospital Boston (CHB) sought to define the utilization of surgical suite staffed block time hours at that institution and in addition determine whether changes in workflow could increase the measured utilization.

Methods:  Operating room efficiency in fiscal year 2009 was measured using two variables: utilization and turnover measured in hours for each month in fiscal year 2009, recorded in hours expressed as ratios (observed/expected) and as differences (observed – expected). A total of 27 851 cases from October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009, were analyzed. All elective cases were scheduled electronically following institutional guidelines; urgent or emergent procedures were scheduled into vacant time slots on the day of the procedure. Time series analysis based on a generalized autoregressive moving average process was used to compare expected with observed utilization and to evaluate changes in utilization and turnover ratios.

Results:  Efficiency as measured by capped utilization divided by total available time in the OR averaged 79%. Utilization ratios ranged from a low of 73% in February 2009 to a high of 87% in July 2009. An improvement in on‐time first‐case starts may have contributed to the increase in the utilization of staffed block time. Turnover time as defined by turnover ratio decreased significantly over time, indicating an improved efficiency in the OR starting in April 2009.

Conclusions:  Adhering to the specific guidelines that are followed at CHB, the mean utilization of scheduled block time was 79%. This was achieved by maximizing workflow in the surgical, anesthesia, and nursing disciplines to shorten turnover time, fill gaps in the elective schedule with emergency procedures, and provide staffing to accommodate cases that extend beyond the scheduled staffed time prior to the reporting period. Simulated models from other pediatric institutions suggest that the optimal utilization of designated time periods in a surgical facility may range from 85% to 90%.
Spinal blocks
Authors: Kokki Hannu
Published: September 2011

Every anesthetist should have the expertise to perform lumbar puncture that is the prerequisite to induce spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is easy and effective technique: small amount of local anesthetic injected in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid provides highly effective anesthesia, analgesia, and sympathetic and motor block in the lower part of the body. The main limitation of spinal anesthesia is a variable and relatively short duration of the block with a single‐injection of local anesthetic. With appropriate use of adjuvant or combining spinal anesthesia with epidural anesthesia, the analgesic action can be controlled in case of early recovery of initial block or in patients with prolonged procedures. Contraindications are rare. Bleeding disorders and any major dysfunction in coagulation system are rare in children, but spinal anesthesia should not be used in children with local infection or increased intracranial pressure. Children with spinal anesthesia may develop the same adverse effects as has been reported in adults, but in contrast to adults, cardiovascular deterioration is uncommon in children even with high blocks. Most children having surgery with spinal anesthesia need sedation, and in these cases, close monitoring of sufficient respiratory function and protective airway reflexes is necessary. Postdural puncture headache and transient neurological symptoms have been reported also in pediatric patients, and thus, guardians should be provided instructions for follow‐up and contact information if symptoms appear or persist after discharge. Epidural blood patch is effective treatment for prolonged, severe headache, and nonopioid analgesic is often sufficient for transient neurological symptoms.
Infliximab and surgical treatment of complex anal Crohn’s disease
Authors: Duff S. , Sagar P. M. , Rao M. , Dolling S. , Sprakes M. , Hamlin P. J.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease are frequently complex, involve the anal sphincter complex and surgical treatment can be associated with poor healing of wounds and damage to the mechanism of continence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and duration of response to infliximab in the long‐term management of perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease in routine clinical practice.

Method  A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with Crohn’s disease and complex anal fistulae who were treated with infliximab (primary treatment, three initial infusions followed by maintenance therapy). Patients who received infliximab for luminal disease or for enterocutaneous, peristomal or rectovaginal fistulae were excluded from this study.

Results  Fifty‐two patients [25 male, median age 24 (range 15–72) years] were treated with infliximab for perianal Crohn’s fistulae for a median of 66 (7–124) months. Twenty‐six of the patients underwent pre‐infliximab MRI scans and 38 had an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) prior to commencement of treatment, 22 of whom had seton(s) inserted into their fistulae. Maintenance therapy was possible in 42 (81%) of 52 patients. Twenty‐two (42.3%) patients had a complete response to treatment, 23 (44.2%) had a partial response and 7 (13.5%) had no response. Less than complete response to infliximab was associated with a greater risk of requiring surgical intervention (Fisher’s exact test, d.f. 1, P = 0.005).

Conclusion  The response rates of Crohn’s related complex perianal fistulae to infliximab are good. Complete response is associated with a reduced need for surgical intervention.
No effect of perianal application of topical anaesthetic on patient comfort during nonsedated flexible sigmoidoscopy: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cengiz C. , Pampal H. K. , Ozdemir B. , Boyacioglu S. , Kuzu M. A.
Published: September 2011

Aim  A literature review revealed no data on the effects of topical anaesthetic on patient comfort during flexible sigmoidoscopy. We therefore aimed to evaluate this in a randomized manner.

Method  One hundred and forty‐six patients who underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Vaseline (n = 49), 2% lidocaine gel (n = 51) or a cream of 2.5% lidocaine plus 2.5% prilocaine (n = 46) were applied to the patients 30 min before the procedure. Demographic data and haemodynamic monitoring during procedures were recorded. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and anxiety levels by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐I and STA‐II).

Results  Median pre‐procedural STAI‐I scores were 45, 46 and 40.5 and median post‐procedural STAI‐I scores were 35, 34 and 33.5 for the vaseline, lidocaine, and lidocaine/prilocaine treatments, respectively. There was no statistical difference among the groups in terms of STAI‐I and II scores. However, post‐procedural STAI‐I scores were significantly lower than pre‐procedural values in each group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in VAS scores among the groups. In all groups there were statistically higher VAS scores during the procedure compared with the pre‐ and post‐procedural scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Perianal application of topical anaesthetic does not influence patient comfort during sigmoidoscopy.
Current practice in preoperative therapy and surgical management of locally advanced rectal cancer: a bi‐national survey1
Authors: Ooi K. , Frizelle F. , Ong E. , Faragher I.
Published: September 2011

Aim  The Australasian colorectal surgeon’s current approach to preoperative rectal cancer management was compared with international guidelines.

Method  Members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand were surveyed in 2010, on the use of MRI and the management of locally advanced rectal cancer. Surgeons had to decide the appropriate management in five scenarios that were developed from national guidelines.

Results  Of 174 invitations sent, 108 (62.1%) replies were received. Most surgeons (98.1%) had access to MRI. Ninety‐three (86.1%) would use MRI routinely for staging. The majority selected a tumour‐specific mesorectal resection for upper rectal cancer (58.2%) and a total mesorectal excision for distal cancer (100%). Almost all restorative operations included a covering ileostomy. One third of surgeons recommended that patients with a favourable cT3 mid‐rectal tumour (N0, clear circumferential resection margins) should not have preoperative therapy and should proceed directly to surgery. When high‐risk features, such as threatened resection margins or cN1 stage, were present, 5% and 15% of surgeons, respectively, would continue to treat by standard resection without preoperative therapy.

Conclusion  Evidence‐based international guidelines for the management of rectal cancer have changed little in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is a clear gap between these and clinical practice. The main variance relates to the role of radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite considerable evidence that radiotherapy reduces local recurrence for all stages of rectal cancer, current practice in Australasia is for its selective use.
Poverty Implications of Agricultural Land Degradation in Ghana: An Economy‐wide, Multimarket Model Assessment
Authors: Diao Xinshen , Sarpong Daniel B.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  An economy‐wide, multimarket model is applied for Ghana and is used to assess the aggregate economic cost of agricultural soil erosion. To fill a gap in the literature regarding economic cost analysis of soil erosion, this paper also analyzes the poverty implications of land degradation. The model predicts that land degradation reduces agricultural income in Ghana by a total of US$4.2 billion over the period 2006–2015 and the national poverty rate will increase in 2015 by 5.4 percentage points. Moreover, soil loss causes a slowing of poverty reduction over time in the three northern regions, which currently have the highest poverty rates in the country. Sustainable land management (SLM) is the key to reducing agricultural soil loss. The present findings indicate that through the adoption of conventional SLM practices, the declining trend in land productivity can be reversed, and that use of a combination of conventional and modern SLM practices would generate an aggregate economic benefit of US$6.4 billion over the period 2006–2015. SLM practices would therefore substantially reduce poverty in Ghana, particularly in the three northern regions.
A single‐arm, open‐label study of alemtuzumab in treatment‐refractory patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fox E. J. , Sullivan H. C. , Gazda S. K. , Mayer L. , O’Donnell L. , Melia K. , Lake S. L.
Published: September 2011

Background:  Alemtuzumab (CD52‐specific humanized monoclonal antibody) was found to be an effective therapy for treatment‐naive patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis.

Objective:  Evaluate alemtuzumab’s effects in patients with treatment‐refractory relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods:  Forty‐five relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients who experienced ≥2 relapses during 2 years prior to the study entry whilst receiving interferon therapy were administered 24 mg IV alemtuzumab/day for 5 days at baseline and 3 days 12 months later. Patients received premedication with 1 g IV methylprednisolone on days 1–3 at both times.

Results:  After 2‐year follow‐up, the annualized relapse rate was reduced by 94% compared to pre‐treatment levels, from 1.6 (2 years prior to treatment) to 0.17 for the 2 years following (P < 0.0001). Moreover, 86% of patients showed stable or improved scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and only 1 experienced an increase in disability lasting ≥6 months. The majority (70–88%) showed stable or improved leg, arm and cognitive function as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite. Serious adverse events observed in single patients were transient neutropenia and pneumonia, pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis. Five patients developed clinical thyroid disorders but no opportunistic infections or cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura were observed.

Conclusions:  Alemtuzumab effectively reduced relapse rates and improved clinical scores in patients with active relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis not controlled by interferon therapy.
Telling a modest story: accounts of men's upward mobility from the National Child Development Study
Authors: Miles Andrew , Savage Mike , Bühlmann Felix
Published: September 2011

While the pattern of social mobility in postwar Britain has been extensively studied, revealing considerable upward mobility, much less is known about the subjective dimension to mobility. In this article, we employ a new sample of in‐depth interviews with 50‐year old men from the National Child Development Study to examine in detail the link between objective mobility patterns and the way the upwardly mobile narrate their life trajectories. In contrast to the mobility ideology suggested by the Oxford mobility survey of the early 1970s, in which the upwardly mobile recognized and internalized their success as a project of the self, we report how members of this later generation of men with highly successful careers prefer instead to articulate ‘modest’ life stories.

By treating the career as a narrative device, we are able to show how the disavowal of the dominant, linear hierarchical career model by these men allows them to tell particular and distinctive stories which establish their individuality and personhood, while, paradoxically, recognizing the cultural power of the dominant model. In particular, we highlight the use of ‘linear contingent’ narratives by these men, in which specific events, especially those connected with occupational and geographical transitions, are deployed as contingent thresholds to mark out key shifts and passages in their lives. We then compare their accounts with those of immobile and downwardly men, who instead deploy ‘ghostly’ stories, preoccupied by the past, or defensive accounts, displaying unease with their failure to live up to the expectations of the linear career model.

Having shown that men's accounts of mobility are suffused with an awareness of their need to establish their own individuality through repudiating the social trope of the instrumental careerist, we conclude that the links between career identities and objective mobility patterns are not straightforward and need careful unravelling.
Homeless identities: enacted and ascribed1
Authors: Parsell Cameron
Published: September 2011

Homelessness has been a perennial concern for sociologists. It is a confronting phenomenon that can challenge western notions of home, a discrete family unit and the ascetics and order of public space. To be without a home and to reside in public places illustrates both an intriguing way of living and some fundamental inadequacies in the functioning of society. Much homelessness research has had the consequence of isolating the ‘homeless person’ as distinct category or indeed type of individual. They are ascribed with homeless identities. The homeless identity is not simply presented as one dimensional and defining, but this imposed and ill‐fitting identity is rarely informed by a close and long‐term engagement with the individuals it is supposed to say something about. Drawing on a recent Australian ethnographic study with people literally without shelter, this article aims to contribute to understandings of people who are homeless by outlining some nuanced and diverse aspects of their identities. It argues that people can and do express agency in the way they enact elements of the self, and the experience of homelessness is simultaneously important and unimportant to understand this. Further, the article suggests that what is presumably known about the homeless identity is influenced by day‐to‐day lives that are on public display.
Hazards of neoliberalism: delayed electric power restoration after Hurricane Ike1
Authors: Miller Lee M. , Antonio Robert J. , Bonanno Alessandro
Published: September 2011

This case study explores how neoliberal policies shape the impacts of a natural disaster. We investigate the reactions to major damages to the electric power system and the restoration of power in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which devastated the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area in September 2008. We argue that the neoliberal policy agenda insured a minimalist approach to the crisis and generated dissatisfaction among many residents. The short‐term profitability imperative shifted reconstruction costs to consumers, and prevented efforts to upgrade the electric power infrastructure to prepare for future disasters. We illustrate the serious obstacles for disaster mitigation and recovery posed by neoliberal policies that privatize public goods and socialize private costs. Neoliberalism neither addresses the needs of a highly stratified public nor their long‐term interests and safety.
Completing the European Union Customs Union: The Effects of Trade Procedure Harmonization*
Authors: BOURDET YVES , PERSSON MARIA
Published: September 2011

In this article, it is pointed out that the European Union does not have a harmonized practice when it comes to trade procedures, implying that countries in the rest of the world face different trade barriers depending on which EU country they ship their goods to. Estimating the impact of trade procedures on exports from non‐EU countries, a highly statistically significant and negative effect is found. Simulating what the effects would be of harmonizing trade procedures to the level of the most efficient EU countries, it is found that aggregated exports to the EU would increase by 20 per cent for the average exporter.
Cross‐Border Resolution of Failed Banks in the European Union after the Crisis: Business as Usual*
Authors: KUDRNA ZDENEK
Published: September 2011

The post‐2007 financial crisis created an opportunity for reforms that could close the regulatory gap between transnational banks and national bank resolution regimes. During the decade before the crisis, the European Union tried to develop a cross‐border bank resolution regime relying on voluntary agreements and complex governance networks. However, these arrangements failed to commit national authorities to multilateral resolution as was exemplified by the case of Fortis. The crisis experience provided the Commission with an opportunity to propose legislation that would either deepen the pre‐crisis co‐ordinated regime, or replace it with an integrated resolution regime for systemically important cross‐border banks. The Commission considered the more ambitious reforms, but after the experience with negotiations over the powers of European Supervisory Authorities, postponed the proposals for an integrated regime until after 2014. The initial round of post‐crisis reforms thus remained limited to minimal improvements of the pre‐crisis status quo.
Geodynamically induced variations in the emission of CO2gas at San Faustino (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: HEINICKE J. , MARTINELLI G. , TELESCA L.
Published: September 2011

The Central Apennines are affected by frequent earthquakes of moderate magnitude that occur mainly within the upper part of the crust at depths of <15 km. A large number of cold gas emissions that are rich in CO2are also found in the region. One particular vent with a high rate of degassing was equipped with a sensor to measure flow rates, which were recorded for a number of different periods between 2005 and 2010. Factors that could affect potentially CO2flow rates include barometric pressure, atmospheric temperature, precipitation and local seismicity. Our analysis indicates that the periods of anomalous flow rate were related not to the environmental factors but probably to the deformative processes of the crust associated with the local seismicity. Local seismic events as expression of geodynamic processes occurred always before and during these anomalous gas flow periods. This correlation exists only for events that occurred eastwards of the gas emission site close to the Martana fault zone. We herein consider this correlation as indication for a continuous interaction between the field of static strain and the deep fluid pressure. An approximation of the fluid pressure transmission towards the gas emission site gives reasonable values of 1–10 m2 sec−1. To make comparisons with the long‐term effects of the static strain, we also recorded the short‐term effects of the dynamic release of strain induced by the series of strong earthquakes that took place in L’Aquila in 2009. We detected a significant anomalous flow rate that occurred at the same time as this seismic sequence, during which widespread degassing was induced around the focal zone.
Contrasting wetland CH4 emission responses to simulated glacial atmospheric CO2 in temperate bogs and fens
Authors: Boardman Carl P. , Gauci Vincent , Watson Jonathan S. , Blake Stephen , Beerling David J.
Published: September 2011

See also the Commentary by Jason K. Keller
Inhibition of neuronal cholesterol biosynthesis with lovastatin leads to impaired synaptic vesicle release even in the presence of lipoproteins or geranylgeraniol
Authors: Mailman Tiffany , Hariharan Manoj , Karten Barbara
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 1002–1015.

Cholesterol is highly enriched in the brain, and plays a key role in synapse formation and function. The brain does not derive cholesterol from the circulation; instead, the majority of cholesterol is made in glia and secreted in form of lipoproteins. Neurons can synthesize cholesterol, but the extent of neuronal cholesterol biosynthesis in the adult brain is unknown. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors of the statin family are widely used to lower circulating cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Lipophilic statins can cross the blood brain barrier and inhibit brain cholesterol biosynthesis with possible consequences for synaptic cholesterol homeostasis. We have investigated the effects of lovastatin on synapse maturation and synaptic vesicle release. Treatment of primary hippocampal neurons with low levels of lovastatin for one week reduced synapse density and impaired synaptic vesicle release. Neither lipoproteins nor geranylgeraniol fully counteracted the lovastatin‐induced decrease of synaptic vesicle exocytosis, even when cholesterol depletion was prevented. In contrast, restoration of neuronal cholesterol synthesis with mevalonate prevented defects in vesicle exocytosis without fully normalizing neuronal cholesterol content. These results raise the possibility that chronic exposure of neurons to lipophilic statins may affect synaptic transmission, and indicate that hippocampal neurons need a certain level of endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis.
A little help from our friends: Informal third parties and interpersonal conflict
Authors: EATON JUDY , SANDERS CARRIE B.
Published: September 2011

Individuals who have been hurt by an interpersonal transgression often turn to others for support, but very little is known about the function of these informal third parties. In this study, a qualitative approach was used to analyze victims' written narratives describing a transgression in order to better understand what role informal third parties may play. The range of responses that informal third parties made to victims, and how victims felt, both about the transgressor and in general, was examined. Those who forgave the transgressor tended to receive different types of informal third‐party responses than those who did not forgive, and informal third parties seemed to help victims feel better by reducing their uncertainty and increasing their sense of belongingness.
Government and Opposition in India
Authors: Manor James
Published: September 2011

Interactions between ruling and opposition parties in India have long been sorely neglected by political analysts. This study finds clear contrasts between interactions at national and state levels in this federal system, and further, often marked variations across the 28 states – each of which has its own Westminster-style legislature. Government–opposition relations range from semi-civilized to caustic, although most cases are situated some at distance from those extremes. So, despite a recent confrontation in the Indian Parliament, there are no strong trends towards either deterioration or greater accommodation. This is a study in ambiguity.
Exceptionalism, Political Science and the Comparative Analysis of Political Parties
Authors: Ware Alan
Published: September 2011

For more than four decades the analysis of party organizations in the European democracies has been completely separated from analyses of American party structures. The first part of this article examines how and why such a separation was to emerge in the aftermath of Duverger's and Epstein's path-breaking original work. It then goes on to outline how an analytic framework might be developed so that more wide-ranging comparative studies of party organizations in democratic regimes can be undertaken in future. Only with such research can the limitations of ‘exceptionalist’ and ‘regionalist’ explanations of party structure development and change be overcome.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: McNulty Cliodna A. M. , Lehours Philippe , Mégraud Francis
Published: September 2011

When an endoscopy is performed, it now becomes easier to observe indirect evidence of the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection, given the progress of new methods including magnifying narrow band imaging or confocal laser endomicroscopy. Out of the biopsy‐based tests, the novel original method proposed concerned culture in a broth medium with or without antibiotics and ELISA detection of H. pylori. New stool antigen tests are still appearing with no major improvement in comparison with the monoclonal‐based tests already on the market. The combination of pepsinogen detection to H. pylori serology is now more and more evaluated to detect preneoplastic lesions.
Inflammation, Immunity, and Vaccine Development for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Müller Anne , Solnick Jay V.
Published: September 2011

The immune response to Helicobacter pylori entails both innate effectors and a complex mix of Th1, Th17, and Treg adaptive immune responses. The clinical outcome of infection may well depend to a large degree on the relative balance of these responses. Vaccination with a wide range of antigens, adjuvants, and delivery routes can produce statistically significant reductions in H. pylori colonization levels in mice, though rarely sterilizing immunity. Whether similar reductions in bacterial load can be achieved in humans, and whether they would be clinically significant, is still unclear. However, progress in understanding the role of Th1, Th17, and most recently Treg cells in protection against H. pylori infection provides reason for optimism.
Helicobacter pylori and Nonmalignant Diseases
Authors: Alakkari Alaa , Zullo Angelo , O’Connor Humphrey J.
Published: September 2011

Research published over the past year has documented the continued decline of Helicobacter pylori‐related peptic ulcer disease and increased recognition of non‐H. pylori, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ulcer disease – idiopathic ulcers. Despite reduced prevalence of uncomplicated PUD, rates of ulcer complications and associated mortality remain stubbornly high. The role of H. pylori in functional dyspepsia is unclear, with some authors considering H. pylori‐associated nonulcer dyspepsia a distinct organic entity. There is increasing acceptance of an inverse relationship between H. pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but little understanding of how GERD might be more common/severe in H. pylori‐negative subjects. Research has focused on factors such as different H. pylori phenotypes, weight gain after H. pylori eradication, and effects on hormones such as ghrelin that control appetite.
Gastric Cancer: Clinical Aspects, Epidemiology and Molecular Background
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Rokkas Theodore , Selgrad Michael , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: September 2011

The validity and usefulness of the 7th edition of the UICC tumor node metastasis classification in the context of clinical management of gastric cancer are discussed. The most relevant new agent in gastric cancer therapy is trastuzumab for HER2‐positive gastric carcinomas. This marks the success of continuous effort of translational research. Trastuzumab, initially applied in palliative settings, is currently being evaluated also in neoadjuvant treatment regimens. Several new meta‐analyses support the carcinogenic effect of high salt intake and smoking in the context of Helicobacter pylori infection. Further data have become available on the efficacy of protective agents, acetyl salicylic acid/nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and antioxidants. In search for a successful prevention strategy, the focus is on the identification of individuals at high risk who demand screening (testing) and surveillance. Serological assessment of gastric mucosal abnormalities with increased risk for gastric cancer development is extensively studied, and new data are presented from Asia as well as from Europe. New high‐throughput techniques combined with bioinformatic vector analysis open the gate to the identification of new potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, these approaches allow us to elucidate the interplay of bacterial virulence factors and the host’s immune response as well as H. pylori‐associated alterations of mucosal gene expression.
Retirement Plan Participation in an Era of Change: The Case of a Rural Region*
Authors: Whitaker Elizabeth A. , Bokemeier Janet L. , Loveridge Scott
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Individual savings are critical for retirement as government and employer‐based provisions fade or become less secure. Rural communities are vulnerable given their higher proportion of elderly and more who rely on Social Security. Using a telephone survey of working‐age residents in Michigan's rural Upper Peninsula, this research investigates factors associated with participation in tax‐advantaged retirement plans that have largely replaced defined‐benefit pension plans for earmarked retirement savings. The project also identifies factors predictive of making maximum contributions to those retirement plans. We consider several distinct categories of variables to reflect the social embeddedness of economic action. In addition, the research included community variables describing aspects of respondents' social context, a new component of the savings discourse, which we show to be significantly related to saving outside a tax‐advantaged retirement plan and making maximum contributions to a tax‐advantaged retirement plan.
Apotrachelocerca arenicola (Kahl, 1933) n. g., comb. n. (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Trachelocercidae): Morphology and Phylogeny
Authors: XU YUAN , LI JIAMEI , GAO FENG , HU XIAOZHONG , AL‐RASHEID KHALED A.S.
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT. During faunistic study on psammophilic ciliates along the coast of Qingdao, China, a population of Trachelocerca arenicola Kahl, 1933 was found and then investigated using silver staining and gene sequencing methods. The results indicated that it represented a new genus Apotrachelocerca characterized by uninterrupted circumoral kineties composed of two rows of dikinetids and no brosse or ciliary tuft in the oral cavity. This new genus should be assigned to the family Prototrachelocercidae Foissner, 1996. Based on the small subunit rRNA gene sequence, phylogenetic trees revealed that Apotrachelocerca arenicola occupied a basal position to other trachelocercids.
Complete Sequence and Gene Organization of the Nosema heliothidis Ribosomal RNA Gene Region
Authors: DONG SHINAN , SHEN ZHONGYUAN , ZHU FENG , TANG XUDONG , XU LI
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT. By sequencing the entire ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene region of Nosema heliothidis isolated from cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), we showed that its gene organization is similar to the type species, Nosema bombycis: the 5′‐large subunit rRNA (2,490 bp)‐internal transcribed spacer (192 bp)‐small subunit rRNA (1,232 bp)‐intergenic spacer (274 bp)‐5S rRNA (115 bp)‐3′. We constructed two phylogenetic trees, analyzed phylogenetic relationships, examined rRNA organization of microsporidia, and compared the secondary structure of small subunit rRNA with closely related microsporidia. The latter two features may provide important information for the classification and phylogenetic analysis of microsporidia.