bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The antisemitism of the Italian catholics and nationalism: ‘the Jew’ and ‘the honest Italy’ in the rhetoric ofLa Civiltà Cattolicaduring the Risorgimento
Authors: Dahl David Lebovitch
Published: January 2012

This article addresses the problem of the Catholics' diffusion of anti-Jewish propaganda in the second half of the nineteenth century, and the question of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the formation of Italian national identity in the same period. The paper uncovers two layers in the discourse of the Jesuit journalLa Civiltà Cattolicaregarding Italian unification. On one level, typical of the journal's editorials, nationalism is rejected, while on a less conspicuous level the journal forcefully defines the Italian nation in Catholic terms, partly through the alienation of Jews. The investigation indicates that the approach towards Italian nation-building should be taken into account when studying the Catholics' rhetoric concerning Jews, and it supports the thesis that the contribution of the Church towards shaping Italian national identity should be taken seriously in studies of the Risorgimento.
Democracy and the rights of women in the thinking of Giuseppe Mazzini1
Authors: Falchi Federica
Published: January 2012

Addressing Italian workers in his Doveri dell'uomo of 1860, Mazzini unequivocally laid out his thoughts on women's rights. The thinker from Genoa, all the more after his encounters with other political philosophers from different national environments such as Britain and France, saw the principle of equality between men and women as fundamental to his project of constructing first the nation, and second a democratic republic. In his ideas regarding emancipation Mazzini, who spent a good 40 years of his life in exile, was one of a small group of European thinkers who in challenging the established customs and prevailing laws not only hoped for the end of women's social and judicial subordination, but also held that changes to the position of women were essential to the realisation of their political projects. Thanks to this respected group of intellectuals, the issue of female emancipation found a place in the nineteenth-century European debate regarding democracy and the formation of national states. The closeness of the positions of these thinkers, and their commitment in practice as well as theory, mean that it can legitimately be argued that in the course of the nineteenth century a current of feminist thinking took shape. This was born of the encounters between and reflections of various intellectuals who met first in France and then in England, and who came to see women's rights not just as a discrete issue for resolution but as fundamental to their projects for the regeneration of nations, or, as in the Italian case, for the construction and rebirth of a nation.
The spirituality of Soelle’s liberation theology in social innovation: empirical research into a ‘via transformativa’ for organizations
Authors: van den Dool E.C.
Published: January 2012

Based on a qualitative analysis of interviews with five Dutch socially innovative pioneers we find that there is a significant match between the actions and the experiences of the pioneers and the spirituality of Soelle’s liberation theology. Studying actual processes of social
innovation in organizations from the perspective of Dorothee Soelle’s liberation theology may thus provide various issues for triggering mystagogic development. Mystagogic counseling inspired by Soelle’s liberation theology may help organizations to deepen their understanding of
the processes of social innovation they are involved in.
Myth, disenchantment and the loss of sacred place
Authors: Whan Michael
Published: January 2012

The connection between the sacred and place is fundamental in the history of myth and religion. Today, it remains fundamental in New Age spiritualities, contemporary religions (churches, mosques, synagogues) and certain political and ecological ideologies (sacred earth), to the whole re-enchantment project in its various forms. My contention, nevertheless, is that disenchantment, the rupture between myth and place, far from being soulless, as often asserted, is actually the soul's work: its dialectical labour of negation and self-relation: namely, an alchemical opus contra naturam; the distillation of the mercurial logos from the stone: the stone that is no stone.
FAR-IR/SUBMILLIMETER SPECTROSCOPIC COSMOLOGICAL SURVEYS: PREDICTIONS OF INFRARED LINE LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS FOR z < 4 GALAXIES
Authors: Spinoglio Luigi , Dasyra Kalliopi M. , Franceschini Alberto , Gruppioni Carlotta , Valiante Elisabetta , Isaak Kate
Published: January 2012

Star formation and accretion onto supermassive black holes in the nuclei of galaxies are the two most energetic processes in the universe, producing the bulk of the observed emission throughout its history. We simulated the luminosity functions of star-forming and active galaxies for spectral lines that are thought to be good spectroscopic tracers of either phenomenon, as a function of redshift. We focused on the infrared (IR) and submillimeter domains, where the effects of dust obscuration are minimal. Using three different and independent theoretical models for galaxy formation and evolution, constrained by multi-wavelength luminosity functions, we computed the number of star-forming and active galaxies per IR luminosity and redshift bin. We converted the continuum luminosity counts into spectral line counts using relationships that we calibrated on mid- and far-IR spectroscopic surveys of galaxies in the local universe. Our results demonstrate that future facilities optimized for survey-mode observations, i.e., the Space Infrared telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics and the Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope, will be able to observe thousands of z > 1 galaxies in key fine-structure lines, e.g.,  [Si ii],  [O i],  [O iii],  [C ii], in a half-square-degree survey, with 1 hr integration time per field of view. Fainter lines such as  [O iv],  [Ne v], and  H2 (0–0)S1 will be observed in several tens of bright galaxies at 1 < z < 2, while diagnostic diagrams of active nucleus versus star formation activity will be feasible even for normal z ∼ 1 galaxies. We discuss the new parameter space that these future telescopes will cover and that strongly motivates their construction.
Radiative power in Tore Supra and its link with Zeff
Authors: Devynck P. , Wauters T. , Bucalossi J. , Aniel T. , Delchambre E. , Meyer O. , Monier-Garbet P. , Vallet J.C.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, a database of L-mode plasmas with Greenwald density fractions smaller than 0.8 is used to analyse the parametric dependences of the radiative power and the effective charge Z
eff. It is found that the radiative power has a linear dependence on the total power and a linear fit is derived.

In order to understand this parametric dependence, the changes in the radial extension of the radiation are studied with the help of bolometry measurements and it is found that the increase in P
rad with P
tot can be explained by an increase in the neutral source of impurities (basically carbon erosion) during additional heating. A comparison of deuterium and helium plasmas shows that they radiate the same amount at the same total power. Significant positive deviations from the fit of the radiative power are observed for high ratios of Cu XIX/⟨n
e⟩. Z
eff is also found to depend roughly linearly on the total power. The link found between Z
eff and P
rad is compatible with that of multimachine scaling (Matthews et al 1997 J. Nucl. Mater.
241–243 450). These results are obtained in a limiter machine, running in L-mode in the case where carbon is the dominant impurity.
Saturation of deuterium retention in self-damaged tungsten exposed to high-flux plasmas
Authors: Hoen M.H.J. 't , Tyburska-Püschel B. , Ertl K. , Mayer M. , Rapp J. , Kleyn A.W. , Zeijlmans van Emmichoven P.A.
Published: January 2012

Polycrystalline, annealed tungsten targets were bombarded with 12.3 MeV W4+ ions to various damage levels. Deuterium was implanted by high-flux plasmas in Pilot-PSI (>1024 m−2 s−1) at a surface temperature below 525 K. Deuterium retention has been studied by nuclear reaction analysis and by thermal desorption spectroscopy. We found that deuterium retention is strongly enhanced by the tungsten bombardment and that saturation occurs at a W4+ fluence of about 3 × 1017 m−2. The maximum deuterium concentration in the damaged region was measured to be 1.4 at.%. This is in accordance with other experiments that were carried out at much lower fluxes. We therefore conclude that the saturation behaviour and the maximum retention are not affected by the high fluxes used in our experiments.

A simple geometric model is presented that assumes that the saturation solely originates in the tungsten irradiation and that explains it in terms of overlapping saturated volumes. The saturated volume per incident MeV ion amounts to 3 × 104 nm3. From our results, we are able to obtain an approximate value for the average occupation number of the vacancies.
Relationship between pelagic larval duration and abundance of tropical fishes on temperate coasts of Japan
Authors: Soeparno  , Nakamura Y. , Shibuno T. , Yamaoka K.
Published: January 2012

The influence of pelagic larval duration (PLD) and egg type dispersal capabilities of 35 demersal and pelagic‐spawning tropical fish species is examined in relation to their abundance on the temperate coasts of Japan. The PLDs of pelagic spawners were significantly longer than those of demersal spawners, and a high occurrence of pelagic spawners on the temperate coasts suggests that these fishes are more easily transported to temperate coasts than demersal spawners. For demersal spawners, the common species on the temperate coasts had significantly longer PLDs than the rare species; this suggests that PLD is a major factor influencing the distribution patterns of tropical demersal spawners on temperate coasts. Moreover, a negative correlation between PLD and the abundance of some species of pelagic and demersal spawners suggests the presence of reproductively active fishes in northern subtropical and even in temperate waters.
TaWIR1 contributes to post‐penetration resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae, but not Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, in wheat
Authors: TUFAN HALE A. , MCGRANN GRAHAM R. D. , MACCORMACK RUTH , BOYD LESLEY A.
Published: January 2012

Members of the Wheat‐Induced Resistance 1 (TaWIR1) gene family are highly induced in response to a wide range of pathogens. Homologues have been identified in barley, but not in Brachypodium, whereas, in rice, only distant WIR1 candidates are known. Phylogenetic analysis placed TaWIR1a and TaWIR1b within a distinct clade of wheat transcripts, whereas TaWIR1c clustered with HvWIR1 genes. Transcripts of all three TaWIR1 genes were strongly induced by a wheat‐adapted isolate of Magnaporthe oryzae. Virus‐induced gene silencing of the TaWIR1 gene family had no effect on the initial penetration of epidermal cells by M. oryzae. However, following the establishment of an infection site, the fungus was able to grow more extensively within the leaf tissue, relative to control leaves, indicating a role for the TaWIR1 gene family in the cell‐to‐cell movement of M. oryzae. In contrast, the silencing of TaWIR1 transcripts had no effect on epidermal cell penetration by a wheat‐adapted isolate of Blumeria graminis, or on the subsequent growth of hyphae. Differential transcription of TaWIR1 genes was also seen in epidermal peels, relative to the remaining leaf tissue, following inoculation with M. oryzae.
The use of a combination of computer‐assisted structure prediction and SHAPE probing to elucidate the secondary structures of five viroids
Authors: XU WENXING , BOLDUC FRANÇOIS , HONG NI , PERREAULT JEAN‐PIERRE
Published: January 2012

The elucidation of the structures of viroids, noncoding infectious RNA species, is paramount to obtain an understanding of the various aspects of their life cycles (including replication, transport and pathogenesis). In general, the secondary structures of viroids have been predicted using computer software programs which have been shown to possess several important limitations. Clearly, the predicted structure of a viroid needs to receive physical support prior to its use in the accurate interpretation of any mechanistic studies. Here, SHAPE probing coupled to computer‐assisted structure prediction using the RNAstructure software program was employed to determine the structures of five viroids. These species belong to four genera of the Pospiviroidae family, and none have had their structure characterized in solution. In addition, several interesting questions were addressed by either studying various sequence variants or varying the SHAPE conditions. More importantly, this approach is novel in the study of viroids, and should be of significant aid in the determination of the structures of other RNA species.
Randomised clinical trial: an assessment of acupuncture on specific meridian or specific acupoint vs. sham acupuncture for treating functional dyspepsia
Authors: Ma T. T. , Yu S. Y. , Li Y. , Liang F. R. , Tian X. P. , Zheng H. , Yan J. , Sun G. J. , Chang X. R. , Zhao L. , Wu X. , Zeng F.
Published: January 2012

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disease without an established optimal treatment.

Aim

To determine (i) the effect of acupuncture in relieving FD symptoms and improving life quality; (ii) the effect difference between acupoint and non‐acupoint; and (iii) the effect difference among different acupoints.

Methods

A total of 712 eligible patients were included and randomly assigned to six groups (Group A: specific acupoints of the stomach meridian; Group B: non‐specific acupoints of the stomach meridian; Group C: specific acupoints of alarm and transport points; Group D: specific acupoints of the gallbladder meridian; Group E: sham acupuncture of non‐acupoints; and Group F: itopride). A treatment period of 4 weeks (continuous five sessions per week), and a follow‐up period of 12 weeks were arranged. The outcomes were the (i) patients’ response, (ii) symptoms improvement measured using the Symptom Index of Dyspepsia and (iii) quality‐of‐life improvement based on Nepean Dyspepsia Index.

Results

All groups had an improvement in dyspepsia symptoms and the QoL at the end of treatment, and the improvement was sustained for 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The overall response rate was significantly higher in acupuncture group A (70.69%), and lower in sham acupuncture group (34.75%), compared with itopride and other acupuncture groups. Similarly, the difference in symptoms and QoL improvement was significant between group A and the other acupuncture groups.

Conclusions

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, and is superior to non‐acupoint puncture. The benefit of acupuncture relies on acupoint specificity.
Burkitt lymphoma: the role of Epstein‐Barr virus revisited
Authors: Grömminger Sebastian , Mautner Josef , Bornkamm Georg W.
Published: January 2012

The particular epidemiological features of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in Tropical Africa, first described by Denis Burkitt in 1958, initiated the search for a virus that induces malignant B cell lymphomas in humans and is transmitted by arthropods. The herpes virus (Epstein‐Barr virus, EBV) discovered by Epstein and collaborators in cell lines established from BL biopsies fulfilled some of these predictions. It drives primary B cells into unlimited proliferation, induces malignant B cell lymphomas in immunocompromised individuals (post‐transplant lympho‐proliferative disease, PTLD) in vivo, and footprints of the virus are generally detected in African BL biopsies supporting a causative role of the virus in the pathogenesis of BL. The virus is, however, not transmitted by arthropods and is spread ubiquitously amongst the human population through saliva. Furthermore, BL and EBV‐induced PTLD are now recognized as pathogenetically distinct entities: BL involves MYC‐immunoglobulin translocations in contrast to PTLD, and different patterns of viral genes are expressed in both diseases. Viral gene products expressed in BL are assumed to contribute to inhibition of apoptosis, although their precise mechanism of action is not fully understood. In the future, next generation sequencing is expected to shed more light on the contribution of EBV to the pathogenesis of BL.
Treatment of the elderly patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Fields Paul A. , Linch David C.
Published: January 2012

The majority of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma are over the age of 60 years and the management of these patients is often sub‐optimal. Intensive therapy with curative intent should be given to all patients who can tolerate such therapy, and this requires very careful evaluation of each patient prior to treatment allocation. A detailed history and examination are required, with attention to concomitant disease and existing drug therapy. A quantitative assessment of comorbidity and a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) are valuable adjuncts to physician judgment. For most elderly patients, the R‐CHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) remains the standard of care. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor should be given routinely. Reassessment before each cycle of therapy is essential and interim echocardiography should be performed. In patients with cardiac insufficiency there are a number of alternative regimens but no definitive ‘best regimen.’ In those patients not treated with curative intent a multi‐disciplinary approach is essential.
UK guidelines on the management of iron deficiency in pregnancy
Authors: Pavord Sue , Myers Bethan , Robinson Susan , Allard Shubha , Strong Jane , Oppenheimer Christina ,   on behalf of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology
Published: January 2012

Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency state in the world, affecting more than 2 billion people globally. Although it is particularly prevalent in less‐developed countries, it remains a significant problem in the developed world, even where other forms of malnutrition have already been almost eliminated. Effective management is needed to prevent adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes, including the need for red cell transfusion. The objective of this guideline is to provide healthcare professionals with clear and simple recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of iron deficiency in pregnancy and the postpartum period. This is the first such guideline in the UK and may be applicable to other developed countries. Public health measures, such as helminth control and iron fortification of foods, which can be important to developing countries, are not considered here. The guidance may not be appropriate to all patients and individual patient circumstances may dictate an alternative approach.
Review of cytology and histopathology as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme audit of invasive cervical cancers
Authors: Castanon A. , Ferryman S. , Patnick J. , Sasieni P.
Published: January 2012

A. Castanon, S. Ferryman, J. Patnick and P. Sasieni  Review of cytology and histopathology as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme audit of invasive cervical cancers

Objective:  To audit pathology slide reporting in the Cervical Screening Programme in England by reviewing cytology and histology slides from women subsequently diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer.

Methods:  Between April 2007 and March 2010, 6113 women diagnosed with cervical cancer were identified. Cervical cytology and histology slides taken within 10 years of diagnosis were identified and where possible reviewed after a nationally agreed protocol. Reviewers were not blinded to the original reading of each sample. Most cytology samples before 2005 were conventional, most after 2007 liquid based.

Results:  Of 13 745 cytology results from women developing cervical cancer, 55% were reviewed. The review result was identical for 55% of slides. Of 3759 originally normal slides, only 45% were normal on review: 11% were inadequate, 21% low grade (borderline or mild dyskaryosis) and 23% high grade (moderate dyskaryosis or worse). Of tests originally normal taken over 5.5 years before diagnosis, 14% were upgraded to high grade compared with 37% within 3.5 years of diagnosis. Of 5159 histology specimens recorded within 10 years of diagnosis of a cancer, 3895 were reviewed. Overall, 94% of samples reviewed retained the original diagnosis. One per cent (33/3012) of cancers were downgraded and 5% (6/112) of negative samples were upgraded to cancer upon review (four of which were taken within 2 months of diagnosis). In comparison, 15% (14/91) of cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) and 12% (38/314) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) were upgraded to cancer.

Conclusions:  In spite of the excellent quality of cytology in England, a high proportion of negative cytology taken up to three and a half years before diagnosis were considered to contain abnormal cells by reviewers informed of the subsequent cancer. Continuing these reviews, with a strong focus on education, will ensure a clear understanding of these slides and further reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Regulation of basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors Dec1 and Dec2 by RORα and their roles in adipogenesis†
Authors: Ozaki Noritsugu , Noshiro Mitsuhide , Kawamoto Takeshi , Nakashima Ayumu , Honda Kiyomasa , Fukuzaki‐Dohi Urara , Honma Sato , Fujimoto Katsumi , Tanimoto Kotaro , Tanne Kazuo , Kato Yukio
Published: January 2012

DEC1 and DEC2, members of the basic helix‐loop‐helix superfamily, are involved in various biological phenomena including clock systems, cell differentiation and metabolism. In clock systems, Dec1 and Dec2 expression are up‐regulated by the CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer via E‐box (CACGTG), exhibiting a circadian rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian pacemaker and other peripheral tissues. In this study, using assays of luciferase reporters, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we identified novel nuclear receptor response elements, ROR response elements (RORE), in Dec1 and Dec2 promoters. These ROREs responded to the transcriptional activator RORα, but not to the repressor REVERBα, although the Bmal1 promoter responded to both RORα and REVERBα. Therefore, RORα, but not REVERBα, is involved in the regulation of Dec1 and Dec2 expression without significantly affecting their rhythmicity. Since RORα, DEC1 and DEC2 reportedly suppressed adipogenic differentiation, we examined expression of Rorα, Dec1, Dec2 and other clock‐controlled genes in differentiating 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The results suggested that RORα suppresses adipogenic differentiation at a later stage of differentiation by RORE‐mediated stimulation of Dec1 and Dec2 expression.
Characterization of a single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein from Klebsiella pneumoniae: mutation at either Arg73 or Ser76 causes a less cooperative complex on DNA
Authors: Huang Yen‐Hua , Huang Cheng‐Yang
Published: January 2012

Single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein (SSB) plays an important role in DNA metabolism, such as in processes like DNA replication, repair and recombination, and is essential for cell survival. Here, we characterized the ssDNA‐binding properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae SSB (KpSSB) by using fluorescence‐quenching measurements, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA) and site‐directed mutagenesis. Analysis of purified KpSSB by gel‐filtration chromatography showed a stable tetramer in solution. In fluorescence titrations, KpSSB bound to 25–40 nucleotides (nt) per tetramer depending on the salt concentration. Using EMSA, we characterized the stoichiometry of KpSSB complexed with a series of ssDNA homopolymers, and the size of the binding site was determined to be 26 ± 1 nt. Mutation at either Arg73 or Ser76 of KpSSB caused a less cooperative complex on DNA. Arg73 forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond with Ser76, and this appears to be a likely driving force that directs the self‐assembly of SSB on DNA.
Beyond apoptosis: caspase regulatory mechanisms and functions in vivo
Authors: Kuranaga Erina
Published: January 2012

The caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, function as central regulators of cell death. Recently, caspase activity and caspase substrates identified in the absence of cell death have sparked strong interest in caspase functions in nonapoptotic cellular responses; these functions suggest that caspases may be activated without inducing or before apoptosis, thus leading to the cleavage of a specific subset of substrates. This review focuses primarily on the caspase enzymatic activity. Detailed genetic analyses of caspase‐deficient Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mice have shown that caspases are essential, not only for controlling the number of cells involved in sculpting or deleting structures in developing animals, but also for dynamic, nonapoptotic cell processes, such as innate immune response, tissue regeneration, cell‐fate determination, stem‐cell differentiation and neural activation. Our understanding of the spatio‐temporal caspase activation mechanisms has advanced, primarily through the study of Drosophila developmental processes. This review will discuss current findings regarding caspase functions in cytoskeletal modification, morphogenetic regulation of cell shape, cell migration and the production of mechanical force during embryogenesis.
Effect of potential bioinoculants and organic manures on root‐rot and wilt, growth, yield and quality of organically grown Coleus forskohlii in a semiarid tropical region of Bangalore (India)
Authors: Singh R. , Kalra A. , Ravish B. S. , Divya S. , Parameswaran T. N. , Srinivas K. V. N. S. , Bagyaraj D. J.
Published: January 2012

Based on earlier results obtained in pot experiments, 2‐year field experiments were conducted with five bioinoculants and neem cake under organic field conditions (with vermicompost as a nutritional supplement) to evaluate their potential to control root‐rot and wilt (a complex problem involving Fusarium chlamydosporum and Ralstonia solanacearum) of the medicinal plant Coleus forskohlii. Plants treated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus fasciculatum), neem cake or Pseudomonas fluorescens showed significantly increased plant height (15–31%), plant spread (25–33%), number of branches (63–67%) and dry root (129–200%) yields, and reduced disease incidence (47–50%) compared to controls. Increases in yields were reflected by increases in N (51–81%), P (17–76%) and K (44–74%) uptake. The forskolin content of the roots was found not to be affected by any of the bioinoculants, but forskolin yield (calculated) was increased significantly by treatment with G. fasciculatum (227%), neem cake (222%) or P. fluorescens (159%).
Faecal carriage of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae among humans in Java, Indonesia, in 2001–2002
Authors: Severin Juliëtte A. , Lestari Endang Sri , Kloezen Wendy , Lemmens‐den Toom Nicole , Mertaniasih Ni Made , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Purwanta Marijam , Offra Duerink D. , Hadi Usman , van Belkum Alex , Verbrugh Henri A. , Goessens Wil H. ,   on behalf of the “Antimicrobial Resistance in Indonesia, Prevalence and Prevention” (AMRIN) study group
Published: January 2012

Objective  To characterise commensal Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime that were collected in a large survey carried out among 3995 patients and healthy persons in two urban regions on Java, Indonesia, in 2001–2002.

Methods  The putative extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae were analysed using double‐disk synergy tests, isoelectric focusing, PCR assays, DNA sequencing, and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results  On the day of discharge after five or more days of hospitalisation, at least 95 of 999 (9.5%) patients carried ESBL‐positive Enterobacteriaceae as dominant faecal flora. Six patients were simultaneously colonised with E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with ESBL activity. On admission, only 6 of 998 (0.6%) patients were colonised. Faecal carriage of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae among healthy persons or persons visiting a public health centre was not detected. The 107 ESBL‐positive strains included 68 E. coli, 35 K. pneumoniae, and four other Enterobacteriaceae. blaCTX‐M‐15 was the most prevalent ESBL in both E. coli (47.1%) and K. pneumoniae (45.7%), but the E. coli O25b‐ST131 clone was virtually absent. Other ESBL types found were: SHV‐2, ‐2a, ‐5, ‐12, CTX‐M‐3, ‐9, ‐14, and TEM‐19. PFGE revealed extensive genetic diversity among the isolates.

Conclusions  In 2001–2002, faecal carriage of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae as dominant flora in Indonesia was almost exclusively hospital‐associated. The presence of various blaESBL genes and the extensive genetic diversity among isolates argue against a single/dominant strain outbreak.
The impact of gender and physical environment on the handwashing behaviour of university students in Ghana
Authors: Mariwah Simon , Hampshire Kate , Kasim Adetayo
Published: January 2012

Objectives  To establish levels of handwashing after defecation among students at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and to test hypotheses that gender and washroom environment affect handwashing behaviour.

Methods  Data on students’ handwashing behaviour after defecation were collected by structured observations in washrooms. Eight hundred and six observations were made (360 female students and 446 males) in 56 washrooms over 496 observation periods. Observers recorded gender, duration of handwashing, use of soap, and physical characteristics of the washroom (cleanliness, availability of soap, tap flow and presence of handwashing posters).

Results  Fewer than half the students observed washed their hands or bathed after defecation. Of these, only two‐thirds washed both hands and a minority (20%) used soap; only 16 students (all men) washed their hands for the recommended 15 s or longer. Female students were more likely to wash their hands at all, and were more likely to wash both hands, than males. Cleanliness of the washroom was strongly associated with improved handwashing behaviour for both women and men, as was tap flow quality for female students.

Conclusions  Handwashing behaviour is generally poor among UCC students, mirroring results from North American Universities. The findings underline the plasticity of handwashing behaviour among this population, and highlight the need for ensuring that the physical environment in washrooms on university campuses is conducive to handwashing.
Cutaneous lymphocyte antigen and α4β7 T‐lymphocyte responses are associated with peanut allergy and tolerance in children
Authors: Chan S. M. H. , Turcanu V. , Stephens A. C. , Fox A. T. , Grieve A. P. , Lack G.
Published: January 2012

Background:

It is unclear whether the initial route of allergen exposure in early life could influence the subsequent development of allergy, with cutaneous sensitization leading to peanut allergy (PA), and tolerance induced by oral exposure. The skin‐ and gastrointestinal (GI)‐homing markers, cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) and α4β7 integrin, are used to determine whether the state of PA correlates with peanut‐specific CLA responses, with tolerance associated with predominant α4β7 responses.

Methods:

CLA+ and α4β7+ memory T cells were isolated and cultured with peanut extract to assess their proliferation. Stimulation indices were compared in peanut allergic and non‐allergic (NA) groups, and peanut‐specific cytokine production was measured.

Results:

In peanut allergic patients, peanut‐specific proliferation predominates in the skin‐homing CLA+ subset, whilst peanut‐tolerant groups have a mixed CLA/α4β7 response (P = 0.008). Comparison with a control food antigen (ovalbumin) showed that these differences are allergen specific. Cytokine responses showed trends towards Th1 skewing in the GI‐homing α4β7+ cells of peanut‐tolerant groups and Th2 skewing in the skin‐homing CLA+ cells of peanut allergic patients.

Conclusion:

The predominance of the CLA+ response to peanut in peanut allergic patients is consistent with the hypothesis that allergic sensitization occurs through the skin. The predominant α4β7+ response in peanut‐tolerant groups suggests that allergen exposure through the GI tract induces tolerance.
Interlaboratory comparison of PCR‐based identification of Candida and Aspergillus DNA in spiked blood samples
Authors: Reichard Utz , Buchheidt Dieter , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Loeffler Juergen , Lugert Raimond , Ruhnke Markus , Tintelnot Kathrin , Weig Michael , Groß Uwe
Published: January 2012

Despite PCR per se being a powerful and sensitive technique, regarding the detection of fungi in patients’ blood, no consensus for a standardised PCR protocol yet exists. To complement other ongoing or accomplished studies which tackle this problem, the German Reference Center for Systemic Mycoses conducted an interlaboratory comparison starting with blood samples spiked with fungal cell elements. Altogether, six laboratories using in‐house PCR‐protocols from Germany and Austria participated in the trial. Blood samples were spiked with vital cells of Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus. Candida was used in the yeast form, whereas Aspergillus cells were either spiked as conidia or as very young germlings, also known as smoo cells. Spiked blood samples contained between 10 and 10 000 cells ml−1. Depending on the techniques used for fungal cell disruption and DNA‐amplification, detection quality was variable between laboratories, but also differed within single laboratories in different trials particularly for samples spiked with less than 100 cells ml−1. Altogether, at least regarding the detection of A. fumigatus, two of six laboratories showed constant reliable test results also with low fungal cell number spiked samples. Protocols used by these labs do not differ substantially from others. However, as particularities, one protocol included a conventional phenol chloroform extraction during the DNA preparation process and the other included a real time PCR‐protocol based on FRET probes. Other laboratory comparisons on the basis of clinical samples should follow to further evaluate the procedures. The difficulties and problems of such trials in general are discussed.
Epigenetic regulation of monoallelic gene expression
Authors: Shiba Hiroshi , Takayama Seiji
Published: January 2012

Monoallelic expression from biallelic genes is frequently observed in diploid eukaryotic organisms. Classic examples of this phenomenon include the well‐characterized cases of genomic imprinting and X‐chromosome inactivation. However, recent studies have shown that monoallelic expression is widespread in autosomal genes. This discovery was met with great interest because it represents another mechanism to generate diversity in gene expression that can affect cell fate and physiology. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are largely unknown. In our original study describing the dominant/recessive relationships of pollen‐determinant alleles in Brassica self‐incompatibility, we found that the recessive allele was specifically methylated and silenced through the action of small RNA derived from the dominant allele. In this review, we focus on recent studies of monoallelic expression in autosomal genes, and discuss the possible mechanisms driving this form of monoallelic gene suppression.
Experiences of health and well‐being among Finnish low‐income fathers
Authors: Vuori Anne , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: January 2012

This article describes the everyday experiences of health and well‐being among Finnish low‐income fathers. The aim of study is to understand the health experiences of low‐income fathers and the factors influencing the health experience and to develop nursing care in order to provide support for them. The approach is phenomenological and method is based on hermeneutical and descriptive phenomenology. The informants in this study were seven low‐income Finnish fathers with children under 16 years old. Well‐being of the fathers appeared as personal, realistic and bound to everyday life: income sufficient for meeting basic needs, everyday health, the pleasure and priviledge of life and the meaningfulness of the relationships in family and in community. Fathers used individual methods for maintaining the experience of well‐being and they experienced the support from official sources as positive or negative. The findings of this study suggest that well‐being of low‐income fathers living under threat of marginalisation will be supported by care providers taking into account individual, social and economic factors, and that this support will have to be gender‐sensitive, realistic and based on their everyday life.
Taxonomy of the southwestern Atlantic endemic kelp: Laminaria abyssalis and Laminaria brasiliensis (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) are not different species
Authors: Marins Bianca V. , Amado‐Filho Gilberto M. , Barreto Maria B. B. , Longo Leila L.
Published: January 2012

Two endemic species of Laminaria, Laminaria abyssalis Joly & Oliveira Filho and L. brasiliensis Joly & Oliveira Filho, from the tropical southwestern Atlantic coast have been described. The aim of this work was to determine the conspecificity of these species based on morphological and molecular analyses (ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxgenase, large subunit (rbcL), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coxI)). We found an overlap between the morphological characters that are considered taxonomically important for distinguishing these two species; these characters included a differing pattern of blade splitting. In the three molecular analyses, the Brazilian Laminaria specimens were grouped into one clade with maximum support. These data support the hypothesis that the individuals analyzed represent only one species, L. abyssalis. The molecular analysis also showed L. abyssalis to be sister group to L. digitata.
Benthic diatoms of the Vistula River estuary (Northern Poland): Seasonality, substrata preferences, and the influence of water chemistry
Authors: Majewska Roksana , Zgrundo Aleksandra , Lemke Paulina , De Stefano Mario
Published: January 2012

Seasonal studies of water bodies in separate branches of the Vistula River estuary in Northern Poland were conducted over 30 months from May 2005 to October 2007. Diatom samples were collected from different substrata from two sites located in the river mouth, which has physical characteristics as a result of a complex interplay of natural and human influences that have taken place over the last 100+ years. The diatom flora growing on hard surfaces near the river banks such as sand, muddy sand, rocks, macroscopic green algae and/or vascular aquatic plants was recorded. All diatom taxa collected were distinguished based on their morphological features using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A total of 187 species belonging to 61 genera were identified. A canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the diatom assemblages were definitely associated with salinity as well as nutrient concentrations and substratum type. During the study, malformations of diatom valves were observed in 48% of the microphytobenthos samples. Abnormal outline morphology and ornamentation deformities in several individuals of nine different species were recorded, which were mainly in epilithic and epiphytic communities collected from spring to autumn.
Quantity of food attractant and size of the container orifice affect catch in Carpophilus spp. traps
Authors: Hossain Mofakhar S , Hossain Mamun A B M , Norng Sorn , Williams David G
Published: January 2012

Attract‐and‐kill traps containing aggregation pheromone and food attractant have been developed in Australia to control Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in orchards. Two field experiments were conducted in cherry and stone fruit orchards. One aimed to identify an appropriate size of orifice in co‐attractant containers releasing either of two types of food attractants while keeping the amount of attractant fixed. Initial findings suggested that a 6.0 cm orifice was appropriate so another experiment was conducted to identify an appropriate amount of food attractant to be used in traps while keeping the size of orifice fixed at 6.0 cm. In experiment one, orifice sizes of 2.5 cm, 6.0 cm and 9.0 cm were used in traps baited with 120 mL of either fermented apple juice or liquid synthetic food attractant. Traps with a 6.0 cm orifice caught the most Carpophilus spp. followed by 9.0 cm and 2.5 cm but there were no significant differences in catch between the three orifice sizes. In experiment two, traps were baited with 120, 300 and 500 g or mL of either solid artificial beetle‐rearing medium or liquid synthetic food attractant. Traps baited with synthetic solutions caught significantly (P < 0.05) more beetles than traps baited with solid food medium except for the 500 g solid food traps. There were no significant differences in catch between the three amounts of synthetic solution. Traps with 500 g of solid food medium caught significantly (P < 0.05) more beetles than those with 300 g and 120 g.
Microclimate and production of peat moss Sphagnum palustre L. in the warm‐temperate zone
Authors: FUKUTA EIJI , SASAKI AKIKO , NAKATSUBO TAKAYUKI
Published: January 2012

Sphagnum palustre L. is one of the few Sphagnum species distributed in the warm‐temperate zone. To elucidate the mechanisms that enable S. palustre to maintain its productivity under warm climatic conditions, we examined the temperature conditions and photosynthetic characteristics of this species in a lowland wetland in western Japan. Moss temperatures during the daytime were much lower than the air temperature, particularly during summer. The optimum temperature for the net photosynthetic rate was approximately 20°C, irrespective of the season, but summer and autumn samples maintained high rates at higher temperatures as well. The net photosynthetic rate at near light saturation was much higher during summer–autumn than during spring–winter. A model estimation in which net production was calculated from the photosynthetic characteristics and microclimatic data showed that both the low temperature of the moss colony and the seasonal shift in photosynthetic characteristics are among the mechanisms that enable this species to maintain its productivity under warm climatic conditions.
Predicting scores for left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsushi , Kawano Seiji , Sugiyama Daisuke , Onishi Tetsuari , Hayashi Nobuhide , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Kawai Hiroya , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Matsuo Masafumi , Kumagai Shunichi
Published: January 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to predict left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and the timing to perform echocardiography in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We developed a scoring system using clinical parameters and examined its efficacy. It is indispensable to utilize echocardiogram for evaluating myocardial damage of DMD patients, but there is no established guideline for determining the clinical conditions which require echocardiographic examination.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 86 patients with DMD who were treated in Kobe University Hospital from 2007 to 2009. The multiple logistic regression analysis on routine clinical data was performed to identify parameters that can find abnormal LV contraction, and to develop a weighted scoring system. Echocardiogram was performed as the gold standard for detecting LV dysfunction.

Results:  Four parameters were associated with abnormal LV contraction: (i) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); (ii) creatine kinase; (iii) scoliosis; and (iv) body surface area. When BNP was used as the only predictor to evaluate LV systolic dysfunction, sensitivity and specificity were 36.4% and 92.1%, respectively. In contrast, abnormal LV contraction was detected in high accuracy (sensitivity: 95.5%; specificity: 68.3%) when we used a two‐step scoring system in which BNP was combined with the other three factors, raising the sensitivity compared to using BNP levels as the single parameter (P= 0.008).

Conclusion:  Our scoring system detects the early heart dysfunction of DMD patients, especially when BNP level is not elevated. This system is useful to determine the timing for echocardiographic examination and consulting cardiologists.
Savanna burning for biodiversity: Fire management for faunal conservation in Australian tropical savannas
Authors: ANDERSEN ALAN N. , WOINARSKI JOHN C. Z. , PARR CATHERINE L.
Published: January 2012

Tropical savannas are the world's most fire‐prone biome, and savanna biotas are generally well adapted to frequent fire. However, in northern Australia there are concerns that recent increases in the frequency and extent of high‐intensity fires are causing substantial declines in regional biodiversity values. In this paper we use two well‐studied and contrasting faunal groups, ants and small mammals, as case studies for reviewing faunal responses to fire in Australian savannas. The Australian savanna ant fauna is dominated by arid‐adapted taxa that are highly resilient to frequent fire and are not considered to be threatened by prevailing fire regimes. Indeed, frequent fire promotes ant diversity because it maintains an open habit that makes the dominant arid‐adapted taxa feel at home. Long‐term fire exclusion reduces ant diversity due to a marked decline in arid‐adapted taxa, and favours highly generalized, more shade‐tolerant taxa. In contrast, many small mammal species of high conservation value are highly sensitive to frequent fire, and there are widespread concerns that their populations are threatened by current fire management. Many of the species have shown dramatic population declines over recent decades, and, although the causes are poorly understood, there is little doubt that fire is an important contributing factor. It is likely that fire is acting synergistically with other underlying causes of decline, particularly predation by feral cats. The overall resilience of most savanna animal species in relation to frequent fire suggests that they are secure under all but the most extreme fire regimes. However, it is clear that more fire‐sensitive groups such as small mammals need special fire management attention. This needs to involve less frequent and finer‐scale burning, along with the protection of some large, infrequently burnt source areas.