bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavobacterium aciduliphilum sp. nov., isolated from freshwater, and emended description of the genus

Flavobacterium
Authors: Kang Ji Young , Chun Jeesun , Jahng Kwang Yeop
Published: August 2012

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated strain JJ013T, was isolated from an artificial lake in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain JJ013T indicated that the isolate belonged to the family

Flavobacteriaceae

and exhibited similarity levels of 96.6 % to the type strains of

Flavobacterium cheonanense

and

Flavobacterium koreense

and 96.5 % to the type strain of

Flavobacterium chungnamense

. Growth was observed at 20–30 °C and pH 5.0–7.0. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strain were iso-C15 : 0 (27.5 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (17.8 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (9.4 %) and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (9.2 %). Flexirubin-type pigments were present. The DNA G+C content of strain JJ013T was 33.9 mol%, the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6) and the major polyamine was sym-homospermidine. The polar lipid profile of the strain JJ013T consisted of a phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two unknown aminolipids (AL1–2), three unidentified lipid (L1–3) and an unknown glycolipid (GL). On the basis of the morphological and physiological properties and biochemical evidence presented, it is concluded that strain JJ013T represents a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which the name Flavobacterium aciduliphilum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is JJ013T ( = KACC 16594T = JCM 18211T). Since C15 : 0, which is known as a predominant fatty acid of the genus

Flavobacterium

was not detected in the novel strain and other reference strains, we propose an emended description of the genus

Flavobacterium

.
Nafulsella turpanensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the phylum

Bacteroidetes

isolated from soil
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shen Xihui , Liu Yingbao , Li Shiqing
Published: August 2012

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, gliding and pale-pink-pigmented bacterium, designated strain ZLM-10T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from an arid area in Xinjiang province, China, and characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew optimally at 30–37 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) sea salts. The only respiratory quinone detected was MK-7 and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified aminophospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 45.4 mol%. Flexirubin-type pigments were not produced. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ZLM-10T was a member of the phylum

Bacteroidetes

and appeared most closely related to

Cesiribacter roseus

311T (90.2 % sequence similarity),

Marivirga sericea

LMG 13021T (89.2 %),

Cesiribacter andamanensis

AMV16T (89.1 %) and

Marivirga tractuosa

DSM 4126T (89.1 %). On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data and phylogenetic inference, strain ZLM-10T should be classified as a novel species of a new genus in the family

Flammeovirgaceae

, for which the name Nafulsella turpanensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is ZLM-10T ( = CCTCC AB 208222T = KCTC 23983T).
Winogradskyella psychrotolerans sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family

Flavobacteriaceae

isolated from Arctic sediment
Authors: Begum Z. , Srinivas T. N. R. , Manasa P. , Sailaja B. , Sunil B. , Prasad S. , Shivaji S.
Published: August 2012

A novel Gram-negative, rod–coccus shaped, non-motile, strain, RS-3T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the marine transect of Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Arctic. Colonies and broth cultures were yellowish in colour due to the presence of carotenoids. Strain RS-3T was positive for oxidase, aesculinase, caseinase, gelatinase and urease activities and negative for amylase, catalase, lipase, lysine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase, DNase and β-galactosidase activities. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (18.0), anteiso-C15 : 0 (16.8), iso-C15 : 1 G (14.2), anteiso-C15 : 1 A (6.0) and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (6.8). Strain RS-3T contained MK-6 (72.42 %) and MK-7 (27.58 %) as the major respiratory quinones and phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids make up the polar lipid composition. The DNA G+C content of strain RS-3T was 34.7±1.2 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that

Winogradskyella pacifica

and

Winogradskyella thalassocola

are the most closely related species with sequence similarities to the type strains of these species of 98.5 and 97.7 %, respectively. However, DNA–DNA hybridization with

Winogradskyella pacifica

KCTC 22997T and

Winogradskyella thalassocola

DSM 15363T showed a relatedness of 22 and 42.5 % with respect to strain RS-3T. Based on the DNA–DNA hybridization values, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic inference, strain RS-3T is proposed as a novel species of the genus

Winogradskyella

, for which the name Winogradskyella psychrotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Winogradskyella psychrotolerans sp. nov. is RS-3T ( = CIP 110154T = NBRC 106169T). An emended description of the genus

Winogradskyella

is provided.
The Effector SPRYSEC-19 ofGlobodera rostochiensisSuppresses CC-NB-LRR-Mediated Disease Resistance in Plants
Authors: Postma Wiebe J. , Slootweg Erik J. , Rehman Sajid , Finkers-Tomczak Anna , Tytgat Tom O.G. , van Gelderen Kasper , Lozano-Torres Jose L. , Roosien Jan , Pomp Rikus , van Schaik Casper , Bakker Jaap , Goverse Aska , Smant Geert
Published: August 2012

The potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis invades roots of host plants where it transforms cells near the vascular cylinder into a permanent feeding site. The host cell modifications are most likely induced by a complex mixture of proteins in the stylet secretions of the nematodes. Resistance to nematodes conferred by nucleotide-binding-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) proteins usually results in a programmed cell death in and around the feeding site, and is most likely triggered by the recognition of effectors in stylet secretions. However, the actual role of these secretions in the activation and suppression of effector-triggered immunity is largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the effector SPRYSEC-19 of G. rostochiensis physically associates in planta with the LRR domain of a member of the SW5 resistance gene cluster in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Unexpectedly, this interaction did not trigger defense-related programmed cell death and resistance to G. rostochiensis. By contrast, agroinfiltration assays showed that the coexpression of SPRYSEC-19 in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana suppresses programmed cell death mediated by several coiled-coil (CC)-NB-LRR immune receptors. Furthermore, SPRYSEC-19 abrogated resistance to Potato virus X mediated by the CC-NB-LRR resistance protein Rx1, and resistance to Verticillium dahliae mediated by an unidentified resistance in potato (Solanum tuberosum). The suppression of cell death and disease resistance did not require a physical association of SPRYSEC-19 and the LRR domains of the CC-NB-LRR resistance proteins. Altogether, our data demonstrated that potato cyst nematodes secrete effectors that enable the suppression of programmed cell death and disease resistance mediated by several CC-NB-LRR proteins in plants.
Single‐nucleotide variants in two Hedgehog genes, SHH and HHIP, as genetic cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency
Authors: Blanco Darya Gorbenko del , de Graaff Laura C. G. , Visser Theo J. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is characterized by deficiencies of two or more anterior pituitary hormones. Its genetic cause is unknown in the majority of cases. The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway has been implicated in disorders associated with pituitary development. Mutations in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) have been described in patients with holoprosencephaly (with or without pituitary involvement). Hedgehog interacting protein (HHIP) has been associated with variations in adult height in genome wide association studies. We investigated whether mutations in these two genes of the Hh pathway, SHH and HHIP, could result in ′idiopathic′ CPHD.

Design/Patients

We directly sequenced the coding regions and exon – intron boundaries of SHH and HHIP in 93 CPHD patients of the Dutch HYPOPIT study in whom mutations in the classical CPHD genes PROP1, POU1F1, HESX1, LHX3 and LHX4 had been ruled out. We compared the expression of Hh genes in Hep3B transfected cells between wild‐type proteins and mutants.

Results

We identified three single‐nucleotide variants (p.Ala226Thr, c.1078C>T and c.*8G>T) in SHH. The function of the latter was severely affected in our in vitro assay. In HHIP, we detected a new activating variant c.‐1G>C, which increases HHIP's inhibiting function on the Hh pathway.

Conclusions

Our results suggest involvement of the Hedgehog pathway in CPHD. We suggest that both SHH and HHIP are investigated as a second screening in CPHD, after mutations in the classical CPHD genes have been ruled out.
Association of sex steroids, gonadotrophins, and their trajectories with clinical cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality in elderly men from the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Haring Robin , Teng Zhaoyang , Xanthakis Vanessa , Coviello Andrea , Sullivan Lisa , Bhasin Shalender , Murabito Joanne M. , Wallaschofski Henri , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: August 2012

Background

Emerging data from longitudinal studies suggest that low sex steroid concentrations in men are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. The impact of longitudinal trajectory patterns from serial sex steroid and gonadotrophin measurements on the observed associations is unknown to date.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 254 elderly men (mean age, 75·5 years) of the Framingham Heart Study with up to four serial measurements of serum total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and total estradiol (EST); and constructed age‐ and multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models relating baseline hormone concentrations and their mean, slope and variation over time (modelled as continuous and categorized into quartiles) to the incidence of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up.

Results

We observed no association between baseline concentrations of sex steroids, gonadotrophins and their trajectories with incident clinical CVD over 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up. Although higher baseline TT concentrations were associated with lower mortality risk at 5 years (hazard ratio per quartile increment, 0·74; 95% confidence interval, 0·56–0·98), correction for multiple statistical testing (P < 0·005) rendered this association statistically nonsignificant. Repeat analyses at the 10‐year follow‐up time point also demonstrated no significant association between sex steroids, gonadotrophins or their trajectories and mortality.

Conclusion

Investigating longitudinal trajectory patterns of serial sex steroid and gonadotrophin measurements, the present study found no consistent associations with incident clinical CVD and all‐cause mortality risk in elderly men from the community.
Plasma YKL‐40 predicts 10‐year cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lin Chih‐Hung , Li Hung‐Yuan , Jiang Yi‐Der , Chang Tien‐Jyun , Chuang Lee‐Ming
Published: August 2012

Objective

Elevated YKL‐40 concentrations have been observed in both coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes. Thus, YKL‐40 may play a role in pathogenesis of CHD in patients with diabetes. We evaluated whether plasma YKL‐40 concentration can predict all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Design

This is a prospective, observational study.

Patients

A total of 628 subjects with type 2 diabetes were recruited between July 1996 and June 2003.

Measurements

Plasma YKL‐40 concentrations were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cohort was followed up until 31 December 2008, when vital status and causes of death were obtained. Survival analysis and concordance statistics were performed. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortalities were documented.

Results

There were 153 (24·36%) mortalities, including 48 participants (7·64%) who died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Participants with higher plasma YKL‐40 (defined with a level above the median of 87·5 μg/l) had an increased risk of mortality. After adjusting for confounding variables, the hazard ratios (HR) for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in participants with higher plasma YKL‐40 were 1·97 (95% CI, 1·31–2·95, P < 0·01) and 2·45 (95% CI, 1·11–5·37, P < 0·05). The results remained similar after adjustment for age. Concordance statistics revealed that plasma YKL‐40 concentration significantly increases the predictive power for both all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in different models.

Conclusions

Plasma YKL‐40 concentration is an independent predictor of 10‐year all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Further investigations on the role of YKL‐40 in the pathogenesis of CVD are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Thigh muscle attenuation measured by computed tomography was associated with the risk of low bone density in community‐dwelling elderly population
Authors: Kim Jung Hee , Choi Sung Hee , Lim Soo , Lim Jae Young , Kim Ki Woong , Park Kyong Soo , Shin Chan Soo , Jang Hak Chul
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Although muscle mass has been shown to be positively related with bone mineral density (BMD), there are only a few studies that investigated the association between muscle strength or muscle quality and BMD. We investigated the effects of muscle strength and muscle fat infiltration, as a measure of muscle quality, adjusted for muscle mass on femoral neck BMD in Korean elderly cohort.

Methods

We recruited 242 men and 231 women aged over 65 years who participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Ageing. Leg muscle mass and femoral neck BMD were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Isokinetic strength of knee extensors was measured as a peak torque value by an isokinetic device. Computed tomography scan of the mid‐thigh measured the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of the lean tissue. Low bone density was defined as femoral neck T‐score ≤−2·0.

Results

Leg muscle mass, knee extensor strength and thigh muscle HU values were significantly positively correlated with femoral neck BMD in both men and women. However, muscle strength was not a significant determinant for the presence of low bone mass after adjusting for muscle mass in multiple logistic regression analyses. Notably, thigh muscle HU values were strong and independent determinant for the risk of low bone density.

Conclusion

Decreased thigh muscle HU values, a measure of fatty infiltration of muscle, were independently associated with increased risk of low bone density in the elderly population.
An audit of growth hormone replacement for GH‐deficient adults in Scotland
Authors: Philip Sam , Howat Isobel , Carson Maggie , Booth Anne , Campbell Karen , Grant Donna , Patterson Catherine , Schofield Christopher , Bevan John , Patrick Alan , Leese Graham , Connell John
Published: August 2012

Objective

Guidelines on the clinical use of growth hormone therapy in adults were issued by the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in August 2003. We conducted a retrospective clinical audit on the use of growth hormone (GH) in Scotland to evaluate the use of these guidelines and their impact on clinical practice. The audit had two phases. In phase I, the impact of NICE criteria on specialist endocrine practice in starting and continuing GH replacement was assessed. In phase II, the reasons why some adults in Scotland with growth hormone deficiency were not on replacement therapy were evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional case note review was carried out of all adult patients being followed up for growth hormone deficiency during the study period (1 March 2005 to 31 March 2008). Phase I of the audit included 208 patients and phase II 108 patients.

Results

Sellar tumours were the main cause of GH deficiency in both phases of the audit. In phase I, 53 patients (77%) had an AGHDA‐QoL score >11 documented before commencing GH post‐NICE guidance, compared with 35 (25%) pre‐NICE guidance. Overall, only 39 patients (18%) met the full NICE criteria for starting and continuing GH (pre‐NICE, 11%; post‐NICE, 35%). Phase II indicated that the main reasons for not starting GH included perceived satisfactory quality of life (n = 47, 43%), patient reluctance (16, 15%) or a medical contraindication (16, 15%).

Conclusions

Although the use of quality of life assessments has increased following publication of the NICE guidelines, most adults on GH in Scotland did not fulfil the complete set of NICE criteria. The main reason for not starting GH therapy in adult GH‐deficient patients was perceived satisfactory quality of life.
Transposition of the miniature inverted‐repeat transposable element mimp1 in the wheat pathogen Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Spanu Francesca , Pasquali Matias , Scherm Barbara , Balmas Virgilio , Marcello Angela , Ortu Giuseppe , Dufresne Marie , Hoffmann Lucien , Daboussi Marie‐Josée , Migheli Quirico
Published: August 2012

High‐throughput methods are needed for functional genomics analysis in Fusarium culmorum, the cause of crown and foot rot on wheat and a type B trichothecene producer. Our aim was to develop and test the efficacy of a double‐component system based on the ability of the impala transposase to transactivate the miniature inverted‐repeat transposable element mimp1 of Fusarium oxysporum. We report, for the first time, the application of a tagging system based on a heterologous transposon and of splinkerette‐polymerase chain reaction to identify mimp1 flanking regions in the filamentous fungus F. culmorum. Similar to previous observations in Fusarium graminearum, mimp1 transposes in F. culmorum by a cut‐and‐paste mechanism into TA dinucleotides, which are duplicated on insertion. mimp1 was reinserted in open reading frames in 16.4% (i.e. 10 of 61) of the strains analysed, probably spanning throughout the entire genome of F. culmorum. The effectiveness of the mimp1/impala double‐component system for gene tagging in F. culmorum was confirmed phenotypically for a putative aurofusarin gene. This system also allowed the identification of two genes putatively involved in oxidative stress‐coping capabilities in F. culmorum, as well as a sequence specific to this fungus, thus suggesting the valuable exploratory role of this tool.
Balancing conservation and recreational fishery objectives for a threatened fish species, the Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii
Authors: Koehn J. D. , Todd C. R.
Published: August 2012

Murray cod Maccullochella peelii (Mitchell) is a large, iconic Australian fish species targeted by anglers but also listed as nationally threatened. A consultative process that included conservation and fishery interests helped to develop a population model for this species and agree on management scenarios to be tested. The modelled scenarios illustrated that threats to populations (risk of decline) can be substantially reduced and catch rates increased through harvest slot length limits (HSLL) rather than minimum legal limits (MLL). A 600‐ to 1000‐mm HSLL provided lower risk of decline and greater catch rates than the existing 500‐mm MLL, but better results were achieved with a 400‐ to 600‐mm HSLL. Importantly, a range of other impacts (fish kills, stocking, thermal impacts, larval mortalities, habitat changes) were recognised and incorporated. This study provides an example of the utility of a population model to improve management decision‐making for both conservation and fishery objectives.
How to increase activity level in the acute phase after stroke
Authors: van de Port Ingrid GL , Valkenet Karin , Schuurmans Marieke , Visser‐Meily Johanna MA
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To study how patients with acute stroke spend their day and to determine whether activity levels of patients with acute stroke in a Dutch university hospital increase after the implementation of interventions to stimulate activity.

Background.  Previous studies suggest that patients with acute stroke are prone to inactivity. Early mobilisation and increasing levels of activities are part of several guidelines for patients with stroke. However, implementing interventions to increase activity levels is difficult owing to time and money constrains.

Design.  This study used a descriptive pre/postdesign.

Methods.  Outcomes is assessed on three levels: location, other people involved and activity, and it is determined by direct non‐participant observation. An intervention was implemented to stimulate activity levels of the patients. This intervention consisted of (1) increasing the group therapy session and (2) providing a therapy guide that includes exercises patients can do by themselves or together with nurses, therapists or their family to stimulate the patients to be more active.

Results.  In total, 66 patients have been observed: 35 during the first and 31 during the second observation periods. Compared with the first observation period, patients in the second observation period spent less time in their room and spent less time lying in bed (49 vs. 29%). They did spend more time sitting in bed (13% vs. 20%) and sitting supported (14% vs. 24%).

Conclusion.  Simple interventions can lead to less inactivity in patients with acute stroke. Nurses should be highly involved in implementing and stimulating these interventions. Also, family can play an important role in reducing inactivity in patients after stroke.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can play an important role in increasing activity levels of patients by using simple interventions.
My Brain Made Me Do It, and My Gut Didn’t Help
Authors: Menzies John
Published: August 2012

Decisions about what, when and how much to eat are made by the brain, though these choices can be strongly influenced by the hedonic and rewarding properties of sweet or fatty foods. The rumbling before and the fullness after eating tells us that the gut also has an important role in the initiation and termination of feeding. Gut‐derived peptides continually convey homeostatic information to the brain to guide feeding. These circulating signals can also modify the pleasure and reward associated with food.
Latent class analysis of diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: Machado de Assis Tália Santana , Rabello Ana , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro
Published: August 2012

Objective  To estimate the sensitivities and specificities of different diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using latent class analysis (LCA).

Methods  This study was performed using data from a prospective study conducted in four Brazilian states from May 2004 to May 2007. Five diagnostic tests for VL were evaluated in 285 VL cases and 119 non‐cases: microscopy, indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant K39 antigen (rK39‐ELISA), direct agglutination test (DAT) and the rK39 rapid test.

Results  Microscopy showed sensitivity of 77.0% (CI: 71.5–81.5) and specificity of 99.0% (CI: 94.0–99.7). The IFAT and the DAT showed similar sensitivities, 88.3% (CI: 84.0–92.0) and 88.5% (CI: 84.1–92.0), respectively, but the DAT had a higher specificity (95.4%, CI: 89.2–98.1) than did the IFAT (83.0%, CI: 75.0–88.2). The rK39‐ELISA and the rK39 rapid test showed sensitivities of 99.0% (CI: 96.3–99.6) and 94.0% (CI: 90.1–96.3), and specificities of 82.5% (CI: 75.0–88.3) and 100% (CI: 97.0–100.0%), respectively.

Conclusions  Considering the lack of an adequate reference standard, LCA proved to be a useful tool in validating diagnostic methods for VL. The DAT and the rK39 rapid test showed better performance. Thus, clinically suspected cases of VL in a Brazilian endemic area could be treated based on the positivity of one of these tests.
A model for risk‐based assessment of Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape) eradication in fields
Authors: PRIDER J , CORRELL R , WARREN P
Published: August 2012

Prider J, Correll R & Warren P (2012). A model for risk‐based assessment of Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape) eradication in fields. Weed Research52, 526–534.

A method is required for evaluating the progress towards eradication for weeds that are difficult to detect and have a persistent seedbank. The objective of this study was to develop a risk assessment model for fields previously infected by the annual parasitic plant, Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape). We analysed presence/absence survey data for fields infested by P. mutelii to estimate the proportions of fields that will return a weed infestation at annual intervals after initial detection. Infested fields in South Australia are subject to quarantine and are the focus of a national weed eradication programme. The model predicted that after 12 years of absent surveys, the probability of a single field returning an infestation was 0.01, which declined to 0.001 after 20 years. These probabilities can be used by managers to assess the risk of declaring a field broomrape‐free after a given number of absent surveys. Simulation modelling reveals the first year following initial detection of the weed is crucial for control, as returning fields in this year have a large influence on the length of the eradication programme. It is predicted that complete eradication of the weed could occur in 38–62 years, with the lower limit achievable by maintaining low numbers of returning fields through effective control and containment.
Application of bispyribac‐sodium provides effective weed control in direct‐planted rice on a sandy loam soil
Authors: JABRAN KHAWAR , EHSANULLAH  , HUSSAIN MUBSHAR , FAROOQ MUHAMMAD , BABAR MUHAMMAD , DOĞAN MEHMET NEDIM , LEE DONG‐JIN
Published: August 2012

An increasing water crisis, as well as the unavailability and high cost of labor, in Pakistan has forced rice‐growers to plant rice directly into the field. However, severe weed infestation causes disastrous effects on the productivity of this rice system. In this study, three herbicides (pendimethalin, penoxsulam and bispyribac‐sodium) were evaluated for weed control in direct‐planted rice on a sandy loam soil. Weedy check and weed‐free plots were established for comparison. Weed infestation decreased the rice yield by 75.2%. However, the application of herbicides suppressed the weed infestation, with a simultaneous increase in the rice yield. The postemergence application of bispyribac‐sodium was the most effective herbicide in reducing the total weed density and dry weight over the weedy check, followed by penoxsulam and pendimethalin, respectively. Bispyribac‐sodium increased the number of productive tillers, 1000‐grain weight, number of grains per panicle and grain yield over the control, as well as improved the water productivity and economic returns of direct‐planted rice. The weeds' proliferation increased the number of unproductive tillers and decreased the plant height. In conclusion, the postemergence application of bispyribac‐sodium can be used effectively to control weeds, increase water productivity and improve the economic returns and yield of direct‐planted rice on a sandy loam soil in Pakistan.
Is subordinate's loyalty a precondition of supervisor's benevolent leadership? The moderating effects of supervisor's altruistic personality and perceived organizational support
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Yu , Hu Changya , Jiang Ding‐Yu
Published: August 2012

Based on Cheng's differential leadership theory, we investigated the relationship between a subordinate's loyalty to a supervisor (SLS) and the supervisor's benevolent leadership in Chinese organizations. We also explored two moderators of this relationship, the supervisor's altruistic personality and perceived organizational support (POS). Using survey research, we collected data from supervisor‐subordinate dyads in Taiwan and made 167 valid observations. The results showed that SLS positively relates to the supervisor's benevolent behaviours; however, this relationship is diminished by the supervisor's altruistic personality and POS. That is, when the supervisor has a high level of altruistic personality or POS, the association of SLS with the supervisor's benevolent leadership is weaker.
The Reservation Wage Unemployment Duration Nexus*
Authors: Addison John T. , Machado José A. F. , Portugal Pedro
Published: August 2012

A thorny problem in identifying the determinants of reservation wages and particularly the role of continued joblessness in their evolution is the simultaneity issue. We deploy a control function approach to the problem that involves conditioning elapsed duration on completed unemployment duration in the reservation wage equation. Our analysis confirms that the use of elapsed duration alone compounds two separate and opposing influences. Only with the inclusion of completed duration is the negative effect of continued joblessness on reservation wages apparent.
Hypermobility and the governance of global production networks: The case of the Canadian cycle industry and its links with China and Taiwan
Authors: Gao Boyang , Liu Weidong , Norcliffe Glen
Published: August 2012

Western firms engaged in mass retailing and in product assembly make frequent changes to their global production networks (GPNs). Indeed, some GPNs show a tendency to hypermobility, which we define as a rapid switching of economic links among manufacturers, importers, and retailers. This theme is explored in the context of the Canadian bicycle industry where domestic production collapsed between 1980 and 2008, following a century of remarkable stability. After a period of flux when Taiwan was the key player, China has emerged as the dominant original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of bicycles sold in Canada, with big‐box stores accounting for the great majority of sales. We connect this increasing fluidity in supply arrangements and in the global organization of the industry with the governance of these GPNs. Several aspects of governance are considered, including the Sloanist practices of the largest Canadian retailers, and the activist role of the Chinese state in directing regional patterns of manufacturing in China.
The association between clinical oral health and general quality of life: a population‐based study of individuals aged 50–74 in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fontanive Victor , Abegg Claides , Tsakos Georgios , Oliveira Monica
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Few studies have assessed the impact that oral health status and prosthetic rehabilitation have on the general quality of life (QoL) of individuals and there is a lack of information about the association between prosthetic status and QoL. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between clinical oral health variables and general QoL in individuals aged 50–74 years in Porto Alegre.

Methodology

This cross‐sectional study consisted of 720 participants aged between 50 and 74 years residing in three health districts of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. They were selected through multistage proportional random sampling. Data were collected through (i) interview using structured questionnaire on demographic data and the World Health Organization Abbreviated Instrument for Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL‐BREF) to assess QoL, (ii) oral clinical examination using criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Epidemiological Survey SB/Brazil in 2000. The interviews and clinical examinations were performed at their homes by four pairs of trained and calibrated researchers. The scores of QoL were categorized by their median into low (≤median) and high (>median). The association between outcomes and the factors studied was analysed by Poisson Regression using multiple backward methods, with adjustment for robust variance, and Svyset function scheduled following the stages of the research.

Results

The physical domain of WHOQOL‐BREF was associated with use of upper prosthesis and educational level. The psychological domain score was related to level of education. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), gender and educational level were associated to the social relations domain. In the environment domain, an association with use and need of lower prosthesis, age and educational level was observed.

Conclusions

Clinical oral health variables such as DMFT and use and need of prosthesis were associated with general QoL in this population.
Molecular structural analysis of carious lesions using micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Levallois Bernard , Terrer Elodie , Panayotov Yvan , Salehi Hamideh , Tassery Hervé , Tramini Paul , Cuisinier Frédéric
Published: August 2012

In clinical situations carious dentine tissues can be discriminated by most caries fluorescence detection tools, including a new fluorescence intra‐oral camera. The objectives of this study were: (i) to analyze the Raman spectra of sound, carious, and demineralized dentine, (ii) to compare this spectral analysis with the fluorescence variation observed when using a fluorescence camera, and (iii) to evaluate the involvement of the Maillard reaction in the fluorescence variations. The first positive hypothesis tested was that the fluorescence of carious dentine obtained using a fluorescence camera and the Raman spectra variation were closely related. The second was that the variation of fluorescence could be linked with the Maillard reaction. Sound dentine, sound dentine demineralized in aqueous nitric acid solution, carious soft dentine, sound dentine demineralized in lactic acid solution, sound dentine demineralized in aqueous nitric acid solution and immersed in methylglycoxal solution, and sound dentine demineralized in aqueous nitric acid solution and immersed in methylglycoxal and glucose solutions, were studied using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Modifications in the band ratio of amide, phosphate, and carbonate were observed in the decayed and demineralized groups compared with the sound dentine group. The results indicate that a close relationship exists between the Maillard reaction and fluorescence variation.
Influence of periodontal ligament simulation and splints on strains developing at the cervical area of a tooth crown
Authors: Brosh Tamar , Zary Raviv , Pilo Raphael , Gavish Anat
Published: August 2012

Many in vitro tooth models do not incorporate periodontal ligament (PDL) simulation. This study presents the influence of physiologically loaded occlusal splints on cervical strains in a model incorporating roots and PDL. Four sets (N = 10) of occlusal splints differing in material (hard/soft) and location (upper/lower) were prepared for first maxillary and mandibular anatomic molars. Two strain gauges were bonded to the buccal and lingual aspects of the lower molar. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin with/without a PDL‐simulating material. Force vs. strain data were acquired during loading and the maximal strains at 500 N were analyzed. When PDL was incorporated into the model without splints, buccal compressive strains were significantly decreased. Usage of a soft splint resulted in compressive strains on both tooth aspects. Usage of a hard splint on the lower tooth resulted in higher compressive strains on the lingual side compared with the buccal side, whereas usage of this splint on the upper tooth resulted in tensile strains on the lingual side. Bending towards the buccal side occurred when the splints were located on the upper tooth. Soft splints reduce buccal bending, but do not reduce cervical strains. Periodontal ligament stimulation materials should therefore be incorporated in models involving teeth.
Estimating the energy contribution during single and repeated sprint swimming
Authors: Peyrebrune M. C. , Toubekis A. G. , Lakomy H. K. A. , Nevill M. E.
Published: August 2012

The extent to which aerobic processes contribute to energy supply during short duration sprint swimming is not known. Therefore, the energy contribution to a maximal 30 s fully tethered swim (FTS), and repeated 4 × 30 s high intensity semi‐tethered swimming bouts (STS) with 30 s of passive rest at 95% of the 30 s FTS intensity was estimated in eight elite male swimmers. Blood lactate concentration and pH after the 4 × 30 s test were 12.1 ± 3.6 mmol/L and 7.2 ± 0.1, respectively. Accumulated oxygen demand was estimated to be 50.9 ± 9.6 mL/kg and 48.3 ± 8.4, 47.2 ± 8.5, 47.4 ± 8.3, and 45.6 ± 6.8 mL/kg for the 30 s FTS and 4 × 30 s bouts, respectively. Accumulated oxygen uptake was 16.6 ± 3.6 for the 30 s FTS and progressively increased during the 4 × 30 s bouts 12.2 ± 2.1, 21.6 ± 2.5, 22.8 ± 1.8, and 23.5 ± 2.0 mL/kg (P < 0.01). The estimated aerobic contribution therefore was 33 ± 8% for the 30 s FTS and 25 ± 4, 47 ± 9, 49 ± 8, 52 ± 9% for bouts 1–4 during the 4 × 30 s STS test (P < 0.01). The results underline the importance of aerobic energy contribution during single and repeated high intensity swimming, which should be considered when prescribing swimming training sets of this nature.
Sociological Theory of Religion
Authors: Goldstein Warren S.
Published: August 2012

This article provides an overview of the sociological theory of religion‐ that is, the sociological theory that is used to guide the empirical research in the sociology of religion. Mainstream sociological theory of religion went through four distinct phases: 1) classical (Emile Durkheim and Max Weber) 2) the old paradigm 3) the new paradigm 4) the neo‐secularization paradigm. The article concludes by calling for a critical perspective, which while prevalent in religious studies and the other subfields of sociology is absent from the sociological study of religion.
Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Brined White Cheese in Jordan
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Taha Mohammad H. , Al‐Holy Murad A. , Alaboudi Akram R. , Al‐Rousan Walid M. , Shaker Reyad R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Listeria monocytogenes is a serious foodborne pathogen that has been isolated from different dairy food products. Several foodborne outbreaks of listeriosis have been associated with consumption of cheese. The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp. in brined white cheese (BWC) sold in Jordan, and to determine the susceptibility of isolated L. monocytogenes to antimicrobials. Three hundred and fifty samples of 5 different types of BWC (akkawi, boiled, halloumi, pasteurized, and shellal) were collected from a local market in Jordan. The ISO (11290‐1) procedure was followed for isolation and identification of Listeria spp. from cheese samples and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used for confirmation of L. monocytogenes isolates. The VITEK2 automated system was used for testing antimicrobial susceptibility of L. monocytogenes isolates. The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. in cheese sample was 27.1%. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 39 (11.1%) samples. Other isolated species were L. grayi (6.9%), L. innocua (2%), L. ivanovii (4%), L. seeligeri (2%), and L. welshimeri (0.3%). The pH values and salt concentrations of L. monocytogenes positive cheese samples ranged from 5.10 to 6.32 and 5.64 to 13.16, respectively. L. monocytogenes isolates were sensitive or intermediate susceptible to imipenem, gentamicin, linezolid, teicoplanin, vancomycin, fusidic acid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, benzylpenicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and rifampicin, but resistant to fosfomycin, oxacillin, and clindamycin.
Chemometric Characterization of Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Monferrere Gastón Lancelle , Azcarate Silvana Mariela , Cantarelli Miguel Ángel , Funes Israel German , Camiña José Manuel
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The spectroscopic characterization of different varieties of sunflower seeds based on their oleic acid content is proposed. One hundred fifty samples of sunflower seeds from different places of Argentina were analyzed by near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS). Seed samples were grounded and sieved without chemical treatment previous to the analysis. For the characterization, the used multivariate methods were: principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). By using PCA, CA, and LDA, and from the point of view of varieties of sunflower seeds, 2 groups were differentiated, based on the concentration of oleic acid: a low oleic group, which ranged from 15% to 25% w/w oleic acid; and the other one (mid‐high oleic varieties) which ranged from 26% to 90% w/w oleic acid. However, by using the PLS‐DA, 3 groups were correctly differentiated based on the concentration of oleic acid: low oleic (from 15% to 25% w/w oleic acid); mid oleic (26% to 76% w/w oleic acid); and high oleic (≥ than 77% w/w oleic acid), demonstrating the high classification ability of this method. This multivariate characterization of sunflower seed varieties did not require chromatographic analysis to generate the matrix of concentrations, and only direct measures of NIRDRS spectra were required. This characterization can be useful to quickly know the variety of sunflower seed in the grain market.

Practical Applications:  This manuscript describes a method to determine 3 varieties of sunflower seeds (high, mid, and low oleic) The advantage of this method is to avoid the use of techniques that require long‐time analysis.
Does Mandatory Adoption of IFRS Improve Accounting Quality? Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Ahmed Anwer S. , Neel Michael , Wang Dechun
Published: August 2012

We provide evidence on the preliminary effects of mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on accounting quality for a relatively broad set of firms from 20 countries that adoptedIFRSin 2005 relative to a benchmark group of firms from countries that did not adoptIFRSmatched on the strength of legal enforcement, industry, size, book‐to‐market, and accounting performance. Relative to these benchmark firms, we find thatIFRSfirms exhibit significant increases in income smoothing and aggressive reporting of accruals, and a significant decrease in timeliness of loss recognition; however we do not find significant differences acrossIFRSand benchmark firms in meeting or beating earnings targets. Our findings contrast with findings in earlier studies which suggest thatIFRSadoption leads to increased accounting quality. Our findings primarily hold for firms in strong enforcement countries, which suggests that enforcement mechanisms in these countries were not able to counter the initial effects of greater flexibility inIFRSrelative to domesticGAAP.
Enterprise Risk Management Program Quality: Determinants, Value Relevance, and the Financial Crisis
Authors: Baxter Ryan , Bedard Jean C. , Hoitash Rani , Yezegel Ari
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates factors associated with high‐quality Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programs in financial services firms, and whether ERM quality enhances performance and signals credibility to the financial markets. ERM, developed with the assistance of the accounting profession, provides a framework and plan to integrate management of all sources of risk. Challenged by measurement difficulties common to research on management control systems, prior ERM studies present mixed findings. Using ERM quality ratings of financial companies by Standard & Poor's, we find that higher ERM quality is associated with greater complexity, less resource constraint, and better corporate governance. Controlling for such characteristics, we find that higher ERM quality is associated with improved accounting performance. Results show a market reaction to signals of enhanced management control from initial ERM quality ratings and rating revisions, and a stronger response to earnings surprises for firms with higher ERM quality. Focusing on the recent global financial crisis, our analysis suggests that there is no relation between ERM quality and market performance prior to and during the market collapse. However, returns of higher ERM quality companies are higher during the market rebound. Overall, results reveal that firm performance and value are enhanced by high‐quality controls that integrate risk management efforts across the firm, enabling better oversight of managers' risk‐taking behavior and aligning that behavior with the strategic direction of the company.
Versatile roles of Arabidopsis plastid ribosomal proteins in plant growth and development
Authors: Romani Isidora , Tadini Luca , Rossi Fabio , Masiero Simona , Pribil Mathias , Jahns Peter , Kater Martin , Leister Dario , Pesaresi Paolo
Published: August 2012

A lack of individual plastid ribosomal proteins (PRPs) can have diverse phenotypic effects in Arabidopsis thaliana, ranging from embryo lethality to compromised vitality, with the latter being associated with photosynthetic lesions and decreases in the expression of plastid proteins. In this study, reverse genetics was employed to study the function of eight PRPs, five of which (PRPS1, ‐S20, ‐L27, ‐L28 and ‐L35) have not been functionally characterised before. In the case of PRPS17, only leaky alleles or RNA interference lines had been analysed previously. PRPL1 and PRPL4 have been described as essential for embryo development, but their mutant phenotypes are analysed in detail here. We found that PRPS20, ‐L1, ‐L4, ‐L27 and ‐L35 are required for basal ribosome activity, which becomes crucial at the globular stage and during the transition from the globular to the heart stage of embryogenesis. Thus, lack of any of these PRPs leads to alterations in cell division patterns, and embryo development ceases prior to the heart stage. PRPL28 is essential at the latest stages of embryo–seedling development, during the greening process. PRPS1, ‐S17 and ‐L24 appear not to be required for basal ribosome activity and the organism can complete its entire life cycle in their absence. Interestingly, despite the prokaryotic origin of plastids, the significance of individual PRPs for plant development cannot be predicted from the relative phenotypic severity of the corresponding mutants in prokaryotic systems.