bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic bystander radiation effects in
Patched
heterozygous mouse cerebellum
Authors: Mancuso Mariateresa , Pasquali Emanuela , Leonardi Simona , Tanori Mirella , Rebessi Simonetta , Di Majo Vincenzo , Pazzaglia Simonetta , Toni Maria Pia , Pimpinella Maria , Covelli Vincenzo , Saran Anna
Published: August 2008

The central dogma of radiation biology, that biological effects of ionizing radiation are a direct consequence of DNA damage occurring in irradiated cells, has been challenged by observations that genetic/epigenetic changes occur in unexposed “bystander cells” neighboring directly-hit cells, due to cell-to-cell communication or soluble factors released by irradiated cells. To date, the vast majority of these effects are described in cell-culture systems, while
in vivo
validation and assessment of biological consequences within an organism remain uncertain. Here, we describe the neonatal mouse cerebellum as an accurate
in vivo
model to detect, quantify, and mechanistically dissect radiation-bystander responses. DNA double-strand breaks and apoptotic cell death were induced in bystander cerebellum
in vivo
. Accompanying these genetic events, we report bystander-related tumor induction in cerebellum of radiosensitive
Patched-1
(
Ptch1
) heterozygous mice after x-ray exposure of the remainder of the body. We further show that genetic damage is a critical component of
in vivo
oncogenic bystander responses, and provide evidence supporting the role of gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in transmission of bystander signals in the central nervous system (CNS). These results represent the first proof-of-principle that bystander effects are factual
in vivo
events with carcinogenic potential, and implicate the need for re-evaluation of approaches currently used to estimate radiation-associated health risks.
‘Bowing from the heart’: An investigation into discourses of professionalism and the work of caring for students in further education
Authors: Robson Jocelyn , Bailey Bill
Published: August 2008

Since their incorporation in 1993, further education (FE) colleges in England have been responsible for their own staffing and, faced with funding constraints as well as recruitment and retention targets, some have introduced a new category of staff referred to here as ‘learning support workers’ (LSWs). Though their employment conditions and specific duties vary considerably, LSWs' work often includes providing individual care for students. In this small‐scale study, using semi‐structured interviews, the perceptions of some teachers and LSWs about the nature of their relationships with each other and with students are investigated. The study is set broadly in the context of debates about the impact of public sector reform on FE colleges and teachers. A discourse analysis approach is adopted in discussion of the data. The authors conclude that although they are differently positioned in relation to traditional discourses of professionalism, both teachers and LSWs are perceived to be carrying out what Hochschild termed ‘emotional labour’. The contradictory nature of emotional labour is also highlighted. Some of the implications of employing a new group of workers in FE are discussed.
Computerised cognitive‐behaviour therapy (cCBT) and older people: A pilot study to determine factors that influence willingness to engage with cCBT
Authors: Elsegood Kelly , Powell David
Published: August 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether older people with depression and/or anxiety were potentially willing to engage with computerised cognitive‐behaviour therapy (cCBT). Method: A short questionnaire was sent to 60 service users aged 65+ who were identified as having anxiety and/or depression. Results: There was a 63.3% response rate for the questionnaire. Almost half of the respondents said they would be interested in using cCBT, and would be willing to learn the necessary computer skills. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that older people with anxiety and/or depression may be willing to engage with cCBT. However, a number of important factors are highlighted that would need to be considered in deciding whether to develop access to cCBT for older people.
Innovation in therapeutic practice with ‘violent youth’: A discourse analysis of the non‐violent resistance approach
Authors: Newman Mary , Nolas Sevasti-Melissa
Published: August 2008

Introduction: The introduction of the innovative non‐violent resistance approach (NVR) at a multi‐agency service in east Kent, UK, has presented challenges in terms of the recruitment of the necessary wider professional support for the family, with some professionals seeing the approach as not child‐focused. Aims and objectives: To identify child‐focused themes among professionals, and to compare these with discourses used in NVR and, for comparison, in the Webster‐Stratton approach, to elucidate possible obstacles to the acceptance by professionals of NVR. Methods and analysis: A focus group of experienced professionals was convened to discuss what it means to be child‐focused, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Key texts from NVR and the Webster‐Stratton approach were selected and analysed using Foucauldian discourse analysis. Results: Being child‐focused was considered to require the child's voice being heard, at least by the parents. Power differentials and developmental issues were also highlighted in the discussion. The key text analyses suggests that the Webster‐Stratton approach is communicated through familiar ‘biomedical’ and ‘missionary’ discourses, while surprisingly NVR is communicated through a discourse of ‘war’ as well as the more familiar and child‐focused ‘family values’ discourse. Implications: The ‘war’ discourse used by NVR, in which violent young people are seen as aggressors and oppressors, challenges the traditional discourses of childhood formed around notions of innocence. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to furthering the adoption of NVR as an effective way of working to help violent children of all ages.
The silent voices of research: What can we do to help them speak?1
Authors: Sargeant Thomas , Casey Aideen
Published: August 2008

The authors challenge the legitimacy of making commissioning decisions based solely upon the current outcome research for the psychological treatments. They argue that this outcome data does not represent the treatment needs of the patient who fails to complete a therapy. They call for a shift in the focus of research in order to right this oversight.
Short Article: Recognition accuracy for original and altered verbal memory reports in older adults
Authors: Dijkstra Katinka , Misirlisoy Mine
Published: August 2008

The current study examined four factors that were expected to influence recognition accuracy of previously retrieved events: remoteness of the event, rated emotionality of the event, the type of changes that were made to the original memory report, and the plausibility of these changes. This was done in a study with 33 participants who were tested for recognition accuracy of original and altered reports a year after they had initially reported these autobiographical memories. Participants evaluated original and altered reports as being authentic or not. High recognition accuracy occurred for report evaluations of events that were recent, that contained central changes, and that had higher emotional intensity ratings. Recognition errors were more likely to occur when the original events were remote and when altered reports contained peripheral and plausible changes. These findings demonstrate the vulnerability of recognition accuracy in older adults under difficult retrieval conditions.
Regional variation of microtubule flux reveals microtubule organization in the metaphase meiotic spindle
Authors: Yang Ge , Cameron Lisa A. , Maddox Paul S. , Salmon Edward D. , Danuser Gaudenz
Published: August 2008

Continuous poleward movement of tubulin is a hallmark of metaphase spindle dynamics in higher eukaryotic cells and is essential for stable spindle architecture and reliable chromosome segregation. We use quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy to map with high resolution the spatial organization of microtubule flux in Xenopus laevis egg extract meiotic spindles. We find that the flux velocity decreases near spindle poles by ∼20%. The regional variation is independent of functional kinetochores and centrosomes and is suppressed by inhibition of dynein/dynactin, kinesin-5, or both. Statistical analysis reveals that tubulin flows in two distinct velocity modes. We propose an association of these modes with two architecturally distinct yet spatially overlapping and dynamically cross-linked arrays of microtubules: focused polar microtubule arrays of a uniform polarity and slower flux velocities are interconnected by a dense barrel-like microtubule array of antiparallel polarities and faster flux velocities.
Citrullination of CXCL8 by peptidylarginine deiminase alters receptor usage, prevents proteolysis, and dampens tissue inflammation
Authors: Proost Paul , Loos Tamara , Mortier Anneleen , Schutyser Evemie , Gouwy Mieke , Noppen Samuel , Dillen Chris , Ronsse Isabelle , Conings René , Struyf Sofie , Opdenakker Ghislain , Maudgal Prabhat C. , Van Damme Jo
Published: August 2008

Biological functions of proteins are influenced by posttranslational modifications such as on/off switching by phosphorylation and modulation by glycosylation. Proteolytic processing regulates cytokine and chemokine activities. In this study, we report that natural posttranslational citrullination or deimination alters the biological activities of the neutrophil chemoattractant and angiogenic cytokine CXCL8/interleukin-8 (IL-8). Citrullination of arginine in position 5 was discovered on 14% of natural leukocyte-derived CXCL8(1–77), generating CXCL8(1–77)Cit5. Peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) is known to citrullinate structural proteins, and it may initiate autoimmune diseases. PAD efficiently and site-specifically citrullinated CXCL5, CXCL8, CCL17, CCL26, but not IL-1β. In comparison with CXCL8(1–77), CXCL8(1–77)Cit5 had reduced affinity for glycosaminoglycans and induced less CXCR2-dependent calcium signaling and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast to CXCL8(1–77), CXCL8(1–77)Cit5 was resistant to thrombin- or plasmin-dependent potentiation into CXCL8(6–77). Upon intraperitoneal injection, CXCL8(6–77) was a more potent inducer of neutrophil extravasation compared with CXCL8(1–77). Despite its retained chemotactic activity in vitro, CXCL8(1–77)Cit5 was unable to attract neutrophils to the peritoneum. Finally, in the rabbit cornea angiogenesis assay, the equally potent CXCL8(1–77) and CXCL8(1–77)Cit5 were less efficient angiogenic molecules than CXCL8(6–77). This study shows that PAD citrullinates the chemokine CXCL8, and thus may dampen neutrophil extravasation during acute or chronic inflammation.
Integrating expression data with domain interaction networks
Authors: Emig Dorothea , Cline Melissa S. , Lengauer Thomas , Albrecht Mario
Published: August 2008

Summary: Recent studies have revealed that alternative splicing plays an important role in the observed protein and interaction diversity. Special microarrays allow for measuring gene expression at the exon level and thus for studying alternative transcripts and their corresponding protein domain architecture. We have developed the Cytoscape plugin DomainGraph that enables the visualization and detailed study of domain–domain interactions forming protein interaction networks. In addition, the integration of exon expression data supports the analysis of alternative splicing events and the characterization of their effects on the protein and domain interaction network. Different expression patterns between human tissues or cells can be identified by comparing the generated domain graphs.

Availability: The plugin DomainGraph and the online documentation are available at http://domaingraph.bioinf.mpi-inf.mpg.de.

Contact:  mario.albrecht@mpi-inf.mpg.de
Relation Between Clinical Symptoms and Experimental Visceral Hypersensitivity in Pediatric Patients With Functional Abdominal Pain
Authors: Anderson Julia L , Acra Sari , Bruehl Stephen , Walker Lynn S
Published: August 2008

Objective:

The association between clinical symptoms and laboratory visceral sensitivity remains poorly defined and controversial. It has even been suggested that laboratory observations of visceral sensitivity are irrelevant to the clinical presentation of chronic visceral pain. To better understand this association, gastrointestinal and psychological features of pediatric patients' clinical presentation were examined in relation to a laboratory‐based measure of visceral sensitivity.

Patients and Methods:

At the time of their medical evaluation, 101 patients with medically unexplained abdominal pain (ages 8–15 years) completed validated questionnaires assessing recent depressive symptoms, functional disability, pain efficacy beliefs, gastrointestinal (GI), and non‐GI symptoms. These clinical features were examined in relation to visceral sensitivity assessed 2 months later in the laboratory. The measure of visceral sensitivity was based on increases in GI complaints in response to the water load symptom provocation task.

Results:

More severe GI symptoms and functional disability in the weeks before patients' clinical evaluation were associated with significantly greater increases in GI symptoms in the laboratory in response to the water load symptom provocation task (all P < 0.04). Patients believing that they had the ability to alleviate their pain (high problem‐focused pain efficacy) had significantly lower laboratory visceral sensitivity (P < 0.01). Clinical depressive symptoms and non‐GI symptoms were not associated with laboratory visceral sensitivity.

Conclusions:

Clinical presentations of more severe GI symptoms and disability as well as low perceived pain efficacy are significant predictors of laboratory visceral sensitivity in children with functional abdominal pain. Depression does not account for the association between clinical presentation of GI symptoms and a laboratory measure of visceral sensitivity.
Immunoglobulin A Anti‐tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Deposits in the Small Intestinal Mucosa of Children With No Villous Atrophy
Authors: Tosco Antonella , Maglio Maria , Paparo Francesco , Rapacciuolo Luciano , Sannino Anna , Miele Erasmo , Barone Maria Vittoria , Auricchio Renata , Troncone Riccardo
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

Anti‐tissue transglutaminase (anti‐TG2) immunoglobulin A (IgA) autoantibodies are detectable in the serum of most patients with untreated celiac disease (CD). Their deposits in the intestine of patients with CD with severe enteropathy are considered specific for this condition. The histological spectrum of CD includes cases with normal villous architecture. The aim of this study was to look for anti‐TG2 IgA deposits in the intestine of children with normal villous architecture and to relate them with other markers of gluten sensitivity.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 57 children with normal duodenal villous architecture and markers of gluten sensitivity were considered. Of those, 39 showed positive serum anti‐endomysium antibodies and/or high levels of anti‐TG2 antibodies (group 1), and 18 were seronegative with only a greater density of γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes (group 2). Thirty‐four children with no markers of gluten sensitivity and a normal mucosa represented the control group (group 3). The duodenal sections of all patients were investigated for deposited anti‐TG2 IgA by double immunofluorescence. Human lymphocyte antigen molecular typing was performed.

Results:

In group 1 and in group 2, 33 of 39 children (85%) and 12 of 18 children (66%) showed subepithelial anti‐TG2 IgA intestinal deposits, respectively. Only in 3 of 34 (8.8%) children with no markers of gluten sensitivity were anti‐TG2 IgA deposits noted.

Conclusions:

A subgroup of children with no serum CD‐associated autoantibodies, but greater density of γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes, shows a clear anti‐TG2 IgA deposition in the duodenal mucosa. These children must be investigated further for possible gluten sensitivity.
Mandarin Juice Improves the Antioxidant Status of Hypercholesterolemic Children
Authors: Codoñer‐Franch Pilar , López‐Jaén Ana B , Muñiz Pilar , Sentandreu Enrique , Bellés Victoria Valls
Published: August 2008

Background:

Oxidative stress has been linked to such degenerative diseases as atherosclerosis, and it has been suggested that increased dietary intake of antioxidants may reduce its progression.

Objective:

To determine the effect of mandarin juice consumption on biomarkers related to oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic children.

Materials and Methods:

The diet of 48 children with plasma cholesterol >200 mg/dL and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol >130 mg/dL was supplemented for 28 days with 500 mL/day of pure (100%) mandarin juice (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.). The composition of the mandarin juice was analyzed, and its antioxidant antiradical activity was evaluated in vitro. Malondialdehyde, carbonyl groups, vitamins E and C, erythrocyte‐reduced glutathione, and plasma lipids were measured at the onset and at the end of the supplementation period. The paired Student t test was used to compare values before and after supplementation.

Results:

Mandarin juice exerted a strong antioxidant effect mainly due to its high hydroxyl activity and, to a lesser extent, to its superoxide scavenger activity. At the end of the study, levels of the plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly decreased (malondialdehyde −7.4%, carbonyl groups −29.1%, P < 0.01), whereas the plasma antioxidants vitamin E and C (13.5%, P < 0.001 and 68.2%, P < 0.00001, respectively) and intraerythrocyte glutathione level (36.7%, P < 0.00001) were significantly increased. Plasma lipids and antibodies to oxidized low‐density lipoproteins remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

Regular ingestion of mandarin juice significantly reduces plasma biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation and enhances the antioxidant status of consumers.
Frequencies of Genetic Polymorphisms of TLR4 and CD14 and of HLA‐DQ Genotypes in Children With Celiac Disease, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, or Both
Authors: Dezsőfi A , Szebeni B , Hermann CS , Kapitány A , Veres G , Sipka S , Körner A , Madácsy L , Korponay‐Szabó I , Rajczy K , Arató A
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

Besides the central role of the adaptive immune system, a disturbance of innate immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). Inasmuch as CD and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) frequently coexist because of a common genetic predisposition, our aim was to study the frequency of CD14 C‐260T and TLR4 A+896G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the distribution of HLA‐DQ genotypes in children affected by CD, T1DM, or both.

Patients and Methods:

TLR4 and CD14 SNPs were tested by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 80 children with T1DM, 100 children with CD, and 47 children with both CD and T1DM. Determination of HLA‐DQ alleles was done by sequence‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Frequencies were compared with those of healthy control children.

Results:

The prevalence of the homozygous CD14 C‐260TT genotype was significantly (P = 0.0081) lower in children with T1DM but not in those with CD and T1DM, compared with control children. No difference was found in the genotype and allele frequencies of TLR4 between the studied groups. In patients with T1DM, the frequency of the homozygous HLA‐DQ8 genotype was significantly higher than in CD, whereas the frequency of homozygous or heterozygous HLA‐DQ2 genotypes did not differ from that in control children. In patients with CD, both homozygous and heterozygous HLA‐DQ2 genotypes were significantly more frequent than in the control and T1DM groups, and no elevation in the frequency of the HLA‐DQ8 genotypes was observed. In patients with T1DM and those with CD and T1DM, the occurrence of HLA‐DQ2/8 heterozygosity was significantly higher than in children with CD only and in control children.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that in patients with T1DM, the CD14 C‐260TT homozygous genotype increases the risk for the development of CD. The distribution of HLA‐DQ genotype is different in children with CD and T1DM than in children with CD or T1DM only. Determination of the HLA‐DQ genotype in children with T1DM may help in estimating the risk for the development of CD.
Compliance With Gluten‐free Diet in Children With Coeliac Disease
Authors: Jadrešin Oleg , Mišak Zrinjka , Sanja Kolaček , Sonicki Zdenko , Žižić Vesna
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

Coeliac disease (CD) is a lifelong disorder with gluten‐induced manifestations in different organs. Gluten‐free diet (GFD) is required to achieve remission and prevent complications; however, study reports on GFD growth effect are not consistent.

Methods:

Compliance with GFD was estimated according to current body mass and height; presence of anaemia and other signs and symptoms; and attitude toward GFD.

Results:

Seventy‐one patients with CD (mean age = 12 years; mean age after CD diagnosis = 9 years) were examined and their blood sampled for determination of endomysial antibodies (EMA), haemoglobin, and red blood cell count. Questionnaire analysis revealed 42 (59.1%; 4 EMA positive) patients to be on strict GFD, 19 (26.8%; 5 EMA positive) were taking small amounts of gluten, and 10 (14.1%; all EMA positive) were not on a diet at all. The patients on strict GFD had greatest body height, yet the difference was not significant. These patients also had a higher mean body mass (P = 0.05) and significantly higher mean haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin levels (P = 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). Apart from chronic fatigue in patients on partial diet (P = 0.05), patient groups did not differ significantly in the frequency of symptoms. Anaemia and delayed puberty were recorded only in noncompliers (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Noncompliers often found the specific diet to pose a major life burden (P < 0.01) and did not visit a gastroenterologist on a regular basis (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Almost half of the coeliac patients were likely to abandon GFD without experiencing major symptoms, thus increasing the risk for developing complications later in life. An active attitude is required in the follow‐up of patients with CD.
Dichlorido(4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)gold(III) tetrachloridoaurate(III) acetonitrile solvate
Authors: Yıldırım Sema Öztürk , Akkurt Mehmet , Safari Nasser , Amani Vahid , McKee Vickie , Abedi Anita , Khavasi Hamid Reza
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, [AuCl2(C9H12N)2][AuCl4]·C2H3N, there is a mirror plane passing through Au and the central C—C bond of the bipyridyl ligand in the cation, and through Au and two Cl atoms of the anion. A cis-AuCl2N2 square-planar geometry for the cation and a square-planar AuCl4 geometry for the anion result. The two C atoms and the N atom of the acetonitrile molecule all have m site symmetries. In the crystal structure, weak C—H...Cl interactions may help to establish the packing.
N-(4-Chlorobenzylidene)-4-methoxyaniline
Authors: Ren Xiao-Yan , Ding Yu-Feng , Jian Fang-Fang
Published: August 2008

The title compound, C14H12ClNO, was prepared by the reaction of 4-methoxyaniline and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde in ethanol at 367 K. The molecule is almost planar, with a dihedral angle between the two benzene rings of 9.1 (2)° and an r.m.s. deviation from the mean plane through all non-H atoms in the molecule of 0.167 Å.
Di-n-butylammonium 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylsulfanyl)nicotinate
Authors: Mansor Shahirah , Yehye Wagee A. , Ariffin Azhar , Rahman Noorsaadah Abdul , Ng Seik Weng
Published: August 2008

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C8H20N+·C21H26NO3S−, contains two indpendent ion pairs which are disposed about a psuedo-inversion center, generating an ammonium–carboxylate N—H...O hydrogen-bonded four-component cluster. In the crystal structure, adjacent clusters are linked by hydroxy–carboxylate O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a chain.
2,8-Dibromo-4,10-dichloro-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine
Authors: Zhu Kai-Xian , Craig Donald C. , Try Andrew C.
Published: August 2008

The title compound, C15H10Br2Cl2N2, a 2,8-dibromo-4,10-dichloro Tröger's base analogue derived from 4-bromo-2-chloroaniline, has a dihedral angle of 110.9 (10)° between the two aryl rings, the largest yet measured for a simple dibenzo analogue.
(Z)-6-{2-[(E)-2,4-Dihydroxybenzylideneamino]phenylaminomethylene}-3-hydroxycyclohexa-2,4-dienone toluene solvate
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Kia Reza , Mirkhani Valiollah , Zargoshi Hasan
Published: August 2008

The bis-Schiff base title compound, C20H16N2O4·C7H8, crystallized as a toluene solvate. In the solid state, it is present as its prototropic tautomer formed by transfer of one of the ortho-hydroxyl H atoms. The proton transfer is accompanied by a shift of electron pairs, as is evident from the observed C—O and C—N bond distances of 1.305 (2) and 1.315 (2) Å, which are largely consistent with C=O and C—N distances. The actual molecule present in the solid state is thus the charge-neutral β-keto amine, with a small contribution of its zwitterionic valence tautomer via partial delocalization of electron pairs along the N—C—C—C—O atom chain. The dihedral angles between the central benzene ring and the two outer benzene rings of the Schiff base are 51.99 (8) and 12.95 (9)°. Intramolecular O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds generate S(6) ring motifs, whereas intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds generate S(5) ring motifs. In the crystal structure, O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules into one-dimensional zigzag chains along the b axis; these chains are further stacked by O—H...O and weak C—H...O interactions along the c axis, forming two-dimensional extended networks parallel to the bc plane. In addition, the crystal structure is further stabilized by weak C—H...π and π–π interactions.
(1-Naphthyliminomethyl)ferrocene
Authors: Zang Yunbo
Published: August 2008

In the title molecule, [Fe(C5H5)(C16H12N)], the cyclopentadienyl rings are approximately eclipsed and the interplanar angle is 0.8 (7)°. The Fe atom is slightly closer to the substituted cyclopentadienyl ring, with an Fe...centroid distance of 1.639 (2) Å, compared with 1.645 (2) Å for the unsubstituted ring. The C=N double bond is essentially coplanar with the substituted cyclopentadienyl ring with a deviation of 10.3 (1)°. The angle formed by the C=N double bond and the naphthalene ring system is 47.1 (1)°. The C—N=C—C torsion angle is 177.32 (5)°.
Wages and Wage Determination in 2001
Authors: Watts Martin J.
Published: August 2008

The number of employees covered by certified agreements increased during 2001, but wage determination remained fragmented. The inflationary impact of higher oil prices and the depreciation of the Australian dollar in the second half of 2000, when the economy was also absorbing the impact of the GST, threatened the wage targets of the Reserve Bank. Contrary to expectations, wage growth remained modest. The Commission again adopted a compromise Safety Net Decision in May.

The review concludes that, notwithstanding the improvement in the conditions of employment of some non-standard employees following successful cases brought to Federal and State Commissions, the balance of forces between employers and employees has fundamentally shifted over the last decade and this has impacted on wage outcomes. This reflects a combination of workplace reform, in particular the Workplace Relations Act, and the associated structural change in the labour market.
Facies and ground‐penetrating radar characteristics of coarse‐grained beach deposits of the uppermost Pleistocene glacial Lake Algonquin, Ontario, Canada
Authors: PASCUCCI VINCENZO , MARTINI I. PETER , ENDRES ANTHONY L.
Published: August 2008

The lithofacies of the uppermost Pleistocene (ca11 800 to 10 400 14C yr bp), cold‐temperate, coarse‐grained beach deposits of Lake Algonquin, the precursor of the present Lake Huron of North America, have been studied and interpreted based on analogous features of modern beaches from the same region. Ice foot and ice‐cementation develop during winter but, unlike Arctic beaches, ice‐related sedimentary features are seldom, if ever, preserved in the Pleistocene and recent deposits of the Great Lakes. Instead, the deposits retain the typical characteristics of wave‐dominated, pure gravel and mixed sand and gravel beaches, there including the classical subdivision of infill zone, swash zone/sand run, imbricated zone, coarse flat‐clast zone and coastal dunes. These zones form a regular succession on the surface of many modern beaches; however, they seldom occur as quasi‐complete vertical successions in older deposits. In the studied uppermost Pleistocene deposits, the various components are separated vertically by erosional contacts (bounding surfaces) readily recognizable on working faces of large sand and gravel pits and mappable in the subsurface by ground‐penetrating radar. The lithofacies are sufficiently diagnostic to allow recognition of depositional settings, and the lithofacies architecture allows the deciphering of important geological events, such as: (i) local input of fluvial material onto the shoreface, where it was partially reworked by waves and moved onto the beachface; (ii) occurrence of major storm events; and (iii) repeated rapid transgressions and regressions typical of the glacial‐lake precursors of the modern Great Lakes.
Facies changes and diagenetic processes across the Permian–Triassic boundary event horizon, Great Bank of Guizhou, South China: a controversy of erosion and dissolution
Authors: COLLIN PIERRE‐YVES , KERSHAW STEVE , CRASQUIN‐SOLEAU SYLVIE , FENG QINGLAI
Published: August 2008

The Permian–Triassic boundary interval in shallow shelf seas of South China shows Upper Permian limestones overlain by lowermost Triassic microbialites. Global sea‐level rose across the Permian–Triassic boundary, but an irregular top‐Permian erosion surface across a 10 km north–south transect of the Great Bank of Guizhou contains evidence of sea‐level fluctuation. The surface represents the ‘event horizon’ of mass extinction, below the biostratigraphic Permian–Triassic boundary defined by first appearance datum of conodont Hindeodus parvus. An Upper Permian foraminiferal grainstone beneath this surface contains geopetal sediments, etched grains, and pendent and meniscus cements interpreted here as vadose. However, these latter diagenetic processes occurred before the event horizon and were followed by erosion of the final Permian surface. This erosion cuts previous fabrics but lacks evidence of weathering or bioerosion. A few centimetres below is an earlier grainstone that was also eroded but lacks proof of sub‐aerial processes. Samples therefore reveal one, or possibly two, small‐scale relative sea‐level changes before the Triassic transgression in this area, and these may relate to local tectonics. The final Permian surface is subject to at least four interpretations: (i) sub‐aerial physical erosion and dissolution by carbon dioxide‐enriched fresh water or carbon dioxide‐enriched mixed water, prior to Triassic transgression; (ii) sub‐aerial physical erosion overprinted by dissolution related to carbon dioxide‐enriched sea water in the Early Triassic transgression; (iii) submarine dissolution affected by acidified sea water due to rapid increase in volcanically‐derived carbon dioxide and oxidized methane released from marine clathrates; (iv) submarine dissolution due to acid anoxic waters rising across the continental shelf, unrelated to atmospheric carbon dioxide or oxidized methane. Field and petrographic evidence suggests that (i) is the simplest option; and it is possible that (ii) and (iii) occurred, but none are proved. Option (iv) is unlikely given the evidence and modelling of supersaturation of upwelled waters with respect to bicarbonate.
Knowledge generation and utilisation in occupational therapy: Towards epistemic reflexivity
Authors: Kinsella Elizabeth Anne , Whiteford Gail Elizabeth
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The purpose of this article is to consider the ways in which theory generation, and hence knowledge generation, in occupational therapy is a complex social process, and therefore carries (often hidden) responsibilities for those who are part of our epistemic community. An epistemic community is a knowledge‐producing community, who apply their standards of credibility, and epistemic values, to theory choice. In occupational therapy this community is comprised of a worldwide group of scholars and practitioners.

Methods:  We propose that epistemic reflexivity can be used to critique and contribute to our disciplinary knowledge and to critically consider ‘who’ makes epistemological choices in our profession, and the consequent implications for the theories we adopt. The purpose of this article is to make these relations explicit so that scholars and therapists can become increasingly conscious and empowered with respect to their contributions to occupational therapy's epistemic community. To demonstrate an application of epistemic reflexivity, we critically consider a theoretical construction that has been widely adopted by the international occupational therapy community: evidence‐based practice.

Results:  As authors, we engage in epistemic reflexivity to critically consider the challenge posed by evidence‐based practice. We propose a conception of practice knowledge that is informed by evidence yet based on a conception of wise practice.

Conclusion:  Our intention is to stimulate discussion and debate in occupational therapy's epistemic community, a number of approaches for fostering epistemic reflexivity in occupational therapy are suggested.
Effect of gluten‐free diet on preventing recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease–related symptoms in adult celiac patients with nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Usai Paolo , Manca Roberto , Cuomo Rosario , Lai Maria Antonia , Russo Luigi , Boi Maria Francesca
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  In Celiac Disease (CD) the role of a gluten‐free diet (GFD) on gastroesophageal reflux disease–related symptoms (GERD‐rs) is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the recurrence of GERD‐rs, in CD patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD).

Methods:  From a total of 105 adult CD patients observed, 29 who presented with the NERD form were enrolled in the study. Thirty non‐CD patients with NERD were studied as controls. Recurrence of GERD‐rs was clinically assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months follow‐up (FU) after withdrawal of initial proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment for 8 weeks.

Results:  GERD‐rs were resolved in 25 (86.2%) CD patients and in 20 (66.7%) controls after 8 weeks of PPI treatment. In the CD group, recurrence of GERD‐rs was found in five cases (20%) at 6 months but in none at 12, 18, and 24 months while in the control group recurrence was found in six of 20 controls (30%), in another six (12/20, 60%), in another three (15/20, 75%), and in another two (17/20, 85%) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months FU respectively.

Conclusions:  The present study is the first to have evaluated the effect of a GFD in the nonerosive form of GERD in CD patients, by means of clinical long‐term follow‐up, suggesting that GFD could be a useful approach in reducing GERD symptoms and in the prevention of recurrence.
The acetic acid + indigocarmine method in the delineation of gastric cancer
Authors: Iizuka Toshiro , Kikuchi Daisuke , Hoteya Syu , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  For the purpose of precise preoperative diagnosis that ensures complete endoscopic resection, it is important to accurately determine the lateral spread of gastric cancer lesions. The acetic acid + indigocarmine (AI) method used by us has been found to meet this need. This paper reports its usefulness in the determination of lateral spread of gastric cancer before endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods:  The present study was conducted in 114 patients who were operated on for an early‐stage gastric cancer, after determining the lateral spread of cancerous lesions by the AI method, between September 2005 and December 2006. The negative lateral stump reaction rate obtained in ESD was conducted in areas delineated by the AI method. The borderline clarification rate obtained by the AI method and the indigocarmine (I) method were compared between the lesions with and without clear borders under observation with the naked eye.

Results:  The lateral stump after ESD conducted using the AI method was histologically negative in 111 of the 114 patients (97%). The lesion spread was clarified by the AI method in 103 patients (90%): 55 (95%) and 48 (86%) patients with and without clear macroscopic lesion borders, respectively. Compared to the I method, the AI method clarified the lesion spread in a significantly higher percentage of patients with macroscopically unclear lesion borders (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:  The present study stresses that the AI method should be used to conduct ESD more safely and accurately in patients with well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic steatosis and its impact on liver injury in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Shi Jun‐ping , Fan Jian‐gao , Wu Rui , Gao Xiao‐qian , Zhang Li , Wang Hao , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: August 2008

Background and Aims:  The clinical significance of hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is unclear. The aims of this study were thus to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatic steatosis in patients with CHB and its relationship with liver injury.

Methods:  Consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven CHB at Hangzhou Sixth People's Hospital between January 2005 and June 2007 were included. Patients co‐infected with other viruses or suffering from liver disease of any other cause were excluded. Liver steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis were assessed by both Brunt and Scheuer classifications.

Results:  A total of 1915 patients (1497 men) with a mean age of 31 ± 9.5 years were analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was present in 260 (14%) patients. The steatosis involved < 33% of hepatocytes in 90% of cases, and was more frequent among men than women (15% vs 8%, P < 0.001). Two‐thirds (178 of 260) of patients with steatosis were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive, but there was no correlation with either serum HBeAg status or hepatitis B virus DNA titer. Degree of inflammation and fibrosis were more mild among those with steatosis than those without. Multivariate analysis showed that steatosis was independently associated with body mass index, serum triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, uric acid, and fasting blood glucose. However, fibrosis was only independently associated with age and inflammatory grade, and the latter associated with viral load and fibrosis stage.

Conclusions:  Hepatic steatosis is common in CHB, it is associated with metabolic factors not viral ones, and does not appear to affect the severity of liver disease.
New species of the diatom genus Fryxelliella (Bacillariophyta), Fryxelliella pacifica sp. nov., from the tropical Mexican Pacific
Authors: Hernández‐Becerril David U. , Barón‐Campis Sofía A.
Published: August 2008

During phytoplankton monitoring of coasts off Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, in the tropical Mexican Pacific, a new species, Fryxelliella pacifica sp. nov., was found and is described in this paper. The species is solitary, with cells of medium size, discoid with three relatively large ocelli on the valve face, located close to the margins (3–5 areolae from the margins) and placed symmetrically. Significantly, it possesses the morphological characters that distinguish the genus Fryxelliella from related genera: the presence of the ‘circumferential marginal tube’ (siphon marginalis), the external subcircular or subtriangular apertures at the valve margins, and the ‘juxtaposed rectangular plates’ in the valve mantle. The species that appears to be the most closely related is Fryxelliella floridana Prasad, an extant species and the type of the genus. However Fryxelliella pacifica differs from it (i) the size and shape of the cell; (ii) the size, location and structure of the ocelli (which additionally are not elevated); (iii) the shape and density of the subcircular to subtriangular marginal apertures; (iv) the external morphology of the rimoportulae (short process, two concentric tubes with the outer tube tip as a crown); and (v) it is marine rather than brackish. Externally the rimoportulae have a rather complex structure of two concentric tubes: the exterior tube has a tip divided like a crown. In spite of the fact this species was found in plankton samples, it is considered to inhabit sandy sediments (epipsammic) or as tychoplanktonic.
Evolution of centric diatoms inferred from patterns of oogenesis and spermatogenesis
Authors: Mizuno Makoto
Published: August 2008

Centric diatoms have three patterns of oogenesis and four patterns of spermatogenesis, yielding a combination of seven patterns. The evolution of these combinations was inferred from differences in character states of the meiotic patterns observed in oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we have inferred the evolutionary relationships among centric diatoms based on the evolution of these combinations, the data on occurrence of combinations and a molecular phylogenetic tree. Our results suggested that the last common ancestor of extant diatoms was a bipolar or multipolar centric diatom with the most primitive among extant oogenetic/spermatogenic combinations. Our results also suggested that ancestors of the radial centrics and pennates would have diverged, in that order, from a bipolar or multipolar centric diatom with the most primitive among extant oogenetic/spermatogenic combinations.
Red alga Grateloupia imbricata (Halymeniaceae), a species introduced into the Canary Islands
Authors: García‐Jiménez Pilar , Geraldino Paul John L. , Boo Sung Ming , Robaina Rafael R.
Published: August 2008

Specimens of Grateloupia from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands were used to molecularly ascertain which of the species has been used in physiological and bio‐technological experiments. The rbcL sequence analysis revealed that four out of five analyzed specimens (i.e. those commonly collected for physiological research) formed a monophyletic clade with G. imbricata from Korea, Japan, and China, and were quite different from any other species of the genus. Another sample, which was associated with cage nets used for fish aquaculture, was grouped with G. lanceolata from Japan, though it appears too early as yet to identify it as such. This is, thus, proof of a new introduction of a marine macroalga, since G. imbricata is an Asian species, native to Japan and Korea, in the Canary Islands. The role of international shipping in the introduction of the species is discussed.
Review: Taxonomy of Nitella (Charales, Charophyceae) based on comparative morphology of oospores and multiple DNA marker phylogeny using cultured material
Authors: Sakayama Hidetoshi
Published: August 2008

The genus Nitella is the largest group in the Charales and has the highest diversity of vegetative and oospore morphologies. In his worldwide monograph on the Charales, R. D. Wood characterized the sections and species of Nitella mainly on the basis of vegetative morphology and treated oospore wall morphology as diagnostic at the infraspecific level. Therefore, many species of Nitella exhibiting distinct external morphology of the oospore wall (EMOW) were reduced to infraspecific rank and only 53 of 204 species previously described were recognized within Nitella. However, recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated the phylogenetic validity of using EMOW for diagnosing some species of Nitella. More recently, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of internal morphology of the oospore wall (IMOW) and multiple DNA marker analyses using both nuclear and chloroplast gene sequences were conducted to improve our understanding of the taxonomy of Nitella at the species level, on the basis of cultured material of a large number of species. Multiple DNA marker analyses resolved detailed and robust phylogenetic relationships within the genus and demonstrated the taxonomic and phylogenetic significance of IMOW. In addition, they supported the taxonomic decisions based on differences in oospore morphology, suggesting that an integrated approach, involving both SEM studies of the EMOW and IMOW and multiple DNA marker analyses, is appropriate to address problems at lower taxonomic levels within the genus, as well as to construct a natural taxonomic system for the genus. In this paper, recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies are reviewed and recent improvements in taxonomy of Nitella are summarized. Moreover, the evolution of morphological features and phylogenetic relationships within Nitella are discussed, focusing especially on oospore morphology.
Presence of xyloglucan‐like polysaccharide in Spirogyra and possible involvement in cell–cell attachment
Authors: Ikegaya Hisato , Hayashi Takahisa , Kaku Tomomi , Iwata Kazuyoshi , Sonobe Seiji , Shimmen Teruo
Published: August 2008

By methylation analysis, it was found that the cell walls of Spirogyra contained 4,6‐linked glucose, 4‐linked glucose and terminal xylose, which could be components of xyloglucan. Immunocytochemical analysis was carried out using an anti‐serum against xyloglucan. After removal of pectic substances, the cell walls of both rhizoid cells and inner cells were stained. Crude protein extract from Spirogyra had a hydrolase activity for xyloglucans. In addition, the exogenously applied xyloglucan prevented the detachment of the cell wall of the severed cell. Involvement of xyloglucan‐like polysaccharide in cell–cell attachment was discussed.
Quantity versus quality: Endemism and protected areas in the temperate forest of South America
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐CABAL MARIANO A. , NUÑEZ MARTÍN A. , MARTÍNEZ ANDRÉS S.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Identification of biodiversity hotspots is essential to conservation strategies aimed at minimizing the possibility of losing half of the world's species in the next 50 years. The aims of the present study were: (i) to locate and designate zones of endemism in the temperate forest of South America; and (ii) to compare the distribution of these areas with the distribution of existing protected areas in this habitat type. Endemism areas were determined by using parsimonious analysis of endemism, which identified zones of endemism on the basis of sets of endemic species that were restricted to two or more study areas. We used distribution information for five unrelated taxa (ferns, trees, reptiles, birds and mammals) to provide more reliable results and patterns than would work with only a single taxon or related taxa. The northern part of this region has high endemism for all of the taxa considered in this study. We demonstrate that although the temperate forest of South America has more than 30% of its area under some type of protection, correlation between protected areas and the areas of endemism is remarkably low. In fact, less than 10% of protected areas are situated in areas that have the greatest value for conservation (i.e. high endemism). Under the current strategy, biodiversity within South America's temperate forest is in danger despite the large amount of protected area for this forest type.