bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile and Etiology of Diabetes Mellitus With Onset at Less Than 6 Months of Age
Authors: Valamparampil Joseph J. , Chirakkarot Shibi , Savida P. , Omana S.
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile and etiology of diabetes mellitus (DM) with onset at < 6 months of age. All children aged < 6 months diagnosed with DM at a tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2008 were included in the study. Three cases of DM with onset at < 6 months of age were identified. All patients were female and of the same ethnic origin, with nonconsanguineous parents. Intrauterine growth retardation was noted in all three patients, and diabetic ketoacidosis and hypertriglyceridemia in two of the three. Blood samples from all three patients and their parents were analyzed for mutations in the KCNJ11 gene (inwardly‐rectifying potassium channel, subfamily J, member 11 gene; OMIM 600937). A heterozygous de novo mutation in the KCNJ11 gene was detected in one patient, which confirmed the diagnosis of permanent neonatal DM. Neither C‐peptide secretion nor circulating islet cell antibodies were detected in any patient during diagnosis, but C‐peptide elevation was detected in the patient with permanent neonatal DM after treatment with sulfonylurea. One infant had clinical and immunological evidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection while the diabetes in another case was postulated to be syndromic. DM within the first 6 months of life is a rare condition with various etiologies. The high prevalence of Kir6.2 mutations in neonatal diabetes means that all children < 6 months of age diagnosed with diabetes should be tested for Kir6.2 mutations at diagnosis.
Lafora Disease and Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Tseng Chih‐Fan , Ho Che‐Sheng , Chiu Nan‐Chang , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Tzen Chi‐Yuan , Wu Yu‐Hung
Published: December 2009

We report a patient with congenital generalized lipodystrophy who had suffered from seizures, myoclonus, ataxia and cognitive decline since late childhood. Lafora disease was diagnosed based on skin biopsy results, which revealed pathognomonic Lafora bodies. The results of genetic analysis for mutations in EPM2A and EPM2B genes were negative. This is the first case report describing an association between congenital generalized lipodystrophy and Lafora disease. Further studies focusing on the relationship between these two diseases and the identification of a third locus for Lafora disease are needed.
Asymptomatic Congenital Splenorenal Shunt in a Noncirrhotic Patient With a Left Adrenal Aldosterone‐producing Adenoma
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ting , Chang Chao‐Hsiang , Chen Wen‐Chi
Published: December 2009

Portosystemic shunts frequently develop in patients with cirrhosis. However, congenital splenorenal shunts are rare anomalies in people without portal hypertension. Here, we present a case of a venous shunt between the spleen and left renal vein in a 57‐year‐old man with no history of liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or hepatic encephalopathy. The abnormal vessel was identified on preoperative contrast‐enhanced computed tomography performed for diagnosis of a left adrenal aldosterone‐producing adenoma. The shunt was safely ligated during transperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Excessive bleeding due to accidental injury of the shunting vessel during the procedure is a likely complication. Careful review of preoperative computed tomography images and cautious management of this type of shunt, especially in cirrhotic patients, can prevent this serious complication.
Ventricular Tachycardia With Hemodynamic Instability Refractory to Cardioversion: A Case Report
Authors: Chou Chun‐Jen , Lee Chee‐Siong , Lai Wen‐Ter
Published: December 2009

Accurate diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia is difficult in emergent situations. According to the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) tachycardia algorithm of the American Heart Association, immediate synchronized cardioversion should be applied to patients with wide QRS tachycardia with any evidence of hemodynamic instability. However, this may not be appropriate in all patients, especially those with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia. In our patient, repetitively synchronized cardioversion failed to convert the arrhythmia. It is important for emergency physicians to recognize the electrocardiographic features of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia and to manage these patients appropriately.
Focal Stenosis in Right Upper Lobe Bronchus in a Recurrently Wheezing Child Sequentially Studied by Multidetector‐row Spiral Computed Tomography and Scintigraphy
Authors: Chen I‐Chen , Wu Jiunn‐Ren , Lu Chia‐Ying , Tseng Chien‐Ming , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Dai Zen‐Kong
Published: December 2009

Lower respiratory tract infections associated with wheezing are not uncommon in infants and young children. Among the wheezing‐associated disorders, allergic etiologies are more commonly encountered than anatomic anomalies. We present a 3‐year‐old girl with a sudden attack of asthmatic symptoms including dyspnea, cyanosis and diffuse wheezing. Based on a history of choking, and atelectasis in the right upper lobe detected by chest films, flexible tracheobronchoscopy was arranged and incidentally detected a stenotic orifice in the right upper lobe bronchus. Multidetector‐row spiral computed tomography and pulmonary scintigraphy subsequently also disclosed the focal stenosis. She suffered from recurrent wheezing, pneumonia and lung atelectasis during 1 year of follow‐up. We emphasize the diagnosis, clinical course and management of focal stenosis in the right upper lobe bronchus.
Le Croissant rouge
Authors: Schenk  , Schiess
Published: December 2009

Dans notre bulletin de Janvier dernier (no 29), nous avons donné le texte de la dépêche de la Sublime-Porte adressée au président de la Confédération suisse, en date du 16 novembre 1876, par laquelle Safvet-Pacha notifiait la décision prise par la Turquie de remplacer, dans le brassard et le drapeau adoptés par la Convention de Genève, la Croix rouge par le Croissant rouge. La Porte demandait en outre au Conseil fédéral suisse, de prendre les mesures nécessaires pour faire admettre le Croissant rouge, comme signe de neutralisation, par les puissances signataires de la Convention de Genève.
The candid approach
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: December 2009

What is the most important reason for preserving the diversity of life on Earth? Valenti Rull dismisses current anthropocentric arguments and proposes a new, candid approach.
Using copper substrate to enhance the thermal conductivity of top-emission organic light-emitting diodes for improving the luminance efficiency and lifetime
Authors: Tsai Yu-Sheng , Wang Shun-Hsi , Chen Chuan-Hung , Cheng Chien-Lung , Liao Teh-Chao
Published: December 2009

The influence of heat dissipation on the performances of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is investigated by measuring junction temperature and by calculating the rate of heat flow. The calculated rate of heat flow reveals that the key factors include the thermal conductivity, the substrate thickness, and the UV glue. Moreover, the use of copper substrate can effectively dissipate the joule heat, which then reduces the temperature gradient. Finally, it is shown that the use of a high thermal conductivity thinner substrate can enhance the thermal conductivity of OLED and the luminance efficiency as well.
Temperature profile in the lowermost mantle from seismological and mineral physics joint modeling
Authors: Kawai Kenji , Tsuchiya Taku
Published: December 2009

The internal structure of the core-mantle boundary (CMB) region of the Earth plays a crucial role in controlling the dynamics and evolution of our planet. We have developed a comprehensive model based on the radial variations of shear velocity in the D″ layer (the base of the lower mantle) and the high-
P
,
T
elastic properties of major candidate minerals, including the effects of post-perovskite phase changes. This modeling shows a temperature profile in the lowermost mantle with a CMB temperature of 3,800 ± 200 K, which suggests that lateral temperature variations of 200–300 K can explain much of the large velocity heterogeneity observed in D″. A single-crossing phase transition model was found to be more favorable in reproducing the observed seismic wave velocity structure than a double-crossing phase transition model.
Random
k
-noncrossing RNA structures
Authors: Chen William Y. C. , Han Hillary S. W. , Reidys Christian M.
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we introduce a combinatorial framework that provides an interpretation of RNA pseudoknot structures as sampling paths of a Markov process. Our results facilitate a variety of applications ranging from the energy-based sampling of pseudoknot structures as well as the ab initio folding via hidden Markov models. Our main result is an algorithm that generates RNA pseudoknot structures with uniform probability. This algorithm serves as a steppingstone to sequence-specific as well as energy-based transition probabilities. The approach employs a correspondence between pseudoknot structures, parametrized in terms of the maximal number of mutually crossing arcs and certain tableau sequences. The latter can be viewed as lattice paths. The main idea of this paper is to view each such lattice path as a sampling path of a stochastic process and to make use of
D
-finiteness for the efficient computation of the corresponding transition probabilities.
Planarian Hedgehog/Patched establishes anterior–posterior polarity by regulating Wnt signaling
Authors: Yazawa Shigenobu , Umesono Yoshihiko , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Tarui Hiroshi , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: December 2009

Despite long-standing interest, the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of anterior–posterior (AP) polarity remain among the unsolved mysteries in metazoans. In the planarians (a family of flatworms), canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for posterior specification, as it is in many animals. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the posterior-specific induction of Wnt genes according to the AP polarity have remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is responsible for the establishment of AP polarity via its regulation of the transcription of Wnt family genes during planarian regeneration. We found that RNAi gene knockdown of
Dugesia japonica patched
(
Djptc
) caused ectopic tail formation in the anterior blastema of body fragments, resulting in bipolar-tails regeneration. In contrast, RNAi of
hedgehog
(
Djhh
) and
gli
(
Djgli
) caused bipolar-heads regeneration. We show that Patched-mediated Hh signaling was crucial for posterior specification, which is established by regulating the transcription of Wnt genes via downstream Gli activity. Moreover, differentiated cells were responsible for the posterior specification of undifferentiated stem cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Surprisingly,
Djhh
was expressed in neural cells all along the ventral nerve cords (along the AP axis), but not in the posterior blastema of body fragments, where the expression of Wnt genes was induced for posteriorization. We therefore propose that Hh signals direct head or tail regeneration according to the AP polarity, which is established by Hh signaling activity along the body's preexisting nervous system.
Plasmodium falciparum var
gene expression is modified by host immunity
Authors: Warimwe George M. , Keane Thomas M. , Fegan Gregory , Musyoki Jennifer N. , Newton Charles R. J. C. , Pain Arnab , Berriman Matthew , Marsh Kevin , Bull Peter C.
Published: December 2009

Plasmodium falciparum
erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is a potentially important family of immune targets, which play a central role in the host–parasite interaction by binding to various host molecules. They are encoded by a diverse family of genes called
var
, of which there are ≈60 copies in each parasite genome. In sub-Saharan Africa, although
P. falciparum
infection occurs throughout life, severe malarial disease tends to occur only in childhood. This could potentially be explained if (
i
) PfEMP1 variants differ in their capacity to support pathogenesis of severe malaria and (
ii
) this capacity is linked to the likelihood of each molecule being recognized and cleared by naturally acquired antibodies. Here, in a study of 217 Kenyan children with malaria, we show that expression of a group of
var
genes “cys2,” containing a distinct pattern of cysteine residues, is associated with low host immunity. Expression of cys2 genes was associated with parasites from young children, those with severe malaria, and those with a poorly developed antibody response to parasite-infected erythrocyte surface antigens. Cys-2
var
genes form a minor component of all genomic
var
repertoires analyzed to date. Therefore, the results are compatible with the hypothesis that the genomic
var
gene repertoire is organized such that PfEMP1 molecules that confer the most virulence to the parasite tend also to be those that are most susceptible to the development of host immunity. This may help the parasite to adapt effectively to the development of host antibodies through modification of the host–parasite relationship.
The helicase protein DHX29 promotes translation initiation, cell proliferation, and tumorigenesis
Authors: Parsyan Armen , Shahbazian David , Martineau Yvan , Petroulakis Emmanuel , Alain Tommy , Larsson Ola , Mathonnet Geraldine , Tettweiler Gritta , Hellen Christopher U. , Pestova Tatyana V. , Svitkin Yuri V. , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: December 2009

Translational control plays an important role in cell growth and tumorigenesis. Cap-dependent translation initiation of mammalian mRNAs with structured 5′UTRs requires the DExH-box protein, DHX29, in vitro. Here we show that DHX29 is important for translation in vivo. Down-regulation of DHX29 leads to impaired translation, resulting in disassembly of polysomes and accumulation of mRNA-free 80S monomers. DHX29 depletion also impedes cancer cell growth in culture and in xenografts. Thus, DHX29 is a bona fide translation initiation factor that potentially can be exploited as a target to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Social isolation dysregulates endocrine and behavioral stress while increasing malignant burden of spontaneous mammary tumors
Authors: Hermes Gretchen L. , Delgado Bertha , Tretiakova Maria , Cavigelli Sonia A. , Krausz Thomas , Conzen Suzanne D. , McClintock Martha K.
Published: December 2009

In a life span study, we examined how the social environment regulates naturally occurring tumor development and malignancy in genetically prone Sprague–Dawley rats. We randomly assigned this gregarious species to live either alone or in groups of five female rats. Mammary tumor burden among social isolates increased to 84 times that of age-matched controls, as did malignancy, specifically a 3.3 relative risk for ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common early breast cancers in women. Importantly, isolation did not extend ovarian function in late middle age; in fact, isolated animals were exposed to lower levels of estrogen and progesterone in the middle-age period of mammary tumor growth, with unchanged tumor estrogen and progesterone receptor status. Isolates, however, did develop significant dysregulation of corticosterone responses to everyday stressors manifest in young adulthood, months before tumor development, and persisting into old age. Among isolates, corticosterone response to an acute stressor was enhanced and recovery was markedly delayed, each associated with increased mammary tumor progression. In addition to being stressed and tumor prone, an array of behavioral measures demonstrated that socially isolated females possessed an anxious, fearful, and vigilant phenotype. Our model provides a framework for studying the interaction of social neglect with genetic risk to identify mechanisms whereby psychosocial stressors increase growth and malignancy of breast cancer.
AID-induced decrease in topoisomerase 1 induces DNA structural alteration and DNA cleavage for class switch recombination
Authors: Kobayashi Maki , Aida Masatoshi , Nagaoka Hitoshi , Begum Nasim A. , Kitawaki Yoko , Nakata Mikiyo , Stanlie Andre , Doi Tomomitsu , Kato Lucia , Okazaki Il-mi , Shinkura Reiko , Muramatsu Masamichi , Kinoshita Kazuo , Honjo Tasuku
Published: December 2009

To initiate class switch recombination (CSR) activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) induces staggered nick cleavage in the S region, which lies 5′ to each Ig constant region gene and is rich in palindromic sequences. Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) controls the supercoiling of DNA by nicking, rotating, and religating one strand of DNA. Curiously, Top1 reduction or AID overexpression causes the genomic instability. Here, we report that the inactivation of Top1 by its specific inhibitor camptothecin drastically blocked both the S region cleavage and CSR, indicating that Top1 is responsible for the S region cleavage in CSR. Surprisingly, AID expression suppressed Top1 mRNA translation and reduced its protein level. In addition, the decrease in the Top1 protein by RNA-mediated knockdown augmented the AID-dependent S region cleavage, as well as CSR. Furthermore, Top1 reduction altered DNA structure of the Sμ region. Taken together, AID-induced Top1 reduction alters S region DNA structure probably to non-B form, on which Top1 can introduce nicks but cannot religate, resulting in S region cleavage.
A case‐study of one teacher's use of an interactive whiteboard system to support knowledge co‐construction in the history classroom
Authors: Deaney Rosemary , Chapman Arthur , Hennessy Sara
Published: December 2009

Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) have rapidly become an integral feature of many classrooms across the UK and elsewhere, but debate continues regarding the pedagogical implications of their use. This article reports on an in‐depth case‐study from the wider T‐MEDIA project (Teacher Mediation of Subject Learning with ICT: a Multimedia Approach). A key aim of the study was to draw upon sociocultural perspectives to develop a shared, grounded theoretical account of the processes through which teachers mediate subject learning incorporating use of the IWB and other resources. A series of six history lessons with a class of pupils aged 12–13 was videoed and analysed collaboratively by a university research team, the teacher, one of his colleagues and an academic subject specialist. We identify an emerging emphasis upon interdependent learning relationships in the classroom and illustrate how this particular teacher harnessed IWB technology to support a dialogic approach to knowledge construction in history. Strategies included communicating and developing complex ideas and modelling historical thinking processes through use of multiple digital resources; collaborative annotation of images and texts; spotlighting and reveal tools for focusing; and ‘drag and drop’ for classification activities. Revisiting annotated slides served to draw on shared experience.
Curriculum deliberations of experienced elementary teachers engaged in voluntary team planning
Authors: Reid Mark J.
Published: December 2009

Few reports have been published about the deliberations on classroom curriculum conducted by teachers. This qualitative case‐study explored the curriculum deliberations of three fourth‐grade teachers who met weekly to plan social studies and science lessons. The teachers participated voluntarily and routinely produced viable plans for the coming week. The planning meetings were audiotape recorded and transcribed. The resulting transcripts were analysed using Walker's System for Analysing Curriculum Deliberations (SACD). The teachers had deliberated routinely about their lessons for four years. This veteran group experienced few conflicts and invested most of their planning energy in SACD episodes identified as ‘brainstorms’. Group members valued the social aspects of their meetings as well as the curriculum plans produced. This case‐study demonstrates the power of teachers who work together to craft the curriculum they implement. This type of team planning requires a structure that allows teachers the freedom to make their own decisions. This requirement for freedom alerts school administrators and curriculum writers on the importance of allowing teachers truly to be the ‘ultimate arbiters of classroom practice’.
Electron–phonon coupling at surfaces and interfaces
Authors: Hofmann Ph , Sklyadneva I Yu , Rienks E D L , Chulkov E V
Published: December 2009

Over the recent years, electronic surface states have been used for a detailed spectroscopic study of the electron–phonon (e–ph) interaction, both experimentally and theoretically. This review discusses the basic physics of e–ph coupling and how information can be obtained from angle-resolved photoemission experiments and first principles calculations. Several recent results for clean and adsorbate-covered surfaces, quantum wells and free-standing monolayers are also discussed.
Bipenalty method for time domain computational dynamics
Authors: Askes Harm , Caramés-Saddler Miguel , Rodríguez-Ferran Antonio
Published: December 2009

Penalty functions can be used to add constraints to systems of equations. In computational mechanics, stiffness-type penalties are the common choice. However, in dynamic applications stiffness penalties have the disadvantage that they tend to
decrease
the critical time step in conditionally stable time integration schemes, leading to increased CPU times for simulations. In contrast, inertia penalties
increase
the critical time step. In this paper, we suggest the simultaneous use of stiffness penalties and inertia penalties, which is denoted as the
bipenalty method
. We demonstrate that the accuracy of the bipenalty method is at least as good as (and usually better than) using either stiffness penalties or inertia penalties. Furthermore, for a number of finite elements (bar elements, beam elements and square plane stress/plane strain elements) we have derived ratios of the two penalty parameters such that their combined effect on the critical time step is neutral. The bipenalty method is thus superior to using stiffness penalties, because the decrease in critical time step can be avoided. The bipenalty method is also superior to using inertia penalties, since the constraints are realized with higher accuracy.
Legionella dresdenensis sp. nov., isolated from river water
Authors: Lück Paul Christian , Jacobs Enno , Röske Isolde , Schröter-Bobsin Ute , Dumke Roger , Gronow Sabine
Published: December 2009

Legionella-like isolates, strains W03-356T, W03-357 and W03-359, from three independent water samples from the river Elbe, Germany, were analysed by using a polyphasic approach. Morphological and biochemical characterization revealed that they were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming bacilli with a cut glass colony appearance that grew only on l-cysteine-supplemented buffered charcoal yeast extract agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence comparisons of the 16S rRNA, macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip), gyrase subunit A (gyrA), ribosomal polymerase B (rpoB) and RNase P (rnpB) genes confirmed that the three isolates were distinct from recognized species of the genus Legionella. Phenotypic characterization of strain W03-356T based on fatty acid profiles confirmed that it was closely related to Legionella
rubrilucens ATCC 35304T and Legionella
pneumophila ATCC 33152T, but distinct from other species of the genus Legionella. Serotyping of the isolates showed that they were distinct from all recognized species of the genus Legionella. Strains W03-356T, W03-357 and W03-359 are thus considered to represent a novel species of the genus Legionella, for which the name Legionella dresdenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W03-356T (=DSM 19488T=NCTC 13409T).
Siphonobacter aquaeclarae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’, phylum Bacteroidetes
Authors: Táncsics András , Kéki Zsuzsa , Márialigeti Károly , Schumann Peter , Tóth Erika M.
Published: December 2009

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated P2T, was isolated from the biofilm developed on the inner surface of an ultrapure cooling water system in a Hungarian power plant and was characterized by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain P2T was affiliated with the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’ in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Its closest relative was Flectobacillus lacus CL-GP79T (88.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) followed by Arcicella rosea TW5T (86.5 %), Arcicella aquatica NO-502T (86.4 %), Flectobacillus roseus GFA-11T (86.3 %) and Flectobacillus major DSM 103T (85.4 %). Cells of strain P2T were facultatively anaerobic, non-motile rods. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1
ω5c (42.5 %), iso-C15 : 0 2-OH (17.2 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (16.1 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (8.5 %). The major menaquinone was MK-7 and the predominant polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content was 54.5 mol%. Thus, the phenotypic and genotypic analyses clearly showed that strain P2T is considerably different from members of other genera in the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’. Based on these results, it is concluded that strain P2T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Siphonobacter
aquaeclarae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with type strain P2T (=DSM 21668T =NCAIM B 02328T).
Dyadobacter soli sp. nov., a starch-degrading bacterium isolated from farm soil
Authors: Lee Myungjin , Woo Sung-Geun , Park Joonhong , Yoo Soon-Ae
Published: December 2009

A Gram-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacterial strain, designated MJ20T, was isolated from farm soil near Daejeon (South Korea) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain MJ20T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae, class Sphingobacteria, and was related most closely to Dyadobacter fermentans DSM 18053T (98.9 % sequence similarity), Dyadobacter beijingensis JCM 14200T (98.0 %) and Dyadobacter ginsengisoli KCTC 12589T (96.4 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain MJ20T was 48.5 mol%. The detection of MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and a fatty acid profile with summed feature 4 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1
ω5c as major components supported the affiliation of strain MJ20T to the genus Dyadobacter. The new isolate exhibited relatively low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness with respect to D. fermentans DSM 18053T (mean±sd of three determinations, 47±7 %) and D. beijingensis JCM 14200T (38±8 %). On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain MJ20T (=KCTC 22481T =JCM 16232T) should be classified in the genus Dyadobacter as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Dyadobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed.
Corynebacterium canis sp. nov., isolated from a wound infection caused by a dog bite
Authors: Funke Guido , Englert Ralf , Frodl Reinhard , Bernard Kathryn A. , Stenger Steffen
Published: December 2009

A non-lipophilic, coryneform bacterium isolated from a patient's wound caused by a dog bite was characterized by phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular genetic methods. Chemotaxonomic features suggested assignment of the unknown bacterium to the genus Corynebacterium. The isolate exhibited the following unusual features, which made it possible to phenotypically differentiate it from all other medically relevant corynebacteria: the Gram stain showed some very filamentous rods (>15 μm in length); some cells exhibited branching; colonies were domed and adherent to agar; the micro-organism was positive for pyrazinamidase, β-glucosidase, α-glucosidase and trypsin but negative for β-galactosidase. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and partial rpoB gene sequencing showed that the closest phylogenetic relative, Corynebacterium freiburgense, exhibited more than 1.9 % and 17.9 % divergence with the unknown bacterium, respectively. Based on both phenotypic and molecular genetic data, it is proposed that the isolate should be classified as a novel species, Corynebacterium canis sp. nov., with the type strain 1170T (=CCUG 58627T =DSM 45402T).
Bacteroides faecis sp. nov., isolated from human faeces
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Roh Seong Woon , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: December 2009

Two anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-motile and non-spore-forming bacterial strains, designated MAJ27T and MAJ26, were isolated from human faeces. Both isolates grew optimally at 37 °C, were oxidase- and catalase-negative, were sensitive to bile and produced acid from fermentation of several substrates, including glucose. A study based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that both isolates were closely related to type strains of species of the genus Bacteroides. Comparisons of the isolates with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI 5482T and Bacteroides
finegoldii JCM 13345T showed high levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.6–98.7 and 96.9–97.0 %, respectively), but low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness (≤22 %). The DNA G+C content (42.7±1 mol%) and the major fatty acid (anteiso-C15 : 0, 39.3–42.5 %) supported the assignment of the isolates to the genus Bacteroides. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic studies, we propose that strains MAJ27T and MAJ26 be classified as representing a novel species, Bacteroides faecis sp. nov. The type strain is MAJ27T (=KCTC 5823T=JCM 16478T).
Methanospirillum lacunae sp. nov., a methane-producing archaeon isolated from a puddly soil, and emended descriptions of the genus Methanospirillum and Methanospirillum hungatei
Authors: Iino Takao , Mori Koji , Suzuki Ken-ichiro
Published: December 2009

A mesophilic, hydrogenotrophic methanogen, designated strain Ki8-1T, was isolated from soil. Cells were strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-sporulating, motile by means of a single flagellum or tufted flagella, and curved or wavy rod-shaped (11–25 μm long). The temperature and pH for optimum growth were 30 °C and 7.5. The strain grew best in basal medium without the addition of NaCl. Methane was produced from H2and formate. Acetate or yeast extract was required for growth. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Ki8-1Twas 45.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Ki8-1Twas a member of the genusMethanospirillumand showed 95.1 % sequence similarity toMethanospirillum hungateiNBRC 100397T. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic position, strain Ki8-1Tis considered to represent a novel species of the genusMethanospirillum, for which the nameMethanospirillum lacunaesp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ki8-1T(NBRC 104920T=JCM 16384T=DSM 22751T). Emended descriptions of the genusMethanospirillumand ofMethanospirillum hungateiare also provided.
Dynamic Landscapes of Four Histone Modifications during Deetiolation inArabidopsis
Authors: Charron Jean-Benoit F. , He Hang , Elling Axel A. , Deng Xing Wang
Published: December 2009

Although landscapes of several histone marks are now available for Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, such profiles remain static and do not provide information about dynamic changes of plant epigenomes in response to developmental or environmental cues. Here, we analyzed the effects of light on four histone modifications (acetylation and trimethylation of lysines 9 and 27 on histone H3: H3K9ac, H3K9me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3, respectively). Our genome-wide profiling of H3K9ac and H3K27ac revealed that these modifications are nontransposable element gene-specific. By contrast, we found that H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 target nontransposable element genes, but also intergenic regions and transposable elements. Specific light conditions affected the number of modified regions as well as the overall correlation strength between the presence of specific modifications and transcription. Furthermore, we observed that acetylation marks not only ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 and HY5-HOMOLOG upon deetiolation, but also their downstream targets. We found that the activation of photosynthetic genes correlates with dynamic acetylation changes in response to light, while H3K27ac and H3K27me3 potentially contribute to light regulation of the gibberellin metabolism. Thus, this work provides a dynamic portrait of the variations in histone modifications in response to the plant's changing light environment and strengthens the concept that histone modifications represent an additional layer of control for light-regulated genes involved in photomorphogenesis.
Handwashing programme in kindergarten: a pilot study
Authors: Au W.H. , Suen L.K.P. , Kwok Y.L.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured programme on handwashing which has taken into account of the developmental stage of children.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a pilot study using a structured handwashing programme as intervention. The intervention group (n=15) receives the structured education programme on handwashing in addition to their existing curriculum, whereas the control group (n=15) receives only the teaching content of their curriculum. The programme contains five teaching sessions delivered on a weekly basis. Storytelling, health education, games, experiments, and hands‐on activities are planned. Outcome evaluations include the knowledge level and behaviours on handwashing. The behaviour compliance over time is also assessed after the programme.

Findings

After the education programme, the knowledge level of students in both groups increased, but significant improvement in handwashing practice is observed only in the intervention group. A noticeable improvement in the handwashing practice of the experimental group is seen immediately after the programme, but the children seem to have difficulties in maintaining the habit.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size may limit the external validity of findings to other preschool institutions. Future replications of the study are needed with larger, representative samples.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that the knowledge and skills of proper handwashing of preschool children can be positively influenced by the use of a structured education programme. The results of the study suggest some implications for preschool educators, parents, and school health educators.
We are healthy so we can behave unhealthily
Authors: Ridder Monica A.M. , Heuvelmans Maartje A. , Visscher Tommy L.S. , Seidell Jacob C. , Renders Carry M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions of second grade lower vocational students concerning benefits, barriers and strategies of healthy eating and physical activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group discussions are conducted with 37 adolescents, from three schools in The Netherlands. A semi‐structured questioning‐scheme is used. Recorded data are transcribed, analysed using Atlas.ti and arranged in the EnRG‐framework.

Findings

Adolescents find health and a healthy weight important and like having a choice when it comes to health behaviour. The choices they make, however, are often unhealthy, especially when related to food. The risk perception of these adolescents is low; as long as they feel healthy, they feel no need to change their behaviour. Parents are held responsible for providing opportunities for healthy behaviour. At the same time, parental influence lessens and adolescents start to develop unhealthy habits, usually under the influence of a peer group. Adolescents accept the interference of school, meaning that there are good opportunities for school‐based interventions.

Research limitations/implications

The number (37) of respondents may not be representative for the different personalities of peer‐students.

Practical implications

Adolescents need to take on greater responsibility for their own health behaviour, especially in the school setting where they are more autonomous than at home. More information is needed about the perceptions of parents and school staff regarding stimulating healthy dietary and physical behaviour to develop, implement and preserve integral school health interventions successfully.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on adolescents' perceptions on their responsibility for their health behaviour, which is needed to develop school‐based health intervention consistent with their needs.
Coaching to enhance quality of implementation in prevention
Authors: Dusenbury Linda , Hansen William B. , Jackson‐Newsom Julia , Pittman Donna S. , Wilson Cicely V. , Nelson‐Simley Kathleen , Ringwalt Chris , Pankratz Melinda , Giles Steven M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the topics covered by coaches assisting teachers implementing a research‐based drug prevention program and explore how coaching affects student outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The All Stars drug prevention curriculum is implemented by 16 urban teachers who received four coaching sessions. Two coaches participated. Coaches are interviewed by investigators to assess topics covered. Students completed pre‐test‐post‐test measures of mediators and substance use behaviours.

Findings

The average teacher is coached on 11.7 different topics, out of a total of 23 topics. Coaching topics most heavily emphasized include: introduction and wrap up; time management; general classroom management; teacher's movement around the class; asking open‐ended questions; using students' questions, comments and examples to make desired points; general preparation; engaging high‐risk youth; reading from the curriculum; implementing activities correctly; focusing on objectives and goals; maintaining a focus on the task; and improving depth of understanding. Seven coaching topics are found to relate to changes in student mediators and behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is exploratory. Future research should explore how teachers develop the particular skills required by prevention programs and how coaches can assist them.

Practical implications

Five levels of skill development are postulated, which coaches may address: fundamental teaching skills, mechanics of program delivery, development of an interactive teaching style, effective response to student input, and effective tailoring and adaptation.

Originality/value

The paper is one of a very few studies that explores how coaching impacts outcomes in substance abuse prevention.
Workplace health promotion within small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Moore Ann , Parahoo Kader , Fleming Paul
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore managers' understanding of workplace health promotion (WHP) and experiences of WHP activity within small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a Health and Social Care Trust area of Northern Ireland. The paper aims to focus on engagement with activities within the context of prevention of ill‐health and health protection, lifestyle issues and working culture and the environment as defined in the Luxembourg Declaration on WHP.

Design/methodology/approach

A Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology is adopted, using in‐depth telephone interviews with a purposive sample of 18 SME managers. Data are analysed using Benner's strategy for data analysis.

Findings

“Levels of awareness of WHP activity” are revealed as a central theme and interpreted as “high awareness activities”, including the need to: preserve and protect employee health and safety, prevent ill‐health and injury and promote employees' quality of daily living, and “low awareness activities”, including the provision of training and development, human resource management and environmental considerations.

Originality/value

An “Iceberg” model, grounded in the data, draws attention to the limited awareness of what constitutes WHP activities and the untapped meaningfulness of organisational and environmental activities.
Management of technology in Thai automotive parts companies
Authors: Bongsebandhu‐phubhakdi Chan‐orn , Saiki Tomoko , Osada Hiroshi
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Thai domestic automotive parts companies have to manage their technology and human resources effectively and efficiently. This paper attempts to identify the key factors for management of their technology and human resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were sent to, and interviews conducted in, Thai domestic automotive parts companies.

Findings

Enhancement of employee support is useful for domestic companies and there are significant differences among companies of Tier 1 or 2 and Tier 3 in quality management and the number of proprietary and management technologies adopted.

Practical implications

It can be said that Thai domestic automotive parts companies should adopt higher level quality management tools as well as more proprietary and management technologies in order to raise their technology level.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the responses of questionnaires directly mailed to Thai domestic automotive parts companies and direct interviews to some of them. It was found that Thai domestic automotive parts companies have to enhance employee support and to improve their technology level to increase their product quality.
A new approach for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors
Authors: Farzipoor Saen Reza
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a straightforward model for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the use of the interval data envelopment analysis (DEA) is suggested. The bounds of intervals are constant and can be obtained by various estimation techniques. The interval DEA model provides for the decision making units (DMUs) with missing values a lower and an upper bound of their efficiency score corresponding to their most favorable and unfavorable option.

Findings

Employing the proposed method for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors largely reduced practical difficulties for vendor selection. This method does not exclude any vendor from the selection problem. For all the vendors it provides bounds of the efficiency scores depended on the particular data values that the vendors with missing data assign within the intervals so to maximize their efficiency score.

Practical implications

The proposed model considers a slightly non‐homogeneous situation for vendor selection. The proposed approach is driven by multiple criteria. The joint consideration of multiple criteria in a slightly non‐homogeneous environment helps managers select vendors using a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just purchase costs.

Originality/value

This paper is believed to be the first to discuss the problem of slightly non‐homogeneous vendor selection with respect to interval mathematics.
Pricing radio frequency spectrum in South Africa
Authors: Neethling Claudine
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The wireless revolution of the last decade has fuelled unprecedented demand for access to radio frequency spectrum in South Africa. For the first time, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa faces the daunting task of pricing radio frequency spectrum in a transparent and quantitative manner, while allocating the asset within the framework of black economic empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how real options analysis may be applied to achieve the goal of right pricing of radio frequency spectrum. This paper aims to combine theoretical insights with an empirical case study.

Findings

Results suggest that the primary price of a licence will vary according to the profit an entity expects to realize, rather than the licence having one fair value price.

Originality/value

Although such a conclusion may be counter‐intuitive to normal business practice, it is particularly relevant in the South African milieu of empowerment and economic participation by all.
Technology transfer for rural housing
Authors: Kumar Nirmal , Prasad Rajendra , Shankar Ravi , Iyer K.C.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Technological intervention for housing construction in rural areas in India is very low. The purpose of this paper is to understand the mutual influences of the variables influencing technology transfer in the rural housing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using interpretive structural modeling, the research presents a hierarchy‐based model and the mutual relationships among the variables of innovative and cost‐effective technology transfer.

Findings

The outcome of the research is a framework for technology transfer in rural India. The research shows that there exists a group of variables having a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention. Another group consists of those variables which have high dependence and are the resultant actions.

Practical implications

This framework provides a useful tool to understand the mutual relationships among different variables in effective technology transfer.

Originality/value

Presentation of variables in a hierarchy and the classification into driver and dependent categories is unique in the area of technology transfer in the rural housing sector.
Getting the measure of HR
Authors: Mahoney‐Phillips John , Adams Anna
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to describe how a global financial organization's corporate HR function, in partnership with divisional HR functions, increased the impact of HR initiatives through the development of an integrated and benchmarked metrics framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used to create the framework was a mixture of analytical deskwork, consultative enquiry and benchmarking.

Findings

To date many HR initiatives have failed to be taken seriously in the boardroom, and this is, in significant part, due to the lack of quantifiable impact measures. The initiative described here is a framework of metrics that can be used to monitor, track and evaluate the strategic impact of HR strategy.

Originality/value

The paper adds value to the practitioner community by offering up a process for the development of a metrics framework against which HR strategy can be evaluated and developed over time.
An evidence‐based approach to developing HR strategy: transformation in Royal Mail
Authors: Bourne Alan , Haddon Dale
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This case study aims to describe the benefits of an evidence‐based, metrics‐driven approach to formulating HR strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken to developing the HR strategy at Royal Mail Letters involved five phases: identifying the priorities for the HR strategy based on key business objectives; conducting an analysis of the current state in the organization; developing the HR strategy supported by robust analysis; reviewing the proposed approach against data and with key stakeholders; and finalizing the HR strategy.

Findings

Four factors were key to successfully delivering a successful HR strategy: identification of the right metrics; engagement with and facilitation across stakeholders; adopting a robust, evidence‐based approach; and adopting a business rather than HR focus.

Practical implications

Firstly, HR functions need the requisite analyst skills, combining “hard” data analysis relating to financial and operational performance measures alongside “soft” analysis of data such as employee opinion and assessment results. Secondly, understanding of the wider business strategy is critical. To act as a strategic partner, proactive engagement across stakeholders is vital. The credibility of HR in the business then flows from a reputation for robust analysis.

Originality/value

The paper outlines in practical terms how an HR strategy can be developed that is fundamentally based in the business strategy and uses objective analysis to help achieve a consensus among key stakeholder groups as the basis for action.