bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An image of recurrent time: Notes on cinematic image and the gaze in Béla Tarr’s Sátántangó
Authors: Dudková Jana
Published: December 2012

The article deals with Béla Tarr’s longest film Sátántangó and examines relations between image, time and ways of looking, comparing it to Lászlo Krasznahorkai’s 1985 eponymous novel on which the film was based. It reveals connections between episodes and shots in Sátántangó that lead to a conception of time that passes extremely slowly. It is recurrent—leading toward similar, repetitive situations—but at the same represents an inability to change. The image in this film is often conceived as it is mediated and Tarr frequently uses compositions involving ways of looking through some kind of optical device or a window. The only way of accessing reality is to look at it when there is no real opportunity, will or ability to intervene and change it. In this sense the article shows the relationship between the image of the fictional world of Sátántangó, inhabited by passive and demoralized characters, and the world of the film spectator and his or her relation to film image as such.
Subtle mise-en-scènes of the Middle Ages
Authors: Hlaváčová Anna
Published: December 2012

In this paper the author compares the concept of a Noh play, Matsukaze, with a Slovak altar painting from Košice Cathedral. The article uses Japanese Noh, where stage continuity has been preserved up until the present day, to reconstruct European medieval stage practices reflected in 15th century painting. Referring to the platonic tradition, the second speech represents a corrective to the first, thus legitimizing a sense of passion in the process leading to catharsis, or enlightenment.
The reflection of negative social phenomena in contemporary opera practice
Authors: Mojžišová Michaela
Published: December 2012

There are two approaches that dominate contemporary opera performances. The first may be characterised as producing a subtle, aesthetic and stylistic means of expression. The second runs up visual, interpretation and content means to their maximum expressivity and the audience is exposed to violence, sex and experience disgust. This paper analyses specific productions by renowned European theatre and opera directors, in order to shed light on the way in which opera directors cope with the threat of terrorism, sexual violence, and the impact of the mass media upon the moral belief system of modern man. Within the context of the bold productions of European theatre-makers Slovak opera theatre seems conservative, gravitating towards the aesthetic aspect of opera.
Mask archetype in contemporary scenic image
Authors: Ovečka Jozef
Published: December 2012

The author takes the contemporary theatre performance of Mátohy [The Spooks] and maps out the use of original folk theatre masks in a new theatrical context. He describes and characterizes the changes that occur as a consequence of transposing folk masks from their traditional environment to the contemporary stage.
Theatrical documentary of performance art
Authors: Podmaková Dagmar
Published: December 2012

M.H.L. is a theatrical production dedicated to the first Slovak professional female director Magda Husáková-Lokvencová, which combines documentary theatre and performance. Sláva Daubnerová wrote the script and scene concept and is director and plays the sole character in the play. She portrays the private and professional life of M.H.L. in a chronologically sequenced and mosaic-like fashion. M.H.L. is portrayed as an educated, broad-minded and intelligent woman who knows her own mind. She graduated in law and then took up theatre direction. Her private and professional life represented a series of ups and downs. Initially happy at the side of her husband, Gustáv Husák—successful early on as a politician, and flourishing in the theatre, she later had to struggle to survive and make a comeback to the theatre. Performer Daubnerová, enhanced the performance by using video art and sound design as important elements in the production.
Empowering the marginalized: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in India
Authors: Vij Nidhi
Published: December 2012

Social protection programs have been an important part of development process and planning in India since its Independence. However, after sixty-five years, around one-fourth of its population lives in poverty. Despite a plethora of social protection programs, vulnerable groups among the poor have not been well targeted. However, the recent paradigm shift towards rights-based legislations may have hit the right chord with its self-targeting mechanism. The Right to Work, or the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provided employment to almost 55 million households and spending nearly 8 billion US dollars in April 2010–March 2011. Participation of women and socially backward groups has been exceptionally high. This paper analyzes the policy provisions, implementation and monitoring mechanism of MGNEGA to argue that policy designs with legal enforceable mechanisms and collaborative governance systems can lead to empowerment of the marginalized sections.
Longitudinal Evaluation of a Scale-Up Model for Teaching Mathematics With Trajectories and Technologies
Authors: Clements Douglas H. , Sarama Julie , Wolfe Christopher B. , Spitler Mary Elaine
Published: December 2012

Using a cluster randomized trial design, we evaluated the persistence of effects of a research-based model for scaling up educational interventions. The model was implemented in 42 schools in two city districts serving low-resource communities, randomly assigned to three conditions. In pre-kindergarten, the two experimental interventions were identical, but one included follow-through in the kindergarten and first-grade years, including knowledge of the pre-K intervention and ways to build upon that knowledge using learning trajectories. Students in the experimental group scored significantly higher than control students ( g = .51 for those who received follow-through intervention in kindergarten and first grade; g = .28 for non–follow-through), and follow-through students scored significantly higher than non–follow-through students ( g = .24).
Alternatives for Mixed-Effects Meta-Regression Models in the Reliability Generalization Approach
Authors: López-López José Antonio , Botella Juan , Sánchez-Meca Julio , Marín-Martínez Fulgencio
Published: December 2012

Since heterogeneity between reliability coefficients is usually found in reliability generalization studies, moderator analyses constitute a crucial step for that meta-analytic approach. In this study, different procedures for conducting mixed-effects meta-regression analyses were compared. Specifically, four transformation methods for the reliability coefficients, two estimators of the residual between-studies variance, and two methods for testing regression coefficients significance were combined in a Monte Carlo simulation study. The different methods were compared in terms of bias and mean square error (MSE) of the slope estimates, and Type I error and statistical power rates for the slope statistical tests. The results of the simulation study did not vary as a function of the residual variance estimator. All transformation methods provided negatively biased estimates, but both bias and MSE were reasonably small in all cases. In contrast, important differences were found regarding statistical tests, with the method proposed by Knapp and Hartung showing a better adjustment to the nominal significance level and higher power rates than the standard method.
AJEC @ 21
Authors: Kockel Ullrich , Narotzky Susana , Reed-Danahay Deborah
Published: December 2012

AJEC @ 21: A Perspective from the Société Internationale d’Ethnologie et de Folklore (SIEF)

AJEC @ 21: A Perspective from the European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA)

AJEC @ 21: A Perspective from the Society for the Anthropology of Europe (SAE)
Walking on Borderlines, Crossing Frontiers
Authors: Greverus Ina-Maria
Published: December 2012

The history of the Anthropological Journal of European Cultures is told here as stories of boundary crossings between cultures of Europe and their overseas relationships: from the outset through developments and 'shifting grounds', to the present day. These stories have ranged from the Wall that divided nations to the vision and reality of European Unity. At the same time, the journal has sought to transcend boundaries between disciplines that, especially in Europe, have often remained attached to national and colonial traditions of monographic description of regions and tribes.

Ethnography needs transnational and transdisciplinary discourses and comparison, without losing sight of fieldwork in situ and multiple sites, including from the perspective of the Other.

'Anthropologising Europe' has been a key concern of the journal, as have the 'shifting grounds' of 'doing ethnography' in the context of globalisation that sediments places and spaces. Separations received much attention: of nations by the wall between capitalism and communism, in gender relations, or through national and regional bordering processes. But there were also the boundary transgressing utopias of a collage of hybrid society as poetic spark, in which the hybrid anthropologist, too, might feel at home in his or her various hermeneutic endeavours.
Conflicting Visions of Urban Regeneration in a New Political and Economic Order
Authors: Ehrlich Kornelia
Published: December 2012

This article analyses the phenomenon of urban regeneration and development in the context of globalisation and processes of Europeanisation with a focus on culture and creativity. It asks how the process of negotiating EU-rope is being reflected in places situated at the 'edge' of the European Union and which actors are involved in these processes of negotiating EU-rope, its culture, values and urban regeneration. The author presents an empirical example from Ljubljana, Slovenia. The focus lies on negotiating the usage and development of an abandoned industrial site. Here, different ideas of negotiating and developing the city in the context of globalisation and Europeanisation come to the fore: top-down approaches that follow the image of a creative city as well as bottom-up initiatives that develop anti-global and anti-capitalistic criticism with the help of social-spatial and cultural practices.
The Fate of 'Backwardness'
Authors: Frois Catarina
Published: December 2012

In Portugal, terms such as 'modernisation', 'progress' and 'development' are continually invoked by a wide range of social actors, representing the right path and ultimate goal of all political and social change, but on the other hand conceal the actual truth that, to use Latour's expression: 'We have never been modern'. The result is that the demand for modernisation is accompanied by the parallel reification of 'backwardness'. Alluding to Portugal's peripheral condition, to its distance from the rest of Europe and so forth, is part of common everyday discourse, and the country is typically portrayed as a kind of European backwater, forever lagging behind more advanced states. This article aims to present and discuss how backwardness and modernisation are recurrently present in political discourse as a leitmotiv for social, economic and cultural change and the way it is incorporated into a broader and rooted self-representation of the Portuguese modus vivendi and national features.
On the Content Bound for Real Quadratic Field Extensions
Authors: Underwood Robert
Published: December 2012

Let K be a finite extension of ℚ and let S = {ν} denote the collection of K normalized absolute values on K. Let V K + denote the additive group of adeles over K and let c : V K + → ℝ ≥0 denote the content map defined as c( { a v } ) = ∏ v∈s v( a v ) for { a v }∈ V K + . A classical result of J. W. S. Cassels states that there is a constant c > 0 depending only on the field K with the following property: if { a v }∈ V K + with c( { a v } ) > c , then there exists a non-zero element b ∈ K for which v(b)≤v( a v ), ∀v∈ S . Let cK be the greatest lower bound of the set of all c that satisfy this property. In the case that K is a real quadratic extension there is a known upper bound for cK due to S. Lang. The purpose of this paper is to construct a new upper bound for cK in the case that K has class number one. We compare our new bound with Lang’s bound for various real quadratic extensions and find that our new bound is better than Lang’s in many instances.
The Relation between Granger Causality and Directed Information Theory: A Review
Authors: Amblard Pierre-Olivier , Michel Olivier
Published: December 2012

This report reviews the conceptual and theoretical links between Granger causality and directed information theory. We begin with a short historical tour of Granger causality, concentrating on its closeness to information theory. The definitions of Granger causality based on prediction are recalled, and the importance of the observation set is discussed. We present the definitions based on conditional independence. The notion of instantaneous coupling is included in the definitions. The concept of Granger causality graphs is discussed. We present directed information theory from the perspective of studies of causal influences between stochastic processes. Causal conditioning appears to be the cornerstone for the relation between information theory and Granger causality. In the bivariate case, the fundamental measure is the directed information, which decomposes as the sum of the transfer entropies and a term quantifying instantaneous coupling. We show the decomposition of the mutual information into the sums of the transfer entropies and the instantaneous coupling measure, a relation known for the linear Gaussian case. We study the multivariate case, showing that the useful decomposition is blurred by instantaneous coupling. The links are further developed by studying how measures based on directed information theory naturally emerge from Granger causality inference frameworks as hypothesis testing.
Disruption of the Expression of a Non-Coding RNA Significantly Impairs Cellular Differentiation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Patil Veerupaxagouda , Lescault Pamela , Lirussi Dario , Thompson Ann , Matrajt Mariana
Published: December 2012

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is an important human and veterinary pathogen. Asexual replication of T. gondii in humans and intermediate hosts is characterized by two forms: rapidly growing “tachyzoites” and latent “bradyzoite” tissue cysts. Tachyzoites are responsible for acute illness and congenital neurological birth defects, while the more slowly dividing bradyzoite form can remain latent within the tissues for many years, representing a threat to immunocompromised patients. We have developed a genetic screen to identify regulatory genes that control parasite differentiation and have isolated mutants that fail to convert to bradyzoites. One of these mutants has an insertion disrupting a locus that encodes a developmentally regulated non-coding RNA transcript, named Tg-ncRNA-1. Microarray hybridizations suggest that Tg-ncRNA-1 is involved in the early steps of bradyzoite differentiation. Since Tg-ncRNA-1 does not contain an open reading frame, we used the algorithm Coding Potential Calculator (CPC) that evaluates the protein-coding potential of a transcript, to classify Tg-ncRNA-1. The CPC results strongly indicate that Tg-ncRNA-1 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Interestingly, a previously generated mutant also contains an insertion in Tg-ncRNA-1. We show that both mutants have a decreased ability to form bradyzoites, and complementation of both mutants with wild-type Tg-ncRNA-1 restores the ability of the parasites to differentiate. It has been shown that an important part of bradyzoite differentiation is transcriptionally controlled, but this is the first time that a non-coding RNA is implicated in this process.
Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Regulates the Expression of Human Testis-Enriched Leucine-Rich Repeats and WD Repeat Domain Containing 1 (LRWD1) Gene
Authors: Teng Yen-Ni , Chuang Po-Jung , Liu Yo-Wen
Published: December 2012

The human Leucine-rich Repeats and WD repeat Domain containing 1 (LRWD1) gene was originally identified by cDNA microarray as one of the genes down-regulated in the testicular tissues of patients with severe spermatogenic defects. Human LRWD1 is a testicular-enriched protein that is present predominantly in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes and spermatids and colocalizes with the centrosome at the base of sperm tail. Reporter assay, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, and gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to identify the core promoter region of LRWD1. A 198 bp segment upstream of the LRWD1 transcription initiation site exhibited promoter activity. The LRWD1 core promoter lacked a TATA box but contained a NF-κB binding site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis and gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed basal binding of the NF-κB subunit to the LRWD1 promoter. LRWD1 promoter activity was positively regulated by NF-κB, and this regulation was dependent on the presence of the conserved κB site in the LRWD1 promoter region. Our data suggest that NF-κB is an important regulator for the expression of LRWD1. This is the first study showing that the expression of the testis-enriched LRWD1 gene is regulated by NF-κB.
Response Surface Methodology Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Rapid and Efficient Accumulation of Macrolactin A by Marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ESB-2
Authors: He Shan , Wang Hongqiang , Wu Bin , Zhou Hui , Zhu Peng , Yang Rui , Yan Xiaojun
Published: December 2012

In the present work, an antibiotic-producing marine bacterium was isolated from a seawater sample collected from Yuhuan, Zhejiang, China, identified and named as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ESB-2 on the basis of phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the fermentation conditions for rapid and efficient accumulation of macrolactin A, a pharmacologically important marine antibiotic. Eight fermentation conditions were examined for their significance on macrolactin A production using Plackett–Burman factorial design, where peptone, medium volume and temperature significantly improved production rate. Further optimization was carried out using Box-Behnken design of experiments to study the influence of process variables. The optimized fermentation condition for maximum production was peptone 14.8 mg/mL, yeast extract 1 mg/mL, FePO4 0.01 mg/mL, temperature 26.3 °C, initial pH value 6.0, medium volume 72.4%, rotation speed 150 r/min, inoculation 5% and fermented for 2 days. Under the optimized conditions, the concentration of macrolactin A reached 21.63 mg/L, representing a 2.4-fold increase compared to the original standard condition, which was also 17% higher than previous highest report of 18.5 mg/L and three times higher in terms of daily productivity.
(3S)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic Acid from Cichorium endivia. L Induces Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer HCT-8 Cells
Authors: Wang Fu-Xin , Deng An-Jun , Li Ming , Wei Jin-Feng , Qin Hai-Lin , Wang Ai-Ping
Published: December 2012

Cichorium endivia. L, consumed either cooked or eaten raw in salads, is a popular kind of vegetable cultivated all around the World. Its components have been widely used in folk medicine in anti-inflammatory therapy. However, the anti-cancer activity of the components has never been reported. In this study, (3S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (1), an amino acid isolated from C. endivia. L, was found for the first time to show cytotoxic activity in colorectal cancer cell line HCT-8. Compound 1 at concentrations of 0.5–4 μM induced apoptosis of HCT-8 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The compound 1-induced apoptosis in HCT-8 cells was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, the up-regulation of Bax and the down-regulation of Bcl-2. In addition, compound 1 suppressed the activation of NF-κB, which acts as an inhibitor of apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggested that compound 1 could significantly induce apoptosis of HCT-8 cells through the suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus can be considered as a potential candidate for developing chemotherapeutic drugs against cancer.
Cross-Coupling Reaction with Lithium Methyltriolborate
Authors: Yamamoto Yasunori , Ikizakura Kazuya , Ito Hajime , Miyaura Norio
Published: December 2012

We newly developed lithium methyltriolborate as an air-stable white solid that is convenient to handle. The good performance of this triolborate for metal-catalyzed bond-forming reactions was demonstrated in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with haloarenes. Cross-coupling reaction of [MeB(OCH2)3CCH3]Li with aryl halides occurred in the presence of Pd(OAc)2/RuPhos complex in refluxing MeOH/H2O and the absence of bases.
Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Webb Hayden , Arnott Jaimys , Crawford Russell , Ivanova Elena
Published: December 2012

With increasing global consumption and their natural resistance to degradation, plastic materials and their accumulation in the environment is of increasing concern. This review aims to present a general overview of the current state of knowledge in areas that relate to biodegradation of polymers, especially poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). This includes an outline of the problems associated with plastic pollution in the marine environment, a description of the properties, commercial manufacturing and degradability of PET, an overview of the potential for biodegradation of conventional polymers and biodegradable polymers already in production.
Repeatability, Reproducibility and Standardisation of a Laser Doppler Imaging Technique for the Evaluation of Normal Mouse Hindlimb Perfusion
Authors: Greco Adelaide , Ragucci Monica , Liuzzi Raffaele , Gargiulo Sara , Gramanzini Matteo , Coda Anna , Albanese Sandra , Mancini Marcello , Salvatore Marco , Brunetti Arturo
Published: December 2012

Background. Preclinical perfusion studies are useful for the improvement of diagnosis and therapy in dermatologic, cardiovascular and rheumatic human diseases. The Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI) technique has been used to evaluate superficial alterations of the skin microcirculation in surgically induced murine hindlimb ischemia. We assessed the reproducibility and the accuracy of LDPI acquisitions and identified several critical factors that could affect LDPI measurements in mice. Methods. Twenty mice were analysed. Statistical standardisation and a repeatability and reproducibility analysis were performed on mouse perfusion signals with respect to differences in body temperature, the presence or absence of hair, the type of anaesthesia used for LDPI measurements and the position of the mouse body. Results. We found excellent correlations among measurements made by the same operator (i.e., repeatability) under the same experimental conditions and by two different operators (i.e., reproducibility). A Bland-Altman analysis showed the absence of bias in repeatability (p = 0.29) or reproducibility (p = 0.89). The limits of agreement for repeatability were –0.357 and –0.033, and for reproducibility, they were –0.270 and 0.238. Significant differences in perfusion values were observed in different experimental groups. Conclusions. Different experimental conditions must be considered as a starting point for the evaluation of new drugs and strategic therapies.
Onabotulinumtoxin A for Treating Overactive/Poor Compliant Bladders in Children and Adolescents with Neurogenic Bladder Secondary to Myelomeningocele
Authors: Marte Antonio
Published: December 2012

This retrospective study was performed to verify the efficacy and safety of Onabotulinumtoxin A (BTX-A) in treating children with neurogenic bladder (NB) secondary to myelomeningocele (MMC) with detrusor overactivity/low compliance. From January 2002 to June 2011, 47 patients out of 68 with neuropathic bladder were selected (22 females, 25 males, age range 5–17 years; mean age 10.7 years at first injection). They presented overactive/poor compliant neurogenic bladders on clean intermittent catheterization, and were resistant or non compliant to pharmacological therapy. Ten patients presented second to fourth grade concomitant monolateral/bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). All patients were incontinent despite catheterization. In the majority of patients Botulinum-A toxin was administered under general/local anesthesia by the injection of 200 IU of toxin, without exceeding the dosage of 12IU/kg body weight, diluted in 20 cc of saline solution in 20 sites, except in the periureteral areas. Follow-up included clinical and ultrasound examination, urodynamics performed at 6, 12 and 24 weeks, and annually thereafter. Seven patients remained stable, 21 patients required a second injection after 6–9 months and 19 a third injection. VUR was corrected, when necessary, in the same session after the BT-A injection, by 1–3 cc of subureteral Deflux®. Urodynamic parameters considered were leak point pressure (LPP), leak point volume (LPV) and specific volume at 20 cm H2O pressure. The results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. All patients experienced a significant 66.45% average increase of LPV (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 7169 × 10 −10) and a significant 118.57% average increase of SC 20 (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 2.466 × 10 −12). The difference between preoperative and postoperative LPP resulted not significant (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 0.8858) No patient presented severe systemic complications; 38/47 patients presented slight hematuria for 2–3 days. Two patients had postoperative urinary tract infection. All patients were hospitalized for 24 h with catheterization. Thirty-eight out of 47 patients achieved dryness between CIC; nine patients improved their incontinence but still need pads. Ten patients have resumed anticholinergic agents. Our results suggest that the use of BTX-A is safe and effective in patients with MMC with a positive effect on their dryness and quality of life.
Prevalence, Biogenesis, and Functionality of the Serine Protease Autotransporter EspP
Authors: Weiss André , Brockmeyer Jens
Published: December 2012

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) causes severe diseases in humans worldwide. One of its virulence factors is EspP, which belongs to the serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) family. In this review we recapitulate the current data on prevalence, biogenesis, structural properties and functionality. EspP has been used to investigate mechanistic details of autotransport, and recent studies indicate that this transport mechanism is not autonomous but rather dependent on additional factors. Currently, five subtypes have been identified (EspPα-EspPε), with EspPα being associated with highly virulent EHEC serotypes and isolates from patients with severe disease. EspPα has been shown to degrade major proteins of the complement cascade, namely C3 and C5 and probably interferes with hemostasis by cleavage of coagulation factor V. Furthermore, EspPα is believed to contribute to biofilm formation perhaps by polymerization to rope-like structures. Together with the proteolytic activity, EspPα might ameliorate host colonization and interfere with host response.
Non-dairy probiotic beverages: the next step into human health
Authors: Gawkowski D. , Chikindas M.L.
Published: December 2012

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. The two main genera of microorganisms indicated as sources of probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Historically used to produce fermented dairy products, certain strains of both genera are increasingly utilised to formulate other functional foods. As the consumers’ understanding of the role of probiotics in health grows, so does the popularity of food containing them. The result of this phenomenon is an increase in the number of probiotic foods available for public consumption, including a rapidly-emerging variety of probiotic-containing non-dairy beverages, which provide a convenient way to improve and maintain health. However, the composition of non-dairy probiotic beverages can pose specific challenges to the survival of the health conferring microorganisms. To overcome these challenges, strain selection and protection techniques play an integral part in formulating a stable product. This review discusses non-dairy probiotic beverages, characteristics of an optimal beverage, and commonly used probiotic strains, including spore-forming bacteria. It also examines the most recent developments in probiotic encapsulation technology with focus on nano-fibre formation as a means of protecting viable cells. Utilising bacteria's natural armour or creating barrier mechanisms via encapsulation technology will fuel development of stable non-dairy probiotic beverages.
Mobilome and genetic modification of bifidobacteria
Authors: Guglielmetti S. , Mayo B. , Álvarez-Martín P.
Published: December 2012

Until recently, proper development of molecular studies in Bifidobacterium species has been hampered by growth difficulties, because of their exigent nutritive requirements, oxygen sensitivity and lack of efficient genetic tools. These studies, however, are critical to uncover the cross-talk between bifidobacteria and their hosts’ cells and to prove unequivocally the supposed beneficial effects provided through the endogenous bifidobacterial populations or after ingestion as probiotics. The genome sequencing projects of different bifidobacterial strains have provided a wealth of genetic data that will be of much help in deciphering the molecular basis of the physiological properties of bifidobacteria. To this end, the purposeful development of stable cloning and expression vectors based on robust replicons - either from temperate phages or resident plasmids - is still needed. This review addresses the current knowledge on the mobile genetic elements of bifidobacteria (prophages, plasmids and transposons) and summarises the different types of vectors already available, together with the transformation procedures for introducing DNA into the cells. It also covers recent molecular studies performed with such vectors and incipient results on the genetic modification of these organisms, establishing the basis that would allow the use of bifidobacteria for future biotechnological applications.
Aspergillus fumigatus toxins cause cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human T lymphocytes (Jurkat cells)
Authors: Malekinejad H. , Fani F. , Shafie-Irannejad V. , Fink-Gremmel F.
Published: December 2012

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungus, which plays a prominent role in the incidence of various diseases including invasive aspergillosis. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of the main secondary metabolites of Aspergillus fumigatus including gliotoxin, kojic acid, fumagillin, and verruculogen were studied on human T lymphocytes (Jurkat cells). The calculated IC50 values, which were obtained based on the Alamar Blue reduction assay, indicated that the strongest toxicity was exerted by gliotoxin, followed by kojic acid and equally by fumagillin and verruculogen. Correspondingly, the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the selected mycotoxins showed that gliotoxin exposure resulted in the highest ROS generation, followed by kojic acid, fumagillin and verruculogen. Each of the four mycotoxins exhibited concentration- and time-dependent apoptotic effects albeit with differences as evidenced by cytochrome C release, caspase-3/7 activity enhancement, and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, a comparison of gliotoxin and other metabolites of A. fumigatus such as kojic acid, fumagillin and verruculogen identified gliotoxin as the most cytotoxic mycotoxin for Jurkat cells. As Jurkat cells represent human T lymphocytes, A. fumigatus toxins might exert significant immunosuppressive effects.
Preparativos del viaje de Diego de Nicuesa para poblar la Tierra Firme. Sevilla y los mercaderes del comercio atlántico (1509)
Authors: Mena García Carmen
Published: December 2012

Desvelamos en estas páginas aspectos absolutamente novedosos de la expedición de Alonso de Ojeda y Diego de Nicuesa a la Tierra Firme. En especial, nos preocupamos por investigar los preparativos realizados en solitario por Nicuesa en Sevilla, cuyos gastos y vicisitudes quedaron reflejados tanto en el libro de cuentas del tesorero Matienzo como en los registros notariales hispalenses. Todo un entramado mercantil aflora en nuestra pesquisa con un notorio predominio de los comerciantes vascos y genoveses interesados en el comercio atlántico, que ahora participan activamente al servicio de la flotilla de Tierra Firme.
La «esclavitud» de los sentimientos: vida familiar y afectiva de la población esclava en el nororiente del Nuevo Reino de Granada, 1720-1819
Authors: Pita Pico Roger
Published: December 2012

Aún por encima de las normas establecidas en el Nuevo Reino de Granada, la posibilidad de los esclavos de entablar relaciones afectivas o de comprometerse en matrimonio siempre dependió de la voluntad y de los intereses de los amos. El cruce con personas libres también le trajo al esclavo ciertas complicaciones aunque también le abrió mayores oportunidades en su vida afectiva. El panorama para la familia esclava no era más alentador. La dinámica comercial, la manumisión y otras formas de circulación de esclavos, representaron una amenaza constante para la unidad de esas comunidades de sangre. Muchos fueron los esfuerzos y reiteradas las súplicas de los afectados por clamar mejores condiciones para llevar una vida afectiva más estable.
Vida cotidiana en las postrimerías de El Paso colonial
Authors: Orozco Víctor
Published: December 2012

El propósito del artículo es ofrecer a los lectores un relato histórico de hechos, situaciones y procesos ocurridos en El Paso del Norte (Hoy Ciudad Juárez) durante ciertos momentos de la segunda mitad de la centuria XVIII y la primera de la XIX. El hilo conductor es la vida cotidiana de los pobladores, que comprende ámbitos privados y públicos. Se integran, de esta suerte, modos y costumbres, nombres, relaciones jurídicas y políticas, economía, religión, entre otras prácticas sociales. Los protagonistas son casi siempre hombres y mujeres anónimos o desconocidos para la historia. La idea central es que la narración ayude a mirar más de cerca la historia de esta ciudad, con la ayuda del microscopio, y a comprenderla desde esta perspectiva. He supuesto que estas narraciones servirán para alimentar el deseo o la inspiración de nuevas investigaciones, arribar a conclusiones útiles para los lectores o que su lectura proporcionará algún deleite por el conocimiento del pasado. El trabajo descansa en fuentes documentales primarias del Archivo Histórico Municipal de Juárez (AHMJ) básicamente.
Azúcar y Modernidad: La experimentación tecnológica de la oligarquía habanera: 1700-1820
Authors: García Rodríguez Mercedes
Published: December 2012

El artículo aborda la mentalidad de modernización y experimentación tecnológica que acompañó a la élite ilustrada de la oligarquía azucarera de Cuba entre los siglos XVIII y XIX. Se demuestra con datos y documentos el marcado interés de este poderoso grupo habanero por hacer crecer la producción del dulce, lo que los condujo a contratar, con fábricas inglesas, la producción de los molinos con un diseño moderno, y materiales constructivos que los hicieron más duraderos y potentes. Mostraremos la diligencia y persistencia de la élite azucarera para lograr sus objetivos económicos y políticos y cómo a través de su vocero Francisco de Arango y Parreño reclamaron al rey autorización para un periplo por Europa y el Caribe de espionaje tecnológico-industrial que les sirvió para introducir nuevas máquinas y tecnología moderna. En este proceso fue fundamental la inversión del capital acumulado por algunos miembros de la élite v las gestiones realizadas por directivos de la Real Compañía de Comercio de la Habana en Cádiz, Bristol y Londres.
Propietarias españolas en México ante los efectos de la Revolución: pérdidas patrimoniales y búsqueda de indemnizaciones, 1910 a 1938
Authors: Pérez Acevedo Martín , Rivera Reynaldos Lisette Griselda
Published: December 2012

El texto pretende analizar el impacto que el movimiento de la Revolución Mexicana tuvo en las mujeres de nacionalidad española que vieron afectados sus bienes a través de mecanismos tales como incautaciones, robo, incendio, préstamos forzosos, etc., implementados por diversos grupos revolucionarios. Interesa destacar las estrategias a las que acudieron estas mujeres para obtener una indemnización del gobierno mexicano que les permitiera recobrar una parte de su patrimonio. Asimismo, queremos conocer el perfil de las propietarias y las causas que las llevaron a tener que luchar en su propio nombre por la defensa de sus intereses. A través de la consulta de los expedientes integrados por las tres comisiones de reclamaciones —en particular la Comisión Mixta Hispano-Mexicana de Reclamaciones— buscamos ofrecer una perspectiva general a nivel nacional que nos permita comparar los casos de estas extranjeras. Con ello nos proponemos acercarnos a un grupo de mujeres que tuvo que traspasar los límites del ideal social femenino, de una forma distinta a como lo hicieron aquellas otras que participaron activamente en la lucha armada (adelitas, soldaderas, activistas políticas). Aquí se trata de las que fueron afectadas en su entorno inmediato, que comprendía la familia, el sustento, los negocios, los roles de género y clase, etc.
Silvia Mistral, Constancia de la Mora y Dolores Martí: Relatos y memorias del exilio de 1939
Authors: Domínguez Prats Pilar
Published: December 2012

Este artículo analiza las narraciones autobiográficas de tres mujeres republicanas, pertenecientes a la primera generación del exilio (nacidas entre 1900 y 1910). Se trata de los relatos de Constancia de la Mora, Silvia Mistral y Dolores Martí. Todos ellos tienen en común la circunstancia de haberse escrito en Francia entre 1939 y 1940, aunque para dos de las autoras esta fue la primera etapa del exilio que las llevó definitivamente a México. El análisis de los relatos se enmarca en el contexto sociopolítico en el que vivieron sus autoras en las tres primeras décadas del siglo XX. Aparece en ellos el fruto de una memoria personal e individual, pero insertada en la memoria colectiva de su grupo de referencia, el colectivo exiliado. Las autoras representan tendencias políticas opuestas dentro del bando republicano: el comunismo y el anarquismo, aunque su condición femenina y las circunstancias comunes que atraviesan matizan esas diferencias en sus relatos. El carácter político de sus escritos, elaborados como el testimonio colectivo de la diáspora republicana, es también un elemento común a todos ellos.
Justicia y memoria en la acción de las asociaciones de víctimas de la dictadura en Argentina (1983-2000)
Authors: Tahir Nadia
Published: December 2012

Entre 1976 y 1983, Argentina vivió la más sangrienta dictadura de su historia. El método represivo más emblemático de la acción de las juntas militares al poder fue la desaparición forzada de personas. Tras el final de la dictadura, las asociaciones de familiares y la de ex detenidos desaparecidos se implicaron en la lucha por la «Verdad, justicia y memoria» ligada a la gestión del pasado dictatorial en democracia. Este trabajo se propone volver sobre los discursos y la acción de estas agrupaciones durante los mandatos de los presidentes Raúl Alfonsín (1983-1989) y Carlos Menem (1989-1999). Se trata de ver cómo han evolucionado, pasando de un periodo en el que sus reivindicaciones están en un primer plano de la esfera pública y de la agenda gubernamental a convertirse en oposición en un tiempo de políticas llamadas de «reconciliación nacional». Veremos cómo los actores se centran en el mantenimiento de sus reclamos y en qué medida la nueva coyuntura permite la emergencia de nuevos actores. Se trata de analizar cómo el conjunto de estos actores se remite a las herramientas judiciales y memoriales para seguir su labor y subrayar las singularidades del caso argentino en la construcción de una memoria colectiva.
What Is BCIA Really?
Authors: Shaffer Fred , Crawford Judy , Moss Donald
Published: December 2012

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) is the primary international certification body in the fields of biofeedback and neurofeedback, including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction biofeedback. BCIA has established blueprints of knowledge and requirements for independent practice to guide the process of education and training in the three fields of biofeedback, neurofeedback, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction biofeedback. BCIA promotes certification globally to ensure consistent standards and quality in the practice of biofeedback and neurofeedback.
Change Illness Beliefs with Biofeedback and Somatic Feedback
Authors: Peper Erik , Shumay Dianne M. , Moss Donald
Published: December 2012

The Health Belief Model proposes that medical treatment and patient self-care plans need to be congruent with the client's illness beliefs. When the client's illness attributions are compatible, the client is more likely to comply with both medical treatment and self-care. The authors emphasize the internal versus external locus of control dimension in illness attributions. Clients may believe that the illness is outside of personal control and that only external treatment such as surgery or medication will help. With such beliefs in place, the client is unlikely to be open to a regimen emphasizing self-regulation and personal behavioral changes. The authors propose that biofeedback and somatic feedback exercises provide effective tools for changing illness attributions and awaken the client to the impact of thoughts and emotions on physiology. A case study and a description of a somatic feedback exercise illustrate the approach.
Dysponesis Awareness Training: Surface Electromyographic Training for Increased Awareness and Facilitated Neck Muscle Relaxation
Authors: Harvey Richard , Thorne Erin , McPhetridge Jourdan
Published: December 2012

This study investigated a simple biofeedback-assisted training protocol for increasing somatic awareness as well as reducing dyponesis. Twelve normal, healthy volunteers with no known musculoskeletal impairments (mean age of 23.8 years) were trained to increase awareness of “wasted effort” in the neck muscles during a simple bending task. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were recorded from the midcervical paraspinal muscles (C-5) while the subject performed a forward fold, also described as a “toe touch” movement. The quantitative measures of sEMG activity were compared to a subjective measure of neck muscle tension. During the pretraining measurements, 11 of 12 participants reported no subjective awareness of increased neck muscle tension while bending in a forward fold “toe touch” position. After approximately 10 minutes of “dysponesis awareness training,” all participants had measurable reductions in neck muscle tension, as well as reductions in the subjective sense of tension while performing the forward fold exercise, as compared to pretraining. The 11 participants who increased their self-awareness following training reported not only feeling decreased neck muscle tension but also increased general relaxation levels. The findings suggest that most individuals may be unaware of increased muscle tension during simple activities such as a forward bend, yet may rapidly learn how to reduce dysponesis, such as unnecessary neck muscle overexertion during a forward bend. Furthermore, sEMG dysponesis awareness training could be adapted to rapidly train individuals such as athletes to reduce unnecessary muscle use.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Postconcussion Syndrome: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Lagos Leah , Bottiglieri Thomas , Vaschillo Bronya , Vaschillo Evgeny
Published: December 2012

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback is used to restore balance in the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system by increasing or reducing the activity of either. Researchers have postulated that a fundamental cause of refractory postconcussion syndrome (PCS) is physiologic dysfunction that fails to return to normal after concussion. The primary physiologic issues identified have been altered autonomic function and impaired cerebral autoregulation. Evidence has shown that aerobic exercise training increases parasympathetic activity, reduces sympathetic activation, and improves cerebral blood flow so it may, therefore, help to reduce concussion-related physiological dysfunction. The authors hypothesize that HRV biofeedback training will ameliorate PCS by improving autonomic balance as well as cerebral autoregulation, and that there will be a relationship between increased interval variability and postconcussion symptom reduction.
Correction of Postkeratoplasty Ametropia in Keratoconus Patients Using a Toric Implantable Collamer Lens
Authors: Iovieno Alfonso , Guglielmetti Stefano , Capuano Vittorio , Allan Bruce D. , Maurino Vincenzo
Published: December 2012

Purpose

TO evaluate the efficacy and safety of a toric implantable Collamer lens (Visian TICL®) for correction of high postkeratoplasty ametropia in patients with keratoconus.

Methods

Seven eyes of 7 keratoconus patients postkeratoplasty (5 M, 2 F; mean age 34.1±5.9 years, range 28–44) unable to wear glasses or contact lenses were included in the study. A foldable phakic posterior chamber Collamer toric lens was injected through a standard 3.0-mm clear corneal temporal incision. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA, logMAR), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA, logMAR), spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction, and refractive spherical equivalent (RSE) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative adverse events were recorded.

Results

The mean follow-up was 12.8±8.8 months (range 4–30). A significant (p<0.01) improvement was observed postoperatively in mean UCDVA (1.18±0.4 vs 0.2±0.1), spherical refraction (-5.89±3.43 vs 0.53±0.75), cylindrical refraction (-4.39±0.75 vs −1.74±0.84), and RSE (-8.09±3.77 vs −0.33±0.54). The BCDVA changes were not significant (0.09±0.11 vs 0.05±0.08). All patients gained ≥5 lines of UCDVA (average 7.6±1.9 lines). The number of patients with UCDVA ≥6/12 (0.3 logMAR) increased after surgery (0% vs 87.5%; p<0.01), while the number of patients with BCDVA ≥6/12 was unchanged (100% vs 100%; NS), with 0% (0/7) of patients losing ≥2 BCDVA lines. No complications were observed postoperatively.

Conclusions

Toric implantable Collamer lens was safe and effective in correcting postkeratoplasty myopia and astigmatism in keratoconus patients.