bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of three statistical methods for analysing extinction threat status
Authors: TAFT HEATHER R. , ROFF DEREK A. , KOMONEN ATTE , KOTIAHO JANNE S.
Published: August 2013

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List provides a globally-recognized evaluation of the conservation status of species, with the aim of catalysing appropriate conservation action. However, in some parts of the world, species data may be lacking or insufficient to predict risk status. If species with shared ecological or life history characteristics also tend to share their risk of extinction, then ecological or life history characteristics may be used to predict which species may be at risk, although perhaps not yet classified as such by the IUCN. Statistical models may be a means to determine whether there are non-threatened or unclassified species that share the characteristics of threatened species, however there are no data on which model might be most appropriate or whether multiple models should be used. In this paper, three types of statistical models, namely regression trees, logistic regression and discriminant function analysis are compared using data on the ecological characteristics of Finnish lepidopterans (butterflies and moths). Overall, logistic regression performed slightly better than discriminant function analysis in predicting species status, and both outperformed regression trees. Uncertainty in species classification suggests that multiple analyses should be performed and particular attention devoted to those species for which the methods disagree. Such standard statistical methods may be a valuable additional tool in assessing the likely threat status of a species where there is a paucity of abundance data.
Pain relief, spiritual needs, and family support: Three central areas in intercultural palliative care
Authors: Hanssen Ingrid , Pedersen Gry
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to draw out and coalesce the topic-specific information found in research literature regarding the provision of culturally sensitive palliative practice.

Method:

This was a literature study and Gadamerian hermeneutic text analysis.

Results:

It is more difficult to assess the level of pain in ethnic minority patients, and healthcare providers may become frustrated and interpret pain symptoms as fabrication. These patients are more likely to receive inadequate pain medication. Physical symptom management has become the priority in palliative care, but pain must also be viewed from the perspective of its social, cultural, and spiritual significance. Collectivist values may lead to an other-reliant and dependent coping style. This and religious demands may cause the family to rally around the patient. Many dying patients wish to be cared for at home by their families, but as the patient often has complex needs, the family may not be able to cope with the patient's care.

Significance of results:

Formal education and in-service programs are needed for healthcare providers, together with empirical studies regarding how to achieve more culturally appropriate care in intercultural palliative practice. The immigrant population needs to be educated about cancer and the various kinds of palliative and hospice care offered in the society in which they now live.
Assessing DNA damage from enzyme-oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pan Shenmin , Sardesai Naimish P. , Liu Hongyun , Li Dandan , Rusling James F.
Published: August 2013

Peroxidase enzyme digests of oxidized single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were shown to damage DNA in potentially genotoxic reactions for the first time using an electro-optical array with and without metabolic activation.
Laser damage resistant nematic liquid crystal cell
Authors: Raszewski Z. , Piecek W. , Jaroszewicz L. , Soms L. , Marczak J. , Nowinowski-Kruszelnicki E. , Perkowski P. , Kedzierski J. , Miszczyk E. , Olifierczuk M. , Morawiak P. , Mazur R.
Published: August 2013

There exists a problem in diagnostics of a dense plasma (so-called Thomson diagnostics). For this purpose, the plasma is illuminated by series of high energy laser pulses. Such pulses are generated by several independent lasers operating sequentially, and these pulses are to be directed along an exactly the same optical path. In this case, the energy of each separate pulse is as large as 3 J, so it is impossible to generate a burst of such pulses by a single laser. In this situation, several independent lasers have to be used. To form optical path with λ = 1.064 μm and absolute value of the energy of laser pulse through of 3 J, a special refractive index matched twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Cell (NLCC) of type LCNP2 with switching on time τON smaller than 5 μs might be applied. High laser damage resistance of NLCC and short τON can be fulfilled by preparation of liquid crystal cells with Liquid Crystal Mixture (LCM), well tuned to twisted nematic electro-optical effect, and well tuned all optical interfaces (Air – Antireflection – Quartz Plate – Electrode – Blocking Film – Aligning Layer – LCM – Aligning Layer – Blocking Film – Electrode – Quartz Plate – Antireflection – Air). In such LCNP2 cell, the transmission is higher than 97% at λ = 1.064 μm, as it is presented by Gooch and Tarry [J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 8, 1575 (1975)]. The safe laser density energy is about 0.6 J/cm2 for a train of laser pulses (λ = 1.064 μm, pulse duration 10 ns FWHM, pulse repetition rate 100 pps, train duration 10 s), so the area of liquid crystal cell tolerating 3 J through it shall be as large as 5 cm2. Due to the presence of two blocking film layers between electrodes, LCNP2 can be driven by high voltages. Switching on time smaller than τON = 5 μs was obtained under 200 V switching voltage.
Theoretical examination of superconductivity in the cubic antiperovskite Cr3GaN under pressure
Authors: Tütüncü H. M. , Srivastava G. P.
Published: August 2013

We present results of a first-principles investigation of the lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling of Cr3GaN under pressure within a linear response approach based on density functional perturbation theory. It is found that stable phonon modes are maintained throughout the Brillouin zone in the pressure range 0-100 GPa. Our results at zero pressure indicate that the material is a conventional electron-phonon superconductor with intermediate level of coupling strength. It is further found that the decrease in the density of states at the Fermi level and the increase of phonon frequencies under pressure are the main causes for a monotonic decrease of the electron-phonon coupling parameter and the superconductor transition temperature.
Simulating movement of tRNA through the ribosome during hybrid-state formation
Authors: Whitford Paul C. , Sanbonmatsu Karissa Y.
Published: August 2013

Biomolecular simulations provide a means for exploring the relationship between flexibility, energetics, structure, and function. With the availability of atomic models from X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), and rapid increases in computing capacity, it is now possible to apply molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to large biomolecular machines, and systematically partition the factors that contribute to function. A large biomolecular complex for which atomic models are available is the ribosome. In the cell, the ribosome reads messenger RNA (mRNA) in order to synthesize proteins. During this essential process, the ribosome undergoes a wide range of conformational rearrangements. One of the most poorly understood transitions is translocation: the process by which transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules move between binding sites inside of the ribosome. The first step of translocation is the adoption of a “hybrid” configuration by the tRNAs, which is accompanied by large-scale rotations in the ribosomal subunits. To illuminate the relationship between these rearrangements, we apply MD simulations using a multi-basin structure-based (SMOG) model, together with targeted molecular dynamics protocols. From 120 simulated transitions, we demonstrate the viability of a particular route during P/E hybrid-state formation, where there is asynchronous movement along rotation and tRNA coordinates. These simulations not only suggest an ordering of events, but they highlight atomic interactions that may influence the kinetics of hybrid-state formation. From these simulations, we also identify steric features (H74 and surrounding residues) encountered during the hybrid transition, and observe that flexibility of the single-stranded 3′-CCA tail is essential for it to reach the endpoint. Together, these simulations provide a set of structural and energetic signatures that suggest strategies for modulating the physical-chemical properties of protein synthesis by the ribosome.
Effects of potential barrier height and its fluctuations at grain boundaries on thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline semiconductors
Authors: Kajikawa Y.
Published: August 2013

We study theoretically the effects of grain-boundary potential barriers and their fluctuations in height on the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of polycrystalline semiconductors. On the basis of an energy-filtering model, we first derive analytical expressions of the electrical conductivity σ and the Seebeck coefficient α for polycrystalline semiconductors of any degeneracy, assuming grain-boundary potential barriers of a uniform height. These expressions in closed form enable us to perform numerical calculations of σ and α for polycrystalline semiconductors having grain-boundary potential barriers of fluctuated heights. The fluctuated barrier model is applied to the reported experimental data on the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of a boron-doped polysilicon sample. Then, the expected enhancement of the thermoelectric power factor due to the energy-filtering effect by the grain-boundary barriers is presented with the mean value and the standard deviation of the potential barrier height as variable parameters. The calculated results suggest that diminishing the fluctuations of the potential barrier height is the key issue for enhancing the power factor by energy filtering.
On the fully nonlinear acoustic waves in a plasma with positrons beam impact and superthermal electrons
Authors: Ali Shan S. , El-Tantawy S. A. , Moslem W. M.
Published: August 2013

Arbitrary amplitude ion-acoustic waves in an unmagnetized plasma consisting of cold positive ions, superthermal electrons, and positrons beam are reported. The basic set of fluid equations is reduced to an energy-balance like equation. The latter is numerically analyzed to examine the existence regions for solitary and shock waves. It is found that only solitary waves can propagate, however, the model cannot support shocks. The effects of superthermality and beam parameters (via, positrons concentration and streaming velocity) on the existence region, as well as solitary wave profile have been discussed.
On the possibility of neutron generation in an imploding TiD2 puff Z pinch
Authors: Baksht Rina B. , Oreshkin Vladimir I. , Rousskikh Alexander G.
Published: August 2013

Simulation of implosion of a TiD2 puff Z pinch is reported. The Z pinch is supposed to be produced by the plasma flow generated by a vacuum arc, as described by Rousskikh et al. [Phys. Plasmas 18, 092707 (2011)]. To simulate the implosion, a one-dimensional two-temperature radiative magnetohydrodynamics code was used. The simulation has shown that neutrons are generated during the implosion of a TiD2 puff Z pinch due to thermalization of the pinch plasma stagnated on axis. It has been shown that the necessary condition for neutron generation is that the ion temperature must be substantially higher than the electron temperature. For a pinch current of 1 MA, the predicted yield of "thermal" neutrons is 2.5 × 109 neutrons/shot.
Induction of electron injection and betatron oscillation in a plasma-waveguide-based laser wakefield accelerator by modification of waveguide structure
Authors: Ho Y.-C. , Hung T.-S. , Jhou J.-G. , Qayyum H. , Chen W.-H. , Chu H.-H. , Lin J.-Y. , Wang J. , Chen S.-Y.
Published: August 2013

By adding a transverse heater pulse into the axicon ignitor-heater scheme for producing a plasma waveguide, a variable three-dimensionally structured plasma waveguide can be fabricated. With this technique, electron injection in a plasma-waveguide-based laser wakefield accelerator was achieved and resulted in production of a quasi-monoenergetic electron beam. The injection was correlated with a section of expanding cross-section in the plasma waveguide. Moreover, the intensity of the X-ray beam produced by the electron bunch in betatron oscillation was greatly enhanced with a transversely shifted section in the plasma waveguide. The technique opens a route to a compact hard-X-ray pulse source.
Farmers’ contact with health care services prior to suicide: evidence for the role of general practitioners as an intervention point
Authors: Kavalidou Katerina , McPhedran Samara , De Leo Diego
Published: August 2013

Suicide in Australian rural communities has received significant attention from researchers, health practitioners and policymakers. Farmers and agricultural workers have been a focus of particular interest, especially in relation to levels of help seeking for mental health concerns. A less explored area, however, is the level of contact that Australian farming and agriculture workers who die by suicide have had with health providers for physical, rather than mental, health conditions. It is often assumed that farmers and agricultural workers have lower levels of contact with health care services than other rural residents, although this assumption has not been well tested. Using data from the Queensland Suicide Register, this paper describes levels of contact with health care providers in the 3 months before death by suicide among men in farming and agriculture occupations and other occupations in rural Queensland. No significant differences were found in farming and agricultural workers’ levels of contact with a general practitioner when compared with other rural men in Queensland. The current findings lend weight to the view that rural general practitioners represent an important intervention point for farming and agriculture workers at risk of suicide (whether or not those individuals exhibit accompanying psychiatric illness).
Transgenerational programming of fetal nephron deficits and sex-specific adult hypertension in rats
Authors: Gallo Linda A. , Tran Melanie , Cullen-McEwen Luise A. , Denton Kate M. , Jefferies Andrew J. , Moritz Karen M. , Wlodek Mary E.
Published: August 2013

A developmental insult that restricts growth in the first generation has the potential to program disease in subsequent generations. The aim of this study was to ascertain transgenerational growth and cardio–renal effects, via the maternal line, in a rat model of utero–placental insufficiency. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation or sham surgery (offspring termed first generation; F1 Restricted and Control, respectively) was performed in WKY rats. F1 Restricted and Control females were mated with normal males to produce second generation (F2) offspring (Restricted and Control) studied from fetal (embryonic Day 20) to adult (12 months) life. F2 Restricted male and female fetuses had reduced (P < 0.05) nephron number (down 15–22%) but this deficit was not sustained postnatally and levels were similar to Controls at Day 35. F2 Restricted males, but not females, developed elevated (+16 mmHg, P < 0.05) systolic blood pressure at 6 months of age, which was sustained to 9 months. This was not explained by alterations to intra-renal or plasma components of the renin–angiotensin system. In a rat model of utero–placental insufficiency, we report alterations to F2 kidney development and sex-specific adult hypertension. This study demonstrates that low birthweight can have far-reaching effects that extend into the next generation.
Initiation of GalNAc-type O-glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum promotes cancer cell invasiveness
Authors: Gill David J. , Tham Keit Min , Chia Joanne , Wang Shyi Chyi , Steentoft Catharina , Clausen Henrik , Bard-Chapeau Emilie A. , Bard Frederic A.
Published: August 2013

Significance

How cancer cells become invasive is key to understanding malignancy. Perturbations in O-glycosylation are strongly correlated with invasiveness. Here we report that tumor cells display relocation of O-glycosylation initiating glycosyltransferases from the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER-located O-glycosylation stimulates cell migration and invasiveness, which depend on cell surface O-glycoproteins. Inhibition of the glycosyltransferases in the ER reduces tissue invasion and metastasis formation in mice. Our study suggests that control of glycosylation via the subcellular localization of glycosyltransferases is a critical mechanism driving invasiveness in tumor cells.
On the optionality in L2 pronominal production and interpretation
Authors: Prentza Alexandra , Tsimpli Ianthi Maria
Published: August 2013

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion pertaining to the source of optionality in second language (L2) pronominal interpretation. We examined pronominal use not only in L2 English adverbial – adjunct CP clauses (‘The student was upset because he had failed the test’), but also in English VP-coordination structures (‘Jane had studied hard and (she) passed the exam’), an area which has never been investigated before. While English adjunct CP clauses represent a context in which overt pronominal subjects are obligatory, in VP-coordination pronouns can be apparently dropped. These structures were tested by means of two English production tasks: a Sentence Completion task and a Cloze Test. Our results showed that compared to the English controls the Greek learners used (a) significantly more ungrammatical null subjects in adjunct CP clauses and, crucially, (b) significantly more overt pronominal subjects in VP-coordination structures. After examining two possible accounts for the observed optionality, namely, the Interface Hypothesis and the Interpretability Hypothesis, we argue that a language internal syntax explanation best addresses our data both in the adjunct CP clauses and in the VP-coordination structures.
Event linearization in advanced L2 user discourse
Authors: Vanek Norbert
Published: August 2013

Within the functionalist approach to SLA, this study examines the interaction of event linearization patterns in L2 with the ways temporal information is typically structured in learners’ source and target languages. Specifically, film verbalisations and picture descriptions by Czech and Hungarian advanced learners of English were elicited to test learners’ susceptibility to restructure linearization principles in the target language. Another aim was to test whether linearization patterns within groups interrelate with L1-L2 contrasts in temporal structuring. Analyses of non-chronological order construction frequencies and of their preferred distribution across linguistic forms showed a pronounced effect of L1-specific linearization patterns on advanced learner production; and a close interrelation of event ordering preferences with L1-driven structuring patterns. These findings suggest that the process of event linearization in L2 largely rests on L1 fundaments, and that persisting L1 principles can lead to significant digressions from target-like performance even in highly advanced learner varieties.
Attitudes, affect and ideal L2 self as predictors of willingness to communicate
Authors: Munezane Yoko
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationships among variables that affect Willingness to Communicate (WTC) and frequency of communication in the L2 in Japanese university EFL classrooms: anxiety, motivation, integrativeness, international posture, ought-to L2 self, ideal L2 self (idealized L2 speaking self), L2 linguistic self-confidence, and valuing of global English. This purpose includes investigating Dörnyei’s (2005) hypothesis that the interplay of linguistic self-confidence and the ideal L2 self positively influence L2 WTC. A sample of 373 Japanese university students participated in the study. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning of the semester and a hypothesized structural equation model based on the WTC model (MacIntyre 1994), the socioeducational model (Gardner 1985), and the concept of the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei 2005), was tested. The structural relationships yielded new perspectives on learners’ WTC, particularly the finding that the ideal L2 self was a significant predictor of L2 WTC. Pedagogical implications of the research findings are discussed.
Hittite pai- ‘come’ and uwa- ‘go’ as Restructuring Verbs
Authors: Koller Bernhard
Published: August 2013

The present article provides a new syntactic analysis of the Hittite phraseological construction involving the verbs pai- ‘come’ or uwa- ‘go’ and a second finite verb. Most approaches have treated the construction as monoclausal in terms of verb serialization (Garrett 1990). This study will take a different approach, arguing that pai- and uwa- select a phrasal complement. The features that apparently set the construction apart from other cases of embedding in Hittite will be explained as effects of Restructuring (Rizzi 1982), a phenomenon Hittite also exhibits outside of the construction in question. It will further be argued that uwa- functions as a raising verb while pai- functions as a control verb, accounting for the differences in syntactic behavior between the two.
Continuity and change in anti-immigrant discourse in Italy
Authors: Richardson John , Colombo Monica
Published: August 2013

Anti-immigrant political arguments have long been at the centre of the campaigning of theLega Nord(the Northern League), the Italian extreme-right secessionist party. The paper analyses posters from political campaigns between 2001 and 2008 in order to detect similarities and differences emerging over time, and to show how continuity and change intertwine in the Lega Nord’s anti-immigrant discourse. The analysis is presented across two axes: first, the visual dimensions of the texts are examined, concentrating predominantly on the use of images; and second, we analyse the linguistic content of the leaflets, paying particular attention to referential strategies and argumentative structure. The sampled posters show that although the Lega Nord’s immigration policies have long been driven by an enduring basic antipathy towards foreigners, in the 2008 campaign the strategy shifted to one stressing arguments reminiscent of theNouvelle Droite’s ethnopluralism. Accordingly, in the interest of respecting cultural diversity, the Lega Nord argues that different national communities need to be kept separate, thereby inverting liberal values for the purpose of countering multiculturalism.
“Clandestino”
Authors: Quassoli Fabio
Published: August 2013

Over the last twenty years, the management of a series of complex questions raised by the growing presence of foreign immigrants in Italy has been carried out via the “invention” of specific social problems and their accompanying discourse categories. From its first appearance the term “clandestino” (or irregular immigrant) has assumed a dual significance as a concept widely adopted in public discourse and as the pillar of an ideology that comprises a very specific set of political positions regarding the management of immigration. Moreover, to the extent that theclandestinowas interpreted as a threat or problem to be eliminated or solved, it very rapidly became a discursive and practical focal point for the institutions that play a crucial role in immigration management and control. Drawing on my research from late 1990s on immigration policies and control in Italy, I show how and to what extent some institutional everyday activities of the police have been reshaped by discourses and practice that focus on dealing with irregular immigrants. This reorganization contributed to generating a complex web of knowledge, discourses and practices that produced the essential vocabulary and the hegemonic frameworks for public debates about immigration in Italy. It also makes the need and urgency to cope with irregular immigration both a political centre of gravity and a basic strategy to reproduce social order.
The representation of migrants in the Italian press
Authors: Montali Lorenzo , Riva Paolo , Frigerio Alessandra , Mele Silvia
Published: August 2013

The research analyses media discourse on migration in Italy, regarded as a means of reproducing and maintaining a racist interpretation of inter-group relations. The theoretical framework is the Critical Discourse Analysis approach. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on data consisting of headlines and articles from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, published between 1992 and 2009. Overall, it emerged that discourse is built according to themes and discursive strategies already identified by similar research based on European media, indicating how this system of representations defines a common sense of cultural belonging and a shared construction of ethnic relations. The rather long time span considered in the study allowed us to focus on how the discourse on migration in Italy might have evolved over time, but also to identify any elements that may have remained unchanged.
The looking glass
Authors: Gattino Silvia , Miglietta Anna
Published: August 2013

The paper discusses the concept of citizenship both from a critical-theoretical point of view and in the light of the findings of a research conducted in Italy on the social representation of citizens and migrants. The research aims to analyze how the thêma of social recognition is objectified in everyday language and to explore the characteristics attributed to theotherin a plural society. We show how the contemporary foreigner figure that we have come to know as ‘the migrant’ is a political and legal figure, but is also the result of a symbolic construction which is shaped through a social comparison process between citizens and non-citizens.
Religious victimization as social empowerment in discrimination narratives from California’s Proposition 8 campaign
Authors: VanderStouwe Chris
Published: August 2013

One of the premier social issues in contemporary US politics is that of same-sex marriage. This research explores language use and identity construction by same-sex marriage supporters through narratives of discrimination. This paper analyzes data collected through the non-profit Marriage Equality USA, wherein narrators respond to a survey question about experiences of discrimination during California’s Proposition 8 campaign, a statewide initiative that repealed the rights of same-sex couples to marry. In doing so, narrators use ideologies of religion and religious affiliation to: (1) construct a victim identity in relation to their experiences, (2) use this as a springboard to challenge their victimization, (3) establish opposition between individual and institutional positioning of religious identity, and (4) switch roles with their victimizers with respect to victim and empowered positions. In doing so, narrators use victimization as empowerment to convey a progressive position in an inevitably successful social movement.
“In Salsa, it’s okay to be a woman”
Authors: Schneider Britta
Published: August 2013

This article introduces discourses of heteronormativity in Western Salsa contexts. In these, gender discourses from different cultural backgrounds come into contact. Heteronormative structures are a constitutive component of many Western Salsa communities and are here analysed with the help of ethnographic data and qualitative interviews. The observations show that informants display a strong appeal to ‘traditional Latin’ gender performance. This, however, is not understood as natural but justified explicitly in interview data. Yet, despite a conscious negotiation of different discourses on gender, dichotomous gender categories are not destabilised. In the final section, potential motivations for establishing ‘traditional’ gender identity are discussed. This discussion links Salsa discourse to contemporary discourses on gender, emancipation, capitalism, the globalisation of culture and current developments of modernity.
Planifilum composti sp. nov., a thermophile isolated from compost
Authors: Han Song-Ih , Lee Jae-Chan , Lee Hyo-Jin , Whang Kyung-Sook
Published: August 2013

Two thermophilic bacteria, designated strains P8T and P12, were isolated from compost in Korea. The isolates grew aerobically from 50 to 75 °C (optimum at 55 °C) and at pH 4.0–9.0 (optimum pH 6.5). Aerial mycelia were not observed. Single spores were produced along the substrate hypha. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. Major fatty acids were iso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an aminophospholipid and sphingoglycolipid. The DNA G+C contents were 55.9–56.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains P8T and P12 belonged to the genus

Planifilum

in the family

Thermoactinomycetaceae

with sequence similarities of 96.1–97.2 %. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain P8T and the type strains of recognized species of the genus

Planifilum

ranged from 28.9 to 38.2 %. On the basis of data from the present polyphasic study, strains P8T and P12 are considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Planifilum

, for which the name Planifilum composti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P8T ( = KACC 16581T = NBRC 108858T).
Flavobacterium
ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field
Authors: Kim Yeon-Ju , Kim Sang-Rae , Nguyen Ngoc-Lan , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: August 2013

A novel bacterial strain, designated DCY54T, was isolated from a field cultivated with ginseng in Yongin, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, and strictly aerobic. They were motile by gliding and produced flexirubin-type pigments. Growth occurred optimally at 25–30 °C, at pH 5.0–7.0 and in the presence of 0–1 % NaCl. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis demonstrated that strain DCY54T was most closely related to

Flavobacterium defluvii

EMB117T (96.9 %). The only isoprenoid quinone of strain DCY 54T was menaquinone-6 (MK-6) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids (>15 %) were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 33.3 mol%. Phylogenetic inference and phenotypic data supported affiliation of strain DCY54T to the genus

Flavobacterium

. Several physiological and biochemical tests differentiated strain DCY54T from the species of the genus

Flavobacterium

with validly published names. On the basis of data from a polyphasic study, strain DCY54T represents a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

for which the name Flavobacterium
ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY54T ( = KCTC 23318T = JCM 17336T).
RNA–DNA differences in human mitochondria restore ancestral form of 16S ribosomal RNA
Authors: Bar-Yaacov Dan , Avital Gal , Levin Liron , Richards Allison L. , Hachen Naomi , Rebolledo Jaramillo Boris , Nekrutenko Anton , Zarivach Raz , Mishmar Dan
Published: August 2013

RNA transcripts are generally identical to the underlying DNA sequences. Nevertheless, RNA–DNA differences (RDDs) were found in the nuclear human genome and in plants and animals but not in human mitochondria. Here, by deep sequencing of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and RNA, we identified three RDD sites at mtDNA positions 295 (C-to-U), 13710 (A-to-U, A-to-G), and 2617 (A-to-U, A-to-G). Position 2617, within the 16S rRNA, harbored the most prevalent RDDs (>30% A-to-U and ∼15% A-to-G of the reads in all tested samples). The 2617 RDDs appeared already at the precursor polycistrone mitochondrial transcript. By using traditional Sanger sequencing, we identified the A-to-U RDD in six different cell lines and representative primates (Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pigmaeus, and Macaca mulatta), suggesting conservation of the mechanism generating such RDD. Phylogenetic analysis of more than 1700 vertebrate mtDNA sequences supported a thymine as the primate ancestral allele at position 2617, suggesting that the 2617 RDD recapitulates the ancestral 16S rRNA. Modeling U or G (the RDDs) at position 2617 stabilized the large ribosomal subunit structure in contrast to destabilization by an A (the pre-RDDs). Hence, these mitochondrial RDDs are likely functional.
Improving Research Methods Teaching and Learning in Politics and International Relations: A ‘Reality Show’ Approach
Authors: Ryan Matt , Saunders Clare , Rainsford Emily , Thompson Emma
Published: August 2013

Student dissatisfaction with undergraduate research methods courses in politics and international relations is common across the sector. We suggest that methods teaching suffers from an unhealthy disassociation between research in theory – which we call ‘method acting’ – and research in practice. Our critical interviews with eminent researchers expose the compromises professional researchers make when designing their research. Students appreciate these insights when combined with first-hand research opportunities. We call this approach a ‘reality show’. Our analysis based on survey data and students' evaluations of our approach suggests that these aids can provide an effective resource to improve teaching and learning of research methods.
Czech Ethanol‐Free Propolis Extract Displays Inhibitory Activity against a Broad Spectrum of Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Netíková Ladislava , Bogusch Petr , Heneberg Petr
Published: August 2013

Propolis acts primarily as a biocide against invasive bacteria and fungi in the hive, suggesting its potential for industrial applications. In food application, propolis is considered as a chemical preservative in meat products, extending shelf life of frozen meat and other food. The mechanism of action is still unclear due to the synergy of multiple compounds contained in propolis and due to parallel targeting of multiple pathways within each affected organism. Here, we examined the antimicrobial properties of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Czech propolis extract. Until recently, DMSO was only rarely used in the propolis studies, although the other solvents tested (mostly ethanol) may significantly affect the observed inhibitory effects, notwithstanding the antimicrobial effects of ethanol itself. Here, we provide results of zone inhibition tests against Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis. Although we determined inhibitory effects against all the microorganisms tested, the dose‐dependent response curves were not similar to each other. While inhibitory effects against C. albicans or S. aureus were strictly dose‐dependent, responses of M. gypseum and E. faecalis displayed plateau across the broad range of concentrations tested. Interestingly, response of E. coli revealed the double‐peak dose‐dependent curve, and responses of M. canis and L. monocytogenes decreased at the highest concentrations tested. Suggested is evaluation of DMSO propolis extracts in experimental treatment of human and veterinary infections, preferably in multitherapy with antibiotics.
Where to prick the apple for skin testing?
Authors: Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , van de Weg W. E. , van der Heide S. , Dubois A. E. J.
Published: August 2013

Mal d 1 is not equally distributed over the apple. We aimed to examine the influence of the location of pricking in the apple on prick‐to‐prick skin prick test (PTP) results. PTPs were performed in autumn 2007 and spring 2008, before the birch pollen season, in 32 Dutch adults with symptoms of oral allergy to fresh apple, using apples harvested in autumn 2007. PTPs with fresh intact and unpeeled Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Elise, Santana and Modi apples were performed using material obtained from approximately 2 cm near the stalk (top), and the middle region. All PTP responses were greater when performed with apple material near the stalk than from the middle region. In 2007, these differences were statistically significant for Pink Lady, Golden Delicious and Elise, and in 2008, for Pink Lady and Modi. When performing PTPs, the apple should be pricked near the stalk rather than in the middle.
House dust mite‐induced calcium signaling instigates epithelial barrier dysfunction and CCL20 production
Authors: Post S. , Nawijn M. C. , Jonker M. R. , Kliphuis N. , van den Berge M. , van Oosterhout A. J. M. , Heijink I. H.
Published: August 2013

Background

House dust mite (HDM) affects the immunological and physical barrier function of airway epithelium, leading to allergic sensitization, airway remodeling, and eosinophilic inflammation in mouse models, although the mechanisms are still largely unknown.

Objective

Given the implications for adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent Ca2+ signaling in allergic sensitization in mice, we sought to determine the role of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction and pro‐inflammatory activity of bronchial epithelium.

Methods

We investigated the effect of HDM on accumulation of [Ca2+]i levels, barrier function, and CCL20 release in human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells and primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from healthy subjects and asthma patients. Involvement of ATP‐dependent activation of purinergic receptors and downstream Ca2+ influx was studied, using the ATP hydrolyzing agent apyrase, the purinergic receptor agonist PPADS, the calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM, and calpain inhibitors.

Results

Asthma PBECs were more susceptible to HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction, CCL20 secretion, and Ca2+ influx than healthy PBECs. Furthermore, we show that the HDM‐induced increase in CCL20 in PBECs and 16HBE cells and the HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction in 16HBE cells are dependent on [Ca2+]i accumulation. Additionally, we demonstrate that [Ca2+]i accumulation is initiated partly through the activation of purinergic receptors, which contributes to HDM‐induced epithelial barrier dysfunction by disruption of cell–cell contacts, but not CCL20 secretion.

Conclusion

Our data show for the first time that Ca2+ signaling plays a crucial role in barrier dysfunction and the pro‐inflammatory response of bronchial epithelium upon HDM exposure and may thus have important implications for the development of allergic asthma.
Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 in allergic asthma
Authors: Dua B. , Smith S. , Kinoshita T. , Imaoka H. , Gauvreau G. , O'Byrne P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 (mDC2s) are a new subtype of DCs identified in both the circulation and the lung and suggested to have a role in allergic asthma.

Methods

Circulating mDC2s were enumerated in 19 healthy, 18 atopic nonasthmatic, 18 mild atopic asthmatic, and 16 moderate/severe atopic asthmatic subjects using flow cytometry.

Results

The number of circulating mDC2s was significantly lower in atopic subjects compared with healthy controls and in asthmatic subjects compared with nonasthmatic subjects. There was a trend toward lower levels of circulating mDC2s with increasing allergy and asthma severity. The largest differences were seen in moderate/severe atopic asthmatics being 430.78 ± 48.91/ml compared with healthy controls being 767.05 ± 101.64/ml (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Circulating mDC2s are lower in atopic and asthmatic subjects, which suggests that these cells efflux from the blood into the airways in patients with allergic disease.
Systemic application of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1 immunomodulator inhibits corneal allograft rejection in mice
Authors: Zhu Jing , Liu Yong , Pi Yuli , Jia Liang , Wang Liqiang , Huang Yifei
Published: August 2013

Purpose:  This study aims to investigate the effects of systemic application of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1(S1P1) on allogeneic corneal transplantation in mice.

Methods:  A total of 112 BALB/c mice received corneal grafts from C57BL/6 donors. Recipients were randomly divided into seven groups and treated with intraperitoneal injections of S1P1 (5 mg/kg/days), cyclosporine A (5 mg/kg/days), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg/days) and rapamycin (2 mg/kg/days). S1P1was combined with rapamycin or cyclosporine A, and saline served as negative control. Serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐10, TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ were measured by Elisa. The numbers of CD4+ T and regulatory (Treg) cell phenotype were measured by flow cytometry. Cytokine mRNA expression was analysed by real‐time quantitative PCR. CD4+ T cells and cytokines were histologically identified by immunofluorescence staining.

Results:  Corneal graft survival was prolonged by intraperitoneal injections in S1P1 alone (mean survival time MST, 35.3 ± 5.6 days), S1P1 combined with rapamycin (MST, 38.7 ± 6.5 days) or S1P1 and cyclosporine A (MST, 32.7 ± 4.8 days) compared with the controls (MST, 14.6 ± 0.2 days; n = 5, p < 0.01). S1P1 alone increased CD4+ T (p < 0.01) and Treg cells (p < 0.01; n = 5) in the cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes compared with the controls and S1P1 + rapamycin (p < 0.05; n = 5). TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 mRNA transcriptions in corneal grafts following S1P1+ rapamycin increased (both p < 0.01; n = 3), and TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 in the serum level following S1P1 alone increased (both p < 0.01; n = 3). These results paralleled the findings obtained from immunofluorescence.

Conclusion:  S1P1 has significant effect in corneal allograft rejection inhibition. The combined treatment of S1P1 and rapamycin results in synergistic effect.
The effectiveness of restarted lithium treatment after discontinuation: reviewing the evidence for discontinuation‐induced refractoriness
Authors: de Vries Christine , van Bergen Annet , Regeer Eline J , Benthem Elsje , Kupka Ralph W , Boks Marco PM
Published: August 2013

Objectives

We sought to determine whether the risk of relapse in patients with bipolar disorder is higher after discontinuation and restart of lithium treatment as compared to continuous lithium treatment in these same patients.

Methods

We conducted literature searches in the Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases with cross‐reference checks. Relevant data were extracted and pooled for meta‐analysis.

Results

Five relevant studies were included for review, of which three studies qualified for the meta‐analysis and included a total of 212 analyzed cases. Two studies found lithium to be less effective after discontinuation and reintroduction and three studies found no decreased effectiveness. The pooled odds ratio for the occurrence of one or more relapses after interruption of lithium treatment compared to continuous treatment was 1.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.85–2.31; p = 0.19).

Conclusions

Although studies are scarce, review and meta‐analysis of the available literature does not provide convincing evidence that lithium is less effective when treatment is discontinued and restarted, compared to uninterrupted treatment.
The Application of Experience Sampling Approaches to the Study of Ethnic Identity: New Developmental Insights and Directions
Authors: Yip Tiffany , Douglass Sara
Published: August 2013

In this article, we review how the application of experience sampling methods (ESM) has advanced knowledge of the developmental importance of ethnic identity for youth outcomes. In particular, ESM approaches have allowed researchers to explore the construct of salience, the context‐dependent and fluid component of ethnic identity. We highlight new information on the importance of context for variability in ethnic identity salience, and the association between ethnic identity and psychological well‐being.
Memory Constraints on Infant Learning From Picture Books, Television, and Touchscreens
Authors: Barr Rachel
Published: August 2013

The past 15 years have seen an explosion of educational books, television, and touchscreen applications developed specifically for infants. Although infants interact with these symbolic artifacts on a daily basis, they have difficulty going beyond the symbolic source and transferring learning to real‐world situations. Infants imitate fewer actions and recognize fewer words following demonstrations depicted in picture books and on televisions and touchscreens than they do following face‐to‐face interactions, a phenomenon termed the transfer deficit. Age‐related constraints on memory flexibility contribute to this deficit. Learning can be enhanced when such constraints are considered. Specifically, repeating content and adding visual and auditory cues reduce the transfer deficit. Given the widespread availability of educational media for infants, understanding memory constraints on learning from media has practical implications for the creation and effective use of infant‐directed media in early education.
Attenuating activity of the ovary on LH response to GnRH during the follicular phase of the cycle
Authors: Dimitraki Marina , Messini Christina I. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Gioka Theodora , Koutlaki Nikoletta , Garas Antonios , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Messinis Ioannis E.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Oestradiol sensitizes the pituitary to GnRH, while gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor (GnSAF) may oppose this action. Using the LH response to GnRH during treatment with FSH as an in vivo bioassay for GnSAF, we tested the hypothesis that the augmented LH response to GnRH in the late follicular phase is related to reduced production of GnSAF from the ovulatory follicle.

Design

Prospective intervention study.

Patients

Ten healthy, normally cycling women.

Measurements

The LH response to 10 μg GnRH i.v. (ΔLH) was investigated on days 2 and 3 and on days v (follicle size 16–17 mm) and v + 1 of cycle 1 (control) and cycle 2. On days 2 and v, a single s.c. injection of either normal saline (cycle 1) or 450 IU recombinant FSH (cycle 2) was given after the end of the GnRH experiment.

Results

FSH injection increased both serum oestradiol and inhibin B. In cycle 1, ΔLH remained unchanged from days 2 to 3 but increased significantly from days v to v + 1. In contrast, in cycle 2, ΔLH decreased significantly from days 2 to 3 (P < 0·05) and showed a nonsignificant increase from day v to day v + 1. The percentage difference in ΔLH between cycle 1 and cycle 2 was similar on days 3 (−66·9 ± 17·5%) and v + 1 (−65·2 ± 3·6%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, GnSAF is produced by small antral follicles, while the contribution of the ovulatory follicle is minimal.