bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PASSPORT PLOTS: B. TRAVEN'S DAS TOTENSCHIFF AND THE CHRONOTOPE OF MOVEMENT CONTROL
Authors: Gulddal Jesper
Published: June 2013

This article analyses B. Traven's 1926 novel Das Totenschiff in the light of its persistent references to the emerging international passport system of the interwar period. Building on Bakhtin's concept of the chronotope, understood in this context as a principle of narrative organisation, I argue that these references can be analysed productively as a ‘chronotope of movement control’ – that is, an interface linking a specific historical movement control regime and a specific mode of literary expression. Pursuant to this idea, I provide an overview of contemporaneous passport and movement control practices and proceed on this basis to demonstrate how these practices are not merely documented in Traven's novel, but activated as a means of articulating its spatial, narrative and thematic dimensions. By way of conclusion, I offer a broader characterisation of the novel's chronotopical strategy of emplotment while at the same time sketching its place within a hitherto unacknowledged tradition in European literary history of actively engaging with movement control as one of the defining institutions of modernity.
WRITINGS OF HISTORY: AUTHENTICITY AND SELF‐CENSORSHIP IN WILLIAM L. SHIRER'S BERLIN DIARY
Authors: Strobl Michael
Published: June 2013

William L. Shirer's best‐selling Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934–1941 profoundly shaped US‐American public opinion about Hitler and Nazi Germany. It has been and still is widely used as a source in historiography and historical journalism. The Berlin Diary was also the starting point of Shirer's writing career that led to the publication of the seminal The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1960). Contrary to the book's self‐image, its paratextual shape and reception, it is not an ‘authentic day‐to‐day record of events’, but a highly edited and literary text: this article compares – for the first time – the distinctly different version of Shirer's diary that can be found among his papers and the published work. Firstly, an error in judgment of 1935 about Hitler that Shirer censored in his 1941 publication (and which he reinstated in 1984 in his memoirs) is analysed in detail. Secondly, further examples of seemingly minor alterations in entries of 1939/40 illustrate to what extent and with what intentions Shirer altered his diary for publication.
‘Distributed health literacy’: longitudinal qualitative analysis of the roles of health literacy mediators and social networks of people living with a long‐term health condition
Authors: Edwards Michelle , Wood Fiona , Davies Myfanwy , Edwards Adrian
Published: June 2013

Background

The role of one's social network in the process of becoming health literate is not well understood. We aim to explain the ‘distributed’ nature of health literacy and how people living with a long‐term condition draw on their social network for support with health literacy‐related tasks such as managing their condition, interacting with health professionals and making decisions about their health.

Design

This paper reports a longitudinal qualitative interview and observation study of the development and practice of health literacy in people with long‐term health conditions, living in South Wales, UK. Participants were recruited from health education groups (n = 14) and community education venues (n = 4). The 44 interview transcripts were analysed using the ‘Framework’ approach.

Results

Health literacy was distributed through family and social networks, and participants often drew on the health literacy skills of others to seek, understand and use health information. Those who passed on their health literacy skills acted as health literacy mediators and supported participants in becoming more health literate about their condition. The distribution of health literacy supported participants to manage their health, become more active in health‐care decision‐making processes, communicate with health professionals and come to terms with living with a long‐term condition. Participants accessed health literacy mediators through personal and community networks.

Conclusion

Distributed health literacy is a potential resource for managing one's health, communicating with health professionals and making health decisions.
Linking Food Security, Migration and Development
Authors: Crush Jonathan
Published: June 2013

The issue of food security is strikingly absent from current debates about the relationship between migration and development. The current international food security agenda displays a similar disregard for migration. There thus appears to be a massive disconnect between these two global development agendas. The reasons are hard to understand since the connections between migration and food security seem obvious. This article addresses possible reasons for the disconnect and then presents and discusses the implications for linking migration and food security of a recent survey in 11 African cities. The results show a consistent pattern of difference between urban migrant and non‐migrant households in relation to levels of food insecurity, sources of income, food procurement strategies, and participation in urban agriculture. This article therefore seeks to initiate a conversation between the separate worlds of migration and development on the one side, and food security on the other.
Immunogenetics of HIV disease
Authors: Martin Maureen P. , Carrington Mary
Published: June 2013

Host genetic factors are a major contributing factor to the inter‐individual variation observed in response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and are linked to resistance to HIV infection among exposed individuals, as well as rate of disease progression and the likelihood of viral transmission. Of the genetic variants that have been shown to affect the natural history of HIV infection, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genes exhibit the strongest and most consistent association, underscoring a central role for CD8+ T cells in resistance to the virus. HLA proteins play important roles in T‐cell‐mediated adaptive immunity by presenting immunodominant HIV epitopes to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and CD4+ T cells. Genetic and functional data also indicate a function for HLA in natural killer cell‐mediated innate immunity against HIV by interacting with killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR). We review the HLA and KIR associations with HIV disease and discuss the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Mucosal immunology of HIV infection
Authors: Xu Huanbin , Wang Xiaolei , Veazey Ronald S.
Published: June 2013

Recent advances in the immunology, pathogenesis, and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continue to reveal clues to the mechanisms involved in the progressive immunodeficiency attributed to infection, but more importantly have shed light on the correlates of immunity to infection and disease progression. HIV selectively infects, eliminates, and/or dysregulates several key cells of the human immune system, thwarting multiple arms of the host immune response, and inflicting severe damage to mucosal barriers, resulting in tissue infiltration of ‘symbiotic’ intestinal bacteria and viruses that essentially become opportunistic infections promoting systemic immune activation. This leads to activation and recruitment or more target cells for perpetuating HIV infection, resulting in persistent, high‐level viral replication in lymphoid tissues, rapid evolution of resistant strains, and continued evasion of immune responses. However, vaccine studies and studies of spontaneous controllers are finally providing correlates of immunity from protection and disease progression, including virus‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses, binding anti‐bodies, innate immune responses, and generation of antibodies with potent antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity activity. Emerging correlates of immunity indicate that prevention of HIV infection may be possible through effective vaccine strategies that protect and stimulate key regulatory cells and immune responses in susceptible hosts. Furthermore, immune therapies specifically directed toward boosting specific aspects of the immune system may eventually lead to a cure for HIV‐infected patients.
A global approach to HIV‐1 vaccine development
Authors: Stephenson Kathryn E. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: June 2013

A global human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) vaccine will have to elicit immune responses capable of providing protection against a tremendous diversity of HIV‐1 variants. In this review, we first describe the current state of the HIV‐1 vaccine field, outlining the immune responses that are desired in a global HIV‐1 vaccine. In particular, we emphasize the likely importance of Env‐specific neutralizing and non‐neutralizing antibodies for protection against HIV‐1 acquisition and the likely importance of effector Gag‐specific T lymphocytes for virologic control. We then highlight four strategies for developing a global HIV‐1 vaccine. The first approach is to design specific vaccines for each geographic region that include antigens tailor‐made to match local circulating HIV‐1 strains. The second approach is to design a vaccine that will elicit Env‐specific antibodies capable of broadly neutralizing all HIV‐1 subtypes. The third approach is to design a vaccine that will elicit cellular immune responses that are focused on highly conserved HIV‐1 sequences. The fourth approach is to design a vaccine to elicit highly diverse HIV‐1‐specific responses. Finally, we emphasize the importance of conducting clinical efficacy trials as the only way to determine which strategies will provide optimal protection against HIV‐1 in humans.
The oral mucosa immune environment and oral transmission of HIV/SIV
Authors: Wood Lianna F. , Chahroudi Ann , Chen Hui‐Ling , Jaspan Heather B. , Sodora Donald L.
Published: June 2013

The global spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is dependent on the ability of this virus to efficiently cross from one host to the next by traversing a mucosal membrane. Unraveling how mucosal exposure of HIV results in systemic infection is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on understanding the immune events associated with the oral route of transmission (via breastfeeding or sexual oral intercourse), which occurs across the oral and/or gastrointestinal mucosa. Studies in both humans and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) monkey models have identified viral changes and immune events associated with oral HIV/SIV exposure. This review covers our current knowledge of HIV oral transmission in both infants and adults, the use of SIV models in understanding early immune events, oral immune factors that modulate HIV/SIV susceptibility (including mucosal inflammation), and interventions that may impact oral HIV transmission rates. Understanding the factors that influence oral HIV transmission will provide the foundation for developing immune therapeutic and vaccine strategies that can protect both infants and adults from oral HIV transmission.
The immunological synapse: the gateway to the HIV reservoir
Authors: Kulpa Deanna A. , Brehm Jessica H. , Fromentin Rémi , Cooper Anthony , Cooper Colleen , Ahlers Jeffrey , Chomont Nicolas , Sékaly Rafick‐Pierre
Published: June 2013

A major challenge in the development of a cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been the incomplete understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy. It is now realized that the establishment of a latently infected reservoir refractory to immune system recognition has thus far hindered eradication efforts. Recent investigation into the innate immune response has shed light on signaling pathways downstream of the immunological synapse critical for T‐cell activation and establishment of T‐cell memory. This has led to the understanding that the cell‐to‐cell contacts observed in an immunological synapse that involve the CD4+ T cell and antigen‐presenting cell or T‐cell–T‐cell interactions enhance efficient viral spread and facilitate the induction and maintenance of latency in HIV‐infected memory T cells. This review focuses on recent work characterizing the immunological synapse and the signaling pathways involved in T‐cell activation and gene regulation in the context of HIV persistence.
Staff representations and tobacco‐related practices in a psychiatric hospital with an indoor smoking ban
Authors: Keizer Ineke , Gex‐Fabry Marianne , Bruegger Aurélia , Croquette Patrice , Khan Aqal Nawaz
Published: June 2013

The present study describes representations about smoking and practices related to patient smoking among staff of a large public psychiatric hospital. A survey was performed using a specially designed questionnaire. The return rate was 72.4% (n = 155). A large proportion of staff recognized the importance of both smoking status and mental health for patient's well‐being (46.9%), and believed that smoking cessation was possible for psychiatric patients (58.6%). However, the role of the psychiatric hospital was perceived as providing information (85.3%) and helping to diminish cigarette consumption (51%), rather than proposing smoking cessation (29.5%). Staff daily practice included reminding patients of smoking restrictions (43.9%), managing cigarettes (46.5%), and nicotine replacement therapy (24.3%). A principal component analysis of tobacco‐related practices revealed two main factors (59.8% of variance): basic hospital actions (factor 1) and more specialized interventions (factor 2), which were significantly associated with higher worries about personally developing smoke‐related illnesses (Spearman r = 0.38, P < 0.0001). Compared with non‐smokers, smokers reported higher perceived vulnerability to develop an illness due to tobacco and a higher level of worry about this. The discussion highlights the need to redefine roles and expectancies of mental health staff, and improve training and collaboration with experts, in order to improve efficiency concerning tobacco issues.
Facilitators and Inhibitors of Collective Action: A Case Study of a US‐Owned Manufacturing Plant
Authors: O'Sullivan Michelle , Turner Thomas
Published: June 2013

This article develops a theoretical model of collective action at work using the key concepts of mobilization triggers, facilitating factors, and inhibiting factors. It then illustrates the value of this model for understanding why a low‐pay, low‐skill, blue‐collar manufacturing facility remained non‐union, drawing primarily on the accounts of a limited sample of redundant workers. These accounts are used to demonstrate the importance of social contexts where inhibiting conditions dominate and where management practices succeed in gaining worker consent and forestalling a collective response from workers.
Investigation of the Indentation‐Size Effect (ISE) in a Commercial SiAlON: Multifractal Scaling Analysis and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Shanholtz Eugene R. , LaSalvia Jerry C.
Published: June 2013

The indentation‐size effect (ISE) in a commercial SiAlON was investigated by conducting Knoop indentation between 0.1 and 20 kg. The resulting ISE was analyzed utilizing Meyer's Law, Proportional Specimen Resistance (PSR) model, and a Multifractal Scaling Law (MFSL). Meyer's law and the PSR model fits to the hardness–load data were not excellent. Further analysis based on the PSR model and MFSL revealed three piecewise linear fits corresponding to load regimes 0.1–0.3, 0.5–2, and 5–20 kg. Physical inference of MFSL fit parameters suggested that these three load regimes correspond to where indentation behavior is governed by deformation mechanisms limited to single grains, grain boundaries, and multiple grains, respectively. Independent of the ISE analysis results, comprehensive examination of indents by scanning electron microscopy revealed that changes in deformation mechanisms could also be grouped into these three load regimes. Corresponding changes in deformation mechanisms were microcleavage cracking, grain‐boundary cracking, and macrocracking, respectively. These observations are consistent with the findings of both the PSR model and MFSL with respect to the physical aspects of the governing mechanisms. It is concluded that these mechanisms are responsible for the observed ISE in this commercial SiAlON.
Competition and sensemaking in ethical situations
Authors: Caughron Jay J. , Antes Alison L. , Stenmark Cheryl K. , Thiel Chaise E. , Wang Xiaoqian , Mumford Michael D.
Published: June 2013

Competition was examined in relation to ethicality. The effect of a competitor being an in‐group vs. out‐group member, the competitor offering uncorroborated or corroborated information, and the impact of the competitor goals were examined. The findings suggest that the way competition is presented has an important influence on how individuals make sense of an ethically ambiguous situation and make ethical decisions. A main effect was found, such that when a competitor offered uncorroborated information, participants made less ethical decisions and used pro‐ethical reasoning strategies less often. An additional main effect was found suggesting that participants made more ethical decisions when working with an in‐group competitor rather than an out‐group competitor. Complex interactive effects were also found and discussed.
High Spatial Resolution Thermal Mapping of Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions Using a Novel Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Myocardial Phantom
Authors: CHIK WILLIAM W.B. , BARRY MICHAEL ANTHONY (TONY) , THAVAPALACHANDRAN SUJITHA , MIDEKIN CHRISTINE , POULIOPOULOS JIM , LIM TOON WEI , SIVAGANGABALAN GOPAL , THOMAS STUART P. , ROSS DAVID L. , McEWAN ALISTAIR L. , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA
Published: June 2013

High‐Resolution Thermal Mapping of RF Ablation Lesions

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation causes thermal mediated irreversible myocardial necrosis. This study aimed to (i) characterize the thermal characteristics of RF ablation lesions with high spatial resolution using a thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) myocardial phantom; and (ii) compare the thermochromic lesions with in vivo and in vitro ablation lesions.

Methods and Results

The myocardial phantom was constructed from a vertical sheet of TLC film, with color change between 50 °C (red) to 78 °C (black), embedded within a gel matrix, with impedance titrated to equal that of myocardium. Saline, with impedance titrated to blood values at 37 °C, was used as supernatant.

A total of 51 RF ablations were performed. This comprised 17 ablations in the thermochromic gel phantom, bovine myocardial in vitro targets and ovine in vivo ablations, respectively. There was no difference in lesion dimensions between the thermochromic gel and in vivo ablations (lesion width 10.2 ± 0.2 vs 10.2 ± 2.4, P = 0.93; and depth 6.3 ± 0.1 vs 6.5 ± 1.7, P = 0.74). The spatial resolution of the thermochromic film was tested using 2 thermal point‐sources that were progressively opposed and was demonstrated to be <300 μm.

Conclusions

High spatial resolution thermal mapping of in vitro RF lesions with spatial resolution of at least 300 μm is possible using a thermochromic liquid crystal myocardial phantom model, with a good correlation to in vivo RF ablations. This model may be useful for assessing the thermal characteristics of RF lesions created using different ablation parameters and catheter technologies.
Phrenic Nerve Injury: An Underrecognized and Potentially Preventable Complication of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using a Wide‐Area Circumferential Ablation Approach
Authors: Yong Ji Sang , Dewire Jane , Barcelon Bernadette , Philips Binu , Catanzaro John , Nazarian Saman , Cheng Alan , Spragg David , Tandri Harikrishna , Bansal Sandeep , Ashikaga Hiroshi , Rickard Jack , Kolandaivelu Aravindan , Sinha Sunil , Marine Joseph E. , Calkins Hugh , Berger Ronald
Published: June 2013

Phrenic Nerve Injury

Introduction

Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) is a well‐known, although uncommon, complication of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency energy. Currently, there is no consensus about how to avoid or minimize this injury. The purpose of this study was to determine how often the phrenic nerve, as identified using a high‐output pacing, lies along the ablation trajectory of a wide‐area circumferential lesion set. We also sought to determine if PVI can be achieved without phrenic nerve injury by modifying the ablation lesion set so as to avoid those areas where phrenic nerve capture (PNC) is observed.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 100 consecutive patients (age 61.7 ± 9.2 years old, 75 men) who underwent RF PVI using a wide‐area circumferential ablation approach. A high‐output (20 mA at 2 milliseconds) endocardial pacing protocol was performed around the right pulmonary veins and the carina where a usual ablation lesion set would be made. A total of 30% of patients had PNC and required modification of ablation lines. In the group of patients with PNC, the carina was the most common site of capture (85%) followed by anterior right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) (70%) and anterior right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) (30%). A total of 25% of PNC group had capture in all 3 (RSPV, RIPV, and carina) regions. There was no difference in the clinical characteristics between the groups with and without PNC. RF PVI caused no PNI in either group.

Conclusion

High output pacing around the right pulmonary veins and the carina reveals that the phrenic nerve lies along a wide‐area circumferential ablation trajectory in 30% of patients. Modification of ablation lines to avoid these sites may prevent phrenic nerve injury during RF PVI.
The Impact of Drug Discontinuation in Patients Treated with Temporary Pacemaker Due to Atrioventricular Block
Authors: KNUDSEN MARIA BISGAARD , THØGERSEN ANNA MARGRETHE , HJORTSHØJ SØREN PIHLKJÆR , RIAHI SAM
Published: June 2013

The Impact of Drug Discontinuation in Patients

Introduction

Patients treated with a temporary pacemaker (TPM) due to atrioventricular (AV) block are often monitored after discontinuation of AV node blocking drugs to evaluate the indication for permanent pacing. However, the impact of drug discontinuation is sparsely documented. We investigated to what extent drug discontinuation abolished the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation.

Methods and Results

All hospital records of patients who received a TPM at Aalborg Hospital, Denmark, between January 2000 and March 2011 (n = 575) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with AV block who were treated with a TPM and concomitant cessation of drug therapy were included if there was no other underlying mechanism causing the AV block. AV blocking drugs included antiarrhythmic agents classes II–IV and digoxin. Fifty‐five patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria.

Forty‐seven patients had an indication for a PPM at the initial hospital admission, despite drug discontinuation. Of the remaining 8 patients who were discharged without a PPM, 3 subsequently experienced events: 2 had recurrence of AV block requiring a PPM, and 1 experienced syncope. Thus, in total, 49 (89%) patients had a final indication for a permanent pacemaker (PPM).

Of patients receiving beta‐blocker monotherapy, 26 (96%) had an indication for a PPM. TPM implantation was complicated by infection or displacement in 11% of cases.

Conclusions

The vast majority of patients treated with a TPM due to AV block and who receive beta‐blockers alone or in combination with digoxin have a final indication for a PPM despite cessation of drug treatment. TPM are frequently associated with complications.
Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Implantation with Uninterrupted Dabigatran: Comparison to Uninterrupted Warfarin
Authors: JENNINGS JOHN M. , ROBICHAUX ROBERT , MCELDERRY H. THOMAS , PLUMB VANCE J. , GUNTER ALICIA , DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , OSORIO JOSE , YAMADA TAKUMI , KAY G. NEAL
Published: June 2013

Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Implantation with Uninterrupted Dabigatran

Background

While continuation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with warfarin may be preferable to interruption and bridging with heparin for patients undergoing cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation, it is uncertain whether the same strategy can be safely used with dabigatran.

Objective and Methods

To determine the risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications associated with uninterrupted OAC during CIED implantation, replacement, or revision, the outcomes of patients receiving uninterrupted dabigatran (D) were compared to those receiving warfarin (W).

Results

D was administered the day of CIED implant in 48 patients (age 66 ± 12.4 years, 13 F and 35 M, 21 ICDs and 27 PMs), including new implant in 25 patients, replacement in 14 patients, and replacement plus lead revision in 9 patients. D was held the morning of the procedure in 14 patients (age 70 ± 11 years, 4 F and 10 M, 5 ICDs and 9 PMs). W was continued in 195 patients (age 60 ± 14.4 years, 54 F, and 141 M), including new implant in 122 patients, replacement in 33 patients, and replacement plus lead revision or upgrade in 40 patients. Bleeding complications occurred in 1 of 48 patients (2.1%) with uninterrupted dabigatran (a late pericardial effusion), 0 of 14 with interrupted D, and 9 of 195 patients (4.6%) on W (9 pocket hematomas), P = 0.69. Fifty percent of bleeding complications were associated with concomitant antiplatelet medications.

Conclusions

The incidence of bleeding complications is similar during CIED implantation with uninterrupted D or W. The risks are higher when OAC is combined with antiplatelet drugs.
Effect of a Person‐Centered Mouth Care Intervention on Care Processes and Outcomes in Three Nursing Homes
Authors: Sloane Philip D. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Chen Xi , Barrick Ann L. , Poole Patricia , Reed David , Mitchell Madeline , Cohen Lauren W.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To develop and test a person‐centered, evidence‐based mouth care program in nursing homes.

Design

Pre–post assessment, with an 8‐week intervention period and a pilot 6‐month extension at one site.

Setting

Three North Carolina nursing homes.

Participants

Ninety‐seven residents and six certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

Intervention

CNAs already working in the facilities were trained as dedicated mouth care aides. A psychologist and dental hygienist provided didactic and hands‐on training in evidence‐based mouth care products and techniques and in person‐centered behavioral care.

Measurements

Primary outcome measures for natural teeth were the Plaque Index for Long‐Term Care (PI‐LTC) and Gingival Index for Long‐Term Care(GI‐LTC) and for dentures the Denture Plaque Index (DPI); a dentist unmasked to study design obtained measures. Secondary outcomes included quantity and quality of care provided.

Results

Outcome scores significantly improved (P < .001 for PI‐LTC and GI‐LTC; P = .04 for DPI). Coding of videotaped care episodes indicated that care was more thorough (P < .001–P = .03) but took more time (P < .001) after training. Consistency of care appeared to be more important for natural teeth than dentures.

Conclusion

As little as 8 weeks of mouth care can significantly improve oral hygiene outcomes. Given the consequences of poor oral hygiene, greater attention to mouth care education and provision are merited. The dedicated worker model is controversial, and future work should assess whether other models of care are equally beneficial.
Nitric Oxide and Brassinosteroids Mediated Fungal Endophyte‐Induced Volatile Oil Production Through Protein Phosphorylation Pathways in Atractylodes lancea Plantlets
Authors: Ren Cheng‐Gang , Dai Chuan‐Chao
Published: June 2013

Fungal endophytes have been isolated from almost every plant, infecting their hosts without causing visible disease symptoms, and yet have still proved to be involved in plant secondary metabolites accumulation. To decipher the possible physiological mechanisms of the endophytic fungus–host interaction, the role of protein phosphorylation and the relationship between endophytic fungus‐induced kinase activity and nitric oxide (NO) and brassinolide (BL) in endophyte‐enhanced volatile oil accumulation in Atractylodes lancea plantlets were investigated using pharmacological and biochemical approaches. Inoculation with the endophytic fungus Gilmaniella sp. AL12 enhanced the activities of total protein phosphorylation, Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase, and volatile oil accumulation in A. lancea plantlets. The upregulation of protein kinase activity could be blocked by the BL inhibitor brassinazole. Furthermore, pretreatments with the NO‐specific scavenger cPTIO significantly reduced the increased activities of protein kinases in A. lancea plantlets inoculated with endophytic fungus. Pretreatments with different protein kinase inhibitors also reduced fungus‐induced NO production and volatile oil accumulation, but had barely no effect on the BL level. These data suggest that protein phosphorylation is required for endophyte‐induced volatile oil production in A. lancea plantlets, and that crosstalk between protein phosphorylation and the NO pathway may occur and act as a downstream signaling event of the BL pathway.
Notes from the Underground: Receptor‐Like Kinases in Arabidopsis Root Development
Authors: Wierzba Michael P. , Tax Frans E.
Published: June 2013

During plant development, the frequency and context of cell division must be controlled, and cells must differentiate properly to perform their mature functions. In addition, stem cell niches need to be maintained as a reservoir for new cells. All of these processes require intercellular signaling, whether it is a cell relaying its position to other cells, or more mature cells signaling to the stem cell niche to regulate the rate of growth. Receptor‐like kinases have emerged as a major component in these diverse roles, especially within the Arabidopsis root. In this review, the functions of receptor‐like kinase signaling in regulating Arabidopsis root development will be examined in the areas of root apical meristem maintenance, regulation of epidermal cell fate, lateral root development and vascular differentiation.

image

Frans E. Tax

(Corresponding author)
The Maoist Movement in India: Some Political Economy Considerations
Authors: Basu Deepankar , Das Debarshi
Published: June 2013

Revolutionary Left movements in India base their programme of radical social transformation on an understanding of Indian society that borrows heavily from the 1930s formulation of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). The characterization of Indian society as semi‐feudal and semi‐colonial, and the elevation of the contradiction between feudalism and the broad masses as the primary (and basic) contradiction, seem to have been influenced by the programme of the CPC. This formulation may have had validity in the late 1960s, but transformations of the structure of the Indian economy since then seem to have made it less applicable at present. Drawing on recent research on Indian political economy, this paper (a) summarizes some of the key features of political–economic changes that have taken place in India over the past four decades, and (b) draws out some implications of these changes for the programmatic debate within the Indian communist movement.
Introduction: Agrarian Questions and Left Politics in India
Authors: Lerche Jens , Shah Alpa , Harriss‐White Barbara
Published: June 2013

This special issue is concerned with agrarian questions in India and their importance for, and impact on, political analyses and strategies of the Indian Left. In the 1970s, the development of Left politics generated the modes of production debate and many of the communist parties used their interpretations of agrarian change then to guide their Indian path to socialism. More than 40 years on, ongoing changes in economic and social relations in the agrarian sector and in society at large make it important to revisit those earlier debates and conclusions. On the basis of the papers of this special issue, the introduction outlines the development of capitalism in the Indian countryside, its relation to the development of capitalism in India and to neoliberal globalization. It raises the question of how rural class relations have developed in different parts of the country and discusses the extent to which Indian Left politics has analysed and strategized such development.
Audit Probability versus Effectiveness: The Beckerian Approach Revisited
Authors: RABLEN MATTHEW D.
Published: June 2013

The Beckerian approach to tax compliance examines how a tax authority can maximize social welfare by trading‐off audit probability against the fine rate on undeclared tax. This paper offers an alternative examination of the privately optimal behavior of a tax authority tasked by government to maximize expected revenue. The tax authority is able to trade‐off audit probability against audit effectiveness, but takes the fine rate as fixed in the short run. I find that the tax authority's privately optimal audit strategy does not maximize voluntary compliance, and that voluntary compliance is nonmonotonic as a function of the tax authority's budget. Finally, the tax authority's privately optimal effective fine rate on undeclared tax does not exceed two at interior optima.
First Report of Frosty Mildew on Salix koreensis Caused by Mycopappus alni in Korea
Authors: Park Ji‐Hyun , Cho Sung‐Eun , Lee Sang‐ Hyun , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: June 2013

A frosty mildew was observed on leaves of Salix koreensis in two localities of Korea during 2011 and 2012. The main signs and symptoms were expressed as conical white to cream coloured tufts of the causal fungus on the brown lesions, followed by premature defoliation. Based on morphological observations, cultural characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of rDNA‐ITS, the fungus was identified as Mycopappus alni, which has been known to be associated with frosty mildews on Alnus spp., Betula spp., Crataegus chlorosarca and Pyrus pyrifolia. Pathogenicity test was conducted twice with the same results, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first case of Salix–Mycopappus association as well as the first report of frosty mildew on S. koreensis.
Nuclease A (Gbs0661), an extracellular nuclease of Streptococcus agalactiae, attacks the neutrophil extracellular traps and is needed for full virulence
Authors: Derré‐Bobillot Aurélie , Cortes‐Perez Naima G. , Yamamoto Yuji , Kharrat Pascale , Couvé Elizabeth , Da Cunha Violette , Decker Patrice , Boissier Marie‐Christophe , Escartin Frédéric , Cesselin Bénédicte , Langella Philippe , Bermúdez‐Humarán Luis G. , Gaudu Philippe
Published: June 2013

Most bacteria of the genus Streptococcus are opportunistic pathogens, and some of them produce extracellular DNases, which may be important for virulence. Genome analyses of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) neonate isolate NEM316 revealed the presence of seven genes putatively encoding secreted DNases, although their functions, if any, are unknown. In this study, we observed that respiration growth of GBS led to the extracellular accumulation of a putative nuclease, identified as being encoded by the gbs0661 gene. When overproduced in Lactococcus lactis, the protein was found to be a divalent cation‐requiring, pH‐stable and heat‐stable nuclease that we named Nuclease A (NucA). Substitution of the histidine148 by alanine reduced nuclease activity of the GBS wild‐type strain, indicating that NucA is the major nuclease ex vivo. We determined that GBS is able to degrade the DNA matrix comprising the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). The nucAH148A mutant was impaired for this function, implicating NucA in the virulence of GBS. In vivo infection studies confirmed that NucA is required for full infection, as the mutant strain allowed increased bacterial clearance from lung tissue and decreased mortality in infected mice. These results show that NucA is involved in NET escape and is needed for full virulence.
Tree regeneration following drought‐ and insect‐induced mortality in piñon–juniper woodlands
Authors: Redmond Miranda D. , Barger Nichole N.
Published: June 2013

Widespread piñon (Pinus edulis) mortality occurred across the southwestern USA during 2002–2003 in response to drought and bark beetle infestations. Given the recent mortality and changes in regional climate over the past several decades, there is a keen interest in post‐mortality regeneration dynamics in piñon–juniper woodlands.

Here, we examined piñon and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) recruitment at 30 sites across southwestern Colorado, USA that spanned a gradient of adult piñon mortality levels (10–100%) to understand current regeneration dynamics.

Piñon and juniper recruitment was greater at sites with more tree and shrub cover. Piñon recruitment was more strongly facilitated than juniper recruitment by trees and shrubs. New (post‐mortality) piñon recruitment was negatively affected by recent mortality. However, mortality had no effect on piñon advanced regeneration (juveniles established pre‐mortality) and did not shift juvenile piñon dominance.

Our results highlight the importance of shrubs and juniper trees for the facilitation of piñon establishment and survival. Regardless of adult piñon mortality levels, areas with low tree and shrub cover may become increasingly juniper dominated as a result of the few suitable microsites for piñon establishment and survival. In areas with high piñon mortality and high tree and shrub cover, our results suggest that piñon is regenerating via advanced regeneration.
Agent‐based simulation as a tool for the built environment
Authors: Gaudiano Paolo
Published: June 2013

There is a growing need to increase the performance of the built environment through a combination of improved design, retrofitting of existing structures, and behavioral and policy change. Increased performance includes decreasing construction and operational costs, improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption and overall carbon footprint, and increasing the health, safety, and comfort of building occupants. Data collection and analysis are central to ongoing efforts in performance improvement. The growth of sensor and monitoring technologies, coupled with the proliferation of building automation systems, is quickly leading to an explosion in the amount, quality, and format of building performance data. What is needed are methodologies for extracting viable information from these data and using the results to effect meaningful change. Furthermore, occupant behavior and attitudes must be taken into account. This paper summarizes agent‐based simulation and describes its potential as an approach to support analysis, design, and performance improvements in the built environment.
Mismeasured Household Size and Its Implications for the Identification of Economies of Scale: Correction
Authors: Halliday Timothy J.
Published: June 2013

We correct an error from Halliday (2010) in which we explored the degree to which household size is measured with errors.
Association between severe eczema in children and multiple comorbid conditions and increased healthcare utilization
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Simpson Eric L.
Published: June 2013

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with multiple comorbid conditions, such as asthma and food allergy. We sought to determine the impact of eczema severity on the development of these disorders and other non‐atopic comorbidities in AD.

Methods

We used the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, a prospective questionnaire‐based study of a nationally representative sample of 91,642 children aged 0–17 yr. Prevalence and severity of eczema, asthma, hay fever and food allergy, sleep impairment, healthcare utilization, recurrent ear infections, and visual and dental problems were determined.

Results

In general, more severe eczema is correlated with poorer overall health, impaired sleep, and increased healthcare utilization, including seeing a specialist, compared with children with mild or moderate disease (Rao‐Scott chi‐squared test, p < 0.0001). Severe eczema was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbid chronic health disorders, including asthma, hay fever, and food allergies (p < 0.0001). In addition, the severity of eczema was directly related to the severity of the comorbidities. These associations remained significant in multivariate logistic regression models that included age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Severe eczema was also associated with recent dental problems, including bleeding gums (p < 0.0001), toothache (p = 0.0004), but not broken teeth (p = 0.04) or tooth decay (p = 0.13).

Conclusions

These data indicate that severe eczema is associated with multiple comorbid chronic health disorders, impaired overall health, and increased healthcare utilization. Further, these data suggest that children with eczema are at risk of decreased oral health. Future studies are warranted to verify this novel association.
Prevalence of confirmed IgE‐mediated food allergy among adolescents in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Ayşenur , Erkoçoğlu Mustafa , Civelek Ersoy , Çakır Banu , Kocabaş Can N.
Published: June 2013

Background

Although food allergy is an important health problem in Western countries, the prevalence varies among geographic regions. There is limited data on the prevalence of food allergy especially for adolescent age group, and the data from Turkey and Mediterranean region are even scarce.

Methods

The study is a cross‐sectional survey including a questionnaire followed by phone survey with families that have reported food allergy and clinical evaluation of children having a history compatible with food allergy after phone survey. The sample number of students has been calculated 9096 of a total of 210.000 students at the second stage (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) of state elementary schools in the metropolitan counties of Ankara province with the assumption of food allergy prevalence (P) = 1% and a δ value = 0.2 (α < 0.05, β = 0.8).

Results

Of 11,233 questionnaires distributed at 34 schools, 10,096 (89.4%) have been returned. The number of reported food allergy was 1139 (11.2%), and it was reduced to 133 (1.3%) after phone survey. After clinical evaluation by skin test, specific IgE and double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), proven IgE‐mediated food allergy was determined in 15 (0.15%) children. The foods most commonly resulting food allergy were peanut 0.05% and treenuts 0.05%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of food allergy among adolescent age group has been confirmed to be comparatively low in Turkey. Peanuts and treenuts were determined to be the most common causes of IgE‐mediated food allergy.
Traditional Japanese medicine, Yokukansan, for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children
Authors: Ohtomo Yoshiyuki , Umino Daisuke , Takada Masaru , Niijima Shinichi , Fujinaga Shuichiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: June 2013

Background

The major pathogenic factors involved in nocturnal enuresis are nocturnal polyuria, small bladder capacity and/or detrusor overactivity, and a high arousal threshold. Desmopressin is the first‐line therapy for the patients with diuresis‐dependent nocturnal enuresis. Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, has been used in Japan to treat patients with nervousness, insomnia, and children with night terrors and temper tantrums. We experienced the positive effect of Yokukansan in some of the patients who did not respond well to desmopressin therapy.

Methods

In total, 32 children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis with nocturnal polyuria were treated with oral desmopressin melt tablets, which were approved for clinical use in Japan on 29 May 2012. This treatment was effective for 14 of them. For the rest (n = 18), Yokukansan was introduced in combination with desmopressin.

Results

Yokukansan was effective for 12 out of the 18 cases.

Conclusions: 

Yokukansan should be a candidate for the medication of nocturnal enuresis.
Imitation of ‘bye‐bye’ in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Matsui Gakuyo , Ohtoshi Taro , Takada Satoshi
Published: June 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the development of imitation skills in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants compared with full‐term infants with regard to the onset of ‘bye‐bye’.

Methods

A total of 597 full‐term infants (age, 6–21 months) and 95 VLBW infants (corrected age, 6–21 months) participated in this study. The time at which the infants began to imitate bye‐bye and how they moved their hands were investigated by direct observations of their behaviors.

Result

Some full‐term infants began to imitate bye‐bye at 9 months, and all full‐term infants could imitate bye‐bye by 16 months old. The imitation of bye‐bye was delayed in VLBW infants, but all of them could imitate it at 17 months old. Bye‐bye motions were divided into five types. The ‘moving wrist up and down’ motion was observed most frequently at the initial bye‐bye in both groups, but it was more frequent in VLBW infants at the early stage. The motion types changed with age, with the ‘palm facing others’ motion observed exclusively at 16 months in full‐term infants. All infants of both groups could imitate this type at 17 months old.

Conclusion

The development of the ability to imitate bye‐bye was delayed in VLBW infants even after correction for gestational age. It was suspected that the fine motor development delay might contribute to the late appearance of bye‐bye in VLBW infants. Further follow‐up study is required to clarify the clinical significance.
Vasoactive–inotropic score after pediatric heart transplant: A marker of adverse outcome
Authors: Sanil Yamuna , Aggarwal Sanjeev
Published: June 2013

VIS, a quantitative index of pressor support, has been shown to be a predictor of morbidity and mortality in infants younger than six months who underwent CPB. Data on its prognostic utility following pediatric OHT are lacking. This study compared clinical outcomes in children with differential VIS after pediatric OHT. A retrospective cohort study of 51 consecutive heart transplants from 2004 to 2011 was performed at a pediatric tertiary care facility. Peak VIS was computed within initial 24 and 48 h after OHT and was weighted for peak dose and administration of any or all of six pressors. Patients with peak VIS ≥ 15 constituted high VIS group. Children who persistently required a higher magnitude of pressor support for the first 48 h after OHT, as reflected by high peak VIS, had significantly longer ICU stay (30.2 vs. 15.9 days, p = 0.01), pressor (11.4 vs. 6.8 days, p = 0.02) and ventilatory durations (12.4 vs. 5.9 days, p = 0.05), and higher rates of short‐term morbidities. Patients with longer CPB (213 vs. 153 min, p = 0.005) time have higher peak VIS. High peak VIS at 48 h is an effective, yet simple clinical marker for adverse outcomes in pediatric OHT recipients.
Successful allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in a case of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tavil Betul , Erdem Arzu Yazal , Azik Fatih , Isik Pamir , Metin Ayse , Emir Suna , Uckan Duygu , Tunc Bahattin
Published: June 2013

WAS is a severe X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by microthrombocytopenia, eczema, and immunodeficiency. A six‐yr‐old boy with WAS diagnosed as B‐cell NHL (Stage III) localized in the liver who underwent successful HSCT from HLA‐one antigen mismatch sibling donor has been presented here. His conditioning regimen included ATG, busulfan, and fludarabine. He received 2.3 × 106/kg CD 34(+) stem cells and 11 × 108/kg nucleated cells at day 0. Neutrophil engraftment was achieved at day +14 and platelet engraftment at day +20. He has been in CR for more than two yr after transplantation. Thus, HSCT is an effective treatment for children with WAS even after development of lymphoma.