bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Zonate Leaf Spot of Cinnamomum kanehirae Caused by Hinomyces moricola in Taiwan
Authors: Fu C. H. , Lin F. Y. 
Published: June 2012

Cinnamomum kanehirae, a native tree of Taiwan, is an important tree that hosts popular medicinal fungi. In the winter of 2011, zonate leaf spots were observed at a nursery garden in Wu-Lai, Taiwan. Initial symptoms included small brown lesions on leaves that became larger leaf spots after expanding or fusing together, causing a leaf blight and eventually defoliation. Sporophores on the host were generally hypophyllous but sometimes amphigenous, solitary, erect, easily detachable. The upper portion of the sporophore was considered an individual conidium and consisted of a pyramidal head that was fusiform to ventricose, 320 to 580 μm long and 100 to 130 μm wide at the broadest point. Branches within the pyramidal head were short and compact, and dichotomously or trichotomously branched. The sporophore initials were hyaline, broad, septate, tapering toward an acute apex, and sometimes constricted at the basal septum. Sclerotia were observed in older lesions, grey or black, spherical, and 1 to 2.5 mm in diameter. The fungus was isolated from infected tissue and sporophores, maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 20°C in darkness. Sclerotia were produced on PDA after 4 to 5 weeks and were irregular or spherical, but sporophores didn't develop on agar medium. The fungus was identified as Hinomyces moricola on the basis of morphological characteristics (1). Koch's postulates were performed by inoculating four 1-year-old, asymptomatic, potted C. kanehirae plants; every plant was inoculated with sporophores from infected leaves on each of five leaves. Four noninoculated plants were kept in separate pots and served as controls. All plants were covered with transparent plastic bags individually and incubated in a growth chamber at 18 to 20°C. Symptoms were observed after 2 to 4 days on every inoculated plant but not on uninoculated plants. The leaf spots were similar to those originally observed. The pathogen was reisolated from spots of inoculated plants. The pathogenicity test was repeated once. H. moricola is known to cause severe defoliation on woody and annual plants, including at least 73 host species and 36 families distributed in the eastern United States and Japan (2). References: (1) N.-S. Tomoko et al. Mycoscience. 47:351, 2006. (2) J. C. Trolinger et al. Plant Dis. Reptr. 62:710, 1978.
Review article: biofilm formation by Helicobacter pylori as a target for eradication of resistant infection
Authors: Cammarota G. , Sanguinetti M. , Gallo A. , Posteraro B. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackground
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of bacterial infection in humans. Resistance of this infection to conventional therapies has suggested the role of a biofilm‐growing bacterium, which is recalcitrant to many antimicrobial agents.AimTo review the current knowledge on biofilm formation by H. pylori and to discuss the implications of this behaviour in the context of human infections and their treatment.ResultsScanning electron microscopy analysis of gastric biopsies of infected patients demonstrated that H. pylori forms biofilm on the gastric mucosa epithelium. Adaptation to the biofilm environment may produce many persister cells, namely dormant cells, which are highly tolerant to antimicrobials that could account for the recalcitrance of H. pylori infections in vivo. Resistant H. pylori infection has become increasingly common with triple or quadruple therapy, even in the presence of H. pylori strains susceptible to all antibiotics. The mucolytic and thiol‐containing antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine, associated with antibiotics, was successfully used in clinic for therapy of patients with chronic respiratory tract infections. Consistently, N‐acetylcysteine treatment prior to starting antibiotic therapy allowed the disappearance of gastric biofilm in all patients in whom H. pylori was eradicated.ConclusionEffective strategies targeting H. pylori biofilm infections are possible, through the use of substances degrading components of the biofilm.
Understanding looked‐after childhoods
Authors: Goodyer Annabel 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe absence of a sociological discourse about children in the past meant that child and family social work has largely relied on psychological interpretations of children and their behaviour. However, since the 1990s, the sociology of childhood has been developed in the UK. The aim of this paper is to explore the relevance of the sociology of childhood in understanding looked‐after childhoods and in informing contemporary social work practice with looked‐after children and young people. The central argument of this paper is that, in order to fulfil professional responsibilities and to implement current and forthcoming UK social policies for looked‐after children, social work needs to employ broad understandings of children, young people and looked‐after childhoods. The paper goes on to discuss the ways in which a social work approach drawing on the sociology of childhood can offer such a conceptualization.
Balancing platform control and external contribution in third‐party development: the boundary resources model
Authors: Ghazawneh Ahmad , Henfridsson Ola 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPrior research documents the significance of using platform boundary resources (e.g. application programming interfaces) for cultivating platform ecosystems through third‐party development. However, there are few, if any, theoretical accounts of this relationship. To this end, this paper proposes a theoretical model that centres on two drivers behind boundary resources design and use – resourcing and securing – and how these drivers interact in third‐party development. We apply the model to a detailed case study of Apple's iPhone platform. Our application of the model not only serves as an illustration of its plausibility but also generates insights about the conflicting goals of third‐party development: the maintenance of platform control and the transfer of design capability to third‐party developers. We generate four specialised constructs for understanding the actions taken by stakeholders in third‐party development: self‐resourcing, regulation‐based securing, diversity resourcing and sovereignty securing. Our research extends and complements existing platform literature and contributes new knowledge about an alternative form of system development.
Morphogenetic and developmental functions of the Aspergillus nidulans homologues of the yeast bud site selection proteins Bud4 and Axl2
Authors: Si Haoyu , Rittenour William R. , Xu Kaimei , Nicksarlian Mark , Calvo Ana M. , Harris Steven D. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe yeast bud site selection system represents a paradigm for understanding how fungal cells regulate the formation of a polarity axis. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bud4 and Axl2 are components of the axial bud site marker. To address the possibility that these proteins regulate cellular morphogenesis in filamentous fungi, we have characterized homologues of Bud4 and Axl2 in Aspergillus nidulans. Our results show that Bud4 is involved in septum formation in both hyphae and developing conidiophores. Whereas Axl2 appears to have no obvious role in hyphal growth, it is required for the regulation of phialide morphogenesis during conidiation. In particular, Axl2 localizes to the phialide–spore junction, where it appears to promote the recruitment of septins. Furthermore, the developmental regulators BrlA and AbaA control the expression of Axl2. Additional studies indicate that Axl2 is also involved in the regulation of sexual development, not only in A. nidulans, but also in the phylogenetically unrelated fungus Fusarium graminearum. Our results suggest that Axl2 plays a key role in phialide morphogenesis and/or function during conidiation in the aspergilli.
The connector SafA interacts with the multi‐sensing domain of PhoQ in Escherichia coli
Authors: Eguchi Yoko , Ishii Eiji , Yamane Masatake , Utsumi Ryutaro 
Published: June 2012

SummarySensor histidine kinases of two‐component signal transduction systems (TCSs) respond to various environmental signals and transduce the external stimuli across the cell membrane to their cognate response regulators. Recently, membrane proteins that modulate sensory systems have been discovered. Among such proteins is SafA, which activates the PhoQ/PhoP TCS by direct interaction with the sensor PhoQ. SafA is directly induced by the EvgS/EvgA TCS, thus connecting the two TCSs, EvgS/EvgA and PhoQ/PhoP. We investigated how SafA interacted with PhoQ. Bacterial two‐hybrid and reporter assays revealed that the C‐terminal region (41–65 aa) of SafA activated PhoQ at the periplasm. Adding synthetic SafA(41–65) peptide to the cell culture also activated PhoQ/PhoP. Furthermore, direct interaction between SafA(41–65) and the sensor domain of PhoQ was observed by means of surface plasmon resonance. NMR spectroscopy of 15N‐labelled PhoQ sensor domain confirmed that SafA and Mg2+ provoked a different conformational change of PhoQ. Site‐directed mutagenesis studies revealed that R53, within SafA(41–65), was important for the activation of PhoQ, and D179 of the PhoQ sensor domain was required for its activation by SafA. SafA activated PhoQ by a different mechanism from cationic antimicrobial peptides and acidic pH, and independent of divalent cations and MgrB.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DQB1*03:38 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Tao S‐D. , He Y‐M. , He J. , Zhu F‐M. , Lv H‐J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHLA‐DQB1*03:38 differs from HLA‐DQB1*03:03:02:01 at nucleotide position 184 T>C in exon 2.
Role of mannose‐binding lectin‐2 polymorphism in the development of acute cellular rejection after transplantation for hepatitis C virus‐induced liver disease
Authors: Eurich D. , Boas‐Knoop S. , Yahyazadeh A. , Neuhaus R. , Somasundaram R. , Ruehl M. , Puhl G. , Neuhaus P. , Neumann U.P. , Bahra M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe development of liver and graft disease is suspected to be affected by genetic diversity. Mannose‐binding lectin‐2 (MBL‐2) is an important immunomodulatory factor that is involved in complement activation. The aim of our study was to elucidate the role of MBL‐2 genotypes after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced liver disease regarding the incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR), graft inflammation, fibrosis development, and antiviral treatment response.MethodsA group of 149 patients who underwent LT for HCV‐induced liver disease were genotyped for MBL‐2 (rs7096206; G/C) by TaqMan genotyping assay. We evaluated 518 post‐LT protocol biopsies and at least 98 urgent liver biopsies regarding graft fibrosis stages, inflammation grades, and evidence for rejection within MBL‐2 genotype groups.ResultNo association of MBL‐2 polymorphisms was observed regarding inflammation, fibrosis, and antiviral treatment outcome. However, the C allele of the MBL‐2 gene (P = 0.001) and gender compatibility (P = 0.012) were factors significantly associated with the incidence of ACR.ConclusionMBL‐2 polymorphisms and gender are involved in the development of ACR after LT. CC genotype and gender match may be regarded as risk factors for ACR in HCV‐positive graft recipients. Further studies are needed to confirm and verify this observation in non‐HCV groups as well.
Pre‐transplant myeloid dendritic cell deficiency associated with cytomegalovirus infection and death after kidney transplantation
Authors: Sun Q. , Hall E.C. , Huang Y. , Chen P. , Dibadj K. , Murawski M. , Shraybman R. , Van Kirk K. , Tang V. , Peng R. , Patton P.R. , Clare‐Salzler M.J. , Kaplan B. , Segev D.L. , Womer K.L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen‐presenting cells critical for immunity. We previously demonstrated a significant association between pre‐transplant blood myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) deficiency and post‐transplant BK viremia in renal transplant recipients. In the current post‐hoc analysis, we studied the association of these same pre‐transplant DC levels with other post‐transplant outcomes.MethodsPre‐transplant peripheral blood mDC and pDC levels were quantified using flow cytometry in 78 patients undergoing kidney transplantation. Post‐transplant outcomes were analyzed, including infection, rejection, and patient death, with a median follow‐up of 5.3 years. Associations between DC levels and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsAn independent association of mDC levels with post‐transplant cytomegalovirus infection (adjusted odds ratio 7.0, P = 0.01) and patient death (adjusted hazard ratio 13.0, P = 0.015) was found. No associations were demonstrated between levels of either DC subtype and bacterial infections or rejection.ConclusionsPre‐transplant mDC deficiency is significantly associated with CMV infection and death after kidney transplantation.
Efficacy of a penile variable tension loop for improving climacturia after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Mehta Akanksha , Deveci Serkan , Mulhall John P. 
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Climacturia is present in ∼20–40% of men after radical prostatectomy, and adversely affects sexual satisfaction. Although several strategies have been proposed for the treatment of climacturia, none have been systematically studied to date.
This observational study shows that use of a penile variable tension loop can significantly reduce the degree and frequency of orgasm‐associated incontinence, and the associated distress experienced by patients and partners. Climacturia resolves completely in half the patients, and occurs occasionally or rarely in the remainder.
Objective
To define the impact of the use of a penile variable tension loop on climacturia and on the distress level experienced by patients and their partners as a result of climacturia.
Patients and Methods
All patients presenting for sexual function assessment after radical prostatectomy (RP) were questioned regarding climacturia.
The study population consisted of men who had undergone RP < 6 months before initial evaluation, had reported having climacturia on ≥25% attempts where orgasm was achieved, had agreed to use the variable tension loop consistently, and continued to have climacturia when not using the loop at follow‐up.
Patients were interviewed regarding the frequency and degree of climacturia, and their own and their partner's distress levels secondary to climacturia, both with and without the use of the variable tension loop.
Results
The study population comprised 124 men.
At baseline, the degree of climacturia was small, moderate, and large in 16%, 72%, 12% of patients, respectively, and 28%, 26% and 0%, respectively, at follow‐up (all P < 0.01).
Climacturia occurred rarely, occasionally, most of the time, or always in 15%, 48%, 16% and 21% of cases, respectively, at baseline, and 48% of patients experienced no climacturia with use of the variable tension loop.
Distress was experienced by 14% and 61% of patients and partners at baseline, and 2% and 11% of patients and partners at follow up (P < 0.01).
Severity of distress was significantly lower at follow‐up for both partners and patients (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Climacturia is a common complication of radical prostatectomy.
Application of the variable tension loop can result in a significant decrease in the frequency and volume of climacturia.
Use of the variable tension loop is a simple and non‐invasive strategy for relieving the distress associated with climacturia in patients who have undergone RP and their partners.
Saying something interesting about responsibility for health
Authors: Snelling Paul C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe concept of responsibility for health is a significant feature of health discourse and public health policy, but application of the concept is poorly understood. This paper offers an analysis of the concept in two ways. Following an examination of the use of the word ‘responsibility’ in the nursing and wider health literature using three examples, the concept of ‘responsibility for health’ as fulfilling a social function is discussed with reference to policy documents from the UK. The philosophical literature on moral responsibility is introduced, and in considering two versions, reactive attitudes and accountability, it is argued that in application both can be regarded, though with different emphasis, as being constituted in three parts: (i) a responsible agent; (ii) having obligations (responsibilities); and (iii) being susceptible to being held responsible (that is blamed) if he fails to meet them. The three‐stage model is consistent with the examples of the word responsibility in use, but application to the social function model causes a number of problems for healthcare practice, especially for the reactive attitudes account. Apart from considerable problems in stating what exactly the obligations are and how they can be justified; and how blame might justly be apportioned and by whom, the very ideas of obligation and blame are in conflict within healthcare systems and professional nursing practice which have foundations deeply embedded in the notion of the supremacy of personal autonomy. It is concluded that current application of the concept of responsibility for health is conceptually incoherent, and if it is to retain its place in health policy and discourse, urgent remedy is required.
TILLING in extremis
Authors: Wang Trevor L. , Uauy Cristobal , Robson Fran , Till Brad 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTargeting induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING), initially a functional genomics tool in model plants, has been extended to many plant species and become of paramount importance to reverse genetics in crops species. Because it is readily applicable to most plants, it remains a dominant non‐transgenic method for obtaining mutations in known genes. The process has seen many technological changes over the last 10 years; a major recent change has been the application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to the process, which permits multiplexing of gene targets and genomes. NGS will ultimately lead to TILLING becoming an in silico procedure. We review here the history and technology in brief, but focus more importantly on recent developments in polyploids, vegetatively propagated crops and the future of TILLING for plant breeding.
Corporate Responsibility and Compliance with the Law: A Case Study of Land, Dispossession, and Aftermath at Newmont's Ahafo Project in Ghana1
Authors: MARES RADU 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTAn important part of responsible business practices is compliance with the law. This article details what actually happens when the laws of the host country fail to ensure adequate protection. The focus here is on land dispossession and loss of livelihood in relation to a gold mine project in central Ghana. How is it that a well‐known international company—Newmont—with its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) statements sets up a project in the year 2003 that displaces subsistence farmers from their land without compensating in cash or with replacement land? The analysis identifies the factors that lead the company to not compensate farmers for their lost land: cost‐cutting, strict adherence to the law, CSR commitment that was new and not internalized, complexities of the Ghanaian land tenure system, peer pressure to preserve the status quo, selection of an “old‐school” CSR manager, and the inadequacy of Ghanaian mining law to account for relatively novel, “open‐pit” mining techniques. However, the specter of famine raised by civil society activism, the involvement of the International Financial Corporation, and a better qualified CSR team constitute another set of factors that lead to a comprehensive package of livelihood improvement measures. There is a contrast between the complexity, long‐term, and advanced type of assistance Newmont currently envisages and the backward, short‐term, formalism, and brutality of denying compensation for land back in 2003. This research is based on the extensive documentation Newmont makes available on its web site, interviews conducted in Ghana, and literature research.
Health‐care Nonprofits: Enhancing Governance and Public Trust
Authors: BLODGETT MARK S. , MELCONIAN LINDA 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTNonprofits are a major part of the U.S. economy and they are not immune from corporate malfeasance controversies. Even Congress has expressed concern about the crisis in nonprofit governance. The nonprofit response to Congress has been a historic initiative recognizing critical challenges to nonprofit governance. In contrast to their for‐profit counterparts, nonprofits are committed to missions serving the public benefit and not to shareholder profits. Accordingly, their missions and financial resources are intrinsic to their very existence, which is built upon the public trust. That trust is rooted in fiduciary responsibility and reflected in best practices. This article traces the history of the nonprofit public trust and fiduciary standards and examines principles of Sarbanes–Oxley and other best practices as they apply to nonprofits. The authors sampled 80 health‐care nonprofit corporation web sites from eight asset classes to determine compliance with Sarbanes–Oxley and identification of fiduciary duty, ethical values, and other best practices. Among the very largest health‐care nonprofits, many comply with Sarbanes–Oxley and identify fiduciary duty, ethical values, and other best practices. However, there are substantial deficiencies in such compliance and identification among all remaining seven asset classes ranging from 99.9 million to less than 100,000. The results appear to corroborate the urgent necessity for reform articulated by the Congress and the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit governance has entered a new era where best practices must be implemented to sustain the public trust.
Demonstrating the Need for Effective Business Ethics: An Alternative Approach
Authors: CHILDS JASON 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTSince the financial crisis, the malfeasance of business leaders has been a recurring theme in the news, along with calls for increased regulation and oversight. This focus on the ethics of the business community raises a concern about the ethics of those in business or going into business. The ethics of business people and business students has been explored by a number of researchers using survey techniques. We propose and report the results of an alternative method for investigating unethical behavior by students. In a motivated economic experiment with introductory level students, we find that business students were almost twice as likely to lie for a monetary reward as students in other disciplines, demonstrating the need for effective business ethics.