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An airport and its region have a mutual interaction. Thus, the airport's performance is crucial for its region. Moreover, airport's performance is influenced by air transport network. The measurement of the quality and capacity of the air transport network is multifaceted. The study assesses an airport's network in terms of its type, accessibility, and connectivity. It focusses on 12 Tier-II Indian cities having medium-hub international airports because of their huge growth potential and under-addressed assessment. Furthermore, it is in coherence with the current policies of boosting regional air connectivity. Specific analyses for Tier-II cities' airports is important as a comparison with the bigger metropolises will be skewed. This exploration puts special emphasis on their relationship with the Tier-I cities as the connectivity of Indian airports is majorly complementary than competitive. Measures used for assessment are concentration indices, graph theory-based connectivity and accessibility indices (shortest path length and quickest time length), and partial accessibility indicators (daily accessibility, potential indicator, location indicator, and network efficiency). Modifications and synthesis of partial indicators are also attempted. Annual data sets for the financial year 2017–18 and real-time data from 25–July 31, 2018 are used, and the analysis was carried out from April–August 2018. The study identifies future potential (hubs/feeders) among the Tier-II cities' airports and proposes to align policies accordingly. The results illustrate the need for more strong hubs in northern India and reveal the potential of Amritsar, Calicut, and Trichy of becoming future regional hubs.

Ballast water is a vector for global translocation of microorganisms, and should be monitored to protect human and environmental health. This study utilizes high throughput sequencing (HTS) and machine learning to examine the bacterial and fungal microbiomes of ballast water to identify associations between 16S and 18S rRNA genes and the fungal ITS region. These sequencing regions were examined using the SILVA v132 and UNITE reference databases. The highest correlation was found between the communities in Silva_16S and UNITE_ITS (0.74). There was a higher proportion of positive inter-kingdom correlations than positive intra-kingdom interactions (p = 0.032). Understanding the reasons for this difference requires additional research under more controlled conditions. Finally, a machine learning model was used to examine the classification accuracy when using each sequencing region and reference database to identify ballast residence time and ballast sample location. There was significantly higher accuracy using SILVA (0.843) compared to UNITE (0.614) (p

Copper-based preservatives are used for wood protection, which leads to an enrichment of copper tolerant microbial communities in respective soil environments. In this study impregnated pine wood specimens (2 × 2 × 36 cm) were half buried in two field sites with (North Germany, NG) and without (Central Germany, CG) a long preservative history and incubated for 17 and 36 weeks. Pine sapwood specimens were impregnated with either CuTriQAC (containing copper, triazoles and quaternary ammonium compounds), Cu (containing only copper) or water (H2O) as control. The effect of preservative treatment at the wood-soil interface, 1 mm and 7 mm into wood was assessed by quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing of the fungal ITS region and bacterial 16S rRNA gene of both field sites over time. Fungal and bacterial copy numbers decreased in 1 mm and only fungal in 7 mm into CuTriQAC treated wood in both sites but not in Cu treated wood. Both Cu and CuTriQAC treated wood shifted the richness, evenness of the bacterial and, to a lesser extent, the fungal community composition inside wood. In conclusion, Cu and CuTriQAC treated wood caused a selection towards microfungal ascomycetes and defined bacterial genera, which majority of genera were previously described as diazotrophs.

The contamination of soil with petrogenic hydrocarbons represents a significant human health concern as a result of the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of a number of compounds commonly found in petroleum products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although it is known that soil fungal communities play an important role in the degradation of highly branched petroleum hydrocarbons and high molecular weight PAHs, little information is available regarding the impact of petrogenic contamination on the structure and diversity of the fungal community and the impact of soil type on the fungal community response. Here, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of petrogenic contamination on fungal communities in two soil types. In sandy soils, the most contaminated test pit had the highest fungal diversity. Fungal profiles were dominated by species from the class Eurotiomycetes and included the well-known hydrocarbon-degrading species of Aspergillus and Eurotiales. The dominance of these species did not change with contamination concentration,suggesting a level of adaptability to multiple carbon sources. There appeared to be no correlation between fungal species diversity and contaminant concentration in the clayey soil. Similar dominant fungal species were identified in the clay and sandy soils, all of which were part of the phylum Ascomycota. The clayey soils had a higher species diversity and range-weighted richness compared to sandy soils, which may be a result of the pore connectivity theory i.e. as a result of low water connectivity in soils the formation of diverse communities is promoted through creation of microhabitats. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

We study decision-making by a regional authority (RA) that uses enterprise zones to attract members of the creative class---referred to as entrepreneurs---to its region. The enterprise zones provide a local public good (LPG) 𝐿 to entrepreneurs who become members. First, we compute the utility maximizing number of entrepreneurs 𝑁 to attract and the optimal provision level of the LPG. Second, if the LPG 𝐿 is chosen optimally, then, given 𝑁, we determine an expression for the utility of an entrepreneur. Third, we calculate how much an entrepreneur would be willing to pay to become a member of an enterprise zone and then discuss the potential existence of an efficient and revenue-neutral equilibrium. Finally, we comment on some theoretical difficulties stemming from the twin facts that the number of enterprise zones created and the number of entrepreneurs attracted to these zones have to be integers.

Talaromyces marneffei is one of the endemic mycoses prevalent in South-East Asian region. The infection, which was once considered to be opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients, is establishing foothold in transplant and immunocompetent population. We report a case of a 41-year-old post-renal transplant female with a travel history to Assam two years back presenting with a subcutaneous lesion on right side of scalp associated with pain and blurring of vision in right eye. Fine-needle aspiration from the scalp lesion showed yeast cells with transverse septation in cytological examination and culture grew Talaromyces marneffei, which was confirmed by sequencing of ITS region. Patient was successfully managed with oral itraconazole 200 mg twice daily for ten months without subsequent recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first case of subcutaneous infection by T. marneffei in a renal transplant recipient from India.

Onychomycosis is the most common infection of the toe-nails or finger-nails and it may be caused by a large variety of fungal species. Achaetomium species which belong to the phylum Ascomycota (Family Chaetomiaceae), are usually soil saprophytes or endophytic fungi which have been rarely reported as human or animal pathogens. Here, we report a case of onychomycosis caused by Achaetomium strumarium in a healthy person who showed involvement of all fingers of both hands with yellowish brown discoloration. The causative agent isolated was identified as Achaetomium species by morphology, colony morphometry and growth at high temperature and as A. strumarium from DNA sequence of ITS region. Onychomycosis from this case responded satisfactorily with per os (P. O.; oral) and topical application of Terbinafine.

The sub-family Mimosoideae comprises members of major economic importance. Many representatives of this group are difficult to identify solely using morphological features, hence the necessity to develop an efficient and accurate means to identify its members. In this study, the DNA barcode potential of different genetic loci in Mimosoideae was explored. Four genetic regions (ribosomal ITS and plastid rbcL, matK and trnL intron) were investigated to accurately identify its species. These regions were evaluated based on (i) PCR-amplification (ii) sequencing success, (iii) intra- and inter-specific divergence, (v) DNA barcoding gaps and (vi) identification efficiency. ITS region exhibited the highest amplification success rate whereas both rbcL and matK displayed the highest sequencing success rate. The six parameters used to characterize intra- versus interspecific divergence revealed that ITS exhibited the highest discrimination potential whereas rbcL was the least in performance. Using Wilcoxon signed rank tests, ITS and matK exhibited the highest inter-specific divergence between congeneric species whereas ITS and trnL displayed the highest intra-specific distance. ITS region exhibited a high barcoding gap of 2.00; ITS + matK, ITS + rbcL, ITS + matK + rbcL + trnL-F, a barcoding gap of 1.00, whereas other regions revealed no barcoding gap. Based on all analyzed parameters, ITS region proved superior in species discrimination with the most accurate identification potential, significantly higher than matK, rbcL or trnL intron. Our results propose ITS as an attractive barcode or as a locus complementary to other previously approved plant barcode regions. ITS region constitutes a promising DNA locus candidate to accurately identify members of the Mimosoideae.

Bartonella bacteria are arthropod-borne and can cause long-term bacteremia in humans and animals. The predominant arthropod vectors and the mode of transmission for many novel Bartonella species remain elusive or essentially unstudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in Norwegian cervids and deer keds (Lipoptena cervi) and to characterise the bacteria by sequencing of the partial gltA gene and 16 S–23 S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ITS) in order to evaluate a possible transmission route. A total of 260 spleen samples and 118 deer keds were collected from cervids by hunters in the Southern part of Norway. Bartonella DNA was detected in 10.5% of spleen samples of roe deer (n = 67), in 35.1% red deer (n = 37), in 35.9% moose (n = 156), and in 85% pools of adult wingless deer ked (n = 59). Two Bartonella lineages were identified based on phylogenetic analysis of the gltA gene and ITS region sequences.

Background Herbal substances and preparations thereof play an important role in healthcare systems worldwide. Due to the variety of these products regarding origin, composition and processing procedures, appropriate methodologies for quality assessment need to be considered. A majority of herbal substances is administered as multicomponent mixtures, especially in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine and ayurvedic medicine, but also in finished medicinal products. Quality assessment of complex mixtures of herbal substances with conventional methods is challenging. Thus, emphasis of the present work was directed on the development of complementary methods to elucidate the composition of mixtures of herbal substances and finished herbal medicinal products. Hypothesis/purpose An indispensable prerequisite for the safe and effective use of herbal medicines is the unequivocal authentication of the medicinal plants used therein. In this context, we investigated the potential of three different PCR-related methods in the characterization and authentication of herbal substances. Methods A multiplex PCR assay and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay were established to analyze defined mixtures of the herbal substances Quercus cortex, Juglandis folium, Aristolochiae herba, Matricariae flos and Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizoma and a finished herbal medicinal product. Furthermore, a standard cloning approach using universal primers targeting the ITS region was established in order to allow the investigation of herbal mixtures with unknown content. Results The cloning approach had some limitations regarding the detection/recovery of the components in defined mixtures of herbal substances, but the complementary use of two sets of universal primer pairs increased the detection of components out of the mixture. While the multiplex PCR did not retrace all components in the defined mixtures of herbal substances, the established qPCR resulted in simultaneous and specific detection of the five target sequences in all defined mixtures. Conclusion These data indicate that for authentication purposes, complementary PCR-related methods are highly recommendable for the analysis of herbal mixtures in parallel.

Anisakis L3 were subjected to freezing in domestic freezers and the risk posed by those larvae that might possibly survive freezing was analysed by determining their agar penetration ability, survival in gastric juice, allergenic potential and oxygen consumption rate. Anisakis L3 gradually became non-viable as the temperature fell from -1 °C to -28 °C. The faster the freezing rate, the greater the decrease in survival, but viability was not found to be affected by the proportions of Anisakis species per batch (A. simplex s.s. 83-100%, A. pegreffii 0-17%, and their heterozygote genotypes at the ITS region of rDNA 0-10%). Surviving larvae after freezing presented a drastically reduced ability to penetrate into a layer of solid agar, as compared to controls, but still 5% of them penetrated into this medium. About 80% of surviving larvae died within 24 h under conditions simulating those of gastric fluid, whereas up to 85% of the controls were able to resist for 24 h. Allergen release during freezing and after freezing was higher than in controls, and this release was compatible with a contribution of both passive (by rupture of the cuticle) and active liberation of excretion/secretion allergens during and after freezing, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of these frozen and thawed larvae cannot be discarded. These results could be of use for more precise risk assessment and providing guidelines for consumers., This work has been financed by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration under Grant Agreement 312068, EU PARASITE (Grant number: 312068) and Spanish ANIRISK (AGL2015-68248-C2) MINECO/FEDER.

This work intended to develop DNA-based methods to detect and quantify safflower as an adulterant in saffron. Species-specific PCR and real-time PCR with EvaGreen dye targeting the ITS region of Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) were successfully proposed. The assays allowed absolute and relative sensitivities of 2pg of safflower DNA (∼1.4 DNA copies) and 0.1% of safflower in saffron (Crocus sativus L.), respectively. A normalised real-time PCR approach was also proposed in the range of 0.1-20% (w/w) of safflower in saffron, which was successfully validated and applied to commercial saffron samples (stigmas, powders and seasonings). From 19 samples, three were positive to safflower, though at levels below the limit of detection, suggesting cross-contamination rather than adulteration. In this work, specific, sensitive and accurate tools were proposed to authenticate saffron. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful attempt to quantify safflower by a DNA-based approach.

Hybridization is an important source of generating diversity in Potamogeton . However, the recorded frequency and distribution of hybrids in the world is highly uneven, and so is our knowledge of this diversity. So far, no hybrid between linear-leaved species has been recorded in Turkey. Morphologically intermediate and taxonomically unclear forms collected during an extensive field survey in wetlands throughout Turkey were subjected to detailed morphological and molecular analyses. Direct sequencing and cloning of the ITS region revealed two hybrids previously unknown in Turkey: P. obtusifolius × P. berchtoldii and P. trichoides × P. berchtoldii . Sequences of the chloroplast trn L- trn F intergenic spacer region confirmed P. obtusifolius and P. trichoides as maternal parents of these hybrids. One of the maternal species, P. obtusifolius , is not known to currently occur in Turkey. Brief morphological descriptions of the new hybrids are provided, as well as a comparison of diagnostic characters with those of all parental and similar linear-leaved species. These results demonstrate that hybridization studies and appropriate approaches bring important information about both past and present biodiversity.

We report a rare case of dermatophyte infection of the glabrous skin (Tinea corporis) caused by Nannizzia gypsea (formerly Microsporum gypseum). A 22-year-old Malagasy female who reported close contact reportedly with cats, presented a single round lesion with a peripheral, active, squamous and pruriginous inflammatory bead. Morphologic species identification was confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the genome. Specific treatment with oral loratadine and topical miconazole cream was effective. Keywords: Nannizzia gypsea, Dermatophyte infection, ITS region, Madagascar

This paper critiques the three interlinked but distinct processes of pluralization, decentralization, and balkanization in relating urban planning and governance problems to disaster mitigation and governance. Using flood-related disasters in Mumbai as a case study, the paper analyzes the disaster governance initiatives of urban and regional institutions in the Mumbai region. Balkanization of institutions and governance mechanisms pertaining to urban planning and disaster management is identified as a key barrier to effective decentralized disaster governance in the city and its region. Three types of balkanization are described and critiqued: a) spatial/geographical (balkanization of ecosystem and environmental management); b) sectoral (balkanization of urban governance sectors—solid waste, drainage and sewerage, pollution control, infrastructure); and c) institutional (balkanization of urban and disaster mitigation/management institutions). Attention to issues of scale and cross-institutional linkages are identified as key areas for addressing the balkanization problem. Issues of informality are foregrounded as contradictory features affecting the quality of decentralized disaster governance, and as one of the neo-liberal mechanisms of urban entrepreneurial governance.

Invasive infections due to uncommon and rare yeast species are increasing worldwide in prevalence and are associated with high mortality rates. Here, we describe the first isolation and characterization of Candida metapsilosis cultured from the blood sample of a 10-year-old Saudi girl, who suffered from a neurodegenerative disorder, in Kuwait. The yeast isolate was identified by sequencing of ITS region and D1/D2 domains of rDNA. The report extends the geographic distribution of C. metapsilosis to the Middle East and highlights the emerging role of uncommon yeast species causing infections in susceptible hosts.

The European Union has emphatically declared its commitment towards reforming the judicial system on its region, promoting social cohesion. We extend this scope, by evaluating the potential relationship between the effectiveness of the judicial system and economic growth. Based on a panel dataset of 22 EU countries over the period 2010–2017 and under the lens of the economic growth literature, we find that even marginally the judicial system could be considered as a part of the social capital of Hall and Jones (1999) that supports productivity.

A 5-month-old bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with panepidermal necrosis and exudation on the left foreleg. Serous exudate was seen underneath dry and hardened skin. Swab and microscopic examination revealed severe inflammation and septate hyphae. On radiography, moderate osteolysis was found on distal part of left humerus. Fungal culture produced white fungal colonies with irregular margins. Analysis of the ITS region indicated the isolated fungus as Nannizziopsis chlamydospora. This is the first case of N. chlamydospora-associated necrotizing dermatomycosis reported in the Republic of Korea.

Unexploited chalk quarries in North France and its region constitute a risk of damage on both people and constructions. This work aims to study the mechanical behavior of the cavities affected by presence of joints and fractures in the chalk layers. First, an oriented yield criterion based on the theory of multi-mechanisms is developed to account for the presence of double joint sets. Then, a shear strength reduction approach is integrated in this joint model and implemented to study the mechanical stability state of these quarries. This provides some provisions about the effect of joint characterization on strain profiles and failure mechanisms in chalk quarries.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays for detection of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and macadamia nut (Macadamia intergrifolia) traces in food products are described here. The real time PCR technique proposed herein were developed based on the design of macadamia and cashew-specific primers from the ITS region and a TaqMan fluorescent probe. The methods were positive for cashew and macadamia respectively, and negative for all other heterologous plant and animal species tested. Using a series of model samples with defined levels of raw and heat-treated cashew and macadamia nut, respectively, within a range of concentrations of 0.1–100 000 mg kg−1, practical detection limits of 0.1 mg kg−1 for cashew and macadamia nut were estimated. Practical applicability of the PCR methods was tested by the analysis of a total of 214 commercial foodstuffs. These PCR methods, are useful for highly selective, and sensitive detection of traces of macadamia and cashew nuts in commercial food products and is therefore proposed as a ready-to-use analytical tool to trace these target allergens in foods.

Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.), one of the most important and expensive medicinal spice products traded internationally, is subject to adulteration by design or default with safflower stamens and corn stigmas, leading to poor quality of saffron samples. The present study aims at the development of specific, sensitive and reproducible PCR-based markers to detect these adulterants in traded saffron. Six putative RAPD markers generated by random primers, OPA-14, MG-11, MG-12 and AJ-05, were identified as saffron specific by comparative RAPD analysis of genuine saffron, safflower and corn. These specific RAPD markers were cloned, sequenced and six pairs of SCAR primers were designed. Specific designed primers were able to amplify reproducible saffron DNA with expected sizes and no amplification in corn and safflower DNA. In this study, a primer pair was also designed based on ITS sequences for specific amplification of safflower DNA. PCR reactions were also specifically amplified 613 bp of ITS region in safflower genome. The multiplex PCR assays were further established for the joint use of some SCAR and ITS markers efficiently. The special feature of this new molecular method was technically rapid and convenient practically and suitable for analyzing large numbers of samples. Thus, the simple rapid PCR-based molecular method could be used as a helpful assistant tool for the identification of adulterant saffron samples. This study described the development of a new SCAR and ITS maker-based multiplex PCR assay for the rapid molecular detection of substitutes in saffron.

A previous work that used documents from the Archive of the University of Coimbra, described a high fungal diversity colonizing different types of documents. Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most common genera found in documents where biodegradation was more evident. The presence of arthropods circulating through the Archive suggested that zoochoric dispersion could play a significant role in the dispersion of fungal species between documents in similar environments. The aims of this study were to evaluate the role of arthropods as fungal dispersers and potential vectors of contamination between the documents from the Archive of the University of Coimbra; to study the effects of seasonality in the diversity of fungal species associated with invertebrates; and to understand the relationship between the identified fungal species and the different arthropod taxa. The sequencing of the total ITS region combined with the analysis of macroscopic and microscopic taxonomic traits, provided data on the fungal diversity carried by arthropods. Results show a high fungal diversity associated with invertebrates: from a total of over 148 isolates, 25 fungal genera and 59 species were identified and kept in culture. The most common genera were Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium.

Identification of pineapple cultivar solely based upon traditional method which only based on morphology. However, this approach could results in inaccurate cultivar identification and inconsistent. In this study, we conducted phenetic analysis of 9 Malaysian pineapple cultivars based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to evaluate utility of the region as a barcode in identification of pineapple cultivars and to determine phenetic relationships among cultivar. Genomic DNA was directly extracted, and ITS region was amplified and sequenced. Phenetic analysis revealed that the pineapple cultivars used in this study were classified into three groups with high sequence similarity among them. This clearly showed that the DNA barcode from ITS region have good discrimination power to distinguish the pineapple cultivar. Since the tree distinctly separated into three group of cultivar, consensus sequences served as DNA barcode for Malaysian pineapple cultivar can be constructed.

The taxonomic history of anamorphic species attributed to Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium is reviewed, along with evidence supporting their relationship with teleomorphic species classified in Talaromyces. To supplement previous conclusions based on ITS, SSU and/or LSU sequencing that Talaromyces and subgenus Biverticillium comprise a monophyletic group that is distinct from Penicillium at the generic level, the phylogenetic relationships of these two groups with other genera of Trichocomaceae was further studied by sequencing a part of the RPB1 (RNA polymerase II largest subunit) gene. Talaromyces species and most species of Penicillium subgenus Biverticilliumsensu Pitt reside in a monophyletic clade distant from species of other subgenera of Penicillium . For detailed phylogenetic analysis of species relationships, the ITS region (incl. 5.8S nrDNA) was sequenced for the available type strains and/or representative isolates of Talaromyces and related biverticillate anamorphic species. Extrolite profiles were compiled for all type strains and many supplementary cultures. All evidence supports our conclusions that Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium is distinct from other subgenera in Penicillium and should be taxonomically unified with the Talaromyces species that reside in the same clade. Following the concepts of nomenclatural priority and single name nomenclature, we transfer all accepted species of Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium to Talaromyces . A holomorphic generic diagnosis for the expanded concept of Talaromyces , including teleomorph and anamorph characters, is provided. A list of accepted Talaromyces names and newly combined Penicillium names is given. Species of biotechnological and medical importance, such as P. funiculosum and P. marneffei, are now combined in Talaromyces . Excluded species and taxa that need further taxonomic study are discussed. An appendix lists other generic names, usually considered synonyms of Penicillium sensu lato that were considered prior to our adoption of the name Talaromyces . Taxonomic novelties: Taxonomic novelties:New species – Talaromyces apiculatus Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, sp. nov. New combinations and names – Talaromyces aculeatus (Raper & Fennell) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. albobiverticillius (H.-M. Hsieh, Y.-M. Ju & S.-Y. Hsieh) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. allahabadensis (B.S. Mehrotra & D. Kumar) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. aurantiacus (J.H. Mill., Giddens & A.A. Foster) Samson, Yilmaz, & Frisvad, T. boninensis (Yaguchi & Udagawa) Samson, Yilmaz, & Frisvad, T. brunneus (Udagawa) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. calidicanius (J.L. Chen) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. cecidicola (Seifert, Hoekstra & Frisvad) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. coalescens (Quintan.) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. dendriticus (Pitt) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. diversus (Raper & Fennell) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. duclauxii (Delacr.) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. echinosporus (Nehira) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, comb. nov. T. erythromellis (A.D. Hocking) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. funiculosus (Thom) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. islandicus (Sopp) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. loliensis (Pitt) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. marneffei (Segretain, Capponi & Sureau) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. minioluteus (Dierckx) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. palmae (Samson, Stolk & Frisvad) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. panamensis (Samson, Stolk & Frisvad) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. paucisporus (Yaguchi, Someya & Udagawa) Samson & Houbraken T. phialosporus (Udagawa) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. piceus (Raper & Fennell) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. pinophilus (Hedgcock) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. pittii (Quintan.) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. primulinus (Pitt) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. proteolyticus (Kamyschko) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. pseudostromaticus (Hodges, G.M. Warner, Rogerson) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. purpurogenus (Stoll) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. rademirici (Quintan.) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. radicus (A.D. Hocking & Whitelaw) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. ramulosus (Visagie & K. Jacobs) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. rubicundus (J.H. Mill., Giddens & A.A. Foster) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. rugulosus (Thom) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. sabulosus (Pitt & A.D. Hocking) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. siamensis (Manoch & C. Ramirez) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. sublevisporus (Yaguchi & Udagawa) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. variabilis (Sopp) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. varians (G. Sm.) Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad, T. verruculosus (Peyronel) Samson, Yilmaz, Frisvad & Seifert, T. viridulus Samson, Yilmaz & Frisvad.

We review the developments in various models describing strong interaction physics. The models provide an intuitive way of understanding the complex phenomenon associated with strong interactions. Models also help us to delve into regions of couplings and other thermodynamic conditions of interest that are still out of reach of the first principle method - quantum chromodynamics. At the same to ascertain the merits of the models they should be contrasted to the results obtained from quantum chromodynamics at least in its region of validity, and to the available experimental data. Here we shall discuss about our progress in that direction.

Summary A case of persistent catheter-related fungemia due to Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is described in a 4-year-old female with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The diagnosis is based on repeated isolation of R. mucilaginosa from blood cultures. The identity of the cultured isolates as R. mucilaginosa was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS region of rDNA. The diagnosis was further supported by detection of R. mucilaginosa DNA in consecutive serum specimens. Removal of Hickman catheter and treatment with voriconazole resulted in recovery and disappearance of the yeast from the bloodstream. The report highlights the importance of R. mucilaginosa as an opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised patients.

In order to optimize polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region from fungi found in black soil in North China, an orthogonal experimental design [L16(45)] was used to evaluate five factors (template, Mg2+, dNTP, Taq DNA polymerase, and primer) from four levels. Subsequently, the optimal annealing temperature, annealing time, extension time and cycle numbers were evaluated. The results showed that the optimized PCR solution for amplification of ITS region comprised 5 μL 10× buffer, 30 ng soil DNA template, 3.0 mmol · L−1 Mg2+, 0.2 mmol · L−1 dNTPs, 0.1 μmol · L−1 each forward and reverse primer, and 2.0 U Taq enzyme in 50 μL reaction volume. The optimal thermal cycling protocol consisted of initial melting at 94°C for 5 min, followed by 35 cycles at 94°C for 30 s, 56°C for 30 s, 72°C for 90 s, and a final extension of 72°C for 10 min.

Analysis of rDNA internal transcribled spacer (rDNA ITS) was used to find diversity among 17 specimens isolated from Heilongjiang Province The results showed that there were base variances in ITS region among the tested strains, and with 17 variance loci in ITS region, besides the fragment of 5.8S rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that 17 strains of A.auricular were clustered into two groups. Althrough these results did not show correlation with geographic origins of the specimens, it was suggested that A.auricular distributed in Heilongjiang Province include at least two genetically different populations.

Objectives The aim of our work is to evaluate the calcium intake in population of Marrakesh and its region by the translated version in Moroccan Arabic dialect of Fardellone questionnaire. Subjects and methods The version translated into Arabic dialect Fardellone questionnaire is tested on a sample of 1000 subjects. The subjects aged less than 15 years accounted for 30.9% (n = 309), those aged 15 to 59 62% (n = 620) and those aged over 60 years 7.1% (n = 71). The distribution by age group is calculated on the distribution of the Moroccan population. Results The study population includes 60.6% women (n = 606), 39.4% of men (n = 394). The mean calcium intake was respectively 5875 mg by week (that means 839 mg/day), 4899 mg by week (that means 699 mg/day), 3053 mg by week (that means 436 mg/day), in subjects aged less than 15, those aged 15 to 59, and those aged over 60 years. The average consumption of calcium per day is significantly lower than the recommended daily amount for the three age groups. Patients aged over 60 years is the age group most under nourished calcium. The comparison of both gender found a deficit higher among women than among men. Conclusion Evaluation of the calcium intake is an essential tool for better management of metabolic bone diseases.

The maize pathogens Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) and Fusarium proliferatum (Fp) are morphologically very similar to one another, so Fp isolates have been often mistaken as Fusarium moniliforme (the former name of Fv). The only presently accepted morphological discriminator between these species is the presence/absence of polyphialides. Here, a collection of 100 Fusarium strains, isolated from infected maize kernels on plants grown in north-western Italy, were assigned as Fv or Fp on the basis of the presence/absence of polyphialides. This classification was tested on a subset of isolates by sexual crosses, ITS and calmodulin sequencing and AFLP profiling. An ITS-RFLP assay was extended to the full collection and to a number of Fv and Fp isolates of different geographical origin and hosts. The ITS region is proposed as taxonomically informative for distinguishing between Fp and Fv.

East African coastal archaeological research has traditionally concentrated on the stone towns. In contrast, this study adopts a maritime cultural landscape approach by examining one of those towns, Kilwa, in its wider setting towards the peak of its economic success. Using archaeological evidence derived from coastal and inter-tidal survey and excavation, it identifies the environmental advantages of Kilwa′s estuarine location and resources that are exploited by a series of settlements providing marine produce and construction materials. The maritime approaches to the town also provide the context for a cultural display of religious allegiance and power through the symbolism of conspicuously sited mosques and a more perplexing series of causeways. Knowledge of the wider integrated coastal environment is seen as key to understanding the culture and economy of the region.

Primer sets for a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method were developed to specifically identify each of the four Brettanomyces/Dekkera species, Dekkera anomala, Dekkera bruxellensis, Dekkera custersiana and Brettanomyces naardenensis. Each primer set was designed with target sequences in the ITS region of the four species and could specifically amplify the target DNA of isolates from beer, wine and soft drinks. Furthermore, the primer sets differentiated strains of the target species from strains belonging to other species, even within the genus Brettanomyces/Dekkera. Moreover, the LAMP method with these primer sets could detect about 1 x 10(1) cfu/ml of Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeasts from suspensions in distilled water, wine and beer. This LAMP method with primer sets for the identification of Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeasts is advantageous in terms of specificity, sensitivity and ease of operation compared with standard PCR methods.

We report the presence of intra-individual ITS variants among Indian bread wheat varieties by PCR-RFLP analysis. The analysis using HaeIII enzyme detected four polymorphic fragments among genotypes. A detailed analysis showed that the 300 bp HaeIII polymorphic fragment has arisen due to a point mutation in the ITS region leading to the loss of a HaeIII site. Genetic analysis showed that 300 bp HaeIII ITS variant in var. Kalyansona was located on the chromosome 1B. Of the remaining three polymorphic fragments, two were found to have originated from a NOR locus on the 1R chromosome of rye. Based on the combinations of the ITS variants present among the wheat varieties analyzed, the ITS variant that gave rise to the fourth polymorphic fragment (250 bp) was predicted to be located on a chromosome other than 1B.

Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) have been used as a powerful asset in attracting foreign capital for the benefit of the host state, while ensuring a favourable and predictable investment environment for investors venturing abroad. The more than 2700 BITs currently in force – comprising 56 BITs to which Hungary is a signatory – have had a significant impact on cross-border business activities all around the world. The beneficial effect of bilateral investment treaties has been especially palpable in transition economies within the Eastern bloc in pursuit of establishing international relations with Western countries and kick-starting economic growth. The present article aims at granting a concise overview of bilateral investment treaties in Hungary, the leading newcomer in the system of BITs within its region, with a special regard to the historical background, structure and future fate of such agreements.

Analysis of phylogenetic and evolution in six species of Sorghum was based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences in nuclear ribosomal DNA. Results showed that the length of the ITS regions among the six species ranged from 588 to 589 bp and the contents of G + C in ITS (ITS1+5.8S+ITS2) regions ranged from 60.27 to 61.05%; the length of ITS1 ranged from 207 to 208 bp and the contents of G + C in the ITS1 regions ranged from 53.91 to 61.54%. The length of the 5.8S rDNA and ITS2 regions in the six species was 164 and 217 bp respectively, and the contents of G + C ranged from 56.10 to 58.54% in the 5.8S rDNA region and 66.36 to 67.28% in the ITS2 region. Among regions of ITS, ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S, the best sequence for genetic relationship analysis in the six species was the ITS region. On the basis of the Jaccard coefficient and phylogentic tree, S . sp. was more related to S. propinguum than to other species. This was consistent with the fact that S . sp. is derived from S. propinguum . From the phylogenetic tree based on ITS1, S. halepense , silk sorghum and S. sudanense , are identical in the ITS1 sequence, whereas the phylogenetic tree based one shows that S. sudanense has a closer genetic association with S. almum rather than with S. halepense and silk sorghum.

Electronic Commerce (EC) is expected to change dramatically the way that organisations operate. Businesses invest in Information Technology and prepare their infrastructure so that they can support EC applications. The potential of EC however, is not confined to individual companies but extends to whole nations. Governments are considered as a key stakeholder in the successful development of EC and their commitment and support must be ensured. This paper reports on a survey of 33 IS and business managers in Mauritius and discusses the management practices, applications, problems and technological situation with respect to EC development in this country. This Indian Ocean island state aims at developing and maintaining its competitive advantage through EC, thus becoming a centre in its region. The findings of this paper are useful for both researchers and practitioners as they provide an insight to critical EC management issues, which concern both individual organisations and policy makers. Furthermore the results of this study can be used as a vehicle for EC development evaluation at an organisational as well as at a national level.

Hybrid systems combine discrete and continuous behaviors. In this paper, the hybrid nature of the manufacturing system will be investigated. An approach for the analysis and control synthesis for the hybrid systems based on the hybrid automaton model will be presented. The problem which must be solved can be formulated as follows: given a hybrid automaton, which models the system behavior, restrict its region associated with the controllable transition, in a systematic way, so that all the remaining behaviors satisfy certain properties. The application of this approach will be illustrated using a case study

A new ascomycete, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus gen. et sp. nov., characterised by naked asci, hyaline, thick-walled, ellipsoidal to fusiform, echinulate ascospores, and blastoconidia, isolated from Antarctican soil samples, is described and illustrated. Analysis of the nuclear rDNA ITS region sequences showed that this taxon is related to Thelebolaceae.

A case of colonization of a prosthetic mitral valve in a 73-year-old Spanish male by the fungus Acremonium strictum W. Gams is described. The valve was replaced due to paravalvular leak and severe insufficiency and the patient died of multiorgan failure. The identity of the fungus was determined by morphological studies and it was confirmed by the analysis of the ITS region sequence analysis. Molecular studies seem to demonstrate that A. strictum is a species complex. The case emphasizes the potential high risk of fungal infection for patients with prosthetic valves.

Emericella indica sp. nov. and a peculiar morphological variant of E. quadrilineata are described and illustrated. The former is characterized by large, smooth, violet ascospores and the latter by apparently budding ascospores. Analysis of the sequences of the nuclear rDNA ITS region gene of these species and E. nidulans and E. variecolor support our concepts based on morphological criteria.

1. Subject and sourceActaea asiatica Hara (Ranunculaceae), one of the eight species of genera Actaea, occurs mainly in the north tem-perate zones, e.g. China, North America, Korea, Russia and Siberia (Wang, 1979). The rhizomes of this plant werecollected in Luoping village, Suijiang county, Shaotong area, Yunnan province in July 2004. A voucher specimen(AA-04-0717) has been deposited in the Herbarium of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academyof Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College. In a recent phylogenetic study of the genera Cimicifuga andActaea, Cimicifuga was transferred to Actaea based on the sequence of nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS region (Comptonet al., 1998).2. Previous workThe circumscriptionsof thegeneraActaea and Cimicifugahas long been debated. In the recent phylogenystudyofCimicifuga and Actaea, Cimicifuga has been transferred to Actaea based on the sequence of nuclear ribosomal DNAITS region (Compton et al., 1998).OurpreviousphytochemicalinvestigationonA.asiaticaresultedintheisolationof9,19-cycloartanetriterpenesap-onions and cinnamic acid derivatives, which are the major constituents of Cimicifuga plants (Gao et al, 2006a,b). Inour continuous study on the chemical constituents of A. asiatica, four furan chromones and two indolinone alkaloidswere obtained.

Resume Pour obtenir plus d'informations sur l'epidemiologie de l'infection par Pneumocystis carinii sp. f. hominis, nous avons analyse les regions intercalaires internes transcrites du noyau de l'operon de l'ARNr du microorganisme, a partir d'echantillons respiratoires obtenus de cinq patients sideens italiens ayant eu deux atteintes de pneumocystose. Le procede nous a permis d'identifier 8 types de P. carinii, et parmi ceux-ci trois types nouveaux: A4a1 , B1b5 et B1c2. Le type B1a3 apparait comme le genotype italien le plus representatif de cette etude. Nos resultats suggerent que les reinfections sont exogenes de facon predominante plutot que dues a la reactivation d'une infection prealable.

FEDERAL, a two-region computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the Australian economy designed to allow analysis of regional and national economic shocks, is delineated in the context of other Australian regional CGE models. The two regions in the first (1989) version of FEDERAL were Tasmanian and the Australian mainland. A 1994 version of the model has South Australia as its region of focus. Key features of the model are its detailed treatment of regional income and of two tiers of government finance. Results from a payroll-tax-increase FEDERAL simulation are presented to draw out some major model mechanisms.

No single nation of the world has a sovereignty claim in both the South China Sea and the Arctic, and not every nation of the world has asserted an interest in both regions. Some nations, including the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, have indicated or suggested they have interests in both regions or interests indirectly affected by disputes in both regions. Therefore, a preliminary question of fact worth considering is: what are the specific interests of those nations? A deeper, analytical question to also consider is: are those national interests consistent, and truly universal in nature? If an observer were to view the two regional situations of the Arctic and the South China Sea through a sports lens, they would see the United States playing a 'home game' in one of its geographic regions of the world (i.e., the Arctic), while playing an 'away game' in another geographic region of the world (i.e., the South China Sea). Meanwhile, a nation like China would be playing a home game in its region and an away game outside of its region, but in the opposite locations. Logically, the national interests for home-region and away-region situations cannot be exactly the same. What, then, should be the relationship between national interests asserted by a nation in two different geographic locations? This paper will also consider that question. The discussion in this paper will be divided into two parts. First, it will identify the interests that the United States holds in the South China Sea and the Arctic. Second, it will provide some personal insights and opinions of the author about two of those interests. This second part will also highlight and examine actions and inactions by other nations in the two regions that, in the author’s opinion, might be putting those U.S. interests at risk.

The Haken—Strobl—Reineker parametrization of the stochastic Liouville equation model of exciton transfer was remarkably successful in its region of validity. Nevertheless, problems appear when one tries to apply the method to more general situations like systems of nonequivalent sites and/or finite temperatures even when the method is rederived while preserving the responsive character of the environment. These difficulties are discussed and a new more general parametrization is suggested which should resolve them.

Remuneration rates of German nursing homes are prospectively negotiated between long-term care insurance (LTCI) and social assistance on the one side and nursing homes on the other. They diff er considerably across regions while there is no evidence for substantial differences in care provision. This paper explains the differences in the remuneration rates by observable characteristics of the nursing home, its residents and its region with a special focus on the largest federal state North-Rhine-Westphalia, in which the most expensive nursing homes are located. We use data from the German Federal Statistical Office for 2005 on all nursing homes that off er full-time residential care for the elderly. We find that differences in remuneration rates can partly be explained by exogenous factors. Controls for residents, nursing homes, and district characteristics explain roughly 30% of the price difference; 40% can be ascribed to a regionally different kind of negotiation between nursing homes and LTCI. 30% of the raw price difference remains unexplained by observable characteristics.

We report synthesis of colloidal solutions of ferrite nanoparticles in the surfactant micellar system potassium laurate / 1-decanol / water within its region of nematic order. The obtained ferronematic specimens are reversibly oriented by low (≤100 Oe) magnetic fields and retain their transparency and stability for several months.

Theory suggests that, in the presence of local bias, the price of a stock should be decreasing in the ratio of the aggregate book value of firms in its region to the aggregate risk tolerance of investors in its region. We test this proposition using data on U.S. Census regions and states, and find clear-cut support for it. Most of the variation in the ratio of interest comes from differences across regions in aggregate book value per capita. Regions with low population density - e.g., the Deep South - are home to relatively few firms per capita, which leads to higher stock prices via an "only-game-in-town" effect. This effect is especially pronounced for smaller, less visible firms, where the impact of location on stock prices is roughly 12 percent.

Aconite is one of the most toxic plants, and is known world-wide. To confirm cases of poisoning by aconite, it would be helpful to be able to identify aconite DNA from samples such as stomach contents. In this study, we designed a tetraplex PCR targeted to the ITS region of the aconite nuclear DNA and three loci (matK, trnL-F and psbA-trnH) in chloroplast DNA. Four amplification products were specifically detected from all Japanese aconite samples we tested, substances with suspected aconite contamination, and a medicine, as well as in highly degraded materials. Furthermore, the sequencing analysis of psbA-trnH revealed that seven types of aconite were observed in Japanese samples. This method is a simple, sensitive and reliable method that can be used to identify Aconitum species.

Over the past decade the use of molecular techniques has provided new ways to study old questions about how ectomycorrhizal fungi interact with each other and their environment. In their simplest form, these methods enable researchers to identify vegetative stages of fungi that would be difficult, slow, or impossible to identify by morphological or culture-based methods. This has resulted in quantitative views of complex fungal communities, which in turn have revealed new and unexpected patterns in community structure. In addition, molecular methods have been used to identify individual genotypes of fungi. This information has provided insights into the way that particular species of ectomycorrhizal fungi spread in nature. In this article we will mention the basic techniques and briefly discuss some of the findings that have resulted. Advances in this field have recently been comprehensively reviewed for scientific audiences, and we refer readers that have a more technical interest or a need to access the current literature to these reviews (Dahlberg, 2001; Horton & Bruns, 2001).