bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a Community Currency be Independent of the State Currency? A Case Study of the Credito in Argentina (1995–2008)
Authors: Ould-Ahmed Pepita
Published: June 2010

This paper examines an example of a community currency system, the Argentine ‘barter clubs' developed from 1995. The term ‘barter club’ denotes a place of market exchange, within which economic transactions are paid for using an internal paper currency, the credito, issued by the founders of these clubs and not convertible to the official currency. The author's starting point is to wonder whether this micromonetary system could operate in an insular and independent manner, or if it was necessary to establish some kind of relation with the official macromonetary system. This was investigated by: an analysis of the discourses expressed by the key actors involved in ‘barter clubs’; a field survey conducted in a score of clubs in the province of Buenos Aires, and a case study of one of these; and comparing these results and conclusions with those of other researchers obtained at different times and in different places across the whole of Argentina. It was found that despite the barter club founders' desire to create an independent monetary system, the community currency owes its conditions of existence and acceptance to the official currency. The micromonetary credito system is fundamentally tied to the official macromonetary peso system.
International population movements and regional
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria elimination strategies
Authors: Tatem Andrew J. , Smith David L.
Published: June 2010

Calls for the eradication of malaria require the development of global and regional strategies based on a strong and consistent evidence base. Evidence from the previous global malaria eradication program and more recent transborder control campaigns have shown the importance of accounting for human movement in introducing infections to areas targeted for elimination. Here, census-based migration data were analyzed with network analysis tools,
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria transmission maps, and global population databases to map globally communities of countries linked by relatively high levels of infection movements. The likely principal sources and destinations of imported cases in each region were also mapped. Results indicate that certain groups of countries, such as those in West Africa and central Asia are much more strongly connected by relatively high levels of population and infection movement than others. In contrast, countries such as Ethiopia and Myanmar display significantly greater isolation in terms of likely infection movements in and out. The mapping here of both communities of countries linked by likely higher levels of infection movement, and “natural” migration boundaries that display reduced movement of people and infections between regions has practical utility. These maps can inform the design of malaria elimination strategies by identifying regional communities of countries afforded protection from recolonization by surrounding regions of reduced migration. For more isolated countries, a nationally focused control or elimination program is likely to stand a better chance of success than those receiving high levels of visitors and migrants from high-transmission regions.
Viral Gastroenteritis in Charleston, West Virginia, in 2007: From Birth to 99 Years of Age
Authors: Wilhelm Carolyn M. , Hanna Samantha L. , Welch Christine A. , Shahid Haider , Minnich Linda L. , Daly Shane B. , Udall John N.
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To describe factors associated with a rectal swab or stool sample positive for norovirus, rotavirus, or adenovirus.

Design.

Retrospective study.

Setting.

Charleston Area Medical Center, a regional academic medical center in Charleston, West Virginia.

Methods.

Rectal swab or stool samples were obtained from patients suspected of having viral gastroenteritis. These samples were sent to the Charleston Area Medical Center virology laboratory for testing in 2007. Viral antigen in rectal swab and stool samples is detected by use of commercially available immunoassay kits for each virus. Data were extracted from the virology laboratory database for the following 1-year time period: January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007. When necessary, additional information was obtained from electronic administrative data on patients.

Results.

There were 2,867 rectal swab and stool samples available for viral testing. Of these samples, 1,261 (44%) were positive for a virus. Of these positive samples, 972 (77%) were positive for norovirus, 182 (14%) were positive for rotavirus, and 110 (9%) were positive for adenovirus. The patients in the youngest age group had the highest number of test results positive for all 3 viruses. When the test results for the youngest age group (0-9 years) were compared with those for all the other age groups combined (10-99 years), the proportion of positive cases was highest for the youngest age group (P<.001). There were significant seasonal trends for all 3 viruses. Multivariate analysis of norovirus showed that season, source, sex, and age were significant predictors of a positive test result. Multivariate analysis of rotavirus showed that season and source were significant predictors of a positive test result. Multivariate analysis of adenovirus showed that season and age were significant predictors of a positive test result.

Conclusions.

We conclude (1) that these 3 viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis in Charleston, West Virginia; (2) that infants and young children are more likely to test positive for these viruses than are older individuals; (3) that norovirus was the most common cause of gastroenteritis; and (4) that there are seasonal trends for all 3 viruses.
Savant: genome browser for high-throughput sequencing data
Authors: Fiume Marc , Williams Vanessa , Brook Andrew , Brudno Michael
Published: June 2010

Motivation: The advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies has made it affordable to sequence many individuals' genomes. Simultaneously the computational analysis of the large volumes of data generated by the new sequencing machines remains a challenge. While a plethora of tools are available to map the resulting reads to a reference genome, and to conduct primary analysis of the mappings, it is often necessary to visually examine the results and underlying data to confirm predictions and understand the functional effects, especially in the context of other datasets.

Results: We introduce Savant, the Sequence Annotation, Visualization and ANalysis Tool, a desktop visualization and analysis browser for genomic data. Savant was developed for visualizing and analyzing HTS data, with special care taken to enable dynamic visualization in the presence of gigabases of genomic reads and references the size of the human genome. Savant supports the visualization of genome-based sequence, point, interval and continuous datasets, and multiple visualization modes that enable easy identification of genomic variants (including single nucleotide polymorphisms, structural and copy number variants), and functional genomic information (e.g. peaks in ChIP-seq data) in the context of genomic annotations.

Availability: Savant is freely available at http://compbio.cs.toronto.edu/savant

Contact:  savant@cs.toronto.edu
Key challenges in future Li-battery research
Authors: Tarascon J.-M.
Published: June 2010

Batteries are a major technological challenge in this new century as they are a key method to make more efficient use of energy. Although today’s Li-ion technology has conquered the portable electronic markets and is still improving, it falls short of meeting the demands dictated by the powering of both hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles or by the storage of renewable energies (wind, solar). There is room for optimism as long as we pursue paradigm shifts while keeping in mind the concept of materials sustainability. Some of these concepts, relying on new ways to prepare electrode materials via eco-efficient processes, on the use of organic rather than inorganic materials or new chemistries will be discussed. Achieving these concepts will require the inputs of multiple disciplines.
The interpretation of habitat preference metrics under use–availability designs
Authors: Beyer Hawthorne L. , Haydon Daniel T. , Morales Juan M. , Frair Jacqueline L. , Hebblewhite Mark , Mitchell Michael , Matthiopoulos Jason
Published: June 2010

Models of habitat preference are widely used to quantify animal–habitat relationships, to describe and predict differential space use by animals, and to identify habitat that is important to an animal (i.e. that is assumed to influence fitness). Quantifying habitat preference involves the statistical comparison of samples of habitat use and availability. Preference is therefore contingent upon both of these samples. The inferences that can be made from use versus availability designs are influenced by subjectivity in defining what is available to the animal, the problem of quantifying the accessibility of available resources and the framework in which preference is modelled. Here, we describe these issues, document the conditional nature of preference and establish the limits of inferences that can be drawn from these analyses. We argue that preference is not interpretable as reflecting the intrinsic behavioural motivations of the animal, that estimates of preference are not directly comparable among different samples of availability and that preference is not necessarily correlated with the value of habitat to the animal. We also suggest that preference is context-dependent and that functional responses in preference resulting from changing availability are expected. We conclude by describing advances in analytical methods that begin to resolve these issues.
Distinguishing technology from biology: a critical review of the use of GPS telemetry data in ecology
Authors: Hebblewhite Mark , Haydon Daniel T.
Published: June 2010

In the past decade, ecologists have witnessed vast improvements in our ability to collect animal movement data through animal-borne technology, such as through GPS or ARGOS systems. However, more data does not necessarily yield greater knowledge in understanding animal ecology and conservation. In this paper, we provide a review of the major benefits, problems and potential misuses of GPS/Argos technology to animal ecology and conservation. Benefits are obvious, and include the ability to collect fine-scale spatio-temporal location data on many previously impossible to study animals, such as ocean-going fish, migratory songbirds and long-distance migratory mammals. These benefits come with significant problems, however, imposed by frequent collar failures and high cost, which often results in weaker study design, reduced sample sizes and poorer statistical inference. In addition, we see the divorcing of biologists from a field-based understanding of animal ecology to be a growing problem. Despite these difficulties, GPS devices have provided significant benefits, particularly in the conservation and ecology of wide-ranging species. We conclude by offering suggestions for ecologists on which kinds of ecological questions would currently benefit the most from GPS/Argos technology, and where the technology has been potentially misused. Significant conceptual challenges remain, however, including the links between movement and behaviour, and movement and population dynamics.
Global positioning system and associated technologies in animal behaviour and ecological research
Authors: Tomkiewicz Stanley M. , Fuller Mark R. , Kie John G. , Bates Kirk K.
Published: June 2010

Biologists can equip animals with global positioning system (GPS) technology to obtain accurate (less than or equal to 30 m) locations that can be combined with sensor data to study animal behaviour and ecology. We provide the background of GPS techniques that have been used to gather data for wildlife studies. We review how GPS has been integrated into functional systems with data storage, data transfer, power supplies, packaging and sensor technologies to collect temperature, activity, proximity and mortality data from terrestrial species and birds. GPS ‘rapid fixing’ technologies combined with sensors provide location, dive frequency and duration profiles, and underwater acoustic information for the study of marine species. We examine how these rapid fixing technologies may be applied to terrestrial and avian applications. We discuss positional data quality and the capability for high-frequency sampling associated with GPS locations. We present alternatives for storing and retrieving data by using dataloggers (biologging), radio-frequency download systems (e.g. very high frequency, spread spectrum), integration of GPS with other satellite systems (e.g. Argos, Globalstar) and potential new data recovery technologies (e.g. network nodes). GPS is one component among many rapidly evolving technologies. Therefore, we recommend that users and suppliers interact to ensure the availability of appropriate equipment to meet animal research objectives.
The home-range concept: are traditional estimators still relevant with modern telemetry technology?
Authors: Kie John G. , Matthiopoulos Jason , Fieberg John , Powell Roger A. , Cagnacci Francesca , Mitchell Michael S. , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: June 2010

Recent advances in animal tracking and telemetry technology have allowed the collection of location data at an ever-increasing rate and accuracy, and these advances have been accompanied by the development of new methods of data analysis for portraying space use, home ranges and utilization distributions. New statistical approaches include data-intensive techniques such as kriging and nonlinear generalized regression models for habitat use. In addition, mechanistic home-range models, derived from models of animal movement behaviour, promise to offer new insights into how home ranges emerge as the result of specific patterns of movements by individuals in response to their environment. Traditional methods such as kernel density estimators are likely to remain popular because of their ease of use. Large datasets make it possible to apply these methods over relatively short periods of time such as weeks or months, and these estimates may be analysed using mixed effects models, offering another approach to studying temporal variation in space-use patterns. Although new technologies open new avenues in ecological research, our knowledge of why animals use space in the ways we observe will only advance by researchers using these new technologies and asking new and innovative questions about the empirical patterns they observe.
Foraging theory upscaled: the behavioural ecology of herbivore movement
Authors: Owen-Smith N. , Fryxell J. M. , Merrill E. H.
Published: June 2010

We outline how principles of optimal foraging developed for diet and food patch selection might be applied to movement behaviour expressed over larger spatial and temporal scales. Our focus is on large mammalian herbivores, capable of carrying global positioning system (GPS) collars operating through the seasonal cycle and dependent on vegetation resources that are fixed in space but seasonally variable in availability and nutritional value. The concept of intermittent movement leads to the recognition of distinct movement modes over a hierarchy of spatio-temporal scales. Over larger scales, periods with relatively low displacement may indicate settlement within foraging areas, habitat units or seasonal ranges. Directed movements connect these patches or places used for other activities. Selection is expressed by switches in movement mode and the intensity of utilization by the settlement period relative to the area covered. The type of benefit obtained during settlement periods may be inferred from movement patterns, local environmental features, or the diel activity schedule. Rates of movement indicate changing costs in time and energy over the seasonal cycle, between years and among regions. GPS telemetry potentially enables large-scale movement responses to changing environmental conditions to be linked to population performance.
Niabella tibetensis sp. nov., isolated from soil, and emended description of the genus Niabella
Authors: Dai Jun , Jiang Fan , Wang Yang , Yu Bo , Qi Huan , Fang Chengxiang , Zheng Congyi
Published: June 2010

Strain 15-4T, a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain that produced flexirubin-type pigments, was isolated from Tibet Province, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae, phylum ‘Bacteroidetes’, and was related to members of the genus Niabella, with sequence similarities ranging from 94.1 to 96.4 %. Strain 15-4T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and its DNA G+C content was 46.9 mol%. The major fatty acids of strain 15-4T were iso-C15 : 0 (41.3 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (14.9 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (13.2 %) and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, 16.0 %). These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 15-4T to the genus Niabella. However, a number of physiological and biochemical features enabled the isolate to be differentiated phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Niabella. On the basis of the evidence presented, it is proposed that strain 15-4T represents a novel species, Niabella tibetensis sp. nov.; the type strain is 15-4T ( = CCTCC AB 209167T = NRRL B-59394T). On the basis of these data, an emended description of the genus Niabella is also proposed.
Branchiibius hedensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from a Japanese codling (Physiculus japonicus)
Authors: Sugimoto Satoshi , Kato Taira , Ito Masashi , Sakata Noriaki , Tsuchida Toshio , Matsumoto Atsuko , Takahashi Yoko
Published: June 2010

A novel, Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, Mer 29717T, was isolated from the branchia (gills) of a Japanese codling, Physiculus japonicus, collected from bottom waters of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain represents a distinct lineage within the family Dermacoccaceae and was related most closely to members of the genera Demetria and Yimella. It shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (95.1 %) with Yimella lutea YIM 45900T. Strain Mer 29717T contained MK-8(H2) and MK-8(H4) as menaquinones, and iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0, C17 : 1
cis-9, C17 : 0, C18 : 1
cis-9 and C19 : 1
cis-10 were the major cellular fatty acids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain Mer 29717T was composed of l-Lys, d-Ser, l-Ser, Gly, d-Glu and d-Ala. Polar lipids were phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phospholipid. Mycolic acids were not detected. The G+C content of the DNA of strain Mer 29717T was 68 mol%. On the basis of differential chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical data, strain Mer 29717T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Branchiibius hedensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Branchiibius hedensis is Mer 29717T ( = NBRC 106121T  = DSM 22951T).
Micromonospora humi sp. nov., isolated from peat swamp forest soil
Authors: Songsumanus Apakorn , Tanasupawat Somboon , Thawai Chitti , Suwanborirux Khanit , Kudo Takuji
Published: June 2010

A novel actinomycete, strain P0402T, was isolated from peat swamp forest soil collected in Thailand. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of this strain matched those of the genus Micromonospora, i.e. the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid and N-glycolyl muramic acid in the peptidoglycan, whole-cell sugar pattern D, phospholipid type II, and cellular fatty acid type 3b. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a close relationship between strain P0402T and Micromonospora coxensis JCM 13248T (99.0 % similarity), Micromonospora eburnea JCM 12345T (99.0 %), Micromonospora marina JCM 12870T (98.9 %), Micromonospora halophytica JCM 3125T (98.7 %), Micromonospora chalcea JCM 3031T (98.7 %), Micromonospora purpureochromogenes JCM 3156T (98.6 %) and Micromonospora aurantiaca JCM 10878T (98.5 %). It could be clearly distinguished from these type strains based on low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic differences. On the basis of the data presented, strain P0402T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P0402T ( = JCM 15292T  = PCU 315T  = TISTR 1883T).
Thalassobacillus pellis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic, Gram-positive bacterium isolated from salted hides
Authors: Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Yilmaz Pinar , de la Haba Rafael R. , Birbir Meral , Ventosa Antonio
Published: June 2010

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic and endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain 18OMT, was isolated from salted animal hides. The cells were rods and produced ellipsoidal endospores at a terminal position. Strain 18OMT was motile, strictly aerobic and grew at 0.5–25 % (w/v) NaCl [optimal growth at 10 % (w/v) NaCl], at between pH 5.0 and 9.0 (optimal growth at pH 7.5) and at temperatures between 15 and 45 °C (optimal growth at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that strain 18OMT was closely related to species of the genus Thalassobacillus within the phylum Firmicutes. The closest phylogenetic similarity was with Thalassobacillus devorans G-19.1T (98.4 %), Thalassobacillus cyri HS286T (97.9 %) and Thalassobacillus hwangdonensis AD-1T (97.4 %). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (57.9 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (14.0 %), iso-C15 : 0 (10.8 %) and iso-C16 : 0 (8.1 %). The respiratory isoprenoid quinones were MK-7 (98.5 %) and MK-6 (1.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 42.9 mol%. These features confirmed the placement of strain 18OMT within the genus Thalassobacillus. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain 18OMT and T. devorans G-19.1T, T. cyri HS286T and T. hwangdonensis AD-1T were 49 %, 9 % and 15 %, respectively, showing unequivocally that strain 18OMT constituted a novel genospecies. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain 18OMT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Thalassobacillus, for which the name Thalassobacillus pellis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 18OMT ( = CECT 7566T = DSM 22784T = JCM 16412T).
Thermosipho affectus sp. nov., a thermophilic, anaerobic, cellulolytic bacterium isolated from a Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vent
Authors: Podosokorskaya O. A. , Kublanov I. V. , Reysenbach A.-L. , Kolganova T. V. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E. A.
Published: June 2010

A novel obligately anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, organotrophic bacterium, strain ik275marT, was isolated from a Mid-Atlantic Ridge deep-sea hydrothermal vent. Cells were rods surrounded by a sheath-like structure (toga), 0.4–0.9 µm in width and 1.2–6.0 µm in length. Strain ik275marTgrew at 37–75 °C, pH 5.6–8.2 and at NaCl concentrations of 10–55 g l−1. Under optimum conditions (70 °C, pH 6.6, NaCl 20 g l−1), doubling time was 32 min. The isolate was able to ferment carbohydrates including starch, cellulose and cellulose derivatives. Acetate, H2and CO2were the main products of glucose fermentation. G+C content of DNA was 27 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ik275marTis a member of the genusThermosipho. 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with the other species of the genusThermosiphoranged from 93.7 to 94.5 %. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and physiological properties of the novel isolate, we propose a novel species,Thermosipho affectussp. nov., with type strain ik275marT( = DSM 23112T = VKM B-2574T).
Ruegeria faecimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat sediment
Authors: Oh Ki-Hoon , Jung Yong-Taek , Oh Tae-Kwang , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: June 2010

A Gram-negative-staining, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, HD-28T, was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea, Korea. Strain HD-28T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0 and 30 °C in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HD-28T was most closely related to species of the genus Ruegeria and exhibited 95.5–96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Ruegeria species. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on gyrB gene sequences also showed that strain HD-28T fell within the cluster comprising recognized species of the genus Ruegeria, showing 77.5–83.9 % sequence similarity. Strain HD-28T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids detected in strain HD-28T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 57.9 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain HD-28T could be distinguished from recognized species of the genus Ruegeria. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain HD-28T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Ruegeria, for which the name Ruegeria faecimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HD-28T ( = KCTC 23044T = CCUG 58878T).
Conversion of Endogenous Indole-3-Butyric Acid to Indole-3-Acetic Acid Drives Cell Expansion in Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Strader Lucia C. , Culler Angela Hendrickson , Cohen Jerry D. , Bartel Bonnie
Published: June 2010

Genetic evidence in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) suggests that the auxin precursor indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is converted into active indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by peroxisomal β-oxidation; however, direct evidence that Arabidopsis converts IBA to IAA is lacking, and the role of IBA-derived IAA is not well understood. In this work, we directly demonstrated that Arabidopsis seedlings convert IBA to IAA. Moreover, we found that several IBA-resistant, IAA-sensitive mutants were deficient in IBA-to-IAA conversion, including the indole-3-butyric acid response1 (ibr1) ibr3 ibr10 triple mutant, which is defective in three enzymes likely to be directly involved in peroxisomal IBA β-oxidation. In addition to IBA-to-IAA conversion defects, the ibr1 ibr3 ibr10 triple mutant displayed shorter root hairs and smaller cotyledons than wild type; these cell expansion defects are suggestive of low IAA levels in certain tissues. Consistent with this possibility, we could rescue the ibr1 ibr3 ibr10 short-root-hair phenotype with exogenous auxin. A triple mutant defective in hydrolysis of IAA-amino acid conjugates, a second class of IAA precursor, displayed reduced hypocotyl elongation but normal cotyledon size and only slightly reduced root hair lengths. Our data suggest that IBA β-oxidation and IAA-amino acid conjugate hydrolysis provide auxin for partially distinct developmental processes and that IBA-derived IAA plays a major role in driving root hair and cotyledon cell expansion during seedling development.
Meta‐analysis: factors affecting placebo response rate in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ford A. C. , Moayyedi P.
Published: June 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 144–158

Background  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a significant placebo response.

Aim  To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis examining the magnitude of placebo response rate in treatment trials for IBS.

Methods  MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pharmacological therapies with placebo in adult IBS patients. Studies reported either global assessment of IBS symptom cure or improvement or abdominal pain cure or improvement. Data were extracted as intention‐to‐treat analyses with drop‐outs assumed to be treatment failures and pooled using a random‐effects model. Proportion of placebo patients experiencing symptom improvement or resolution was reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect of trial characteristics on magnitude of placebo response was examined.

Results  In all, 73 RCTs were eligible, including 8364 patients with IBS allocated to placebo. Pooled placebo response rate across all RCTs was 37.5% (95% CI 34.4–40.6%). Rates were higher in European RCTs, RCTs that used physician‐reported outcomes and RCTs using shorter duration of therapy.

Conclusions  Placebo response rates across RCTs of pharmacological therapies in IBS were high. Future research should identify patient characteristics predicting placebo response.
CASE REPORT: Dexmedetomidine for awake fibreoptic intubation and awake self‐positioning in a patient with a critically located cervical lesion for surgical removal of infra‐tentorial tumour
Authors: Sriganesh K. , Ramesh V. J. , Veena S. , Chandramouli B. A.
Published: June 2010

Cervical lesions compressing the spinal cord pose a significant risk of exacerbating the existing neurological condition during tracheal intubation and subsequent positioning. Awake fibreoptic‐assisted intubation is a suitable option in such situations. We describe how the use of dexmedetomidine for sedation during awake fibreoptic intubation also facilitated self‐positioning before surgery in a patient with a cervical cord compressive lesion and raised intracranial pressure undergoing excision of a cerebellopontine angle lesion in the lateral position, without any adverse neurological outcome.
The effect of fenofibrate on HDL cholesterol and HDL particle concentration in postmenopausal women on tibolone therapy
Authors: Stuckey B. G. A. , Barrett P. H. R. , Wagner J. M. , Hampton R. A. , Chan D. C. , Brown S. J. , Watts G. F.
Published: June 2010

Background  Low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and particle concentration are risk factors for coronary heart disease in women. Tibolone lowers HDL cholesterol and HDL particle concentration, an effect that could be reversed by the peroxisome proliferator‐activator receptor‐α agonist fenofibrate.

Objective  To assess the effects of fenofibrate on plasma HDL particles in postmenopausal women taking tibolone therapy.

Design and participants  Randomized crossover study conducted in a women’s health clinic. Fourteen postmenopausal women taking tibolone 2·5 mg daily for menopausal symptoms were randomized to either fenofibrate 160 mg daily or no treatment for 8 weeks, followed by a 3‐ week wash‐out for fenofibrate and then crossed over to alternate therapy for another 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was changes in plasma HDL cholesterol concentration, apoA‐I and apoA‐II, LpA‐I and LpA‐I‐A‐II.

Results  After 8 weeks of fenofibrate therapy, there was no change in HDL cholesterol, 1·13 ± 0·06 v 1·16 ± 0·06 mmol/l (P = 0·47) or apoA‐I, 1·19 ± 0·05 v 1·20 ± 0·05 g/l (P = 0·23). LpA‐I fell significantly 0·35 ± 0·03 v 0·29 ± 0·02 (P = 0·02) but there was a rise in apoA‐II, 0·35 ± 0·01 v 0·39 ± 0·01 g/l (P = 0·01). There was a significant fall in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apoB.

Conclusion  In women taking tibolone, fenofibrate increases plasma apoA‐II concentration and effects a redistribution of HDL subfractions but does not correct tibolone‐induced changes in HDL cholesterol or HDL particle concentration. The mechanism and significance of this require further investigation.
A comparison of water flux measurements: passive wick‐samplers versus drainage lysimeters
Authors: Meissner R. , Rupp H. , Seeger J. , Ollesch G. , Gee G. W.
Published: June 2010

Quantification of soil water flow is a prerequisite to accurate prediction of solute transfer within the unsaturated zone. The monitoring of these fluxes is challenging because the results are required to answer both scientific and practical questions regarding protection of groundwater, sustainable management of agricultural, forestry, mining or set‐aside industrial areas, reducing leachate loss from landfills or explaining the fate of environmentally harmful substances. Both indirect and direct methods exist for estimating water‐flux rates and have been used with varying success. In Europe, the use of direct lysimetry methods for measuring water and solute fluxes in soils has increased in recent years. This technique ensures reliable drainage data, but requires relatively large investment and maintenance expenses. Other research groups, especially in the USA, have developed alternative techniques. In this paper we compare the functioning of a passive‐wick sampler, especially the deep‐drainage meter type (DDM), with two different types of drainage lysimeters (weighing and non‐weighing) under field conditions in Germany for the measurement period from May 2004 until April 2009. The study showed that under sandy soil conditions no significant differences occurred between the measurements from DDM and both drainage lysimeter types. Only in periods with increased precipitation was there a tendency of drainage over‐estimation by the DDM in comparison with the lysimeters tested. For longer periods, no significant differences in the amount of drainage or the pattern of drainage formation were found between weighing and non‐weighing gravitation lysimeters. The practical use of DDMs is restricted because the groundwater level must be >2 m from the soil surface. Suggestions are made for the technical improvement of the DDM as well as the testing of the device with more cohesive soils.
Temperature extremes and butterfly fitness: conflicting evidence from life history and immune function
Authors: KARL ISABELL , STOKS ROBBY , DE BLOCK MARJAN , JANOWITZ SUSANN A. , FISCHER KLAUS
Published: June 2010

Global warming and its associated increase in temperature extremes pose a substantial challenge on natural systems. Tropical ectotherms, living close to their (upper) critical thermal limits, may be particularly vulnerable to global warming, yet they are as a group understudied. Most studies assessing fitness effects under global warming focused on life‐history correlates such as body size and largely neglected immune function. Furthermore they did not consider to what extent temperature effects may be modulated under resource‐based trade‐offs. Against this background we here investigate effects of temperature extremes on fitness‐related adult traits (viz. body mass, fat content, and two key parameters of arthropod immune function: phenoloxidase (PO) activity and haemocyte numbers) at different levels of larval and adult food stress in the tropical butterflyBicyclus anynana. Body mass and PO activity decreased after short‐term larval food stress, but not fat content and haemocyte numbers (probably owing to compensatory mechanisms during further development). Longer‐term food deprivation in the adult stage, in contrast, diminished performance throughout, confirming that the feeding treatments chosen imposed stress. Temperature manipulations yielded contrary responses between life‐history correlates and immune function: while body mass and fat content increased by increasing temperatures, PO activity and haemocyte numbers decreased. The latter was particularly pronounced under adult food stress, suggesting a resource‐allocation trade‐off. Our data suggest that global warming will not only reduce performance through direct effects of thermal stress, but also through secondary effects on adult immune function, which may be missed when exclusively focussing on other life‐history correlates.
Old and stable soil organic matter is not necessarily chemically recalcitrant: implications for modeling concepts and temperature sensitivity
Authors: KLEBER MARKUS , NICO PETER S. , PLANTE ALAIN , FILLEY TIMOTHY , KRAMER MARC , SWANSTON CHRISTOPHER , SOLLINS PHILLIP
Published: June 2010

Soil carbon turnover models generally divide soil carbon into pools with varying intrinsic decomposition rates. Although these decomposition rates are modified by factors such as temperature, texture, and moisture, they are rationalized by assuming chemical structure is a primary controller of decomposition. In the current work, we use near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in combination with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and alkaline cupric oxide (CuO) oxidation to explore this assumption. Specifically, we examined material from the 2.3–2.6 kg L−1 density fraction of three soils of different type (Oxisol, Alfisol, Inceptisol). The density fraction with the youngest 14C age (Oxisol, 107 years) showed the highest relative abundance of aromatic groups and the lowest O‐alkyl C/aromatic C ratio as determined by NEXAFS. Conversely, the fraction with the oldest C (Inceptisol, 680 years) had the lowest relative abundance of aromatic groups and highest O‐alkyl C/aromatic C ratio. This sample also had the highest proportion of thermally labile materials as measured by DSC, and the highest ratio of substituted fatty acids to lignin phenols as indicated by CuO oxidation. Therefore, the organic matter of the Inceptisol sample, with a 14C age associated with ‘passive’ pools of carbon (680 years), had the largest proportion of easily metabolizable organic molecules with low thermodynamic stability, whereas the organic matter of the much younger Oxisol sample (107 years) had the highest proportion of supposedly stable organic structures considered more difficult to metabolize. Our results demonstrate that C age is not necessarily related to molecular structure or thermodynamic stability, and we suggest that soil carbon models would benefit from viewing turnover rate as codetermined by the interaction between substrates, microbial actors, and abiotic driving variables. Furthermore, assuming that old carbon is composed of complex or ‘recalcitrant’ compounds will erroneously attribute a greater temperature sensitivity to those materials than they may actually possess.
On microrefugia and cryptic refugia
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: June 2010

The existence of microrefugia and/or cryptic refugia has been proposed to explain the colonization patterns of temperate continents after the Last Glacial Maximum, as well as to gain an understanding of the present genetic structure of species and their populations. The concepts ‘microrefugia’ and ‘cryptic refugia’ largely overlap but do not fully coincide, which may lead to terminological duplication and eventual semantic misconceptions. Here, after a terminological and conceptual analysis, it is proposed that most situations currently characterized as cryptic refugia can be accommodated within the definition of microrefugia, with one single exception, for which some alternative terms are suggested. Moreover, the concept and definition of cryptic refugia are considered to be more imprecise, perishable and subjective than those of microrefugia, which is the preferred term in the current context.
Functional amyloid in Pseudomonas
Authors: Dueholm Morten S. , Petersen Steen V. , Sønderkær Mads , Larsen Poul , Christiansen Gunna , Hein Kim L. , Enghild Jan J. , Nielsen Jeppe L. , Nielsen Kåre L. , Nielsen Per H. , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: June 2010

Amyloids are highly abundant in many microbial biofilms and may play an important role in their architecture. Nevertheless, little is known of the amyloid proteins. We report the discovery of a novel functional amyloid expressed by a Pseudomonas strain of the P. fluorescens group. The amyloid protein was purified and the amyloid‐like structure verified. Partial sequencing by MS/MS combined with full genomic sequencing of the Pseudomonas strain identified the gene coding for the major subunit of the amyloid fibril, termed fapC. FapC contains a thrice repeated motif that differs from those previously found in curli fimbrins and prion proteins. The lack of aromatic residues in the repeat shows that aromatic side chains are not needed for efficient amyloid formation. In contrast, glutamine and asparagine residues seem to play a major role in amyloid formation as these are highly conserved in curli, prion proteins and FapC. fapC is conserved in many Pseudomonas strains including the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa and is situated in a conserved operon containing six genes, of which one encodes a fapC homologue. Heterologous expression of the fapA–F operon in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) resulted in a highly aggregative phenotype, showing that the operon is involved in biofilm formation.
Constitutive salicylic acid defences do not compromise seed yield, drought tolerance and water productivity in the Arabidopsis accession C24
Authors: BECHTOLD ULRIKE , LAWSON TRACY , MEJIA‐CARRANZA JAIME , MEYER RHONDA C. , BROWN IAN R. , ALTMANN THOMAS , TON JURRIAAN , MULLINEAUX PHILIP M.
Published: June 2010

Plants that constitutively express otherwise inducible disease resistance traits often suffer a depressed seed yield in the absence of a challenge by pathogens. This has led to the view that inducible disease resistance is indispensable, ensuring that minimal resources are diverted from growth, reproduction and abiotic stress tolerance. The Arabidopsis genotype C24 has enhanced basal resistance, which was shown to be caused by permanent expression of normally inducible salicylic acid (SA)‐regulated defences. However, the seed yield of C24 was greatly enhanced in comparison to disease‐resistant mutants that display identical expression of SA defences. Under both water‐replete and ‐limited conditions, C24 showed no difference and increased seed yield, respectively, in comparison with pathogen‐susceptible genotypes. C24 was the most drought‐tolerant genotype and showed elevated water productivity, defined as seed yield per plant per millilitre water consumed, and achieved this by displaying adjustments to both its development and transpiration efficiency (TE). Therefore, constitutive high levels of disease resistance in C24 do not affect drought tolerance, seed yield and seed viability. This study demonstrates that it will be possible to combine traits that elevate basal disease resistance and improve water productivity in crop species, and such traits need not be mutually exclusive.
Photosynthesis and metabolism interact during acclimation of Arabidopsis thaliana to high irradiance and sulphur depletion
Authors: WULFF‐ZOTTELE CRISTIÁN , GATZKE NICOLE , KOPKA JOACHIM , ORELLANA ARIEL , HOEFGEN RAINER , FISAHN JOACHIM , HESSE HOLGER
Published: June 2010

Arabidopsis plants were exposed to high light or sulphur depletion alone or in combination for 6 d, and changes of photosynthetic parameters and metabolite abundances were quantified. Photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETRs) of plants exposed to sulphur depletion and high light decreased strongly at day 2 of the acclimation period. After 3 d of treatment, the photosynthetic capacity recovered in plants exposed to the combined stresses, indicating a short recovery time for re‐adjustment of photosynthesis. However, at metabolic level, the stress combination had a profound effect on central metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, pentose phosphate cycle and large parts of amino acid metabolism. Under these conditions, central metabolites, such as sugars and their phosphates, increased, while sulphur‐containing compounds were decreased. Further differential responses were found for the stress indicator proline accumulating already at day 1 of the high‐light regime, but in combination with sulphur depletion first declined and after a recovery phase reached a delayed elevated level. Other metabolites such as raffinose and putrescine seem to replace proline during the early combinatorial stress response and may act as alternative protectants. Our findings support the notion that plants integrate the selectively sensed stress factors in central metabolism.
Cardiopulmonary manifestations of portovenous shunts from congenital absence of the portal vein: Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular dilatation
Authors: Law Y. M. , Mack C. L. , Sokol R. J. , Rice M. , Parsley L. , Ivy D.
Published: June 2010

Law YM, Mack CL, Sokol RJ, Rice M, Parsley L, Ivy D. Cardiopulmonary manifestations of portovenous shunts from congenital absence of the portal vein: Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular dilatation.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E162–E168. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  HPS and PPHTN are unusual and challenging pulmonary manifestations of liver disease. We report two pediatric cases in association with heterotaxy polysplenia syndrome and congenital absence of the portal vein. Both patients were symptomatic and hemodynamically compromised and required aggressive medical therapy. One patient with PPHTN alone achieved a successful liver transplant. The second child presented with combined HPS and PPHTN and exhibited a different evolution of pulmonary vascular disease. These cases illustrate associations that must be entertained in the setting of heterotaxy syndrome, cyanosis, or pulmonary hypertension and how strategic medical combined with surgical management can provide a good outcome.
Valnoctamide as a valproate substitute with low teratogenic potential in mania: a double‐blind, controlled, add‐on clinical trial
Authors: Bersudsky Y , Applebaum J , Gaiduk Y , Sharony L , Mishory A , Podberezsky A , Agam G , Belmaker RH
Published: June 2010

Bersudsky Y, Applebaum J, Gaiduk Y, Sharony L, Mishory A, Podberezsky A, Agam G, Belmaker RH. Valnoctamide as a valproate substitute with low teratogenic potential in mania: a double‐blind, controlled, add‐on clinical trial. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 376–382. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Valproic acid’s well‐known teratogenicity limits its use in women of childbearing age. Valnoctamide is an analog of valproate that does not undergo biotransformation to the corresponding free acid. In mice, valnoctamide has been shown to be distinctly less teratogenic than valproate. Valnoctamide is an anticonvulsant, and we hypothesized that valnoctamide is antimanic.

Methods:  We performed a double‐blind, five‐week, add‐on, controlled trial of valnoctamide in mania. Patients were treated with risperidone at doses of the physician’s discretion. Valnoctamide or placebo was begun at doses of 600 mg/day and increased to 1200 mg after four days. Weekly ratings by a psychiatrist blind to the study drug were conducted using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI).

Results:  Fifteen valnoctamide patients and 17 placebo patients completed at least one post‐baseline week and were included in data analysis. In all efficacy measures valnoctamide was more effective than placebo as an add‐on to risperidone, using two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with time as the within‐subject factor. Two‐way ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (p < 0.001) and significant interaction between treatment and time (YMRS: p = 0.012; BPRS: p = 0.007; CGI: p = 0.003). Differences between valnoctamide and placebo were significant from week 3 to week 5.

Conclusion:  Valnoctamide could be an important valproate substitute for women of childbearing age with bipolar disorder who may become pregnant.