bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Chloro-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]indol-6(5H)-one
Authors: Archana R. , Yamuna E. , Rajendra Prasad K. J. , Thiruvalluvar A. , Butcher R. J. , Gupta Sushil K. , Öztürk Yildirim Sema
Published: May 2012

In the title molecule, C13H12ClNO, the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyrrole rings is 1.38 (9)°. The cycloheptene ring adopts a distorted twist chair and sofa conformation. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds form an R
2
2(10) loop in the crystal packing. Further, weak C—H...O and C—H...π (involving the benzene ring) interactions are found in the crystal structure.
(2E)-3-(4-Cyanophenyl)-1-(4,4′′-difluoro-5′-methoxy-1,1′:3′,1′′-terphenyl-4′-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Loh Wan-Sin , Samshuddin S. , Narayana B. , Sarojini B. K.
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C29H19F2NO2, the central benzene ring forms a dihedral angle of 56.92 (12)° with the cyanobenzene ring and dihedral angles of 40.91 (12) and 44.76 (12)° with the two fluorobenzene rings. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen bonds link the molecules into sheets lying parallel to the ab plane. The crystal packing also features C—H...π interactions involving the central benzene ring.
Tris(3-chloropentane-2,4-dionato-κ2
O,O′)iron(III)
Authors: Perdih Franc
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, [Fe(C5H6ClO2)3], the FeIII cation is situated on a twofold rotation axis and is coordinated by six O atoms from three 3-chloropentane-2,4-dionate ligands in a slightly distorted octahedral environment. Fe—O bond lengths are in the range 1.9818 (18)–1.9957 (18) Å. The trans O—Fe—O angles are 169.06 (13) and 171.54 (8)°, whereas the corresponding cis angles are in the range 84.81 (10)–100.68 (12)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—H...Cl interactions.
2,6-Dibromo-4-chloroaniline
Authors: Ali Umar Sharif , Siddiqui Waseeq Ahmad , Ashraf Adnan , Tahir M. Nawaz
Published: May 2012

The title compound, C6H4Br2ClN, is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.024 Å) and two intramolecular N—H...Br hydrogen bonds generate S(5) rings. In the crystal, N—H...Br hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains propagating in [010].
Mitochondrial DNA differentiation between the antitropical blue whiting species Micromesistius poutassou and Micromesistius australis
Authors: Halvorsen K. A. T. , Árnason E. , Smith P. J. , Mork J.
Published: May 2012

This study investigated the biogeography and genetic variation in the antitropically distributed Micromesistius genus. A 579 bp fragment of the mitochondrial coI gene was analysed in 279 individuals of Micromesistius poutassou and 163 of Micromesistius australis. The time since divergence was estimated to be c. 2 million years before present (Mb.p.) with an externally derived clock rate by Bayesian methods. Congruent estimates were obtained with an additional data set of cytochrome b sequences derived from GenBank utilizing a different clock rate. The divergence time of 2 Mb.p. was in disagreement with fossil findings in New Zealand and previous hypotheses which suggested the divergence to be much older. It, therefore, appears likely that Micromesistius has penetrated into the southern hemisphere at least two times. Paleoceanographic records indicate that conditions that would increase the likelihood for transequatorial dispersals were evident c. 2–1·6 Mb.p.. Haplotype frequency differences, along with pairwise FST values, indicated that Mediterranean M. poutassou is a genetically isolated population.
Mesalazine granules 1.5 g once‐daily maintain remission in patients with ulcerative colitis who switch from other 5‐ASA formulations: a pooled analysis from two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lichtenstein G. R. , Zakko S. , Gordon G. L. , Murthy U. , Sedghi S. , Pruitt R. , Merchant K. , Bortey E. , Forbes W. P.
Published: May 2012

Background

Mesalazine (mesalamine) granules (MG) were shown to be effective for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis (UC) in two double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of once‐daily MG for maintenance of remission in patients with UC who switched from other 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) formulations.

Methods

Data from two independent multicenter, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 6‐month trials evaluating patients with UC in remission were combined for analysis of a subpopulation of patients who switched from other 5‐ASA formulations to MG 1.5 g or placebo upon randomisation. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who remained relapse‐free at Month 6 or end of treatment. Relapse was defined as a Sutherland Disease Activity Index (SDAI) rectal bleeding score ≥1 and mucosal appearance score ≥2, a UC flare or medication used to treat a UC flare.

Results

Of the 487 patients who received 5‐ASA maintenance therapy at enrolment, 322 were in the MG group and 165 were in the placebo group. The percentage of patients who remained relapse‐free (based on Sutherland Disease Activity Index scores) after 6 months was significantly higher with MG than placebo (78.3% vs. 58.8%, P < 0.001). Rectal bleeding, stool frequency and the physician's rating of disease activity remained unchanged after 6 months in a higher percentage of patients using MG compared with those on placebo (P < 0.004 for each endpoint).

Conclusion

Mesalazine granules 1.5 g once‐daily is effective for maintenance of remission in UC patients who switch from other 5‐ASA formulations. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT00744016, NCT00767728.
Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid?
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz Javier , Sagredo Onintza , Pazos M. Ruth , García Concepción , Pertwee Roger , Mechoulam Raphael , Martínez‐Orgado José
Published: May 2012

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid with therapeutic properties for numerous disorders exerted through molecular mechanisms that are yet to be completely identified. CBD acts in some experimental models as an anti‐inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti‐oxidant, anti‐emetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent, and is therefore a potential medicine for the treatment of neuroinflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, anxiety and schizophrenia, respectively. The neuroprotective potential of CBD, based on the combination of its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties, is of particular interest and is presently under intense preclinical research in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. In fact, CBD combined with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol is already under clinical evaluation in patients with Huntington's disease to determine its potential as a disease‐modifying therapy. The neuroprotective properties of CBD do not appear to be exerted by the activation of key targets within the endocannabinoid system for plant‐derived cannabinoids like Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, i.e. CB1 and CB2 receptors, as CBD has negligible activity at these cannabinoid receptors, although certain activity at the CB2 receptor has been documented in specific pathological conditions (i.e. damage of immature brain). Within the endocannabinoid system, CBD has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the inactivation of endocannabinoids (i.e. inhibition of FAAH enzyme), thereby enhancing the action of these endogenous molecules on cannabinoid receptors, which is also noted in certain pathological conditions. CBD acts not only through the endocannabinoid system, but also causes direct or indirect activation of metabotropic receptors for serotonin or adenosine, and can target nuclear receptors of the PPAR family and also ion channels.
Stonehammer Geopark, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Miller Randall F. , Falcon‐Lang Howard J.
Published: May 2012

Stonehammer Geopark of New Brunswick, Canada is one of the newest destinations in the UNESCO‐assisted Global Geoparks Network, and the first in North America. Its rocks tell the amazing billion‐year story of the evolution of eastern North America. Highlights include some of the finest Precambrian stromatolites in the world, a Cambrian site that yielded one of the world's largest trilobites, and a Silurian section with a rich fauna of fish, crustaceans and sea scorpions. At the famous ‘Reversing Falls’ in Saint John, visitors can also see the boundary between the Late Precambrian Brookville Terrane and the western part of the Avalon Terrane, and learn about the late Silurian closure of the Iapetus Ocean during the final stages of the accretion of North America. In and around the city, Devonian pebbly sandstones represent the erosive remnants of the highlands formed as a result of that terrane accretion event, and slightly younger Carboniferous exposures further shed light on the evolution of life at a time when the region lay on the equator. These include early Carboniferous clubmoss forests preserved on the main highway east of Saint John, and late Carboniferous deposits rich in the remains of fossil plants, insects, giant arthropods, and some of the earliest reptiles—the latter recorded by spectacular trackways. Scattered Mesozoic outcrops and Quaternary moraines continue the story to the present day. Positioned at the gateway of Atlantic Canada, Stonehammer Geopark is a strategic part of an emerging geotouristic network that also includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites at nearby Misguasha, Quebec (Devonian coastal ecosystems) and Joggins, Nova Scotia (Pennsylvanian fossil forests). It presents a brilliant opportunity to teach visitors of the extraordinary story of Earth's evolution.
Insect repellents and associated personal protection for a reduction in human disease
Authors: DEBBOUN M. , STRICKMAN D.
Published: May 2012

Personal protection measures against biting arthropods include topical insect repellents, area repellents, insecticide‐treated bednets and treated clothing. The literature on the effectiveness of personal protection products against arthropods is mainly limited to studies of prevention of bites, rather than prevention of disease. Tungiasis was successfully controlled by application of topical repellents and scrub typhus was reduced through the use of treated clothing. Successful reduction of leishmaniasis was achieved through the use of topical repellents, treated bednets and treated clothing in individual studies. Malaria has been reduced by the use of insecticide‐treated bednets (ITN), certain campaigns involving topical repellents, and the combination of treated bednets and topical repellents. Although area repellents such as mosquito coils are used extensively, their ability to protect humans from vector‐transmitted pathogens has not been proven. Taken together, the literature indicates that personal protection measures must be used correctly to be effective. A study that showed successful control of malaria by combining treated bednets and topical repellents suggests that combinations of personal protection measures are likely to be more effective than single methods. Implementation of successful programmes based on personal protection will require a level of cooperation commonly associated with other basic societal functions, such as education and food safety.
The early gene product EUO is a transcriptional repressor that selectively regulates promoters of Chlamydia late genes
Authors: Rosario Christopher J. , Tan Ming
Published: May 2012

The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia has an unusual developmental cycle in which there is conversion between two forms that are specialized for either intracellular replication or propagation of the infection to a new host cell. Expression of late chlamydial genes is upregulated during conversion from the replicating to the infectious form, but the mechanism for this temporal regulation is unknown. We found that EUO, which is expressed from an early gene, binds to two sites upstream of the late operon omcAB, but only the downstream site was necessary for transcriptional repression. Using gel shift and in vitro transcription assays we showed that EUO specifically bound and repressed promoters of Chlamydia trachomatis late genes, but not early or mid genes. These findings support a role for EUO as a temporal repressor that negatively regulates late chlamydial genes and prevents their premature expression. The basis of this specificity is the ability of EUO to selectively bind promoter regions of late genes, which would prevent their transcription by RNA polymerase. Thus, we propose that EUO is a master regulator that prevents the terminal differentiation of the replicating form of chlamydiae into the infectious form until sufficient rounds of replication have occurred.
Function of defensive volatiles in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is tricked by the moth Tortrix viridana
Authors: GHIRARDO ANDREA , HELLER WERNER , FLADUNG MATTHIAS , SCHNITZLER JÖRG‐PETER , SCHROEDER HILKE
Published: May 2012

The indirect defences of plants are comprised of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that among other things attract the natural enemies of insects. However, the actual extent of the benefits of HIPV emissions in complex co‐evolved plant‐herbivore systems is only poorly understood. The observation that a few Quercus robur L. trees constantly tolerated (T‐oaks) infestation by a major pest of oaks (Tortrix viridana L.), compared with heavily defoliated trees (susceptible: S‐oaks), lead us to a combined biochemical and behavioural study. We used these evidently different phenotypes to analyse whether the resistance of T‐oaks to the herbivore was dependent on the amount and scent of HIPVs and/or differences in non‐volatile polyphenolic leaf constituents (as quercetin‐, kaempferol‐ and flavonol glycosides). In addition to non‐volatile metabolic differences, typically defensive HIPV emissions differed between S‐oaks and T‐oaks. Female moths were attracted by the blend of HIPVs from S‐oaks, showing significantly higher amounts of (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (DMNT) and (E)‐β‐ocimene and avoid T‐oaks with relative high fraction of the sesquiterpenes α‐farnesene and germacrene D. Hence, the strategy of T‐oaks exhibiting directly herbivore‐repellent HIPV emissions instead of high emissions of predator‐attracting HIPVs of the S‐oaks appears to be the better mechanism for avoiding defoliation.
Enhancing protein stability with retained biological function in transgenic plants
Authors: Jang In‐Cheol , Niu Qi‐Wen , Deng Shulin , Zhao Pingzhi , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: May 2012

The final expression level of a transgene‐derived protein in transgenic plants depends on transcriptional and post‐transcriptional processes. Here, we focus on methods to improve protein stability without comprising biological function. We found that the four isoforms of the Arabidopsis RAD23 protein family are relatively stable. The UBA2 domain derived from RAD23a can be used as a portable stabilizing signal to prolong the half‐life of two unstable transcription factors (TFs), HFR1 and PIF3. The increased stability of the TF–UBA2 fusion proteins results in an enhanced phenotype in transgenic plants compared to expression of the TF alone. Similar results were obtained for the RAD23a UBA1 domain. In addition to UBA1/2 of RAD23a, the UBA domain from the Arabidopsis DDI1 protein also increased the half‐life of the unstable protein JAZ10.1, which is involved in jasmonate signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that UBA fusions can be used to increase the stability of unstable proteins for basic plant biology research as well as crop improvement.
Asymptomatic transmission of Treponema pallidum (syphilis) through deceased donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tariciotti L. , Das I. , Dori L. , Perera M.T.P.R. , Bramhall S.R.
Published: May 2012

A 55‐year‐old woman underwent liver transplantation (LT) with a graft from a deceased donor. Mandatory pre‐donation investigations showed positive syphilis serology that was available only after the transplant, with high Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay titer compatible with donor syphilis infection. Despite the institution of appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis, the recipient demonstrated latent seroconversion; however, liver graft function improved without evidence of syphilitic hepatitis or other manifestations of the disease. Through this first reported case of asymptomatic transmission of syphilis following LT, we highlight the investigations and treatment strategies for donor‐derived syphilis in liver transplant recipients. This report supplements the existing limited evidence on safe use of infected grafts from syphilitic donors through appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis.
Deficits in inferior frontal cortex activation in euthymic bipolar disorder patients during a response inhibition task
Authors: Townsend Jennifer D , Bookheimer Susan Y , Foland‐Ross Lara C , Moody Teena D , Eisenberger Naomi I , Fischer Jeffrey S , Cohen Mark S , Sugar Catherine A , Altshuler Lori L
Published: May 2012

Townsend JD, Bookheimer SY, Foland‐Ross LC, Moody TD, Eisenberger NI, Fischer JS, Cohen MS, Sugar CA, Altshuler LL. Deficits in inferior frontal cortex activation in euthymic bipolar disorder patients during a response inhibition task.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 442–450. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  The inferior frontal cortical–striatal network plays an integral role in response inhibition in normal populations. While inferior frontal cortex (IFC) impairment has been reported in mania, this study explored whether this dysfunction persists in euthymia.

Methods:  Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation was evaluated in 32 euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder and 30 healthy subjects while performing the Go/NoGo response inhibition task. Behavioral data were collected to evaluate accuracy and response time. Within‐group and between‐group comparisons of activation were conducted using whole‐brain analyses to probe significant group differences in neural function.

Results:  Both groups activated bilateral IFC. However, between‐group comparisons showed a significantly reduced activation in this brain region in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy subjects. Other frontal and basal ganglia regions involved in response inhibition were additionally significantly reduced in bipolar disorder patients, in both the medicated and the unmedicated subgroups. No areas of greater activation were observed in bipolar disorder patients versus healthy subjects.

Conclusions:  Bipolar disorder patients, even during euthymia, have a persistent reduction in activation of brain regions involved in response inhibition, suggesting that reduced activation in the orbitofrontal cortex and striatum is not solely related to the state of mania. These findings may represent underlying trait abnormalities in bipolar disorder.
Emotion processing and regulation in bipolar disorder: a review
Authors: Townsend Jennifer , Altshuler Lori L
Published: May 2012

Townsend J, Altshuler LL. Emotion processing and regulation in bipolar disorder: a review.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 326–339. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Bipolar disorder (BP) is characterized by a dysfunction of mood, alternating between states of mania/hypomania and depression. Thus, the primary abnormality appears to be an inability to regulate emotion, the result of which is emotional extremes. The purpose of this paper is to review the current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) literature on adult patients with BP using emotion processing or regulation paradigms.

Methods:  A search was conducted on PubMed using the keywords: bipolar disorder, fMRI, mania, bipolar depression, bipolar euthymia, emotion, and amygdala. Only those studies that were conducted in adult patients using an emotion activation task were included in the final review.

Results:  Using tasks that assess neural functioning during emotion processing and emotion regulation, many fMRI studies have examined BP subjects during mania and euthymia. Fewer fMRI studies have been conducted during depression, and fewer still have included the same subjects in multiple mood states. Despite these limitations, these studies have demonstrated specific abnormalities in frontal–limbic regions. Using a variety of paradigms, investigators have specifically evaluated the amygdala (a structure within the limbic system known to be critical for emotion) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) (a region known to have a regulatory function over the limbic system).

Conclusions:  These investigations reveal that amygdala activation varies as a function of mood state, while the PFC remains persistently hypoactivated across mood states. Emotional dysregulation and lability in mania and depression may reflect disruption of a frontal–limbic functional neuroanatomical network.
Heart rate variability in the subsyndromal depressive phase of bipolar disorder
Authors: Lee Jung‐Sun , Kim Byungsu , Hong Youjin , Joo Yeon Ho
Published: May 2012

Aims:  To compare the heart rate variability of bipolar patients in the subsyndromal depressive phase with healthy controls and to evaluate the relationship between severity of subsyndromal depressive symptoms and heart rate variability.

Methods:  Thirty‐three bipolar patients in the subsyndromal depressive phase and 59 healthy controls were enrolled. A patient was considered to be in a subsyndromal depressive phase when the Montgomery–Åsberg depression rating scale score was ≤10 and the Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale (CGI‐S) was ≤3 for the previous 1 month. After approximately 10 min of supine rest, all participants underwent resting electrocardiograms for 5 min in the supine position using limb leads. Different parameters of heart rate variability were analyzed in the time and frequency domains.

Results:  Bipolar patients had significantly lower standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN), proportion of adjacent NN intervals that differ by >50 ms (pNN50), log total power (log TP) and very low frequency power (VLF) compared to healthy controls. There were significant negative correlations between CGI‐S score and some heart rate variability parameters, including heart rate variability index, SDNN, root mean square successive difference (RMSSD), pNN50, log TP, VLF, low frequency power (LF) and high frequency power (HF).

Conclusion:  Patients with bipolar disorder in the subsyndromal depressive state have reduced heart rate variability relative to healthy controls, and reduction of heart rate variability appears to be correlated with severity of symptoms in bipolar patients.
Psychological impact of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on general hospital workers in Kobe
Authors: Matsuishi Kunitaka , Kawazoe Ayako , Imai Hissei , Ito Atsushi , Mouri Kentaro , Kitamura Noboru , Miyake Keiko , Mino Koichi , Isobe Masanori , Takamiya Shizuo , Hitokoto Hidefumi , Mita Tatsuo
Published: May 2012

Aims:  In order for hospitals to work efficiently in a pandemic, it is important to know how a pandemic affects the hospital staff. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological impact of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on hospital workers and how it was affected by the characteristics of the hospital, gender, age, job and work environment.

Methods:  In late June 2009, soon after the pandemic had ended in Kobe city, Japan, a questionnaire was distributed consisting of questions on sociodemographic characteristics, 19 stress‐related questions and the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to all 3635 employees at three core general hospitals in Kobe. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to the 19 stress‐related questions, and this produced four factors for evaluation (anxiety about infection, exhaustion, workload, and feeling of being protected). Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the association of personal characteristics with each score of the four factors and the IES.

Results:  Valid answers were received from 1625 employees. Workers at a hospital with intense liaison psychiatric services felt less psychological impact. Workers at a hospital that provided staff with information about the pandemic less frequently, felt unprotected. Workers in work environments that had a high risk of infection felt more anxious and more exhausted. The total IES score was higher in workers in high‐risk work environments.

Conclusions:  It is important for hospitals to protect hospital workers during a pandemic and to rapidly share information about the pandemic. Liaison psychiatric services can help to reduce the impact of the pandemic on hospital workers.
Resting motor threshold changes and clinical response to prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in depressed patients
Authors: Pretalli Jean‐Baptiste , Nicolier Magali , Chopard Gilles , Vandel Pierre , Tio Grégory , Monnin Julie , Pazart Lionel , Sechter Daniel , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: May 2012

Aims:  Several variables are able to influence the antidepressant effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), particularly the intensity of stimulation, which is generally expressed according to the resting motor threshold (RMT). The aim of our study was to investigate whether or not RMT changes during the treatment of resistant depression by rTMS and whether these fluctuations could alter treatment outcome.

Methods:  Seventy‐five inpatients suffering from unipolar or bipolar treatment‐resistant depression and who had been antidepressant‐free or taking a stable antidepressant drug and a daily dose of benzodiazepine for at least a month received a left prefrontal rTMS session once a day for 10 days at 10 Hz and 95% RMT.

Results:  For the whole group, no significant fluctuation of RMT was observed between the first and the second week of rTMS treatment. However, RMT increased, decreased or remained constant throughout treatment depending on the patient. These RMT changes influenced the outcome of the 10 sessions concerning the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and State Trait Anxiety, respectively.

Conclusions:  Our results justify calculating RMT regularly, and suggest that its variations play a role in treatment outcome.
Improved outcomes following a switch to olanzapine treatment from risperidone treatment in a 1‐year naturalistic study of schizophrenia patients in Japan
Authors: Ye Wenyu , Fujikoshi Shinji , Nakahara Naohiro , Takahashi Michihiro , Ascher‐Svanum Haya , Ohmori Tetsuro
Published: May 2012

Aims:  This study assessed clinical and functional outcomes following a switch from risperidone to olanzapine in a 1‐year naturalistic study of schizophrenia patients in Japan.

Methods:  We used data from a large 1‐year prospective, multicenter, observational non‐interventional study of individuals who were initiated on olanzapine for the treatment of schizophrenia in Japan. Current analyses focused on patients who were switched at study entry from risperidone to olanzapine (n = 258). Repeated measures analysis was employed to assess outcomes on validated measures.

Results:  At study entry, 45% were inpatients and 55% outpatients. Participants were in their early 40s with mean illness duration of 14 years. Approximately half were male. Most were switched from risperidone to olanzapine due to poor medication efficacy (67.8%) rather than medication intolerability (29.1%). Most patients (67.8%) completed the 1‐year study. Patients experienced clinically and statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements in global symptom severity, positive, negative, depressive, and cognitive symptoms, health‐related quality of life, and paid work rates. Most patients (59.2%) demonstrated treatment response to olanzapine and 43.4% experienced symptom remission. Mean weight gain was 2.19 kg, with one‐third of patients (33.3%) experiencing clinically significant weight gain (≥7%).

Conclusions:  In this 1‐year naturalistic study, inpatients and outpatients who were switched from risperidone to olanzapine experienced clinically and statistically significant improvements in their clinical and functional outcomes. One‐third of all patients experienced clinically significant weight gain. Current findings highlight the favorable benefit‐to‐risk profile of switching to olanzapine therapy following treatment failure on risperidone among patients with schizophrenia in Japan.
Respiratory assessment and management in bariatric surgery
Authors: SCHACHTER LINDA
Published: May 2012

The prevalence of obesity and overweight is growing in adults and children worldwide. With the failure of diets and lifestyle factors, more people are looking to bariatric surgery to address this significant medical problem. Severe obesity may be associated with significant perioperative respiratory complications. This article reviews potential respiratory and sleep complications, screening, and management of these problems.
Translocation of the Eastern Bristlebird 2: applying principles to two case studies
Authors: Baker Jack , Bain David , Clarke Jean , French Kris
Published: May 2012

Summary  The Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) is an endangered endemic passerine of south‐eastern Australia. The re‐establishment of extirpated populations through translocation was identified as a key action in New South Wales to address the threats to this species associated with habitat fragmentation and widespread and frequent fire. At Jervis Bay during 2003–2005, 50 birds were translocated from Bherwerre Peninsula to Beecroft Peninsula. In the Illawarra in 2008, 50 birds were translocated from Barren Grounds Nature Reserve to Cataract. At Jervis Bay, monitoring indicated that after 7 years, (i) there was no detectable impact on the source population from the removal of birds and (ii) the count at Beecroft Peninsula was 94 birds, with dispersal up to 6.3 km from the release point. In the Illawarra, (i) the source population was recovering 3 years post‐removal and (ii) the maximum count at Cataract was 15 birds after 3.5 years, including evidence of breeding, and after 3 years, the maximum dispersal was 7 km from the release point. Both translocations adhered to five key principles as follows. (i) Feasibility analysis prior to each project was favourable. (ii) For 17 pre‐stated criteria for success, 14 and 10, respectively, were met for Jervis Bay and Illawarra. (iii) Financial accountability was achieved with detailed statements showing budgets of $201k and $92k, respectively, for Jervis Bay and Illawarra. (iv) Ecological research was incorporated into both projects. (v) The results of each project are progressively being published. The re‐introduction at Jervis Bay has succeeded, and we are optimistic about the Illawarra re‐introduction.
Restoring a seasonal wetland using woven black plastic weed mat to overcome a weed threshold
Authors: Grose Peter J.
Published: May 2012

Little information is available on the use of woven black polypropylene weed control mat in ecological restoration. At a 6.5‐ha area of fertile Vertosol soil ex‐farmland near Perth, Western Australia, concerted efforts to control weed using conventional methods such as herbicides, fire and cultivation proved ineffective. After 5 years, weeds still dominated the site, and native plant establishment was poor. Small‐scale preliminary trials of various weed suppression coverings were then undertaken, with plastic weed mat the most cost‐effective in overcoming the weed threshold, permitting native tree seedling establishment. In a larger‐scale trial of weed mat over the whole site, weeds were controlled and high levels of native plant establishment achieved, with a diverse range of understorey, midstorey and overstorey species providing 56% projected foliage cover. This ensured that completion criteria were finally satisfied. These results suggest that weed mat may be effective for weed control in large‐scale restoration where conventional methods have failed, as long as ultimate removal or decomposition and other issues are addressed.
Responses to two‐dimensional shapes in the macaque anterior intraparietal area
Authors: Romero Maria C. , Van Dromme Ilse , Janssen Peter
Published: May 2012

Neurons in the macaque dorsal visual stream respond to the visual presentation of objects in the context of a grasping task and to three‐dimensional (3D) surfaces defined by binocular disparity, but little is known about the neural representation of two‐dimensional (2D) shape in the dorsal stream. We recorded the activity of single neurons in the macaque anterior intraparietal area (AIP), which is known to be crucial for grasping, during the presentation of images of objects and silhouette, outline and line‐drawing versions of these images (contour stimuli). The vast majority of AIP neurons responding selectively to 2D images were also selective for at least one of the contour stimuli with the same boundary shape, suggesting that the boundary is sufficient for the image selectivity of most AIP neurons. Furthermore, a subset of these neurons with foveal receptive fields generally preserved the shape preference across positions, whereas for more than half of the AIP population the center of the receptive field was at a parafoveal location with less tolerance to changes in stimulus position. AIP neurons frequently exhibited shape selectivity across different stimulus sizes. These results demonstrate that AIP neurons encode not only 3D but also 2D shape features.
Competitive interactions between forest trees are driven by species' trait hierarchy, not phylogenetic or functional similarity: implications for forest community assembly
Authors: Kunstler Georges , Lavergne Sébastien , Courbaud Benoît , Thuiller Wilfried , Vieilledent Ghislain , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Kattge Jens , Coomes David A.
Published: May 2012

The relative importance of competition vs. environmental filtering in the assembly of communities is commonly inferred from their functional and phylogenetic structure, on the grounds that similar species compete most strongly for resources and are therefore less likely to coexist locally. This approach ignores the possibility that competitive effects can be determined by relative positions of species on a hierarchy of competitive ability. Using growth data, we estimated 275 interaction coefficients between tree species in the French mountains. We show that interaction strengths are mainly driven by trait hierarchy and not by functional or phylogenetic similarity. On the basis of this result, we thus propose that functional and phylogenetic convergence in local tree community might be due to competition‐sorting species with different competitive abilities and not only environmental filtering as commonly assumed. We then show a functional and phylogenetic convergence of forest structure with increasing plot age, which supports this view.
Impact of the bowel‐screening programme on the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in Ayrshire and Arran
Authors: Roxburgh C. S. D. , McTaggart F. , Balsitis M. , Diament R. H.
Published: May 2012

Aim  Bowel screening aims to reduce colorectal‐cancer mortality by the detection and treatment of early‐stage asymptomatic disease and the removal of precancerous adenomas. Bowel screening started in Ayrshire and Arran in September 2007. We report the impact of this screening on the diagnosis and stage of colorectal cancer and characterize screen‐detected cancers in comparison with those diagnosed through other pathways.

Method  Diagnoses were identified from an audit database. Referrals were grouped into screen detected, routine, urgent and emergency presentations.

Results  Between January 2001 and December 2010, 2289 diagnoses of colorectal cancer were made. From 2001 to 2006, the mean (range) number of new colorectal‐cancer diagnoses per year was 210 (198–220). Between 2007 and 2010, the mean (range) number of diagnoses per year was 256 (239–274), a significant (P = 0.008) increase. Since September 2007, 877 colorectal cancers have been diagnosed: 17% were screen detected; 11% were detected as a result of routine GP referral; 51% were detected after urgent GP referral; and 21% were emergency presentations. TNM stage increased with urgency of referral. Approximately two‐thirds (66%) of screen‐detected colorectal cancers were node negative vs 25% of emergency presentations (P < 0.001). Most screen‐detected cancers were distal to the splenic flexure (75%). Screened cancers had favourable pathology; lower T and N stages (both P < 0.001), less venous invasion (P < 0.001) and better differentiation (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen after stratification for TNM stage. Screening has not yet resulted in a significant shift towards early‐stage disease since 2007.

Conclusion  Screening has been associated with an increase in the numbers of both new and early‐stage colorectal cancers. Screen‐detected cancers are predominantly early‐stage disease with favourable pathology. At present, it remains to be seen whether screening will ultimately translate into an overall reduction in advanced‐stage disease.
Rural labour markets and rural conflict in Spain before the Civil War (1931–6)1
Authors: DOMENECH JORDI
Published: May 2012

This article looks at the causes of rural conflict in 1930s Spain. Rather than stressing bottom‐up forces of mobilization linked to poor harvests and rural unemployment or the inability of the state to enforce reformist legislation, this article explores the role of state policy in sorting out the acute coordination and collective action problems of mobilizing rural labourers. This is done by looking at the effects of intervention on rural labour markets in dry‐farming areas of Spain (parts of Castile and of Andalusia). Given the difficulties of constructing a conclusive test of the hypothesis, three indirect testing strategies are used. The first is an examination of the qualitative evidence on the functioning of labour markets in dry‐farming areas of Spain. Second, because the argument presented in this article implies the existence of severe restrictions on the labour supply of rural labourers during the harvest in the early 1930s, harvest‐to‐winter wage ratios before and after the passing of legislation are studied. Finally, the diffusion of union offices and general strikes in several dry‐farming provinces of Spain is examined, in order to show that alternative hypotheses to explain rural conflict are not consistent with the historical record.
Labour Mobility and the WTO: The Limits of GATS Mode 4
Authors: Dawson Laura Ritchie
Published: May 2012

This paper explores the development of the labour mobility provisions within the multilateral GATT–WTO system in parallel with smaller regional and bilateral agreements. Because expanded labour mobility provisions have failed to generate a critical mass of support within the WTO, it is argued that developing countries seeking market access for lower‐skilled workers are better off seeking alternative venues, even though this is a more costly strategy. At the same time, it is useful for states to continue labour mobility negotiations within the WTO system because the regime serves as an important forum for the negotiation of common administrative processes and definitions. Multilateral efforts to increase transparency and reduced administrative costs will not only help to improve effective market access for commitments already in place, but will increase confidence in the ability of the WTO system to contribute to the management of global labour mobility.
Crossing Boundaries: Internal, Regional and International Migration in Cameroon
Authors: Mberu Blessing Uchenna , Pongou Roland
Published: May 2012

Internal and international migration increasingly continues to be of global importance for development policies and programmes, but the dearth of data on migration for African countries and the limited focus on the structural conditions that motivate migration from specific localities within the region remain glaring. In this study, we examine the patterns and drivers of migration in Cameroon, focusing on the dynamics of rural–urban migration, migrant circulation, regional economic migrants and refugees, international migration, brain drain and returns from emigration. Consequent upon regional conflicts and instability, we highlight the refugee problem in Cameroon and significant challenges in addressing it. Finally, we underscore the policy and research challenges necessary to harness the potentials of internal and international migration for national development.
Comparative analysis of the use of complementary and alternative medicine by Korean patients with androgenetic alopecia, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Kim G.‐W. , Park J.‐M. , Chin H.‐W. , Ko H.‐C. , Kim M.‐B. , Kim J.‐Y. , Lee S.‐J. , Kim D.‐W. , Lee D. , Kim B.‐S.
Published: May 2012

Background  Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is being increasingly used among Koreans with chronic dermatologic diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis.

Objective  To quantify the usage of CAM in Korean patients with AGA, AD or psoriasis, and to offer valid information for the physicians frequently encountering such disorders.

Methods  Outpatients (n = 678) from three tertiary hospitals were investigated independently by constructed and self‐directed questionnaire.

Results  Of the respondents, 62.1% (421/678) of the subjects reported current or previous use of CAM for their dermatologic conditions (AGA, 67.2%; AD, 68.9%; psoriasis, 46.6%). In AGA, topical applicants (50.2%) were most often used, followed by dietary therapy and health supplements. In AD, bath therapy (39.4%) was most often used, followed by oriental medicine and topical applicants. In psoriasis, oriental medicine (33.9%) was most frequently used, followed by bath therapy and health supplements. The proportion of patients who believed that CAM helped to improve their skin condition was relatively low (AGA, 16.1%; AD, 31.7%; psoriasis, 15.0%).

Limitations  The results may not be applicable to other countries and generalized to general populations.

Conclusion  These results indicate that CAM is widely used in Korean patients with chronic dermatological diseases despite their dissatisfactions. Thus, the advantages and disadvantages of CAM must be considered before its clinical practice.
Plant‐driven weathering of apatite – the role of an ectomycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Smits M. M. , Bonneville S. , Benning L. G. , Banwart S. A. , Leake J. R.
Published: May 2012

Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi are increasingly recognized as important agents of mineral weathering and soil development, with far‐reaching impacts on biogeochemical cycles. Because EcM fungi live in a symbiotic relationship with trees and in close contact with bacteria and archaea, it is difficult to distinguish between the weathering effects of the fungus, host tree and other micro‐organisms. Here, we quantified mineral weathering by the fungus Paxillus involutus, growing in symbiosis with Pinus sylvestris under sterile conditions. The mycorrhizal trees were grown in specially designed sterile microcosms in which the supply of soluble phosphorus (P) in the bulk media was varied and grains of the calcium phosphate mineral apatite mixed with quartz, or quartz alone, were provided in plastic wells that were only accessed by their fungal partner. Under P limitation, pulse labelling of plants with 14CO2 revealed plant‐to‐fungus allocation of photosynthates, with 17 times more 14C transferred into the apatite wells compared with wells with only quartz. Fungal colonization increased the release of P from apatite by almost a factor of three, from 7.5 (±1.1) × 10−10 mol m−2 s−1 to 2.2 (±0.52) × 10−9 mol m−2 s−1. On increasing the P supply in the microcosms from no added P, through apatite alone, to both apatite and orthophosphate, the proportion of biomass in roots progressively increased at the expense of the fungus. These three observations, (i) proportionately more plant energy investment in the fungal partner under P limitation, (ii) preferential fungal transport of photosynthate‐derived carbon towards patches of apatite grains and (iii) fungal enhancement of weathering rate, reveal the tightly coupled plant–fungal interactions underpinning enhanced EcM weathering of apatite and its utilization as P source.
Epigenetic variation during the adult lifespan: cross‐sectional and longitudinal data on monozygotic twin pairs
Authors: Talens Rudolf P. , Christensen Kaare , Putter Hein , Willemsen Gonneke , Christiansen Lene , Kremer Dennis , Suchiman H. Eka D. , Slagboom P. Eline , Boomsma Dorret I. , Heijmans Bastiaan T.
Published: May 2012

The accumulation of epigenetic changes was proposed to contribute to the age‐related increase in the risk of most common diseases. In this study on 230 monozygotic twin pairs (MZ pairs), aged 18–89 years, we investigated the occurrence of epigenetic changes over the adult lifespan. Using mass spectrometry, we investigated variation in global (LINE1) DNA methylation and in DNA methylation at INS, KCNQ1OT1, IGF2, GNASAS, ABCA1, LEP, and CRH, candidate loci for common diseases. Except for KCNQ1OT1, interindividual variation in locus‐specific DNA methylation was larger in old individuals than in young individuals, ranging from 1.2‐fold larger at ABCA1 (P = 0.010) to 1.6‐fold larger at INS (P = 3.7 × 10−07). Similarly, there was more within‐MZ‐pair discordance in old as compared with young MZ pairs, except for GNASAS, ranging from an 8% increase in discordance each decade at CRH (P = 8.9 × 10−06) to a 16% increase each decade at LEP (P = 2.0 × 10−08). Still, old MZ pairs with strikingly similar DNA methylation were also observed at these loci. After 10‐year follow‐up in elderly twins, the variation in DNA methylation showed a similar pattern of change as observed cross‐sectionally. The age‐related increase in methylation variation was generally attributable to unique environmental factors, except for CRH, for which familial factors may play a more important role. In conclusion, sustained epigenetic differences arise from early adulthood to old age and contribute to an increasing discordance of MZ twins during aging.
NORTH APULIAN COARSE WARES AND FINE PAINTED WARES: A REAPPRAISAL ACCORDING TO NEW DATA FROM HERDONIA AND CANUSIUM
Authors: GLIOZZO E. , TURCHIANO M. , LOMBARDI M. , TURBANTI MEMMI I. , VOLPE G. , BAXTER M. J.
Published: May 2012

Late Antique coarse cooking wares and painted fine wares found at Herdonia (second half of the fourth century to mid‐fifth century ad) and Canusium (late sixth century to early seventh century ad) have been chemically and mineralogically characterized. A total of 74 samples (40 of coarse ware and 34 of fine painted ware) was investigated through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, neutron activation analysis and X‐ray fluorescence. A new statistical method, namely the classification tree methodology, was used for the treatment of geochemical data. The characterization of the Herdonia and Canusium assemblages was combined with a review of earlier results obtained for San Giusto and Posta Crusta, in order to get an insight on Late Antique ceramic trades in northern Apulia. It appears possible to reconstruct a production pattern organized at multiple production sites, both rural and urban, that exploited similar raw material deposits, specialized in certain productions, and commercialized products at different geographical scales. Imports from outside northern Apulia may be identified for coarse wares. A likely area of production is difficult to establish; however, the northern Adriatic coast and the area of Greece may be suggested.