bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granulicella arctica sp. nov., Granulicella mallensis sp. nov., Granulicella tundricola sp. nov. and Granulicella sapmiensis sp. nov., novel acidobacteria from tundra soil
Authors: Männistö Minna K. , Rawat Suman , Starovoytov Valentin , Häggblom Max M.
Published: November 2011

Four aerobic bacteria, designated MP5ACTX2T, MP5ACTX8T, MP5ACTX9T and S6CTX5AT, were isolated from tundra soil of north-western Finland (69° 03′ N 20° 50′ E). Cells of all isolates were Gram-negative, non-motile rods. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that they belonged to the genus

Granulicella

of subdivision 1 of the phylum Acidobacteria
. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the new isolates and the type strains of

Granulicella aggregans

,

Granulicella paludicola

,

Granulicella pectinivorans

and

Granulicella rosea

ranged from 94 to 99 %. Analysis of the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene sequence indicated that the isolates represented novel species of the genus

Granulicella

(<92 % rpoB sequence similarity between the isolates and members of the genus

Granulicella

). This was also confirmed by low DNA–DNA relatedness (31 %) between strain S6CTX5AT and the type strain of

G. pectinivorans

, which exhibited 99.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 91.7 % rpoB gene sequence similarity. The isolates grew at pH 3.5–6.5 and at 4–26 °C. Sugars were the preferred growth substrates. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-8. The DNA G+C content was 56–60 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and chemotaxonomic and physiological data, the isolates represent four novel species of the genus

Granulicella

, for which the names Granulicella arctica MP5ACTX2T ( = ATCC BAA-1858T = DSM 23128T), Granulicella mallensis MP5ACTX8T ( = ATCC BAA-1857T = DSM 23137T), Granulicella tundricola MP5ACTX9T (ATCC BAA-1859T = DSM 23138T) and Granulicella sapmiensis S6CTX5AT ( = LMG 26174T = DSM 23136T) are proposed. An emended description of the genus Granulicella is also presented.
Halobacterium piscisalsi

Yachai et al. 2008 is a later heterotypic synonym of

Halobacterium salinarum

Elazari-Volcani 1957
Authors: Minegishi Hiroaki , Echigo Akinobu , Shimane Yasuhiro , Kamekura Masahiro , Tanasupawat Somboon , Visessanguan Wonnop , Usami Ron
Published: November 2011

Halobacterium piscisalsi

was proposed by Yachai et al. (2008), with a single strain, HPC1-2T ( = BCC 24372T  = JCM 14661T  = PCU 302T), which was isolated from fermented fish (pla-ra) in Thailand. According to Yachai et al. (2008), the strain was closely related to

Halobacterium salinarum

based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and could be differentiated by low DNA–DNA relatedness values and different biochemical profiles compared with other species of the genus. The reanalysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences and the DNA–DNA relatedness among

H. piscisalsi

JCM 14661T and

H. salinarum

strains JCM 8978T, R1 and NRC-1 revealed that they all had exactly the same 16S rRNA gene sequence and shared more than 70 % DNA–DNA relatedness. In addition, the full-length DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit B (RpoB) protein sequence of

H. piscisalsi

JCM 14661T (607 amino acids) was the same as that of

H. salinarum

JCM 8978T and showed 94.7 and 96.7 % similarities with those of

Halobacterium noricense

JCM 15102T and

Halobacterium jilantaiense

JCM 13558T, respectively. Despite the different biochemical properties described by Yachai et al. (2008), the characteristic phenotypic properties of

H. piscisalsi

agreed with those in the description of

H. salinarum

emended by Gruber et al. (2004). Therefore,

H. piscisalsi

Yachai et al. (2008) should be regarded as a later heterotypic synonym of

H. salinarum

Elazari-Volcani 1957.
Distinctive demand and risk characteristics of residential housing loan market in India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam , Saha Asish
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate the importance of borrower‐specific characteristics as well as local situation factors in determining the demand prospect as well as the risk of credit loss on residential housing loan repayment behavior in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 13,487 housing loan accounts (sanctioned from 1993‐2007) data from Banks and Housing Finance Cos (HFCs) in India, this paper attempts to find out the crucial factors that drive demand for housing and its correlation with borrower characteristics using a panel regression method. Next, using logistic regression, housing loan defaults and the major causative factors of the same are examined.

Findings

In analyzing the housing demand pattern, some special characteristics of the Indian residential housing market (demographic and social features) and the housing loan facility structure (loan process, loan margin, loan rate, collateral structure etc.), that have contributed to the safety and soundness of the Indian housing market have been deciphered. The empirical results suggest that borrower defaults on housing loan payments is mainly driven by change in the market value of the propertyvis‐à‐visthe loan amount and EMI to income ratio. A 10 percent decrease in the market value of the propertyvis‐à‐visthe loan amount raises the odds of default by 1.55 percent. Similarly, a 10 percent increase in EMI to income ratio raises the delinquency chance by 4.50 percent. However, one cannot ignore borrower characteristics like marital status, employment situation, regional locations, city locations, age profile and house preference which otherwise may inhibit the lender to properly assess credit risk in home loan business, as the results show that these parameters also act as default triggers.

Originality/value

This study contributes on the micro side of the housing market in India, since it uses unique and robust loan information data from banks and HFCs. The empirical results obtained in this paper are useful to regulators, policy makers, market players as well as the researchers to understand housing market demand and risk characteristics in an emerging market economy such as India.
The influence of service quality and trade show effectiveness on post‐show purchase intention
Authors: Gottlieb Udo R. , Brown Mark R. , Drennan Judy
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an integrative services framework to investigate the role of perceived trade show effectiveness on overall trade show service outcome, conceptualised as the intention to purchase a related product after, rather than during, a show.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the services marketing and trade show literature, the authors test a model of trade show effectiveness with data collected from 592 attendees at a major automotive trade show in a large metropolitan centre.

Findings

Results show that improving trade show visitors' perceived service quality positively affects visitor perceptions of trade show effectiveness. Furthermore, both trade show effectiveness and service quality directly influence future purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

Employing a services theoretical framework to evaluate trade show visitor experiences provides an alternative to the traditional marketing communications approach. By viewing such visits as service encounters, managers must inevitably consider the effects of service quality and service outcomes in determining the likely success of their shows. The study primarily focuses on one large consumer show and therefore does not constitute a complete, nor necessarily representative, sample of the trade show industry.

Originality/value

The original contribution of the paper stems from the paucity of research conceptualising trade shows as services and the comparative lack of emphasis placed on visitors rather than exhibitors in the literature. The research not only has utility for trade show organisers but also provides necessary theory‐based research in the trade show domain.
The (post‐human) consumer, the (post‐avian) chicken and the (post‐object) Eglu
Authors: Bettany Shona , Kerrane Ben
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the potential of material‐semiotic ontology to the field of anti‐consumption research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is multi‐site ethnography, following a consumer object, the Omlet Eglu, to trace a field of study within the practices and processes of urban stock‐keeping.

Findings

It was found that the Omlet Eglu was produced as an ambivalent actor within the practices of urban stock‐keeping, allowing an analysis of multiple aspects of consumption/anti‐consumption and consumer resistance/domination that challenges those dualisms as organizing constructs.

Practical implications

The paper fdds to knowledge about the complex constructions of the meaning of egg consumption by consumers. This has the potential to inform retailers and farm producers, as well as organizations that provide goods and services to home food producers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel ontological approach to anti‐consumption that addresses current concerns in this field over its underpinning categorizations and over‐reliance upon neo‐liberal models of consumer agency.
“Doing the duck”: negotiating the resistant‐consumer identity
Authors: Fernandez Karen V. , Brittain Amanda J. , Bennett Sandra D.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how dumpster divers' practices and tension‐resolution strategies facilitate their construction of resistant‐consumer identities outside the dominant paradigm of consumer choice.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview data were interpreted with the assistance of relevant literature, netnography and observation.

Findings

By viewing ideological motivations as paramount, even divers initially having economic or psychological motivations are able to negotiate a positive hero identity. Sharing forms community and constructs a “self‐for‐others” narrative that accommodates the paradoxical need to consume while resisting.

Research limitations/implications

The illegality of the practice prevented researcher participation. Examining the reacquisition of waste informs identity construction and consumer resistance, and suggests that corporate and public policies should facilitate waste reclamation.

Originality/value

This investigation, unlike prior research, does not examine only one set of motives nor only those who dive for food. Thus, this paper uncovers the complex inter‐relationships between ideological, economic and psychological motivations, permitting a more complete understanding of how divers' practices shape their identities.
Consumer resistance and anti‐consumption
Authors: Garcia‐Bardidia Renaud , Nau Jean‐Philippe , Rémy Eric
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to study consumer resistance and anti‐consumption in the context of illegal downloading of cultural goods in France. This practice is socially constructed as deviant by marketplace actors' moral labeling. To that extent, deviant careers are adopted as an analytic framework to articulate these two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive approach was used. The authors conducted 49 in‐depth interviews in 2009. The data collected were then analyzed to build the different steps of downloaders' careers and related identities and practices.

Findings

The deviant careers identified shed light on the social construction of resistant identities and specific consumption practices in which social learning and devices play a major role. Accomplished careers enable deviant lifestyles that could be assimilated to anti‐consumption in a mundane context.

Practical implications

This study could help economic actors to improve their understanding of illegal downloaders' statements, motivations, and behaviors. It gives them clues to anticipate the massive changes in consumer culture occurring through dematerialization of cultural goods.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the distinctive features of consumer resistance and anti‐consumption in a case of everyday and secret deviance strengthened by marketplace actors' moral labeling. It then helps to articulate these concepts through profiles related to downloaders' careers.
Intercultural training for US business expatriates in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Tien‐Chen , McLean Gary N.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore the intercultural training needs for US business expatriates on assignment in Taiwan. The study assesses Taiwan culture‐specific training needs of US expatriates from the perspectives of both US expatriates and their Taiwanese colleagues and compares the perceived importance of these intercultural training needs between these two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the survey method to assess the opinions of US business expatriates as well as their Taiwanese colleagues. A questionnaire was developed for the study. A total of 26 items were identified as knowledge and skills needed for US business expatriates in Taiwan. The items all fall within six categories: knowledge of the nation, relationship building, interpersonal communication, business protocol, legal issues, and living in Taiwan.

Findings

Data collected from 78 US respondents and 78 Taiwanese respondents were analyzed using matched pairst‐tests. Between‐group differences for the overall 26 items and each category were examined. Results indicate that there was a significant difference between the US and Taiwanese respondents in the perceived importance of the overall items.

Originality/value

Although there has been an abundance of literature on intercultural training, rarely has research been done on Taiwan cultural‐specific training. A study in this area can help human resource practitioners in developing expatriate training programs. Research results can contribute to the knowledge base of expatriate training and development, as well as the development of theories in this area.
Learning culture, line manager and HR professional practice
Authors: Harrison Patricia
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the role of line management and learning culture in the development of professional practice for the human resource (HR) practitioner.

Design/methodology/approach

Three‐year longitudinal, matched‐pair study involving five participants and their line managers.

Findings

Two of the five participants experienced greater career growth and professional development, due to various factors; the roles of line management and learning culture.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are the nature of the research and small numbers in the study. This paper considers only two of the five categories that emerged and does not include the quantitative data findings.

Practical implications

Greater attention needs to be given to informal learning processes and knowledge‐sharing activities in organisations.

Originality/value

Due to a number of constraints, the longitudinal method used in this research is rare. There are significant benefits to gathering data over a period of time to capture different perspectives of practice and provide deeper understanding.
WAQF accounting and management in Indonesian WAQF institutions
Authors: Ihsan Hidayatul , Hameed Hj. Mohamed Ibrahim Shahul
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine accounting and management practices in two Indonesian awqaf institutions. It intends to seek evidence with regard to how mutawallis discharge their accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies were undertaken on two awqaf institutions in Indonesia, i.e. ABC and XYZ waqf foundations. Data were collected through various methods, i.e. interviews, document reviews and direct observations.

Findings

The findings show that ABC shows more efficient management and greater transparency and accountability than XYZ due to the presence of Islamically committed professionals in the former, despite the better accounting information system and more “academically” qualified personnel in the latter.

Research limitations/implications

This study only concentrates on two Indonesian awqaf institutions.

Practical implications

This study is expected to contribute to the improvement of waqf administration.

Originality/value

The paper is the first attempt to address accounting issues in awqaf institutions, particularly in Indonesia.
Evaluation of the economics (cost and benefits) of National Youth Service Corps for sustainable development in Nigeria
Authors: Raimi L. , Alao O.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic cost and social benefits of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) set up some years back by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combined qualitative and quantitative information to substantiate the clarion calls by some scholars and concerned social commentators for a review of the NYSC. Based on the objective stated above, a sample size of 200 respondents was selected and administered copies of structured questionnaires in order to elicit information from a cross‐section of Nigerians. At the end, out of the 200 respondents, only 150 respondents returned their questionnaires on the basis of which recommendations and conclusions were based.

Findings

The main policy thrust of the scheme is to serve as a catalyst for sustainable development in Nigeria after the Nigerian civil war. However, on the strength of the survey, the authors found that the scheme has failed in many respects in accelerating the socio‐economic development of Nigeria, when the relevance of the scheme is measured by Eight‐Scale Perception Index developed by the authors.

Practical implications

The paper cautions that despite the setback of the NYSC, it would be absurd to advocate that the scheme be scrapped completely. What is rational is for the policymaker to initiate a process for the reform of NYSC scheme in order for it to meet the contemporary expectations and challenges.

Originality/value

The results of this paper support the structural‐agency framework in sociology. The relationship between structure and agency is seen as a dialectical one because society forms the individuals, who in turn create better society by forming a continuous loop. NYSC was laudable at inception, but humans made it crooked; it is therefore expedient that the scheme be revitalized by humans in order to meet contemporary challenges.
Do health care professionals find the use of age‐based rationing to reduce health care costs ethical?
Authors: Hosseini Hengameh
Published: November 2011

Purpose

As a result of the aging of American society, health care costs have been and will continue to rise, to the extent that they are not sustainable. Obviously, this trend will continue in spite of the 2010 health care reform. As a result of this uncontrollable problem, writers such as Daniel Callahan have proposed age‐based rationing of health care while utilizing the utilitarian notions of ethics and justice. However, other writers, utilizing more egalitarian notions of justice, have opposed this. This suggests an ethical dilemma, which has to be debated in the future. The author believes professors teaching health care related courses will be instrumental in this debate, explaining why she decided to seek the opinion of a sample of 18 professors regarding this issue. The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology, specially grounded theory, was used in this study that sought to explore the views of 18 full‐time professors who teach health care policy and administration in Northeast Pennsylvania about age‐based rationing of health care. Qualitative research is very useful uncovering the views of individuals as they relate to their experiences. In the study, professors were asked 14 questions by the author, four of these being demographic. The remaining ten questions, open ended ones, sought the opinions of these professors about their support or opposition to age‐based rationing.

Findings

The author's interviews of those 18 professors and the analysis of the responses, which revealed the complexity and multidimensional nature of the issue, led to the emergence of eight different themes.

Originality/value

The author used a qualitative method of research, interviewing 18 professors, to uncover personal views not previously published.
Gardening and the social engagement of older people
Authors: Middling Sharon , Bailey Jan , Maslin‐Prothero Sian , Scharf Thomas
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper identifies ways in which community action can enhance the quality of life of older residents and reports specifically on four community gardening initiatives developed with older people living in disadvantaged communities in Manchester.

Design/methodology/approach

The Community Action in Later Life – Manchester Engagement (CALL_ME) project used an action research approach to engage older people. Older people and other stakeholders were actively involved in designing, planning and implementing the projects.

Findings

Drawing on a range of qualitative data, the paper provides evidence of how older people can be actively engaged in community projects, and explores the benefits of involvement including: enhanced well‐being, and increased socialisation, learning and empowerment. The challenges faced by the older people are also reported which include maintaining interest, recruiting new members and needing external support.

Research limitations/implications

The paper also reports the implications for practice, discussing how gardening initiatives can involve and benefit older people and the wider community and the value of an action oriented approach in disadvantaged communities. Recommendations are made regarding ensuring sustainability of such projects by providing education and training to enhance participants' skills and build their confidence.

Originality/value

Whilst recognising the problems associated with living in disadvantaged communities, the CALL‐ME project takes a new approach and moves the focus to ways in which older people can become engaged in and benefit from community action, and empowered to sustain the projects they develop.
Using embedded outreach to bridge the digital divide
Authors: Agnew Ian , Ripper Laura
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper has been written to highlight new ways to increase digital inclusion, specifically getting a greater number of older people to use the internet as part of their daily lives. It aims to profile a new engagement technique called “embedded outreach” and seeks to discuss the impact this technique has on tackling digital exclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered via a baseline survey at the beginning of the sessions to measure 895 attendees' existing web use and attitudes to the internet. A follow‐up survey of 295 older people two months later captured any change in use and attitude as a result of the sessions. A secondary follow‐up survey measured the legacy of the sessions.

Findings

The embedded outreach model was effective in breaking through many of the multiple barriers which prevent older people from using the web. Data showed that using existing voluntary sector infrastructure was key to reaching people.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to timescales, only one session was delivered to each group. If the project had been carried out over a longer duration then repeat sessions could have been delivered to the groups and results measured.

Originality/value

A wide range of schemes support older people to get online yet most rely on “pull” techniques – where participants have to seek out opportunities. There has been little research into techniques that use existing voluntary sector infrastructure to bring the web to older people.
Owner‐managers' perceptions of barriers to innovation: empirical evidence from Turkish SMEs
Authors: Demirbas Dilek , Hussain Javed G. , Matlay Harry
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the barriers to innovation, as perceived and experienced by owner‐managers of Turkish small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an empirical investigation of 224 SMEs operating in Turkey. Emergent results were analysed using a logit regression model to explore barriers to innovation as perceived and experienced by these owner‐managers.

Findings

The results reveal that a lack of government research and development policy represents a formal barrier to SME innovation in Turkey. The existence of a sizeable and thriving underground economy in this country acts as an informal barrier that impacts negatively upon investment in, and increases the cost of innovation in SMEs. In addition, a lack of appropriate sources of finance and skill shortages emerged as significant variables to affect the innovation decisions of SME owner‐managers in Turkey.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample of 224 businesses, chosen from a population of approximately two million SMEs in Turkey, is relatively small and is not representative of all regions and urban areas in this country. Therefore, this research sample is not a random or statistically significant selection of Turkey's SME sector. The findings of this research have implications for policy makers, practitioners and academics in this and similar countries.

Originality/value

The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the actual and perceived barriers to innovation experienced by owner‐managers of Turkish SMEs. Development of effective government policies to support innovative SMEs could significantly enhance the competitiveness of the Turkish economy.
Knowledge of effectiveness and its application in secondary healthcare management
Authors: Simonen Outi , Blom Marja , Viitanen Elina
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map out managers' understanding of effectiveness and to assess the application of knowledge of effectiveness in secondary healthcare management. Additionally, the study aims to assess the present situation of effectiveness research and the measures used in divisions of treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by interviewing department directors, chief medical officers and directors of nursing (n=38) in the surgical, medical and psychiatric divisions of the five largest hospital districts in Finland.

Findings

The concept of effectiveness was complex, and difficult to concretise and understand uniformly. Knowledge of effectiveness supports both clinical and administrative management. Managers have different ways of applying knowledge of effectiveness depending on their managerial role. Effectiveness studies and measurement are still relatively rare in secondary healthcare and rarely identified as such by management.

Practical implications

The concept of effectiveness is not clear in management. Managers have an unclear understanding of knowledge of effectiveness and its application in secondary healthcare management.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the need for a discussion on effectiveness in secondary health care. In addition, managers need knowledge and support for implementing the policy of effectiveness on all levels of management.
Is money the panacea? Rewards for knowledge workers
Authors: Markova Gergana , Ford Cameron
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In this empirical study, the aim is to examine the relative effect of various rewards on performance of knowledge workers. It is predicted that non‐monetary rewards are associated with enhanced intrinsic motivation, which in turn is related to better performance and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 288 research and development employees and their supervisors from 30Fortune500 companies. The authors tested the hypothesized relationships with mediated multiple regression.

Findings

The results revealed that receiving non‐monetary rewards is a stronger predictor of intrinsic motivation manifested by longer work time in comparison to either group or individual monetary rewards. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation was found to fully mediate the relationships between received non‐monetary rewards and performance and innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers a field test of the cognitive evaluation theory and the crowding theory that have been mainly applied in experimental research and suggests a potential limit to the efficiency wage models in the case of knowledge workers. However, causal conclusions are limited by the cross‐sectional nature of the data and the operationalization of intrinsic motivation is not without its critics.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest that incorporating non‐monetary rewards in reward systems is necessary to encourage productivity and creativity of knowledge workers. Organizations should critically evaluate all aspects of their reward systems to reflect the uniqueness of their employees.

Originality/value

The increased importance of innovation for business success mandates that organizations design their reward systems to stimulate creative behaviors. The study results show the importance of non‐monetary rewards over monetary for knowledge workers’ intrinsic motivation.
Defining goodwill: a practice perspective
Authors: Giuliani Marco , Brännström Daniel
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify a definition of goodwill related to how companies describe their purchased goodwill. It focuses on whether there is any consistency in how firms define goodwill in practice in the first year of mandatory application of International Financial Reporting Standards 3 (IFRS3).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on an analysis of how companies describe goodwill in purchase analyses related to company acquisitions. The empirical body of this study is represented by the financial statements of Italian and Swedish listed companies.

Findings

The overall finding of this investigation is that, in practice, the concept of goodwill is unclear and therefore there is no reference to one singular definition of goodwill. Moreover, in spite of the idea underlying IFRS3, goodwill still appears to be a “black box”, wherefore an accounting inertia is highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that only a sample of firms (those listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange and the Milan Stock Exchange) that apply IFRS3 is investigated. The main implication of this paper is that it is possible to identify some general classes of descriptions, but these remain vague. Therefore, some accounting policy suggestions are proposed.

Originality/value

First, this paper focuses on a definition communicated by firms, which is different from most other studies, as they tend to focus on a theoretical definition of goodwill. Second, this paper focuses on a goodwill definition in practice, whereas studies of goodwill practice mainly concern impairment testing.
Nationwide linkage analysis in Scotland to assess mortality following hospital admission for Crohn’s disease: 1998–2000
Authors: Kennedy N. A , Clark D. N. , Bauer J. , Crowe A. M. , Knight A. D. , Nicholls R. J. , Satsangi J.
Published: November 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 142–153

Background  Although population‐based studies of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) suggest only a modestly increased mortality, recent data have raised concerns regarding the outcome of CD patients requiring hospitalisation.

Aim  To determine the mortality and contributory factors in 1595 patients hospitalised for CD in Scotland between 1998 and 2000.

Methods  The Scottish Morbidity Records database and linked datasets were used to assess longitudinal patient outcome, and to explore associations between 3‐year mortality and age, sex, comorbidity, admission type and social deprivation. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) at 3 years from admission was calculated with reference to the Scottish population.

Results  The SMR was 3.31 (95% confidence interval 2.80–3.89). This was increased in all patients, other than those <30 years at presentation, and was highest in patients aged 50–64 years (SMR 4.84 [3.44–6.63]). On multivariate analysis, age >50, admission type, comorbidity, social deprivation and length of admission were significantly associated with mortality. Other than age, admission type was the strongest factor predictive of death. Three‐year crude mortality was 0.3% for elective surgical, 8.7% for emergency surgical, 8.3% for elective nonsurgical and 12.7% for emergency nonsurgical admission (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The study demonstrates high mortality rates in patients hospitalised during 1998–2000 for CD, especially in patients over 50. Elective surgery is associated with lower mortality than emergency surgery or medical therapy. Further study is needed to determine whether these patterns have changed following the introduction of biological treatment.
Progress in management of the obstructed airway
Authors: Patel A. , Pearce A.
Published: November 2011

There is no consensus as to the ideal approach for the anaesthetic management of the adult obstructed airway and there are advocates of awake fibreoptic intubation, inhalational induction and intravenous induction techniques. This review considers the different options available for obstruction at different anatomical levels. Decisions must also be made on the urgency of the required intervention. Particular controversies revolve around the role of inhalational vs intravenous induction of anaesthesia, the use or avoidance of neuromuscular blockade and the employment of cannula cricothyroidotomy vs surgical tracheostomy.
Education in airway management
Authors: Baker P. A. , Weller J. M. , Greenland K. B. , Riley R. H. , Merry A. F.
Published: November 2011

In airway management, poor judgment, education and training are leading causes of patient morbidity and mortality. The traditional model of medical education, which relies on experiential learning in the clinical environment, is inconsistent and often inadequate. Curriculum change is underway in many medical organisations in an effort to correct these problems, and airway management is likely to be explicitly addressed as a clinical fundamental within any new anaesthetic curriculum. Competency‐based medical education with regular assessment of clinical ability is likely to be introduced for all anaesthetists engaged in airway management. Essential clinical competencies need to be defined and improvements in training techniques can be expected based on medical education research. Practitioners need to understand their equipment and diversify their airway skills to cope with a variety of clinical presentations. Expertise stems from deliberate practice and a desire constantly to improve performance with a career‐long commitment to education.
Cysteine, histidine and glycine exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in human coronary arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Hasegawa S , Ichiyama T , Sonaka I , Ohsaki A , Okada S , Wakiguchi H , Kudo K , Kittaka S , Hara M , Furukawa S
Published: November 2011

The activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in vascular endothelial cells may be involved in vascular pathogeneses such as vasculitis or atherosclerosis. Recently, it has been reported that some amino acids exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the inhibitory effects of a panel of amino acids on cytokine production or expression of adhesion molecules that are involved in inflammatory diseases in various cell types. The activation of NF-κB was determined in human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAECs) because NF-κB modulates the production of many cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecules. We examined the inhibitory effects of the amino acids cysteine, histidine and glycine on the induction of NF-κB activation, expression of CD62E (E-selectin) and the production of interleukin (IL)-6 in HCAECs stimulated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cysteine, histidine and glycine significantly reduced NF-κB activation and inhibitor κBα (IκBα) degradation in HCAECs stimulated with TNF-α. Additionally, all the amino acids inhibited the expression of E-selectin and the production of IL-6 in HCAECs, and the effects of cysteine were the most significant. Our results show that glycine, histidine and cysteine can inhibit NF-κB activation, IκBα degradation, CD62E expression and IL-6 production in HCAECs, suggesting that these amino acids may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects during endothelial inflammation.
Relationship between δ13C of chironomid remains and methane flux in Swedish lakes
Authors: Van HARDENBROEK M. , LOTTER A.F. , BASTVIKEN D. , DUC N.T. , HEIRI O.
Published: November 2011

1. Methanogenic carbon can be incorporated by methane‐oxidising bacteria, leading to a 13C‐depleted stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of chironomids that feed on these microorganisms. This has been shown for the chironomid tribe Chironomini, but very little information is available about the δ13C of other abundant chironomid groups and the relationship between chironomid δ13C and methane production in lakes.

2. Methane flux was measured at the water surface of seven lakes in Sweden. Furthermore, fluxes from the sediments to the water column were measured in transects in two of the lakes. Methane fluxes were then compared with δ13C of chitinous chironomid remains isolated from the lake surface sediments. Several different chironomid groups were examined (Chironomini, Orthocladiinae, Tanypodinae and Tanytarsini).

3. Remains of Orthocladiinae in the seven study lakes had the highest δ13C values (−31.3 to −27.0‰), most likely reflecting δ13C of algae and other plant‐derived organic matter. Remains of Chironomini and Tanypodinae had lower δ13C values (−33.2 to −27.6‰ and −33.6 to −28.0‰, respectively). A significant negative correlation was observed between methane fluxes at the lake surface and δ13C of Chironomini (r = −0.90, P = 0.006). Methane release from the sediments was also negatively correlated with δ13C of Chironomini (r = −0.67, P = 0.025) in the transect samples obtained from two of the lakes. The remains of other chironomid taxa were only weakly or not correlated with methane fluxes measured in our study lakes (P > 0.05).

4. Selective incorporation of methane‐derived carbon can explain the observed correlations between methane fluxes and δ13C values of Chironomini. Remains of this group might therefore have the potential to provide information about past changes in methane availability in lakes using sediment records. However, differences in productivity, algal δ13C composition and the importance of allochthonous organic matter input between the studied lakes may also have influenced Chironomini δ13C. More detailed studies with a higher number of analysed samples and detailed measurement of δ13C of different ecosystem components (e.g. methane, dissolved inorganic carbon) will be necessary to further resolve the relative contribution of different carbon sources to δ13C of chironomid remains.
Detection and widespread distribution of sodium channel alleles characteristic of insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes in China
Authors: WANG Z.‐M. , LI C.‐X. , XING D. , YU Y.‐H. , LIU N. , XUE R.‐D. , DONG Y.‐D. , ZHAO T.‐Y.
Published: November 2011

Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are widely distributed throughout China and are known to be important disease vectors. Two pyrethroid resistance associated mutations have been identified in Cx. pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), but there is little information on the diversity and distribution of kdr alleles in pyrethroid resistance in Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes in China. In the present study, we report on a modified three tube allele‐specific (AS)‐PCR method for detecting the 1014F and 1014S alleles. The new technique was applied to identify the distribution of the two alleles in natural Cx. pipiens complex populations in China. The results confirmed that the new method is both sensitive and specific. The 1014F allele was found in all 14 of the field populations tested (frequency ranged from 6.8 to 76.2%) and the 1014S allele was found in almost two‐thirds (frequency from 2.4 to 28.6%), indicating that the genotypes known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance are widespread in China. The resistance‐associated alleles were more common in southern Chinese sampling sites than in northern sites. The coexistence of the two resistant mutations in individual mosquitoes was also observed in five of the field populations. Two alternative mutations within the L1014 codon were identified in Culex pipiens molestus Forskal, 1775, including a non‐synonymous mutation resulting in a 1014C substitution.
Developmental changes in mesophyll diffusion conductance and photosynthetic capacity under different light and water availabilities in Populus tremula: how structure constrains function
Authors: TOSENS TIINA , NIINEMETS ÜLO , VISLAP VIVIAN , EICHELMANN HILLAR , CASTRO DÍEZ PILAR
Published: November 2011

Finite mesophyll diffusion conductance (gm) significantly constrains net assimilation rate (An), but gm variations and variation sources in response to environmental stresses during leaf development are imperfectly known. The combined effects of light and water limitations on gm and diffusion limitations of photosynthesis were studied in saplings of Populus tremula L. An one‐dimensional diffusion model was used to gain insight into the importance of key anatomical traits in determining gm. Leaf development was associated with increases in dry mass per unit area, thickness, density, exposed mesophyll (Smes/S) and chloroplast (Sc/S) to leaf area ratio, internal air space (fias), cell wall thickness and chloroplast dimensions. Development of Smes/S and Sc/S was delayed under low light. Reduction in light availability was associated with lower Sc/S, but with larger fias and chloroplast thickness. Water stress reduced Sc/S and increased cell wall thickness under high light. In all treatments, gm and An increased and CO2 drawdown because of gm, Ci–Cc, decreased with increasing leaf age. Low light and drought resulted in reduced gm and An and increased Ci–Cc. These results emphasize the importance of gm and its components in determining An variations during leaf development and in response to stress.
Combined impacts of irradiance and dehydration on leaf hydraulic conductance: insights into vulnerability and stomatal control
Authors: GUYOT GAËLLE , SCOFFONI CHRISTINE , SACK LAWREN
Published: November 2011

The leaf is a hydraulic bottleneck, accounting for a large part of plant resistance. Thus, the leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) is of key importance in determining stomatal conductance (gs) and rates of gas exchange. Previous studies showed that Kleaf is dynamic with leaf water status and irradiance. For four species, we tested the combined impacts of these factors on Kleaf and on gs. We determined responses of Kleaf and gs to declining leaf water potential (Ψleaf) under low and high irradiance (<6 and >900 µmol photons m−2 s−1 photosynthetically active radiation, respectively). We hypothesized greater Kleaf vulnerability under high irradiance. We also hypothesized that Kleaf and gs would be similar in their responses to either light or dehydration: similar light‐responses of Kleaf and gs would stabilize Ψleaf across irradiances for leaves transpiring at a given vapour pressure deficit, and similar dehydration responses would arise from the control of stomata by Ψleaf or a correlated signal. For all four species, the Kleaf light response declined from full hydration to turgor loss point. The Kleaf and gs differed strongly in their light‐ and dehydration responses, supporting optimization of hydraulic transport across irradiances, and semi‐independent, flexible regulation of liquid and vapour phase water transport with leaf water status.
Non‐targeted analyses of animal plasma: betaine and choline represent the nutritional and metabolic status
Authors: Katayama K. , Sato T. , Arai T. , Amao H. , Ohta Y. , Ozawa T. , Kenyon P. R. , Hickson R. E. , Tazaki H.
Published: November 2011

Simple liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was applied to non‐targeted metabolic analyses to discover new metabolic markers in animal plasma. Principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares–discriminate analysis (PLS‐DA) were used to analyse LC‐MS multivariate data. PCA clearly generated two separate clusters for artificially induced diabetic mice and healthy control mice. PLS‐DA of time‐course changes in plasma metabolites of chicks after feeding generated three clusters (pre‐ and immediately after feeding, 0.5–3 h after feeding and 4 h after feeding). Two separate clusters were also generated for plasma metabolites of pregnant Angus heifers with differing live‐weight change profiles (gaining or losing). The accompanying PLS‐DA loading plot detailed the metabolites that contribute the most to the cluster separation. In each case, the same highly hydrophilic metabolite was strongly correlated to the group separation. The metabolite was identified as betaine by LC‐MS/MS. This result indicates that betaine and its metabolic precursor, choline, may be useful biomarkers to evaluate the nutritional and metabolic status of animals.
Pure non‐gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma in a 45,XO/46,XX SRY‐negative true hermaphrodite
Authors: Hu Ting , Yang Mei , Zhu Hongmei , Shi Gang , Wang He
Published: November 2011

Non‐gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma (NGCO) is an extremely rare malignant tumor with a poor prognosis and is difficult to distinguish from gestational choriocarcinoma. True hermaphrodite (TH) is genetically a heterogenous condition causing ovarian and testicular tissue development in the same individual. We report here the first case of pure NGCO in the right ovotestis of a 23‐year‐old 45,XO/46X,X sex‐determining region Y chromosome (SRY)‐negative TH. The diagnosis of non‐gestational origin was confirmed by testing five short tandem repeats (STR). The patient responded well to radical surgery with bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) regimen. We also hypothesize that some mutations of an X‐linked or autosomal gene lead to testicular determination in SRY‐negative TH patients.
How is dispersal integrated in life histories: a quantitative analysis using butterflies
Authors: Stevens Virginie M. , Trochet Audrey , Van Dyck Hans , Clobert Jean , Baguette Michel
Published: November 2011

Ecology Letters(2011)14: 74–86

As dispersal plays a key role in gene flow among populations, its evolutionary dynamics under environmental changes is particularly important. The inter‐dependency of dispersal with other life history traits may constrain dispersal evolution, and lead to the indirect selection of other traits as a by‐product of this inter‐dependency. Identifying the dispersal’s relationships to other life‐history traits will help to better understand the evolutionary dynamics of dispersal, and the consequences for species persistence and ecosystem functioning under global changes. Dispersal may be linked to other life‐history traits as their respective evolutionary dynamics may be inter‐dependent, or, because they are mechanistically related to each other. We identify traits that are predicted to co‐vary with dispersal, and investigated the correlations that may constrain dispersal using published information on butterflies. Our quantitative analysis revealed that (1) dispersal directly correlated with demographic traits, mostly fecundity, whereas phylogenetic relationships among species had a negligible influence on this pattern, (2) gene flow and individual movements are correlated with ecological specialisation and body size, respectively and (3) routine movements only affected short‐distance dispersal. Together, these results provide important insights into evolutionary dynamics under global environmental changes, and are directly applicable to biodiversity conservation.