bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of Impatiens glandulifera invasion and landscape structure on native plant pollination
Authors: Bartomeus Ignasi , Vilà Montserrat , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: January 2010

Summary 1. Habitat loss, land use intensification and biological invasions are all threatening pollinator communities, but the combined effects of these factors on pollinator diversity and pollination services have not been studied yet. 2. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (i) the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera outcompetes native plant communities for pollinators, and (ii) pollinator abundances depend on landscape structure, but are modulated by this mass‐flowering invader. 3. We selected 14 study sites in riparian habitats along a landscape gradient with decreasing proportion of natural land cover. Within each site paired invaded or non‐invaded plots were studied. We performed standardized surveys of pollinators and established experimental plots by adding the native plant Raphanus sativus to assess the impact of I. glandulifera on visitation rates and seed set. 4. Impatiens glandulifera was well integrated in the plant–pollinator network, being visited by several native pollinators, mainly bumblebees. The invader received higher visitation rates than simultaneously flowering native riparian plants and the experimentally added native R. sativus. However, visitation rates to the native plant community showed no significant differences between invaded and non‐invaded plots, with the exception of honeybees, which slightly increased their visits in invaded plots. With regard to the experimental setting, the presence of I. glandulifera reduced bumblebee visitation to R. sativus pots, but had no significant effects on seed set. 5. We found enhanced visitation rates of bumblebees in intensively used agricultural landscapes. However, in the presence of I. glandulifera this landscape effect was masked by bumblebees being highly attracted to I. glandulifera stands independent of the structure of the surrounding landscape. Surprisingly, wild bees and hoverflies were not affected by landscape structure, but, as also the case with bumblebees, they were principally affected by the immediate community flower abundance. 6. Synthesis. Our data provide no evidence that I. glandulifera outcompetes native plants for pollinators. However, social bees were very attracted to this late‐seasonal floral resource. We conclude that both, plant invasions and landscape structure have important effects on the plant–pollinator community studied, but that they operate at different stages of the flowering season.
A re‐evaluation of the role of killer whales Orcinus orca in a population decline of sea otters Enhydra lutris in the Aleutian Islands and a review of alternative hypotheses
Authors: KUKER Katie , BARRETT‐LENNARD Lance 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

During the past 15–20 years, sea otters Enhydra lutris in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA, experienced a drastic decrease in population size. It has been hypothesized that an increase in killer whale Orcinus orca predation was the primary cause of this decline.
Causation of the decline by increased killer whale predation is now considered a textbook case of top‐down predator control. The purpose of this review is to re‐evaluate the evidence for killer whale predation and to review evidence for alternative causes.
The killer whale predation hypothesis is based on three lines of evidence: (i) there was an increase in the number of observed killer whale attacks on sea otters during the 1990s, coincident with a decline in sea otters, (ii) sea otter populations did not decline in areas considered inaccessible to killer whales, while they declined in adjacent areas considered accessible to killer whales, and (iii) the estimated number of attacks necessary to account for the rate of decline is similar to the observed number of attacks. Our re‐evaluation indicates that although the killer whale hypothesis is by no means disproved, the supporting data are limited and inconclusive.
Increases in shark populations in the Aleutian Islands concurrent with the sea otter population declines indicate the need for further research into the role of alternative marine predators in the population decline.
High contaminant levels observed in sea otters in the Aleutian Islands warrant further investigation into the impact of these toxins on sea otter health and vital rates, and their possible role on the population decline.
Disease has not been ruled out as a significant contributor to the population decline, particularly in the early stages of the decline.
Breteau Index threshold levels indicating risk for dengue transmission in areas with low Aedes infestation
Authors: Sanchez L. , Cortinas J. , Pelaez O. , Gutierrez H. , Concepción D. , Van der Stuyft P. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryWe used Breteau Indices to – retrospectively – predict dengue transmission. The presence of one house block (on average about 50 houses) with a Breteau Index ≥4 in a neighbourhood (a block plus the surrounding blocks in a radius of 100 m) predicted transmission at the latter level with 81.8% sensitivity and 73.3% specificity during the first month of the Havana 2001 dengue outbreak. This result corroborates the external validity of this threshold, at least in situations with low infestations levels.
Research needs for an improved primary care response to chronic non‐communicable diseases in Africa
Authors: Maher D. , Sekajugo J. , Harries A. D. , Grosskurth H. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryWith non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) projected to become leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, research is needed to improve the primary care response, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. This region has a particularly high double burden of communicable diseases and NCDs and the least resources for an effective response. There is a lack of good quality epidemiological data from diverse settings on chronic NCD burden in sub‐Saharan Africa, and the approach to primary care of people with chronic NCDs is currently often unstructured. The main primary care research needs are therefore firstly, epidemiological research to document the burden of chronic NCDs, and secondly, health system research to deliver the structured, programmatic, public health approach that has been proposed for the primary care of people with chronic NCDs. Documentation of the burden and trends of chronic NCDs and associated risk factors in different settings and different population groups is needed to enable health system planning for an improved primary care response. Key research issues in implementing the programmatic framework for an improved primary care response are how to (i) integrate screening and prevention within health delivery; (ii) validate the use of standard diagnostic protocols for NCD case‐finding among patients presenting to the local health facilities; (iii) improve the procurement and provision of standardised treatment and (iv) develop and implement a data collection system for standardised monitoring and evaluation of patient outcomes. Important research considerations include the following: selection of research sites and the particular NCDs targeted; research methodology; local research capacity; research collaborations; ethical issues; translating research findings into policy and practice and funding. Meeting the research needs for an improved health system response is crucial to deliver effective, affordable and equitable care for the millions of people with chronic NCDs in developing countries in Africa.
Antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity is uncommon in Tanzanian hospitalized pulmonary TB patients
Authors: Tostmann Alma , Van Den Boogaard Jossy , Semvua Hadija , Kisonga Riziki , Kibiki Gibson S. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Boeree Martin J. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryData on antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity in sub Saharan Africa are limited, probably because liver function tests are not carried out routinely during tuberculosis treatment in most African countries. We monitored the liver function of 112 Tanzanian hospitalized pulmonary tuberculosis patients during the first 2 months (i.e. the intensive phase) of tuberculosis treatment. The rate of hepatotoxicity in our study was 0.9% (95% CI 0.04–4.3%). It is encouraging to find a lower rate of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity than one would expect based on the high prevalence of risk factors such as HIV and hepatitis B.
Associations between physiological traits for drought tolerance and aflatoxin contamination in peanut genotypes under terminal drought
Authors: Girdthai T. , Jogloy S. , Vorasoot N. , Akkasaeng C. , Wongkaew S. , Holbrook C. C. , Patanothai A. 
Published: January 2010

With 1 figure and 4 tables AbstractTerminal drought induces preharvest aflatoxin contamination (PAC) in peanut. Drought resistance traits are promising as indirect selection tools for improving resistance to PAC. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of terminal drought on PAC and to investigate the associations between surrogate traits for drought tolerance and PAC. Field tests under rainout shelters were conducted in the dry seasons 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. Eleven peanut genotypes were evaluated under irrigated and terminal drought conditions. Data were recorded for physiological traits, total biomass, pod yield, Aspergillus flavus colonization and PAC. ICGV 98305, ICGV 98330, ICGV 98348, ICGV 98353 and Tifton‐8 had low aflatoxin contamination in both years. Traits related to drought resistance were associated well with those related to PAC under drought conditions. Specific leaf area, relative water content, chlorophyll density and drought stress ratings are the best traits for use as indirect selection tools for lower PAC. Breeding for drought tolerance using these traits as selection criteria may help to accelerate progress in developing resistance to PAC.
Neural cell adhesion molecule is required for stability of reinnervated neuromuscular junctions
Authors: Chipman Peter H. , Franz Colin K. , Nelson Alexandra , Schachner Melitta , Rafuse Victor F. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractStudies examining the etiology of motoneuron diseases usually focus on motoneuron death as the defining pathophysiology of the disease. However, impaired neuromuscular transmission and synapse withdrawal often precede cell death, raising the possibility that abnormalities in synaptic function contribute to disease onset. Although little is known about the mechanisms maintaining the synaptic integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), Drosophila studies suggest that Fasciclin II plays an important role. Inspired by these studies we used a reinnervation model of synaptogenesis to analyze neuromuscular function in mice lacking neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the Fasciclin II vertebrate homolog. Our results showed that the recovery of contractile force was the same in wild‐type and NCAM−/− mice at 1 month after nerve injury, indicating that endplates were appropriately reformed. This normality was only transient because the contractile force and myofiber number decreased at 3 months after injury in NCAM−/− mice. Both declined further 3 months later. Myofibers degenerated, not because motoneurons died but because synapses were withdrawn. Although neurotransmission was initially normal at reinnervated NCAM−/− NMJs, it was significantly compromised 3 months later. Interestingly, the selective ablation of NCAM from motoneurons, or muscle fibers, did not mimic the deficits observed in reinnervated NCAM−/− mice. Taken together, these results indicate that NCAM is required to maintain normal synaptic function at reinnervated NMJs, although its loss pre‐synaptically or post‐synaptically is not sufficient to induce synaptic destabilization. Consideration is given to the role of NCAM in terminal Schwann cells for maintaining synaptic integrity and how NCAM dysfunction may contribute to motoneuron disorders.
Quantitative analysis of postnatal neurogenesis and neuron number in the macaque monkey dentate gyrus
Authors: Jabès Adeline , Lavenex Pamela Banta , Amaral David G. , Lavenex Pierre 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe dentate gyrus is one of only two regions of the mammalian brain where substantial neurogenesis occurs postnatally. However, detailed quantitative information about the postnatal structural maturation of the primate dentate gyrus is meager. We performed design‐based, stereological studies of neuron number and size, and volume of the dentate gyrus layers in rhesus macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of different postnatal ages. We found that about 40% of the total number of granule cells observed in mature 5–10‐year‐old macaque monkeys are added to the granule cell layer postnatally; 25% of these neurons are added within the first three postnatal months. Accordingly, cell proliferation and neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus peak within the first 3 months after birth and remain at an intermediate level between 3 months and at least 1 year of age. Although granule cell bodies undergo their largest increase in size during the first year of life, cell size and the volume of the three layers of the dentate gyrus (i.e. the molecular, granule cell and polymorphic layers) continue to increase beyond 1 year of age. Moreover, the different layers of the dentate gyrus exhibit distinct volumetric changes during postnatal development. Finally, we observe significant levels of cell proliferation, neurogenesis and cell death in the context of an overall stable number of granule cells in mature 5–10‐year‐old monkeys. These data identify an extended developmental period during which neurogenesis might be modulated to significantly impact the structure and function of the dentate gyrus in adulthood.
U.S. DEPOSIT INSURANCE REFORM
Authors: CARGILL THOMAS F. , MAYER THOMAS 
Published: January 2010

Congress, late in 1991, enacted a banking reform measure that (i) authorizes $70 billion of additional FDIC funding, (ii) enhances bank regulation and supervision, and (Hi) adopts a “trip wire” system for increasingly severe regulation based on a bank's capital. Congress rejected a number of key elements of the Treasury proposal submitted early in 1991, such as interstate banking and expanded bank powers. The Congressional action does not end the debate over banking reform. In due time, other attempts likely will be made to restructure the banking system along the lines of the Treasury proposal.The Treasury proposal's positive points failed to offset its fundamental problems. The Congressional action, though not subject to the Treasury proposal's problems, falls short of complete deposit insurance reform. Both proposals fail to recognize that regulatory oversight is a poor substitute for market discipline in the current financial environment.This paper reviews problems with the financial reform process and failure of the Treasury proposal to recognize these problems. It also reviews alternative approaches to deposit insurance reform.
INFLATION AND STABILIZATION IN YUGOSLAVIA
Authors: Rocha ROBERTO DE REZENDE 
Published: January 2010

This paper examines the main causes of the acceleration of inflation in Yugoslavia during the 1980s and Yugoslavia's last attempt at stabilization in 1990. Yugoslav inflation shares common elements with inflation in other highly indebted countries despite appearances otherwise. Like these other countries, Yugoslavia failed to make internal adjustments to match a large transfer to resources abroad, resulting in a large internal redistribution to real resources through inflation. However, in Yugoslavia these internal conditions were not transparent. Instead of an open fiscal deficit, complex interactions took place among enterprises, banks, and the central bank, involving the central bank's absorption and servicing of a large stock of foreign exchange liabilities.Failure to correct hidden losses in the economy was the main reason that various stabilization attempts failed during the 1980s. The 1990 program was the first to recognize the existence of those hidden losses and the need for a fiscal correction. The program succeeded in eliminating the central bank's own deficit and was initially successful infighting inflation, but pressures to finance enterprises and avoid a liquidity crisis in the financial system resulted in a relaxation of monetary policy and a revival of inflation. Seen from this angle, the Yugoslav program of 1990 resembles other heterodox programs that had initial success in reducing inflation but later faltered because of an insufficient fiscal adjustment.
Synthesis, regulation and utilization of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Harris Darby , DeBolt Seth 
Published: January 2010

SummaryIncreasing the range of fuels and bioproducts that are derived from lignocellulosic biomass and the efficiency at which they are produced hinges on a detailed understanding of the cell wall biosynthetic process. Herein, we review the structure and biosynthesis of lignocellulosic biomass and also highlight recent breakthroughs that demonstrate a complex regulatory system of transcription factors, small interfering RNAs and phosphorylation that ultimately dictate the development of the polyalaminate cell wall. Finally, we provide an update on cases where plant biotechnology has been used to improve lignocellulosic biomass utilization as a second‐generation biofuel source.
Evaluation of plant biomass resources available for replacement of fossil oil
Authors: Henry Robert J. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe potential of plants to replace fossil oil was evaluated by considering the scale of production required, the area of land needed and the types of plants available. High yielding crops (50 tonnes/ha) that have a high conversion efficiency (75%) would require a global land footprint of around 100 million ha to replace current (2008) oil consumption. Lower yielding or less convertible plants would require a larger land footprint. Domestication of new species as dedicated energy crops may be necessary. A systematic analysis of higher plants and their current and potential uses is presented. Plant biotechnology provides tools to improve the prospects of replacing oil with plant‐derived biomass by increasing the amount of biomass produced per unit area of land and improving the composition of the biomass to increase the efficiency of conversion to biofuel and biomaterials. Options for the production of high value coproducts and the expression of processing aids such as enzymes in the plant may add further value to plants as bioenergy resources.
Characterization and varied expression of a membrane‐bound endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase in hybrid poplar
Authors: Maloney Victoria J. , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryTo understand better the intricacies of secondary cell wall biosynthesis in trees, we investigated changes in cellulose chemistry and ultrastructure manifested by the mis‐regulation of the poplar membrane‐bound β‐1,4‐endoglucanase orthologous to KORRIGAN (AtKOR). We isolated the poplar KORRIGAN gene from hybrid poplar (Populus alba×grandidentata; designated Pa×gKOR) and created a self‐complementary (hairpin) RNAi suppression construct using PCR products derived from the gene. Additionally, AtKOR was employed to generate transgenic poplar over‐expressing KORRIGAN. It was found that down‐regulation leads to moderate to severe defects in plant growth, an irregular xylem (irx) phenotype, and significantly impacts the ultrastructure of the cellulose synthesized. The RNAi‐suppressed lines deposited significantly reduced quantities of a more highly crystalline cellulose, while the hemicellulose content and, more specifically, the xylose content increased. In addition, the amount of soluble sucrose in the leaves and xylem decreased. Conversely, the AtKOR transgenics did not significantly alter cell wall development or plant growth parameters, but it did impact the ultrastructure of the cellulose produced, generating trees with less crystalline cellulose and reduced xylose content.
Production of multifunctional chimaeric enzymes in plants: a promising approach for degrading plant cell wall from within
Authors: Fan Zhanmin , Yuan Ling 
Published: January 2010

SummaryMultifunctional chimaeric hydrolases can be created by covalently linking heterologous catalytic and functional domains in a single polypeptide. Previously, we have generated a number of chimaeric lignocellulosic hydrolases that contain two to five modules [Biotechnol Bioeng(2009)102: 1045;Appl Environ Microbiol(2009)75: 1754]. These chimaeras closely resemble the parental enzymes in kinetics and other enzymatic properties, and some exhibit improved synergy in degrading natural substrates when compared to mixtures of parental enzymes. In addition to the applications in fermentative enzyme production, the chimaeric genes can be used in the construction of a single plant transformation binary vector carrying several genes that encode a complete set of lignocellulosic hydrolase activities. The advantages of this approach include ease in vector construction and transformation, as well as downstream plant analysis and breeding. The hydrolases sequestered in biomass feedstock can potentially assist enzymatic pretreatment and sugar conversion. Here, we report the gene expression and functional characterization of a chimaeric hemicellulase in transgenic tobacco plants. T1 transgenic plants produced up to 19‐mg active enzymes per gram of total‐soluble leaf proteins. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing multifunctional lignocellulosic hydrolases in plants. Key considerations in the design, construction and plant expression of the chimaeric genes are discussed.
Obesity: the new childhood disability?
Authors: Tsiros M. D. , Coates A. M. , Howe P. R. C. , Grimshaw P. N. , Buckley J. D. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThis review addresses the impact of obesity on paediatric physical functioning utilizing the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF). The ICF encompasses functioning (as it relates to all body functions and structures), activities (undertaking a particular task) and participation (in a life situation) with disability referring to impairments in body functions/structures, activity restrictions or participation limitations. Electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed studies published in English prior to May 2009 that examined aspects of physical functioning in children (≤18 years). Eligible studies (N = 104) were ranked by design and synthesized descriptively. Childhood obesity was found to be associated with deficits in function, including impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and performance of motor tasks; and there was some limited evidence of increased musculoskeletal pain and decrements in muscle strength, gait and balance. Health‐related quality of life and the subset of physical functioning was inversely related to weight status. However, studies investigating impacts of obesity on wider activity and participation were lacking. Further research utilizing the ICF is required to identify and better characterize the effects of paediatric obesity on physical function, activity and participation, thereby improving targets for intervention to reduce disability in this population.