bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verteilungskonflikte durch die Klimaschutzpolitik – Verschärft die EU die Hungerproblematik?
Authors: Bräuninger Michael , Leschus Leon
Published: April 2016

Food demand is strongly correlated to population growth and income growth. Both will lead to a strong demand increase in the future. At the same time, the agricultural products will increasingly be needed as energy resources. Boundaries to production growth are given by resources such as land and water and by efficiency of production. Current projections show that until 2030 there will be no global shortage in food production. Availability of land and water is sufficiently high to increase production. Furthermore efficiency of production can be increased. However production and demand are very unevenly distributed in world. Free market prices and open borders are central for the production increase in regions with corresponding potentials.
Das Leistungsschutzrecht für Presseverleger: Eine ordnungspolitische Perspektive
Authors: Stühmeier Torben
Published: April 2016

Since the beginning of the year 2009 the German press publishers have lobbied for their own neighbouring right which should protect even short snippets of online press articles. The new right should basically protect the press publishers’ investments in the online environment. Currently there is an intensive debate among several involved interest groups about the expected effects of such a right. The present article aims to sheds some light on the expected economic effects. It states that a neighbouring right is not sufficiently justified by economic theory and can distort efficiency both from an ex ante and an ex post point of view.
Plädoyer für eine reformierte Dualität
Authors: Weber Roland
Published: April 2016

The German private health insurance (PKV) was discredited by the media in the past. The dual system in Germany should have caused a “Two- Class-Medicine” or the PKVs aging reserves had been exhausting during the financial meltdown are preconceptions and knowledge gaps which need a rectification.

The high financial proportion (10 Billion Euros per year) of private insureds provides a double financing base and ensures a supply of doctors and specialists located nearby. In international comparison of insurance schemes the German healthcare system achieves a high level of performance at acceptable costs.

Due to its aging reserves the private health insurance is better prepared for the demographic development than the statutory health insurance (GKV). Due to the GKV’s simple pay-as-you-go system it is, however, not able to present a satisfactory solution for this matter.

Increasing numbers of private insureds are evidence of the German customers’ confidence in the insurance system. In order to keep the customers’ acceptance in future, the PKV must make progress and move forwards. Criticism on offering tariffs which in some scopes are below the GKV’s performance level, the insurance companies can best counter and combat by improving their products. Other reforms, such as the reform of the basis tariff, a solution of the matter with non-payers and the new edition of the standard tariff need the legislators’ support.
Zur Bedeutung der Wettbewerbsrolle im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Zerth Jürgen
Published: April 2016

The German private health insurers (PKV) face different obstacles for a further successful development. On the one hand the PKV system lacks from adequate incentive structures to overcome forms of moral hazard and supplier-induced demand which becomes more relevant with respect to demographic- related care. On the other hand PKV must develop new business models for a demand-driven health care market. The latter challenge also threats the statutory health care insurers but their market powers as well as some governance reforms in the past have strengthened GKV-insurers in order to get more efficient. At least, PKV has to adapt its own business strategy to be prepared for the main topic of future health care: implementation of innovation within a continuous demographic change.
Die japanischen Lehren für die europäische Krise
Authors: Schnabl Gunther
Published: April 2016

Japan went 15 years earlier than Europe through a boom-and-bust cycle in the real estate and stock markets. The country has made important experience with crisis therapies in form of monetary expansion, Keynesian fiscal stimulus and recapitalization of financial institutions. Japan has reached the zero interest bound in 1999 and has accumulated a very high public debt level. The paper compares the boom-and-bust cycles in Japan and Europe with respect to the reasons for the boom, the characteristics of the crises, and the (potential) effects of the crisis therapies. It is argued that the consequence of expansionary monetary and fiscal policies is the hysteresis of the zero-interest rate and high debt trap, the erosion of the allocation and signaling function of the interest rate, the gradual nationalization of the financial sector and aggregate demand, as well as gradual real income losses. The economic policy implication for Europe and Japan is the timely exit from crisis therapies in form of expansionary monetary and fiscal policies despite high adjustment costs.
Bankenrettung und Bankenaufsicht
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Rülke Jan-Christoph , Stadtmann Georg
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we present two models in which the introduction of a “lender of the last resort” significantly affects the banking sector. In the first model, the introduction is stabilizing. However, in the second model it is destabilizing. Both models are very well suited to theoretically highlight the current discussion surrounding a European bank rescue and European banking supervision. Numerical examples illustrate the approach in deriving the model results.
Regulierung des Glücksspiels in Deutschland: Das Glücksspielgesetz Schleswig-Holsteins und der Glücksspieländerungsstaatsvertrag aus ökonomischer Perspektive
Authors: Schmidt Ulrich , Miranda Katharina Lima de
Published: April 2016

This paper compares the two laws effective for the regulation of gambling in Germany from an economic perspective. On the one hand there is the new and relatively liberal federal Gaming Amendment Act of Schleswig- Holstein (GAA) and on the other hand the German State Treaty on Gambling (GST), which was signed by the remaining 15 German federal states. First, two goals are derived that should be pursued by the regulation of gambling realization of tax revenues and the reduction of problem gambling. Channeling gambling into the regulated market is a necessary condition to achieve both objectives. As the GAA can be expected to realize a higher degree of channeling due to more competitive tax rates as well as the inclusion of online poker and casinos, it appears to be overall superior to the GST. It is in particular incomprehensible that online poker and casinos are not included in the GST, since on one side they have a high potential for addiction and should thus be regulated and on the other side allow to generate higher tax revenues compared to sports betting for example.
Wirtschaftspolitische Beratung zwischen wissenschaftlicher Fundierung, Politikverständnis und Lebenswirklichkeit der Menschen – Johann Eekhoff (1941 – 2013)
Authors: Roth Steffen J.
Published: April 2016

Johann Eekhoff, der nach kurzer, schwerer Krankheit am 3. März 2013 im Alter von nur 71 Jahren verstarb, war ein erfahrener Grenzgänger zwischen Politik und Wissenschaft. Als liberaler Ökonom und Vertreter ordnungspolitischer Prinzipien arbeitete er sowohl als wissenschaftlich ausgebildeter Wirtschaftspolitiker praktisch als auch als Kenner der politischen Lebenswirklichkeit erfahrener Wirtschaftswissenschaftler politikberatend im Dienste einer marktwirtschaftlich ausgerichteten, menschenwürdigen Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftsordnung. In diesem Beitrag sollen sein Lebenslauf nachgezeichnet, seine Persönlichkeit ausschnittsweise beleuchtet und schließlich wichtige Aspekte seines wissenschaftlichen Werks hervorgehoben werden. Es gilt, Johann Eekhoff ein würdiges Andenken zu bewahren und ihn als Vorbild in Erinnerung zu halten.
Einige Anmerkungen zum Wesen der Deflation aus Sicht der Finanzstabilität
Authors: Bleich Dirk , Bleich Torsten , Fendel Ralf
Published: April 2016

Deflation is currently considered as one of the most important threats for macroeconomic dynamics and, thus, it is argued that it should be avoided by all available means. We challenge this view because empirically it cannot be verified that deflation periods necessarily go hand in hand with recessions. Thus, costs of deflation might be much lower than typically assumed. If for monetary policy makers, a possible conflict of interests between the avoidance of deflation and the safeguarding of financial stability emerges - for example in the case of excessive credit growth - an increase in the interest rate despite deflations fears might be acceptable in the particular scenario.
Nehmt von den Reichen? Die Vermögensteuer zwischen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit
Authors: Arentz Oliver , Roth Steffen J.
Published: April 2016

The reintroduction of a wealth tax in Germany would not contribute to more fairness in terms of the ability to pay principle. On the contrary: Since wealth in form of human capital is not taxed, a wealth tax would lead to a massive unequal treatment of people with the same ability to pay. The expected shift of the tax burden would hit low-income households in particular. Economic performance would decrease and the labour market would be negatively affected. Overall, the wealth tax cannot deliver what its promoters in the political arena promise.
Geldordnung, Geldschöpfung und Staatsfinanzierung
Authors: Gudehus Timm
Published: April 2016

The current paper analyses the different kinds of money creation and their contribution to state funding. It shows that profits and beneficiaries of money creation depend on the monetary order and on the accounting rules of the central bank. Due to the possibility to create scriptural money by credit in almost unlimited quantity today the main beneficiaries of the creation of money are the commercial banks. If in a new monetary order, the right to create money in limited quantity is transferred exclusively to the central bank and its accounting rules are properly adapted, substantial conversion profits arise which can be used to pay off the major part of the public debt and to fund the state without affecting monetary stability. To demonstrate the possible effects the conversion profits and future profits of money creation are calculated for the Euro-system from the consolidated balance sheet 2010.
Braucht Deutschland einen Kapazitätsmarkt für eine sichere Stromversorgung?
Authors: Maurer Christoph
Published: April 2016

The current political debate on the Energiewende in Germany is no longer focused on economic and ecological aspects. Instead, concerns regarding security of supply become more and more relevant. Though current risks for security of supply are mainly driven by the situation in transmission systems, policy debate is driven by the economic situation of plant operators and the provision of generation adequacy. On this background, many stakeholders claim the introduction of capacity mechanisms. The article shows that such decision should not be made in a purely national context, but requires strong European coordination. There is no clear evidence that the current energy-only market design will not deliver adequate investments in generation. However, a sustainable equilibrium requires stable and predictable boundary conditions for energy markets and a general acceptance of price peaks. A strategic reserve is proposed as an easy-to-implement, short-term and reversible means to guarantee security of supply while wellfounded political decisions on future market design can be taken.
Wettbewerbspolitischer Handlungsbedarf bei der Verknüpfung von zweiseitigen Märkten im Internet: Der Fall Google
Authors: Engelhardt Sebastian von , Freytag Andreas , Köllmann Volker
Published: April 2016

We discuss competition policy issues of vertical integration in internetbased two-sided markets against the background of the Google antitrust allegations. Network effects and economics of scale often lead to dominating companies, which are integrated over several markets. This implies efficiency gains but creates barriers to entry. Where entrants can appropriate dynamic effects accumulated by incumbents, barriers to entry are lowered but this reduces incumbents’ incentives to invest. Reducing multi homing and increasing switching costs is anti-competitive behaviour. Manipulating search results may leverage market power, but there is no theory on the ‚information power‘ of search engines. The concept of ‚search neutrality‘ is not convincing.
Aktuelle Entwicklungen der europäischen TK-Regulierung
Authors: Westermeier Andreas
Published: April 2016

This article deals with current developments concerning the regulation of telecommunication in Europe (e. g. Mobile Termination Rates, Roaming). It argues that current regulation is led by political aims and less by economic theory. National regulatory authorities should have more competences to consider national specifities concerning their decisions. The competences of the European Commission should be cut back. The idea of four or five pan-European companies dominating the European market should be discarded. Market consolidation should be the result of market competition and not promoted by the European Commission.
Zwischen Wohnungsnot und Leerstand–Wohnungsmarktinterventionen als Aufgabe für die Politik?
Authors: Rips Franz-Georg
Published: April 2016

This text deals with the topic of housing shortage vs. residential vacancy - housing market intervention as a task of politics?

At the beginning there will be some basic assertions on the relation of market vs. state, especially bearing in mind, the overall importance and social responsibility the housing industry has and beyond that, regarding further issues such as environmental protection and demographic transition.

On this interaction, some generally accepted rules will be generated, with the aim of finding some balanced solutions. The more theoretical considerations will be enlarged upon with practical examples, on subjects such as, dealing with the issue of home ownership vs. tenancy, energy requirements, rental control and the fact of population development.

This paper will terminate with remarks on the latest challenges, the housing policy has to deal with. Key words to be mentioned here are finding appropriate strategies, dealing with different regional and sectorial housing markets, the age-appropriate conversion of residential houses, residency and poverty and residency and energy.

Broad alliances, made of all participants in the housing market and on all national and regional levels will be regarded as helpful.
Notwendigkeit, Regelungen und Konsequenzen einer neuen Geldordnung
Authors: Gudehus Timm
Published: April 2016

From an analysis of the uncertainties, deficiencies and negative effects of the present monetary system the necessity and the requirements for a new monetary order are derived. These requirements are fulfilled by the presented regulations of a monetary order, which is based on the proposals of Joseph Huber (Vollgeld), Henry Simons and Irving Fisher (100 %-Money), Milton Friedman (Chicago Plan) and others (Allais, 1988; Gödde, 1985; Benes / Kumhof, 2013). The new monetary order requires another cash management, adapted payment systems and a different monetary policy of the central bank. Results of the new monetary order are legally protected money, no bank runs, a substantial reduction of the public debt, self-regulated smoothing of economic and stock market cycles, stabilization of the monetary union and other advantages for the economy. By also addressing open questions and alternative solutions this paper intends to stimulate a discussion of the proposals and the further development of a new monetary order.
Die Legende von der Mietpreisexplosion
Authors: Benček David , Klodt Henning
Published: April 2016

The new German federal government has stipulated a price barrier as a response to the seeming „rent explosion“ in German residential markets. Contrary to this perception, we find that inflation-adjusted rents net of heating are even lower today than twenty years ago. Furthermore, our regionally disaggregated data on ask prices for flats reveal that rapidly increasing rents can only be observed in a few districts. We have calculated that residents of such districts could escape rising rents by changing residence and accepting an average additional commute of about 40 minutes each way.
Mit märkischen Innovationen die ambulante Versorgung gestalten
Authors: Helming Hans-Joachim
Published: April 2016

It is a big challenge to ensure the ambulatory care in economically underdeveloped, rural areas. Some regions of Brandenburg face a shortage of medical care which is primarily caused by the change of generations, the lack of young people and the little existing infrastructure. In these parts of Brandenburg one also sees the consequences of the demographic change: the population is older, less mobile, and the proportion of multi-morbid patients comparatively increased. In addition, the practicing physicians tend to be older and young doctors are becoming less willing to settle in their own surgery. To cope with these challenges the Regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Brandenburg (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Brandenburg) invented the KV RegioMed Program. KV RegioMed is a modular concept with regionally tailored solutions which can be combined as needed. The concept meshes medical and non-medical capacities. Competencies and resources can be bundled by outpatient and inpatient areas and intertwined across different sectors.
Tarifeinheit, Tarifpluralität und Spartengewerkschaften: Ein Plädoyer für gesetzgeberische Zurückhaltung
Authors: Schnabel Claus
Published: April 2016

This paper critically discusses the reasoning and the consequences of a recent parliamentary bill which intends to restore the traditional principle of one collective bargaining agreement per business in Germany that has been overturned by the Federal Labour Court. It argues that the empirical evidence on the effects of allowing multiple bargaining agreements and of the recently emerged occupational unions on strikes, wages and transaction costs is weak and does not justify the encroachment on the freedom of association associated with this bill.
Tarifeinheit per Gesetz – 10 Thesen zu den Plänen der Bundesregierung zur Wiedereinführung der Tarifeinheit
Authors: Henssler Martin
Published: April 2016

One basically has to welcome the plans of the German Government to legally clarify the questions arising from a collision of collective labour agreements caused by a revised jurisdiction. Companies need clear guidelines on how to handle the demands of several trade unions. Reciprocally, the trade unions, too, need legal security shown, for example, by the high compensation claims against the Air Traffic Controllers’ Union (GDF) jeopardising its existence. The legislator should no longer allow the collective labour system in the field of essential services to suffer from a growing discontent of the affected citizens being the main sufferers from the strikes.

However, the current suggestion of the German Government by far exceeds the extent allowed by the Constitution. Procedural regulations combined with strictly limited constraints of the right to strike on the sector of essential services would be preferable.

The political problem consists in the fact that - owing to the current distribution of power - a legal regulation might only be possible on the basis of a most fragile compromise between the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) and the Confederation of German Employers (BDA). Thus, Germany only has the choice of preserving this law quickly submitted to a constitutional examination or of not having a unity of collective bargaining agreements at all. Considering this background, should one not simply try to ask the Federal Constitution Court to reliably outline the frame of a legal regulation consistent with the Constitution? Contrary to the perspective of a scientist, this question can certainly be answered with “yes” from a point of view of the federations and politicians.
Zur Beschäftigungsentwicklung in Deutschland
Authors: Schnabel Hubert
Published: April 2016

This paper examines theoretical and empirical aspects of the employment in Germany from 2000 - 2013. Inspired by Krelle’s (1996) discussion paper relevant German labor market data are traced and it is analyzed to which extend some theoretical employment considerations and labor market reform issues are compatible with the development in Germany.
Auswirkungen der anhaltenden Niedrigzinsen auf das Versicherungswesen
Authors: Gründl Helmut
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the effects of the present low interest rate environment on the German life insurance industry. By referring to a recent study of the “International Center for Insurance Regulation”, we assess insolvency probabilities for life insurers with different capital endowments under different interest rate scenarios. Based on that, we discuss measures of insurance regulation that try to cope with the imminent problems of the life insurance industry. Finally, we have a look at product developments and investment strategies of life insurers in the presence of low interest rates. Hereby, life insurance products with lower investment guarantees that are granted for a shorter period of time are regarded as the best remedy to avoid low interest rate problems in the future. Such product development also allows for a more risky investment policy of life insurers that can make life and annuity products more attractive.
Auswirkungen der anhaltenden Niedrigzinsen auf das Versicherungswesen
Authors: Ketzler Rolf , Schwark Peter
Published: April 2016

The very accommodative monetary policy of the ECB and the related extremely low interest rates are involved with major challenges for the German insurance sector, in particular for life insurers. As long-term investors, insurers are not only affected in their capital investment strategy, but also by different households’ retirement saving patterns in response to the low interest rate environment. Several significant steps have already been taken in order to ensure the long-term viability of life insurance. These include changes in the product portfolio as well as new approaches in the investment strategy. In addition, new regulatory requirements have been established to strengthen the risk bearing capacity of life insurers. Given the substantial risks of low interest rates, from an economic point of view the question concerning an appropriate exit from the low interest rate environment needs more attention in the public debate. In this context, further progress regarding the economic reform policies in the euro zone is still necessary as a condition for the ECB to normalize its monetary policy as soon as possible.
Auswirkungen der anhaltenden Niedrigzinsen auf das Versicherungswesen
Authors: Schradin Heinrich R.
Published: April 2016

Focusing the perspective of German life insurance industry, this article starts with a brief description and discussion of the financial impact of the persistently low interest rate environment. Based on an empirical data set of German life insurers, the author illustrates actual limitations to generate sufficient investment income for to meet the given specific financial guarantees. Moreover, the core problem, caused by the use of volatile timingrelated interest rates for to evaluate long-term cash flows, becomes obvious. The currently observed regulatory interventions are trying to overcome the existential consequences of the so-called fair value measurement. In consequence, the author derives four central theses:

1. Life insurance in Germany suffers from insufficient capital adequacy.

2. Persistent low interest rates threaten the fulfillment of financial guaranty commitments of German life insurers.

3. The generally accepted principals of economic evaluation do not satisfy to the traditional business model of German life insurers.

4. Under a business perspective, the development of new life insurance products is inevitable.
Schwache Unternehmensinvestitionen in Deutschland? Diagnose und Therapie
Authors: Bardt Hubertus , Grömling Michael , Hüther Michael
Published: April 2016

Corporate investment has developed only moderately in Germany since the global financial market crisis. The capital stock made up of machinery and equipment has been in a stalemate since 2008. However, the notion of a quantifiable investment gap is not tenable. A recent survey of German companies provides important information about current obstacles to investment in Germany. On the one hand, the respondent companies suffer from increasing global uncertainties. On the other hand, the conditions for investment in Germany have deteriorated. Examples are the high-energy costs in international comparison and new labor market regulations like early retirement schemes and legal minimum wages. Instead of engaging in expensive investment programs, the German government should better tackle the homemade barriers to investment.
Schnelle Arbeitsmarktintegration von Asylbewerbern – Was ist zu tun?
Authors: Bauer Thomas K.
Published: April 2016

This article discusses the necessary measures for a successful integration of the currently large number of refugees into the German labor market. It is argued that the integration of these refugees will depend largely on the transferability of their human capital to the necessities of the German labor market and will require substantial investments in their language skills, further human capital as well as some adjustments of current labor market institutions. In an historical context, however, Germany seems to be very well prepared to master this challenge.
Structural and evolutionary relationships among RuBisCOs inferred from their large and small subunits
Authors: Xiang Fu , Fang Yuanping , Xiang Jun
Published: April 2016

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the key enzyme to assimilate CO2 into the biosphere. The nonredundant structural data sets for three RuBisCO domain superfamilies, i.e. large subunit C-terminal domain (LSC), large subunit N-terminal domain (LSN) and small subunit domain (SS), were selected using QR factorization based on the structural alignment with Q
H as the similarity measure. The structural phylogenies were then constructed to investigate a possible functional significance of the evolutionary diversification. The LSC could have occurred in both bacteria and archaea, and has evolved towards increased complexity in both bacteria and eukaryotes with a 4-helix–2-helix–2-helix bundle being extended into a 5-helix–3-helix–3-helix one at the LSC carboxyl-terminus. The structural variations of LSN could have originated not only in bacteria with a short coil, but also in eukaryotes with a long one. Meanwhile, the SS dendrogram can be contributed to the structural variations at the βA–βB-loop region. All the structural variations observed in the coil regions have influence on catalytic performance or CO2/O2 selectivities of RuBisCOs from different species. Such findings provide insights on RuBisCO improvements.
Reportaje y documental: de géneros televisivos a cibergéneros
Authors: Marfil Carmona Rafael
Published: April 2016

Reseña:REPORTAJE Y DOCUMENTAL: DE GÉNEROS TELEVISIVOS A CIBERGÉNEROSCarmen Marta Lazo. Prólogo de Mariano Cebrián HerrerosEdiciones Idea, Tenerife, 2012
New Book Chronicle
Authors: Witcher Robert
Published: April 2016

The books considered in this instalment of NBC raise questions about how we represent the past through words and images. In particular, five of the seven are either explicitly or implicitly biographical, exploring a diverse spectrum of lives from twentieth-century archaeologists to a governor of Roman Britain. Further, with the exception of the first book presented here, all of these titles are written and packaged for a readership extending beyond the professional archaeologist, and they provide the opportunity to consider not only how archaeological narratives are constructed but also how these are communicated.
Time, agency and the Anthropocene
Authors: Randall Asa
Published: April 2016

The Anthropocene is here, but do we need the Anthropocene, and if so, when do we want it to start? My responses are ‘no’ and ‘never’ if the answers to those questions require a discrete definition of the Anthropocene and a specific start date. In that regard, I agree generally with Braje's arguments. Particularly unsettling in Anthropocene discourse (in archaeology or geology) has been the search for discernable origins in the form of golden spikes, and I am suspicious of even setting the Holocene as an Anthropocene equivalent. That stated, archaeology can and should continue to contribute to interdisciplinary Anthropocene dialogues.
Geology and the Anthropocene
Authors: Zalasiewicz Jan , Waters Colin N.
Published: April 2016

It is useful to have Todd Braje's perspective on the Anthropocene. As he states, it is a concept that has spread widely and that has had various interpretations (within not just the sciences, but the arts and humanities too) in the 15 years since Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer proposed the term (Crutzen & Stoermer 2000). Various suggestions are made in Braje's paper: perhaps foremost is that the Anthropocene should be retained as a loosely defined term to focus on the nature and effect of human activities, to be a ‘rallying cry’ for better planetary stewardship. He suggests, indeed, that precise characterisation and formalisation as a stratigraphic unit may hinder such use, causing (for instance) all humans—rather than specific socio-economic groups—to be held equally responsible for the degradation of planetary systems.
SPECIAL SECTION: NEW DIALOGUES ABOUT ANCIENT MAYA
Authors: Houston Stephen , Scarre Chris
Published: April 2016

Most people think of Maya civilisation, if they do at all, while on vacation. A daytrip from a beach takes them to ruins nearby, crowded with tourists in correct holiday gear. In the recent past, others might have grown anxious about the portentous significance of the year 2012. Maya glyphs, so the hucksters affirmed, predicted a cascade of dire events, not one of which (predictably) has come to pass. Then there are those living in Mayaland itself, an area embracing parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and all of Belize. Their personal identities stem in part from a sense of direct inheritance, extending to rights of ownership and interpretation.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Scarre Chris
Published: April 2016

Few of those with any understanding of the scientific evidence have any doubt that the Earth's climate is warming at an accelerating pace. A recent study of European climate since Roman times has underlined how exceptional the last 30 years have been, with average summer temperatures significantly higher than at any time in the previous two millennia. The cause, too, seems now (at last) to be generally agreed: that human activity, and sheer human numbers, are so great that they are affecting the planet's climate system. For some, that is, of course, an inconvenient truth, obliging us to change behaviours in ways that might be costly and troublesome. For archaeologists, versed in the effects of previous climate shifts both large and small, it should provide a golden opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of our discipline, and to cast present problems in the perspective of past events. The Maya drought, the Moche floods, and the low Niles, which may have put an end to the Egyptian Old Kingdom, all offer examples of what can happen to human societies. And of course, at the larger scale, there are the successive ‘Ice Ages’ that characterised the Pleistocene. There is an argument that we are all, in a sense, a product of the Ice Ages, and it is certainly remarkable how successful our ancestors became at exploiting sub-Arctic habitats. A 45 000-year-old butchered mammoth in Siberia, 72°N, provides the most vivid recent testimony.
Transition from Target to Gaze Coding in Primate Frontal Eye Field during Memory Delay and Memory–Motor Transformation
Authors: Sajad Amirsaman , Sadeh Morteza , Yan Xiaogang , Wang Hongying , Crawford John Douglas
Published: April 2016

The frontal eye fields (FEFs) participate in both working memory and sensorimotor transformations for saccades, but their role in integrating these functions through time remains unclear. Here, we tracked FEF spatial codes through time using a novel analytic method applied to the classic memory-delay saccade task. Three-dimensional recordings of head-unrestrained gaze shifts were made in two monkeys trained to make gaze shifts toward briefly flashed targets after a variable delay (450-1500 ms). A preliminary analysis of visual and motor response fields in 74 FEF neurons eliminated most potential models for spatial coding at the neuron population level, as in our previous study (Sajad et al., 2015). We then focused on the spatiotemporal transition from an eye-centered target code (T; preferred in the visual response) to an eye-centered intended gaze position code (G; preferred in the movement response) during the memory delay interval. We treated neural population codes as a continuous spatiotemporal variable by dividing the space spanningTandGinto intermediateT–Gmodels and dividing the task into discrete steps through time. We found that FEF delay activity, especially in visuomovement cells, progressively transitions fromTthrough intermediateT–Gcodes that approach, but do not reach,G. This was followed by a final discrete transition from these intermediateT–Gdelay codes to a “pure”Gcode in movement cells without delay activity. These results demonstrate that FEF activity undergoes a series of sensory–memory–motor transformations, including a dynamically evolving spatial memory signal and an imperfect memory-to-motor transformation.
Toward Semantics in the Wild: Activation to Manipulable Nouns in Naturalistic Reading
Authors: Desai Rutvik H. , Choi Wonil , Lai Vicky T. , Henderson John M.
Published: April 2016

The neural basis of language processing, in the context of naturalistic reading of connected text, is a crucial but largely unexplored area. Here we combined functional MRI and eye tracking to examine the reading of text presented as whole paragraphs in two experiments with human subjects. We registered high-temporal resolution eye-tracking data to a low-temporal resolution BOLD signal to extract responses to single words during naturalistic reading where two to four words are typically processed per second. As a test case of a lexical variable, we examined the response to noun manipulability. In both experiments, signal in the left anterior inferior parietal lobule and posterior inferior temporal gyrus and sulcus was positively correlated with noun manipulability. These regions are associated with both action performance and action semantics, and their activation is consistent with a number of previous studies involving tool words and physical tool use. The results show that even during rapid reading of connected text, where semantics of words may be activated only partially, the meaning of manipulable nouns is grounded in action performance systems. This supports the grounded cognition view of semantics, which posits a close link between sensory–motor and conceptual systems of the brain. On the methodological front, these results demonstrate that BOLD responses to lexical variables during naturalistic reading can be extracted by simultaneous use of eye tracking. This opens up new avenues for the study of language and reading in the context of connected text.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe study of language and reading has traditionally relied on single word or sentence stimuli. In fMRI, this is necessitated by the fact that time resolution of a BOLD signal much lower than that of cognitive processes that take place during natural reading of connected text. Here, we propose a method that combines eye tracking and fMRI, and can extract word-level information from the BOLD signal using high-temporal resolution eye tracking. In two experiments, we demonstrate the method by analyzing the activation of manipulable nouns as subjects naturally read paragraphs of text in the scanner, showing the involvement of action/motion perception areas. This opens up new avenues for studying neural correlates of language and reading in more ecologically realistic contexts.
Episodic Social Stress-Escalated Cocaine Self-Administration: Role of Phasic and Tonic Corticotropin Releasing Factor in the Anterior and Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Holly Elizabeth N. , Boyson Christopher O. , Montagud-Romero Sandra , Stein Dirson J. , Gobrogge Kyle L. , DeBold Joseph F. , Miczek Klaus A.
Published: April 2016

Intermittent social defeat stress escalates later cocaine self-administration. Reward and stress both activate ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, increasing downstream extracellular dopamine concentration in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. The stress neuropeptide corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors (CRF-R1, CRF-R2) are located in the VTA and influence dopaminergic activity. These experiments explore how CRF release and the activation of its receptors within the VTA both during and after stress influence later cocaine self-administration in rats.In vivomicrodialysis of CRF in the VTA demonstrated that CRF is phasically released in the posterior VTA (pVTA) during acute defeat, but, with repeated defeat, CRF is recruited into the anterior VTA (aVTA) and CRF tone is increased in both subregions. Intra-VTA antagonism of CRF-R1 in the pVTA and CRF-R2 in the aVTA during each social defeat prevented escalated cocaine self-administration in a 24 h “binge.” VTA CRF continues to influence cocaine seeking in stressed animals long after social defeat exposure. Unlike nonstressed controls, previously stressed rats show significant cocaine seeking after 15 d of forced abstinence. Previously stressed rats continue to express elevated CRF tone within the VTA and antagonism of pVTA CRF-R1 or aVTA CRF-R2 reverses cocaine seeking. In conclusion, these experiments demonstrate neuroadaptive changes in tonic and phasic CRF with repeated stress, that CRF release during stress may contribute to later escalated cocaine taking, and that persistently elevated CRF tone in the VTA may drive later cocaine seeking through increased activation of pVTA CRF-R1 and aVTA CRF-R2.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCorticotropin releasing factor (CRF) within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) has emerged as a likely candidate molecule underlying the fundamental link between stress history and escalated drug self-administration. However, the nature of CRF release in the VTA during acute and repeated stress, as well as its role in enduring neuroadaptations driving later drug taking and seeking, are poorly understood. These experiments explore how CRF is released and interacts with its receptors in specific regions of the VTA both during and after stress to fuel later escalated cocaine taking and seeking behavior. Understanding these acute and persistent changes to the VTA CRF system may lead to better therapeutic interventions for addiction.
Individual Differences in Cognitive Control Circuit Anatomy Link Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, and Substance Use
Authors: Holmes Avram J. , Hollinshead Marisa O. , Roffman Joshua L. , Smoller Jordan W. , Buckner Randy L.
Published: April 2016

Individuals vary widely in their tendency to seek stimulation and act impulsively, early developing traits with genetic origins. Failures to regulate these behaviors increase risk for maladaptive outcomes including substance abuse. Here, we explored the neuroanatomical correlates of sensation seeking and impulsivity in healthy young adults. Our analyses revealed links between sensation seeking and reduced cortical thickness that were preferentially localized to regions implicated in cognitive control, including anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus (n= 1015). These associations generalized to self-reported motor impulsivity, replicated in an independent group (n= 219), and correlated with heightened alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use. Critically, the relations between sensation seeking and brain structure were evident in participants without a history of alcohol or tobacco use, suggesting that observed associations with anatomy are not solely a consequence of substance use. These results demonstrate that individual differences in the tendency to seek stimulation, act on impulse, and engage in substance use are correlated with the anatomical structure of cognitive control circuitry. Our findings suggest that, in healthy populations, covariation across these complex multidimensional behaviors may in part originate from a common underlying biology.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTImpaired cognitive control may result in a tendency to seek stimulation impulsively and an increased risk for maladaptive outcomes, including substance abuse. Here, we examined the structural correlates of sensation seeking and impulsivity in a large cohort of healthy young adults. Our analyses revealed links between sensation seeking and reduced cortical thickness that were preferentially localized to regions implicated in cognitive control, including anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus. The observed associations generalized to motor impulsivity, replicated in an independent group, and predicted heightened alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use. These data indicate that normal variability in cognitive control system anatomy predicts sensation seeking and motor impulsivity in the healthy populations, potentially increasing risk for substance use disorders.
Counting Vesicular Release Events Reveals Binomial Release Statistics at Single Glutamatergic Synapses
Authors: Malagon Gerardo , Miki Takafumi , Llano Isabel , Neher Erwin , Marty Alain
Published: April 2016

Many central glutamatergic synapses contain a single presynaptic active zone and a single postsynaptic density. However, the basic functional properties of such “simple synapses” remain unclear. One important step toward understanding simple synapse function is to analyze the number of synaptic vesicles released in such structures per action potential, but this goal has remained elusive until now. Here, we describe procedures that allow reliable vesicular release counting at simple synapses between parallel fibers and molecular layer interneurons of rat cerebellar slices. Our analysis involves local extracellular stimulation of single parallel fibers and deconvolution of resulting EPSCs using quantal signals as template. We observed a reduction of quantal amplitudes (amplitude occlusion) in pairs of consecutive EPSCs due to receptor saturation. This effect is larger (62%) than previously reported and primarily reflects receptor activation rather than desensitization. In addition to activation-driven amplitude occlusion, each EPSC reduces amplitudes of subsequent events by an estimated 3% due to cumulative desensitization. Vesicular release counts at simple synapses follow binomial statistics with a maximum that varies from 2 to 10 among experiments. This maximum presumably reflects the number of docking sites at a given synapse. These results show striking similarities, as well as significant quantitative differences, with respect to previous results at simple GABAergic synapses.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is generally accepted that the output signal of individual central synapses saturates at high release probability, but it remains unclear whether the source of saturation is presynaptic, postsynaptic, or both presynaptic and postsynaptic. To clarify this and other issues concerning the function of synapses, we have developed new recording and analysis methods at single central glutamatergic synapses. We find that individual release events engage a high proportion of postsynaptic receptors (62%), revealing a larger component of postsynaptic saturation than anticipated. Conversely, we also find that the number of released synaptic vesicles is limited at each active zone. Altogether, our results argue for both presynaptic and postsynaptic contributions to signal saturation at single glutamatergic synapses.
European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for long-term follow-up of patients operated on for a phaeochromocytoma or a paraganglioma
Authors: Plouin P F , Amar L , Dekkers O M , Fassnacht M , Gimenez-Roqueplo A P , Lenders J W M , Lussey-Lepoutre C , Steichen O , _ _
Published: April 2016

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours. Standard treatment is surgical resection. Following complete resection of the primary tumour, patients with PPGL are at risk of developing new tumoural events. The present guideline aims to propose standardised clinical care of long-term follow-up in patients operated on for a PPGL. The guideline has been developed by The European Society of Endocrinology and based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) principles. We performed a systematic review of the literature and analysed the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENS@T) database. The risk of new events persisted in the long term and was higher for patients with genetic or syndromic diseases. Follow-up in the published cohorts and in the ENS@T database was neither standardised nor exhaustive, resulting in a risk of follow-up bias and in low statistical power beyond 10 years after complete surgery. To inform patients and care providers in this context of low-quality evidence, the Guideline Working Group therefore prepared recommendations on the basis of expert consensus. Key recommendations are the following: we recommend that all patients with PPGL be considered for genetic testing; we recommend assaying plasma or urinary metanephrines every year to screen for local or metastatic recurrences or new tumours; and we suggest follow-up for at least 10 years in all patients operated on for a PPGL. High-risk patients (young patients and those with a genetic disease, a large tumour and/or a paraganglioma) should be offered lifelong annual follow-up.