bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition for land in the global bioeconomy
Authors: Hertel Thomas , Steinbuks Jevgenijs , Baldos Uris
Published: July 2013

The global land use implications of biofuel expansion have received considerable attention in the literature over the past decade. Model‐based estimates of the emissions from cropland expansion have been used to assess the environmental impacts of biofuel policies. And integrated assessment models have estimated the potential for biofuels to contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement over the coming century. All of these studies feature, explicitly or implicitly, competition between biofuel feed stocks and other land uses. However, the economic mechanisms governing this competition, as well as the contribution of biofuels to global land use change, have not received the close scrutiny that they deserve. The purpose of this article is to offer a deeper look at these factors. We begin with a comparative static analysis which assesses the impact of exogenously specified forecasts of biofuel expansion over the period: 2006–2035. Global land use change is decomposed according to the three key margins of economic response: extensive supply, intensive supply, and demand. Under the International Energy Agency's “New Policies” scenario, biofuels account for nearly one‐fifth of global land use change over the 2006–2035 period. The article also offers a comparative dynamic analysis which determines the optimal path for first and second generation biofuels over the course of the entire 21st century. In the absence of GHG regulation, the welfare‐maximizing path for global land use, in the face of 3% annual growth in oil prices, allocates 225 Mha to biofuel feed stocks by 2100, with the associated biofuels accounting for about 30% of global liquid fuel consumption. This area expansion is somewhat diminished by expected climate change impacts on agriculture, while it is significantly increased by an aggressive GHG emissions target and by advances in conversion efficiency of second generation biofuels.
The human capital roots of the middle income trap: the case of China
Authors: Zhang Linxiu , Yi Hongmei , Luo Renfu , Liu Changfang , Rozelle Scott
Published: July 2013

China, like other middle income countries,  is facing the challenges of the next stage of development as its leaders seek to guide the nation into becoming a high income country. In this article we explore one of the major challenges that China is facing in the transition from middle to high income: the management of inequality. In particular, we explore the possible roots of future inequality that is associated with a nation's underinvestment in the human capital of broad segments of its population. To meet this goal, we describe two challenges that China faces in the light of rising wage rates and highly unequal income distribution today. We first discuss the structural and institutional barriers that are discouraging many students (and their parents) from staying in school to achieve the levels of learning that we believe are necessary for preparing individuals for employment in the coming decades. We also identify severe nutritional and health problems. We believe that these nutrition and health problems, unless addressed, will continue to create human capital deficiencies in poor areas of rural China and locking in decades of hard‐to‐address inequality.
Does Decentralization Improve Perceptions of Accountability? Attitudinal Evidence from Colombia
Authors: Escobar‐Lemmon Maria , Ross Ashley D.
Published: July 2013

Decentralization is argued to create incentives for local and regional politicians to be more responsive and accountable to their constituents, but few studies have directly tested this claim. We use survey data from Colombia to examine individual‐level evaluations of the degree to which decentralization prompts citizens to view department government as more accountable. We estimate the effect of administrative, fiscal, and political decentralization, controlling for participation, political knowledge, confidence in government, education, and income on perceptions of accountability. Our results indicate that administrative and fiscal decentralization improve perceptions of accountability, while political decentralization does not.
Effect of a mixture of bovine milk oligosaccharides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCC4007 and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on catch‐up growth of intra‐uterine growth‐restricted rats
Authors: Castañeda‐Gutiérrez E. , Moser M. , García‐Ródenas C. , Raymond F. , Mansourian R. , Rubio‐Aliaga I. , Viguet‐Carrin S. , Metairon S. , Ammon‐Zufferey C. , Avanti‐Nigro O. , Macé K. , Silva‐Zolezzi I.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To investigate the effect of a nutritional mixture (bovine milk oligosaccharides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCC4007, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid) on growth of intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) rats.

Methods

IUGR was induced by maternal food restriction. The offspring (males and females) were assigned to: REF (non‐IUGR, no mixture), IUGRc (IUGR, no mixture), or IUGRmx (IUGR, mixture). The mixture was given from day 7 to day 58, when tissues and plasma from half of the animals were collected for hormones, metabolites and microarray analysis. The rest received a high‐fat diet (HFD) until day 100. Glucose tolerance was measured at 56 and 98 days, and body fat content at 21, 52 and 97 days.

Results

IUGRmx had the greatest growth during lactation, but from day 22 to day 54, both IUGR groups gained less body weight than the REF (P < 0.05). In the short‐term (58 days), IUGRmx tended to be longer (P = 0.06) and had less body fat (P = 0.03) than IUGRc. These differences were not seen after HFD. Microarray analysis of hepatic mRNA expression at 58 and 100 days revealed a gender‐dependent treatment effect, and expression of genes related to lipid metabolism was the most affected. Twelve of these genes were selected for studying differences in DNA methylation in the promoter region, for some, we observed age‐ and gender‐related differences but none because of treatment.

Conclusion

The nutritional intervention promoted catch‐up growth and normalized excessive adiposity in IUGR animals at short‐term. The benefits did not extend after a period of HFD. IUGR and early diet had gender‐dependent effects on hepatic gene expression.
Morphometry and expression of MyoD and Myogenin in white and red skeletal muscles of juvenile fish Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier 1818)
Authors: Alves‐Costa Fernanda A. , Barbosa Cassiane M. , Aguiar Rachel C. M. , Mareco Edson A. , Dal‐Pai‐Silva Maeli
Published: July 2013

Colossoma macropomum, also known as tambaqui, is an economically important fish species, and interesting new studies have been published with the aim of improving the growth of this fish. In this work, we describe the morphometric characteristics, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of two myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs)–myod/MyoD and myogenin/Myogenin–in the white and red muscle types of tambaqui. A high proportion of white and red muscle fibers with large diameters suggest a hypertrophic growth process in the skeletal muscle during juvenile stages. Comparisons between muscle types showed that, in red muscle, myogenin transcript levels were significantly higher than those of myod. In contrast, MyoD protein levels were significantly higher than those of Myogenin in red muscle. These results suggest that in red and white muscles of juvenile tambaqui, independent post‐transcriptional mechanisms for regulating MyoD and Myogenin expression may exist, which could be differentially activated during muscle growth. Furthermore, these data also suggest that specific control mechanisms may regulate distinct muscle phenotypes.
Risk of venous and arterial thromboembolic events in cancer patients treated with gemcitabine: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qi Wei‐Xiang , Lin Feng , Sun Yuan‐Jue , Tang Li‐Na , Shen Zan , Yao Yang
Published: July 2013

Aims

Gemcitabine has been associated with an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (ATEsandVTEs), although the overall risk remains unclear. As indications for its use in oncology are expanding, a comprehensive characterization of these complications becomes imperative.

Methods

Pubmed was searched for articles published from 1January 1990 to 31December 2012. Eligible studies included prospective randomized controlled phaseIIandIIItrials evaluating gemcitabine basedvs. non‐gemcitabine based chemotherapy in patients with solid tumours. Data onVTEsandATEswere extracted. Overall incidence rates, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated employing fixed or random effects models depending on the heterogeneity of included trials.

Results

A total of 4845 patients from 19 trials were included. Among patients treated with gemcitabine based chemotherapy, the overall incidence ofVTEs(13 studies comprising 3823 patients) andATEs(eight studies consisting of 2431 patients) was 2.1% (95%CI1.2%, 3.8%) and 2.2% (95%CI1.4%, 3.2%). The associatedORsofVTEsandATEswere 1.56 (95%CI0.86, 2.83,P= 0.15) and 1.82 (95%CI0.89, 3.75,P= 0.10) compared with non‐gemcitabine based therapy. A tendency to increase the risk ofATEandVTEswas also detected in any prespecified subgroup.

Conclusion

The use of gemcitabine does not significantly increase the risk ofVTEsandATEsin patients with solid tumours when compared with non‐gemcitabine based chemotherapy.
Adiponectin and Leptin: New Targets in Inflammation
Authors: Scotece Morena , Conde Javier , López Verónica , Lago Francisca , Pino Jesús , Gómez‐Reino Juan Jesús , Gualillo Oreste
Published: July 2013

Inflammation is a complex mechanism of cell/tissue responses to injuries triggered by multiple causes, including trauma, pathogens or autoimmune abnormal responses. In the last years, a novel line of thought is emerging by giving a more holistic vision of chronic arthropathies through a recently identified group of molecules, called adipokines. Actually, most of these recently identified factors, produced prevalently by white adipose tissue but also by cells of the joints (chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts) and immune cells, play a significant role in chronic inflammation. Adipokines dysregulation has emerged as a common characteristic of chronic inflammation in rheumatic diseases in particular when obesity or, more precisely, adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with common rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this MiniReview, we discuss the role of adipokines in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis providing an updated overview of their pathophysiological role and potential use as therapeutic targets.
Synthesis of Methoxy‐substituted Chalcones and in vitro Evaluation of their Anticancer Potential
Authors: Ethiraj Kannatt Radhakrishnan , Aranjani Jesil Mathew , Khan Fazlur‐Rahman Nawaz
Published: July 2013

Methoxy‐substituted chalcones, 3 were obtained using simple, efficient method from 2‐naphtylethanone, 1 and aromatic aldehydes, 2. The in vitro cytotoxicity activities of the chalcones against a panel of three human cancer cell lines were explored. The tested compounds were found to possess significant cytotoxic activity. The DNA strand break and damage was quantified through alkaline comet assay, flow cytometric analysis, and chromatin condensation studies, which revealed the apoptotic nature of the compounds. Compound 3c, (3‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐naphthyl) prop‐2‐en‐1‐one) showed highest cytotoxicity of 0.019 μm against HeLa, 0.020 μm against HCT15 and 0.022 μm against A549. Compound 3e, (3‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐naphthyl) prop‐2‐en‐1‐one) showed better IC50 values against all the three cell lines employed for the study.
Different causes of Reduced Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormone: Diagnosis and Clinical management
Authors: Visser W. Edward , van Mullem Alies A. A. , Visser Theo J. , Peeters Robin P.
Published: July 2013

Normal thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism and action require adequate cellular TH signalling. This entails proper function of TH transporters in the plasma membrane, intracellular deiodination of TH and action of the bioactive hormone T3 at its nuclear receptors (TRs). The present review summarizes the discoveries of different syndromes with reduced sensitivity at the cellular level. Mutations in the TH transporter MCT8 cause psychomotor retardation and abnormal thyroid parameters. Mutations in the SBP2 protein, which is required for normal deiodination, give rise to a multisystem disorder including abnormal thyroid function tests. Mutations in TRβ1 are a well‐known cause of resistance to TH with mostly a mild phenotype, while only recently, patients with mutations in TRα1 were identified. The latter patients have slightly abnormal TH levels, growth retardation and cognitive defects. This review will describe the mechanisms of disease, clinical phenotype, diagnostic testing and suggestions for treatment strategies for each of these syndromes.
Does working memory training lead to generalized improvements in children with low working memory? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dunning Darren L. , Holmes Joni , Gathercole Susan E.
Published: July 2013

Children with low working memory typically make poor educational progress, and it has been speculated that difficulties in meeting the heavy working memory demands of the classroom may be a contributory factor. Intensive working memory training has been shown to boost performance on untrained memory tasks in a variety of populations. This first randomized controlled trial with low working memory children investigated whether the benefits of training extend beyond standard working memory tasks to other more complex activities typical of the classroom in which working memory plays a role, as well as to other cognitive skills and developing academic abilities. Children aged 7–9 years received either adaptive working memory training, non‐adaptive working memory training with low memory loads, or no training. Adaptive training was associated with selective improvements in multiple untrained tests of working memory, with no evidence of changes in classroom analogues of activities that tax working memory, or any other cognitive assessments. Gains in verbal working memory were sustained one year after training. Thus the benefits of working memory training delivered in this way may not extend beyond structured working memory tasks.
Supporting cells regulate the remodelling of aminoglycoside‐injured organ of Corti, through the release of high mobility group box 1
Authors: Ladrech Sabine , Mathieu Marc , Puel Jean‐Luc , Lenoir Marc
Published: July 2013

To examine whether an inflammatory process occurs in the amikacin‐poisoned cochlea, we investigated the presence of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐10. No TNF‐α, IL‐1β or IL‐10 was detected in the cochlear perilymph after the loss of most auditory hair cells, indicating the absence of severe inflammation. In contrast, we observed a significant and temporary increase in the level of extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a late mediator of inflammation that also functions as a signal of tissue damage. This increase coincided with epithelial remodelling of the injured organ of Corti, and occurred concomitantly with robust and transient cytoplasmic expression of acetylated HMGB1 within the non‐sensory supporting cells, Deiters cells. Here, HMGB1 was found to be enclosed within vesicles, a number of which carried the secretory vesicle‐associated membrane‐bound protein Rab 27A. In addition, transient upregulation of receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), an HMGB1 membrane receptor, was found in most epithelial cells of the scarring organ of Corti when extracellular levels of HMGB1 were at their highest. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that, in stressful conditions, Deiters cells liberate HMGB1 to regulate the epithelial reorganization of the injured organ of Corti through engagement of RAGE in neighbouring epithelial cells.
One hertz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over dorsal premotor cortex enhances offline motor memory consolidation for sequence‐specific implicit learning
Authors: Meehan S. K. , Zabukovec J. R. , Dao E. , Cheung K. L. , Linsdell M. A. , Boyd L. A.
Published: July 2013

Consolidation of motor memories associated with skilled practice can occur both online, concurrent with practice, and offline, after practice has ended. The current study investigated the role of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) in early offline motor memory consolidation of implicit sequence‐specific learning. Thirty‐three participants were assigned to one of three groups of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left PMd (5 Hz, 1 Hz or control) immediately following practice of a novel continuous tracking task. There was no additional practice following rTMS. This procedure was repeated for 4 days. The continuous tracking task contained a repeated sequence that could be learned implicitly and random sequences that could not. On a separate fifth day, a retention test was performed to assess implicit sequence‐specific motor learning of the task. Tracking error was decreased for the group who received 1 Hz rTMS over the PMd during the early consolidation period immediately following practice compared with control or 5 Hz rTMS. Enhanced sequence‐specific learning with 1 Hz rTMS following practice was due to greater offline consolidation, not differences in online learning between the groups within practice days. A follow‐up experiment revealed that stimulation of PMd following practice did not differentially change motor cortical excitability, suggesting that changes in offline consolidation can be largely attributed to stimulation‐induced changes in PMd. These findings support a differential role for the PMd in support of online and offline sequence‐specific learning of a visuomotor task and offer converging evidence for competing memory systems.
Behavioural and neurophysiological markers reveal differential sensitivity to homeostatic interactions between centrally and peripherally applied passive stimulation
Authors: Gatica Tossi M. A. , Stude P. , Schwenkreis P. , Tegenthoff M. , Dinse H. R.
Published: July 2013

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective tool for inducing functional plastic changes in the brain. rTMS can also potentiate the effects of other interventions such as tactile coactivation, a form of repetitive stimulation, when both are applied simultaneously. In this study, we investigated the interaction of these techniques in affecting tactile acuity and cortical excitability, measured with somatosensory evoked potentials after paired median nerve stimulation. We first applied a session of 5‐Hz rTMS, followed by a session of tactile repetitive stimulation, consisting of intermittent high‐frequency tactile stimulation (iHFS) to a group of 15 healthy volunteers (“rTMS + iHFS” group). In a second group (“rTMS w/o iHFS”), rTMS was applied without iHFS, with a third assessment performed after a similar wait period. In the rTMS w/o iHFS group, the 5‐Hz rTMS induced an increase in cortical excitability that continued to build for at least 25 min after stimulation, with the effect on excitability after the wait period being inversely correlated to the baseline state. In the rTMS + iHFS group, the second intervention prevented the continued increase in excitability after rTMS. In contrast to the effect on cortical excitability, rTMS produced an improvement in tactile acuity that remained stable until the last assessment, independent of the presence or absence of iHFS. Our results show that these methods can interact homeostatically when used consecutively, and suggest that different measures of cortical plasticity are differentially susceptible to homeostatic interactions.
Volumetric changes of the nose and nasal airway 2 years after tooth‐borne and bone‐borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion
Authors: Nada Rania M. , van Loon Bram , Schols Jan G. J. H. , Maal Thomas J. J. , de Koning Martien J. , Mostafa Yehya A. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne M.
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to assess the effects of bone‐borne and tooth‐borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the volumes of the nose and nasal airway 2 yr after maxillary expansion. This prospective cohort study included 32 patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia. Expansion was performed with a tooth‐borne distractor (Hyrax) in 19 patients and with a bone‐borne distractor [transpalatal distractor (TPD)] in the remaining 13. Cone beam computed tomography scans and three‐dimensional (3D) photographs of the face were acquired before treatment and 22 ± 7 months later, and were used to evaluate the volumes of the nose and nasal airway. Nasal volume increased by 1.01 ± 1.6% in the Hyrax group and by 2.39 ± 2.4% in the TPD group. Nasal airway volume increased by 9.7 ± 5.6% in the Hyrax group and by 12.9 ± 12.7% in the TPD group. Changes in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume between the pre‐ and post‐treatment measurements were statistically significant, whereas differences between the treatment groups were not; 22 months after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, the increases in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume were comparable between tooth‐borne and bone‐borne devices.
Bifurcating Time: How Entrepreneurs Reconcile the Paradoxical Demands of the Job
Authors: Miller Danny , Sardais Cyrille
Published: July 2013

Entrepreneurs have been portrayed in paradoxically contrasting ways in the literature. On the one hand, they are said to be intrepid optimists who venture forth with great persistence even in the face of considerable uncertainty and multiple failures; on the other hand, they are held to be realists who are quick to acknowledge the negative realities of their initiatives and adapt very quickly. In order to reconcile these contrasting views, this study tracks in real time the frequent confidential communications of an entrepreneur and his closest consultant and partner during the last 6 months of a failing venture. We are able to gain insight into how by adopting a positive “frame” or consistent mindset about the future, the entrepreneur is able to sustain confidence in the face of significant challenge while at the same time acknowledging and reacting to significant problems in the present. We propose that an intrinsic quality of an entrepreneur is this ability to integrate or reconcile these seeming opposites—to manage paradox, largely by bifurcating time—by making temporal distinctions, and we show how that person simultaneously can be optimistic and realistic, and persistent and adaptive.
A Multi–Study Investigation of Outcomes of Franchisees’ Affective Commitment to Their Franchise Organization
Authors: Mignonac Karim , Vandenberghe Christian , Perrigot Rozenn , El Akremi Assâad , Herrbach Olivier
Published: July 2013

Franchisees’ affective organizational commitment refers to the degree to which franchisees experience an emotional attachment to their franchise organization. Using a social exchange theory perspective, this research reports four studies that explore the relationship between franchisee's affective commitment and franchisee outcomes. We found that affective commitment to the franchise organization was positively related to franchisee objective performance (Study 1) and intent to acquire additional units (Study 2), and negatively related to franchisee opportunism (Study 3) and intent to leave the franchise organization, particularly when continuance commitment (i.e., commitment based on the cost associated with membership to the franchise) was low (Study 4). The implications of these findings are discussed.
Do Social Capital Building Strategies Influence the Financing Behavior of Chinese Private Small and Medium–Sized Enterprises?
Authors: Du Jun , Guariglia Alessandra , Newman Alexander
Published: July 2013

Using data from 65,485 Chinese private small and medium–sized enterprises over the period 2000–2006, we examine the extent to which firms can improve access to debt by adopting strategies aimed at building social capital, namely entertaining and gift giving to others in their social network, and obtaining political affiliation. We find that although entertainment and gift–giving expenditure leads to higher levels of total and short–term debt, it does not enable firms to obtain greater long–term debt. In contrast, we demonstrate that obtaining political affiliation allows firms greater access to long–term debt.
Predictors of Later–Generation Family Members’ Commitment to Family Enterprises
Authors: Dawson Alexandra , Sharma Pramodita , Irving P. Gregory , Marcus Joel , Chirico Francesco
Published: July 2013

This study examines the antecedents of different bases of organizational commitment and intention to stay of later–generation family members who are currently working in their family firm. Evidence from 199 Canadian and Swiss firms indicates that when these individuals’ identity and career interests are aligned with their family enterprise, they experience affective commitment. Family expectations are associated with normative commitment. Individuals who are concerned about losing inherited financial wealth or who perceive a lack of alternative career paths stay with the family enterprise because of continuance commitment. Finally, individuals driven by desire or obligation exhibit low turnover intentions.
The Homing Frog: High Homing Performance in a Territorial Dendrobatid Frog Allobates femoralis (Dendrobatidae)
Authors: Pašukonis Andrius , Ringler Max , Brandl Hanja B. , Mangione Rosanna , Ringler Eva , Hödl Walter
Published: July 2013

Dendrobatidae (dart‐poison frogs) exhibit some of the most complex spatial behaviors among amphibians, such as territoriality and tadpole transport from terrestrial clutches to widely distributed deposition sites. In species that exhibit long‐term territoriality, high homing performance after tadpole transport can be assumed, but experimental evidence is lacking, and the underlying orientation mechanisms are unknown. We conducted a field translocation experiment to test whether male Allobates femoralis, a dendrobatid frog with paternal extra‐territorial tadpole transport, are capable of homing after experimental removal, as well as to quantify homing success and speed. Translocated individuals showed a very high homing success for distances up to 200 m and successfully returned from up to 400 m. We discuss the potential orientation mechanisms involved and selective forces that could have shaped this strong homing ability.
Do signalling endosomes play a role in T cell activation?
Authors: Benzing Carola , Rossy Jérémie , Gaus Katharina
Published: July 2013

Signalling endosomes represent a general mechanism for modulating and compartmentalizing cell signalling, which is achieved by delineating specific spatial environments and connecting the plasma membrane with intracellular events. The molecular composition of vesicles, together with their targeting mechanisms and endocytic routes, contributes to the outcome of signalling pathways that are initiated either at the plasma membrane or within endosomes themselves. In T cell signalling, it is now accepted that the spatial distribution of signalling proteins is central to T cell activation not only at the immunological synapse, but also in endosomes travelling to and from the plasma membrane. In addition, there is a global rearrangement of the endosome machinery upon T cell activation, and emerging experimental evidence suggests that vesicles in T cells contain key T cell signalling proteins. We review the various mechanisms by which endosomes contribute to signalling pathways and consider whether signalling endosomes play a role in T cell signalling.
Exploring potential drivers of European biomass burning over the Holocene: a data‐model analysis
Authors: Molinari Chiara , Lehsten Veiko , Bradshaw Richard H. W. , Power Mitchell J. , Harmand Peter , Arneth Almut , Kaplan Jed O. , Vannière Boris , Sykes Martin T.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To reconstruct spatial and temporal patterns of European fire activity during the Holocene and to explore their potential drivers, by relating biomass burning to simulated biotic and abiotic parameters.

Location

Europe.

Methods

Holocene fire activity was investigated based on 156 sedimentary charcoal records from lakes and peat bogs across Europe. Charcoal data covering the last 9000 years were statistically compared with palaeoclimate data derived from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology/University of Wisconsin‐Madison Earth System Model, with vegetation and fire indices simulated with the dynamic vegetation model lpj‐guess and with two independent scenarios of past anthropogenic land‐cover change.

Results

The combined sedimentary charcoal records suggest that there was little fire activity during the early and the middle Holocene compared with recent millennia. A progressive increase in fire frequency began around 3500 cal. yr bp and continues into the late Holocene. Biomass burning rose sharply from 250 cal. yr bp onwards, reaching a maximum during the early Industrial Era and then declining abruptly. When considering the whole Holocene, the long‐term control of fire is best explained by anthropogenic land‐cover change, litter availability and temperature‐related parameters.

Main conclusions

While the general patterns found across Europe suggest the primary role of vegetation, precipitation and temperature‐related parameters in explaining fire dynamics during the early Holocene, the increase in fire activity observed in the mid–late Holocene is mainly related to anthropogenic land‐cover changes, followed by vegetation and temperature‐related parameters. The 20th‐century decline in biomass burning seems to be due to increased landscape fragmentation and active fire suppression policies. Our hypothesis that human activities played a primary role in Holocene biomass burning across Europe could be tested by improved palaeoclimate reconstructions and more refined representations of anthropogenic fires in climate and vegetation models.
Comparison of clinical profile in elderly patients with nursing and healthcare‐associated pneumonia, and those with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nakagawa Nahoko , Saito Yoko , Sasaki Mari , Tsuda Yasunari , Mochizuki Hideaki , Takahashi Hideki
Published: July 2013

Aim

Nursing and healthcare‐associated pneumonia (NHCAP) is a modified category of healthcare‐associated pneumonia adjusted for the healthcare system of Japan. The clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality have not been well characterized in elderly patients with NHCAP.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 960 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years admitted for pneumonia. Baseline characteristics, severity, pathogen distribution, outcomes and risk factors for mortality were compared between patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those with NHCAP. The applicability of age, dehydration, respiratory failure, orientation disturbance, and low BP (A‐DROP) score, a standard severity index for CAP in Japan, was also evaluated in NHCAP.

Results

The study participants consisted of 373 patients (38.8%) with CAP and 587 (61.2%) with NHCAP. The patients with NHCAP were older and had poorer performance status (PS) and more comorbidities than those with CAP. The frequency of potentially drug‐resistant (PDR) pathogens and in‐hospital mortality were found in 10 (2.7%) and 17 patients (4.6%) with CAP, and 60 (10.2%) and 83 patients (14.1%) with NHCAP, respectively (P < 0.0001). The incidences of PDR pathogens and mortality were not significantly different among the criteria for NHCAP. The higher mortality was associated with PS, comorbidity with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3, and the coexistence of congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and malignancy. A‐DROP score was poor at predicting mortality in most patients with NHCAP.

Conclusion

The current criteria for NHCAP seem to be appropriate for differentiating patients with poor outcomes from community‐acquired pneumonia patients. It is essential to assess individual underlying conditions, such as PS and comorbidity, when caring for patients with NHCAP. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 362–371.
Association between site‐specific muscle loss of lower body and one‐leg standing balance in active women: TheHIREGASAKIstudy
Authors: Abe Takashi , Ogawa Madoka , Loenneke Jeremy P , Thiebaud Robert S , Loftin Mark , Mitsukawa Naotoshi
Published: July 2013

Aim

To test the hypothesis that static balance is associated with site‐specific loss of muscle mass in older adults.

Methods

A total of 57 active women aged 52–83 years had their muscle thickness (MTH) measured by ultrasound at four sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of their upper‐ and lower‐leg.MTHratios were calculated to assess the site‐specific muscle loss. One‐leg standing balance with eyes open and maximum isometric knee extension/flexion strength were measured. Daytime physical activity was also measured. The participants were separated into three groups based on achieved timed one‐leg balance test: less than 60 s (n = 19,G1), 60–120 s (n = 12,G2) and over 120 s (n = 26,G3).

Results

Age was inversely correlated to the upper‐leg (A50 : P70)MTHratios (r = −0.389,P < 0.001), but not lower‐leg ratio (r = 0.047), thus site‐specific muscle loss was observed in the upper‐leg. Total muscle mass was similar among the groups.A50 : P70MTHratio and absolute and relative knee flexion strength were lower inG1 than inG3. Step counts and durations of moderate and vigorous exercise were lower inG1 andG2 than inG3. There were significant correlations between one‐leg balance andA50 : P70MTHratio (r = 0.271,P < 0.05) and physical activity level (r = 0.357–0.481,P < 0.01). After adjusting for step count, one‐leg balance was only correlated significantly with duration of vigorous exercise (r = 0.319,P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher physical activity could have more impact on balance regulation, as the influence of site‐specific muscle loss was weak in active women.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 381–387.
Assessment of the serum paraoxonase activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Bilgili Serap Gunes , Ozkol Halil , Takci Zennure , Ozkol Hatice Uce , Karadag Ayse Serap , Aslan Mehmet
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Several studies have indicated that recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase (PON) activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with RAS.

Design and methods

Thirty‐one patients with RAS and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined.

Results

Serum total antioxidant capacity levels, PON1, and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in RAS than controls (P < 0.001), while total oxidant status levels and oxidative stress index were significantly higher (P < 0.001). PON1 activity had a significant correlation with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol only (r = 0.482, P < 0.05), while there were no correlations with other lipids (P > 0.05) in patients with RAS.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that RAS is associated with decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Further studies on a larger number of patients are needed to verify these results.
Treatment of nevus of Ota using low fluence Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Choi Chong Won , Kim Hee Jung , Lee Heun Joo , Kim Yoon Hwan , Kim Won‐Serk
Published: July 2013

Background

Nevus of Ota, caused by dermal melanocytosis, is cosmetically troublesome in Asian patients. The destruction of dermal melanocytosis using Q‐switched laser systems carries a high risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation.

Methods

To determine the usefulness, safety, and adverse problems of low fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota, 19 Korean patients (five male and 14 female; Fitzpatrick skin type IV) who were clinically diagnosed as having nevus of Ota were enrolled in the present study. Low fluence laser treatments were performed with a collimated Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at intervals of two weeks. The fluence of laser treatments was set at 2.5 J/cm2 and adjusted based on patient response to the previous treatment session and sensitivity to pain. Treatment was applied until the lesions showed mild erythema.

Results

The mean number of total treatment sessions was 17.1 (range 6–32). Among the 19 patients, 18 reached near total improvement, while one patient failed to reach near total improvement after 11 treatment sessions. The mean fluence of treatment was 2.5 J/cm2 (range 2.0–5.0 J/cm2). Five patients complained of delayed eyelid response. Post‐therapy hyperpigmentation was observed in one patient.

Conclusion

Low fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective modality for the treatment of nevus of Ota with a low incidence of side effects. It is an easy to perform treatment with low downtime.
Buffalo pox outbreak with atypical features: a word of caution and need for early intervention!
Authors: Goyal Tarang , Varshney Anupam , Bakshi Surrinder Kumar , Barua Sanjay , Bera Bidhan Chandra , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: July 2013

Background

Despite repeated outbreaks of poxvirus infections unique to the Indian subcontinent region and veterinary research work in this field, much less diagnostic awareness with resultant treatment protocols have been formulated in the human medical field.

Aims

With this objective in mind, a combined human medical and veterinary study was conducted on a recent outbreak of buffalopox infection in a village in northern India.

Methods

A team of doctors did the clinical examination and collected swab and serum samples from both cattle and humans, and these were subjected to viral isolation, cell culture, plaque reduction neutralization test, polymerase chain reaction, and partial genome sequencing.

Results

A clustered foci of 12 human patients aged 11–60 years, 12 buffaloes, and 10 cows were found to be affected with buffalopox infection with some atypical features.

Conclusion

Awareness, diagnosis, education, early intervention, and formulation of disaster guidelines are needed in view of the potential epidemiologic outbreak, if this happens in the future.
Influence of narrowband UVB irradiation of serum on autologous serum skin test results
Authors: Kaar Nida , Taşli Levent , Şanlı Berna , Topsakal Mustafa
Published: July 2013

Background  Autologous serum skin test (ASST) is an in vivo test to demonstrate circulating endogenous proinflammatory or wheal‐inducing factors in urticaria patients. While ASST was negative in a patient with solar urticaria and in a patient with localized heat urticaria, test results turned to positive when performed with visible light‐irradiated and heated serums, respectively. These data suggest that some factors and/or antibodies in serum may be activated or inhibited with different factors. We aimed to investigate whether or not ASST results change when performed with narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB)‐irradiated serum.

Materials and methods  Seventy‐seven patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria underwent ASST twice in consecutive days. The second ASST was performed with narrowband UVB‐irradiated serum. The results of the first and second ASSTs were compared.

Results  The first ASST results were positive in 46 (59.7%) patients. ASST results reversed oppositely in 36 (46.8%) patients, turned from negative to positive in 19 patients, and turned from positive to negative in 17 patients when performed with narrowband UVB‐irradiated serum.

Conclusion  Our results suggest that narrowband UVB may have modifying effects on some wheal‐inducing factors and/or antibodies. On which factors in serum narrowband UVB has effects may be investigated.
Are Cooperative Banks a Lever for Promoting Bank Stability? Evidence from the Recent Financial Crisis in OECD Countries
Authors: Chiaramonte Laura , Poli Federica , Oriani Marco Ercole
Published: July 2013

Based on a sample of cooperative, savings, and commercial banks from OECD countries, this paper examines whether and to what extent cooperative banks affected average bank soundness during 2001–2010. To account for the impact of the recent financial crisis, we analyse separately the pre‐crisis period (2001–2006) and crisis years (2007–2010). Unlike published claims that blame the fragility of banking systems on the presence of non–profit‐maximising entities, our main finding is that cooperative banks have explanatory power for stabilisation during the crisis years, but only above a certain market share threshold.
A companionship between strangers – the hospital environment as a challenge in patient–patient interaction in oncology wards
Authors: Larsen Lene Søndergård , Larsen Birte Hedegaard , Birkelund Regner
Published: July 2013

Aim

To present an identification and discussion of the impact of the hospital environment on interaction among people with cancer.

Background

In recent years, researchers have focused on identifying and describing features of the hospital environment that promote healing, recovery and well‐being. It has been discovered that architectural features affect hospitalized patients both positively and negatively. But the research has failed to include fellow patients as part of the hospital environment.

Design

A qualitative approach influenced by ethnography.

Method

Participant observation and individual qualitative interviews were used to collect data. From a total of 85 observed people with cancer 10 men and 10 women were interviewed. Data were collected over 6 months in 2010–2011 and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Patients had ambiguous views regarding their fellow patients and the hospital environment. The hospital environment imposed conditions that caused stress factors such as the loss of personal privacy and control, but it also offered the possibility of good company and support from fellow patients. Refuge from fellow patients was hard to achieve and the fact that personal conversations might be overheard by fellow patients caused patients to withhold important information from healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, patients accepted the hospital environment uncritically, with resignation or with silent rebellion. Despite the challenges, 18 of 20 patients preferred multiple‐bed rooms with the company of fellow patients.

Conclusion

The influence of the hospital environment on hospitalized people with cancer and their interpersonal interaction needs to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals. In addition, evidence‐based hospital design must include research into patient preferences and arguments. Further investigation is needed.
Appraisals of self and situation as determinants of upward influencing tactics
Authors: Geertshuis Susan A. , Cooper‐Thomas Helena D. , Price Mnthali
Published: July 2013

This study considers subordinate upward influencing as a proactive behavior and applies this lens to an investigation into the contributions of appraisals of self and situation in predicting tactic choice. One hundred seventy‐eight employees assessed the frequency with which they used influencing tactics in interactions with their direct line manager. The results indicated that favorable appraisals of self were associated with increased use of rationality and unfavorable appraisal of situation were associated with increased the use of ingratiation, assertiveness, and upward appeal. While the use of rationality could be explained within approaches to positive proactive work behaviors, the use of the remaining five tactics could not. The results are interpreted within a wider perspective of proactive discretionary behaviors.
Helping with all your heart: the effect of cardioid dishes on tipping behavior
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas
Published: July 2013

Some studies have shown that figurative cues, presented in the immediate environment of an individual, affect his/her later behavior. This effect was studied in a tipping behavior context. In three restaurants, each bill was placed under a dish, which had a cardioid shape, a round shape, or a square shape. Results showed that more tips were left in the bill dish with the cardioid shape. The activation spreading theory is used to explain these results.
Effects of simulation‐based learning on students' statistical factual, conceptual and application knowledge
Authors: Novak E.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the effects of a storyline on learners' factual, conceptual and application knowledge with the use of a simulation for teaching introductory statistical skills and to (2) explore students' subjective enjoyment of various learning activities often used in statistics education. In order to conduct the study, two versions of a simulation were developed that differed in the presence or absence of a storyline attribute. Sixty‐four graduate students were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention conditions. Both intervention groups demonstrated significantly higher learning gains after interacting with the simulation. Particularly, both simulation‐based interventions had a positive significant effect on the acquisition of application knowledge and skills. However, no significant differences between the intervention groups on any learning outcome explored in the study were found. Results also showed that students rated the simulation used in the study as a more enjoyable learning activity in comparison to reading a textbook, lecture or teamwork. Students from the simulation without a storyline intervention reported higher enjoyment than the other intervention group. Implications of the findings for understanding the instructional benefits and shortcomings of embedding a storyline in digital learning content are discussed.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality Evaluation of Vacuum‐Packed Argentine Beef Imported into Italy
Authors: Stella S. , Ripamonti B. , Vandoni S. , Bernardi C. , Sgoifo Rossi C.A.
Published: July 2013

A total of 8 lots of vacuum‐packed bovine rump hearts (Gluteus medius muscle) imported in Italy from Argentina were submitted to microbiological (total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Lactobacilli, sulfite‐reducing Clostridia, Listeria monocytogenes) and physicochemical analyses (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, color measurement and shear force) after different storage times (35, 75 and 100 days). Lactobacilli were the predominant microbial population (about 6 log cfu/cm2), causing a microbial stabilization and acidification of meat. Seventy‐three Lactobacilli isolates were submitted to random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction and identified, showing a high prevalence of Lactobacillus sakei (in all the samples) and Lactobacillus curvatus (in samples stored for 75 or 100 days). We observed high total volatile basic nitrogen levels (>27 mgN/100 g) in all the samples and a discoloration of beef after the opening of the packs. Our results suggest the need for a higher standardization of production conditions.

Practical Applications

Vacuum‐packed raw beef from Argentina is globally commercialized, and it is frequently shipped to European markets. Considering the perishability of this product and the very long shelf life assigned, the availability of microbiological and physicochemical data could be useful for quality evaluations purposes. Our data indicate that a long shelf life (3–4 months) is potentially achievable, but the application of the best hygienic practices during meat production and an optimal stabilization of microflora by the selection (or addition) of lactic acid bacteria must be assured. As protein degradation and microbial population showed to be stable during the shelf life, quality characteristics that are perceived by the consumer (such as color indexes) become important parameters for a proper evaluation of meat quality.