bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oversight of Administrative Rulemaking: Judicial Review
Authors: Türk Alexander H. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract The role of the courts in the review of administrative rulemaking raises profound questions as to the legitimate interference of courts in the exercise of administrative activities, which are often carried out in the pursuance of a legislative mandate. In contrast to the review of administrative acts of individual application, the Union courts have shown a more hesitant approach in the review of administrative rulemaking activities. This contribution will discuss the review by the Union courts of administrative rulemaking for compliance with procedural as well as substantive standards and will explore whether a convincing rationale for their more deferential attitude to the review of administrative rules can be provided. The article will explore to what extent lessons can be learned from the jurisprudence of the federal courts in the USA, which have struggled, even after the adoption of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), with similar problems.
Further characterisation of an experimental model of tendinopathy in the horse
Authors: Cadby J. A. , David F. , van de Lest C. , Bosch G. , van Weeren P. R. , Snedeker J. G. , van Schie H. T. M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyInjuries in energy‐storing tendons are common in both horses and man. The high prevalence of reinjury and the relatively poor prognosis for returning to preinjury performance levels warrant further research, for which well characterised models would be very helpful.ObjectivesGiven the clinical similarities in tendinopathy of energy‐storing tendons, we hypothesised that a recently developed experimental model of equine tendon injury would display many of the characteristics of clinical tendinopathy and could therefore be of use for both species, thus providing comparative insight to the human condition and offering direct potential impact to equine medicine.Study designIn vivo experimental study.MethodsSurgical lesions were created in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of 6 horses. Clinical examination, as well as biochemistry, histology and immunohistochemistry were performed on the harvested samples at 6 weeks post surgery.ResultsDisrupted collagen fibres, increased glycosaminoglycan content, increased presence of tenocytes with plump nuclei, the scarcity of inflammatory cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and neovascularisation were observed and found to be consistent with clinical tendinopathy.Conclusion and relevanceThis model displays the key features of the most common human and equine degenerative tendon disorders and is therefore an appropriate, if still imperfect, model of tendinopathy.
An energy‐biochar chain involving biomass gasification and rice cultivation in Northern Italy
Authors: Lugato Emanuele , Vaccari Francesco P. , Genesio Lorenzo , Baronti Silvia , Pozzi Alessandro , Rack Mireille , Woods Jeremy , Simonetti Gianluca , Montanarella Luca , Miglietta Franco 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe competing demand for food and bioenergy requires new solutions for the agricultural sector as, for instance, the coupling of energy production from gasification technology and the application of the resulting biochar as soil amendment. A prerequisite for the implementation of this strategy is the scale‐specific assessment of both the energetic performance and of the impacts in terms of greenhouse gases (GHG) emission and crop responses. This study considered the gasification process developed by Advanced Gasification Technology (AGT, Italy), which is a fixed‐bed, down‐draft, open core, compact gasifier, having 350 kW of nominal electric capacity (microgeneration); this gasifier uses biomass feedstock deriving from agricultural/forest products and byproducts. In this study, the resulting biochar, derived from conifer wood chips of mountain forestry management in North‐western Italy, was applied to a nearby paddy rice field, located in the largest rice agricultural area of Europe. We performed a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) adapting the BEAT2 model specifically focusing on the GHG balance of the supply chain, from the forestry management to the field distribution of the resulting biochar. The results indicated that the gasification stage had the highest impact in the supply chain in terms of emissions, but net emissions allocated to biochar were always negative (ranging between −0.54 and −2.1 t CO2e t−1 biochar), hypothesizing two scenarios of 32% and 7.3% biochar mineralization rate in soil, over a time period of 100 years. Finally, biochar had a marginal but positive effect on rice yield, thus increasing the sustainability of this energy‐biochar chain.
The effect of pyrolysis conditions on biochar stability as determined by three methods
Authors: Crombie Kyle , Mašek Ondřej , Sohi Saran P. , Brownsort Peter , Cross Andrew 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBiochar is the porous, carbonaceous material produced by thermochemical treatment of organic materials in an oxygen‐limited environment. In general, most biochar can be considered resistant to chemical and biological decomposition, and therefore suitable for carbon (C) sequestration. However, to assess the C sequestration potential of different types of biochar, a reliable determination of their stability is needed. Several techniques for assessing biochar stability have been proposed, e.g. proximate analysis, oxygen (O): C ratio and hydrogen (H): C ratio; however, none of them are yet widely recognized nor validated for this purpose. Biochar produced from three feedstocks (Pine, Rice husk and Wheat straw) at four temperatures (350, 450, 550 and 650 °C) and two heating rates (5 and 100 °C min−1) was analysed using three methods of stability determination: proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and a new analytical tool developed at the UK Biochar Research Centre known as the Edinburgh accelerated ageing tool (Edinburgh stability tool). As expected, increased pyrolysis temperatures resulted in higher fractions of stable C and total C due to an increased release of volatiles. Data from the Edinburgh stability tool were compared with those obtained by the other methods, i.e. fixed C, volatile matter, O : C and H : C ratios, to investigate potential relationships between them. Results of this comparison showed that there was a strong correlation (R > 0.79) between the stable C determined by the Edinburgh stability tool and fixed C, volatile matter and O : C, however, H : C showed a weaker correlation (R = 0.65). An understanding of the influence of feedstock and production conditions on the long‐term stability of biochar is pivotal for its function as a C mitigation measure, as production and use of unstable biochar would result in a relatively rapid return of C into the atmosphere, thus potentially intensifying climate change rather than alleviating it.
Global patterns of connectivity and isolation of populations of forest bird species in the late Pleistocene
Authors: Peterson A. Townsend , Ammann Caspar M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimSpecies’ distributional responses to cool periods in the Pleistocene appear to have been diverse, but patterns of response are poorly known globally, and the nature of distributional responses to interglacial conditions remains largely unknown. The aim of this contribution is to assess distributional responses of forest bird species to Last Interglacial (LIG) and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) conditions within nine forest regions world‐wide, to test whether different regions experienced consistently different types of distributional responses.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe use ecological niche modelling approaches under an assumption of ecological niche conservatism to assess degrees of fragmentation of species distributions through the LIG–LGM–present transitions. Models trained under present‐day conditions were transferred to Pleistocene conditions, and fragmentation of potential distributional areas was assessed using FragStats.ResultsOur results showed four regions to have greater fragmentation at LGM than at LIG or at present; three showed greater connectivity at LGM; and two were equivocal.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the world is a patchwork of regions in which forest species experienced either consistently greater or consistently lesser population subdivision during the alternating cool and warm periods that characterized the Pleistocene. Speciation timing and dynamics should differ dramatically among major regions and biomes if these periods of connection and disjunction translate into speciation opportunity.
Fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints on the genesis of the Jian copper deposit, Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone, Iran
Authors: Asadi S. , Moore F. , Fattahi N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Jian copper deposit, located on the eastern edge of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone, southwest of Iran, is contained within the Surian Permo‐Triassic volcano‐sedimentary complex. Retrograde metamorphism resulted in three stages of mineralization (quartz ± sulfide veins) during exhumation of the Surian metamorphic complex (Middle Jurassic time; 159–167 Ma), and after the peak of the metamorphism (Middle to Late Triassic time; approximately 187 Ma). The early stage of mineralization (stage 1) is related to a homogeneous H2O–CO2 (XCO2 > 0.1) fluid characterized by moderate salinity (<10 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at high temperature and pressure (>370°C, >3 kbar). Early quartz was followed by small amounts of disseminated fine‐grained pyrite and chalcopyrite. Most of the main‐ore‐stage (stage 2) minerals, including chalcopyrite, pyrite and minor sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena, precipitated from an aqueous‐carbonic fluid (8–18 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at temperatures ranging between 241 and 388°C during fluid unmixing process (CO2 effervescence). Fluid unmixing in the primary carbonaceous fluid at pressures of 1.5–3 kbar produced a high XCO2 (>0.05) and a low XCO2 (<0.01) aqueous fluid in ore‐bearing quartz veins. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions suggest mineralization by fluids derived from metamorphic dehydration (δ18Ofluid = +7.6 to +10.7‰ and δD = −33.1 to −38.5‰) during stage 2. The late stage (stage 3) is related to a distinct low salinity (1.5–8 wt.% NaCl equivalent) and temperatures of (120–230°C) aqueous fluid at pressures below 1.5 kbar and the deposition of post‐ore barren quartz veins. These fluids probably derived from meteoric waters, which circulated through the metamorphic pile at sufficiently high temperatures and acquire the characteristics of metamorphic fluids (δ18Ofluid = +4.7 to +5.1‰ and δD = −52.3 to −53.9‰) during waning stages of the postearly Cimmerian orogeny in Surian complex. The sulfide‐bearing quartz veins are interpreted as a small‐scale example of redistribution of mineral deposits by metamorphic fluids. This study suggests that mineralization at the Jian deposit is metamorphogenic in style, probably related to a deep‐seated mesothermal system.
Eating management and functional outcome of elderly patients with symptomatic ischemic stroke undergoing inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Mizrahi Eliyahu‐Hayim , Arad Marina , Weiss Abraham , Leibovitz Arthur , Adunsky Abraham 
Published: December 2012

AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, post‐stroke eating management (EM) at admission to a rehabilitation ward is associated with functional outcome.MethodsThis was a retrospective study comprising 716 consecutive elderly patients with first ever symptomatic ischemic stroke. Level of eating management was determined by Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) subscale scores relevant to eating management, where scores ≤5 points define low‐eating management (Low‐EM) ability and scores >5 indicate independent eating management. Data was analyzed by t‐test, χ2‐test, Pearson's correlation and by multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsA total of 418 and 298 Low‐EM and High‐EM patients, respectively, were eligible for final analysis. Compared with High‐EM, Low‐EM patients were slightly older (P = 0.04), had longer rehabilitation stays (P < 0.001) and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (P < 0.001). Total FIM at admission and discharge were lower in Low‐EMS, yet there was no statistically significant difference in total FIM gain on discharge between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that total FIM at discharge was inversely associated with Low‐EM at admission (β‐coefficient = −0.389, P < 0.001). Low‐EM scores were independently predictive for higher total FIM gain at discharge (β‐coefficient = 0.125, P = 0.005).ConclusionThe findings suggest that impaired eating management on admission is associated with adverse functional outcome. However, patients presenting to rehabilitation with impaired eating management do obtain significant functional gains and should not be deprived of rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 701–705.
Trends in mortality rates in elderly ST elevation myocardial infarction patients submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A 7‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Lazzeri Chiara , Valente Serafina , Chiostri Marco , Attanà Paola , Picariello Claudio , Gensini Gian Franco 
Published: December 2012

AimLimited data are available on the safety and outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), as elderly patients are under‐represented in randomized trials.MethodsWe therefore aimed at assessing the trends in mortality rates (both at short‐term and at 1‐year follow up) in an unselected cohort of 404 STEMI patients aged ≥75 years all submitted to primary PCI and consecutively admitted to our Intensive Cardiac Care Unit from 2004 to 2010.ResultsIn the first period (2004–2006), 202 patients (202/661, 30.6%) were aged ≥75 years, whereas in the second period (2007–2010), 203 patients (203/607, 33.4%) were aged ≥75 years. In the second period, STEMI patients were older (P < 0.001), more diabetic (P < 0.001) and with a higher incidence of comorbidities (P < 0.001). A significantly lower use of intra‐aortic balloon pump was observed, together with a reduced rate of bleeding, whereas the incidence of worsening renal function significantly increased (P = 0.011). No difference was observed in the length of stay and in mortality rate (both in‐hospital and 1‐year post‐discharge) between the first and the second period.ConclusionsAccording to our data, patients aged ≥75 years are characterized by an increasing number of comorbidities (in particular, a higher incidence of diabetes). Over a 6‐year period, despite a more advanced age, early mortality (and length of stay) remained unchanged (probably thanks to a significant reduction in bleeding events), and no difference was observed in 1‐year post‐discharge mortality in these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 711–717.
Necessity of normative data on the Japanese version of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised Logical Memory subtest for old‐old people
Authors: Kawano Naoko , Awata Shuichi , Ijuin Mutsuo , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Ozaki Norio 
Published: December 2012

AimEpisodic memory is vulnerable to deterioration in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the Logical Memory (LM) subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R) is used internationally as an operational definition to identify people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the Japanese version of the LM has not been adequately normalized for old‐old people. Therefore, norms of the LM for people aged 75 years and over are required, and the effects of sex, age and education on performance were evaluated.MethodsA total of 50 (27 female and 23 male) participants without a history of dementia and symptomatic stroke events recruited from the community and hospital populations were investigated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the LM and some interference tasks.ResultsThe mean scores (standard deviations) of the sample were 15.5 (5.4) on LM‐I and 9.9 (6.6) on LM‐II. The distributions of the LM‐I and ‐II scores satisfied the normality assumption. The LM‐I and LM‐II scores correlated with age and the LM‐I score correlated with educational background.ConclusionsFor the Japanese version of the LM, the means, standard deviations and distribution features of the old‐old sample are presented. Although the normal sample was chosen to closely match the demographic profile of the Japanese population, the present sample might have had a higher educational background than the age‐matched population, especially the males. Further study is required to standardize the Japanese version of the LM subtest for each 5‐year interval for latter‐stage elderly people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 726–730.
Positive affect as a predictor of lower risk of functional decline in community‐dwelling elderly in Japan
Authors: Hirosaki Mayumi , Ishimoto Yasuko , Kasahara Yoriko , Konno Akiko , Kimura Yumi , Fukutomi Eriko , Chen Wenling , Nakatsuka Masahiro , Fujisawa Michiko , Sakamoto Ryota , Ishine Masayuki , Okumiya Kiyohito , Otsuka Kuniaki , Wada Taizo , Matsubayashi Kozo 
Published: December 2012

AimTo investigate whether positive affect independently predicts a lower risk of functional decline among community‐dwelling older Japanese.MethodsA 2‐year prospective study was carried out among 505 residents of Tosa Town aged 65 years and older without disability in carrying out basic activities of daily living (BADL) at baseline. Positive and negative affect was measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, which includes items that reflect positive affect, as well as items that reflect negative affect. Information on functional ability, sociodemographic factors and medical conditions was obtained using a self‐administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 72 (14.3%) participants reported a decline in BADL at the 2‐year follow up. The sum‐score of the positive items was significantly associated with a lower risk of functional decline (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.97), after controlling for potential confounding factors. Of the five positive items, three items (feeling satisfied with life OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25–0.95; feeling happy most of the time OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.99; and feeling full of energy OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.95) were significantly associated with functional decline after adjusting for confounders. These associations were also independent of negative affect. In contrast, none of the negative items predicted functional decline after controlling for confounding factors.ConclusionsPositive psychological well‐being, specifically the feeling of satisfaction with life, happiness and energy, might have a favorable effect on the maintenance of functional ability, regardless of negative affect. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1051–1058.
Proteosomal degradation of naturally recurring R260C missense and exon‐IV deletion mutants of factor XIII A‐subunit expressed in mammalian cells
Authors: Zhang W. G. , Souri M. , Ichinose A. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryCongenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a severe bleeding disorder. We previously identified an Arg260Cys missense mutation and an exon‐IV deletion in patients' A subunit genes, F13A. To characterize the molecular/cellular basis of this disease, we expressed a wild type and these mutant A subunits in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. The mutant proteins were expressed less efficiently than the wild type. These mutants gradually decreased inside BHK cells, whereas the wild type remained largely unchanged. The decline/decrease in these mutants was completely blocked/restored by a potent proteasome inhibitor, MG‐132. This was consistent with the prediction by molecular modelling that the mutant molecules would lose the native structure of wild‐type molecule, leading to their instability and degeneration and ultimately to degradation. These mutants might have significantly altered conformations, resulting in the rapid degradation by the proteasome inside the synthesizing cells, and ultimately leading to FXIII deficiency.
Utility of computed tomography fusion imaging for the evaluation of the ablative margin of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma and the correlation to local tumor progression
Authors: Makino Yuki , Imai Yasuharu , Igura Takumi , Hori Masatoshi , Fukuda Kazuto , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Kogita Sachiyo , Ohama Hideko , Matsumoto Yasushi , Nakahara Masanori , Zushi Shinichiro , Kurokawa Masanori , Isotani Keisuke , Takamura Manabu , Fujita Norihiko , Murakami Takamichi 
Published: December 2012

AimTo demonstrate the usefulness of the computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging for the evaluation of treatment effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsEighty‐five patients with 94 HCC with complete ablation judged on conventional side‐by‐side interpretation of pre‐RFA and post‐RFA CT at the time of RFA were included in this retrospective study. CT data was retrospectively used to create fusion images of pre‐RFA and post‐RFA CT using automatic rigid registration and manual correction referring to intrahepatic structures and hepatic contours around a tumor. Clinical factors including a minimal ablative margin (MAM) measured on fusion images were examined to prove risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP).ResultsLTP was observed in 13 (13.8%) tumors with a median follow up of 21.0 months (range, 2–75). The mean MAM on the fusion image was 1.4 ± 3.1 mm and 23 tumors (24.5%) were judged to be protruding from the ablation zone. Multivariate analysis revealed that protruding from the ablation zone was the only significant factor for LTP (hazard ratio, 7.09; 95% confidential interval, 2.26–22.3; P < 0.001).ConclusionSome HCC were assessed as incomplete ablation on the CT fusion images, although considered completely ablated on side‐by‐side images at the time of treatment, and incomplete ablation was revealed to be the only independent risk factor for LTP. The CT fusion imaging enables quantitative and accurate evaluation of treatment effect of RFA.
The effect of endodontic procedures on apical crack initiation and propagation ex vivo
Authors: Adorno C. G. , Yoshioka T. , Jindan P. , Kobayashi C. , Suda H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the potential effects of endodontic procedures (instrumentation and filling) on crack initiation and propagation in apical dentine.MethodologyForty extracted single‐rooted premolars with two canals were selected, 1.5 mm of the apex was ground perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth and the surface polished. The specimens were divided into 4 groups. The buccal canals of groups A, B and C were enlarged to size 40 with manual K‐files. Group A was filled with gutta‐percha using lateral condensation and vertical compaction without sealer. Group B was filled with the same method as group A except only lateral condensation was used. Group C was left unfilled, while group D was left unprepared and unfilled. Images of the resected surface were taken after resection (baseline), after canal preparation, after filling and after 4‐week storage. The images were then inspected for cracks originating from the canal.ResultsA significant effect of preparation on crack initiation (P < 0.05) and no significant effect of filling (P > 0.05) or 4‐week storage on crack initiation (P > 0.05) was found (logistic regression). Fisher's exact test revealed a significant effect of filling on crack propagation (P < 0.05) and no effect of 4‐week storage on crack propagation (P > 0.05).ConclusionsRoot canal procedures can potentially initiate and propagate cracks from within the root canal in the apical region.