bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Economy of Climate Compatible Development: Artisanal Fisheries and Climate Change in Ghana
Authors: Tanner Thomas , Mensah Adelina , Lawson Elaine T. , Gordon Chris , Godfrey‐Wood Rachel , Cannon Terry 
Published: September 2014

SummaryInterest in prospects for policy processes that contribute to development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, known as ‘climate compatible development’, has been growing in response to increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change. This paper provides insight into the complex political economy of climate compatible development in Ghana's artisanal fisheries, a sector that has received comparatively little attention in climate change literature and policy processes. It focuses on two contentious policy areas where there is potential for climate compatible development, namely the subsidized premix fuel provided to artisanal fishermen, and mangrove protection. Regarding the premix subsidy, while there is theoretical scope for a ‘triple win’ outcome by removing the subsidy to reduce incentives to unsustainable fishing and supporting alternative policies, in practice this is highly problematic. Artisanal fishermen strongly oppose removing the subsidy on the grounds that it would damage their livelihoods, and do not have the confidence that they would be appropriately compensated for any hypothetical reform. Moreover, it is argued that removing it could have negative unintended consequences if fishermen are forced into alternative livelihoods that are themselves unsustainable. There is, however, a need to make considerable improvements to the distribution of the premix fuel so that it reaches the intended beneficiaries and is not siphoned off for contraband. Meanwhile, although improved mangrove protection could have significant ‘triple‐win’ benefits, this area suffers from a lack of funding and administrative coordination across ministries and agencies, leading it to be neglected. The case studies reveal, therefore, that the major constraint to climate compatible development is institutional failing, rather than a lack of policies per se. The paper emphasizes the need to conceptualize climate compatible development as a process which is dynamic across space and time, such that potential for triple win outcomes is fluctuate to vary according to changing circumstances. It is necessary to recognize, furthermore, that pressures from a number of actors, including those at the grass roots, may demand short term improvements to current problems rather than aspiring to triple win outcomes in the long term, creating a major challenge for climate compatible development.
Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties of Tetragonal (Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 Lead‐Free Ceramics by Substitution of Pure Bi‐Based Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3
Authors: Pan Zhao , Wang Qi , Chen Jun , Liu Chuang , Fan Longlong , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Xing Xianran 
Published: September 2014

Crystal structure, piezoelectric, and dielectric properties were investigated in the new lead‐free BKT‐based piezoelectric ceramics of (1−x)(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3‐xBi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of the system between tetragonal and rhombohedral phases lies near the composition of x = 0.02. The optimal piezoelectric property of small‐signal d33 is much enhanced to be 96 pC/N (x = 0.01), which is higher than any other BKT‐based compositions. By the introduction of Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3, the ceramics exhibit a lower coercive field EC. In addition, a relaxor‐like behavior with a frequency‐dependent Curie temperature Tm is observed, and high Curie temperature Tm around 380°C is obtained in the investigated system. This study suggests that the piezoelectric properties of BKT can be significantly improved by the means of Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 substitution.
The isothiocyanate erucin abrogates telomerase in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in an orthotopic xenograft tumour model of HCC
Authors: Herz Corinna , Hertrampf Anke , Zimmermann Stefan , Stetter Nadine , Wagner Meike , Kleinhans Claudia , Erlacher Miriam , Schüler Julia , Platz Stefanie , Rohn Sascha , Mersch‐Sundermann Volker , Lamy Evelyn 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn contrast to cancer cells, most normal human cells have no or low telomerase levels which makes it an attractive target for anti‐cancer drugs. The small molecule sulforaphane from broccoli is known for its cancer therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. In animals and humans it was found to be quickly metabolized into 4‐methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate (MTBITC, erucin) which we recently identified as strong selective apoptosis inducer in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Here, we investigated the relevance of telomerase abrogation for cytotoxic efficacy of MTBITC against HCC. The drug was effective against telomerase, independent from TP53 and MTBITC also blocked telomerase in chemoresistant subpopulations. By using an orthotopic human liver cancer xenograft model, we give first evidence that MTBITC at 50 mg/KG b.w./d significantly decreased telomerase activity in vivo without affecting enzyme activity of adjacent normal tissue. Upon drug exposure, telomerase decrease was consistent with a dose‐dependent switch to anti‐survival, cell arrest and apoptosis in our in vitro HCC models. Blocking telomerase by the specific inhibitor TMPyP4 further sensitized cancer cells to MTBITC‐mediated cytotoxicity. Overexpression of hTERT, but not enzyme activity deficient DNhTERT, protected against apoptosis; neither DNA damage nor cytostasis induction by MTBITC was prevented by hTERT overexpression. These findings imply that telomerase enzyme activity does not protect against MTBITC‐induced DNA damage but impacts signalling processes upstream of apoptosis execution level.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin compared with alpha‐glucosidase inhibitor in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin or pioglitazone alone (Study for an Ultimate Combination Therapy to Control Diabetes with Sitagliptin‐1): A multicenter, randomized, open‐label, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Yokoh Hidetaka , Kobayashi Kazuki , Sato Yasunori , Takemoto Minoru , Uchida Daigaku , Kanatsuka Azuma , Kuribayashi Nobuichi , Terano Takashi , Hashimoto Naotake , Sakurai Kenichi , Hanaoka Hideki , Ishikawa Ko , Onishi Shunichiro , Yokote Koutaro ,   the SUCCESS Study Group
Published: September 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo assess the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin compared with α‐glucosidase inhibitors in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin or pioglitazone alone.Materials and MethodsIn the present multicenter, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, active‐controlled, non‐inferiority trial, 119 patients aged 20–79 years with type 2 diabetes who had glycated hemoglobin 6.9–8.8% on stable metformin (500–1,500 mg/day) or pioglitazone (15–30 mg/day) alone were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the addition of sitagliptin (50 mg/day) or an α‐glucosidase inhibitor (0.6 mg/day voglibose or 150 mg/day miglitol) for 24 weeks. The primary end‐point was change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline to week 12. All data were analyzed according to the intention‐to‐treat principle.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, reductions in adjusted mean glycated hemoglobin from baseline were −0.70% in sitagliptin and −0.21% in the α‐glucosidase inhibitor groups respectively; between‐group difference was −0.49% (95% confidence interval −0.66 to −0.32, P < 0.0001), meeting the predefined non‐inferiority criterion (0.25%) and showing statistical significance. This statistical significance also continued after 24 weeks. Although sitagliptin did not affect bodyweight, α‐glucosidase inhibitors decreased bodyweight significantly from baseline (−0.39 kg; P = 0.0079). Gastrointestinal disorders were significantly lower with sitagliptin than with an α‐glucosidase inhibitor (6 [10.3%] patients vs 23 [39.7%]; P = 0.0003). Minor hypoglycemia occurred in two patients (3.5%) in each group.ConclusionsSitagliptin showed greater efficacy and better tolerability than an α‐glucosidase inhibitor when added to stable doses of metformin or pioglitazone. These findings support the use of sitagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by insulin‐sensitizing agents. This trial was registered with UMIN (no. 000004675).
Systematic implementation of evidence‐based practice in a clinical nursing setting: a participatory action research project
Authors: Friesen‐Storms Jolanda HHM , Moser Albine , van der Loo Sandra , Beurskens Anna JHM , Bours Gerrie JJW 
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectivesTo describe the process of implementing evidence‐based practice in a clinical nursing setting.BackgroundEvidence‐based practice has become a major issue in nursing, it is insufficiently integrated into daily practice and its implementation is complex.DesignParticipatory action research.MethodsThe main participants were nurses working in a lung unit of a rural hospital. A multi‐method process of data collection was used during the observing, reflecting, planning and acting phases. Data were continuously gathered during a 24‐month period from 2010 to 2012, and analysed using an interpretive constant comparative approach. Patients were consulted to incorporate their perspective.ResultsA best‐practice mode of working was prevalent on the ward. The main barriers to the implementation of evidence‐based practice were that nurses had little knowledge of evidence‐based practice and a rather negative attitude towards it, and that their English reading proficiency was poor. The main facilitators were that nurses wanted to deliver high‐quality care and were enthusiastic and open to innovation. Implementation strategies included a tailored interactive outreach training and the development and implementation of an evidence‐based discharge protocol. The academic model of evidence‐based practice was adapted. Nurses worked according to the evidence‐based practice discharge protocol but barely recorded their activities. Nurses favourably evaluated the participatory action research process.ConclusionsAction research provides an opportunity to empower nurses and to tailor evidence‐based practice to the practice context. Applying and implementing evidence‐based practice is difficult for front‐line nurses with limited evidence‐based practice competencies.Relevance to clinical practiceAdaptation of the academic model of evidence‐based practice to a more pragmatic approach seems necessary to introduce evidence‐based practice into clinical practice. The use of scientific evidence can be facilitated by using pre‐appraised evidence. For clinical practice, it seems relevant to integrate scientific evidence with clinical expertise and patient values in nurses' clinical decision‐making at the individual patient level.
Lower Buffet Prices Lead to Less Taste Satisfaction
Authors: Just David R. , Sığırcı Özge , Wansink Brian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA field experiment was conducted to assess how diners' taste evaluations change based on how much they paid for an all‐you‐can‐eat (AYCE) buffet. Diners at an AYCE restaurant were either charged $4 or $8 for an Italian lunch buffet. Their taste evaluation of each piece of pizza consumed was taken along with other measures of behavior and self‐perceptions. Their ratings were analyzed using 2 × 3 mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA). Diners who paid $4 for their buffet rated their initial piece of pizza as less tasty, less satisfactory and less enjoyable. A downward trend was exhibited for each of these measures with each additional piece (P = 0.02). Those who paid $8 did not experience the same decrement in taste, satisfaction and enjoyment. Paying less for an AYCE experience may face the unintended consequence of food that is both less enjoyable and rapidly declining in taste and enjoyability. In a sense, AYCE customers get what they pay for.Practical ApplicationsThis study demonstrates that when eating in a less expensive all‐you‐can‐eat (AYCE) buffet, people find the food less tasty. Such a consequence means a less enjoyable experience for the consumers, which may have implications for repeat purchase. By employing a low‐price strategy, AYCE restaurants can attract the initial business of customers. However, these customers may end up evaluating the food unfavorably. As a result, the low‐price strategy may not be as profitable in the long term. This study has implications for both consumers and restaurants.
VERTICAL VARIATIONS IN RESERVOIR GEOCHEMISTRY IN A PALAEOZOIC TRAP, EMBLA FIELD, OFFSHORE NORWAY
Authors: Abay T.B. , Karlsen D.A. , Ohm S.E. 
Published: September 2014

The Embla field, located in the Greater Ekofisk area (Norwegian North Sea), produces oil from Palaeozoic reservoir rocks comprising moderately to well sorted micaceous sandstones and silty mudstones. The reservoir is divided into “upper” and “lower” sandstones by a mudstone/siltstone succession, and is overlain by the Jurassic Tyne Group. Below are Palaeozoic mudstones and fractured rhyolites. Bitumen coatings on sand grains and in the fractured rhyolites have been recorded at Embla, and the bitumen may modify the dynamic response of the reservoir during production.In this paper, the organic geochemistry of core extracts and DST oil from well 2–7/26S were analysed by Iatroscan TLC‐FID, GC‐FID and GC‐MS in order to investigate heterogeneities in petroleum composition, thermal maturity and biodegradation between the lower and upper sandstones and the fractured rhyolites, and to investigate the trap filling history.The geochemical data suggest that the reservoir at Embla has received two pulses of oil. The first oil pulse represents a palaeo‐filling event which is interpreted to have charged the reservoir around the end of the Triassic. This oil was biodegraded in the reservoir which must therefore have been uplifted to depths of less than ca. 2km (equivalent to ca. 70°C). Because of later burial, the reservoir is at a depth of more than 4km at the present day. This palaeo‐oil is compositionally different to most North Sea oils, and may be derived from a source rock containing Type II kerogen. The second more recent oil pulse, comprising “Ekofisk” type oil, started to refill the Embla structure when the Kimmeridge‐equivalent Mandal Formation became thermally mature around the end of the Cretaceous. This second oil migrated along the Skrubbe Fault.Extracts from the upper and lower sandstones are medium to highly mature and show different biomarker and aromatic maturity signatures. The bitumen from the lower sandstone is more mature as indicated by ratios of diasteranes/(diasteranes + regular steranes), 20S/(20S + 20R) steranes, and calculated vitrinite reflectances. Bitumen from rhyolite samples shows the lowest maturity. This suggests that the oil trapped in the fractured rhyolites represents the early oil pulse which did not undergo in‐reservoir cracking or biodegradation after its emplacement.
Melatonin‐mediated β‐catenin activation protects neuron cells against prion protein‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Jeong Jae‐Kyo , Lee Ju‐Hee , Moon Ji‐Hong , Lee You‐Jin , Park Sang‐Youel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractActivation of β‐catenin in neurons regulates mitochondrial function and protects against protein misfolding disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. Melatonin, a natural secretory product of the pineal gland, exerts neuroprotective effects through the activation of β‐catenin. In this study, melatonin increased β‐catenin protein expression and activation in human neuroblastoma cell lines SH‐SY5Y cells. Melatonin also inhibited PrP (106–126)‐induced neurotoxicity and the inhibition attenuated by treatment of β‐catenin inhibitor ICG‐001. Activation of β‐catenin blocked PrP (106–126)‐mediated downregulation of anti‐apoptotic protein survivin and Bcl‐2. Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of Bax, and cytochrome c release which induced by PrP (106–126) treatment were inhibited by β‐catenin activation, which contributed to prevented PrP (106–126)‐induced neuronal cell death. In conclusion, β‐catenin activation by melatonin prevented PrP (106–126)‐induced neuronal cell death through regulating anti‐apoptotic proteins and mitochondrial pathways. These results also suggest the therapeutic value of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in prion‐related disorders as influenced by melatonin.
The fate of glycerol entering the rumen of dairy cows and sheep
Authors: Werner Omazic A. , Kronqvist C. , Zhongyan L. , Martens H. , Holtenius K. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis study investigated the fate of glycerol entering the rumen, in particular whether glycerol could be absorbed across the rumen epithelium. Three non‐lactating rumen‐fistulated cows were used to calculate the overall disappearance rate of glycerolin vivoand evaluate the rate of ruminal glycerol absorption. Rumen epithelial tissues isolated from sheep were used to characterise glycerol transport properties. The rate of rumen microbial degradation of glycerol was then studied in anin vitrosystem under anaerobic and thermo‐regulated conditions. The results showed that glycerol can be absorbed from the rumen in significant amounts. The fractional rate of absorption of glycerol was not affected by variations in glycerol concentration in the buffer solution in thein vivostudy. The glycerol absorption apparently occurred largely by passive diffusion and was probably not facilitated by carriers. Glycerol also disappeared via microbial digestion and outflow from the rumen through the omasal orifice.
Ca2+ signalling in plant immune response: from pattern recognition receptors to Ca2+ decoding mechanisms
Authors: Seybold Heike , Trempel Fabian , Ranf Stefanie , Scheel Dierk , Romeis Tina , Lee Justin 
Published: September 2014

SummaryCa2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger for cellular signalling in various stresses and developmental processes. Here, we summarize current developments in the roles of Ca2+ during plant immunity responses. We discuss the early perception events preceding and necessary for triggering cellular Ca2+ fluxes, the potential Ca2+‐permeable channels, the decoding of Ca2+ signals predominantly via Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation events and transcriptional reprogramming. To highlight the complexity of the cellular signal network, we briefly touch on the interplay between Ca2+‐dependent signalling and selected major signalling mechanisms – with special emphasis on reactive oxygen species at local and systemic levels.
In planta anthocyanin degradation by a vacuolar class III peroxidase in Brunfelsia calycina flowers
Authors: Zipor Gadi , Duarte Patrícia , Carqueijeiro Inês , Shahar Liat , Ovadia Rinat , Teper‐Bamnolker Paula , Eshel Dani , Levin Yishai , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Sottomayor Mariana , Oren‐Shamir Michal 
Published: September 2014

Summary

In contrast to detailed knowledge regarding the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, the largest group of plant pigments, little is known about their in planta degradation. It has been suggested that anthocyanin degradation is enzymatically controlled and induced when beneficial to the plant. Here we investigated the enzymatic process in Brunfelsia calycina flowers, as they changed color from purple to white.

We characterized the enzymatic process by which B. calycina protein extracts degrade anthocyanins. A candidate peroxidase was partially purified and characterized and its intracellular localization was determined. The transcript sequence of this peroxidase was fully identified.

A basic peroxidase, BcPrx01, is responsible for the in planta degradation of anthocyanins in B. calycina flowers. BcPrx01 has the ability to degrade complex anthocyanins, it co‐localizes with these pigments in the vacuoles of petals, and both the mRNA and protein levels of BcPrx01 are greatly induced parallel to the degradation of anthocyanins. Both isoelectric focusing (IEF) gel analysis and 3D structure prediction indicated that BcPrx01 is cationic.

Identification of BcPrx01 is a significant breakthrough both in the understanding of anthocyanin catabolism in plants and in the field of peroxidases, where such a consistent relationship between expression levels, in planta subcellular localization and activity has seldom been demonstrated.
Intraspecific genetic diversity and composition modify species‐level diversity–productivity relationships
Authors: Schöb Christian , Kerle Sarah , Karley Alison J. , Morcillo Luna , Pakeman Robin J. , Newton Adrian C. , Brooker Rob W. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Biodiversity regulates ecosystem functions such as productivity, and experimental studies of species mixtures have revealed selection and complementarity effects driving these responses. However, the impacts of intraspecific genotypic diversity in these studies are unknown, despite it forming a substantial part of the biodiversity.

In a glasshouse experiment we constructed plant communities with different levels of barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotype and weed species diversity and assessed their relative biodiversity effects through additive partitioning into selection and complementarity effects.

Barley genotype diversity had weak positive effects on aboveground biomass through complementarity effects, whereas weed species diversity increased biomass predominantly through selection effects. When combined, increasing genotype diversity of barley tended to dilute the selection effect of weeds.

We interpret these different effects of barley genotype and weed species diversity as the consequence of small vs large trait variation associated with intraspecific barley diversity and interspecific weed diversity, respectively. The different effects of intra‐ vs interspecific diversity highlight the underestimated and overlooked role of genetic diversity for ecosystem functioning.
Adjustments of embryonic photosynthetic activity modulate seed fitness in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Allorent Guillaume , Osorio Sonia , Ly Vu Joseph , Falconet Denis , Jouhet Juliette , Kuntz Marcel , Fernie Alisdair R. , Lerbs‐Mache Silva , Macherel David , Courtois Florence , Finazzi Giovanni 
Published: September 2014

Summary

In this work, we dissect the physiological role of the transient photosynthetic stage observed in developing seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana.

By combining biochemical and biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that despite similar features of the photosynthetic apparatus, light absorption, chloroplast morphology and electron transport are modified in green developing seeds, as a possible response to the peculiar light environment experienced by them as a result of sunlight filtration by the pericarp. In particular, enhanced exposure to far‐red light, which mainly excites photosystem I, largely enhances cyclic electron flow around this complex at the expenses of oxygen evolution.

Using pharmacological, genetic and metabolic analyses, we show that both linear and cyclic electron flows are important during seed formation for proper germination timing. Linear flow provides specific metabolites related to oxygen and water stress responses. Cyclic electron flow possibly adjusts the ATP to NADPH ratio to cope with the specific energy demand of developing seeds.

By providing a comprehensive scenario of the characteristics, function and consequences of embryonic photosynthesis on seed vigour, our data provide a rationale for the transient building up of a photosynthetic machinery in seeds.