bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality in Ireland 1901 to 2006
Authors: Hall M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractOver the course of the 20th century Ireland moved from being a largely young population with a high death rate from infectious diseases to an increasingly older population with a consequent rise in chronic diseases. Understanding the changes that occurred in Irish mortality over the 20th century and how these changes compare with those experienced by similar countries can help us plan for the challenges of our aging population. This paper analyses trends in mortality in Ireland over the period 1901 to 2006 by age group, gender and five broad categories of cause of death – infectious diseases, circulatory diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer and external causes. To place the changes in an international context the trends are compared with those experienced by Northern Ireland and England and Wales. Ireland experienced the fastest improvements in mortality of the three regions in the early years of the 21st century. By 2006 the mortality of Irish males ranked between that of Northern Ireland and England and Wales while Irish females experienced the lowest mortality of the three regions. The improvement in Irish mortality in the 21st century can be attributed mainly to the drop in deaths from circulatory diseases for both males and females.
The impact of the food-based and nutrient-based standards on lunchtime food and drink provision and consumption in secondary schools in England
Authors: Nicholas Jo , Wood Lesley , Harper Clare , Nelson Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo assess lunchtime provision of food and drink in English secondary schools and the choices and consumption of food and drink by pupils having school lunches, and to compare provision in 2011 with that in 2004.DesignCross-sectional data collected between October 2010 and April 2011. In each school, food and drink provision, including portion weights and number of portions of each item served at lunchtime, were recorded over five consecutive days. Caterers provided recipe information.SettingEngland.SubjectsA random selection of 5969 pupils having school lunches in a nationally representative sample of eighty secondary schools in England.ResultsCompared with 2004, significantly more schools in 2011 provided main dishes, vegetables and salads, water, fruit juice and other drinks on 4 or 5 d/week (P < 0·005). The number of schools offering items not permitted under the food-based standards for school food on 4 or 5 d/week fell significantly over time (P < 0·005), while the number not offering these items on any day increased significantly (P < 0·005). Meals eaten by pupils were well-balanced in relation to macronutrients.ConclusionsLunchtime food provision and consumption in secondary schools have improved considerably since 2004, following the introduction of new compulsory standards for school food in 2009. To maximise their energy and nutrient intake at lunchtime, pupils should be encouraged to select a full meal, and to take and eat more fruit and vegetables. Schools also need continued support to increase the micronutrient content of menus and recipes.
Introduction to Special Issue: Japan's Crisis Management amid Growing Complexity: In Search of New Approaches
Authors: SAKAKI ALEXANDRA , LUKNER KERSTIN 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe 3/11 triple disaster, comprising the powerful earthquake, devastating tsunami, and nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear power complex, has drawn worldwide attention to Japan's crisis management capabilities. This article lays out key concepts used in analyzing crises and addresses major trends in contemporary crisis management endeavors. It then turns to the Japanese case, identifying six key themes in the debates about the country's crisis management capabilities. In tracing and exploring past reform efforts, the article assesses characteristics and highlights perceived deficiencies in Japan's approach. The final part provides a brief overview of the case studies presented in this special issue, pinpointing recurrent themes and enduring problems observed in recent crisis management efforts.
Crisis Management, LDP, and DPJ Style
Authors: KRAUSS ELLIS 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article asks the questions: Did the DPJ engage in crisis response and management differently than the LDP did? If so, why? If not, why not? In order to try to answer these questions systematically I use an inductive comparative method of choosing three equivalent ‘cases’ each under the LDP and the DPJ in which they responded to a similar type of crisis. The crises selected were Okinawa bases issues in 1995 (LDP) and 2009 (DPJ), Senkaku Islands under the LDP (2008) and DPJ (2010), and the Hanshin quake in 1995 (LDP) and Fukushima in 2011 (DPJ). This gave me a nice mix of intense, short-term cases to compare; one domestic (disaster-related), and two foreign (Okinawa bases with US; Senkaku/Daiyou conflict with China); coalition governments under LDP and DPJ (2009) of different kinds vs. single-party (other DPJ). A very brief description of each crisis will be followed by some generalizations comparing the two parties’ responses. I find that both parties had similar problems with information management, but that there were characteristic and predictable trade-offs of their different party decisionmaking structures and relations with the national bureaucracy. Finally, I mention some of the inherent structural problems of Japanese politics and policymaking that inhibit effective response regardless of the party in power.
The Crisis Management Capability of Japan's Self Defense Forces for UN Peacekeeping, Counter-Terrorism, and Disaster Relief
Authors: ISHIZUKA KATSUMI 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article examines the crisis management capabilities of Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF) in the areas of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief. The three types of overseas operations were all initiated by Japan as a response to international crises. While SDF crisis management capabilities for UN peacekeeping operations have steadily evolved, room for improvement remains. For example, Japan's commitment to logistic and rapid deployment missions could be strengthened. Regarding the second type of operations, counter-terrorism, Japan's crisis management capabilities were enhanced by the passing of a novel Anti-Terrorism Law in October 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. The law legalized a SDF oil-fuelling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of the US-led war on terror in Afghanistan. Compared to the first two types of missions, SDF crisis management capabilities in disaster relief are the least controversial. This is due to the nature of the SDF as politically neutral and their humanitarian and non-military activities. This article highlights and compares the strengths and weaknesses of Japan's capabilities in the three types of SDF overseas operations. It demonstrates that a number of problem areas remain, including the need for legal amendment as well as the enhancement of public support and political consensus. The Japanese government and the SDF should face up to these challenges so that Japan can become better positioned to react quickly to crisis situations that require the dispatch of the SDF.
Financial Crisis Fatigue? Politics behind Japan's Post-Global Financial Crisis Economic Contraction
Authors: KATADA SAORI N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite a relatively healthy financial sector, the Japanese economy contracted 6.3% in 2009 during the global financial crisis (GFC) after the Lehman shock, the starkest drop among the OECD countries. Since then, the Japanese economy has been slow to recover, although the Japanese government has implemented multiple economic stimulus packages with a high aggregate value.By tracing the Japanese government's response to the GFC in the critical months of October 2008 through the end of 2009, this study argues that the Japanese government failed to manage the crisis decisively due to institutional constraints derived, ironically, from the experiences that Japan gained from a series of financial crises in the 1990s and 2000s. Financial crisis fatigue constrained the supply of Japan's fiscal and monetary measures against the GFC and slowed political response. Furthermore, it made Japanese society unresponsive to these measures.
DPJ's Political Leadership in Response to the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Authors: SHINODA TOMOHITO 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the nuclear reactors in Fukushima. Prime Minister Naoto Kan took this crisis seriously, and made himself personally involved with damage control, especially during the first week. This study examines the responses to the incident by the prime minister's office.Universal wisdom is that crises are better handled at the level closest to which they occur. Shifting the decision making to the higher authority is needed when a crisis spills over the local boundary or when the local authority fails to deal with the situation. This is called ‘upscaling’.Frustrated by the lack of communication coming from the bureaucracy and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), Kan upscaled the decision making and began micromanaging damage control. The upscaling, however, did not contribute to improvement in the accident situation in most cases. Even in one case, it exacerbated it.On the other hand, upscaling made a significant difference when the TEPCO officials considered withdrawing from the accident. By upscaling to the higher authority, Kan stopped their withdrawal. After the establishment of a joint headquarters with TEPCO, the political leaders, instead of upscaling, moved down to a closer level to the accident and successfully coordinated the recovery work.
A separate structured conversation with relatives of patients enrolled for advanced palliative home care: A care development project
Authors: Carlsson Maria E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjective:One prerequisite for palliative home care is the relatives' participation in the care. The relatives' situation in palliative home care is unique, as they support the sick person and also have a great need for support themselves. The aim of this care development project was to develop and implement separate structured conversations (SSC) with relatives of patients of an advanced palliative home care team (APHCT).Method:During the project, 61 conversations were held and 55 relatives answered a questionnaire. The questionnaire, eight semistructured interviews with relatives, and three focus-group discussions with nurses constitute the material for the evaluation.Results:Relatives have difficulties separating the SSC from the APHCT's care as a whole. They underline that the SSC was a part of an ongoing process. They also emphasize the value of having a conversation of their own in which the patient was absent, and in which the focus was on the relative's situation. For some, the conversation took place at the APHCT premises. The advantages of that were more privacy and the opportunity to walk around the inpatient palliative care units. The main problem during the project was conducting the SSC soon after the patient was enrolled with the APHCT.Significance of results:Routinely offering one separate structured conversation with relatives with the intention of answering questions, talking about their willingness to provide care in the home, and mapping out their situation and social network, is a way to support both the relatives and the patients. The common structure of the conversations facilitated the assessment of the relatives' situation but did not hinder individualization according to the relatives' needs. The assumption is that all relatives should be offered a conversation.
Breathlessness in everyday life from a patient perspective: A qualitative study using diaries
Authors: Ahmadi Nasser S. , Månsson Jörgen , Lindblad Ulf , Hildingh Cathrine 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjective:Breathlessness is a subjective symptom, which makes it difficult to define and understand. The aim of the present study was to illuminate how patients suffering from breathlessness experience their everyday life.Method:The study was a qualitative study, and the focus of the analysis was the patients' descriptions of their experiences of breathlessness using a diary with two unstructured questions for a period of 7 consecutive days. Sixteen participants: 7 men, mean age 65 ± 7 (range 55–73 years old), and 9 women, mean age 65 ± 9 (range 50–72 years old) participated in the study.Results:Two themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Impaired quality of life and 2) symptom tolerance and adaptation. The theme “impaired quality of life” included the categories limited physical ability, psychological burdens, and social life barriers. The theme “symptom tolerance and adaptation” included importance of health care, social support, hobbies and leisure activities, and coping strategies.Significance of results:The findings in our study showed that patients, in spite of considerable difficulties with shortness of breath, found relief in several types of activities, in addition to drug therapy. The result indicates that the “biopsychosocial model” is an appealing approach that should be discussed further to gain a better understanding of breathlessness.
The paradox of elongation factor 4: highly conserved, yet of no physiological significance?
Authors: Zhang Dejiu , Qin Yan 
Published: May 2013

LepA [EF4 (elongation factor 4)] is a highly conserved protein found in nearly all known genomes. EF4 triggers back-translocation of the elongating ribosome, causing the translation machinery to move one codon backwards along the mRNA. Knockout of the corresponding gene in various bacteria results in different phenotypes; however, the physiological function of the factor in vivo is unclear. Although functional research on Guf1 (GTPase of unknown function 1), the eukaryotic homologue of EF4, showed that it plays a critical role under suboptimal translation conditions in vivo, its detailed mechanism has yet to be identified. In the present review we briefly cover recent advances in our understanding of EF4, including in vitro structural and biochemical studies, and research on its physiological role in vivo. Lastly, we present a hypothesis for back-translocation and discuss the directions future EF4 research should focus on.
Reactive centre loop mutants of α-1-antitrypsin reveal position-specific effects on intermediate formation along the polymerization pathway
Authors: Haq Imran , Irving James A. , Faull Sarah V. , Dickens Jennifer A. , Ordóñez Adriana , Belorgey Didier , Gooptu Bibek , Lomas David A. 
Published: May 2013

The common severe Z mutation (E342K) of α1-antitrypsin forms intracellular polymers that are associated with liver cirrhosis. The native fold of this protein is well-established and models have been proposed from crystallographic and biophysical data for the stable inter-molecular configuration that terminates the polymerization pathway. Despite these molecular ‘snapshots’, the details of the transition between monomer and polymer remain only partially understood. We surveyed the RCL (reactive centre loop) of α1-antitrypsin to identify sites important for progression, through intermediate states, to polymer. Mutations at P14P12 and P4, but not P10P8 or P2P1′, resulted in a decrease in detectable polymer in a cell model that recapitulates the intracellular polymerization of the Z variant, consistent with polymerization from a near-native conformation. We have developed a FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer)-based assay to monitor polymerization in small sample volumes. An in vitro assessment revealed the position-specific effects on the unimolecular and multimolecular phases of polymerization: the P14P12 region self-inserts early during activation, while the interaction between P6P4 and β-sheet A presents a kinetic barrier late in the polymerization pathway. Correspondingly, mutations at P6P4, but not P14P12, yield an increase in the overall apparent activation energy of association from ~360 to 550 kJ mol−1.
Phase transition behavior and electrical properties of lead-free (Ba1−xCax)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Tian Ye , Chao Xiaolian , Wei Lingling , Liang Pengfei , Yang Zupei 
Published: May 2013

Lead-free (Ba1−xCax)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3(BCZT) ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state sintering process. The Ca ion substitutions on phase transition behavior, microstructure, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of BCZT ceramics were systemically investigated. The diffuse phase transition (DPT) behavior was suppressed, while the orthorhombic → tetragonal (O→T) and rhombohedral → orthorhombic (R→O) phase transitions were observed when the Ca content is at x = 0.05. Further increasing the Ca content, the DPT behavior gradually enhanced, and both the O→T and R→O phase transitions gradually evolved into R→T phase transition when the Ca content increases up to 0.15 at 25 °C. This behavior was related with phase structure and morphology, which significantly impacted the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties near the R→T phase boundary. As a result, the sample with Ca contents of 0.15 shows the outstanding piezoelectric properties (with d33 = 572 pC/N, kp = 57%, Qm = 125, εr = 4821, and tan δ = 0.015) while negligible change for the ferroelectric properties. The abnormal ferroelectric behavior and potential factor contributing to large piezoelectric response also were discussed.
Structural Determinants at the Interface of the ARC2 and Leucine-Rich Repeat Domains Control the Activation of the Plant Immune Receptors Rx1 and Gpa2
Authors: Slootweg Erik J. , Spiridon Laurentiu N. , Roosien Jan , Butterbach Patrick , Pomp Rikus , Westerhof Lotte , Wilbers Ruud , Bakker Erin , Bakker Jaap , Petrescu Andrei-José , Smant Geert , Goverse Aska 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Many plant and animal immune receptors have a modular nucleotide-binding-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) architecture in which a nucleotide-binding switch domain, NB-ARC, is tethered to a LRR sensor domain. The cooperation between the switch and sensor domains, which regulates the activation of these proteins, is poorly understood. Here, we report structural determinants governing the interaction between the NB-ARC and LRR in the highly homologous plant immune receptors Gpa2 and Rx1, which recognize the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida and Potato virus X, respectively. Systematic shuffling of polymorphic sites between Gpa2 and Rx1 showed that a minimal region in the ARC2 and N-terminal repeats of the LRR domain coordinate the activation state of the protein. We identified two closely spaced amino acid residues in this region of the ARC2 (positions 401 and 403) that distinguish between autoactivation and effector-triggered activation. Furthermore, a highly acidic loop region in the ARC2 domain and basic patches in the N-terminal end of the LRR domain were demonstrated to be required for the physical interaction between the ARC2 and LRR. The NB-ARC and LRR domains dissociate upon effector-dependent activation, and the complementary-charged regions are predicted to mediate a fast reassociation, enabling multiple rounds of activation. Finally, we present a mechanistic model showing how the ARC2, NB, and N-terminal half of the LRR form a clamp, which regulates the dissociation and reassociation of the switch and sensor domains in NB-LRR proteins.
Dynamic Adaption of Metabolic Pathways during Germination and Growth of Lily Pollen Tubes after Inhibition of the Electron Transport Chain
Authors: Obermeyer Gerhard , Fragner Lena , Lang Veronika , Weckwerth Wolfram 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Investigation of the metabolome and the transcriptome of pollen of lily (Lilium longiflorum) gave a comprehensive overview of metabolic pathways active during pollen germination and tube growth. More than 100 different metabolites were determined simultaneously by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and expressed genes of selected metabolic pathways were identified by next-generation sequencing of lily pollen transcripts. The time-dependent changes in metabolite abundances, as well as the changes after inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, revealed a fast and dynamic adaption of the metabolic pathways in the range of minutes. The metabolic state prior to pollen germination differed clearly from the metabolic state during pollen tube growth, as indicated by principal component analysis of all detected metabolites and by detailed observation of individual metabolites. For instance, the amount of sucrose increased during the first 60 minutes of pollen culture but decreased during tube growth, while glucose and fructose showed the opposite behavior. Glycolysis, tricarbonic acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, starch, and fatty acid degradation were activated, providing energy during pollen germination and tube growth. Inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain by antimycin A resulted in an immediate production of ethanol and a fast rearrangement of metabolic pathways, which correlated with changes in the amounts of the majority of identified metabolites, e.g. a rapid increase in γ-aminobutyric acid indicated the activation of a γ-aminobutyric acid shunt in the tricarbonic acid cycle, while ethanol fermentation compensated the reduced ATP production after inhibition of the oxidative phosphorylation.
Earnings announcements and the components of the bid‐ask spread
Authors: Gregoriou Andros 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the components of the bid‐ask spread around earnings announcements on the London Stock Exchange using intraday data obtained from the ICV Marketeye database. The paper finds that the information asymmetry cost component significantly increases around the earnings announcements, while the inventory holding and order processing cost components significantly decrease around the same period. Specifically, the economic magnitude of the increase in the asymmetric cost component implies that earnings announcements significantly increase the total bid‐ask spread, even when they result in decreased inventory holding and order processing costs.Design/methodology/approachLiquidity in financial markets around earnings announcements in the London Stock Exchange obtained by bid‐ask spread decompositions.FindingsThis paper investigates the impact of earnings announcements on the components of the bid‐ask spread on the London Stock Exchange using intraday data. The fundamental conclusion from the empirical findings is that the bid‐ask spread increases once the earnings have been announced, because the market makers' increased concerns about asymmetric information is more pronounced, than the lower inventory and order processing costs due to the higher levels of trading volume. This empirical finding also holds when the earnings announcements are partitioned into positive and negative surprises.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to decompose the bid‐ask spread around earnings announcements on the London Stock Exchange. The paper uses a unique intraday dataset.