bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increases in disturbance and reductions in habitat size interact to suppress predator body size
Authors: Jellyman Phillip G. , McHugh Peter A. , McIntosh Angus R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFood webs are strongly size‐structured so will be vulnerable to changes in environmental factors that affect large predators. However, mechanistic understanding of environmental controls of top predator size is poorly developed. We used streams to investigate how predator body size is altered by three fundamental climate change stressors: reductions in habitat size, increases in disturbance and warmer temperatures. Using new survey data from 74 streams, we showed that habitat size and disturbance were the most important stressors influencing predator body size. A synergistic interaction between that habitat size and disturbance due to flooding meant the sizes of predatory fishes peaked in large, benign habitats and their body size decreased as habitats became either smaller or harsher. These patterns were supported by experiments indicating that habitat‐size reductions and increased flood disturbance decreased both the abundance and biomass of large predators. This research indicates that interacting climate change stressors can influence predator body size, resulting in smaller predators than would be predicted from examining an environmental factor in isolation. Thus, climate‐induced changes to key interacting environmental factors are likely to have synergistic impacts on predator body size which, because of their influence on the strength of biological interactions, will have far‐reaching effects on food‐web responses to global environmental change.
Public and Private Debt: The Historical Record (1870–2010)
Authors: Schularick Moritz 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEconomists routinely emphasize the risks of excessive public borrowing, but tend to have a more benign view of private sector debt. In this study, I draw on recent comparative studies of the macroeconomic history of advanced economies since 1870. I synthesize four historical facts and argue that a more balanced view of public and private borrowing is warranted. First, while both public and private debts have increased markedly, private, not public debts have climbed to historically unprecedented levels. Second, outside war times, financial crises have typically originated in the private sector, yet the costs have increasingly been socialized. Third, the historical record shows that modern democracies have been relatively successful in managing their financial affairs, evidenced by a systematically positive response of primary balances to high debt ratios. Fourth, I demonstrate that private and public debt cycles have been tightly linked since the 1970s.
The role of national social protection floors in extending social security to all
Authors: Hagemejer Krzysztof , McKinnon Roddy 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn June 2011 the International Labour Conference (ILC) adopted a Resolution and Conclusions setting out the Organization's new social security strategy, which aims at supporting Members in building and maintaining comprehensive social security systems on the basis of a two‐dimensional approach: (1) (“horizontal” dimension) establishing – as a priority – nationally‐defined sets of basic social security guarantees to provide a floor of protection to all in need as soon as possible; (2) (“vertical” dimension) extending the scope and levels of social security coverage as guided by Convention No. 102 (1952) and other existing social security standards to as many people as possible and as soon as possible. In June 2012, the ILC completed this strategy with a new international labour standard: Recommendation concerning national floors of social protection, 2012 (No. 202). The Recommendation is deemed a breakthrough in global social policy, whereby the establishing of national social protection floors may close prevailing gaps in social security coverage and help countries to effectively address poverty and vulnerability. This special double issue offers analysis of the process that culminated in the Recommendation's adoption and addresses practical fiscal, legal, political and institutional challenges that must be addressed if the Recommendation's goals are to be successfully implemented.
Civil society and the social protection floor
Authors: van Ginneken Wouter 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCivil society wholeheartedly supports the concept of social protection floors and, in particular, the adoption of the ILO Recommendation concerning national floors of social protection, 2012 (No. 202). The implementation of social protection floors will be a great step forward towards the reduction of poverty and inequality as well as to the empowerment of people worldwide. The civil society movement is convinced that the rights‐based approach is the most effective way to design and implement empowering and sustainable social protection floors. With regard to the human rights‐based implementation of the social protection guarantees, it has four specific attention points: i) respect for the rights and dignity of people holding rights to social security; ii) full participation of civil society; iii) universal coverage at the local, national and international level; iv) and concern for vulnerable groups. Following the 101st International Labour Conference in 2012, 59 civil society organizations set up the “Coalition for a Social Protection Floor”, whose two main tasks are: to monitor and contribute to the universal implementation of social protection floors at local and national levels; and to promote the social protection floor concept in global policy‐making, such as in the discussions on the post‐2015 development agenda.
A multivariable definition of adequacy: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Brimblecombe Simon 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe adoption of the International Labour Organization Recommendation concerning national floors of social protection, 2012 (No. 202) highlights the global importance of the extension of social security coverage. To maximize the positive impacts of coverage extension, not only should benefits and services be provided to the widest number of people and cover the greatest number of risks, but benefits have to be adequate. Whilst not without challenges, the level of coverage can be defined and measured. However, the definition of what is an adequate benefit is often less clear and has often relied on the use of one measure – the replacement ratio – to determine the relative adequacy of cash benefits. Given the multiple aims of social security systems, the use of a broader measure of adequacy that goes beyond cash benefit levels is not only more appropriate but necessary. In a context where financial constraints are arguably greater than ever, this article looks at the importance of adequacy and why such a broader consideration is required to measure the other aspects of benefit and service provision. It highlights how such a multivariable analysis could be constructed and the challenges of doing so. By attempting to measure if other goals of benefit provision are met – including quality of service, labour market aims, security of benefits and interaction with other stakeholders – the article seeks to contribute to widening the debate.
A Screening of Class IIa Bacteriocins Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Mare Milk
Authors: Cui Yanhua , Zhang Chao , Wang Chao , Lv Xiaomeng , Chen Zhangting , Ding Zhongqing , Wang Yunfeng , Cui Hongyu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTwelve fermented mare milk samples were screened for class IIa bacteriocins based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The positive PCR products were cloned and sequenced. The sequences shared 99% identity to enterocin A‐coding gene. The lactic acid bacteria, which showed positive PCR results, were detected with antimicrobial activity by means of traditional well‐diffusion method. The strains C71 and C102 showed antimicrobial activity to Listeria sp. These strains showed a potential application in food preservation. The results also indicated the PCR screening method proposed in this study can be used for the screening of antimicrobial peptides of class IIa.Practical ApplicationsIn the present study, 44 class IIa bacteriocins from a wide range of lactic acid bacteria were included in a cluster analysis, and primers were designed on basis of the cluster analysis. We screened class IIa bacteriocin‐producing lactic acid bacteria that were isolated from traditional fermented mare milk by means of a PCR‐based assay. Two strains showed potential application in food preservation. The results indicated the PCR screening method proposed in this study can be used for the screening of antimicrobial peptides of class IIa. This method is still in an exploratory stage. It needs to be improved in the future.
Comparative transcriptional analysis of three human ligaments with distinct biomechanical properties
Authors: Lorda‐Diez Carlos I. , Canga‐Villegas Ana , Cerezal Luis , Plaza Santiago , Hurlé Juan M. , García‐Porrero Juan A. , Montero Juan A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOne major aim of regenerative medicine targeting the musculoskeletal system is to provide complementary and/or alternative therapeutic approaches to current surgical therapies, often involving the removal and prosthetic substitution of damaged tissues such as ligaments. For these approaches to be successful, detailed information regarding the cellular and molecular composition of different musculoskeletal tissues is required. Ligaments have often been considered homogeneous tissues with common biomechanical properties. However, advances in tissue engineering research have highlighted the functional relevance of the organisational and compositional differences between ligament types, especially in those with higher risks of injury. The aim of this study was to provide information concerning the relative expression levels of a subset of key genes (including extracellular matrix components, transcription factors and growth factors) that confer functional identity to ligaments. We compared the transcriptomes of three representative human ligaments subjected to different biomechanical demands: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); the ligamentum teres of the hip (LT); and the iliofemoral ligament (IL). We revealed significant differences in the expression of type I collagen, elastin, fibromodulin, biglycan, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth interacting factor 1, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha and transforming growth factor β‐induced gene between theILand the other two ligaments. Thus, considerable molecular heterogeneity can exist between anatomically distinct ligaments with differing biomechanical demands. However, theLTandACLwere found to show remarkable molecular homology, suggesting common functional properties. This finding provides experimental support for the proposed role of theLTas a hip joint stabiliser in humans.
A Statistical Agreement‐Based Approach for Difference Testing
Authors: Calle‐Alonso F. , Pérez C.J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA statistical approach based on measures of agreement is proposed for use in a sensory analysis context. This approach considers the idea of using statistical agreement to provide information on the homogeneity of the raters' responses, so that this information can then be used to discriminate between products. It can also be used to measure the expertise level of raters. Although the prime focus is on difference testing by the triangle test (ISO 4120:2008), the proposed methodology can also be applied in other contexts such as the paired comparison test (ISO 5495:2009) or the duo‐trio test (ISO 10399:2010), among others. The proposed approach is not a substitute for binomial statistical analysis, but rather it can be used as a complement. It is especially useful when few panelists are available and replications are needed. An experiment that evaluates two types of Iberian dry‐cured pork loins through the triangle test is performed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.Practical ApplicationsThe proposed methodology is very helpful for users of sensory analysis techniques, and especially for those focused on differentiation tests. It can complement the classical methodologies on this topic. It is especially useful when there are few raters and replications must be performed. It can also be applied to evaluate the accuracy of panelists being trained by an expert.
Comparison of Temporal–Sensory Methods for Beer Flavor Evaluation
Authors: Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Parker Debbie , Woods Eleanor 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDifferent studies that determine the evolution of single sensory attributes in beer have been conducted during recent years. Although results of these works are valuable, brewers need to know which technique is the most appropriate for obtaining a real‐time flavor profile of their products. Three different techniques that consider the evolution of flavors were used in the present study: time intensity (TI), temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and drinking profile (DP). Four main flavor attributes of three commercial beers were evaluated to determine the main differences in the obtained results. TI technique provided useful information to study the kinetics of particular attributes, and showed the main differences in the beer profiles. However, TI proved very time consuming, and because of the differences in the panelists' “signatures,” data were difficult to process. TDS and DP provided useful information when used as complementary techniques, but DP was also very time consuming.Practical ApplicationsResults of the present study provide essential information to brewers, who try to carefully select the best raw materials for making a beer with a specific flavor intensity and length. Some of the most important attributes in beer flavor were studied in different beer styles, providing: (1) a model of the “real‐time” drinking flavor profile that customers are experiencing; and (2) useful information about the utility of three different sensory methods.
Microneedle-mediated intrascleral delivery of in situ forming thermoresponsive implants for sustained ocular drug delivery
Authors: Thakur Raghu Raj Singh , Fallows Steven J , McMillan Hannah L , Donnelly Ryan F , Jones David S 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This paper describes use of minimally invasive hollow microneedle (HMN) to deliver in situ forming thermoresponsive poloxamer-based implants into the scleral tissue to provide sustained drug delivery.

Methods
In situ forming poloxamer formulations were prepared and investigated for their rheological properties. HMN devices 400, 500 and 600 μm in height were fabricated from hypodermic needles (i.e. 27, 29 and 30 G) and tested for depth of penetration into rabbit sclera. Maximum force and work required to expel different volumes of poloxamer formulations was also investigated. Release of fluorescein sodium (FS) from intrasclerally injected implants was also investigated. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to examine implant localisation and scleral pore-closure.

Key findings
Poloxamer formulations showed Newtonian behaviour at 20°C and pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behaviour at 37°C. Maximum force and work required to expel different volumes of poloxamer formulations with different needles ranged from 0.158 to 2.021 N and 0.173 to 6.000 N, respectively. OCT showed intrascleral localisation of implants and scleral pore-closure occurred within 2–3 h. Sustain release of FS was noticed over 24 h and varied with depth of implant delivery.

Conclusions
This study shows that the minimally invasive HMN device can localise in situ forming implants in the scleral tissue and provide sustained drug delivery.
How do tablet properties influence swallowing behaviours?
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Taniguchi Hiroshige , Hayashi Hirokazu , Hori Kazuhiro , Tsujimura Takanori , Nakamura Yuki , Sato Hideaki , Inoue Makoto 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Behavioural performance of tablet swallowing was evaluated with different tablet conditions in terms of size, number and surface coating.

Methods
Four different types of tablets were prepared: small or large, and with or without a surface coating. Fourteen normal male adults were instructed to swallow the prepared tablets with 15 ml of water. The number of tablets in one trial was changed from one to three. To evaluate swallowing and tablet transport, electromyographic activity was recorded in the left suprahyoid muscles, and videofluorographic images were examined.

Key findings
All tablet conditions (size, number and surface coating) affected the swallowing performance in terms of total number of swallows, electromyographic burst patterns and location of remaining tablets. Increases in the size and number of tablets increased the number of swallows and electromyographic burst area and duration. In addition, all of these parameters increased while swallowing tablets without a coating compared with tablets with a coating. Location of the remaining tablets was mainly within the mouth.

Conclusions
This study only clarified the normal pattern of tablet swallowing under several conditions in healthy subjects, but the results may facilitate comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning in terms of administering medication to dysphagic patients.
Patterns of nest reuse in forest raptors and their effects on reproductive output
Authors: Jiménez‐Franco M. V. , Martínez J. E. , Calvo J. F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe presence of old nest structures can be an influential resource in reuse patterns and reproductive output for some birds. We used 15‐year territorial occupancy data referring to the booted eagle Aquila pennata (a trans‐Saharan migrant) and the common buzzard Buteo buteo (a sedentary species in southeastern Spain) to analyse old nest effects in territorial settlement patterns (new territories, new establishments in old territories and reoccupancies), to describe the patterns of nest building versus nest reuse and to test whether nest building is costly in terms of current reproductive output. The results indicated that the rates of reoccupancy and new establishments in old territories were higher than the rates of creating new territories for both booted eagles (74.13, 23.35 and 2.52%, respectively) and common buzzards (58.25, 38.84 and 2.91%, respectively). When breeding pairs settled in old territories, we observed a noticeably lower pattern of nest building than nest reuse both in booted eagles (10.03 vs. 89.97%) and common buzzards (8.00 vs. 92.00%). The nest‐building rate by booted eagles was significantly lower in reoccupancies than in new establishments in old territories. Reproductive output for each species was not increased by nest reuse, although breeding success and productivity were significantly higher when newly established booted eagles constructed new nests than when reusing old nests. Our findings provides an interesting view on how forest raptors use old nests as important resources, probably taking them as location cues for nesting site selection and suggesting that unused nest sites should be left undisturbed since they could attract breeding raptor pairs in future years.
Development and validation of a set of standard area diagrams to aid in estimation of spot blotch severity on wheat leaves
Authors: Domiciano G. P. , Duarte H. S. S. , Moreira E. N. , Rodrigues F. A. 
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram (SAD) set to quantify the severity of spot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, on wheat leaves. The proposed SAD set includes images of leaves with 11 distinct disease severities (0·1, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 83%). The SAD set was validated by 12 raters without experience in evaluating plant disease. Lin's concordance correlation analysis of estimated versus actual disease severity (based on image analysis) showed that precision and accuracy improved for all raters using the SAD set in contrast to assessments made without it. The SAD set improved accuracy (coefficient of bias, Cb = 0·88 and 0·99, without and with the SAD set, respectively) and agreement (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, ρc = 0·81 and 0·96 without and with the SAD set, respectively) of the estimates of severity. The severity estimates were also more reliable when using the SAD set (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0·76 unaided and R2 = 0·92 with the SAD set, and intra‐class correlation ρ = 0·79 without the SAD set and ρ = 0·95 using the SAD set). The SAD set proposed in this study will improve the accuracy and reliability of estimates of spot blotch severity on wheat leaves.
Epidemiological comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA‐B*27 carrier status of Chinese Ankylosing Spondylitis patients
Authors: Yang M. , Xu M. , Pan X. , Hu Z. , Li Q. , Wei Y. , Zhang Y. , Rong J. , Zhai J. , He P. , Hu S. , Song H. , Wu H. , Zhan F. , Liu S. , Gao G. , Liu Z. , Li Y. , Shen L. , Huang A. , Lin Z. , Liao Z. , Cao S. , Wei Q. , Li Q. , Lv Q. , Qi J. , Li T. , Jin O. , Pan Y. , Gu J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate and compare the clinical manifestations between HLA‐B27+ and HLA‐B27− ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients in order to obtain knowledge of the impact of HLA‐B27 status on AS, and to inform clinical treatment. A nationwide epidemiological investigation was performed from November 2008 to October 2010. The demographic data and clinical characteristics, and the status of HLA‐B27 were collected using questionnaires and laboratory assay, respectively. A total of 2144 patients (78.5% males and 78.4% HLA‐B27+ AS patients) participated in this study. The percentages of males, patients with family history, and involvement of lumbar spine, thoracic spine and hip joints, were observed to be significantly higher in the HLA‐B27+ AS patients than in their HLA‐B27−AS peers.
Association of HLA‐G promoter and 14‐bp insertion–deletion variants with acute allograft rejection and end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Misra M. K. , Prakash S. , Kapoor R. , Pandey S. K. , Sharma R. K. , Agrawal S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the HLA‐G 14‐bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism among end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, acute allograft rejection (AR) and overall survival after renal transplantation was investigated in 300 ESRD patients and 302 age, sex and ethnicity‐matched controls. Sequencing was performed to evaluate the impact of HLA‐G promoter region single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) whereas semi‐quantitative PCR method was used to determine the probable HLA‐G expression pattern among ESRD and AR cases. Further, soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G (sHLA‐G) expression levels were compared in AR vs non‐AR cases in the light of HLA‐G 14‐bp I/D polymorphism. Increased risk was found for 14‐bp D/D (deletion‐DD) genotype and 14‐bp D allele [DD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–2.06, P value = 0.0358; D: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03–1.62, P value = 0.0277], respectively for ESRD and CMV infection (DD: OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.45–5.05, P value = 0.0021; D: OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.22–3.08, P value = 0.0052). Nearly fourfold (OR = 3.62, 95%CI = 1.61‐8.14, p = 0.0039) risk was observed for 14‐bp I/I (insertion‐II) genotype for AR. Survival analysis showed increased overall survival (OS) (AR or death) for 14‐bp D/D genotype. HLA‐G promoter region sequencing was carried out among 60 ESRD patients and 100 normal controls which showed increased risk for −964 G>A, −725 C>G/T and −486 A>C SNPs. −964 G>A and −725 C>G/T SNPs showed risk association for AR patients. High level of HLA‐G transcripts was observed among non‐AR patients. Further soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) showed increased levels in ESRD patients (mean ± SEM; 62.16 ± 2.43 U/ml) as compared to controls (mean ± SEM; 21.06 ± 3.89 U/ml) (P = <0.0001). The 14‐bp I/I, 14‐bp I/D and 14‐bp D/D genotypes showed significantly higher levels of sHLA‐G among non‐AR as compared to AR patients.