bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil C and N availability determine the priming effect: microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories
Authors: Chen Ruirui , Senbayram Mehmet , Blagodatsky Sergey , Myachina Olga , Dittert Klaus , Lin Xiangui , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe increasing input of anthropogenically derived nitrogen (N) to ecosystems raises a crucial question: how does available N modify the decomposer community and thus affects the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). Moreover, N input modifies the priming effect (PE), that is, the effect of fresh organics on the microbial decomposition of SOM. We studied the interactive effects of C and N on SOM mineralization (by natural 13C labelling adding C4‐sucrose or C4‐maize straw to C3‐soil) in relation to microbial growth kinetics and to the activities of five hydrolytic enzymes. This encompasses the groups of parameters governing two mechanisms of priming effects – microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories. In sole C treatments, positive PE was accompanied by a decrease in specific microbial growth rates, confirming a greater contribution of K‐strategists to the decomposition of native SOM. Sucrose addition with N significantly accelerated mineralization of native SOM, whereas mineral N added with plant residues accelerated decomposition of plant residues. This supports the microbial mining theory in terms of N limitation. Sucrose addition with N was accompanied by accelerated microbial growth, increased activities of β‐glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase, and decreased activities of xylanase and leucine amino peptidase. This indicated an increased contribution of r‐strategists to the PE and to decomposition of cellulose but the decreased hemicellulolytic and proteolytic activities. Thus, the acceleration of the C cycle was primed by exogenous organic C and was controlled by N. This confirms the stoichiometric decomposition theory. Both K‐ and r‐strategists were beneficial for priming effects, with an increasing contribution of K‐selected species under N limitation. Thus, the priming phenomenon described in ‘microbial N mining’ theory can be ascribed to K‐strategists. In contrast, ‘stoichiometric decomposition’ theory, that is, accelerated OM mineralization due to balanced microbial growth, is explained by domination of r‐strategists.
Cost and potential of carbon abatement from the UK perennial energy crop market
Authors: Alexander Peter , Moran Dominic , Rounsevell Mark D. A. , Hillier Jonathan , Smith Pete 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBiomass produced from perennial energy crops is expected to contribute to UK renewable energy targets, reducing the carbon intensity of energy production. The UK government has had incentive policies in place targeting both farmers and power plant investors to develop this market, but growth has been slower than anticipated. Market expansion requires the interaction of farmers growing these crops, with the construction of biomass power plants or other facilities to consume them. This study uses an agent‐based model to investigate behaviour of the UK energy crop market and examines the cost of emission abatement that the market might provide. The model is run for various policy scenarios attempting to answer the following questions: Do existing policies for perennial energy crops provide a cost‐effective mechanism in stimulating the market to achieve emissions abatement? What are the relative benefits of providing incentives to farmers or energy producers? What are the trade‐offs between increased or decreased subsidy levels and the rate and level of market uptake, and hence carbon abatement? The results suggest that maintaining the energy crop scheme, which provides farmers' establishment grants, can increase both the emissions abatement potential and cost‐effectiveness. A minimum carbon equivalent abatement cost is seen at intermediate subsidy levels for energy generation. This suggests that there is an optimum level that cost‐effectively stimulates the market to achieve emissions reduction.
Middle region of FancM interacts with Mhf and Rmi1 in silkworms, a species lacking the Fanconi anaemia (FA) core complex
Authors: Sugahara R. , Mon H. , Lee J. M. , Kusakabe T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway is responsible for interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair. Among the FA core complex components, FANCM is believed to act as a damage sensor for the ICL‐blocked replication fork and also as a molecular platform for FA core complex assembly and interaction with Bloom's syndrome (BS) complex that is thought to play an important role in the processing of DNA structures such as stalled replication forks. In the present study, we found that in silkworms, Bombyx mori, a species lacking the major FA core complex components (FANCA, B, C, E, F, and G), FancM is required for FancD2 monoubiquitination and cell proliferation in the presence of mitomycin C (MMC). Silkworm FancM (BmFancM) was phosphorylated in the middle regions, and the modification was associated with its subcellular localization. In addition, BmFancM interacted with Mhf1, a histone‐fold protein, and Rmi1, a subunit of the BS complex, in the different regions. The interaction region containing at least these two protein‐binding domains played an essential role in FancM‐dependent resistance to MMC. Our results suggest that BmFancM also acts as a platform for recruitment of both the FA protein and the BS protein, although the silkworm genome seems to lose FAAP24, a FancM‐binding partner protein in mammals.
Socle de protection sociale et gouvernance sociale mondiale: vers des synergies politiques et une coopération entre les organisations internationales
Authors: Deacon Bob 
Published: November 2013

RésuméLe présent article examine l'influence exercée par l’Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT) sur les autres organisations internationales et les institutions mondiales afin qu'elles soutiennent le concept de socle de protection sociale (SPS). Il a été approuvé en 2012 par les Nations Unies sous la forme de l'initiative SPS adoptée par le Conseil des chefs de secrétariat des organismes des Nations Unies, par la Banque mondiale, qui l'a intégré à sa nouvelle stratégie pour la protection sociale et l'emploi, et par le G20 lors du Sommet de Cannes. Le Fonds monétaire international a par ailleurs accepté de collaborer avec l’OIT sur les différentes possibilités de créer un espace budgétaire permettant de financer les SPS. En 2012 également, les Rapporteurs spéciaux du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies ont demandé la constitution d'un fonds mondial de protection sociale pour permettre aux pays les plus pauvres de créer leurs propres socles. Enfin, une nouvelle autorité de coordination, le Conseil de coopération interinstitutions pour la protection sociale (SPIAC‐B), a vu le jour en 2012 pour faciliter la coopération entre les institutions internationales. Le présent article décrit et explique ces différents événements. Il examine si le renforcement apparent de la coopération entre les instances de gouvernance sociale mondiales dans le domaine de la protection sociale est réel ou s’il existe des contradictions, un chevauchement des activités ou une concurrence entre les différents mandats, ou des désaccords politiques à l'échelle internationale.
La société civile et les socles de protection sociale
Authors: van Ginneken Wouter 
Published: November 2013

RésuméLa société civile soutient pleinement le concept de socle de protection sociale et, en particulier, l'adoption de la recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012, de l'Organisation internationale du Travail. La mise en œuvre des socles de protection sociale permettra de réaliser de formidables progrès au niveau mondial, tant pour réduire la pauvreté et les inégalités que pour favoriser la capacité d'action des individus. Le mouvement de la société civile est convaincu qu'une approche fondée sur les droits humains constitue la façon la plus efficace de concevoir et de mettre en œuvre des socles de protection sociale mobilisateurs et durables. En ce qui concerne la mise en œuvre, fondée sur les droits humains, des garanties de sécurité sociale, elle est principalement axée sur les quatre objectifs suivants: 1) le respect des droits et de la dignité des personnes détenant des droits en matière de sécurité sociale; 2) la pleine participation de la société civile; 3) la couverture universelle à l'échelon local, national et international; et 4) la prise en compte des besoins spécifiques des groupes vulnérables. Dans le sillage de la 101e session de la Conférence internationale du Travail, tenue en 2012, 59 organisations de la société civile ont cré
é la Coalition pour les socles de protection sociale, qui a deux principales missions: 1) surveiller la mise en œuvre universelle des socles de protection sociale, aux niveaux local et national, et y contribuer; et 2) promouvoir le concept de socle de protection sociale dans le cadre des processus d'élaboration des politiques mondiales, tels que les discussions sur le Programme de développement des Nations Unies pour l'après‐2015.
La recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012: compléter les normes de sécurité sociale pour combler le déficit de couverture
Authors: Kulke Ursula , Guilbault Emmanuelle Saint‐Pierre 
Published: November 2013

RésuméEn juin 2012, la 101e Conférence internationale du Travail a adopté la recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012. Le présent article étudie les liens et la complémentarité existant entre cette recommandation et les normes de sécurité sociale déjà définies par l'Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT). Après avoir examiné si ces normes ont perdu de leur pertinence et si la nouvelle recommandation a été précisément adoptée afin de les remplacer, l'article conclut que cette recommandation complète, élargit et renforce le code international de la sécurité sociale existant déjà. La recommandation no 202 et les conventions de la sécurité sociale de l’OIT constituent un cadre normatif adapté et complet permettant de créer et de pérenniser des systèmes globaux de sécurité sociale.
Révision des politiques pour une avancée vers une couverture universelle en soins de santé dans les pays à faible revenu: garantir les résultats positifs des socles nationaux de protection sociale
Authors: Scheil‐Adlung Xenia 
Published: November 2013

RésuméMalgré les progrès réalisés en matière d'extension de la couverture des soins de santé, la plupart des pays à faible revenu sont encore loin d'atteindre la couverture médicale universelle et, par conséquent, les améliorations dans le domaine, telles que celles établies par les objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement, ne seront très probablement pas réalisées d'ici à 2015. Les premiers touchés par ce retard sont les plus vulnérables: les pauvres des zones urbaines et rurales, ainsi que les travailleurs de l'économie informelle et leur famille. La situation est réellement préoccupante dans la mesure où non seulement le progrès risque d'être limité, mais on pourrait même connaître un recul si les politiques continuent de ne pas traiter les causes profondes des brèches et des lacunes de la couverture sanitaire. Nous montrons dans cet article que les causes sont
à la fois internes et externes au secteur de la santé, et qu'elles sont intimement liées à la pauvreté et à d'autres formes de vulnérabilité. Nous expliquons que les progrès durables vers la couverture médicale universelle ne pourront être réalisés dans un laps de temps raisonnable que si l'on concentre les efforts à la fois sur a) l'extension de la couverture médicale et l'amélioration de l'accès aux soins de santé nécessaires; b) la garantie d'une sécurité des revenus grâce à une aide au revenu accordée aux personnes dans le besoin; c) l'élimination des limites à générer des revenus par le travail ou l'incapacité à le faire; et d) la mise en œuvre de politiques cohérentes autant au sein de chacun des secteurs qui a pour priorité la réduction de la pauvreté, comme les secteurs économique et sanitaire, qu'entre eux. La meilleure façon de mettre en œuvre ces politiques est de le faire dans le cadre de socles nationaux de protection sociale qui portent sur l'accès au moins aux soins de santé essentiels et sur la garantie d'une sécurité des revenus de base au cours du cycle de vie des personnes dans le besoin. La mise en place des socles de protection sociale permettra peut‐être de rompre les liens entre la mauvaise santé, la pauvreté et d'autres vulnérabilités, et de réaliser des progrès durables dans le sens d'une couverture universelle des soins de santé et d'autres objectifs de protection sociale.
Seminal, clinical and colour‐Doppler ultrasound correlations of prostatitis‐like symptoms in males of infertile couples
Authors: Lotti F. , Corona G. , Mondaini N. , Maseroli E. , Rossi M. , Filimberti E. , Noci I. , Forti G. , Maggi M. 
Published: November 2013

Summary‘Prostatitis‐like symptoms’ (PLS) are a cluster of bothersome conditions defined as ‘perineal and/or ejaculatory pain or discomfort and National Institutes of Health‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) pain subdomain score ≥4’ (Nickel's criteria). PLS may originate from the prostate or from other portions of the male genital tract. Although PLS could be associated with ‘prostatitis’, they should not be confused. The NIH‐CPSI is considered the gold‐standard for assessing PLS severity. Although previous studies investigated the impact of prostatitis, vesiculitis or epididymitis on semen parameters, correlations between their related symptoms and seminal or scrotal/transrectal colour‐Doppler ultrasound (CDU) characteristics have not been carefully determined. And no previous study evaluated the CDU features of PLS in infertile men. This study was aimed at investigating possible associations among NIH‐CPSI (total and subdomain) scores and PLS, with seminal, clinical and scrotal/transrectal CDU parameters in a cohort of males of infertile couples. PLS of 400 men (35.8 ± 7.2 years) with a suspected male factor were assessed by the NIH‐CPSI. All patients underwent, during the same day, semen analysis, seminal plasma interleukin 8 (sIL‐8, a marker of male genital tract inflammation), biochemical evaluation, urine/seminal cultures, scrotal/transrectal CDU. PLS was detected in 39 (9.8%) subjects. After adjusting for age, waist and total testosterone (TT), no association among NIH‐CPSI (total or subdomain) scores or PLS and sperm parameters was observed. However, we found a positive association with current positive urine and/or seminal cultures, sIL‐8 levels and CDU features suggestive of inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, but not of the testis. The aforementioned significant associations of PLS were further confirmed by comparing PLS patients with age‐, waist‐ and TT‐matched PLS‐free patients (1 : 3 ratio). In conclusion, NIH‐CPSI scores and PLS evaluated in males of infertile couples, are not related to sperm parameters, but mainly to clinical and CDU signs of infection/inflammation.
Visual Habituation Paradigm With Adults With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A New Way for Cognitive Assessment?
Authors: Chard Melissa , Roulin Jean‐Luc , Bouvard Martine 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe use of common psychological assessment tools is invalidated with persons with PIMD. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of using a visual habituation procedure with a group of adults with PIMD, to develop a new theoretical and practical framework for the assessment of cognitive abilities.MethodsTo test the existence of the habituation/novelty reaction phenomenon with adults with PIMD, fifteen participants were exposed repeatedly to two different objects, following the principles of a participant‐controlled procedure.ResultsBoth qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out. Participants presented the same habituation profiles generally obtained in infancy research.ConclusionStimulus presentation has a significant impact on the participants' visual behaviour and fixation measurement appears to be an interesting indicator as to how an individual with PIMD is able to process external information. The elaboration of perceptual tasks based on a visual habituation method is one of the major implications of these results.
Cordycepin activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) via interaction with the γ1 subunit
Authors: Wu Chongming , Guo Yanshen , Su Yan , Zhang Xue , Luan Hong , Zhang Xiaopo , Zhu Huixin , He Huixia , Wang Xiaoliang , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo , Guo Peng , Zhu Ping 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCordycepin is a bioactive component of the fungus Cordyceps militaris. Previously, we showed that cordycepin can alleviate hyperlipidemia through enhancing the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), but the mechanism of this stimulation is unknown. Here, we investigated the potential mechanisms of cordycepin‐induced AMPK activation in HepG2 cells. Treatment with cordycepin largely reduced oleic acid (OA)‐elicited intracellular lipid accumulation and increased AMPK activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Cordycepin‐induced AMPK activation was not accompanied by changes in either the intracellular levels of AMP or the AMP/ATP ratio, nor was it influenced by calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) inhibition; however, this activation was significantly suppressed by liver kinase B1 (LKB1) knockdown. Molecular docking, fluorescent and circular dichroism measurements showed that cordycepin interacted with the γ1 subunit of AMPK. Knockdown of AMPKγ1 by siRNA substantially abolished the effects of cordycepin on AMPK activation and lipid regulation. The modulating effects of cordycepin on the mRNA levels of key lipid regulatory genes were also largely reversed when AMPKγ1 expression was inhibited. Together, these data suggest that cordycepin may inhibit intracellular lipid accumulation through activation of AMPK via interaction with the γ1 subunit.
Structured Eurobonds: Limiting Liability and Distributing Profits
Authors: Hild Alexandra M.D. , Herz Bernhard , Bauer Christian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this article, an alternative eurobond approach is developed by applying an asset‐backed security (ABS) transaction to a pool of eurozone sovereign bonds. Based on the new approach two different rules to distribute the associated interest gains are analyzed. Within the ABS structure a special purpose vehicle buys a portfolio of eurozone sovereign bonds (pooling) and issues a set of subordinated eurobonds with varying risk and rating (tranching). A large share of less risky securities is created as structuring concentrates the default risk in one part of the capital structure. A trust fund covers first losses in case of a country default. This approach has three major advantages. First, all eurozone countries can gain from eurobonds. These benefits are driven by partial liability, which also limits moral hazard, and the distribution of interest gains to all participating countries. Second, the approach is very flexible and quickly implementable. Finally, it is in line with European Union law.
Oral glucose‐stimulated serum C‐peptide predicts successful switching from insulin therapy to liraglutide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment
Authors: Araki Hisazumi , Tanaka Yuki , Yoshida Syohei , Morita Yoshikata , Kume Shinji , Isshiki Keiji , Araki Shin‐ichi , Uzu Takashi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Maegawa Hiroshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionIn Japan, liraglutide was recently approved for patients with type 2 diabetes. To our knowledge, there are no markers predicting successful switching from insulin therapy to liraglutide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. We therefore assessed clinical characteristics predicting successful switching.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed 21 patients with type 2 diabetes and estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 receiving long‐term insulin in Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Their β‐cell function was assessed by measuring urinary C‐peptide and C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) index, along with glucagon loading and oral glucose tolerance tests. Blood glucose concentration and blood pressure were measured daily before and after switching from insulin to liraglutide, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program) was assessed 12 weeks after switching to liraglutide.ResultsBaseline HbA1c was significantly lower in successfully switched than in unsuccessfully switched patients. CPR index, urinary C‐peptide concentration and 6‐min post‐glucagon increment in CPR (ΔCPR) did not differ significantly in the two groups. ΔCPR 120 min after 75 g oral glucose was significantly higher in successfully than unsuccessfully switched patients. Mean blood glucose concentrations before breakfast, after breakfast, before lunch and after dinner were significantly lower in successfully switched patients. HbA1c did not change significantly in either group.ConclusionsMeasurement of oral glucose‐stimulated ΔCPR120 min is recommended when considering switching Japanese type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment from insulin to liraglutide monotherapy.
Intralesional bevacizumab as in‐add adjuvant to immunocryosurgery for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gaitanis G. , Bassukas I.D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a tumour that relies mainly on aerobic energy assimilation for growth and depends on an extensive microvascular network to support adequate oxygen supply. In this tumour, higher expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been described to correlate with increased microvessel density and more aggressive biologic behaviour.ObjectiveTo report feasibility and effectiveness of intralesional bevacizumab, an anti‐VEGF antibody, as an in‐add adjuvant to immunocryosurgery (cryosurgery sessions during daily topical imiquimod application) for the treatment of locally advanced BCC.MethodSeven patients (six uncontrollable or extensive local disease; one tumour unresponsive to repeated immunocryosurgery) were treated with 1–3 sessions of intralesional injections of bevacizumab (25 mg) at the day of cryosurgery during ongoing immunocryosurgery. Follow‐up after treatment was 18–48 months.ResultsIn 4/7 cases tumours cleared completely and 3/7 remained relapse free during follow‐up. A relapsed tumour and a further case that did not clear after repeated immunocryosurgery cycles were excised with significantly reduced burden of surgery. Finally, two cases with previously locally uncontrollable BCC tumours regressed significantly and stabilized.ConclusionIn‐add intralesional bevacizumab is a feasible and potentially effective addition to minimally invasive schemes for the treatment of locally advanced BCC.