bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate, Trade and Water: A ‘Grand Coalition’?
Authors: Messerlin Patrick 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe paper argues first that the climate, trade and water communities should leave aside their prejudices, and it provides clear evidence that the three communities confront the same vested interests when trying to solve their common problem of free riding. Then, it argues that such strong similarities speak in favour of ‘sister’ world regimes in these three domains. These sister regimes should first share the key principles of non‐discrimination (national treatment (NT) and most favoured nation) embodied in the WTO. Second, by contrast, the climate and water communities should review the other WTO rules to adapt them to their specific demands when needed. Interestingly, when doing so, these two communities may provide much needed inspiration for improving some rules of the current trade regime. Finally, the climate and water regimes may also adopt provisions on pricing that are not needed by the trade regime, which deals mostly with well functioning markets.
Rethinking Climate Change Governance and Its Relationship to the World Trading System
Authors: Barrett Scott 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInternational climate negotiations have thus far eschewed efforts to incorporate trade restrictions, but they have also failed to achieve their objective of reducing global emissions. Because of this failure, some countries are now inclined to act unilaterally and minilaterally, in many cases by imposing trade restrictions against third parties. Such actions are likely to invite retaliation. They could even ignite an escalating trade war. The best way to avoid such conflicts is not to limit the use of trade restrictions, but to make international climate negotiations effective. Ironically, success in addressing climate change multilaterally may require incorporating trade restrictions in a new kind of climate agreement. Trade restrictions have been used successfully in other international agreements. But in these agreements, the primary purpose of the restrictions has been to encourage participation. That is, their primary purpose has been to enforce the agreement. This is the role trade restrictions ought to play in a new climate treaty. But for them to play this role, the design of climate treaties must change. If climate treaties are designed strategically, the threat to restrict trade will suffice to enforce the agreement; and if the threat to restrict trade is credible, and the punishment associated with the restriction severe, trade restrictions will not actually have to be used. By incorporating trade restrictions in this way, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced without putting at risk the gains from multilateral cooperation in trade.
What Role for Trade in a Post‐2012 Global Climate Policy Regime
Authors: Whalley John 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper discusses the role that trade can potentially play in both negotiating and operating a post‐Kyoto/post‐2012 global climate policy regime. As an addition to the bargaining set for a global climate negotiation, trade in principle widens the range of jointly beneficial potential outcomes and can in this sense be a potential facilitator of an agreed global climate regime. The reverse is also true that in a linked climate–trade–finance global policy coordination structure that goes well beyond what was envisioned at Bretton Woods, climate now added to the global policy bargaining set also offers the prospect of potentially stronger trade disciplines (and even beyond WTO disciplines being negotiated). Trade policy can as well be an instrument for the implementation of a global climate regime, since trade provides a mechanism for achieving an internalisation outcome for the global externality that climate change represents and that provides a potentially more efficient outcome and also helps meet distributional objectives. In short, trade added to the emerging post‐2012 climate regime can both expand the bargaining set for both (effectively linked) negotiations and additionally provide an instrument for the implementation of an agreed outcome.
Depression after minor stroke: prevalence and predictors
Authors: Altieri M. , Maestrini I. , Mercurio A. , Troisi P. , Sgarlata E. , Rea V. , Di Piero V. , Lenzi G. L. 
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Post‐stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most frequent complications of stroke, with a prevalence ranging 20–60%. As PSD seems to be related to stroke severity, we hypothesized that the prevalence of PSD would be lower in patients with minor stroke.Methods:  We investigated the prevalence and predictors of PSD over a 30‐month follow‐up period in a cohort of patients with minor ischaemic stroke (NIHSS ≤ 5).Results:  We enrolled 105 patients (mean age 64.38 ± 11.2 years, M/F 69/36). PSD was diagnosed in 43 (41%) patients, 40 (93%) of whom had dysthymia; 22% of patients were already depressed at 1 month. The most frequent depressive symptoms (DSs) were working inhibition, indecisiveness, and fatigability. Patients who developed PSD were less educated (P = 0.044) and diabetic (P = 0.006). After excluding patients that were already depressed at 1 month, we performed a logistic regression model to detect predictors of PSD. Crying (P = 0.012, OR 1.067, CI 0.269–4.553) and guilt (P = 0.007, OR 0.037, CI 0.02ì03–0.401) at baseline were two DSs found to be significantly correlated with PSD. Higher educational level (P = 0.022, OR 0.084, CI 0.010–0.698) and diabetes (P = 0.007, OR 14.361, CI 2.040–101.108) were the risk factors significantly correlated with PSD.Conclusion:  Post‐stroke depression is frequent even in patients with minor stroke. Early detection of DSs might help to predict long‐term development of PSD. No correlation was observed between lesion site or side and the development of PSD.
Association of psoriasis with the VEGF gene polymorphism in the northern Polish population
Authors: Zablotna M. , Sobjanek M. , Nedoszytko B. , Lange M. , Kozicka D. , Glen J. , Roszkiewicz J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Neovascularization plays an important role in pathogenesis of psoriasis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be the main angiogenic factor involved in this disease. Published studies which analysed the role of VEGF gene polymorphism in psoriasis were limited and they received controversial results.Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between −1154 G/A, −460 T/C and +405 G/C polymorphisms and the psoriasis susceptibility and to determine whether this genetic variation influence levels of VEGF protein expression.Materials and methods  One hundred and eighty‐nine patients with psoriasis and 215 ethnically matched controls were genotyped using ARMS‐PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods. VEGF serum levels were assessed in 47 patients and 40 controls using ELISA test.Results  We noted that an increased risk of Type I psoriasis is associated with −1154 G allele (OR = 1.9; P = 0.04), +405 CC (OR = 2.86; P = 0.03) and −460 TT (OR = 1.56; P = 0.05) genotypes and demonstrated that a significantly increased risk of developing disease is related to presence of haplotype GTC among all patients (OR = 1.97; P = 0.001), patients with Type I (OR = 1.87; P = 0.005) and Type II psoriasis (OR = 2.37, P = 0.01).We have found significantly increased serum levels of VEGF in patients with psoriasis compared with those in healthy controls (P = 0.008). Serum levels of VEGF significantly correlated with PASI: r = 0.72, P < 0.00001. Patients with elevated levels of VEGF in the serum showed more frequently: GC genotype (P = 0.04), C allele (P = 0.02) at the locus +405 and TT genotype (P = 0.03) at the locus −460.Conclusion  Our results strongly support the role of VEGF gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Towards optimizing wood development in bioenergy trees
Authors: Nieminen Kaisa , Robischon Marcel , Immanen Juha , Helariutta Ykä 
Published: December 2011

SummaryTo secure a sustainable energy source for the future, we need to develop an alternative to fossil fuels. Cellulose‐based biofuel production has great potential for development into a sustainable and renewable energy source. The thick secondary walls of xylem cells provide a natural source of cellulose. As a result of the extensive production of wood through cambial activity, massive amounts of xylem cells can be harvested from trees. How can we obtain a maximal cellulose biomass yield from these trees? Thus far, tree breeding has been very challenging because of the long generation time. Currently, new breeding possibilities are emerging through the development of high‐throughput technologies in molecular genetics. What potential does our current knowledge on the regulation of cambial activity provide for the domestication of optimal bioenergy trees? We examine the hormonal and molecular regulation of wood development with the aim of identifying the key regulatory aspects. We describe traits, including stem morphology and xylem cell dimensions, that could be modified to enhance wood production. Finally, we discuss the potential of novel marker‐assisted tree breeding technologies.
Assessing Internet access and use in a medically underserved population: implications for providing enhanced health information services
Authors: Zach Lisl , Dalrymple Prudence W. , Rogers Michelle L. , Williver‐Farr Heather 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The relationship between health information seeking, patient engagement and health literacy is not well understood. This is especially true in medically underserved populations, which are often viewed as having limited access to health information.Objective:  To improve communication between an urban health centre and the community it serves, a team of library and information science researchers undertook an assessment of patients’ level and methods of access to and use of the Internet.Methods:  Data were collected in 53 face‐to‐face anonymous interviews with patients at the centre. Interviews were tape‐recorded for referential accuracy, and data were analysed to identify patterns of access and use.Results:  Seventy‐two percentage of study participants reported having access to the Internet through either computers or cell phones. Barriers to Internet access were predominantly lack of equipment or training rather than lack of interest. Only 21% of those with Internet access reported using the Internet to look for health information.Conclusion:  The findings suggest that lack of access to the Internet in itself is not the primary barrier to seeking health information in this population and that the digital divide exists not at the level of information access but rather at the level of information use.
Sex differences in microglial colonization of the developing rat brain
Authors: Schwarz Jaclyn M. , Sholar Paige W. , Bilbo Staci D. 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 948–963.AbstractMicroglia are the resident immune cells within the brain and their production of immune molecules such as cytokines and chemokines is critical for the processes of normal brain development including neurogenesis, axonal migration, synapse formation, and programmed cell death. Notably, sex differences exist in many of these processes throughout brain development; however, it is unknown whether a sex difference concurrently exists in the colonization, number, or morphology of microglia within the developing brain. We demonstrate for the first time that the number and morphology of microglia throughout development is dependent upon the sex and age of the individual, as well as the brain region of interest. Males have overall more microglia early in postnatal development [postnatal day (P) 4], whereas females have more microglia with an activated/amoeboid morphology later in development, as juveniles and adults (P30–60). Finally, gene expression of a large number of cytokines, chemokines and their receptors shifts dramatically over development, and is highly dependent upon sex. Taken together, these data warrant further research into the role that sex‐dependent mechanisms may play in microglial colonization, number, and function, and their potential contribution to neural development, function, or potential dysfunction.
A neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathy
Authors: Khurana Vikram , Merlo Paola , DuBoff Brian , Fulga Tudor A. , Sharp Katherine A. , Campbell Shelagh D. , Götz Jürgen , Feany Mel B. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryATM and p53, effectors of the DNA damage checkpoint, are generally considered pro‐apoptotic in neurons. We show that DNA damage and checkpoint activation occurs in postmitotic neurons in animal models of tauopathy, neurodegenerative disorders that include Alzheimer’s disease. Surprisingly, checkpoint attenuation potently increases neurodegeneration through aberrant cell cycle re‐entry of postmitotic neurons. These data suggest an unexpected neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathies.
New findings regarding the epidemic history and population dynamics of Japan‐indigenous genotype 3 hepatitis E virus inferred by molecular evolution
Authors: Nakano Tatsunori , Takahashi Kazuaki , Pybus Oliver G. , Hashimoto Naoaki , Kato Hideaki , Okano Hiroshi , Kobayashi Makoto , Fujita Naoki , Shiraki Katsuya , Takei Yoshiyuki , Ayada Minoru , Arai Masahiro , Okamoto Hiroaki , Mishiro Shunji 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundSince previous studies have investigated the population dynamics of Japan‐indigenous genotype 3 hepatitis E virus (HEV) using virus sequences, more nucleotide sequences have been determined, and new techniques have been developed for such analysis.AimsTo prevent future hepatitis E epidemic in Japan, this study aimed to elucidate the cause of past HEV expansion.MethodsThe epidemic history of Japan‐indigenous genotype 3 HEV was determined using the coalescent analysis framework. Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) and Bayesian estimate of phylogeny with relaxed molecular clock models were calculated using Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling.ResultsJapan‐indigenous strains consist of New World strains (subtype 3a), Japanese strains (3b) and European strains (3e). The oldest lineage, 3b, appeared around 1929. Lineages 3a and 3e appeared around 1960. BSPs indicated similar radical population growth of the 3a and 3b lineages from 1960 to 1980.ConclusionsPopulation dynamics of the three lineages shared some common characteristics, but had distinguishing features. The appearance of 3a and 3e lineages coincides with the increase of large‐race pig importation from Europe and the USA after 1960. The epidemic phase of 3a and 3b strains from 1960 to 1980 could be related to increased opportunity for HEV infection arising from large‐scale pig breeding since 1960. Our observations revealed new findings concerning the close relationship between the epidemic history of Japan‐indigenous genotype 3 HEV and the improvement of the Japanese pig industry. Infection control in pig farms should be an effective method of preventing HEV infection in humans.
Treatment effects of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib on hepatoblastoma cell lines and xenografts in NMRI‐Foxn1nu mice
Authors: Eicher Carmen , Dewerth Alexander , Kirchner Bettina , Warmann Steven W. , Fuchs Joerg , Armeanu‐Ebinger Sorin 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundMultidrug resistance is a major reason for poor treatment results in advanced hepatoblastoma (HB). Several alternative treatment options are currently under investigation to improve the prognosis of affected patientsAimsThis study aimed to analyse the impact of sorafenib on the viability of HB cells and xenotransplanted HB tumours.MethodsCell viability and apoptosis were evaluated in two HB cell lines (HUH6 and HepT1) after treatment with sorafenib using MTT and Caspase 3 activation assay. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was investigated using Western blot. In addition, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) was administered orally to NMRI mice bearing subcutaneous HUH6 derived tumours. Tumour progression and viability were monitored by tumour volume and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assay. Tumour angiogenesis and mean vascular density (MVD) was determined using CD31 staining, ERK phosphorylation was detected using indirect immunofluorescence.ResultsTreatment with sorafenib led to decreased ERK phosphorylation, reduced cell viability and induction of apoptosis in HepT1 and HUH6 cells. In HB xenografts, sorafenib significantly reduced tumour growth compared with control (P < 0.05). AFP levels were lower in the sorafenib group (P = 0.07). Relative apoptotic areas detected using TUNEL assay were increased (P = 0.003). CD31 staining revealed inhibition of angiogenesis, and mean vascular density was lower in the sorafenib group (P = 0.02). ERK phosphorylation was reduced in tumours tissues after sorafenib treatment.ConclusionTreatment with sorafenib led to a potent inhibition of cell viability, tumour progression and angiogenesis. Sorafenib might therefore also be a promising treatment option for high risk or recurrent HB.
Postretrenchment Politics: Policy Feedback in Chile's Health and Pension Reforms
Authors: Ewig Christina , Kay Stephen J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThrough a comparison of three periods of health and pension reform in Chile, this article develops an explanation for the incremental form of social policy change that some Latin American nations have witnessed in recent years, despite the dramatic rise of left governments. It describes “postretrenchment politics,” which constitutes a realignment in the way politics plays out in countries that have undergone social policy retrenchment. In postretrenchment politics, the strengthened position of private business interests, combined with political learning legacies and lock-in effects generated by reforms, results in incremental political change, despite renewed efforts by left parties to address inequality. Global capital also plays an important contextual role, and may influence postretrenchment politics. In postretrenchment politics, newly reformed systems may achieve greater equity, but they do so in fragmented form.
The Link Between Voting and Life Satisfaction in Latin America
Authors: Weitz-Shapiro Rebecca , Winters Matthew S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWhat is the relationship between voting and individual life satisfaction in Latin America? While studies of Western Europe suggest that voters are happier than nonvoters, this relationship has not been explored in the younger democracies of the developing world, including those of Latin America. Using multilevel regression models to examine individual-level survey data, this study shows a positive correlation between voting and happiness in the region, noting, however, that the relationship is attenuated in those countries that have enforced compulsory voting. We then explore the causal direction of this relationship: while the existing literature points to voting as a possible determinant of individual happiness, it is also possible that happier individuals are more likely to vote. Three different strategies are used to disentangle this relationship. On balance, the evidence suggests that individual happiness is more likely to be a cause rather than an effect of voting in Latin America.
Localization of selected pathogens of cotton within the southern green stink bug
Authors: Esquivel J. F. , Medrano E. G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSouthern green stink bugs, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), are pests of cotton recently shown to ingest, retain, and introduce some pathogens of cotton into bolls. The objective of this study was to determine where pathogen colonization occurs in N. viridula after ingestion. Laboratory‐reared adult N. viridula were fed sterile green beans soaked in water (control) or beans previously soaked in a suspension of one of three opportunistic bacterial pathogens [Pantoea agglomerans (Ewing & Fife), Pantoea ananatis (Serrano) Truper & De’Clari, or Klebsiella pneumoniae (Schroeter)] or a yeast [Nematospora coryli (Peglion)]. The insect rostrum, head, and alimentary canal were subsequently processed to determine the presence of pathogenic organisms. Overall, the alimentary canal exhibited significantly more bacterial colony forming units per g tissue (mean ± SEM = 4 806.3 ± 397.2) than the head (443.4 ± 397.2) and rostrum (46.0 ± 397.2); concentrations in the head and rostrum did not differ significantly. All four pathogens were detected in the alimentary canal, but only P. agglomerans and N. coryli were detected in the rostrum and head. Although P. ananatis and K. pneumoniae were only detected in the alimentary canal, their ranges of concentrations were similar to those of P. agglomerans and N. coryli in this tissue. Non‐selective media indicated that other bacterial fauna was also detected in all study insects. Thus, N. viridula does not discriminate with regard to ingestion of pathogens. The observed distribution pattern of tested bacteria and yeast in certain tissues of N. viridula clarifies the propensity for transmission of P. agglomerans and N. coryli. Results are discussed in relation to future research avenues examining selective colonization of certain pathogens and frequency of host infection by adults harboring the pathogenic organisms.
SPS and TBT agreements and international agricultural trade: retaliation or cooperation?
Authors: de Almeida Fernanda Maria , da Cruz Vieira Wilson , da Silva Orlando Monteiro 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this article, we investigate whether the Brazilian notifications to the TBT and SPS agreements are characterized as retaliation or as cooperation in international agricultural trade in the period 1996–2008. A Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model is used to estimate game models of bilateral trade between Brazil and its major partners (United States, European Union, and Japan). From the viewpoint of strategic games, the results suggest that the Brazilian notifications are forms of retaliation against the United States, and, regarding the European Union, the best result for Brazil was conciliation. On the other hand, if the results are interpreted as equilibria of bargaining games, they suggest that Brazil has great bargaining power in trade with the United States and that cooperation characterized agricultural trade between Brazil and the European Union in the period analyzed. In the case of agricultural trade between Brazil and Japan, only Japan has characteristics of a country with significant bargaining power.
The contribution of genetics to milk composition: evidence from Spain
Authors: Roibas David , Alvarez Antonio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article focuses on the role that genetic progress may play in improving milk quality. Despite important genetic advances in dairy production, the absence of genetic records in farm management databases has precluded empirical production models from explicitly accounting for differences in genetics across herds. The influence of genetics on milk composition is analyzed by splitting milk production into protein, fat, and other components. The article explores some modeling issues associated with the specification of the effect of genetics in this multi‐output technology framework. In particular, genetic indexes are considered as allocable inputs and the remaining inputs as nonallocable. Our results show that genetics have a significant impact on milk composition. In particular, we find that farmers’ income increases by 6.6% when genetic indexes are augmented by one sample standard deviation.