bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the Bealtaine arts programme on the quality of life, wellbeing and social interaction of older people in Ireland
Authors: O'SHEA EAMON , LÉIME ÁINE NÍ 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThere is increasing evidence in the international literature that engagement in the arts can enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of older people. Such engagement can increase the self-confidence and morale of older people and provide opportunities for increased social connections, leading to higher levels of social cohesion. This article is based on an evaluation of a national arts festival in Ireland called Bealtaine that celebrates creativity in older people each year during the month of May. The festival is unique in the wide range of arts-related activities it includes and the different types of organisations involved, such as local authorities, libraries, educational institutions, health and social care organisations, and voluntary bodies for older people. It includes both long-standing professionally facilitated arts programmes and one-off events at local and national levels. The evaluation used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse two major postal surveys with organisers and consumers of the festival and face-to-face interviews with older participants, artists and organisers. The findings are overwhelmingly positive in terms of the personal and social gains arising from participation in the festival. In this context, the study provides support for the provision of enhanced and sustained funding for creative programmes for older people and, more generally, for the development of an integrated policy for older people and the arts in the country.
Subjective well-being amongst community-dwelling elders: what determines satisfaction with life? Findings from the Dublin Healthy Aging Study
Authors: Ní Mhaoláin Aine M. , Gallagher Damien , O Connell Henry , Chin A. V. , Bruce Irene , Hamilton Fiona , Teehee Erin , Coen Robert , Coakley Davis , Cunningham Conal , Walsh J. B. , Lawlor Brian A. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: Life satisfaction is a subjective expression of well-being and successful aging. Subjective well-being is a major determinant of health outcomes in older people. The aim of this study was to determine which factors predicted well-being in older people living in the community as measured by their satisfaction with life.Methods: The relationship between life satisfaction, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-A) and physical, cognitive and demographic variables was examined in 466 older people living in the community using a stepwise regression modelResults: Depression, loneliness, neuroticism, extraversion, recent participation in physical activity, age and self-reported exhaustion, were the independent predictors of life satisfaction in our elderly cohort.Conclusion: Subjective well-being, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Scale, is predicted by depression, loneliness, personality traits, recent participation in physical activity and self-reported exhaustion. The mental and emotional status of older individuals, as well as their engagement in physical activity, are as important as physical functionality when it comes to life satisfaction as a measure of well-being and successful aging. These areas represent key targets for intervention.
Unemployment, human capital depreciation and pension benefits: an empirical evaluation of German data
Authors: POTRAFKE NIKLAS 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper investigates empirically how unemployment-induced employment-breaks at different career stages influence pension benefits. The analysis is based on German data. I distinguish four different career phases and investigate to what extent the prevailing social security policy compensated for earning losses. The results suggest that (1) losses in pension benefits were the greatest if unemployment occurred in the middle of a career (between 31 and 50); (2) social security policies have had a mitigating effect on losses in pension benefits. These findings indicate that institutions have a decided influence on how career patterns translate into pension benefits.
Genetic diversity and structure of the threatened anti-cancerous plantNothapodytes nimmonianaas revealed by ISSR analysis
Authors: Abdul Kareem V. K. , Rajasekharan P. E. , Mini S. , Vasantha Kumar T. 
Published: July 2011

Inter simple sequence repeat markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and population genetic structure in 12 populations ofNothapodytes nimmonianafrom Western Ghats of India. A total of 16 selected primers produced 103 discernible bands, with 76 (73.7%) being polymorphic. The Nei's gene diversity (h) ranged from 0.1166 to 0.2124, with an average of 0.1518 at the population level and 0.2965 at the species level indicating high genetic diversity. The Shannon's index (I) was estimated to be 0.2189 within populations (range 0.1703–0.2947) and 0.4352 at the species level. The analysis of molecular variance showed that the genetic variation was found mainly within populations (73%), but variance among populations was only 27% and its value, ΦPT = 0.271,P < 0.001, implied that high genetic differentiation among populations. In addition, Nei's differentiation coefficient (GST) was found to be high (0.4882) and the gene flow (Nm) was low (0.5242), confirming the high population genetic differentiation. The unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average clustering elicited similar results. Based on this, we propose conservation strategy for this plant species.
Analysis of Nebivolol hydrochloride and Valsartan in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic Method
Authors: Singh Shradhanjali , Singh Anil , Mishra Shanti , Mukerjee Alok , Damle Mrinalini 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA simple, accurate and precise high performance thin layer chromatographic method has been developed for the estimation of Valsartan and Nebivolol hydrochloride simultaneously from a tablet dosage form. The method employed silica gel 60 F254 pre-coated plates as stationary phase and a mixture of Ethyl acetate: Methanol: Ammonia (6.5:2.5:0.5 %v/v/v) as mobile phase. Densitometric scanning was performed at 280 nm using a Camag TLC scanner 3. Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 800ng/spot-2400ng/spot for Nebivolol hydrochloride and 200ng/spot-1000ng/spot for Valsartan. The Retention factor for Nebivolol hydrochloride is 0.75 ± 0.04 and is 0.27 ± 0.01 for Valsartan . The method was validated as per ICH Guidelines, proving its utility in estimation of Valsartan and Nebivolol hydrochloride in combined dosage form.
The New Standing Disaster Program: A SURE Invitation to Moral Hazard Behavior
Authors: Smith Vincent H. , Watts Myles 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe new Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance (SURE) program, established by the 2008 Farm Bill, mandates disaster payments for individual farms that experience crop losses in excess of 50% of their average production, whether or not those farms are located in regions affected by catastrophic events. This study shows that, because of this provision, the SURE program creates substantial incentives for moral hazard behaviors in many market‐related situations. These incentives are especially severe when market prices equal or fall below prices at which farmers value commodity losses for federal crop insurance purposes.
Do Direct Payments Distort Producers' Decisions? An Examination of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
Authors: O'Donoghue Erik J. , Whitaker James B. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractDo direct payments alter operators' acreage decisions? The authors use an event study with individual‐level data in a panel‐data setting to examine how an exogenous change in direct payments affects individual farmers' production decisions. They track changes in acreage across time and examine whether an exogenous, government implemented Act that allowed farmers to update base acres altered individual operators' acreage decisions. Results suggest that direct payments do change individual acreage decisions, ranging from approximately 44 to 78 acre increases (9 to 16% changes). Their results have no implications for aggregate production impacts.
Characteristics of Idiosyncratic Drug‐induced Liver Injury in Children
Authors: Molleston Jean P. , Fontana Robert J. , Lopez M. James , Kleiner David E. , Gu Jiezhun , Chalasani Naga ,   Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTBackground:The spectrum and severity of idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) in children are not well established.Patients and Methods:The DILIN (Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network) Prospective Study is a longitudinal multicenter study designed to determine the etiologies, risk factors, and outcomes of suspected DILI. Between September 2004 and September 2009, 30 children ages 2 to 18 years with suspected DILI who met eligibility criteria were enrolled and studied for at least 6 months.Results:Mean age was 14 years; 70% were girls. Antimicrobial (50%) and central nervous system agents (40%) were the most commonly implicated drug classes, with minocycline (4), isoniazid (3), azithromycin (3), atomoxetine (3), and lamotrigine (3) the leading agents. Median time from drug initiation to symptom onset was 32 days. Peak (median) liver chemistries were aspartate aminotransferase 503 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 727 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 331 U/L, and total bilirubin 3.9 mg/dL. Autoantibodies were common (64%). Liver injury pattern was hepatocellular 78%, cholestatic 13%, and mixed 9%. The DILI episode was scored: mild 32%, moderate 44%, severe 20%, and fatal (within 6 months) 4%. Causality assessment was definite 36%, very likely 36%, probable 16%, possible 8%, and unlikely 4%. Seven percent had persistent liver test abnormalities at 6‐month follow‐up suggesting chronic DILI. Liver biopsies from 12 children most frequently demonstrated chronic hepatitis or bile duct injury.Conclusions:Idiosyncratic DILI in children is most commonly caused by antimicrobial or central nervous system agents and usually presents with a hepatocellular injury pattern. The majority of patients recover, but morbidity and infrequent mortality are seen.
Horizontal Distribution of the Fecal Microbiota in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Gosiewski Tomasz , Strus Magdalena , Fyderek Krzysztof , Kowalska‐Duplaga Kinga , Wedrychowicz Andrzej , Jedynak‐Wasowicz Urszula , Sladek Malgorzata , Pieczarkowski Stanislaw , Adamski Pawel , Heczko Piotr B. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:The commensal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. We examined the horizontal structure of the fecal microbiota in the colon in adolescents with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis and a control group.Patients and Methods:Fecal samples were collected in 3 fractions from patients with Crohn disease (n = 22), ulcerative colitis (n = 12), and controls (n = 24) during preparation for colonoscopy. Additionally, biopsies from colon tissue were taken. Samples were examined using a culture technique and a fluorescent in situ hybridization method. The mucin degradation assay was carried out.Results:Quantitative composition of the microbiota was different in the consecutive 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue of the study groups, but in patients from the control group, the composition of microbiota in the consecutive fractions was similar. Statistical analyses showed that the total distribution of the studied bacterial taxons in the contents in all 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue in the given disease group, and in the control group was characteristic for the studied patient group. Differences in species distribution among the cohorts studied were highly significant (P < 0.0001). Moreover, it was shown that in the fecal fraction I and in the colon tissue samples, there is no significant difference for any of the analyzed bacterial groups, using the culture methods or fluorescent in situ hybridization, but significant results were demonstrated in the II and III fractions for specific bacterial groups. The bacterial flora attached to the mucus layer in the UC group had significantly more degraded mucus in comparison with the control group (P = 0.045).Conclusions:Distribution of the microbiota in the colon is layered, which can be called horizontal distribution of the fecal flora. Only in the ulcerative colitis group, the bacterial flora attached to the mucous layer exerts action on the mucin.
Optimal use of regression models in genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Powell J. E. , Kranis A. , Floyd J. , Dekkers J. C. M. , Knott S. , Haley C. S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe performance of linear regression models in genome‐wide association studies is influenced by how marker information is parameterized in the model. Considering the impact of parameterization is especially important when using information from multiple markers to test for association. Properties of the population, such as linkage disequilibrium (LD) and allele frequencies, will also affect the ability of a model to provide statistical support for an underlying quantitative trait locus (QTL). Thus, for a given location in the genome, the relationship between population properties and model parameterization is expected to influence the performance of the model in providing evidence for the position of a QTL. As LD and allele frequencies vary throughout the genome and between populations, understanding the relationship between these properties and model parameterization is of considerable importance in order to make optimal use of available genomic data. Here, we evaluate the performance of regression‐based association models using genotype and haplotype information across the full spectrum of allele frequency and LD scenarios. Genetic marker data from 200 broiler chickens were used to simulate genomic conditions by selecting individual markers to act as surrogate QTL (sQTL) and then investigating the ability of surrounding markers to estimate sQTL genotypes and provide statistical support for their location. The LD and allele frequencies of markers and sQTL are shown to have a strong effect on the performance of models relative to one another. Our results provide an indication of the best choice of model parameterization given certain scenarios of marker and QTL LD and allele frequencies. We demonstrate a clear advantage of haplotype‐based models, which account for phase uncertainty over other models tested, particularly for QTL with low minor allele frequencies. We show that the greatest advantage of haplotype models over single‐marker models occurs when LD between markers and the causal locus is low. Under these situations, haplotype models have a greater accuracy of predicting the location of the QTL than other models tested.
The effect of chewing exercise in preschool children on maximum bite force and masticatory performance
Authors: OHIRA AKIRA , ONO YOSHIAKI , YANO NAOTO , TAKAGI YUZO 
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 146–153Background.  Mastication is a developing function affected by various factors. There is a need for further research on methods of promoting masticatory function in young children.Aim.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gum chewing exercise on the maximum bite force (MBF) and the masticatory performance of preschool children.Design.  The study population included 98 preschool children age 4–6 years. MBF was measured by Occlusal Force‐Meter®, and masticatory performance values were evaluated by using the colour‐changeable chewing gum. The examinations were performed four times with an interval of 4 weeks. An exercise group of 70 subjects was instructed to chew the exercise gum twice daily for 5 min during a 4‐week period. The chewing gum used for this study was specially developed with the physical property of maintaining hardness during chewing. A control group of 28 subjects was instructed not to chew any gum during the study period.Results.  No significant differences were found between the exercise group and the control group in MBF and a* values at the start of the study. After 4 weeks of chewing exercise, MBF and a* values were significantly increased in the exercise group compared with those of the control group. These increases were maintained for 4 weeks after exercise had finished.Conclusions.  Gum chewing exercise is effective to increase MBF and a* values of preschool children and the effects are maintained after exercise completion.
Development of microsatellite markers from the transcriptome of Erysiphe necator for analysing population structure in North America and Europe
Authors: Frenkel O. , Portillo I. , Brewer M. T. , Péros J. P. , Cadle‐Davidson L. , Milgroom M. G. 
Published: July 2011

Transcriptome sequences of the grape powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe necator were used to develop microsatellite markers (EST‐SSRs) to study its relatively unexplored population structure in its centre of diversity in eastern North America. Screening the transcriptome sequences revealed 116 contigs with candidate microsatellites, from which 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from 31 markers tested. Eight of these markers were used to genotype isolates from different regions and hosts in the eastern USA and compare them to samples from southern France and Italy. Genetic diversity in the eastern USA is much greater than in Europe. Bayesian cluster analyses showed that 10 isolates from North America have high affinities with, but differ from, European group A; these are referred to as A‐like isolates. No isolates with close affinity to European group B were found in the eastern USA. Bayesian analyses also detected genetic differentiation between isolates from Vitis rotundifolia and isolates from other Vitis hosts. Genetic differentiation detected between the northeastern and southeastern USA was mostly attributable to the A‐like isolates in the southeast, which are significantly more aggressive than the other populations. This research demonstrates that transcriptome sequencing of fungal pathogens is useful for developing genetic markers in protein‐coding regions and highlights the role of these markers in population biology studies of E. necator.
SSR marker analysis of Monilinia fructicola from Swiss apricots suggests introduction of the pathogen from neighbouring countries and the United States
Authors: Jänsch M. , Frey J. E. , Hilber‐Bodmer M. , Broggini G. A. L. , Weger J. , Schnabel G. , Patocchi A. 
Published: July 2011

Monilinia fructicola is a quarantine fungal pathogen in Europe, but many major stone fruit growing countries in Europe have reported its presence recently. In Switzerland, the fungus was first found in a single apricot orchard in 2008. This study confirms the presence of M. fructicola in nine out of 22 commercial orchards in Canton Valais, Switzerland. Five simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) were developed for M. fructicola and samples from Switzerland, Spain, Italy, France and the United States were analysed and compared in order to assess the genetic diversity of the pathogen, identify the origin of the disease, and verify if the fungus reproduces sexually in Europe. In the 119 European samples analysed, 12 different haplotypes were found, indicating a relatively high genetic diversity of the pathogen considering that the first report in Europe was 10 years ago. Three haplotypes found in Europe were identical to those found in the American samples (two from the east coast and one from the west coast). Population structure analysis suggests that the European population is derived from at least two ‘invasion’ events probably originating from the US (one from the east coast, the other from the west coast). Preliminary evidence of sexual reproduction of M. fructicola in Europe is reported.
Preparers’ control‐risk assessments under alternative audit‐review processes
Authors: Wu Gang (Henry) 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of a decomposed audit‐review process on audit preparers’ control‐risk assessments, taking audit experience into consideration. Using an experiment, it manipulates the audit‐review type (decomposed review versus non‐decomposed review) and preparers’ audit experience level (more experienced versus less experienced). Analysis of data collected from two mid‐tier audit firms supported the author’s predictions. First, working‐paper preparers assessed control risk more accurately in a decomposed than in a non‐decomposed review. Second, less‐experienced auditors benefitted more from a decomposed review than more‐experienced auditors.
Financial Markets in East Asia and Europe during the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Johansson Anders C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper analyses equity market movements in East Asia and Europe during the global financial crisis. The results show that volatility and covariance patterns in East Asia and Europe were relatively stable until the second half of 2008. Correlations were higher in Europe, but relatively high in East Asia as well. Both regions exhibited an overall increase in comovements compared with the time of the Asian financial crisis. There was a sharp decline in regional correlation during the third‐quarter of 2008 in both East Asia and Europe, which was then followed by a strong increase. The spread of the crisis affected Europe more, with resulting higher regional comovements. Moreover, average tail dependence stayed relatively stable in both regions throughout the precrisis and crisis periods with a notably higher regional level in Europe. Also, markets in East Asia such as China that are usually seen as insulated from the rest of the region show signs of increasing market integration with the rest of the region. Overall, the increasing level of financial market integration and the high level of comovements during times of international financial turmoil demonstrate the limited benefits of diversification in regional portfolios.
Asia’s Melting Trade Costs
Authors: Brooks Douglas H. , Ferrarini Benno 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study calculates the decline in costs involving merchandise trade between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India during the period 1980–2008. Drawing from the recent literature, a comprehensive measure of trade costs is derived from a theory‐founded gravity model of international trade, which can be computed based on the observed bilateral trade flows and GDP data. The analysis reveals that trade costs have declined sharply since the 1980s, accounting for a large and increasing portion of growth in total trade between the two countries. Whereas the reduction in trade costs accounted for less than one‐third of the increase in trade between PRC and India during the 1980s, lower costs seem to explain about three‐quarters of trade expansion during the 1990s and up to nearly 85 per cent in 2001–08.
The Abatement of Carbon Dioxide Intensity in China: Factors Decomposition and Policy Implications
Authors: Chen Shiyi 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTo deal with the challenges brought about by climate changes, China decided to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity by 40–45 per cent from 2005 to 2020. Using the decomposition technique, this study finds that energy intensity is the most important force to drive the decline of CO2 intensity between 1980 and 2008, followed by structural factors such as the adjustment of energy and industrial structure. Therefore, any environmental policy to promote energy efficiency will play the biggest role in achieving the target of abating CO2 intensity in 2020.