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We studied in situ litter decomposition at a subalpine (1737 m a.s.l.) and a submontane (570 m) long-term monitoring forest site in the Italian Alps in the period 2000-2003 and 10 years later (2010-2013). Litter bags filled with site-specific (pine needles) and standard (cellulose) litter were exposed in autumn 2000 and 2010 on the soil surface. Cellulose was additionally exposed in litter bags buried at 2 cm soil depth to monitor the effect of soil microclimate. Decomposition rates were calculated after 1, 2, and 3 years of exposition from litter mass loss. Mass loss of litter exposed on soil surface was significantly affected by the site (altitude) and the litter type, while the decade of exposition (2000-2003, 2010-2013) had no significant impact. Litter decomposition was significantly lower at the site at the higher altitude, which was related to the colder climate, and pine needles were decomposed to a significantly lower extent than surface-exposed cellulose. Decomposition of cellulose buried in soil was neither influenced by the decade nor by the site. Cellulose mass loss was higher in soil than on soil surface, which is attributed to the favorable soil microclimate conditions in soil. The better adaptation of the soil population at the submontane site compared to that at the site at the higher altitude for accelerated degradation of easily decomposable compounds (cellulose) was confirmed by a laboratory study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Klausjörg Hellrigl (1935-2021) passed away few weeks ago. For decades Dr. Hellrigl was a reference for Italian and foreign entomologists. Among his many articles and investigations, Dr. Hellrigl was probably best known for his studies on xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae and Cerambycidae). Here, two former pupils of Dr. Hellrigl remember his life and scientific works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article will explore the relations between the Catholic Church and the Jews from the middle of the previous century until the present day. It will focus on how the Catholic Church has dealt with memory of the Shoah and how this has affected the Church's relations with the Jews. It will look at the most recent developments in dialogue between the Church and the Jews under Pope Benedict XVI and the impact of his visit to Israel in May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Whether thiazolidinedione therapy enhances skeletal muscle mitochondrial function as a component of its insulin-sensitizing effect is unknown. To test this, we evaluated skeletal muscle mitochondria and exercise capacity in Type 2 diabetic subjects with otherwise normal cardio-pulmonary function in response to rosiglitazone therapy. Twenty-three subjects were treated for 12 wk and underwent pre- and post-therapy metabolic stress testing and skeletal muscle biopsies. Rosiglitazone significantly ameliorated fasting glucose, insulin, and free fatty acid levels but did not augment the subjects' maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) or their skeletal muscle mitochondrial copy number. The baseline VO2max correlated strongly with muscle mitochondrial copy number (r = 0.56, P = 0.018, n = 17) and inversely with the duration of diabetes (r = -0.67, P = 0.004, n = 23). Despite the global lack of effect of rosiglitazone-mediated insulin sensitization on skeletal muscle mitochondria, subjects with the most preserved functional capacity demonstrated some plasticity in their mitochondria biology as evidenced by an upregulation of electron transfer chain proteins and in citrate synthase activity. This study demonstrates that the augmentation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial electron transfer chain content and/or bioenergetics is not a prerequisite for rosiglitazone-mediated improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, in diabetic subjects, VO2max reflects the duration of diabetes and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content. It remains to be determined whether longer-term insulin sensitization therapy with rosiglitazone will augment skeletal muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics in those diabetic subjects with relatively preserved basal aerobic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on local planning efforts in the urban districts of Hawaii. The study was conducted by graduate students at the University of Hawaii at Mãnoa, faculty, and community-based organizations(CBOs). A methodology for participatory community mapping and ethnography quality of life studies was established using the survey in Kahalu'u. Moreover, survey in Kãne'ohe resulted to a model for local community analysis and planning. Recommendation for the protection of Moloka'i fishponds are also presented. The author concludes that, while examples presented may emerge autonomously from local needs, they are also a response to outside forces that stem from the global economy. He believes that community efforts can be sustained through education.

The article talks about Hawaiian indigenous management models based on the ahupua'a, the land division from the mountains to the sea. It discusses the protection of the ahupua'a and describes the conservation values in Hawaii, the traditional ahupua'a concept and its possible role in contemporary planning. Master plans consistent with traditional practices and environmental protection have been formalized by Hawaiians on Hawai'i and Maui. Management models on various islands in Hawaii are deemed important in promoting indigenous autonomy and Hawaiian rights and in contributing to Hawai'i's economic recovery.

The article discusses sustainable development and economic growth in Hawaii. Economic satisfaction and environmental protection were examined using the growth-led model. Factors accounted for economic growth in Hawaii are enumerated. Sustainable development and carrying capacity of Oahu were analyzed at various levels including population growth and jobs, quality of life, irreplaceable cultural and environmental losses and ecological resilience. Efforts to achieve population stabilization and the use of carrying capacity to determine overloads were discussed. He suggests developing a model that is not based on population growth through in-migration. Radical reforms to economic system is recommended.