bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circadian rhythms of extracellular ATP accumulation in suprachiasmatic nucleus cells and cultured astrocytes
Authors: Womac Alisa D. , Burkeen Jeff F. , Neuendorff Nichole , Earnest David J. , Zoran Mark J.
Published: August 2009

The master circadian pacemaker located within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian brain controls system‐level rhythms in animal physiology. Specific SCN outputs synchronize circadian physiological rhythms in other brain regions. Within the SCN, communication among neural cells provides for the coordination of autonomous cellular oscillations into ensemble rhythms. ATP is a neural transmitter involved in local communication among astrocytes and between astrocytes and neurons. Using a luciferin–luciferase chemiluminescence assay, we have demonstrated that ATP levels fluctuate rhythmically within both SCN2.2 cell cultures and the rat SCN in vivo. SCN2.2 cells generated circadian oscillations in both the production and extracellular accumulation of ATP. Circadian fluctuations in ATP accumulation persisted with an average period (τ) of 23.7 h in untreated as well as vehicle‐treated and forskolin‐treated SCN2.2 cells, indicating that treatment with an inductive stimulus is not necessary to propagate these rhythms. ATP levels in the rat SCN in vivo were marked by rhythmic variation during exposure to 12 h of light and 12 h of dark or constant darkness, with peak accumulation occurring during the latter half of the dark phase or subjective night. Primary cultures of cortical astrocytes similarly expressed circadian oscillations in extracellular ATP accumulation that persisted for multiple cycles with periods of about 23 h. These results suggest that circadian oscillations in extracellular ATP levels represent a physiological output of the mammalian cellular clock, common to the SCN pacemaker and astrocytes from at least some brain regions, and thus may provide a mechanism for clock control of gliotransmission between astrocytes and to neurons.
Axonal projections of auditory cells with short and long response latencies in the medial geniculate nucleus: distinct topographies in the connection with the thalamic reticular nucleus
Authors: Kimura Akihisa , Imbe Hiroki , Donishi Tomohiro
Published: August 2009

The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a crucial anatomical node of thalamocortical connectivity for sensory processing. In the rat auditory system, we determined features of thalamic projections to the TRN, using juxtacellular recording and labeling techniques. Two types of auditory cells (short latency, SL, and long latency, LL), exhibiting unit discharges to noise burst stimuli (duration, 100 ms) with short (< 50 ms) and long (> 100 ms) response latencies, were obtained from the ventral division of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGV). Both SL and LL cells had a propensity to exhibit reverberatory discharges in response to sound stimuli. The primary discharges of SL cells were mostly single spikes while the non‐primary discharges of SL cells and the whole discharges of LL cells were mostly burst spikes. SL cells sent topographic projections to the TRN along the dorsoventral and rostrocaudal neural axes while LL cells only along the rostrocaudal axis. As tonotopy‐related cortical projections to the TRN are topographic primarily along the dorsoventral extent of the TRN and the MGV is tonotopically organized along the dorsoventral axis, SL cells, directly activated by ascending auditory inputs, may be closely involved in tonotopic thalamocortical connectivity. On the other hand, LL cells, which are suppressed by ascending inputs and could be driven to discharge by corticofugal inputs, are assumed to activate the TRN in a manner less related to tonotopic organization. There may exist heterogeneous projections from the MGV to the TRN, which, in conjunction with corticofugal connections, could constitute distinct channels of auditory processing.
Dorsal hippocampal regulation of memory reconsolidation processes that facilitate drug context‐induced cocaine‐seeking behavior in rats
Authors: Ramirez Donna R. , Bell Guinevere H. , Lasseter Heather C. , Xie Xiaou , Traina Stephanie A. , Fuchs Rita A.
Published: August 2009

Exposure to a cocaine‐paired context increases the propensity for relapse in cocaine users and prompts cocaine‐seeking behavior in rats. According to the reconsolidation hypothesis, upon context re‐exposure, established cocaine‐related associations are retrieved and can become labile. These associations must undergo reconsolidation into long‐term memory to effect enduring stimulus control. The dorsal hippocampus (DH), dorsolateral caudate–putamen and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex are critical for the expression of context‐induced cocaine seeking, and these brain regions may also play a role in the reconsolidation of cocaine‐related memories that promote this behavior. To test this hypothesis, rats were trained to press a lever for unsignaled cocaine infusions (0.2 mg/infusion, i.v.) in a distinct environmental context (cocaine‐paired context), followed by extinction training in a different context (extinction context). Rats were then re‐exposed to the cocaine‐paired context for 15 min in order to reactivate cocaine‐related memories or received comparable exposure to a novel unpaired context. Immediately thereafter, rats received bilateral microinfusions of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin, the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin or vehicle into one of the above brain regions. After additional extinction training in the extinction context, reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behavior (i.e., non‐reinforced lever presses) was assessed in the cocaine‐paired context. Tetrodotoxin, but not anisomycin, administered into the DH inhibited drug context‐induced cocaine‐seeking behavior in a memory reactivation‐dependent manner. Other manipulations failed to alter this behavior. These findings suggest that the DH facilitates the reconsolidation of associative memories that maintain context‐induced cocaine‐seeking behavior, but it is not the site of anisomycin‐sensitive memory restabilizationper se.
Combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopic retroperitoneal bypass of ureteric strictures: a modification of the ‘rendezvous’ procedure
Authors: Yates David R. , Mehta Sampi S. , Spencer Paul A. , Parys Bo T.
Published: August 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate our experience of treating complicated iatrogenic ureteric strictures with a combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopic retroperitoneal bypass technique, a modification of the so‐called ‘rendezvous’ procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven patients presented to our institution between 2004 and 2008 after developing a complicated iatrogenic ureteric stricture, impassable with solitary antegrade or retrograde stenting techniques. In most cases there was a significant loss of ureteric continuity, with some strictures of up to 10–12 cm. After initial temporizing management with a percutaneous nephrostomy, each patient had a radiological ‘rendezvous’ procedure to insert a JJ stent and restore ureteric continuity. After 6 months, the JJ stents were removed and the patients evaluated by symptom assessment, serial measurements of serum creatinine and diuretic renography (F‐15 mercaptoacetyl triglycine).

RESULTS

All seven ‘rendezvous’ procedures were successful and a ureteric stent was inserted across or around the stricture in all cases. Five of seven patients whose follow‐up was >6 months had their stent removed successfully. At a median follow‐up of 21 months, all patients are alive and none has required subsequent surgery. Six of the seven patients presented with significant symptoms and they are all currently symptom‐free, which we consider to be a successful clinical outcome. No patient has developed significant renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (<30 mL/min) but we could only confirm successful unequivocal renographic drainage in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Combining antegrade radiological and retrograde endourological techniques, it is possible to restore ureteric continuity with a JJ stent, even in situations with extensive loss of the ureteric lumen. This reduces the need for morbid open surgical repair and offers a long‐term solution to patients who might otherwise be consigned to less favourable conservative measures.
PRIVATE ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF PRE‐TRIAL BARGAINING*
Authors: BOURJADE SYLVAIN , REY PATRICK , SEABRIGHT PAUL
Published: August 2009

We study the effect of encouraging private actions for breaches of competition law. We develop a model of litigation and settlement with asymmetric information. We show that screening liable from non‐liable defendants requires the Court to restrict the rules governing admissible evidence. We study how to design the rules so as to enhance the role of private litigation in antitrust enforcement and prove that increasing damages is better than reducing costs of initiating suits. We also find large benefits from introducing a system of compensation for defendants found non‐liable, paid by unsuccessful plaintiffs.
LICENSING ‘WEAK’ PATENTS*
Authors: ENCAOUA DAVID , LEFOUILI YASSINE
Published: August 2009

In this paper, we revisit the issue of licensing ‘weak’ patents under the shadow of litigation. Departing from the seminal paper by Farrell and Shapiro [2008], we consider innovations of any size and not only ‘small’ innovations, and we allow the number of licensees to be less than the number of firms in the downstream industry. It is shown that the optimal two‐part tariff license from the patent holder's perspective may either deter or trigger litigation, and conditions under which each case arises are provided. We also reexamine the claim that the licensing revenues from ‘weak’ patents overcompensate the patent holder relative to what a natural benchmark would command. Finally we suggest two policy levers that may alleviate the harm raised by the licensing of ‘weak’ patents.
Exchange Rates and Outward Foreign Direct Investment: US FDI in Emerging Economies
Authors: Udomkerdmongkol Manop , Morrissey Oliver , Görg Holger
Published: August 2009

This paper investigates the effect of exchange rates on US foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to a sample of 16 emerging market countries using annual panel data for the period 1990–2002. Three separate exchange rate effects are considered: the value of the local currency (a cheaper currency attracts FDI); expected changes in the exchange rate (expected devaluation implies FDI is postponed); and exchange rate volatility (discourages FDI). The results reveal a negative relationship between FDI and more expensive local currency, the expectation of local currency depreciation, and volatile exchange rates. Stable exchange rate management can be important in attracting FDI.
Foreign Direct Investment and Regional Inequality in China
Authors: Wei Kailei , Yao Shujie , Liu Aying
Published: August 2009

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is blamed for being one of the main factors widening regional inequality in Chinese regions since it is highly unevenly distributed spatially. If this logic were true, then controlling the scale of FDI could be a solution to reduce regional inequality. However, it is difficult to reconcile the positive effect of FDI on economic growth with its potential “negative” effect on regional inequality. Using the largest panel dataset covering all the Chinese regions over the entire period 1979–2003 and employing an augmented Cobb–Douglas production function, this paper proves that FDI has been an important factor responsible for regional growth differences in China. However, it suggests that FDI cannot be blamed for rising regional inequality. It is the uneven distribution of FDI instead of FDI itself that has caused regional growth differences. The research results have important policy implications on regional development in China relating to FDI.
Overt Object Shift in Japanese
Authors: Ochi Masao
Published: August 2009

Abstract. This paper argues that the DP object in Japanese always moves to the domain of vP in overt syntax. The main argument for this hypothesis comes from the transitivity restriction imposed on the genitive‐subject construction in this language. I argue that once the object is shifted to the edge of vP, the subject in the inner specifier of vP is rendered inaccessible from the higher phase head. This hypothesis also derives the well‐known ban on multiple occurrences of accusative phrases in the Japanese causative construction. The paper also makes several theoretical points. For instance, the EPP checking (in the traditional sense) is contingent on an independent Agree relation such as Case checking. Also, calculation of equidistance is confined to a very local domain of a syntactic derivation.
Cultural ‘Diskontinuität’ and Thematic Continuity: Ernst Wiechert after 1945
Authors: Klapper John
Published: August 2009

Despite his early reputation as a writer in sympathy with Nazi ideals, Wiechert's writing from the late 1920s, his public speeches in Nazi Germany, and his brave public defence of Martin Niemöller ensured he was seen in the immediate post‐war period as a champion of the ‘other Germany’ and a leading ‘inner emigrant’. Subsequent disagreements with the American occupation powers, the civil authorities and returning exiled writers, allied to his instinctively anti‐democratic mindset and deeply traditional artistic ideas, meant the author could never feel at home in a world of simplistic denazification, enforced democratisation and radical literary ‘Kahlschlag’. The ideas expressed in a range of post‐war essays and the thematic concerns of his last two novels reveal a very different writer from the anti‐Nazi whom the allies had originally hoped to harness to their cause. His enduring national conservativism, the inwardness and the resigned turning away from political reality, along with the affirmation of eternal spiritual values and a deep‐seated historical and cultural pessimism, all confirm positions and ideas adumbrated in the archetypal novel of ‘inner emigration’, Das einfache Leben (1939), and suggest a thematic and ideological continuity beyond the 1945 divide.
Turkish Girls, Allah's Daughters, and the Contemporary German Subject: Itinerary of a Figure1
Authors: Yildiz Yasemin
Published: August 2009

This essay considers the very recent emergence of the category of ‘Muslim’ in German public discourse and through it examines current German self‐understandings. In contemporary Germany, the notion of a resident ‘Muslim’ minority has been primarily created by relabelling and recasting immigrants from Turkey, the country's largest minority. I argue that the rearticulation of longstanding storylines about abused women of Turkish background – increasingly presented as ‘Muslim’– serves as a key point of transfer in this shift from ethnonational to religious framings. Analysing exemplary media sources as well as the sociologist Necla Kelek's influential non‐fiction bookDie fremde Braut(2005), I point to the crucial and multilayered work done by gender in this shift as well as its large‐scale implications for reimagining Germany and Europe.
Industry differences in the neoliberal transformation of Australian industrial relations
Authors: Bray Mark , Underhill Elsa
Published: August 2009

This article argues that our theoretical understanding of neoliberalism and empirical understanding of the transformation of industrial relations in Australia since the early 1990s can be improved by disaggregating analysis from national to industry level, and by focusing on the dual neoliberal objectives of decollectivisation and individualisation.
Individual contracting, collective bargaining and wages in Australia
Authors: Peetz David , Preston Alison
Published: August 2009

We examine wages in Australia under federally registered individual contracts and collective agreements (CAs) using unpublished data from a national earnings survey. The distribution of earnings under registered individual contracts was more unequal than under CAs. Average and median earnings under registered individual contracts were lower than under CAs. There was little evidence that individual contracting raised wages through raising productivity. The link between contracting and pay appears contingent, varying between occupations, industries, and firm size bands and dependent upon employees' position in the labour market and employers' use of union avoidance strategies. This has implications for the interpretation of studies of union wage effects.
Fluorescence and coloration of grey hair
Authors: Daly S. , Bianchini R. , Polefka T. , Jumbelic L. , Jachowicz J.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis

Grey hair samples were collected from 11 individuals and separated into un‐pigmented and pigmented fibres (International Hair Importers). Fluorescence measurements were obtained by using a double‐grating fluorescence spectrophotometer and a bifurcated fibre optics accessory to measure the spectra directly from the surface of hair at various distances from the fibre root. Colour measurements were carried out by using a Hunter colorimeter. The fluorescence spectra of un‐pigmented hair obtained by the excitation at 290 nm show a peak at 356 nm [tryptophan (Trp)], and multi‐peak emissions in the range from 395 to 500 nm. A significant variation in the Trp emission intensity at 356 nm vs. the intensity of emission in the 395–500 nm range was observed for hair collected from various individuals with yellow coloured hair producing stronger relative emission in 395–500 nm range. Quantitative measurements of coloration and the calculation of the Yellowness Index (YI) showed linear correlation between YI and the ratio of fluorescence intensities I440/I356 The spectra obtained by excitation at 320 nm showed the emission peaks at 395 nm (unidentified), 420 nm (N‐formylkynurenine), 460 nm (kynurenine), and 495 nm (3‐hydroxykynurenine), which are the products of oxidative or metabolic conversion of tryptophan. Un‐pigmented, yellow hair showed a build‐up of the fluorescence band corresponding to 3‐hydroxykynurenine at 495 nm. The data also showed the fluorescence quenching effect of melanin resulting in the lowering of the fluorescence intensity of pigmented hair. The spectra obtained at various positions along the fibres demonstrated gradual photo‐decomposition of hair chromophores during their lifetimes. This was indicated by a decrease of Trp fluorescence intensity, which was relatively fast (8·10−4–1.5·10−3 [day−1] as calculated for hair obtained from various individuals) for un‐pigmented hair and slower for pigmented hair. A decrease in Trp emission was accompanied by an increase in the yellow coloration toward the ends of un‐pigmented fibres.
Water, water everywhere…?
Authors: Matts Paul J.
Published: August 2009

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 201–205

Life on earth would not be possible without skin, meaning that it must have unique properties that allow us to exist here. These properties are discussed in this short review, in particular, the physical and chemical barrier characteristics of the stratum corneum, which we now know are only possible due to the presence of water at precise and carefully controlled levels and locations. The review discusses the pivotal role water plays in both stratum corneum mechanics/integrity and stratum corneum regulation/maturation and reinforces the critical role played by cosmetic products, which moisturize and augment stratum corneum barrier function.

Keywords:  Skin, stratum corneum, water, barrier, confocal raman, moisturizer, corneocyte
Detection and Identification of Free Radicals Generated by UV and Visible Light in Ex Vivo Human Skin
Authors: Zastrow Leonhard , Groth Norbert , Klein Frank , Kockott Dieter , Lademann Jürgen , Ferrero Louis
Published: August 2009

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 207–215

Contrary to the skin biological end points used for determination of the sun protection factor and UVA protection factor, generation of excess free radicals in skin – mainly reactive oxygen species – is potentially the source of much skin damage and so represents a more general biophysical answer to the effects of sun exposure of different wavelengths. By applying electron spin resonance spectroscopy to human skin biopsies, we determined in previous work a free radical action spectrum covering the ultraviolet and visible light range. Convolution of the action spectrum with sunlight spectral irradiance (280–700nm) showed the importance of visible light in free radical generation. This unexpected finding led us to perform further investigations. Firstly, an existing sun simulator was modified so that its output truly mimics the sun's full spectrum, including visible light. Human skin biopsies were irradiated either by this device or a conventional UV source, confirming our previous calculations: half of the free radicals are generated in the 400–700nm visible wavelength range. Secondly, the visible spectrum of the modified sun simulator was divided into narrow‐band lights using different pairs of short‐ and long‐pass filters. Human skin biopsies impregnated with specific spin traps were exposed to the different narrow‐band lights to identify different types of free radicals. Generation of dangerous radical species like •O2‐, •OH and •CH‐R was observed in different parts of the visible range, confirming the relevance of the free radical action spectrum and its ability to predict skin protection.

Keywords:  UV + VIS solar simulator, ex vivo human skin, free radicals, action spectrum, Electron Spin Resonance
Oat‐based complex stimulates skin barrier protein synthesis and reduces skin ageing
Authors: Gafner Frank , Schweikert Kuno , Dell’Acqua Giorgio
Published: August 2009

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 217–223

Epidermal differentiation is crucial to guarantee a physiological cornification process. The cornified envelope is the final skin barrier which protects against external aggressions such as UV light and reduces water loss. Skin ageing is associated with decreased functionality of this barrier and reduced epidermal differentiation. We present a new bioactive complex for the stimulation of protein synthesis associated with cornified envelope and markers of epidermal differentiation. Composed of a hydrolyzed oat protein extract and particularly rich in glutamine and glutamic acid combined with ATP and niacinamide, 1% of this complex increases significantly the synthesis of proteins such as filaggrin, late envelope protein and small proline‐rich proteins, all markers of epidermal differentiation, in a reconstituted human skin model as measured by DNA array chip analysis, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. When a cream containing 3% of this bioactive complex was applied to the skin of 25 human volunteers, an increase in skin hydration of more than 60% after 14 days of application and a reduction of wrinkles and roughness by more than 50% in 4 weeks were observed compared with a placebo cream. In conclusion, the bioactive complex stimulated synthesis of proteins which are important for epidermal differentiation and skin barrier function and was helpful in fighting skin ageing.

Keywords:  Hydrolyzed oat protein extract, cornified envelope, filaggrin, small proline‐rich proteins, skin barrier, anti‐ageing
Matrix proteins of the papillary dermis – primary targets of intrinsic dermal ageing?
Authors: Boudier David , Dubreuil Valérie , Marchand Laetitia , Guichard Nathalie , Closs Brigitte
Published: August 2009

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 225–229

The dermis is considered a highly dynamic structure that determines the biomechanical properties of the skin. It is composed of two dermal compartments separated by a vascular plexus: the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. In the last few years, several studies have demonstrated the role of the dermal epidermal junction in the cutaneous ageing process. Recently, teams specialized in the study of the dermal matrix have focused their studies on the superior dermis in close contact with the dermal epidermal junction: the papillary dermis. They defined the role of matrix proteins in this area. Collagens XII and XVI, non‐fibrillar collagens specific to the papillary dermis, are responsible for skin deformability and extensibility. Oxytalan fibres are related to elastic properties of the skin. Ubiquitous collagens such as collagens I and VI are associated with the cohesion and the resistance of the dermis. As the papillary dermis is the primary site of intrinsic dermal ageing, we studied expression of these molecules in our own in vitro model of intrinsic ageing of the papillary dermis. The results of this innovative approach confirmed that their expression was reduced. Nevertheless, active molecules may exist in nature that are capable of restoring a normal expression profile of these markers for a cosmetic anti‐ageing application.

Keywords:  Anti‐ageing, papillary dermis, collagens XVI and XII, oxytalan fibres
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 399–418 (September/October 2008) A study of the chemical composition of traditional eye cosmetics (‘kohls’) used in Qatar and Yemen
Authors: Hardy A. D. , Farrant A. J. , Rollinson G. , Barss P. , Vaishnav R.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis

This study looks at the chemical composition of traditional eye cosmetics (‘kohls’) used in Qatar and Yemen. Of especial interest was how many samples in each country contain the toxic element lead. In Qatar 19 observably different kohl samples were obtained, and in Yemen ten such samples obtained. The analytical techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) were used to study the samples. For the samples from Qatar, six of the 19 (32%) contained galena (lead sulfide, PbS)—all as the main component. However, for the samples from Yemen, five of the ten (50%) samples contained galena as the main component, with another three having it present as a minor component. Overall, the other main components were found to be: amorphous carbon (3), iron oxides (hematite, Fe2O3; and goethite, FeO(OH)) (1), quartz (SiO2) (1), sassolite (H3BO3) (5), talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) (1), and zincite (ZnO) (7).
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 441–448 (September/October 2008) Simultaneous determination of heavy metals in cosmetic products
Authors: Lee S.‐M. , Jeong H.‐J. , Chang I. S.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis

An extremely small amount of several heavy metals have been detected in cosmetic products as impurities, which can cause skin allergies through percutaneous adsorption on the skin. We present here a fast, accurate, and highly sensitive method for simultaneous determination of Pb2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cd2+ and Mn2+ in coloring agents and cosmetic products, to be evaluated by ion chromatography. All of these metals are well separated through a bifunctional ion‐exchange column (IonPac CS5A) and detected by post‐column reaction and spectrophotometric detection. The calibration graphs are linear (r2 > 0.999), in the range 0.1–1000 μg ml‐1. Detection limits for a 200‐μl sample solution are at the μg L‐1 level, which is sufficient for judging whether the product is safe or not. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the retention time and the peak area are less than 0.21 and 1.24%, respectively. The recovery rates are 97–104%. The result shows that the proposed determination method is more sensitive, more accurate, and faster than current methods such as HPLC, ICP‐MS and Flame‐AAS. The new method was applied to analyse the amount of heavy metals contained in 22 cosmetic products and 11 coloring agents.
A re‐examination of the misinformation effect by means of visual and verbal recognition tests
Authors: Yamashita Masako
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Two experiments were carried out to investigate the factors that produce the misinformation effect (Loftus, 1979a). Experiment 1 of the present study using the visual recognition test was a replica of Experiment 1 of Loftus, Miller, and Burns (1978). The misinformation effect was not found. Experiment 2 differed from Experiment 1 in the following respects: the modality of recognition test was varied between visual and verbal; memorableness (ease of memorization) of the critical objects was varied. The results of Experiment 2 suggest that the original visual memory might be more likely to be recovered with a visual recognition test than with a verbal recognition test, and that the postevent information would not necessarily interfere effectively with memory of an original object of too high or low memorableness, while it works well on objects of intermediate memorableness.
Cross‐cultural differences in processes underlying sequential cognitive activity
Authors: TOSHIMA TAMOTSU , DEMICK JACK , ISHII SHINJI , MIYATANI MAKOTO , WAPNER SEYMOUR
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Similarities and differences in the processes underlying performance on the Stroop Color‐Word Test (Card A, 100 color words/black ink; Card B, 100 color patches; Card C, 100 color words/incongruous ink color) were investigated with Japanese (N = 96) and Americans (N = 96) with stimulus items read: (a) vertically, top to bottom; and (b) horizontally, left to right. Total time as well as errors, namely, those involved with the underlying processes of identification and sequential organization, were significantly longer or more frequent on Card C than on Cards A and B for both nationalities and spatial arrangements. Further, greater frequency of serial organization errors in females than in males was obtained for the Japanese group, and the opposite for the American group. The implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Toward a new outlook on primate learning and behavior: complex learning and emergent processes in comparative perspective1
Authors: RUMBAUGH DUANE M. , SAVAGE‐RUMBAUGH E. SUE , WASHBURN DAVID A.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Primate research of the 20th century has established the validity of Darwin's postulation of psychological as well as biological continuity between humans and other primates, notably the great apes. Its data make clear that Descartes' view of animals as unfeeling “beast‐machines” is invalid and should be discarded. Traditional behavioristic frameworks — that emphasize the concepts of stimulus, response, and reinforcement and an “empty‐organism” psychology — are in need of major revisions. Revised frameworks should incorporate the fact that, in contrast to the lifeless databases of the “hard” sciences, the database of psychology entails properties novel to life and its attendant phenomena. The contributions of research this century, achieved by field and laboratory researchers from around the world, have been substantial — indeed revolutionary. It is time to celebrate the progress of our field, to anticipate its significance, and to emphasize conservation of primates in their natural habitats.
Visually guided drawing in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)1
Authors: IVERSEN IVER H. , MATSUZAWA TETSURO
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Two captive, female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were taught to draw straight lines with a method of electronic finger painting. Subjects faced a touch‐sensitive monitor. Because a touch instantaneously generated electronic ink in the form of a graphic symbol at the touched location, movement of the finger over the monitor surface produced a visible trace. Drawing was taught in several steps, beginning with pressing separate small circles one at a time. As the circles were moved closer and overlapped, the subjects began to connect them without lifting the finger. After smooth drawing was established, two small dots, 12 cm apart, appeared on the monitor in different orientations. Each subject drew a line connecting the dots by placing a finger on one dot and moving the finger, without lifting, to the next dot. Thereby the dot orientations guided the drawing. The subjects were not drawing by tracking a moving object but were truly free drawing. The fully automated training and recording methods generated highly accurate drawing behavior that could be measured quantitatively. Our results provide clear evidence that with training the chimpanzee is capable of structured drawing guided by visual commands.
Linear perspective and the Ponzo illusion: a comparison between rhesus monkeys and humans1
Authors: FUJITA KAZUO
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Rhesus monkeys trained to classify bars of different lengths as “long” or “short” were tested for their bias of this classification when photographic linear perspective was superimposed on the bar. The photograph was either an upright or an upside down picture of the landscape that provided good linear perspective to human eyes. In Experiment 1, these photographs appeared together with the upward‐converging lines. The rhesus monkeys reported “long” more often when the target was located above the center of the stimulus, that is, near the apex of the converging line, than when it was located below the center, irrespective of the orientation of the photograph. In Experiment 2, the photographs appeared without the converging lines. The subjects showed a bias similar to, but less than, Experiment 1 only for the upright photograph. No bias was found for the upside down photograph. It was concluded that in nonhuman primates photographic linear perspective induces the Ponzo illusion, but the effect is so small that it is overshadowed by the converging lines typically used to produce the Ponzo illusion. In Experiment 3, humans tested in a comparable procedure perceived the illusion as long as the upright picture was there, irrespective of the presence or absence of the converging lines. This suggested that linear perspective provided by natural photographs strongly induces the illusion in humans.
Influence of two types of information trials on the formation of a discrimination‐reversal learning set in Japanese monkeys
Authors: KOMAKI JUNJI
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Three groups of male adult Japanese monkeys were trained in 30 discrimination‐reversal learning‐set (LS) problems using the Wisconsin General Test Apparatus. A control group (N = 3) was trained in the standard procedure: acquisition of up to 12 consecutive correct responses, reversal to the same criterion, and then shift to a new problem. To the other two groups, three information trials signaling the stimulus value in reversal were given after they reached the criterion in acquisition. Subjects in the positive‐stimulus information (PSI) group (N = 4) were exposed only to the reversal positive stimulus, and a response to it was rewarded. Subjects in the negative‐stimulus information (NSI) group (N = 4) were exposed only to the reversal negative stimulus, and any response to it was not rewarded. Information trials reduced reversal errors and NSI trials were more effective than PSI trials in error reduction (p < .05). Information trials also aided in acquisition: the NSI and PSI groups learned the acquisition phase of the problems with significantly fewer errors than control group (p < .01) in the last stage of training. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to strategy learning and attention learning in LS formation.
Tool use by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) of the Arnhem Zoo community
Authors: TAKESHITA HIDEKO , VAN HOOFF JAN A. R. A. M.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Chimpanzees have a large repertoire of tool‐use behaviors. This study reports on the variety and the extent of tool use exhibited by the chimpanzees of the Arnhem Zoo community in The Netherlands, living in an enriched captive setting since 1971. The use of tools by 29 chimpanzees aged from 0 to 37 years was observed. We identified 13 types of tool use comparable to those found in the wild. Some of these types of tool use seem to be specific to this community, and can be explained by the ecological characteristics of this captive setting. Chimpanzees started to use tools from the age of 2 years. Young chimpanzees, from 5 to 9 years old, showed a greater repertoire of tool use than infants and adults. All types of tool use in the community have appeared by the age of 10, the age of puberty for chimpanzees. Multivariate analysis was applied for the 29 individuals by 13 types of tool use in a one‐zero matrix. The results show two major categories of tool use, one in a practical or substantial context and the other in a nonpractical or play context. The subjects clustered into groups reflecting developmental stages, although there are great individual differences. In conclusion, this captive community provides a unique opportunity to clarify the details of tool use by chimpanzees.
An exploratory study of gaze‐monitoring in nonhuman primates1
Authors: ITAKURA SHOJI
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Eleven species of nonhuman primate were tested in a gaze‐monitoring task to examine whether they would look where the experimenter looked or pointed. Chimpanzees and an orangutan showed higher correct‐response rates than other species. A high correlation was found between correct responses on the gaze‐monitoring task and the length of time that the subject continuously concentrated on the experiment.
A probabilistic multidimensional scaling with unique axes1
Authors: TSUCHIYA TAKAHIRO
Published: August 2009

Abstract:A probabilistic multidimensional scaling model is proposed. The model assumes that the coordinates of each stimulus are normally distributed with variance Σi= diag(σ21, … σ2Ri). The advantage of this model is that axes are determined uniquely. The distribution of the distance between two stimuli is obtained by polar coordinates transformation. The method of maximum likelihood estimation for means and variances using the EM algorithm is discussed. Further, simulated annealing is suggested as a means of obtaining initial values in order to avoid local maxima. A simulation study shows that the estimates are accurate, and a numerical example concerning the location of Japanese cities shows that natural axes can be obtained without introducing individual parameters.
Burrow architecture and digging activity in the Cape dune mole rat
Authors: Thomas H. G. , Bateman P. W. , Le Comber S. C. , Bennett N. C. , Elwood R. W. , Scantlebury M.
Published: August 2009

While females are traditionally thought to invest more time and energy into parental care than males, males often invest more resources into searching and displaying for mates, obtaining mates and in male–male conflict. Solitary subterranean mammals perform these activities in a particularly challenging niche, necessitating energetically expensive burrowing to both search for mates and forage for food. This restriction presumably affects males more than females as the former are thought to dig longer tunnels that cover greater distances to search for females. We excavated burrow systems of male and female Cape dune mole rats Bathyergus suillus the, largest truly subterranean mammal, to investigate whether male burrows differ from those of females in ways that reflect mate searching by males. We consider burrow architecture (length, internal dimensions, fractal dimension of tunnel systems, number of nesting chambers and mole mounds on the surface) in relation to mating strategy. Males excavated significantly longer burrow systems with higher fractal dimensions and larger burrow areas than females. Male burrow systems were also significantly farther from one another than females were from other females' burrow systems. However, no sex differences were evident in tunnel cross‐sectional area, mass of soil excavated per mound, number of mounds produced per unit burrow length or mass of soil excavated per burrow system. Hence, while males may use their habitat differently from females, they do not appear to differ in the dimensions of the tunnels they create. Thus, exploration and use of the habitat differs between the sexes, which may be a consequence of sex differences in mating behaviour and greater demands for food.
The Principles of Hughlings Jackson Applied to Psychiatry
Authors: Mezey A. G.
Published: August 2009

The ideas of Hughlings Jackson have decisively influenced the neurological thinking of the last hundred years. Their impact on psychiatry, however, has been negligible, and the organo‐dynamic concept of Henri Ey, in Paris, is the first major and systematic attempt to apply them to psychological disorders. The following is a brief account of this important and stimulating approach. It was intended to publish it at the time of the anniversary of Hughlings Jackson's death, but translation difficulties delayed publication.
Acute Hemiplegia in Childhood
Authors: BAX MARTIN
Published: August 2009

This article briefly reviews our present knowledge of acute hemiplegia in children, which was recently the subject of a Study Group held at Clevedon, Somerset, for the National Spastics Society. An account of these discussions is to be published as a Little Club Clinic in Developmental Medicine.

An outline is here given of the nomenclature of acute infantile hemiplegia, its incidence, clinical picture and course, the aetiology, and the results of investigations. Detailed recommendations are made regarding the treatment of the acute episode.

Hémiplégie aiguë dans Venfance

Cet article fait brièvement le point de nos connaissances actuelles sur Ľhémiplégie aiguë chez Ľenfant, cet état ayant été récemment le sujet ďune symposium tenu à Clevedon, Somerset, par le Groupement de Recherches Pédiatriques de la National Spastics Society.

On donne une vue ďensemble de la nomenclature des incidences du tableau clinique et de Ľévolution, de Ľétiologie, des résultats de diverses investigations et des recommandations détaillées en ce qui concerne le traitement.

Akute Hemiplegie im Kindesalter

Dieser Artikel bespricht kurz unsere hentigen Kenntnisse betreffs akuter Hemiplegie bei Kindern, ein Zustand, der vor kurzem das Thema einer in Clevedon, Somerset, von der Verbindung für Pädiatrische Forschungen der ‘National Spastics Society’ abgehaltenen Sitzung war.

Es wird ein Überblick üer Nomenklatur, Inzidenz, klinisches Bild und Verlauf, Ätiologie und Resultate der Prüfungerv gegeben und ausführliche Empfehlungen hinsichtlich der Therapie werden gemacht.
The Study of Imbecile Behaviour
Authors: CLARKE ANN M.
Published: August 2009

This article attempts to give a brief global picture of current psychological research in the investigation and modification of imbecile behaviour.

Starting with the assumption that an increasing number of congenitally severely handicapped individuals are surviving, attention is focused on three main areas of research into their social adjustment:

the severely subnormal in their own homes;

the problem of the best methods of caring for those who must be removed to institutions;

the education and training of imbeciles, viewed from the point of view (a) of occupation and training centres and (b) of experimental investigations in more controlled conditions.

It is concluded that this is a rewarding field of investigation in which only a minimal amount of established fact is available. Already, however, it appears that considerably more can be done for the severely subnormal than formerly thought.

Etude du comportement de &imbécile

On trouvera dans cet article un tableau bref et global tendant à présenter les découvertes psychologiques actuelles relatives àĽétude et aux modifications du comportement de Ľimbécile.

Tenant compte du fait qu'il y a de plus en plus de survivants parmi les êtres atteints ďinfirmités congénitales graves, Ľauteur concentre son attention sur trois principaux secteurs de recherches touchant à leur adaptation sociale:

les grands déficients mentaux dans leur famille;

le problème des meilleurs méthodes de soins à appliquer à ceux qui doivent être placés dans des institutions;

Ľ éducation et la formation des imbéciles considérées du double point de vue (a) des centres ďoccupation et de formation; (b) des recherches expérimentales dans des conditions plus rigoureuses.

Ľauteur conclut qu'il s'agit ďun terrain ďinvestigation ‘payant’ pour lequel cependant on ne dispose que de très peu de données. Toutefois, dès a présent, il apparaît que Ľon peut faire bien davantage pour les enfants gravements déficients qu'on ne le pensait naguère.

Studium des Verhaltens des Imbezilles

In diesem Artikel wird versucht, ein kurzes und globales Bild der heutigen psycho‐logischen Forschungen über die Untersuchungen und die Veränderungen des Verhaltens des Imbezilles zu geben.

Der Autor geht von der Voraussetzung ab, dass es immer mehr Überlebende unter den Kranken mit angeborenen schweren Defekten gibt, und lenkt seine Aufmerksamkeit auf drei hauptsächliche Forschungsgebiete, betreffs ihrer sozialen Anpassung:

Die Kranken mit schweren Schwachsinnsformen in ihrer Familie.

Das Problem der besten Pflegemethoden fur diejenigen, die in Anstalten untergebracht werden müssen.

Die Erziehung und Ausbildung der Imbezille vom Gesichtspunkt (a) der Beschäftigungs‐ und Ausbildungszentren, (b) der experimentalen Untersuchungen in den genauesten Bedingungen.

Der Autor schliesst, dass hier ein lohnendes Forschungsgebiet ist, in dem man aber nur über sehr wenige feste Tatsachen verfügt. Jedoch, schon jetzt erscheint es, dass man viel mehr für die schwer abnormen Kinder tun kann, als man früher glaubte.
Homo‐ and heterodimerization of ROCO kinases: LRRK2 kinase inhibition by the LRRK2 ROCO fragment
Authors: Klein Christian L. , Rovelli Giorgio , Springer Wolfdieter , Schall Christoph , Gasser Thomas , Kahle Philipp J.
Published: August 2009

Mutations in the gene encoding leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of autosomal‐dominant familial and late‐onset sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD). LRRK2 is a large multi‐domain protein featuring a GTP‐binding C‐terminal of Ras of complex proteins (ROC) (ROCO) domain combination unique for the ROCO protein family, directly followed by a kinase domain. Dimerization is a well‐established phenomenon among protein kinases. Here, we confirm LRRK2 self‐interaction, and provide evidence for general homo‐ and heterodimerization potential among the ROCO kinase family (LRRK2, LRRK1, and death‐associated protein kinase 1). The ROCO domain was critically, though not exclusively involved in dimerization, as a LRRK2 deletion mutant lacking the ROCO domain retained dimeric properties. GTP binding did not appear to influence ROCOLRRK2 self‐interaction. Interestingly, ROCOLRRK2 fragments exerted an inhibitory effect on both wild‐type and the elevated G2019S LRRK2 autophosphorylation activity. Insertion of PD mutations into ROCOLRRK2 reduced self‐interaction and led to a reduction of LRRK2 kinase inhibition. Collectively, these results suggest a functional link between ROCO interactions and kinase activity of wild‐type and mutant LRRK2. Importantly, our finding of ROCOLRRK2 fragment‐mediated LRRK2 kinase inhibition offers a novel lead for drug design and thus might have important implications for new therapeutic avenues in PD.