bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of UCP1 and UCP3 in arctic ground squirrels and relation with mitochondrial proton leak
Authors: Barger Jamie L. , Barnes Brian M. , Boyer Bert B.
Published: June 2006

Uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 (UCP1) catalyzes a proton leak in brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria that results in nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), but the extent to which UCP homologs mediate NST in other tissues is controversial. To clarify the role of UCP3 in mediating NST in a hibernating species, we measured Ucp3 expression in skeletal muscle of arctic ground squirrels in one of three activity states (not hibernating, not hibernating and fasted for 48 h, or hibernating) and housed at 5°C or −10°C. We then compared Ucp3 mRNA levels in skeletal muscle with Ucp1 mRNA and UCP1 protein levels in BAT in the same animals. Ucp1 mRNA and UCP1 protein levels were increased on cold exposure and decreased with fasting, with the highest UCP1 levels in thermogenic hibernators. In contrast, Ucp3 mRNA levels were not affected by temperature but were increased 10-fold during fasting and >3-fold during hibernation. UCP3 protein levels were increased nearly fivefold in skeletal muscle mitochondria isolated from fasted squirrels compared with nonhibernators, but proton leak kinetics in the presence of BSA were unchanged. Proton leak in BAT mitochondria also did not differ between fed and fasted animals but did show classical inhibition by the purine nucleotide GDP. Levels of nonesterified fatty acids were highest during hibernation, and tissue temperatures during hibernation were related to Ucp1, but not Ucp3, expression. Taken together, these results do not support a role for UCP3 as a physiologically relevant mediator of NST in muscle.
Überaktive Blase: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Botoxtherapie
Authors: Scheiner D. , Perucchini D. , Fink D.
Published: June 2006

Das Botulinumneurotoxin ist das potenteste bekannte Gift. Das vom Erreger Clostridium botulinum gebildete Neurotoxin besteht aus einer schweren Kette, die für die Internalisierung des Toxins ins Zytosol an der Nervenendigung verantwortlich ist, und aus einer leichten Kette, die die Fusion der acetylcholinhaltigen Vesikel mit der Zellmembran und somit dessen Ausschüttung in den synaptischen Spalt verhindert. Die daraus resultierende Chemodenervation nach zystoskopischer Botulinumneurotoxin-Injektion in den Musculus detrusor vesicae führt zu einer eindrücklichen Reduktion der Beschwerden der überaktiven Blase. Klinische Studien zeigen Erfolgsraten zwischen 60 und 96% bei der neurogenen und nicht neurogenen überaktiven Blase. Mit dem Botulinumneurotoxin steht somit in der Urogynäkologie zur Behandlung der überaktiven Blase ein effizientes, nebenwirkungsarmes Medikament zur Verfügung, das durch einen minimal invasiven Eingriff appliziert werden kann.
Prediction of Intra-Twin Birth Weight Discordance by Binary Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Wen Shi Wu , Tan Hongzhuan , Yang Qiuying , Walker Mark
Published: June 2006

Aims: Identification of women at high risk of intra-twin birth weight discordance is helpful in obstetric care of these pregnancies. The aim of this study is to establish an intra-twin birth weight discordance prediction model. Methods: We created an intra-twin birth weight discordance prediction model by logistic regression, based on the 1995–1997 register twin birth data of the USA. The twin sets were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 to establish the prediction model and group 2 to validate the prediction model. Intra-twin birth weight discordance was defined as birth weight discordance >25%. The prediction model was validated by receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A birth weight discordance prediction model including maternal age (β = 0.069), parity (β = 0.250), fetal gender concordance (β = 0.041), maternal hypertension (β = 0.368), eclampsia (β = 0.316), other medical complication (β = 0.165), and smoking (β = 0.164) was established, yielded a 0.558 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were 38.1, 69.7, and 10.8%, respectively, at the cut-off value of 0.09 in group 2. Conclusion: A birth weight discordance prediction model that includes seven variables available during pregnancy has been established with acceptable diagnostic performance.
Acceleration of de novo Cholesterol Synthesis in the Epidermis Influences Desquamation of the Stratum Corneum in Aged Mice
Authors: Haratake A. , Komiya A. , Horikoshi T. , Uchiwa H. , Watanabe S.
Published: June 2006

Cholesterol, a component of intercellular lipids, is important for stratum corneum (SC) homeostasis, including its barrier function and desquamation. However, cholesterologenesis in the epidermis decreases under basal conditions with aging. We found that the number of horny layers in murine SC increased with the decrease of desquamation in the outermost corneocytes associated with aging. The cholesterol content decreased and the cholesterol sulfate content increased in the horny layer with aging, which resulted in an increase in the ratio of cholesterol sulfate to cholesterol. Moreover, we investigated the effects of accelerated cholesterologenesis on desquamation in aged murine skin following topical application of mevalonic acid. The ratio of cholesterol sulfate to cholesterol in aged murine SC significantly decreased following topical treatment with mevalonic acid, which resulted from an increase in cholesterol content via the acceleration of cholesterologenesis. Treatment with mevalonic acid also significantly reduced the number of cell layers in the SC along with the acceleration of desquamation, as measured by desmoglein I content, corneocyte surface area and proteinase activity. These results indicate that an improvement in the ratio of cholesterol sulfate to cholesterol content by de novo cholesterologenesis may be important for desquamation of the SC in aged epidermis.
Effect of Nonoptimal Imaging on the Relationship Between the Measured Degree of Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Cuffe R.L. , Rothwell P.M.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Some recent studies of noninvasive carotid imaging have identified high rates of inappropriate decision-making about endarterectomy compared with conventional arterial angiography (CAA), but there is substantial inconsistency across the published literature. CAA is usually regarded as the gold standard for carotid imaging, partly because the degree of angiographic stenosis is a powerful predictor of ischemic stroke and hence of benefit from endarterectomy. However, there are very few published data on the extent to which predictive power varies with type of CAA or the number and quality of views of the stenosis obtained.

Methods—

We analyzed measurements of stenosis made by 2 independent observers on 967 consecutive patients randomized to medial treatment alone in the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST). We determined prediction of 3-year risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke (as a hazard ratio from a Cox model and as the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]) in relation to the technique of angiography, the number and quality of views of the stenosis, and the use of 2 independent measurements.

Results—

Using 2 independent measurements of stenosis increased predictive power slightly, but the effect was much smaller than that attributable to the type of CAA and the number of views of the stenosis. Prognostic value was greater in patients who had selective carotid injection CAA and at least biplane views (AUC, 0.75; 0.68 to 0.82) than in patients with only a single view or aortic arch injection CAA (AUC, 0.65; 0.56 to 0.73;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

The dependence of the prognostic value of CAA on the type of angiography and the number of views of the stenosis obtained has implications for the future development and validation of noninvasive methods of carotid imaging.
Sálvese Quien Pueda: Structural Adjustment and Emigration from Lima
Authors: Massey Douglas S. , Capoferro Chiara
Published: June 2006

Beginning in 1987, Peru imposed a regime of structural adjustment to transform its economy along neoliberal lines. This analysis suggests that a shift resulted in the odds of international migration and the motivations for leaving among inhabitants of Peru’s largest labor market. Before 1987, under the regime of import substitution industrialization, jobs at wages capable of sustaining a basic standard of living were widely available; those few who left the country self-selected for higher human capital and moved abroad to improve their earnings. Under neoliberalism, however, both employment and wages fell to levels that made it difficult for families to sustain themselves. In response, households—with the assistance of friends and relatives with foreign experience—diversified their labor portfolios away from the local job market structural adjustment zones. The number of migrants then rose, the diversity of foreign destinations increased, and migration became less selective with respect to human capital.
Vanishing Assets: Cumulative Disadvantage among the Urban Poor
Authors: Rocha Mercedes González De La
Published: June 2006

This article attempts to generate a new understanding of economic change and household responses in Mexico. It reflects on the changing conditions of survival and reproduction among the Mexican urban working poor in a socioeconomic context of diminishing income-generating opportunities. The author argues that rising poverty has had serious effects on dimensions (beyond economic) of the lives of the poor—in particular, the erosion of the capacity of the poor to maintain networks of social exchange. The author strongly argues in favor of diachronic analyses of economic transformations and their impact on household dynamics to capture social and family processes that are not fully understood by synchronic views of household life and livelihoods. The diachronic view allowed the author to show the limits of the strategies of survival and the inadequate explanations resulting from views that uncritically assume the endlessness of resources in the hands of the poor.
On Local Homogeneity and Stochastically Ordered Mixed Rasch Models
Authors: Kreiner Svend , Hansen Mogens , Hansen Carsten Rosenberg
Published: June 2006

Mixed Rasch models add latent classes to conventional Rasch models, assuming that the Rasch model applies within each class and that relative difficulties of items are different in two or more latent classes. This article considers a family of stochastically ordered mixed Rasch models, with ordinal latent classes characterized by increasing total scoresacrossclasses, and discusses different approaches to item analysis by these models. The analysis by stochastically ordered mixed Rasch models is illustrated both on simulated data and on part of the data collected during development of a new Danish cognitive test called Children's Problem Solving (CHIPS). The main purpose of the analysis of responses to CHIPS items was to validate this theory by disclosure of evidence confirming that item responses fit a stochastically ordered mixed Rasch model but not a conventional Rasch model.
Exporting U.S. Domestic Violence Reforms
Authors: Erwin Patricia E.
Published: June 2006

The article examines the exportation of legal “best practices” in the field of domestic violence from the United States to other countries. The policies and programs being exported mostly focus on the legal system as the primary mode of responding to domestic abuse. However, women’s advocacy groups internationally have developed broader analyses of domestic violence, linking the issue of domestic violence to human rights, as well as economic and health issues and state concerns. This article argues that advocates in the United States have much to learn from their counterparts abroad and should proceed cautiously in exporting U.S. “models” of intervention in domestic violence
Decorin and TGF-β
1
polymorphisms and development of COPD in a general population
Authors: van Diemen Cleo C , Postma Dirkje S , Vonk Judith M , Bruinenberg Marcel , Nolte Ilja M , Boezen H Marike
Published: June 2006

Background

Decorin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan, and TGF-β

1
are both involved in lung ECM turnover. Decorin and TGF-β

1
expression are decreased respectively increased in COPD lung tissue. Interestingly, they act as each other's feedback regulator. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in decorin and TGF-β

1
underlie accelerated decline in FEV
1
and development of COPD in the general population.

Methods

We genotyped 1390 subjects from the Vlagtwedde/Vlaardingen cohort. Lung function was measured every 3 years for a period of 25 years. We tested whether five SNPs in decorin (3'UTR and four intron SNPs) and three SNPs in TGF-β

1
(3'UTR rs6957, C-509T rs1800469 and Leu10Pro rs1982073), and their haplotypes, were associated with COPD (last survey GOLD stage = II). Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze genotype associations with FEV1 decline.

Results

We found a significantly higher prevalence of carriers of the minor allele of the TGF-β

1
rs6957 SNP (p = 0.001) in subjects with COPD. Additionally, we found a significantly lower prevalence of the haplotype with the major allele of rs6957 and minor alleles for rs1800469 and rs1982073 SNPs in TGF-β

1
in subjects with COPD (p = 0.030), indicating that this association is due to the rs6957 SNP. TGF-β

1
SNPs were not associated with FEV1 decline. SNPs in decorin, and haplotypes constructed of both TGF-β

1
and decorin SNPs were not associated with development of COPD or with FEV1 decline.

Conclusion

Our study shows for the first time that SNPs in decorin on its own or in interaction with SNPs in TGF-β

1
do not underlie the disturbed balance in expression between these genes in COPD. TGF-β

1
SNPs are associated with COPD, yet not with accelerated FEV1 decline in the general population.
Optimal two-stage strategy for detecting interacting genes in complex diseases
Authors: lonita luliana , Man Michael
Published: June 2006

Background

The mapping of complex diseases is one of the most important problems in human genetics today. The rapid development of technology for genetic research has led to the discovery of millions of polymorphisms across the human genome, making it possible to conduct genome-wide association studies with hundreds of thousands of markers. Given the large number of markers to be tested in such studies, a two-stage strategy may be a reasonable and powerful approach: in the first stage, a small subset of promising loci is identified using single-locus testing, and, in the second stage, multi-locus methods are used while taking into account the loci selected in the first stage. In this report, we investigate and compare two possible two-stage strategies for genome-wide association studies: a conditional approach and a simultaneous approach.

Results

We investigate the power of both the conditional and the simultaneous approach to detect the disease loci for a range of two-locus disease models in a case-control study design. Our results suggest that, overall, the conditional approach is more robust and more powerful than the simultaneous approach; the conditional approach can greatly outperform the simultaneous approach when one of the two disease loci has weak marginal effect, but interacts strongly with the other, stronger locus (easily detectable using single-locus methods in the first stage).

Conclusion

Genome-wide association studies hold the promise of finding new genes implicated in complex diseases. Two-stage strategies are likely to be employed in these large-scale studies. Therefore we compared two natural two-stage approaches: the conditional approach and the simultaneous approach. Our power studies suggest that, when doing genome-wide association studies, a two-stage conditional approach is likely to be more powerful than a two-stage simultaneous approach.
Sedation in the intensive care unit with remifentanil/propofol versus midazolam/fentanyl: a randomised, open-label, pharmacoeconomic trial
Authors: Muellejans Bernd , Matthey Thomas , Scholpp Joachim , Schill Markus
Published: June 2006

Introduction

Remifentanil is an opioid with a unique pharmacokinetic profile. Its organ-independent elimination and short context-sensitive half time of 3 to 4 minutes lead to a highly predictable offset of action. We tested the hypothesis that with an analgesia-based sedation regimen with remifentanil and propofol, patients after cardiac surgery reach predefined criteria for discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) sooner, resulting in shorter duration of time spent in the ICU, compared to a conventional regimen consisting of midazolam and fentanyl. In addition, the two regimens were compared regarding their costs.

Methods

In this prospective, open-label, randomised, single-centre study, a total of 80 patients (18 to 75 years old), who had undergone cardiac surgery, were postoperatively assigned to one of two treatment regimens for sedation in the ICU for 12 to 72 hours. Patients in the remifentanil/propofol group received remifentanil (6- max. 60 μg kg-1 h-1; dose exceeds recommended labelling). Propofol (0.5 to 4.0 mg kg-1 h-1) was supplemented only in the case of insufficient sedation at maximal remifentanil dose. Patients in the midazolam/fentanyl group received midazolam (0.02 to 0.2 mg kg-1 h-1) and fentanyl (1.0 to 7.0 μg kg-1 h-1). For treatment of pain after extubation, both groups received morphine and/or non-opioid analgesics.

Results

The time intervals (mean values ± standard deviation) from arrival at the ICU until extubation (20.7 ± 5.2 hours versus 24.2 h ± 7.0 hours) and from arrival until eligible discharge from the ICU (46.1 ± 22.0 hours versus 62.4 ± 27.2 hours) were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in the remifentanil/propofol group. Overall costs of the ICU stay per patient were equal (approximately €1,700 on average).

Conclusion

Compared with midazolam/fentanyl, a remifentanil-based regimen for analgesia and sedation supplemented with propofol significantly reduced the time on mechanical ventilation and allowed earlier discharge from the ICU, at equal overall costs.
Intensified Platinum Therapy Is an Ineffective Strategy for Improving Outcome in Pediatric Patients With Advanced Hepatoblastoma
Authors: Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Katzenstein Howard , Krailo Mark D. , Chen Zhengjia , Bowman Laura , Reynolds Marleta , Finegold Milton , Greffe Brian , Rowland Jon , Newman Kurt , Womer Richard B. , London Wendy B. , Castleberry Robert P.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The INT-0098 Intergroup Liver Tumor Study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in event-free and overall survival between patients randomized to treatment with either cisplatin + fluorouracil + vincristine (C5V) or cisplatin + doxorubicin. Results from this and other therapeutic trials suggested that cisplatin was the most active agent against hepatoblastoma. To increase the platinum dose-intensity, a novel regimen was developed alternating carboplatin and cisplatin (CC) every 2 weeks. The P9645 study was designed to compare the risk of treatment failure for patients with stage III/IV hepatoblastoma randomized to either C5V or CC.

Methods

C5V was given according to INT-0098 and CC consisted of carboplatin at 700 mg/m2 on day 0 (560 mg/m2 after two cycles) followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 14. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used after each CC cycle. All patients received four to six cycles of chemotherapy.

Results

From the time the study was opened until the time that random assignment was halted, 56 patients received CC and 53 patients received C5V. The 1-year event-free survival was 37% for patients receiving CC and 57% for those receiving C5V (P = .017). Patients randomly assigned to CC required more blood product support. As a result of a semiannual review by the Children's Oncology Group Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, random assignment was discontinued after 3 years of enrollment because the projected improvement in long-term outcome associated with CC was statistically excluded as a possible outcome of this trial.

Conclusion

Intensification of therapy by alternating platinum analogs increased the risk of adverse outcome in children with unresectable or metastatic hepatoblastoma.
Sexual Problems in Younger Women After Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Burwell Stephanie R. , Case L. Douglas , Kaelin Carolyn , Avis Nancy E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine sexual problems in younger women diagnosed with breast cancer during the first year after surgery and to identify sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of sexual problems.

Patients and Methods

Women diagnosed with breast cancer age ≤ 50 years completed surveys at three time points: within 24 weeks after initial surgery (baseline), 6 weeks after baseline, and 6 months later. Survey items included the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale, satisfaction with sex life, feeling sexually attractive, body image, marital satisfaction, quality of life, medical history, symptoms, and sociodemographics. Prediagnosis sexual problems were retrospectively ascertained at the initial survey.

Results

Analyses included 209 women sexually active at baseline (78.6% of total sample). Sexual problems were significantly greater immediately postsurgery compared with retrospective reports before diagnosis (P < .0001). Although problems gradually decreased over time, they were still greater at 1 year postsurgery than before diagnosis. In multivariate analyses controlling for sexual problems at prediagnosis, vaginal dryness, and lower perceived sexual attractiveness were consistently related to greater overall sexual problems. Chemotherapy was related to sexual problems only at baseline except for women who became menopausal as a result of chemotherapy, who continued to have problems.

Conclusion

Findings substantiate the need to address potential sexual problems related to chemotherapy treatment and menopause among younger breast cancer survivors and to counsel women about possible remedies, particularly for vaginal dryness. Increasing feelings of sexual attractiveness may also help sexual problems, especially among women for whom these feelings were altered by surgery or treatment.
Myths and Realities of American Political Geography
Authors: Glaeser Edward L , Ward Bryce A
Published: June 2006

The division of America into red states and blue states misleadingly suggests that states are split into two camps, but along most dimensions, like political orientation, states are on a continuum. By historical standards, the number of swing states is not particularly low, and America's cultural divisions are not increasing. But despite the flaws of the red state/blue state framework, it does contain two profound truths. First, the heterogeneity of beliefs and attitudes across the United States is enormous and has always been so. Second, political divisions are becoming increasingly religious and cultural. The rise of religious politics is not without precedent, but rather returns us to the pre–New Deal norm. Religious political divisions are so common because religious groups provide politicians the opportunity to send targeted messages that excite their base.
People Flows in Globalization
Authors: Freeman Richard B
Published: June 2006

The policy debate over globalization in the past decade has largely bypassed the international mobility of labor. Restrict trade and cries of protectionism resound. Suggest linking labor standards to trade and it's protectionism in disguise. Limit capital flows and the International Monetary Fund is on your back. But restrict people flows? That's just an accepted exercise of national sovereignty! During the last few decades, when most countries reduced barriers to trade in goods and services and liberalized financial capital markets, most also sought to limit immigration. In this essay, I examine what we know about the causes and consequences of immigration. I argue that people flows are fundamental to creating a global economy and that the interplay among immigration, capital and trade is essential to understanding the way globalization affects economies. I consider ways to reduce barriers to immigration that could improve the well-being of workers around the world.
Use of total patient data for indirect estimation of reference intervals for 40 clinical chemical analytes in Turkey
Authors: Ozarda Ilcol Yesim , Aslan Diler
Published: June 2006

In the present study we used patient data to calculate laboratory-specific indirect reference intervals. These values were compared with reference intervals obtained for a healthy group according to recommendations of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and manufacturer suggestions. Laboratory results (422,919 records) from all subjects of 18–45years of age over a 1-year period were retrieved from our laboratory information system and indirect reference intervals for 40 common analytes were estimated using a modified Bhattacharya procedure. Indirect reference intervals for most of the biochemical analytes were comparable, with small differences in lower [alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (male), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase, iron (male), total iron-binding capacity, folic acid, calcium (female), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:867–76.
Longitudinal changes in serum paraoxonase-1 activity throughout normal pregnancy
Authors: Ferré Natàlia , Camps Jordi , Fernández-Ballart Joan , Arija Victoria , Murphy Michelle M. , Marsillach Judit , Joven Jorge
Published: June 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity from preconception throughout normal pregnancy and their relationships with maternal dietary vitamin C and E intake. The study was performed in 35 women (studied at preconception, at 8, 20 and 32weeks of pregnancy, and at labour). PON1 activity decreased significantly from 145.8 (109.8–198.8) U/L at preconception to 111.1 (85.3–179.9) U/L (p<0.01) at 32weeks and 100.4 (54.7–171.4) U/L (p<0.001) at labour. There was a direct association between vitamin C intake and PON1 at week 32 (p=0.018). We conclude that adequate vitamin C intake in pregnant women may merit consideration, since vitamin C supplementation has proved beneficial in the prevention of preeclampsia in women at increased risk of this condition.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:880–2.
Photoinduced Processes in Dipyrrolyl‐Perfluoro‐Cyclopentenes
Authors: Ortica Fausto , Smimmo Paola , Mazzucato Ugo , Favaro Gianna , Heynderickx Arnault , Moustrou Corinne , Samat André
Published: June 2006

The photobehavior of five photochromic dipyrrolyl‐perfluoro‐cyclopentenes was studied by steady state and time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy. The quantum yields of the UV‐photoinduced ring‐closing reaction (coloration) and the visible‐stimulated cycloreversion reaction (bleaching) were measured. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of thermal bleaching were also determined. Nanosecond time‐resolved experiments showed formation of a transient, which was not a precursor of the reaction photoproduct. This transient was tentatively assigned to a radical cation formed by direct photoionization through a short‐lived triplet state. The nature of the transient species was supported by photoinduced electron transfer to electron acceptors.
Rent Seeking and Rent Dissipation in State Enterprises
Authors: Buccola Steven T. , McCandlish James E.
Published: June 2006

We reflect on the use of state power in state‐owned enterprises. An African case study is first recounted in which a private coffee exporting firm seeks to compete against a government‐owned monopoly marketing board. A principal theme of the study is that state enterprises retain de facto control of their markets long after surrendering any de jure monopoly privileges. Managers of the state firm and their supervisors within the civil service form a coherent lobbying group whose interest is to defend the enterprise from competition. With this study as a backdrop, we offer a theory of rent seeking in state‐owned enterprises. We argue that state firms in less‐developed countries seek to maximize costs within the limits of the subsidies offered them by international donors. Government rent is the difference between such maximized cost and minimum cost. The portion of government rent determined by valuing inputs at competitive factor prices is dissipative in the sense that it vanishes from productive output. Dissipated government rent likely is larger than in the classical (Tullock) rent‐seeking paradigm because a state firm's managers have little incentive to limit their rent‐seeking activities. Hence, renewed calls for state regulation can be expected once the present deregulation trend has run its course.
Toward Methodological Inclusivism: The Case for Case Studies
Authors: Kennedy P. Lynn , Luzar E. Jane
Published: June 2006

The rise in case study research raises important philosophical and practical questions for the profession of agricultural economics. We make a case for embracing rigorous case studies as complementary research activities that may enrich the contribution of the agricultural economics profession. Types of case studies are reviewed and exemplary case studies identified.
Taxes and the Location Decision of Manufacturing Establishments
Authors: Rainey Daniel V. , McNamara Kevin T.
Published: June 2006

This study examines the impact of local tax differentials on the location of manufacturing firms. The study improves on previous substate location/growth studies in constructing a tax measure that better reflects the tax burden that firms are likely to face. The results of the study indicate that firms tend to avoid counties that have relatively high property tax rates. These findings suggest that tax relief incentives can be an important component of a county's industrial recruitment program.
Geographie Information Systems Procedures for Conducting Rural Land Market Research
Authors: Vandeveer Lonnie R. , Kennedy Gary A. , Henning Steven A. , Li Chunxiao , Dai Ming
Published: June 2006

Geographic information systems (GIS) procedures are used to review and to estimate spatial characteristics of a rural land sales database. Geographically referenced rural land sales data are plotted, overlayed on other data, used to compute new data, and used to develop rural land value contours. Clustering of land price data from the contour analyses provides visual evidence of spatial association in the data. Statistical tests suggest the presence of both positive and negative spatial autocorrelation in rural land submarkets. GIS methods are shown here to represent complementary procedures capable of enhancing and extending research expertise in rural land markets. Colorific results may be viewed at http: //atlas.agadm.lsu.edu.
Issues in the Economics of Pesticide Use in Agriculture: A Review of the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Fernandez-Cornejo Jorge , Jans Sharon , Smith Mark
Published: June 2006

In this article, we review three perspectives used to place an economic value on pesticide use in agriculture and present associated empirical results. One approach is based on calculations of the marginal productivity; a second strategy considers the expected loss to pests relative to some current or maximum yield; and a third approach, related to the second, calculates the economic effect of banning pesticides, which is effectively the value that producers and consumers place on the chemicals used. We also review the economic effects of government policies to reduce or restrict pesticide use, including regulation and pesticide taxes as well as use of alternative technologies believed to reduce pesticide use, such as integrated pest management and genetically engineered plants.
Strategic Management Objectives of Small Manufacturers: A Case Study of the Cheese Industry
Authors: Gould Brian W. , Carlson Kurt A.
Published: June 2006

The structure of dairy processing has changed significantly with declining numbers of processors, increasing firm size, and movement of production out of traditional areas. In order to compete with large manufactures on a noncost basis, small cheese manufactures are turning to the production of specialty cheeses and the use of specific value‐added activities in marketing their product. In this study, we examine the strategic management behavior of these firms. A strategic management typology used in previous analyses of small businesses is applied to a sample of forty‐seven Wisconsin cheese plants. A case study of four representative firms is presented.
Direct Rho-associated kinase inhibiton induces cofilin dephosphorylation and neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiqun , Ottens Andrew , Larner Stephen , Kobeissy Firas , Williams Melissa , Hayes Ronald , Wang Kevin
Published: June 2006

Axons fail to regenerate in the adult central nervous system (CNS) following injury. Developing strategies to promote axonal regeneration is therapeutically attractive for various CNS pathologies such as traumatic brain injury, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Because the RhoA pathway is involved in neurite outgrowth, Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs), downstream effectors of GTP-bound Rho, are potentially important targets for axonal repair strategies in CNS injuries. We investigated the effects and downstream mechanisms of ROCK inhibition in promoting neurite outgrowth in a PC-12 cell model. Robust neurite outgrowth (NOG) was induced by ROCK inhibitors Y-27632 and H-1152 in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Dramatic cytoskeletal reorganization was noticed upon ROCK inhibition. NOG initiated within 5 to 30 minutes followed by neurite extension between 6 and 10 hours. Neurite processes were then sustained for over 24 hours. Rapid cofilin dephosphorylation was observed within 5 minutes of Y-27632 and H-1152 treatment. Re-phosphorylation was observed by 6 hours after Y-27632 treatment, while H-1152 treatment produced sustained cofilin dephosphorylation for over 24 hours. The results suggest that ROCK-mediated dephosphorylation of cofilin plays a role in the initiation of NOG in PC-12 cells.
Reducing Aggression in Children with Autism toward Infant or Toddler Siblings
Authors: Koegel Lynn Kern , Stiebel Dara , Koegel Robert L.
Published: June 2006

Children with autism often lack appropriate means to communicate and may rely on aggression and other disruptive behaviors to express their needs. This may be a particularly serious problem when aggression occurs toward an infant or toddler, who could be severely injured by an older sibling. This study examined the use of functional assessment and individualized parent-implemented intervention plans in the home setting, including functional communication training with relevant ecological manipulations. Data were collected in the context of a multiple baseline design across three families. The results showed that after the intervention there were: (1) large reductions in the children's aggression toward their infant or toddler sibling, (2) increases in parent and child happiness level, and (3) increases in strangers' level of comfort with respect to interacting with the family. The results are discussed in terms of improving the overall quality of life for families of children with autism.
Applying the Participatory Action Research Model to the Study of Social Inclusion at Worksites
Authors: Park Hyun-Sook , Gonsier-Gerdin Jean , Hoffman Stacey , Whaley Susan , Yount Michael
Published: June 2006

The present study demonstrates how a research project discovered the importance of the participatory action research process by applying it to the task of working out effective methods for the social inclusion of workers with moderate cognitive delays who are in school transition work experience programs. It outlines the framework of the participatory action research process, including the strategies used to obtain input from a variety of constituent group members. Work group meeting procedures, which were modified from focus group meetings, in particular, are described in detail. The participatory intervention process seemed to assist teachers and job coaches in making constructive changes in their transition work experience programs to provide social opportunities for their students and help them become “part of the team” at their worksites. Methods needed to sustain this intervention over time and other contributing factors are examined.
Using Participatory Action Research to Evaluate Programs Serving People with Severe Disabilities: Reflections from the Field
Authors: Stevens Karen A. , Folchman Ruth
Published: June 2006

Participatory action research (PAR) is gaining increasing attention as an appropriate evaluation methodology for programs serving people with disabilities. PAR's emphasis on empowering the “subjects” of the research to design and implement the process and analyze the findings is consistent with the field's stance on self-determination, human rights, and self-advocacy. Furthermore, PAR is considered by many professional researchers to be a positive response to the problem of evaluation reports that do not result in substantive change. Because the PAR co-researchers are so integrally involved in the process, it is assumed that they will also be invested in ensuring that recommended changes occur. The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium has conducted four evaluations using the PAR model over the past three years. These experiences have raised questions regarding some of the potential difficulties a researcher might face in conducting PAR evaluations, particularly with people with disabilities. These questions are discussed and suggestions for addressing them are offered.
The Impact of Typical Peers on the Perceived Happiness of Students with Profound Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Logan Kent R. , Jacobs Heidi A. , Gast David L. , Murray Amy Streu , Daino Kim , Skala Chuck
Published: June 2006

This study evaluated the effect of the type of peer group on behaviors associated with the happiness of five students with profound multiple disabilities. An alternating treatments design (ATD) was used to compare students' happiness behaviors (smiles, eyes open) during small group activities conducted with peers with disabilities and typical peers. Teacher behavior, time of day, position of the child, materials, activities, number of peers in each group, and the peers comprising the groups for each condition were controlled. Results indicated higher levels of happiness behaviors with typical peers than with peers with disabilities across all five students. Implications for placement and instruction are discussed.
From Community Presence to Sense of Place: Community Experiences of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Walker Pam
Published: June 2006

The places where people spend time and the experiences they have in these places are critical to the development of a sense of place and community connections. This study, based on individual experiences, reveals that adults with developmental disabilities commonly spend time in places designated for people with disabilities versus the general public, in public versus private places, and in places characterized by business transactions versus social interactions. Within the community, the research participants have a variety of experiences. They range from a sense of vulnerability to a sense of safety, a feeling of being socially anonymous or isolated to a feeling of being known, from disaffiliation to identification, from unfamiliarity to familiarity, from a sense of being rejected to a sense of being liked or accepted, and from a sense of unwillingness/willingness to provide accommodations. The article concludes with strategies that service providers and others can use to increase opportunities for positive community experiences and sense of place.
A Longitudinal Comparison of Day Program Services and Outcomes of People Who Left Institutions and Those Who Stayed
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Lakin K. Charlie
Published: June 2006

This study provides longitudinal analysis of day program and work activities of 61 individuals leaving Minnesota state institutions and a comparison group of 71 people remaining institutionalized. The study examines the different types of work and developmental programs that the participants attended and the factors associated with those differences. Comparisons are made between movers and stayers, over a 3 year period, of earnings, choice, hours of participation, the size of the group in which participants were served, individual program objectives, specific professional services received, and participants' social networks. Only 13% of movers experienced integrated employment. As a group, the people who remained institutionalized actually earned more money. In terms of employment and other day activities, the movement from public institutions to community living provided few objective benefits. Implications for ongoing deinstitutionalization efforts are discussed.
Literacy before and after Inclusion in General Education Settings: A Case Study
Authors: Ryndak Diane Lea , Morrison Andrea P. , Sommerstein Lynne
Published: June 2006

This 7 year case study describes a young woman with moderate to severe disabilities and her use of literacy (i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking) during various stages of her educational career. Her use of literacy is described (a) when she was 15-years-old, after having received special education and related services in self-contained special education classes for 10 years and (b) during the proceeding 7 years, after the location in which she received services was changed to general education settings with nondisabled classmates, first in middle school, then high school, and finally in college. This change in location of services resulted in changes both in her instructional content and in the manner in which instruction and assessment occurred. Concomitantly, observable changes occurred in her social and learning behaviors. Significant changes resulted in the student's reading, writing, listening, and speaking across settings, people, content, and activities. In addition, the student's prior inappropriate social behaviors and refusals to participate in learning activities were replaced with appropriate behaviors in both instructional and social situations. Finally, the implications of the findings from this case study are discussed and recommendations are made for providing effective educational programs for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including literacy development.
“Can I Play with You?” Peer Culture in Inclusive Preschool Programs
Authors: Wolfberg Pamela J. , Zercher Craig , Lieber Joan , Capell Karen , Matias Sonya , Hanson Marci , Odom Samuel L.
Published: June 2006

Peer culture reflects the unique social worlds children construct out of everyday experiences with one another. This study explored the peer cultures of children with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and needs—focusing on 10 children with significant disabilities—in six inclusive preschool programs. Using a multi-method approach that included both qualitative and quantitative measures, themes were generated that portrayed how children with disabilities (1) expressed the desire to participate in peer culture through a range of social-communicative and symbolic behavior; (2) experienced inclusion in peer culture by coordinating social activity and establishing reciprocal relationships; and (3) experienced exclusion from peer culture through different forms of neglect, social-communicative breakdown, conflict, and rejection. Case vignettes and quotes serve to support and illustrate themes. The findings are discussed in terms of related sociocultural influences, implications for educational practice, and future directions in research.
An Incidental Teaching Approach to Early Intervention for Toddlers with Autism
Authors: McGee Gail G. , Morrier Michael J. , Daly Teresa
Published: June 2006

In an effort to move incidental teaching research to practical applications for toddlers with autism, a comprehensive early intervention model was developed for use in the natural environments of a childcare center and children's homes. Based on the premise that social readiness will best be achieved by providing early social learning opportunities, the center based component of the model targets the developmental needs of an inclusive group of children with and without autism. The home based component involves parents of children with autism as key participants in their children's learning and prepares them to be effective advocates in their children's futures. The curriculum addresses what it is that toddlers need to learn, what environmental arrangements provide the most powerful teaching opportunities, and how teachers and parents can most effectively teach children to progress at their optimum pace. Outcome data are presented that documents an impact on the language and social behavior of participating toddlers with autism. Two of the more controversial Walden curriculum components are discussed. Current impediments to system change are considered in the hope that appropriate and effective early intervention may become available to all children with autism.
Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism: Continuum-Based Behavioral Models
Authors: Anderson Stephen R. , Romanczyk Raymond G.
Published: June 2006

Over the last three decades, instructional methods derived from applied behavior analysis (ABA) have shown considerable promise for many young children with autism. The ABA approach establishes a priori that assessment and intervention methods must be based on generally accepted rules of scientific evidence. On one hand, the approach has produced a rich resource of conceptually consistent and scientifically validated techniques that can be applied in various combinations across many different contexts. On the other hand, this diversity has resulted in some confusion regarding the precise characteristics of ABA. In this article, the authors first describe many of the common programmatic and methodologic elements that form the foundation of the approach. A summary of the scope of the behavioral research is provided including greater detail on six studies that demonstrated large-scale interventions. Finally, the authors describe components of program models that share common elements of the ABA approach and use a broad continuum of traditional behavioral techniques. Some specific myths about the approach are simultaneously addressed.
Guidelines for Conducting Socially Valid Systematic Preference Assessments
Authors: Lohrmann-O'Rourke Sharon , Browder Diane M. , Brown Fredda
Published: June 2006

Systematic preference assessment is the process of presenting sampling trials and observing the person's response. The response to those items is then interpreted as an indicator of preference. The empirical research on systematic preference assessment has greatly advanced the field's understanding of how to identify the preferences of individuals with nonsymbolic and limited symbolic communication skills. The purpose of this paper is to translate this research into guidelines for planning systematic preference assessments that strive to reduce the risk of missing or misinterpreting the person's preferences, as well as increase the social validity of the process and outcomes. We present four guiding questions for practitioners to plan preference assessments: (a) What will be offered? (b) When and where will sampling opportunities take place? (c) Who will present the sampling options? and (d) How will sampling options be presented?