bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The epidemiology of bipolar disorder: sociodemographic, disability and service utilization data from the Australian National Study of Low Prevalence (Psychotic) Disorders
Authors: Morgan Vera A , Mitchell Philip B , Jablensky Assen V
Published: July 2005

Objectives:  Data from the Australian National Study of Low Prevalence (Psychotic) Disorders were used to describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of individuals with bipolar disorder, their levels of impairment and disability, and use of medication and treatment services.

Methods:  A 1‐month census of contacts with mental health services, private psychiatric and general practices, as well as contact points in marginalized settings, was conducted in a national catchment of 1.1 million adults. The census yielded 3,800 individuals who screened positive for psychosis, of whom a random sample of 980 were administered a comprehensive semi‐structured interview schedule. Results are presented on 112 persons with an ICD‐10 diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Results:  Overall, 69.6% of the 112 persons who met the ICD‐10 criteria for bipolar disorder reported a recurrent episodic illness, 25.0% had a chronic course without clear remissions, and 5.4% had a single episode of mania. Assessed on a lifetime basis, suicidal ideation was common (78.6%) and levels of drug and alcohol abuse/dependence were high (32.1%). The majority (84.8%) had had at least one contact with inpatient, outpatient or emergency services in the previous year. Those with serious impairment had levels of service utilization similar to the rest of the sample, but were more likely to report a poorer quality of life and unmet service needs. While the percentage experiencing social and occupational dysfunction was substantial and similar for both sexes, women appeared to be better integrated socially than men. Comparisons with schizophrenia patients within the same survey sample highlighted less chronic impairment but equal or greater utilization of services by bipolar patients.

Conclusions:  Despite low levels of chronicity, the burden of social disablement associated with bipolar disorder is high. The data suggest a number of important gaps in the provision of services for this predominantly treated population.
Safety and tolerability of emerging pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder
Authors: Dunner David L
Published: July 2005

Objectives:  Over the past few years numerous new agents have been examined for their efficacy in bipolar disorder (BPD). New antiepileptic agents and atypical antipsychotics currently form the bulk of these emerging agents. As the armamentarium for treating BPD increases, it allows for the possibility of choosing drugs on the basis of their tolerability as well as their efficacy, rather than on efficacy alone.

Methods:  Efficacy data for newer antiepileptic drugs (lamotrigine, topiramate, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine) and atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole) are briefly reviewed. The article focuses on relative safety and tolerability of these agents.

Results:  In general, most of these newer agents have better side effect and tolerability profiles than older agents commonly used to treat BPD (lithium, valproate, carbamazepine); however, these must be weighed against efficacy demonstrated to date in randomized, controlled trials. Cognitive impairment is a concern with topiramate, weight gain and risk of diabetes with some of the atypical antipsychotic agents, and rash with lamotrigine.

Conclusions:  Side effects of newer emerging agents for the treatment of BPD can be effectively managed and the risks reduced by instituting practical strategies early in management.
Effect of phenolic compounds on the in vitro growth of two fungi associated with Ips typographus
Authors: Sallé A. , Monclus R. , Yart A. , Lieutier F.
Published: July 2005

The susceptibility of Ophiostoma piceaperdum (n = 17) and O. bicolor isolates (n = 7) to catechin and resveratrol has been investigated with growth bioassays on malt‐agar medium. While catechin (10−3 m) did not have any significant influence, resveratrol (10−3 m) inhibited the growth of the two species, particularly the growth of O. piceaperdum isolates. We did not observe any synergistic inhibitory effect between the two phenolic compounds. Significant differences either in fungal growth on malt agar medium or susceptibility to resveratrol occurred among isolates for both species. Our results corroborate previous observations of high genetic and virulence variability among isolates of ophiostomatoid fungi and indicate that further studies should take into account the intraspecific variability of the fungal species of this group.
The role of Spulerina simploniella in the spread of chestnut blight
Authors: Diamandis S. , Perlerou C.
Published: July 2005

The bark miner Spulerina simploniella (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) was found in coppice chestnut (Castanea sativa) forests in Greece but was not found in chestnut orchards. Its larvae mine under the thin periderm of young trees, 4–10 years old, while the stem bark is still smooth. Under normal conditions it does not cause any damage to the trees. However, when chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is present in the area, the insect may be an agent of disease spread. Experiments revealed that spraying of 23 pupation sites with a C. parasitica conidiospore suspension caused canker formation at a rate of 100% in the coppice chestnut forests of Mount Athos, North Greece. It is believed that rain during the pupation period (approximately May 23 to June 15) may deposit conidiospores on the freshly exposed phloem and cause cankers. This bark miner has been detected in several parts of Greece, however, always in intensively managed chestnut coppice forests.
Persistent posterior globe flattening after orbital cavernous haemangioma excision
Authors: Wu Johnny , Lai Tze Foon , Leibovitch Igal , Selva Dinesh
Published: July 2005

Abstract

A 54‐year‐old man presented with left intraconal cavernous haemangioma resulting in globe compression and hyperopia. The tumour was excised completely via lateral orbitotomy approach. Complete excision of tumour did not result in resolution of globe flattening and hyperopia after 21 months. Persistent globe flattening despite removal of a longstanding orbital tumour may be caused by remodelling of the sclera from long‐term compression.
Orbital leiomyoma: a case report with clinical, radiological and pathological correlation
Authors: Merani Rohan , Khannah Gagan , Mann Stephen , Ghabrial Raf
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Orbital leiomyoma is a benign tumour of smooth muscle origin that can be clinically, radiologically and histopathologically difficult  to  diagnose  due  to  the  rarity  of  leiomyomas  in this location. A 74‐year‐old woman presented with a  2‐month history of painless proptosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed a well‐circumscribed intraconal lesion separate from the optic nerve, and not eroding adjacent bone. A right lateral orbitotomy via a lid crease incision was performed to remove the firm lobulated lesion. Postoperatively there was an obvious decrease in proptosis. Microscopically the lesion was a well‐circumscribed tumour composed of spindle cells. There were no light microscopic features to suggest malignancy, and immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Leiomyoma is a tumour that is rarely found in the orbit most likely due to the paucity of smooth muscle in this location. The differential diagnosis is wide, and the role of radiology, histology and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of leiomyoma is discussed. Surgical excision in this case excluded malignancy, provided a definitive diagnosis of a rare entity and resulted in marked clinical improvement.
Scedosporium prolificans sclerokeratitis 10 years after pterygium excision with adjunctive mitomycin C
Authors: Singh Ravinder P , McCluskey Peter
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Scedosporium prolificans is an unusual infection, especially following pterygium surgery. A 63‐year‐old man who developed an uncomfortable, red right eye 10 years after pterygium surgery with adjunctive mitomycin C is described. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of S. prolificans sclerokeratitis following pterygium surgery with adjunctive mitomycin C.
Orthokeratology for myopic children: wolf in sheep's clothing?
Authors: Kwok L Stephen , Pierscionek Barbara K , Bullimore Mark , Swarbrick Helen A , Mountford John , Sutton Gerard
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Orthokeratology attempts to reduce myopia by remoulding the corneal shape with contact lenses. A recent resurgence is predicated on new contact lens designs with a prefigured back contact surface and higher oxygen transmissibility. This Clinical Controversy presents an analysis of the risk factors associated with orthokeratology and its suitability for children, followed by commentaries from specialists who have an interest in the method. Some state that there is a lack of data on relative risks of corneal infection and that there is a need for large‐scale randomized controlled studies; however, opinion is expressed by others that orthokeratology is a clinically safe procedure using modern lenses. It is noted that the physiological and biophysical bases of orthokeratology are virtually unknown, and further research on the human cornea is indicated to scientifically establish the safety of orthokeratology. Prospective patients, and their parents in the case of children, should be fully informed of the risks.
Site‐specific and developmental expression of pannexin1 in the mouse nervous system
Authors: Ray Arundhati , Zoidl Georg , Weickert Svenja , Wahle Petra , Dermietzel Rolf
Published: July 2005

Until recently, members of the connexin gene family were believed to comprise the sole molecular component forming gap junction channels in vertebrates. The recent discovery of the pannexin gene family has challenged this view, as these genes may encode for a putative second class of gap junction proteins in vertebrates. The expression of pannexin genes overlaps with those cellular networks known to exhibit a high degree of gap junctional coupling. We investigated the spatio‐temporal mRNA distribution of one member of this gene family, pannexin1 (Panx1), in the brain and retina of mice using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and a combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for cellular resolution. Our results demonstrate a widespread expression of Panx1 in the brain, retina and other non‐neuronal tissues. In the cortex, cerebellum and eye, Panx1 is expressed at early embryonic time points and peaks around embryonic day 18 followed by a decline towards adulthood. Most notably, Panx1 is detectable in neurons of many brain nuclei, which are known to be coupled by gap junctions as well as in previously unrecognized areas. Abundant expression was found in the adult hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal cells and interneurons, neurons of the reticular thalamus, the inferior olive, magnocellular hypothalamic neurons, midbrain and brain stem motoneurons, Purkinje cells and the retina.
Distribution and functional characterization of human Nav1.3 splice variants
Authors: Thimmapaya R. , Neelands T. , Niforatos W. , Davis‐Taber R. A. , Choi W. , Putman C. B. , Kroeger P. E. , Packer J. , Gopalakrishnan M. , Faltynek C. R. , Surowy C. S. , Scott V. E.
Published: July 2005

The focus of the present study is the molecular and functional characterization of four splice variants of the human Nav1.3 α subunit. These subtypes arise due to the use of alternative splice donor sites of exon 12, which encodes a region of the α subunit that resides in the intracellular loop between domains I and II. This region contains several important phosphorylation sites that modulate Na+ channel kinetics in related sodium channels, i.e. Nav1.2. While three of the four Nav1.3 isoforms, 12v1, 12v3 and 12v4 have been previously identified in human, 12v2 has only been reported in rat. Herein, we evaluate the distribution of these splice variants in human tissues and the functional characterization of each of these subtypes. We demonstrate by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) that each subtype is expressed in the spinal cord, thalamus, amygdala, cerebellum, adult and fetal whole brain and heart. To investigate the functional properties of these different splice variants, each α subunit isoform was cloned by RT‐PCR from human fetal brain and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Each isoform exhibited functional voltage‐dependent Na+ channels with similar sensitivities to tetrodotoxin (TTX) and comparable current amplitudes. Subtle shifts in the V1/2 of activation and inactivation (2–3 mV) were observed among the four isoforms, although the functional significance of these differences remains unclear. This study has demonstrated that all four human splice variants of the Nav1.3 channel α subunit are widely expressed and generate functional TTX‐sensitive Na+ channels that likely modulate cellular excitability.
Offer and demand: proliferation and survival of neurons in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Lehmann Konrad , Butz Markus , Teuchert‐Noodt Gertraud
Published: July 2005

The proliferation and survival of new cells in the dentate gyrus of mammals is a complex process that is subject to numerous influences, presenting a confusing picture. We suggest regarding these processes on the level of small networks, which can be simulated in silico and which illustrate in a nutshell the influences that proliferating cells exert on plasticity and the conditions they require for survival. Beyond the insights gained by this consideration, we review the available literature on factors that regulate cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in vivo. It turns out that the rate of cell proliferation and excitatory afferents via the perforant path interactively determine cell survival, such that the best network stability is achieved when either of the two is increased whereas concurrent activation of the two factors lowers cell survival rates. Consequently, the mitotic activity is regulated by systemic parameters in compliance with the hippocampal network's requirements. The resulting neurogenesis, in contrast, depends on local factors, i.e. the activity flow within the network. In the process of cell differentiation and survival, each cell's spectrum of afferent and efferent connections decides whether it will integrate into the network or undergo apoptosis, and it is the current neuronal activity which determines the synaptic spectrum. We believe that this framework will help explain the biology of dentate cell proliferation and provide a basis for future research hypotheses.
Estrogen regulates adrenal medullary function producing sexual dimorphism in nociceptive threshold and β2‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated hyperalgesia in the rat
Authors: Khasar Sachia G. , Dina Olayinka A. , Green Paul G. , Levine Jon D.
Published: July 2005

Epinephrine produces sexually dimorphic β2‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated mechanical hyperalgesia, with male rats exhibiting greater hyperalgesia. Because female rats have higher plasma epinephrine levels, and β‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity is affected by chronic exposure to agonists, we tested the hypothesis that this sexual dimorphism is due to epinephrine‐induced desensitization of β2‐adrenergic receptors. Following gonadectomy, epinephrine hyperalgesia, as measured by the Randall–Selitto paw‐withdrawal test, was unchanged in male rats while in females it was increased. Prepubertal male and female rats do not demonstrate sexual dimorphism in either plasma epinephrine level or epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia. Adrenal medullectomy and adrenal denervation both significantly enhanced epinephrine hyperalgesia, but only in females. In contrast, the sexually dimorphic hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E2, another agent that acts directly to sensitize primary afferent nociceptors, was not enhanced by adrenal medullectomy or denervation. Chronic administration of epinephrine in male rats, to produce plasma levels similar to those of gonad‐intact females, significantly attenuated epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia, making it similar to that in females. These results strongly support the suggestion that estrogen regulates plasma epinephrine in female rats and differential sensitivity to β2‐adrenergic agonists accounts for the sexual dimorphism in epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia. Unexpectedly, regulation of adrenal medullary function by estrogen was also found to modulate baseline nociceptive threshold such that females had a lower nociceptive threshold.
The lateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus spreads nociceptive signals from the whole body surface to layer I of the frontal cortex
Authors: Monconduit Lénaïc , Villanueva Luis
Published: July 2005

Neurons within the lateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VMl) convey selectively nociceptive information from all parts of the body. The present experiments were performed in rats and were designed to determine the organization of cortical projections from VMl neurons. In a first series of experiments, these cells were characterized electrophysiologically and individually labelled in a Golgi‐like manner following juxtacellular electrophoresis of biotin–dextran. In a second experimental series, topical applications of the tracers fluorogold and tetramethylrhodamine‐labelled dextran were placed into both the rostral‐most and caudal areas of layer I of the dorsolateral frontal cortex, respectively. All VMl nociceptive neurons were fusiform and their full dendritic arborizations were bipolar, extending in the lateromedial axis. VMl cells are thus particularly well located to receive widespread nociceptive inputs via a brainstem link, viz. the medullary subnucleus reticularis dorsalis. VMl neurons driven by ‘whole body’ nociceptive receptive fields project to the rostral part of the layer I of the dorsolateral frontal cortex. These projections are widespread because double‐labelling data showed a great number of VMl neurons labelled from both rostral and caudal dorsolateral cortices. The VMl comprises a homogeneous, organized subset of thalamic neurons that allow any signals of pain to modify cortical activity in a widespread manner, by interacting with the entire layer I of the dorsolateral neocortex.
Optical monitoring of progressive synchronization in dentate granule cells during population burst activities
Authors: Murayama Masanori , Miyazaki Kenichi , Kudo Yoshihisa , Miyakawa Hiroyoshi , Inoue Masashi
Published: July 2005

Monitoring multiple neurons is essential for understanding neuronal network activities. While calcium imaging from a population of cells is an effective method to study the network dynamics of a neural structure, it has been difficult to image from densely packed structures, such as the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, due to overlap of the cells. We have developed a novel method to label multiple granule cells with a Ca2+ indicator in rat hippocampal slices using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 (OGB‐1) AM. Synchronized burst activities (0.3–1.4 Hz), which were induced by applying 50 µm 4‐aminopyridine, were monitored extracellularly with a glass electrode placed at the granule cell layer in the dentate gyrus. During the burst activities, spontaneously occurring action potential‐induced Ca2+ transients from multiple (4–12) granule cells were monitored with a cooled CCD camera with single‐cell resolution. Temporal structures of firing patterns from the multiple neurons were determined from Ca2+ transients. In each single‐burst‐event recorded from the extracellular electrode, each neuron fired synchronously within a 200 ms time window. The latency and its variance from the onset time of the single‐burst‐events to one of the Ca2+ transients decreased over time (< 7.5 min). These results indicate that the synchrony of the action potentials within a single‐burst‐event was enhanced as the burst activities proceeded. This progressive synchronization may be a key feature in making self‐organizing neuronal networks.
Molecular analysis of the A322D mutation in the GABAA receptor α1‐subunit causing juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Krampfl Klaus , Maljevic Snezana , Cossette Patrick , Ziegler Elke , Rouleau Guy A. , Lerche Holger , Bufler Johannes
Published: July 2005

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) belongs to the most common forms of hereditary epilepsy, the idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Although the mode of inheritance is usually complex, mutations in single genes have been shown to cause the disease in some families with autosomal dominant inheritance. The first mutation in a multigeneration JME family has been recently found in the α1‐subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABRA1), predicting the single amino acid substitution A322D. We further characterized the functional consequences of this mutation by coexpressing α1‐, β2‐ and γ2‐subunits in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. By using an ultrafast application system, mutant receptors have shown reduced macroscopic current amplitudes at saturating GABA concentrations and a highly reduced affinity to GABA compared to the wild‐type (WT). Dose–response curves for current amplitudes, activation kinetics, and GABA‐dependent desensitization parameters showed a parallel shift towards 30‐ to 40‐fold higher GABA concentrations. Both deactivation and resensitization kinetics were considerably accelerated in mutant channels. In addition, mutant receptors labelled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were not integrated in the cell membrane, in contrast to WT receptors. Therefore, the A322D mutation leads to a severe loss‐of‐function of the human GABAA receptor by several mechanisms, including reduced surface expression, reduced GABA‐sensitivity, and accelerated deactivation. These molecular defects could decrease and shorten the resulting inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in vivo, which can induce a hyperexcitability of the postsynaptic membrane and explain the occurrence of epileptic seizures.
Immunoautoradiographic analysis of NMDA receptor subunits and associated postsynaptic density proteins in the brain of dyskinetic MPTP‐treated common marmosets
Authors: Hurley M. J. , Jackson M. J. , Smith L. A. , Rose S. , Jenner P.
Published: July 2005

l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester (l‐DOPA)‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease may result from aberrant glutamatergic stimulation of the striatum due to synaptic plasticity in the motor cortex or striatum as a consequence of adaptation of striatal output pathways. This might result from changes in NMDA receptor subunit or NMDA receptor associated postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffold protein expression. Using immunoautoradiography the expression levels of NR1 and NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor and the postsynaptic density scaffold proteins, PSD‐95, PSD‐93, and neurofilament light (NFL) were examined in normal common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐lesioned animals that exhibited high or low levels ofl‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. Brains from MPTP‐lesioned animals that were not primed forl‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia were not included in this study. No alterations in the NR1 NMDA receptor subunit were observed. The NR2B NMDA receptor subunit was increased in caudal caudate nucleus and putamen, hippocampus, cingulate motor area (CMA), supplementary motor area (SMA) and dorsal primary motor cortex (dMI) of highly dyskinetic MPTP‐lesioned marmosets, but not in animals with low levels of dyskinesia. PSD‐93 was decreased in the globus pallidus of marmosets with high and low levels of dyskinesia and increased in the CMA, SMA and dMI of highly dyskinetic marmosets. PSD‐95 was increased in the SMA of highly dyskinetic marmosets, but not in animals with low dyskinesia. NFL expression was elevated in the SMA and dorsal and ventral MI of highly dyskinetic marmosets. These results suggest thatl‐DOPA treatment of MPTP‐lesioned marmosets can affect glutamatergic systems and indicate that altered NMDA receptor function may relate to dyskinesia.
Chemically induced long‐term potentiation increases the number of perforated and complex postsynaptic densities but does not alter dendritic spine volume in CA1 of adult mouse hippocampal slices
Authors: Stewart M. G. , Medvedev N. I. , Popov V. I. , Schoepfer R. , Davies H. A. , Murphy K. , Dallérac G. M , Kraev I. V. , Rodríguez J. J.
Published: July 2005

Examination of the morphological correlates of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus requires the analysis of both the presynaptic and postsynaptic elements. However, ultrastructural measurements of synapses and dendritic spines following LTP induced via tetanic stimulation presents the difficulty that not all synapses examined are necessarily activated. To overcome this limitation, and to ensure that a very large proportion of the synapses and spines examined have been potentiated, we induced LTP in acute hippocampal slices of adult mice by addition of tetraethylammonium (TEA) to a modified CSF containing an elevated concentration of Ca2+ and no Mg+. Quantitative electron microscope morphometric analyses and three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstructions of both dendritic spines and postsynaptic densities (PSDs) in CA1 stratum radiatum were made on serial ultrathin sections. One hour after chemical LTP induction the proportion of macular (unperforated) synapses decreased (50%) whilst the number of synapses with simple perforated and complex PSDs (nonmacular) increased significantly (17%), without significant changes in volume and surface area of the PSD. In addition, the surface area of mushroom spines increased significantly (13%) whilst there were no volume differences in either mushroom or thin spines, or in surface area of thin spines. CA1 stratum radiatum contained multiple‐synapse en passant axons as well as multiple‐synapse spines, which were unaffected by chemical LTP. Our results suggest that chemical LTP induces active dendritic spine remodelling and correlates with a change in the weight and strength of synaptic transmission as shown by the increase in the proportion of nonmacular synapses.
Sensitization of the reinforcing effects of self‐administered cocaine in rats: effects of dose and intravenous injection speed
Authors: Liu Yu , Roberts David C. S. , Morgan Drake
Published: July 2005

Speed of drug onset is assumed to be an important determinant of the abuse liability of a drug. Studies in human and non‐human primates suggest that the subjective and reinforcing effects of cocaine can be influenced by route of administration and/or speed of intravenous injection. Sensitization to the reinforcing effects of cocaine was studied in rats and the effects of various injection durations (i.e. speed of injection) on the development of sensitization was examined using a progressive ratio schedule. In addition, the effects of cocaine dose on sensitization and the effects of injection duration on the acute reinforcing effects of cocaine were examined. The initial study demonstrated that the development of sensitization (i.e. progressive increases in breakpoints) was dose‐dependent. A robust sensitization of the reinforcing effects of cocaine was replicated in animals receiving cocaine at the highest rate (i.e. shortest duration; 5 s), but not in animals receiving the same dose over 25 or 50 s. Subsequent testing revealed that injection duration did not have profound effects on the acute reinforcing effects of cocaine (assessed by breakpoints or rate of responding on a fixed ratio schedule). These findings are similar to recent studies demonstrating that the development of sensitization, but not the acute responsivity, to cocaine's locomotor‐activating effects are influenced by rate of intravenous injection. Taking these findings together, we hypothesize that the process of drug addiction involves both the acute reinforcing effects and the development of sensitization.
Processes and components participating in the generation of intrinsic optical signal changes in vitro
Authors: Buchheim Katharina , Wessel Ole , Siegmund Herbert , Schuchmann Sebastian , Meierkord Hartmut
Published: July 2005

Imaging of intrinsic optical signals has become an important tool in the neurosciences. To better understand processes underlying changes in intrinsic optical signals, we studied electrical stimulation at varying strengths in hippocampal slices of adult Wistar rats. Following serial stimulation we observed an increase in light transmittance in all tested slices. During antidromic stimulation at minimum stimulation strength the increase in light transmittance was 75 ± 8% (P < 0.05), and during orthodromic minimum stimulation 19.6 ± 5.6% (P < 0.001) in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1‐region. During orthodromic stimulation no significant difference between submaximum, maximum and supramaximum stimulation was found, indicating saturation. In contrast, submaximum antidromic stimulation yielded 56.2 ± 12% (P < 0.05) of maximum stimulation strength, indicating recruitment. In a further set of experiments serial stimulation was carried out under glial blockade with fluoroacetate (FAC) or blockage of mitochondrial function. Amplitude and slope of the intrinsic optical signal significantly decreased in the presence of FAC (amplitude: 36 ± 6%, P < 0.01; slope: 37 ± 11% as compared with baseline conditions, P < 0.05). This suggests a glial participation in signal generation. Rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, yielded decreased amplitudes of the intrinsic optical signal (27 ± 7% after 40 min, P < 0.01). Our data indicate that the intrinsic optical signal change reflects type and strength of neuronal activation and point to glia and mitochondria as important participants in signal generation.
Recognition and avoidance of insecticide‐treated Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) by Hylobius abietis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): implications for pest management strategies
Authors: Rose D. , Leather S. R. , Matthews G. A.
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 The feeding preferences of Hylobius abietis (L.) were studied in a series of choice and no‐choice trials for insecticide‐treated food, time‐to‐death studies and arena trials.

2 Treatment of Scots Pine twigs with a pyrethroid insecticide, lambda‐cyhalothrin, was compared with twigs treated with imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid.

3 Clear avoidance of insecticide‐treated food sources, with strong evidence of selection for untreated food sources, was shown.

4 In addition, it took up to 3 weeks for H. abietis to die from insecticide poisoning when fed on treated food and, during this time, it was potentially capable of finding new untreated food sources.
Modelling temperature‐dependent development and survival of Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Son Youngsoo , Lewis Edwin E.
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 We conducted a laboratory experiment to quantify the stage‐specific effects of temperature on development time and survival of Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a serious economic pest of horticultural crops. Quantification of the relationship between stage development and temperature is required to predict seasonal occurrence of particular life stages and to optimize the timing of monitoring and control tactics.

2 Temperature‐dependent survival rate was quantified using an extreme value function and showed a skewed bell shape, due to the vulnerability of the insect to high temperature in all stages.

3 The development times of O. sulcatus decreased with increasing temperature up to 27 °C for eggs and 24 °C for larvae and pupae. The nonlinear relationship between development rate and temperature was described using the Logan model, and enabled us to estimate the optimum temperature for development.

4 The inherent variation of development time was estimated from the cumulative frequency of stage emergence, which was modelled using the cumulative Weibull function.

5 The stage emergence model, which simulated the transition from one stage to the next in relation to temperature and cohort age, was constructed by incorporating stage‐specific survival and development rate submodels with the Weibull model of stage frequency.

6 Our results show a difference in optimal temperature regime among developmental stages of O. sulcatus.
Response of Neoseiulus fallacis Garmen and Galendromus occidentalis Nesbitt (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)‐Damaged Hop Humulus lupulus (L.) (Urticales: Cannabaceae)
Authors: Gardiner M. M. , Eigenbrode S. D. , Cervantes D. E. , Barbour J. D.
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 The response of Neoseiulus fallacis Garmen and Galendromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)‐damaged and undamaged hop, Humulus lupulus (L.), plants was tested using a Y‐tube olfactometer.

2 Neoseiulus fallacis but not G. occidentalis was attracted to volatiles from T. urticae‐damaged hop plants when paired with undamaged plants.

3 The response of N. fallacis to these volatiles was stronger for plants severed at the soil surface than for intact plants.

4 There was no difference in the response of N. fallacis to severed or intact hop plants that had no spider mite damage, indicating that artificial wounding by severing alone does not elicit the production of attractive volatiles detectable to N. fallacis. These results are consistent with the existence of cross‐talk between signalling pathways initiated by feeding damage and artificial wounding that result in elevated levels of predator‐attracting volatiles.
Cultural variations in children's coping behaviour, TV viewing time, and family functioning
Authors: Chen J.‐L. , Kennedy C.
Published: July 2005

Aim:  To examine children's coping behaviour, TV viewing hours and family functioning in four ethnic groups and factors related to children's coping behaviour.

Methods:  This study was part of two larger research projects investigating children's health behaviours in the United States and Taiwan. Fifty‐six White American children of European ancestry, 66 Mexican American children, 68 Chinese American children and 95 native Taiwanese children were included in the analysis. Standardized instruments were used to measure coping strategies, children's TV viewing hours and family functioning.

Results:  There were significant differences in the types of stressor that children of different ethnicity reported. Similarities and differences were found in the four ethnic groups regarding the top five most frequently used and most effective coping strategies. Multiple regressions identified two variables that contributed significantly to the variance in the frequency of children's coping strategies – ethnicity and poorer behaviour control in the family. Ethnicity was the only variable found to contribute to the variance in coping effectiveness. Significant differences were found in the number of hours children spent watching TV.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that children of different ethnicity utilized different types of coping strategies and ethnicity is one of the important factors related to children's coping behaviour. These findings provide evidence for nurses to assess children's coping behaviour and TV viewing and provide children with healthier alternatives.
Jordanian nurses’ attitudes toward older patients in acute care settings
Authors: Hweidi I. M. , Al‐Hassan M. A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose:  To identify and describe Jordanian nurses’ attitudes toward older patients in acute care settings. The effects of socio‐demographics and nursing work characteristics on nurses’ attitudes were also examined.

Method:  Descriptive correlational design was used. Kogan's (1961) Attitudes Toward Old People Scale was administered to a total population of Jordanian nurses (n = 200) working in selected units in acute care settings of three public hospitals in northern Jordan. Nurses’ attitudes were described by using descriptive statistics. anova and Pearson correlation were used to examine the effects of selected socio‐demographic details and work characteristics on nurses’ attitudes.

Results:  Jordanian nurses who participated in this study had marginally positive attitudes toward older patients in acute care settings. Years of clinical experience correlated significantly with their attitudes. Male nurses had significantly more positive attitudes than their female counterparts. Surgical nurses also demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes than those working in medical units.

Conclusion:  Although positive attitudes emerged towards older people, it was also apparent that efforts should be made to enhance them further so that quality care is delivered to this population. In addition, Jordanian nurse educators should put a greater focus on issues related to the care of the older person in their nursing curriculum.
The Economics of Managing Infectious Wildlife Disease
Authors: Horan Richard D. , Wolf Christopher A.
Published: July 2005

We use a two‐state linear control model to examine the socially optimal management of disease in a valuable wildlife population when diseased animals cannot be harvested selectively. The two control variables are nonselective harvests and supplemental feeding of wildlife, where feeding increases both in situ productivity and disease prevalence. We derive a double singular solution which depends on the initial state and does not require bang‐bang controls. The case of bovine tuberculosis among Michigan white‐tailed deer is analyzed. In the base model, the disease is optimally maintained at low levels, with intermittent investments (via feeding) in deer productivity.
Do Intra‐Household Effects Generate the Food Stamp Cash‐Out Puzzle?
Authors: Breunig Robert , Dasgupta Indraneel
Published: July 2005

Previous empirical studies have noted the higher marginal propensity to consume food out of food stamps in the United States, compared to that out of cash income. Analyzing data from U.S. Food Stamp Program participants, we find evidence that this discrepancy may be driven primarily by the behavior of multiple‐adult households. Single‐adult households show no evidence of any discrepancy. Thus, our results suggest that food stamp and cash income (welfare or market) may have very different impact on the intra‐household allocation process, and that this is reflected empirically in the cash‐out puzzle.
Information Exchange and Strategic Behavior in Supply Chains: Application to the Food Sector
Authors: Mohtadi Hamid , Kinsey Jean D.
Published: July 2005

Information technology (IT) facilitates information exchange between retailers and suppliers. Based on evidence from food industry, information strategies under uncertainty are analyzed, using game theory. Some key results are under certain conditions, retailers withhold valuable sales data from suppliers even if this means less supply coordination; a revealed equilibrium exists where suppliers learn retailers' market data despite retailers' withholding of such data; this leads either to full information convergence or, surprisingly, incomplete information convergence with some informational asymmetry left; retailers with greater market power and numerous suppliers are more inclined to share, rather than to withhold, information.
The Diffusion of New Agricultural Technologies: The Case of Crossbred‐Cow Technology in Tanzania
Authors: Abdulai Awudu , Huffman Wallace E.
Published: July 2005

The recent literature on agricultural technology adoption shows that diffusion of new technologies varies significantly across space and time. Furthermore, puzzles exist about why some seemingly profitable technologies are not adopted, especially in livestock production. We employ a hazard or duration function to explain diffusion of crossbred‐cow technology in a unique sample of Tanzania farmers. A farmer's adoption of crossbred technology depends positively on the proximity of his farm to other users, on his schooling, and on his access to credit and contact with extension agents.
Consistent Estimation of Censored Demand Systems Using Panel Data
Authors: Meyerhoefer Chad D. , Ranney Christine K. , Sahn David E.
Published: July 2005

We derive a joint continuous/censored commodity demand system for panel data applications. Unobserved heterogeneity is controlled for using a correlated random effects specification and a generalized method of moments framework used to estimate the model. While relatively small differences in elasticity estimates are found between a flexible random effects specification and one that restricts the random effect coefficient to be time invariant, larger differences are observed when comparing the flexible model to a pooled cross‐sectional estimator. The results suggest the limited ability of such estimators to control for preference heterogeneity and unit‐value endogeneity leads to parameter bias.
The Costs and Returns of Agricultural Credit Delivery
Authors: Gloy Brent A. , Gunderson Michael A. , LaDue Eddy L.
Published: July 2005

Borrower‐level data from 963 agricultural lending relationships are used to examine how several factors influence the costs and returns of extending agricultural credit. The results provide estimates of the costs and returns of agricultural lending and the extent to which these costs and returns are influenced by factors such as loan volume, lender/borrower relationship factors, and contract terms. The findings indicate that economies of size exist in agricultural credit delivery and that lenders pass most of these benefits on to borrowers through lower interest rates. In addition, the impacts of lender/borrower relationship factors were relatively small.
Selling at the Farmgate or Traveling to Market
Authors: Fafchamps Marcel , Hill Ruth Vargas
Published: July 2005

Using detailed survey data from Uganda, this article examines whether coffee producers sell to itinerant traders or directly to markets, where they can get a higher price but must incur a transport cost. We find that selling to the market is more likely when the quantity sold is large and the market is close by. Wealthy farmers are less likely to sell to the market, possibly because the shadow value of their time is higher. But if they have a large quantity of coffee for sale, they are more likely to sell it to the market. They are also more likely to travel to a distant market. These findings are consistent with their better ability to pay for public transportation. We find no evidence that the decision to sell at the farmgate is driven by a self‐control motive.
Time to Burn: Modeling Wildland Arson as an Autoregressive Crime Function
Authors: Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Butry David T.
Published: July 2005

Six Poisson autoregressive models of orderp[PAR(p)] of daily wildland arson ignition counts are estimated for five locations in Florida (1994–2001). In addition, a fixed effects time‐series Poisson model of annual arson counts is estimated for all Florida counties (1995–2001). PAR(p) model estimates reveal highly significant arson ignition autocorrelation, lasting up to eleven days, in addition to seasonality and links to law enforcement, wildland management, historical fire, and weather. The annual fixed effects model replicates many findings of the daily models but also detects the influence of wages and poverty on arson, in ways expected from theory. All findings support an economic model of crime.
Effect of Experimental Design on Choice‐Based Conjoint Valuation Estimates
Authors: Lusk Jayson L. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: July 2005

In this article, we investigate the effect of several commonly used experimental designs on willingness‐to‐pay in a Monte Carlo environment where true utility parameters are known. All experimental designs considered in this study generated unbiased valuation estimates. However, random designs or designs that explicitly incorporated attribute interactions generated more precise valuation estimates than main effects only designs. A key result of our analysis is that a large sample size can substitute for a poor experimental design. Overall, our results indicate that certain steps can be taken to achieve a manageably sized experimental design without sacrificing the credibility of welfare estimates.
Nuclear factor‐κB activation by reactive oxygen species mediates voltage‐gated K+ current enhancement by neurotoxic β‐amyloid peptides in nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC‐12 cells and hippocampal neurones
Authors: Pannaccione Anna , Secondo Agnese , Scorziello Antonella , Calì Gaetano , Taglialatela Maurizio , Annunziato Lucio
Published: July 2005

Increased activity of plasma membrane K+ channels, leading to decreased cytoplasmic K+ concentrations, occurs during neuronal cell death. In the present study, we showed that the neurotoxic β‐amyloid peptide Aβ25−35 caused a dose‐dependent (0.1–10 µm) and time‐dependent (> 12 h) enhancement of both inactivating and non‐inactivating components of voltage‐dependent K+ (VGK) currents in nerve growth factor‐differentiated rat phaeochromocytoma (PC‐12) cells and primary rat hippocampal neurones. Similar effects were exerted by Aβ1−42, but not by the non‐neurotoxic Aβ35−25 peptide. Aβ25−35 and Aβ1−42 caused an early (15–20 min) increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This led to an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which peaked at 3 h and lasted for 24 h; ROS production seemed to trigger the VGK current increase as vitamin E (50 µm) blocked both the Aβ25−35‐ and Aβ1−42‐induced ROS increase and VGK current enhancement. Inhibition of protein synthesis (cycloheximide, 1 µg/mL) and transcription (actinomycin D, 50 ng/mL) blocked Aβ25−35‐induced VGK current enhancement, suggesting that this potentiation is mediated by transcriptional activation induced by ROS. Interestingly, the specific nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor SN‐50 (5 µm), but not its inactive analogue SN‐50M (5 µm), fully counteracted Aβ1−42‐ or Aβ25−35‐induced enhancement of VGK currents, providing evidence for a role of this family of transcription factors in regulating neuronal K+ channel function during exposure to Aβ.
Beta‐amyloid peptides stimulate endozepine biosynthesis in cultured rat astrocytes
Authors: Tokay Tursonjan , Masmoudi Olfa , Gandolfo Pierrick , Leprince Jérôme , Pelletier Georges , Vaudry Hubert , Tonon Marie‐Christine
Published: July 2005

Accumulation of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ), which is a landmark of Alzheimer's disease, may alter astrocyte functions before any visible symptoms of the disease occur. Here, we examined the effects of Aβ on biosynthesis and release of diazepam‐binding inhibitor (DBI), a polypeptide primarily expressed by astroglial cells in the CNS. Quantitative RT–PCR and specific radioimmunoassay demonstrated that aggregated Aβ25−35, at concentrations up to 10−4 m, induced a dose‐dependent increase in DBI mRNA expression and DBI‐related peptide release from cultured rat astrocytes. These effects were totally suppressed when aggregation of Aβ25−35 was prevented by Congo red. Measurement of the number of living cells revealed that Aβ25−35 induced a trophic rather than a toxic effect on astrocytes. Administration of cycloheximide blocked Aβ25−35‐induced increase of DBI gene expression and endozepine accumulation in astrocytes, indicating that protein synthesis is required for DBI gene expression. Altogether, the present data suggest that Aβ‐induced activation of endozepine biosynthesis and release may contribute to astrocyte proliferation associated with Alzheimer's disease.