bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Treatise of Legal Philosophy and General Jurisprudence
Authors: PATTARO ENRICO
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  “The Notebook Corner,” edited by Enrico Pattaro, makes its first appearance here as a new section of Ratio Juris. This new section can be described in a sense as an offshoot of the project for A Treatise of Legal Philosophy and General Jurisprudence, a work still in progress composed of five theoretical volumes and six historical ones. The theoretical volumes receive a brief presentation in the paper immediately below, with a specific focus on Volume 1, entitled The Law and the Right: A Reappraisal of the Reality That Ought to Be. This volume is then discussed as well by Rosaria Conte and Cristiano Castelfronchi in the second paper of this “Notebook Corner”.
Can a Horse Be a Donkey? Semantic and Form Interference Effects in Translation Recognition in Early and Late Proficient and Nonproficient Spanish‐Catalan Bilinguals
Authors: Ferré Pilar , Sánchez‐Casas Rosa , Guasch Marc
Published: November 2006

The present study investigates the developmental aspect of the revised hierarchical model (Kroll & Stewart, 1994) concerning the access to the conceptual store from the second language (L2). We manipulated the level of proficiency and age of L2 acquisition. We tested Spanish‐Catalan bilinguals (49 early proficient bilinguals, 28 late proficient bilinguals, and 28 late nonproficient bilinguals) in a translation recognition task in which they had to decide whether the second of two words was the correct translation of the first. The second word of the pair could be the true translation, a word related in form, a word more or less related in meaning, or an unrelated word. The results showed that both early and late proficient bilinguals were more sensitive to the semantic than to the form manipulation, but only in the case of words with a very close meaning. On the contrary, the late nonproficient group exhibited larger effects of the form than of the semantic manipulation.
ESL Reading Strategies: Differences in Arabic and Mandarin Speaker Test Performance
Authors: Abbott Marilyn L.
Published: November 2006

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that reading comprehension items, which elicit specific bottom‐up and top‐down strategies, favor certain linguistic/cultural groups. Verbal report data were collected from Arabic‐ and Mandarin‐speaking English as a second language (ESL) learners to identify the reading strategies involved in carrying out 32 reading questions. Then a confirmatory approach to differential item functioning was used to determine whether bottom‐up and top‐down items functioned differentially for equal‐ability Arabic and Mandarin ESL learners. Results revealed systematic group performance differences in four bottom‐up and three top‐down strategy categories. Items involving breaking a word into smaller parts, scanning, paraphrasing, and matching were found to favor Mandarin speakers, whereas items involving skimming, connecting, and inferring were found to favor Arabic speakers.
Detecting contingency: A key to understanding development of self and social cognition
Authors: HIRAKI KAZUO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Detecting contingency between self‐produced actions and the consequences plays a crucial role for basic cognitive functions, such as construction of self body‐image and tool‐use. This paper reviews our recent studies focusing on the temporal aspect of contingency. Three studies concerning the detection of proprioceptive‐visual contingency in infants, children and adults are summarized. All of these studies use delayed self‐image as a tool to investigate the temporal aspect of contingency detection. Based on the results of these studies and related preceding research, the paper proposes the ubiquity of a contingency detector among the development of self and social interaction.
Enhanced perceptual, emotional, and motor processing in response to dynamic facial expressions of emotion1
Authors: YOSHIKAWA SAKIKO , SATO WATARU
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Dynamic facial expressions of emotion constitute natural and powerful media compared with static ones. However, little is known about the processing of dynamic facial expressions of emotion. In this paper, we describe the results of our recent neuroimaging and psychological studies on this issue. A neuroimaging study was conducted to investigate brain activity while viewing dynamic facial expressions. The results revealed that the broad region of visual cortices, the amygdala, and the right inferior frontal gyrus were more activated in response to dynamic facial expressions than control stimuli, such as static facial expressions and dynamic mosaics. In corresponding with the characteristics of these brain activities, the results of three psychological studies indicated that the dynamic presentation: (a) intensified the perceptual image of the facial expression (perceptual enhancement); (b) enhanced the emotional feeling; and (c) elicited spontaneous and rapid facial mimicry. These results revealed that the dynamic property facilitates the perceptual, emotional, and motor processing of facial expressions of emotion.
Immunohistochemical assessment of parafibromin in mouse and human tissues
Authors: Porzionato Andrea , Macchi Veronica , Barzon Luisa , Masi Giulia , Iacobone Maurizio , Parenti Anna , Palù Giorgio , De Caro Raffaele
Published: November 2006

Parafibromin is a protein encoded by the HRPT2 oncosuppressor gene, whose mutation causes the hyperparathyroidism–jaw tumour syndrome, characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma, fibro‐osseous jaw tumours, and renal neoplastic and non‐neoplastic abnormalities. Non‐morphological techniques, such as Northern and Western blotting and reverse transcriptase‐PCR, indicate that parafibromin is ubiquitously expressed, but extensive immunohistochemical studies have not been performed. To increase our knowledge of the distribution and patterns of expression of parafibromin, we examined its expression and location in many different mouse and human organs by immunohistochemistry. There were no substantial differences in parafibromin expression between mouse and human. We found widespread expression of parafibromin, except in connective tissue, smooth muscle, endothelium and some other types of epithelia (colonic, urinary, tubaric, uterine, thyroid). Heterogeneity of positivity intensity and subcellular location (nuclear, nucleocytoplasmic, cytoplasmic) was found between tissues and cell types, suggesting differential functional involvement of parafibromin. Moreover, higher parafibromin expression was found in cell types, such as hepatocytes, cells of the base of gastric glands, renal cortex tubules and the pars intermedia of the hypophysis, which are characterized by different proliferative capacity, thus indicating that the cellular function of parafibromin may not be reduced only to its anti‐proliferative effect.
Learning the moral order of professions; the contrasting approaches of nursing and clinical psychology
Authors: Solbrekke Tone Dyrdal , Jensen Karen
Published: November 2006

In this article we explore the role professional education plays in the development of moral commitment among students. Using the theories developed by the moral philosopher Charles Taylor and the social learning theorists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger as a sensitizing device, we study the learning processes of two student groups, nurses and psychologists. Examining these two groups provides a basis for identifying processes and factors critical to developing moral awareness and commitment. The results point to the importance of participation in professional communities, and thus of access to the values, norms and distinctions that define the moral order of the respective professions. In line with Wenger we highlight three modes of belonging: engagement, imagination and alignment.
Interprofessional education in health and social care: fashion or informed practice?
Authors: Craddock Deborah , O’Halloran Cath , Borthwick Alan , McPherson Kath
Published: November 2006

This paper presents a critical review of literature on interprofessional education in the continuum of professional development in health and social care. In particular it explores the range and variety of theoretical frameworks underpinning interprofessional education initiatives across the United Kingdom. In doing so this paper highlights the limited application of educational theory within the broader literature, particularly in the description of the methods employed and in the choices of processes or outcome measures selected. Despite these drawbacks, a focus on the learning and teaching methods used within each interprofessional education programme enabled an explicit categorization of the educational theories being applied (albeit implicitly). The educational theories identified predominantly linked to adult learning theory and reflective practitioner theory. It is, however, acknowledged that such theories alone are not enough to underpin interprofessional education. Theories were therefore also derived from social psychological studies of group behaviour and teamwork approaches; group development and team learning theories focusing on intragroup collaboration; and bio‐psychological theories to inform interprofessional education. The paper concludes that (a) more explicit consideration of theory is required in the development of new interventions; (b) reference to educational theory in evaluation should be encouraged and facilitated; (c) evaluation of different models of interprofessional educational interventions is required if interprofessional education in health and social care is to develop as an informed practice rather than become a transient educational fashion.
Monitoring of Biological Diversity: a Common‐Ground Approach
Authors: TEDER TIIT , MOORA MARI , ROOSALUSTE ELLE , ZOBEL KRISTJAN , PÄRTEL MEELIS , KÕLJALG URMAS , ZOBEL MARTIN
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Practical approaches to monitoring biological diversity vary widely among countries, and the accumulating data are frequently not generalizable at the international scale. Although many present monitoring schemes, especially in developed countries, produce highly complex data, there is often a lack of basic data about the level and spatial distribution of biodiversity. We augmented the general framework for improving biomonitoring, proposed by Green et al. (2005), and identified its core tasks and attributes. The first priority for a more unified biodiversity monitoring is to agree on a minimum set of core tasks and attributes, which will make it possible to build a standardized biomonitoring system even in countries with few resources. Our scheme has two main organizational levels—taxa and ecosystems. The basic elements of the biomonitoring system proposed are recording of presence and absence of taxa and ecosystems in a target area, mapping of their distribution in space, and assessment of their status. All the elements have to be repeated over time. Although these tasks are fundamental, they are frequently not considered in currently functioning biomonitoring programs. The whole system has to be hierarchical and additive: if more resources are available, new activities may be added to the basic routine. Agreeing on a common standard will facilitate aggregating measures of biodiversity status and trends into regional and global indices. This information will relate directly to several Convention on Biological Diversity indicators for assessing progress toward the 2010 Biodiversity Target.
Age‐Associated Declines in Complex Walking Task Performance: The Walking InCHIANTI Toolkit
Authors: Shumway‐Cook Anne , Guralnik Jack M. , Phillips Caroline L. , Coppin Antonia K. , Ciol Marcia A. , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To describe a set of complex walking tasks (CWTs) that can be used to evaluate mobility and to characterize age‐ and sex‐specific performance on these tests.

DESIGN: A population‐based study of persons living in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy).

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two hundred twenty‐seven persons (aged 20–95) selected from the city registries of Greve and Bagno a Ripoli (Tuscany, Italy).

MEASUREMENTS: Gait velocity (m/s) was measured during 13 walking tests (Walking InCHIANTI Toolkit (WIT)) used to examine walking ability under a range of conditions and distances. Other measures included performance on the Short Physical Performance Battery and self‐reported health and functional status, including disability in activities of daily living.

RESULTS: Age‐associated differences on the WIT were reflected in the number of older adults unable to complete CWTs and a decrease in gait velocity. For all tasks, decrements in walking speed with increasing age were significantly larger at aged 65 and older. Performance on CWTs was highly variable and could not be explained by usual gait speed measured under low‐challenge conditions alone.

CONCLUSION: CWTs may provide important insight into mobility function, particularly in persons with normal or near‐normal usual gait speed. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific physiological mechanisms that contribute to declining performance on CWT with increasing age.
Caring for the New Uninsured: Hospital Charity Care for Older People without Coverage
Authors: DeLia Derek
Published: November 2006

Despite near‐universal coverage through Medicare, a number of elderly residents in the United States do not have health insurance coverage. To the author's knowledge, this study is the first to document trends in the use of hospital charity care by uninsured older people.

Data from the New Jersey Charity Care Program, which subsidizes hospitals for services provided to low‐income uninsured people, were used to analyze trends in charity care utilization by older people from 1999 to 2004. Charity care charges are standardized to uniform Medicaid reimbursement rates and inflation adjusted using the Medical Care Consumer Price Index.

From 1999 to 2004, use of charity care by older people grew much faster than it did for younger patients. As a result, older people now account for a greater share of hospital charity care in New Jersey than children. Elderly users of charity care generated higher costs per patient than their younger counterparts. Cost differences were especially salient at the upper end of the distribution, where high‐cost elderly patients used significantly more resources than high‐cost patients in other age groups.

These results highlight an emerging source of strain on the healthcare safety net and point to a growing population of uninsured residents who have costly and complex medical needs. Similar experiences are likely to be found in other states, especially those that have growing populations of elderly immigrants who are likely to lack health insurance.
Displacement of dermal solar elastosis in malignant melanoma
Authors: Horenstein Marcelo G. , Norton Courtney L. , Evans Tara N.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental causal factor for skin malignancy. In this study, we investigated the morphology of the solar elastosis (SE) band in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.

Methods:  We measured the SE band in perilesional and lesional skin of 13 melanomas (9 invasive and 4 in situ) and 11 melanocytic nevi (5 usual intradermal nevi, 4 blue nevi and 2 desmoplastic nevi) occurring in sun‐exposed areas.

Results:  The melanoma and nevus groups had similar age range, gender ratio and anatomic distribution. The mean SE thickness was 0.35 mm in melanomas and 0.29 mm in nevi (p = 0.56), indicating similar UVR exposure. There was a mean downward SE displacement (SED) of 0.43 mm in melanomas and essentially no displacement (−0.02 mm) in nevi (p < 0.005). Tumor cells and inflammatory host response were responsible for SED in melanoma.

Conclusions:  SED may help in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic lesions in sun‐exposed areas. In melanoma, the new lesion depresses the pre‐existing SE band. Conversely, the long‐standing nevus co‐exists with the SE band without significant displacement. Evaluation of the SE band may help to differentiate melanoma with chronic sun‐induced damage as they have a distinct set of molecular alterations.
US dermatopathology fellows career survey: 2004–2005
Authors: Goldenberg Gary , Patel Manisha J. , Sangueza Omar P. , Camacho Fabian , Khanna Vishal C. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Graduates of a dermatopathology fellowship may choose an academic career or a career in private practice.

Objective:  To assess career plans of 2004–2005 dermatopathology fellows and to correlate an academic career choice with factors identified in a national survey of US dermatopathology fellowship programs.

Methods:  Surveys were mailed to 60 trainees at 45 dermatopathology fellowship programs across the United States. Pearson correlation analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results:  Thirty‐five surveys (58% response rate) were returned. Top five factors that correlated positively with an academic career choice were graduating from a non‐US medical school, performing research during fellowship, importance of research in a career decision, completing a dermatology residency and publication requirement in fellowship. Top five factors that correlated positively with choosing a career in private practice were loan debt, importance of salary/earning potential, importance of job availability, being married and having an employed spouse.

Limitations:  Study limitations are a small sample size and potential response bias.

Conclusion:  Supporting research during fellowship, supporting applicants who completed a dermatology residency or graduated from a foreign medical school, providing loan forgiveness/repayment and increasing earning/salary potential in academic practice may encourage more young physicians to join the academic workforce.
Effect of melatonin on the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of healthy young and elderly subjects*
Authors: Kędziora‐Kornatowska Kornelia , Szewczyk‐Golec Karolina , Czuczejko Jolanta , Lumen Katarzyna van Marke de , Pawluk Hanna , Motyl Jadwiga , Karasek Michał , Kędziora Józef
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The disturbances in pro‐ and antioxidant balance may play an important role in the pathomechanism of aging. The pineal hormone melatonin, which exerts effective antioxidative properties, is suggested to be involved in the aging process. The aim of this study was to compare the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of healthy young adults and elderly people, and to determine the influence of melatonin supplementation on measured parameters in both examined groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione levels as well as Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in erythrocytes and morning serum melatonin concentration in 14 healthy young adults and 14 healthy elderly people at baseline and after the 30th day of melatonin (5 mg daily) supplementation were determined. A significant age effect on increasing the MDA level and decreasing SOD‐1, GSH‐Px and GR activities as well as melatonin concentration was observed. Melatonin supplementation resulted in a significant increase in melatonin concentration, SOD‐1 and GR activities and a decrease in the MDA level in both examined groups. These data indicate an age‐related augmentation of oxidative stress in erythrocytes and the improvement of erythrocytic antioxidative defense by melatonin administration. These results might suggest melatonin supplementation to prevent age‐related diseases and to prolong the lifespan and improve the quality of life of elderly people.
Alcoholism is associated with GALR3 but not two other galanin receptor genes
Authors: Belfer I. , Hipp H. , Bollettino A. , McKnight C. , Evans C. , Virkkunen M. , Albaugh B. , Max M. B. , Goldman D. , Enoch M. A.
Published: November 2006

The neuropeptide galanin is widely expressed in the periphery and the central nervous system and mediates diverse physiological processes and behaviors including alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety. Four genes encoding galanin and its receptors have been identified (GAL, GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3). Recently we found that GAL haplotypes were associated with alcoholism, raising the possibility that genetic variation in GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3 might also alter alcoholism risk. Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by genotyping SNP panels in controls from five populations. For the association study with alcoholism, six GALR1, four GALR2 and four GALR3 SNPs were genotyped in a large cohort of Finnish alcoholics and non‐alcoholics. GALR3 showed a significant association with alcoholism that was driven by one SNP (rs3091367). Moreover, the combination of the GALR3 rs3091367 risk allele and GAL risk haplotypes led to a modestly increased odds ratio (OR) for alcoholism (2.4) as compared with the effect of either GAL (1.9) or GALR3 alone (1.4). Likewise, the combination of the GALR3 and GAL risk diplotypes led to an increased OR for alcoholism (4.6) as compared with the effect of either GAL (2.0) or GALR3 alone (1.6). There was no effect of GALR1 or GALR2 on alcoholism risk. This evidence suggests that GALR3 mediates the alcoholism‐related actions of galanin.
A Survey of Edentulous Patient Preference among Different Denture Esthetic Concepts
Authors: Waliszewski Michael , Shor Alexander , Brudvik James , Raigrodski Ariel J.
Published: November 2006

Statement of Problem:  Despite the fact that solutions to functional problems are available, successfully restoring the appearance of an edentulous patient remains a challenge.

Purpose:  The aim of this survey was to determine if edentulous respondents could differentiate among three denture esthetic concepts and if there was an overall preference among the three.

Materials and Methods:  Six edentulous test subjects were selected based on age and smile cri‐teria. One wax tooth arrangement was completed according to each of the three esthetic concepts for a total of three wax tooth arrangements per test subject. The three esthetic concepts followed were natural, supernormal, and denture look. Standardized full‐face digital photographs were made of each arrangement (three) during maximum smile for each subject (six). These 18 photographs were included in a questionnaire. Respondents were asked questions about their preference among the three randomly ordered concept photographs for each of the six subjects. A total of 147 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Results:  Ninety‐six percent of respondents were able to differentiate among the three esthetic denture concepts. Natural tooth arrangements were preferred by 55% of the respondents, supernormal tooth arrangements were preferred by 19%, and the denture look arrangements were preferred by 26%.

Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this survey, the questionnaire respondents differentiated between the three esthetic denture concepts. The tooth arrangement most closely resembling the anatomical average was selected by 55% of the respondents. Preference for a particular concept changed when responses to each test subject set were considered individually. Demographic factors do not significantly affect patient preference.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Three esthetic concepts for complete denture construction have been differentiated. Questionnaire respondents preferred appearances that are far from the anatomical average 45% of the time.
My King, My Country, Alone for Whom I Live: The Pragmatic Imperatives of Sir Thomas Wyatt's Verse
Authors: Robinson Jon
Published: November 2006

This article surveys and critically engages with past and present criticism concerning the ‘honesty’ of Sir Thomas Wyatt and the acceptance of his verse as subversive literature. It analyses previous criticism within the context that Wyatt's poetry was a form of courtly performance and poetic dissemination that was charged with the political and personal pragmatics of both the poet and his sovereign, Henry VIII.
Growth performance and physiological response in the halophyte Lycium barbarum grown at salt‐affected soil
Authors: Wei Y. , Xu X. , Tao H. , Wang P.
Published: November 2006

As a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Lyciumbarbarum is of high economic value and has attracted many considerable interests in recent years. The plant is a perennial halophyte grown under extreme conditions, especially under highly saline soil. A pot experiment was carried out to quantify the responses of L. barbarum plants to soil salinity applied at 100 and 200 mM NaCl. The results demonstrate that 100 mM NaCl soil improves the growth of L. barbarum seedlings. Because the 100 mM NaCl soil enhanced plant height and dry matter by 20% and 30% compared with the nonsalinised soil, it is considered suitable, and the 200 mM NaCl soil showed negative effects, too extreme for the growth of L. barbarum. The leaf cations and betaine content increased significantly under salt stress. The leaf chlorophyll, gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, leaf area and soluble sugar contents showed a significant decrease under 200 mM NaCl stress compared with the nonsalinised and the 100 mM NaCl‐affected soil. The results do not provide a basic mechanism for the observed growth stimulation; however, they suggest that L. barbarum may be an economic species for cultivation in moderately saline areas such as northwest China.
Regional Trade Patterns: The Impact of Voluntary Food Safety Standards
Authors: Woods Mollie , Thornsbury Suzanne , Raper Kellie Curry , Weldon Richard N.
Published: November 2006

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are aimed at reducing farm level microbial contamination of fresh produce and include both fixed and variable cost components. We empirically analyze three scenarios of voluntary food safety practice adoption and third‐party certification in the North American fresh strawberry market using a spatial equilibrium model. The model incorporates GAPs adoption across production regions and across farm size. Transportation and product shrinkage, which are critical factors in inter‐regional trade of perishable products, are also included. Regional trade pattern impacts are assessed and used to draw inferences for pressure on market structure. Results indicate that competitive pressures are greatest on those regions with mid‐size volumes that are not able to take advantage of close market proximity, yet still must absorb additional costs. This suggests that adoption of food safety practices, even if voluntary, is likely to accelerate what is already a bi‐modal structure for this industry.

Les bonnes pratiques agricoles (BPA) visent à réduire la contamination microbienne des produits frais à la ferme et comprennent des coûts fixes et des coûts variables. Nous avons effectué, à l'aide d'un modèle d'équilibre spatial, l'analyse empirique de trois scénarios d'adoption volontaire de pratiques de sécurité alimentaire et de certification par un tiers dans le marché nord‐américain des fraises fraîches. Le modèle intègre l'adoption de BPA dans toutes les régions productrices et les fermes de toute taille. Le transport et le flétrissement, qui constituent des facteurs critiques dans le commerce interrégional des denrées périssables, ont aussi été inclus. Nous avons évalué les répercussions de la structure de commerce régional et les avons utilisées pour tirer des conclusions sur la pression exercée sur la structure de marché. Les résultats ont indiqué que les pressions concurrentielles étaient plus importantes sur les régions qui produisent des volumes moyens, qui ne peuvent tirer profit des marchés de proximité, mais qui doivent pourtant absorber des coûts additionnels. Ces résultats autorisent à penser que l'adoption, même volontaire, de pratiques de sécurité alimentaire contribuera probablement à accélérer ce que est déjà une structure bimodale de l'industrie.
Canadian Health and Food: The Links between Policy, Consumers, and Industry
Authors: Cash Sean B. , Goddard Ellen W. , Lerohl Mel
Published: November 2006

The concerns around the social costs associated with poor, inadequate diets and unhealthy food choices have received much attention in both the popular and academic literature recently. In response, governments are starting to direct their attention toward the interplay between public health and the food economy. We begin by reviewing some of the known links between food and health, the recommendations coming from international and domestic bodies, and the perspective of industry. We then discuss the potential role of, and justifications for, policy interventions, and note that a failure to incorporate consumer response into the policymaking process has led to suboptimal outcomes in the past. We present a qualitative overview of the possible effects of Canadian agricultural policies, as well as examples from the limited literature in this area. In much the same way that the policymaking process is subject to environmental impact assessments, agricultural and food policies need to be formulated with a health filter in place order to avoid perverse dietary outcomes.

Les préoccupations entourant les coûts sociaux liés à des régimes alimentaires déficients et à des choix alimentaires nuisibles pour la santé ont reçu récemment beaucoup d'attention dans les publications populaires et scientifiques. En réponse à ces préoccupations, les gouvernements commencent à se pencher sur l'interaction entre la santé publique et l'économie de l'alimentation. Nous avons d'abord examiné quelques‐uns des liens connus entre l'alimentation et la santé, les recommandations d'organismes nationaux et internationaux et le point de vue de l'industrie. Nous avons ensuite discuté du rôle potentiel des interventions politiques, et des justifications pour ces interventions, et avons noté que le fait de ne pas intégrer la réaction du consommateur dans le processus d'élaboration des politiques a entraîné des résultats sous‐optimaux dans le passé. Nous présentons un aperçu qualitatif des répercussions possibles des politiques agricoles canadiennes ainsi que des exemples tirés de la littérature limitée dans ce domaine. Tout comme le processus d'élaboration des politiques est soumis à des évaluations de l'impact sur l'environnement, les politiques agroalimentaires doivent être élaborées en tenant compte de la santé en vue d'éviter les conséquences perverses liées à l'alimentation.
Can Religious Experience Provide Justification for the Belief in God? The Debate in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy
Authors: Kwan Kai‐man
Published: November 2006

In recent analytic philosophy of religion, one hotly debated topic is the veridicality of religious experience. In this paper, I briefly trace how the argument from religious experience comes into prominence in the twentieth century. This is due to the able defense of this argument by Richard Swinburne, William Alston, and Jerome Gellman among others. I explain the argument's intuitive force and why the stock objections to religious experience are not entirely convincing. I expound Swinburne's approach and his application of the Principle of Credulity to religious experience. Then I critically examine four major objections to Swinburne. I conclude that the argument from religious experiences is not likely to be conclusive but it should not be dismissed either.
Role of vasopressin in rat distal colon function
Authors: Cristià Esther , Amat Concepció , Naftalin Richard J. , Moretó Miquel
Published: November 2006

The specific role of vasopressin in colonic crypt function and its possible synergistic action with aldosterone were studied. Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a high‐Na+(HS; 150 mmNaCl) or a low‐Na+(LS; 150 μmNaCl) diet were deprived of water or infused with vasopressin, and some animals were treated with specific vasopressin receptor subtype V1and V2antagonists. The expression of the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and aquaporin‐2 (AQP‐2) were determined by immunolocalization in distal colonic mucosa. The pericryptal Na+concentration was determined by confocal microscopy, using a low‐affinity Na+‐sensitive fluorescent dye (sodium red) and crypt permeability was measured by the rate of escape of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled dextran (10 kDa) from the crypt lumen into the pericryptal space in isolated rat distal colonic mucosa. A high plasma concentration of vasopressin raised α‐SMA expression in the pericryptal sheath (P< 0.05), increased the pericryptal Na+accumulation in this space (P< 0.01) and caused a reduction of crypt wall permeability (P< 0.01). All these effects were reversed by selective blockade of V1and V2receptors. No synergistic effects with aldosterone were observed. Dehydration and vasopressin infusion increased AQP‐2 expression in distal colonic mucosa (P< 0.05). This action of vasopressin was prevented by tolvaptan, a specific V2receptor antagonist (P< 0.05). It is concluded that vasopressin has trophic effects in the rat distal colon, increasing pericryptal myofibroblast growth which affects crypt absorption, and these effects are independent of the presence of aldosterone.
Transgenic Mice with a Reduced Core Body Temperature Have an Increased Life Span
Authors: Conti Bruno , Sanchez-Alavez Manuel , Winsky-Sommerer Raphaelle , Morale Maria Concetta , Lucero Jacinta , Brownell Sara , Fabre Veronique , Huitron-Resendiz Salvador , Henriksen Steven , Zorrilla Eric P. , de Lecea Luis , Bartfai Tamas
Published: November 2006

Reduction of core body temperature has been proposed to contribute to the increased life span and the antiaging effects conferred by calorie restriction (CR). Validation of this hypothesis has been difficult in homeotherms, primarily due to a lack of experimental models. We report that transgenic mice engineered to overexpress the uncoupling protein 2 in hypocretin neurons (Hcrt-UCP2) have elevated hypothalamic temperature. The effects of local temperature elevation on the central thermostat resulted in a 0.3° to 0.5°C reduction of the core body temperature. Fed ad libitum, Hcrt-UCP2 transgenic mice had the same caloric intake as their wild-type littermates but had increased energy efficiency and a greater median life span (12% increase in males; 20% increase in females). Thus, modest, sustained reduction of core body temperature prolonged life span independent of altered diet or CR.
Probing the Chiroptical Response of a Single Molecule
Authors: Hassey Ruthanne , Swain Ellen J. , Hammer Nathan I. , Venkataraman Dhandapani , Barnes Michael D.
Published: November 2006

Chirally sensitive measurement techniques have generally been restricted to bulk samples. Here, we report the observation of fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) from single (bridgedtriarylamine) helicene molecules by using an excitation wavelength (457 nanometers) in the vicinity of an electronic transition that shows circular dichroism in bulk samples. The distributions of dissymmetry (
g
) parameters by analysis of signals from pure
M
- and
P
-type diastereomers are almost perfect mirror images of one another, each spanning a range of both positive and negative values. In addition, we observe a well-defined structure in the histogram of dissymmetry parameters suggestive of specific molecular orientations at the polymer interface. These single-molecule results highlight strong intrinsic circular dichroism responses that can be obscured by cancellation effects in ensemble measurements of a randomly oriented bulk sample.
Three-alpha resonant state and its contribution in continuum spectrum
Authors: Kurokawa C. , Katō K.
Published: November 2006

The 3α resonant states of 12 C are investigated by taking into account the correct boundary condition for three-body resonant states. In order to show how the 3α resonant states having complex eigenvalues contribute to the real energy, we calculated the Continuum Level Density in the Complex Scaling Method.
Di-neutron Cluster and Its Condensation
Authors: Horiuchi Hisashi
Published: November 2006

Di-neutron cluster structure of 11 Li which is suggested strongly by recent experiments is discussed. Recent HFB calculations which show clear di-neutron correlation in surface region of neutron-rich nuclei are also discussed. An approach to di-neutron problem by the use of a hybrid wave function of AMD and di-neutron condensed wave function is proposed.
ROLE OF THE TENSOR CORRELATIONS IN 4HE and 5HE
Authors: IKEDA KIYOMI , MYO TAKAYUKI , SUGIMOTO SATORU , KATŌ KIYOSHI , TOKI HIROSHI
Published: November 2006

We investigate the roles of the tensor correlation on the structures of 4 He and 5 He . For 4 He , we take the high angular momentum states within the 2p2h excitations of the shell model type method to describe the tensor correlation explicitly. We found that the solutions show a good convergence and the obtained wave function has the large tensor correlation. We also found that three 2p2h configurations are largely coupled with (0s)4 one to describe the tensor correlation, which is understood from the selectivity of the tensor operator. This tensor correlation is also important to describe the scattering phenomena of the 4 He +n system including the higher partial waves consistently.
GEOMETRICAL CONSTRAINT SYSTEM DECOMPOSITION: A MULTI-GROUP APPROACH
Authors: SCHRECK PASCAL , MATHIS PASCAL
Published: November 2006

Since they help to specify the shape of real objects, geometric constraint systems encountered in CAD domain are often invariant by isometries. But other transformation groups can be considered to improve the solving process. More precisely, using different transformation groups leads to a new approach of decomposition which generalizes in some sense the classical approaches. This paper presents a method able to perform such a multi-group decomposition.
INCIDENCE CONSTRAINTS: A COMBINATORIAL APPROACH
Authors: MICHELUCCI DOMINIQUE , SCHRECK PASCAL
Published: November 2006

The simplest geometric constraints are incidences between points and lines in the projective plane. This problem is universal, in the sense that all algebraic systems reduce to such geometric constraints. Detecting incidence dependences between these geometric constraints is NP-complete. New methods to prove incidence theorems are proposed, which use strictly no computer algebra but only combinatorial arguments.
Expression of the breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp1/Abcg2) in tissues from pregnant mice: effects of pregnancy and correlations with nuclear receptors
Authors: Wang Honggang , Wu Xiaohui , Hudkins Kelly , Mikheev Andrei , Zhang Huixia , Gupta Anshul , Unadkat Jashvant D. , Mao Qingcheng
Published: November 2006

The breastcancer resistance protein (BCRP) plays an important role in drug disposition, including limiting drug penetration across the placental barrier. Our goal was to investigate the effects of pregnancy on Bcrp1 expression in pregnant mice. We examined Bcrp1 expression in placenta, kidney, liver, and small intestine at various gestational ages. Bcrp1 protein levels peaked at gestation day ( gd) 15 in placenta, at gd 10 and 15 in kidney, and at gd 15 in liver; however, Bcrp1 protein levels in small intestine did not change significantly with gestational ages. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the cellular localization of Bcrp1 in placenta, kidney, liver, and small intestine was not influenced by pregnancy. Bcrp1 mRNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In general, the effects of pregnancy on Bcrp1 protein somewhat lagged behind the effects on Bcrp1 mRNA. To further investigate the possible roles of nuclear receptors in the regulation of the Bcrp1 gene during pregnancy, we examined mRNA levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), or progesterone receptor and compared them with those of Bcrp1. Bcrp1 mRNA was significantly correlated with mRNA of AhR, HIF1α, and ERβ in placenta, with mRNA of HIF1α in kidney, and with mRNA of AhR and ERα in liver. These data suggest that Bcrp1 expression in mouse tissues can be altered by pregnancy in a gestational age-dependent manner. Such effects are likely mediated by certain nuclear receptors through a transcriptional mechanism.
Role of Rho kinases in PKG-mediated relaxation of pulmonary arteries of fetal lambs exposed to chronic high altitude hypoxia
Authors: Gao Yuansheng , Portugal Ada D. , Negash Sewite , Zhou Weilin , Longo Lawrence D. , Usha Raj J.
Published: November 2006

An increase in Rho kinase (ROCK) activity is implicated in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. In the present study, we determined the role of ROCKs in cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)-mediated pulmonary vasodilation of fetal lambs exposed to chronic hypoxia. Fourth generation pulmonary arteries were isolated from near-term fetuses (∼140 days of gestation) delivered from ewes exposed to chronic high altitude hypoxia for ∼110 days and from control ewes. In vessels constricted to endothelin-1, 8-bromoguanosine-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) caused a smaller relaxation in chronically hypoxic (CH) vessels compared with controls. Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, a PKG inhibitor, attenuated relaxation to 8-Br-cGMP in control vessels to a greater extent than in CH vessels. Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor, significantly potentiated 8-Br-cGMP-induced relaxation of CH vessels and had only a minor effect in control vessels. The expression of PKG was increased but was not accompanied with an increase in the activity of the enzyme in CH vessels. The expression of type II ROCK and activity of ROCKs were increased in CH vessels. The phosphorylation of threonine (Thr)696 and Thr850 of the regulatory subunit MYPT1 of myosin light chain phosphatase was inhibited by 8-Br-cGMP to a lesser extent in CH vessels than in controls. The difference was eliminated by Y-27632. These results suggest that chronic hypoxia in utero attenuates PKG-mediated relaxation in pulmonary arteries, partly due to inhibition of PKG activity and partly due to enhanced ROCK activity. Increased ROCK activity may inhibit PKG action through increased phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr696 and Thr850.
Blood pressure regulation in neurally intact human vs. acutely injured paraplegic and tetraplegic patients during passive tilt
Authors: Aslan Sevda C. , Randall David C. , Donohue Kevin D. , Knapp Charles F. , Patwardhan Abhijit R. , McDowell Susan M. , Taylor Robert F. , Evans Joyce M.
Published: November 2006

We investigated autonomic control of cardiovascular function in able-bodied (AB), paraplegic (PARA), and tetraplegic (TETRA) subjects in response to head-up tilt following spinal cord injury. We evaluated spectral power of blood pressure (BP), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI), occurrence of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ramps, baroreflex sequences, and cross-correlation of SBP with heart rate (HR) in low (0.04–0.15 Hz)- and high (0.15–0.4 Hz)-frequency regions. During tilt, AB and PARA effectively regulated BP and HR, but TETRA did not. The numbers of SBP ramps and percentages of heartbeats involved in SBP ramps and baroreflex sequences increased in AB, were unchanged in PARA, and declined in TETRA. BRS was lowest in PARA and declined with tilt in all groups. BEI was greatest in AB and declined with tilt in all groups. Low-frequency power of BP and the peak of the SBP/HR cross-correlation magnitude were greatest in AB, increased during tilt in AB, remained unchanged in PARA, and declined in TETRA. The peak cross-correlation magnitude in HF decreased with tilt in all groups. Our data indicate that spinal cord injury results in decreased stimulation of arterial baroreceptors and less engagement of feedback control as demonstrated by lower 1) spectral power of BP, 2) number (and percentages) of SBP ramps and barosequences, 3) cross-correlation magnitude of SBP/HR, 4) BEI, and 5) changes in delay between SBP/HR. Diminished vasomotion and impaired baroreflex regulation may be major contributors to decreased orthostatic tolerance following injury.
RUNX3 Inhibits the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Reduces the Angiogenesis, Growth, and Metastasis of Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Zhihai , Wei Daoyan , Wang Liwei , Tang Huamei , Zhang Jun , Le Xiangdong , Jia Zhiliang , Li Qiang , Xie Keping
Published: November 2006

Purpose: Recent studies indicated that RUNX3 exhibits potent antitumor activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this activity remain unclear. In the present study, we used a gastric cancer model to determine the effect of RUNX3 expression on tumor angiogenesis.

Experimental Design: The effects of increased RUNX3 expression on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in and angiogenic potential of human gastric cancer cells were determined in vitro and in animal models. RUNX3 and VEGF expression was determined in 120 human gastric cancer specimens and their relationship was analyzed.

Results: RUNX3 gene transfer suppressed VEGF expression in human gastric cancer cells. Down-regulation of VEGF expression correlated with a significantly impaired angiogenic potential of human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, RUNX3 restoration inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in animal models, which was consistent with inhibition of angiogenesis as determined by evaluating VEGF expression and tumor microvessel formation. In gastric cancer specimens, loss or decrease in RUNX3 expression inversely associated with increased VEGF expression and elevated microvessel formation.

Conclusions: Our clinical and experimental data provide a novel molecular mechanism for the antitumor activity of RUNX3 and may help design effective therapy targeting RUNX3 pathway to control gastric cancer growth and metastasis.
Hedgehog: an Attribute to Tumor Regrowth after Chemoradiotherapy and a Target to Improve Radiation Response
Authors: Sims-Mourtada Jennifer , Izzo Julie G. , Apisarnthanarax Smith , Wu Tsung-Teh , Malhotra Usha , Luthra Rajyalashmi , Liao Zhongxing , Komaki Ritsuko , van der Kogel Albert , Ajani Jaffer , Chao K.S. Clifford
Published: November 2006

Purpose: Despite aggressive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or combination approaches, the survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer remains poor. Recent studies have suggested that constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in cancers of the digestive tract may contribute to the growth and maintenance of cancer. However, the relationship between Hh signaling and therapeutic response is unknown.

Experimental Design: The expression and temporal kinetics of Hh signaling and proliferation biomarkers after chemoradiotherapy were examined in esophageal tumor xenografts. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis of Sonic Hh (Shh) and Gli-1 expression were done on residual tumors from patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. The ability of Shh signaling to induce proliferation in esophageal cell lines was determined. Expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins was analyzed in cells in which Hh signaling was activated or inhibited. We further determined the effect of inhibiting Hh signaling in sensitizing esophageal tumors to radiation.

Results: We showed that the Shh signaling pathway was extensively activated in esophageal cancer xenografts and residual tumors after chemoradiotherapy and the temporal kinetics of Hh signaling preceded increases in proliferation biomarker expression and tumor size during tumor regrowth. We further showed that Hh pathway activity influences proliferation rates of esophageal cancer cell lines through up-regulation of the G1-cyclin-Rb axis. Additionally, we found that blocking Hh signaling enhanced radiation cytotoxicity of esophageal cancer cells.

Conclusions: These results suggest that activation of the Hh pathway may promote tumor repopulation after chemoradiotherapy and contribute to chemoradiation resistance in esophageal cancers.