bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequences variations in 5′‐flanking region of ABO gene and correlation with ABO alleles in the indigenous Chinese
Authors: Yan L. , Zhu F. , Liu Y. , Xu X. , Hong X.
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  5′‐flanking sequences of the ABO gene play important role in the regulation of gene expression, but polymorphism of 5′‐flanking sequence of ABO gene is rarely known. Here, we further characterize the molecular genetic basis and ABO allele‐related polymorphism of the 5′‐untranslated regions (5′‐UTR) of the human ABO gene.

Materials and Methods  Collecting blood samples from 72 blood donors in Hangzhou, China, we analysed sequences of exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene and amplified an enhanced segment of 43 bp repeats in the 5′‐UTR. Subsequently, we selected 25 homozygotes [of genotypes A101/A101 (two), A102/A102 (seven), B101/B101 (seven) and O01/O01 (nine)] and five heterozygotes [A102/O01 (two), B101/O01 (two) and O01/O105 (one)] for sequencing 5 ‐kb amplicons spanning the 5′‐UTR and partial exon 1 of the ABO gene. We sequenced the amplicons bidirectionally and, when pertinent, analysed selected haplotypes by cloning.

Results  As a result, we identified 11 new polymorphic sites (10 point mutations, one 8‐bp deletion) in the 5′‐UTR of the A102, B101 and O01 alleles of common ABO phenotypes. Five A102 alleles carry four tandem repeats of a 43‐bp minisatellite unit that deviated from previous reports.

Conclusion  The results revealed the DNA polymorphisms in the 5′‐UTRs correlated with the common ABO alleles. Elucidation of the diversity of the 5′‐UTRs is an important supplement to existing methods for increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of the ABO blood group system.
Payment for whole blood donations in Lithuania: the risk for infectious disease markers
Authors: Kalibatas V.
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  In Lithuania, remuneration for whole blood donations still prevails, with the government covering payment for the donors. The payment per donation in cash is equal to 40 litas (€11·6); it is offered to all blood donors and accepted by the majority of them. Donors who gave blood and received the payment are treated as remunerated donors; those who gave blood and did not take the payment are treated as non‐remunerated ones. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of payment for whole blood donations and to analyse the prevalence of infectious diseases markers per 100 remunerated and non‐remunerated, first‐time and regular whole blood donations, and to compare the risk ratios of infectious disease markers of remunerated and non‐remunerated whole blood donations in 2005 and 2006 at the National Blood Center in Lithuania.

Materials and Methods  Whole blood donors were categorized as follows: (i) first‐time donor, remunerated; (ii) first‐time donor, non‐remunerated; (iii) regular donor, remunerated; and (iv) regular donor, non‐remunerated. The blood donations were analysed for the presence or absence of the following infectious disease markers: anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (anti‐HIV 1/2) and syphilis. Only confirmed infectious disease markers were classified. To assess the risk of payment for whole blood donations, the prevalence of infectious disease markers per 100 donations in the different donor groups and the risk ratios between the remunerated and non‐remunerated donations were determined.

Results  The prevalence per 100 first‐time remunerated donations was: for anti‐HCV 1·84 (2005) and 2·98 (2006); for HBsAg 1·73 (2005) and 2·03 (2006); for syphilis 0·67 (2005) and 1·03 (2006). The prevalence per 100 first‐time non‐remunerated donations was: for anti‐HCV 0·93 (2005) and 0·98 (2006); for HBsAg 1·57 (2005) and 1·33 (2006); for syphilis 0·29 (2005) and 0·47 (2006). The first‐time donors who were remunerated for whole blood donations had a significantly higher prevalence of infectious disease markers per 100 donations and a higher risk ratio for at least three infectious disease markers (HBsAg, anti‐HCV and syphilis) as compared to first‐time donors who were non‐remunerated. The regular donors who were non‐remunerated for whole blood donations had the lowest prevalence of all infectious disease markers: anti‐HCV –0·03 (2005) and 0·04 (2005); syphilis –0·06 (2005) and 0·02 (2006); and any positive cases of HBsAg and anti‐HIV 1/2 were found both in 2005 and 2006. No statistically significance differences in incidence and risk ratio existed when comparing the regular donations who were remunerated and non‐remunerated.

Conclusion  The payment for whole blood donors provides a higher risk for infectious disease markers of first‐time donations at the National Blood Center in Lithuania.
Heat shock proteins in pancreatic diseases
Authors: Saluja Ashok , Dudeja Vikas
Published: March 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are chaperone proteins that protect living cells against injury‐inducing stimuli. Dysregulated expression of HSPs has been observed in various disease conditions including cancer. Using knock‐out and transgenic animal approach, as well as standard, methods of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) induction (i.e. thermal stress and arsenite administration), it has been shown that HSP70 protects against cell injury and acinar necrosis in experimental model of pancreatitis in animals. Animals in which HSP70 is induced prior to cerulein administration in a cerulein model of pancreatitits have reduced severity of pancreatitis, as demonstrated by lower serum amylase, lesser acinar necrosis on histology and decreased neutrophilic infiltration, suggesting that HSP70 is protective against cell death. Similar to the protective role of HSP70 in a pancreatitis model, HSP70 overexpression has been observed in pancreatic cancer and is believed to protect cancer cells from cell death. HSP70 is overexpressed both at mRNA and protein levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines as compared to normal pancreatic ductal cells. On a more clinical note, HSP70 is present in great abundance in pancreatic cancer clinical specimens as compared to normal pancreatic margins. Inhibition of HSP70 expression in pancreatic cancer cells leads to caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death and is a novel therapeutic modality for pancreatic cancer. Triptolide is a pharmacological agent which highly effective inhibiting HSP70 expression in pancreatic cancer cells and thus induces cell death. Moreover, triptolide is highly efficacious in reducing growth as well as locoregioinal spread of pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer and has tremendous potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
Fat paradox of steatohepatitis
Authors: Tsukamoto Hidekazu , She Hongyun , Hazra Saswati , Cheng Jason , Wang Jiaohong
Published: March 2008

Alcoholic and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH and NASH) constitute two major types of chronic liver disease with worldwide prevalence and are histologically indistinguishable with shared pathogenetic mechanisms. More importantly, they have synergistic interactions for liver pathology. Comparative studies on ASH and NASH have been hampered by the use of different animal models with confounding variables, particularly those with extreme genetic, toxic, and malnutrition etiologies. The mouse intragastric model circumvents these problems and reproduces the natural course and etiological background of ASH and NASH. Further, our recent work reproduces a profound synergism between the two in the model. Intracellular accumulation of neural lipids is a hallmark biochemical feature of ASH and NASH. Although impaired lipid oxidation and export may contribute to this pathological change, enhanced lipogenic regulation is frequently encountered, as characterized by induction of lipogenic or adipogenic transcription factors (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor [PPARγ], liver X receptor α[LXRα], sterol‐regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c [SREBP‐1c]). In contrast, we have recently defined transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a pivotal event in liver fibrogenesis, as an ‘antilipogenic’ or ‘anti‐adipogenic’ phenomenon. Thus, there is an apparent paradox between hepatocytes and HSC in steatohepatitis in terms of the outcome of lipogenic regulation. Our recent work suggests that defective insulin signaling in activated HSC may be responsible for this paradox. Further, activated Wnt signaling is implicated in ‘anti‐adipogenic’ stellate cell transdifferentiation in liver fibrogenesis.
Differences of heterotrophic 13CO2 assimilation by Pseudomonas knackmussii strain B13 and Rhodococcus opacus 1CP and potential impact on biomarker stable isotope probing
Authors: Feisthauer Stefan , Wick Lukas Y. , Kästner Matthias , Kaschabek Stefan R. , Schlömann Michael , Richnow Hans H.
Published: March 2008

Motivated by the finding that Pseudomonas knackmussii B13 but not Rhodococcus opacus 1CP grows in the absence of externally provided CO2, we investigated the assimilation of 13CO2 into active cells cultivated with non‐labelled glucose as sole energy substrate. 13C found in the bulk biomass indicated a substantial but different CO2 assimilation by Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus, respectively (3500‰ and 2600‰). Cellular fatty acids were labelled from −15‰ to 470‰ and amino acids from 500‰ to 24 000‰ demonstrating clear differences between various compound classes. ‘You are what you eat plus 1‰’ is therefore only valid for the average bulk C without specific isotope signature deviation of the external CO2 or carbonates. Odd‐numbered and 10‐methyl fatty acids, which are much more abundant in Rhodococcus or other Gram‐positive bacteria, were up to fivefold higher enriched in 13C relative to the Pseudomonas fatty acids. A high‐level growth‐phase‐independent, labelling of the oxaloacetate‐derived amino acids indicated heterotrophic CO2 fixation by anaplerotic reactions known to replenish the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Although both strains assimilate CO2 via similar general pathways, Rhodococcus depends to a much higher extent on carboxylations reactions with external CO2 owing to the formation of odd‐numbered fatty acids. As a general consequence, heterotrophic fixation of CO2 should be taken into account in investigations of degradation experiments using isotope tracer compounds.
The coordinate regulation of multiple terminal oxidases by the Pseudomonas putida ANR global regulator
Authors: Ugidos Ana , Morales Gracia , Rial Eduardo , Williams Huw D. , Rojo Fernando
Published: March 2008

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 contains a branched aerobic respiratory chain with multiple terminal oxidases. Their relative proportion varies according to environmental conditions. The role of the oxygen‐responsive ANR global regulator on expression of these terminal oxidases was analysed. During exponential growth in a highly aerated complete medium, ANR activated expression of the Cbb3‐1 terminal oxidase (equivalent to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cbb3‐2), but had little role on expression of other terminal oxidases. In early stationary phase, or under oxygen limitation, inactivation of the anr gene led to increased expression of the bo3‐type cytochrome (Cyo) and cyanide‐insensitive (CIO) terminal oxidases, and to a much lower expression of Cbb3‐1. DNase I footprints identified ANR binding sites at the promoters for these oxidases. Their location suggests that ANR is a transcriptional activator of Cbb3‐1 genes and a repressor of CIO genes, consistent with expression data. ANR binding sites at the promoter for Cyo genes suggests a complex regulation in combination with other factors. Therefore, ANR coordinates expression of Cyo, CIO and Cbb3‐1, but does not influence cytochrome aa3 and Cbb3‐2 terminal oxidases under the conditions analysed. Functional assays showed that Cyo has a leading role during aerobic exponential growth, while Cbb3‐1 becomes very important in stationary phase.
Endoscopic incision for obstruction of vesico‐ureteric anastomosis in transplanted kidneys
Authors: He Zhaohui , Li Xun , Chen Lizhong , Zeng Guohua , Yuan Jian , Chen Wezhong , Zhang Caixia
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of endoscopic incision for obstruction of vesico‐ureteric anastomosis (VUA) in transplanted kidneys.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2001 and March 2006, six men and two women (mean age 38 years, range 27–57) with VUA obstruction in their transplanted kidneys were treated by percutaneous nephrostomy and endoscopic incision. After the anastomosis was completely cut, two JJ stents were placed in the ureter for 4–6 weeks. During the follow‐up, serum urea, creatinine and uric acid levels were measured, and urine culture, ultrasound examination and washout renal scintigraphy were performed every month for the first 6 months, then every 3 months.

RESULTS

In all, 12 procedures of endoureterotomy were performed and all procedures resulted in successful incision of the obstruction. There were no complications during or after the procedures. The retrograde and antegrade endoureterotomies were performed with four procedures in two patients and eight procedures in six patients, respectively. At a mean (range) follow‐up of 16 (4–45) months, five of the eight patients had ureteric patency and stable renal function. In three patients there was a recurrence of obstructive uropathy, immediately after JJ stent removal, which finally required open surgical correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous nephrostomy and endoscopic incision is safe and effective for obstruction of VUA in transplanted kidney, and it can be the initial therapy for ureteric obstruction in transplanted kidneys; however, open surgical reconstruction should be considered if the initial endoscopic incision procedure fails.
Microarray analysis of bladder smooth muscle from patients with myelomeningocele
Authors: Hipp Jennifer A. , Hipp Jason D. , Yoo James J. , Atala Anthony , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether gene profiles can provide a molecular evaluation of the quality and therapeutic potential in patients with myelomeningocele (MM), by comparing genetic profiles of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from healthy bladders and bladders from patients, to identify genes that are over‐ and under‐expressed in MM bladder SMCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bladder SM biopsies were obtained from ‘healthy’ subjects undergoing bladder surgery for vesico‐ureteric reflux and from patients with a neurogenic bladder secondary to MM. Bladder SMCs were expanded in vitro and total RNA was isolated and hybridized to gene chips to evaluate the differential expression levels of 22 283 genes. Differentially expressed genes were identified by two methods. In the first analysis, we directly compared raw data sets of healthy SMCs to those derived from patients with MM. In the second analysis, we indirectly compared healthy SMCs and MM SMCs to a reference file, to create a genetic signature of genes that are over‐ and under‐expressed in MM SMCs.

RESULTS

The direct analysis identified 240 genes that were over‐expressed and 104 that were under‐expressed in MM SMCs. Gene ontology classifications were used to identify biological themes and pathways. Genes that were over‐expressed in MM SMCs were involved in development: mesenchyme homeobox 2 (‐fold change, 9.3); bone morphogenic protein 6 (4.0); fibroblast growth factor 2 (4.8); inhibin A (4.2), cartilage oliogomeric matrix protein (9.97); collagen 11A (6); collagen 5A2 (3) and collagen 1A1 (2.18). The indirect analysis identified 665 genes that were over‐expressed and 1343 that were under‐expressed in MM SMCs. Pathway‐based analysis of these genetic signatures showed an over‐expression of genes involved in muscle development and focal adhesion/extracellular matrix interactions. Genes that were under‐expressed in MM SMCs were mapped to muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and cell‐cell adhesion pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that MM bladders have an excess of extracellular matrix deposition, improper contraction, and are developmentally immature relatively to healthy SMCs. The clinical implication of microarray analysis of MM SMCs is that it provides potential targets that could induce muscle differentiation and inhibit extracellular matrix production.
Human nature: a foundation for palliative care
Authors: Whelton Beverly J. B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract  The Aristotelian‐Thomist philosopher holds that human intellectual knowledge is possible because of the order in the world and natural human capacities. It is the position of this paper that there is a shared human form or nature that unites all humanity as members of the same kind. Moral treatment is due to every human being because they are human, and is not based upon expression of abilities. Humans have substantial dynamic existence in the world, an existence which overflows in expressive relationships. As both patient and health professional are human, human nature forms the natural foundation of health care. This paper looks towards human nature for moral guidance. The therapeutic relationship is seen as a part of the interpersonal moral space formed by human relationality, which tends towards community – in this case, the healthcare system. The therapeutic relationship is also a source of moral responsibility, as illness makes the patient vulnerable, while knowledge and nursing capacities generate in the nurse a duty to care. Nursing theory serves to connect philosophical reflection and nursing practice. Imogene King's conceptual system and theory of Goal Attainment is the theory that follows from the perspective of human person being presented. This synthesis of philosophy and theory is developed with the goal of shedding light on healthcare decisions in palliative care. The article concludes with the acknowledgement that the complexity of contextualized individual decisions requires the insight and discipline of the moral practitioner, and provides some thoughts on how education, development, and refinement transform an individual into a nurse.
What Do We Mean by ‘Rethinking Regulation’?
Authors: Deighton‐Smith Rex
Published: March 2008

This article identifies and discusses several different conceptions of regulatory reform. It subsequently looks at available evidence on trends in regulatory burdens and on the results of regulatory reform activity undertaken over the past 30 years. Thirdly, it identifies and briefly discusses the range of tools that are typically employed in implementing regulatory reform policies. It then examines some of the regulatory problems that implementation of the reform agenda has itself brought forth. It concludes with some comments which seek to assess the report of the Better Regulation Taskforce in the context of the broad overview of regulatory reform set out in the preceding sections of the article.
Satisfied Pigs and Dissatisfied Philosophers: Schlesinger on the Problem of Evil
Authors: Graver Stephen
Published: March 2008

I argue that George Schlesinger's proposed solution to the problem of evil fails because: (1) the degree of desirability of state of a being is not properly regarded as a trade‐off between happiness on the one hand and potential on the other; (2) degree of desirability of state is not capable of infinite increase; (3) there is no hierarchy of possible beings, but at most an ordering of such beings in terms of preferences; (4) the idea of such a hierarchy is anyway morally repulsive. Schlesinger is right that the problem of evil disappears, but what makes it vanish is a recognition of the limits of our concepts of satisfaction and happiness, not the incoherent claim that satisfaction or happiness is capable of unlimited increase.
Critical Notice
Authors: Gaita Raimond
Published: March 2008

D. Z. Phillips, Interventions in Ethics (Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1992)
What Do Mirror Neurons Contribute to Human Social Cognition?
Authors: JACOB PIERRE
Published: March 2008

Abstract: According to an influential view, one function of mirror neurons (MNs), first discovered in the brain of monkeys, is to underlie third‐person mindreading. This view relies on two assumptions: the activity of MNs in an observer’s brain matches (simulates or resonates with) that of MNs in an agent’s brain and this resonance process retrodictively generates a representation of the agent’s intention from a perception of her movement. In this paper, I criticize both assumptions and I argue instead that the activity of MNs in an observer’s brain is enhanced by a prior representation of the agent’s intention and that their task is to predictively compute the best motor command suitable to satisfy the agent’s intention.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN LATIN AMERICA*
Authors: Ahmad J.
Published: March 2008

Wide disparities in growth potential and performance and hence, presumably an unequal sharing of benefits of trade liberalization, are among the most pressing issues facing the future course of economic integration in South America. The customary indices of changes in intra‐zonal trade among members of a preferential trade area do not adequately capture these tensions. This paper develops a framework based on differential rates of growth for analyzing the relative changes in production structure and per capita income in each member country vis‐à‐vis the corresponding set of free‐trading partners. The empirical investigation is carried out for member countries of the Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA) and of the Central American Common Market (CACM) for the period of their existence.

Preliminary results suggest that although ‘reciprocity’ of benefits has been an elusive goal, there is no evidence that structural imbalance in the continent is worsening. In fact, in terms of per capita incomes there appears to be a modest trend toward convergence.
Voluntary Export Restraints and Trade Diversion
Authors: HAMILTON CARL
Published: March 2008

It has been shown that when voluntary export restraints are applied against a non‐Member of a trade club, such as the EC and EFTA in Europe, the partner's exports will increase in absolute terms although overall imports are reduced; the trade barrier ‘leaks’ and leads to a misallocation of resources from a global point of view. The partner prefers such a leaking trade barrier to free trade. Compared to traditional customs union theory, where the analysis concentrates on a move from global discrimination to preferential treatment of one foreign country, in this paper the move is in the opposite direction: from free trade with all foreign countries to discrimination against one foreign country (typically a developing one) and retained free trade with the remaining one. Reference was made to international trade in textile, clothing and footwear (TCF). The trade diversion effect of VERs were found to be particularly strong for France and Sweden, less so for Italy and Germany, and non‐existent for the UK. A comparison was made with changes in non‐European countries' integration with LDC exports of TCF (Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA). Finally, the trade diversion effect was illustrated with an analysis of changes in the supply composition of Sweden's home demand for clothing between 1974–82.
Review Article: East‐Central Europe and the EC
Authors: RADY MARTYN
Published: March 2008

East Central Europe from Reform to Transformation, by Judy Batt

Remaking the Balkans, by Christopher Cviic
Review Article: The Economics of Europe
Authors: BRENTON PAUL
Published: March 2008

The European Economy, edited by David Dyker

European Economic Integration, edited by Frank McDonald and Stephen Dearden

The Single European Market, by R. W. Vickerman
Review Article: Transport and Spatial Development in Europe
Authors: VICKERMAN ROGER
Published: March 2008

The Geography of Europe's Futures, ed. by I. Masser, O. S vidén, M. Wegener

Transport and Communications lnnovation in Europe, ed. by G. Giannopoulos and A. Gillespie

Transport for a Sustainable Future, by John Whitelegg

Transport Economics, 2nd edition, by Kenneth J. Button

The European Economy 1914–1990, 3rd edition by Derek H. Aldcroft

The Economic Emergence of a New Europe? The Political Economy of Cooperation and Competition in the 1990s, by Grahame F. Thompson
European Business in Japan: A Policy Crossroads?
Authors: STRANGE SUSAN
Published: March 2008

Until the EC Commission policy statement of September 1994, few Europeans had given much thought to EC relations with Japan. Susan Strange argues that this neglect is mistaken in view of the persistent unilateralism of US policy towards both Europe and Japan. Even though serious barriers to foreign‐owned firms (FOFs) remain, it would be a mistake to join the US in multilateralizing gaiatsu (foreign pressure). The historical record shows that the US itself is partly responsible for turning a blind eye to Japanese protection of its home market; and, secondly, that firms and private organizations in contact with reformist Japanese may be more effective in bringing about change.
Regional Convergence in the European Community
Authors: NEVEN DAMIEN , GOUYMTE CLAUDINE
Published: March 2008

This article assesses convergence in output per head across regions in the European Community, for the period 1975–90. We use three alternative methodologies to measure convergence, which yield consistent results. We observe that there are strong differences in the pattern of convergence across sub‐periods and across subsets of regions. If the south of Europe seems to catch up in the early 1980s, it stagnates, at best, in the second part of the eighties. At the opposite end, the regions in the north of Europe tend to stagnate or diverge in the first part of the eighties but converge strongly thereafter. This pattern is consistent with the view that northern European countries have adjusted better to the main change in policy regime which occurred in the mid‐1980s, namely the implementation of the internal market programme and the entry of the Iberian peninsula in the Community in 1985. This evidence also lends support to the view that trade liberalization can exacerbate disparities. Finally, our evidence indicates that the distinction between the north and the south of the EC is likely to be more relevant in the analysis of growth patterns than the distinction between the centre and the periphery. Preliminary evidence on migration indicates that the population of the southern regions responds much more slowly to wage and unemployment differences. This may explain partly why southern regions have not converged after 1985.
Seigniorage and EMU: The Fiscal Implications of Price Stability and Financial Market Integration
Authors: GROS DANIEL , GUYVANDILLE
Published: March 2008

Disinflation, especially if coupled with financial market liberalization, has implications for public finances because it lowers the revenue from seigniorage. There might thus be a trade‐off between the criteria on inflation convergence and public finances that were set at Maastricht. This article measures the effects of lower inflation and financial market integration on the revenue from seigniorage for the EU Member States that have in the past relied most heavily on this source of revenues. We find that, except for Greece, seigniorage considerations should no longer be a factor in discussions about EMU.
Immigrant and Ethnic Minorities and the EU's ‘Democratic Deficit’
Authors: GEDDES ANDREW
Published: March 2008

This article explores the links between the development of European Union immigration policy and the frequently analysed ‘democratic deficit’. It shows that immigration policy at EU level emphasizes tighter control of the numbers of immigrants and asylum‐seekers, rather than the development of measures to combat racism and xenophobia. This emphasis stems from the provisions of the Single European Act, as free movement of EU nationals was seen as necessitating firm control of external frontiers. The consequence of this policy, it is argued, is accentuation of both institutional and participatory aspects of the ‘democratic deficit’.
Review Article: The Contingency of Integration
Authors: LAFFAN BRIGID
Published: March 2008

The European Community and the Challenge of the Future by Juliet Lodge

Shaping fhe New Europe, by Hugh Miall

Understanding the NewEuropean Community, by William Nicoll and Trevor C. Salmon

European Community Law by Josephine Shaw

Single Market to Social Europe, by Mark Wise and Richard Gibb

The European Community in the 1990s‐Ever Closer andlarger, by Wolfgang Wessels and Christian Engel
The EU Referendum in Finland on 16 October 1994: A Vote for the West, not for Maastricht
Authors: ARTER DAVID
Published: March 2008

Finland's ‘European policy’ prior to the sudden disintegration of the Soviet Union was based on the search for an accommodation between the economic imperative of access, along with Norway and Sweden, to crucial Western export markets and the political imperative of preserving the credibility of its ‘neutrality’ and special relationship with the Kremlin. During the Cold War the political imperative was necessarily paramount. However, within three months of the demise of the USSR, Finland applied to join the EU and at a referendum on 16 October 1994 registered the highest pro‐accession vote of the three Nordic applicants. The article is a portrait of that decision. It is argued that for many Finns ‐ especially for a younger generation that was significantly more ‘pro‐European’ than in Sweden and Nonvay ‐ the ‘membership dividend’ was perceived principally in expressive terms. It would tie Finland to a bloc of West European democracies to which it had belonged by dint of its politico‐economic system since independence in 1917.
Obstacles to EU Enlargement: The Classical Community Method and the Prospects for a Wider Europe
Authors: PRESTON CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2008

The probable expansion of the European Union (EU) to 25 or more Member States raises questions about the way in which the EC/EU has traditionally managed the enlargement process and whether this is an appropriate framework for the future. This article argues that the four enlargement rounds to date have all conformed to the ‘classical Community method’, with an exclusive focus on the applicant's admittances of the acquits communitarian, and negotiations focusing solely on transition periods. In view of the number and heterogeneity of the potential applicants in future rounds, the article examines the pressures likely to bear on the classical method and how it might be adapted.
Setting the Agenda for a New Europe: The ERT and EC 1992
Authors: COWLES MARIA GREEN
Published: March 2008

Scholars have disagreed over the origins of the single market programme and, in particular, over the role played by business groups in influencing the 1992 project. This article provides a systematic examination of the major policy actors behind the 1992 project, notably the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT). It is argued that, contrary to intergovernmentalist interpretations, the ERT was largely responsible for setting the agenda for the single market programme. The article concludes that traditional theories of European integration cannot capture the political role of non‐state actors in EU regulatory policymaking, and suggests an alternative approach is necessary.
Bridging the Capability‐Expectations Gap: A Case Study of the CFSP Joint Action on South Africa
Authors: HOLLAND MARTIN
Published: March 2008

This article applies and responds to Hill's 1993 JCMS article on the expectations‐capability gap that exists in the conduct of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The case study of one of the first CFSP joint actions (South Africa) provides empirical data that suggest that any such gap can be minimized. While accepting Hill's general arguments, the case suggests that the CFSP can be effective and proactive.
National Labour Market Institutions and the European Economic and Monetary Integration Process
Authors: HEYLEN FREDDY , POECK ANDRÉ VAN
Published: March 2008

This article investigates the role of national labour market institutions for the chances of successful transition to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in Europe, as well as for its viability. The conclusions are rather pessimistic. Although overlooked by the Maastricht Treaty, the need for real convergence (convergence of unemployment rates) is emphasized as a major condition for success. However, current labour market institutions in the EU make it quite unlikely that this condition will be fulfilled. We show that the implementation of the Maastricht programme may instead turn into an obstacle to monetary unification.
Exploring the Nature of the Beast: International Relations Theory and Comparative Policy Analysis Meet the European Union
Authors: Risse‐kappen Thomas
Published: March 2008

Recent work on the European Union (EU) indicates an emerging consensus that the boundaries between the ‘domestic’ and the ‘international’ spheres, as well as between the ‘state’ and ‘society’, have to be crossed when conceptualizing the EU. This article starts with reviewing the controversy between neofunctionalism and intergovernmentalism, arguing that it lacks some categories necessary to capture distinctive features of the EU. It then presents a framework combining insights from work on transnational politics by international relations scholars, on policy networks andPolitikveflechtung(interlocking politics) by comparative policy analysis, and by historical institutionalism. Propositions are generated on the institutional and structural conditions under which network analysis is better suited than intergovernmentalism to capture the EU policy‐making process. Finally, the article argues that social constructivism has to be taken more seriously in the study of the EU and that network analysis should move beyond rational choice models and incorporate theories of communicative action. More work is needed on the role of ideas and principled beliefs in the EU integration process.
Loosening the Ties that Bind: The Impact of European Integration on French Government and its Relationship to Business
Authors: Schmidt Vivien A.
Published: March 2008

European integration has served to loosen the ties that have traditionally bound French business and government by decreasing the independence of French govenment, which can no longer formulate policy unilaterally, while it has increased that of French business, which now looks as much to Europe as to the nation‐state for policy‐making, and more to the market and one another than the state for financing. European integration has also reduced the flexibility of government at the implementation stage, with the EU regulatory model replacing France's administrative model. The result is an unbalancing of France's traditional ‘statist’ model of policy‐making, and potential problems for French democracy.
Women's Networks and the European Union: Towards an Inclusive Approach?
Authors: Bretherton Charlotte , Sperling Liz
Published: March 2008

This article falls into two parts: the application of policy network analysis (PNA) to UK women's networking activities; and exploration of the extent to which these activities are focused upon the European Union (EU) policy process. Evidence from three sources ‐ trades union and local government equality officers, and women's voluntary organizations ‐ demonstrates that women's networking is widespread, intense, politically oriented and inclusive. However, the concepts of PNA are found to exclude much of women's political activity and are here adapted to produce a more inclusive model. In terms of their focus, women's networks remain overwhelmingly oriented toward the UK policy process even where issues fall within EU competence. Impediments to more effective EU‐focused networking are discussed.
Managing Value‐for‐Money Audit in the European Union: The Challenge of Diversity*
Authors: Levy Roger
Published: March 2008

There has been a growing recognition over recent years within European Union (EU) legislation (e.g. the regulations governing the Structural Funds of 1988 and 1993, and the new Financial Regulation of 1990), and by managers in the Union institutions that ‘value‐for‐money’ considerations, and review and evaluation, should form part of the financial management and policy‐making process.

There is considerable debate, however, about the extent to which these techniques are used by the Commission, the European Court of Auditors (ECA), or within the implementing agencies of the Member States. It is the objective of this article to assess the changes, if any, in deployment and usage of these techniques over the past 15 years or so, and to identify the characteristics of the current arrangements by reference to specific policy areas.

In order to define the scope of the study, we discuss the meaning of value‐for‐money (VFM) audit in the EU context, and move on to the framework of these activities within the implementation process. A review of the VFM work of the Commission, Court of Auditors and Member State agencies follows. The study concludes with an analysis of current and future prospects.
The Council Decides‘: Does the Council Decide?*
Authors: Schendelen M.P.C.M. Van
Published: March 2008

What happens in the Council of Ministers? According to the Treaty, the Council is the major body of decision‐making. But with its notorious and contested secrecy, there is very little knowledge about what really happens in Council meetings.

The author of this article gained full possession of the complete agendas and the comprehensive proceedings of all 20 meetings of the Agricultural Council in the years 1992–93. Almost 500 items were placed on the agenda for Council decision‐making. He examines how these items were handled by the Council and its preparatory bodies. He also finds that ministers dislike submitting an important issue to the higher level of the General Council; that the atmosphere among ministers is generally tough and businesslike; and that information given to national parliaments is very incomplete.

The various findings are critically discussed in the perspectives of influence on Council decision‐making, potential lobby strategies and transparency.
Fingerprint Profile of Alcohol‐Associated Heart Failure in Human Hearts
Authors: Haddad Georges E. , Saunders Lori , Carles Maria , Crosby Seth D. , Del Monte Federica , Macgillivray Thomas E. , Semigran Marc J. , Dec G. William , Hajjar Roger J. , Doye Angelia A. , Glass Rita , El Margo , Gwathmey Judith K.
Published: March 2008

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption is recognized as a cause of left ventricular dysfunction and leads often to alcohol‐induced heart failure. It is thought that 36% of all cases of dilated cardiomyopathy are due to excessive alcohol intake. In addition, since chronic alcohol‐consumption is a social behavior that is not always clearly self‐reported clinically, it has been difficult to diagnose alcohol‐induced heart failure versus heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Interestingly, both diseases are associated with left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure.

Methods: We have created a human heart failure cDNA array for IDCM from nonfailing and failing human hearts. The array contains 1,143 heart specific oligonucleotide probes. This array was used to screen RNA samples from transplant recipients and organ donors with alcohol‐related heart failure.

Results: Our study shows that alcohol‐induced heart failure has a “specific fingerprint” profile of de‐regulated genes. This profile can differentiate patients with pure alcohol‐induced heart failure from patients with heart failure from IDCM with alcohol as a complicating or contributing factor. Furthermore, the pattern of gene de‐regulation suggests a pivotal role for changes in matrix, cytoskeletal, and structural proteins in the development of clinical heart failure resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.

Conclusions: We report for the first time a genomic “fingerprint” profile of de‐regulated genes associated with human alcohol‐induced heart failure. We conclude that the pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced heart failure in humans is likely related to changes in architectural (e.g. cytoskeletal), matrix, and/or structural proteins. The reversibility of the disease upon cessation of alcohol consumption makes this a likely pathogenetic mechanism. Nevertheless, there is a point at which extracellular as well as cellular changes result in irreversible heart failure.
Early Ethanol Consumption Predicts Relapse‐Like Behavior in Adolescent Male Rats
Authors: Schramm‐Sapyta Nicole L. , Kingsley Megan A. , Rezvani Amir H. , Propst Kiayia , Swartzwelder H. Scott , Kuhn Cynthia M.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Alcohol abuse disorders emerge over time with repeated consumption of ethanol, but not all ethanol drinkers develop these disorders. There are pre‐existing characteristics that indicate which drinkers are most likely to abuse alcohol. Adolescence, novelty seeking, and high stress reactivity are among the characteristics of the most vulnerable individuals. In addition, an individual’s response to his or her first exposure to the drug influences future consumption. We assessed an array of behavioral and hormonal characteristics in adolescent (28‐day‐old) male rats before exposure to ethanol, and then determined which rats were most prone to high levels of alcohol drinking.

Methods:  The assessments consisted of measures of anxiety (elevated plus maze), response to novelty (open field locomotion, novel object exploration), and circulating corticosterone levels after mild restraint and after the elevated plus maze task. After this test battery, the rats were placed in lickometer cages nightly (5 pm to 9 am) for evaluation of fluid consumption. Rats were first habituated to the cages with water in the lickometer bottles, and then given 10% (v/v) ethanol for 3 nights as the only available fluid. After this forced ethanol exposure, the rats were allowed to choose between 8% ethanol and water for 10 consecutive nights. After 2 nights of abstinence, the rats were again placed in the lickometer cages and given a choice between 8% ethanol and water to assess ethanol consumption in response to alcohol deprivation, a measure of relapse‐like behavior.

Results:  Ethanol consumption on the third day of forced consumption was significantly correlated with ethanol consumption on days 8 to 10 of the choice phase, which in turn was significantly correlated to relapse‐like consumption. Preference for ethanol was also significantly correlated with early consumption. Novel object exploration, open field activity, open arm time in the elevated plus maze, initial water consumption, and circulating corticosterone levels did not significantly predict deprivation‐stimulated consumption.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that consumption during early exposure to ethanol establishes a pattern leading to development of increased alcohol consumption and preference in adolescent male rats. In addition, they represent an animal model of the well‐described observation that humans who consume large quantities of ethanol during early exposure are the most likely to repeat heave drinking behavior. Furthermore, early consumption is distinct from novelty seeking, anxiety, and stress hormone levels which are also thought to contribute to vulnerability to alcoholism.
Restraint Stress and Ethanol Consumption in Two Mouse Strains
Authors: Yang Xiaoju , Wang Shelun , Rice Kenner C. , Munro Cynthia A. , Wand Gary S.
Published: March 2008

Background:  This study examined the interaction between restraint stress and ethanol drinking in mice that consume low and high amounts of ethanol.

Methods:  Two strains of mice (129SVEV and C57BL/6J) underwent 1 hour of restraint stress twice per day for 4 days in the presence of a CRF‐1 receptor antagonist, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist or vehicle. Ethanol preference and consumption were assessed using a two bottle choice design. In another study, mice were implanted with pellets containing corticosterone; ethanol preference and consumption were assessed using a two bottle choice design.

Results:  Restraint stress significantly increased ethanol preference and consumption in 129SVEV mice but not in C57BL/6J mice. Then 129SVEV mice underwent the identical stress procedure; however, mice received either the CRF‐1 receptor antagonist, R121919 (15 or 20 mg/kg, ip) or vehicle 30 minutes prior to stress. R121919 did not block the stress‐induced change in ethanol preference despite causing a significant blunting in the HPA axis. Negative results were also obtained using the CRF‐1 receptor antagonist, Antalarmin (20 mg/kg, ip). In another study, 129SVEV mice were administered either the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist Mifepristone (25, 50 or 100 μg/kg, ip) or vehicle under the same procedure. Mifepristone did not alter ethanol preference. Moreover, the three receptor antagonist did not alter nonstress ethanol consumption either. In the last study, both mouse strains underwent active or sham adrenalectomy, then pellets containing corticosterone or placebo were implanted and preference for ethanol versus water was tested. Corticosterone administration decreased ethanol consumption in a strain‐dependent manner.

Conclusion:  These data show the restraint model for stress can modestly increase ethanol consumption in 129SVEV mice but not in C57BL/6J mice. Pharmacologic manipulation of CRF and corticosterone did not blunt baseline or stress‐induced change in ethanol preference nor did administration of corticosterone mimic the effects of restraint stress on ethanol consumption. These findings suggest the mechanism responsible for increasing ethanol consumption in this model is independent of the HPA axis and extra‐hypothalamic CRF.
Naltrexone and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Do Sex Differences Exist?
Authors: Baros A. M. , Latham P. K. , Anton R. F.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Sex differences in regards to pharmacotherapy for alcoholism is a topic of concern following publications suggesting naltrexone, one of the longest approved treatments of alcoholism, is not as effective in women as in men. This study was conducted by combining 2 randomized placebo controlled clinical trials utilizing similar methodologies and personnel in which the data was amalgamated to evaluate sex effects in a reasonable sized sample.

Methods:  A total of 211 alcoholics (57 female and 154 male) were randomized to the naltrexone/cognitive behavorial thearpy (CBT) or placebo/CBT arm of the 2 clinical trials analyzed. Baseline variables were examined for differences between sex and treatment groups via ANOVA for continuous variable or chi‐squared test for categorical variables. All initial outcome analysis was conducted under an intent‐to‐treat analysis plan. Effect sizes for naltrexone over placebo were determined by Cohen’s D (d).

Results:  The effect size of naltrexone over placebo for the following outcome variables was similar in men and women [% days abstinent (PDA) d = 0.36, % heavy drinking days (PHDD) d = 0.36, and total standard drinks (TSD) d = 0.36]. Only for men were the differences significant secondary to the larger sample size (PDA p = 0.03; PHDD p = 0.03; TSD p = 0.04). There were a few variables (GGT at week‐12 change from baseline to week‐12: men d = 0.36, p = 0.05; women d = 0.20, p = 0.45 and drinks per drinking day: men d = 0.36, p = 0.05; women d = 0.28, p = 0.34) where the naltrexone effect size for men was greater than women. In women, naltrexone tended to increase continuous abstinent days before a first drink (women d = 0.46, p = 0.09 and men d = 0.00, p = 0.44).

Conclusions:  The effect size of naltrexone over placebo appeared similar in women and men in our hands suggesting the findings of sex differences in naltrexone response might have to do with sample size and/or endpoint drinking variables rather than any inherent pharmacological or biological differences in response.