bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE LITERARY IMAGE OF ANTHROPOLOGISTS*
Authors: MacClancy Jeremy
Published: August 2005

Strangely, anthropologists have ignored popular accounts of themselves. Yet anthropologists are the most popularized academics in fiction. They are portrayed as either heroic or (much more common) pathetic. Fieldwork marks them out as distinctive and makes ordinary anthropologists odd and the already odd ones even odder. Writers of fiction exploit these characters to enable geographical shifts, debate cultural relativity, poke fun at the discipline, discuss anthropological ideas, and detect crimes. Usually, these images of anthropologists are Anglocentric, fundamentally atemporal, gender‐blind, and apolitical. Since a good number of these authors are anthropologists themselves, they suggest that some of our colleagues have a frivolous attitude to the discipline. Studying these popular works, which may be regarded as forms of applied anthropology, helps to dislodge the hegemony of its academic version. They remind us that anthropology is not singular, but plural, and that only a section of its history is decided within the cloisters of academe.
Tell Me Why I Don't Like Mondays: Investigating Day of the Week Effects on Job Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Taylor Mark P.
Published: August 2005

The paper explores the relationship between the day of the week on which a survey respondent is interviewed and their self-reported job satisfaction and mental health scores by using data from the British Household Panel Survey. Evidence presented here confirms that self-reported levels of job satisfaction and subjective levels of mental distress systematically vary according to the day of the week on which respondents are interviewed even when controlling for other observed and unobserved characteristics. However, we find that the main conclusions from previous studies of the determinants of job satisfaction and mental well-being are robust to the inclusion of day-of-interview controls.
A Statistical Study of the Triple-Link Model in the Synoptic Problem
Authors: Abakuks Andris
Published: August 2005

In New Testament studies, the synoptic problem is concerned with the relationships between the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. A careful specification in probabilistic terms is set up of what is known as the triple-link model, and, as a special case, the double-link model. Counts of the numbers of verbal agreements between the gospels are examined to investigate which of the possible triple-link models appears to give the best fit to the data.
Measuring Agreement Between Two Statistics with Applications to Age Standardization
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: August 2005

We detail a general method for measuring agreement between two statistics. An application is two ratios of directly standardized rates which differ only by the choice of the standard. If the statistics have a high value for the coefficient of agreement then the expected squared difference between the statistics is small relative to the variance of the average of the two statistics, and inferences vary little by changing statistics. The estimation of a coefficient of agreement between two statistics is not straightforward because there is only one pair of observed values, each statistic calculated from the data. We introduce estimators of the coefficient of agreement for two statistics and discuss their use, especially as applied to functions of standardized rates.
Re-examining Informative Prior Elicitation Through the Lens of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: Hahn Eugene D.
Published: August 2005

In recent years, advances in Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques have had a major influence on the practice of Bayesian statistics. An interesting but hitherto largely underexplored corollary of this fact is that Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques make it practical to consider broader classes of informative priors than have been used previously. Conjugate priors, long the workhorse of classic methods for eliciting informative priors, have their roots in a time when modern computational methods were unavailable. In the current environment more attractive alternatives are practicable. A reappraisal of these classic approaches is undertaken, and principles for generating modern elicitation methods are described. A new prior elicitation methodology in accord with these principles is then presented.
Enforced Self‐Regulation, Prescription, and Conceptions of Compliance within Small Businesses: The Impact of Enforcement*
Authors: FAIRMAN ROBYN , YAPP CHARLOTTE
Published: August 2005

Enforced self‐regulation is increasingly used to control risks created by businesses. This paper examines the way that small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) make compliance decisions when faced with self‐regulatory and prescriptive law, drawing upon empirical research undertaken within food‐industry SMEs. It evaluates the impact of enforcement approaches on compliance decisions and compliance levels. It finds that within food‐industry SMEs in the United Kingdom, compliance is conceptualized as the negotiated outcome of the regulatory encounter. This leads to heavily reactive decision making, in which the enforcer becomes the predominant driver, which poses huge challenges for the successful implementation of enforced self‐regulation, and is an explanation for the lack of empirical evidence supporting deterrence theory in business compliance.
Escaping the Regulatory Net: Why Regulatory Reform Can Fail Consumers*
Authors: ROTHSTEIN HENRY
Published: August 2005

This paper considers the impact of recent reforms to the UK food safety régime and considers whether the reforms have been able to deliver their promised benefits and if not, why not. Empirically, the paper examines the UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA) reforms to the régime managing food allergen risks, and the extent to which those reforms have reflected the FSA's guiding principle of “putting consumers first”. The paper finds that the operationalization of that guiding principle was mitigated by a number of factors, including: interpretative flexibility in representing consumer interests; the institutional structure and character of the régime; the political and cultural environment in which the régime operated; and normative uncertainties about the allocation of rights and responsibilities in managing risks. The paper concludes that risk regulation reforms are likely to fail in prioritizing consumer interests unless such factors are taken into account.
Perceptions of the Process: Indian Gaming as it Affects Federal Tribal Acknowledgment Law and Practices*
Authors: CRAMER RENEE ANN
Published: August 2005

This paper places federal acknowledgment practices within a context of expanding Indian gaming. It argues that gaming has changed the discourses around tribal acknowledgment in the general public, at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and in inter‐ and intra‐tribal politics. Ethnographic and archival research show that, while gaming has proven to be a highly effective development strategy, it has also given rise to backlash against, and suspicion towards, Indian groups seeking recognition of their tribal status. The intersection of acknowledgment practices with public perceptions about Indian gaming has resulted in an increased politicization of the administrative process for federal recognition.
OPTIONS AND EFFICIENCY IN MULTIDATE SECURITY MARKETS
Authors: Baptista Alexandre M.
Published: August 2005

This paper extends the work of Ross (1976; Q. J. Econ. (90)1, 75–89) to multidate security markets. First, we show that if a primitive security separates states at the terminal date, then there exist multiperiod European options on that security generating dynamically complete markets. Second, we show that if a primitive security conditionally separates states at the terminal date, then there exist multiperiod European options on that security generating generically dynamically complete markets provided that certain conditions hold. Third, we show that there are economies for which the minimum number of multiperiod European options on a primitive security generating generically dynamically complete markets is relatively large. Finally, we show that in these economies, a relatively small number of multiperiod European options on possibly different portfolio strategies of primitive securities generates generically dynamically complete markets.
COHERENT ACCEPTABILITY MEASURES IN MULTIPERIOD MODELS
Authors: Roorda Berend , Schumacher J. M. , Engwerda Jacob
Published: August 2005

The framework of coherent risk measures has been introduced by Artzner et al. (1999; Math. Finance 9, 203–228) in a single‐period setting. Here, we investigate a similar framework in a multiperiod context. We add an axiom of dynamic consistency to the standard coherence axioms, and obtain a representation theorem in terms of collections of multiperiod probability measures that satisfy a certain product property. This theorem is similar to results obtained by Epstein and Schneider (2003; J. Econ. Theor. 113, 1–31) and Wang (2003; J. Econ. Theor. 108, 286–321) in a different axiomatic framework. We then apply our representation result to the pricing of derivatives in incomplete markets, extending results by Carr, Geman, and Madan (2001; J. Financial Econ. 32, 131–167) to the multiperiod case. We present recursive formulas for the computation of price bounds and corresponding optimal hedges. When no shortselling constraints are present, we obtain a recursive formula for price bounds in terms of martingale measures.
A REPRESENTATION RESULT FOR CONCAVE SCHUR CONCAVE FUNCTIONS
Authors: Dana Rose‐Anne
Published: August 2005

A representation result is provided for concave Schur concave functions on L∞(Ω). In particular, it is proven that any monotone concave Schur concave weakly upper semicontinuous function is the infinimum of a family of nonnegative affine combinations of Choquet integrals with respect to a convex continuous distortion of the underlying probability. The method of proof is based on the concave Fenchel transform and on Hardy and Littlewood's inequality. Under the assumption that the probability space is nonatomic, concave, weakly upper semicontinuous, law‐invariant functions are shown to coincide with weakly upper semicontinuous concave Schur concave functions. A representation result is, thus, obtained for weakly upper semicontinuous concave law‐invariant functions.
A Hierarchical Multi‐Attribute System Approach to Personnel Selection
Authors: Jereb Eva , Rajkovic Uros , Rajkovic Vladislav
Published: August 2005

In this paper, an approach to decision making in managing human resources that integrates multi‐attribute decision making techniques with expert systems is described. The approach is based on the explicit articulation of qualitative decision knowledge which is represented by a tree of attributes and decision rules. The decision making process is supported by DEXi, a specialized expert system shell for interactive construction of the knowledge base, evaluation of options, and explanation of the results. Practical use of the shell is illustrated by an application in the field of personnel selection for a top manager position.
Perceptions of Justice in Employment Selection Decisions: The Role of Applicant Gender
Authors: Bernerth Jeremy B.
Published: August 2005

In contrast to the vast majority of justice literature that controls for applicant gender, the present study investigated the role of applicant gender in relation to applicant procedural and distributive justice perceptions after being informed of an organization's reject/accept decision. A sample of 503 students completed a selection test, believing the results would be used to make initial selection decisions for an organization recruiting from a university. Two weeks later, participants were given selection decisions (randomly assigned), and procedural and distributive justice perceptions were assessed. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated gender moderated the relationship between selection decision favorability and organizational justice perceptions. As hypothesized, in comparison with rejected males, rejected female applicants reacted most negatively to both forms of justice. On the other hand, selected female applicants had a more positive reaction than selected male applicants to both procedural and distributive justice. Potential implications for these and other findings are discussed.
Better Late than Never? The Relationship between Ratings of Attendance, Punctuality, and Overall Job Performance among Nursing Home Employees
Authors: Roszkowski Michael J. , Spreat Scott , Conroy James , Garrow James , Delaney Michael M. , Davis Tom
Published: August 2005

This study examined the relationship between lateness, absenteeism, and overall job performance among nursing home employees. We addressed four issues: (a) agreement between subordinate and superior in their ratings, (b) the stability of rated lateness and rated absenteeism over 6 months, (c) the correlation between ratings of lateness and absenteeism assigned by the worker to himself or herself and the corresponding ratings from supervisors, and (d) the relationship of rated lateness and rated absenteeism to impressions of overall job performance. Neither attendance nor punctuality showed inter‐rater agreement between the worker and his/her supervisor on either of the two occasions. Ratings of attendance were not stable across time for either the subordinate (r=.16) or the supervisor (r=.04), but punctuality ratings showed moderate temporal stability over 6 months for both subordinate (r=.59) and supervisor (r=. 41) impressions. On the first administration of the rating form, attendance and punctuality were not significantly correlated to each other in either the workers' self‐ratings (r=.17) nor the supervisors' ratings of the workers (r=.08). On the second administration, however, these two facets were moderately correlated with each other in both workers' (r=.54) and supervisors' (r=. 39) impressions of employee behavior. Compared with attendance, punctuality was somewhat more highly correlated with impressions of overall job performance from the perspective of the worker herself/himself as well as the supervisor.
The Impact of Mode of Administration on the Equivalence of a Test Battery: A Quasi‐Experimental Design
Authors: Coyne Iain , Warszta Tim , Beadle Sarah , Sheehan Noreen
Published: August 2005

Two quasi‐experimental studies were conducted to examine the equivalence of an online unsupervised test battery (ICES ability, interests and personality tests) in relation to supervised paper administration and to test whether differences were because of the lack of supervision, the test being online as opposed to on a PC, or the computerization of the test. In the first study, data from a sample of 86 employed individuals suggested a lack of equivalence on ability scales between online unsupervised and paper supervised testing modes. Effect sizes ranged from .04 to .49 and corrected coefficients of equivalence and stability from .65 to .81. Study two used a more controlled design as well as obtaining data on personality and interest scales. Data from 118 college and university students were collected, with 64 students replicating the design in study 1 and 54 tested in supervised paper and supervised PC modes. For the ability scales, a similar pattern to study 1 was seen between supervised paper and unsupervised online testing as well as between supervised paper and supervised PC testing. Data for interest and personality scales were more positive showing lower effect sizes and higher coefficient values across testing modes. When ability test data from the online testing group were compared with data from the PC group, results showed that the scales were affected by the computerization process rather than the lack of supervision or because they were in online as opposed to PC mode.
Demand‐side housing policy in Costa Rica: a response to the housing deficit
Authors: Delgadillo Lucy
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this study was to establish what the housing needs of Costa Rica are and to assess what policies have been implemented to respond to their housing deficit. In order to answer these questions, a combined methodology consisting of primary and secondary data was used. Using open‐ended questions and a topic schedule, face‐to‐face interviews with Costa Rican housing authorities were conducted at the interviewee's work place in Costa Rica in May 2003. The most recent secondary data available in the country was used to compute the housing deficit and to study the effects of demographics on current housing needs. Sources of the secondary data were the Costa Rica Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements, and the National Institute of Statistics and Census. The Costa Rican government has made great progress in reforming the housing finance system in order to meet the housing demand of its citizens. In 2002, Costa Rica had a 75.6% home ownership rate. Yet, even in light of the housing system's current success, many social, economic and political barriers threaten to undermine its accomplishments and the peoples’ ability to obtain safe and affordable housing. The paper considers the strengths and weaknesses of the current housing finance system as well as the government strategies for addressing difficulties.
The role of perceived product quality and overall satisfaction on purchase intentions
Authors: Tsiotsou Rodoula
Published: September 2005

The study investigated the effects of perceived product quality and overall satisfaction on purchase intentions. Moreover, the direct and indirect effects of values and involvement on purchase intentions were studied. The study utilized the survey questionnaire and used sport shoes as the product being researched. The sample consisted of 197 students who responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Five hypotheses were tested and four of them were confirmed by the data. Perceived quality had a direct and an indirect effect (through overall satisfaction) on purchase intentions, overall satisfaction had a direct effect on purchase intentions and involvement had an indirect effect on purchase intentions through overall satisfaction and perceived quality. The results of the study provide several theoretical and practical implications.
OBSERVER VARIABILITY IN ASSESSMENT OF ANTEPARTUM CARDIOTOCOGRAMS
Authors: Trimbos J. B. , Keirse M. J. N. C.
Published: August 2005

One hundred cardiotocograms (CTGs) were marked twice independently by five observers to assess the inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability of the interpretation of the antepartum CTG. Scores given for basal heart rate, variability expressed in terms of oscillatory amplitude and frequency, the presence of accelerations and decelerations were studied, as well as a total score combining these variables. Assessment of CTGs with this scoring system was compared to subjective assessment using two sets of criteria. Both inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability was higher with the scoring system than in the subjective assessments. The highest intra‐ and inter‐observer consistency in interpretation, was found for basal heart rate followed by decelerations. Oscillatory frequency was slightly more reliable than oscillatory amplitude. Accelerations were so unreliable that it war necessary to clearly define these in terms of both amplitude and duration. It is concluded that the interpretation of the antepartum CTG is not as easy nor as reproducible as one may wish. In this respect the scoring system, which is easy to use, offers major advantages when compared to subjective assessment.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTEPARTUM CARDIOTOCOGRAPHY IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Trimbos J. B. , Keirse M. J. N. C.
Published: August 2005

Antepartum cardiotocographs (CTGs) were obtained at weekly intervals from 34 weeks onwards and twice weekly from 40 weeks onwards in 91 strictly normal pregnancies. The Fischer score was used to assess the 594 CTGs obtained. Ominous patterns were not encountered but 7.2 per cent of CTGs showed a suspicious pattern. Absence of accelerations and an oscillatory amplitude of less than 10 beats/minute contributed to respectively 95 and 88 per cent of these patterns. The combination of reduced variability and absence of accelerations accounted for 84 per cent of suspicious CTGs. This pattern is compatible with normal pregnancy even when fetal movements are present. One‐third (37 per cent) of perfectly normal pregnancies had a suspicious CTG on at least one occasion and in 9 per cent of cases it was found twice or more. This should be borne in mind when using antepartum CTG in the surveillance of high‐risk pregnancy.
A COMPARISON OF MATERNAL SERUM LEVELS OF ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN IN NORMAL AND PRE‐ECLAMPTIC PREGNANCIES
Authors: Khoo S. K. , Chang A. , Mackay E. V.
Published: August 2005

Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in Serum from women with normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies. An analysis of the results obtained in normal pregnancy was made using arithmetic and semi‐logarithmic scales, and a statistical conversion of the AFP values in relation to gestational age was introduced to allow an easier interpretation of results. In pre‐eclampsia, significantly lower mean AFP values were obtained, with the majority of individual values being lower than the mean for normal pregnancy. These low levels were not associated with fetal death, but appeared to be related to the severity of disease. The significance of these findings remains to be evaluated.
SECRETION PATTERNS OF PLASMA‐PROGESTERONE, 17‐HYDROXYPROGESTERONE, AND 20α HYDROXYPREGN‐4‐EN‐3‐ONE IN EARLY ABNORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Harrison R. F. , Youssefnejadian E. , Brodovcky Hilary , Johnson M. , Dewhurst John
Published: August 2005

Plasma progesterone, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, 20α hydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one levels were determined twice weekly up to 16 weeks gestation, where possible, in a twin pregnancy, in two patients who aborted spontaneously and in three patients who were treated with‘progesterone supplements’because of abnormal vaginal cytology. There was no correlation between vaginal smears and the plasma hormone levels and there was no evidence to suggest that progesterone supplements influenced clinical outcome. Compared with normal mean values the only difference was a significant rise in progesterone and 20a hydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one levels in the twin pregnancy after the 12th week and a precipitate fall in all hormone levels just prior to abortion. Plasma hormone levels could not be used to predict outcome.
NEONATAL HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE AND THE TREATMENT OF MATERNAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Moar V. A. , Jefferies M. A , Mutch L. M. M. , Ounsted M. K. , Redman C. W. G.
Published: August 2005

In a random controlled trial of methyldopa for the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy presenting before 28 weeks gestation, the newborn in the treated group had relatively smaller head circumferences. This difference persisted at two months of age when correction had been made for birth weight, gestation and sex, but was no longer detectable at six or twelve months. Within the treated group no relationship was found between neonatal head circumference and the total amount or duration of methyldopa received during pregnancy. Comparison of treated and untreated groups according to the time of entry to the study showed that significant differences in neonatal head circumference were only present in patients who entered between 16 and 20 weeks gestation. It is possible that this could be a sensitive period for the interaction of fetal head growth and the onset of specific treatment in hypertensive pregnancy.
A COMPARISON OF FOUR METHODS OF RIPENING THE UNFAVOURABLE CERVIX
Authors: Wilson P. D.
Published: August 2005

A comparison was made between four methods of ripening the unfavourable cervix (extra‐amniotic prostaglandin E2 gel, oral prostaglandin E2, intravaginal prostaglandin E2 and intravenous oxytocin) in a clinical trial involving 60 primigravidae. In all groups there was an improvement in cervical status. This was significantly greater in those patients who received extra‐amniotic prostaglandin gel and they also showed significant decreases in the mean induction‐delivery interval and in the incidence of Caesarean section.
PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTRONE, OESTRADIOL AND GONADOTROPHINS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN AFTER ORAL AND VAGINAL ADMINISTRATION OF CONJUGATED EQUINE OESTROGENS (PREMARIN)
Authors: Englund Doris E. , Johansson E. D. B.
Published: August 2005

Peripheral plasma from five postmenopausal women was analyzed for oestrone and oestradiol during 48 hours after administration of 1‐25 mg Premarin (conjugated equine oestrogen) orally and vaginally. Oestrone and oestradiol were separated on columns of Sephadex LH 20 before radioimmunoassay. Administration of 1.25 mg of Premarin produced a marked increase in plasma oestrone levels and 24 hours after treatment the oestrone levels were still above follicular phase levels. The plasma pattern of oestradiol was similar but the elevation was less pronounced. The biological activity of Premarin as indicated by depressed gonadotrophin levels was similar with the intravaginal and oral routes of administration.
FAILURE TO SUPPRESS ADRENAL FUNCTION IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA (2 1 ‐HYDROXYLA SE DEFICIENCY) THREE CASE REPORTS
Authors: Beazley J. M. , Sells R. A. , Hipkin L. J . , Diver M. J. , Wade A. P. , Davis J. C.
Published: August 2005

Three patients, aged 14, 16, and 32 years respectively, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21 ‐hydroxylase deficiency) are described. Excessive adrenal activityand ACTH secretion could not be suppressed with doses of corticosteroids sufficient to cause iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, even though part of the steroid dosage was administered in the late evening. The resistance to feed‐back suppression was of the same order as that seen in Cushing's syndrome. Adrenalectomy was performed in the 16‐year‐old girl, and was followed by a menarche. Adrenalectomy was considered inadvisable in the other two patients.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF FETAL WEIGHT ESTIMATION USING ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENTS OF FETAL ABDOMINAL CIRCUMFERENCE
Authors: Poll V. , Kasby C. B.
Published: August 2005

A simple and accurate method is described for estimating fetal weight from a single fetal abdomen circumference measurement at the level of the umbilical vein. The abdominal circumference was converted into a weight centile for the maturity at the time of measurement so that the weight at delivery could be predicted. This method was tested on a population of fetuses presenting by the breech near term. Although the error between actual and predicted weights was 194 g (1 SD) for all the patients, for a large well‐defined subgroup the error was much smaller, being only 104 g (1 SD).
MEASUREMENT OF FETAL TRANSCUTANEOUS OXYGEN TENSION‐PROBLEMS AND POTENTTAL
Authors: O'Connor M. C. , Hytten F. E.
Published: August 2005

In a series of 39 fetuses, continuous intrapartum transcutaneous PO2 recordings were made using a commercially available skin electrode, applied to the shaven fetal scalp. The weak correlation between transcutaneous measurements and umbilical blood PO2 at delivery is believed to be due to scalp ischaemia produced by ‘head to cervix’ pressure during labour. This ‘tonsure’ effect presents a major obstacle to the use of surface electrodes for intrapartum blood gas monitoring from the fetal scalp in clinical obstetrics. Modification of the current technique may allow it to be used reliably for research.
MODE OF DELIVERY AND THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO
Authors: Callen P. , Goldsworthy Sehila , Graves Linda , Harvey D. , Mellows Heather , Parkison Christine
Published: August 2005

Babies born by elective Caesarean section are more likely to develop the respiratory distress syndrome than babies born vaginally. We studied the amniotic fluid and pharyngeal lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios in three groups of babies born at term: 20 were delivered vaginally after elective induction of labour; 20 were delivered by elective Caesarean section; and 14 by Caesarean section after spontaneous onset of labour. Babies born after induction of labour had higher pharyngeal L/S ratios than babies born by elective Caesarean section. Those born by Caesarean section after spontaneous onset of labour had significantly higher pharyngeal L/S ratios than those in both of the elective delivery groups. There were no significant differences in the amniotic fluid L/S ratios of the two groups who underwent elective delivery. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between length of labour and increase in the L/S ratio. These results indicate that, during labour, there is a release of fetal lung surfactant into the airways.
EPIDURAL ANALGESIA AND PLACENTAL BLOOD FLOW DURING LABOUR IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY HYPERTENSION
Authors: Jouppila R. , Jouppila P. , Hollmén A. , Koivula A.
Published: August 2005

Placental blood flow was measured during the first stage of labour in pregnancies complicated by essential hypertension or severe pre‐eclampsia using a 133Xe clearance technique before and after segmental epidural analgesia. Analgesia was produced with 0.5 per cent plain bupivacaine in six patients with essential hypertension and in 11 patients with severe pre‐eclampsia. After segmental epidural analgesia the placental blood flow was slightly but insignificantly improved in most of the patients with pre‐eclampsia and in half of the patients with essential hyper‐tension, thus suggesting this analgesic method to be safe in hypertensive pregnancies in the absence of any substantial change in systemic blood pressure.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF PREGNANCY SPECIFIC β1 GLYCOPROTEIN IN LATE PREGNANCY: NYCTOHEMERAL AND DAY‐TO‐DAY VARIATION, AND VARIATION DURING LABOUR
Authors: Grudzinskas J. G. , Obiekwe B. C. , Frumar A. M. , Hartmann K. G. , Schlesinger P. , Chard T.
Published: August 2005

Circulating levels of pregnancy‐specific β1 glycoprotein have been determined in a number of physiological situations in late pregnancy. The apparent variation in five subjects studied over a 24‐hour period was not in excess of that due to the assay. Excess variation was apparent in 2 of 11 subjects studied daily for up to 8 days, and in 6 of 16 patients studied serially during labour.
RELATION BETWEEN THE KARYOPYKNOTIC INDEX AND PLASMA OESTROGEN CONCENTRATIONS AFTER THE MENOPAUSE
Authors: Morse Anne R. , Hutton J. D. , Jacobs H. S. , Murray M. A. F. , James V. H. T.
Published: August 2005

The karyopyknotic index correlated significantly (p <0.001) with the plasma oestradiol but not plasma oestrone concentration in 38 postmenopausal women. This ties in with previous findings that postmenopausal women with superficial dyspareunia have a more severe degree of vaginal atrophy than asymptomatic women, and that oestradiol is probably more important biologically than oestrone.
Neuroprotection by stem cell factor in rat cortical neurons involves AKT and NFκB
Authors: Dhandapani Krishnan M. , Wade F. Marlene , Wakade Chandramohan , Mahesh Virendra B. , Brann Darrell W.
Published: August 2005

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a highly expressed cytokine in the central nervous system. In the present study, we demonstrate a neuroprotective role for SCF and its tyrosine kinase receptor, c‐kit, against camptothecin‐induced apoptosis and glutamate excitotoxicity in rat cortical neurons. This protection was blocked by pharmacological or molecular inhibition of either the MEK/ERK or PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The importance of these pathways was further confirmed by the activation of both ERK, in a MEK‐dependent manner, and Akt, via PI3K. Activation of Akt increased the binding of the p50 and p65 subunits of NFκB, which was also important for neuroprotection. Akt inhibition prevented NFκB binding, suggesting a role for Akt in SCF‐induced NFκB. Pharmacological inhibition of NFκB or dominant negative IκB also prevented neuroprotection by SCF. SCF up‐regulated the anti‐apoptotic genes, bcl‐2 and bcl‐xL in an NFκB‐dependent manner. Together, these findings demonstrate a neuroprotective role for SCF in cortical neurons, an effect that was mediated by Akt and ERK, as well as NFκB‐mediated gene transcription. SCF represents a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Anti‐heat shock protein 90β antibodies decrease pre‐oligodendrocyte population in perinatal and adult cell cultures. Implications for remyelination in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cid Cristina , Álvarez‐Cermeño Jose C. , Salinas Matilde , Alcázar Alberto
Published: August 2005

Lesions in the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) often fail to remyelinate, resulting in neurological dysfunction. A key factor seems to be the inefficiency of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). We recently reported antibodies against heat shock protein 90β (Hsp90β) in MS patients that recognized the antigen on the OPC surface. This study investigates the mechanism and result of anti‐Hsp90β antibody attack. These antibodies induced OPC death in culture in a complement‐dependent fashion. Anti‐Hsp90β antibody‐induced, complement‐mediated OPC death only operated in these cells and caused a significant reduction in the number of O4‐positive pro‐oligodendrocytes (pre‐oligodendrocytes). Adult cultured OPCs also expressed Hsp90β on their cell surface and were attacked by anti‐Hsp90β antibodies leading to a significant decrease in the pre‐oligodendrocyte population. In the presence of low levels of anti‐Hsp90β antibody – i.e. in the range seen in the CSF of MS patients – the complement concentration was critical to reduce the pre‐oligodendrocyte population (via attack to OPCs). Higher concentrations of anti‐Hsp90β antibodies and complement became extinct the pre‐oligodendrocytes. Complement 1‐esterase inhibitor prevented these effects in the pre‐oligodendrocyte population. These findings demonstrate, for the first time in vitro, a feasible mechanism to decrease the production of new oligodendrocytes, thus limiting the possibility of remyelination.
Early impairment in dopaminergic neurotransmission in brains of SIV‐infected rhesus monkeys due to microglia activation
Authors: Scheller Carsten , Sopper Sieghart , Jenuwein Meta , Neuen‐Jacob Eva , Tatschner Thomas , Grünblatt Edna , Ter Meulen Volker , Riederer Peter , Koutsilieri Eleni
Published: August 2005

Movement disorders are a common neurological complication of immunodeficiency virus infection and are thought to result from dopaminergic dysfunction in the basal ganglia. We measured levels of dopamine, and its metabolites homovanillic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, in the putamen of healthy and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐infected rhesus monkeys from infection until the development of AIDS. Changes in expression levels of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor involved in the signalling pathway of dopamine, were also examined. Furthermore, we isolated microglia from the same animals and investigated their activation status in order to explore whether neurochemical findings are associated with immune activation. Plasma and CSF viral RNA load, T‐cell analysis and basal ganglia histopathology provided information about disease progression in the animals. Putamen dopamine content was significantly reduced within 3 months of SIV infection, due to decreased dopamine synthesis initially, followed by loss of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cells in substantia nigra, and accompanied by a decrease in total CREB expression. Pharmacological manipulation of dopaminergic tone with l‐DOPA and selegiline showed that the reduction in CREB expression was due to reduced levels of dopamine. These neurochemical changes were significantly correlated with microglia activation in the absence of gross histopathological lesions. Our data demonstrate that putamen dopaminergic function is impaired during SIV infection and indicate that microglia may trigger endogenous mechanisms involved in the dysfunction of dopaminergic systems.
The structure and proteolytic processing of Cbln1 complexes
Authors: Bao Dashi , Pang Zhen , Morgan James I.
Published: August 2005

The hexadecapeptide cerebellin is present in the brains of many vertebrate species and is derived from a larger protein, Cbln1 (cerebellin 1 precursor protein). Although cerebellin has features of a neuropeptide, Cbln1 belongs to the C1q/tumor necrosis factor superfamily of secreted proteins, suggesting that it is the biologically active molecule and the proteolytic events that generate cerebellin serve another function. Therefore, we assessed whether Cbln1 undergoes proteolytic processing and determined what consequences the cleavage events necessary to produce cerebellin have on the structure of Cbln1. Substantial degradation of Cbln1 was evident in the synaptic compartment of cerebellum and lysates of cultured cerebellar neurons and cells transfected with Cbln1 expression vectors. However, only uncleaved Cbln1 containing the cerebellin motif was released and assembled into hexameric complexes. Using yeast two hybrid and mammalian expression systems we show that the cleavages required to produce cerebellin influence the subunit stoichiometry of Cbln1 complexes. Cleavage at the N‐terminus of the cerebellin sequence in Cbln1 yields trimeric complexes by separating the trimer‐mediating C‐terminal C1q domain from conserved N‐terminal cysteine residues that mediate higher order oligomerization. Cleavage at the C‐terminus of the cerebellin motif disrupts the C1q domain and abolishes subunit interactions. Functional implications of these data are discussed.
In vivo co‐ordinated interactions between inhibitory systems to control glutamate‐mediated hippocampal excitability
Authors: Rodríguez M. J. , Robledo P. , Andrade C. , Mahy N.
Published: August 2005

We present an overview of the long‐term adaptation of hippocampal neurotransmission to cholinergic and GABAergic deafferentation caused by excitotoxic lesion of the medial septum. Two months after septal microinjection of 2.7 nmol α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA), a 220% increase of GABAA receptor labelling in the hippocampal CA3 and the hilus was shown, and also changes in hippocampal neurotransmission characterised by in vivo microdialysis and HPLC. Basal amino acid and purine extracellular levels were studied in control and lesioned rats. In vivo effects of 100 mm KCl perfusion and adenosine A1 receptor blockade with 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) on their release were also investigated. In lesioned animals GABA, glutamate and glutamine basal levels were decreased and taurine, adenosine and uric acid levels increased. A similar response to KCl infusion occurred in both groups except for GABA and glutamate, which release decreased in lesioned rats. Only in lesioned rats, DPCPX increased GABA basal level and KCl‐induced glutamate release, and decreased glutamate turnover. Our results evidence that an excitotoxic septal lesion leads to increased hippocampal GABAA receptors and decreased glutamate neurotransmission. In this situation, a co‐ordinated response of hippocampal retaliatory systems takes place to control neuron excitability.
8‐[2‐(2‐pentyl‐cyclopropylmethyl)‐cyclopropyl]‐octanoic acid stimulates GABA release from interneurons projecting to CA1 pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampus via pre‐synaptic α7 acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Kanno Takeshi , Yaguchi Takahiro , Yamamoto Satoshi , Yamamoto Hideyuki , Fujikawa Hirokazu , Nagata Tetsu , Tanaka Akito , Nishizaki Tomoyuki
Published: August 2005

Nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, such as α7, α3β4 and α4β2 receptors in the hippocampus, are suggested to modulate neurotransmitter release. 8‐[2‐(2‐Pentyl‐cyclopropylmethyl)‐cyclopropyl]‐octanoic acid (DCP‐LA) (100 nm), a linoleic acid derivative, potentiated responses of α7, α3β4 and α4β2 ACh receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes that are blocked by 3‐(1‐[dimethylaminopropyl] indol‐3‐yl)‐4‐[indol‐3‐yl] maleimide (GF109203X), a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), except for α3β4 ACh receptors. DCP‐LA enhanced the nicotine‐triggered release of GABA from rat hippocampal slices in the presence of tetrodotoxin in a bell‐shaped dose‐dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 10 nm to 10 µm, although DCP‐LA by itself had no effect on GABA release. The DCP‐LA action was inhibited by GF109203X or α‐bungarotoxin, an inhibitor of α7 ACh receptors, but not by mecamylamine or dihydro‐β‐erithroidine, an inhibitor of α3β4 and α4β2 ACh receptors. A similar effect on GABA release was obtained with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate, a PKC activator. DCP‐LA (100 nm) also enhanced GABA release triggered by choline, an agonist of α7 ACh receptors, but not 3‐[2(s)‐azetidinylmethoxy] pyridine, an agonist of α4β2 ACh receptors. In addition, DCP‐LA (100 nm) increased the rate of nicotine‐triggered GABAA receptor‐mediated miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic currents, monitored from CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampal slices, and the effect was also inhibited by GF109203X or α‐bungarotoxin but not by mecamylamine. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that DCP‐LA stimulates GABA release by enhancing activity of pre‐synaptic α7 ACh receptors present on the GABAergic terminals of interneurons that transmit to CA1 pyramidal neurons via a PKC pathway.
Transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is the main regulator of nerve growth factor‐induced sphingosine kinase 1 gene expression of the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12
Authors: Sobue S. , Hagiwara K. , Banno Y. , Tamiya‐Koizumi K. , Suzuki M. , Takagi A. , Kojima T. , Asano H. , Nozawa Y. , Murate T.
Published: August 2005

Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) is known to exert an anti‐apoptic role in various cells and cell lines. We previously reported that human brain is rich in SPHK1 (Murate et al. 2001). After showing a high expression of SPHK1 in rat brain, we examined the gene expression mechanism using nerve growth factor (NGF) ‐stimulated rat PC12 cells. With RT–PCR, we found that both rat brain and PC12 utilized exon 1d mostly out of eight untranslated first exons. NGF induced an increase in SPHK enzyme activity and protein about double those in PC12 cells, and NGF‐induced SPHK1 mRNA was three times higher than in the control. The minimal 5′ promoter was determined, and TrkA specific inhibitor K252a inhibited the NGF‐induced promoter activity of SPHK1. The truncation or mutation of putative transcription factor‐binding motifs revealed that one specificity protein 1 (Sp1) binding motif of the 5′ region of exon 1d is prerequisite. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay confirmed the promoter analysis, indicating increased Sp1 protein binding to this motif after NGF treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay also showed the binding of Sp1 and the promoter region in vivo. These results suggest the signal transduction pathway from NGF receptor TrkA to transcription factor Sp1 protein binding to the promoter Sp1‐like motif in NGF‐induced rat SPHK1 gene expression.
Genetically rescued tetrahydrobiopterin‐depleted mice survive with hyperphenylalaninemia and region‐specific monoaminergic abnormalities
Authors: Sumi‐Ichinose Chiho , Urano Fumi , Shimomura Atsushi , Sato Takashi , Ikemoto Kazuhisa , Shiraishi Hiroaki , Senda Takao , Ichinose Hiroshi , Nomura Takahide
Published: August 2005

One of the possibly mutated genes in DOPA‐responsive dystonia (DRD, Segawa's disease) is the gene encoding GTP cyclohydrolase I, which is the rate‐limiting enzyme for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis. Based on our findings on 6‐pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTS) gene‐disrupted (Pts–/–) mice, we suggested that the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein in dopaminergic nerve terminals is regulated by the intracellular concentration of BH4. In this present work, we rescued Pts–/– mice by transgenic introduction of human PTS cDNA under the control of the dopamine β‐hydroxylase promoter to examine regional differences in the sensitivity of dopaminergic neurons to BH4‐insufficiency. The DPS‐rescued (Pts–/–, DPS) mice showed severe hyperphenylalaninemia. Human PTS was efficiently expressed in noradrenergic regions but only in a small number of dopaminergic neurons. Biopterin and dopamine contents, and TH activity in the striatum were poorly restored compared with those in the midbrain. TH‐immunoreactivity in the lateral region of the striatum was far weaker than that in the medial region or in the nucleus accumbens. We concluded that dopaminergic nerve terminals projecting to the lateral region of the striatum are the most sensitive to BH4‐insufficiency. Biochemical and pathological changes in DPS‐rescued mice were similar to those in human malignant hyperphenylalaninemia and DRD.
Differential effects of human neuromelanin and synthetic dopamine melanin on neuronal and glial cells
Authors: Li Jie , Scheller Carsten , Koutsilieri Eleni , Griffiths Francine , Beart Philip M. , Mercer Linda D. , Halliday Glenda , Kettle Emma , Rowe Dominic , Riederer Peter , Gerlach Manfred , Rodriguez Michael , Double Kay L.
Published: August 2005

We investigated the effects of neuromelanin (NM) isolated from the human substantia nigra and synthetic dopamine melanin (DAM) on neuronal and glial cell lines and on primary rat mesencephalic cultures. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased in SK‐N‐SH cells by DAM but not by NM. In contrast, iron‐saturated NM significantly increased LDH activity in SK‐N‐SH cells, compared with 100 mg/mL ETDA‐treated NM containing a low concentration of bound iron. DAM, but not NM, stimulated hydroxyl radical production and increased SK‐N‐SH cell death via apoptotic‐like mechanisms. Neither DAM nor NM induced any changes in the glial cell line U373. 3H‐Dopamine uptake in primary rat mesencephalic cultures was significantly reduced in DAM‐ compared with NM‐treated cultures, accompanied by increased cell death via an apoptosis‐like mechanism. Interestingly, Fenton‐induced cell death was significantly decreased in cultures treated with both Fenton reagent and NM, an effect not seen in cultures treated with Fenton reagent plus DAM. These data are suggestive of a protective role for neuromelanin under conditions of high oxidative load. Our findings provide new evidence for a physiological role for neuromelanin in vivo and highlights the caution with which data based upon model systems should be interpreted.
Globular amyloid β‐peptide1−42 oligomer − a homogenous and stable neuropathological protein in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Barghorn Stefan , Nimmrich Volker , Striebinger Andreas , Krantz Carsten , Keller Patrick , Janson Bodo , Bahr Michael , Schmidt Martin , Bitner Robert S. , Harlan John , Barlow Eve , Ebert Ulrich , Hillen Heinz
Published: August 2005

Amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ)1−42 oligomers have recently been discussed as intermediate toxic species in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Here we describe a new and highly stable Aβ1−42 oligomer species which can easily be prepared in vitro and is present in the brains of patients with AD and Aβ1−42‐overproducing transgenic mice. Physicochemical characterization reveals a pure, highly water‐soluble globular 60‐kDa oligomer which we named ‘Aβ1−42 globulomer’. Our data indicate that Aβ1−42 globulomer is a persistent structural entity formed independently of the fibrillar aggregation pathway. It is a potent antigen in mice and rabbits eliciting generation of Aβ1−42 globulomer‐specific antibodies that do not cross‐react with amyloid precursor protein, Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42 monomers and Aβ fibrils. Aβ1−42 globulomer binds specifically to dendritic processes of neurons but not glia in hippocampal cell cultures and completely blocks long‐term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices. Our data suggest that Aβ1−42 globulomer represents a basic pathogenic structural principle also present to a minor extent in previously described oligomer preparations and that its formation is an early pathological event in AD. Selective neutralization of the Aβ globulomer structure epitope is expected to have a high potential for treatment of AD.