bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Political-Economy Theory of Trade Agreements
Authors: Maggi Giovanni , Rodríguez-Clare Andrés
Published: September 2007

We present a model where trade agreements are motivated by the desire of governments to commit vis-à-vis domestic lobbies, in addition to standard terms-of-trade externalities. The model predicts that trade liberalization is deeper when capital is more mobile across sectors, and when governments are more politically motivated (provided domestic-commitment motives are strong enough). The model also provides a new rationale for the use of tariff ceilings. In a fully dynamic specification of the model, tariffs are reduced in two stages: an immediate cut and a subsequent gradual reduction, with the speed of liberalization increasing in the degree of capital mobility. (JEL D72, F13)
Good-Bye Lenin (or Not?): The Effect of Communism on People's Preferences
Authors: Alesina Alberto , Fuchs-Schündeln Nicola
Published: September 2007

Preferences for redistribution, as well as the generosity of welfare states, differ significantly across countries. This paper tests whether there exists a feedback process of the economic regime on individual preferences. We exploit the experiment of German separation and reunification to establish exogeneity of the economic system. We find that, after German reunification, East Germans are more in favor of state intervention than West Germans. This effect is especially strong for older cohorts. We further find that East Germans' preferences converge toward those of West Germans. It will take one to two generations for preferences to converge completely. (JEL D12, D72, H11, H23, P26)
Escitalopram Therapy for Major Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Baldwin David S , Reines Elin Heldbo , Guiton Christina , Weiller Emmanuelle
Published: September 2007

Background:

Randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that escitalopram is efficacious in a range of mood and anxiety disorders, but the individual trials are insufficiently large to allow a full exploration of its tolerability.

Objective:

To assess (he tolerability and safety of escitalopram through analysis of all randomized controlled clinical trials in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Methods:

Analyses of tolerability were based on data from all available randomized, double-blind, controlled studies completed by December 2006 in which escitalopram was compared with placebo or active compounds (citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine). Adverse events (AEs) that occurred more frequently with escitalopram than with placebo were listed, and tolerability and safety were evaluated.

Results:

Nausea was the only AE with an incidence greater than or equal to 10% and 5 percentage points greater than with placebo during short-term treatment. In general, AEs were mild to moderate in severity. AEs related to sexual dysfunction were similarly frequent with escitalopram and Citalopram, but were higher with paroxetine. No suicide occurred among escitalopram-treated patients, and there were no significant differences between escitalopram and placebo in incidence of suicidal behavior, measured by self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The 8 week withdrawal rate due to AEs was higher with escitalopram than with placebo (7.3% vs 2.8%; p < 0,001) but lower than with paroxetine (6.6% vs 9.0%; p < 0.01) or venlafaxine (6.1% vs 13.2%; p < 0.01) (Fisher's Exact test, 2 tailed). Compared with paroxetine, escitalopram resulted in significantly fewer discontinuation symptoms (average increase in Discontinuation Emergent Signs and Symptoms Scale of 1.6 vs 3.9; p < 0.01). There were no clinically relevant changes in clinical laboratory values in patients treated with escitalopram. Mean weight change after 6 months of treatment with escitalopram (0.58 ± 2.63 kg) was similar to that with placebo (0.15 ± 2.33 kg). The incidence of cardiovascular events was similar to that with placebo. The risk of AEs was no higher in special patient populations, such as the elderly (≥65 y of age) or those with hepatic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Based on data from randomized controlled trials involving more than 4000 escitalopram-treated patients, escitalopram (10–20 mg/day) is safe and well tolerated in short- and long-term treatment.
Evaluation of Centrally Acting Cholinesterase Inhibitor Exposures in Adults
Authors: McCain Keith R , Sawyer Tama S , Spiller Henry A
Published: September 2007

Background:

There are 4 centrally acting cholinesterase inhibitors (CA-ChEI) available in the US: tacrine, galantamina, rivastigmine, and donepezil. Documented clinical experience involving exposure to these agents is limited. The lack of information makes decisions involving excessive or unintended CA-ChEI exposure difficult.

Objective:

TO assess the effects, demographics, and outcomes of CA-ChEI exposures reported to US poison centers.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers data of acute and acute-on-chrontc exposures involving only a CA-ChEI in patients 19 years of age or older with documented medical outcomes from 2000–2005 was performed.

Results:

There were 1026 records that met criteria for this study. Patients aged 70–89 years made up 73% of reports; 69% of the patients were female. Moderate (197) and major outcomes (20) accounted for 21% of exposures. There were no deaths. Clinical effects that occurred in 5% or more of patients included vomiting (34%), nausea (28%), diarrhea (12%), dizziness/vertigo (9.9%), drowsiness/lethargy (7.7%), diaphoresis (7.4%), tremor (5.2%), and bradycardia (5%). Patients were admitted to the hospital in 19% of all exposures. Of those patients, 42% were admitted to a critical care unit. The majority (65%) of exposures were attributed to unintentional therapeutic error. Patients received at least one form of therapy In 47% of exposures, including intravenous fluid (111), antiemetic (46), atropine (17), benzodiazepine (15), oxygen (14), antihypertensive (4), pralidoxime (4), intubation (3), antihistamine (2), antiarrhythmic (1), anticonvulsant (1), and pacemaker (1).

Conclusions:

The majority of patients evaluated in this retrospective study experienced no or mild effect; however, significant or life-threatening effects were observed in a small group of patients and an appreciable number of patients were admitted to a healthcare facility.
Role of Chemotherapy and Rituximab for Treatment of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Lee Jin-Joo , Lam Masha SH , Rosenberg Amy
Published: September 2007

Objective:

To evaluate the role of chemotherapy and/or rituximab for treatment of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in solid organ transplantation.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1966–May 2007) was conducted using the key words posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, solid organ transplantation, chemotherapy, and rituximab. References of relevant articles and abstracts from recent hematology, oncology, and transplantation scientific meetings (2004–May 2007) were also reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Prospective and retrospective studies identified from the data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included for this review.

Data Synthesis:

Overall response rates ranged from 53% to 68%, 25% to 83%, and 74% to 100% for rituximab monotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemotherapy plus rituximab, respectively. Positive response to treatment was influenced by prognostic factors, including presence of Epstein-Barr virus in tumor cells, normal lactate dehydrogenase levels, good performance status, early disease onset after transplantation, and early disease stages. These factors in study patients likely contribute to the variability in response rates seen between treatment options. Severe adverse effects, ranging from grade 3 neutropenia to infection resulting in death, occurred more frequently in patients receiving chemotherapy than in patients receiving only rituximab.

Conclusions:

Although reduction in immunosuppressive medications remains the first-line therapy for PTLD treatment, many cases do not respond to this treatment alone, especially monomorphic or more aggressive cases of lymphoma. Therefore, it is reasonable to begin active treatment including rituximab and/or chemotherapy initially, along with reduction in immunosuppression in many cases. Further prospective, comparative studies are urgently needed to confirm the efficacy of these treatment strategies as well as to clarify which subset of patients may benefit most from them.
Inappropriate Continuation of Stress Ulcer Prophylactic Therapy After Discharge
Authors: Wohlt Paul D , Hansen Lizbeth A , Fish Jeffrey T
Published: September 2007

Background:

Medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis are appropriately started in critically ill patients with risks for developing stress ulcers. It is unknown whether these drugs are discontinued once the risk factors are removed.

Objective:

TO assess the duration of stress ulcer prophylactic therapy in critically ill patients.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a multidisciplinary, 24 bed medical/surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated tertiary referral medical center. Three hundred ninety-four patients fulfilled eligibility criteria during the study period of July 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005. Patients were considered to be appropriately discharged from the hospital on gastric acid suppressants it they met any of the following criteria: continued mechanical ventilation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peplic ulcer disease, history of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding within the past year, prescribed medications used for stress ulcer prophylaxis prior to admission, gastrointestinal bleed during hospitalization, or prescriber indication of reason to continue therapy.

Results:

Three hundred fifty-seven patients received stress ulcer prophylaxis during their ICU stay. Of these, 80% continued on gastric acid suppressants on transfer from the ICU, with 60% of the therapy being inappropriate. The percentage of critically ill patients discharged from the hospital with inappropriate prescription of gastric acid suppressants was 24.4%. Based on the average wholesale cost, the total cost for unnecessary gastric acid suppressant therapy within the follow-up period was $13,973.

Conclusions:

Gastric acid suppressant medications initially prescribed for stress ulcer prophylaxis are frequently prescribed inappropriately on discharge for patients who were initially admitted to the medical/surgical ICU.
Karyological observations on the occurrence of meiosis in the life cycle of Porphyra haitanensis Chang et Zheng (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Yan Xing-hong , He Liang-hua , Aruga Yusho
Published: September 2007

The occurrence of meiosis in the life cycle of the heteromorphic dioecious marine red alga, Porphyra haitanensis, is described. Chromosome numbers indicated that conchosporangial cells and conchospores are diploid (2n=10), while two- and three-celled stages of conchospore germlings, vegetative cells and spermatia of the gametophytic blades are haploid (n=5). We observed karyological changes in leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diakinesis, metaphase and anaphase of the meiosis, and the change in ploidy at the two-celled stage of conchospore germling. Characteristics of the first division of the conchospore and the change in ploidy at the two-celled stage indicated that meiosis I occurs during the germination division of conchospore in this species.
Reduced Expression of A-Type Potassium Channels in Primary Sensory Neurons Induces Mechanical Hypersensitivity
Authors: Chien Li-Ying , Cheng Jen-Kun , Chu Dachen , Cheng Chau-Fu , Tsaur Meei-Ling
Published: September 2007

A-type K+channels (A-channels) are crucial in controlling neuronal excitability, and their downregulation in pain-sensing neurons may increase pain sensation. To test this hypothesis, we first characterized the expression of two A-channels, Kv3.4 and Kv4.3, in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Kv3.4 was expressed mainly in the nociceptive DRG neurons, in their somata, axons, and nerve terminals innervating the dorsal horn of spinal cord. In contrast, Kv4.3 appeared selectively in the somata of a subset of nonpeptidergic nociceptive DRG neurons. Most Kv4.3(+) DRG neurons also expressed Kv3.4. In a neuropathic pain model induced by spinal nerve ligation in rats, the protein levels of Kv3.4 and Kv4.3 in the DRG neurons were greatly reduced. After Kv3.4 or Kv4.3 expression in lumbar DRG neurons was suppressed by intrathecal injections of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, mechanical but not thermal hypersensitivity developed. Together, our data suggest that reduced expression of A-channels in pain-sensing neurons may induce mechanical hypersensitivity, a major symptom of neuropathic pain.
Selective Loss of Catecholaminergic Wake–Active Neurons in a Murine Sleep Apnea Model
Authors: Zhu Yan , Fenik Polina , Zhan Guanxia , Mazza Emilio , Kelz Max , Aston-Jones Gary , Veasey Sigrid C.
Published: September 2007

The presence of refractory wake impairments in many individuals with severe sleep apnea led us to hypothesize that the hypoxia/reoxygenation events in sleep apnea permanently damage wake-active neurons. We now confirm that long-term exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation in adult mice results in irreversible wake impairments. Functionality and injury were next assessed in major wake-active neural groups. Hypoxia/reoxygenation exposure for 8 weeks resulted in vacuolization in the perikarya and dendrites and markedly impaired c-fosactivation response to enforced wakefulness in both noradrenergic locus ceruleus and dopaminergic ventral periaqueductal gray wake neurons. In contrast, cholinergic, histaminergic, orexinergic, and serotonergic wake neurons appeared unperturbed. Six month exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation resulted in a 40% loss of catecholaminergic wake neurons. Having previously identified NADPH oxidase as a major contributor to wake impairments in hypoxia/reoxygenation, the role of NADPH oxidase in catecholaminergic vulnerability was next addressed. NADPH oxidase catalytic and cytosolic subunits were evident in catecholaminergic wake neurons, where hypoxia/reoxygenation resulted in translocation of p67phoxto mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and membranes. Treatment with a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, throughout hypoxia/reoxygenation exposures conferred protection of catecholaminergic neurons. Collectively, these data show that select wake neurons, specifically the two catecholaminergic groups, can be rendered persistently impaired after long-term exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation, modeling sleep apnea; wake impairments are irreversible; catecholaminergic neurons are lost; and neuronal NADPH oxidase contributes to this injury. It is anticipated that severe obstructive sleep apnea in humans destroys catecholaminergic wake neurons.
Predicting Odor Pleasantness from Odorant Structure: Pleasantness as a Reflection of the Physical World
Authors: Khan Rehan M. , Luk Chung-Hay , Flinker Adeen , Aggarwal Amit , Lapid Hadas , Haddad Rafi , Sobel Noam
Published: September 2007

Although it is agreed that physicochemical features of molecules determine their perceived odor, the rules governing this relationship remain unknown. A significant obstacle to such understanding is the high dimensionality of features describing both percepts and molecules. We applied a statistical method to reduce dimensionality in both odor percepts and physicochemical descriptors for a large set of molecules. We found that the primary axis of perception was odor pleasantness, and critically, that the primary axis of physicochemical properties reflected the primary axis of olfactory perception. This allowed us to predict the pleasantness of novel molecules by their physicochemical properties alone. Olfactory perception is strongly shaped by experience and learning. However, our findings suggest that olfactory pleasantness is also partially innate, corresponding to a natural axis of maximal discriminability among biologically relevant molecules.
Relationship between the Phases of Sensory and Motor Activity during a Looming-Evoked Multistage Escape Behavior
Authors: Fotowat Haleh , Gabbiani Fabrizio
Published: September 2007

The firing patterns of visual neurons tracking approaching objects need to be translated into appropriate motor activation sequences to generate escape behaviors. Locusts possess an identified neuron highly sensitive to approaching objects (looming stimuli), thought to play an important role in collision avoidance through its motor projections. To study how the activity of this neuron relates to escape behaviors, we monitored jumps evoked by looming stimuli in freely behaving animals. By comparing electrophysiological and high-speed video recordings, we found that the initial preparatory phase of jumps occurs on average during the rising phase of the firing rate of the looming-sensitive neuron. The coactivation period of leg flexors and extensors, which is used to store the energy required for the jump, coincides with the timing of the peak firing rate of the neuron. The final preparatory phase occurs after the peak and takeoff happens when the firing rate of the looming-sensitive neuron has decayed to <10% of its peak. Both the initial and the final preparatory phases and takeoff are triggered when the approaching object crosses successive threshold angular sizes on the animal's retina. Our results therefore suggest that distinct phases of the firing patterns of individual sensory neurons may actively contribute to distinct phases of complex, multistage motor behaviors.
Caveolin Proteins Are Essential for Distinct Effects of Membrane Estrogen Receptors in Neurons
Authors: Boulware Marissa I. , Kordasiewicz Holly , Mermelstein Paul G.
Published: September 2007

It has become widely accepted that along with its ability to directly regulate gene expression, estradiol also influences cell signaling and brain function via rapid membrane-initiated events. Many of these novel signaling processes are dependent on estrogen receptors (ERs) localized to the neuronal membrane. However, the mechanism(s) by which ERs are able to trigger cell signaling when targeted to the neuronal membrane surface has yet to be determined. In hippocampal neurons, we find that caveolin proteins are essential for the regulation of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) phosphorylation after estradiol activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling. Furthermore, caveolin-1 (CAV1) and CAV3 differentially regulate the ability of estradiol to activate two discrete signaling pathways. ERα activation of mGluR1a is dependent on CAV1, whereas CAV3 is necessary for ERα and ERβ activation of mGluR2/3. These results are consistent with previous reports in non-neuronal cells, implicating the importance of caveolin proteins in rapid estrogen signaling. In addition, the functional isolation of distinct estrogen-sensitive signaling pathways by different caveolin proteins suggests novel mechanisms through which the membrane-initiated effects of estradiol are orchestrated.
A Knock-In Reporter Model of Batten Disease
Authors: Eliason Steven L. , Stein Colleen S. , Mao Qinwen , Tecedor Luis , Ding Song-Lin , Gaines D. Meredith , Davidson Beverly L.
Published: September 2007

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a severe inherited neurodegenerative disease resulting from mutations inCLN3(ceroid-lipofuscinosis, neuronal 3, juvenile). CLN3 function, and where and when it is expressed during development, is not known. In this study, we generated a knock-in reporter mouse to elucidate CLN3 expression during embryogenesis and after birth and to correlate expression and behavior in a CLN3-deficient mouse. In embryonic brain, expression appeared in the cortical plate. In postnatal brain, expression was prominent in the cortex, subiculum, parasubiculum, granule neurons of the dentate gyrus, and some brainstem nuclei. In adult brain, reporter gene expression waned in most areas but remained in vascular endothelia and the dentate gyrus. Mice homozygous forCln3deletion showed two hallmark pathological features of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosises: autofluorescent inclusions and lysosomal enzyme elevation. Moreover, CLN3-deficient reporter mice displayed progressive neurological deficits, including impaired motor function, decreased overall activity, acquisition of resting tremors, and increased susceptibility to pentilentetrazole-induced seizures. Notably, seizure induction in heterozygous mice was accompanied by enhanced reporter expression. This model provides us with the unique ability to correlate expression with pathology and behavior, thus facilitating the elucidation of CLN3 function and the pathogenesis of Batten disease.
Orbitofrontal Cortex Encodes Willingness to Pay in Everyday Economic Transactions
Authors: Plassmann Hilke , O'Doherty John , Rangel Antonio
Published: September 2007

An essential component of every economic transaction is a willingness-to-pay (WTP) computation in which buyers calculate the maximum amount of financial resources that they are willing to give up in exchange for the object being sold. Despite its pervasiveness, little is known about how the brain makes this computation. We investigated the neural basis of the WTP computation by scanning hungry subjects' brains using functional magnetic resonance imaging while they placed real bids for the right to eat different foods. We found that activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex encodes subjects' WTP for the items. Our results support the hypothesis that the medial orbitofrontal cortex encodes the value of goals in decision making.
Thalamic Gating of Auditory Responses in Telencephalic Song Control Nuclei
Authors: Coleman Melissa J. , Roy Arani , Wild J. Martin , Mooney Richard
Published: September 2007

In songbirds, nucleus Uvaeformis (Uva) is the sole thalamic input to the telencephalic nucleus HVC (used as a proper name), a sensorimotor structure essential to learned song production that also exhibits state-dependent responses to auditory presentation of the bird's own song (BOS). The role of Uva in influencing HVC auditory activity is unknown. Usingin vivoextracellular and intracellular recordings in urethane-anesthetized zebra finches, we characterized the auditory properties of Uva and examined its influence on auditory activity in HVC and in the telencephalic nucleus interface (NIf), the main auditory afferent of HVC and a corecipient of Uva input. We found robust auditory activity in Uva and determined that Uva is innervated by the ventral nucleus of lateral lemniscus, an auditory brainstem component. Thus, Uva provides a direct linkage between the auditory brainstem and HVC. Although low-frequency electrical stimulation in Uva elicited short-latency depolarizing postsynaptic potentials in HVC neurons, reversibly silencing Uva exerted little effect on BOS-evoked activity in HVC neurons. However, high-frequency stimulation in Uva suppressed auditory-evoked synaptic and suprathreshold activity in all HVC neuron types, a process accompanied by decreased input resistance of individual HVC neurons. Furthermore, high-frequency stimulation in Uva simultaneously suppressed auditory activity in HVC and NIf. These results suggest that Uva can gate auditory responses in HVC through a mechanism that involves inhibition local to HVC as well as withdrawal of auditory-evoked excitatory drive from NIf. Thus, Uva could play an important role in state-dependent gating of auditory activity in telencephalic sensorimotor structures important to learned vocal control.
Induction and Survival of Binucleated Purkinje Neurons by Selective Damage and Aging
Authors: Magrassi Lorenzo , Grimaldi Piercesare , Ibatici Adalberto , Corselli Mirko , Ciardelli Laura , Castello Sandra , Podestà Marina , Frassoni Francesco , Rossi Ferdinando
Published: September 2007

Fusion of bone marrow-derived cells with adult Purkinje cells in the cerebellum gives rise to binucleated Purkinje cells. Whether fusion can be modulated by epigenetic factors and whether fused neurons are stable has remained unclear. Here, we show that in mice and rats, partial ablation of Purkinje cells and local microglial activation in the absence of structural damage to the cerebellum increase the rate of fusion. Moreover, mouse Purkinje cells once fused with bone marrow-derived cells are viable for at least 7 months. We also show that cerebellar irradiation is unnecessary for the generation of binucleated Purkinje cells after bone marrow grafting. Moreover, binucleated Purkinje cells can be found in aged mice that did not receive any treatment, suggesting that fusion events occasionally occur throughout the whole lifespan of healthy, unmanipulated individuals. However, in aged chimeric mice that, after bone marrow transplant, have the majority of their nucleated blood cells fluorescent, the number of binucleated fluorescent Purkinje cells is two orders of magnitude less than the total number of binucleated Purkinje cells. This suggests that, in the majority of heterokaryons, either the incoming nucleus is quickly inactivated or fusion is not the only way to generate a binucleated Purkinje cell.
Perturbed Chloride Homeostasis and GABAergic Signaling in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Huberfeld Gilles , Wittner Lucia , Clemenceau Stéphane , Baulac Michel , Kaila Kai , Miles Richard , Rivera Claudio
Published: September 2007

Changes in chloride (Cl−) homeostasis may be involved in the generation of some epileptic activities. In this study, we asked whether Cl−homeostasis, and thus GABAergic signaling, is altered in tissue from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Slices prepared from this human tissue generated a spontaneous interictal-like activity that was initiated in the subiculum. Records from a minority of subicular pyramidal cells revealed depolarizing GABAAreceptor-mediated postsynaptic events, indicating a perturbed Cl−homeostasis. We assessed possible contributions of changes in expression of the potassium–chloride cotransporter KCC2. Doublein situhybridization showed that mRNA for KCC2 was absent from ∼30% of CaMKIIα (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα)-positive subicular pyramidal cells. Combining intracellular recordings with biocytin-filled electrodes and KCC2 immunochemistry, we observed that all cells that were hyperpolarized during interictal events were immunopositive for KCC2, whereas the majority of depolarized cells were immunonegative. Bumetanide, at doses that selectively block the chloride-importing potassium–sodium–chloride cotransporter NKCC1, produced a hyperpolarizing shift in GABAAreversal potentials and suppressed interictal activity. Changes in Cl−transporter expression thus contribute to human epileptiform activity, and molecules acting on these transporters may be useful antiepileptic drugs.
Common and Differential Ventrolateral Prefrontal Activity during Inhibition of Hand and Eye Movements
Authors: Leung Hoi-Chung , Cai Weidong
Published: September 2007

The inferior frontal cortex, particularly the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) in the right hemisphere, has been implicated to serve as a general inhibitory mechanism in the cognitive control of behavior. Because this notion was primarily based on studies of response inhibition in manual tasks, it has yet to be validated in other response modalities. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study to examine whether the VLPFC is commonly activated during inhibition of responses by hand and by eye within the same subjects. We used the stop-signal task, a relatively pure measure of response inhibition, as the behavioral paradigm. Results from 12 subjects showed that both the right and the left caudal VLPFC and anterior insula, rostral to the premotor area, are activated during inhibition of both manual and saccadic responses. Within the posterior VLPFC, activations overlapped to a significant extent across the two response modalities, although a weaker functionally differentiation was also found along the dorsoventral axis. Other areas such as medial superior frontal gyrus (pre-supplementary motor area/supplementary eye field), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and inferior parietal cortex were also activated during canceling both hand and eye movements. Our findings suggest that a common VLPFC network is involved in response inhibition, although the specific control of the different response modalities may be partially segregated within the lateral prefrontal cortex.
Developmental Switch in the Contribution of Presynaptic and Postsynaptic NMDA Receptors to Long-Term Depression
Authors: Corlew Rebekah , Wang Yun , Ghermazien Haben , Erisir Alev , Philpot Benjamin D.
Published: September 2007

NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation is required for many forms of learning and memory as well as sensory system receptive field plasticity, yet the relative contribution of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs over cortical development remains unknown. Here we demonstrate a rapid developmental loss of functional presynaptic NMDARs in the neocortex. Presynaptic NMDARs enhance neurotransmitter release at synapses onto visual cortex pyramidal cells in young mice [before postnatal day 20 (P20)], but they have no apparent effect after the onset of the critical period for receptive field plasticity (>P23). Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the loss of presynaptic NMDAR function is likely attributable in part to a 50% reduction in the prevalence of presynaptic NMDARs. Coincident with the observed loss of presynaptic NMDAR function, there is an abrupt change in the mechanisms of timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD). Induction of tLTD before the onset of the critical period requires activation of presynaptic but not postsynaptic NMDARs, whereas the induction of tLTD in older mice requires activation of postsynaptic NMDARs. By demonstrating that both presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs contribute to the induction of synaptic plasticity and that their relative roles shift over development, our findings define a novel, and perhaps general, property of synaptic plasticity in emerging cortical circuits.
Questioning the Need for Informed Consent: A Case Study of California's Experience with a Pilot Newborn Screening Research Project
Authors: Feuchtbaum Lisa , Cunningham George , Sciortino Stan
Published: September 2007

California provides mandatory newborn screening for disorders that cause irreversible, severe disabilities if not identified and treated early in life. Parental consent is not required. In 2001, the Genetic Disease Branch was mandated to pilot test a new technology that could identify many additional disorders using the same blood specimen already collected. Study participation required informed consent, which was obtained for 47% of births during the study timeframe. The inability of hospitals to carry out the consent procedure for all newborns resulted in denial of testing and missed cases. If informed consent were waived, all newborns could have been tested. Several empirical questions are posed and each is examined from the perspective of society, the parents and the newborn. It is concluded that the legitimate needs of society and the interests of newborns should not be sacrificed to respond to the autonomy interests of the few parents who did not wish their infant to participate in the study, and that in the future, parental consent should be waived for projects evaluating new screening technologies.
Two Methods of Obtaining Informed Consent in a Genetic Epidemiological Study: Effects on Understanding
Authors: Matsui Kenji , Lie Reidar K. , Kita Yoshikuni
Published: September 2007

This study evaluated the effect on participant understanding and participation rates of two different approaches to obtaining informed consent, using 2,192 actual research subjects in a genetic cohort study. One group received the routine approach consisting of written materials and an oral explanation. The other group received a more intense approach consisting of educational lectures and group meetings in addition to the routine approach. Subjects in the intense approach group were relatively more likely to read some or all of the explanatory material. Those in the intense group who did not read the material were more likely than those in the routine group to express uncertainty about their understanding of the research. Those in the intense group who read the material perceived that they had a higher level of understanding of the research and this was associated with a higher frequency of volunteering to participate. In contrast, subjects in the routine group were less likely to read the written material, but ironically more likely to assume that they understood what the research was about. These rather paradoxical findings raised questions about what motivates potential research subjects to become sufficiently engaged to seek actual understanding of the research before volunteering.
Perceptions of Stress among Students Participating in Psychology Research: A Canadian Survey
Authors: Flagel David C. , Best Lisa A. , Hunter Aren C.
Published: September 2007

It has been shown that properly conducted interviews in sensitive clinical contexts are negligibly stressful. The present study sought to extend these results and determine the perception of stress by research participants in nonclinical settings. Students enrolled in first year psychology courses typically have the option to receive class credit for research participation in studies assumed to pose minimal risk to participants. The perceptions of 101 student volunteers were examined to determine if they felt that research participation was stressful and, if so, what components of the process caused their stress. Participants completed a short survey indicating the reasons they served as research participants and the degree to which participation was stressful. They indicated that research participation was a valuable learning experience and the majority felt no stress associated with participation. Stress was reported by some due to concerns about confidentiality and evaluation by others of their personal performance. In addition, the majority of students reported having no knowledge of the ethical review process that preceded their participation. It is suggested that students should be informed of the ethical review process.
Effects of Human Subjects Requirements on Classroom Research: Multidisciplinary Evidence
Authors: Lopus Jane S. , Grimes Paul W. , Becker William E. , Pearson Rodney A.
Published: September 2007

Professors who include their students as subjects in classroom-based research projects typically must submit to a review by their university's research ethics committee (REC) even in cases which present only minimal risks, and when the investigation is intended for evaluation of teaching approaches only, and not for publication. Results of a web-based survey with 378 respondents indicate that the perceived costs of the review process may outweigh the perceived benefits to subjects. A logistic regression analysis identifies the time it takes to complete the review application, the time it takes to receive a response, and the necessity of revising a project as significant factors in respondents viewing the REC process as a barrier to research. Instituting policies of expedited review for minimal-risk classroom research and exempting evaluations that are not to be published, both of which are permitted under the current regulations, would decrease burdens on both researchers and REC members, and foster improvement of teaching.
The Inspirational Night Dream in the Motivation and Justification of Jihad
Authors: Edgar Iain R.
Published: September 2007

This article uses a wide variety of examples to argue that the experience of the true dream (ruya) is a fundamental, inspirational, and even strategic, part of the contemporary militant jihadist movement in the Middle East and elsewhere. Dream narratives are contextualized through a consideration of the historical role of the perceived revelatory power of the night dream in Islam. This article further explores some key aspects of Islamic dream theory and interpretation, and offers examples and analysis of the inspirational guidance claimed by many of the best known al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders and jihadists.
Jihad, Modernity, and Sectarianism
Authors: Sedgwick Mark
Published: September 2007

This essay introduces this special issue of Nova Religio by examining the main varieties of jihad and the main varieties of Islamism, and also by exploring the overlap between scholarship on terrorism and scholarship on NRMs. Three unusual varieties of jihad are identified, all of which are relatively modern: anti-colonial jihad, pacifist jihad, and Islamist jihad. All three are explored further by other articles in this issue. This essay also argues that the internal dynamics of the Islamist terrorist cell have much in common with the internal dynamics of the sectarian NRM, and that understanding this helps to explain both the moral and the strategic/operational decisions made by Islamist terrorists.
Jihad and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: Nonviolent Efforts to Promote Islam in the Contemporary World
Authors: Hanson John H.
Published: September 2007

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community emphasizes the nonviolent aspects of jihad or religious "effort." Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908), the South Asian Muslim scholar who founded the movement, argued that the Quran only authorized jihad as defensive military action in certain contexts and otherwise encouraged peaceful initiatives in support of Islam. Ghulam Ahmad also claimed, as the spiritual manifestation of the Messiah and Mahdi, to usher in a new era in which nonviolent activities alone defined jihad. These arguments have not persuaded most Muslims, but the Ahmadiyya Muslim community continues to stress jihad of the pen, that is, efforts to promote and defend Islam in various media. Many take up the pen, but few are granted the spirit to conduct the jihad in the most acceptable manner . . . It is the Jamaat Ahmadiyya only which has not stopped this great struggle . . . It has become the only vehicle to usher in the revival of Islam through its peaceful, yet determined intellectual process which was initiated a century ago by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi in Islam.¹
Reconsidering Jihad: The Perspective of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi
Authors: Turner Colin
Published: September 2007

Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, the eponymous progenitor of the contemporary Nurculuk movement, is arguably the most influential, if woefully under-researched, Turkish Muslim thinker of the twentieth century. Nurculuk, a faith-based movement consisting of an estimated seven million followers worldwide, stands out from other contemporary Muslim religious and ideological groupings not only for its uncompromising focus on the renewal of individual rather than collective faith, but also for its eschewal of any kind of religiously-legitimized violence or militancy for the sake of politico-ideological ends. This article is an attempt at an overview of Nursi's idiosyncratically irenic approach to the highly contentious issue of jihad, itself key to our understanding of the staunch apoliticism he espoused in later life.
“Congenial to Almost Every Shade of Radicalism”: The Delaware Valley and the Success of Early Mormonism
Authors: Fleming Stephen J.
Published: September 2007

With many theories about the rise of Mormonism, this article turns to early Mormonism's growth in the Delaware Valley for insights. By testing the relative wealth of the converts, this article argues that Mormon conversion was not a product of deprivation as the converts tested were somewhat wealthier than their neighbors and were drawn from across the socioeconomic spectrum. Instead of appealing to the dispossessed, Mormonism offered a radical supernatural biblical message that appealed to certain cultural and religious orientations. Mormonism was successful among Methodists in central New Jersey, whose religious practice was still full of the enthusiasm common to Methodism's early years in America. Many of these Methodists saw Mormon supernaturalism as a welcome addition to their experience, while the considerably more formal Methodists on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware were much less receptive to Mormonism. A Quaker heritage among the converts was common on both sides of the river. The converts were principally not practicing Quakers but still maintained aspects of their heritage and were, thus, termed “hickory” Quakers. Such individuals were common in the Delaware Valley since so many Quaker's had been cut off from the fold largely resulting from the mid-eighteenth-century Quaker reformation that reinstituted strict guidelines on the membership. Yet, the reformation did not reinstitute the enthusiasm of the Quakers’ early years that had been lost after its first generation. The lapsed Quakers who were drawn to Mormonism's supernatural worldview had a romantic inherited memory of Quakerism's origins and were eager to join a religion that manifested the fervor of Quakerism's origins. Thus, Mormonism was congenial to both these kinds of religious radicalism.
After the Exodus: The New Catholics in Boston's Old Ethnic Neighborhoods
Authors: Jackson Regine O.
Published: September 2007

This article contributes to the growing body of work on the impact of religious institutions on the identities and experiences of new immigrants from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia. Drawing from ethnographic research on Haitian immigrants in Boston, I find a relationship between initial residential settlement patterns and the location of Catholic churches. Following Gerald Gamm'sUrban Exodus: Why Jews Left Boston and the Catholics Stayed, I argue that Haitian immigrants who arrived in Boston in the 1960s were attracted to certain neighborhoods despite the racial climate because they were Catholic. In addition to the influence of rules governing membership and religious authority, I show that Haitians turned to a Catholic narrative of their experience in Boston because being Catholic was the most acceptable way of being Haitian in that social context.
“And the Word was Made Flesh”: Divining the Female Body in Nineteenth-Century American and Catholic Culture
Authors: Pagliarini Marie
Published: September 2007

This article sheds light on the complex interactions among knowledge, power, and the body in nineteenth-century American and Catholic culture through examining a series of “miracle cures” of Catholic women that took place in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., between 1824 and 1838. It analyzes the gender and power dynamics of the cures and of the stories members of the Catholic hierarchy told about the cures, situating both within the religious and cultural context of nineteenth-century North America. The bodies of cured women were scrutinized and “read” very carefully by Catholic men as a means of access to divine knowledge, and the article explores the cultural and theological factors that legitimated this process. Finally, the reading of women's bodies took place in the context of Protestant anti-Catholicism, and I argue that, given the sympolic importance of female bodies at the time—pure, healthy female bodies “incarnated” spiritual power and truth—stories of miracle cures were a means of validating Catholicism in the face of attacks against it.
The Effect of Aspirin Dosing on Platelet Function in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: DiChiara Joseph , Bliden Kevin P. , Tantry Udaya S. , Hamed Miruais S. , Antonino Mark J. , Suarez Thomas A. , Bailon Oscar , Singla Anand , Gurbel Paul A.
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— Diabetic patients may have a higher prevalence of platelet aspirin resistance than nondiabetic patients. Our goal was to analyze platelet aspirin responsiveness to various aspirin doses in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We examined the effect of aspirin (81, 162, and 325 mg/day for 4 weeks each) on platelet aspirin responsiveness in 120 stable outpatients (30 diabetic patients and 90 nondiabetic patients) with coronary artery disease (CAD) using light transmittance aggregometry (LTA), VerifyNow, platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100, and levels of urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11-dh-TxB2).

RESULTS— In the total group, a low prevalence (0–2%) of aspirin resistance was observed with all aspirin doses as determined by arachidonic acid–induced LTA. Aspirin resistance was higher at the 81-mg dose in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients using collagen-induced LTA (27 vs. 4%, P = 0.001), VerifyNow (13 vs. 3%, P = 0.05), and urinary 11-dh-TxB2 (37 vs. 17%, P = 0.03). Diabetic patients treated with 81 mg exhibited higher platelet function measured by VerifyNow, collagen- and ADP-induced LTA, and 11-dh-TxB2 levels (P ≤ 0.02 for all comparisons). Higher aspirin doses significantly inhibited platelet function and decreased aspirin resistance in diabetic patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS— Diabetic patients with CAD treated with 81 mg aspirin exhibit a higher prevalence of aspirin resistance and have significantly higher ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, 11-dh-TxB2 levels, and aspirin reaction units measured by VerifyNow than nondiabetic patients. Increased aspirin dosing resulted in similar rates of resistance and platelet function levels between groups. These findings indicate that diabetic patients exhibit a global high platelet reactivity phenotype that may be partially overcome by higher aspirin doses.
Adipocyte Death, Adipose Tissue Remodeling, and Obesity Complications
Authors: Strissel Katherine J. , Stancheva Zlatina , Miyoshi Hideaki , Perfield James W. , DeFuria Jason , Jick Zoe , Greenberg Andrew S. , Obin Martin S.
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—We sought to determine the role of adipocyte death in obesity-induced adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and obesity complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks to induce obesity. Every 4 weeks, insulin resistance was assessed by intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests, and epididymal (eAT) and inguinal subcutaneous AT (iAT) and livers were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analyses.

RESULTS—Frequency of adipocyte death in eAT increased from <0.1% at baseline to 16% at week 12, coincident with increases in 1) depot weight; 2) AT macrophages (ATMΦs) expressing F4/80 and CD11c; 3) mRNA for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and interleukin (IL)-10; and 4) insulin resistance. ATMΦs in crown-like structures surrounding dead adipocytes expressed TNF-α and IL-6 proteins. Adipocyte number began to decline at week 12. At week 16, adipocyte death reached ∼80%, coincident with maximal expression of CD11c and inflammatory genes, loss (40%) of eAT mass, widespread collagen deposition, and accelerated hepatic macrosteatosis. By week 20, adipocyte number was restored with small adipocytes, coincident with reduced adipocyte death (fourfold), CD11c and MCP-1 gene expression (twofold), and insulin resistance (35%). eAT weight did not increase at week 20 and was inversely correlated with liver weight after week 12 (r = −0. 85, P < 0.001). In iAT, adipocyte death was first detected at week 12 and remained ≤3%.

CONCLUSIONS—These results implicate depot-selective adipocyte death and MΦ-mediated AT remodeling in inflammatory and metabolic complications of murine obesity.