bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S‐RNase triggers mitochondrial alteration and DNA degradation in the incompatible pollen tube of Pyrus pyrifolia in vitro
Authors: Wang Chun‐Lei , Xu Guo‐Hua , Jiang Xue‐Tin , Chen Gong , Wu Jun , Wu Hua‐Qing , Zhang Shao‐Ling
Published: September 2008

Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia L.) has a S‐RNase‐based gametophytic self‐incompatibility (SI) mechanism, and S‐RNase has also been implicated in the rejection of self‐pollen and genetically identical pollen. No studies, however, have examined the extent of organelle alterations during the SI response in Pyrus pyrifolia. Consequently, this study focused on the alterations to mitochondria and nuclear DNA in incompatible pollen tubes of the pear. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide was used to evaluate the viability of pollen tubes under S‐RNase challenge. The results showed that the viability of the control and compatible pollen tubes decreased slightly, but that of the incompatible pollen and pollen tubes began to decline at 30 min. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψmit) was also tested with rhodamine 123 30 min after SI challenge, and was shown to have collapsed in the incompatible pollen tubes after exposure to S‐RNase. Western blotting 2 h after SI challenge confirmed that the Δψmit collapse induced leakage of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Swollen mitochondria were detected by transmission electron microscopy as early as 1 h after SI challenge and the degradation of nuclear DNA was observed by both 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole and transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling. These diagnostic features of programmed cell death (PCD) suggested that PCD may specifically occur in incompatible pollen tubes.
Distribution of HPV genotypes in uterine cervical lesions in Yanbian, northern China
Authors: Zhao Yiwei , Lin Hai , Shen Danhua , Xuan Yanhua , Lin Zhenhua
Published: September 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of HPV genotypes in uterine cervical lesions in Yanbian, northern China. HPV‐DNA chip (oligonucleotide microarray) and cervical biopsy were used for 322 women in 1998–2005. All the normal cervical epithelia were negative for HPV. The positive rate of high‐risk HPV was 33.9% in cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN)‐1, 51.6% in CIN‐2, 57.7% in CIN‐3, 66.7% in cervical glandular intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CGIN), 91.7% in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 78.6% in adenocarcinoma. HPV‐16 was the major type in all CIN and SCC cervical lesions, but in cervical adenocarcinoma HPV‐18 was the most common type, and HPV‐16 was the second most common type. Several cases of CIN‐3, SCC and adenocarcinoma had multiple types of HPV, but there was none in CIN‐1/2. In summary, HPV‐16 is the type most frequently involved in the development of SCC of the cervix, and this may be helpful for the prediction of the development and progress of CIN‐2/3, whereas both HPV‐18 and ‐16 play a prominent role in the development of adenocarcinoma and CGIN of the cervix in Yanbian, northern China.
Immunohistochemistry of p63 in primary and secondary vulvar Paget's disease
Authors: Yanai Hiroyuki , Takahashi Narihisa , Omori Masako , Oda Wakako , Yamadori Ichiro , Takada Shin‐ichi , Matsuura Hiroo , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: September 2008

Vulvar Paget's disease (VPD) is classified into primary and secondary types. Differentiation of these subsets in biopsy specimen is important for appropriate therapy. Expression profile of cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK20, gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 and uroplakin III has been reported as a differentiation marker of primary and secondary VPD. To examine the role of p63 immunostaining in differential diagnosis between primary VPD and VPD secondary to urothelial carcinoma (VPD‐UC), expression of p63 was examined in nine cases of VPD. Paget cells in seven cases of VPD without UC did not express p63. In two cases of VPD associated with UC, Paget cells and UC cells had identical CK expression profile. UC cells were positive for p63 in both cases. In one case, Paget cells were positive for p63 and examination of the resected specimen showed that VPD was secondary to UC. In another case, Paget cells were negative for p63 and this was diagnosed as primary VPD independent of UC. This indicates that p63 is absent in Paget cells in primary VPD and is therefore useful in differentiating primary VPD from VPD‐UC.
Square‐edge polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens design for reducing posterior capsule opacification following paediatric cataract surgery: initial experience
Authors: Brar Gagandeep S , Grewal Dilraj S , Ram Jagat , Singla Mohit , Grewal Satinder Pal S
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  To compare the incidence and severity of development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following implantation of square‐edged polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) following paediatric cataract surgery.

Design:  Prospective, consecutive, interventional, comparative, randomized and cross‐sectional study of 40 eyes of 32 children aged between 4 and 12 years who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation.

Methods:  The patients were randomized into two groups of 20 eyes each. Group 1 eyes received a square‐edge hydrophobic acrylic IOL (Acrysof SA 60 AT, Alcon Surgical, Fort Worth, Texas), and Group 2 eyes received a square‐edge single‐piece PMMA lens (Aurolab SQ 3600 Aurolab IOL Division, Madurai, India) in the capsular bag. No eye underwent a primary posterior capsulotomy. The PCO density was evaluated on slitlamp retroillumination photographs by using POCOman software at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post surgery.

Results:  The average percentage PCO on POCOman analysis was 51.23 for Group 1 and 49.49 for Group 2 (P = 0.09), and the average PCO severity grade was 1.34 in Group 1 and 1.12 in Group 2 (P = 0.08). Visual axis remained clear in 14 of 20 eyes with the acrylic lens as compared with 13 of 20 eyes with the PMMA lens. (P = 0.32).

Conclusions:  Square‐edge PMMA IOLs offer a significant cost advantage over acrylic lenses at similar rates of PCO formation following paediatric cataract surgery, which is of significant value in developing countries.
Validity and reliability of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in Japanese elderly people
Authors: Hagiwara Akiko , Ito Naomi , Sawai Kazuhiko , Kazuma Keiko
Published: September 2008

Aim:  In Japan, there are no valid and reliable physical activity questionnaires for elderly people. In this study, we translated the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) into Japanese and assessed its validity and reliability.

Methods:  Three hundred and twenty‐five healthy and elderly subjects over 65 years were enrolled. Concurrent validity was evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between PASE scores and an accelerometer (waking steps and energy expenditure), a physical activity questionnaire for adults in general (the Japan Arteriosclerosis Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire, JALSPAQ), grip strength, mid‐thigh muscle area per bodyweight, static valance and bodyfat percentage. Reliability was evaluated by the test–retest method over a period of 3–4 weeks.

Results:  The mean PASE score in this study was 114.9. The PASE score was significantly correlated with walking steps (ρ = 0.17, P = 0.014), energy expenditure (ρ = 0.16, P = 0.024), activity measured with the JALSPAQ (ρ = 0.48, P < 0.001), mid‐thigh muscle area per bodyweight (ρ = 0.15, P = 0.006) and static balance (ρ = 0.19, P = 0.001). The proportion of consistency in the response between the first and second surveys was adequately high. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the PASE score was 0.65.

Conclusions:  The Japanese version of PASE was shown to have acceptable validity and reliability. The PASE is useful to measure the physical activity of elderly people in Japan.
Mortality rates of community‐residing adults with and without dentures
Authors: Fukai Kakuhiro , Takiguchi Toru , Ando Yuichi , Aoyama Hitoshi , Miyakawa Youko , Ito Gakuji , Inoue Masakazu , Sasaki Hidetada
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To prospectively study how dental status with and without dentures could become a predictor of overall mortality risk.

Methods:  Five thousand six hundred eighty‐eight community residents over 40 years old in the Miyako Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, were followed up for 15 years from 1987–2002.

Results:  We found that female subjects with less than 10 functional teeth and without dentures showed a significantly higher mortality rate than those with dentures. There was no significant difference of mortality rates in male subjects. There were no significant differences of mortality rates between subjects with 10 or more functional teeth with and without dentures.

Conclusion:  The present study suggests that dentures are one of the factors associated with mortality rates especially in female subjects with less than 10 functional teeth.
Age and sex differences in various stepping movements of the elderly
Authors: Demura Shin‐ichi , Yamada Takayoshi , Shin Sohee
Published: September 2008

Aim:  This study aimed to examine sex and age differences of various stepping movements in the elderly and to clarify useful stepping movements for evaluation of their dynamic balance.

Methods:  Two hundred and eighty‐six healthy elderly subjects who could walk independently (male mean age = 71.2 ± 7.1 years; female mean age = 71.5 ± 6.0) performed the following stepping tests: back and forth; up and down with a 5 cm tall step; and in‐place stepping matching three tempos (44, 66 and 132 b.p.m.). Step number, single and double support times in the former two stepping tests, and time difference between metronome sound and grounding time in the latter tempo stepping tests were selected as evaluation parameters.

Results:  An insignificant sex difference was found in all parameters. Hence, the data of men and women was pooled to examine age differences. Significant age differences were found in the step number and double support time of back and forth and up and down stepping tests and in the time difference of three tempo stepping tests. The step number in younger age groups and the support times in older age groups tended to be larger.

Conclusion:  No sex difference was found in evaluation parameters of all stepping tests, and all parameters tended to be superior in the younger elderly. The elderly experienced more difficulty matching slow tempos than fast tempos in the in‐place stepping test. The back and forth, up and down and in‐place matching tempo stepping tests may be useful for evaluating dynamic balance ability of the elderly.
Undiagnosed cirrhosis occurs frequently in the elderly and requires periodic follow ups and medical treatments
Authors: Fujimoto Koichi , Sawabe Motoji , Sasaki Mina , Kino Kenji , Arai Tomio
Published: September 2008

Background:  Autopsy examinations frequently reveal undiagnosed cirrhosis, but its characteristics have rarely been addressed in the elderly.

Methods:  From 1597 consecutive autopsies, those of patients with liver cirrhosis were selected and their clinicopathological findings were examined.

Results:  Seventy‐six patients had liver cirrhosis; 18 of these patients (23.7%) were classified as an “undiagnosed” group and in that they had not been diagnosed as having cirrhosis before death. The remaining 58 patients were classified as a “clinical” group. Compared to the clinical group, the undiagnosed group demonstrated a significantly lower Child–Pugh score (7.1 ± 1.9 vs 8.6 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) and infrequent hepatocellular carcinoma (72.4% vs 5.6%; P < 0.0001). The undiagnosed group also demonstrated significantly lower complication rates of hepatic encephalopathy and esophageal varix, and a volume of ascites. The patients in the undiagnosed group were significantly older (79.9 ± 8.1 vs 74.2 ± 8.5 years; P < 0.01), and fewer patients died of liver‐related causes (17% vs 67.2%; P < 0.0001). The etiology of cirrhosis was unknown in five patients in the undiagnosed group, and seven patients did not show any suggestive symptoms or imaging signs.

Conclusion:  Liver cirrhosis is often undiagnosed (23.7%) in the elderly. In the undiagnosed group, liver function was preserved and serious complications were infrequent. Because the diagnosis of cirrhosis leads to early identification of hepatocellular carcinoma and good prognosis, detailed examination and periodic follow ups should be performed when liver dysfunction is indicated, even in the elderly.
Effects of olopatadine in limited scleroderma with peripheral eosinophils
Authors: Kikuchi Motoo , Inagaki Toshiaki , Hanaki Hidekazu , Harada Shinsuke , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: September 2008

Scleroderma and eosinophilia often occur together, though the pathogenesis is unclear. We investigated the effect of olopatadine hydrochloride in a series of cases of limited scleroderma (LS). Ten patients with LS and positive eosinophil counts (LSE) were enrolled (average age, 85 years; six men and four women). Serum concentrations of the anti‐Scl‐70 antibody were positive. Olopatadine hydrochloride was prescribed at 10 mg/day for 3 weeks. Serum concentrations of the anti‐Scl‐70 antibody significantly decreased, but changes in eosinophil numbers and percentages in peripheral blood were not significant. Factor analysis suggested a correlation between serum concentrations of the anti‐Scl‐70 antibody and complement C4. Olopatadine could be effective in reducing anti‐Scl‐70 antibodies in the elderly with LSE.
Prenatal activation of 5‐HT2Areceptor induces expression of 5‐HT1Breceptor in phrenic motoneurons and alters the organization of their premotor network in newborn mice
Authors: Bras Hélène , Gaytán Susana P. , Portalier Paule , Zanella Sébastien , Pásaro Rosario , Coulon Patrice , Hilaire Gérard
Published: September 2008

In newborn mice of the control [C3H/HeJ (C3H)] and monoamine oxidase A‐deficient (Tg8) strains, in which levels of endogenous serotonin (5‐HT) were drastically increased, we investigated how 5‐HT system dysregulation affected the maturation of phrenic motoneurons (PhMns), which innervate the diaphragm. First, using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we observed a 5‐HT2Areceptor (5‐HT2A‐R) expression in PhMns of both C3H and Tg8 neonates at the somatic and dendritic levels, whereas 5‐HT1Breceptor (5‐HT1B‐R) expression was observed only in Tg8 PhMns at the somatic level. We investigated the interactions between 5‐HT2A‐R and 5‐HT1B‐R during maturation by treating pregnant C3H mice with a 5‐HT2A‐R agonist (2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride). This pharmacological overactivation of 5‐HT2A‐R induced a somatic expression of 5‐HT1B‐R in PhMns of their progeny. Conversely, treatment of pregnant Tg8 mice with a 5‐HT2A‐R antagonist (ketanserin) decreased the 5‐HT1B‐R density in PhMns of their progeny. Second, using retrograde transneuronal tracing with rabies virus injected into the diaphragm of Tg8 and C3H neonates, we studied the organization of the premotor network driving PhMns. The interneuronal network monosynaptically connected to PhMns was much more extensive in Tg8 than in C3H neonates. However, treatment of pregnant C3H mice with 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride switched the premotoneuronal network of their progeny from a C3H‐ to a Tg8‐like pattern. These results show that a prenatal 5‐HT excess affects, via the overactivation of 5‐HT2A‐R, the expression of 5‐HT1B‐R in PhMns and the organization of their premotor network.
mGluR‐dependent persistent firing in entorhinal cortex layer III neurons
Authors: Yoshida Motoharu , Fransén Erik , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: September 2008

Persistent firing is believed to be a crucial mechanism for memory function including working memory. Recent in vivo and in vitro findings suggest an involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in persistent firing. Using whole‐cell patch‐recording techniques in a rat entorhinal cortex (EC) slice preparation, we tested whether EC layer III neurons display persistent firing due to mGluR activation, independently of cholinergic activation. Stimulation of the angular bundle drove persistent firing in 90% of the cells in the absence of a cholinergic agonist. The persistent firing was typically stable for > 4.5 min at which point persistent firing was terminated by the experimenter. The average frequency of the persistent firing was 2.1 Hz, ranging from 0.4 to 5.5 Hz. This persistent firing was observed even in the presence of atropine (2 μm), suggesting that the persistent firing can occur independent of cholinergic activation. Furthermore, ionotropic glutamate and GABAergic synaptic blockers (2 mm kynurenic acid, 100 μm picrotoxin and 1 μm CGP55845) did not block the persistent firing. On the other hand, blockers of group I mGluRs (100 μm LY367385 and 20 μm MPEP) completely blocked or suppressed the persistent firing. An agonist of group I mGluRs (20 μm DHPG) greatly enhanced the persistent firing induced by current injection. These results indicate that persistent firing can be driven through group I mGluRs in entorhinal layer III neurons, suggesting that glutamatergic synaptic input alone could enable postsynaptic neurons to hold input signals in the form of persistent firing.
Emotional context enhances auditory novelty processing: behavioural and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Domínguez‐Borràs Judith , Garcia‐Garcia Manuel , Escera Carles
Published: September 2008

Viewing emotionally negative pictures has been proposed to attenuate brain responses towards sudden auditory events, as more attentional resources are allocated to the affective visual stimuli. However, peripheral reflexes have been shown intensified. These observations have raised the question of whether an emotional context actually facilitates or attenuates processing in the auditory novelty system. Using scalp event‐related potentials we measured brain responses induced by novel sounds when participants responded to visual stimuli displaying either threatening or neutral sceneries. We then tested the modulatory effect of the emotional task conditions on auditory responses. Novel sounds yielded a stronger behavioural disruption on subjects’ visual task performance when responding to negative pictures compared with when responding to the neutral ones. Accordingly, very early novelty‐P3 responses to novel sounds were enhanced in negative context. These results provide strong evidence that the emotional context enhances the activation of neural networks in the auditory novelty system, gating acoustic novelty processing under potentially threatening conditions.
Acute in utero morphine exposure slows G2 / M phase transition in radial glial and basal progenitor cells in the dorsal telencephalon of the E15.5 embryonic mouse
Authors: Sargeant Tim J. , Day Darren J. , Miller John H. , Steel Ryan W. J.
Published: September 2008

The antiproliferative effects of opiate exposure on neurogenesis in vitro have been well documented, but the effects of opiates on brain development in vivo are less well understood. We have recently shown that mu opioid receptors are expressed on radial glia of the lateral ventricle, the neuronal and glial progenitor cells of the developing cortex. In the present study we show that in vivo morphine treatment of the E15.5 mouse increases the length of the G2/M phase of the radial glial cell cycle in the dorsal telencephalon, as well as slows interkinetic nuclear migration of radial glial nuclei from the basal ventricular zone to the apical surface. A prolonged G2/M phase was also observed in basal progenitor cells. Although morphine exposure altered the duration of the cell cycle for progenitor cells in the embryonic telencephalon, it did not affect whether the progenitors remained proliferative and re‐entered the S phase, or whether they exited the cell cycle and became quiescent. In addition, morphine treatment did not change the proportion of basal to apical mitoses. These findings indicate that opioid signalling plays a role in cell cycle progression of both radial glia and basal progenitor cells in vivo in the developing cerebral cortex.
Characterization of NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase: expression in an identified interneuron involved in NO–cGMP‐dependent memory formation
Authors: Ribeiro Maria , Straub Volko A. , Schofield Michael , Picot Jo , Benjamin Paul R. , O’Shea Michael , Korneev Sergei A.
Published: September 2008

In a number of neuronal models of learning signalling by endogenous nitric oxide (NO), produced by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), is essential for the formation of long‐term memory (LTM). For example, in the molluscan model systemLymnaea, NO is required for LTM formation in the first few hours after one‐trial reward conditioning. Furthermore, conditioning leads to transient up‐regulation of the NOS gene in identified modulatory neurons, the cerebral giant cells (CGCs), which are known to be involved in LTM formation. InLymnaeanothing is known however about the structure and localization of the major receptor for NO, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). Here we report on the cloning and characterization of both α and β subunits of NO‐sensitive sGC and show that they are coexpressed in the CGCs. Furthermore, our electrophysiological experiments on isolated CGCs show that these neurons respond to NO by generating a prolonged depolarization of the membrane potential. Moreover, we demonstrate that this depolarization is blocked by ODQ, supporting our hypothesis that it is mediated by sGC.
Charge compensation for NADPH oxidase activity in microglia in rat brain slices does not involve a proton current
Authors: De Simoni Anna , Allen Nicola J. , Attwell David
Published: September 2008

The membrane properties of isolated cultured microglia have been extensively studied but it is important to understand their propertiesin situ, where they protect the brain against infection, but also contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia and macrophages attack bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species, a process which involves NADPH oxidase pumping electrons out across the cell membrane. The resulting inward current evokes a depolarization, which would inhibit the activity of the NADPH oxidase if there were no charge‐compensating current which moves positive charge out across the membrane. The mechanism of this charge compensation is controversial. In neutrophils and in cultured microglia a depolarization‐activated H+conductance has been proposed to provide charge compensation, and also to remove protons generated intracellularly by the NADPH oxidase. Alternatively, a depolarization‐activated K+conductance has been proposed to mediate charge compensation. Here we show that in microglia, either in the resting state or when activated by the bacterial coat component lipopolysaccharide, both in acute and in cultured hippocampal slices, no significant H+current is detectable. This implies that the membrane properties of microglia in their normal cellular environment differ from those of cultured microglia (similarly, microglia generated a current in response to ATP but, unlike in culture, not to glutamate or GABA). Furthermore, the K+current (Kv1.3) that is activated by lipopolysaccharide is inactivated by depolarization, making it unsuitable for mediating charge compensation on a long time scale at positive voltages. Instead, charge compensation may be mediated by a previously undescribed non‐selective cation current.
Through the looking glass: counter‐mirror activation following incompatible sensorimotor learning
Authors: Catmur Caroline , Gillmeister Helge , Bird Geoffrey , Liepelt Roman , Brass Marcel , Heyes Cecilia
Published: September 2008

The mirror system, comprising cortical areas that allow the actions of others to be represented in the observer’s own motor system, is thought to be crucial for the development of social cognition in humans. Despite the importance of the human mirror system, little is known about its origins. We investigated the role of sensorimotor experience in the development of the mirror system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure neural responses to observed hand and foot actions following one of two types of training. During training, participants in the Compatible (control) group made mirror responses to observed actions (hand responses were made to hand stimuli and foot responses to foot stimuli), whereas the Incompatible group made counter‐mirror responses (hand to foot and foot to hand). Comparison of these groups revealed that, after training to respond in a counter‐mirror fashion, the relative action observation properties of the mirror system were reversed; areas that showed greater responses to observation of hand actions in the Compatible group responded more strongly to observation of foot actions in the Incompatible group. These results suggest that, rather than being innate or the product of unimodal visual or motor experience, the mirror properties of the mirror system are acquired through sensorimotor learning.
Enhanced neurogenesis from neural progenitor cells with G1/S‐phase cell cycle arrest is mediated by transforming growth factor β1
Authors: Misumi Sachiyo , Kim Tae‐Sun , Jung Cha‐Gyun , Masuda Tadashi , Urakawa Susumu , Isobe Yoshiaki , Furuyama Fujiya , Nishino Hitoo , Hida Hideki
Published: September 2008

We have previously demonstrated that a G1/S‐phase cell cycle blocker, deferoxamine (DFO), increased the number of new neurons from rat neurosphere cultures, which correlated with prolonged expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor p27kip1 [H. J. Kim et al. (2006)Brain Research, 1092, 1–15]. The present study focuses on neuronal differentiation mechanisms following treatment of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) with a G1/S‐phase cell cycle blocker. The addition of DFO (0.5 mm) or aphidicolin (Aph) (1.5 μm) to neurospheres for 8 h, followed by 3 days of differentiation, resulted in an increased number of neurons and neurite outgrowth. DFO induced enhanced expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and cdk5 at 24 h after differentiation, whereas Aph only increased TGF‐β1 expression. DFO‐induced neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth were attenuated by administration of a cdk5 inhibitor, roscovitine, suggesting that the neurogenic mechanisms differ between DFO and Aph. TGF‐β1 (10 ng/mL) did not increase neurite outgrowth but rather the number of β‐tubulin III‐positive cells, which was accompanied by enhanced p27kip1 mRNA expression. In addition, TGF‐β receptor type II expression was observed in nestin‐positive NPCs. Results indicated that DFO‐induced TGF‐β1 signaling activated smad3 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In contrast, TGF‐β1 signaling inhibition, via a TGF‐β receptor type I inhibitor (SB‐505124), resulted in decreased DFO‐induced neurogenesis, in conjunction with decreased p27kip1 protein expression and smad3 translocation to the nucleus. These results suggest that cell cycle arrest during G1/S‐phase induces TGF‐β1 expression. This, in turn, prompts enhanced neuronal differentiation via smad3 translocation to the nucleus and subsequent p27kip1 activation in NPCs.
Neurotoxic catecholamine metabolite in nociceptors contributes to painful peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Dina Olayinka A. , Khasar Sachia G. , Alessandri‐Haber Nicole , Bogen Oliver , Chen Xiaojie , Green Paul G. , Reichling David B. , Messing Robert O. , Levine Jon D.
Published: September 2008

The neurotoxic effects of catecholamine metabolites have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. As some sensory neurons express tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase (MAO), we investigated the potential contribution of catecholamine metabolites to neuropathic pain in a model of alcoholic neuropathy. The presence of catecholamines in sensory neurons is supported by capsaicin‐stimulated epinephrine release, an effect enhanced in ethanol‐fed rats. mRNA for enzymes in dorsal root ganglia involved in catecholamine uptake and metabolism, dopamine β‐hydroxylase and MAO‐A, were decreased by neonatal administration of capsaicin. Ethanol‐induced hyperalgesia was attenuated by systemic and local peripheral administration of inhibitors of MAO‐A, reduction of norepinephrine transporter (NET) in sensory neurons and a NET inhibitor. Finally, intradermal injection of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde (DOPEGAL), a neurotoxic MAO‐A catecholamine metabolite, produced robust mechanical hyperalgesia. These observations suggest that catecholamines in nociceptors are metabolized to neurotoxic products by MAO‐A, which can cause neuronal dysfunction underlying neuropathic pain.
SK channel blockade promotes burst firing in dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons
Authors: Rouchet Nathalie , Waroux Olivier , Lamy Cédric , Massotte Laurent , Scuvée‐Moreau Jacqueline , Liégeois Jean‐François , Seutin Vincent
Published: September 2008

Previousin vivostudies have shown that blockade of small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (SK) channels enhances burst firing in dopaminergic neurons. As bursting has been found to be physiologically relevant for the synaptic release of serotonin (5‐HT), we investigated the possible role of SK channels in the control of this firing pattern in 5‐HT neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus. In these cells, bursts are usually composed of doublets consisting of action potentials separated by a small interval (< 20 ms). Bothin vivoandin vitroextracellular recordings were performed, using anesthetized rats and rat brain slices, respectively.In vivo, the specific SK blocker UCL 1684 (200 μm) iontophoresed onto presumed 5‐HT neurons significantly increased the production of bursts in 13 out of 25 cells. Furthermore, the effect of UCL 1684 persisted in the presence of both the GABAAantagonist SR 95531 (10 mm) and the GABABantagonist CGP 35348 (10 mm), whereas these agents by themselves did not significantly influence the neuronal firing pattern.In vitro, bath superfusion of the SK channel blocker apamin (300 nm) induced bursting in only three out of 18 neurons, although it increased the coefficient of variation of the interspike intervals in all the other cells. Our results suggest that SK channel blockade promotes bursting activity in 5‐HT neurons via a direct action. An input which is present onlyin vivoseems to be important for the induction of this firing pattern in these cells.
Nonpecuniary Benefits to Farming: Implications for Supply Response to Decoupled Payments
Authors: Key Nigel , Roberts Michael J.
Published: September 2008

We develop a household model wherein farmers allocate labor to maximize utility from leisure, consumption, and nonpecuniary benefits from farming. The model shows that farmers with decreasing marginal utility of income respond to higher decoupled payments by decreasing off‐farm labor and increasing farm labor, resulting in greater agricultural output. We then estimate the difference between farm and off‐farm returns to labor using data from three nationally representative farm household surveys. The finding of a large on‐farm/off‐farm wage differential provides compelling evidence of substantial nonpecuniary benefits from farming.
A Model of Spatial Arbitrage with Transport Capacity Constraints and Endogenous Transport Prices
Authors: Coleman Andrew
Published: September 2008

This article solves a high‐frequency model of price arbitrage incorporating storage and trade when the amount of trade is limited by transport capacity constraints. In equilibrium there is considerable variation in transport prices because transport prices rise when the demand to ship goods exceeds the capacity limit. This variation is necessary to attract shipping capacity into the industry. In turn, prices in different locations differ by a time varying amount. Thus while the law of one price holds, it holds because of endogenous variation in transport prices.
Do Alternative Marketing Arrangements Increase Pork Packers' Market Power?
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyong , Vukina Tomislav
Published: September 2008

In this article we use structural econometrics to formally test whether the use of the alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) by pork packers is the source of their market power on the spot (cash) market for live hogs. We specify the pork packers' conjectures of the change in the industry total market procurement of live hogs through the spot market with respect to their AMAs stocks. The test is carried out using the mandatory price reporting data. Our results show that pork packers have statistically significant market power on the spot market for live hogs, but the source of that market power cannot be narrowed down to the existence of AMAs stocks.
Pareto‐Improving Water Management over Space and Time: The Honolulu Case
Authors: Pitafi Basharat A. , Roumasset James A.
Published: September 2008

We model welfare gains from efficient allocation of groundwater over space and time relative to the status quo policy of financial cost recovery. In order to promote political feasibility, an intertemporal compensation plan is devised that renders the reform Pareto‐improving. Gainers from the reform finance the compensation in proportion to their benefits through a block‐pricing scheme. For the Honolulu case, only 7% of the $441 million in gains to winners is needed to compensate losers from the reform. Future winners from the reform also repay the deficit created by the compensation package, much as state and local governments finance capital improvements.
Payment Limitations and Acreage Decisions under Risk Aversion: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Goodwin Barry K.
Published: September 2008

Payment limits have played an important role in U.S. farm policy deliberations for the last thirty years. Current limits are largely nonbinding. Proposals to strengthen and enforce limits are currently in discussion. We evaluate the likely effects of such proposals on acreage for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice in several important producing states. Our results generally indicate that payment limits are unlikely to significantly affect acreage in most cases; exceptions occur for cotton and rice, where the probability that limits would be binding is much greater and thus more likely to affect production.
THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL ECONOMY: CONCEPT AND DIMENSIONS OF THE THIRD SECTOR
Authors: Monzon José Luis , Chaves Rafael
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT**:  In recent years a new context has emerged in Europe characterized by a larger growing Europe, the creation of a new European platform for social economy named ‘Social Economy Europe’ and an improvement in research, networks and initiatives in this area from certain European Institutions such as the European Social and Economic Committee.

This paper focuses on recurrent, but needing clarification, topics such as the question of definitions, the national recognition of the concept of Social Economy and the size of this European third sector. It begins with a proposition of a conceptual delimitation of the Social Economy and of the different classes of company and organization that belong to it. Second, it identifies the different agents which, irrespective of their legal form, are part of the Social Economy in each of the member states of the European Union and to compare the different national definitions that are related to the Social Economy concept. Finally, it provides quantitative data on the European Social Economy.
Fast Food and Animal Rights: An Examination and Assessment of the Industry's Response to Social Pressure
Authors: ADAMS RONALD J.
Published: September 2008

Fast food chains such as McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King are major players in the production, marketing, and consumption of animal‐derived food throughout the world. Animal rights activists are quick to point out the link between the highly efficient factory farms that supply these chains and extreme animal cruelty and environmental degradation. Strategically, fast food is well positioned to leverage change in the methods by which animals are raised and processed for human consumption. Although progress has been made as the fast food industry has responded to pressure exerted by animal rights organizations, there is little indication of true collaborative efforts that would harness the power of the market to bring about substantive changes in the way the consuming public views the issue of animal welfare and food production.
Human Rights in Global Business Ethics Codes
Authors: CARASCO EMILY F. , SINGH JANG B.
Published: September 2008

The last decade has witnessed renewed attempts to regulate the conduct of transnational corporations. One way to do this is via global ethics codes. This paper examines seven such codes (the Sullivan Principles, UN Center for Transnational Corporations’ Draft Code, OECD Guidelines, ILO's Tripartite Declaration, the Caux Round Table Principles for Business, Global Compact, and the United Nations Norms) to determine their coverage of human rights and concludes that if these initiatives succeed, particularly the more recent codes, transnational corporations may emerge as a major force in promoting human rights globally.
Local Management Response to Corporative Restructuring: A Case Study of a Company Town
Authors: SUNDSTRÖM AGNETA C. , HYDER AKMAL S.
Published: September 2008

This is a case study of top management in a Swedish pulp industry at Skutskär. After decades of proactive response to change, starting in 1976 the pulp industry experienced a rapid and significant restructuring. In 1992, and after a prolonged hold on local investments, came a large‐scale investment with major labor reductions, which created a local crisis. The aim of this study is to analyze how top managers of a local business plant perceive and explain their citizenship relationship to the community of the company town during a transition period from 1976 to 2007. Our study shows that too much reliance on top management cost reduction requirements and not caring, or underscoring, local social concerns created gaps and local stakeholder distrust. We discuss how prolonged distrust of the company to bear social responsibility ended up in a broken relationship between the company and the local community. Our case indicates at least two problems that must be handled for successful corporate citizenship. First, the traditional control‐oriented management view is too narrow and not adjusted to today's citizenship reality, including how to handle corporate social responsibility. Second, we can see a possibility where the conceived needs on a global corporate level may lead to situations to obscure local needs and consequences.
Constitutional Philosophy, Pragmatism, and Economic Regulation*
Authors: SAGNER JAMES S. , ROSNER DAVID J.
Published: September 2008

This article explores the various senses in which the framers of the Constitution were motivated by a pragmatist philosophical framework, and how this pragmatism influenced their vision of the best interests of the American economic system. We argue that, on various grounds, the framers would have disapproved of the excessive regulation that characterizes the current business environment.
Negative Campaigning in a Multiparty System
Authors: Hansen Kasper M. , Pedersen Rasmus Tue
Published: September 2008

Research in political campaigning in Scandinavian countries is inadequate, and research in negative campaigning is entirely non‐existent. A ‘negative campaign message’ is defined as an explicit critique of the political opponent. Applying this definition to the 2005 Danish election indicates that negative campaigning comprises a very limited aspect of the political campaigning in the course of this election. The opposition tends to employ negative tactics the most in their attempts to establish their political platform. The media provided extensive coverage to the few negative campaign messages, thus presenting a biased sense of the political campaign to the general public. This biased media coverage encourages parties to ‘go negative’ in their respective campaigns in the battle for media attention.
Electoral Reform and Party System Change: An Analysis of Nordic Elections with Two Different Electoral Systems
Authors: Lundell Krister
Published: September 2008

Electoral system reforms are frequently discussed in various parts of the world, although major electoral system changes have been quite rare in established democracies. This article aims at predicting how the party systems in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden would change if elections were conducted under a plurality system or a mixed‐member majoritarian system. To this end, results of the last parliamentary elections are recalculated. The analyses show that the Nordic party systems would be subjected to drastic change. In Denmark, plurality elections would create a two‐party system; in Finland, Norway and Sweden, one party would be much larger than the others. Keskusta and Arbeiderpartiet would be superior to the other parties in Finland and Norway, respectively, whereas Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet would almost take complete control over the Swedish legislature. In practice, smaller parties would have to team up with larger ideologically similar parties. Under a mixed electoral system, several small and medium‐sized parties would survive, but in most countries, the main competition would take place between two basic political alternatives. Smaller parties are well‐advised to go against electoral system reforms that involve single‐member districts.
Turning the Tide: Recognizing Climate Change Refugees in International Law
Authors: WILLIAMS ANGELA
Published: September 2008

Many of the debates surrounding the environmental, social, and economic implications of climate change are now well known. However, there is increasing concern over the extent to which those suffering displacement or forced migration as a result of climate change are protected. This article seeks to highlight the plight of such individuals and suggests how the current protection gap might be remedied. Present legal structures, such as the Refugee Convention and the framework for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), prove largely inadequate having been constructed for different purposes and being limited in their application. The alternative proposed in this article is a regionally oriented regime operating under the auspices of the UN Climate Change Framework. While both the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol currently call for regional cooperation in respect of adaptation activities, it is argued there should be an explicit recognition of so‐called climate change refugees in the post‐Kyoto agreement that allows for, and facilitates, the development of regional programs to address the problem. Employing such a strategy would remedy the current protection gap that exists within the international legal system, while allowing states to respond and engage with climate change displacement in the most regionally appropriate manner.
TRANSACTION COST ECONOMICS: THE PRECURSORS
Authors: Williamson Oliver E.
Published: September 2008

Theories commonly progress through four stages, from informal to pre‐formal to semi‐formal and fully formal. This paper reports on the earliest stage of transaction cost economics that extended from the 1920s to the 1970s. That the gestation stage lasted so long is partly because transaction cost economics departed significantly from the then‐prevailing economic orthodoxy. Also, and related, it is an interdisciplinary undertaking. As reported herein, transaction cost economics selectively combines economics, organisation theory and law and is the product of the contributions of some of the finest minds in those three fields.
INNOVATION NATION
Authors: Kealey Terence
Published: September 2008

The White Paper, Innovation Nation, argues that economic growth depends on government investment in research and development. It is not true.
HAROLD WILSON'S DEVALUATION: A SALUTARY LESSON
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: September 2008

The 1967 sterling devaluation opened the final act of the Keynesian epoch. The assurance ‘that the pound here in Britain, in your pocket or purse or in your bank’ had not been devalued, rests upon a ‘fixed price’ assumption invoked by John Maynard Keynes for the 1930s. It carried the implication that a currency revaluation is the only price change that is relevant to international competitiveness. That is nonsense. Devaluation succeeds in readjusting international payments only if it reduces the value of the pound in our pocket, purse or bank.
‘THE GREATEST AND WIDEST‐RANGING MARKET FAILURE EVER SEEN’: REALLY?
Authors: Ma Arthur
Published: September 2008

In The Times on 31 October 2006, Sir Nicholas Stern was quoted as saying that climate change is the ‘greatest and widest‐ranging market failure ever seen’. Since it is such a topical issue, we asked students to respond to this claim. Here is the winning entry from the 2007 IEA Student Essay Competition.
Genomic imprinting in the development and evolution of psychotic spectrum conditions
Authors: Crespi Bernard
Published: September 2008

I review and evaluate genetic and genomic evidence salient to the hypothesis that the development and evolution of psychotic spectrum conditions have been mediated in part by alterations of imprinted genes expressed in the brain. Evidence from the genetics and genomics of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, Prader‐Willi syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and other neurogenetic conditions support the hypothesis that the etiologies of psychotic spectrum conditions commonly involve genetic and epigenetic imbalances in the effects of imprinted genes, with a bias towards increased relative effects from imprinted genes with maternal expression or other genes favouring maternal interests. By contrast, autistic spectrum conditions, including Kanner autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, Turner syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, commonly engender increased relative effects from paternally expressed imprinted genes, or reduced effects from genes favouring maternal interests. Imprinted‐gene effects on the etiologies of autistic and psychotic spectrum conditions parallel the diametric effects of imprinted genes in placental and foetal development, in that psychotic spectrum conditions tend to be associated with undergrowth and relatively‐slow brain development, whereas some autistic spectrum conditions involve brain and body overgrowth, especially in foetal development and early childhood. An important role for imprinted genes in the etiologies of psychotic and autistic spectrum conditions is consistent with neurodevelopmental models of these disorders, and with predictions from the conflict theory of genomic imprinting.