bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secularism and the Politics of Risk
Authors: Gutkowski Stacey
Published: September 2011

Little has been said in the international relations (IR) literature so far about the connections between secular ideas and identification of risk. However, there are striking parallels. ‘Western’, secular discourse(s) have framed Islamist terrorism as slippery, uncontainable, mysterious and strange. Similarly, risks are often described as ‘diverse, amorphous and qualitative’. Starting from this observation, this article explores connections between ongoing conversations about the politics of risk and insights from the emerging literature on secularism and international politics. Using the British ‘Prevent’ agenda of 2005−09 as a case study, it asks how it is that political secularism and cultural secularity have contributed to perceptions of danger emanating from the Muslim population. It explores the potential implications of these perceptions for state security policy. The article also explores Foucault’s account of pastoral governance as a potentially useful framework for scholars of risk, particularly for describing the ambivalence inherent in much risk-management practice.
Securing Uncertainty
Authors: Kühn Florian P.
Published: September 2011

The theoretical concept John Herz called a ‘security dilemma’ has rarely been applied to sub-state social figurations, although security dilemmas do shape political behaviour in post-conflict peacebuilding. Comparable to state formation, sub-state groups develop institutional capacities. Often led by ‘warlords’ or ‘strongmen’, these entities resemble states within, while lacking recognition and legitimacy from without. Between these entities arises a sub-sovereign form of security dilemma. It is a result of uncertainty about the other’s motives regarding expansion, control of sources of funding, or domination within the legal order of the ‘state’. When statebuilding is pursued by external actors, aiming to fill the legal void, the ‘state’ can become a source of existential risks for sub-state entities. Risks – from extinction to the transformation of a group’s socio-political identity – can stem from another sub-state group taking over the state, appropriating superior means of coercion and hence enabling itself to subjugate others; relative deprivation concerning external funding or revenue from trade or smuggling; or loss of investment in networks of patronage, favourable terms of trade, or monopolies for certain goods. External support adds considerable uncertainty about interventionists’ capabilities, willingness and ability to steer and control statebuilding efforts. This article explores how risks and their perception shape interaction between social actors and at the same time how awareness and consideration of these risks may influence external actors’ behaviour. It argues that understanding risk constellations within an intervention and their processual transformation is vital for external statebuilding support.
State Transformation, Territorial Politics and the Management of Transnational Risk
Authors: Hameiri Shahar
Published: September 2011

The perceived emergence in recent years of potentially cataclysmic transnational risks has been a growing concern for policymakers and practitioners, as well as an area of considerable scholarly interest. Existing sociological approaches to the study of risk, which have become influential in a range of related social scientific fields, highlight important dimensions of this phenomenon, but are unable to adequately explain why these risk depictions have emerged at this historical juncture. Nor are they capable of providing a systematic explanation for variation in the adoption of risk depictions and related modes of governance in different functional areas and geographic regions. Drawing on the insights of political economy and critical political geography, it is argued that the current preponderance of transnational risk depictions and associated modes of governance should be understood in the context of processes of state transformation, linked to the transnationalisation of finance and production, which challenge the fit between state power and national territorial borders. From this perspective, risk and risk management are mechanisms in a contested process of rescaling, in which governance functions traditionally associated with the national state are shifted to regional or even global modes of governance. Understanding the dynamics of this territorial politics is important for learning about the current and evolving nature of political rule within and beyond the state.
Long-term ovariectomy modulates the antidepressant-like action of estrogens, but not of antidepressants
Authors: Estrada-Camarena Erika , López-Rubalcava Carolina , Hernández-Aragón Azucena , Mejía-Mauries Silvia , Picazo Ofir
Published: September 2011

Controversial results related to effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to alleviate depression are frequently reported. The discrepancies could be related to (a) time when ERT is initiated after the beginning of menopause and/or (b) type of estrogen used. Furthermore, estrogens modulate the antidepressant effect of different compounds; therefore, the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs could also depend on the menopausal status. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether the time after estrogen decline can influence antidepressant-like effects of two estrogens and/or two antidepressants. Thus, the antidepressant-like actions of 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynyl-estradiol (EE2), fluoxetine (FLX) and desipramine (DMI) were studied at different periods (1, 3 and 12 weeks) after ovariectomy (OVX), using the forced swimming test (FST). Results showed that OVX increased depressive-like behavior only 1 week after OVX. The antidepressant-like actions of E2, but not those of EE2, were cancelled 12 weeks after OVX. Conversely, antidepressant-like actions of FLX and DMI were observed at 1, 3 and 12 weeks after OVX. In conclusion, while the antidepressant-like effects of estrogens depended on the time at which treatment is initiated after OVX as well as on the estrogenic compound used, antidepressant-like effects of FLX and DMI were not blocked by OVX.
A clozapine-like effect of cyproheptadine on progressive ratio schedule performance
Authors: Olarte-Sánchez CM , Valencia Torres L , Body S , Cassaday HJ , Bradshaw CM , Szabadi E , Goudie AJ
Published: September 2011

The atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine has multiple pharmacological actions, some of which, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2) and histamine (H1) receptor antagonist effects, are shared by the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist cyproheptadine. Atypical antipsychotics have a characteristic profile of action on operant behaviour maintained by progressive ratio schedules, as revealed by Killeen’s (1994) mathematical model of schedule controlled behaviour. These drugs increase the values of a parameter that expresses the ‘incentive value’ of the reinforcer ( a) and a parameter that is inversely related to the ‘motor capacity’ of the organism (δ). This experiment examined the effects of acute treatment with cyproheptadine and clozapine on performance on a progressive ratio schedule of food reinforcement in rats; the effects of a conventional antipsychotic, haloperidol, and two drugs with food intake-enhancing effects, chlordiazepoxide and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), were also examined. Cyproheptadine (1, 5 mg kg−1) and clozapine (3.75, 7.5 mg kg−1) increased a and δ. Haloperidol (0.05, 0.1 mg kg−1) reduced a and increased δ. Chlordiazepoxide (3, 10 mg kg−1) increased a but reduced δ. THC (1, 3 mg kg−1) had no effect. Interpretation based on Killeen’s (1994) model suggests that cyproheptadine and clozapine enhanced the incentive value of the reinforcer and impaired motor performance. Motor impairment may be due to sedation (possibly reflecting H1 receptor blockade). Enhancement of incentive value may reflect simultaneous blockade of H1 and 5-HT2 receptors, which has been proposed as the mechanism underlying the food intake-enhancing effect of cyproheptadine. In agreement with previous findings, haloperidol impaired motor performance and reduced the incentive value of the reinforcer. Chlordiazepoxide’s effect on a is consistent with its food intake-enhancing effect.
Acute restraint stress enhances hippocampal endocannabinoid function via glucocorticoid receptor activation
Authors: Wang Meina , Hill Matthew N , Zhang Longhua , Gorzalka Boris B , Hillard Cecilia J , Alger Bradley E
Published: September 2011

Exposure to behavioural stress normally triggers a complex, multilevel response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis that helps maintain homeostatic balance. Although the endocannabinoid (eCB) system (ECS) is sensitive to chronic stress, few studies have directly addressed its response to acute stress. Here we show that acute restraint stress enhances eCB-dependent modulation of GABA release measured by whole-cell voltage clamp of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in vitro. Both Ca2+-dependent, eCB-mediated depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), and muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mAChR)-mediated eCB mobilization are enhanced following acute stress exposure. DSI enhancement is dependent on the activation of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and is mimicked by both in vivo and in vitro corticosterone treatment. This effect does not appear to involve cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that can degrade eCBs; however, treatment of hippocampal slices with the L-type calcium (Ca2+) channel inhibitor, nifedipine, reverses while an agonist of these channels mimics the effect of in vivo stress. Finally, we find that acute stress produces a delayed (by 30 min) increase in the hippocampal content of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the eCB responsible for DSI. These results support the hypothesis that the ECS is a biochemical effector of glucocorticoids in the brain, linking stress with changes in synaptic strength.
ADHD matures: time for practitioners to do the same?
Authors: Bolea B , Adamou M , Arif M , Asherson P , Gudjonsson G , Müller U , Nutt DJ , Pitts M , Thome J , Young S
Published: September 2011

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not restricted to children. Abundant evidence from follow-up studies accumulated since the 1970s supports the concept of ADHD in adulthood. Genetic research points to a heritability of 76%, and neuroimaging studies have reported structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with ADHD. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not a culturally bound disorder and has been described worldwide. ADHD has a cost for society, as adults with this disorder suffer from increased rates of unemployment and psychiatric comorbidity, including substance use disorders. Studies undertaken in forensic populations describe high rates of ADHD in these groups, particularly amongst young offenders. One of the main issues in the diagnosis of ADHD in the adult is the fact that most clinicians have not been educated to diagnose and treat ADHD. Effective pharmacological treatments for ADHD are available and should be prescribed for these patients. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) guidelines established a benchmark for service development required to treat ADHD adequately in the adult population. However, the implementation of new services has been slow. More resources are needed to effectively assess and treat ADHD in the adult.
Serum levels of BDNF are associated with craving in opiate-dependent patients
Authors: Heberlein Annemarie , Dürsteler-MacFarland Kenneth M , Lenz Bernd , Frieling Helge , Grösch Michael , Bönsch Dominikus , Kornhuber Johannes , Wiesbeck Gerhard A , Bleich Stefan , Hillemacher Thomas
Published: September 2011

Preclinical study results suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are involved in the modulation of addictive behaviour. We investigated alterations in serum levels of BDNF and GDNF in opiate-dependent patients (28 males) who received diacetylmorphine treatment within a structured opiate maintenance programme. BDNF ( T = 2.735, p = 0.009) serum levels were significantly increased in the opiate-dependent patients as compared with healthy controls (21 males), whereas GDNF serum levels ( T = 1.425, p = 0.162) did not differ significantly from GDNF serum levels of the healthy controls. BDNF serum levels were significantly associated with craving for heroin (measured by the Heroin Craving Questionnaire ( r = 0.420, p = 0.029) and by the General Craving Scale ( r = 0.457, p = 0.016), whereas GDNF serum levels were not associated with psychometric dimensions of heroin craving. In conclusion, our results show a positive association between BDNF serum levels and opiate craving in opiate-dependent patients.
History of cannabis use is not associated with alterations in striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability
Authors: Stokes Paul RA , Egerton Alice , Watson Ben , Reid Alistair , Lappin Julia , Howes Oliver D , Nutt David J , Lingford-Hughes Anne R
Published: September 2011

Cannabis use in adolescence is emerging as a risk factor for the development of psychosis. In animal studies, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, modulates striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission. Alterations in human striatal dopaminergic function have also been reported both in psychosis and in stimulant use. We sought to examine whether striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability was altered in volunteers with a history of cannabis use using a database of previously acquired [11C]-raclopride positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Ten [11C]-raclopride scans from volunteers with a history of cannabis use were compared to ten control scans using a functional striatal subdivision region of interest (ROI) analysis. No significant differences in either overall striatal BPND values or BPND values in any functional striatal subdivision were found between the two groups. There was also no correlation between lifetime frequency of cannabis use and BPND values. Limbic striatal BPND values were ten percent lower in current nicotine cigarette smokers. These findings suggest that, unlike other drugs of abuse, a history of cannabis use is not associated with alterations in striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability.
The effects of 7.5% carbon dioxide inhalation on task performance in healthy volunteers
Authors: Diaper Alison , Nutt David J , Munafò Marcus R , White Joanna L , Farmer Eric W , Bailey Jayne E
Published: September 2011

Studies have shown that anxiety can positively or negatively affect performance with respect to focusing of attention or distractibility, subjective workload and effort ( Humphreys and Revelle, 1984 ). The inhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is associated with physiological and psychological effects of anxiety ( Bailey et al., 2005 ) but its effects on performance have rarely been reported. The studies reported here looked at the effects of CO2 inhalation on physiological and subjective measures and performance on two tasks. Eight healthy male participants completed a tracking task with a reaction time component, and 12 healthy participants (six male) completed a complex target identification task. Tasks were performed during 20-min inhalations of 7.5% CO2/21% O2/71.5% N2 mixture or medical air. Continuous heart rate and blood pressure measures were taken, in addition to subjective measures of mood and workload. In comparison with air, CO2 increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased subjective scores of panic, anxiety, fear, and tension, and reduced subjective scores of relaxation and happiness. Attention was focussed when inhaling CO2 during the simple task, and central demand was greater when inhaling CO2 during the complex task. Therefore, inhalation of 7.5% CO2 produces effects on task performance which are consistent with anxiety.
The effects of TPA023, a GABAAα2,3 subtype-selective partial agonist, on essential tremor in comparison to alcohol
Authors: de Haas SL , Zoethout RWM , Van Dyck K , De Smet M , Rosen LB , Murphy MG , Gottesdiener KM , Schoemaker RC , Cohen AF , van Gerven JMA
Published: September 2011

Essential tremor (ET) is a relatively frequent neurological disorder that responds in some patients to gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) agonists such as the benzodiazepines. Partial subtype-selective GABAA agonists may have an improved side effect profile compared to non-selective GABAA agonists. However, it is unknown which GABAA subtypes are involved in the therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines in ET. The effects of 2 mg TPA023, a GABAA α2,3 subtype-selective partial agonist, on ET were compared to the effects of a stable alcohol level (0.6 g/L) and placebo in nine patients with ET. Tremor evaluation included laboratory accelerometry and a performance-based scale. Additional measurements were performed to evaluate other effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol significantly diminished tremor symptoms in the postural and kinetic condition, as assessed by laboratory accelerometry, but the performance-based rating scale was unaffected. Tremor was also reduced after TPA023 treatment in the kinetic condition, albeit not significantly. Additionally, TPA023 decreased saccadic peak velocity, while alcohol decreased subjective feelings of alertness. This study showed that alcohol reduced maximum tremor power, as assessed by laboratory accelerometry, unlike TPA023, which decreased tremor symptoms to some extent but not significantly. This study showed that treatment with an α2,3 subunit-selective GABAA partial agonist was less effective than a stable level of alcohol in reducing ET symptoms. These results provide no support for a therapeutic role of TPA023 in the suppression of ET symptoms.
Task demands dissociate the effects of muscarinic M1 receptor blockade and protein kinase C inhibition on attentional performance in rats
Authors: Robinson Andrea M , Mangini David F , Burk Joshua A
Published: September 2011

The cholinergic system is known to be necessary for normal attentional processing. However, the receptors and mechanisms mediating the effects of acetylcholine on attention remain unclear. Previous work in our laboratory suggested that cholinergic muscarinic receptors are critical for maintaining performance in an attention-demanding task in rats. We examined the role of the muscarinic M1 receptor and protein kinase C (PKC), which is activated by the M1 receptor, in attention task performance. Rats were trained in an attention-demanding task requiring discrimination of brief (500, 100, 25 ms) visual signals from trials with no signal presentation. The effects of muscarinic M1 receptor blockade were assessed by administering dicyclomine (0–5.0 mg/kg). The effects of PKC inhibition were assessed by administering chelerythrine chloride (0–2.0 mg/kg). Dicyclomine decreased the accuracy of detecting longer signals in this attention task, including when attentional demands were increased by flashing a houselight throughout the session. Chelerythrine chloride decreased the accuracy of signal detection in the standard version of the task but not when the houselight was flashed throughout the session. The present findings indicate that muscarinic M1 receptors are critical for maintaining performance when attentional demands are increased, and that PKC activity may contribute to some aspects of attentional performance.
Pharmacokinetics and central nervous system effects of the novel dopamine D2 receptor antagonist JNJ-37822681
Authors: te Beek Erik T , Moerland Matthijs , de Boer Peter , van Nueten Luc , de Kam Marieke L , Burggraaf Jacobus , Cohen Adam F , van Gerven Joop MA
Published: September 2011

Using the rate of dissociation from the D2 receptor as a means to screen novel compounds for antipsychotic drug candidates, the centrally acting and fast-dissociating selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist JNJ-37822681 was developed. In a blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized first-in-human study, JNJ-37822681 was administered orally to 27 healthy male volunteers at doses of 0.5, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg. Safety, pharmacokinetics and central nervous system effects were evaluated by measuring prolactin levels, eye movements, adaptive tracking, visual analogue scales, body sway, finger tapping and electroencephalography. JNJ-37822681 was well tolerated and somnolence was the most frequently reported adverse effect. Peak plasma concentrations increased more than proportional to dose, but increases in the area under curve (AUC) were dose-proportional. Prolactin elevations started at doses of 5 mg, whereas small decreases in adaptive tracking were demonstrated at 10 mg doses. At higher doses, JNJ-37822681 caused a small decrease in saccadic peak velocity, smooth pursuit, alertness, finger tapping and electroencephalography activity, and an increase in body sway. This effect profile is likely to be the result of the selectivity of JNJ-37822681 for the D2 receptor, leading to strong D2 receptor-mediated elevations in serum prolactin, but fewer effects on more complex central nervous system functions, which are likely to involve multiple neurotransmitters.
The effects of sertindole on sensory gating, sensorimotor gating, and cognition in healthy volunteers
Authors: Holstein Dominique H , Csomor Philipp A , Geyer Mark A , Huber Theo , Brugger Nicole , Studerus Erich , Vollenweider Franz X
Published: September 2011

Sensory gating, indexed by P50 suppression, and sensorimotor gating, indexed by prepulse inhibition (PPI), are impaired in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. There is considerable evidence that schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics exhibit relatively less gating deficits than do other patients with schizophrenia. Some recent studies have investigated the effects of antipsychotic medications on gating in healthy volunteers exhibiting low levels of gating, rather than in patients. Therefore, the current study investigated the influence of sertindole versus placebo in two separate experimental sessions, on PPI, P50 suppression, and cognition in 30 male volunteers stratified for low and high baseline gating levels. Sertindole increased PPI and P50 suppression in healthy subjects exhibiting low baseline PPI and low baseline P50 suppression, respectively, while sertindole attenuated gating in subjects exhibiting high baseline gating. Furthermore, subjects exhibiting low PPI chose worse strategies in a spatial working memory task. These findings suggest that mixed D2/5-HT2 receptor antagonists enhance both PPI and P50 suppression in a way that enhances it in healthy subjects exhibiting low baseline gating. Furthermore, the results militate in favor of the concomitant assessment of PPI, P50 suppression and cognitive measures while investigating the effect of antipsychotic medication in healthy subjects.
Clinical and pathogenic aspects of candidate genes for lithium prophylactic efficacy
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K , Czerski Piotr , Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Kliwicki Sebastian , Leszczynska-Rodziewicz Anna , Permoda-Osip Agnieszka , Skibinska Maria , Suwalska Aleksandra , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra , Hauser Joanna
Published: September 2011

A number of candidate genes for lithium prophylactic efficacy have been proposed, some of them being also associated with a predisposition to bipolar illness. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible association between polymorphisms of 14 common genes with the quality of prophylactic lithium response in patients with bipolar mood disorder, in relation to the putative role of these genes in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Some association with lithium prophylactic efficacy was found for the polymorphisms of 5HTT, DRD1, COMT, BDNF and FYN genes, but not for 5HT2A, 5HT2C, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, GSK-3, NTRK2, GRIN2B and MMP-9. Possible aspects of these genes with regard to the mechanism of lithium activity and pathogenesis of bipolar mood disorder are discussed.
Modulation of anxiety behavior in the elevated plus maze using peptidic oxytocin and vasopressin receptor ligands in the rat
Authors: Mak Plato , Broussard Christina , Vacy Kristina , Broadbear Jillian H
Published: September 2011

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), in their capacities as neuromodulators, are believed to play an important role in mood control, including regulation of the anxiety response. In the present study, the contributions of oxytocin and vasopressin receptor modulation to anxiety-like behaviors were examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The behavioral effects of the OT receptor agonist, carbetocin (intracerebroventricular, intravenous and intraperitoneal routes), the AVP receptor agonist desmopressin (intravenous route), and the OT/AVP1A receptor antagonist atosiban (intravenous route) were evaluated in the elevated plus maze. The benzodiazepine diazepam was included as a positive control. Central but not systemic administration of carbetocin produced pronounced anxiolytic-like behavioral changes comparable to those measured following systemic diazepam treatment. The anxiolytic efficacy of carbetocin was maintained following 10 days of once-daily treatment, contrasting with the effects of diazepam which were no longer distinguishable from saline treatment. Systemic administration of desmopressin produced anxiogenic-like effects whereas systemic atosiban produced anxiolytic-like effects. Co-administration of desmopressin with atosiban resulted in saline-like behavioral responses, implicating an AVP1A receptor mechanism in the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of these neuropeptides following systemic administration. A peripherally-mediated antidiuretic effect of desmopressin on water consumption was also demonstrated. These results highlight the potential therapeutic utility of AVP1A receptor blockade in the modulation of anxiety-related behaviors; AVP1A receptor blockade appears to be a more promising pharmacological target than does OT receptor activation following systemic drug administration.
Alcohol selectively impairs negative self-relevant associations in young drinkers
Authors: Aramakis V Bess , Khamba Baljit K , MacLeod Colin M , Poulos Constantine X , Zack Martin
Published: September 2011

The stress-dampening effects of alcohol have been attributed to ‘appraisal disruption’− decreased ability of stimuli to evoke threatening associations in memory. Appraisal disruption could apply to oneself as well as situational stimuli. This question was investigated in undergraduate drinkers ( n = 90/Gender) with low or high anxiety sensitivity (AS; n = 90/AS Group), a trait linked with hyper-vigilance to threat. Subjects received alcohol (0.7 g/kg males; 0.63 g/kg females), placebo or soft drink and performed a speech about their appearance. Sequence of drink administration and speech advisory (threat) was manipulated between subjects: Threat before Drink, Threat after Drink, No-Threat Control. The Implicit Association Test measured self-relevant associations based upon time to classify positive and negative attribute words (e.g. Cute, Ugly) paired with self-relevant or non-self-relevant object words (e.g. Me, Them). Alcohol selectively slowed negative self-relevant decisions, regardless of other factors. Relative fluency of negative versus positive decisions ( D) correlated inversely with state anxiety and systolic blood pressure immediately before speech performance, and correlated directly with severity of alcohol problems. These findings are consistent with the Appraisal Disruption hypothesis. Preferential impairment of negative self-relevant associations may decrease perceived vulnerability under alcohol and increase risk for alcohol problems in young drinkers.
Effects of positive modulators of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors in a benzodiazepine-induced deficit of spatial discrimination in mice
Authors: Vandesquille M , Carrié I , Louis C , Beracochea D , Lestage P
Published: September 2011

Imbalance between GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission has been recently hypothesized to trigger memory decline related either to ageing or to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thereby, benzodiazepine-induced anterograde amnesia has been construed as a model of hippocampal-related cognitive dysfunctions. Since spatial memory is altered both by ageing and by benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, we investigated the pharmacological sensitivity of alprazolam-induced deficit in a delayed spatial discrimination (SD) task, notably with positive allosteric modulators of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors. We showed that alprazolam (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) induced memory impairments as compared with vehicle-treated mice. The oral administration of modulators of AMPA receptors (IDRA-21: 10 mg/kg; S18986: 3 and 10 mg/kg) reversed the alprazolam-induced deficits. This study is first to show evidence that reference treatments of AD, such as memantine (a NMDA receptor antagonist) at 3 mg/kg per os (po) and donepezil (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) at 1 mg/kg po, also reversed the alprazolam-induced amnesia. Given such results, the SD task emerges as a valuable novel task to screen pro-cognitive compounds. Thus, we highlight the efficacy of modulators of AMPA-type glutamate receptors to counteract alprazolam-induced spatial deficits. These results could be viewed alongside the imbalance between excitation and inhibition observed during normal and pathological ageing.
From online filter to web format: Articulating materiality and meaning in the early history of blogs
Authors: Siles Ignacio
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the transformation of blogs from online ‘filters’ into a ‘format’ for sharing a variety of content on the Web. To account for this process of partial stabilization, this study draws on a mixed-methods research design and on an interdisciplinary framework that combines scholarship in science and technology studies (STS) and communication studies. The article analyzes how different communities of users emerged, and how they created three types of websites in the second half of 1990s: online diaries, personal publishing journals, and weblogs. Next, it examines the process of technological stabilization through which weblogs came to crystallize the practices of Web appropriation of these communities. Three dynamics are explored. First, users appropriated weblogs by expanding their types of content. Second, a Web application (Blogger) helped the weblog stabilize and standardize as a site suitable for the purposes of these user communities. Third, software developers and users redefined it as the Web’s ‘native format’. This paper broadens our understanding of technological stabilization by showing that its investigation requires the consideration of how artifacts and content are variously articulated.
Exercise as migraine prophylaxis: A randomized study using relaxation and topiramate as controls
Authors: Varkey Emma , Cider Åsa , Carlsson Jane , Linde Mattias
Published: September 2011

Aim: Scientific evidence regarding exercise in migraine prophylaxis is required. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise in migraine prevention.

Methods: In a randomized, controlled trial of adults with migraine, exercising for 40 minutes three times a week was compared to relaxation according to a recorded programme or daily topiramate use, which was slowly increased to the individual’s highest tolerable dose (maximum 200 mg/day). The treatment period lasted for 3 months, and migraine status, quality of life, level of physical activity, and oxygen uptake were evaluated. The primary efficacy variable was the mean reduction of the frequency of migraine attacks during the final month of treatment compared with the baseline.

Results: Ninety-one patients were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The primary efficacy variable showed a mean reduction of 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–1.54) attacks in the exercise group, 0.83 (95% CI 0.22–1.45) attacks in the relaxation group, and 0.97 (95% CI 0.36–1.58) attacks in the topiramate group. No significant difference was observed between the groups ( p = 0.95).

Conclusion: Exercise may be an option for the prophylactic treatment of migraine in patients who do not benefit from or do not want to take daily medication.
Cities as development drivers: from waste problems to energy recovery and climate change mitigation
Authors: Johnson Björn H. , Poulsen Tjalfe G. , Hansen Jens Aage , Lehmann Martin
Published: September 2011

There is a strong connection between economic growth and development of cities. Economic growth tends to stimulate city growth, and city economies have often shaped innovative environments that in turn support economic growth. Simultaneously, social and environmental problems related to city growth can be serious threats to the realization of the socio-economic contributions that cities can make. However, as a result of considerable diversity of competences combined with interactive learning and innovation, cities may also solve these problems. The ‘urban order’ may form a platform for innovative problem solving and potential spill-over effects, which may stimulate further economic growth and development. This paper discusses how waste problems of cities can be transformed to become part of new, more sustainable solutions. Two cases are explored: Aalborg in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden. It is shown that the cities have the potential to significantly contribute to a more sustainable development through increased material recycling and energy recovery. Waste prevention may increase this potential. For example, instead of constituting 3% of the total greenhouse gas emission problem, it seems possible for modern European cities to contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction by 15% through up to date technology and integrated waste management systems for material and energy recovery. Going from being part of the problem to providing solutions; however, is not an easy endeavour. It requires political will and leadership, supportive regulatory frameworks, realistic timetables/roadmaps, and a diverse set of stakeholders that can provide the right creative and innovative mix to make it possible.
Bulky waste quantities and treatment methods in Denmark
Authors: Larsen Anna W , Petersen Claus , Christensen Thomas H
Published: September 2011

Bulky waste is a significant and increasing waste stream in Denmark. However, only little research has been done on its composition and treatment. In the present study, data about collection methods, waste quantities and treatment methods for bulky waste were obtained from two municipalities. In addition a sorting analysis was conducted on combustible waste, which is a major fraction of bulky waste in Denmark. The generation of bulky waste was found to be 150–250 kg capita−1 year−1, and 90% of the waste was collected at recycling centres; the rest through kerbside collection. Twelve main fractions were identified of which ten were recyclable and constituted 50–60% of the total quantity. The others were combustible waste for incineration (30–40%) and non-combustible waste for landfilling (10%). The largest fractions by mass were combustible waste, bricks and tile, concrete, non-combustible waste, wood, and metal scrap, which together made up more than 90% of the total waste amounts. The amount of combustible waste could be significantly reduced through better sorting. Many of the waste fractions consisted of composite products that underwent thorough separation before being recycled. The recyclable materials were in many cases exported to other countries which made it difficult to track their destination and further treatment.
Effects of organic loading rate on reactor performance and archaeal community structure in mesophilic anaerobic digesters treating municipal sewage sludge
Authors: Gómez Eddie , Martin Jay , Michel Frederick C.
Published: September 2011

In this study, the organic loading rate (OLR) of a high-solids anaerobic digestion (HSAD) system was increased from 3.4 to 5.0 gVS L−1 day−1 and reactor stability, performance and microbial community structure were determined. Laboratory simulations (3.5 L) of the full-scale process (500 dry ton year−1) were conducted using continuously stirred-tank mesophilic reactors. OLRs of 3.4 gVS L−1day−1 (equal to the full-scale HSAD), 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 gVS L−1day−1 were evaluated. Biochemical parameters and archaeal community dynamics were measured over 42 days of steady state operation. Results showed that increasing OLR increased the amount of organic matter conversion and resulted in higher organic matter removal and volumetric methane (CH4) production (VMP) rates. The highest volatile solids (VS) removal and VMP results of 54 ± 2% and 1.4 ± 0.1 L CH4 L−1day−1 were observed for 5.0 gVS L−1 day−1. The efficiency of reactor conversion of organic matter to CH4 was found to be similar in all the treatments with an average value of 0.57 ± 0.07 LCH4 gVS−1removed. 16S rRNA gene terminal restriction fragment polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses revealed that archaeal TRFs remained stable during the experiment accounting for an average relative abundance (RA) of 81 ± 1%. Archaea consistent with multiple terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) included members of the Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota phyla, including acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic groups. In conclusion, this laboratory-scale study suggests that performance and stability as well as the archaeal community structure in this HSAD system was unaffected by increasing the OLR by nearly 50% and that this increase resulted in a similar increase in the amount of CH4 gas generated.
Dignified death: Concept development involving nurses and doctors in Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Authors: Poles Kátia , Szylit Bousso Regina
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to develop the concept of the dignified death of children in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The Hybrid Model for Concept Development was used to develop a conceptual structure of dignified death in PICUs in an attempt to define the concept. The fieldwork study was carried out by means of in-depth interviews with nine nurses and seven physicians working in PICUs. Not unexpectedly, the concept of dignified death was found to be a complex phenomenon involving aspects related to decisions made by the multidisciplinary team as well as those related to care of the child and the family. Knowledge of the concept’s dimensions can promote reflection on the part of healthcare professionals regarding the values and beliefs underlying their conduct in end-of-life situations. Our hope is that this study may contribute to theoretic and methodological development in the area of end-of-life care.
Ethical aspects of researching subjective experiences in early-stage dementia
Authors: Pesonen Hanna-Mari , Remes Anne M , Isola Arja
Published: September 2011

This article is based on a qualitative longitudinal study that followed the subjective experiences of both people living with dementia and their family members during the early stages of the illness. The purpose of this article is to describe and reflect on the ethical and methodological issues that occurred during data collection. The article focuses on the situation of the person with dementia and the family member and the role of the researcher when conducting the research interviews. Based on the results of this study, conducting research interviews with people with dementia and their family members poses several ethical and methodological challenges that must be addressed. In doing so, ethically sound dementia-specific research methods will be actively developed enhancing our understanding of living with dementia and providing new insights into the care of people with dementia and their family members.
Comparison of nurse educators’ and nursing students’ descriptions of teaching codes of ethics
Authors: Numminen Olivia , Leino-Kilpi Helena , van der Arend Arie , Katajisto Jouko
Published: September 2011

This study analysed teaching of nurses’ codes of ethics in basic nursing education in Finland. A total of 183 educators and 214 students responded to a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by SPSS. Teaching of nurses’ codes was rather extensive. The nurse-patient relationship was highlighted. Educators assessed their teaching statistically significantly more extensive than what students’ perceptions were. The use of teaching and evaluation methods was conventional, but differences between the groups concerning the use of these methods were statistically significant. Students’ knowledge of and their ability to apply the codes was mediocre. Most educators and students assessed educators’ knowledge of the codes as adequate for teaching. These educators also taught the codes more extensively and these students perceived the teaching as more extensive. Otherwise educators’ and students’ socio-demographic variables had little association with the teaching. Research should focus on the organization and effectiveness of ethics education, and on educators’ competence.
Local approach strategy to predicting final roughness in cold rolling of stainless steel strips
Authors: Deltombe R , Belotserkovets A , Dubar M , Dubois A , Dubar L
Published: September 2011

Good surface finish is an important requirement for many stainless steel products essentially in terms of brightness. This article deals with an original numerical approach proposed in order to better control workpiece roughness during cold rolling. As a first step, to supply the numerical model, the blasted strip rheology is identified using an inverse finite element methodology based on Vickers indentations. As a second step, a fluid-structure strong coupling model is proposed to determine the flattening of steel strip asperities during the first passes of a cold rolling sequence. Fluid flowrate between each valley is solved using local Reynolds' equations. The volume of the lubricant trapped and its pressure are updated on the cold rolling model. At the same time, asperities are deformed from the entry to the exit to reach their final shape. Roughness sensitivity to the industrial process parameters, to the rheological parameters, and to the lubricant rheology is discussed.
MetaLub – a slab method software for the numerical simulation of mixed lubrication regime in cold strip rolling
Authors: Carretta Y , Boman R , Stephany A , Legrand N , Laugier M , Ponthot J-P
Published: September 2011

A cold-rolling model taking into account mixed lubrication regime has been developed and included into a simulation software named MetaLub. The main objective is to enhance the performances of rolling mills from a lubrication point of view. It means that lubricant rheology but also roll diameters and roughness, etc. can be optimized to improve stability and efficiency of the rolling tool.

The main features of MetaLub are briefly presented in this article. Then, two studies of the influence of rolling speed and negative forward slip are discussed. The obtained numerical results are presented and compared to some experimental data from literature and from ArcelorMittal facilities in order to validate the model and to show its capacity to understand and help to improve industrial rolling conditions.
Plate-out modelling for cold-rolling systems lubricated with oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Guillaument R , Vincent S , Caltagirone J P , Laugier M , Gardin P
Published: September 2011

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions are widely used for steel-rolling processes. An efficient lubrication is required to control the oil film deposition on the strip surface. This article deals with phase separation in lubrication film formation before roll bite (plate-out). A model has been developed to simulate the behaviour of an emulsion droplet that impacts onto a moving plate. The typical configuration of emulsion droplet impact is considered in a calculation which controls the initial formation of the film. To describe hydrodynamic phenomena, wetting and three-phase contact line models have been integrated in a Navier–Stokes-based computational fluid dynamic code. Both models have been validated against data from the literature. Numerical studies carried out with the model have highlighted the importance of the oil concentration in the droplet on the plate-out occurrence. A ballistic study has also been performed to evaluate the influence of the droplet velocity on the film formation.
Improving strip cleanliness after cold rolling
Authors: Jacobs L , Vervaet B , Hermann H , Agostini M , Kurzynski J , Jonsson N-G , Perez J , Reuver K , Van Steden H
Published: September 2011

Strip cleanliness in the industrial cold rolling mill must be controlled by optimizing the roll, strip, lubricant and process parameters. Obtained experimental evidence in this work shows which of these parameters have a significant influence on strip cleanliness. The experiments were carried out on a plate-out tester and on cold rolling pilot mills. New findings were the influence of thickness reduction on strip cleanliness: a high reduction in the first stands of a tandem mill results in poor strip cleanliness, but in the latter stands a high reduction results in a better strip cleanliness than a low reduction. Furthermore the beneficial influence of a chrome coating on the work roll was shown to be related to the better adherence of oil to this type of work roll. This article provides a concise overview of the experimental results achieved and their interpretation.
Experimental study of the lubrication by soaps in stainless steel wire drawing
Authors: Felder E , Levrau C , Mantel M , Dinh N G Truong
Published: September 2011

Formulation of efficient lubrication procedures for multi-pass steel wire drawing is a problem of prime importance. One studies the performances of industrial soaps in stainless steel wire drawing by experiments. Before drawing, the wire is pickled and covered with salt. One measures the drawing force, die average temperature, and the total residual film surface weight and observes the drawn wire surface by scanning electron microscope. The influence of the drawing velocity u in the range 0.1–10 m/s, the nature of the stearate (Na, Ca) and the filler amount, the salt surface weight, the wire roughness and yield stress, and the die angle are studied. Results demonstrate that quasi-hydrodynamic lubrication is induced by a mixture of salt and soap; calcium stearate is well adapted to the lowest velocities, whereas sodium stearate has better performances at the highest velocities. Rheological origins of these differences are discussed.
Shall I Name Her “Wisdom” or “Elegance”? Naming in China
Authors: Gao Ge
Published: September 2011

AbstractNaming practices are significant communicative acts. Given names convey aspects of identity, social circumstances, and cultural conditioning. In this study, several issues regarding naming practices in China are considered. The results show that given names possess multiple levels of meanings, including parental expectations, birth circumstances, lineage, parental affection/love, commemoration, and gender qualities. Although the impact of a given name on a person's everyday life is viewed as mostly symbolic, a given name is believed to have the power of motivating and inspiring individuals. Good given names are meaningful, bear parental wishes, hopes, and love, and are pleasant to hear.