bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte‐derived kynurenic acid modulates basal and evoked cortical acetylcholine release
Authors: Zmarowski A. , Wu H.‐Q. , Brooks J. M. , Potter M. C. , Pellicciari R. , Schwarcz R. , Bruno J. P.
Published: January 2009

We tested the hypothesis that fluctuations in the levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor, modulate extracellular ACh levels in the medial prefrontal cortex in rats. Decreases in cortical KYNA levels were achieved by local perfusion of S‐ESBA, a selective inhibitor of the astrocytic enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), which catalyses the formation of KYNA from its precursor l‐kynurenine. At 5 mm, S‐ESBA caused a 30% reduction in extracellular KYNA levels, which was accompanied by a two‐threefold increase in basal cortical ACh levels. Co‐perfusion of KYNA in the endogenous range (100 nm), which by itself tended to reduce basal ACh levels, blocked the ability of S‐ESBA to raise extracellular ACh levels. KYNA perfusion (100 nm) also prevented the evoked ACh release caused by d‐amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg). This effect was duplicated by the systemic administration of kynurenine (50 mg/kg), which resulted in a significant increase in cortical KYNA formation. Jointly, these data indicate that astrocytes, by producing and releasing KYNA, have the ability to modulate cortical cholinergic neurotransmission under both basal and stimulated conditions. As cortical KYNA levels are elevated in individuals with schizophrenia, and in light of the established role of cortical ACh in executive functions, our findings suggest that drugs capable of attenuating the production of KYNA may be of benefit in the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Characterisation of tremor‐associated local field potentials in the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Reck Christiane , Florin Esther , Wojtecki Lars , Krause Holger , Groiss Stefan , Voges Jürgen , Maarouf Mohammad , Sturm Volker , Schnitzler Alfons , Timmermann Lars
Published: January 2009

We simultaneously recorded local field potentials (LFPs) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and surface electromyographic signals (EMGs) from the extensor and flexor muscles of the contralateral forearm in eight patients with idiopathic tremor‐dominant Parkinson’s disease (resting tremor) during the bilateral implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes. Recordings were made at different heights (in 0.5‐ to 2.0‐mm steps beginning outside the STN) using up to five concentrically configured macroelectrodes (2 mm apart). The patients were instructed to relax their contralateral forearm (rest condition). We analysed the coherence between tremor EMGs and STN LFPs, which showed significant tremor‐associated coupling at single tremor and double tremor frequencies. Moreover, the EMG–LFP coherences were characterised by differences between antagonistic muscles (flexor, extensor) and by the spatial distribution of LFPs within the STN. Coherence at single and double tremor frequencies occurred significantly more frequently within STN than above STN (in the zona incerta). In this study, we were able to show that, within STN, tremor‐associated LFP activity varied with spatial distribution and with the contralateral antagonistic forearm muscles. These findings suggest the existence of distribution‐ and muscle‐specific tremor‐associated LFP activity at different tremor frequencies and an organisation of tremor‐related subloops within the STN.
α7 and non‐α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate dopamine release in vitro and in vivo in the rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Livingstone Phil D. , Srinivasan Jayaraman , Kew James N.C. , Dawson Lee A. , Gotti Cecilia , Moretti Milena , Shoaib Mohammed , Wonnacott Susan
Published: January 2009

Nicotine enhances attentional and working memory aspects of executive function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) where dopamine plays a major role. Here, we have determined the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes that can modulate dopamine release in rat PFC using subtype‐selective drugs. Nicotine and 5‐Iodo‐A‐85380 (β2* selective) elicited [3H]dopamine release from both PFC and striatal prisms in vitro and dopamine overflow from medial PFC in vivo. Blockade by dihydro‐β‐erythroidine supports the participation of β2* nAChRs. However, insensitivity of nicotine‐evoked [3H]dopamine release to α‐conotoxin‐MII in PFC prisms suggests no involvement of α6β2* nAChRs, in contrast to the striatum, and this distinction is supported by immunoprecipitation of nAChR subunits from these tissues. The α7 nAChR‐selective agonists choline and Compound A also promoted dopamine release from PFC in vitro and in vivo, and their effects were enhanced by the α7 nAChR‐selective allosteric potentiator PNU‐120596 and blocked by specific antagonists. DNQX and MK801 inhibited [3H]dopamine release evoked by choline and PNU‐120596, suggesting crosstalk between α7 nAChRs, glutamate and dopamine in the PFC. In vivo, systemic (but not local) administration of PNU‐120596, in the absence of agonist, facilitated dopamine overflow in the medial PFC, consistent with the activation of extracortical α7 nAChRs by endogenous acetylcholine or choline. These data establish that both β2* and α7 nAChRs can modulate dopamine release in the PFC in vitro and in vivo. Through their distinct actions on dopamine release, these nAChR subtypes could contribute to executive function, making them specific therapeutic targets for conditions such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
R&D subsidiary isolation in knowledge‐intensive industries: evidence from Austria
Authors: Williams Christopher , Nones Brigitte
Published: January 2009

We investigate R&D subsidiary isolation within Multinational Corporations (MNCs) competing in knowledge‐intensive industries. For such MNCs, accessing knowledge and nurturing the innovative potential of R&D subsidiaries is vital for on‐going competitiveness. This, according to conventional thinking, requires integration of the subsidiary within the host country as well as internally within the MNC. Recent studies have shown, however, that overseas subsidiaries can become isolated (i.e., losing requisite integration), even in high‐technology sectors. We tackle this issue by focusing on organizational factors at corporate and subsidiary levels that have the potential to explain subsidiary isolation. We analyze a sample of 45 foreign‐owned Austrian subsidiaries undertaking R&D in knowledge‐intensive industries using a combination of questionnaire and secondary data. The results suggest that parent and subsidiary experience, the degree of early‐stage research conducted by the subsidiary and the use of training and rotation practices by the subsidiary, all act to counter isolation. Interestingly, we find that proximity between parent and R&D subsidiary does not play a significant role in predicting isolation. We also show how these factors influence communication frequency between the R&D subsidiary and various actors within the internal and the external networks in different ways.
Class‐specific tests of spatial segregation based on nearest neighbor contingency tables
Authors: Ceyhan Elvan
Published: January 2009

The spatial interaction between two or more classes might cause multivariate clustering patterns such as segregation or association, which can be tested using a nearest neighbor contingency table (NNCT). The null hypothesis is randomness in the nearest neighbor structure, which may result fromrandom labeling(RL) orcomplete spatial randomnessof points from two or more classes (which is henceforth calledCSR independence). We consider Dixon's class‐specific segregation test and introduce a new class‐specific test, which is a new decomposition of Dixon's overall chi‐squared segregation statistic. We analyze the distributional properties and compare the empirical significant levels and power estimates of the tests using extensive Monte Carlo simulations. We demonstrate that the new class‐specific tests have comparable performance with the currently available tests based on NNCTs. For illustrative purposes, we use three example data sets and provide guidelines for using these tests.
Welchen Einfluss hat der Wechselkurs auf die internationale Rolle von US-Dollar und Euro?
Authors: Remsperger Hermann , Winkler Adalbert
Published: January 2009

This article analyses the impact of the exchange rate on the role of dollar and euro as international currencies. It is found that exchange rate fluctuations are a major determinant of the international role of currencies only if they reflect sizeable inflation differentials. Accordingly, major changes in the international role of dollar and euro are not to be expected given the continuation of a stability-oriented US monetary policy. However, a move towards more exchange rate flexibility in emerging market economies, reflecting the need for greater monetary policy autonomy, might lead to a relative strengthening of the international role of the euro.38C
Der Emissionshandel in Deutschland und Österreich – ein wirksames Instrument des Klimaschutzes?
Authors: Kemfert Claudia , Schneider Friedrich
Published: January 2009

Europe has implemented in the year 2005 an emissions trading system in order to fulfill the Kyoto emissions reduction targets. In principle, the instrument should be a cost-efficient measure of climate protection. But within the first implementation phase because of a over-allocation of emissions permits the emissions price declined to almost zero. In order to improve the effectiveness of the emissions trading system, emission permits should be auctioned. In addition, more gases and sectors should ideally be covered.
Autism and autism spectrum disorders: diagnostic issues for the coming decade
Authors: Volkmar Fred R. , State Matthew , Klin Ami
Published: January 2009

A decade and a half have elapsed since DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 appeared. During this time the convergent definitions of autism and related disorders in these two diagnostic systems have stimulated tremendous research. In this brief review we summarize areas of progress and continuing controversy, including approaches to diagnosis in more cognitively able individuals on the autism spectrum, diagnosis in very young infants, the issue of subtypes, and the potential contribution of genetic research. The use of dimensional assessments has some advantages as do the insights from prospective studies. At this point it will be important to study not only causative factors but developmental processes disrupted in these disorders.
Professor of Sociology at Tokyo Gakugei University.
Authors: Naoi Michiko
Published: January 2009

Abstract  In this paper I discuss methods of integrating women into social stratification studies. Traditional stratification studies have focused only on the male “heads” of households. While considering this problem within a conceptual framework of theoretical assumptions and empirical evidence, I would like to review some of the earlier work in this area.

I propose to differentiate social stratification into “occupational stratification” and “consumption stratification” in order to facilitate the integration of women into these studies. I shall use data from a nationwide survey to show how and why the traditional male head‐of‐household approach is inappropriate in determining the social stratification of households.

Rather than considering the occupation of the male head of the household, I use the concept of “substantive complexity of work” to compare paid work with housework. If a married woman is working outside the home, I define her occupation as that which scores higher in this comparison.

I also suggest that we further subcategorize consumption stratification. Finally, I propose integrating the suggestions made in this paper with the status inconsistency approach to social stratification.
Language Learning in the Process of Refugee Resettlement: A Case Study Comparing Conditions in Germany and Japan
Authors: Kosaka Fumiko
Published: January 2009

Abstract  The difficulties encountered in the resettling of refugees in a host country arise from the following sources. The first source of difficulty involves so‐called personal factors which stem from the character and experience of the individual refugee. For example, these include past experiences or experiences encountered during flight from the home country, family‐background, religion, age, sex, educational level, occupation, etc. The second source pertains to the circumstances surrounding the process of resettlement (e.g. level of assistance offered by the host country, cultural differences between the home and host country, etc.). The third sorce of differences arise from the level of communication between the refugee and the new social environment (for example, the possibility of establishing social contacts, access to various kinds of information, etc.). In this article some characteristics of the language‐learning process are discussed with the inclusion of several case‐studies from Germany and Japan. It is noted that Germany appears to provide better assistance in language‐learning. On the other hand, from the point of view of Indochinese refugees, Japan is more similar culturally and socially. The questions of how language‐acquisition can best be achieved, as well as the ways in which the situation of refugees in Germany and Japan can best be improved are discussed.
“I” and Self‐Consciousness in the Japanese Language and in Sociology
Authors: Kamada Isamu
Published: January 2009

Abstract  It is often said that the Japanese lack the firm consciousness of “self” namely, they yield to groups and are absorbed in an anonymous state. Some ascribe this to the Japanese language, in which the first and the second person are expressed by various pronouns (or, in many cases, are even omitted) in accordance with the relationships between persons. By contrast the Westerner's “I,” which is usually the only pronoun for the first‐person, is rarely omitted. They conclude from this that the Japanese individual does not possess as clearly defined a conception of “self” as does the Westerner.

Underlying this issue are the fundamental, interwoven questions of language and self‐consciousness: does “self” really exist, and does the analysis of the I in language pertain to the first question? This paper discusses these questions by considering Wittgenstein's argument that “I” does not refer to self‐consciousness: rather, “self” is a metaphysical reification of “I.”

These problems concern sociology, in which the “subject” of action has been the focal point of methodological arguments. I will show that Meadian interactionism and critical theory are deeply rooted in the metaphysical, subjectivist understanding of “I,” while ethnomethodology offers a perspective which overcomes both subjectivism and objectivism for studying communication.
Theories on Modernization of Japan Today
Authors: Yui Kiyomitsu
Published: January 2009

Abstract  When examining the issues related to the theories on modernization of Japan up until now, we can distinguish three extremely important trends of thought. I would like to refer to those three trends as the “Post War Theories” (P.T.), the “American Theories” (A.T.), and the “Beyond Western Theories” (B.T.). “P.T.” emphasize the importance of modernization as democratization, meanwhile the “A.T.” emphasize the importance of modernization as industrialization. In the “B.T.”, post‐modern debate is included. In the context of Japan, modernization should be defined as a process which has two equally important elements: democratization and industrialization. It is a process that originated in the West, but was accepted by non Western countries mixing with their own traditions transforming and organizing the “World System”. Theoretical reconsideration on the subject of “acceptance” has crucial importance in this case. We need also to start from the pre‐modern period as the initial condition for modernization. Concerning the Japanese pre‐modern era, we need to analyze the “Ie” (household) system as a social structure, and worldly attitudes as a spiritual or value structure, and finally the bureaucratic system as the intermediate element of the above two structures. Edo (pre‐modern) society was a compound of “Ie” and a bureaucratic system. Because the bureaucratic structure functioned by the very law of the period. the bushi warriors were expected to promote their abilities in judicature, administration, policy planning and decisions, and then they tended to become like modern bureaucrats in their characters. Peasant society also had a similar system as mentioned above. Japan's “Ie” existed as a certain social unit called “Ie‐Kabu”. From that, Japanese “Ie” came to have a structure where families were bound within public control apparatus instruments. Thus the control mechanisms of the government effectively functioned down to the common people's level through this apparatus.
The Double Meaning of Nationalism
Authors: Ohsawa Masachi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Although nationalism appears to be a kind of particularism, in fact we often find nationalist movements emerging within the trend toward universalism. For example, contemporary storms of nationalism are taking place in an era of unprecedented universalization in politics, economics and technology. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the mechanism which generates nationalism by explaining the contradictory intersection between particularism and universalism. First, the paper looks at the difficulty in defining the nation, and shows that there are two historical stages in the establishment of nation. Second. the difference between social experiences in a nation and those in pre‐nation society are discovered through consideration of the fact that the novel and the nation developed contemporaneously. Thus it is established that social experiences in nation are characterized by the acquisition of special transcendent viewpoint. Third, the paper searches for the origin of nationalism in the traditional European political theory according to which the king has two bodies. Fourth, the paper attempts to integrate two excellent theories of nationalism: those of Gellner and Anderson. Fifth, the paper analyses types of nationalism so as to clarify the inner structure of the transcendence proper to nationalism. Finally, this paper explains the mechanism of nationalism by relating it to the dynamics of capitalism. The explanation will enable us to understand why the nationalism chauvinism suddenly reemerges in today's Eastern European societies when they are exposed to capitalism.
Ruth Benedict's Original Wartime Study of the Japanese
Authors: Kent Pauline
Published: January 2009

Abstract Benedict's classic work on Japanese society,The Chrysanthemum and the Sword(1946). is still cited frequently in studies on Japanese society and culture, despite the fact that it is now nearly 50 years since it was published. However, although this book has exerted enormous influence on subsequent generations of scholars, her research into the work on the Japanese that preceded the writing ofChrysanthemum. is virtually non‐existant. This paper first traces the process through which Benedict progressed during her war‐time study of cultures at a distance. It then examines the eventual report she wrote on the Japanese and the significance of this report. Benedict's report, which stresses the importance of“girito one's name” within the code of Japanese ethics but devotes very little space to the discussion of “shame”. raises questions about the excessive attention devoted to repetitive references concerning her depiction of Japan as a “shame culture” by numerous social scientists.

As this paper demonstrates through a consideration of her background research, the importance placed on the concept of “shame culture” by others was not shared by Benedict herself.
Japanese Historical Experience and Japanese Modernity
Authors: Eisenstadt S. N.
Published: January 2009

Abstract It has long been recognized that Japanese modern society, policy and economy exhibit some very distinct characteristics, a distinct mode of structuration of modern institutions and organizations which are structured in ways radically different from those which have developed in other —especially Western— societies. Such differences are not just local variations. They pertain to the very basic ways in which the various modern institutional arenas are regulated, defined, and the broader social and cultural contexts in which they operate.

The common denominator of these characteristics is a very high level of structural differentiation. mobility, openness and dynamics grounded in conceptions of service to social contexts, ideally (as promulgated in the Meiji ideology) to the national community. Neither the emphasis on equality nor the strong emphasis on achievement were grounded in any conception of principled transcendentally oriented individuality or of transcendental legitimation of different functional (e.g. political or economic) activities.

Such a rather strong structural similarity, together with a distinct institutional dynamics. can be identified in comparing Japan and Western Europe already in the premodern period, when there were only but minimal contacts between them.

The analysis in a comparative framework of this unusual combination is of central importance for the understanding of Japanese modernity and in the following pages I would like to present some preliminary steps for such analysis.
Game Theoretical Formulations of The Olson Problem*
Authors: Kimura Kunihiro
Published: January 2009

Abstract This paper takes up one of the basic themes of Mancur Olson'sLogic of Collective Action(Harvard University Press 1965). that is a group size as a cause of suboptimal provision of collective or public goods. A general framework is developed for classifying collective action situations involving public goods provisions. This framework focuses on the two characteristics: relations between contribution and provision, and rivalness or jointness in consumption of the collective goods. This framework distinguishes six types of collective actions, for each of which a game theoretical formulation is developed to obtain. models concerning social movements against (or for) new legislations, a petition for the recall of an official, a strike, lobbying, building a lighthouse, creation of a database, etc. These models, formulated either as anN‐person chicken game or as anN‐person prisoner's dilemma game. are examined with respect to how a group size affects non‐cooperative equilibria and their Paretooptimality. There is no group size effect in the collective action situations formulated as anN‐person chicken game, while large groups may suffer from suboptimal provision of the public goods in the collective action situations formulated as anN‐person prisoner's dilemma game. Two types of the group size effect inN‐person prisoner's dilemmas must be distinguished. In some cases. “no contribution” is the equilibrium regardless of the group size. but increase in the group size makes the equilibrium Pareto‐deficient. In other cases, increase in the group size changes the equilibrium from the Pareto‐efficient one withNcontributors to the deficient one with no contributors.
Comparing Protest and Conflict: A Time‐Series Analysis of Peasant Unrest in Japan, 1800‐1877
Authors: Nomiya Daishiro
Published: January 2009

Abstract  The objective of this study is to explore the mechanisms of peasant political protest and social conflict in nineteenth‐century Japan. While political protest and social conflict have often been referred to as constituting two major categories of peasant unrest throughout feudal Japan, past studies on nineteenth‐century peasant uprisings, based mainly on a class conflict paradigm, did not treat them as such. This study aims at examining differential mechanisms between protest and conflict, and at assessing the applicability of the class conflict paradigm.

A time‐series analysis is performed using the annual data of peasant uprisings and antecedent socioeconomic and political conditions during the period 1800‐1877. The study results strongly suggest that differential mechanisms between political protest and social conflict existed in the nineteenth‐century, and that the applicability of a class conflict paradigm is, at the very least, dubious. Based on the results, combined with historical‐contextual knowledge, an alternative explanation is also suggested.
SOCIAL PRISMS: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF CHILDREARING MANUALS1
Authors: Boocock Sarane Spence
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper presents findings from a comparative study of childrearing values and practices in four countries–Japan, People's Republic of China, France, and United States–based upon a content analysis of the ten best‐selling childrearing manuals in each country during the last decade of the twentieth century. A uniform set of procedures was used to classify and analyze the content of the manuals. Selected findings are discussed regarding: (1) management of the child's body and bodily functions: 12) management and shaping of the child's behavior; and (3) roles and role relationships within the family and outside.

While cultural differences remain, two general trends emerge from the analysis. One is a trend toward more flexible child care practices and greater sensitivity to the character and needs of the individual child. The second is a convergence of opinion on many aspects of children's upbringing. Global trends that are affecting the production and dissemination of childrearing advice are also discussed.
Intergenerational Coresidence and Nearness in Korea and Japan: Unbalanced Aspects of Family Changes
Authors: Park Keong‐Suk , Kim Ik Ki , Kojima Hiroshi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This study aims to explain similarity and difference in geographic proximity between elderly parents and their children in Korea and Japan. Using data sets from two nationally representative surveys conducted in Korea and Japan, this study examines the extent to which needs and kinship of elderly parents and regional constraints influence intergenerational coresidence and nearness.

Results highlight a complex feature of intergenerational relationship in Korea and Japan. Advanced economic and health conditions of Korean elderly parents increase the likelihood of living with children. For Japanese elderly parents, however, coresidence with children is significantly likely to occur in response to their disadvantaged economic status. These results suggest that the elderly Korean are more likely than the elderly Japanese to lack not only economic and health resources but also opportunities in obtaining family support in a time of need.

Characteristics of children, however, show a similar trend between the two societies. Both societies maintain a strong son preference for extended family living arrangement. Eldest children in both societies are more likely than their siblings to live with or near elderly parents. However, children of younger cohorts in both societies are significantly more likely than those of older cohorts to maintain a disperse geographic network indicating a significant change in family attitude among different cohorts.

Finally, this study finds a more disperse family network among rural elderly parents than urban elderly parents in both societies reflecting the fact that massive rural‐to‐urban migration of young population has contributed to geographic segregation of kinship in these societies.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND JAPANESE NUCLEAR POLICY1
Authors: HASEGAWA Koichi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Among advanced industrialized countries, only the Japanese government has a plan to construct an additional twenty nuclear power plant by 2010. Why does the government adhere so aggressively to a pro‐nuclear policy? Recently, the government has stressed nuclear power for global climate protection. This paper criticizes Japanese climate protection policy from a sociological point of view and searches the political and social background of the policy, focusing on: (4 the characteristics and structure of the global warming issue, (b) the political opportunity structure of the decision making process at the national level, (c) the role of NGOs, (d) the international context and (el countermeasures at the municipal level.
Changes in the Labor Market and Occupational Prestige Scores
Authors: Hara Junsuke
Published: January 2009

Abstract  In spite of the great changes in the structures of industry as well as work and occupation in postwar Japan as a result of rapid industrialization, occupational prestige scores as an index of people's evaluation of occupations did not reveal the corresponding changes. They maintained consistent stability since the mid 1950s aside from parallel upward movements, which might be a result of the permeation of an egalitarian ideology. Three kinds of occupational prestige scores calculated from data in the SSM survey of 1955, 1975 and 1995 had very high correlation with each other. The scores also showed a strong correlation between levels of education and income for each occupation, and no relation with labor market situation. And the unchanged order of occupations in Japan might be one of the reasons for the stability. The fact that people's evaluation of occupations revealed by prestige scores has scarcely changed and such scores has been associated with differences in the level of education makes us suspect that Japan's “credentialism” might be weakened in the near future.
Family System Adjustment and Adaptive Reconstruction of Social Reality among the 1995 Earthquake Survivors
Authors: Tatsuki Shigeo , Hayashi Haruo
Published: January 2009

Abstract The 1995 Great Hanshin‐Awaji earthquake resulted in immense imbalances among and within natural ecosystems, the built environment, and human systems. The current study examined the relationship among familial adjustment, adaptive construction of social reality, and recovery of built environment. A random sample mail survey was conducted on 3,300 earthquake victims and 993 questionnaires were returned. The survey questionnaire included the following four scales that measured the family system adjustment on family cohesion and adaptability, the adaptive construction of new reality as evidenced by citizenship orientations, the current level of physical and psychological stress, and a subjective evaluation of life recovery. The results were as follows: (1) Those families that exhibited high cohesion and a clear leadership structure in the emergency period were more functional than others. (2) Those families that reported a balanced level of cohesion and adaptability during the recovery period were the most functional in promoting present individual recovery and in alleviating current stress. (3) The rise of civic‐mindedness was observed among those who survived the disaster. (4) Those with high civic‐mindedness tend to be better recovered with less current physical and psychological stress. This paper presented a human ecological model that described the relationships among five components: (1) the earthquake hazard, (2) built environment conditions such as disruption of the lifeline and its recovery, (3) opportunity costs for engaging in exchanges with either basic‐trust‐based ties or social‐trust‐based ties, (4) the optimal family system adjustment to corresponding exchange relations, and (5) adaptive construction of new social reality.
Newcomer Migrant Workers in the Underclass: A Yokohama, Japan Case Study
Authors: Yamamoto Kahoruko
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper will investigate how some undocumented migrant workers survive in Kotobuki, Yokohama known as the urban underclass. Since the latter half of the 1990s, Kotobuki itself has undergone structural changes. Once a center of day laborers it is now a center of older ex‐laborers, mostly surviving on welfare. However, Kotobuki holds positive associations for many Korean and Pilipino migrants, many of whom arrived at the end of the 1980s. They regard the area as a place to earn high wages and as a center for building ethnic networks. Migrants tend to help their ethnic fellows find jobs and exchange information that they may otherwise be unable to acquire given that undocumented migrants are ineligible for public services in Japan. Additionally, ethnic‐related self‐help activities as well as NGOs play a valuable role in sustaining the livelihood of such migrants who are denied access to public services and assistance. This paper will illustrate the role of self‐help among ethnic minority migrant workers. It also aims to demonstrate that contrary to prevailing assumptions, their social status as underclass is not lower than that of their Japanese counterparts.
Scheduled Bright Light for Treatment of Insomnia in Older Adults
Authors: Friedman Leah , Zeitzer Jamie M. , Kushida Clete , Zhdanova Irina , Noda Art , Lee Tina , Schneider Bret , Guilleminault Christian , Sheikh Javaid , Yesavage Jerome A.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether bright light can improve sleep in older individuals with insomnia.

DESIGN: Single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 12‐week, parallel‐group randomized design comparing four treatment groups representing a factorial combination of two lighting conditions and two times of light administration.

SETTING: At‐home light treatment; eight office therapy sessions.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐six women and fifteen men (aged 63.6±7.1) meeting primary insomnia criteria recruited from the community.

INTERVENTION: A 12‐week program of sleep hygiene and exposure to bright (∼4,000 lux) or dim light (∼65 lux) scheduled daily in the morning or evening for 45 minutes.

MEASUREMENTS: Within‐group changes were observed for subjective (sleep logs, questionnaires) and objective (actigraphy, polysomnography) sleep measures after morning or evening bright light.

RESULTS: Within‐group changes for subjective sleep measures after morning or evening bright light were not significantly different from those observed after exposure to scheduled dim light. Objective sleep changes (actigraphy, polysomnography) after treatment were not significantly different between the bright and dim light groups. Scheduled light exposure was able to shift the circadian phase predictably but was unrelated to changes in objective or subjective sleep measures. A polymorphism in CLOCK predicted morningness but did not moderate the effects of light on sleep. The phase angle between the circadian system (melatonin midpoint) and sleep (darkness) predicted the magnitude of phase delays, but not phase advances, engendered by bright light.

CONCLUSION: Except for one subjective measure, scheduled morning or evening bright light effects were not different from those of scheduled dim light. Thus, support was not found for bright light treatment of older individuals with primary insomnia.
A Multi‐Drug Intoxication Fatality Involving Xyrem® (GHB)
Authors: Akins Brianne E. , Miranda Estuardo , Matthew Lacy J. , Logan Barry K.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is best known as a recreational depressant drug, whose use has also been implicated in drug facilitated sexual assault cases. It is also available as a therapeutic agent (Xyrem®) used for the treatment of daytime sleepiness or cataplexy associated with narcolepsy. This is a report of a case of a 53‐year‐old woman undergoing treatment with Xyrem® for narcolepsy. The decedent was also prescribed tramadol, gabapentin, cetirizine, modafinil, carisoprodol, and Xyrem®. Toxicological analysis of the blood revealed GHB 165.6 mg/L, and 90.7 mg/L in the urine. Blood GHB concentrations in the range 156–260 mg/L have been reported to induce moderately sound sleep. The combined use of central nervous system depressant drugs, together with her problematic sleep apnea, and snoring (both contraindications for GHB use) were determined to have caused this subject’s death. The manner of death was determined to be accidental.
Efficacy and safety of deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, in heavily iron‐overloaded patients with β‐thalassaemia: the ESCALATOR study
Authors: Taher Ali , El‐Beshlawy Amal , Elalfy Mohsen S. , Al Zir Kusai , Daar Shahina , Habr Dany , Kriemler‐Krahn Ulrike , Hmissi Abdel , Al Jefri Abdullah
Published: January 2009

Objective:  Many patients with transfusional iron overload are at risk for progressive organ dysfunction and early death and poor compliance with older chelation therapies is believed to be a major contributing factor. Phase II/III studies have shown that oral deferasirox 20–30 mg/kg/d reduces iron burden, depending on transfusional iron intake.

Methods:  The prospective, open‐label, 1‐yr ESCALATOR study in the Middle East was designed to evaluate once‐daily deferasirox in patients ≥2 yr with β‐thalassaemia major and iron overload who were previously chelated with deferoxamine and/or deferiprone. Most patients began treatment with deferasirox 20 mg/kg/d; doses were adjusted in response to markers of over‐ or under‐chelation. The primary endpoint was treatment success, defined as a reduction in liver iron concentration (LIC) of ≥3 mg Fe/g dry weight (dw) if baseline LIC was ≥10 mg Fe/g dw, or final LIC of 1–7 mg Fe/g dw for patients with baseline LIC of 2 to <10 mg Fe/g dw.

Results:  Overall, 233/237 enrolled patients completed 1 yr’s treatment. Mean baseline LIC was 18.0 ± 9.1 mg Fe/g dw, while median serum ferritin was 3356 ng/mL. After 1 yr’s deferasirox treatment, the intent‐to‐treat population experienced a significant treatment success rate of 57.0% (P = 0.016) and a mean reduction in LIC of 3.4 mg Fe/g dw. Changes in serum ferritin appeared to parallel dose increases at around 24 wk. Most patients (78.1%) underwent dose increases above 20 mg/kg/d, primarily to 30 mg/kg/d. Drug‐related adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and resolved without discontinuing treatment.

Conclusions:  The results of the ESCALATOR study in primarily heavily iron‐overloaded patients confirm previous observations in patients with β‐thalassaemia, highlighting the importance of timely deferasirox dose adjustments based on serum ferritin levels and transfusional iron intake to ensure patients achieve their therapeutic goal of maintenance or reduction in iron burden.
Rivaroxaban – an oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor – lessons from a broad clinical study programme
Authors: Haas Sylvia
Published: January 2009

Anticoagulants are recommended for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and secondary prevention in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). There is a clinical need for novel anticoagulants offering improvements over current standard of care, such as fixed oral dosing and no need for routine monitoring. Rivaroxaban, an oral, once‐daily, direct Factor Xa inhibitor, has recently completed the RECORD phase III programme for the prevention of VTE in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement (THR or TKR), an indication for which it is approved in Europe and Canada. It is being investigated in large‐scale phase III studies for VTE treatment and prevention of stroke in patients with AF, and phase III studies will soon commence for secondary prevention in patients with ACS. Phase I studies demonstrated that no routine anticoagulation monitoring was required, while phase II studies suggested that fixed daily doses had a wide therapeutic window. The four RECORD studies consistently showed that rivaroxaban was significantly more effective than enoxaparin in the prevention of VTE after THR and TKR, with a similar safety profile. This review describes the development of this novel anticoagulant, from bench to bedside.
Plasma‐based detection of clonality in lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Yeh Chen‐Hsiung , Tseng Richard , Albitar Maher
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Plasma has been found to be enriched with tumor‐specific DNA, RNA, and protein in patients with hematologic disease. We assessed the utility of plasma as a DNA source for detection of genetic abnormalities in patients with suspected B‐ or T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Methods:  DNA was extracted from paired peripheral blood (PB) cells and plasma for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and T‐cell receptor gamma chain (TCR‐γ) rearrangements, and B‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (BCL)‐1/IgH and BCL‐2/IgH translocations.

Results:  Concordance between plasma and PB cell analysis was 100% for IgH (n = 57), TCR‐γ (n = 57), and BCL‐1/IgH (n = 37) rearrangements, and 94% (60/64) for BCL‐2/IgH; four of 11 plasma samples positive for BCL‐2/IgH tested negative in paired cells. No plasma or PB cell samples from 195 healthy donors showed genetic abnormalities.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that plasma is a reliable sample type for detection of abnormalities associated with B‐ and T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders, providing sensitivity equal to or greater than that of PB cells.
Dendritic cells – why can they help and hurt us
Authors: Schäkel Knut
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Dendritic cells (DCs) show a Janus‐like functional behavior. They help us by their orchestration of numerous immune responses to defend our body against invading pathogenic micro‐organisms and also induce regulatory T cells to inhibit immune reactions against autoantigens as well as diverse harmless environmental antigens. However, DCs can also be of harm to us when misguided by their microenvironment as in allergic and autoimmune diseases or when DCs are targeted and exploited by microbes and cancer cells to evade the immune defense. This huge and diverse functional repertoire of DCs requires complex decision‐making processes and the integration of multiple stimulatory and inhibitory signals. Although a given DC type has an extensive functionally plasticity, DCs are heterogeneous and individual DC subtypes are differentially distributed in tissues, express distinct sets of pattern recognition receptors and differ in their capacity to program naive T cells. With the help of transgenic mouse models and selective ablation of individual DC subtypes, we are just at the beginning of understanding the DC system in its complexity. Obtaining a more detailed knowledge of the DC system in mice and men holds strong promise for the successful induction of immunity and tolerance in therapeutic trials. This review presents the recent advances in the understanding of DC biology and discusses why and how DC can help and hurt us.
Breeding habitat selection behaviors in heterogeneous environments: implications for modeling reintroduction
Authors: Mihoub Jean‐Baptiste , Le Gouar Pascaline , Sarrazin François
Published: January 2009

Animal movement and habitat selection behavior are important considerations in ecology, and remain a major issue for successful animal reintroductions. However, simple rules are often used to model movement or focus only on intrinsic environmental cues, neglecting recent insights in behavioral ecology on habitat selection processes. In particular, social information has been proposed as a widespread source of information for habitat evaluation.

We investigated the role of explicit breeding habitat selection strategies on the establishment pattern of reintroduced populations and their persistence. We considered local movement at the scale of a single population. We constructed a spatially‐implicit demographic model that considered five breeding habitat selection rules: 1) random, 2) intrinsic habitat quality, 3) avoidance of conspecifics, 4) presence of conspecifics and 5) reproductive success of conspecifics. The impact of breeding habitat selection was examined for different release methods under various levels of environmental heterogeneity levels, for both long and short‐lived monogamous species.

When heterogeneity between intrinsic habitat patch qualities is high, the persistence of reintroduced populations strongly depends on habitat selection strategies. Strategies based on intrinsic quality and conspecific reproductive success lead to a lower reintroduction failure risk than random, conspecific presence or avoidance‐based strategies. Conspecific presence or avoidance‐based strategies may aggregate individuals in suboptimal habitats. The release of adults seems to be more efficient independent of habitat selection strategy.

We emphasize the crucial role of oriented habitat selection behavior and non ideal habitat selection in movement modeling, particularly for reintroduction.
Evidence for a biphasic apoptotic pathway induced by melatonin in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Cucina Alessandra , Proietti Sara , D’Anselmi Fabrizio , Coluccia Pierpaolo , Dinicola Simona , Frati Luigi , Bizzarri Mariano
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Previous investigations demonstrated that melatonin exerts an oncostatic action on estrogen‐responsive breast cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, the pro‐apoptotic effect of melatonin is still a matter of debate. An experimental study was undertaken to focus on melatonin‐related apoptosis and to identify the apoptotic pathways involved. Whole cell‐count, flow‐cytometry analysis and proteins involved in apoptotic pathways [p53, p73, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), caspases‐9,‐7,‐6, cleaved‐poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), Bcl‐2, Bax and apoptotic inducing factor (AIF)] were investigated in human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells treated with physiological (1 nM) concentration of melatonin. Melatonin exerts a significant growth‐inhibitory effect on MCF‐7 cells, becoming evident after 72 hr and thereafter increasing linearly up to 144 hr. In this model, the growth‐inhibition is transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)‐dependent and it might be reversed by adding an anti‐TGFβ1 antibody. Melatonin induces a significant rise in apoptotic rate, at both 24 and 96 hr. The anti‐TGFβ1 antibody almost completely suppresses melatonin‐related late apoptosis; however, early apoptosis is unaffected. Early programmed cell death is associated with a significant increase in the p53/MDM2 ratio and in AIF release, without modifications in caspase activity or cleaved‐PARP levels. Activated caspases‐9 and ‐7 and cleaved‐PARP increased significantly at 96 hr, concomitantly with a down‐regulation of the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. These data suggest that two distinct apoptotic processes are triggered by melatonin in MCF‐7 cells: an early, TGFβ1 and caspase‐independent response, and a late apoptotic TGFβ1‐dependent process in which activated‐caspase‐7 is likely to be the terminal effector.
The relationship between sleep duration and obesity in Turkish children and adolescents
Authors: Ozturk A , Mazicioglu MM , Poyrazoglu S , Cicek B , Gunay O , Kurtoglu S
Published: January 2009

Aim: To determine the relationship between sleep duration and obesity in Turkish children and adolescents.

Methods: This study was conducted in Turkey with 5358 children aged 6 to 17 years. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness were measured. Body mass index (BMI), arm fat area were calculated. Self‐reported sleep duration by parents were obtained.

Results: As sleep duration increased, BMI, which was significantly higher in girls sleeping ≤8 h, decreased (p < 0.05). WC, MUAC, BMI were significantly higher in boys sleeping ≤8 h versus males sleeping ≥10 h. Boys sleeping ≤10 h in 6.0–17.0‐years had significantly higher risk of overweight/obesity. In 6.0 to 17.0 years, the risk of overweight/obesity in boys sleeping 9–10 h, 8–9 h and ≤8 h were 1.86‐, 1.74‐ and 2.06‐times higher respectively, versus children sleeping ≥10 h (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Sleep duration may be an important factor for obesity and providing ≥10 h of sleep is recommended as a prevention strategy for obesity.