bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Banks Efficiency and Employment
Authors: Ordine Patrizia , Rose Giuseppe
Published: August 2008

Abstract.  This work analyses the links between credit and labour markets highlighting the influence of credit market inefficiencies on employment. We argue that if banks are not efficient in monitoring the borrowers in the presence of asymmetric information, credit market imperfections have real effects. We estimate dynamic equations using system generalized method of moments (GMM) for bank loans and employment on panel data for Italian firms. The system GMM estimates indicate that the impact of credit market on employment is higher where the local financial market is less developed, asymmetric information is widespread, bank managers are less efficient in assessing the firms' solvency and do not use appropriate methods to evaluate the borrowers' payback capacity.
A Note on Immigrant Representation in Temporary Agency Work and Self‐employment in Sweden
Authors: Joona Pernilla Andersson , Wadensjö Eskil
Published: August 2008

Abstract.  This is a note on the immigrant representation in two forms of atypical employment in Sweden: self‐employment and temporary agency work. The employment rate among non‐western immigrants is substantially lower than among natives and using register data for the population in Sweden who were employed in 1999, we find that immigrants are over‐represented in both these forms of atypical employment. Immigrants from Asia are over‐represented in both forms of employment, whereas immigrants from South America are over‐represented among temporary agency workers but underrepresented among the self‐employed. These findings can be interpreted as an indication of that temporary agency work and self‐employment are used as alternatives to regular employment by groups in which unemployment is high.
Handling L2 Input in Phonological STM: The Effect of Non‐L1 Phonetic Segments and Non‐L1 Phonotactics on Nonword Repetition
Authors: Kovács Gábor , Racsmány Mihály
Published: August 2008

This article reports on an experiment comparing the effects of three discrete types of deviance from native language (L1) phonetics and phonology on verbal short‐term memory performance. A nonword repetition task was used to measure the recall of four stimulus types: (a) high‐probability L1‐sounding nonwords, (b) low‐probability L1‐sounding nonwords, (c) nonwords containing illegal L1 phoneme sequences, and (d) nonwords containing non‐L1 sound segments. Special response assessment criteria were used in order to control for potential production effects such as an accent. Results reveal a major detrimental effect caused by the presence of unfamiliar sound segments in the input. The decrement produced by phonological deviances was only significant in the case of long (six‐syllable) stimuli. A model of LTM‐STM interaction is proposed in which the supporting effect of phonetic knowledge is restricted to perceptual analysis and the role of phonological/phonotactic knowledge is confined to reconstructive processes.
Tolerability of Acute Migraine Medications: Influence of Methods of Assessment and Relationship With Headache Attributes
Authors: Feleppa M , Apice G , D'Alessio A , Fucci S , Bigal ME
Published: August 2008

Tolerability is an important attribute of patient satisfaction with, and consequence adherence to, migraine acute treatment. Nevertheless, the determinants of tolerability are poorly explored. Accordingly, our objectives were: (i) in subjects receiving triptans, to contrast two methods of assessing adverse events (AEs); and (ii) to explore the relationship between migraine features and treatment attributes with tolerability. We surveyed 365 migraineurs who had been using the same triptan for at least 3 months. After prospectively treating an attack, headache characteristics and treatment response were assessed using headache calendars. Subjects also completed a standardized questionnaire, first asking about any AE and then prompting patients with a list of possible AEs. We contrasted both sets of answers and conducted logistic regression to assess if headache attributes or response to therapy influenced tolerability. Using the unprompted method, AEs occurred in 11.5-36.4± of patients, depending on the triptan used. Using the prompted method, they ranged from 26.9 to 64.3±. Chest and neck tightness were spontaneously reported by 3.5± of the sample, vs. 7.4± when prompted ( P< 0.05). Chest pain was not spontaneously reported and was elicited in nine patients (2.5±, P = 0.002). Feeling groggy occurred in 5.7 and 17.5± ( P< 0.001). AEs were not a function of headache severity, disability, efficacy of the drug, time to meaningful relief with the drug or recurrence of pain. The report of AEs varies dramatically with the methods of assessment. However, tolerability is not influenced by the severity of the attacks or by medication efficacy.
The Importance of Placebo in Headache Research
Authors: Diener H-C , Schorn CF , Bingel U , Dodick DW
Published: August 2008

The best way to appreciate the efficacy of drug and behavioural therapy in the acute and prophylactic treatment of headache is to perform placebo-controlled randomized trials. In order to plan and conduct these studies in the most appropriate way, it is desirable to know which factors influence the placebo response. This paper reviews factors which influence the placebo response in clinical trials, such as expectation, blinding, route of application of drugs and age, gender and geographical distribution. Response rates of placebo in the treatment of acute headache episodes are higher than in headache prophylaxis. Invasive procedures such as injections have a higher placebo response compared with oral drugs. Variables known to influence the placebo response have to be taken into consideration to calculate properly the power of planned randomized trials.
Headache and Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Catania, Sicily
Authors: Nicoletti A , Patti F , Fermo S Lo , Liberto A , Castiglione A , Laisa P , Garifoli A , Naia F La , Maimone D , Sorbello V , Contrafatto D , Zappia M
Published: August 2008

We carried out a population-based case-control study to evaluate the association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and headache. We had previously determined the incidence of MS during 1990-1999 in Catania, Sicily, identifying 155 incident MS patients; these subjects underwent a telephone interview using a standardized questionnaire for headache. Diagnosis and classification of headaches were made according to International Headache Society criteria (1988). A control group was selected from the general population through random digit dialling. One hundred and one (65.2±) MS patients, of the 155 identified, and 101 controls were screened for headaches. Fifty-eight (57.4±) MS patients and 38 (37.2±) controls fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of headache. A significant association between MS and headache was found with an adjusted odds ratio, estimated by logistic regression, of 2.18 (95± confidence interval 1.27, 3.93). Frequency of headaches in our MS population is higher than in the general population, supporting the hypothesis of a possible association between these two conditions.
Differential Effects of Corticosteroids on The Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2, Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in An Animal Model of Migraine
Authors: Kim G-M , Jin K-S , Chung C-S
Published: August 2008

Nitric oxide (NO) directly activates trigeminal afferents innervating the dura mater and up-regulates inflammatory mediators. We evaluated NO-mediated up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the effect of glucocorticoid administration in an experimental animal model of migraine. COX-2 and TNF-α expression and MMP-9 activity were increased after continuous intravenous infusion of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a NO donor. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated strong expression of these inflammatory mediators in the meningeal blood vessels. Methylprednisolone (MP) down-regulated MMP-9, which was reversed by RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. COX-2 and TNF-α expression was not affected by MP or RU486 administration. These results suggest proinflammatory mediators are involved in the NO-mediated cascade of migraine pathogenesis. Further understanding of the activation of these inflammatory mediators at the transcriptional level may have therapeutic implications for future migraine treatments.
Chronic Daily Headache in Brazil: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Queiroz LP , Peres MFP , Kowacs F , Piovesan EJ , Ciciarelli MC , Souza JA , Zukerman E
Published: August 2008

The objectives of this study were to estimate the 1-year prevalence of chronic daily headache (CDH) and the degree of the association of CDH with some sociodemographic characteristics of the adult population of Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. We conducted telephone interviews with 3848 people, aged 18-79 years, randomly selected from the 27 States of Brazil. The degree of the association was calculated through prevalence ratios, adjusted with Poisson regression by gender, age and some sociodemographic factors. The estimated 1-year gender- and age-adjusted prevalence of CDH was 6.9±. CDH was 2.4 times more prevalent in women, 1.72 times more in unemployed, 1.63 times more in subjects with high household income and two times greater in those who did not exercise. The overall prevalence of CDH in Brazil is high. CDH is significantly more prevalent in women, the unemployed, subjects with higher income, and in those who do not exercise.
Body Mass Index and Headaches: Findings from a National Sample of US Adults
Authors: Ford ES , Li C , Pearson WS , Zhao G , Strine TW , Mokdad AH
Published: August 2008

The objective was to study the cross-sectional association between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of severe headaches or migraines in a national sample of US adults. We used data from 7601 men and women aged ≥ 20 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. The age-adjusted prevalence of severe headaches or migraines during the previous 3 months was 34.0, 18.9, 20.7 and 25.9± among participants with a BMI< 18.5, 18.5 to< 25, 25 to< 30 and ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively. After adjusting for a variety of covariates in a logistic regression model, those with a BMI< 18.5 kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) 2.01; 95± confidence interval (CI) 1.34, 3.02] or ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 1.37; 95± CI 1.09, 1.72) had a significantly elevated OR for having a headache compared with participants with a BMI of 18.5-< 25 kg/m2. BMI is associated with the prevalence of severe headaches or migraines in a non-linear manner.
Olfactory Hypersensitivity in Migraineurs: A H215O-PET Study
Authors: Demarquay G , Royet JP , Mick G , Ryvlin P
Published: August 2008

Olfactory hypersensitivity (OHS) may occur during migraine attacks and seems to be very specific to this form of headache. OHS is also observed during migraine-free periods and is associated with the presence of odour-triggered attacks. Yet the pathophysiology of OHS remains unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate olfactory processing in migraineurs with OHS and to investigate whether regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) associated with olfactory stimulation is modified in these patients compared with controls. Eleven migraineurs with OHS and 12 controls participated in a H215O-positron emission tomography study, including three scans in which odours were delivered and three scans where only odourless air was delivered. rCBF during olfactory condition was compared with that for the odourless baseline condition. Between-group analyses were performed using voxel-based and region-of-interest analyses. During both olfactory and non-olfactory conditions, we observed higher rCBF in the left piriform cortex and antero-superior temporal gyrus in migraineurs compared with controls. During odour stimulation, migraineurs also showed significantly higher activation than controls in the left temporal pole and significantly lower activation in the frontal (left inferior as well as left and right middle frontal gyri) and temporo-parietal (left and right angular, and right posterior superior temporal gyri) regions, posterior cingulate gyrus and right locus coeruleus. These results could reflect a particular role of both the piriform cortex and antero-superior temporal gyrus in OHS and odour-triggered migraine. Whether these rCBF changes are the cause or a consequence of odour-triggered migraines and interictal OHS remains unknown. Further comparisons between migraineurs with and without OHS are warranted to address this issue. The abnormal cerebral activation patterns during olfactory stimulation might reflect altered cerebrovascular response to olfactory stimulation due to the migraine disease, or an abnormal top-down regulation process related to OHS.
Headache Disorders in Developing Countries: Research Over The Past Decade
Authors: Mateen FJ , Dua T , Steiner T , Saxena S
Published: August 2008

The majority of people with primary headache disorders live in the developing world. The contribution of low and middle income (LAMI) countries to headache research has not been previously characterized. A search was performed for clinical research publications between the years 1997 and 2006, using the search terms ‘headache’ OR ‘headache disorders’ AND ‘primary’ OR ‘migraine’ AND ‘each of the LAMI countries’ in 67 databases. Articles in English or with abstracts in English translation were included. These publications were scrutinized for study characteristics. Two hundred and twenty-seven publications from 32 LAMI countries were found. Half (50.2±) of these were from three middle-income countries (Brazil, Turkey and Iran), whereas 24 (10.6±) came from low-income countries. Most of the research focused on migraine. Only 29.5± of the articles involved treatment of headache. The understanding of headache disorders in LAMI countries is derived from a limited number of publications from relatively few countries. Identifying gaps in headache research in the developing world is strategic for targeting research policy.
The blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier is a major pathway of cerebral creatinine clearance: involvement of transporter‐mediated process
Authors: Tachikawa Masanori , Kasai Yasuyuki , Takahashi Masato , Fujinawa Jun , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki , Terasaki Tetsuya , Hosoya Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2008

There is still incomplete evidence for the cerebral clearance of creatinine (CTN) which is an endogenous convulsant and accumulates in the brain and CSF of patients with renal failure. The purpose of this study was to clarify the transporter‐mediated CTN efflux transport from the brain/CSF.In vivodata demonstrated that CTN after intracerebral administration was not significantly eliminated from the brain across the blood‐brain barrier. In contrast, the elimination clearance of CTN from the CSF was 60‐fold greater than that of inulin, reflecting CSF bulk flow. Even in renal failure model rats, the increasing ratio of the CTN concentration in the CSF was lower than that in the plasma, suggesting a significant role for the CSF‐to‐blood efflux process. The inhibitory effects of inhibitors and antisense oligonucleotides on CTN uptake by isolated choroid plexus indicated the involvement of rat organic cation transporter 3 (rOCT3) and creatine transporter (CRT) in CTN transport. rOCT3‐ and CRT‐mediated low‐affinity CTN transport withKmvalues of 47.7 and 52.0 mM, respectively. Our findings suggest that CTN is eliminated from the CSF across the blood‐CSF barrier as a major pathway of cerebral CTN clearance and transporter‐mediated processes are involved in the CTN transport in the choroid plexus.
Effects of γ‐secretase cleavage‐region mutations on APP processing and Aβ formation: interpretation with sequential cleavage and α‐helical model
Authors: Tan Jianxin , Mao Guozhang , Cui Mei‐Zhen , Kang Shin‐Chung , Lamb Bruce , Wong Boon‐Seng , Sy Man‐Sun , Xu Xuemin
Published: August 2008

Overwhelming evidence supports the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease that stipulates that the relative level of the 42 amino acid β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ42) in relationship to Aβ40 is critical to the pathogenesis of the disease. While it is clear that the multi‐subunit gamma secretase is responsible for cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) into Aβ42 and Aβ40, the exact molecular mechanisms regulating the production of the various Aβ species remain elusive. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we replaced individual amino acid residues from positions 43 to 52 of Aβ with phenylalanine to examine the effects on the production of Aβ40 and Aβ42. All mutants, except for V50F, resulted in a decrease in total Aβ with a more prominent reduction in Aβ for residues 45, 48, and 51, following an every three residue repetition pattern. In addition, the mutations with the strongest reductions in total Aβ had the largest increases in the ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40. Curiously, the T43F, V44F, and T48F mutations caused a striking decrease in the accumulation of membrane bound Aβ46, albeit by a different mechanism. Our data suggest that initial cleavage of APP at the ε site is crucial in the generation of Aβ. The implicated sequential cleavage and an α‐helical model may lead to a better understanding of the γ‐secretase‐mediated APP processing and may also provide useful information for therapy and drug design aimed at altering Aβ production.
DNA polymerase β‐catalyzed‐PCNA independent long patch base excision repair synthesis: a mechanism for repair of oxidatively damaged DNA ends in post‐mitotic brain
Authors: Wei Wei , Englander Ella W.
Published: August 2008

Oxidative DNA damage incidental to normal respiratory metabolism poses a particular threat to genomes of highly metabolic‐long lived cells. We show that post‐mitotic brain has capacity to repair oxidatively damaged DNA ends, which are targets of the long patch (LP) base excision repair (BER) subpathway. LP‐BER relies, in part, on proteins associated with DNA replication, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and is inherent to proliferating cells. Nonetheless, repair products are generated with brain extracts, albeit at slow rates, in the case of 5′‐DNA ends modeled with tetrahydrofuran (THF). THF at this position is refractory to DNA polymerase β 5′‐deoxyribose 5‐phosphate lyase activity and drives repair into the LP‐BER subpathway. Comparison of repair of 5′‐THF‐blocked termini in the post‐mitotic rat brain and proliferative intestinal mucosa, revealed that in mucosa, resolution of damaged 5′‐termini is accompanied by formation of larger repair products. In contrast, adducts targeted by the single nucleotide BER are proficiently repaired with both extracts. Our findings reveal mechanistic differences in BER processes selective for the brain versus proliferative tissues. The differences highlight the physiological relevance of the recently proposed ‘Hit and Run’ mechanism of alternating cleavage/synthesis steps, in the proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐independent LP‐BER process.
Leptin protects hippocampal CA1 neurons against ischemic injury
Authors: Zhang Feng , Chen Jun
Published: August 2008

Leptin is an adipose hormone with well characterized roles in regulating food intake and energy balance. A novel neuroprotective role for leptin has recently been discovered; however, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether leptin protects against delayed neuronal cell death in hippocampal CA1 following transient global cerebral ischemia in rats and to study the signaling mechanism responsible for the neuroprotective effects of leptin. Leptin receptor antagonist, protein kinase inhibitors and western blots were used to assess the molecular signaling events that were altered by leptin after ischemia. The results revealed that intracerebral ventricle infusion of leptin markedly increased the numbers of survival CA1 neurons in a dose‐dependent manner. Infusion of a specific leptin antagonist 10 min prior to transient global ischemia abolished the pro‐survival effects of leptin, indicating the essential role of leptin receptors in mediating this neuroprotection. Both the Akt and extracellular signal‐related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways appear to play a critical role in leptin neuroprotection, as leptin infusion increased the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 in CA1. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of either pathway compromised the neuroprotective effects of leptin. Taken together, the results suggest that leptin protects against delayed ischemic neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 by maintaining the pro‐survival states of Akt and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome pathogenesis and care: a complex systems’ theory perspective
Authors: Papathanassoglou Elizabeth DE , Bozas Evangelos , Giannakopoulou Margarita D
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives:  To discuss multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) from a complex systems’ theory perspective and to delineate a conceptual framework for the development and care of MODS.

Background:  MODS is an intricate and devastating manifestation of critical illness characterized by widespread aberrant molecular, cellular and systemic responses.

Design and methods:  Narrative literature review (MEDLINE, CINAHL databases) and knowledge synthesis with the theoretical assertions of chaos and complex systems’ theory. Cellular and systemic response paradoxes in MODS (including cellular hypoxia, cell death and signalling) are reviewed.

Results:  The diseased person is depicted as a complex adaptive system. The relevancy of some of the principles of complex chaotic systems’ theory to the proposed model is illustrated, including sensitive dependence on initial conditions, emergence, attractors, self‐organization, self‐organized criticality and emerging order. The transition from life‐supporting to death‐related organismic responses is illustrated as a critical event in MODS and care implications are drawn.

Conclusions:  Patient responses in MODS appear to conform to the principles of chaotic systems. Death is illustrated not as a consequence of homeostatic failure but as a ‘deliberate’ self‐organized phenomenon entailing multiple dynamically evolving mechanisms.

Relevance to clinical practice:  Some of the principles of chaotic complex systems may need to be taken into account to advance care in MODS. An alternative theoretical perspective may support nurses to conceptualize both MODS and their role in a way that will help them to cope better with this devastating syndrome and develop practice.
Asymmetry in the intensive care unit: redressing imbalance and meeting the needs of family
Authors: Blanchard Denise , Alavi Christine
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives:  The purpose of this study was to develop a way for nurses to understand how they negotiate and work with families in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Background:  The importance of family to the critically ill patient is described in previous research; however, research exploring how to work with families in the clinical context of ICU is modest and there is little information and research to understand how the nurse might work to integrate family and understand family needs in the clinical context.

Design:  The study was designed using action research methodology where an action research group of registered nurses from ICU proposed changes to how the family are defined, assessed and understood.

Methods:  In the action research group and reflective conversations, the group planned new assessment tools to use in ICU to work with the family.

Results:  Exploring their pragmatic knowledge of the context, the action research group suggested ways of working with families that did not impede the clinical work of the ICU. Families provided information about themselves and the patient that helped the nurse to plan care that redressed some of the asymmetrical nature of the relationship in the ICU.

Conclusions:  This research created novel ways of viewing family and offers strategies to address asymmetry between families and ICU professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice:  Positive steps to redress asymmetrical relationships can help ensure that family care is better integrated into ICU practice.
Commentary: Hugonnet S et al. (2007). The effect of workload on infection risk in critically ill patients
Authors: O’Halloran Peter
Published: August 2008

Objective:  There is growing evidence that low nurse staffing jeopardizes quality of patient care. The objective of the study was to determine whether low staffing level increases the infection risk in critical care.

Design:  Observational, single‐centre, prospective cohort study.

Setting:  Medical intensive care unit of the University of Geneva Hospitals, Switzerland.

Patients:  All patients admitted over a 4‐year period.

Interventions:  None.

Measurements and main results:  Study variables included all infections acquired in critical care, daily nurse‐to‐patient ratio, demographic characteristics, admission diagnosis and severity score, comorbidities, daily individual exposure to invasive devices and selected drugs. Of a cohort of 1883 patients totalling 10 637 patient‐days, 415 (22%) developed at least one health care‐associated infection (HCAI) while in critical care. Overall infection rate was 64·5 episodes per 1000 patient‐days. Infected patients experienced higher mortality with a longer duration of stay both in critical care and in the hospital than non‐infected patients (all p < 0·001). Median 24‐h nurse‐to‐patient ratio was 1·9. Controlling for exposure to central venous catheter, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter and antibiotics, we found that higher staffing level was associated with a >30% infection risk reduction (incidence rate ratio, 0·69; 95% CI: 0·50–0·95). We estimated that 26·7% of all infections could be avoided if the nurse‐to‐patient ratio was maintained >2·2.

Conclusions:  Staffing is a key determinant of HCAI in critically ill patients. Assuming causality, a substantial proportion of all infections could be avoided if nurse staffing were to be maintained at a higher level.

Abstract reprinted from Critical Care Medicine, volume 35, Hugonnet S et al., ‘The effect of workload on infection risk in critically ill patients.’, pages 76–81. © 2007, reproduced with permission from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Can Nanotechnology Improve the Sustainability of Biobased Products?
Authors: Joshi Satish
Published: August 2008

Recent developments in nanotechnology, especially in the area of nanoclay composites, are improving the technical performance of biobased polymers and moving them toward technical and economic competitiveness with petroleum‐based polymers and conventional composites. We assess whether these developments also improve the environmental sustainability of biopolymers, by using a life cycle approach. We estimate energy use and emissions from the nanoclay production process and compare these with prior life cycle data for biopolymers as well as other fibers, and we find that nanoclay production results in lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions than production of many common biopolymers and glass fibers. Nanoclay composites hence can improve the life cycle environmental performance of several common biopolymers. However, for some biopolymers the relative performance depends on the functional unit.
Toward Green Nano
Authors: Eckelman Matthew J. , Zimmerman Julie B. , Anastas Paul T.
Published: August 2008

Commercial and research interest in nanotechnology has exploded in recent years, with nearly US$9 billion in investment from public and private sources in 2005. While the list of potential applications for nanotechnologies continues to grow, there is increasing pressure from governments and researchers alike to understand the implications of this new class of materials. The emerging field of green nano applies green chemistry and engineering principles to the synthesis of nanomaterials. Here we outline several strategies for the development of green nano and review past policy and research activities in understanding nanotechnology's environmental implications. By means of the green chemistry metric of E‐factor, an analysis is undertaken of the traditional syntheses of several specific nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and metal nanoparticles. It was found that the E‐factors of these production processes vary over several orders of magnitude, making it difficult to comment generally about the resource use efficiencies of nanomaterials production. For gold nanoparticles specifically, E‐factors for six different production methods are found to range from 102 to 105, demonstrating that greener synthesis routes are possible and that environmental benefits can begin to be quantified. Expanding the analysis to include life‐cycle stages upstream and downstream of production and to incorporate environmental health effects is encouraged, though significant data gaps exist.
Hazard Reduction in Nanotechnology
Authors: Reijnders Lucas
Published: August 2008

The release of hazardous substances is a matter of concern for nanotechnology. This may include some nanoparticles, reactants, by‐products, and solvents. The use of low‐hazard solvents may reduce the hazards from nanoparticle production and nanomaterial processing. The hazards of inorganic nanoparticles may be reduced by modifying their chemical composition, surface characteristics, or structure. In nanomedicine, optimizing the balance between persistence and excretion and preventing the release of toxic degradation products may reduce hazard. In applications of fixed inorganic nanoparticles, the focus should be on preventing the release of such particles and of hazardous compounds during the product life cycle. When, after exhaustion of known hazard reduction options, significant hazard remains, other approaches merit consideration.
Innovation Policy and Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship
Authors: Woolley Jennifer L. , Rottner Renee M.
Published: August 2008

In this article, we explore the relationship between innovation policy and new venture creation in the United States. Specifically, we examine two components of innovation policy in nanotechnology—science and technology (S&T) initiatives and economic initiatives—and their relationship with the founding of nanotechnology firms. We find strong support relating new firm formation to S&T and economic initiatives. States with both S&T and economic initiatives had six times as many firms founded than those states without such initiatives. We also find evidence of a first–mover advantage as states with the earliest innovation policies had higher rates of related firm foundings over time. These findings suggest that states that are most attractive to entrepreneurs not only pursue technological innovation and provide resources, but also encourage and legitimize commercial development. Implications for public policy makers and scholars are provided.
Governance and the Entrepreneurial Economy: A Comparative Analysis of Three Regions
Authors: Parker Rachel
Published: August 2008

The increasing number of regional concentrations of entrepreneurial activities and the shift of government–business relations to regional contexts have rendered regional governance arrangements of increasing importance. Drawing on the extensive literature on comparative models of national economic governance, this paper identifies three regional governance models: partnership, state–institutional coordination, and fragmentation. The three models are explored in the context of the entrepreneurial economy in three regions. The paper finds that regional governance arrangements differ from national varieties in the partnership and in the state–institutional models but not in the fragmented model. The difference is shown to involve the types of actors participating in governance arrangements and the types of economic activities promoted by the political–institutional context.
Economic Freedom and the Motivation to Engage in Entrepreneurial Action
Authors: McMullen Jeffery S. , Bagby D. Ray , Palich Leslie E.
Published: August 2008

Using institutional theory, the Heritage Foundation/ Wall Street Journal 2003 Index of Economic Freedom, and the 2002 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, we regress opportunity–motivated entrepreneurial activity (OME) and necessity–motivated entrepreneurial activity (NME) on 10 factors of economic freedom and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for 37 nations. We find that both OME and NME are negatively associated with GDP per capita and positively associated with labor freedom, but that various other factors of economic freedom are uniquely related to either OME or NME. Specifically, we find that OME, but not NME, is positively associated with property rights, while NME, but not OME, is positively associated with fiscal freedom and monetary freedom. Thus, governmental restrictions of economic freedom appear to impact entrepreneurial activity differently depending on the particular freedom restricted by government and the entrepreneur's motive for engaging in entrepreneurial action.
Management Journals as Venues for Publication of Family Business Research
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Matherne Curtis F. , Debicki Bart J.
Published: August 2008

Based on the assessments of 40 prominent family business scholars, this study provides the first ranking of management journals as outlets for family business research. In all, 22 management journals are evaluated on both their appropriateness and quality. Implications and future research opportunities are discussed.
The localization of cyclo‐oxygenase immuno‐reactivity (COX I‐IR) to the urothelium and to interstitial cells in the bladder wall
Authors: de Jongh R. , Grol S. , van Koeveringe G.A. , van Kerrebroeck P.E.V. , de Vente J. , Gillespie J.I.
Published: August 2008

Localized phasic contractions in the bladder wall (autonomous activity) have been hypothesized to be an integral part of a motor/sensory system contributing to bladder sensation. The sites responsible for generating this activity, the mechanisms involved in its propagation and modulation remain unknown. This phasic motor activity is modulated by exogenous prostaglandins. Therefore, analysis of the sites of prostaglandin production and action within the bladder wall may shed light on the mechanisms of generation and modulation of this phasic activity. In this paper we report the localization of immuno‐reactivity indicative of the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase enzyme type I (COX I‐IR) within the bladder wall. Basically, three types of COX I‐IR cell were identified: epithelial cells in the basal and intermediate layers of the urothelium, complex vimentin‐positive and COX I‐IR cells in the lamina propria and vimentin‐negative COX I‐IR cells in the lamina propria and on the surface of the inner muscle bundles. These vimentin‐negative/COX I‐IR cells appear to be in close apposition to a continuous network of vimentin‐positive cells, which extends from the lamina propria into the inner muscle layers and subsequently into the outer muscle layers. However, the interstitial cells in this region might form a distinctly different sub‐type. First, the interstitial cells in this region differ from those in the inner layer by their responsiveness to NO with a rise in cGMP. Two subtypes have been identified: cells on the surface of the muscle bundles and within the muscle bundles. Second, COX I‐IR cells are not associated with the interstitial cells in the outer layers. The physiological significance for these apparent differences in the interstitial cell network is not clear. However, such differences are likely to reflect differences in the processes involved in their activation, modulation and control.
Proteomic identification of nitrated brain proteins in early Alzheimer’s disease inferior parietal lobule
Authors: Reed Tanea T. , Pierce Jr. William M. , Turner Delano M. , Markesbery William R. , Allan Butterfield D.
Published: August 2008

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive decline in multiple cognitive domains. Its pathological hallmarks include senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the earliest detectable stage of AD with limited symptomology and no dementia. The yearly conversion rate of patients from MCI to AD is 10–15%, although conversion back to normal is possible in a small percentage. Early diagnosis of AD is important in an attempt to intervene or slow the advancement of the disease. Early AD (EAD) is a stage following MCI and characterized by full‐blown dementia; however, information involving EAD is limited. Oxidative stress is well‐established in MCI and AD, including protein oxidation. Protein nitration also is an important oxidative modification observed in MCI and AD, and proteomic analysis from our laboratory identified nitrated proteins in both MCI and AD. Therefore, in the current study, a proteomics approach was used to identify nitrated brain proteins in the inferior parietal lobule from four subjects with EAD. Eight proteins were found to be significantly nitrated in EAD: peroxiredoxin 2, triose phosphate isomerase, glutamate dehydrogenase, neuropolypeptide h3, phosphoglycerate mutase1, H+– transporting ATPase, α‐enolase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase. Many of these proteins are also nitrated in MCI and late‐stage AD, making this study the first to our knowledge to link nitrated proteins in all stages of AD. These results are discussed in terms of potential involvement in the progression of this dementing disorder.
CD34+ cells augment endothelial cell differentiation of CD14+ endothelial progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Krenning G. , Strate B.W.A. van der , Schipper M. , van Seijen X.J. Gallego y , Fernandes B.C.A. , van Luyn M.J.A. , Harmsen M.C.
Published: August 2008

Neovascularization by endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) for the treatment of ischaemic diseases has been a topic of intense research. The CD34+ cell is often designated as EPC, because it contributes to repair of ischaemic injuries through neovascularization. However, incorporation of CD34+ cells into the neovasculature is limited, suggesting another role which could be paracrine. CD14+ cells can also differentiate into endothelial cells and contribute to neovascularization. However, the low proliferative capacity of CD14+ cell‐derived endothelial cells hampers their use as therapeutic cells. We made the assumption that an interaction between CD34+ and CD14+ cells augments endothelial differentiation of the CD14+ cells. In vitro, the influence of CD34+ cells on the endothelial differentiation capacity of CD14+ cells was investigated. Endothelial differentiation was analysed by expression of endothelial cell markers CD31, CD144, von Willebrand Factor and endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Furthermore, we assessed proliferative capacity and endothelial cell function of the cells in culture. In monocultures, 63% of the CD14+‐derived cells adopted an endothelial cell phenotype, whereas in CD34+/CD14+ co‐cultures 95% of the cells showed endothelial cell differentiation. Proliferation increased up to 12% in the CD34+/CD14+ co‐cultures compared to both monocultures. CD34‐conditioned medium also increased endothelial differentiation of CD14+ cells. This effect was abrogated by hepatocyte growth factor neutralizing antibodies, but not by interleukin‐8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 neutralizing antibodies. We show that co‐culturing of CD34+ and CD14+ cells results in a proliferating population of functional endothelial cells, which may be suitable for treatment of ischaemic diseases such as myocardial infarction.
Dynamic Remodeling of the Endosomal System During Formation of Salmonella‐Induced Filaments by Intracellular Salmonella enterica
Authors: Rajashekar Roopa , Liebl David , Seitz Arne , Hensel Michael
Published: August 2008

The infection by Salmonella enterica results in the massive remodeling of the endosomal system of eukaryotic host cells. One unique consequence is the formation of long tubular endosomal compartments, so‐called Salmonella‐induced filaments (SIF). Formation of SIF requires the function of type III secretion system and is a requirement of efficient intracellular proliferation of Salmonella. Using high‐resolution live cell imaging approaches and electron microscopy, we report for the first time the highly dynamic characteristics of SIF and their ultrastructural properties. In the early phase of infection (4–5 h), SIF display highly dynamic properties in various types of host cells. SIF extend, branch and contract rapidly, and a stabilized network of SIF is formed later (≥8 h after infection). The velocities of SIF extension and contraction in the different phases of infection were quantified. Our observations lead to novel models for the modification of host cell transport processes by virulence factors of intracellular Salmonella.
Minimal enteral feeding reduces the risk of sepsis in feed‐intolerant very low birth weight newborns
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Passariello Annalisa , Canani Roberto Berni , Manguso Francesco , Paludetto Roberto , Cascioli Concetta
Published: August 2008

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimal enteral feeding (MEF) nutritional practice in feed‐intolerant very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods: A retrospective design using data reported in the clinical charts of VLBW newborns consecutively observed in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) that presents feed intolerance. During the study period, two feeding strategies were adopted: total parenteral nutrition (PN) (group 1) or PN plus MEF (group 2), for at least 24 h. Primary outcome was the time to reach full enteral feeding; secondary outcomes were the occurrence of sepsis, the time to regain birth weight, the length of hospitalization, the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Bell stage >II and death.

Results: In total, 102 newborns were evaluated: 51 in group 1, and 51 in group 2. Neonates in group 2 achieved full enteral nutrition earlier (8 days, interquartile range [IQR] 5) compared with subjects receiving total PN (11 days, IQR 5, p < 0.001). A reduction of sepsis episodes was observed in group 2 (15.7%) compared with group 1 (33.3%, p = 0.038). Additionally, subjects in group 2 regained their birth weight and were discharged earlier. The occurrence of NEC and death were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion: Minimal enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants presenting feed intolerance reduces the time to reach full enteral feeding and the risk of sepsis. This feeding practice does not increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and death.
Cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen: Effects of diluents and freezing on sperm motility and morphology
Authors: AFROZ Sadia , ISLAM Md. Rashedul , KHANDOKER M.A.M. Yahia , AKTER Quzi Sharmin
Published: August 2008

Semen from Black Bengal bucks was collected to establish a cooling protocol (to −196°C) for buck semen preservation, and to study the effect of freezing on sperm motility and morphology. Semen was diluted with diluents (Triladyl & Tris) and cryoprotectants, filled into straws, sealed, cooled (to 5°C) and equilibrated. After dilution, motility ranged from 75.00% to 76.67% and from 73.33% to 80.00% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Motility of sperm after cooling to 5°C in Triladyl and Tris diluents ranged from 65.00% to 66.67% and from 63.33% to 70.00%, respectively. After equilibration in straws, the semen was subjected to a freezing protocol in a computer‐controlled biofreezer CL‐3000 (cooling at 10°C per minute, from 5°C to −80°C) and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility of re‐thawed semen varied from 38.33% to 43.33% and from 6.00% to−6.67% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Sperm morphology of re‐thawed semen was studied and head damage or cryoinjury was found in 2–3% of sperm in Triladyl diluents and 3–6% in Tris diluents. Whether the differences of sperm motility and head damage reflect fertility after artificial insemination is yet unknown and needs to be studied further.
Multiple genotyping in bovine pre‐implantation embryos with whole genome amplification
Authors: HIRAYAMA Hiroki , FUJIKAWA Akira , KAGEYAMA Soichi , MORIYASU Satoru , SAWAI Ken , ONOE Sadao , MINAMIHASHI Akira
Published: August 2008

This study examined genetic diagnosis using whole genome amplification (WGA) in bovine embryos. The first experiment was conducted to compare the WGA efficiency of primer extension preamplification‐PCR (PEP‐PCR) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA), and to optimize the DNA extraction method. The sensitivity of SRY‐specific PCR from MDA products increased when DNA of fibroblasts was extracted by a NaOH treatment instead of the conventional method (heat treatment). The detectability of SRY from PEP‐PCR products was lower than that in MDA regardless of the DNA extraction method (proteinase K or NaOH treatment). Sexing and genotyping were performed using MDA products from embryo biopsy. The accuracy of PCR‐based and LAMP‐based sexing was 100% regardless of the amounts of biopsy. Genotyping of CL16, BND3, SCD and F11 in MDA products from 10 to 20% of trophectoderm was successful 97, 97, 95 and 95% of the time, respectively, but reduced biopsy amount (<10% of trophectoderm) decreased the accuracies (33–83%). Microsatellite markers were analyzed using MDA products from 10 to 20% of trophectoderm. In eight out of 16 microsatellites, genotypes were not contradictory among the dam, sire and embryos. In the other eight microsatellites, the inconsistency rates were 17–83%. These results indicate that MDA is useful for multiple genetic diagnoses in bovine embryos.
Evaluation of nutritive value and palatability by goats and sheep of selected browse foliages from semiarid area of Kenya
Authors: OSUGA Isaac M. , WAMBUI Carolyne C. , ABDULRAZAK Shaukat A. , ICHINOHE Toshiyoshi , FUJIHARA Tsutomu
Published: August 2008

The feeding value of five browse foliages (Acacia brevispica, Acacia mellifera, Berchemia discolor, Zizyphus mucronata and Maerua angolensis) grown in semiarid area of Kenya were evaluated. Their chemical composition including polyphenolics and in vitro gas production characteristics were determined. The biological activity of the polyphenolics was assessed as the increases in gas production profiles and in vitro true dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility after in vitro incubation with or without addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin binding reagent. The intake and palatability ranking of the browse foliages by goats and sheep were also investigated. The browse foliages had variable crude protein content (149.5–248.6 g/kg DM) and variable content of neutral detergent fiber (205.1–424.0 g/kg DM). The content of total extractable tannins was generally low (2.4–34.8 g/kg DM). At 24 h of incubation, Z. mucronata produced the highest gas volume, while after 48 h of incubation, B. discolor produced the highest gas volume. M. angolensis had the least gas production potential within the browse foliages. Addition of PEG increased gas production except in A. mellifera and M. angolensis. However, PEG addition did not have any significant effect on in vitro true DM and OM digestibility except in B. discolor, which decreased. The rank order of preference (highest to least) for goats was A. brevispica, Z. mucronata, B. discolor, A. mellifera and M. angolensis while the rank order of preference for sheep was A. brevispica, B. discolor, A. mellifera, Z. mucronata and M. angolensis. The goats had higher intakes of all the browse foliages than sheep. The result of this study highlights the higher feeding value of the browse species as supplemental feed with low quality basal diet with both of animal species except M. angolensis.