bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN INCLUSIVE ETHICS FOR THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY: IMPLICATIONS FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH
Authors: Kilner John F.
Published: November 2009

An important contribution of Christian ethics in the pluralistic world of the twenty‐first century is to emphasize inclusivity. Rather than promoting the interests of certain groups at the expense of the most vulnerable, society does well to prioritize ways forward that benefit all. For stem cell research, inclusivity entails benefiting or at least protecting the beneficiaries of treatment, the sources of materials, and the subjects of research. Adult stem cells are already benefiting many ill patients without causing harm, and select adult cells may prove even more beneficial in the future. Other types of stem cells require other bodily materials such as eggs and somatic cells that should be obtained without unduly harming those who provide them. Research subjects, especially the most vulnerable, require protection as well. Should human embryos be included among them? Considerations of location, formation, individuation, and intention are here examined. Ultimately, for safety reasons as well as workability, pluripotency, and compatibility, relatively new types of pluripotent stem cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells, warrant special priority according to an inclusive ethics.
METANOIAAND HEALING: TOWARD A GREAT PLAINS LAND ETHIC
Authors: Friesen Duane K. , Guhr Bradley D.
Published: November 2009

A Great Plains land ethic is shaped by an intimate knowledge of and appreciation for the evolution, ecology, and aesthetics of the plains landscape. The landscape evokes a sense of wonder and mystery suggested by the word “sacrament.” The biblical concept of “covenant” points to God as a community‐forming power, a creative process that has evolved into the earth community to which we humans belong. In contrast to an anthropocentric ethic which emphasizes human dominion over nature, a Theo‐centric land ethic seeks a balance, reflected in Genesis 1–3, between humans who are membersofthe earth community and moral agents accountable to Godforthe earth. A land ethic identifies concrete practices ofmetanoiaand healing: agricultural practices to address the loss and degradation of soil; conservation and protection of water sources; utilization of wind and solar energy; and prescribed burning to restore processes vital to the prairie ecosystem. The concept of subsidiarity suggests that practices ofmetanoiaand healing are a combination of wise public policy balanced by personal, family, church, business, and community responsibility.
Technology Import and Industrial Employment: Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Mitra Arup
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  This paper based on panel data across countries examines the possible effect of the imported technology on labour absorption in the industrial sector, after controlling for real wage rate and GDP per capita. Findings tend to suggest a negative relationship between the two. Technical efficiency index derived on the basis of the stochastic frontier function framework is also negatively affected by the import of technology. Without enhancing the knowledge relating to the mechanisms of exploiting the new technology acquired from abroad, a mere increase in import of technology would mean rising unutilized capacity. And this could be due to the poor skill base of the available human capital. Investment in human capital in terms of skill formation, up‐gradation, and training on the one hand and technological advancement to suit the internal labour market conditions are the two important policy conclusions for reviving the role of industry as the engine of pro‐poor growth.
Employment‐protecting Labour Market Institutions and Inward Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Vlassis Minas
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  This paper proposes labour market institutional arrangements as a strategic device to induce or deter export‐substituting inward foreign direct investments (FDI) — in either instance protecting domestic employment. In a union‐oligopoly context it is shown that, if the FDI‐associated unit costs (FC) are not high enough, then employment‐neutral (‐enhancing) inward FDI will emerge in equilibrium if the domestic wage setting is credibly centralized and the unemployment benefit is sufficiently high (low), each instance arising for a different range of — intermediate — FC values. If however the FC values are sufficiently high, then the centralized structure of wage setting along with a low enough unemployment benefit will deter employment‐reducing inward FDI.
Are More Competent Workers More Satisfied?
Authors: De Grip Andries , Sieben Inge , Stevens Fred
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  In this paper, we analyse the relationship between workers' competencies and their job satisfaction in the context of dual (i.e. vocational versus communicative) skill demands. We analyse the effects of workers' competencies on their overall, intrinsic, and extrinsic job satisfaction. We focus on pharmacy assistants who need both pharmaceutical and communicative competencies in their work. Results from a linked employer–employee survey show that assistants with more communicative competencies are more satisfied with their job, whereas assistants with more pharmaceutical competencies are not more satisfied than the less competent assistants. In addition, workers who perform tasks below their level of competence are more dissatisfied with both their remuneration and career prospects and the content of their job as such, than were other workers. Our results indicate that the demand shift from vocational towards communication skills, which occurs in many professions, can affect the job satisfaction of the most competent workers.
Inter‐temporal and Inter‐industry Effects of Population Ageing: A General Equilibrium Assessment for Canada
Authors: Annabi Nabil , Fougère Maxime , Harvey Simon
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  This paper examines the inter‐industry and labour market occupational effects of future demographic changes in Canada, using a computable overlapping‐generations model. In addition to the impact of slower labour force growth, the model captures the shift in sectoral composition of final demand of older individuals. The simulation results indicate that the growth in real GDP per capita could decline by nearly one percentage point between 2006 and 2050. The results also suggest that the equilibrium unemployment rate is likely to decline by more than two percentage points in the long run. However, the impact varies significantly at the occupational level.
Do Parental Transfers Reduce Youths' Incentives to Work?
Authors: Gong Tao
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  This paper uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 to examine the effects that parental transfers from a family have on a youth's labor supply. The results from a fixed‐effects two‐stage least squares estimator suggest that: (i) parental pocket money reduces youths' incentives to work; (ii) parental allowances have a non‐linear effect on hours worked; (iii) the subsample of siblings shows similar patterns that parental transfers have a negative impact on hours worked, although the magnitudes are slightly weaker than the full sample; and (iv) the response to parental transfers varies by age.
Early Labour Market Returns to College Subject
Authors: Buonanno Paolo , Pozzoli Dario
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  We estimate early labour market outcomes of Italian university graduates across college subjects. We devote great attention to endogenous selection issues using alternative methods to control for potential self‐selection associated with the choice of the degree subject in order to unravel the causal link between college major and subsequent outcomes in the labour market. Our results suggest that ‘quantitative’ fields (i.e. Sciences, Engineering, and Economics) increase not only the speed of transition into the first job and employment probability but also early earnings, conditional on employment.
A PRIMA FACIE DEFENSE OF HOBBESIAN ABSOLUTISM
Authors: COURTLAND SHANE D.
Published: November 2009

Hobbes advocates ‘thin absolutism’; a system of authority that merely ensures respect of the core concepts of sovereignty – hierarchy and normative closure. This new interpretation of Hobbes's absolutism shows that the concerns regarding sovereign tyranny are not fatal to his account of political authority. With thin absolutism, the sovereign is neither necessarily ineffective nor inherently dangerous. This, then, leaves Hobbesian absolutism in the position of being a ‘reasonable contender’– a system of political authority that might require our allegiance, but at the very least requires serious attention.
FRANCESCOTTI ON FISSION
Authors: JOHANSSON JENS
Published: November 2009

Most versions of the psychological‐continuity approach to personal identity (PCA) contain a ‘non‐branching’ requirement. Recently, Robert Francescotti has argued that while such versions of PCA handle Parfit's standard fission case well, they deliver the wrong result in the case of an intact human brain. To solve this problem, he says, PCA‐adherents need to add a clause that runs contrary to the spirit of their theory. In this response, I argue that Francescotti's counterexample fails. As a result, the revision he suggests is not needed.
PERCEPTUAL PRESENCE
Authors: LEDDINGTON JASON
Published: November 2009

Plausibly, any adequate theory of perception must (a) solve what Alva Noë calls ‘the problem of perceptual presence,’ and (b) do justice to the direct realist idea that what is given in perception are garden‐variety spatiotemporal particulars. This paper shows that, while Noë's sensorimotor view arguably satisfies the first of these conditions, it does not satisfy the second. Moreover, Noë is wrong to think that a naïve realist approach to perception cannot handle the problem of perceptual presence. Section three of this paper develops a version of naïve realism that meets both of the adequacy conditions above. This paper thus provides strong considerations in favor of naïve realism.
EVIDENTIAL SUPPORT, RELIABILITY, AND HUME'S PROBLEM OF INDUCTION
Authors: TUCKER CHRIS
Published: November 2009

Necessity holds that, if a proposition A supports another B, then it must support B. John Greco contends that one can resolve Hume's Problem of Induction only if she rejects Necessity in favor of reliabilism. If Greco's contention is correct, we would have good reason to reject Necessity and endorse reliabilism about inferential justification. Unfortunately, Greco's contention is mistaken. I argue that there is a plausible reply to Hume's Problem that both endorses Necessity and is at least as good as Greco's alternative. Hence, Greco provides a good reason for neither rejecting Necessity nor endorsing inferential reliabilism.
CAN I KILL MY YOUNGER SELF? TIME TRAVEL AND THE RETROSUICIDE PARADOX
Authors: VRANAS PETER B. M.
Published: November 2009

If (backward) time travel is possible, presumably so is my shooting my younger self (YS); then apparently I can kill him – I can commitretrosuicide. But if I were to kill him I would not exist to shoot him, so how can I kill him? The standard solution to this paradox understands ability ascompossibilitywith the relevant facts and points to an equivocation about which facts are relevant: my killing YS is compossible with his proximity but not with his survival, so I can kill him if facts like his survival are irrelevant but I cannot if they are relevant. I identify a lacuna in this solution, namely its reliance without argument on the hidden assumption that my killing YS ispossible: if it is impossible, it is not compossible with anything. I argue that this lacuna is important, and I sketch a different solution to the paradox.
IS MEANING FRAUGHT WITH OUGHT?
Authors: WHITING DANIEL
Published: November 2009

According to Normativism, what an expression means has immediate implications for how a subject should or may (not) employ that expression. Many view this thesis as imposing substantive constraints upon theories of linguistic meaning. In this paper, I shall not consider that view; instead, I shall address the prior issue of whether or not one should accept Normativism. Against certain recent prominent lines of attack common to a number of different anti‐Normativist discussions, I shall defend both the Normativist thesis and an attempt to appeal to a certain platitude in its support.
CEO Compensation and Firm Performance: an Empirical Investigation of UK Panel Data
Authors: Ozkan Neslihan
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the link between CEO pay and performance employing a unique, hand‐collected panel data set of 390 UK non‐financial firms from the FTSE All Share Index for the period 1999–2005. We include both cash (salary and bonus) and equity‐based (stock options and long‐term incentive plans) components of CEO compensation, and CEO wealth based on share holdings, stock option and stock awards holdings in our analysis. In addition, we control for a comprehensive set of corporate governance variables. The empirical results show that in comparison to the previous findings for US CEOs, pay‐performance elasticity for UK CEOs seems to be lower; pay‐performance elasticity for UK CEOs is 0.075 (0.095) for cash compensation (total direct compensation), indicating that a ten percentage increase in shareholder return corresponds to an increase of 0.75% (0.95%) in cash (total direct) compensation. We also find that both the median share holdings and stock‐based pay‐performance sensitivity are lower for UK CEOs when we compare our findings with the previous findings for US CEOs. Thus, our results suggest that corporate governance reports in the UK, such as the Greenbury Report (1995) that proposed CEO compensation be more closely linked to performance, have not been totally effective. Our findings also indicate that institutional ownership has a positive and significant influence on CEO pay‐performance sensitivity of option grants. Finally, we find that longer CEO tenure is associated with lower pay‐performance sensitivity of option grants suggesting the entrenchment effect of CEO tenure.
In Defence of Capitalisation Weights: Evidence from the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 Indices
Authors: Tabner Isaac T.
Published: November 2009

A simple method for decomposing the variance covariance matrix of portfolio returns at the level of individual stocks is applied to the FTSE 100 Index. During extreme negative shocks, the largest index constituents exhibit lower than average covariance, thereby reducing the volatility of the capitalisation‐weighted index. The risk‐adjusted returns of the capitalisation‐weighted FTSE 100 Index exceed those of an equally‐weighted version of the same index and the outperformance is robust to the method of risk adjustment applied. The equally‐weighted index also exhibits greater systematic (market) risk than the capitalisation‐weighted version.
A deformation‐based morphometry study of patients with early‐stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Borghammer P. , Østergaard K. , Cumming P. , Gjedde A. , Rodell A. , Hall N. , Chakravarty M. M.
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Previous volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) utilized primarily voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), and investigated mostly patients with moderate‐ to late‐stage disease. We now use deformation‐based morphometry (DBM), a method purported to be more sensitive than VBM, to test for atrophy in patients with early‐stage PD.

Methods:  T1‐weighted MRI images from 24 early‐stage PD patients and 26 age‐matched normal control subjects were compared using DBM. Two separate studies were conducted, where two minimally‐biased nonlinear intensity‐average were created; one for all subjects and another for just the PD patients. The DBM technique creates an average population‐based MRI‐average in an iterative hierarchical fashion. The nonlinear transformations estimated to match each subject to the MRI‐average were then analysed.

Results:  The DBM comparison between patients and controls revealed significant contraction in the left cerebellum, and non‐significant trends towards frontal, temporal and cingulate sulcal expansions with frontal and temporal white matter contractions. Within the patient group, the unified PD rating scores were highly correlated with local expansions in or near sulci bordering on frontal and temporal cortex.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that DBM could be a sensitive method for detecting morphological changes in early‐stage PD.
Genetic regulation of meiosis in polyploid species: new insights into an old question
Authors: Cifuentes Marta , Grandont Laurie , Moore Graham , Chèvre Anne Marie , Jenczewski Eric
Published: November 2009

Precise chromosome segregation is vital for polyploid speciation. Here, we highlight recent findings that revitalize the old question of the genetic control of diploid‐like meiosis behaviour in polyploid species. We first review new information on the genetic control of autopolyploid and allopolyploid cytological diploidization, notably in wheat and Brassica. These major advances provide new opportunities for speculating about the adaptation of meiosis during polyploid evolution. Some of these advances are discussed, and it is suggested that research on polyploidy and on meiosis should no longer be unlinked.
Screening of some potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria for their ability to synthesis conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: ABD EL‐SALAM MOHAMED H , EL‐SHAFEI KAWTHER , SHARAF OSAMA M , EFFAT BAHER A , ASEM FAIZA M , EL‐AASAR MOSTAFA
Published: November 2009

Strains of potentially probiotic lactobacilli, propionibacteria, leuconostoc, lactococcus, enterococcus, and pediococcus, were tested for their ability to convert linoleic acid to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Growth and CLA production were followed during incubation for 48 h in reconstituted skim milk containing 0.2% lipolysed sesame oil. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides gave the highest CLA production. Also, the effect of lipolysed oil concentration on the growth and CLA production of six strains were studied in medium containing 0.0–1% lipolysed oil. Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and Lac. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis gave maximum dienes in medium containing 0.6% and 0.8% lipolysed oil respectively.
Factors and outcomes associated with the induction of labour in Latin America
Authors: Guerra GV , Cecatti JG , Souza JP , Faúndes A , Morais SS , Gülmezoglu AM , Parpinelli MA , Passini Jr R , Carroli G ,   for the World Health Organisation 2005 Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health Research Group
Published: November 2009

Objective  To describe the prevalence of labour induction, together with its risk factors and outcomes in Latin America.

Design  Analysis of the 2005 WHO global survey database.

Setting  Eight selected Latin American countries.

Population  All women who gave birth during the study period in 120 participating institutions.

Methods  Bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Main outcome measures  Indications for labour induction per country, success rate per method, risk factors for induction, and maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Results  Of the 97 095 deliveries included in the survey, 11 077 (11.4%) were induced, with 74.2% occurring in public institutions, 20.9% in social security hospitals and 4.9% in private institutions. Induction rates ranged from 5.1% in Peru to 20.1% in Cuba. The main indications were premature rupture of membranes (25.3%) and elective induction (28.9%). The success rate of vaginal delivery was very similar for oxytocin (69.9%) and misoprostol (74.8%), with an overall success rate of 70.4%. Induced labour was more common in women over 35 years of age. Maternal complications included higher rates of perineal laceration, need for uterotonic agents, hysterectomy, ICU admission, hospital stay >7 days and increased need for anaesthetic/analgesic procedures. Some adverse perinatal outcomes were also higher: low 5‐minute Apgar score, very low birthweight, admission to neonatal ICU and delayed initiation of breastfeeding.

Conclusions  In Latin America, labour was induced in slightly more than 10% of deliveries; success rates were high irrespective of the method used. Induced labour is, however, associated with poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes than spontaneous labour.
Amniotic fluid interleukin‐18 at mid‐trimester genetic amniocentesis: relationship to intraamniotic microbial invasion and preterm delivery
Authors: Daskalakis G , Thomakos N , Papapanagiotou A , Papantoniou N , Mesogitis S , Antsaklis A
Published: November 2009

Objective  To determine the value of amniotic fluid interleukin‐18 (AF IL‐18) in the diagnosis of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and prediction of preterm delivery (PTD).

Design  Analysis of the results of AF collected prospectively following genetic amniocentesis between February 2006 and September 2007.

Setting  A tertiary referral centre for fetal medicine.

Methods  Following amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid was transferred to the laboratory for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, Ureaplasma urealyticum culture and IL‐18 assays. All women who delivered preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) formed the study group. The control group consisted of the two subsequent women who also underwent amniocentesis during the same time period and delivered a normal neonate at term, matched for maternal age, parity and indication for amniocentesis.

Main outcome measures  The relationship between AF IL‐18 levels and the risk of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and PTD.

Results  Forty‐eight women who delivered preterm (<37 weeks) were matched with 96 controls. The preterm delivery group had significantly higher concentrations of IL‐18 (median = 609 pg/ml, interquartile range: 445.7–782.7) compared to controls (median = 322.1 pg/ml, interquartile range: 277.7–414.4), (P < 0.001). IL‐18 level was also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in cases with positive amniotic fluid cultures (median = 697.7, interquartile range: 609.0–847.2) compared to those with negative ones (median = 330.9 pg/ml, interquartile range: 235.2–440.8).

Conclusions  Elevated mid‐trimester concentrations of AF IL‐18 can identify women at risk for intraamniotic infection and spontaneous PTD.
Pelvic floor function is independently associated with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Brækken IH , Majida M , Ellström Engh M , Holme IM , Bø K
Published: November 2009

Objective  To investigate the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), including physical activity, clinically measured joint mobility and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function.

Design  One‐to‐one age‐ and parity‐matched case–control study.

Setting  Akershus university hospital and one outpatient physiotherapy clinic in Norway.

Population  Forty‐nine women with POP (POP quantification, stage ≥II) and 49 controls (stages 0 and I) were recruited from community gynaecologists and advertisements in newspapers.

Methods  Validated questionnaires, interview and clinical examination, including Beighton’s scoring system (joint hypermobility) and vaginal pressure transducer measurements (PFM function), were used. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses for one‐to‐one matched case–control studies were used, and odds ratios with 95% CIs are reported.

Main outcome measures  Pelvic floor muscle function (strength, endurance and resting pressure), socioeconomic status, body mass index, heavy occupational work, physical activity, family history, obstetric factors and markers of connective tissue weakness (striae, varicose veins, bruising, diastasis recti abdominis, joint hypermobility).

Results  No significant differences were found between groups with regard to postmenopausal status, current smoking, current low‐intensity exercise, type of birth (caesarean, forceps, vacuum), birth weight, presence of striae, diastasis recti abdominis and joint hypermobility. Body mass index (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.1–23.0), socioeconomic status (OR 10.5; 95% CI 2.2–50.1), heavy occupational work (OR 9.6; 95% CI 1.3–70.3), anal sphincter lacerations (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.0–20.0), PFM strength (OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.5–36.4) and endurance (OR 11.5; 95% CI 2.0–66.9) were independently related to POP.

Conclusions  Body mass index, socioeconomic status, heavy occupational work, anal sphincter lacerations and PFM function were independently associated with POP, whereas joint mobility and physical activity were not.
Long‐term vaginal ring pessary use: discontinuation rates and adverse events
Authors: Sarma S , Ying T , Moore KH
Published: November 2009

Objective  To evaluate, at a minimum of 6 years, the long‐term discontinuation rates and incidence of adverse events associated with vaginal ring pessary use.

Design  Retrospective case identification.

Setting  Tertiary urogynaecology unit.

Sample  All women fitted with either a Portex ring pessary or Introl bladder neck support device during the index period (1992–2002).

Methods  Retrospective chart review.

Main outcome measures  Length of use and complications of pessary use, including bleeding, extrusion, malodorous vaginal discharge, constipation and incontinence.

Results  Of the 273 women fitted with a ring pessary, 167 were successfully using it at 4 weeks; subsequently, 93 (56%) experienced complications comprising bleeding, extrusion, severe vaginal discharge, pain and constipation, in that order, although 38 women (23%) had more than one type of complication and most had more than one episode. Only 23 of 167 (14%) continued with pessary use at the study endpoint (November 2008). The median duration of use was 7 years (interquartile range, 6–9 years; range, 2.25–13.9 years). Of those who discontinued, the median duration was 1.4 years (range, 0.1–11 years; interquartile range, 0.5–3.6 years). After cessation, 73 (44%) chose conservative treatment and 50 (30%) chose surgery. Twelve women died during the time frame; nine returned to their GP.

Conclusions  We were surprised to find a 56% complication rate in pessary users. Our study shows that, over time, the majority of women chose to discontinue using pessaries. Women should be informed of these data when deciding on the management of their pelvic organ prolapse.
A validity study of the national UK colposcopy objective structured clinical examination—is it a test fit for purpose?
Authors: Shehmar M , Cruikshank M , Finn C , Redman C , Fraser I , Peile E
Published: November 2009

This study examines the validity and reliability of the British Society for Colposcopy and Cytopathology (BSCCP) objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The BSCCP OSCE results obtained over eight OSCE circuits were analysed using SPSS 15. Face validity and content validity were established from expert opinion and blueprinting. Statistically significant difference was not shown in construct validity through level of experience (P = 0.867, P = 0.822, P = 0.59, P = 0.74, P = 0.12, P = 0.01; these are the P values for each of the patient interaction stations) however, concurrent validity was established against the gynaecology mini‐CEX (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.8, positive predictive value = 0.947, negative predicitive value = 1). The reliability of the OSCE’s range from Cronbach’s alpha of 0.617 to 0.775. The OSCE has face, content and concurrent validity.
Labial surgery for well women: a review of the literature
Authors: Liao L‐M , Michala L , Creighton SM
Published: November 2009

This review investigates the quality and content of published reports relating to labial surgery for well women. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles between 1950 and April 2009. Forty articles were identified, 18 of which included patient data. The specification of the study design was unavailable in 15 of the 18 papers; the remaining three were retrospective reports. No prospective, randomised or controlled studies were found. All reports claimed high levels of patient satisfaction and contained anecdotes pertaining to success. Medically nonessential surgery to the labia minora is being promoted as an effective treatment for women’s complaints, but no data on clinical effectiveness exist.
Distribution of RGS9‐2 in neurons of the mouse striatum
Authors: Mancuso James J. , Qian Yan , Long Cheng , Wu Gang‐Yi , Wensel Theodore G.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 651–661.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins negatively modulate G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling activity by accelerating G protein hydrolysis of GTP, hastening pathway shutoff. A wealth of data from cell culture experiments using exogenously expressed proteins indicates that RGS9 and other RGS proteins have the potential to down‐regulate a significant number of pathways. We have used an array of biochemical and tissue staining techniques to examine the subcellular localization and membrane binding characteristics of endogenous RGS9‐2 and known binding partners in rodent striatum and tissue homogenates. A small fraction of RGS9‐2 is present in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction, whereas the majority is present primarily associated with the plasma membrane and structures insoluble in non‐ionic detergents that efficiently extract the vast majority of its binding partners, R7BP and Gβ5. It is specifically excluded from the cell nucleus in mouse striatal tissue. In cultured striatal neurons, RGS9‐2 is found at extrasynaptic sites primarily along the dendritic shaft near the spine neck. Heterogeneity in RGS9‐2 detergent solubility along with its unique subcellular localization suggests that its mechanism of membrane anchoring and localization is complex and likely involves additional proteins beside R7BP. An important nuclear function for RGS9‐2 seems unlikely.
Reduced expression of glutamate receptors and phosphorylation of CREB are responsible for in vivoΔ9‐THC exposure‐impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity
Authors: Fan Ni , Yang Hongwei , Zhang Jian , Chen Chu
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 691–702.

Chronic use of marijuana impairs synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which marijuana alters long‐term synaptic plasticity are largely unknown. Here, we show that repeated in vivo exposures to Δ9‐THC for 7 consecutive days significantly impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission. The Δ9‐THC exposure‐induced decrease in LTP was prevented by pharmacological inhibition or deletion of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R). To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying Δ9‐THC‐altered LTP, we targeted expression and function of the glutamate receptors (GluR) and phosphorylation status of cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB). Chronic in vivo exposure to Δ9‐THC produced CB1R‐dependent decreases in expression of hippocampal GluR1, NR2A, and NR2B, the ratio of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)/NMDA receptor‐gated currents, and phosphorylation of CREB. Our results suggest that reduced expression and function of the GluR subunits and phosphorylation of CREB may underlie the impaired long‐term synaptic plasticity induced by repeated in vivo exposure to Δ9‐THC.
A novel effect of rivastigmine on pre‐synaptic proteins and neuronal viability in a neurodegeneration model of fetal rat primary cortical cultures and its implication in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bailey Jason A. , Lahiri Debomoy K.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 843–853.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposition of amyloid‐β peptide plaque, disrupted amyloid‐β‐precursor protein (APP) metabolism, hyperphosphorylation of Tau leading to neurofibrillary tangles and associated neurotoxicity. Moreover, there is synaptic loss in AD, which occurs early and may precede frank amyloidosis. The central cholinergic system is especially vulnerable to the toxic events associated with AD, and reduced acetylcholine levels in specific brain regions is thought to be central to memory deficits in AD. First‐generation cholinesterase inhibitors have provided only symptomatic relief to patients with AD by prolonging the action of remaining acetylcholine with little or no change in the course of the disease. Some second‐generation cholinesterase inhibitors are multifunctional drugs that may provide more than purely palliative results. To evaluate the effects of the dual acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine on key aspects of AD, embryonic day 16 rat primary cortical cultures were treated with rivastigmine under media conditions observed to induce time‐dependent neurodegeneration. Samples were subjected to western blotting and immunocytochemistry techniques to determine what influence this drug may have on synaptic proteins and neuronal morphology. There was a strong increase in relative cell viability associated with rivastigmine treatment. Significant dose‐dependent increases were observed in the levels of synaptic markers synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) and synaptophysin, as well as the neuron‐specific form of enolase. Together with an observed enhancement of neuronal morphology, our results suggest a rivastigmine‐mediated novel neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative effects involving the synapse. Our observations may explain the potential for rivastigmine to alter the course of AD, and warrant further investigations into using butyrylcholinesterase inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for AD, especially with regard to restoration of synaptic function.
Analysis of hopanes and steranes in single oil‐bearing fluid inclusions using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS)
Authors: SILJESTRÖM S. , LAUSMAA J. , SJÖVALL P. , BROMAN C. , THIEL V. , HODE T.
Published: November 2009

Steranes and hopanes are organic biomarkers used as indicators for the first appearance of eukaryotes and cyanobacteria on Earth. Oil‐bearing fluid inclusions may provide a contamination‐free source of Precambrian biomarkers, as the oil has been secluded from the environment since the formation of the inclusion. However, analysis of biomarkers in single oil‐bearing fluid inclusions, which is often necessary due to the presence of different generations of inclusions, has not been possible due to the small size of most inclusions. Here, we have used time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) to monitor in real time the opening of individual inclusions trapped in hydrothermal veins of fluorite and calcite and containing oil from Ordovician source rocks. Opening of the inclusions was performed by using a focused C60+ ion beam and the in situ content was precisely analysed for C27–C29 steranes and C29–C32 hopanes using Bi3+ as primary ions. The capacity to unambiguously detect these biomarkers in the picoliter amount of crude oil from a single, normal‐sized (15–30 μm in diameter) inclusion makes the approach promising in the search of organic biomarkers for life’s early evolution on Earth.
An Experimental Study on the Interaction of Thermal Loading and Mechanical Loading in Membrane Structures
Authors: Wang X. , Zheng W. , Hu Y.‐R.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Maintenance of membrane structures geometry is crucial for them to be utilised in some space missions, including membrane antennae being developed at the Canadian Space Agency. In the harsh space environment, thermal loading and mechanical loading both can cause the distortion of membrane surfaces. Their effects on surface distortion will interact with each other. In order to properly design active control system, the interaction needs to be well understood. An experimental setup is designed for this purpose. A square membrane is subjected to mechanical loading provided by corner tension forces and thermal loading provided by a ceramic heater. Surface profile of the membrane is measured using the photogrammetry technique. In cases of symmetric thermal loading and asymmetric thermal loading, different mechanical loading cases are evaluated in terms of mitigating surface distortions. Some results are compared and explained using numerical results. Finally, the controllability of membrane structures is discussed using the results from these experiments.
Fracture Parameters for Natural Rubber Under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Hoo Fatt M. S. , Chen L. , Al‐Quraishi A. A.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the tear energy of unfilled and 25 phr carbon black‐filled natural rubber with varying loading rates. The variation of the tear energy with far‐field sample strain rate between 0.01 to 10 s−1 was found to be different from tensile strip and pure shear specimens. Above a sample strain rate of 10 s−1, the tear energy calculated from either specimen was comparable. The differences in the tear energy derived from the tensile strip and pure shear specimens were attributed to differences in the local crack tip stress state and strengthening of the material due to strain‐induced crystallisation. Both of these factors resulted in crack speeds 3–4 times higher in the pure shear specimen as compared to the tensile strip specimen. Finite element analysis (FEA) indicated that fracture would initiate at the crack tip either when the strain energy density approached the material toughness or when the maximum principal stress and strain approached the material tensile strength and fracture strain, respectively. It was concluded that these parameters would be better than the tear energy in predicting fracture of natural rubber under dynamic loading.
Identification of Damage and Plasticity Parameters for Continuum Damage Mechanics Modelling of Carbon and Glass Fibre‐Reinforced Composite Materials
Authors: O’Higgins R. M. , McCarthy C. T. , McCarthy M. A.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  An experimental test series was carried out to determine input parameters for a well‐known continuum damage mechanics elementary ply plasticity model. A full suite of data was obtained for a carbon fibre and an S2‐glass fibre‐reinforced composite material, both currently used in the aerospace industry. Models were implemented using the experimentally determined input parameters and predictions for in‐plane behaviour found good agreement with experiments for both material systems. In addition, model predictions for cyclic loading accurately captured reload moduli and plastic strain magnitude.
Occupational Segregation and the Gender Wage Gap in Private‐ and Public‐Sector Employment: A Distributional Analysis*
Authors: BARÓN JUAN D. , COBB‐CLARK DEBORAH A.
Published: November 2009

We use the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia data from 2001 to 2006 to analyse the source of the gender wage gap across public‐ and private‐sector wage distributions in Australia. We are particularly interested in the role of gender segregation within sector‐specific occupations in explaining relative wages. We find that, irrespective of labour market sector, the gender wage gap among low‐paid, Australian workers is more than explained by differences in wage‐related characteristics. The gender wage gap among high‐wage workers, however, is largely unexplained in both sectors suggesting that glass ceilings (rather than sticky floors) may be prevalent. Gender differences in employment across occupations advantage (rather than disadvantage) all women except those in high‐paid jobs, whereas disparity in labour market experience plays a much more important role in explaining relative private‐sector wages. Finally, disparity in educational qualifications and demographic characteristics are generally unimportant in explaining the gender wage gap.
The role of Epac proteins, novel cAMP mediators, in the regulation of immune, lung and neuronal function
Authors: Grandoch Maria , Roscioni Sara S. , Schmidt Martina
Published: November 2009

Chronic degenerative inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer's dementia, afflict millions of people around the world, causing death and debilitation. Despite the global impact of these diseases, there have been few innovative breakthroughs into their cause, treatment or cure. As with many debilitating disorders, chronic degenerative inflammatory diseases may be associated with defective or dysfunctional responses to second messengers, such as cyclic adenosinemonophosphate (cAMP). The identification of the cAMP‐activated guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Ras‐like GTPases, Epac1 (also known as cAMP‐GEF‐I) and Epac2 (also known as cAMP‐GEF‐II), profoundly altered the prevailing assumptions concerning cAMP signalling, which until then had been solely associated with protein kinase A (PKA). Studies of the molecular mechanisms of Epac‐related signalling have demonstrated that these novel cAMP sensors regulate many physiological processes either alone and/or in concert with PKA. These include calcium handling, cardiac and smooth muscle contraction, learning and memory, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. The diverse signalling properties of cAMP might be explained by spatio‐temporal compartmentalization, as well as A‐kinase anchoring proteins, which seem to coordinate Epac signalling networks. Future research should focus on the Epac‐regulated dynamics of cAMP, and, hopefully, the development of compounds that specifically interfere with the Epac signalling system in order to determine the precise significance of Epac proteins in chronic degenerative inflammatory disorders.
β2‐Adrenoceptor agonists alleviate neuropathic allodynia in mice after chronic treatment
Authors: Choucair‐Jaafar Nada , Yalcin Ipek , Rodeau Jean‐Luc , Waltisperger Elisabeth , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐José , Barrot Michel
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Antidepressants are a first‐line treatment against neuropathic pain. We previously demonstrated that β2‐adrenoceptors are necessary for antidepressants to exert their anti‐allodynic action. The aim of the present study was to assess whether β2‐adrenoceptor agonists could be sufficient to alleviate neuropathic allodynia.

Experimental approach: We used a murine model of neuropathy induced by unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing in C57BL/6J mice. We previously demonstrated that this animal model is sensitive to chronic, but not to acute, treatment with antidepressant drugs, which is clinically relevant. The mechanical allodynia was evaluated using the von Frey filaments.

Key results: We showed that chronic but not acute treatment with the β‐adrenoceptor agonists, bambuterol, isoprenaline, fenoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline or ritodrine suppressed mechanical allodynia. We confirmed that the action of these β‐adrenoceptor agonists was mediated through β2‐adrenoceptors by blocking it with intraperitoneal or intrathecal, but not intracerebroventricular or intraplantar, injections of the antagonist ICI118551. We also showed that chronic treatments with the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists, propranolol or ICI118551 did not suppress the allodynia.

Conclusions and implications: Our data show that chronic treatment with β‐adrenoceptor agonists has the same antiallodynic properties as treatments with antidepressant drugs. This study was, however, conducted in an animal model, and a clinical validation will be required to confirm the value of the present findings in patients.
Urban Metabolism of Paris and Its Region
Authors: Barles Sabine
Published: November 2009

The article presents the results of a research project aimed at (1) examining the feasibility of material flow analysis (MFA) on a regional and urban scale in France, (2) selecting the most appropriate method, (3) identifying the available data, and (4) calculating the material balance for a specific case. Using the Eurostat method, the study was conducted for the year 2003 and for three regional levels: Paris, Paris and its suburbs, and the entire region. Applying the method on a local scale required two local indicators to be defined in order to take into account the impact of exported wastes on MFA: LEPO, local and exported flows to nature, and DMCcorr, a modified domestic material consumption (DMC) that excludes exported wastes (and imported ones if necessary).

As the region extracts, produces, and transforms less material than the country as a whole, its direct material input (DMI) is lower than the national DMI. In all the areas, LEPO exceeds 50% of DMI; in contrast, recycling is very low. The multiscale approach reveals that urban metabolism is strongly impacted by density and the distribution of activities: the dense city center (Paris) exports all of its wastes to the other parts of the region and concentrates food consumption, whereas the agricultural and urban sprawl area consumes high levels of construction materials and fuel. This supports the use of MFA on an urban and regional scale as a basis for material flow management and dematerialization strategies and clearly reveals the important interactions between urban and regional planning and development, and material flows.
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY: Novel antibody screening cells, MUT+Mur kodecytes, created by attaching peptides onto red blood cells
Authors: Heathcote Damien , Carroll Tim , Wang Jui‐Jen , Flower Robert , Rodionov Igor , Tuzikov Alexander , Bovin Nicolai , Henry Stephen
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Antibody screening and identification panels are generally limited by the natural antigenic phenotypes present in their source donor population. However, the recent ability to attach peptides to the surface of cells has opened up the opportunity to create red blood cells (RBCs) with antigen profiles specifically designed for antibody screening and identification in a target population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinically significant antibodies to variant glycophorins (GPs) such as GP.Mur are more commonly seen in certain Asian populations. Using peptides representative of the MNS antigens MUT and Mur, RBC antibody screening cells were created using KODE cell surface engineering constructs. MUT‐, Mur‐, and MUT+Mur‐modified RBCs, known as kodecytes, were tested against monoclonal reagents and polyclonal sera with specificity for epitopes on GP.Mur‐positive RBCs.

RESULTS: Kodecytes retained their normal expression of intrinsic blood group antigens while expressing the new epitopes attached by KODE technology. The MUT, Mur, and MUT+Mur kodecytes, although unreactive with the various monoclonal reagents, were appropriately reactive with polyclonal sera containing antibodies reactive with GP.Mur‐positive RBCs.

CONCLUSIONS: This study used selected MUT and Mur peptides and KODE cell surface engineering technology to create MUT+Mur kodecytes suitable for the detection and identification of RBC antibodies in human serum or plasma. This technology has the potential to create a large range of specialized RBCs for antibody screening and identification.