bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Graphic Model of the Effects of Sectoral Technical Change: The Case of Japan, 1880–1970
Authors: Yamaguchi Mitoshi , Kennedy George 
Published: July 2010

This paper estimates the effects of technical change on sectoral output growth and resource transfers in Japan over the period 1880–1970. It provides a graphic model to explain the process by which agricultural resources are pushed and pulled to the non‐agricultural sector by agricultural and non‐agricultural technical change.Cet article évalue les effets des changements techniques dans l'accroissement de la production par secteurs et les transferts de ressources au Japon pendant la periode 1880–1970. Ilfournit une representation graphique afin d'expliquer le processus selon lequel les ressources agricoles sont poussées et tirees vers le secteur non‐agricole par des changemenls techniques à la fois dans le domaine agricole et non‐agricole.SummaryThis paper combined growth accounting with a two‐sector model to measure the effects of agricultural and non‐agricultural technical change on sectoral resource use and output growth in Japan over the period 1880–1970. The growth accounting results of the model can be summarized as follows. Regarding agricultural output growth in Japan, the contribution of agricultural technical change ranged from a high of 91 percent in the first decade studied (1880–90) to a low of 73 percent in the third decade studied (1900–10). These estimates are less than those of conventional growth accounting. The contribution of non‐agricultural technical change, although small, was negative, given that it draws resources from the agricultural to the non‐agricultural sector.Regarding non‐agricultural output growth, the contribution of non‐agricultural technical change ranged from ‐13 percent (1910–20) to 56 percent (1890–1900). These estimates are higher than those of conventional growth accounting. The contribution of agricultural technology was small, but unlike the contribution of non‐agricultural technical change to agricultural output growth, it was positive, given that it pushes resources from the agricultural to the non‐agricultural sector.A graphic version of the two‐sector growth accounting model was provided to explain the process by which sectoral technical change affects demand factors and causes intersectoral resource flows. Agricultural technical change increased demand and output in the non‐agricultural sector while non‐agricultural technical change decreased demand and output in the agricultural sector. This asymmetry in the cross‐effects of agricultural and non‐agricultural technical change arose from the relatively low price and income elasticities for agricultural products. The result was a shift in labor and capital from the agricultural to non‐agricultural sector. Finally, some policy implications suggested by the results were noted.
Hedging Opportunities for Canadian
Authors: Carter Grains C. A. 
Published: July 2010

I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by Dhurvanand Chadee and the helpful comments of an anonymous reviewer.This paper empirically investigates the usefulness of the Winnipeg rapeseed, barley and flaxseed futures market for producer hedging. The period studied is 1977‐83 and both optimal hedge ratios and levels of hedging effectiveness are estimated. The results clearly show the futures contracts are useful for producers in reducing the risk of price changes.SummaryThe unprecedented commodity price volatility in the last decade has resulted in a growing interest in futures trading by farmers. One of the major reasons often provided for the usefulness of commodity futures markets is that they provide a mechanism whereby producers can shift the risk of price change onto others. Interestingly, little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of the WCE as a hedging tool for farmers.The objective of this paper was to investigate the extent to which the futures contracts for rapeseed, barley and flaxseed can be used by farmers in order to reduce price risk (measured by volatility). Drawing on earlier literature, the theory of hedging was reviewed and formulae for estimating the optimal hedge and the effectiveness of hedging were presented. An empirical analysis determined that the Winnipeg rapeseed, barley and flaxseed futures contracts are very useful in terms of allowing a producer the opportunity to reduce exposure to price risk.
Calculating Least‐Cost Machinery Size for Grain Farms Using Electronic Spreadsheets and Microcomputers
Authors: Brown William J. , Schoney Richard A. 
Published: July 2010

Proper machinery sizing for a given farm has the potential of reducing costs and thereby increasing profits substantially. The microcomputer and the electronic spreadsheets now available are the latest tools farm business managers can use to solve this recurrent, complex and important problem. This paper finds the least‐cost combination of machinery taking into account fixed, variable and timeliness costs. The model is solved using a microcomputer spreadsheet.La bonne grosseur d'équipement en proportion avec la grosseur de la ferme vont de pair et donne comme résultat une réduction des coûts et par le fait même augmenteles profits. Le micro‐ordinateur et les chif‐friers électroniques maintenant disponibles sont les derniers appareils que le ǵerant d'affaires de ferme peut se servir pour résoudre le problème complexe de choisir l'équipement approprié. Cette étude determine la combinaison de machines requises qui est la plus économique en tenant compte des couts fixes et variables ainsi que des couts opportuns. Ce modele est resolu avec l'aide d'un chiffrier de micro‐ordinateur.
The Future Role of the Farm Management Expert
Authors: Therrien G. A. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYFarmers need more accurate and useful information. They must also improve their decision‐making skills.The farm management expert's main challenge will be to perform more like a coach than a general.As a professional, he/she must be guided by a consistent and honorable set of principles, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.Finally, to be successful, he/she must know his/her customers, know their habits, attitudes, biases and dissatisfactions and recognize these differences. In a nutshell, the farm management expert of the future must tailor his/her services to the new market.
The Effect on Farmland Prices of Rural Severances in the Urban Field
Authors: Rodd R. Stephen , Pinto F. R. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTThe lengthy debate on appropriate public policy for agricultural land planning has had two major components: the regulation of severances of farmland and the orderly expansion of each growing city. Putting aside the latter issue, this paper reports research on the severance issue, which is perhaps the key controllable socio‐economic policy variable in rural foodland protection. This paper examines data from one of the most complex areas, the intermediate rural fringe surrounding Toronto.A “severance theory” is presented, based upon a review of theories of externalities and land economics. To test the severance theory, a regression model is used. The research provides what may be the first quantitative information in North America on the extent of the pecuniary externalities alleged to arise from severances, and hence provides some of the information that would be required to evaluate empirically proposed and existing land use policies.The severance theory predicts that severance activity would increase the price of nearby farmland. From the statistical analysis, it is concluded that severances did affect farmland values but that the relationships were more complex than anticipated. Severances influenced farmer buyers to pay higher prices for farmland. However, the predominating nonfarm buyer of farmland in York Region consistently reacted as if there were negative externalities from severances and paid lower prices where severances had an influence.The implications of this study for public policies such as the Ontario Food Land Guidelines are limited by the study area and time period examined. The approach used in this study should be applied to other areas, especially ones less subject to purchases by nonfarmers, in order to define more precisely the impact of severance activity on nearby farmland values.
Food Aid Donor Allocation Decisions After 1990
Authors: Young Linda M. , Abbott Philip C. 
Published: July 2010

Bilateral donations of food aid have been criticized for not responding to the need in recipient countries. U.S. food aid programs have attempted to meet humanitarian objectives while providing limited support to domestic agricultural producers and developing overseas markets, so food aid is now being examined in World Trade Organization negotiations on export competition. This paper investigates if significant policy changes in the mid 1990s by the EU, and more modest modifications to U.S. programs, have resulted in a measurable increase in donor responsiveness to need. A new specification of need is developed, and the role of chronic hunger and violent conflict are also tested as proxies for need. Results indicate that most donors are more responsive to severe shortfalls in production. Additionally, donors appear to be increasingly responsive to need over the 1990s, particularly to recipient countries experiencing violent conflict, but not to the needs of least developed countries. Results indicate that food aid is increasingly additional, an important finding for negotiations on disciplines for food aid. L'aide alimentaire bilatérale a été critiquée parce qu'elle ne répondait pas aux besoins des pays bénéficiaires. Les programmes d'aide alimentaire des États‐Unis ont tenté de satisfaire aux objectifs humanitaires tout en apportant un certain soutien aux producteurs agricoles des États−Unis et en développant des marchés d'outre‐mer, si bien que l'aide alimentaire fait maintenant l'objet d'un examen dans les négociations de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce sur la concurrence à l'exportation. Le présent article examine si les importantes modifications de politiques apportées par l'UE au milieu des années 1990, de même que les modifications plus modestes apportées aux programmes étatsuniens, ont entraîné une hausse mesurable de la sensibilité des donateurs quant aux besoins. Une nouvelle description des besoins est en cours d'élaboration, et le rôle de la faim chronique et des conflits violents est également évalué comme indicateur de besoins. D'après les résultats, la plupart des donateurs sont davantage influencés par un manque à gagner important dans la production. Depuis 1990, les donateurs semblent être de plus en plus réceptifs aux besoins, particulièrement à ceux des pays bénéficiaires touchés par des conflits violents, mais non à ceux des pays les moins avancés. Les résultats ont indiqué que l'aide alimentaire augmente de plus en plus et devient un élément important pour les négociations sur les disciplines à l'aide alimentaire.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN ENTEROBACTERIACEAE ISOLATED FROM PORTUGUESE DELI MEATS
Authors: AMADOR PAULA , FERNANDES RUBEN , BRITO LUISA , PRUDÊNCIO CRISTINA 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the presence of β‐lactam‐resistant bacteria in different types of Portuguese deli meats. The numbers of ampicillin resistant bacteria varied from negative in 25 g to 1.0 × 108colony‐forming units/g. Within 78 randomly selected β‐lactam‐resistant bacteria, 24 different resistant phenotypes were found and 35.9% were multidrug resistant (MDR). The majority (87.2%) of the isolates identified belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family. The presence of the blaTEM gene was detected in 23 out of 67 isolates (34.3%) and 16 of them presented MDR phenotypes. Four Klebsiella oxytoca isolates (6%) harbored a gene for the CTX‐M/OXY‐type enzyme. The direct sequencing of their purified amplicons confirmed the presence of three types of blaOXYgenes (blaOXY‐1, blaOXY‐2 and blaOXY‐5). These results suggest that without good hygienic practices, deli meats may act as a vehicle of transfer of β‐lactam‐resistant bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract of consumers.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn the current regulation on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs the test for Enterobacteriaceae is used as indicator of hygiene and contamination after processing. Nevertheless, the major concern for public health related to the presence of these bacteria in food is because of the emerging antibiotic resistance in this family, namely to β‐lactams. Consequently, the ever‐increasing consumption of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) food, can contribute to the spread of these resistant strains. In the present study different types of deli meats, sold at retail outlets in Portugal, presented levels of β‐lactam‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae that suggested the lack of strict hygiene control measures in the food chain. Without good hygienic practices, the dissemination in the community of antibiotic resistance genes may assume serious proportions.
A rare case of dens invaginatus in a mandibular canine
Authors: George Roy , Moule Alexander J. , Walsh Laurence J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDens invaginatus (dens in dente) is a common dental anomaly with a reported prevalence of between 0.04% and 10%. It typically affects permanent maxillary lateral incisors, central incisors and premolars. These developmental lesions are less common in mandibular teeth and are extremely rare in canines and molars. This report describes a rare case of dens invaginatus (Oehlers type II) in a permanent mandibular canine. The tooth was mature with a closed apex and showed apical pathosis. The tooth was treated endodontically using a non‐surgical technique with hand endodontic files, and then followed up after a period of 8 months. A follow‐up radiograph showed some healing of the lesion.
Voltage‐dependent Nav1.7 sodium channels: multiple roles in adrenal chromaffin cells and peripheral nervous system
Authors: Wada A. , Wanke E. , Gullo F. , Schiavon E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractVoltage‐dependent Na+channels consist of the principal α‐subunit (∼260 kDa), without or with auxiliary β‐subunit (∼38 kDa). Nine α‐subunit isoforms (Nav1.1–Nav1.9) are encoded in nine different genes (SCN1A–SCN5A and SCN8A–SCN11A). Besides initiating and propagating action potentials in established neuronal circuit, Na+channels engrave, maintain and repair neuronal network in the brain throughout the life. Adrenal chromaffin cells express Nav1.7 encoded in SCN9A, which is widely distributed among peripheral autonomic and sensory ganglia, neuroendocrine cells, as well as prostate cancer cell lines. In chromaffin cells, Nav1.7‐specific biophysical properties have been characterized; physiological stimulation by acetylcholine produces muscarinic receptor‐mediated hyperpolarization followed by nicotinic receptor‐mediated depolarization. In human patients with Nav1.7 channelopathies, gain‐of‐pathological function mutants (i.e. erythermalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder) or loss‐of‐physiological function mutant (channelopathy‐associated insensivity to pain) proved the causal involvement of mutant Nav1.7 in generating intolerable pain syndrome, Nav1.7 being the first molecular target convincingly identified for pain treatment. Importantly, aberrant upregulation/hyperactivity of even the native Nav1.7 produces pain associated with inflammation, nerve injury and diabetic neuropathy in rodents. Various extra‐ and intracellular signals, as well as therapeutic drugs modulate the activity of Nav1.7, and also cause up‐ and downregulation of Nav1.7. Nav1.7 seems to play an increasing number of crucial roles in health, disease and therapeutics.
Transgenic and Knock‐out Mice: Models of Neurological Disease
Authors: Aguzzi Adriano , Brandner Sebastian , Sure Ulrich , Rüedi Daniela , Isenmann Stefan 
Published: July 2010

Besides providing useful model systems for basic science, studies based on modification of the mammalian germ line are changing our understanding of pathogenetic principles. In this article, we review the most popular techniques for generating specific germ line mutations in vivo and discuss the impact of various transgenic models on the study of neurodegenerative diseases.The “gain of function” approach, i.e., ectopic expression of exogenous genes in neural structures, has deepened our understanding of neurodegeneration resulting from infection with papova viruses, picorna viruses, and human retroviruses. Further, inappropriate expression of mutated cellular molecules in the nervous system of transgenic mice is proving very useful for studying conditions whose pathogenesis is controversial, such as Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron diseases. As a complementary approach, ablation of entire cell lineages by tissue‐specific expression of toxins has been useful in defining the role of specific cellular compartments. Modeling of recessive genetic diseases, such as Lesch‐Nyhan syndrome, was helped by the development of techniques for targeted gene deletion (colloquially termed “gene knock‐out”). Introduction of subtle homozygous mutations in the mouse genome was made possible by the latter approach. Such “loss of function” mutants have been used for clarifying the role of molecules thought to be involved in development and structural maintenance of the nervous system, such as the receptors for nerve growth factor and the P0 protein of peripheral myelin. In addition, these models are showing their assets also in the study of enigmatic diseases such as spongiform encephalopathies.
Glutamate‐Mediated Injury in Focal Cerebral Ischemia: The Excitotoxin Hypothesis Revised
Authors: Hossmann Konstantin‐Alexander 
Published: July 2010

Neuronal injury following focal cerebral ischemia is widely attributed to the excitotoxic effects of gluta‐mate. However, critical analysis of published data on glutamate toxicityin vitroand the comparison of these data within vivorelease of glutamate and the therapeutic effect of glutamate antagonists raises doubts about a neurtoxic mechamism. An alternative explanation for glutamate‐mediated injury is hypoxia due to peri‐infarct spreading depression‐like depolarizations. These depolarizations are triggered in the core of the ischemic infarct and spread at irregular intervals into the peri‐infarct surrounding. In ischemically uncompromised tissue, the metabolic workload associated with spreading depression is coupled to an increase in blood flow and oxygen supply, assuring maintenance of oxidative respiration. In the penumbra region of focal ischemia, the hemodynamic constraints of collateral blood circulation prevail the adequate adjustment of oxygen delivery, leading to transient episodes of relative tissue hypoxia. The hypoxic episodes cause a suppression of protein synthesis, a gradual deterioration of energy metabolism and a progression of irreversibly damaged tissue into the penumbra zone.The generation of peri‐infarct spreading depressions and the associated metabolic workload can be suppressed by NMDA and non‐NMDA antagonists. As a result, the penumbral inhibition of protein synthesis and the progressing energy failure is also prevented, and the volume of ischemic infarct decreases. Interventions to improve ischemic resistance should therefore aim at improving the oxygen supply or reducing the metabolic workload in the penumbra region.
p53 and Brain Tumors: From Gene Mutations to Gene Therapy
Authors: Fulci Giulia , Ishii Nobuaki , Van Meir Erwin G. 
Published: July 2010

The p53 tumor suppressor gene (TP53) is the most frequently altered gene in human cancer and is also found mutated in several types of brain tumors. Loss of p53 function plays a central role in the development of cancer. The characterization of the biochemical pathways by which p53 alteration triggers tumorigenesis is the foundation for the design of novel therapeutic approaches.Investigations of the intracellular mechanisms at the origin of p53 tumor suppressive functions have shown that p53 is a transcription factor able to sense a variety of cellular insults and induce a dual response: cell growth arrest/senescence or apoptosis. Less well studied are p53′s influences on extracellular events such as tumor angiogenesis, immunology and invasion. Here, we review these findings and specifically discuss their implications for brain tumor genesis, molecular diagnosis and prognosis. Of clinical importance are the findings that brain tumors with wild type (wt) or mutant p53 status may respond differently to radiation therapy and that novel therapeutic strategies using TP53 gene transfer or specifically targeting tumor cells with mutated p53 are being evaluated in clinical trials.
Mutations in mtDNA: Are We Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel?
Authors: DiMauro Salvatore , Andreu Antoni L. 
Published: July 2010

The small, maternally inherited mtDNA has turned out to be a Pandora's box of pathogenic mutations: 12 years into the era of “mitochondrial medicine,” about 100 pathogenic point mutations and innumerable rearrangements have been associated with a bewildering variety of multisystemic as well as tissue‐specific human diseases. After reviewing the principles of mitochondrial genetics, we compare and contrast the clinical and pathological features of disorders due to mutations in genes affecting mitochondrial protein synthesis with those of mutations in protein‐coding genes.In contrast to the striking progress in our understanding of etiology, pathogenesis is only partially explained by the rules of mitochondrial genetics and remains largely terra incognita. We review recent progress in prenatal diagnosis and epidemiology. Therapy is still woefully inadequate, but a number of promising approaches are being developed.
Sarcolemmopathy: Muscular Dystrophies with Cell Membrane Defects
Authors: Ozawa Eijiro , Nishino Ichizo , Nonaka Ikuya 
Published: July 2010

In this article, we review the molecular pathology of muscular dystrophies caused by defects of proteins located within or near cell membranes. These disorders include Bethlem myopathy, merosinopathy, dystrophinopathy, sarcoglycanopathies, integrinopathy, dysferlinopathy and caveolinopathy. We refer to these diseases collectively as sarcolemmopathy. Here, we describe the biological functions of these proteins in the context of muscular contractions and their roles in the infrastructure of muscle; defects of muscle infrastructures cause those diseases.As an example, in dystrophinopathy, cell membranes have mechanical defects due to the absence of dystrophin. Cracks of the cell membrane induced by muscle contraction may allow the influx and efflux of substances that trigger muscle cell degeneration. However, such cracks may be resealed on relaxation. In addition, dystrophinopathy causes secondary defects of various dystrophin‐associated proteins suggesting that defects in cell signaling participate in the pathologic process. With regard to other sarcolemmopathies, we discuss pathological mechanisms based on available data.