bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Kindermusik training on infants’ rhythmic enculturation
Authors: Gerry David W. , Faux Ashley L. , Trainor Laurel J. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Phillips‐Silver and Trainor (2005) demonstrated a link between movement and the metrical interpretation of rhythm patterns in 7‐month‐old infants. Infants bounced on every second beat of a rhythmic pattern with no auditory accents later preferred to listen to an accented version of the pattern with accents every second beat (duple or march meter), whereas infants bounced on every third beat of the same rhythmic pattern preferred to listen to a version with accents every third beat (triple or waltz meter). The present study compared infants participating in Kindermusik classes with infants not participating in music classes. In Kindermusik classes infants receive enriched experience moving to music. Following Western musical norms, the majority of the music samples in the classes are in duple meter. During the preference test, Kindermusik infants listened longer overall, indicating heightened interest in musical rhythms. Both groups listened longer to the accented version that matched how they had been bounced, but only the Kindermusik group showed a stronger preference in the case of duple bouncing than in the case of triple bouncing. We conclude that musical classes for infants can accelerate the development of culture‐specific metrical perception.
Popularity and Acceptance as Distinct Dimensions of Social Standing for Chinese Children in Hong Kong
Authors: Schwartz David , Tom Shelley R. , Chang Lei , Xu Yiyuan , Duong Mylien T. , Kelly Brynn M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study attempted to validate distinctions between popularity and social acceptance in the cultural context of Hong Kong. We recruited 280 Chinese children (132 girls, 148 boys, mean age = 9.5) from Hong Kong primary schools. These children completed a peer nomination inventory assessing popularity, social acceptance, social rejection, aggression, peer victimization, and social behavior. Consistent with research conducted in western samples, we found that social acceptance was correlated primarily with positive behavioral characteristics (i.e., assertiveness‐leadership and low levels of submissiveness‐withdrawal). In contrast, popularity was associated with a more mixed pattern of features including high levels of aggression. The overall pattern of findings closely replicates past research conducted in North American and European settings.
The Limits of Transparency
Authors: Cukierman Alex 
Published: September 2009

This paper probes the limits of transparency in monetary policymaking along two dimensions: feasibility and desirability. It argues that, due to limited knowledge about the economy, even central banks (CBs) that are considered champions of openness are not very clear about their measurement of the output gap and about their beliefs regarding the effect of policy on inflationary expectations. Consequently, feasibility constraints on transparency are more serious than stylized models of the transmission mechanism would imply. In addition, no CB has made clear statements about its objective function, including in particular the relative weight on output versus inflation stabilization, the policy discount factor and the shape of losses from the inflation and the output gaps over the possible ranges of realizations of those variables.The paper also argues that there is a trade‐off between full transparency and full utilization of information in setting policy and that excessive transparency may facilitate the exertion of political pressures on the CB.The last section of the paper abstracts from feasibility constraints and discusses the desirable levels of openness in various areas of the policymaking process. It is argued that the strongest case against immediate transparency arises when the CB has private information about problems within segments of the financial system. Premature release of information may, in such a case, destroy efficient risk‐sharing arrangements and long‐term investments by triggering a run on the financial system. This is illustrated within the context of the classic Diamond–Dybvig model of bank runs. The paper also probes the desirable levels of transparency in other areas of the policymaking process like the bank's objective function, the bank's output target, forecasts of economic shocks, disagreements within the CB board and the publication of CB interest‐rate forecasts.
From “Shared Responsibility” to a Migration Agreement? The Limits for Cooperation in the Mexico‐United States Case (2000–2008)1
Authors: Delano Alexandra 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhy were the Mexican and United States governments unable to establish formal cooperation for the management of migration flows even after agreeing on the need for a “shared responsibility” approach and establishing an agenda for negotiations on a bilateral agreement in the spring of 2001? Conventional wisdom is that the terrorist attacks of September 11th were the main reason for the shift from a bilateral to a unilateral approach to the management of US‐Mexico migration flows. Although this event changed the US government’s foreign policy priorities, in order to understand the reasons why the proposal for a migration agreement failed, it is necessary to look beyond the security context that permeated the US agenda after September 11th and analyse the underlying structural, domestic and ideological factors that influenced the governments’ positions during and after the negotiations. By examining the context of power asymmetry in the US‐Mexico relationship, the domestic politics that surround the issue and public perceptions of immigration in the United States, this paper identifies the challenges implied in efforts to expand bilateral cooperation over migration issues in the NAFTA framework. The fact that both countries’ migration policies are mostly pursued unilaterally despite the acceptance of a “shared responsibility” raises key questions regarding the limits of regional integration and bilateral or multilateral cooperation for the management of migration.
Cost‐effectiveness of a barrier‐strengthening moisturizing cream as maintenance therapy vs. no treatment after an initial steroid course in patients with atopic dermatitis in Sweden – with model applications for Denmark, Norway and Finland
Authors: Hjalte F , Asseburg C , Tennvall GR 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects health and quality of life and it has great impact on both health‐care costs and costs to the society.Objectives  The objective of this study was to develop a model to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of a barrier‐strengthening moisturizing cream as maintenance therapy compared with no treatment after initial treatment with betamethasone valerate in adult patients with AD in Sweden. A further aim was to apply a similar health‐economic analysis for Denmark, Norway and Finland.Methods  A Markov simulation model was developed including data from three sources: (i) efficacy data from a randomized controlled trial including patients with moderate AD treated with either a moisturizing cream or no treatment, (ii) resource utilization and quality of life data, and (iii) unit prices from official price lists. A societal perspective was used and the analysis was performed according to treatment practice in Sweden. The model simulation was also applied for Denmark, Norway and Finland with inclusion of country‐specific unit costs. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results.Results  The results from the present analyses of treatment for patients with moderate AD indicate that maintenance treatment with a moisturizing cream during eczema‐free periods could be cost‐effective in a societal perspective. Similar results were obtained for Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.Conclusions  According to the analysis, treatment with a moisturizing cream was found to be a cost‐effective option compared with no treatment in eczema‐free periods in adult patients with AD in the four Nordic countries.
Anxiety and depression are risk factors rather than consequences of functional somatic symptoms in a general population of adolescents: The TRAILS study
Authors: Janssens Karin A.M. , Rosmalen Judith G.M. , Ormel Johan , Van Oort Floor V. A. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  It is well known that functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are associated with anxiety and depression. However, evidence is lacking about how they are related to FSS. The aim of this study was to clarify these relationships and examine whether anxiety and depression are distinctly related to FSS. We hypothesized that anxiety contributes to the development of FSS and that depression is a consequence of FSS.Methods:  FSS, anxiety, and depression were measured in adolescents (N = 2230, 51% women) by subscales of the Youth Self‐Report during three assessment waves (adolescents successively aged: 10–12, 12–14, and 14–17) and by corresponding subscales of the Child Behavior Checklist. Using structural equation models, we combined trait and state models of FSS with those of anxiety and depression, respectively. We identified which relationships (contemporaneous and two‐year lagged) significantly connected the states of FSS with the states of anxiety and depression.Results:  Trait variables were all highly interrelated (r = .54–.63). Contrary to our hypothesis, both state anxiety (β = .35) and state depression (β = .45) had a strong contemporaneous effect on state FSS. In turn, state FSS had a weak two‐year lagged effect on state anxiety (β = .11) and an even weaker effect on state depression (β = .06).Conclusions:  While the effect of anxiety and depression on FSS is strong and immediate, FSS exert a weaker and delayed influence on anxiety and depression. Further research should be done to detect the exact ways in which anxiety and depression lead to FSS, and FSS lead to anxiety and depression.
Reversal of temperature‐induced conformational changes in the amyloid‐beta peptide, Aβ40, by the β‐sheet breaker peptides 16–23 and 17–24
Authors: Hatip Funda F. Bölükbaşı , Suenaga Midori , Yamada Tatsuo , Matsunaga Yoichi 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: Aggregates of the protein amyloid‐beta (Aβ) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most therapeutic approaches to AD do not target Aβ, so determination of the factor(s) that facilitate aggregation and discovering agents that prevent aggregation have great potential therapeutic value.Experimental approach: We investigatedex vivothe temperature‐sensitive regions of Aβ1–40 (Aβ40) and their interactions with octapeptides derived from sequences within Aβ40 –β‐sheet breaker peptides (βSBP) – using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and dot blot and far‐UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. We measured changes within the physiological limits of temperature, using antibodies targeting epitopes 1–7, 5–10, 9–14 and 17–21 within Aβ40.Key results: Temperature‐dependent conformational changes were observed in Aβ40 at epitopes 9–14 and 17–21 at 36–38 and 36–40°C respectively. The βSBPs 16–23 and 17–24, but not 15–22 and 18–25, could inhibit the changes. Moreover, βSBPs 16–23 and 17–24 increased digestion of Aβ40 by protease K, indicating a decreased aggregation of Aβ40, whereas βSBPs 15–22 and 18–25 did not increase this digestion. CD spectra revealed that β‐sheet formation in Aβ40 at 38°C was reduced with βSBPs 16–23 and 17–24.Conclusions and implications: The epitopes 9–14 and 17–21 are the temperature‐sensitive regions within Aβ40. The βSBPs, Aβ16–23 and 17–24 reversed temperature‐induced β‐sheet formation, and decreased Aβ40 aggregation. The results suggest that the 17–23 epitope of Aβ40 is crucially involved in preventing Aβ40 aggregation and consequent deposition of Aβ40 in AD brain.
Lipoxins: resolutionary road
Authors: Maderna Paola , Godson Catherine 
Published: September 2009

The resolution of inflammation is an active process controlled by endogenous mediators with selective actions on neutrophils and monocytes. The initial phase of the acute inflammatory response is characterized by the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators followed by a second phase in which lipid mediators with pro‐resolution activities may be generated. The identification of these mediators has provided evidence for the dynamic regulation of the resolution of inflammation. Among these endogenous local mediators of resolution, lipoxins (LXs), lipid mediators typically formed during cell–cell interaction, were the first to be recognized. More recently, families of endogenous chemical mediators, termed resolvins and protectins, were discovered. LXs and aspirin‐triggered LXs are considered to act as ‘braking signals’ in inflammation, limiting the trafficking of leukocytes to the inflammatory site. LXs are actively involved in the resolution of inflammation stimulating non‐phlogistic phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Furthermore, LXs have emerged as potential anti‐fibrotic mediators that may influence pro‐fibrotic cytokines and matrix‐associated gene expression in response to growth factors. Here, we provide a review and an update of the biosynthesis, metabolism and bioactions of LXs and LX analogues, and the recent studies on their therapeutic potential as promoters of resolution and fibro‐suppressants.This article is part of a themed issue on Mediators and Receptors in the Resolution of Inflammation. To view this issue visithttp://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Lactacystin requires reactive oxygen species and Bax redistribution to induce mitochondria‐mediated cell death
Authors: Perez‐Alvarez Sergio , Solesio Maria E , Manzanares Jorge , Jordán Joaquín , Galindo María F 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose:  The proteasome inhibitor model of Parkinson's disease (PD) appears to reproduce many of the important behavioural, imaging, pathological and biochemical features of the human disease. However, the mechanisms involved in the lactacystin‐induced, mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathway remain poorly defined.Experimental approach:  We have used lactacystin as a specific inhibitor of the 20S proteasome in the dopaminergic neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y. We over‐expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP)–Bax fusion protein in these cells to study localization of Bax. Free radical scavengers were used to assess the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these pathways.Key results:  Lactacystin triggered a concentration‐dependent increase in cell death mediated by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and induced a change in mitochondrial membrane permeability accompanied by cytochrome c release. The participation of Bax protein was more critical than the formation of the permeability transition pore in mitochondria. GFP–Bax over‐expression demonstrated Bax redistribution from the cytosol to mitochondria after the addition of lactacystin. ROS, but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, participated in lactacystin‐induced mitochondrial Bax translocation. Lactacystin disrupted the intracellular redox state by increasing ROS production and depleting endogenous antioxidant systems such as glutathione (GSH). Pharmacological depletion of GSH, using l‐buthionine sulphoxide, potentiated lactacystin‐induced cell death. Lactacystin sensitized neuroblastoma cells to oxidative damage, induced by subtoxic concentrations of 6‐hydroxydopamine.Conclusions and implications:  The lactacystin‐induced, mitochondrial‐mediated apoptotic pathway involved interactions between ROS, GSH and Bax. Lactacystin could constitute a potential factor in the development of sporadic PD.
Acute dilation to α2‐adrenoceptor antagonists uncovers dual constriction and dilation mediated by arterial α2‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Crassous PA , Flavahan S , Flavahan NA 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: In mouse tail arteries, selective α2‐adrenoceptor antagonism with rauwolscine caused powerful dilation during constriction to the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. This study therefore assessed phenylephrine's selectivity at vascular α‐adrenoceptors and the mechanism(s) underlying dilation to rauwolscine.Experimental approach: Mouse isolated tail arteries were assessed using a pressure myograph.Key results: The α2‐adrenoceptor agonist UK14,304 caused low‐maximum constriction that was inhibited by rauwolscine (3 × 10−8 M) but not by the selective α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (10−7 M). Concentration–effect curves to phenylephrine, cirazoline or noradrenaline were unaffected by rauwolscine but were inhibited by prazosin, which was more effective at high compared with low levels of constriction. In the presence of prazosin, rauwolscine inhibited the curves and was more effective at low compared with high levels of constriction. Although rauwolscine alone did not affect concentration–effect curves to phenylephrine, noradrenaline or cirazoline, it caused marked transient dilation when administered during constriction to these agonists. Dilation was mimicked by another α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist (RX821002, 3 × 10−8 M), was dependent on agonist selectivity, and did not occur during adrenoceptor‐independent constriction (U46619). During constriction to UK14,304 plus U46619, rauwolscine or rapid removal of UK14,304 caused transient dilation that virtually abolished the combined constriction. Endothelial denudation reduced these dilator responses.Conclusions and implications: Inhibition of α2‐adrenoceptors caused transient dilation that was substantially greater than the contribution of α2‐adrenoceptors to the constriction. This reflects a slowly reversing α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated endothelium‐dependent dilation and provides a rapid, sensitive test of α2‐adrenoceptor activity. This approach also clearly emphasizes the poor selectivity of phenylephrine at vascular α‐adrenoceptors.
Effects of inactivation‐resistant agonists on the signalling, desensitization and down‐regulation of bradykinin B2receptors
Authors: Bawolak Marie‐Thérèse , Fortin Sébastien , Bouthillier Johanne , Adam Albert , Gera Lajos , C.‐Gaudreault René , Marceau François 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: A peptide bradykinin (BK) B2receptor agonist partially resistant to degradation, B‐9972, down‐regulates this receptor subtype. We have used another recently described non‐peptide agonist, compound 47a, as a tool to study further the effects of metabolically more stable and thus persistent, agonists of the BK B2receptor on signalling, desensitization and down‐regulation of this receptor.Experimental approach and key results: Compound 47a was a partial agonist at the B2receptor in the human umbilical vein, where it shared with B‐9972 a very slow relaxation on washout, and in HEK 293 cell lines expressing tagged forms [myc, green fluorescent protein (GFP)] of the rabbit B2receptor. Compound 47a desensitized the umbilical vein to BK. In the cellular systems, the inactivation‐resistant agonists induced [Ca2+]itransients as brief as those of BK but affected other functions with a longer duration than BK [12 h; receptor endocytosis, endosomal β‐arrestin1/2translocation, protein kinase C‐dependent extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation and c‐Fos expression]. The B2receptor–GFP was degraded in cells exposed to B‐9972 or compound 47a for 12 h. The non‐peptide B2receptor antagonist LF 16‐0687 prevented all effects of compound 47a, which were also absent in cells lacking recombinant B2receptors.Conclusion and implications: Inactivation‐resistant agonists revealed a long‐lasting assembly of the agonist–B2receptor–β‐arrestin complexes in endosomal structures and induce ‘biased signalling’ (in terms of activation of ERK and c‐Fos) as a function of time. Further, B‐9972 and compound 47a, unlike BK, efficiently down‐regulated BK B2receptors.
The Xhosa Cattle‐Killing Movement in History and Literature
Authors: Offenburger Andrew 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn South Africa’s Eastern Cape frontier zone, a millenarian movement known as the Xhosa Cattle‐Killing (1856–1857) devastated local populations and stunned observers. How could the messages of its prophetess, Nongqawuse, and the exhortations of her uncle, Mhlakaza, lead to the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of cattle, to the death of tens of thousands of people, and to the subjugation of the Xhosa? Historians and authors of literary works have attempted to answer this question, and their explanations have followed the contours of South African history through three general phases. The first (1857–1947) characterized the movement as a failed revolt against British expansion and a necessary step in social and religious Darwinism. The second period (1948–1988) saw the continuation of these interpretations, and, with National Party rule and the rise of the Black Consciousness Movement, an increasingly radical group of historians brought about politicized and alternative interpretations embedded in Xhosa oral history. The third phase (1989–) began with the publication of Jeff Peires’The Dead Will Arise, which renewed interest in the history and has inspired a new wave of historical critique.
Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray in the Acute Treatment of Cluster Headache: A Meta‐Analysis of Two Studies
Authors: Hedlund Cecilia , Rapoport Alan M. , Dodick David W. , Goadsby Peter J. 
Published: September 2009

Objective.— To conduct an individual subject meta‐analysis of available controlled studies of zolmitriptan nasal spray in the acute treatment of cluster headache.Background.— Two double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover studies of zolmitriptan nasal spray in the acute treatment of cluster headache, with similar patient populations, protocol designs, doses, and clinical endpoints have been published.Methods.— In both double‐blind studies, each patient was to treat 3 attacks, 1 with placebo, 1 with zolmitriptan 5 mg, and 1 with zolmitriptan 10 mg in a randomized, crossover manner. Headache intensity was rated on a 5‐point scale (none to very severe). The primary endpoint was headache relief at 30 minutes post dose: reduction from moderate, severe, or very severe pain to mild or none. A multilevel, random‐effects, logistic regression model was used to analyze the data.Results.— A total of 121 patients (100 male; 64.5% with episodic cluster headache) provided efficacy data for at least 1 attack. Zolmitriptan 5 mg and 10 mg were significantly more effective at providing headache relief at 30 minutes post treatment than placebo (odds ratio 3.48; 95% confidence interval 1.49‐8.10 and odds ratio 8.68; 95% confidence interval: 3.35‐22.5, respectively). For episodic cluster headache, response rates were 35.6%, 51.7%, and 73.7% for placebo, zolmitriptan 5 mg (odds ratio 2.5; P = .06 vs placebo), and 10 mg (odds ratio 9.9; P < .001 vs placebo), respectively. For chronic cluster headache, response rates were 17.2%, 41.9%, and 40.7% for placebo, zolmitriptan 5 mg (odds ratio 8.1; P = .035), and 10 mg (odds ratio 7.6; P = .046), respectively. Zolmitriptan was well tolerated in both studies with no serious adverse events reported.Conclusion.— Zolmitriptan nasal spray at a dose of 5 mg and 10 mg is efficacious in the acute treatment of episodic and chronic cluster headache.