bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Minimum Economic Dividend for Joining a Currency Union
Authors: Ca’Zorzi Michele , Zampolli Fabrizio , Santis Roberto A. De 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA two-country model is developed to show how the optimality of a currency union depends on whether it brings an economic dividend in terms of potential growth and the Balassa-Samuelson (BS) effect (the steady appreciation of the real exchange rate due to cross-country differences in intersectoral productivity gaps). The model shows that such dividend needs to be larger, the higher the BS effect, the smaller the size of the economy, the larger the cross-country difference in the standard deviation of the supply shocks, the smaller their correlation and the larger the standard deviation of real exchange rate shocks. We calibrate the model to quantify such dividend as a function of plausible ranges of the parameter values. The results suggest that both the BS effect and the size of real exchange rate shocks play a key role in evaluating the optimality of accessing the currency union.
From contact angle titration to chemical force microscopy: a new route to assess the pH‐dependent character of the stratum corneum
Authors: Wagner Matthieu , Mavon Alain , Haidara Hamidou , Vallat Marie‐France , Duplan Hélène , Roucoules Vincent 
Published: September 2011

SynopsisDespite of its complex multicomponent organization and its compact architecture, the Stratum corneum (SC) is not completely impermeable to substances directly applied on the skin surface. A huge number of works have been dedicated to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in substance permeation by exploring deeper layers than the SC itself. Surprisingly, there is a poor interest in studies relating to interactions which may occur in the near‐surface region (i.e. approximately 1 nm depth) of the SC. In this work, equilibrium proton‐transfer reactions have been used as probes to define in a fundamental point of view the nature of the SC interactions with its environment. Such titration curves are investigated on ‘in vitro’ SC (isolated SC from abdominal skin tissue) and on ‘in vivo’ volar forearm (a sebum poor area). The results are discussed in term of work of adhesion and surface pKa values. Because SC can ‘reconstruct’ under heating, influence of the temperature on titration curves is investigated and the role of the different components is discussed. Different sigmoidal transitions were observed. Two common pKa values (pKa1 = 4 and pKa2 = 11.5) were clearly identified in both cases and associated to an acid–base character. By playing with the temperature of ‘in vitro’ SC, the ‘accessibility’ of polar functions was increased, thus refining the results by revealing an amphoteric character with an acid‐to‐base transition at pH 3.5 and two acid transitions at pH = 6.5 and pH = 11.5. Adhesion forces between an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) tip and a single isolated corneocyte through buffered liquid media were also investigated to better understand the role of the individual corneocytes.
Semantic access in number processing investigated with Japanese Kanji and Kana numerals
Authors: SAKUMA NAOTO , GORYO KEN , KIMURA EIJI 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn number processing, semantic representations are efficiently activated. These representations frequently affect task performance, as demonstrated by semantic effects such as the distance effect (longer reaction times to closer numerical pairs in comparison tasks). The objective of this study was to investigate whether efficient semantic access is a distinctive feature of number processing using the Japanese language. Japanese was chosen to investigate possible effects of ideographic processing and word frequency: Kanji numerals in Japanese are ideograms and are used frequently, while Kana numerals are phonograms and are used infrequently. The results confirmed a distance effect in the numerical and physical matching tasks with both Arabic and Kanji numerals regardless of notation or task (Experiment 1). However, the effect was not observed with the Kana pairs (Experiment 2), thereby suggesting that semantic access is not always efficient in number processing. The results can be explained coherently within a general framework of word recognition by assuming that both the type of character and the word frequency play a critical role in determining the efficiency of semantic access.
Individual differences of visual imagery ability in the benefit of a survival judgment task
Authors: NOUCHI RUI 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study investigated whether or not visual imagery ability affected the benefit of a survival judgment task. Based on the median split of their VVIQ score, 92 undergraduate students were classified as either high imagers (n = 46) or low imagers (n = 46). In the survival task, participants were requested to judge whether an item presented in the form of two Chinese characters was necessary or not in a survival situation. In the image judgment task, participants were requested to judge whether an item presented in the form of two Chinese characters arouses mental images or not. Participants were presented 18 concrete nouns at 4 s intervals in each condition. In both the survival judgment and the image judgment tasks, high imagers recalled more words than low imagers did. This result showed that imagery ability influenced the benefit of the survival judgment task. These results were discussed from the functional perspective of memory. Finally, we proposed the combination hypothesis, which combined elaboration and functional perspectives to explain the benefit of the survival judgment task.
The effect of goal activation on the evaluation of hybrid products1
Authors: KIM MOON‐YONG , HYUN YONG J. , PARK SEHOON 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA hybrid product (i.e. a multifinal means) is connected with goals relevant to the key functionalities best served by the product categories constituting the product. Given that single‐ or multiple‐category inference for a hybrid product can be elicited in individuals, we propose that single‐ (vs. multiple‐) category inference can lead to a relatively higher preference for the hybrid product if only one of the key focal goals that the hybrid product can satisfy is activated. We also explore whether the evaluation of a hybrid product in single‐category inference will reflect valuation and/or devaluation effects if only one of multiple key focal goals attached to the hybrid product is active.
Autobiographical memories of specific social events for older and younger adults: Context dependency of the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire on recollection of 1970 and 2005 Japan World Expositions1
Authors: SHIMIZU HIROYUKI , ANDERSON DAVID , TAKAHASHI MASANOBU 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTo clarify the characteristics of autobiographical memories of personally experienced social events, we examined visitors' long‐term memories of the 1970 Japan World Exposition Osaka (Expo 1970) for 47 older adults and of Expo 2005 Aichi Japan (Expo 2005) for 42 older and 40 younger adults using the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ). The factor structure of the MCQ was compared with that of a previous study on long‐term memories of the graduation ceremonies of junior high‐school students, which employed the MCQ and itself was used as a comparative data set (N = 1183). Thus, the long‐term memory characteristics of four independent groups were considered for comparative analysis: Expo 1970‐Older, Expo 2005‐Older, Expo 2005‐Younger, and Graduation‐Younger. The mean scores for each of eight MCQ factors were calculated in each of the four groups. Significant differences of scores between the four independent groups were found on several factors of the MCQ. Based on these data, some issues of the context dependency of MCQ including the influence of retention interval, participant age, and the nature of experience are discussed.
The effect of aging on the memory enhancement of the survival judgment task
Authors: NOUCHI RUI 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study investigated whether or not aging affected the benefit of a survival judgment task. Sixteen young adults and 16 older adults participated in this experiment. In the survival task, participants were requested to judge whether a word was necessary or not in a survival situation. In the self‐referent judgment task, participants were requested to judge how easily the word brings to mind an important personal experience. Participants in each condition were presented 18 concrete nouns at 4‐s intervals. Our results showed that even though the survival judgment task enhanced the memory performance in both the young adults and the older adults, the young adults outperformed the older adults in the survival and self‐referent judgment tasks.
Distribution and spatial genetic structure of European wildcat in France
Authors: Say L. , Devillard S. , Léger F. , Pontier D. , Ruette S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGiven the problem of hybridization with domestic cats, there is a growing need to identify populations of the European wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris in order to protect the genetic integrity of this subspecies. In this paper, we use known locations of observations of wildcats or recovered carcasses to reassess the distribution of the wildcat in France and, in cases where carcasses were collected, we use both phenotypic and molecular genetic analyses to distinguish wildcats from hybrids with domestic cats. Spatially explicit multivariate analysis of wildcat' genotypes was then performed to define genetic units. Our study confirms the presence of wildcats in a large area of c. 155 000 km2, suggestive of a range of expansion, and divided into two clearly distinct and unconnected areas – the Pyrenees and the north‐eastern part of France. However, European wildcat populations may be decreasing in the French Pyrenees, whereas the north‐eastern part represents the main area (MA) of wildcat presence. This extension does not appear to be primarily due to hybrids, as both wildcats and hybrids were located throughout the MA. In addition, we found that genetic diversity of wildcats in the MA is remarkably high, suggesting that French populations are not threatened by a lack of genetic diversity. Furthermore, wildcats of the MA are structured into two genetically distinct populations that are contiguous and probably extend into Germany to form the largest area of wildcat presence in Europe and an area of major interest for their conservation. Our study calls for localized examination of the feasibility and usefulness of wildlife corridors to enhance connectivity between the different populations, thereby allowing sufficient levels of immigration and gene flow within the regional meta‐population to ensure the long‐term viability of these populations.
Combining information from multiple sources for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders for toddlers and young preschoolers from 12 to 47 months of age
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Lord Catherine 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Purpose of this study was to systematically examine combined use of the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) for children under age 4 using newly developed and revised diagnostic algorithms.Methods:  Single and combined use of the ADI‐R and ADOS algorithms were compared to clinical best estimate diagnoses for 435 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), 113 children with nonspectrum disorders, and 47 children with typical development from 12 to 47 months of age. Sequential strategies to reach a diagnostic decision by prioritizing administrations of instruments were also evaluated.Results:  Well‐balanced sensitivities and specificities above 80% were obtained for ASD diagnoses using both instruments. Specificities significantly improved when both instruments were used compared to one. Scores that can be used to systematically prioritize administrations of instruments were identified.Conclusions:  The ADI‐R and ADOS make independent, additive contributions to more accurate diagnostic decisions for clinicians evaluating toddlers and young preschoolers with ASD. Sequential assessment strategies using the scores identified may be appropriate for some children.
The moderating effect of physical activity on cardiovascular reactivity following single fat feedings
Authors: Faulk Kathryn E. , Bartholomew John B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis experiment examined the effects of consuming a high‐fat meal on cardiovascular reactivity and the ability of exercise to act as a moderator between dietary fat consumption and cardiovascular reactivity. Forty healthy, college‐age students were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: (1) low‐fat meal, no exercise; (2) low‐fat meal, postprandial exercise; (3) high‐fat meal, no exercise; and (4) high‐fat meal, postprandial exercise. To induce stress, all participants performed a public speaking task, while heart rate and blood pressure reactivity were measured. Multilevel analyses revealed that consuming a high‐fat meal led to heightened mean arterial pressure reactivity. Acute high‐intensity exercise resulted in attenuated heart rate and mean arterial pressure reactivity. The results of this study offer insight into how diet and exercise may influence cardiovascular reactivity, which is a key determinant of cardiovascular disease.
Does expert trust and factual knowledge shape individual's perception of science?
Authors: Costa‐Font Montserrat , Gil José M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractExplaining how individuals form their risks and benefit perceptions with regard to new technologies is a key issue in order to understand how new information disseminates. This paper examines the effect of knowledge, social values and trust in experts as shaping perceptions of risks and benefits of new technologies. Given that individual's perceptions of a technology is affected by unobserved heterogeneity, we use a methodology to disentangle the effect of a joint estimation of risks and benefit perceptions, namely seemingly unrelated probit, and we draw upon evidence from a representative survey carried out in Spain. Our findings suggest that factual knowledge and trust in experts increase perceptions of benefit of new technology developments and jointly reduce the perceptions of risk. Furthermore, reliance on traditional social values only appears to affect perceptions of benefits but does not influence risk perceptions.
Intimate circuits: modernity, migration and marriage among post‐Soviet women in Turkey
Authors: BLOCH ALEXIA 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe study of migration too often ignores the ways that labour migrants' emotional entanglements and complicated personal relationships factor into their experiences of being people on the move. In examining post‐Soviet migrant women's relationships with Turkish men and the ways these are regulated in Turkey, in this article I consider how intimate practices of marriage and performances of ‘love’ have emerged as key aspects of transnational mobility. These intimate practices both enable long‐term transnational circuits between post‐Soviet homelands and Turkey, and attest to the way global capitalism is redefining personal lives.
Structural changes in the 2003–2009 global hyperlink network
Authors: PARK HAN WOO , BARNETT GEORGE A. , CHUNG CHUNG JOO 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this study, we examined the structure of the international hyperlink network as a global communication system at two different points in time (2003 and 2009). Research was carried out on the web‐based network linking country code top‐level domains (ccTLDs) that represent countries, using hyperlink connectivity by the means of network analysis. The results indicate that the 2009 international hyperlink network was completely interconnected. G7 countries and Spain were at the centre of the network. At the periphery were poorer countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, several regional clusters based on geography, language and culture emerged. A comparison of the 2003 and 2009 results showed that the level of centralization and diversification among semi‐peripheral countries increased. We discuss the results from the perspective of world‐systems theory. We propose methodological procedures to overcome potential bias in international hyperlink data.
The in vivo neurochemistry of the brain during general anesthesia
Authors: Müller Christian P. , Pum Martin E. , Amato Davide , Schüttler Jürgen , Huston Joseph P. , De Souza Silva Maria A. 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 419–446.AbstractAnesthesia describes a complex state composed of immobility, amnesia, hypnosis (sleep or loss of consciousness), analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Bottom‐up approaches explain anesthesia by an interaction of the anesthetic with receptor proteins in the brain, whereas top‐down approaches consider predominantly cortical and thalamic network activity and connectivity. Both approaches have a number of explanatory gaps and as yet no unifying view has emerged. In addition to a direct interaction with primary target receptor proteins, general anesthetics have massive effects on neurotransmitter activity in the brain. They can change basal transmitter levels by interacting with neuronal activity, transmitter synthesis, release, reuptake and metabolism. By that way, they can affect a great number of neurotransmitter systems and receptors. Here, we review how different general anesthetics affect extracellular activity of neurotransmitters in the brain during induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia and which functional consequences this may have. Commonalities and differences between different groups of anesthetics in their action on neurotransmitter activity are discussed. We also review how general anesthetics affect the response dynamics of the neurotransmitter systems after sensory stimulation. More than 30 years of research have now yielded a complex picture of the effects of general anesthetics on brain neurotransmitter basal activity and response dynamics. It is suggested that analyzing the effects on neurotransmitter activity is the logical next step after protein interactions in a bottom‐up analysis of anesthetic action in the brain on the way to a unifying view of anesthesia.
Highly conserved tyrosine 37 stabilizes desensitized states and restricts calcium permeability of ATP‐gated P2X3 receptor
Authors: Jindrichova Marie , Khafizov Kamil , Skorinkin Andrei , Fayuk Dmitriy , Bart Genevieve , Zemkova Hana , Giniatullin Rashid 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 676–685.AbstractTyrosine 37 in the first transmembrane (TM1) domain is highly conserved in ATP‐gated P2X receptors suggesting its fundamental role. We tested whether Y37 contributes to the desensitization of P2X3 receptors, which is currently not well understood. By combining electrophysiological, imaging and modeling approaches, we studied desensitization of various Y37 P2X3 mutants and potential partners of Y37. Unlike the membrane current of the WT receptor, which desensitized in seconds, Y37A mutant current did not fully desensitize even after minutes‐long applications of β,γ‐meATP, α,β‐meATP, ATP or 2MeS‐ATP. The fractional calcium current was enhanced in the Y37A mutant. Y37F did not rescue the native P2X3 phenotype indicating a role for the hydroxyl group of Y37 for the WT receptor. Homology modeling indicated I318 or I319 in TM2 as potential partners for Y37 in the receptor closed state. We tested this hypothesis by creating a permanent interaction between the two residues via disulfide bond. Whereas single Y37C, I318C and I319C mutants were functional, the double mutants Y37C‐I318C and Y37C‐I319C were non‐functional. Using a cyclic model of receptor operation, we suggest that the conserved tyrosine 37 links TM1 to TM2 of adjacent subunit to stabilize desensitized states and restricts calcium permeability through the ion channel.
Chloroquine inhibits glutamate‐induced death of a neuronal cell line by reducing reactive oxygen species through sigma‐1 receptor
Authors: Hirata Yoko , Yamamoto Hideko , Atta Mostafa Shukry Moursy , Mahmoud Shawky , Oh‐hashi Kentaro , Kiuchi Kazutoshi 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 839–847.AbstractChloroquine, a widely used anti‐malarial and anti‐rheumatoid agent, has been reported to induce apoptotic and non‐apoptotic cell death. Accumulating evidence now suggests that chloroquine can sensitize cancer cells to cell death and augment chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy. However, chloroquine is reported to induce GM1 ganglioside accumulation in cultured cells at low μM concentrations and prevent damage to the blood brain barrier in mice. It remains unknown whether chloroquine has neuroprotective properties at concentrations below its reported ability to inhibit lysosomal enzymes and autophagy. In the present study, we demonstrated that chloroquine protected mouse hippocampal HT22 cells from glutamate‐induced oxidative stress by attenuating production of excess reactive oxygen species. The concentration of chloroquine required to rescue HT22 cells from oxidative stress was much lower than that sufficient enough to induce cell death and inhibit autophagy. Chloroquine increased GM1 level in HT22 cells at low μM concentrations but glutamate‐induced cell death occurred before GM1 accumulation, suggesting that GM1 induction is not related to the protective effect of chloroquine against glutamate‐induced cell death. Interestingly, BD1047 and NE‐100, sigma‐1 receptor antagonists, abrogated the protective effect of chloroquine against glutamate‐induced cell death and reactive oxygen species production. In addition, cutamesine (SA4503), a sigma‐1 receptor agonist, prevented both glutamate‐induced cell death and reactive oxygen species production. These findings indicate that chloroquine at concentrations below its ability to inhibit autophagy and induce cell death is able to rescue HT22 cells from glutamate‐induced cell death by reducing excessive production of reactive oxygen species through sigma‐1 receptors. These results suggest potential use of chloroquine, an established anti‐malarial agent, as a neuroprotectant against oxidative stress, which occurs in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ifenprodil restores GDNF‐evoked Ca2+ signalling and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in inflammation‐pretreated astrocytes
Authors: Lundborg Christopher , Westerlund Anna , Björklund Ulrika , Biber Björn , Hansson Elisabeth 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 686–696.AbstractGlial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays an important role in neuroinflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. Astrocytes produce and secrete GDNF, which interacts with its receptors to induce Ca2+ transients. This study aimed first to assess intracellular Ca2+ responses of astrocytes in primary culture when exposed to the neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory peptide GDNF. Furthermore, incubation with the inflammatory inducers lipopolysaccharide (LPS), NMDA, or interleukin 1‐β (IL‐1β) attenuated the GDNF‐induced Ca2+ transients. The next aim was to try to restore the suppressed GDNF responses induced by inflammatory changes in the astrocytes with an anti‐inflammatory substance. Ifenprodil, an NMDA receptor antagonist at the NR2B subunit, was tested. It was shown to restore the GDNF‐evoked Ca2+ transients and increased the Na+/K+‐ATPase expression. Ifenprodil seems to be a potent anti‐inflammatory substance for astrocytes which have been pre‐activated by inflammatory stimuli.