bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labor‐Market Search, Financial Market Integration, and the Fiscal Multiplier
Authors: Çenesiz M. Alper , Pierdzioch Christian 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe used a two‐country optimizing “new‐open‐economy macroeconomics” model to analyze the implications of financial market integration for the fiscal multiplier. The fiscal multiplier measures the accumulated effect of fiscal policy on output. Our model features a labor‐market friction in the form of labor‐market search. The conventional wisdom derived from the basic textbook version of the classic Mundell–Fleming model has been that financial market integration diminishes the fiscal multiplier. We show that labor‐market search implies that financial market integration should increase rather than decrease the fiscal multiplier.
Trade, Growth, and Environmental Quality*
Authors: Sirakaya Sibel , Turnovsky Stephen J. , Alemdar Nedim M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper examines linkages between international trade, environmental degradation, and economic growth in a dynamic North–South trade game. Using a neoclassical production function subject to an endogenously improving technology, North produces manufactured goods by employing labor, capital, and a natural resource that it imports from South. South extracts the resource using raw labor, in the process generating local pollution. We study optimal regional policies in the presence of local pollution and technology spillovers from North to South under both non‐cooperative and cooperative modes of trade. Non‐cooperative trade is inefficient due to stock externalities. Cooperative trade policies are efficient and yet do not benefit North. Both regions gain from improved productivity in North and faster knowledge diffusion to South regardless of the trading regime.
The welfare politics of Charles Murray are alive and well in the UK
Authors: Prideaux Simon John 
Published: April 2009

Prideaux SJ. The welfare politics of Charles Murray are alive and well in the UK Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 293–302 © 2009 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.This article takes a historical look at the ‘underclass’ debate that was prominently provoked and perpetuated in Britain by the American Charles Murray. It does so because the recent protestations about gun crime, welfare dependency and lone parenthood by David Cameron and the Conservative Party have not only echoed New Labour's New Deal logic, but have also reignited an argument that furiously raged in British policy debates during the 1980s and 1990s. Despite numerous criticisms and critics questioning Murray's selection of evidence, methodology and use of anecdotal vignettes, it is still apparent that the stereotypical assumptions about a section of British society who choose not to work, live a life of crime and produce inadequately socialised illegitimate children still persist. Consequently, the article revisits these arguments so that lessons from the past can now be brought to the fore and, hopefully, taken on board academically if not politically.
Juvenile bullous pemphigoid: the presentation and follow‐up of six cases
Authors: Gajic‐Veljic M , Nikolic M , Medenica L 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Juvenile bullous pemphigoid (JBP) is a very rare autoimmune blistering disease. Up to now, 81 cases have been published.Objectives  To describe clinical, histopathological and immunopathological characteristics of our patients with JBP, their response to therapy and clinical course, and to show the rarity of JBP in our population.Study design  Retrospective study of all patients with JBP diagnosed from 1983 to the end of 2007. The patients were followed from 6 months to 24 years.Setting  An academic, teaching hospital – Pediatric Dermatology Unit of the Institute of Dermatovenereology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade.Patients and methods  Six patients with JBP (4 girls and 2 boys) aged 2 to 17 years. The average age at onset of BP was 10 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological analysis and direct immunofluorescence test. The patients were treated with systemic and topical corticosteroids, and three patients received dapsone.Results  The disease control was achieved after 2 weeks to 2.5 months of therapy. The treatment lasted from 2 weeks to 4.5 months, 1.8 months at the average. The period from the beginning of the disease to complete remission ranged from 1.5 month to 5 years, with a mean value of 14 months. In one boy, the parents interrupted the therapy, and the disease remitted spontaneously after 5 years.Conclusion  According to our experience, JBP can spontaneously remit within 5 years. JBP has a relatively indolent course and may be a self‐limiting disease. The patients should not be over‐treated in order to avoid side‐effects of medication.
Fostering social engagement in Romanian children with communicative impairments: the experiences of newly trained practitioners of Intensive Interaction
Authors: Suzanne Zeedyk M. , Davies Cliff , Parry Sarah , Caldwell Phoebe 
Published: April 2009

Accessible summary

This article describes the benefits of using an intervention technique called ‘Intensive Interaction’ to make connections with children who are socially withdrawn because of communicative impairments.
It summarises the accounts of 12 new trainees who used the technique while working as volunteers with abandoned, special needs children living in state care in Romania.
The comments of the volunteers showed that they could identify improvements in the children’s communicative abilities once they began to use Intensive Interaction. For example, the children looked at them more often, they were calmer, and they were more likely to turn the interactions into games.
The volunteers’ comments also made it clear that they felt closer to the children as a result of these changes in the interaction style.
These results are encouraging, because they suggest that practitioners can be trained in the basics of Intensive Interaction quickly and at a low cost, enabling them to reach children who often have trouble connecting to other people.

SummaryWithin the special needs field, interactive interventions are gaining attention as a means of promoting social engagement for individuals with communicative impairments. The present paper examined the experiences of practitioners of one such approach, Intensive Interaction (II), by analysing written reflections provided by 12 newly trained practitioners. Their insights are particularly interesting because they were working in a voluntary capacity with a novel population: Romanian children living in state care, whose communicative impairments have been complicated by a history of neglect. A thematic analysis indicated that one hour’s training in II was sufficient for (i) enabling trainees to identify key changes in children’s engagement (e.g. increased attention to partner, decreased distress) and (ii) strengthening trainees’ sense of connection to the children. If such brief training sessions are effective in improving communicative interactions, this offers benefits to health and education service providers seeking to implement communicative intervention programmes. While interactive approaches have potential in all regions, they may be particularly valuable in countries such as Romania, which face monumental financial challenges in improving standards of childcare.
Stable–unstable flow of geothermal fluids in fractured rock
Authors: GRAF T. , THERRIEN R. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDensity‐driven geothermal flow in 3‐D fractured rock is investigated and compared with density‐driven haline flow. For typical matrix and fracture hydraulic conductivities, haline flow tends to be unstable (convecting) while geothermal flow is stable (non‐convecting). Thermal diffusivity is generally three orders of magnitude larger than haline diffusivity and, as a result, large heat conduction diminishes growth of geothermal instabilities while low mass diffusion enables formation of unstable haline ‘fingering’ within fractures. A series of thermal flow simulations is presented to identify stable and unstable conditions for a wide range of hydraulic conductivities for matrix and fractures. The classic Rayleigh stability criterion can be applied to classify these simulations when fracture aperture is very small. However, the Rayleigh criterion is not applicable when the porous matrix hydraulic conductivity is very small, because stabilizing fracture–matrix heat conduction is independent of matrix hydraulic conductivity. In that case, the numerically estimated critical fracture conductivity is nine orders of magnitude larger than the theoretically calculated critical fracture conductivity based on Rayleigh theory. The numerical stability analysis presented here may be used as a guideline to predict if a geothermal system in 3‐D fractured rock is stable or unstable.
Relocation, reproduction and remaining alive in the orb‐web spider
Authors: Wherry T. , Elwood R. W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWhen mortality is high, animals run a risk if they wait to accumulate resources for improved reproduction so they may trade‐off the time of reproduction with number and size of offspring. Animals may attempt to improve food acquisition by relocation, even in ‘sit and wait’ predators. We examine these factors in an isolated population of an orb‐web spider Zygiella x‐notata. The population was monitored for 200 days from first egg laying until all adults had died. Large females produced their first clutch earlier than did small females and there was a positive correlation between female size and the number and size of eggs produced. Many females, presumably without eggs, abandoned their web site and relocated their web position. This is presumed because female Zygiella typically guard their eggs. In total, c. 25% of females reproduced but those that relocated were less likely to do so, and if they did, they produced the clutch at a later date than those that remained. When the date of lay was controlled there was no effect of relocation on egg number but relocated females produced smaller eggs. The data are consistent with the idea that females in resource‐poor sites are more likely to relocate. Relocation seems to be a gamble to find a more productive site but one that achieves only a late clutch of small eggs and few achieve that.
The molecular chaperone Hsc70 interacts with the vesicular monoamine transporter‐2
Authors: Requena Daniela F. , Parra Leonardo A. , Baust Tracy B. , Quiroz Marisol , Leak Rehana K. , Garcia‐Olivares Jennie , Torres Gonzalo E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSynaptic transmission depends on the efficient loading of transmitters into synaptic vesicles by vesicular neurotransmitter transporters. The vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2) is essential for loading monoamines into vesicles and maintaining normal neurotransmission. In an effort to understand the regulatory mechanisms associated with VMAT2, we have embarked upon a systematic search for interacting proteins. Glutathione‐S‐transferase pull‐down assays combined with mass spectrometry led to the identification of the 70‐kDa heat shock cognate protein (Hsc70) as a VMAT2 interacting protein. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments in brain tissue and heterologous cells confirmed this interaction. A direct binding was observed between the amino terminus and the third cytoplasmic loop of VMAT2, as well as, a region containing the substrate binding and the carboxy‐terminal domains of Hsc70. Furthermore, VMAT2 and Hsc70 co‐fractionated with purified synaptic vesicles obtained from a sucrose gradient, suggesting that this interaction occurs at the synaptic vesicle membrane. The functional significance of this novel VMAT2/Hsc70 interaction was examined by performing vesicular uptake assays in heterologous cells and purified synaptic vesicles from brain tissue. Recombinant Hsc70 produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of VMAT2 activity. This effect was mimicked by the closely related Hsp70 protein. In contrast, VMAT2 activity was not altered in the presence of previously denatured Hsc70 or Hsp70, as well as the unrelated Hsp60 protein; confirming the specificity of the Hsc70 effect. Finally, a purified Hsc70 fragment that binds VMAT2 was sufficient to inhibit VMAT2 activity in synaptic vesicles. Our results suggest an important role for Hsc70 in VMAT2 function and regulation.
p75NTR‐dependent modulation of cellular handling of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Mi Zhiping , Rogers Danny A. , Mirnics Zeljka Korade , Schor Nina Felice 
Published: April 2009

AbstractOur previous studies demonstrated that p75NTR confers protection against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis upon PC12 cells; however, the mechanisms responsible for this effect are not known. The present studies reveal decreased mitochondrion membrane potential and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in p75NTR‐deficient PC12 cells as well as diminution of ROS generation after transfection of a full‐length p75NTR construct into these cells. They also show that p75NTR deficiency attenuates activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase → phospho‐Akt/protein kinase B pathway in PC12 cells by oxidative stress or neurotrophic ligands and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation decreases the glutathione (GSH) content in PC12 cells. In addition, decreased de novo GSH synthesis and increased GSH consumption are observed in p75NTR‐deficient cells. These findings indicate that p75NTR regulates cellular handling of ROS to effect a survival response to oxidative stress.
Plasticity and emerging role of BKCa channels in nociceptive control in neuropathic pain
Authors: Chen Shao‐Rui , Cai You‐Qing , Pan Hui‐Lin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLarge‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa, MaxiK) channels are important for the regulation of neuronal excitability. Peripheral nerve injury causes plasticity of primary afferent neurons and spinal dorsal horn neurons, leading to central sensitization and neuropathic pain. However, little is known about changes in the BKCa channels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn and their role in the control of nociception in neuropathic pain. Here we show that L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation in rats resulted in a substantial reduction in both the mRNA and protein levels of BKCa channels in the DRG but not in the spinal cord. Nerve injury primarily reduced the BKCa channel immunoreactivity in small‐ and medium‐sized DRG neurons. Furthermore, although the BKCa channel immunoreactivity was decreased in the lateral dorsal horn, there was an increase in the BKCa channel immunoreactivity present on dorsal horn neurons near the dorsal root entry zone. Blocking the BKCa channel with iberiotoxin at the spinal level significantly reduced the mechanical nociceptive withdrawal threshold in control and nerve‐injured rats. Intrathecal injection of the BKCa channel opener [1,3‐dihydro‐1‐[2‐hydroxy‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐benzimidazol‐2‐one] dose dependently reversed allodynia and hyperalgesia in nerve‐ligated rats but it had no significant effect on nociception in control rats. Our study provides novel information that nerve injury suppresses BKCa channel expression in the DRG and induces a redistribution of BKCa channels in the spinal dorsal horn. BKCa channels are increasingly involved in the control of sensory input in neuropathic pain and may represent a new target for neuropathic pain treatment.
Phosphorylation of the homer‐binding domain of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors by cyclin‐dependent kinase 5
Authors: Orlando Lianna R. , Ayala Ramses , Kett Lauren R. , Curley Allison A. , Duffner Jay , Bragg D. Cristopher , Tsai Li‐Huei , Dunah Anthone W. , Young Anne B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPhosphorylation of neurotransmitter receptors can modify their activity and regulate neuronal excitability. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) is a proline‐directed serine/threonine kinase involved not only in neuronal development, but also in synaptic function and plasticity. Here we demonstrate that group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which modulate post‐synaptic signaling by coupling to intracellular signal transduction pathways, are phosphorylated by cdk5. In vitro kinase assays reveal that cdk5 phosphorylates mGluR5 within the domain of the receptor that interacts with the scaffolding protein homer. Using a novel phosphospecific mGluR antibody, we show that the homer‐binding domain of both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are phosphorylated in vivo, and that inhibition of cdk5 with siRNA decreases the amount of phosphorylated receptor. Furthermore, kinetic binding analysis, by surface plasmon resonance, indicates that phosphorylation of mGluR5 enhances its association with homer. Homer protein complexes in the post‐synaptic density, and their disruption by an activity‐dependent short homer 1a isoform, have been shown to regulate the trafficking and signaling of the mGluRs and impact many neuroadaptive processes. Phosphorylation of the mGluR homer‐binding domain, in contrast to homer 1a induction, provides a novel mechanism for potentially regulating a subset of homer interactions.
REFLECTION ON EUTHANASIA: WESTERN AND AFRICAN NTOMBA PERSPECTIVES ON THE DEATH OF A CHIEF
Authors: BIKOPO DEOGRATIAS BIEMBE , VAN BOGAERT LOUIS‐JACQUES 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTLargely, the concept of energy or vital force, as first analysed by Placide Tempels in Bantu Philosophy, permeates most African ontology systems, worldviews and life views. The Ntomba Chief is chosen because of his above average vital force. This puts him in the position of intermediary between the Supreme Being, the ancestors, and his subordinates. The waning of his energy is incompatible with his position because his energy is that of his tribe. When installed, he takes an oath that, when this happens, he has to accept mohilo, the ‘hastening of death’. In the Chief's case, the hastening of death is not intended to relieve his pain, as it would be with other creatures. The Chief's dying a natural death would result in the loss of the entire community's vital force. Therefore, he has to be killed ritually to avoid that risk. That the Chief agrees to be killed – via a form of advanced directive – poses an ethical dilemma for a Western observer. From the Ntomba perspective, however, where the energy is being, and being is energy, it is the only way to preserve and protect the community's raison d’être.
A qualitative evaluation of an interprofessional learning project
Authors: Jinks Annette M. , Armitage Helen , Pitt Richard 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe study described in this paper focuses on an interprofessional learning (IPL) in practice project. The project entailed appointing a number of IPL in practice facilitators whose task it was to assist clinical teams to develop opportunities for students to engage in IPL. The evaluation described focuses on one of the initial project sites, a rehabilitation ward in a community hospital. The evaluation aimed to establish a range of differing perspectives on the project including service users, steering group members, the clinical team and participating students. Narrative data were collected using focus groups, one‐to‐one interviews, documentary analysis and postal and electronic questionnaires. Triangulation approaches were used to analyse data and the findings were largely positive. Lessons learnt included such things as practical difficulties of introducing IPL in practice, effective use of lay persons in professional education and the difficulties of engaging medical staff in such initiatives. Limitations of the study include difficulties in getting students to participate in either focus group discussions or one‐to‐one interviews; therefore, alternative data sources had to be deployed, such as e‐mail contact. Conclusions are that even when an experienced IPL facilitator is in post there is a need to foster practice staffs’ commitment to IPL.
Beneficial effects of danshensu, an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on homocysteine metabolism via the trans‐sulphuration pathway in rats
Authors: Cao YG , Chai JG , Chen YC , Zhao J , Zhou J , Shao JP , Ma C , Liu XD , Liu XQ 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) level has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Danshensu, an active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza, shows wide cardiovascular benefit. However, in terms of its own methylation, danshensu could elevate tHcy level, which would act against its cardiovascular benefit, thus posing a ‘therapeutic paradox’. As this paradox has not been fully assessed, we have evaluated the effects of danshensu on tHcy levels to uncover the underlying mechanisms.Experiment approach:  We evaluated the influence of danshensu on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism in rats with normal tHcy levels and in rat models of elevated tHcy (single intravenous methionine loading model and a hyperhomocysteinemic model after 3 weeks methionine dosing, with and without 3 weeks of danshensu treatment). We also quantified some metabolic intermediates (S‐adenosyl methionine, S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine, cysteine and glutathione) relevant to Hcy metabolism in rat liver and kidney.Key results:  Acute treatment with a single dose of danshensu in rats with normal tHcy did not change plasma tHcy. In contrast, danshensu significantly lowered tHcy in rats with elevated tHcy. The relatively higher cysteine and glutathione levels after treatment with danshensu indicated that its tHcy‐lowering effect was via increased activity of the trans‐sulphuration pathway.Conclusions and implications:  Our results suggested that danshensu may act both acutely to increase trans‐sulphuration and after chronic exposure to up‐regulate the activity of the trans‐sulphuration enzymes. The tHcy‐lowering effect of danshensu is another cardiovascular benefit provided by S. miltiorrhiza and suggests a potential tHcy‐lowering therapy.
Role of α1‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors in the modulation by SR59230A of the effects of MDMA on body temperature in the mouse
Authors: Bexis Sotiria , Docherty James R 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: We have investigated the ability of the β3‐adrenoceptor antagonist 1‐(2‐ethylphenoxy)‐3‐[[(1S)‐1,2,3,4,‐tetrahydro‐1‐naphthalenyl]amino]‐(2S)‐2‐propanol hydrochloride (SR59230A) to affect the hyperthermia produced by methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in conscious mice and whether α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist actions are involved.Experimental approach: Mice were implanted with temperature probes under anaesthesia, and allowed 2 week recovery. MDMA (20 mg·kg−1) was administered subcutaneously 30 min after vehicle or test antagonist and effects on body temperature monitored by telemetry.Key results: Following vehicle, MDMA produced a slowly developing hyperthermia, reaching a maximum increase of 1.8°C at 130 min post injection. A low concentration of SR59230A (0.5 mg·kg−1) produced a small but significant attenuation of the slowly developing hyperthermia to MDMA. A high concentration of SR59230A (5 mg·kg−1) revealed a significant and marked early hypothermic reaction to MDMA, an effect that was mimicked by the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. Functional and ligand binding studies revealed actions of SR59230A at α1‐adrenoceptors.Conclusions and implications: 1‐(2‐ethylphenoxy)‐3‐[[(1S)‐1,2,3,4,‐tetrahydro‐1‐naphthalenyl]amino]‐(2S)‐2‐propanol hydrochloride in high concentrations modulates the hyperthermic actions of MDMA in mice in two ways: by blocking an early α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated component to reveal a hypothermia, and by a small attenuation of the later hyperthermic component which may possibly be β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated (this seen with the low concentration of SR59230A). Hence, the major actions of SR59230A in modulating the actions of MDMA on temperature involve α1‐adrenoceptor antagonism.