bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mood episodes and mood disorders: patterns of incidence and conversion in the first three decades of life
Authors: Beesdo Katja , Höfler Michael , Leibenluft Ellen , Lieb Roselind , Bauer Michael , Pfennig Andrea 
Published: August 2009

Objectives:  Significant questions remain regarding both the incidence patterns of mood episodes in adolescents and young adults from the community and the conversion rate from unipolar to bipolar disorders. We addressed these issues by examining data from a prospective longitudinal community study to (i) determine the cumulative incidence of mood episodes and disorders in the first three decades of life; (ii) determine the risk for first onset of depression among individuals with a previous history of hypomanic/manic episodes and vice versa; and (iii) determine the clinical and treatment characteristics of these subjects.Methods:  Using the Munich‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview, clinically trained interviewers assessed mood episodes and mental disorders in 3,021 community subjects (aged 14–24 at baseline and 21–34 at third follow‐up).Results:  The estimated cumulative incidence at age 33 was 2.9% for manic, 4.0% for hypomanic, 29.4% for major depressive, and 19.0% for minor depressive episodes; overall, 26.0% had unipolar major depression, 4.0% bipolar depression, 1.5% unipolar mania, and 3.6% unipolar hypomania (no major depression). Overall, 0.6% and 1.8% had unipolar mania or hypomania, respectively, without indication for even minor depression. A total of 3.6% of the initial unipolar major depression cases subsequently developed (hypo)mania, with particularly high rates in adolescent onset depression (< 17 years: 9%). A total of 49.6% of the initial unipolar mania cases subsequently developed major depression and 75.6% major or minor depression. While bipolar cases had more adverse clinical and course depression characteristics and higher treatment rates than unipolar depressed cases, bipolar cases did not significantly differ in mania characteristics from unipolar mania cases.Conclusions:  Unipolar and bipolar mood disorders are more frequent than previously thought in adolescence and young adulthood, a time period when both the recognition and the intervention rates by the healthcare system are rather low. ‘Conversion’ to bipolar disorder is limited in initial unipolar depression, but common in initial unipolar mania. The remaining unipolar mania cases appear to be significant in terms of clinical and course characteristics and thus require more research attention to replicate these findings.
Behaviorally evoked transient reorganization of hippocampal spines
Authors: Kitanishi Takuma , Ikegaya Yuji , Matsuki Norio 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDendritic spines, microstructures that receive the majority of excitatory synaptic inputs, are fundamental units to integrate and store neuronal information. The morphological reorganization of spines accompanies the functional alterations in synaptic strength underlying memory‐relevant modifications of network connectivity. Here we report the rapid dynamics of cell population‐selective spine reorganizations related to behavioral experiences. In Thy1‐GFP transgenic mice, hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons that were putatively activated during environmental explorations were detected with their post hoc immunoreactivity for Arc, an activity‐dependent immediately‐early gene. Immediately after a 60‐min exposure to a familiar environment, the spine densities of Arc‐positive and Arc‐negative neurons were differently distributed. This density imbalance was due exclusively to changes in the number of small, rather than large, spines. The change disappeared within 60 min after mice were returned to the home cages. Thus, spines possess the ability to rapidly and reversibly alter their morphology in response to a brief environmental change. We propose that these transient spine dynamics represent a latent preliminary stage for longer‐term plasticity on demand.
The fusiform face area and occipital face area show sensitivity to spatial relations in faces
Authors: Rhodes Gillian , Michie Patricia T. , Hughes Matthew E. , Byatt Graham 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBehavioral research indicates that successful face individuation is associated with sensitivity to subtle spatial relations between facial features, as well as to the features themselves. We used a blocked functional magnetic resonance adaptation paradigm to examine the sensitivity of the core face network to spatial relations in faces. The fusiform face area (FFA) was sensitive to spatial relations, responding more strongly to a single face presented with various feature spacings than to repeated presentations of an identical face. This response to spacing variations was as strong as the response to a series of distinct identities. There were no hemisphere effects in sensitivity to spatial relations, although FFAs were larger on the right. The right occipital face area (OFA) was also sensitive to spatial relations in faces. Few participants showed left OFAs. The superior temporal sulcus (STS), which does not code identity, showed little sensitivity to either relational changes or changes in identity. We suggest that the sensitivity of the FFA and right OFA to spatial relations in faces may contribute to our impressive ability to individuate faces despite their similarity as visual patterns.
Development of epileptiform excitability in the deep entorhinal cortex after status epilepticus
Authors: Bragin Denis E. , Sanderson Jennifer L. , Peterson Steven , Connor John A. , Müller Wolfgang S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEpileptiform neuronal activity during seizures is observed in many brain areas, but its origins following status epilepticus (SE) are unclear. We have used the Li low‐dose pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy to examine early development of epileptiform activity in the deep entorhinal cortex (EC). We show that during the 3‐week latent period that follows SE, an increasing percentage of neurons in EC layer 5 respond to a single synaptic stimulus with polysynaptic burst depolarizations. This change is paralleled by a progressive depolarizing shift of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential reversal potential in layer 5 neurons, apparently caused by upregulation of the Cl− inward transporter NKCC1 and concurrent downregulation of the Cl− outward transporter KCC2, both changes favoring intracellular Cl− accumulation. Inhibiting Cl− uptake in the latent period restored more negative GABAergic reversal potentials and eliminated polysynaptic bursts. The changes in the Cl− transporters were highly specific to the deep EC. They did not occur in layers 1–3, perirhinal cortex, subiculum or dentate gyrus during this period. We propose that the changes in Cl− homeostasis facilitate hyperexcitability in the deep entorhinal cortex leading to epileptiform discharge there, which subsequently affects downstream cortical regions.
Reconstruction of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Thompson Lachlan H. , Grealish Shane , Kirik Deniz , Björklund Anders 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTransplants of fetal dopamine neurons can be used to restore dopamine neurotransmission in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, as well as in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. In these studies the cells are placed in the striatum rather than in the substantia nigra where they normally reside, which may limit their ability to achieve full restoration of motor function. Using a microtransplantation approach, which allows precise placement of small cell deposits directly into the host substantia nigra, and fetal donor cells that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter, we show that dopamine neuroblasts implanted into the substantia nigra of adult mice are capable of generating a new nigrostriatal pathway with an outgrowth pattern that matches the anatomy of the intrinsic system. This target‐directed regrowth was closely aligned with the intrinsic striatonigral fibre projection and further enhanced by over‐expression of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in the striatal target. Results from testing of amphetamine‐induced rotational behaviour suggest, moreover, that dopamine neurons implanted into the substantia nigra are also capable of integrating into the host circuitry at the functional level.
CONSUETUDO CARNALIS IN AUGUSTINE'S CONFESSIONS: Confessing Identity/Belonging to Difference
Authors: Skerrett Kathleen Roberts 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTThe political theorist William E. Connolly reads Augustine's Confessions as an exhortation to deny the paradox of identity/difference. The paradox for Connolly is this: if one confesses a true identity, one must be false to difference, but if one is true to difference, one must sacrifice the promise of true identity. I revisit Augustine's Confessions here in order to offer a reading of their paradoxical character that contrasts with Connolly's. I will argue that Augustine's confession does not deny the paradox of identity/difference but exemplifies what it means to struggle within it. I turn to James Wetzel's work on Augustine's idea of free will and Catherine Keller's work on the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo to suggest that treating Augustine's confession as confession reveals this struggle.
Why Seek Asylum? The Roles of Integration and Financial Support
Authors: Zimmermann Susan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe suspicion that asylum seekers seek beneficial conditions in host areas has become a controversial and popular topic. It has led to accusations of economic migration, with deterrent and preventative measures introduced to try to control this “problem”, and in particular, the intended uniformity of asylum procedures has been a key aim of European harmonisation talks. As a small, qualitative study, this article is based upon thirteen semi‐structured interviews held with Somali individuals who sought asylum. It aims to explore destination choices with reference to the experiences and explanations given by some whose voices are otherwise largely excluded from debates. It asks to what extents and why they occurred. It reveals that having homes, jobs, educations, and more were key parts of what exile meant to these individuals, and so demonstrates reactivity behind topics more typically held to be “voluntary” concerns. Choices upon destinations were limited, however, and far bigger influences were the people smugglers or agents whom most relied upon to facilitate their entries past the preventative border controls. Beyond this, deterrence or prevention measures had no effect. The data is also used to explore the controversial and similarly under‐researched role of financial support. It is shown to have been connected with the interests that persons had in adjusting to new areas and dealing with their interim disadvantage, and not as something that justifies suspicions. This study supports arguments that policy makers should concentrate less upon deterrence or prevention, and more on the conditions that exist to propel such movements. Its findings suggest that insufficient certainty, support, or quality of life can create pressures for seeking asylum and that these should be addressed by policy makers; it also argues that “voluntary” aspects of movements might more recognisably be parts of exile.
Pharmacological and electrophysiological characterization of nine, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the hERG‐encoded potassium channel
Authors: Männikkö R , Overend G , Perrey C , Gavaghan CL , Valentin J‐P , Morten J , Armstrong M , Pollard CE 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Potencies of compounds blocking KV11.1 [human ether‐ago‐go‐related gene (hERG)] are commonly assessed using cell lines expressing the Caucasian wild‐type (WT) variant. Here we tested whether such potencies would be different for hERG single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Experimental approach:  SNPs (R176W, R181Q, Del187‐189, P347S, K897T, A915V, P917L, R1047L, A1116V) and a binding‐site mutant (Y652A) were expressed in Tet‐On CHO‐K1 cells. Potencies [mean IC50; lower/upper 95% confidence limit (CL)] of 48 hERG blockers was estimated by automated electrophysiology [IonWorks™ HT (IW)]. In phase one, rapid potency comparison of each WT‐SNP combination was made for each compound. In phase two, any compound‐SNP combinations from phase one where the WT upper/lower CL did not overlap with those of the SNPs were re‐examined. Electrophysiological WT and SNP parameters were determined using conventional electrophysiology.Key results:  IW detected the expected sixfold potency decrease for propafenone in Y652A. In phase one, the WT lower/upper CL did not overlap with those of the SNPs for 77 compound‐SNP combinations. In phase two, 62/77 cases no longer yielded IC50 values with non‐overlapping CLs. For seven of the remaining 15 cases, there were non‐overlapping CLs but in the opposite direction. For the eight compound‐SNP combinations with non‐overlapping CLs in the same direction as for phase 1, potencies were never more than twofold apart. The only statistically significant electrophysiological difference was the voltage dependence of activation of R1047L.Conclusion and implications:  Potencies of hERG channel blockers defined using the Caucasian WT sequence, in this in vitro assay, were representative of potencies for common SNPs.This article is part of a themed section on QT safety. To view this issue visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2010
Armington Elasticities and Tariff Regime: An Application to European Union Rice Imports
Authors: Huchet‐Bourdon Marilyne , Pishbahar Esmaeil 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe European Union’s (EU) import sources for rice include developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs). The EU has made a commitment to allow duty‐free and quota‐free access to rice imports originating in the LDCs from September 2009 onward. The purpose of this article is to answer two questions: (1) does the inclusion of import tariffs lead to different estimated Armington elasticities? (2) when a discriminating tariff is introduced, what happens to the market share of large rice exporters to the EU, especially of poor countries? We present the Armington model, derived from a constant elasticity of substitution (CES) utility function, and a non‐homothetic CES utility functional form, which is more flexible. We then estimate the Armington model, with and without the inclusion of a tariff, and we compare the elasticities. Lastly, we model five scenarios with different discriminated import tariff rates to calculate the changes in the market access of large rice exporters to the EU. Our empirical results show the importance of non‐homothetic preferences and import tariffs. Ignoring import tariffs and the non‐homothetic parameter may produce results which are biased and of uncertain validity. Furthermore, the simulation findings demonstrate that, in spite of a large difference between import tariff rate of Suriname and other countries (scenario V), its market access would not change greatly. This may be caused by supply side problems like poor infrastructures, weak technology and small capacity production in LDCs.
Consumer Acceptance of Second‐Generation GM Foods: The Case of Biofortified Cassava in the North‐east of Brazil
Authors: González Carolina , Johnson Nancy , Qaim Matin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBiofortified staple foods are currently being developed to reduce problems of micronutrient malnutrition among the poor. This partly involves use of genetic modification. Yet, relatively little is known about consumer acceptance of such second‐generation genetically modified (GM) foods in developing countries. Here, we analyse consumer attitudes towards provitamin A GM cassava in the north‐east of Brazil. Based on stated preference data, mean willingness to pay is estimated at 60–70% above market prices for traditional cassava. This is higher than the results from similar studies in developed countries, which is plausible given that micronutrient malnutrition is more severe in developing countries. GM foods with enhanced nutritive attributes seem to be well received by poor consumers. However, the results also suggest that acceptance would be still higher if provitamin A were introduced to cassava through conventional breeding. Some policy implications are discussed.
A Functional Polymorphism of the NFKB1 Gene Increases the Risk for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis in Patients With Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Marcos Miguel , Pastor Isabel , González‐Sarmiento Rogelio , Laso Francisco Javier 
Published: August 2009

Background:  The genetic basis for the predisposition to alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) remains unknown. Increasing evidence supports a role for the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, the NF‐κB inhibitor α (NFKBIA), and the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, raising the possibility that common polymorphisms in genes encoding these molecules may confer susceptibility to ALC. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between common polymorphisms in NFKB1, NFKBIA, and PPARG2 genes and the presence of ALC.Methods:  A total of 258 male alcoholics (161 without liver disease and 97 with ALC) and 101 healthy controls were genotyped for the −94ins/delATTG NFKB1, 3′‐UTR+126G>A NFKBIA, and 34C>G PPARG2 polymorphisms. The association of these genetic variants with ALC was tested in alcoholic patients with alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. A logistic regression analysis was further performed to analyze the model of inheritance.Results:  We found an association between the presence of the deletion allele in NFKB1 polymorphism and ALC in patients with alcohol dependence. We found no association between NFKBIA and PPARG2 polymorphisms and the presence of ALC.Conclusions:  The deletion allele of the −94ins/del NFKB1 polymorphism could be associated with a higher risk of developing ALC through an increase in inflammation, as supported by previous data.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study of Naltrexone in Outpatients With Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Brown E. Sherwood , Carmody Thomas J. , Schmitz Joy M. , Caetano Raul , Adinoff Bryon , Swann Alan C. , Rush A. John 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Alcohol dependence is extremely common in patients with bipolar disorder and is associated with unfavorable outcomes including treatment nonadherence, violence, increased hospitalization, and decreased quality of life. While naltrexone is a standard treatment for alcohol dependence, no controlled trials have examined its use in patients with co‐morbid bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. In this pilot study, the efficacy of naltrexone in reducing alcohol use and on mood symptoms was assessed in bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence.Methods:  Fifty adult outpatients with bipolar I or II disorders and current alcohol dependence with active alcohol use were randomized to 12 weeks of naltrexone (50 mg/d) add‐on therapy or placebo. Both groups received manual‐driven cognitive behavioral therapy designed for patients with bipolar disorder and substance‐use disorders. Drinking days and heavy drinking days, alcohol craving, liver enzymes, and manic and depressed mood symptoms were assessed.Results:  The 2 groups were similar in baseline and demographic characteristics. Naltrexone showed trends (p < 0.10) toward a greater decrease in drinking days (binary outcome), alcohol craving, and some liver enzyme levels than placebo. Side effects were similar in the 2 groups. Response to naltrexone was significantly related to medication adherence.Conclusions:  Results suggest the potential value and acceptable tolerability of naltrexone for alcohol dependence in bipolar disorder patients. A larger trial is needed to establish efficacy.
Binge Drinking Affects Attentional and Visual Working Memory Processing in Young University Students
Authors: Crego Alberto , Holguín Socorro Rodriguez , Parada María , Mota Nayara , Corral Montserrat , Cadaveira Fernando 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Binge Drinking (BD) typically involves heavy drinking over a short time, followed by a period of abstinence, and is common among young people, especially university students. Animal studies have demonstrated that this type of alcohol consumption causes brain damage, especially in the nonmature brain. The aim of the present study was to determine how BD affects brain functioning in male and female university students, during the performance of a visual working memory task.Methods:  Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded, with an extensive set of 32 scalp electrodes, in 95 first‐year university students (age range 18 to 20 years), comprising 42 binge drinkers (BD) and 53 controls, in a visual “identical pairs” continuous performance task. Principal components analysis was used to identify and analyze the N2 (negative waveform with a latency around 200 to 300 ms related to attentional processes) and P3 (positive waveform with a latency around 300 to 600 ms related to working memory processes) components of the ERPs.Results:  In the matching condition of the task, the N2 component in central and parietal regions was significantly larger in the BD than in the control group. In the control group, the P3 component was larger in the matching than in the nonmatching condition in the frontal, central, and parietal regions, whereas the BD group did not show any significant differences between conditions in any region.Conclusions:  The results of this study confirm the presence of electrophysiological differences between young university student binge drinkers and controls during the execution of a visual task with a high working memory load. The larger N2 in the BD group suggests higher levels of attentional effort required by this group to perform the task adequately. The absence of any differences in the P3 component in the different conditions (matching and nonmatching stimuli) in the BD group suggests a deficiency in the electrophysiological differentiation between relevant and irrelevant information, which may reflect some impairment of working memory processes.