bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NMDA receptor subunit‐dependent modulation by conantokin‐G and Ala(7)‐conantokin‐G
Authors: Ragnarsson L. , Yasuda T. , Lewis R. J. , Dodd P. R. , Adams D. J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe modulation of recombinant NMDA receptors by conantokin‐G (con‐G) and Ala(7)‐conantokin‐G (Ala(7)‐Con‐G) was investigated inXenopusoocytes injected with capped RNA coding for NR1 splice variants and NR2 subunits using the two‐electrode voltage clamp technique. Glutamate exhibited a marginally higher apparent affinity for NR2A‐containing receptors than NR2B‐containing receptors, regardless of the NR1 subunit present. Conantokins were bath applied to give cumulative concentration responses in the presence of 3 and 30 μmglutamate. Both contantokins exhibited biphasic concentration‐response relationships at NR2A‐containing NMDA receptors, producing potentiation at low conantokin concentrations and inhibition at high concentrations. These effects were stronger with glutamate concentrations near its EC50, and less marked at saturating concentrations. In contrast, the conantokin concentration‐response relation was monophasic and inhibitory at NR2B‐containing receptors. We conclude that the combinations of subunits that comprise the NMDA receptor complex influence conantokin and glutamate affinities and the nature of the responses to conantokins.
Cross‐talk of vitamin D and glucocorticoids in hippocampal cells
Authors: Obradovic Darja , Gronemeyer Hinrich , Lutz Beat , Rein Theo 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThere is growing evidence for a role of vitamin D3 signalling in the brain. In this study, we investigated the influence of vitamin D3, in combination with glucocorticoids, on differentiation of the hippocampal progenitor line HIB5, as well as survival of rat primary hippocampal cells. In HIB5, pre‐treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) alone inhibited neurite outgrowth and abolished activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway during platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced differentiation, consistent with previous findings. Interestingly, pre‐treating HIB5 with vitamin D3 significantly reduced these effects of Dex and, in addition, lowered the transactivational function of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in transient reporter gene assays. A further impact of vitamin D3 on glucocorticoid effects was observed in a rat primary hippocampal culture known to be particularly sensitive to prolonged GR activation. In this model, Dex induced considerable cell death after 72 h of exposure in vitro. However, 24 h of pre‐treatment with low doses of vitamin D3 substantially reduced the degree of Dex‐induced apoptosis in primary hippocampal cells. Taken together, our experiments demonstrate a cross‐talk between vitamin D3 and glucocorticoids in two hippocampal models, a feature that may have important implications in disorders with dysregulated glucocorticoid signalling, including major depression.
Regulation of endogenous human NPFF2 receptor by neuropeptide FF in SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Änkö Minna‐Liisa , Panula Pertti 
Published: November 2005

AbstractNeuropeptide FF has many functions both in the CNS and periphery. Two G protein‐coupled receptors (NPFF1 and NPFF2 receptors) have been identified for neuropeptide FF. The expression analysis of the peptide and receptors, together with pharmacological and physiological data, imply that NPFF2 receptor would be the primary receptor for neuropeptide FF. Here, we report for the first time a cell line endogenously expressing hNPFF2 receptor. These SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cells also express neuropeptide FF. We used the cells to investigate the hNPFF2 receptor function. The pertussis toxin‐sensitive inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity upon receptor activation indicated coupling to Gi/oproteins. Upon agonist exposure, the receptors were internalized and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade was activated. Upon neuropeptide FF treatment, the actin cytoskeleton was reorganized in the cells. The expression of hNPFF2 receptor mRNA was up‐regulated by neuropeptide FF. Concomitant with the receptor mRNA, the receptor protein expression was increased. The homologous regulation of hNPFF2 receptor correlates with our previous resultsin vivoshowing that during inflammation, the up‐regulation of neuropeptide FF mRNA precedes that of NPFF2 receptor. The regulation of hNPFF2 receptor by NPFF could also be important in the periphery where neuropeptide FF has been suggested to function as a hormone.
Increased Intra‐QRS Fragmentation in Magnetocardiography as a Predictor of Arrhythmic Events and Mortality in Patients with Cardiac Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: KORHONEN PETRI , HUSA TERHI , TIERALA ILKKA , VÄÄNÄNEN HEIKKI , MÄKIJÄRVI MARKKU , KATILA TOIVO , TOIVONEN LAURI 
Published: November 2005

Introduction: Increased intra‐QRS fragmentation score (FRA) in magnetocardiography (MCG) has shown association with sustained ventricular arrhythmias in post‐MI patients suggesting its relation to arrhythmia substrate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased FRA in MCG predicts arrhythmic events and mortality after acute myocardial infarction (MI) with cardiac dysfunction. Methods and Results: A series of 158 patients with acute MI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% were studied. Their age was 60 ± 10 years and LVEF 40 ± 6%. MCG was registered and FRA was computed. For comparison, QRS duration in 12‐lead ECG was measured. In a mean follow‐up of 50 ± 15 months, 32 (20%) patients died and 18 (11%) had an arrhythmic event. Both arrhythmic event rate and all‐cause mortality were significantly higher in patients with increased FRA (P < 0.001 for both). In contrast, increased QRS duration in ECG predicted all‐cause mortality (P < 0.05) but not arrhythmic events. In multivariate analysis, FRA was an independent predictor of both arrhythmic events and all‐cause mortality. Using a combined criterion of increased FRA and LVEF < 30% yielded positive and negative predictive accuracies of 50% and 91% for arrhythmic events. Conclusion: In post‐MI patients with left ventricular dysfunction, increased intra‐QRS fragmentation in high‐resolution magnetocardiography predicts arrhythmic events, whereas QRS duration in 12‐lead ECG predicts all‐cause mortality. Analysis of intra‐QRS fragmentation by MCG may assist in guiding therapy of post‐MI patients, for example, by selecting those who would benefit most from prophylactic implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy.
Preexisting Pulmonary Vein Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , WU MEI‐HAN , TAI CHING‐TAI , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG CHENG‐YEN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: November 2005

Introduction: Acquired pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a well‐known complication following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the details of congenital PV stenosis have not been reported in patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF. Methods and Results: A total of 178 patients (110 men, age: 54 ± 11 years) with drug‐refractory AF received MRA or multidetector CT (MDCT) before ablation for delineation of PV morphologies. Five PVs in 5 patients (2.8%) showed at least 50% stenosis before ablation. We demonstrated two types of preexisting PV stenosis. Type I is the external compression of PV by the descending aorta, observed in LIPV of the three patients. Type II is the focal narrowing of PV, observed in RSPV of the two patients. Conclusion: Preexisting stenosis of PV may be a consequence of congenital focal narrowing or external compression by the adjacent structures. Detection of this condition by 3D CT or MRA before catheter ablation can provide information for planning of ablation strategy and prevent misdiagnosis of ablation‐related PV stenosis.
The Renter Squeeze: Minority and Low‐Income Renters Feel Pressures from Housing Boom and Weak Labor Market
Authors: Loewentheil Nathaniel , Weller Christian E. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe housing market boom over the last decade has been welcomed by most Americans as a positive economic phenomenon, with beneficial effects on families and neighborhoods. However, this housing boom, while benefiting homeowners, has hurt America's renting population, a population among which minorities and the poor are vastly overrepresented. As rents have risen, renters have been forced to commit a greater percentage of their resources to simply keeping their homes, and thus found it difficult to invest in their own properties. Steady or falling incomes have exacerbated this bind, while a worsening public education and transportation system has added to the burden, particularly for poor and minority renters. The Federal government has failed to respond to this growing crisis, instead choosing to cut or curtail major renter‐assistance programs.
Orphan Living Situations in Malawi: A Comparison of Orphanages and Foster Homes
Authors: Zimmerman Brigitte 
Published: November 2005

AbstractOrphans have become an increasingly large percentage of the population in Sub‐Saharan Africa due to the AIDS epidemic. Debate ensues about more supportive living situations for these youth, with most research supporting foster homes over orphanages. This article compares these two situations in the country of Malawi, considering how the two systems meet material needs, psychosocial needs, and those needs created by the constraints of the nonprofit environment in Malawi. Interviews were conducted with 50 orphans, nine orphanage and foster system administrators, five foster and group home caregivers, five health care workers, and five community members. All interviewees were asked questions about the children's routine, educational experience, residence characteristics, responsibilities, free time, health care, and future prospects. Administrators and parents were also queried about the management and organization of the programs, and health care workers were asked additional questions about the orphans’ health care and supplies for it. It was found that Malawian orphans placed in orphanages have an advantage over those placed in foster homes along the dimensions of lodging, health care, food quantity and variety, clothing, and school supplies. Additionally, children in orphanages have more autonomy, and have a broader concept of their future potential. Orphanage residents view their caregivers as compassionate and loving. Finally, it was found that orphanages are more efficient in providing care and at exchanging information with other organizations. They are also easier to replicate for use in other areas than are community‐based programs. The article concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of these findings and directions for future research.
National and international agricultural research and rural poverty: the case of rice research in India and China
Authors: Fan Shenggen , Chan‐Kang Connie , Qian Keming , Krishnaiah K. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe measure the total benefits from rice varietal improvement research in China and India, using variety adoption and performance data over the last two decades. Genetic or pedigree information is used to partition the total benefits between these two countries and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Finally, reported elasticities of poverty reduction with respect to agricultural output growth are used to assess the effects of national and international research on poverty reduction in rural India and China. The results indicate that rice varietal improvement research has contributed tremendously to increase in rice production, accounting for 14% to 24% of the total production value over the last two decades in both countries. Rice research has also helped reduce large numbers of rural poor. IRRI played a crucial role in these successes. In 1999, for every US$1 million invested at IRRI, more than 800 and 15,000 rural poor were lifted above the poverty line in China and India, respectively. These poverty reduction effects were even larger in the earlier years.
How does aversion to intertemporal variation affect hedging behavior?
Authors: Frechette Darren L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractStandard models of hedging behavior assume that hedgers wish to minimize net price variation. They treat variation as risk and fail to distinguish random variation at a specific point in time from pre‐determined intertemporal variation. Recursive utility differentiates between random and nonrandom variation by allowing the elasticity of intertemporal substitution (EIS) to be imperfect. The inverse of the EIS measures the hedger's aversion to intertemporal variation and is distinct from aversion to risk. Optimal hedge ratios decline toward zero as aversion to intertemporal variation increases. These results may help explain why hedgers commonly hedge less than recommended by standard models.
Financial structure, production, and productivity: evidence from the U.S. food manufacturing industry
Authors: Hossain Ferdaus , Jain Ruchi , Govindasamy Ramu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis study integrates production and financing to examine the impacts of financial structure change on the production, profitability, and productivity growth in the U.S. food manufacturing industry. Empirical results show that during the period covered by this study, agency cost associated with increased debt use by this industry negatively affected its output growth, input demand, profitability, and overall productivity growth. Dividend payment positively contributed to the production and performance of this industry via signaling benefit. However, the negative effects of increased debt use by this industry far outweighed the positive contribution of dividend payment. The U.S. food industry achieved a 0.9% average annual productivity growth, which came primarily from technological progress and capital adjustment. The rapid increase in debt use by this industry was responsible for slowing down the pace of productivity growth via its negative contribution to the total factor productivity growth. Capital expansion was the principal driver of output growth and profitability in this industry.
Measuring and explaining scale efficiency with the parametric approach: the case of Greek tobacco growers
Authors: Karagiannis Giannis , Sarris Alexander 
Published: November 2005

AbstractEstimates of technical and scale inefficiencies of tobacco farms in Greece during the period 1991–1995 are obtained by using the parametric approach. The degree of technical efficiency was found to be lower than the degree of scale efficiency and thus a greater portion of overall inefficiency is due to producing below the production frontier than to producing at an inefficient scale. In addition, the vast majority of farms in the sample exhibited suboptimal scale implying that output should be expanded to reach the optimal scale. Empirical results are provided to determine the impact of various socioeconomic, demographic, and geoclimatic indicators on technical and scale efficiency.
An analysis of contract farming in East Java, Bali, and Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Simmons Phil , Winters Paul , Patrick Ian 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis article examines the emergence and benefits of contract farming in East Java, Bali, and Lombok, Indonesia. After a general review of contract farming in these regions, three contracts, for seed corn in East Java, seed rice in Bali, and broilers in Lombok are described and analyzed using key informant interviews and household survey data. A review of the contracts suggest that there is a wide array of contract types and this is related to the technical requirements of production and the associated costs. Probit analysis is used to identify factors contributing to smallholder participation in farm contracts and a two‐stage estimation process used to measure the effects of farm contracts on gross margins and labor use. Results indicate participation in contracts is influenced by farm size and other factors such as smallholder's age, education, and participation in farm groups. Contracts increased returns to capital for the seed corn and broiler contracts but not for the seed rice contract. All three contracts influenced the types of labor used; however, none of them influenced total farm employment.
The impact of weather on crop yield distribution in Taiwan: some new evidence from panel data models and implications for crop insurance
Authors: Chen Chi‐Chung , Chang Ching‐Cheng 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis study examines the impact of weather on the yields of seven major crops in Taiwan based on pooled panel data for 15 prefectures over the 1977–1996 period. The unit root tests and maximum likelihood methods involving a panel data model are explored to obtain reliable estimates. The uncertain yield outcome is incorporated into a discrete stochastic programming model to address a comparison between sector analysis with and without considerations of a crop insurance policy under different climate change scenarios. Simulation results suggest that crop insurance may stabilize revenues and protect farmers from exposures to increasing weather‐related risk.
Factors influencing the adoption of maize in Kahramanmaras province of Turkey
Authors: Boz Ismet , Akbay Cuma 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe investigate the influence of selected socioeconomic characteristics and communication behavior on maize adoption among Kahramanmaras farm operators. A sample of 264 operators selected by stratified sampling technique is used. Early adopters, late adopters, and nonadopters of maize are compared using a chi‐square test of independence and the ordered probit procedure is used to determine the extent to which selected socioeconomic characteristics and communication behavior influence these adopter categories. It is found that adoption of maize in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, is influenced by the educational level of farmers, income, farm size, travels to nearest town, opinion leadership, use of extension personnel, mechanization level, credit use, and agricultural investments. Early adopters of maize possess these characteristics more than late adopters and nonadopters. Based on these findings, agricultural extension organizations should identify and work together with early adopters when promoting an innovation for agricultural communities in Turkey.
Organic pest management decisions: a systems approach to technology adoption
Authors: Park Timothy A. , Lohr Luanne 
Published: November 2005

AbstractOrganic farmers make system‐level crop protection decisions that combine complementary insect, disease, nematode, and weed management strategies. Data from a 1997 national survey of U.S. organic farmers were used in a multivariate count data model to identify the farm and regional factors influencing the adoption of practices across the linked pest management categories. The results show that weed management requires the greatest management effort by organic farmers. More intensive information‐seeking and on‐farm experimentation, higher educational attainment, and intensity of commitment to organic farming are positively related to the number of weed control strategies adopted. Predictions of adoption based on this model and customized to farm and region specifications will give information providers lead time to develop technical support for reduced chemical pest management systems.
Impact of global cotton markets on rural poverty in Benin
Authors: Minot Nicholas , Daniels Lisa 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWorld cotton prices fell by about 40% over 2001–2002, focusing attention on the effect of subsidies for cotton growers in depressing world prices. This paper combines farm survey data from Benin with assumptions about the decline in farm‐level prices to estimate the direct and indirect effects of cotton price reductions on rural income and poverty in Benin. The results indicate that there is a strong link between cotton prices and rural welfare in Benin. A 40% reduction in farm‐level prices of cotton results in an increase in rural poverty of 8% points in the short run and 6–7% points in the long run. Under the assumptions of the partial input‐output model, we estimate the multiplier to be in the range of 2.96, meaning that 1 US$ of reduced income by cotton growers results in a contraction of 2.96 US$ in overall income. Finally, econometric analysis of the determinants of the demand for hired agricultural labor suggests that falling cotton prices will not greatly reduce labor demand since the labor intensity of cotton is similar to that of competing crops in Benin. Overall, the study demonstrates the impact of changes in world cotton prices on rural poverty in Benin, thus highlighting the likely negative effects of cotton subsidies in the United States and elsewhere on Benin farmers.
Synergistic effect of cellulase and hemicellulase on nutrient utilization and performance in broilers fed a corn–soybean meal diet
Authors: TAHIR Muhammad , SALEH Fuad , OHTSUKA Akira , HAYASHI Kunioki 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the synergistic effect of dietary cellulase and hemicellulase on the nutrient utilization, performance and digesta (content of jejunum) viscosity in broilers fed a corn–soybean meal diet were studied. The treatment groups included a control, cellulase (0.33 U/g feed), hemicellulase (2 U/g feed) and mixed enzyme (cellulase (0.33 U/g feed) + hemicellulase (2 U/g feed)) group. The enzymes were mixed with the basal diet (21.1% crude protein, 3000 kcal/kg metabolizable energy) and fed to male broiler chickens (Cobb strain) for 12 days from 15 days of age. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Chicks were raised under 25°C in wire‐bottomed cages during the entire experimental period. We found that broilers given enzymes grew faster, and that the mixed enzyme was most effective. Feed intake remained the same for all of the treatment groups. Carcass weight was increased by mixed enzyme significantly, but not by cellulase and hemicellulase. The enzymes, but not mixed enzyme, decreased abdominal fat and were significant in the case of cellulase. Enzymes did not affect muscle weight and nitrogen‐retention, but metabolizable energy content of the diet was improved by the mixed enzyme. Ash‐retention was increased by hemicellulase and mixed enzyme. Digesta viscosity was significantly decreased by cellulase, but not by hemicellulase and the mixed enzyme. The results indicate that the combination of cellulase and hemicellulase has a synergistic effect on the performance of broilers fed a corn–soybean meal diet.
Fecal ammonia, urea, volatile fatty acid and lactate levels in dairy cows and their pathophysiological significance during diarrhea
Authors: SATO Hiroshi , NAKAJIMA Junko 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTNormal fecal samples were taken from lactating cows fed either a total mixed ration (TMR; n = 30) or pasture‐based diet (20) and from dry cows fed mainly on hay (15). Diarrheic fecal samples (n = 51) were collected from 21 sick dairy cows. Fecal analyses of ammonia, urea, lactate and volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels were used to evaluate colonic fermentation. Most normal feces had reasonably neutral pH, however, alkaline feces were observed in diarrheic cows. Although fecal lactate is higher in cows on grazing pasture, lactate levels were generally lower in the cows in the present study. Fecal VFA levels were higher in lactating cows than in dry cows. Elevated fecal urea was observed in diarrheic cows, however, many fecal samples in normal and diarrheic cows contained no urea. Fecal VFA levels in diarrheic cows were lower than in normal lactating cows, but were approximately equivalent to those in dry cows. Grazing or dry cows showed higher acetate and lower n‐butyrate proportions compared with TMR‐fed or diarrheic cows. Higher proportions of branched chain VFAs were observed in diarrheic cows, and the lowest level was observed in grazing cows. The present results indicate that intracolonic nitrogen equilibrium and proteolytic fermentation are altered by diarrheic status.