bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of A‐Type γ‐Amino Butyric Acid Receptors Excites Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones Isolated from Adult Rats
Authors: Yin C. , Ishii H. , Tanaka N. , Sakuma Y. , Kato M. 
Published: March 2008

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones represent the final output neurones in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, and γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) is one of the major players in the regulation of GnRH neurones. GABA inhibits a large proportion of brain neurones in adult animals by acting on A‐type GABA receptors (GABAARs). Two contradictory reports on the action of GABA in the GnRH neurones of adult mice have been published. DeFazio et al. (Mol Endocrinol 2002; 16: 2872) demonstrated that activation of GABAARs excites the GnRH neurones of adult mice, whereas Han et al. (Endocrinology 2002; 143: 1459) showed that the response to GABA on GnRH neurones switches from depolarisation to hyperpolarisation around puberty in female mice. Therefore, we examined the reversal potential of GABAAR currents by means of perforated patch‐clamp recording with gramicidin in overnight‐cultured GnRH neurones isolated from adult GnRH‐enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. The reversal potential was −26 ± 1.4 mV (mean ± SEM, n = 42) in GnRH neurones, whereas it was −57 ± 2.7 mV (n = 34) in unidentified neurones, and GABA depolarised the GnRH neurones in current‐clamp condition. The GABAAR currents in rat GnRH neurones were augmented by neurosteroids, allopregnanolone and 3α,21‐dihydroxy‐5α‐pregnan‐20‐one, at submicromolar concentrations. In addition, the expression patterns of GABAAR subunit mRNAs were determined by multi‐cell reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, which revealed that the α2, β3, γ1 and γ2 subunits were dominant and the α6 and γ3 subunits were negative in rat GnRH neurones. These results indicate that GABAARs in the soma of rat GnRH neurones are comprised mainly of α2, β3 and γ1 or γ2 subunits and that they are sensitive to neurosteroids; moreover, they suggest that activation of these receptors depolarises GnRH neurones. Thus, GABA and neurosteroids influence the electrical activity of GnRH neurones.
Management of Two Potentially Iron Toxic Benchmark Wetlands Using Integrated Approach for Rice Production in Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye A. O. , Ogunkunle A. O. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo manage iron toxic rainfed lowlands on a sustainable basis for rice production, a trial was conducted using an integrated approach (i.e. tolerant genotype and fertilizer nutrients). This trials involved two rice cultivars ITA 212 and Suakoko 8 in two cropping seasons (1994 and 1995) and on two potentially iron toxic soil types with excessively high active Fe contents of between 4.43 % and 5.15 %, respectively, located in two agro‐ecological zones in Nigeria. The effects of fertilizer nutrients (N, P, K, Zn, N+P, N+K, N+Zn, N+P+K, N+P+K+Zn and control) were evaluated on the grain yield (GY) and nutrient uptake (leaf analyses) of the rice plants using stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA). Results showed that these soils are acidic and had sub‐optimal macronutrient and micronutrient contents coupled with excessively high active Fe (FeH) of between 4.43 % and 5.15 %. Fertilizer nutrients N+K, N+P+K and N+P+K+Zn consistently appeared to result in higher GY compared to others on both soil types. Plant analysis of both rice cultivars showed no apparent deficiencies in elemental composition with regard to macronutrients and micronutrients. Results of SMRA showed that tissue K, Zn and Mg contents were significantly related (P < 0.01) to the GY of the two rice cultivars.
Drip Irrigation Frequency: The Effects and Their Interaction with Nitrogen Fertilization on Sandy Soil Water Distribution, Maize Yield and Water Use Efficiency Under Egyptian Conditions
Authors: El‐Hendawy S. E. , Hokam E. M. , Schmidhalter U. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIrrigation frequency is one of the most important factors in drip irrigation scheduling that affects the soil water regime, the water and fertilization use efficiency and the crop yield, although the same quantity of water is applied. Therefore, field experiments were conducted for 2 years in the summer season of 2005 and 2006 on sandy soils to investigate the effects of irrigation frequency and their interaction with nitrogen fertilization on water distribution, grain yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of two white grain maize hybrids (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted by using a randomized complete block split‐split plot design, with four irrigation frequencies (once every 2, 3, 4 and 5 days), two nitrogen levels (190 and 380 kg N ha−1), and two maize hybrids (three‐way cross 310 and single cross 10) as the main‐plot, split‐plot, and split‐split plot treatments respectively. The results indicate that drip irrigation frequency did affect soil water content and retained soil water, depending on soil depth. Grain yield with the application of 190 kg N ha−1 was not statistically different from that at 380 kg N ha−1 at the irrigation frequency once every 5 days. However, the application of 190 kg N ha−1 resulted in a significant yield reduction of 25 %, 18 % and 9 % in 2005 and 20 %, 13 % and 6 % in 2006 compared with 380 kg N ha−1 at the irrigation frequencies once every 2, 3 and 4 days respectively. The response function between yield components and irrigation frequency treatments was quadratic in both growing seasons except for 100‐grain weight, where the function was linear. WUE increased with increasing irrigation frequency and nitrogen levels, and reached the maximum values at once every 2 and 3 days and at 380 kg N ha−1. In order to improve the WUE and grain yield for drip‐irrigated maize in sandy soils, it is recommended that irrigation frequency should be once every 2 or 3 days at the investigated nitrogen levels of 380 kg N ha−1 regardless of maize varieties. However, further optimization with a reduced nitrogen application rate should be aimed at and will have to be investigated.
Improving Drought Tolerance by Exogenous Application of Glycinebetaine and Salicylic Acid in Sunflower
Authors: Hussain M. , Malik M. A. , Farooq M. , Ashraf M. Y. , Cheema M. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWater shortage is a severe threat to the sustainability of crop production. Exogenous application of glycinebetaine (GB) and salicylic acid (SA) has been found very effective in reducing the adverse affects of drought stress. This study was conducted to examine the possible role of exogenous GB and SA application in improving the yield of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different irrigation regimes. There were three levels of irrigation, viz. control (normal irrigations), water stress at vegetative stage (irrigation missing at vegetative stage) and water stress at flowering stage (irrigation missing at flowering stage). GB and SA were applied exogenously at 100 and 0.724 mm, respectively, each at the vegetative and at the flowering stage. Control plants did not receive application of GB and SA. Water stress reduced the head diameter, number of achene, 1000‐achene weight, achene yield and oil yield. Nevertheless, exogenous GB and SA application significantly improved these attributes under water stress. However, drought stress increased the free leaf proline and GB, and were further increased by exogenous application of GB and SA. However, exogenous GB application at the flowering stage was more effective than other treatments. Oil contents were also reduced under water stress; however, GB and SA application could not ameliorate the negative effect of water stress on achene oil contents. The effects of water stress and foliar application of GB were more pronounced when applied at the flowering stage than at the vegetative stage. Moreover, exogenous GB application was only beneficial under stress conditions.
Cognitive strategy use by children with Asperger's syndrome during intervention for motor‐based goals
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , Pham Christine , Mitchell Sarah 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Cognitive Orientation for (daily) Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) is a cognitive approach utilised by occupational therapists to help guide children in the discovery of appropriate strategies for effective task performance through a structured problem‐solving process. There has been limited research into its utility for children with Asperger's syndrome (AS). These children often present with motor difficulties, although these are not required for diagnosis of the syndrome. A recent study found that children with AS were able to use the CO‐OP framework to enhance their performance of motor‐based goals. Methods:  This paper presents two case studies demonstrating the use of CO‐OP with children with AS, and explores the global and domain‐specific strategies and types of guidance utilised to improve their task performance. Two children with AS, aged 9 and 11, with above average intellectual ability, engaged in 10 sessions of CO‐OP. All sessions were videotaped. One hundred minutes of randomly selected footage were coded per child using the Observer Software Package version 5.0. Results:  The mean interrater agreement for the two children was 94.06% and 89.30%. Both children (i) utilised the global strategies ‘do’, followed by ‘plan’ and ‘check’, (ii) used at least three domain‐specific strategies in each session with ‘task specification/modification’ and ‘body position’ utilised most, and (iii) used limited verbal self‐guidance. Conclusion:  These two children with AS were able to utilise cognitive strategies to effectively solve their motor performance problems. Children with AS and those with DCD used similar strategies to achieve motor goals. CO‐OP appears to have potential as an effective intervention for children with AS. Study limitations, clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
RARE INTRACRANIAL TUMORS*
Authors: Tanaka Kenji 
Published: March 2008

SummaryEight cases of unusual intracranial tumors are reported, three of them being granulomas.Tubercles are more frequent in Japan (Nakata. 6 percent) than in the United States (Cushing, 1.5 percent; Davis, 1.0 percent) but apparently less frequent than in Chile (Asenjo, 19.8 percent).Rare tumors in unusual situations make difficulties for diagnosis and treatment.
ON THE BASIS OF NEW STOCHASTICAL APPROACH FOR QAULIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF EHG DATA.*
Authors: Satô Kensuke 
Published: March 2008

Summary1. Sample mean intensity (XN) in successive N alpha waves is similar to the product of sample number of alpha component (ηN/2) and sample mean intensity of an alpha component (2rϕ/N) in the same N alpha waves, i. e.(7.6) X̄n=ηNσ2/N2. In many human EEG data under a relaxed state, the points (ηNσ2/N) form a rectangular hyperbola and the points (logηN, logσ2/N) form a straight line with a gradient of fourty five degrees, because of the very small fluctuation of sample mean intensity Xn.3. Above results are obtained not only in alpha rhythms, but also in theta rhythms.4. Herewith an important possibility arises in sofar that in the characterisica of the above straight line or band some biological meaning, apart from the resultant from sample mean amplitude or sample mean intensity of brain waves is strongly suggested.
A CASE OF SLEEP PARALYSIS
Authors: Terayama Koichi , Yoshikama Hiroo 
Published: March 2008

SummaryWhile it has been long assumed that there should actually be more cases of sleep paralysis than those reported in Americo, this is the first report in Japan until this date. Of three opinions concerning the genuine nosological form we have adopted that of Schneck treating the case chiefly psychoanalytically. It seems that we have fairly well succeeded in segregating homosexual conflict factor existent; t hereby it was clearly brought out that the ambivalence attitude against the factor played an important role in the symptom formation of the disease.
ON THE HYPERGLYCEMIC FACTOR IN URINE OF PSYCHOSES
Authors: Shiraishi Junkichi 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY

The urine of schizophrenics, epileptics, and depressives contains hyperglycemic facor which causes a raise of the blood glucose level of rabbits.
Compared with the schizophrenic cases with prospect for brighter prognosis or much tended to recovery, those tending into psychic deterioration excrete factor much stronger in effect, cases with brighter prognosis may, however, excrete factor of stronger effect at the aggravation period, whereas they excrete, at the recovery period, stronger factor until the factor goes fully extinguished.
Concerning epileptics, one among five cases, gave rather stronger hyperglycemic factor, while the same from the remaining cases lied within the range obtained from normal cases.
Concerning depressive cases, there was one case with brain damage excreting much stronger hyperglyacemic factor, while the remaining gave values ranging within any normal.
As the summary of the biochemical data: in accordance to Mayer‐Gross method, urine of schizophrenics were adjusted to pH 4.5 with CH3COOH, absorbed by kaolin, dissolved in NH4OH, and precipitated with acetone. With this starting material kept dry at room temperature, its hyperglycemic activity decreased by 1/2 one year later and by 1/5–1/6 by two years later.
The starting material was fractionated by means of the acid precipitation and the fractions went treated with ethanol and sodium sulfate. The final product was able to raise the blood glucose level of rabbit to that extent of 1.14 mg% per 1 mg.
The final product is considered to belong to mucoprotein.
CLINICAL AND ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHICAL STUDIES ON CATATONIA
Authors: Ando Moriaki , Ito Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY

A clinical and electroencephalographical investigation of six cases of schizophrenia in states of catatonic stupor through the whole course was surveyed and revealed as the result significant parallel relations between the clinical courses and electroencephalographical changes, chronologically.
The electroencephalographical changes of these cases in order of each stage throughout the whole stupor course are summarized in the table, nearly in accord with the descriptions of the other authors.
Concerning clinical symptoms, especially subjective experiences of stupor and stuporous states, these patients are inclined to have the anxious, fearful, depressive and pessimistic feelings together with a variety of delusional ideas derived of these feelings.
Physiologic neurocirculatory patterns in the head‐up tilt test in children with orthostatic intolerance
Authors: Qingyou Zhang , Karmane Sumou I , Junbao Du 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a common clinical manifestation in clinical pediatrics. The head‐up tilt (HUT) table test is considered the standard of orthostatic assessment, but the physiologic neurocirculatory profile during HUT has not been fully realized in children with OI. The present study, therefore, was designed to investigate the physiologic patterns that occur during HUT in children with OI.Methods: Ninety children (56 girls; mean age, 11.6 ± 2.3 years) with OI underwent HUT under quiet circumstances. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored simultaneously.Results: Forty‐nine children with OI (54.4%) had vasovagal response with HUT testing; 33 (36.7%), vasodepressor response; six (6.7%), cardioinhibitory response; and 10 (11.1%), mixed response. Twenty‐eight children (31.1%) had postural orthostatic tachycardia; one (1.1%), orthostatic hypotension (OH); and 12 (13.3%), normal physiologic response. Patterns of cerebral syncope response and chronotropic incompetence were not observed.Conclusions: Classical vasovagal response was the major physiologic pattern seen in children with OI during HUT testing, and postural orthostatic tachycardia response ranked second.
Neurokinin A level in hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Nassar May F. , El‐Sayed Hoda L. , Fouad Nermine T. , El‐Toukhy Hazem I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) on the neurotransmitter neurokinin A (NKA) and determine its relation to the severity of neonatal hypoxia.Methods: Eighteen neonates suffering from HIE were compared to 10 clinically healthy full‐term neonates acting as the control group. Maternal history of each neonate was collected, then deliveries were attended, resuscitation details including the Apgar score and thorough clinical examination of the neonates were performed. Routine laboratory work‐up was done for the enrolled neonates, including complete blood count and C‐reactive protein as well as estimation of NKA by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the cord blood and after clinical stabilization.Results: NKA was significantly lower in HIE patients compared to the controls at delivery with improvement in the follow‐up sample. Additionally, the maximum decrease was detected in the neonates who suffered severe hypoxia compared to those who suffered mild hypoxia. Significant positive correlations were demonstrated between NKA at birth and Apgar scores at the 10th and 15th min. Regression showed that stage of HIE was the strongest determinant factor for the level of NKA at birth.Conclusion: NKA levels are decreased in HIE and this is more profound in the severe degrees of hypoxia compared to the mild ones. This emphasizes its role in pathogenesis of HIE and further proves that an imbalance in the central neuropeptide system results from HIE in the neonatal period.
Validity of using pallor to detect children with mild anemia
Authors: Yurdakök Kadriye , Güner Şükrü N. , Yalçın S. Songül 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: The World Health Organization recommends the assessment of pallor as an indicator for the presence of anemia in children under 5 years of age at a primary care level where anemia is prevalent. The aim of the present study was to study the validity and interobserver agreement of pallor examination in recognition of anemia in children under 2 years of age.Methods: Healthy children aged 6–24 months (n = 141) admitted to well baby clinic were assessed for the presence of pallor at three anatomic sites (palm, conjunctiva, buccal mucosa) on admission by two blinded observers (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness [IMCI] certificate pediatrician and a pediatric resident). Clinical examination for pallor was made without having the information on the child’s hemoglobin level or of the other observer’s assessment for pallor. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin level <11 g/dL. The exclusion criteria included the presence of any acute or chronic illness on admission, and treatment for anemia within the 3 months preceding the study.Results: The mean age of the children was 8.0 ± 2.7 months; 71 (50%) were boys. Blood samples indicated anemia in 33 children (23%). Palmar pallor alone significantly had highest sensitivity (sensitivity 72% and specificity 75%, positive predictive value 48%) to detect anemia for the IMCI‐trained pediatrician. The interobserver agreement was highest for buccal and conjunctival pallor (κ = 0.64 and 0.63, respectively), and lowest for palmar pallor (κ = 0.49).Conclusion: Palmar pallor is a sensitive and specific sign of mild anemia when used by the IMCI‐trained pediatrician.
Threshold citation analysis of influential articles, journals, institutions and researchers in accounting
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Liano Kartono 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe use a threshold citation approach to measure the influence of articles, journals, institutions and researchers in accounting research. The Journal of Accounting Research, the Journal of Accounting and Economics and Accounting Review are the 3 most influential journals in accounting research. The 3 most influential institutions in accounting research are the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan, while the 3 most frequently cited authors in accounting research are Richard G. Sloan, Robert E. Verrecchia and Paul M. Healy.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION AND CONTROL IN A HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Authors: Cummins C. J. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryI have endeavoured to describe the factors, personal and environmental, which in my experience influence the medical administrator in his statutory capacities, and the techniques of administrative law in a public health department. I appreciate that the survey is superficial and intrudes a personal bias, and also that the problem of administrative regulation and control in a health department is of special character, which may not cast much light on the more general issues.
THE EYE OF DOUBT: NEUTRALITY, RESPONSIBILITY, AND MORALITY*
Authors: Jackson M. W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The conditions of employment of a professional public service together with the wide‐ranging consequences of the actions of public servants combine to require considerable moral responsibility. Whatever political neutrality means for public servants, it does not mean moral neutrality. If public servants were never to exercise moral judgement in moments of truth there would be little justification for endowing the profession with the status and security it now enjoys. After some discussion of the origins of the professional public service, several recent cases of morally responsible public servants are reviewed and the arguments frequently given to avoid or trivialise morality are evaluated. My claim is that courage is the key to morality. The ordinary moral obligations that lie upon us all apply with added force to public servants. The truth that the eye of doubt beholds is that political neutrality brings moral responsibility.… the more civil servants, the more thieves…The Great Elector… not from the Castle … not from the village…Kafka… polite, upright, and mild…Hegel
DEVELOPMENTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION*
Authors: Moore Barry 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThere are probably more changes taking place in public administration than at any previous time. In some sectors (like health) staff are now used to change; it has become a normal part of their everyday life. In other sectors (like road transport) it is a new experience.Some changes are the latest chapter in a long and continuing story. Clear objectives, downstream autonomy and performance monitoring have been issues for as long as most public servants can remember. The fresh ingredients added by New South Wales Incorporated are the management incentives that make a direct appeal to the self‐interest of senior executives, and the ideology of competitive neutrality that mimics the price signals which motivate private enterprise.The intended results are less political patronage, smaller government, more accountability, better morale and higher productivity. Stated in these terms they are unlikely to cause controversy; the current political consensus is that they would constitute worthy goals for any government.However important differences of opinion will probably emerge over the order of priority for these goals. For example, how much should higher productivity be sought if it threatens accountability or morale? There is also likely to be debate between those who want everything in place immediately, even if it means industrial strife, and those who prefer a softly‐softly approach.