bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Parameters of Science and Technology Policy Formulation in South Africa
Authors: Scerri Mario 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:This paper examines the history of Science and Technology policy in South Africa over the period starting in 1916, when the first national initiative in this field was launched, and ending in 1996 which saw the tabling of the country's first White Paper on Science and Technology. The main argument of this paper is that, in spite of the dramatic changes in the country's political and economic history from segregation through apartheid and finally to its first democratic government, there exists a strong commonality in the structural context within which Science and Technology policy has been formulated. Consequently, it will be argued, the limitations on the scope of planning in this field have remained essentially unchanged resulting in a disturbing similarity between the pre‐ and the post‐apartheid visions of the role of the state in this area of public policy.RÉSUMÉL'auteur de cet article examine Fhistoire de la politique relative à la science et à la technologie en Afrique du Sud de 1916, date de la premiére initiative nationale dans ce domaine, à 1996, date de présentation du premier Livre blanc sur la science et la technologie. Le principal argument développé dans cet article est qu'en dépit de changements radicaux intervenus dans l'histoire politique et économique du pays, de la péiode d'apartheid au premier gouvernement démocratique, il y a une forte similitude du contexte structurel dans lequel la politique relative à la science et à la technologie a été formulée. En conséquence, conclut l'auteur, les restrictions quant á l'envergure de la planification dans ce domaine sont restées essentiellement intactes, donnant lieu à une similitude gênante entre les perceptions avant et post‐apartheid du rôle de l'Etat en matière de politique publique.
Towards the Development of an Equitable African Information Society
Authors: Fouché Ben 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The ongoing global information and communications revolution, based on the convergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the digitalisation of information, has brought about a new post industrial economic and societal world order, the so called global information economy and society. This represents tremendous challenges and opportunities, but also threats, to which African countries must respond.Industrialised countries and emerging economies around the world are giving high priority to the development of national and regional information infrastructures and strategies to develop internationally competitive Information Societies. This is considered to be necessary for effective participation in the global knowledge based economy.The article reviews recent developments pertaining to the application of ICTs in support of social development and economic growth in Africa. Factors which affect the development of an equitable Information Society in Africa are analysed with reference to experience elsewhere. Finally, some conclusions are drawn about technology management and human capacity strategies for African countries.RÉSUMÉLa révolution mondiale actuelle de l'information et de la communication, fondée sur la convergence des technologies de l'information et de la communication et la numérisation de l'information, a débouché sur un nouvel ordre économique et social postindustriel, dit économie et société mondiales de l'information. Cela représente des défis exaltants et des opportunités, mais aussi des risques pour les pays africains.Les pays industrialisés et les économies émergentes de par le monde, accordent une haute priorité au développement des infrastructures et stratégies nationales et régionales qui leur permettraient de bâtir des sociétés d'information compétitives à l'échelon international. Cela paraît nécessaire pour une participation effective à l'économie fondée sur la connaissance mondiale.L'auteur du présent article examine l'évolution récente liée à l'application des technologies de l'information et de la communication à l'appui du développement social et de la croissance économique en Afrique. Les facteurs qui influencent l'avènement d'une société d'information équitable en Afrique sont analysés en fonction de l'expérience acquise ailleurs dans le monde. Enfin, l'auteur tire certaines conclusions sur la gestion des technologies et les stratégies de valorisation des ressources humaines pour les pays africains.
Les Politiques de Restructuration de l'Economie Camerounaise: Evaluation Rétrospective à Moyen‐Terme
Authors: ATEBA Etienne Modeste ASSIGA 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: In this article, we assess the medium‐term impact of Cameroon's economic restructuring policies, after about one decade of their application (1987–1997). More specifically, we analyze, according to the logic underlying the preparation of reform programmes, the reduction of internal and external deficits in the short‐term, through stabilization measures; and the correction of distortions on the prices of products and factors in the medium‐term, through structural adjustment programmes. The results indicate that joint stabilization and structural adjustment programmes seem to be, in the medium‐term, the cause of the reversal of the trend towards deterioration of certain macroeconomic indicators such as real growth rate and internal and external deficits. On the other hand, the social impacts of these policies have been insignificant, and they continue to weigh heavily on public finance. A persistent and exponential growth of the unemployment rate and rapid informalization of the economy can be noticed.RÉSUMÉDans cet article, nous évaluons l'impact à moyen terme, des politiques de restructuration de l'économie camerounaise, après environ une décennie de leur mise en application (1987–1997). Plus spécifiquement, nous analysons, selon la logique qui sous‐tend l'élaboration des programmes de réformes, la résorption des déficits internes et externes à travers les politiques de stabilisation à court terme et la correction des distorsions sur les prix des produits et des facteurs, cette fois‐ci, à moyen terme, à travers les programmes d'ajustement structurel. Les résultats indiquent que les politiques conjointes de stabilisation et d'ajustement structurel semblent être, à moyen terme, à l'origine du renversement de tendance à la détérioration des certains indicateurs macro‐économiques tels que le taux de croissance réel et les déficits internes et externes. Par contre, les effets sociaux de ces politiques ont été peu significatifs, et elles continuent à peser lourd sur les finances publiques. L'on constate une croissance persistante et exponentielle du taux de chômage et une informalisation rapide de l'économie.
Why Adopt Codes of Good Governance? A Comparison of Institutional and Efficiency Perspectives
Authors: Zattoni Alessandro , Cuomo Francesca 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTManuscript Type:EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue:Given the global diffusion and the relevance of codes of good governance, the aim of this article is to investigate if the main reason behind their proliferation in civil law countries is: (i) the determination to improve the efficiency of the national governance system; or (ii) the will to “legitimize” domestic companies in the global financial market without radically improving the governance practices.Research Findings/Insights:We collected corporate governance codes developed worldwide at the end of 2005, and classified them according to the country's legal system (common or civil law). Then, we made a comparative analysis of the scope, coverage, and strictness of recommendations of the codes. We tested differences between common law and civil law countries using t‐tests and probit models. Our findings suggest that the issuance of codes in civil law countries be prompted more by legitimation reasons than by the determination to improve the governance practices of national companies.Theoretical/Academic Implications:The study contributes to enriching our knowledge on the process of reinvention characterizing the diffusion of new practices. Our results are consistent with a symbolic perspective on corporate governance, and support the view that diffusing practices are usually modified or “reinvented” by adopters.Practitioner/Policy Implications:Our results support the idea that the characteristics of the national corporate governance system and law explain the main differences among the coverage of codes. This conclusion indicates the existence of a strong interplay between hard and soft law.
The IMF and the Liberalization of Capital Flows
Authors: Joyce Joseph P. , Noy Ilan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe evaluate the claim that the International Monetary Fund precipitated financial crises during the 1990s, by pressuring countries to liberalize their capital accounts prematurely. Using data from a panel of developing economies from 1982–98, we examine whether the changes in the regime governing capital flows took place during participation in IMF programs. We find evidence that IMF program participation is correlated with capital account liberalization episodes during the 1990s. We verify the robustness of our results using alternative indicators of capital account openness. To determine whether decontrol was premature, we compare the economic and financial characteristics of countries that decontrolled during IMF programs with those of countries who did so independently, and find some evidence of IMF‐led premature liberalizations.
Dynamic Patterns of Trade Imbalances with Recursive Preference
Authors: Inoue Tadashi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBased on the recursive preference approach, the dynamic and global properties of the two‐country open economy are examined with one good and inputs of labor and capital, with capital being freely traded internationally. First, by showing that the world's consumption increases (decreases) with an increase (decrease) in the world's capital, the global stability of the economy is obtained. Secondly, the nonmonotonicity of consumption between impatient country 1 and patient country 2 is established. Thirdly, with the Cobb–Douglas‐type production function and country 1's technological superiority, the dynamic trade patterns and the asset–debt position are derived.
ALS patients request more information about cognitive symptoms
Authors: Wicks P. , Frost J. 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  Once thought to impact only voluntary motor function, ALS/Motor neuron disease (MND) is now seen as a multi‐system disorder in which a minority of patients experience mild cognitive dysfunction or frontotemporal dementia. Despite clinical guidelines advocating supplying complete information to patients, educational materials on ALS often state that the mind is unaffected. We sought to establish how much patients and caregivers understand about ALS, what they have been told to expect by their physician, and if they would have appreciated more complete information.Methods:  A two‐part survey was administered online. An ‘ALS quiz’ gauged participants’ knowledge of physical and psychological aspects of ALS. A second questionnaire assessed which symptoms patients had discussed with their clinician and explored patients’ desire to receive information on psychological effects.Results:  A total of 247 ALS patients and 87 caregivers participated. Participants knew less about psychological symptoms than physical ones (72% correct responses versus 82%; paired t(333) = −5.04, P < 0.001). Patients commonly reported being told by their doctor about physical symptoms such as problems walking (85%) or stiffness/cramps (74%) but not psychological issues like emotional lability (46%) or cognitive change (11%). The majority of patients (62%) and carers (71%) indicated a desire to be informed that cognitive change or dementia might occur.Conclusion:  ALS is a multi‐system disorder. However, despite a desire for more information from patients and their carers, healthcare professionals continue to primarily address only the physical consequences of the disease.
Activity‐dependent heteromerization of the hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic‐nucleotide gated (HCN) channels: role of N‐linked glycosylation
Authors: Zha Qinqin , Brewster Amy L. , Richichi Cristina , Bender Roland A. , Baram Tallie Z. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFormation of heteromeric complexes of ion channels via co‐assembly of different subunit isoforms provides an important mechanism for enhanced channel diversity. We have previously demonstrated co‐association of the hyperpolarization activated cyclic‐nucleotide gated (HCN1/HCN2) channel isoforms that was regulated by network (seizure) activity in developing hippocampus. However, the mechanisms that underlie this augmented expression of heteromeric complexes have remained unknown. Glycosylation of the HCN channels has been implicated in the stabilization and membrane expression of heteromeric HCN1/HCN2 constructs in heterologous systems. Therefore, we used in vivo and in vitro systems to test the hypothesis that activity modifies HCN1/HCN2 heteromerization in neurons by modulating the glycosylation state of the channel molecules. Seizure‐like activity (SA) increased HCN1/HCN2 heteromerization in hippocampus in vivo as well as in hippocampal organotypic slice cultures. This activity increased the abundance of glycosylated HCN1 but not HCN2‐channel molecules. In addition, glycosylated HCN1 channels were preferentially co‐immunoprecipitated with the HCN2 isoforms. Provoking SA in vitro in the presence of the N‐linked glycosylation blocker tunicamycin abrogated the activity‐dependent increase of HCN1/HCN2 heteromerization. Thus, hippocampal HCN1 molecules have a significantly higher probability of being glycosylated after SA, and this might promote a stable heteromerization with HCN2.
Molecular interaction in the mouse PAG between NMDA and opioid receptors in morphine‐induced acute thermal nociception
Authors: Ghelardini Carla , Galeotti Nicoletta , Vivoli Elisa , Norcini Monica , Zhu Wei , Stefano George B. , Guarna Massimo , Bianchi Enrica 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPrevious evidence demonstrates that low dose morphine systemic administration induces acute thermal hyperalgesia in normal mice through μOR stimulation of the inositol signaling pathway. We investigated the site of action of morphine and the mechanism of action of μOR activation by morphine to NMDA receptor as it relates to acute thermal hyperalgesia. Our experiments show that acute thermal hyperalgesia is blocked in periaqueductal gray with the μOR antagonist CTOP, the NMDA antagonist MK801 and the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine. Therefore, a site of action of systemically administered morphine low dose on acute thermal hyperalgesic response appears to be located at the periaqueductal gray. At this supraspinal site, μOR stimulation by systemically morphine low dose administration leads to an increased phosphorylation of specific subunit of NMDA receptor. Our experiments show that the phosphorylation of subunit 1 of NMDA receptor parallels the acute thermal hyperalgesia suggesting a role for this subunit in morphine‐induced hyperalgesia. Protein kinase C appears to be the key element that links μOR activation by morphine administration to mice with the recruitment of the NMDA/glutamatergic system involved in the thermal hyperalgesic response.
GSK‐3β down‐regulates the transcription factor Nrf2 after oxidant damage: relevance to exposure of neuronal cells to oxidative stress
Authors: Rojo Ana I. , Sagarra María Rosa de , Cuadrado Antonio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOxidant injury activates the neuroprotective pathway represented by phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and Akt. However, the final outcome of oxidant exposure is often associated with neuronal death. This study was aimed to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for loss of tolerance to an oxidative environment. In N2A neuroblasts, serum and H2O2 exhibited different kinetics of regulation for the Ser/Thr kinases Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) and for the transcription factor Nrf2, which governs redox homeostasis. Thus, H2O2 rapidly activated Akt, inhibited GSK‐3β, and directed the transcription factor Nrf2 to the nucleus, but after 4 h Akt was inactive, GSK‐3β was active and Nrf2 was more cytosolic than nuclear. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002, impeded the short‐term effect of H2O2 on nuclear translocation of Nrf2. GSK‐3β activation (inhibiting PI3K/Akt) or direct GSK‐3β inhibition in cerebellar granule neurons resulted in respective nuclear exclusion and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Moreover, in these neurons, nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 correlated with increased heme oxygenase‐1 expression. Over‐expression of the kinase active GSK‐3β (Δ9) mutant, induced Nrf2 cytoplasmic localization and inhibited Nrf2 transcriptional activity towards an antioxidant‐response‐element luciferase reporter. Moreover, GSK‐3β (Δ9) sensitized N2A neuroblasts to H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and cell death. This study identifies GSK‐3β, a kinase known to participate in neurodegeneration, as a fundamental element in the down‐regulation of the antioxidant cell defense elicited by Nrf2 after oxidant injury and provides a mechanism to explain the loss of oxidant tolerance that happens under persistent oxidant exposure such as those found in several neuropathologies.
Docosahexaenoic acid prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced cytokine production in microglial cells by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide receptor presentation but not its membrane subdomain localization
Authors: De Smedt‐Peyrusse Véronique , Sargueil Françoise , Moranis Aurélie , Harizi Hedi , Mongrand Sébastien , Layé Sophie 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRecognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the endotoxin of gram‐negative bacteria, by microglia occurs through its binding to specific receptors, cluster of differentiation 14 and toll‐like receptor‐4. LPS binding to these receptors triggers the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines that coordinate the brain innate immune response to protect the CNS of the infection. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid highly incorporated in the brain, is a potent immunomodulator. In this study, we investigated whether DHA modulates LPS receptor localization and, as a consequence, LPS‐induced signaling pathway and proinflammatory cytokine production. We demonstrated that DHA, when added exogenously, is specifically enriched in membrane phospholipids, but not in raft lipids of microglial cells. DHA incorporation in membrane impaired surface presentation of LPS receptors cluster of differentiation 14 and toll‐like receptor‐4, but not their membrane subdomain localization. LPS‐induced nuclear factor kappa B activation was inhibited by DHA, hence, LPS‐induced proinflammatory cytokine synthesis of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor α was strongly attenuated. We suggest that DHA is highly anti‐inflammatory by targeting LPS receptor surface location, therefore reducing LPS action on microglia. This effect represents a new insight by which DHA modulates in the brain the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial product.
Assessment of the direct and indirect effects of MPP+ and dopamine on the human proteasome: implications for Parkinson’s disease aetiology
Authors: Caneda‐Ferrón Begoña , De Girolamo Luigi A. , Costa Teresa , Beck Katy E. , Layfield Robert , Billett E. Ellen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMitochondrial impairment, glutathione depletion and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), linked recently to proteasomal dysfunction. Our study analysed how these factors influence the various activities of the proteasome in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with the PD mimetics MPP+ (a complex 1 inhibitor) or dopamine. Treatment with these toxins led to dose‐ and time‐dependent reductions in ATP and glutathione and also chymotrypsin‐like and post‐acidic like activities; trypsin‐like activity was unaffected. Antioxidants blocked the effects of dopamine, but not MPP+, suggesting that oxidative stress was more important in the dopamine‐mediated effects. With MPP+, ATP depletion was a prerequisite for loss of proteasomal activity. Thus in a dopaminergic neuron with complex 1 dysfunction both oxidative stress and ATP depletion will contribute independently to loss of proteasomal function. We show for the first time that addition of MPP+ or dopamine to purified samples of the human 20S proteasome also reduced proteasomal activities; with dopamine being most damaging. As with toxin‐treated cells, chymotrypsin‐like activity was most sensitive and trypsin‐like activity the least sensitive. The observed differential sensitivity of the various proteasomal activities to PD mimetics is novel and its significance needs further study in human cells.
Influence of positive allosteric modulators on GABABreceptor coupling in rat brain: a scintillation proximity assay characterisation of G protein subtypes
Authors: Mannoury la Cour Clotilde , Herbelles Chloé , Pasteau Valérie , De Nanteuil Guillaume , Millan Mark J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLittle is known concerning coupling of cerebral GABABreceptors to G protein subtypes, and the influence of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) has not been evaluated. These questions were addressed by an antibody‐capture/scintillation proximity assay strategy. GABA concentration‐dependently enhanced the magnitude of [35S]GTPγS binding to Gαo and, less markedly, Gαi1/3in cortex, whereas Gq and Gs/olf were unaffected. (R)‐baclofen and SKF97581 likewise activated Gαo and Gαi1/3, expressing their actions more potently than GABA. Similar findings were acquired in hippocampus and cerebellum, and the GABABantagonist, CGP55845A, abolished agonist‐induced activation of Gαo and Gαi1/3in all structures. The PAMs, GS39783, CGP7930 and CGP13501, inactive alone, enhanced efficacy and potency of agonist‐induced [35S]GTPγS binding to Gαo in all regions, actions abolished by CGP55845A. In contrast, they didnotmodify efficacies at Gαi1/3. Similarly, in human embryonic kidney cells expressing GABAB(1a+2)or GABAB(1b+2)receptors, allosteric modulators did not detectably enhance efficacy of GABA at Gαi1/3, though they increased its potency. To summarise, GABABreceptors coupled both to Gαo and to Gαi, but not Gq and Gs/olf, in rat brain. PAMs more markedly enhanced efficacy of coupling to Go versus Gi1/3. It will be of interest to confirm these observations employing complementary techniques and to evaluate their potential therapeutic significance.
MAPK and mTOR pathways are involved in cadmium‐induced neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Chen Long , Liu Lei , Luo Yan , Huang Shile 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCadmium (Cd) may be accumulated in human body through long‐term exposure to Cd‐polluted environment, resulting in neurodegeneration and other diseases. To study the mechanism of Cd‐induced neurodegeneration, PC12 and SH‐SY5Y cells were exposed to Cd. We observed that Cd‐induced apoptosis in the cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Cd rapidly activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Inhibition of Erk1/2 and JNK, but not p38, partially protected the cells from Cd‐induced apoptosis. Consistently, over‐expression of dominant negative c‐Jun or down‐regulation of Erk1/2, but not p38 MAPK, partially prevented Cd‐induced apoptosis. To our surprise, Cd also activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐mediated signaling pathways. Treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, blocked Cd‐induced phosphorylation of S6K1 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, and markedly inhibited Cd‐induced apoptosis. Down‐regulation of mTOR by RNA interference also in part, rescued cells from Cd‐induced death. These findings indicate that activation of the signaling network of MAPK and mTOR is associated with Cd‐induced neuronal apoptosis. Our results strongly suggest that inhibitors of MAPK and mTOR may have a potential for prevention of Cd‐induced neurodegeneration.