bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining and predicting coalition outcomes: Conclusions from studying data on local coalitions
Authors: BÄCK HANNA 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Because the importance of coalition formation has been long established, there is no shortage of ideas explaining and predicting coalition outcomes. However, one of the problems for contemporary coalition research is that most coalition theories have been thoroughly tested on the same data on national governments that have formed in the West European postwar democracies. This stresses the need for finding new data that can increase our ability to test and refine coalition theories. This article uses unique elite survey data from an investigation conducted among councilors in a large sample of local authorities in Sweden to test hypotheses on coalition formation.Another problem in coalition research is that the large number of coalition hypotheses have not been tested extensively using multivariate models that provide sufficient controls. By using a methodological approach that models government formation as a discrete choice between potential governments, we can draw conclusions about the relative importance of different types of variables. The results found in this analysis indicate that we have to pay attention to both traditional variables, such as size and policy, and institutional variables if our aim is to explain and predict coalition formation.
Transformations of Citizenship: The Case of Contemporary Europe
Authors: Benhabib Seyla 
Published: December 2004

In The Mid-Morning Hours Of 11 September 2001, Shortly After the second Twin Tower of the World Trade Center had collapsed, amidst the fog surrounding us all – who, when, why – I heard a brief item of news on the radio. Canada had closed its airspace to all American planes still en route; since US airports were also closed for several hours on that day, these pilots would have no choice but to return to their destinations or to circle the airs in search of ‘safe haven’. This news was not repeated. Canada eventually did permit US airplanes to land and many transatlantic passengers found safety in Iceland's Reykjavik airport for a period of time, up to several days in some cases.This small incident is one among the many in recent years that have made increasingly transparent the fragility of the territorially bounded and state-centric international order. For a few brief hours, the passengers of the airplanes that could not obtain landing permission were like refugees without first admittance claims. The same logic that permits states to deny first admittance to certain refugees and asylees, and often contrary to the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees, was operative in this instance as well. Invoking national security concerns, the USA's closest neighbour could, even if briefly, follow the imperatives of sovereign statehood and close its airspace as well as landing privileges to passengers who had now become ‘refugees in orbit‘ in the heavens.
Independent Component Analysis Removing Artifacts in Ictal Recordings
Authors: Urrestarazu Elena , Iriarte Jorge , Alegre Manuel , Valencia Miguel , Viteri César , Artieda Julio 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Independent component analysis (ICA) is a novel algorithm able to separate independent components from complex signals. Studies in interictal EEG demonstrate its usefulness to eliminate eye, muscle, 50‐Hz, electrocardiogram (ECG), and electrode artifacts. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ICA in removing artifacts in ictal recordings with a known EEG onset. Methods: We studied 20 seizures of nine patients with focal epilepsy monitored in our video‐EEG monitoring unit. ICA was applied to remove obvious artifacts in segments at the beginning of the seizure. The final EEGs were exported to the original format and were compared with the original EEG by two blinded examiners. We compared original recordings and the samples cleaned by digital filters (DFs), ICA and ICA plus digital filters (ICA + DFs), evaluating the possibility of finding an ictal pattern, the localization of the onset in area and time, and the global quality of the sample. Results: All the recordings except one (95%) improved after the use of ICA for the elimination of blinking and other artifacts. Three seizures were found in which in the original recordings did not permit us to detect an ictal pattern, and after ICA + DFs, an ictal onset was evident; in two of them, ICA alone was able to show this pattern. The best results in all the scores were obtained with ICA + DF. ICA was better than DFs. The agreement between the two reviewers was highly significant. Conclusions: ICA is useful to remove artifacts from ictal recordings. When applied to ictal recordings, it increases the quality of the recording. In some cases, ICA may be useful to show ictal onsets obscured by artifacts. ICA + DFs obtained the best results regarding removal of the artifacts.
Mice Carrying the Szt1 Mutation Exhibit Increased Seizure Susceptibility and Altered Sensitivity to Compounds Acting at the M‐Channel
Authors: Otto James F. , Yang Yan , Frankel Wayne N. , Wilcox Karen S. , White H. Steve 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Mutations in the genes that encode subunits of the M‐type K+ channel (KCNQ2/KCNQ3) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRNA4) cause epilepsy in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Szt1 mutation, which not only deletes most of the C‐terminus of mouse Kcnq2, but also renders the Chnra4 and Arfgap‐1 genes hemizygous, on seizure susceptibility and sensitivity to drugs that target the M‐type K+ channel. Methods: The proconvulsant effects of the M‐channel blocker linopirdine (LPD) and anticonvulsant effects of the M‐channel enhancer retigabine (RGB) were assessed by electroconvulsive threshold (ECT) testing in C57BL/6J‐Szt1/+ (Szt1) and littermate control C57BL/6J+/+ (B6) mice. The effects of the Szt1 mutation on minimal clonic, minimal tonic hindlimb extension, and partial psychomotor seizures were evaluated by varying stimulation intensity and frequency. Results:
Szt1 mouse seizure thresholds were significantly reduced relative to B6 littermates in the minimal clonic, minimal tonic hindlimb extension, and partial psychomotor seizure models. Mice were injected with LPD and RGB and subjected to ECT testing. In the minimal clonic seizure model, Szt1 mice were significantly more sensitive to LPD than were B6 mice [median effective dose (ED50) = 3.4 ± 1.1 mg/kg and 7.6 ± 1.0 mg/kg, respectively]; in the partial psychomotor seizure model, Szt1 mice were significantly less sensitive to RGB than were B6 mice (ED50= 11.6 ± 1.4 mg/kg and 3.4 ± 1.3 mg/kg, respectively). Conclusions: These results suggest that the Szt1 mutation alters baseline seizure susceptibility and pharmacosensitivity in a naturally occurring mouse model.
Book Reviews
Authors: Smith Preston G. 
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this issue:

The Strongest Link: Forging a Profitable and Enduring Corporate Alliance
Mastering Alliance Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Management, and Organization
What's the Big Idea? Creating and Capitalizing on the Best Management Thinking
Creating an Environment for Successful Projects
Strategy Maps: Converting Intangible Assets into Tangible Outcomes
The Entropy Vector: Connecting Science and Business

Editor's Note: This group of reviews includes two short reviews. Because there has been some confusion about short reviews, I would like to clarify. A book receiving a short review is in no way an inferior book; we do not review books we regard as substandard. Instead, it is a book that does not fit squarely within our normal selection criteria. For example, neither of the short reviews here addresses product innovation exclusively but only as one of many corporate activities. In addition, Strategy Maps aims principally at top management.
Local authority scrutiny of health: making the views of the community count?
Authors: Coleman Anna J , Glendinning Caroline 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  To look at the preparations being made for the introduction of scrutiny of local health services by social service local authorities.Design  A baseline postal survey carried out in late 2002 of all social service local authorities in England.Setting  Against a backdrop of changing structures and policy, both within local government and the National Health Service (NHS) in England and before the official introduction of health scrutiny in January 2003. Survey from the local authority perspective.Results  Progress is being made in the implementation of this new policy, and many local authorities have already carried out pilot scrutiny exercises of local health provision. The survey highlights the different approaches authorities are taking to initiate implementation of health scrutiny and the importance of support, in terms of resources, guidance and training, for overview and scrutiny to be successful.Discussion and Conclusions  Further evaluation of the implementation of health scrutiny is required to examine the impact on local governance of the NHS and partnership working.
Regional brain variations of cytochrome oxidase activity and motor coordination in hot‐foot mutant mice
Authors: Krémarik P. , Strazielle C. , Lalonde R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHot‐foot mutant mice are characterized by defective arborization of Purkinje cell dendrites, resulting in ataxia of gait and deficits of equilibrium. Regional brain variations of cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity were analysed for the purpose of identifying those brain regions with abnormal metabolic activity as a secondary consequence to the cerebellar alteration. In addition, the possible relation between CO activity and motor deficits was evaluated. By comparison to normal littermate controls of the same background strain, hot‐foot mutants had higher CO activity in the molecular layer of the cerebellum, the ventrolateral and midline thalamic nuclei, as well as in the frontal eye field. There was no other alteration of CO activity in the hot‐foot brain. No linear correlation was discerned between CO activity in the molecular layer of the cerebellum and the ventrolateral and midline nuclei on one hand, and motor coordination performance on the other. These results indicate regionally selective abnormalities of metabolic activity in a cerebellar mutant with defective dendritic arborization of the Purkinje cell.
Network bursting by organotypic spinal slice cultures in the presence of bicuculline and/or strychnine is developmentally regulated
Authors: Ballerini Laura , Galante Micaela 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOrganotypic cocultures of dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord from embryonic rats provides direct access to spinal interneurons in a culture system in which the cytoarchitectural organization of the spinal cord slice is maintained. This preparation was used to investigate the possible induction of rhythmic behaviour at different times of development in vitro. Spontaneous rhythmic bursts induced by coapplication of strychnine (1 μm) and bicuculline (20 μm) were observed with patch‐clamp recordings from ventral interneurons. Ventral horn interneurons consistently developed a very regular pattern of activity which was superimposed on a background of sustained synaptic activity. The pattern of the spontaneous bursting following application of strychnine and bicuculline showed a developmentally regulated difference in frequency between two distinct stages of in vitro development.
Synergistic stimulation of MHC class I and IRF‐1 gene expression by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Agresti C. , Bernardo A. , Del Russo N. , Marziali G. , Battistini A. , Aloisi F. , Levi G. , Coccia E. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn order to understand the molecular basis of the synergistic action of interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) on rat oligodendrocyte development, we studied some aspects of the signalling pathways involved in the regulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) gene expression. Two well‐defined inducible enhancers of the MHC class I gene promoter, the MHC class I regulatory element (MHC‐CRE) and the interferon consensus sequence (ICS), were analysed. Neither IFN‐γ nor TNF‐α was capable of inducing MHC‐CRE binding activity when administrated alone. Following the exposure of oligodendrocytes to IFN‐γ, TNF‐R1 expression was transcriptionally induced by the binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT‐1) homodimers to the IFN‐γ activated site (GAS) present in the gene promoter. The upregulation of TNF‐R1 allowed TNF‐α to induce the binding of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) to the MHC‐CRE site. With respect to ICS element, IFN‐γ induced IRF‐1 binding, that was further enhanced upon co‐treatment with TNF‐α. The existence of a synergism between IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in stimulating IRF‐1 expression at the transcriptional level was supported by IRF‐1 promoter analysis: IFN‐γ directly induced the binding of STAT‐1 homodimers to the GAS element, while NF‐κB binding to the κB sequence was activated by TNF‐α only after IFN‐γ treatment. This transcriptional regulation of IRF‐1 gene by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α was confirmed at the mRNA level. The synergism demonstrated in the present study highlights the importance of cytokine interactions in magnifying their biological effects during brain injury and inflammation.
Cells in laminae III and IV of the rat spinal cord which possess the neurokinin‐1 receptor receive monosynaptic input from myelinated primary afferents
Authors: Naim M. M. , Shehab S. A. S. , Todd A. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that neurons which have cell bodies in laminae III or IV of the rat spinal cord, dendrites that enter the superficial laminae and which possess the neurokinin‐1 receptor receive a major synaptic input from substance P‐containing primary afferent axons. In this study we set out to determine whether these cells also receive monosynaptic input from myelinated primary afferents by using transganglionic transport of the B subunit of cholera toxin to identify the central terminals of myelinated afferents from the sciatic nerve. Dual‐immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed apparent contacts between labelled primary afferent terminals and all of the neurokinin‐1 receptor‐immunoreactive cells examined, although these contacts were much less numerous than those which the cells receive from substance P‐containing primary afferents. By using a combined confocal and electron microscopic technique we were able to confirm that synapses were present at some of the contacts between primary afferents and neurokinin‐1 receptor‐immunoreactive neurons. These results suggest that cells of this type will have wide‐dynamic range receptive fields, but with a relatively strong input from nociceptors.
Electrophysiological characterization of interlaminar entorhinal connections: an essential link for re‐entrance in the hippocampal–entorhinal system
Authors: Kloosterman Fabian , Van Haeften Theo , Witter Menno P. , Lopes da Silva Fernando H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe hippocampal formation communicates with the neocortex mainly through the adjacent entorhinal cortex. Neurons projecting to the hippocampal formation are found in the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex and are largely segregated from the neurons receiving hippocampal output, which are located in deep entorhinal layers. We studied the communication between deep and superficial entorhinal layers in the anaesthetized rat using field potential recordings, current source density analysis and single unit measurements. We found that subiculum stimulation was able to excite entorhinal neurons in deep layers. This response was followed by current sinks in superficial layers. Both responses were subject to frequency dependent facilitation, but not depression. Selective blockade of deep layer responses also abolished subsequent superficial layer responses. This clearly demonstrates a functional deep‐to‐superficial layer communication in the entorhinal cortex, which can be triggered by hippocampal output. This pathway may provide a means by which processed hippocampal output is integrated or compared with new incoming information in superficial entorhinal layers, and it constitutes an important link in the process of re‐entrance of activity in the hippocampal–entorhinal network, which may be important for consolidation of memories or retaining information for short periods.
Galanin increases membrane excitability and enhances Ca2+currents in adult, acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Kerekes Nóra , Mennicken Francoise , O'Donnell Dajan , Hökfelt Tomas , Hill Russell H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe examined the effect of galanin (10−15–10−7 m) on dispersed, mainly small‐sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in adult rats using whole‐cell patch‐clamp. Galanin and AR‐M1896, a selective galanin type 2 receptor (GalR2) agonist, both significantly increased the number of action potentials in response to current pulses in 77% of the neurons, indicating an increase in excitability. Galanin also caused a rise in input resistance, decreased the holding current for −60 mV and depolarized the resting potential. In addition, Ca2+currents elicited by voltage steps were significantly increased by both galanin and AR‐M1896 in nearly 70% of the cells. This enhancement was observed in 30% of the neurons in the presence of nimodipine or ω‐conotoxin, but in each case ≈ 60% less than without blocking either N‐ or L‐type Ca2+channels, indicating modulation of both types of Ca2+channels. The percentage of small‐ and medium‐sized neurons expressing GalR2 mRNA in DRGsin situwas similar to that showing increased excitability and Ca2+current after galanin application, i.e. ≈ 70–80% of the neurons. The findings suggest that GalR2 has a role in controlling both the excitability, probably by inhibition of GIRK or leak K+channels, and Ca2+entry in a large population of presumably nociceptive neurons. The combination of the two effects, which possibly arise from separate biochemical pathways, would increase excitability and enhance intracellular Ca2+signalling which would enhance sensory transmission. These mechanisms involving GalR2 receptors may underlie the pronociceptive effects of galanin described in the literature.
Altered morphology of rod bipolar cell axonal terminals in the retinas of mice carrying genetic deletion of somatostatin subtype receptor 1 or 2
Authors: Casini Giovanni , Monte Massimo Dal , Petrucci Cristina , Gambellini Gabriella , Grouselle Dominique , Allen Jeremy P. , Kreienkamp Hans‐Jürgen , Richter Dietmar , Epelbaum Jacques , Bagnoli Paola 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSomatostatin (SRIF), similar to other neuropeptides, is likely to influence the morpho‐functional characteristics of neurons. We studied possible morphological alterations of mouse retinal neurons following genetic deletion of SRIF subtype receptor 1 [sst1 knockout (KO)] or 2 (sst2 KO). In sst1 KO retinas, axonal terminals of rod bipolar cells (RBCs), identified with protein kinase C immunoreactivity, were 25% larger than in controls. In contrast, in sst2 KO retinas, RBC axonal terminals were significantly smaller (−14%). No major ultrastructural differences were observed between control and KO RBCs. In sst2 KO retinas, SRIF levels decreased by about 35%, while both sst1 receptor mRNA and protein increased by about 170% and 100%, respectively. This compares to previous results reporting an increase of both retinal SRIF and sst2 receptors following sst1 receptor deletion. Together, these findings suggest that, on the one hand, sst1 receptor deletion induces over‐expression of sst2 receptors, and vice versa; on the other hand, that an imbalance in sst1 and sst2 receptor expression and/or changes in the levels of retinal SRIF induced by sst1 or sst2 receptor deletion are responsible for the morphological changes in RBC axonal terminals. Similar alterations of RBC terminals were observed in KO retinas at 2 weeks of age (eye opening). In addition, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of the expression of sst2 and sst1 receptors in developing sst1 and sst2 KO retinas, respectively, demonstrated that these receptors are up‐regulated at or near eye opening. These findings suggest that the integrity of the somatostatinergic system during development is necessary for proper RBC maturation.
Netrin 1‐mediated chemoattraction regulates the migratory pathway of LHRH neurons
Authors: Schwarting Gerald A. , Raitcheva Denitza , Bless Elizabeth P. , Ackerman Susan L. , Tobet Stuart 
Published: December 2004

AbstractLuteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons migrate from the vomeronasal organ (VNO) to the forebrain in all mammals studied. In mice, the direction of LHRH neuron migration is dependent upon axons that originate in the VNO, but bypass the olfactory bulb and project caudally into the basal forebrain. Thus, factors that guide this unique subset of vomeronasal axons that comprise the caudal vomeronasal nerve (cVNN) are candidates for regulating the migration of LHRH neurons. We previously showed that deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) is expressed by neurons that migrate out of the VNO during development [Schwarting et al. (2001) J. Neurosci., 21, 911–919]. We examined LHRH neuron migration in Dcc−/− mice and found that trajectories of the cVNN and positions of LHRH neurons are abnormal. Here we extend these studies to show that cVNN trajectories and LHRH cell migration in netrin 1 (Ntn1) mutant mice are also abnormal. Substantially reduced numbers of LHRH neurons are found in the basal forebrain and many LHRH neurons migrate into the cerebral cortex of Ntn1 knockout mice. In contrast, migration of LHRH cells is normal in Unc5h3rcm mutant mice. These results are consistent with the idea that the chemoattraction of DCC+ vomeronasal axons by a gradient of netrin 1 protein in the ventral forebrain guides the cVNN, which, in turn, determines the direction of LHRH neuron migration in the forebrain. Loss of function through a genetic deletion in either Dcc or Ntn1 results in the migration of many LHRH neurons to inappropriate destinations.