bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Campaigning and Governing: An Analysis of Berlusconi's Rhetorical Leadership
Authors: Roncarolo Franca 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThis article explores the communication strategy of Silvio Berlusconi through the analytical framework of the ‘permanent campaign’ model. Beginning with the distinction between ‘personal popularity’ and ‘political consensus’, the article looks at the different aspects of Berlusconi's political communication strategy since his election victory in May 2001 and assesses the rationale and effectiveness of his permanent campaign. The author concludes that, despite Berlusconi's strong commitment to the communication process, his leadership appears more similar to the rhetorical Presidency model than to the experiences of leaders who have shown that campaigning can also be used to govern. The article identifies two key limits: (1) the link between the drive for personal popularity and the building of support for the government's main policies appears weak; (2) all communication strategies are undermined by deep divisions within the ruling coalition.
The acute anti‐craving effect of acamprosate in alcohol‐preferring rats is associated with modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system
Authors: Cowen Michael , Adams Cameron , Kraehenbuehl Tracey , Vengeliene Valentina , Lawrence Andrew 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAcamprosate (Campral ?) is a drug used clinically for the treatment of alcoholism. In order to examine further the time‐course and mechanism of action of acamprosate, the effect of acute and repeated acamprosate administration was examined on (i) operant ethanol self‐administration and (ii) voluntary home cage ethanol consumption by alcohol‐preferring Fawn‐Hooded, iP and Alko Alcohol (AA) rats. Acutely, acamprosate was shown to cause a significant decrease in operant ethanol self‐administration by Fawn‐Hooded and alcohol‐preferring iP rats in part by decreasing the motivational relevance of a specific ethanol cue; however, repeated injection of acamprosate led to tolerance to this effect. Voluntary alcohol consumption in the home cage in Fawn‐Hooded and AA rats was also reduced by an acute acamprosate injection; however, again tolerance developed to repeated injections. In a separate experiment, the effect of acamprosate on markers of the dopaminergic system was examined. Interestingly, acute acamprosate was also shown to cause increased dopamine transporter density and decreased dopamine D2‐like receptor density within the nucleus accumbens but not in the caudate‐putamen, suggesting a link between the decreased motivational salience of the ethanol cue and altered dopaminergic signalling within the nucleus accumbens. With repeated injections of acamprosate, markers of the dopaminergic system returned to steady state levels with a similar temporal profile to the development of tolerance in the behavioural studies. Along with previous studies, our findings indicate that acamprosate modulates the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and may thereby decrease ethanol reinforcement processes; however, these effects undergo tolerance in alcohol‐preferring rats and may in part explain the fact why some subjects are non‐responders to chronic acamprosate treatment.
Allelic association of a dopamine transporter gene polymorphism with antisocial behaviour in heroin‐dependent patients
Authors: Gerra Gilberto , Garofano Luciano , Pellegrini Caterina , Bosari Silvano , Zaimovic Amir , Moi Gabriele , Avanzini Paola , Talarico Enrica , Gardini Federica , Donnini Claudia 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPolymorphism of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the 3′ untranslated region of exon 15 of the SLC6A3 gene, coding for the dopamine transporter (DAT), was analysed to test whether length variation contributes to differences in the individual susceptibility to aggressive – criminal behaviour and liability to heroin dependence. The repeat number of the DAT polymorphism was assessed in 125 healthy subjects and 104 heroin‐dependent subjects (including 52 addicted individuals with violent behaviour and criminal records). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles between heroin‐dependent subjects and control subjects. On the contrary, there was a significant difference between offenders and non‐offenders, p  = 0.004 and p  = 0.002, respectively, among heroin‐dependent subjects. No association was found between DAT polymorphism and history of suicide. Buss – Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) mean total scores were significantly higher in heroin addicts than in controls (p  &lt; 0.001) and in antisocial – violent heroin addicts in comparison with addicted individuals without antisocial behaviour (p  &lt; 0.005). The regression analysis of BDHI subscales, performed to provide an estimate of the magnitude of any potential effect on the risk of aggressiveness associated with the variants in DAT VNTR, showed that the presence of the 9 – 9 genotype significantly increases the risk of irritability and direct aggressiveness more than six and 10 times with respect to the 9 – 10 genotype. Our findings suggest that the 9‐repeat allele of the DAT polymorphism confers increased susceptibility to antisocial – violent behaviour and aggressiveness, rather than drug dependence per se in heroin‐dependent males.
Exposure to chronic stress increases the locomotor response to cocaine and the basal levels of corticosterone in adolescent rats
Authors: Lepsch LB , Gonzalo LA , Magro FJB , Delucia R , Scavone C , Planeta CS 
Published: September 2005

AbstractRepeated exposure to stress results in augmentation in the locomotor response to psychostimulant drugs. We investigated the locomotor response to a novel environment or cocaine [10 ? mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] and basal corticosterone levels in male adolescent rats exposed to chronic restraint or variable stress. Animals in the chronic restraint group were restrained for 1 hour daily. The chronic variable stress protocol consisted of exposure to different stressors twice a day in random order. Chronic restraint and variable stress regimens began simultaneously on postnatal day (P) 25 and were applied for 10 days. During this period the control group was left undisturbed except for cleaning the cages. Three days after the last exposure to stress, cocaine‐ and novelty‐induced locomotion were recorded in an activity cage. Plasma corticosterone levels were determined in a subset of stress and control animals. Exposure to both chronic restraint and variable stress increased cocaine‐induced locomotion and basal corticosterone plasma levels, while no change was observed in the response to a novel environment. Moreover, rats exposed to variable stress displayed the greatest locomotor response following a challenge dose with cocaine when compared to control and chronic restraint stress groups. This observation indicates that the stress regimen is relevant to the degree of stress‐induced sensitization to cocaine.
The effect of motivational music on sub‐maximal exercise
Authors: Elliott Dave , Carr Sam , Orme Duncan 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThis study examined the effect of motivational music on a 20‐min sub‐maximal cycle task. Eighteen untrained student volunteers (10 males, 8 females) were required to partake in three experimental conditions: no music, oudeterous (non‐motivational) music, and motivational music. Participants’ in‐task affective states and rate of perceived exertion were assessed on rating scales during the trials and the distance traveled for each trial was recorded. In addition, participants’ attitudes towards the exercise experience were assessed on rating scales administered post‐trial. The results of the study indicate that both motivational and oudeterous music can significantly increase distance traveled when compared to the control condition. However, no significant differences were observed between the two music conditions and the increased exercise intensity associated with musical accompaniments was not associated with an increased perception of effort. Both music conditions elicited increased in‐task affect and generated equally positive post‐task attitudes towards the exercise experience. No significant Gender×Trial interactions were identified for any of the dependent measures.
Effects of a Cognition‐Emotion  Focused Program to Increase  Public Participation in  Papanicolaou Smear Screening
Authors: Park SoMi , Chang SoonBok , Chung ChaeWeon 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Objective
: Despite high incidence rates of cervical cancer in Korea, Papanicolaou (Pap) tests are not utilized as a preventive behavior. This study examined the effects of an emotion‐cognition focused program on the decision of taking Pap tests in Korean women. Design: A non‐equivalent control group post‐test only design was utilized. Sample: A convenience sample was randomly assigned to either experimental (N = 48) or control group (N = 48) after matching for education and age. Measurements: Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test, Champion's Health Belief Model, and Self‐Efficacy Scale were used. Intention and stage of adoption to take a Pap test were measured with single items. Results: Women in the experimental group had significantly higher scores on knowledge of cervical cancer (t = 6.99, p < .001) and perceived benefits of Pap tests (t = 2.91, p < .05), lower scores on procedural (t = −2.45, p < .05) and cognitive (t = −2.66, p < .01) barriers to testing. Improvement in self‐efficacy (t = 3.38, p < .01), strong intention to have the test (t = 2.99, p < .01), and advanced stages of behavior adoption (χ2 = 12.93, p < .01) were also found. Conclusions: Women's perspectives, attitudes of health care practitioners, and clinical environment need to be considered if change is to happen in women's preventive behavior related to Pap test screening.
Kisspeptin and its Receptor: New Gatekeepers of Puberty
Authors: Messager Sophie 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe recent finding that the hormone kisspeptin plays a pivotal role in the onset of puberty is one of the biggest discoveries in human reproductive biology in 30 years. Mutations in the receptor for kisspeptin cause humans and mice to fail to reach puberty and to be sterile. It is the first time since the identification of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone that a single gene is found to have such a dramatic effect on reproduction. This discovery opens new possibilities in the treatment of reproductive disorders such as delayed or advanced puberty, infertility and sex hormone‐dependent cancers.
Pre‐reproductive isolation as a consequence of allopatric differentiation between populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: HAERTY W. , LESBATS M. , CAPY P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWhile pre‐reproductive isolations are more and more frequently described between closely related species or within species, very little is known about their conditions of emergence. In Brazzaville, two populations (Kronenbourg and Loua) of Drosophila melanogaster show a premating isolation. Two hypotheses were proposed to explain such a situation: a local sympatric differentiation or an allopatric divergence followed by a secondary contact. A microsatellite analysis, using markers on all chromosomes, strongly suggests that the Kronenbourg population has a European origin. Therefore, the allopatric divergence between Kronenbourg and Loua populations is probably responsible for the sexual isolation observed today in sympatry, after a recent introduction of a European propagule in Brazzaville.
Rapid divergence and postglacial colonization in western North American Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri)
Authors: BURG THERESA M. , GASTON ANTHONY J. , WINKER KEVIN , FRIESEN VICKI L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPost‐Pleistocene avian colonization of deglaciated North America occurred from multiple refugia, including a coastal refugium in the northwest. The location of a Pacific Coastal refugium is controversial; however, multiple lines of evidence suggest that it was located near the Queen Charlotte Islands (also known as Haida Gwaii). The Queen Charlotte Islands contain a disproportionately large number of endemic plants and animals including the Steller's jay Cyanocitta stelleri carlottae. Using five highly variable microsatellite markers, we studied population structure among eight populations of Steller's jay (N = 150) from geographical areas representing three subspecies in western North America: C. s. carlottae, C. s. stelleri and C. s. annectens. Microsatellite analyses revealed genetic differentiation between each of the three subspecies, although more extensive sampling of additional C. s. annectens populations is needed to clarify the level of subspecies differentiation. High levels of population structure were found among C. s. stelleri populations with significant differences in all but two pairwise comparisons. A significant isolation by distance pattern was observed amongst populations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. In the C. s. carlottae population, there was evidence of reduced genetic variation, higher number of private alleles than northern C. s. stelleri populations and higher levels of divergence between Queen Charlotte Island and other populations. We were unable to reject the hypothesis that the Queen Charlotte Islands served as a refugium during the Pleistocene. Steller's jay may have colonized the Queen Charlotte Islands near the end of the last glaciation or persisted throughout the Pleistocene, and this subspecies may thus represent a glacial relic. The larger number of private alleles, despite reduced genetic variation, morphological distinctiveness and high divergence from other populations suggests that the Queen Charlotte Island colonization pre‐dates that of the mainland. Furthermore, our results show rapid divergence in Steller's jay populations on the mainland following the retreat of the ice sheets.
Review of capture–recapture methods applicable to noninvasive genetic sampling
Authors: LUKACS PAUL M. , BURNHAM KENNETH P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe use of noninvasive genetic sampling to identify individual animals for capture–recapture studies has become widespread in the past decade. Strong emphasis has been placed on the field protocols and genetic analyses with fruitful results. Little attention has been paid to the capture–recapture application for this specific type of data beyond stating the effects of assumption violations. Here, we review the broad class of capture–recapture methods that are available for use with DNA‐based capture–recapture data, noting the array of biologically interesting parameters such as survival, emigration rates, state transition rates and the finite rate of population change that can be estimated from such data. We highlight recent developments in capture–recapture theory specifically designed for noninvasive genetic sampling data.
Transport rate of calcareous sand in unidirectional flow
Authors: SMITH DAVID A. , CHEUNG KWOK FAI 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the transport of calcareous sand in unidirectional flow and its prediction through existing sediment transport models. A flume experiment of four sand samples collected on Oahu, Hawaii, provides 29 sets of sediment transport data in the bed‐form and suspended transport stages. The measured transport data are compared with direct predictions from four energy‐based transport models developed for siliceous particles. Corrections for the grain‐size, fall velocity, and critical velocity of calcareous sand based on recent research are applied to the models and the results are compared with the direct calculations and measured data. The comparison illustrates the important role particle shape plays in the transport of calcareous sand. All four sediment transport models give consistent predictions and good agreement with the majority of the measured data. Two of the models respond positively to the corrections in both the bed‐form and suspended transport stages indicating that such an approach may provide an interim solution for the transport of calcareous sand.
SonoCT improves on conventional ultrasound in the visualization of the pancreatic and bile duct: A pilot study
Authors: RICKES STEFFEN , BÖHM JANETT , MALFERTHEINER PETER 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground and Aims:  In sonographic diagnostic investigation, evaluation of the ductus Wirsungianus and the ductus hepatocholedochus plays an important role. The present prospective study sought to establish whether SonoCT can improve on conventional B‐mode sonography in the visualization of the pancreatic and bile duct.Subjects and Methods:  In the pilot study, ductus Wirsungianus and ductus hepatocholedochus of 14 healthy volunteers were assessed by an experienced and an inexperienced examiner, respectively, using both traditional B‐mode sonography and SonoCT. Assessment was based on a predetermined set of criteria.Results:  Both examiners were able to determine duct structures significantly more effectively using SonoCT. Compared with traditional B‐mode sonography, the use of SonoCT also led to significant improvements in terms of delineation and clarity of representation in both ductus Wirsungianus and ductus hepatocholedochus.Conclusion:  SonoCT yields better results than conventional B‐mode sonography in terms of delineation, visualization of borders and artefact‐free representation of both ductus Wirsungianus and ductus hepatocholedochus. Appropriate training and experience of the examiner, however, remain key prerequisites for success in evaluating pathological changes of the ducts. Future studies will be needed to determine whether certain diseases can be diagnosed more readily using SonoCT rather than conventional sonographic technique.
Xanthine oxidase‐derived free radicals directly activate rat pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: TANIOKA HIROAKI , MIZUSHIMA TAKAAKI , SHIRAHIGE AKINORI , MATSUSHITA KOKI , OCHI KOJI , ICHIMURA MITSUKO , MATSUMURA NAOKI , SHINJI TOSHIYUKI , TANIMOTO MITSUNE , KOIDE NORIO 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Free radicals are reported to be associated with fibrosis in the pancreas. It is generally accepted that pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) play an important role in pancreatic fibrosis. However, the exact role of free radicals in activation of PSC has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, using a superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) with cultured PSC, we investigated how free radicals act on the activation of PSC.Methods:  PSC were isolated from male Wister rats. Cultured rat PSC were incubated with DDC for 48 h. Intracellular SOD activity and lipid peroxidation were examined in DDC‐treated PSC. Activation of PSC was examined by determining the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) by immunocytochemistry. The number of PSC using a hemocytometer, type I collagen secretion with ELISA and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activities with gelatin zymography were also examined. Secretion of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was evaluated by ELISA. The effects of the allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitor, on PSC were also examined.Results:  DDC decreased SOD activity and increased lipid peroxidation products in PSC. DDC activated PSC, increasing the number of α‐SMA positive cells, enhancing secretion of type I collagen and MMP, inhibiting PSC proliferation. Secretion of TGF‐β1, which is known to activate PSC, was increased by DDC treatment. These alterations were prevented by allopurinol.Conclusion:  These results suggest that free radicals generated by XOD might directly activate PSC.
Is a limited lymphadenectomy targeting obturator nodes alone an adequate procedure for Japanese men undergoing radical prostatectomy?
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , SAKAI IORI , HARADA KEN‐ICHI , HARA ISAO , ETO HIROSHI 
Published: September 2005

Abstract Background: The objective of the present study was to investigate the significance of pelvic lymphadenectomy during radical prostatectomy in Japanese men with prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 178 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and standard pelvic lymphadenectomy targeting the external iliac nodes and obturator fossa for clinically localized prostate cancer were studied. The median observation period of this series was 18 months (range: 3–36 months). Results: Lymph node metastases were detected in 13 patients; that is, positive nodes were located in the external iliac nodes alone in seven patients, the obturator fossa alone in four patients, and both external iliac nodes and obturator fossa in two patients. Of these 13 patients, all of the seven with more than one positive node demonstrated biochemical recurrence, whereas five of the six with single node involvement remained without signs of biochemical recurrence. Furthermore, a single positive node was located in the external iliac region in five of the six patients. When a group at high‐risk for lymph node metastasis was defined as those meeting more than two of the following three criteria: (i) pretreatment serum prostate specific antigen value ≥ 20 ng/mL; (ii) biopsy Gleason sum ≥ 8; or (iii) percentage of positive biopsy core ≥ 50%, the incidence of lymph node metastasis was 24.5% in the high‐risk group and 0.8% in the low‐risk group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that limited dissection of the obturator node alone may not be sufficient for Japanese men undergoing radical prostatectomy; therefore, we recommend performing standard pelvic lymphadenectomy targeting both the external iliac nodes and the obturator fossa for patients at high‐risk of lymph node involvement.
Effect of above‐ground plant species on soil microbial community structure and its impact on suppression of Rhizoctonia solani AG3
Authors: Garbeva P. , Postma J. , Van Veen J. A. , Van Elsas J. D. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe extent of soil microbial diversity is seen to be critical to the maintenance of soil health and quality. Different agricultural practices are able to affect soil microbial diversity and thus the level of suppressiveness of plant diseases. In a 4‐year field experiment, we investigated the microbial diversity of soil under different agricultural regimes. We studied permanent grassland, grassland turned into arable land, long‐term arable land and arable land turned into grassland. The diversity of microbial communities was described by using cultivation‐based and cultivation‐independent methods. Both types of methods revealed differences in the diversities of soil microbial communities between different treatments. The treatments with higher above‐ground biodiversity generally maintained higher levels of microbial diversity. Moreover, a positive correlation between suppression of Rhizoctonia solani AG3 and microbial diversity was observed. Permanent (species‐rich) grassland and grassland turned into maize stimulated higher microbial diversities and higher levels of suppressiveness of R. solani AG3 compared with the long‐term arable land. Effects of agricultural practices on Bacillus and Pseudomonas communities were also observed and clear correlations between the levels of suppressiveness and the diversities of these bacterial groups were found. This study highlighted the importance of agricultural management regime for soil microbial community structure and diversity as well as the level of soil suppressiveness.