bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Aid, Innovation, and Technology Transfer in a North–South Model with Learning‐by‐Doing
Authors: Benarroch Michael , Gaisford James D. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe paper examines foreign aid in the context of a dynamic Ricardian model of trade and development that highlights the role of learning in both the initial adoption of new technologies and products and their eventual transfer from developed to developing countries. When aid is paid as a pure unilateral transfer, the conventional short‐run terms‐of‐trade improvement that results from a home bias in consumption causes harmful delays in the transfer of technology that can lead to mutual immiserization. Conversely, aid that directly or indirectly expedites technology transfer and learning in developing countries can be mutually beneficial.
Cost‐effectiveness Analysis of Demand‐ and Supply‐side Education Interventions: the Case of PROGRESA in Mexico
Authors: Coady David P. , Parker Susan W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe paper is concerned with the issue of the most cost‐effective way of improving access to education for poor households in developing countries. The authors consider two alternatives: extensive expansion of the school system (i.e., bringing education to the poor), and subsidizing investment in education by the poor (i.e., bringing the poor to the education system). To this end, the authors evaluate PROGRESA, a large poverty‐alleviation program recently introduced in Mexico, which subsidizes education. Using double‐difference regression estimators on data collected before and after the program for randomly selected “control” and “treatment” households, the relative impacts of the demand‐ and supply‐side program components are estimated. Combining these estimates with cost information, it is found that the demand‐side subsidies are substantially more cost‐effective than supply‐side expansions.
Multilateral Reforms of Trade and Environmental Policy
Authors: Turunen‐Red Arja H. , Woodland Alan D. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe paper analyzes environmental tax policy reform using a competitive model of world trade that includes production‐generated environmental damage (pollution) and trade tariffs. The authors examine the feasibility of Pareto‐improving multilateral reforms of environmental taxes, and show that any environmental tax reform that is mutually welfare‐improving when compensating lump‐sum transfers are assumed is also welfare‐improving when a suitable tariff reform (but no transfers) is combined with the tax changes. Several specific reform proposals are developed. These results expand the feasible set of mutually improving policy proposals for international policy initiatives.
Code‐sharing Agreements and Interconnections in Markets for International Flights
Authors: Hassin Orit , Shy Oz 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe paper investigates the consequences of code‐sharing agreements among airline firms competing on international routes, where some passengers interconnect to flights originating or terminating at cities not served by foreign airlines. The authors calculate the precise market share captured by flights operated under code sharing. They compare airfares, market shares, profits, and passengers’ welfare before and after the implementation of a code‐sharing agreement and demonstrate that code sharing is Pareto‐improving.
Effects of ryanodine on calcium sparks in cut twitch fibres of Rana temporaria
Authors: Hui Chiu Shuen , Bidasee Keshore R. , Besch Henry R. 
Published: August 2004

Localized calcium release events (calcium sparks) were studied in voltage‐clamped cut twitch fibres of Rana temporaria.
A histogram of thousands of spontaneous sparks displayed a monotonically decreasing amplitude distribution from the low to the high limit of > 7 ΔF/F0 units.
Several effects of low micromolar concentrations of ryanodine (0.4‐2 μm) on spontaneous sparks, reproducing the agent's effects on single ryanodine receptor channel current in bilayers, were observed collectively for the first time in live fibres, namely (a) increases in spark frequency followed by (b) conversions of sparks into steady glows lasting tens of seconds, (c) occasional interruptions of the glows by brief gaps of darkness, and (d) abolition of sparks at the locations of the glows. The glow could reflect the incessant Ca2+ flux through a single (or a few) calcium release channel locked in the semi‐open state, which was allowed to make occasional transitions to the closed state but not to the fully open state.
Higher concentrations of ryanodine (≥ 20 μm) suppressed the spontaneous sparks effectively and permanently, presumably by deactivating the ryanodine receptors.
Depolarization‐evoked sparks elicited with small pulses had higher frequencies and larger amplitudes than spontaneous sparks and were abolished by both concentrations of ryanodine.
With 1‐2 μm ryanodine, however, a uniform non‐sparking calcium release persisted during the pulse, with the globally averaged increase in fluorescence intensity being about half that of the control. A possible origin of this non‐sparking release may be related to the structural coupling between the voltage sensors and the ryanodine receptors that can exist only in live fibres but not in the bilayer preparation.
Modulation of hypoglossal motoneuron excitability by NK1 receptor activation in neonatal mice in vitro
Authors: Yasuda Kouichi , Robinson Dean M. , Selvaratnam Subramaniam R. , Walsh Carmen W. , McMorland Angus J. C. , Funk Gregory D. 
Published: August 2004

The effects of substance P (SP), acting at NK1 receptors, on the excitability and inspiratory activity of hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons (MNs) were investigated using rhythmically active medullary‐slice preparations from neonatal mice (postnatal day 0‐3).
Local application of the NK1 agonist [SAR9,Met (O2)11]‐SP (SPNK1) produced a dose‐dependent, spantide‐ (a non‐specific NK receptor antagonist) and GR82334‐(an NK1 antagonist) sensitive increase in inspiratory burst amplitude recorded from XII nerves.
Under current clamp, SPNK1 significantly depolarized XII MNs, potentiated repetitive firing responses to injected currents and produced a leftward shift in the firing frequency‐current relationships without affecting slope.
Under voltage clamp, SPNK1 evoked an inward current and increased input resistance, but had no effect on inspiratory synaptic currents. SPNK1 currents persisted in the presence of TTX, were GR82334 sensitive, were reduced with hyperpolarization and reversed near the expected EK.
Effects of the α1‐noradrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) on repetitive firing behaviour were virtually identical to those of SPNK1. Moreover, SPNK1 currents were completely occluded by PE, suggesting that common intracellular pathways mediate the actions of NK1 and α1‐noradrenergic receptors. In spite of the similar actions of SPNK1 and PE on XII MN responses to somally injected current, α1‐noradrenergic receptor activation potentiated inspiratory synaptic currents and was more than twice as effective in potentiating XII nerve inspiratory burst amplitude.
GR82334 reduced XII nerve inspiratory burst amplitude and generated a small outward current in XII MNs. These observations, together with the first immunohistochemical evidence in the newborn for SP immunopositive terminals in the vicinity of SPNK1‐sensitive inspiratory XII MNs, support the endogenous modulation of XII MN excitability by SP.
In contrast to phrenic MNs (Ptak et al. 2000), blocking NMDA receptors with AP5 had no effect on the modulation of XII nerve activity by SPNK1.
In conclusion, SPNK1 modulates XII motoneuron responses to inspiratory drive primarily through inhibition of a resting, postsynaptic K+ leak conductance. The results establish the functional significance of SP in controlling upper airway tone during early postnatal life and indicate differential modulation of motoneurons controlling airway and pump muscles by SP.
Role of α2‐adrenoceptors in the sympathetic inhibition of motility reflexes of guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Stebbing M. J. , Johnson P. J. , Vremec M. A. , Bornstein J. C. 
Published: August 2004

Sympathetic regulation of the motility of guinea‐pig ileum was investigated using mesenteric nerve (MN) stimulation to inhibit motility reflexes, in vitro.
Transmural electrical stimulation (5 Hz, 1 s) in intact intestinal segments, or inflation of a balloon against the mucosa in opened segments, evoked contractions of the circular and longitudinal muscles oral to the stimulus.
MN stimulation (10 Hz, 5 s) usually abolished contractions of the longitudinal and circular muscles evoked by either electrical or mechanical stimuli.
The inhibition was mimicked by UK14,304 (70‐100 nm) and abolished by idazoxan (100 nm), revealing an enhancement of circular muscle contractions. There was no evidence for α2‐receptors on the muscle, suggesting sympathetic inhibition was via the myenteric plexus.
Possible sites of action of noradrenaline released from sympathetic nerves were investigated using intracellular recordings from the circular muscle in a multichambered organ bath.
When in the stimulation chamber, UK14,304 depressed (by 50 %) excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) recorded oral to a distension stimulus, but did not affect inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) recorded anal to the stimulus. When added to a chamber between the stimulus and recording chambers, UK14,304 depressed EJPs by 40 %, but did not alter IJPs. When in the recording chamber, UK14,304 depressed EJPs by 20 %, but had no effect on IJPs. IJPs were inhibited, however, when UK14,304 was applied to the whole bath.
It is concluded that sympathetic activity inhibits intestinal motility mainly via α2‐adrenoceptors on ascending interneurons and intrinsic sensory neurons of the orally directed reflex pathway.
MAP kinases in the mammalian circadian system – key regulators of clock function
Authors: Coogan Andrew N. , Piggins Hugh D. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractOver the past 7 years, there has been spectacular progress in our understanding of the molecular basis of the circadian pacemaker in many species, from yeast to mammals. However, the biochemical signalling mechanisms that underpin synchronization of the clock to environmental cues are still poorly understood. Recently, attention has been focused on the role of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase in biological timekeeping. It has been proposed that signal transduction via the MAP kinase cascades allows environmental information to be assimilated intracellularly within the circadian clock to produce changes in the phasing of clock gene expression, which, in turn, underlies clock‐controlled phase‐resetting of biological rhythms. This review examines the evidence for MAP kinase, particularly extracellular regulated kinases 1/2, involvement in the circadian clock and looks at the putative upstream regulators and downstream substrates of this signalling system.
The genetics of pollinosis
Authors: Arakawa H. , Morikawa A. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryJapanese cedar pollinosis is an allergic disease characterized by sneezing and itchy and watery eyes in persons with a specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody to this allergen. Since 1960, the prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis has greatly increased in Japan. Both environmental and host factors contribute strongly to the pathogenesis of allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis. The best‐established risk factor for nasal allergy is family history of allergy, especially nasal allergy. Susceptibility genes are genes in which only a few mutational changes may lead to sensitivity to certain diseases. Japanese cedar or orchard grass pollinosis may be diseases of this type, related to the haplotype of human leukocyte antigen. Recent studies of susceptibility genes of allergic diseases have focused on the IgE receptor gene, which is closely related to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐4 receptor and interferon genes, which are concerned with the Th2‐ and Th1‐immune responses. However, these susceptibility genes exhibit different behaviours in different ethnic populations and their contribution to conferring disease is not yet established. In addition, allergic rhinitis, especially pollinosis, may be strongly influenced by environmental factors.
Allergic rhinitis in children: environmental factors
Authors: Okamoto Y. , Sakurai D. , Horiguchi S. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryIncreasing numbers of patients with allergic rhinitis are being noted on a global scale. Over 90% of Japanese patients with perennial allergic rhinitis show allergic reaction to the mite antigen and major pollen allergens such as Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress, which are carried long distances (> 100 km) by wind and hence can produce substantial harmful effects even in metropolitan areas. This situation is distinct from that in the West, where the most common anemophilous allergen, ragweed, travels much shorter distances of up to only several hundred metres. Environmental factors such as increased antigen, air pollution, diet, intestinal microflora, decreased incidence of infections, smoking, breastfeeding and vaccination may play important roles in the development and manifestation of allergic rhinitis in genetically predisposed subjects. In particular, in newborn infants, who carry the Th2 predominant state, environmental factors may greatly affect the development of balanced production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. However, the contribution of any environmental factor to the postnatal development of allergic rhinitis has not been sufficiently determined. A better understanding of the processes involved may lead directly to better treatment or cure of allergic rhinitis.
The role of allergic rhinitis in upper respiratory tract inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kurono Y. , Matsune S. , Sun D. , Suzuki M. , Mogi G. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe number of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing. Furthermore, patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) and chronic sinusitis (CS) are frequently complicated with AR. These findings suggest that AR has an impact on the pathogenesis of both OME and CS. The direct and indirect influence of AR on OME and CS was investigated by clinical and experimental studies to clarify the mechanism by which type I allergic reaction is associated with OME and CS. Clinical findings of patients with OME or CS complicated with AR were analysed and compared with those of nonallergic subjects. Samples such as sinus effusions and middle ear effusions (MEE) were collected from the patients and infiltration of inflammatory cells and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines determined. In addition, previous reports discussing the relationship between AR and OME or CS are reviewed. Eosinophil infiltration and oedema were remarkable in paranasal sinus mucosa of patients with CS complicated with AR, suggesting the presence of type I allergic reaction in sinus mucosa. However, there was little evidence of eosinophils in sinus effusions. Endotoxin was frequently detected in sinus effusions of patients with CS having AR as well as suppurative CS. Hypoxia was also considered an important factor inducing sinus pathology. Eosinophils and IgE antibodies in MEE were not increased in OME patients with AR. Anti‐allergic medicine was effective in OME patients complicated with AR and improvement of nasal symptoms significantly correlated with that of ear symptoms. AR might be directly and indirectly associated with the pathogenesis of OME and CS.
Treatment options for children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Masuyama K. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryAllergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy and surgical procedures are indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children. Antihistamines are the usual pharmacotherapeutic option; however, second‐generation antihistamines are of limited availability in Japan. Immunotherapy is the only strategy that can offer remission or cure of paediatric AR.
Prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in children aged under 15 years throughout Japan
Authors: Okubo K. , Gotoh M. , Okuda M. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe prevalence of childhood allergic rhinitis is increasing steadily in Japan. Affected children are sensitized mainly by house dust mites; however, the prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) in children is also on the rise. To ascertain the prevalence and current status of JCP in Japanese children, a retrospective analysis of a nationwide cross‐sectional random sampling study was conducted. The survey, conducted shortly after the peak pollen season, was performed by self‐evaluation questionnaire in 2001. Data from children aged under 15 years were collected and analysed. In these subjects, the response rate was 75.1%. The prevalence of JCP was 10.2% in children. Rhinorrhoea was the severest symptom reported; 19.5% had severe or moderate interference with daily activities and consulted physicians. Few children used prescribed drugs and some took measures to avoid contact with allergens.
Allergic rhinitis in children: association with asthma
Authors: Shimojo N. , Suzuki S. , Tomiita M. , Inoue Y. , Nakano K. , Kohno Y. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe incidence of allergic rhinitis in paediatric bronchial asthma patients was about 80% according to a questionnaire survey. Watery nasal discharge and nose rubbing were common symptoms of paediatric allergic rhinitis, while nasal congestion and sneezing increased with age. Although there were slight differences depending on the age of patients, one‐third to nearly half were believed to have nasal symptoms and asthma attacks. The first wheezing episode preceded nasal symptoms in the majority of patients, but onset of allergic rhinitis occurred > 1 year before asthma in a little over 10%. The age of onset of allergic rhinitis was 1 year in these patients, which was clearly earlier than that observed in patients who first developed asthma (4 years). Furthermore, the incidence of cedar pollinosis was higher in patients who developed allergic rhinitis first than in those who developed asthma first, suggesting that asthma patients who develop allergic rhinitis first exhibit pronounced nasal hypersensitivity. Allergic inflammatory cells are present in the nasal mucosa of asthma patients who do not exhibit distinct allergic rhinitis symptoms, so nasal sensitization does not necessarily lead to allergic rhinitis symptoms, suggesting the existence of some other factor that induces nasal hypersensitivity. On nasal smear, the appearance of mast cells preceded a positive radioallergosorbent test (RAST), and the appearance of eosinophils and basophils was consistent with the degree of sensitization. Anti‐allergic agents appear efficacious in patients' mast cells positive on nasal smear cytology with negative house dust mite RAST, suggesting that nasal smear cytology may be useful when beginning medication.
The Global Absence of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policy
Authors: Shatkin Jess P. , Belfer Myron L. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Few policies designed specifically to support child and adolescent mental health exist worldwide. The absence of policy is a barrier to the development of coherent systems of mental healthcare for children and adolescents.Method:  This study collected data on existing policies from international databases, WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in consultation with experts in child and adolescent psychiatry from around the world. A set of criteria for ranking the adequacy of these policies was developed.Results:  Though no single country was found to have a mental health policy strictly pertaining to children and adolescents alone, 35 countries (corresponding to 18% of countries worldwide) were found to have identifiable mental health policies, which may have some beneficial impact on children and adolescents. Though little has been achieved worldwide in this area, there has been a significant degree of movement towards policy development in the past 10 years. The policies identified vary greatly in terms of their provisions for delivering services, initiating research, training professionals, and educating the public.Conclusions:  The development of mental health policies is feasible and would substantially aid in the expansion of service systems, the institutionalisation of culturally relevant data gathering, and the facilitation of funding.
A Home and School Support Project for Children Excluded from Primary and First Year Secondary School
Authors: Panayiotopoulos Christos , Kerfoot Michael 
Published: July 2004

Background:  In the last 10 years the problem of exclusion has reached a crisis point. Research suggests that exclusion is a complex phenomenon that needs involvement from all the involved services such as Health, Education and Social Services.Method:  One hundred and twenty‐four pupils, aged 4–12 years who, through school and social exclusion, were at risk of developing more serious mental health difficulties, were randomly allocated to standard care (n = 62) or standard care plus the new intervention (n = 62).Results:  There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes between the two groups at either of the outcome assessments. However, the intervention group with non‐compliance cases removed from the analysis did significantly better ( p < . 014, 95%CI −12.8 to −1.4).Conclusions:  The Home and School Support project managed to reduce the number of excluded days and the appearance of mental health symptoms for pupils who engaged fully with the intervention. The project also highlights the importance of multi‐agency involvement at a very early stage.
Coping Strategies Employed by Adolescents with Gambling Problems
Authors: Gupta Rina , Derevensky Jeffrey , Marget Nancy 
Published: July 2004

Background:  This study explored the relationship between coping styles, gambling behaviours and substance use amongst adolescents.Method:  Five hundred and eighty‐seven students, aged 12 to 17, volunteered to participate and completed all scales. Participants completed a gambling screen (DSM‐IV‐J), coping scale (CISS), and a questionnaire developed to assess types and patterns of gambling behaviours (GAQ).Results:  The results suggest that those youths who gamble excessively exhibit coping styles that are more emotion based, avoidant, and distraction‐oriented.Conclusions:  The results suggest a need to teach high‐risk youth more effective active coping strategies in order to minimise their potential for engaging in addictive behaviours. Such efforts should form a substantial part of school‐based prevention initiatives.
Need for Child Mental Health Consultation and Paediatricians’ Perception of these Services: A Survey in the West Midlands
Authors: Slowik Michael , Noronha Sandra 
Published: July 2004

Background:  High rates of psychopathology have been noted in children presenting to GP surgeries and paediatricians. However, paediatricians do not always recognise this and when they do the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is often unable to meet their consultation needs.Method:  This postal survey looked at paediatricians’ perception of the need for child psychiatry consultation in the West Midlands.Results:  The survey confirmed that paediatricians see a significant proportion of children with mental health problems and the findings showed that their need for child psychiatry consultation was not being adequately met. Lack of access to CAMHS was a significant issue.Conclusions:  This has implications not only for further development of consultation services within CAMHS but also for improving training in child psychiatry for paediatricians in a more formalised way.