More appraisal please : a commentary on Pfaff et al. (2007) 'Relations between mechanisms of CNS arousal and mechanisms of stress'

This article provides a brief commentary on Pfaff et al's timely review of the relations between mechanisms of CNS arousal and mechanisms of stress. Pfaff and colleagues use the review as a platform to propose the existence of a coherent stress-arousal state. We suggest that this proposal is, on a number of grounds, flawed. In turn, we counter that the while the states of stress and arousal are related they are as entities fundamentally separate. Moreover, we propose that any productive attempt to unite the two states must acknowledge the importance of and therefore centrally include higher order integrative phenomena, such as, appraisal.

Financial systems and mechanisms of growth in different conditions of country risk

This article uses panel data from 1976 to 2003 to investigate the ways in which banking and stock markets influence economic growth in situations of high and low country risk. The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) of country risk are adopted to classify 28 countries into Low Risk Low Volatility (LRLV) and High Risk High Volatility (HRHV) subgroups. Through the technique of error correction-based panel co-integration developed by Westerlund (2007), several results are obtained. First, LRLV countries can expand the capitalization of stock market to enhance long-term economic growth. Second, HRHV countries, on the other hand, use two distinct strategies to promote long-term economic growth. Initially they develop their equity markets, which promote economic growth directly. Strengthened equity markets, in turn, aid in the development of credit markets, which subsequently brings an economic boom. Finally, regardless of selected subgroups, the contribution of stock market capitalization to economic growth appears to be substantially larger than that of bank credit, highlighting the importance of stock markets.

Anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms of a lipid extract from hard-shelled mussel (mytilus coruscus) in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis

The anti-inflammatory effect of a lipid extract from hard-shelled mussel (HMLE) on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice was investigated. Salicylazosulphapyridine (SASP) and different doses of HMLE were administered by gastric gavage. HMLE significantly attenuated DSS-induced colitis disease activity index scores, tissue damage, splenic enlargement and colon myeloperoxidase accumulation. In addition, HMLE improved colon oxidative stress and production and expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10, while HMLE inhibited the abnormal productions and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as the expression of key molecules in the toll-like receptor (TLR)-4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signalling pathway. These findings suggest that HMLE has an anti-inflammatory effect on DSS-induced colitis, equivalent to that of SASP, and this effect might be related to the regulation of inflammatory mediators and key molecules in the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway.

Site and mechanism of the colokinetic action of the ghrelin receptor agonist, HM01

Background It has been recently demonstrated that the ghrelin receptor agonist, HM01, caused defecation in rats that were treated to provide a model for the constipation of Parkinson's disease. HM01 significantly increased fecal output and increased Fos activity in neurons of the hypothalamus and hindbrain, but not in the spinal defecation center. Other ghrelin agonists act on the defecation center. Methods Receptor pharmacology was examined in ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) transfected cells. Anesthetized rats were used to investigate sites and mechanisms of action. Key Results HM01 activated rat GHSR1a at nanomolar concentrations and was antagonized by the GHSR1a antagonist, YIL781. HM01, intravenous, was potent to activate propulsive colorectal contractions. This was prevented by pelvic nerve section and by intravenous YIL781, but not by spinal cord section rostral to the defecation centers. Direct intrathecal application of HM01 to the defecation center at spinal level L6-S1 initiated propulsive contractions of the colorectum. Conclusions & Inferences HM01 stimulates GHSR1a receptors on neurons in the lumbosacral defecation centers to cause propulsive contractions and emptying of the colorectum. It has greater potency when given systemically, compared with other GHSR1a agonists.

Mechanisms of light producing chemical reactions

An array of experimental and computational methods has been implement to elucidate the mechanisms of light producing chemical reactions that are important in nature and the laboratory.

Copper in mammals: mechanisms of homeostasis and pathophysiology

The ability of mammals to tightly regulate systemic copper levels is vital for
health as demonstrated by the severity of the genetic copper deficiency and copper toxicity disorders, Menkes disease and Wilson disease, respectively. Analysis of these genetic disorders has led to a substantial increase in the understanding of the role of copper in health and disease. The isolation of the genes involved in these diseases and use of yeast mutants with altered copper and iron homeostasis has revealed a range of molecular mechanisms governing copper homeostasis. These mechanisms include regulation of cellular copper uptake and efflux and involve the use of chaperones for safe intracellular copper distribution. Here we provide an overview of the physiological role of copper and the molecular mechanisms
regulating systemic and cellular copper levels in mammals. Furthermore, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms and consequences of copper deficiency/overload in relation to disease.

Degradation mechanisms of benzo[a]pyrene and its accumulated metabolites by biodegradation combined with chemical oxidation

A high degradation extent of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) should not be considered as the sole desirable criterion for the bioremediation of BaP-contaminated soils because some of its accumulated metabolites still have severe health risks to human. Two main metabolites of BaP, benzo[a]pyrene-1,6-quinone (BP1,6-quinone) and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBP) were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with standards. This study was the first time that degradation of both BaP and the two metabolites was carried out by chemical oxidation and biodegradation. Three main phases during the whole degradation process were proposed.

Hydrogen peroxide–zinc (H₂O₂–Zn), the fungus – Aspergillus niger and the bacteria – Zoogloea sp. played an important role in the different phases. The degradation parameters of the system were also optimized, and the results showed that the effect of degradation was the best when fungus–bacteria combined with H₂O₂–Zn, the concentration range of BaP in the cultures was 30–120 mg/l, the initial pH of the cultures was 6.0. However, as co-metabolites, phenanthrene significant inhibited the degradation of BaP. This combined degradation system compared with the conventional method of degradation by domestic fungus only, enhanced the degradation extent of BaP by more than 20% on the 12 d. The highest accumulation of BP1,6-quinone and 3-OHBP were reduced by nearly 10% in the degradation experiments, which further proved that the combined degradation system was more effective as far as joint toxicity of BaP and its metabolites are concerned.

Managers' trust, reliance on control mechanisms and performance of subordinates

Many organisational scholars claim that interpersonal trust between managers and subordinates will bring about a number of positive organisational outcomes including enhanced job performance in subordinates. Recent management accounting literature implies that the trust's positive effect on performance is achieved by using trust-based controls such as 'social control'. While the former indicates a direct positive relationship between trust and performance, the latter indicates an indirect positive relationship between trust and performance through controls. Whether the trust's relationship with performance is direct or indirect is particularly important issue for management accountants because of the possible implications of the nature of the relationship for the design and exercise of management control in organisations.

Nucleation and growth during reactions in accumulative roll bonding of Ti/Al multilayers

A two-stage process in the formation of TiAl₃ was found in the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) Ti/Al multilayers. The distribution of layer spacing did not become broad enough to lose the main features of the double exothermal behaviour. A modified model based on thin films was set up to describe the kinetic characteristics of the formation of TiAl₃ in ARB samples.

Mechanisms of dynamic strain induced transformation and post-deformation evolution

In this study, a novel experimental approach was applied to study the mechanism of the equiaxed shape retention in dynamic strain induced ferrite during deformation. The post-deformation ferrite evolution in both static and dynamic transformation was studied. The refinement potential and the origin of their differences in both mechanisms were analysed.

Mechanisms and treatment of psychoses

This study investigates the mechanisms and treatment of psychoses from a psychoanalytic viewpoint, based on a re-examination of the psychoanalytic literature. By integrating the research materials of this study the researcher has been led to propose three types of foreclosure to explain the mechanisms of psychoses.

Molecular mechanisms of inflammation : anti-inflammatory benefits of virgin olive oil and the phenolic compound oleocanthal

Chronic inflammation is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disease states including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, degenerative joint diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic inflammatory states are poorly understood, however it is known that dietary habits can evoke or attenuate inflammatory responses. Popular methods to deal with inflammation and its associated symptoms involve the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however the use of these drugs are associated with severe side effects. Therefore, investigations concerned with natural methods of inflammatory control are warranted. A traditional Mediterranean diet has been shown to confer some protection against the pathology of chronic diseases through the attenuation of proinflammatory mediators and this has been partially attributed to the high intake of virgin olive oil accompanying this dietary regime. Virgin olive oil contains numerous phenolic compounds that exert potent anti-inflammatory actions. Of interest to this paper is the recently discovered phenolic compound oleocanthal. Oleocanthal is contained in virgin olive oil and possesses similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen. This pharmacological similarity has provoked interest in oleocanthal and the few studies conducted thus far have verified its anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic actions. A review of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and antiinflammatory properties of virgin olive oil is presented with the additional emphasis on the pharmacological and anti-inflammatory properties of the phenolic compound oleocanthal.