Gaus on Coercion and Welfare-State Capitalism: A Critique

This article examines a novel line of argument in support of welfare-state capitalism proposed by Gerald Gaus. The novelty of Gaus’ argument lies in its contention that welfare-state capitalism can be justified on the basis of the contractualist mode of justification made famous by Rawls. Gaus argues that economic regimes, such as propertyowning democracy, are more coercive than welfare-state capitalism insofar as they require a greater degree of tax-imposed redistribution among citizens. Given the degree of coercion needed by these regimes, he contends that parties to a contract would not agree to them, whereas they would agree to welfare-state capitalism by virtue of the lesser degree of coercion it needs. It is argued in this article that Gaus fails to show that welfare-state capitalism is less coercive than property-owning democracy. Indeed, once one directs one’s attention towards those with the smallest range of valuable opportunities for action, there is reason to worry more about the coercion imposed by welfare-state capitalism than by property-owning democracy

Th2 cytokine-induced alterations in intestinal smooth muscle function depend on alternatively activated macrophages

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Enteric nematode infection induces a strong Th2 cytokine response and is characterized by increased infiltration of various immune cells including macrophages. The role of these immune cells in host defense against enteric nematode infection, however, remains poorly defined. The present study investigated the role of macrophages and the arginase pathway in nematode-induced changes in intestinal smooth muscle function and worm expulsion. METHODS: Mice were infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and were injected intravenously with clodronate-containing liposome to deplete macrophages or given S-(2-boronoethyl)-I-cysteine in the drinking water to inhibit arginase activity. Segments of intestinal smooth muscle were suspended in organ baths to determine responses to acetylcholine, 5-HT, or nerve stimulation. The phenotype of macrophages was monitored by measuring mRNA expression of the specific molecular markers via real-time PCR or viewed by immunofluoresence staining. RESULTS: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection increased the infiltration of macrophages and induced the up-regulation of specific markers for alternatively activated macrophages by a mechanism dependent on IL-4 or IL-13 activation of Stat6. Elimination of alternatively activated macrophages by treatment of mice with clodronate-liposomes blocked smooth muscle hyper-contractility and increased smooth muscle thickness, and impaired worm expulsion. In addition, specific inhibition of arginase activity interfered with smooth muscle contractility, but only partially affected the protective immunity of the host. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the phenotype of macrophages is determined by the local immune environment and that alternatively activated macrophages play a major role in the effects of Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, on intestinal smooth muscle function