Network Effects and the Impact of Trade Liberalization (Corrected Version)

In this note, we examine how trade liberalization affects the profits of firms in the presence of network effects. We will show that, contrary to conclusions in the previous literature, trade liberalization between identical countries increases firms profits despite intensified competition.

EFFECT OF THE TRUNK iNCLlNATiON ON, MECHANICAL ENERGY CHANGE PURING GAIT IN ELDERLY ADULTS

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of the trunk forward lean during gait in elderly people on effectiveness use of mechanical energy (El). The participants were five healthy elderly and ten healthy young people. The participants walked with the trunk leaning forward at their preferred speed. The gait motion was captured with a VlCON system and the ground reaction forces during stance phase were collected with two Kistler force platforms. The El of the elderly subjects was significantly smaller than the young subjects. The results indicated that the elderly subjects did greater mechanical work by the leg joints to walk at a same speed as young subjects. The lower El was related to a remarkable increase in the negative work at the ankle joints

A proposal of Smart TV System focused on findability

I propose a Smart TV System focused on findability. This system allows us to retrieve information without typing-in search key words. It also allows us to see retrieved information via multi-screen environment based on the intuitive user interface. I show an information finding model as a fundamental concept of this system, system configuration and user interface. I believe that this system will solve the problem of information retrieval capability differentials among users.2013 IEEE 2nd Global Conference on Consumer Electronics, GCCE 2013; Tokyo; Japan; 1 October 2013 through 4 October 201

Inhibition of G Protein-Activated Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels by Phencyclidine

Addictive drugs, such as opioids, ethanol, cocaine, amphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP), affect many functions of the nervous system and peripheral organs, resulting in severe health problems. G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK, Kir3) channels play an important role in regulating neuronal excitability through activation of various Gi/o protein-coupled receptors including opioid and CB1 cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, the channels are directly activated by ethanol and inhibited by cocaine at toxic levels, but not affected by methylphenidate, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) at toxic levels. The primary pharmacological action of PCP is blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels that are associated with its psychotomimetic effects. PCP also interacts with several receptors and channels at relatively high concentrations. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the various effects of PCP remain to be clarified. Here, we investigated the effects of PCP on GIRK channels using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. PCP weakly but significantly inhibited GIRK channels at micromolar concentrations, but not Kir1.1 and Kir2.1 channels. The PCP concentrations effective in inhibiting GIRK channels overlap clinically relevant brain concentrations in severe intoxication. The results suggest that partial inhibition of GIRK channels by PCP may contribute to some of the toxic effects after overdose

Pregnenolone Sulfate Potentiates the Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channel Kir2.3

BACKGROUND:Neurosteroids have various physiological and neuropsychopharmacological effects. In addition to the genomic effects of steroids, some neurosteroids modulate several neurotransmitter receptors and channels, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors, and sigma(1) receptors, and voltage-gated Ca(2+) and K(+) channels. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the various effects of neurosteroids have not yet been sufficiently clarified. In the nervous system, inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels also play important roles in the control of resting membrane potential, cellular excitability and K(+) homeostasis. Among constitutively active Kir2 channels in a major Kir subfamily, Kir2.3 channels are expressed predominantly in the forebrain, a brain area related to cognition, memory, emotion, and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:The present study examined the effects of various neurosteroids on Kir2.3 channels using the Xenopus oocyte expression assay. In oocytes injected with Kir2.3 mRNA, only pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS), among nine neurosteroids tested, reversibly potentiated Kir2.3 currents. The potentiation effect was concentration-dependent in the micromolar range, and the current-voltage relationship showed inward rectification. However, the potentiation effect of PREGS was not observed when PREGS was applied intracellularly and was not affected by extracellular pH conditions. Furthermore, although Kir1.1, Kir2.1, Kir2.2, and Kir3 channels were insensitive to PREGS, in oocytes injected with Kir2.1/Kir2.3 or Kir2.2/Kir2.3 mRNA, but not Kir2.1/Kir2.2 mRNA, PREGS potentiated Kir currents. These potentiation properties in the concentration-response relationships were less potent than for Kir2.3 channels, suggesting action of PREGS on Kir2.3-containing Kir2 heteromeric channels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:The present results suggest that PREGS acts as a positive modulator of Kir2.3 channels. Kir2.3 channel potentiation may provide novel insights into the various effects of PREGS

Detection of circulating superantigens in an intensive care unit population

AbstractObjective: Plasma concentrations of superantigens were measured in an intensive care unit (ICU) population and the relationship of superantigen positive rates with the presence of sepsis was investigated.Methods: Plasma samples were collected at least twice a week from 78 patients whose primary diagnoses were abdominal disorders (n = 27), respiratory disorders (n = 11), trauma (n = 10), burns (n = 10), cardiovascular disorders (n = 4), neurological disorders (n = 2), and others (n = 14). Five different species of superantigens, i.e., staphylococcal enterotoxins A, B, and C (SEA, SEB, and SEC), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPEA), were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Significant levels of plasma superantigens were detected in 16 patients. SEA was found in seven patients, SEB in four patients, SEC in two patients, TSST-1 in six patients, and SPEA in five patients. Superantigen detection rates were 6% (1/17) in patients without systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 0% (0/21) in SIRS patients without infection, 31% (5/16) in septic patients without shock, and 42% (10/24) in septic shock patients.Conclusions: The presence of superantigens was confirmed in part of the ICU population. The role of superantigens in the pathogenesis of sepsis remains to be determined