bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Hedge Fund Performance Persist? Overview and New Empirical Evidence
Authors: Eling Martin
Published: October 2008

The contribution of this paper is to provide an overview and new empirical evidence on hedge fund performance persistence, which has been a controversial issue in the academic literature during the last several years. In the first step, we review recent studies and put them into a joint evaluation of hedge fund performance persistence. In the second step, the methodological framework developed in the overview is used to present new empirical evidence. We find different levels of performance persistence depending on the statistical methodology and the hedge fund strategy employed. In our study, performance persistence cannot be explained by the use of option‐like strategies, but it can be partially explained by survivorship and backfilling bias. Differences among hedge fund strategies might be explained by return smoothing. Finally, we develop a rationale for choosing between different methodologies to measure performance persistence and conclude that the multi‐period Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test is the most useful for evaluating performance persistence of hedge funds.
GILSON AND GOUHIER: FRAMING ‘CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY’
Authors: FAFARA RICHARD
Published: October 2008

Focusing on their approaches to Nicolas Malebranche, this article compares the contributions of Étienne Gilson and his student and colleague, Henri Gouhier, to the debate around the notion of Christian philosophy during the mid‐1920s into the 1930s. Gilson agreed with Brunschvicg's characterization of Nicolas Malebranche as an important representative of Christian philosophy, and both Gilson and Gouhier had a profound understanding of Malebranche's thought. Following St. Thomas that philosophy should strive to be a ‘perfect use of reason’, Gilson posited Christianity's influence as remaining exterior to philosophy itself. More sympathetic to Malebranche's Augustinian approach, Gouhier allowed for religious experience to operate at the interior of philosophy. These different approaches stemmed from fundamental differences as to how the historical method should be employed in philosophy and what it reveals.
THE PRAYER OF THE MOLINIST
Authors: TONER PATRICK
Published: October 2008

According to the ‘Power of Prayer’ objection to Molinism, the insights of the Church's great saints and spiritual directors regarding how best to grow in the spiritual life conflict with Molinism: spiritual growth is best achieved by praying from a Thomistic attitude towards Providence. Thomas Flint has recently replied to this objection as it was raised by Fr. Reginald Garrigou‐Lagrange. In this paper, I respond on behalf of Garrigou‐Lagrange.
Assessing the long‐run economic impact of labour law systems: a theoretical reappraisal and analysis of new time series data
Authors: Deakin Simon , Sarkar Prabirjit
Published: October 2008

Standard economic theory sees labour law as an exogenous interference with market relations and predicts mostly negative impacts on employment and productivity. We argue for a more nuanced theoretical position: labour law is, at least in part, endogenous, with both the production and the application of labour law norms influenced by national and sectoral contexts, and by complementarities between the institutions of the labour market and those of corporate governance and financial markets. Legal origin may also operate as a force shaping the content of the law and its economic impact. Time‐series analysis using a new data set on legal change from the 1970s to the mid‐2000s shows evidence of positive correlations between regulation and growth in employment and productivity, at least for France and Germany. No relationship, either positive or negative, is found for the UK and, although the United States shows a weak negative relationship between regulation and employment growth, this is offset by productivity gains.
Still a distinctive southern European employment model?
Authors: Karamessini Maria
Published: October 2008

Current similarities among the four southern European EU Member States—Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain—with respect not only to labour market characteristics but also to the institutional arrangements that influence labour supply, utilisation and demand corroborate the concept of a distinctive southern European employment model. Its origins go back to common features in the pattern of socio‐economic development and the political history of these countries. In the past 20 years or so, national differences in the pace and content of institutional change have increased diversity within the model and eroded some of its components. They have not, however, destroyed its unity and distinctiveness.
The impact of private equity on European companies and workers: key issues and a review of the evidence
Authors: Watt Andrew
Published: October 2008

This article provides an overview of the debate about private equity (PE) in Europe, with a focus on the performance of the firms taken over and the pay, conditions and job prospects of the workers they employ. It reviews quantitative indicators for the rise of PE in recent years and explains how the PE business model functions. The main concerns raised by the PE model are identified, and these are then confronted with the evidence from academic and other studies. Finally, some implications of relevance to the debate about the ‘varieties of capitalism’ within the European Union are also drawn.
Working time flexibility across Europe: a typology using firm‐level data
Authors: Kerkhofs Marcel , Chung Heejung , Ester Peter
Published: October 2008

Using the European Establishment Survey of Working Times, we derive a typology of firms based on the mix of flexible working time practices they employ. Six flexibility profiles are distinguished, each representing a considerable proportion of establishments. The typology not only differentiates between more and less flexible firms, but also between the focus of the practices firms adopt, stressing that flexibility is not a one‐dimensional concept. We also investigate what firm characteristics are good predictors of the adoption of a certain flexibility profile and how the profiles are related to performance and perceived HRM bottlenecks.
Titrated low‐dose vaginal and/or oral misoprostol to induce labour for prelabour membrane rupture: a randomised trial
Authors: Bricker L , Peden H , Tomlinson AJ , Al‐Hussaini TK , Idama T , Candelier C , Luckas M , Furniss H , Davies A , Kumar B , Roberts J , Alfirevic Z
Published: October 2008

Objective  To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of titrated low‐dose misoprostol for induction of labour (IOL) in the presence of prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM).

Design  Randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Maternity units in the UK (9) and Egypt (1).

Population  Women >34 weeks of gestation with PROM, singleton viable fetus and no previous caesarean section.

Methods  Subjects randomised to IOL with a titrated low‐dose misoprostol regimen (oral except if unfavourable cervix, where initial dose vaginal) or a standard induction method, namely vaginal dinoprostone followed by intravenous oxytocin if the cervix was unfavourable or intravenous oxytocin alone if the cervix was favourable.

Main outcome measures  Primary outcome measures were caesarean section and failure to achieve vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results  The trial did not achieve the planned sample size of 1890 due to failure in obtaining external funding. Seven hundred and fifty‐eight women were randomised (375 misoprostol and 383 standard). There were less caesarean section (14 versus 18%, relative risk [RR] 0.79; 95% CI 0.57–1.09) and less women who failed to achieve vaginal delivery within 24 hours in the misoprostol group (24 versus 31%, RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63–1.00), but the differences were not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that with unfavourable cervix, misoprostol may be more effective than vaginal dinoprostone. There was no difference in hyperstimulation syndrome. There were more maternal adverse effects with misoprostol, but no significant differences in maternal and neonatal complications.

Conclusions  Titrated low‐dose misoprostol may be a reasonable alternative for IOL in the presence of PROM, particularly in women with an unfavourable cervix. Safety and rare serious adverse events could not be evaluated in a trial of this size.
Vaginal delivery compared with elective caesarean section: the views of pregnant women and clinicians
Authors: Turner CE , Young JM , Solomon MJ , Ludlow J , Benness C , Phipps H
Published: October 2008

Objective  To quantify the risk of morbidity from vaginal delivery (VD) that pregnant women would be prepared to accept before requesting an elective caesarean section and to compare these views with those of clinicians.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  Major teaching hospital (nulliparas and midwives) and national samples of medical specialists.

Sample  Nulliparas (n = 122), midwives (n = 84), obstetricians (n = 166), urogynaecologists (n = 12) and colorectal surgeons (n = 79).

Methods  Face‐to‐face interviews (nulliparas) and mailed questionnaire (clinicians).

Main outcome measures  Maximum level of risk participants would be prepared to accept before opting for an elective caesarean section for each of 17 potential complications of VD. Utility scores for each complication were calculated with higher scores (closer to 1) indicating a greater acceptance of risk.

Results  Pregnant women were willing to accept higher risks than clinicians for all 17 potential complications. They were least accepting of the risks of severe anal incontinence (mean utility score 0.32), emergency caesarean section (0.51), moderate anal incontinence (0.56), severe urinary incontinence (0.56), fourth‐degree tears (0.59) and third‐degree tears (0.72). The views of midwives were closest to those of pregnant women. Urogynaecologists and colorectal surgeons were the most risk averse, with 42 and 41%, respectively, stating that they would request an elective caesarean for themselves or their partners.

Conclusions  Pregnant women were willing to accept significantly higher risks of potential complications of VD than clinicians involved in their care. Pregnant women’s views were more closely aligned to midwives than to medical specialists.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 in the brain: properties and future directions
Authors: Xia Huijing , Lazartigues Eric
Published: October 2008

Angiotensin (Ang)‐converting enzyme (ACE) 2 cleaves Ang‐II into the vasodilator peptide Ang‐(1–7), thus acting as a pivotal element in balancing the local effects of these peptides. ACE2 has been identified in various tissues and is supposed to be a modulator of cardiovascular function. Decreases in ACE2 expression and activity have been reported in models of hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy and others. In addition, the expression level and/or activity are affected by other renin–angiotensin system components (e.g., ACE and AT1 receptors). Local inhibition or global deletion of brain ACE2 induces a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity. Moreover, ACE2‐null mice have been shown to exhibit either blood pressure or cardiac dysfunction phenotypes. On the other hand, over‐expression of ACE2 exerts protective effects in local tissues, including the brain. In this review, we will first summarize the major findings linking ACE2 to cardiovascular function in the periphery then focus on recent discoveries related to ACE2 in the CNS. Finally, we will unveil new tools designed to address the importance of central ACE2 in various diseases, and discuss the potential for this carboxypeptidase as a new target in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
The Lan3‐2 glycoepitope of Hirudo medicinalis consists of β‐(1,4)‐linked mannopyranose
Authors: Huang Linjuan , Hollingsworth Rawle I. , Haslam Stuart M. , Morris Howard R. , Dell Anne , Zipser Birgit
Published: October 2008

While glycosyltransferases are restrictively expressed in invertebrate model organisms, little is known of their glycan end products. One such restrictively expressed glycoepitope was localized to sensory and epithelial cells of leech and Caenorhabditis elegans using the Lan3‐2 monoclonal antibody. A biological function for the neural Lan3‐2 epitope was previously determined in the leech. Here we report on the chemical structure of this mannosidic epitope harvested from whole Hirudo medicinalis. Crude glycans were liberated from glycoproteins by hydrazinolysis. Re‐N‐acetylated glycans were subjected to immunoaffinity purification. The affinity‐purified glycans were fractioned by size chromatography into oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Lan3‐2 oligosaccharide structure was characterized by gas chromatography of alditol acetates, methylation analysis, 500 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and electrospray ionization tandem MS‐MS of permethylated derivatives. The predominant components of the Lan3‐2 oligosaccharide fraction were a series of linear β‐(1,4)‐linked mannose polymers. The homologous expression of the Lan3‐2 epitope in C. elegans will facilitate the exploration of its glycosylation pathway. Other invertebrates expressing the Lan3‐2 epitope are Planaria dugesia, Capitella sp. I and Lumbriculus variegatus. The glycoepitope was not detected in the diploblastic animals Hydra littoralis and Aptaisia sp. or in deuterostomes.
Simultaneous stimulation of spinal NK1 and NMDA receptors produces LPC which undergoes ATX‐mediated conversion to LPA, an initiator of neuropathic pain
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Ma Lin , Aoki Junken , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

We previously reported that nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain and its underlying mechanisms are initiated by lysophosphatidic acid. In the present study, by measuring cell‐rounding in a biological assay using lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor‐expressing B103 cells, we evaluated the molecular mechanism underlying lysophosphatidic acid biosynthesis following intense stimulation of primary afferents. Lysophosphatidic acid production was induced by treatment of spinal cord slices with capsaicin (10 μM), an intense stimulator of primary afferents, in the presence of recombinant autotaxin, but not in its absence. Lysophosphatidic acid was also induced by combination treatment of slices with high doses (10 and 30 μM) of substance P and NMDA, but not by other combinations of substance P, NMDA, calcitonin gene‐related peptide and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (30 μM each) in the presence of recombinant autotaxin. We also found that following neurokinin 1 and NMDA receptor activation, activation of both cytosolic phospholipase A2 and calcium‐independent intracellular phospholipase A2 signalling pathways through protein kinase C and mitogen‐activated protein/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation and intracellular calcium elevation were required for lysophosphatidic acid production. These findings suggest that simultaneous intense stimulation of neurokinin 1 and NMDA receptors in the spinal dorsal horn triggers lysophosphatidic acid production from lysophosphatidylcholine through extracellular autotaxin.
Developmental roles for Homer: more than just a pretty scaffold
Authors: Foa Lisa , Gasperini Robert
Published: October 2008

Homer proteins are best known as scaffold proteins at the post‐synaptic density where they facilitate synaptic signalling and are thought to be required for learning and memory. Evidence implicating Homer proteins in the development of the nervous system is also steadily accumulating. Homer is highly conserved and is expressed at key developmental time points in the nervous system of several species. Homer regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis, clustering and trafficking of receptors and proteins at the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane, transcription and translation, and cytoskeletal organization. Each of these functions has obvious potential to regulate neuronal development, and indeed Homer is implicated in several pathologies associated with the developing nervous system. Current data justify more critical experimental approaches to the role of Homer in the developing nervous system and related neurological disorders.
Stimulation of delta opioid receptors located in substantia nigra reticulata but not globus pallidus or striatum restores motor activity in 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rats: new insights into the role of delta receptors in parkinsonism
Authors: Mabrouk Omar S. , Volta Mattia , Marti Matteo , Morari Michele
Published: October 2008

The delta opioid peptide (DOP) receptor has been proposed as a target in the symptomatic therapy of Parkinson’s disease. However, the circuitry underlying the antiparkinsonian action of DOP receptor agonists and their site of action have never been adequately investigated. Systemic administration of the DOP receptor agonist (+)‐4‐[(αR)‐α‐(2S,5R)‐allyl‐2,5‐dimethyl‐1‐piperazinyl)‐3‐methoxy‐benzyl]‐N‐N‐diethylbenzamide (SNC‐80) attenuated akinesia/bradykinesia and improved motor activity in 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats. Opposite effects were produced by the selective DOP receptor antagonist naltrindole (NTD), suggesting that endogenous enkephalins tonically sustain movement under parkinsonian conditions. Microdialysis revealed that SNC‐80 reduced GABA release in globus pallidus (GP) while NTD elevated it. Moreover, SNC‐80 reduced GABA and glutamate release in substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) whereas NTD reduced GABA without affecting glutamate release. The bar test coupled to microdialysis showed that perfusion with NTD in SNr but not GP or striatum prevented the antiakinetic effect of systemic SNC‐80 and its neurochemical correlates. Consistently, microinjections of SNC‐80 into SNr or bicuculline in GP attenuated parkinsonian‐like symptoms while SNC‐80 microinjections in GP or striatum were ineffective. This study demonstrates that nigral DOP receptors mediate antiparkinsonian actions of SNC‐80 and challenges the common view that DOP receptor agonists solely attenuate parkinsonism via pallidal mechanisms.
Binding of spermine and ifenprodil to a purified, soluble regulatory domain of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor
Authors: Han Xia , Tomitori Hideyuki , Mizuno Satomi , Higashi Kyohei , Füll Christine , Fukiwake Tomohide , Terui Yusuke , Leewanich Pathama , Nishimura Kazuhiro , Toida Toshihiko , Williams Keith , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei
Published: October 2008

The binding of spermine and ifenprodil to the amino terminal regulatory (R) domain of theN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor was studied using purified regulatory domains of the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits, termed NR1‐R, NR2A‐R and NR2B‐R. The R domains were over‐expressed inEscherichia coliand purified to near homogeneity. TheKdvalues for binding of [14C]spermine to NR1‐R, NR2A‐R and NR2B‐R were 19, 140, and 33 μM, respectively. [3H]Ifenprodil bound to NR1‐R (Kd, 0.18 μM) and NR2B‐R (Kd, 0.21 μM), but not to NR2A‐R at the concentrations tested (0.1–0.8 μM). TheseKdvalues were confirmed by circular dichroism measurements. TheKdvalues reflected their effective concentrations at intact NR1/NR2A and NR1/NR2B receptors. The results suggest that effects of spermine and ifenprodil on NMDA receptors occur through binding to the regulatory domains of the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits. The binding capacity of spermine or ifenprodil to a mixture of NR1‐R and NR2A‐R or NR1‐R and NR2B‐R was additive with that of each individual R domain. Binding of spermine to NR1‐R and NR2B‐R was not inhibited by ifenprodil and vice versa, indicating that the binding sites for spermine and ifenprodil on NR1‐R and NR2B‐R are distinct.
Exploring species attributes and site characteristics to assess plant invasions in Spain
Authors: Gassó Núria , Sol Daniel , Pino Joan , Dana Elías D. , Lloret Francisco , Sanz‐Elorza Mario , Sobrino Eduardo , Vilà Montserrat
Published: October 2008

Aim Biological invasions are a major component of global change with increasing effects on natural ecosystems and human societies. Here, we aim to assess the relationship between plant invader species attributes and the extent of their distribution range size, at the same time that we assess the association between environmental factors and plant invader species richness.

Location Spain, Mediterranean region.

Methods From the species perspective, we calculated the distribution range size of the 106 vascular plant invaders listed in a recently published atlas of alien plant species in Spain. Range size was used as an estimation of the degree of invasion success of the species. To model variation in range size between species as a function of a set of species attributes, we adopted the framework of the generalized linear mixed models because they allow the incorporation of taxonomic categories as nested random factors to control for phylogenetic relationships. From the invaded site perspective, we determined invader plant species richness as the number of species for each 10 × 10 km Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid. For each grid cell, we estimated variables concerning landscape, topography, climate and human settlement. Then, we performed a generalized linear mixed model incorporating a defined spatial correlation structure to assess the relationship between plant invader richness and the environmental predictors.

Results From the species perspective, wind dispersal and minimum residence time appeared to favour invasion success. From the invaded site perspective, we identified high anthropogenic disturbance, low altitude, short distance to the coastline and dry, hot weather as the main correlates to UTM grid cell invader richness.

Main conclusions According to these results, an increasing importance of man‐modified ecosystems and global warming in the Mediterranean region should facilitate the expansion of plant invaders, especially wind‐dispersed species, leading to the accumulation of invasive species in some sites (i.e. invasion hot spots).
From introduction to the establishment of alien species: bioclimatic differences between presence and reproduction localities in the slider turtle
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Thuiller Wilfried , Padoa‐Schioppa Emilio
Published: October 2008

Aim Understanding the factors determining the transition from introduction of aliens to the establishment of invasive populations is a critical issue of the study of biological invasions, and has key implications for management. Differences in fitness among areas of introduction can define the zones where aliens become invasive. The American slider turtleTrachemys scriptahas been introduced worldwide, and has negative effects on freshwater communities, but only a subset of introduced populations breed successfully. We used species distribution models to assess the factors influencing the slider distribution in Italy, by analysing bioclimatic features that can cause the transition from presence of feral adults to breeding populations. We also evaluated whether climate change might increase the future suitability for reproduction.

Location  Central and Northern Italy.

Methods  The distribution of slider turtle was obtained from the literature, unpublished reports and field surveys. We used Maxent to build bioclimatic models.

Results  Reproductive populations are associated to a clear bioclimatic envelope with warmer climate, more solar radiation and higher precipitations than populations where reproduction is not observed. Several Mediterranean areas currently have climatic features suitable for sliders. Scenarios of climate change predict the expansion of these areas. In the near future (2020), the proportion of populations in areas suitable for reproduction will dramatically increase.

Main conclusion  Our study shows that bioclimatic differences can determine the areas where aliens become invaders. Management should be focused to these source areas. However, climate change can increase fitness in the future, and therefore the interactions between climate change and fitness can boost the invasiveness of this alien species.
Resistance and resilience: quantifying relative extinction risk in a diverse assemblage of Australian tropical rainforest vertebrates
Authors: Isaac Joanne L. , Vanderwal Jeremy , Johnson Christopher N. , Williams Stephen E.
Published: October 2008

Aim  Assessing the relative vulnerability of species within an assemblage to extinction is crucial for conservation planning at the regional scale. Here, we quantify relative vulnerability to extinction, in terms of both resistance and resilience to environmental change, in an assemblage of tropical rainforest vertebrates.

Location  Wet Tropics Bioregion, north Queensland, Australia.

Methods  We collated data on 163 vertebrates that occur in the Australian Wet Tropics, including 24 frogs, 33 reptiles, 19 mammals and 87 birds. We used the ‘seven forms of rarity’ model to assess relative vulnerability or resistance to environmental change. We then develop a new analogous eight‐celled model to assess relative resilience, or potential to recover from environmental perturbation, based on reproductive output, potential for dispersal and climatic niche marginality.

Results  In the rarity model, our assemblage had more species very vulnerable and very resistant than expected by chance. There was a more even distribution of species over the categories in the resilience model. The three traits included in each model were not independent of each other; species that were widespread were also habitat generalists, while species with narrow geographical ranges tended to be locally abundant. In the resilience model, species with low reproductive output had a narrow climatic niche and also a low capacity to disperse. Frogs were the most vulnerable taxonomic group overall. The model categories were compared to current IUCN category of listed species, and the product of the two models was best correlated with IUCN listings.

Main conclusions  The models presented here offer an objective way to predict the resistance of a species to environmental change, and its capacity to recover from disturbance. The new resilience model has similar advantages to the rarity model, in that it uses simple information and is therefore useful for examining patterns in assemblages with many poorly known species.
Effect of species rarity on the accuracy of species distribution models for reptiles and amphibians in southern California
Authors: Franklin Janet , Wejnert Katherine E. , Hathaway Stacie A. , Rochester Carlton J. , Fisher Robert N.
Published: October 2008

Aim Several studies have found that more accurate predictive models of species’ occurrences can be developed for rarer species; however, one recent study found the relationship between range size and model performance to be an artefact of sample prevalence, that is, the proportion of presence versus absence observations in the data used to train the model. We examined the effect of model type, species rarity class, species’ survey frequency, detectability and manipulated sample prevalence on the accuracy of distribution models developed for 30 reptile and amphibian species.

Location Coastal southern California, USA.

Methods Classification trees, generalized additive models and generalized linear models were developed using species presence and absence data from 420 locations. Model performance was measured using sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plot based on twofold cross‐validation, or on bootstrapping. Predictors included climate, terrain, soil and vegetation variables. Species were assigned to rarity classes by experts. The data were sampled to generate subsets with varying ratios of presences and absences to test for the effect of sample prevalence. Join count statistics were used to characterize spatial dependence in the prediction errors.

Results Species in classes with higher rarity were more accurately predicted than common species, and this effect was independent of sample prevalence. Although positive spatial autocorrelation remained in the prediction errors, it was weaker than was observed in the species occurrence data. The differences in accuracy among model types were slight.

Main conclusions Using a variety of modelling methods, more accurate species distribution models were developed for rarer than for more common species. This was presumably because it is difficult to discriminate suitable from unsuitable habitat for habitat generalists, and not as an artefact of the effect of sample prevalence on model estimation.
The geography of tyranny and despair: development indicators and the hypothesis of genetic inevitability of national inequality
Authors: MORSE STEPHEN
Published: October 2008

Development geography has long sought to understand why inequalities exist and the best ways to address them. Dependency theory sets out an historical rationale for under development based on colonialism and a legacy of developed core and under‐developed periphery. Race is relevant in this theory only insofar that Europeans are white and the places they colonised were occupied by people with darker skin colour. There are no innate biological reasons why it happened in that order. However, a new theory for national inequalities proposed by Lynn and Vanhanen in a series of publications makes the case that poorer countries have that status because of a poorer genetic stock rather than an accident of history. They argue that IQ has a genetic basis and IQ is linked to ability. Thus races with a poorer IQ have less ability, and thus national IQ can be positively correlated with performance as measured by an indicator like GDP/capita. Their thesis is one of despair, as little can be done to improve genetic stock significantly other than a programme of eugenics. This paper summarises and critiques the Lynn and Vanhanen hypothesis and the assumptions upon which it is based, and uses this analysis to show how a human desire to simplify in order to manage can be dangerous in development geography. While the attention may naturally be focused on the ‘national IQ’ variables as a proxy measure of ‘innate ability’, the assumption of GDP per capita as an indicator of ‘success’ and ‘achievement’ is far more readily accepted without criticism. The paper makes the case that the current vogue for indicators, indices and cause–effect can be tyrannical.
Lucius, thou art translated: Adlington's Apuleius
Authors: Chaudhuri Supriya
Published: October 2008

William Adlington's translation of Apuleius’Golden Ass (1566) marks a shift away from an older practice of ‘reading for the allegory’ to a more direct engagement with the ‘pleasure’ of a literary text. Adlington draws upon early humanist scholarship, but negotiates its magical and Neoplatonic interests with post‐Reformation caution; unlike his contemporary Arthur Golding, he also omits Christianizing allegories such as those in an early French translation by Guillaume Michel (1518). His prefatory comments, as well as the translation itself, are clearly indebted to Beroaldus’ Latin commentary (1500), the Spanish translation of Diego López de Cortegana (c. 1513) and the French translation by Jean Louveau (1553). These debts are established through a comparison of passages at the end of the article. Adlington displays an Erasmian concern with a pedagogic programme founded on the combination of pleasure with ethical purpose, and celebrating linguistic and stylistic copia. This is in keeping with a new style of reading that emerges in the later sixteenth century, a style responsive to the growing attractions of a secular literary space. Nothing is known about Adlington and his political or religious affiliations, but his dedication of the translation to Thomas Radcliffe, Earl of Sussex, from University College, Oxford, on 18 September 1566, is of interest in the context of the Queen's visit (with Sussex) to Oxford earlier that month.
Using the protein folding literature to teach biophysical chemistry to undergraduates
Authors: Anthony‐Cahill Spencer
Published: October 2008

An understanding of physical chemistry principles enhances student understanding of biochemical phenomena; however, the application of these principles to biological examples is frequently missing in the standard undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum. The topics of protein folding and stability are based in thermodynamics and can serve as a vehicle for presenting essential thermodynamics in a context that is highly relevant to undergraduate biochemistry majors. The outline of a course that replaces the standard thermodynamics offering in physical chemistry is described. The protein folding literature is used to illustrate thermodynamic concepts in this course and students are expected to read and comprehend the assigned literature. The course is offered as a separate biophysical chemistry course for B. S. Biochemistry majors; however, elements of this course may be useful in crafting a more standard thermodynamics course for B. S. Chemistry majors in chemistry departments seeking to fulfill ACS guidelines for approved B. S. Chemistry majors. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Kinetic analysis of glucose‐6‐phosphatase: an investigative approach to carbohydrate metabolism and kinetics
Authors: Wallert M. A. , Foster J. D. , Scholnick D. A. , Olmschenk S. M. , Kuehn B. J. , Provost J. J.
Published: October 2008

The enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G‐6‐Pase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P) to glucose. This is one of the key steps in gluconeogenesis and is critically important in maintaining stable blood glucose levels in most mammals. G‐6‐Pase is primarily found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes and can easily be studied using isolated microsomes prepared from liver ER. A three‐part undergraduate laboratory exercise uses rat liver microsomes to focus on the enzymatic analysis of G‐6‐Pase. The assessment of G‐6‐Pase activity is conducted using a stopped assay protocol combined with a colorimetric determination of inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels. The laboratory exercise was designed to carry out an independent inhibition investigation using orthovanadate, a competitive inhibitor of G‐6‐Pase with potential clinical importance. The format of the three‐part investigation provides a useful mechanism for demonstrating enzyme kinetics and competitive inhibition using an enzyme that is important for carbohydrate metabolism and glycogen storage disease. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The pentose phosphate pathway in the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kloeckera apiculata, an exercise in comparative metabolism for food and wine science students
Authors: Steel Christopher C. , Grbin Paul R. , Nichol Alan W.
Published: October 2008

Comparative cellular metabolism can be a difficult area of biochemistry to teach in the undergraduate laboratory class. Student practicals involving animal tissues generally require approval from animal ethic committees, and the relevance for students whose primary interest in biochemistry is in the area of food and wine sciences, is often questioned. In this report, we present an undergraduate practical exercise in which glucose catabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway is compared in two types of yeast with direct relevance to the wine and food industries, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kloeckera apiculata. The exercise is carried out as a demonstration to second year undergraduate students, studying metabolic biochemistry. It is of some value in that it illustrates comparative cellular metabolism in wine yeasts and introduces the students to the safe use of radioisotopes. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cointegration and Exogeneity in Eurobanking and Latin American Banking: Does Systemic Risk Linger?
Authors: Simpson John L.
Published: October 2008

This paper examines financial integration, interdependence and exogeneity within and between Latin American banking and Eurobanking systems during a period of relative stability after the oil and debt crises of the 1980s. Significant evidence of cointegration in both long‐ and short‐term relationships is reported. Within Latin America, exogeneity lies mainly with the Brazilian system. Within Eurobanking, the U.S. system is the dominant influence. Between Eurobanking and Latin American banking systems, the U.S. system is the major driving force. With continued interdependence of these banking systems, systemic risk lingers, and vigilance is required in banking supervision.
Do Commodity Traders Herd?
Authors: Adrangi Bahram , Chatrath Arjun
Published: October 2008

We test for herding using data on aggregate trader positions for four commodities over 20 years. We show that while the positions of commodity traders are highly related, the relatedness falls short of herding. The cross‐commodity relatedness in trader positions is almost entirely explained by common demand and supply factors.
Relationship between Systolic Myocardial Velocity Obtained by Tissue Doppler Imaging and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: Systolic Myocardial Velocity Predicts the Degree of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Heart Failure
Authors: Duzenli Mehmet Akif , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Aygul Nazif , Altunkeser B. Bulent , Zengin Kadriye , Sizer Murat
Published: October 2008

This study was planned to research the relationship between systolic myocardial velocity (Sm) obtained by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured according to conventional Simpson's method in healthy subjects and patients with heart failure (HF). Two hundred eight patients with HF whose LVEF < 50% (mean age 59 ± 11 years) and 187 healthy subjects (mean age 57 ± 11 years) were enrolled in this study. LVEF was measured and TDI recordings were obtained at the septal, lateral, inferior, and anterior of the mitral annulus, and Sm was measured. LV mean Sm was calculated. In patients with HF, a significant correlation was detected between LVEF and Sm (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001), while no relationship was found between these parameters in healthy subjects (r = 0.16, not significant). The cutoff value of Sm < 8 cm/s for identifying patients with LVEF between 30% and 49% had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 93%, and a negative predictive value of 92%, and the cutoff value of Sm < 6.0 cm/s for identifying patients with LVEF < 30% had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 84%, and a negative predictive value of 97%. The time required to calculate the LVEF was significantly longer than that of LV mean Sm (327 ± 98 sec vs. 110 ± 29 sec, P < 0.0001), and LVEF had higher inter‐ and intraobserver variability. LV mean Sm obtained by TDI, a parameter that is reproducible, easily obtained, reliable, and practical, can be used to evaluate LV systolic function in patients with HF.
Color M‐Mode Echocardiography Is More Reproducible than Conventional M‐Mode Echocardiography for Septal‐to‐Posterior Wall Motion Delay Measurements
Authors: Sorrell Vincent L. , Ross William D. , Gregoire Jeff , Ata Imran
Published: October 2008

Objective: To compare the reproducibility of conventional gray‐scale M‐mode to color Doppler M‐mode assessment of the septal‐to‐posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD) which is used as a marker of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony. Methods: Forty‐two SPWMD datasets were interpreted by two experienced cardiologists and the inter‐ and intraobserver correlation coefficients were determined. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with severe septal wall motion abnormalities. Results: The correlation coefficients were significantly higher in color Doppler M‐mode versus traditional M‐mode in all subgroups analyzed. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the color Doppler technique is more reproducible than conventional gray‐scale M‐mode technique to assess SPWMD. These findings suggest that the color Doppler M‐mode may be a superior marker of the SPWMD measurement and predictor of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Noncompaction Myocardium Imaging with Multiple Echocardiographic Modalities
Authors: Patrianakos Alexandros P. , Parthenakis Frangiskos I. , Nyktari Eva G. , Vardas Panos E.
Published: October 2008

Noncompaction myocardium of the left ventricle (LV) is a genetically heterogeneous congenital cardiomyopathy, that has only been described during the last two decades. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role as a first line diagnostic tool of this rare abnormality. The present case describes the imaging of the noncompacted myocardium using varying echocardiographic modalities.
Nuclear Genome Sequence Survey of the Dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra
Authors: McEWAN MICHELLE , HUMAYUN RAHEEL , SLAMOVITS CLAUDIO H. , KEELING PATRICK J.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT. Dinoflagellates have among the largest nuclear genomes known, but we know little about their contents or organisation. Given the interest in dinoflagellate ecology, cell biology, and evolutionary biology, there are many reasons to thoroughly investigate the contents of dinoflagellate genomes, but because of their large size the only thorough samples to date have relied on expressed sequence tag surveys to analyse cDNAs. To complement this, there are some studies of the physical properties of dinoflagellate chromosomes, but no direct survey of the nature of the sequences contained within them. To start to build a picture of the contents of these genomes, we have sequenced over 230,000 bp from the nuclear genome of Heterocapsa triquetra, which has been estimated to be 18–23 billion base pairs in total. The survey includes one putative gene with two relict spliced leaders, one putative pseudogene, and a small number of low‐complexity repeats, transposons, and other putative selfish elements, all of which account for about 5% of the survey. Another 5% of the survey was long, complex repeats, some highly represented. By far the greatest fraction of the survey (89.5%) is made up of non‐repeated sequence with no similarity to any other known sequence.
Improvement in borderline personality disorder in relationship to age
Authors: Tracie Shea M. , Edelen M. O. , Pinto A. , Yen S. , Gunderson J. G. , Skodol A. E. , Markowitz J. , Sanislow C. A. , Grilo C. M. , Ansell E. , Daversa M. T. , Zanarini M. C. , McGlashan T. H. , Morey L. C.
Published: October 2008

Objective:  It is commonly believed that some features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) improve as individuals reach their late 30s and 40s. This study examined age‐related change in borderline criteria and functional impairment, testing the hypothesis that older age would be associated with relatively more improvement than younger age.

Method:  A total of 216 male and female participants with BPD were followed prospectively with yearly assessments over 6 years.

Results:  Participants showed similar rates of improvement in borderline features regardless of age. A significant age by study year interaction showed functioning in older subjects to reverse direction and begin to decline in the latter part of the follow‐up, in contrast to younger subjects who maintained or continued improvement over the 6 years. Despite the decline, functioning for the older subjects was comparable with or slightly better at year 6 than at year 1.

Conclusion:  Improvement in borderline features is not specific to the late 30s and 40s. There may be a reversal of improvement in functioning in some borderline patients in this older‐age range.
RETRACTED: Melatonin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line
Authors: Martín‐Renedo Javier , Mauriz José L. , Jorquera Francisco , Ruiz‐Andrés Olga , González Paquita , González‐Gallego Javier
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin reduces proliferation in many different cancer cell lines. However, studies on the oncostatic effects of melatonin in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma are limited. In this study, we examined the effect of melatonin administration on HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells, analyzing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. Melatonin was dissolved in the cell culture media in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide and administered at different concentrations for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. Melatonin at concentrations 1000–10,000 μm caused a dose‐ and time‐dependent reduction in cell number. Furthermore, melatonin treatment induced apoptosis with increased caspase‐3 activity and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase proteolysis. Proapoptotic effects of melatonin were related to cytosolic cytochrome c release, upregulation of Bax and induction of caspase‐9 activity. Melatonin treatment also resulted in increased caspase‐8 activity, although no significant change was observed in Fas‐L expression. In addition, JNK 1,‐2 and ‐3 and p38, members of the MAPK family, were upregulated by melatonin treatment. Growth inhibition by melatonin altered the percentage or cells in G0–G1 and G2/M phases indicating cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The reduced cell proliferation and alterations of cell cycle were coincident with a significant increase in the expression of p53 and p21 proteins. These novel findings show that melatonin, by inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest, might be useful as adjuvant in hepatocarcinoma therapy.
Food allergy
Authors: Werfel Thomas
Published: October 2008

Food allergy is defined by a specific sensitization against food allergens which is associated with a clinical reaction. Immediate reactions are most common and the skin is most often involved in food allergy. Most food allergies are IgE‐mediated although eczema reactions in atopic dermatitis and in hematogenous contact dermatitis to foods can be mediated by specific T‐lymphocytes. Only few foods are responsible for the majority of most reactions in childhood. In adults up to 60% of all food allergic reactions are due to cross reactions between foods and inhalative allergens. A stepwise procedure which takes individual factors into account is necessary in the diagnostics of food allergy. The diagnostic algorithm in food allergy is not significantly different from that of other allergies. The oral provocation is the only method to prove food allergy in patients without a convincing history. A specific elimination diet is the only intervention which has been proven to be effective. Further therapeutic approaches are still under study and include specific immunotherapy, specific oral tolerance induction and treatment with anti‐IgE antibodies.
FGFR2 signaling and the pathogenesis of acne
Authors: Melnik Bodo , Schmitz Gerd
Published: October 2008

Acne in Apert syndrome and unilateral segmental acneiform nevus are associated with mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), which are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Translational animal and cellular models, developmental biology studies and clinical observations have contributed to our understanding of FGF‐FGFR2 signaling in the pilosebaceous follicle. The importance of FGF‐FGFR2 signaling in mesenchymal‐epithelial interaction for skin appendage formation, pilosebaceous follicle homeostasis, come‐dogenesis and sebaceous gland proliferation is explored. Overstimulation of FGFR2 signaling with increased expression of interleukin‐1α explains acne in Apert syndrome und nevus comedonicus. Androgen‐mediated up‐regulation of FGFR2 signaling could be the initiating signal in the pathogenesis of acne. The gain of function FGFR2 mutations in Apert syndrome and unilateral acneiform nevus are most helpful model diseases for uncovering the fundamental process of androgen‐dependent mesenchymal‐epithelial FGF‐FGFR2 signaling in acne in Apert syndrome, nevus comedonicus and acne vulgaris.