bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 allele frequencies in the Bangladeshi population
Authors: Ali Md. Eunus , Ahmed M. U. , Alam S. , Rahman Md. Hafizur
Published: July 2008

Population genetic studies have become an invaluable tool because of the extreme polymorphism found at some of the loci of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. In this study, we are reporting for the first time the genetic polymorphism of 141 healthy unrelated Bangladeshi Bangalees living in central region of Dhaka. We studied the HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. The allelic frequencies, two and three locus haplotype frequencies were statistically analyzed. A total of 16 HLA‐A alleles, 26 HLA‐B alleles and 14 HLA‐DRB1 alleles were detected. A*33‐B*44 (8.15%) was the most common two loci class 1 haplotype, whereas A*33‐B*44‐DRB1*07 (6.38%) was the most frequent three loci haplotype. The most common HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 alleles were A*33 (17.02%), B*15 (19.5%) and DRB1*15 (29.07%), respectively. Construction of phylogenetic tree using average linkage between groups and correspondence analysis showed close associations with Indian non‐tribal random Dravidians, north Indian Hindus and some relations with Mongolian and Pakistani populations. We believe this data will provide useful information for bone marrow registry, legal medicine, disease association and anthropological studies.
A new HLA‐A*02 null allele, HLA‐A*9213N
Authors: Hammond L. , Limmer M. , Dyer C. R. , Rantes C. H. , Dunn P. P. J.
Published: July 2008

A novel HLA‐A*02 null allele, differing from HLA‐A*02010101 at codon 60 (TGG tryptophan→TAG stop), is described.
Association of allograft inflammatory factor‐1 gene polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pawlik A. , Kurzawski M. , Szczepanik T. , Dziedziejko V. , Safranow K. , Borowiec‐Chłopek Z. , Giedrys‐Kalemba S. , Drozdzik M.
Published: July 2008

Human allograft inflammatory factor‐1 (AIF‐1) is a cytoplasmic protein primarily identified in human and rat allografts, and data from several studies suggest an important role for AIF‐1 in inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between AIF1 rs2269475:C>T polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIF1 genotype was determined by means of the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 276 White patients with RA and 236 healthy subjects. The frequency of the AIF1 rs2269475 TT genotype was significantly higher in the patients with RA than in the controls (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 1.22–25.55). The frequency of T allele carriers in the patient group with RA was 31.9% vs 19.1% among controls (P = 0.0003). Moreover, the frequency of individuals positive for anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies was significantly elevated in the T allele carriers (OR = 8.82, 95% CI: 2.06–37.7). It is noteworthy that no significant linkage disequilibria between the AIF1 C/T and DRB1 alleles associated with RA development and anti‐CCP antibody production [including the most frequent, i.e. *04 (32.7%) and *01 (23.5%)] (P > 0.1) were found. Our results show that the AIF1 rs2269475 T allele is associated with increased risk of RA development. Moreover, the frequency of individuals positive for anti‐CCP antibodies is significantly increased among T allele carriers.
Identification of two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐A*02010103 and HLA‐B*4455, and characterization of the complete genomic sequence of HLA‐A*290201
Authors: Heinold A. , Schaller‐Suefling E. , Opelz G. , Scherer S. , Tran T. H.
Published: July 2008

We describe two novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, HLA‐A*02010103 and HLA‐B*4455, that were discovered in two unrelated Caucasian individuals. In addition, we report the full‐length genomic sequence of HLA‐A*290201. Compared with HLA‐A*02010101, HLA‐A*02010103 has three nucleotide (nt) changes within intron 1, which is altered to a sequence typical of the HLA‐A*23/A*24 allele group. In HLA‐B*4455, an nt exchange occurred in codon 9 of HLA‐B*44020101, resulting in a change of the amino acid coding from tyrosine to histidine. We sequenced HLA‐A*290201 from nt −108 to nt 2922, encompassing all exons and introns as well as parts of the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. Previously, the full‐length genomic sequence was known only for HLA‐A*29010101, which is found at a lower frequency in Caucasians than HLA‐A*290201.
Condition‐dependent genetic benefits of extrapair fertilization in female blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: DREISS A. N. , SILVA N. , RICHARD M. , MOYEN F. , THÉRY M. , MØLLER A. P. , DANCHIN É.
Published: July 2008

In many socially monogamous birds, both partners perform extrapair copulations (EPC). As this behaviour potentially inflicts direct costs on females, they are currently hypothesized to search for genetic benefits for descendants, either as ‘good’ or ‘complementary’ genes. Although these hypotheses have found some support, several studies failed to find any beneficial consequence of EPC, and whether this behaviour is adaptive to females is subject to discussion. Here, we test these two hypotheses in a natural population of blue tits by accounting for the effect of most parameters known to potentially affect extrapair fertilization. Results suggest that female body mass affected the type of extrapair genetic benefits obtained. Heavy females obtained extrapair fertilizations when their social male was of low quality (as reflected by sexual display) and produced larger extrapair than within‐pair chicks. Lean females obtained extrapair fertilizations when their social mate was genetically similar, thereby producing more heterozygous extrapair chicks. Our results suggest that mating patterns may be condition‐dependent.
Contrasting sexual selection on males and females in a role‐reversed swarming dance fly, Rhamphomyia longicauda Loew (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: BUSSIÈRE L. F. , GWYNNE D. T. , BROOKS R.
Published: July 2008

Although there are several hypotheses for sex‐specific ornamentation, few studies have measured selection in both sexes. We compare sexual selection in male and female dance flies, Rhamphomyia longicauda (Diptera: Empididae). Swarming females display size‐enhancing abdominal sacs, enlarged wings and decorated tibiae, and compete for nuptial gifts provided by males. Males preferentially approach large females, but the nature of selection and whether it is sex‐specific are unknown. We found contrasting sexual selection for mating success on structures shared by males and females. In females, long wings and short tibiae were favoured, whereas males with short wings and long tibiae had a mating advantage. There was no assortative mating. Females occupying potentially advantageous swarm positions were large and, in contrast to selection for mating success, tended to have larger tibiae than those of rivals. We discuss our findings in the context of both the mating biology of dance flies, and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in general.
No evidence of mitochondrial genetic variation for sperm competition within a population of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: FRIBERG U. , DOWLING D. K.
Published: July 2008

Recent studies have advocated a role for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in sperm competition. This is controversial because earlier theory and empirical work suggested that mitochondrial genetic variation for fitness is low. Yet, such studies dealt only with females and did not consider that variation that is neutral when expressed in females, might be non‐neutral in males as, in most species, mtDNA is never selected in males. We measured male ability to compete for fertilizations, at young and late ages, across 25 cytoplasms expressed in three different nuclear genetic backgrounds, within a population of Drosophila melanogaster. We found no cytoplasmic (thus no mtDNA) genetic variation for either male offence or offensive sperm competitiveness. This contrasts with previous findings demonstrating cytoplasmic genetic variation for female fitness and female ageing across these same lines. Taken together, this suggests that mitochondrial genes do not contribute to variation in sperm competition at the within‐population level.
Differential diagnosis of denture‐induced stomatitis, Candida, and their variations in patients using complete denture: a clinical and mycological study
Authors: Dağistan Saadettin , Aktas A. Esin , Caglayan Fatma , Ayyildiz Ahmet , Bilge Murat
Published: July 2008

Denture‐induced stomatitis usually occurs in persons who wear a complete or a partial denture. Among the many aetiological and predisposing factors, Candida spp. are believed to play an important role in the initiation and progression of the infection. Seventy cases who attended the clinics of the Dental Faculty, University of Atatürk, Turkey were investigated from the viewpoint of denture‐induced stomatitis. After questioning the patients for their personal information, they were examined clinically and smears were obtained from lesions of the palatal mucosa and the contiguous denture surface by calcium aliginate swabs, and inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with 1% chloramphenicol, and CHROMagar Candida. Individual yeast species were identified by a germ tube test, development of blastospores, chlamydospores and pseudohyphae and assimilation tests employing the commercial kit API 20C AUX system. According to the results obtained, 70% of the cases had denture‐induced stomatitis, and in 68% of them mycological culture results were positive. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated fungus (68.75%). On the other hand, fungal growth was much more pronounced in the cultures made from the inner surface of the dentures. In conclusion, this study showed that candidal infections are not the predisposing factor in the occurrence of denture‐induced stomatitis, but they play a major role, as also some other factors, especially those related with dentures.
Relationship between serum and saliva antibodies to Candida and isolation of Candida species from the mucosa of HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Castro Gleusa , Martinez Roberto
Published: July 2008

Colonisation and infection by Candida species occur frequently in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but their relationship to the humoral immunity against candidiasis is controversial. To evaluate the levels of antibodies to Candida in the serum and in the saliva of HIV‐1‐infected patients in relation to the presence of immunodeficiency, oral candidiasis and Candida colonisation, Candida was investigated in the urine and in the oral and anal mucosae of HIV‐1‐infected patients, AIDS patients and healthy controls. The levels of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to Candida were determined in the serum and in the saliva by immunoassay. Candida species were detected in 76% of the patients. Mucosal yeast colonisation and the levels of serum and saliva antibodies to Candida were similar between asymptomatic HIV‐infected and non‐infected patients. Mucosal colonisation was highest in AIDS patients, who also had higher serum IgA and saliva IgG antibodies. Antibody levels were similar in patients with and without candidiasis oral lesions. Asymptomatic HIV‐infected individuals are similar to non‐infected individuals with respect to mucosal colonisation as well as serum and saliva levels of antibodies to Candida. The higher mucosal colonisation and clinical candidiasis observed in the AIDS patients apparently stimulated a more intense humoral response to the yeast.
Self‐determination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Model development during action research
Authors: Löfman Päivi , Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this article is to describe the content and the development of the model to promote self‐determination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis from a point of view of patients and nurses. For the patients the data were gathered using semistructured interviews and for the nurses through three focus groups in the initial and evaluation phases. The data were analysed by themes using qualitative content analysis. The model consisted of the concept of self‐determination, impediments to and preconditions for self‐determination, promoting and focusing on consequences. Patient's activity was a new view of the concept. Impediments to self‐determination were linked to limitations and preconditions to patients' freedom to express themselves. Support developed an important factor promoting self‐determination. The results indicate a clear need for various types of supportive nursing care to promote self‐participation in patient care.
Ritual: The final expression of care
Authors: Running Alice , Tolle Lauren Woodward , Girard Deb
Published: July 2008

Hospice nurses know that all their patients will die. There are several potential benefits of including rituals and healing practices into the hospice care setting for staff. Evidence suggests that not only does it provide an outlet for hospice workers to express their grief and reflect on their work in an accepting environment; providing closure for their patient's passing but it has also been shown to decrease the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. This article discusses the important aspects of grief rituals and provides an illustrative example of one such ritual.
At the European union's door: A Hungarian team's experiences of participating in the Project Leonardo for better nursing care
Authors: Gábor Katalin , Tulkán Ibolya , Helembai Kornélia , Csanádi Julianna , Szögi Sarolta , Kántor Katalin
Published: July 2008

The aim of this paper is to provide information about the work completed by Hungarian nurses and professors of baccalaureate nurses, in the framework of Leonardo project, organized and sponsored by the European Union. The goal of the project was to increase the effectiveness of chief nurses through a further training programme in the field of management. The team in Szeged (Hungary) chose as their area of interest, human resource management, as in this field, it is possible to achieve the greatest improvement with the smallest financial investment. We measured fluctuations and the absenteeism of nurses, changes in their qualifications, and nurse and patient satisfaction at the beginning and end of the period studied. Almost all parameters showed improvement by the end of the tested period. A book of two volumes (available on the WEB in English and in French) was prepared containing the recommendations of EU.
Psychological comorbidity and complexity of gastrointestinal symptoms in clinically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Turnbull Deborah , Moulding Nicole , Wilson Ian , Andrews Jane M. , Holtmann Gerald
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  The prevalence of psychological disorders is high in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but their role in symptom reporting is uncertain. It is thus interesting whether the number of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) determines the load of psychological comorbidity. The Rome III criteria have not been used to evaluate such a relationship as yet. Moreover, not many studies have examined the sensitivity of the Rome III criteria in detecting IBS. Our aims were therefore: (i) to determine whether those IBS participants with more FGID had a tendency to greater psychological comorbidity than those with fewer FGID; and (ii) to assess the performance of the Rome III criteria in detecting IBS versus the diagnosis of the gastroenterologist.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of 32 consecutive outpatients with clinically diagnosed IBS was performed. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF‐12), and the Rome III criteria questionnaire (BDQ‐6) were administered. Multiple linear regression was conducted to detect associations among FGID, anxiety, depression and quality of life.

Results:  Overall, 50% of participants were anxious and 12% were depressed. Forty‐four percent of participants had >two FGID; however, the number of FGID did not correlate with scores for anxiety, depression or quality of life. Amazingly, only 50% (CI: 33–67) of participants clinically diagnosed with IBS met Rome III criteria for IBS.

Conclusion:  Contrary to our expectations, a greater load of FGID did not correlate with a greater load of psychological comorbidity. Surprisingly, the Rome III criteria detected only 50% of clinical cases of IBS.
Conditionally immortalized colonic epithelial cell line from a Ptk6 null mouse that polarizes and differentiates in vitro
Authors: Whitehead Robert H , Robinson Pamela S , Williams Janice A , Bie Wenjun , Tyner Angela L , Franklin Jeffrey L
Published: July 2008

Background and Aims:  PTK6 is an intracellular src‐related tyrosine kinase that regulates differentiation in the intestine, where knockout animals have increased proliferative activity and growth characteristics. To explore the phenotype further we attempted to establish epithelial cell lines from the intestinal mucosa.

Method:  We mated Ptk6 null mice with a tsSV40 large T transgenic mouse (Immortomouse) to obtain null mice carrying the SV40 gene. Intestinal tissues from these mice were cultured.

Results:  We established a Ptk6 null epithelial cell line from the colonic mucosa. Consistent with a role of Ptk6 in cell differentiation, these cells have the characteristics of a stable progenitor cell. In monolayer culture, the cells form domes in the monolayer when confluent. When cultured on Transwell filters, the cells polarize and form an electrically resistant barrier. Formation of tight junctions was confirmed by demonstrating expression of ZO1 and occludin at the apical junctions, whereas E‐cadherin localized to the basolateral membrane. When cultured in collagen gel, the Ptk6 null cells form complex organoids, some of which resemble cups of cells. These organoids contain cells with differentiated phenotypes. Using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy we have been able to identify villin‐positive (absorptive cells) and a small percentage of mucin‐containing cells (goblet cells) and chromogranin A‐positive cells (endocrine cells).

Conclusion:  This conditionally immortalized cell line represents an excellent cell culture model system for exploring the mechanisms of cell function and epithelial differentiation in the colonic mucosa.
Ecological selection maintains cytonuclear incompatibilities in hybridizing sunflowers
Authors: Sambatti Julianno B. M. , Ortiz‐Barrientos Daniel , Baack Eric J. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: July 2008

Despite the recent renaissance in studies of ecological speciation, the connection between ecological selection and the evolution of reproductive isolation remains tenuous. We tested whether habitat adaptation of cytoplasmic genomes contributes to the maintenance of reproductive barriers in hybridizing sunflower species, Helianthus annuus and Helianthus petiolaris. We transplanted genotypes of the parental species, reciprocal F1 hybrids and all eight possible backcross combinations of nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes into the contrasting xeric and mesic habitats of the parental species. Analysis of survivorship across two growing seasons revealed that the parental species’ cytoplasms were strongly locally adapted and that cytonuclear interactions (CNIs) significantly affected the fitness and architecture of hybrid plants. A significant fraction of the CNIs have transgenerational effects, perhaps due to divergence in imprinting patterns. Our results suggest a common means by which ecological selection may contribute to speciation and have significant implications for the persistence of hybridizing species.
Molecular phylogenetics of Vespoidea indicate paraphyly of the superfamily and novel relationships of its component families and subfamilies
Authors: Pilgrim Erik M. , Von Dohlen Carol D. , Pitts James P.
Published: July 2008

The 24 000+ described species of Vespoidea include many well‐known stinging wasps, such as paper wasps and hornets (Vespidae), velvet ants (Mutillidae), spider wasps (Pompilidae) and ants (Formicidae). The compelling behaviours of vespoids have been instrumental in developing theories of stepwise evolutionary transitions, which necessarily depend on an understanding of phylogeny, yet, existing morphological phylogenies for Vespoidea conflict. We collected molecular data from four nuclear genes (elongation factor‐1α F2 copy, long‐wavelength rhodopsin, wingless and the D2–D3 regions of 28S ribosomal RNA (2700 bp in total)) to produce the first molecular phylogeny of Vespoidea. We analysed molecular data alone and in combination with published morphological data from Brothers and Carpenter. Parsimony analyses left many deeper nodes unsupported, but suggested paraphyly of three families. Total‐evidence Bayesian inference produced a more resolved tree, in which the monophyly of Vespoidea was nevertheless ambiguous. Bayesian inference of molecular data alone returned a well‐resolved consensus with posterior probabilities of over 95% for most nodes. We used this topology as the best estimate of phylogeny at the family and subfamily levels. Notable departures from previous estimates include: (i) paraphyly of Vespoidea resulting from the nesting of Apoidea within a lineage comprising Formicidae, Scoliidae and two subfamilies of Bradynobaenidae; (ii) paraphyly of Bradynobaenidae, Mutillidae and Tiphiidae; (iii) a sister relationship between Rhopalosomatidae and Vespidae; and (iv) Rhopalosomatidae + Vespidae as sister to all other vespoids/apoids. We discuss character evidence in light of the new phylogeny, and propose a new classification of Aculeata that recognizes eight superfamilies: Apoidea, Chrysidoidea, Formicoidea, Pompiloidea, Scolioidea, Tiphioidea, Thynnoidea and Vespoidea.
Molecular phylogenetics of large‐bodied tamarins,Saguinusspp. (Primates, Platyrrhini)
Authors: Araripe Juliana , Tagliaro Claudia H , Rêgo Péricles S , Sampaio Iracilda , Ferrari Stephen F , Schneider Horacio
Published: July 2008

With 33 recognized taxa, the tamarins,Saguinusspp., constitute the most diverse genus of New World monkeys (Platyrrhini), and are found almost exclusively within the Amazon basin. This diversity can be subdivided into three main morphological groups, based primarily on pelage characteristics, although there is also an ecologically important division between the small‐ and large‐bodied forms (adult body weight ± 300 g vs. > 450 g, respectively). In the present study, the phylogenetic relationships among the large‐bodied forms were analysed using the sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial rRNA16S gene, from which 58 informative sites were identified. The analysis revealed the existence of four main lineages, three of which coincided with geographical and/or morphological patterns. However,Saguinus leucopusformed a highly distinct clade, contradicting expectations based on its morphology and distribution, but corroborating a previous study of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (ND1) gene. Whereas genetic differences between some closely related species were relatively small (< 1%), that observed between the two specimens ofS. imperatorwas twice higher (± 2%), indicating the possible presence of distinct species within this taxon. Previous molecular clock analysis suggested that the earliest radiation event of the large‐bodied tamarins occurred sometime in the lower Miocene, whereas the most recent events, such as the division of the closely relatedS. midasandS. nigerwould have occurred during the Pleistocene. Most of these events would thus have taken place before the formation of the present‐day river system, which now constitutes a considerable barrier to gene flow among many populations.
Ejaculatory profiles and fertility in men after posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture‐urethral distraction defect injuries
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Sherman Neil D. , Webster George D.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE

In men who sustain a pelvic fracture‐urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) injury, repairing the urethra involves a complicated urethral anastomosis located posteriorly at the junction of the membranous and prostatic urethra. In this study we performed a post‐ operative semen analysis and questionnaire study to determine the effect of PFUDD injuries and PFUDD repair on ejaculatory function and fertility in these men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

With institutional review board approval, patients who had PFUDD repairs by one surgeon from 1990 to 2004 were identified from a database. Patients were contacted and given a questionnaire eliciting details about their ejaculatory function and history of fertility. Those interested in future paternity were asked to provide semen for analysis.

RESULTS

In all, 32 men were contacted; all claimed to have antegrade ejaculation, although five reported having a lower ejaculatory volume than before their injury, and one claimed that his ejaculate was delayed. We assessed fertility in 19 men, six of whom had either infertility or abnormal semen analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

All men in the present series who had PFUDD injuries repaired had antegrade ejaculation. Although six of 19 had either infertility or an abnormal semen analysis, it appears that the risk of damage to the ejaculatory ducts from either a PFUDD or the subsequent urethral reconstruction is low. However, other associated injuries at the time of the pelvic fracture might place these men at greater risk of infertility.
The clinical utility of atypical cytology is significantly increased in both screening and monitoring for bladder cancer when indexed with nuclear matrix protein‐22
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Pahlajani Geetu , Ponsky Lee E. , Agarwal Ashok , Zippe Craig D.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVES

To assess atypical cytology as a positive bladder tumour marker and to determine if indexing atypical cytology to nuclear matrix protein‐22 (NMP22) can decrease the false‐positive results or increase the positive predictive value (PPV).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 197 patients at risk of bladder cancer were identified as having atypical urine cytology; 126 were incident (screening) cases and 71 were prevalent (monitoring) cases of bladder cancer. All patients with atypical cytology were evaluated using office cystoscopy. All cancers were confirmed histologically and patients had a negative upper tract study within a 1‐year interval. The atypical cytology was then indexed with NMP22 values in an effort to decrease the false‐positive results.

RESULTS

Atypical cytology detected 17 cancers in the 126 patients who were screened, giving a PPV of 13% (17/126). When stratified by NMP22, using a threshold of >10 U/mL, the PPV increased to 71% (15/21). In the 71 patients who were being monitored, atypical cytology detected 43 cancers, for a PPV of 61% (43/71). When stratified by NMP22 using a threshold of >6 U/mL, the PPV increased to 92% (35/38).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical utility of atypical cytology was significantly increased in both screening and monitoring for bladder cancer when indexed with NMP22 levels.
Will Women Be Women? Analyzing the Gender Difference among Financial Experts
Authors: Beckmann Daniela , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: July 2008

There are robust gender differences in the domains of risk taking, overconfidence and competition behavior. However, as expertise tends to level these differences, we ask whether financial experts still show gender dissimilarities in their domains of decision making? We analyze survey responses of 649 fund managers in the U.S., Germany, Italy and Thailand, and find that female fund managers tend to behave as expected from gender studies: they are more risk averse and shy away from competition in the tournament scenario. The expected lower degree of overconfidence by women is yet so small that it becomes insignificant in fund management.
Growth Consequences of Terrorism in Western Europe
Authors: Gaibulloev Khusrav , Sandler Todd
Published: July 2008

This paper presents panel estimates for 18 Western Europe countries to ascertain the separate impacts of domestic and transnational terrorism on income per capita growth for 1971–2004. The paper merges domestic and transnational terrorist events in order to attribute growth impacts to the two broad categories of terrorism. Each additional transnational terrorist incident per million persons reduces economic growth by about 0.4 percentage points. Domestic terrorism has a much smaller effect on growth that is about half this size. Terrorism's negative impact on growth is related to the scale of terrorism in the sample countries in order to give a better idea of what is the average consequence in most sample countries. These negative impacts are shown to stem from domestic and transnational terrorism's adverse influence on investment shares. Counterterrorism efforts also augment government spending, which crowds out growth‐promoting investment. We show that the pathway by which domestic and transnational terrorism influences growth differs. For example, transnational terrorism works more through the crowding out of investment, while domestic terrorism works more through the increase in government expenditure increases. A host of sensitivity tests are performed to support our empirical model. Policy recommendations conclude the paper – e.g., measures to curb transnational terrorist attacks have a higher economic payoff than similar measures to reduce domestic terrorist events. Since transnational terrorism has a larger impact on income per capita growth than does domestic terrorism, West European efforts to curb transnational terrorism will have a greater economic dividend than efforts to limit domestic terrorism.
Moral Hazard and Bail‐Out in Fiscal Federations: Evidence for the German Länder
Authors: Heppke‐Falk Kirsten H. , Wolff Guntram B.
Published: July 2008

We identify investor moral hazard in the German fiscal federation. Our identification strategy is based on a variable, which was used by the German Federal Constitutional Court as an indicator to determine eligibility of two German states (Länder) to a bail‐out, the interest payments‐to‐revenue ratio. While risk premia measured in the German sub‐national bond market react significantly to the relative debt level of a state (Land), we also find that a larger interest payments‐to‐revenue ratio counter‐intuitively lowers risk premia significantly. Furthermore, with increasing values the risk premia decrease more strongly. This is evidence of investor moral hazard, because a larger indicator value increases the likelihood of receiving a bail‐out payment. Our findings are robust to a variety of sample changes. In addition, we provide a case study of the recent Federal Constitutional Court ruling on the Land Berlin, which had filed for additional federal funds. The negative response of the court did not lead to a change in financial markets' bail‐out expectations. In sum, our results indicate significant investor moral hazard in the sub‐national German bond market.
Social Capital and the Quality of Economic Development
Authors: Sabatini Fabio
Published: July 2008

There is a surprising gap in the economic literature on social capital. First, we lack studies addressing the effects of social capital on those facets of development that can contribute in making growth more sustainable in the long run, like, for example, human development and social cohesion. Second, it is still unclear what type of networks may exert a positive effect on the different dimensions of development. In particular, the literature has not yet provided a rigorous assessment of the role of strong family ties, that are generally referred to as a form of bonding social capital causing backwardness. This paper investigates the relationship between the three types of social capital so far identified by the literature (i.e. bonding, bridging and linking), and the “quality” of economic development, as expressed by human development and an index of social well‐being summarizing the state of health of urban ecosystems, public services, gender equality, and labour markets.

The empirical analysis is articulated in two stages carried out by means of a multivariate analysis and of a structural equations models analysis.

The results suggest that the linking social capital shaped by voluntary organizations has significantly positive effect on human development, but is irrelevant for social well‐being. The bonding social capital shaped by strong family ties negatively affects human development, but significantly fosters the quality of life, mainly through a reduction of workers' precariousness. The bridging social capital of weak ties connecting friends and acquaintances follows the pattern of bonding social capital: it is reinforced by strong family ties and has significantly negative effect on human development.
Decomposing Poverty Changes in Zambia: Growth, Inequality and Population Dynamics
Authors: Mulenga Shula , Van Campenhout Bjorn
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  During the 1990s, the Zambian economy underwent major structural adjustments. This paper presents an application of a recently proposed poverty decomposition that attributes changes in poverty to income growth, changes in inequality and population dynamics. Our results confirm earlier findings that the existence of a severe urban bias in the economy effectively shielded large parts of the rural population from the economic slump caused by the structural adjustments. In addition, we find that the exodus from urban centres that followed the adjustments contributed significantly to the increase in national poverty. The latter finding highlights the importance of considering population movements when studying poverty, especially in situations where policy changes affect migrant labour, as was the case for the Zambian copper industry.
HEALTH DISPARITIES AND AUTONOMY
Authors: COURTWRIGHT ANDREW
Published: July 2008

Disparities in socioeconomic status correlate closely with health, so that the lower a person's social position, the worse his health, an effect that the epidemiologist Michael Marmot has labeled the status syndrome. Marmot has argued that differences in autonomy, understood in terms of control, underlie the status syndrome. He has, therefore, recommended that the American medical profession champion policies that improve patient autonomy. In this paper, I clarify the kind of control Marmot sees as connecting differences in socioeconomic status to health disparities. I then discuss his use of Amartya Sen's capabilities approach to justice, arguing that he is unsuccessful in relating autonomy as a descriptive property with a normative framework that can adequately explain why and to what extent we should reduce health disparities.
The Components of Mutual Fund Fees
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Livingston Miles
Published: July 2008

Several research studies have found that mutual fund expense ratios decline as funds get larger. This paper decomposes the annual expense ratios of actively managed domestic equity funds into their component fees. Most of the observed decline in total expense ratios comes from the small fees paid to outside service providers and the large majority of this decline occurs for the smallest one third of funds. The largest component of the expense ratio, advisory fees, is essentially constant for larger funds. The second largest component, marketing fees, increases as fund assets grow.
Cost of medical care for HIV‐infected patients within a regional population from 1997 to 2006
Authors: Krentz HB , Gill MJ
Published: July 2008

Objectives

To report on the cost of medical care for HIV‐infected patients stratified by CD4 cell count for a regional population over a 9‐year period, and to examine the effect of reporting costs of HIV care only or only in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐experienced patients.

Methods

Retrospective costing analysis on all HIV‐infected patients within the Southern Alberta Cohort from April 1997 to April 2006. Costs for all drugs (ART/non‐ART), in‐patient (HIV/non‐HIV) and out‐patient care were obtained from primary sources. Costs were aggregated by patient's CD4 cell count and ART exposure and presented as mean cost per patient per month (PPPM) in 2006 Canadian dollars.

Results

The number of patients and annual costs increased by 74% and 69%, respectively. Overall mean PPPM costs increased slightly from $1082 in 1997/1998 to $1159 in 2005/2006. PPPM costs for patients with CD4 counts ≤75 cells/μL increased from $1595 to $2687 while costs for CD4 counts >500, 201–500 and 76–200 cells/μL remained relatively stable at $979, $1057 and $1294, respectively. In‐patient hospitalization costs account for most of the cost increases. Reporting costs using only ART‐experienced patients would overestimate total costs by 2–9%. Costs for only HIV care were 10–24% lower than total care costs.

Conclusions

Care costs have remained relatively stable for most HIV patients except those with CD4 counts ≤75 cells/μL. Expensive new antiretroviral drugs have had, at present, a minimal cost impact. Enhanced testing to achieve earlier diagnosis and initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy could potentially reduce costs of late presentation and in‐patient care.
Clinical Features of Primary Headache in Children: A Multicentre Hospital-Based Study in France
Authors: Cuvellier J-C , Donnet A , Guégan-Massardier È , Nachit-Ouinekh F , Parain D , Vallée L
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between clinical diagnosis and the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn (ICHD-II) in children and adolescents with primary headaches. This 6-month prospective multicentre study of 486 patients (mean 9.8 ± 3.1 years; 52.6± girls) assessed the headache features through a structured questionnaire. In 398 patients with a single type of headache, headaches were bilateral (78.1±), frontal (62.4±), pulsatile (56.1±), with associated symptoms in 84.4±. The most frequently assigned diagnoses were migraine without aura (50.8±), probable migraine (14.1±), migraine with aura (11.1±) and frequent episodic tension-type headache (7.5±). For most of the diagnostic categories, the consistency of the investigator's diagnosis with the ICHD-II criteria was good (K > 0.6 and ≤ 0.8) or excellent (K > 0.8). We conclude that migraine was predominant with regard to headache diagnoses repartition and that the ICHD-II seems usable in practice for evaluation of primary headache in French children and adolescents.
A gene‐specific cerebral types 1, 2, and 3 RyR protein knockdown induces an antidepressant‐like effect in mice
Authors: Galeotti Nicoletta , Vivoli Elisa , Bartolini Alessandro , Ghelardini Carla
Published: July 2008

Elevation of baseline intracellular calcium levels was observed in platelets or lymphoblasts of patients with bipolar affective disorders suggesting an altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The role of supraspinal endoplasmic ryanodine receptors (RyRs), which allow mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores, in the modulation of depressive states was, then, investigated. Ryanodine and FK506 reduced the immobility time in the mouse forced swimming test showing an antidepressant‐like profile comparable with that produced by amitriptyline and clomipramine. We generated types 1, 2, and 3 RyR knockdown mice by using selective antisense oligonucleotides (aODN) to investigate the role of each RyR isoform. A gene‐specific cerebral RyR protein level reduction in knockdown animals was demonstrated by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemical experiments. Repeated intracerebroventricular administration of aODNs complementary to the sequence of the types 1, 2, or 3 RyR produced an antidepressant‐like response in the forced swimming test. The aODN‐induced reduction of immobility time was temporary and reversible and did not impair motor coordination, spontaneous mobility, and exploratory activity. These findings identify cerebral RyRs as critical targets underlying depressive states and should facilitate the comprehension of the pathophysiology of mood disorders and help developing of new therapeutical strategies.
Investigating consciousness‐raising tasks: pedagogically targeted and non‐targeted learning gains
Authors: Eckerth Johannes
Published: July 2008

This study investigates a series of dyadic consciousness‐raising tasks which were introduced into an actual L2 classroom over an extended period of time. The investigation seeks to measure learning gains in the short and medium term by a pre‐test, post‐test, and delayed post‐test design. In order to capture the full spectrum of learning opportunities raised during the collaborative completion of the tasks, two test formats were developed: a priori constructed tests that covered those L2 features focused on by the tasks, and a posteriori tests which were based on a retrospective analysis of learners’ task‐based interactions, thus developing Swain's idea of ‘tailor‐made’ tests. In fact, this research not only shows that consciousness‐raising tasks can bring about significant learning gains in L2 explicit knowledge, but further reveals that many such learning opportunities lie outside the explicit linguistic focus of the tasks under scrutiny.
DETECTING FORGERIES AMONG ANCIENT GOLD OBJECTS USING THE U,Th–4He DATING METHOD*
Authors: EUGSTER O. , KRAMERS J. , KRÄHENBÜHL U.
Published: July 2008

Forgeries of ancient gold objects are prevalent in almost every collection and some public exhibitions in the past have been exposed as containing forgeries to an embarrassing extent. This situation comes from the fact that it is sometimes impossible to unequivocally recognize forgeries based on their patina or manufacturing and decoration characteristics. We demonstrate that for 13 ancient gold objects the time of their last melting process can be estimated using the U,Th–4He dating technique. The extremely small quantities of radiogenic 4He found, due to the young age and small sample size, require the use of a specially designed ultrasensitive mass spectrometer. We show that the proposed method is a powerful, and the only, quantitative tool in archaeometry for discriminating between fake and genuine ancient gold objects.
Role of lactadherin in the clearance of phosphatidylserine‐expressing red blood cells
Authors: Dasgupta Swapan K. , Abdel‐Monem Hanan , Guchhait Prasenjit , Nagata Shigekazu , Thiagarajan Perumal
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: In red blood cells (RBCs) anionic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, are present in the inner leaflet of the membrane bilayer. Exposure of phosphatidylserine occurs during senescence and during long‐term storage of RBCs and is considered as the tag for removal from the circulation by macrophages. Lactadherin is a phosphatidylserine‐binding glycoprotein secreted by macrophages that promotes the engulfment of phosphatidylserine‐expressing apoptotic lymphocytes. This study investigates the role of lactadherin in the phagocytosis of phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine was induced in RBCs either by storage beyond 30 days or by treatment with calcium ionophore A23187 and N‐ethylmaleimide. Phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs were incubated with phorbol ester–stimulated THP‐1, and phagocytosis was determined by measuring the pseudoperoxidase activity of hemoglobin. The in vivo clearance of phosphatidylserine‐enriched RBCs was measured in lactadherin‐deficient mice and in their littermate controls.

RESULTS: Lactadherin promoted phagocytosis of phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs by macrophages in a concentration‐dependent manner. Splenic macrophages from lactadherin‐deficient mice had diminished capacity to phagocytose phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs. The life span of RBCs in lactadherin‐deficient mice was similar to wild‐type littermate controls in vivo. However, when an excess of phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs were infused, there was only a mild impairment in the clearance in lactadherin‐deficient mice compared to wild‐type littermate controls.

CONCLUSION: These results show that clearance of phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs is not diminished in a significant way in lactadherin‐deficient mice under physiologic conditions and suggest the presence of redundant pathways.
Is Geography (Still) a Science?
Authors: Morrill Richard
Published: July 2008

Geographic science remains contested. The practice of geographic science has long been criticized on both methodological and institutional grounds, often justifiably. Even more serious is the continuing assault on the very idea of science as the objective discovery of and search for explanation in the university, including human behaviour in space and place. This essay argues that a scientific epistemology is incompatible with a relativistic one.
The Coming Battle of the Atlantic: Euro vs. the Dollar
Authors: OHMAE KENICHI
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.

When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?

In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
Is Japan Closer to the West Than Turkey?
Authors: OE KENZABURO , PAMUK ORHAN
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.

When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?

In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
Rebuild China With an Olympic Amnesty
Authors: DAN WANG
Published: July 2008

Will China's authoritarian leaders succeed in building a future by erasing the past? Can the ideology of “nationalist consumerism” obliterate memory altogether? Will the Olympic applause drown out the weak and exiled witnesses of the Tiananmen crackdown?

In this section we listen to a key Tiananmen student leader two decades on as well as check in with today's young elites in Beijing. A political leader from the reformist regime in 1989 calls for justice from house arrest and a young Chinese novelist wonders what kind of identity is possible without memory.
Tibetans Are Looking to the Post‐Olympic Era
Authors: RINPOCHE SAMDHONG
Published: July 2008

Will China's authoritarian leaders succeed in building a future by erasing the past? Can the ideology of “nationalist consumerism” obliterate memory altogether? Will the Olympic applause drown out the weak and exiled witnesses of the Tiananmen crackdown?

In this section we listen to a key Tiananmen student leader two decades on as well as check in with today's young elites in Beijing. A political leader from the reformist regime in 1989 calls for justice from house arrest and a young Chinese novelist wonders what kind of identity is possible without memory.
China's Youth: Ravenous for the West, With No Memory of the Past
Authors: GUO XIAOLU
Published: July 2008

Will China's authoritarian leaders succeed in building a future by erasing the past? Can the ideology of “nationalist consumerism” obliterate memory altogether? Will the Olympic applause drown out the weak and exiled witnesses of the Tiananmen crackdown?

In this section we listen to a key Tiananmen student leader two decades on as well as check in with today's young elites in Beijing. A political leader from the reformist regime in 1989 calls for justice from house arrest and a young Chinese novelist wonders what kind of identity is possible without memory.