bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid identification of Gram-positive anaerobic coccal species originally classified in the genus Peptostreptococcus by multiplex PCR assays using genus- and species-specific primers
Authors: Song Yuli , Liu Chengxu , McTeague Maureen , Vu Ann , Liu Jia Yia , Finegold Sydney M.
Published: July 2003

Here, a rapid and reliable two-step multiplex PCR assay for identifying 14 Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) species originally classified in the genus Peptostreptococcus (Anaerococcus hydrogenalis, Anaerococcus lactolyticus, Anaerococcus octavius, Anaerococcus prevotii, Anaerococcus tetradius, Anaerococcus vaginalis, Finegoldia magna, Micromonas micros, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, Peptoniphilus harei, Peptoniphilus indolicus, Peptoniphilus ivorii and Peptoniphilus lacrimalis) is reported. Fourteen type strains representing 14 GPAC species were first identified to the genus level by multiplex PCR (multiplex PCR-G). Since three of these genera (Finegoldia, Micromonas and Peptostreptococcus) contain only a single species, F. magna, M. micros and P. anaerobius, respectively, these organisms were identified to the species level directly by using the multiplex PCR-G. Then six species of the genus Anaerococcus (A. hydrogenalis, A. lactolyticus, A. octavius, A. prevotii, A. vaginalis and A. tetradius) were further identified to the species level using multiplex PCR assays (multiplex PCR-Ia and multiplex PCR-Ib). Similarly, five species of the genus Peptoniphilus (Pn. asaccharolyticus, Pn. harei, Pn. indolicus, Pn. ivorii and Pn. lacrimalis) were identified to the species level using multiplex PCR-IIa and multiplex PCR-IIb. The established two-step multiplex PCR identification scheme was applied to the identification of 190 clinical isolates of GPAC species that had been identified previously to the species level by 16S rRNA sequencing and phenotypic tests. The identification obtained from multiplex PCR assays showed 100 % agreement with 16S rDNA sequencing identification, but only 65 % (123/190) agreement with the identification obtained by phenotypic tests. The multiplex PCR scheme established in this study is a simple, rapid and reliable method for the identification of GPAC species. It will permit a more accurate assessment of the role of various GPAC species in infection and of the degree of antimicrobial resistance in each of the group members.
Complexes of the uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor protein, Ugi, with Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis uracil-DNA glycosylases
Authors: Acharya Narottam , Kumar Pradeep , Varshney Umesh
Published: July 2003

Uracil, a promutagenic base, appears in DNA either by deamination of cytosine or by incorporation of dUMP by DNA polymerases. This unconventional base in DNA is removed by uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG). Interestingly, a bacteriophage-encoded short polypeptide, UDG inhibitor (Ugi), specifically inhibits UDGs by forming a tight complex. Three-dimensional structures of the complexes of Ugi with UDGs fromEscherichia coli, human and herpes simplex virus have shown that two of the structural elements in Ugi, the hydrophobic pocket and theβ1-edge, establish key interactions with UDGs. In this report the characterization of complexes of Ugi with UDGs fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, a pathogenic bacterium, andMycobacterium smegmatis, a widely used model organism for the former, is described. Unlike theE. coli(Eco) UDG-Ugi complex, which is stable to treatment with 8 M urea, the mycobacterial UDG-Ugi complexes dissociate in 5–6 M urea. Furthermore, the Ugi from the complexes of mycobacterial UDGs can be exchanged by the DNA substrate. Interestingly, whileEcoUDG sequestered Ugi into theEcoUDG-Ugi complex when incubated with mycobacterial UDG-Ugi complexes, even a large excess of mycobacterial UDGs failed to sequester Ugi from theEcoUDG-Ugi complex. However, theM. tuberculosis(Mtu) UDG-Ugi complex was seen whenMtuUDG was incubated withM. smegmatis(Msm) UDG-Ugi orEcoUDG(L191G)-Ugi complexes. The reversible nature of the complexes of Ugi with mycobacterial UDGs (which naturally lack some of the structural elements important for interaction with theβ1-edge of Ugi) and with mutants ofEcoUDG (which are deficient in interaction with the hydrophobic pocket of Ugi) highlights the significance of both classes of interaction in formation of UDG-Ugi complexes. Furthermore, it is shown that even though mycobacterial UDG-Ugi complexes dissociate in 5–6 M urea, Ugi is still a potent inhibitor of UDG activity in mycobacteria.
Phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system and N-acetylglucosamine metabolism in Bacillus sphaericus
Authors: Alice Alejandro F. , Pérez-Martínez Gaspar , Sánchez-Rivas Carmen
Published: July 2003

Bacillus sphaericus, a bacterium of biotechnological interest due to its ability to produce mosquitocidal toxins, is unable to use sugars as carbon source. However, ptsHI genes encoding HPr and EI proteins belonging to a PTS were cloned, sequenced and characterized. Both HPr and EI proteins were fully functional for phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent transphosphorylation in complementation assays using extracts from Staphylococcus aureus mutants for one of these proteins. HPr(His6) was purified from wild-type and a Ser46/Gln mutant of B. sphaericus, and used for in vitro phosphorylation experiments using extracts from either B. sphaericus or Bacillus subtilis as kinase source. The results showed that both phosphorylated forms, P-Ser46-HPr and P-His15-HPr, could be obtained. The findings also proved indirectly the existence of an HPr kinase activity in B. sphaericus. The genetic structure of these ptsHI genes has some unusual features, as they are co-transcribed with genes encoding metabolic enzymes related to N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) catabolism (nagA, nagB and an undetermined orf2). In fact, this bacterium was able to utilize this amino sugar as carbon and energy source, but a ptsH null mutant had lost this characteristic. Investigation of GlcNAc uptake and streptozotocin inhibition in both a wild-type and a ptsH null mutant strain led to the proposal that GlcNAc is transported and phosphorylated by an EIINag element of the PTS, as yet uncharacterized. In addition, GlcNAc-6-phosphate deacetylase and GlcN-6-phosphate deaminase activities were determined; both were induced in the presence of GlcNAc. These results, together with the authors' recent findings of the presence of a phosphofructokinase activity, are strongly indicative of a glycolytic pathway in B. sphaericus. They also open new possibilities for genetic improvements in industrial applications.
EST analysis of genes expressed by the zygomycete pathogen Conidiobolus coronatus during growth on insect cuticle
Authors: Freimoser Florian M. , Screen Steven , Hu Gang , St. Leger Raymond
Published: July 2003

Conidiobolus coronatus (Zygomycota) is a facultative saprobe that is a pathogen of many insect species. Almost 2000 expressed sequence tag (EST) cDNA clones were sequenced to analyse gene expression during growth on insect cuticle. Sixty percent of the ESTs that could be clustered into functional groups (E⩽10−5) had their best blast hits among fungal sequences. These included chitinases and multiple subtilisins, trypsin, metalloprotease and aspartyl protease activities with the potential to degrade host tissues and disable anti-microbial peptides. Otherwise, compared to the ascomycete entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae, Con. coronatus produced many fewer types of hydrolases (e.g. no phospholipases), antimicrobial agents, toxic secondary metabolites and no ESTs with putative roles in the generation of antibiotics. Instead, Con. coronatus produced a much higher proportion of ESTs encoding ribosomal proteins and enzymes of intermediate metabolism that facilitate its rapid growth. These results are consistent with Con. coronatus having adapted a modification of the saprophytic ruderal-selected strategy, using rapid growth to overwhelm the host and exploit the cadaver before competitors overrun it. This strategy does not preclude specialization to pathogenicity, as Con. coronatus produces the greatest complexity of proteases on insect cuticle, indicating an ability to respond to conditions in the cuticle.
Eukaryotic-type protein kinases in Streptomyces coelicolor: variations on a common theme
Authors: Petříčková Kateřina , Petříček Miroslav
Published: July 2003

The increasing number of genes encoding eukaryotic-type Ser/Thr protein kinases (ESTPKs) in prokaryotes, identified mostly due to genome-sequencing projects, suggests that these enzymes play an indispensable role in many bacterial species. Some prokaryotes, such asStreptomyces coelicolor, carry numerous genes of this type. Though the regulatory pathways have been intensively studied in the organism, experimental proof of the physiological function of ESTPKs is scarce. This review presents a family portrait of the genes identified in the sequence of theS. coelicolorA3(2) genome. Based on the available experimental data on ESTPKs in streptomycetes and related bacteria, and on computer-assisted sequence analyses, possible roles of these enzymes in the regulation of cellular processes in streptomycetes are suggested.
Different roles for the stress-activated protein kinase pathway in the regulation of trehalose metabolism in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Paredes V. , Franco A. , Soto T. , Vicente-Soler J. , Gacto M. , Cansado J.
Published: July 2003

The Wis1p-Sty1p mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade is a major signalling system in the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombefor a wide range of stress responses. It is known that trehalose functions as a protective metabolite to counteract deleterious effects of environmental stresses. Herein it is reported that the expression of genes related to trehalose metabolism inS. pombe,ntp1+(neutral trehalase) andtps1+[trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) synthase], is partially regulated by the Sty1p kinase under salt-induced osmotic stress and conditions of slight oxidative stress and is fully dependent on this kinase under severe oxidative stress. This control is carried out through transcription factors Atf1p/Pcr1p during osmotic stress and through Pap1p during exposure to low levels of oxidative stress. However, all three transcription factors are needed for gene expression under conditions of extreme oxidative stress. In addition, a role for Sty1p in the modulation of post-transcriptional activation of trehalase mediated by Pka1p/Sck1p kinases, as well as in the activity of T6P synthase under such stressful conditions has been demonstrated. These results reveal a novel dual action of the Wis1p-Sty1p pathway in the regulation of trehalose metabolism in fission yeast.
Bacterial lactoferrin-binding protein A binds to both domains of the human lactoferrin C-lobe
Authors: Wong Henry , Schryvers Anthony B.
Published: July 2003

Pathogenic bacteria in the family Neisseriaceae express surface receptors to acquire iron from the mammalian iron-binding proteins. Transferrins and lactoferrins constitute a family of iron-binding proteins highly related in both sequence and structure, yet the bacterial receptors are able to distinguish between these proteins and uphold a strict binding specificity. In order to understand the molecular basis for this specificity, the interaction between human lactoferrin (hLf) and the lactoferrin-binding protein A (LbpA) from Moraxella catarrhalis was studied. A periplasmic expression system was designed for the heterologous expression of LbpA, which enabled the investigation of its binding activity in the absence of lactoferrin-binding protein B (LbpB). To facilitate delineation of the LbpA-binding regions of hLf, chimeric proteins composed of hLf and bovine transferrin were made. Binding studies performed with the chimeric proteins and recombinant LbpA identified two binding regions within the C-terminus of hLf. Furthermore, native LbpA from Moraxella and Neisseria spp. bound the identical spectrum of hybrid proteins as the recombinant receptor, demonstrating a conserved binding interaction with the C-lobe of hLf.
“The big OE”: self‐directed travel and career development
Authors: Inkson Kerr , Myers Barbara A.
Published: July 2003

“OE” is overseas experience – periods of “working holiday” undertaken by young people autonomously exploring other countries and cultures. This paper investigates OE and considers its effect on career development. OE is a world‐wide phenomenon, but has special significance in Australia and New Zealand, where it is undertaken as a “rite of passage” by many young people. The paper reports results from an interview study of 50 OEs undertaken by young New Zealanders. It focuses on predisposing personal and situational factors prompting OE, the unplanned and improvisational nature of OE, the main forms of OE, and its apparent consequences for personal development and subsequent careers. The evidence suggests that OE brings benefits but that the process is complex and unpredictable because of confounding forces such as non‐career travel agendas and personal relationships. The special value of OE to careers in current conditions requiring greater self‐direction, flexibility and internationalisation is emphasised.
Exploring the impact of role models on older employees
Authors: Gibson Donald E. , Barron Lisa A.
Published: July 2003

The international trend toward organizations emphasizing adaptability and change throughout careers suggests that research should examine the development of employees into later career stages. Role models have been seen as critical to individuals’ skill and identity development, but have only been regarded as salient in early career stages and to younger individuals. In this study, we argue that older employees’ commitment to and satisfaction in their organization will be associated with their perception of available role models. As predicted, the study finds that older employees tended to identify multiple role models in their organization. Moreover, the study finds that the degree to which older employees perceive that they have role models available and perceive that these role models share similar attitudes, values, and goals is associated with commitment and satisfaction. Implications of these findings for career researchers and for managers are discussed.
Reflections on Science and Technology
Authors: Goodenough Ursula
Published: July 2003

Science and technology are frequently confused. This essay points out thebases for this confusion and then focuses on a basic distinction, namely, that whereas science brings us information that we have little choice but to absorb and reflect upon, technology is something that humans elect to do and, hence, can also elect not to do. It is proposed that technological ethics are most cogently undertaken with scientific understanding as the linchpin and religious/artistic sensibilities as the muse.
The Mythic Potential of Evolution
Authors: Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly
Published: July 2003

This article focuses on therelationship between science and myth. Its author (1) suggests that the theory of evolutionpro‐vides the most powerful mythic structure for our times; (2) points out the problems that arisefrom the fact that, historically, evolution became yoked to the earlier concept of material,technological “progress”; (3) argues for an interpretation of evolution that is basedon religious and psychological models of human development; and (4) proposes that such aninterpretation, in which personal and social growth is seen as the possible outcome ofevolutionary forces, may act as a corrective to a myth based on material progress.
Science and the Future of Theology: Critical Issues
Authors: Peacocke Arthur
Published: July 2003

The ambivalent reputation of theology as an academic discipline is attributed to the often circular character of its procedures based on presumed authoritative sources. Recently, science too has come under the shadow of “postmodernist” critiques but, it is argued, has been able to withstand them successfully and make epistemologically warrantedclaims to be depicting reality—thereby vindicating human rationality. Evolutionary epistemological considerations also reinforce confidence in the more general deliverances of the human exploration of reasonableness through inference to the best explanation (IBE). The consequences of applying IBE, with its associated criteria, in theological investigation are considered in relation to theology as it is and as it might be. A number of issues critical for thedevelopment of a credible theology are identified. In spite of the challenging and somewhat negative view of contemporary theology to which this leads, hope is expressed that a genuinely credible “evangelical,”“catholic,” and liberal theology may yet emerge for the new millennium.
Theological Shamelessness? A Response to Arthur Peacocke and David A. Pailin
Authors: Westhelle Vítor
Published: July 2003

This is a theological response to two programmatic essays, “Science and the Future of Theology: Critical Issues,” by Arthur Peacocke and “What Game is Being Played? The Need for Clarity about theRelationship between Scientific and Theological Understanding,” by David A. Pailin. It argues that the two authors, well informed by the recent developments in science, are reduplicating some methodological and epistemological trends common to nineteenth‐century theology. The feasibility of their project should, therefore, be examined on whether they succeed in answering the questions posed to the liberal project that dominated theological and philosophical scholarship in the last century. They are found to be wanting in their inadequate response to three considerations: (1) the persistence of particular manifestations of religion and theology's enduring refusal to accept thoroughly scientific “enlightened” criteria, (2) the epistemological implications of the eschatological character of the Christianmessage, and (3) the trinitarian paradigm for Christian theology and the life of faith.
Cosmology: What One Needs to Know
Authors: Albright John R.
Published: July 2003

Cosmology, the study of the universe, has a past, which is reviewed here. The standard model—the Big Bang, or the hot, dense early universe that is still expanding—is based on observations that are basically consistent but which require additional input to improve the agreement. Out of the early universe came the galaxies and stars that shine today. The future of the universe depends on the density of matter: too much mass leads to the Big Crunch; too little leads to eternal expans ion and cooling. The dark‐matter problem prevents us from knowing which will be the fate of the universe. Thelimits of what may be called “scientific” are addressed.
Expressing the Nature and Meaning of DNA: Six Books for Teachers and Students
Authors: Smith Charles F.
Published: July 2003

DNA is an important agent not only in chemistry and biology but also in technology and modern culture. A number of books approach the double helix from different angles. These perspectives include (1) the science of DNA and genetics; (2) genetic engineering; (3) the ethics of manipulating genetic material; and (4) DNA in culture and religion. Various views of DNAprovide insights into human nature beyond its molecular composition.
Duties to Stakeholders Amidst Pressures from Shareholders: Lessons from an Advisory Panel on Transplant Policy
Authors: Mongoven Ann M.
Published: July 2003

The distinction between stakeholders and shareholders frequently employed in business ethics can illuminate challenges faced by a bioethics advisory panel. I use the distinction to reflect back on the work of an advisory panel on which I served, a panel on US transplant policy. The panel hearings were akin to a shareholders’ meeting, with many stakeholders absent. In addition to ‘hearing out’ the shareholders who were present, the panel had duties to absent stakeholders to insure their interests were included in public discussion. While panel efforts to include stakeholder perspectives rightfully framed its report, such duties should have framed its operating procedures more robustly. The stakeholder/shareholder distinction also offers a critical prism on the actual evolution of organ allocation policy, which the panel failed to influence. Current policy embodies a compromise among shareholders that obscures major stakeholder interests. This results in under‐attention to likely medical benefit of transplant, compared to other allocation criteria. Recognition of duties to stakeholders amidst pressures of shareholders complicates the notion of ‘consensus’ for an advisory panel. Consensus framed on terms defined only by shareholders, not stakeholders, may be an inadequate measure of public interest.
Collective Action and Transnational Terrorism
Authors: Sandler Todd
Published: July 2003

This paper applies modern tools of economic analysis to examine the nature of transnational terrorism and associated collective action concerns that arise in the aftermath of September 11. Throughout the paper, the strategic interaction between rational terrorists and targeted governments are underscored. Networked terrorists draw on their collective strengths to exploit a maximum advantage over targeted governments’ inadequate and uncoordinated responses. A wide range of issues are explored including governments’ deterrence races, undersupplied pre‐emption, and suicidal attacks. Myriad substitutions by terrorists limit government anti‐terrorism policy effectiveness. A host of policy responses are evaluated in light of economic analysis and past econometric evidence.
Too Much of a Good Thing? The Adequacy of International Reserves in the Aftermath of Crises
Authors: Bird Graham , Rajan Ramkishen
Published: July 2003

This paper has a number of purposes. First, it revisits the older theory of reserve adequacy and optimality to see whether this can still be used and perhaps strengthened in ways that would inform the current debate. Second, it explores the connection between reserve adequacy and currency crisis in the light of recent experience and empirical research. Third, it critically investigates alternative rule‐of‐thumb measures of reserve adequacy. Fourth, and drawing on the foregoing analysis, it examines the extent to which crisis countries should seek to replenish and build up their international reserves in the post‐crisis period. Additional owned reserves represent a guaranteed and unconditional source of liquidity; is this what is needed?
The Brave New World of International Education
Authors: Hira Anil
Published: July 2003

An emerging international market for education is exploding through the confluence of both new demand and supply factors. The demand factors include important and reciprocal demographic changes in both the developed and the developing world, and a new emphasis on improving ‘human capital’ as a source of national competitiveness and equity. The supply factors include the adoption of new competitive trading strategies by countries competing for students with the United States; changes in the need for ‘lifelong learning’ and the information technology revolution. This article analyses these dynamic factors and discusses remaining bottlenecks to the expansion of international trade in education. The article concludes by laying out some of the implications for the future of the national and international education markets.
Force Reduction, Base Closure, and the Indirect Effects of Military Installations on Local Employment Growth
Authors: Poppert Patrick E. , Herzog Jr. Henry W.
Published: July 2003

Abstract This study examines the indirect effects of military installations on county–level private employment, and specifically the special cases of base closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) proceedings of 1988, 1991, 1993, and 1995. Local employment impacts are considered within a partial adjustment construct of the changes model, a specification that facilitates the decomposition of defense personnel changes into their positive, negative, and BRAC–related components. The latter two components are subsequently examined for asymmetric effects attributable to ordinary force drawdown on the one hand, and base closure on the other. Also considered are the specific effects of direct federal assistance as well as facilities conversion and reutilization within BRAC communities.
Validation of Multiclass Urban Travel Forecasting Models Combining Origin–Destination, Mode, and Route Choices
Authors: Boyce David , Bar–Gera Hillel
Published: July 2003

Abstract The formulation, estimation, and validation of combined models for making detailed urban travel forecasts are described. These models combine origin–destination, mode, and auto route choices into a consistent forecasting method for multiple user classes for the Chicago Region. Household Travel Survey and Census Transportation Planning Package data for 1990, respectively, are used to estimate and validate the model.
Estimates of Income and Income Inequality in the United States and in Each of the Fifty States: 1988–1999
Authors: Lynch Robert G.
Published: July 2003

Abstract Estimates of income levels and income inequality in the United States in 1988, 1995, and 1999 are presented based on a dataset created by a statistical match of Internal Revenue Service and decennial Census data. In addition, estimates are presented of income levels and income distribution in each of the fifty states of the United States during those same years. Trends in national and regional income inequality and income levels over the period are analyzed also.
Further Evidence on PPP Adjustment Speeds: the Case of Effective Real Exchange Rates and the EMS*
Authors: Paya Ivan , Venetis Ioannis A. , Peel David A.
Published: July 2003

Two different approaches intend to resolve the ‘puzzling’ slow convergence to purchasing power parity (PPP) reported in the literature [seeRogoff (1996),Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. 34.] On the one hand, there are models that consider a non‐linear adjustment of real exchange rate to PPP induced by transaction costs. Such costs imply the presence of a certain transaction band where adjustment is too costly to be undertaken. On the other hand, there are models that relax the ‘classical’ PPP assumption of constant equilibrium real exchange rates. A prominent theory put together byBalassa (1964,Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 72)andSamuelson (1964Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 46), the BS effect, suggests that a non‐constant real exchange rate equilibrium is induced by different productivity growth rates between countries. This paper reconciles those two approaches by considering an exponential smooth transition‐in‐deviation non‐linear adjustment mechanism towards non‐constant equilibrium real exchange rates within the EMS (European Monetary System) and effective rates. The equilibrium is proxied, in a theoretically appealing manner, using deterministic trends and the relative price of non‐tradables to proxy for BS effects. The empirical results provide further support for the hypothesis that real exchange rates are well described by symmetric, nonlinear processes. Furthermore, the half‐life of shocks in such models is found to be dramatically shorter than that obtained in linear models.
Regional Foreign Direct Investment and Wage Spillovers: Plant Level Evidence from the UK Electronics Industry*
Authors: Driffield Nigel , Girma Sourafel
Published: July 2003

This paper examines the extent to which foreign investment in the UK generates wage spillovers in the domestic sector of the economy using a simultaneous dynamic panel data model and focusing on the electronics sector, possibly the most ‘globalized’ sector of UK manufacturing. It finds evidence that the higher wages paid by foreign firms cause wages in the domestic sector to be bid up. This phenomenon is, however, largely confined to the region where foreign direct investment takes place.
Explaining Firms’ Export Behaviour: R&D, Spillovers and the Destination Market*
Authors: Barrios Salvador , Görg Holger , Strobl Eric
Published: July 2003

We examine the importance of a firm's own R&D activity and intra‐sectoral spillovers on the decision to export and the export intensity using firm level panel data for Spain for the period 1990–98. Own R&D activity is found to be an important determinant of export activity. There is little evidence to suggest that Spanish firms benefit from spillovers of the exporting activity of others. However, there is evidence that R&D spillovers exert positive effects on firms’ export ratios. We find a larger marginal impact of R&D spillovers on export intensity of firms exporting to other OECD countries than those exporting to non‐OECD nations.
Endogenous business cycles and systematic stabilization policy*
Authors: Aloi Marta , Lloyd‐Braga Teresa , Whitta‐Jacobsen Hans Jørgen
Published: July 2003

We study the effects of fiscal policy rules on the determinacy of rational expectations equilibrium in a perfectly competitive monetary model with constant returns. Government spending implies a distortion of the monetary steady state due to the implied taxation. We show that policy rules that let the GNP share of government spending depend sufficiently negatively on increases in GNP stabilize the economy with respect to endogenous fluctuations for arbitrarily little distortion of the steady state at which stabilization occurs. The rules do not involve lump‐sum taxation, negative income taxation, or exact knowledge of the economy's laissez‐faire steady state.
Distributional Effects of Public Education in an Economy with Public Pensions*
Authors: Glomm Gerhard , Kaganovich Michael
Published: July 2003

We study how the allocation of government expenditures between two major outlays—education and pay‐as‐you‐go social security—affects human capital distribution in an economy with heterogeneous agents. We consider an overlapping generations economy where the government maintains both programs, and allocates tax revenues to finance them. In our model, human capital is one of the factors of production. It is itself produced as a combined result of public inputs and private inputs. Parents' decisions to invest time and material resources in education of their children are motivated by altruism, heterogeneous in its strength across the population, which leads to heterogeneity of incomes. We investigate the effect of an increase in public funding for education on the human capital distribution. We show that in this framework, contrary to some earlier results, increased spending on public education may lead to higher inequality. Our results depend crucially on the interaction of education funding with the social security budget and on the elasticity of substitution in the learning technology.
Educational Policy in a Credit Constrained Economy with Skill Heterogeneity*
Authors: Fender John , Wang Ping
Published: July 2003

An overlapping‐generations model where agents choose whether to become educated when young is presented. Education enhances productivity, but needs to be financed by borrowing. Because of the possibility of default, lenders may ration credit. We characterize the steady‐state equilibrium with and without credit constraints and show that credit constraints are associated with lower education and a lower real interest rate. We then study the role of public policy in remedying the inefficiency which occurs with credit market imperfections and examine whether public education can improve on the constrained equilibrium.
Factor Accumulation and Trade: Dynamic Comparative Advantage with Endogenous Physical and Human Capital*
Authors: Bond Eric W. , Trask Kathleen , Wang Ping
Published: July 2003

This article develops a two‐country endogenous growth model with accumulation of both physical and human capital. We establish the existence of two‐country balanced growth equilibria with physical and human capital in which a static and dynamic version of the Heckscher–Ohlin (HO) hypothesis hold true. We also show the existence of unbalanced growth equilibria in which the static and dynamic HO hypotheses can be violated. The multiplicity of paths with international trade emerge as a result of the intertemporal no‐arbitrage condition when factor prices are equalized across countries.
Discreteness and the Welfare Cost of Labor Supply Tax Distortions*
Authors: Bhattarai Keshab , Whalley John
Published: July 2003

We compare the welfare costs of tax distortions of labor supply in one‐ and two‐member household discrete and continuous choice labor supply (leisure consumption) models calibrated to the same aggregate uncompensated labor supply elasticities. In the discrete models, taxes induce a large response from a subset of the population, whereas the majority of the population exhibits unchanged behavior. In contrast, the majority of the population reacts to tax changes in continuous models. Discrete choice matters as the welfare costs of similar taxes vary significantly when individuals face discrete labor supply choices from when they choose working hours continuously.
Procedural fairness in ultimatum bargaining: Effects of interactional fairness and formal procedure on respondents’ reactions to unequal offers1
Authors: Fukuno Mitsuteru , Ohbuchi Ken‐Ichi
Published: July 2003

Abstract: Ninety‐nine Japanese students received one of three offers in an ultimatum bargaining scenario: unfavorable and unequal; equal; or favorable but unequal. These offers were determined by either the other participant or by a computerized lottery. We also manipulated the arbitrariness of the role assignment procedure. Participants perceived the intentional small offer as more unfair in the interactional sense than the unintentional small offer, while they perceived the same offers as unfair in the distributive sense, regardless of intentionality. The intentional small offer was more likely to be rejected than the unintentional small offer. Participants perceived the arbitrary procedure of the role assignment as highly unfair, whereas the difference of arbitrariness in role assignment procedures had no significant impact on their reactions to the offer. Acceptance of the offer was strongly determined by interactional fairness, as well as by distributive fairness, and these types of fairness were influenced by different situational characteristics, such as intentionality, the size of the offer, and the equality of the offer.
Effects of valence and framing in decision making II: Estimating subjective weighting1
Authors: Yamagishi Kimihiko
Published: July 2003

Abstract: In comparison between choice options, judgments of “How much better is a preferred option?” and “How much worse is a less preferred option?” may differ in their magnitudes. Such discrepancies are called “valence effects.” Previously, Yamagishi and Miyamoto (1996) observed systematic positive valence effects (“Better” exceeding “Worse”) in the domain of gains and systematic negative valence effects (“Worse” exceeding “Better”) in the domain of losses. The current experiment used the directions of valence effects as a tool to assess the decision maker's interpretation of choice tasks under the “framing effect” (Tversky & Kahneman, 1986). Preferences under the framing effect switch from certain options in the domain of gains to uncertain options in the domain of losses. This study examined whether preferences for certain options were associated with positive valence effects, whereas preferences for uncertain options were associated with negative valence effects. Moreover, conditions under which preference reversals under the framing manipulations ceased to occur were examined. The effects of valence showed that framing effects ceased to occur when decision makers maintained consistent task interpretations as pertaining to gains or to losses. Most importantly, the pattern of subjective weighting under the valence effects was consistent with previous explanation of valence effects (Yamagishi & Miyamoto, 1996). Possibilities for extending the current findings to understanding related psychological phenomena are discussed.
Louis XII and the porcupine: transformations of a royal emblem
Authors: Hochner N
Published: July 2003

Louis XII, king of France (r. 1498–1515), inherited the emblem of the porcupine from his grandfather and maintained its symbolism of invincibility to particular effect in the circumstances of the Italian wars and the reconquest of the Milanese. However, the bellicose role of the porcupine within royal propaganda became increasingly less adequate to the image of a ‘père du peuple’ that Louis XII adopted in 1506. This study argues through detailed analysis of medals, royal entries, illuminated manuscripts, and other resource material that a certain disenchantment was felt towards the aggressive porcupine leading to its relative neglect in royal pageantry and iconography by the second half of Louis's reign. This shift is indicative of a deeper hesitancy between the image of paternal care – faithful to the duty of the Most Christian King – and the image of paternal care – faithful to the duty of the Most Christian King – and the image of glorious triumph – more suited to a bellicose warrior. The transformations undergone by the porcupine reveal the desire to redefine the very notion of the duty of kingship.
Architecture as a public voice for women in sixteenth‐century Rome
Authors: Valone C
Published: July 2003

Women in Renaissance Rome used architectural patronage to achieve a public voice; they spoke about radical religious reform and the family, and often their discourse differed from that of Renaissance men. Unhampered by the demands of civic humanism, wealthy women such as Caterina Cibo, Vittoria Colonna, and Giovanna d'Aragona were willing to support the radical rhetoric of poverty proposed by the Capuchins, providing chiese povere– small, unadorned churches – for the newly founded order. Other women chose to talk about family as a bilinear construction as opposed to the patrilinear, patriarchal structure recommended by humanists and the Roman Catholic church. In the Gesù, four related women became patrons of the two large chapels surrounding the high altar in order to talk about reform and the affective relationships between women in the family in terms which were not defined by their husbands or fathers, or by the Jesuits.
Vagal Control of the Cranial Venae Cavae of the Rat Heart
Authors: Jones James F. X. , O'Leary Deirdre M. , Pickering Mark
Published: July 2003

The cranial venae cavae of the rat heart are composed of cardiac muscle. We tested whether the vagus nerve has an inotropic action on these blood vessels. Stimulation of right or left vagal fibres (n = 7 animals) produced a negative chronotropic and inotropic effect. Before stimulation the basal cardiac interval was 319 ± 25 ms and the vena caval diastolic force was 1.82 ± 0.29 mN and the systolic force was 3.28 ± 0.39 mN. Ten second stimulation increased the cardiac interval to a maximum of 484 ± 77 ms and reduced the systolic force significantly to 2.83 ± 0.39 mN (two‐tailed paired t test). The diastolic or baseline force was unaffected by vagal stimulation (1.85 ± 0.29 mN). The vagal negative inotropic action took significantly longer to reach peak effect (9.5 ± 1.0 s versus 3.2 ± 0.9 s) and lasted longer than the chronotropic effect (20.4 ± 2.1 s versus 10.25 ± 1.2 s). The negative inotropic action was still observed in paced preparations and preparations with transient constant‐rate tachyarrhythmias. Both the chronotropic and inotropic effects were abolished by atropine (10−6 M) and mimicked by acetylcholine chloride (10 nM). In order to minimize an atrial contribution to the force production a more reduced preparation was used and ganglion clusters at the cavo‐atrial junction were stimulated electrically (n = 4 animals). Similar negative inotropic and chronotropic effects sensitive to hexamethonium were seen. After hexamethonium administration, positive inotopic and chronotropic effects were uncovered and these were abolished by atenolol (0.1 mg%). Methylene Blue staining of the preparation at the end of the experiment showed the presence of ganglion cells at the sites of stimulation. Ganglion clusters were never seen on the venae cavae per se. The results of this investigation show that the vagus has a powerful action on the venae cavae resembling that on the atria and mediated by acetylcholine.
Agonist‐ and Nerve‐Induced Phasic Activity in the Isolated Whole Bladder of the Guinea Pig: Evidence for Two types of Bladder Activity
Authors: Gillespie J. I. , Harvey I. J. , Drake M. J.
Published: July 2003

Spontaneous localised propagating waves of contraction and localised stretches have been reported to occur in the isolated whole bladder of the guinea pig. The physiological role and the cellular processes underlying these events are unknown. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms generating this complex activity, experiments were performed to examine and compare the responses of the whole bladder preparation to (i) the muscarinic agonists carbachol and arecaidine, (ii) the nicotinic ligand lobeline and (iii) nerve stimulation. High concentrations of the muscarinic agonists (>3 μM) induced a slow rise in intra‐vesical pressure upon which were superimposed pressure transients, while low concentrations (< 300 nM) induced only phasic rises in pressure. One interpretation of these data is that there are two separate mechanisms activated by muscarinic agonists: one generating contracture and the other phasic activity. Immunocytochemical staining revealed M3 muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells within trabeculae and a second population of positive cells in the sub‐urothelial layer. This observation raises the possibility that the actions of muscarinic agonists are a consequence of activating different cell types. Lobeline (1‐60 μM) activated phasic contractions but did not cause a rise in basal pressure. Atropine did not inhibit the lobeline‐induced responses but abolished the muscarinic responses. Also, hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin did not affect the lobeline‐induced responses. These observations suggest that the mechanism generating phasic activity is activated by a nicotinic stimulus that does not involve ganglia, nerves or the neuromuscular junction. Stimulation of the bladder nerve at frequencies between 20 and 30 Hz for 5 s resulted in a rapid rise in intra‐vesical pressure. Prolonged nerve stimulation (10‐200 s) at frequencies between 1 and 10 Hz activated phasic rises in pressure. Low frequency nerve stimulation increased the frequency of agonist‐induced phasic activity. Thus, nerve stimulation can also produce two forms of activity and low frequency stimulation can augment the processes generating phasic activity. These observations suggest that there are two distinct types of bladder activity: global contractions involving most of the bladder wall and phasic contractions comprising propagating waves of contraction. The mechanisms generating these contractile events appear to be different and they may involve cells located in different regions of the bladder. The nature of these mechanisms and their possible physiological significance is discussed.
Cardiomyocyte Death and the Ageing and Failing Heart
Authors: Goldspink David F. , Burniston Jatin G. , Tan Lip‐Bun
Published: July 2003

Mammalian cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity, such that cell death can result in a net loss of viable contractile elements and a decrease in cardiac functional reserve, both during normal ageing and after insults to the myocardium leading to heart failure. At least four types of cell death have been described, with apoptosis and necrosis being the most extreme phenotypes and most extensively studied. Many of the classical morphological and biochemical features associated with these forms of cell death have been derived from studies conducted in vitro and these may not always faithfully reflect events occurring in vivo. Before therapeutic interventions can be realistically developed, more studies need to be undertaken in vivo to simultaneously investigate these different death pathways, their control mechanisms and their relative contributions in depleting the pool of viable cardiomyocytes. We recently demonstrated immunohistochemically that a single injection of either a natural or synthetic catecholamine induces both cardiomyocyte apoptosis (identified by an anti‐caspase 3 antibody) and necrosis (identified by an anti‐myosin antibody) in the rat heart in vivo. After optimising the experimental conditions for hormone dose and temporal and spatial peaks of damage, the incidence of necrosis was 4‐10 times greater than the incidence of apoptosis. Myocytes in the soleus muscle were also severely (7‐10%) damaged, involving both apoptosis and necrosis. In both striated muscles high levels of myocyte co‐localisation for apoptosis and necrosis were observed, suggesting that secondary necrosis had occurred in most of the apoptotic myocytes in vivo. The ability of the catecholamines to cause myocyte death suggests that they might play an aetiological role in the progression of heart failure where over‐activation of the sympathetic system results in sustained pathophysiological levels of these catecholamines.
Elastic and Inelastic Recovery After Plastic Deformation of DQSK Steel Sheet
Authors: Luo Limin , Ghosh Amit K.
Published: July 2003

Strain recovery after plastic prestrain and associated elastic and inelastic behavior during loading and unloading of DQSK steel sheet are measured. Average tangent modulus and Poisson’s ratio during unloading and reloading are found to differ from their elastic values in the undeformed state, and they also vary as a function of stress. This modulus, often referred to as the “springback modulus,” decreases with plastic prestrain rapidly for prestrain values <2 percent and decays slowly for larger values of prestrain, while the average Poisson’s ratio during unloading increases with plastic prestrain initially rapidly and then remains almost unchanged at larger prestrain. Changes in the springback modulus and Poisson’s ratio are shown to be due to recovery of microplastic strain and not due to viscoelastic effects. Springback modulus and Poisson’s ratio are anisotropic, showing a maximum in modulus and a minimum in Poisson’s ratio at 45 deg to rolling direction. To describe the combination of recoverable inelastic and elastic deformation as a function of plastic prestrain, a set of equations has been developed based upon a previously developed constitutive model. Calculated results are capable of explaining experimental results on modulus and Poisson’s ratio changes. Implication of the results on “springback” is illustrated and empirical relations are obtained.
Long-Term Reliability of Brittle Materials: The Issue of Crack Arrest
Authors: Charles Yann , Hild Franc¸ois , Roux Ste´phane
Published: July 2003

In structures containing brittle materials, residual and/or heterogenous stresses may prevent cracks to propagate up to failure. Consequently, for such structures, crack arrest has to be accounted for and a weakest link hypothesis may not be applicable. A probabilistic crack propagation model is derived to describe instantaneous or delayed arrest phenomena. A time-dependent regime is induced by slow crack growth experienced by ceramics and glasses. A general expression is obtained in which instantaneous up to infinite propagation times can be modeled in a unified way. The results are illustrated on a case study dealing with propagation of cracks in a thin walled tube submitted to a temperature gradient through its thickness. Different types of propagation/arrest regimes can be identified.