bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Foreign Direct Investment Affect Wage Inequality? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Figini Paolo , Go¨rg Holger
Published: September 2011

We use a panel of more than 100 countries for the period 1980–2002 to analyse the relationship between inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and wage inequality. We particularly check whether this relationship is nonlinear, in line with a theoretical discussion. We find that the effect of FDI differs according to the level of development: we depict two different patterns, one for OECD (developed) and one for non‐OECD (developing) countries. Results suggest the presence of a nonlinear effect in developing countries: wage inequality increases with FDI inward stock, with such effect diminishing with further increases in FDI. For developed countries, wage inequality decreases with FDI inward stock, and there is no robust evidence to show that this effect is nonlinear.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Behavioral and Experimental Public Economics
Authors: PLOTT CHARLES R. , RULLIÈRE JEAN‐LOUIS , VILLEVAL MARIE CLAIRE
Published: September 2011

The workshop of the Association for Public Economic Theory on behavioral and experimental public economics was held at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, from June 24 to June 26, 2008. Thirty papers were presented in addition to keynotes by Charlie Plott and John List. The focus of the workshop was to test theoretical models using experimental methods to increase our understanding of the efficiency of mechanisms supporting the provision of public goods, social cooperation, and voting systems. This special issue aims at showing how lively and diversified the ongoing experimental research in public economics has come to be. We highlight three topics in particular: the power of voting and legal enforcement systems, the efficiency of various institutions to support cooperation in social dilemma games, and auctions.
Endogenous Move Structure and Voluntary Provision of Public Goods: Theory and Experiment
Authors: NOSENZO DANIELE , SEFTON MARTIN
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we examine voluntary contributions to a public good, embedding Varian's (1994) voluntary contribution game in extended games that allow players to choose the timing of their contributions. We show that predicted outcomes are sensitive to the structure of the extended game, and also to the extent to which players care about payoff inequalities. We then report a laboratory experiment based on these extended games. We find that behavior is similar in the two extended games: subjects avoid the detrimental move order of Varian's model, where a person with a high value of the public good commits to a low contribution, and instead players tend to delay contributions. These results suggest that commitment opportunities may be less damaging to public good provision than previously thought.
Properties of the sociolinguistic monitor1
Authors: Labov William , Ash Sharon , Ravindranath Maya , Weldon Tracey , Baranowski Maciej , Nagy Naomi
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the perceptual aspect of quantitative sociolinguistic variation in order to derive properties of a sociolinguistic monitor integrated into linguistic processing in real time. A series of experiments measured listeners’ sensitivity to frequencies in the form of variable percentages of the non‐standard apical form of the variable (ING). Subjects heard ten trial readings of broadcast news from the same speaker, and rated them on a seven‐point Likert scale of professional suitability. Responses conformed closely to a logarithmic function in which the effect of each deviation from the norm was proportional to the percent increase in deviations. The logarithmic pattern of responses was replicated in group and individual experiments in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in group experiments in Columbia, South Carolina and Durham, New Hampshire. South Carolina subjects were less critical of the /in/ variant in news broadcasting but showed the identical logarithmic function in reacting to Northern and Southern speakers. Inferences are drawn on the window of temporal resolution of the sociolinguistic monitor, its sensitivity and the pattern of attenuation over time.
The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel? Patriotism and Tax Compliance
Authors: Konrad Kai A. , Qari Salmai
Published: September 2011

We link two cross‐country datasets to analyse the relationship between individuals' patriotism and attitudes toward tax compliance. The datasets contain a number of variables that shape individuals' opportunities as well as expected benefits from tax evasion. We find a robust positive association between patriotism and tax compliance. The findings survive a variety of robustness checks, including an instrumental variables estimation to tackle the possible endogeneity of patriotism.
Government Ownership of Banks, Institutions and Economic Growth
Authors: Andrianova Svetlana , Demetriades Panicos , Shortland Anja
Published: September 2011

We present new cross‐country evidence that reveals that during 1995–2007, government ownership of banks has been robustly associated with higher long‐run growth rates. We also show that previous results suggesting that government ownership of banks is associated with lower long‐run growth rates are not robust to conditioning on more ‘fundamental’ determinants of economic growth.
Relationships between hair growth rate and morphological parameters of human straight hair: a same law above ethnical origins?
Authors: Saint Olive Baque C. , Zhou J. , Gu W. , Collaudin C. , Kravtchenko S. , Kempf J. Y. , Saint‐Léger D.
Published: September 2011

Synopsis

After measurement of individual growth rates, natural hair fibres from Asian and Caucasian subjects were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. In total, more than 1000 hairs were analysed. Measurements of diameter, medulla and interscale distance (average distance between two successive cuticle scales) show these parameters strongly correlated with hair growth rate. A thicker hair fibre corresponds to a faster growth rate, a shorter interscale distance and greater probability to have a medulla, and vice versa, a thin hair fibre shows slower growth rate, a larger interscale distance and a lower probability to have a medulla. Very interestingly, this finding appears to be unrelated to the ethnic origin of the subjects, suggesting a common characteristic of human hair, at least for the straight or semi‐straight hair studied. From a practical viewpoint, this finding clearly suggests an alternative method for measuring hair growth rates, by measuring the interscale distance, which appears easier than using common laboratory equipments.
Das Bundestagswahlrecht aus Perspektive der Social Choice-Theorie
Authors: Lindner Tobias
Published: September 2011

The current system to elect the German Bundestag (i.e. German Federal Parliament) has a major defect: more votes for one party can lead to less seats in the parliament for that same party - the so called negative voting weight. The German Federal Constitution Court has requested the Parliament to modify the electoral system in order to avoid this malfunction. There are lots of possible solutions to that problem. In this paper we attempt to evaluate several possible modifications from a Social Choice perspective. We introduce a simple system of conditions for electoral systems by which we classify possible modifications. It follows that there cannot exist an electoral system that satisfies all of these conditions. There are solutions, however, which satisfy more conditions than other possible modifications.
Better understanding of maternal deaths—the new WHO cause classification system
Authors: Say L , Chou D
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Say L, Chou D. Better understanding of maternal deaths—the new WHO cause classification system. BJOG 2011;118 (Suppl. 2):15–17.
The ‘Making it Happen’ programme in India and Bangladesh
Authors: Raven J , Utz B , Roberts D , van den Broek N
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Raven J, Utz B, Roberts D, van den Broek N. The ‘Making it Happen’ programme in India and Bangladesh. BJOG 2011;118 (Suppl. 2):100–103.

A training package designed to train health care providers in the management of common obstetric and newborn complications using a competency based ‘skills and drills’ approach is used in Bangladesh and India as one of the interventions under the ‘Making it Happen’ programme. The programme was commenced in 2009 and aims to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity by improving health care providers’ capacity to deliver Essential (Emergency) Obstetric and Newborn Care (EOC&NC) thus increasing the availability and quality of these services.

Preliminary results indicate that the training package has improved knowledge and skills of trained health care providers and ensures more signal functions of EOC are provided.
Identification of Bax–voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 complexes in digitonin‐solubilized cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Huckabee Dennis B. , Jekabsons Mika B.
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 1137–1150.

Mitochondrial outer membrane Bax oligomers are critical for cytochrome c release, but the role of resident mitochondrial proteins in this process remains unclear. Membrane‐associated Bax has primarily been studied using 3‐[(3‐cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate (CHAPS) as the solubilizing agent, as it does not induce conformational artifacts, although recent evidence indicates it may have other artifactual effects. The objective of this study was to investigate digitonin as an alternative detergent to assess Bax oligomeric state, and possible interaction with voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC)1 in cerebellar granule neurons. VDAC1 co‐immunoprecipitated with Bax in digitonin extracts from healthy and apoptotic neurons. Two‐dimensional blue native‐SDS–PAGE revealed five Bax and VDAC1 oligomers having similar masses from 120 to 500 kDa. The levels of two VDAC1 oligomers in Bax 1D1 immunodepleted extracts negatively correlated with levels of co‐precipitated VDAC1, indicating the co‐precipitated VDAC1 was derived from these oligomers. Immunodepletion with the 6A7 antibody modestly reduced the levels of Bax oligomers from apoptotic but not healthy neurons. A sixth 170 kDa oligomer containing exclusively 6A7 Bax and no VDAC1 was identified after apoptosis induction. CHAPS failed to solubilize VDAC1, and additionally yielded no distinct oligomers. We conclude that digitonin is a potentially useful detergent preserving Bax–VDAC1 interactions that may be disrupted with CHAPS.
Quantification of myocardium at risk in myocardial perfusion SPECT by co‐registration and fusion with delayed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging – an experimental ex vivo study
Authors: Ugander Martin , Soneson Helen , Engblom Henrik , van der Pals Jesper , Erlinge David , Heiberg Einar , Arheden Håkan
Published: September 2011

Background:  Myocardial perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography (MPS) can be used to assess myocardium at risk in occlusive coronary ischaemia. The aim was to develop a method to quantify myocardium at risk as perfusion defect size on ex vivo MPS using co‐registration and fusion with ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:  Pigs (n = 19) were injected 99mTc‐tetrofosmin prior to concluding 40 min of coronary artery occlusion, followed by reperfusion and MRI contrast injection. The excised heart was imaged with T1‐weighted MRI and MPS, and images were co‐registered using freely available software (Segment v1.8, http://segment.heiberg.se). The left ventricle was semi‐automatically delineated in MRI and copied to MPS. The threshold for a MPS perfusion defect was defined as the mean counts in the MPS image at the MRI‐determined border between remote myocardium and air. The threshold was measured using count maxima set to the 100th–95th percentile of counts within the myocardium. The count maximum that gave the lowest threshold variability (SD) was considered the most robust.

Results:  A count maximum using the 100th percentile yielded a threshold of (mean ± SD) 55 ± 6·2%. This method showed the lowest SD compared to 99th–95th percentile count maxima (6·6–7·2%).

Conclusions:  We describe a method for objective quantification of myocardium at risk as perfusion defect size on MPS using knowledge of the anatomy of the myocardium from co‐registered MRI. This enables simultaneous quantification of myocardium at risk by MPS and infarct size by MRI for the evaluation of treatments for myocardial infarction.
The Effects of Safety Net Hospital Closures and Conversions on Patient Travel Distance to Hospital Services
Authors: Bazzoli Gloria J. , Lee Woolton , Hsieh Hui‐Min , Mobley Lee Rivers
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine the effects of safety net hospital (SNH) closure and for‐profit conversion on uninsured, Medicaid, and racial/ethnic minorities.

Data Sources/Extraction Methods

Hospital discharge data for selected states merged with other sources.

Study Design

We examined travel distance for patients treated in urban hospitals for five diagnosis categories: ambulatory care sensitive conditions, referral sensitive conditions, marker conditions, births, and mental health and substance abuse. We assess how travel was affected for patients after SNH events. Our multivariate models controlled for patient, hospital, health system, and neighborhood characteristics.

Principal Findings

Our results suggested that certain groups of uninsured and Medicaid patients experienced greater disruption in patterns of care, especially Hispanic uninsured and Medicaid women hospitalized for births. In addition, relative to privately insured individuals in SNH event communities, greater travel for mental health and substance abuse care was present for the uninsured.

Conclusions

Closure or for‐profit conversions of SNHs appear to have detrimental access effects on particular subgroups of disadvantaged populations, although our results are somewhat inconclusive due to potential power issues. Policy makers may need to pay special attention to these patient subgroups and also to easing transportation barriers when dealing with disruptions resulting from reductions in SNH resources.
Location of Cancer Surgery for Older Veterans with Cancer
Authors: Kouri Elena M. , Landrum Mary Beth , Lamont Elizabeth B. , Bozeman Sam , McNeil Barbara J. , Keating Nancy L.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Many veterans undergo cancer surgery outside of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We assessed to what extent these patients obtained care in the VHA before surgery.

Data Sources

VHA‐Medicare data, VHA administrative data, and Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry data.

Study Design

We identified patients aged ≥65 years in the VHA‐Medicare cohort who underwent lung or colon cancer resection outside the VHA and assessed VHA visits in the year before surgery.

Principal Findings

Over 60% of patients in the VHA‐Medicare cohort who received lung or colon cancer surgeries outside the VHA did not receive any care in VHA before surgery.

Conclusions

Veterans’ receipt of major cancer surgery outside the VHA probably reflects usual private sector care among veterans who are infrequent VHA users.
Retracted: Cannabinoid CB2 receptors modulate ERK‐1/2 kinase signalling and NO release in microglial cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Merighi Stefania , Gessi Stefania , Varani Katia , Simioni Carolina , Fazzi Debora , Mirandola Prisco , Borea Pier Andrea
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists have potential utility as anti‐inflammatory drugs in chronic immune inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we characterized the signal transduction pathways affected by CB2 receptors in quiescent and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated murine microglia.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of the synthetic CB2 receptor ligand, JWH‐015, on phosphorylation of MAPKs and NO production.

KEY RESULTS Stimulation of CB2 receptors by JWH‐015 activated JNK‐1/2 and ERK‐1/2 in quiescent murine microglial cells. Furthermore, CB2 receptor activation increased p‐ERK‐1/2 at 15 min in LPS‐stimulated microglia. Surprisingly, this was reduced after 30 min in the presence of both LPS and JWH‐015. The NOS inhibitor l‐NAME blocked the ability of JWH‐015 to down‐regulate the LPS‐induced p‐ERK increase, indicating that activation of CB2 receptors reduced effects of LPS on ERK‐1/2 phosphorylation through NO. JWH‐015 increased LPS‐induced NO release at 30 min, while at 4 h CB2 receptor stimulation had an inhibitory effect. All the effects of JWH‐015 were significantly blocked by the CB2 receptor antagonist AM 630 and, as the inhibition of CB2 receptor expression by siRNA abolished the effects of JWH‐015, were shown to be mediated specifically by activation of CB2 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB2 receptor stimulation activated the MAPK pathway, but the presence of a second stimulus blocked MAPK signal transduction, inhibiting pro‐inflammatory LPS‐induced production of NO. Therefore, CB2 receptor agonists may promote anti‐inflammatory therapeutic responses in activated microglia.
VPAC receptors: structure, molecular pharmacology and interaction with accessory proteins
Authors: Couvineau Alain , Laburthe Marc
Published: September 2011

The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide with wide distribution in both central and peripheral nervous systems, where it plays important regulatory role in many physiological processes. VIP displays a large biological functions including regulation of exocrine secretions, hormone release, fetal development, immune responses, etc. VIP appears to exert beneficial effect in neuro‐degenerative and inflammatory diseases. The mechanism of action of VIP implicates two subtypes of receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2), which are members of class B receptors belonging to the super‐family of GPCR. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the structure and molecular pharmacology of VPAC receptors. The structure–function relationship of VPAC1 receptor has been extensively studied, allowing to understand the molecular basis for receptor affinity, specificity, desensitization and coupling to adenylyl cyclase. Those studies have clearly demonstrated the crucial role of the N‐terminal ectodomain (N‐ted) of VPAC1 receptor in VIP recognition. By using different approaches including directed mutagenesis, photoaffinity labelling, NMR, molecular modelling and molecular dynamic simulation, it has been shown that the VIP molecule interacts with the N‐ted of VPAC1 receptor, which is itself structured as a ‘Sushi’ domain. VPAC1 receptor also interacts with a few accessory proteins that play a role in cell signalling of receptors. Recent advances in the structural characterization of VPAC receptor and more generally of class B GPCRs will lead to the design of new molecules, which could have considerable interest for the treatment of inflammatory and neuro‐degenerative diseases.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Secretin Family (Class B) G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐1
A novel angiopoietin‐derived peptide displays anti‐angiogenic activity and inhibits tumour‐induced and retinal neovascularization
Authors: Palmer GM , Tiran Z , Zhou Z , Capozzi ME , Park W , Coletta C , Pyriochou A , Kliger Y , Levy O , Borukhov I , Dewhirst MW , Rotman G , Penn JS , Papapetropoulos A
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pathological angiogenesis is associated with various human diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and retinopathy. The angiopoietin (Ang)–Tie2 system plays critical roles in several steps of angiogenic remodelling. Here, we have investigated the anti‐angiogenic effect of a novel angiopoietin‐derived peptide.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using computational methods, we identified peptides from helical segments within angiopoietins, which were predicted to inhibit their activity. These peptides were tested using biochemical methods and models of angiogenesis. The peptide with best efficacy, A11, was selected for further characterization as an anti‐angiogenic compound.

KEY RESULTS The potent anti‐angiogenic activity of A11 was demonstrated in a multicellular assay of angiogenesis and in the chorioallantoic membrane model. A11 bound to angiopoietins and reduced the binding of Ang‐2 to Tie2. A11 was also significantly reduced vascular density in a model of tumour‐induced angiogenesis. Its ability to inhibit Ang‐2 but not Ang‐1‐induced endothelial cell migration, and to down‐regulate Tie2 levels in tumour microvessels, suggests that A11 targets the Ang–Tie2 pathway. In a rat model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy, A11 strongly inhibited retinal angiogenesis. Moreover, combination of A11 with an anti‐VEGF antibody showed a trend for further inhibition of angiogenesis, suggesting an additive effect.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that A11 is a potent anti‐angiogenic compound, through modulation of the Ang–Tie2 system, underlining its potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of ocular and tumour neovascularization, as well as other pathological conditions that are dependent on angiogenesis.
Recommendations for the prevention of pregnancy‐associated venous thromboembolism
Authors: McLINTOCK Claire , BRIGHTON Tim , CHUNILAL Sanjeev , DEKKER Gus , McDONNELL Nolan , McRAE Simon , MULLER Peter , TRAN Huyen , WALTERS Barry N.J. , YOUNG Laura
Published: September 2011

Pregnancy is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Although there is a 4–5‐fold increased risk compared to that of nonpregnant women of the same age, the absolute risk is low at no more than two episodes of VTE per 1000 pregnancies. There is uncertainty about which women require thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy or postpartum because of a lack of data from appropriate clinical trials. For this reason, recommendations for prophylaxis should be made only after explaining the available evidence to the patient and taking into account her perception of the balance of risk and benefit in thromboprophylaxis. The aim of these recommendations is to provide clinicians with practical advice to assist in decisions regarding thromboprophylaxis in women considered to be at risk of VTE during pregnancy and the postpartum. The authors are clinicians from across New Zealand and Australia representing the fields of haematology, obstetric medicine, anaesthesiology, maternal–fetal medicine and obstetrics. Authors were invited to review the relevant literature and then worked collaboratively to devise recommendations and resolve areas of controversy. The recommendations contained herein were reached by consensus and represent the opinion of the panel. The absence of randomised clinical trials in this area limits the strength of evidence that can be used, and it is acknowledged that they represent level C evidence. The panel advocates for appropriate clinical studies to be carried out in this patient population to address the inadequacy of present evidence.
The past and current status of endangered butterflies in Korea
Authors: CHOI Sei‐Woong , KIM Sung‐Soo
Published: September 2011

Here we review the current situation of endangered butterflies in Korea and describe the causes of their decline. Because no details regarding the changes in butterfly populations across the country were available, we selected candidate butterfly species based on a score sheet sent to six specialists in Korea. Twenty species were finally selected and assessed. As a result, 3 critically endangered, 14 endangered and 3 vulnerable species were identified. We attempted to identify the possible causes of decline by addressing habitat loss (grassland or riparian grassland), forest succession, warmer temperature, over‐collecting and loss of symbiont ants. We discuss the causal factors with the current situation of butterfly populations in Korea.
Curriculum Vitae: Embodied Ethics at the Seams of Intelligibility
Authors: Cameron Paula
Published: September 2011

Sites of embodied disruption challenge academics to engage with power at its seams. In this article I consider an ethics of embodiment, situating it within questions raised by Judith Butler in her articles, “Doing Justice to Someone” (Butler 2001a) and “Giving an Account of Oneself” (Butler 2001b). In “Giving an Account,” Butler claims that gaps in knowledge and representation are germane to ethical practice, that brave inadequacies and creative approximations are the best we can do for others and ourselves. In “Doing Justice,” Butler enacts this stance, recounting the story of David Reimer, a child who in 1965 was offered up to science after his penis was severed in a botched circumcision. She seizes upon, through narrative fragments, a body whose sexual indeterminacy became the site and occasion for particularly brutal regimes of interpretation. Butler situates this patchwork narrative within the academic industry that reappropriates David's story for its own purposes. Taking Butler's ideas to heart, I carefully trace the nuances of her argument and highlight the (necessary) silences and foreclosures of her account. I propose “seamfulness” as a possible ethical‐aesthetic strategy for embodying Butler's ethical concerns. I close by briefly introducing some implications for arts‐informed representations in academic work.
Liquidity in Frictional Asset Markets
Authors: ROCHETEAU GUILLAUME , WEILL PIERRE‐OLIVIER
Published: September 2011

On November 14–15, 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland hosted a conference on “Liquidity in frictional asset markets.” In this paper, we review the literature on asset markets with trading frictions in both finance and monetary theory using a simple search‐theoretic model, and we discuss the papers presented at the conference in the context of this literature. We will show the diversity of topics covered in this literature, for example, the dynamics of housing and credit markets, the functioning of payment systems, optimal monetary policy and the cost of inflation, the role of banks, the effect of informational frictions on asset trading.
Trading Frictions and House Price Dynamics
Authors: CAPLIN ANDREW , LEAHY JOHN
Published: September 2011

We model liquidity in housing markets. The model provides a simple characterization for the joint process of prices, sales, and inventory. We compare the implications of the model to certain properties of housing markets. The model can generate the large price changes and the positive correlation between prices and sales that we see in the data. Unlike the data, prices are negatively autocorrelated and high inventory predicts price appreciation. We investigate several amendments to the model. Informational frictions show promise.
Precautionary Reserves and the Interbank Market
Authors: ASHCRAFT ADAM , MCANDREWS JAMES , SKEIE DAVID
Published: September 2011

Extreme disruptions in the interbank market severely hampered the broader financial system during the 2007–08 financial crisis. We use Fedwire data to estimate fed funds trades and track banks’ intraday balances. We show empirical evidence of banks’ precautionary holding of reserves and reluctance to lend linked to documented extreme fed funds rate volatility, including the fed funds rate spiking above the discount rate and crashing to zero. We develop a model of constrained banks that makes new predictions and provides a unified explanation for the stark anomalies during the crisis, our empirical findings, and previous stylized facts from normal times.
Price‐Level Targeting and Stabilization Policy
Authors: BERENTSEN ALEKSANDER , WALLER CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2011

We construct a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to study optimal monetary stabilization policy. Prices are fully flexible and money is essential for trade. Our main result is that if the central bank pursues a price‐level target, it can control inflation expectations and improve welfare by stabilizing short‐run shocks to the economy. The optimal policy involves smoothing nominal interest rates that effectively smooths consumption across states.
The Impacts of System and Human Factors on Online Learning Systems Use and Learner Satisfaction
Authors: Alshare Khaled A. , Freeze Ronald D. , Lane Peggy L. , Wen H. Joseph
Published: September 2011

Success in an online learning environment is tied to both human and system factors. This study illuminates the unique contributions of human factors (comfort with online learning, self‐management of learning, and perceived Web self‐efficacy) to online learning system success, which is measured in terms of usage and satisfaction. The research model was tested employing SEM on a sample of 674 college students enrolled in at least one online course. The factors of comfort with online learning and perceived Web self‐efficacy were significant predictors of satisfaction. Comfort with online learning was significant in predicting usage. The impact of demographic variables was examined.
The Impact of Rate Regulation on Claims: Evidence From Massachusetts Automobile Insurance
Authors: Derrig Richard A. , Tennyson Sharon
Published: September 2011

Abstract

The article tests the hypothesis that insurance price subsidies created by rate regulation lead to higher insurance cost growth. The article makes use of data from the Massachusetts private passenger automobile insurance market, where cross‐subsidies were explicitly built into the rate structure through rules that limit rate differentials and differences in rate increases across driver rating categories. Two approaches are taken to study the potential loss cost reaction to the Massachusetts cross‐subsidies. The first approach compares Massachusetts with all other states while controlling for demographic, regulatory, and liability coverage levels. Loss cost levels that were about 29 percent above the expected level are found for Massachusetts during years 1978–1998, when premiums charged were those fixed by the state and included explicit subsidies for high‐risk drivers. A second approach considers changing cost levels across Massachusetts by studying loss cost changes by town and relating those changes to subsidy providers and subsidy receivers. Subsidy data based on accident year data for 1993–2004 show a significant and positive (relative) growth in loss costs and an increasing proportion of high‐risk drivers for towns that were subsidy receivers, in line with the theory of underlying incentives for adverse selection and moral hazard.
Entrepreneurial Orientation: Reviewing Three Papers and Implications for Further Theoretical and Methodological Development
Authors: Slevin Dennis P. , Terjesen Siri A.
Published: September 2011

We evaluate the contributions to entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in three articles: Wales, Monsen, and McKelvie; Wiklund and Shepherd; and Morris, Webb, and Franklin, commenting on key findings and their implications for further development of EO. We outline the potential for a multiplicative construct of EO and future directions for research in the field of international entrepreneurship: cross–border internationalizing firms and comparative studies.
Differential effect of the expression of TGF‐β pathway inhibitors, Smad‐7 and Ski, on invasive breast carcinomas: relation to biologic behavior
Authors: THEOHARI IRINI , GIANNOPOULOU IOANNA , MAGKOU CHRISTINA , NOMIKOS ALEXANDROS , MELISSARIS SAVVAS , NAKOPOULOU LYDIA
Published: September 2011

Theohari I, Giannopoulou I, Magkou C, Nomikos A, Melissaris S, Nakopoulou L. Differential effect of the expression of TGF‐β pathway inhibitors, Smad‐7 and Ski, on invasive breast carcinomas: relation to biologic behavior. APMIS 2011.

The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of Smad‐7 and Ski proteins in invasive breast carcinomas, to determine their clinicopathological value and their influence on carcinomas biologic behavior. Immunohistochemistry was applied on 150 invasive breast carcinomas to detect the expression of Smad‐7 and Ski. Their correlation to clinicopathologic parameters and markers of metastasis was statistically processed using chi‐squared test. Overall and disease‐free survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier test and log‐rank statistics. Smad‐7 was immunodetected in the cytoplasm of cancer cells in 60%, whereas Ski was immunodetected in the cytoplasm and nuclei in 44.5% and 17.6% of the cases, respectively. Smad‐7 expression was positively correlated with tumor size, stage, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, and MMP‐14. Cytoplasmic Ski expression was negatively associated with tumor size, stage, and lymph node status, and its nuclear expression was negatively related to histologic grade. Cytoplasmic Ski expression was associated with longer overall and disease‐free survival. It appears that two negative regulators of the transforming growth factor‐β pathway, Smad‐7 and Ski, behave differentially in invasive breast carcinomas. Smad‐7 appears to be related with an aggressive phenotype, whereas Ski expression is related to a less aggressive behavior and positively influences patients’ survival.
Immunoglobulin G antibodies against deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides outperform anti‐endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies in children <2 years age
Authors: MUBARAK A , GMELIG‐MEYLING FHJ , WOLTERS VM , TEN KATE FJW , HOUWEN RHJ
Published: September 2011

Mubarak A, Gmelig‐Meyling FHJ, Wolters VM, Ten Kate FJW, Houwen RHJ. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides outperform anti‐endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies in children <2 years. APMIS 2011; 119: 894–900.

To investigate the usefulness of deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies in the diagnosis of celiac disease, serology was tested in 212 children suspected with celiac disease who had undergone a small‐intestinal‐biopsy. For deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies, two kits were tested. Positive and negative predictive values for IgA deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies using the Bindazyme‐kit were 89% and 74%, while the Quanta‐Lite‐kit had values of 89% and 85%, respectively. For the IgG subtype using the Bindazyme‐kit, these values were 85% and 89%, while they were 85% and 91% for the Quanta‐Lite‐kit. The positive predictive values for endomysium and tissue‐transglutaminase antibodies were disappointing (77% and 87%), although the negative predictive values were better (97% and 96%). When the analysis was restricted to the 41 children aged <2 years, no misclassifications occurred with IgG deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies giving 100% accuracy in both kits. The positive predictive value reached 100% for tissue‐transglutaminase antibodies and both kits for IgA deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies, while the negative predictive value was 94% in these assays. Positive and negative predictive values for endomysium antibodies were 96% and 93%, respectively. In conclusion, although deamidated‐gliadin‐peptides‐antibodies do not outperform anti‐endomysium antibodies in the total study population, the IgG subtype seems to be the best test in children aged <2 years, reaching 100% accuracy.
Antigen‐presenting cell marker expression and phagocytotic activity in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Konermann A. , Deschner J. , Allam J. P. , Novak N. , Winter J. , Baader S. L. , Jepsen S. , Jäger A.
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 340–347

Background:  Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are the main cellular constituents of the periodontium, maintain the integrity of the connective tissue, and impact pathology in periodontitis. The aim of this study was to analyze whether PDL cells recognize foreign particles and participate in the immune response to periodontal pathogens.

Methods:  Expression of surface proteins characteristic of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) (major histocompatibility complex [MHC] class II, CD40, CD80, CD86) was analyzed in PDL cells after challenge with the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐17A, and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) or with heat‐killed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans using real‐time PCR and flow cytometry. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmitted light microscopy, flow cytometry, and time‐lapse microscopy were applied to analyze their phagocytotic capacity of collagen (carboxylate‐modified microspheres), non‐periodontal (Escherichia coli) and periodontal (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) pathogens. Furthermore, it was examined whether cytokine activation of PDL cells affects the phagocytosis of collagen or bacteria.

Results:  PDL cells upregulated MHC class II after cytokine stimulation on transcriptional level, whereas co‐stimulatory molecules characteristic of professional APCs were not induced. Analyses on protein level revealed that MHC class II was not constitutively expressed in all PDL cell lines used. PDL cells phagocytosed both collagen and bacteria via acidic vesicles, suggesting the formation of phagosomes. Phagocytosis could be partially inhibited by inhibitors of phagocytosis, i.e., dynasore and wortmannin. Pre‐incubation with cytokines did not further enhance the phagocytosis rate of collagen or bacteria.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that PDL cells do not only represent bystanders in periodontal infections, but display non‐professional APC characteristics, suggesting possible participation in immune reactions of the oral cavity.
The Ins and Outs of HIV‐1 Tat
Authors: Debaisieux Solène , Rayne Fabienne , Yezid Hocine , Beaumelle Bruno
Published: September 2011

HIV‐1 encodes for the small basic protein Tat (86–101 residues) that drastically enhances the efficiency of viral transcription. The mechanism enabling Tat nuclear import is not yet clear, but studies using reporter proteins fused to the Tat basic domain indicate that Tat could reach the nucleus by passive diffusion. Tat also uses an unusual transcellular transport pathway. The first step of this pathway involves high‐affinity binding of Tat to phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a phospholipid that is concentrated in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and enables Tat recruitment at this level. Tat then crosses the plasma membrane to reach the outside medium. Although unconventional, Tat secretion by infected cells is highly active, and export is the major destination for HIV‐1 Tat. Secreted Tat can bind to a variety of cell types using several different receptors. Most of them will allow Tat endocytosis. Upon internalization, low endosomal pH triggers a conformational change in Tat that results in membrane insertion. Later steps of Tat translocation to the target‐cell cytosol are assisted by Hsp90, a general cytosolic chaperone. Cytosolic Tat can trigger various cell responses. Indeed, accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular Tat acts as a viral toxin that affects the biological activity of different cell types and has a key role in acquired immune‐deficiency syndrome development. This review focuses on some of the recently identified molecular details underlying the unusual transcellular transport pathway used by Tat, such as the role of the single Trp in Tat for its membrane insertion and translocation.
Protein Trafficking Rates Assessed by Quantum Dot Quenching with Bromocresol Green
Authors: Valentine Cathleen D. , Verkman A.S. , Haggie Peter M.
Published: September 2011

Quantum dots are bright, photostable fluorophores used extensively to investigate biological processes. In this study, we report that bromocresol green (BCG) at low micromolar concentrations rapidly, efficiently and reversibly quenches the fluorescence of commercial quantum dots having a wide range of functionalities. The broad utility of BCG quenching of quantum dots in cell biology is showed in quantitative assays of trafficking of the β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).
At the Crossroads of Chemistry and Cell Biology: Inhibiting Membrane Traffic by Small Molecules
Authors: von Kleist Lisa , Haucke Volker
Published: September 2011

Intracellular membrane traffic regulates cell physiology at multiple levels ranging from cell growth and development to the function of the nervous and immune systems. Multiple endocytic routes are used by distinct cargoes including ligands bound to their receptors but also viruses and pathogens to gain access to the cell interior. Within the endosomal system, proteins and lipids are sorted for degradation or recycling allowing cells to dynamically respond to environmental signals and to regulate cell shape and morphology. Some receptors or toxins are sorted along the retrograde pathway from endosomes to the Golgi complex, where they intersect with secretory cargo destined for exocytosis. Genetic manipulations of these pathways frequently cause problems with regard to data interpretation as the resulting phenotypes may be indirect consequences resulting from perturbation of multiple steps or trafficking routes. Hence, novel approaches are needed to acutely and reversibly perturb intracellular membrane traffic, e.g. by small molecule inhibitors. Such drugs may also be pharmacologically important as they offer new avenues to fight human diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the small molecules available to interfere with intracellular membrane traffic and outline strategies for future research.
Tertiary interactions between helices h13 and h44 in 16S RNA contribute to the fidelity of translation
Authors: Tran Diem K. , Finley Jason , Vila‐Sanjurjo Antón , Lale Ajit , Sun Qing , O’Connor Michael
Published: September 2011

The A‐minor interaction, formed between single‐stranded adenosines and the minor groove of a receptor helix, is among the most common motifs found in rRNA. Among the A‐minors found in 16S rRNA are a set of interactions between adenosines at positions 1433, 1434 and 1468 in helix 44 (h44) and their receptors in the nucleotide 320–340 region of helix 13 (h13). These interactions have been implicated in the maintenance of translational accuracy, because base substitutions at the adjacent C1469 increase miscoding errors. We have tested their functional significance through mutagenesis of h13 and h44. Mutations at the h44 A residues, or the A‐minor receptors in h13, increase a variety of translational errors and a subset of the mutants show decreased association between 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits. These results are consistent with the involvement of h13–h44 interactions in the alignment and packing of these helices in the 30S subunit and the importance of this helical alignment for tRNA selection and subunit–subunit interaction.
Multimodal therapy as an algorithm to limb salvage in diabetic patients with large heel ulcers
Authors: Goudie Ewan B. , Gendics Cynthia , Lantis John C
Published: September 2011

In many series of diabetic foot ulcer care, heel ulcers greater than 4 cm across have been identified as an independent predictor of limb loss. Therefore, we set out to pursue the most aggressive limb salvage algorithm in patients with heel ulcers greater than 4 cm in diameter. Over 5 years, we identified 21 patients, 39–84 years of age, all with diabetes mellitus, with heel ulcers greater than 4 cm in diameter and had magnetic resonance imaging or bone scan evidence of osteomyelitis. Seven of the 21 patients had end‐stage renal disease defined as being haemodialysis dependent. All patients had ankle brachial indices <0·4 or monophasic pulse volume recordings. All patients underwent distal bypass surgery with vein. After adequate perfusion was obtained, all patients underwent partial calcanectomy and intra‐operative negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) placement. This was followed by treatment with recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF). One patient underwent amputation during the healing process secondary to ongoing sepsis. Twenty of 21 patients healed acutely (within 6 months). Three of 20 patients went on to subsequent below knee amputation within 12 months of healing primarily. At 2 years, 12 of 21 (57%) were ambulating independently, 1 of 21 was dead, 4 of 21 had undergone amputation, 4 (19%) had limbs that were intact but were not ambulating. A total limb salvage rate of 76% at 2 years mirrored the secondary patency rates, with 100% follow up. Heel ulcers require multimodality therapy if they are going to have any chance to heal. We believe the algorithm presented allows for the required revascularisation and a modulation of the heel ulcer microenvironment by augmenting the microcirculation through NPWT, and improving the proliferative capacity with PDGF.
Classical Conditioning of Sexual Response in Women: A Replication Study
Authors: Both Stephanie , Brauer Marieke , Laan Ellen
Published: September 2011

Introduction

According to incentive motivation models, sexual stimuli play a crucial role in eliciting sexual arousal, desire, and behavior. Therefore, it seems highly valuable to investigate the process through which stimuli acquire motivational value. Although many theories of human sexual behavior assume that sexual stimuli obtain arousing properties through classical conditioning, systematic research on classical conditioning of sexual responses in humans is scarce. Recently, however, our research group observed conditioned genital responses in women using a differential conditioning procedure and genital vibrostimulation as unconditional stimulus (US).

Aim

The aim of the present experiment was to perform an extended replication of this previous study to test the efficacy of our conditioning paradigm.

Methods

A differential conditioning experiment was conducted in 32 sexually functional women. Neutral pictures served as conditional stimuli (CSs) and genital vibrostimulation as US. Only one CS (the CS+) was followed by the US during the acquisition phase. Conditioned responses were assessed during the extinction phase.

Main Outcome Measures

Vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) and skin conductance level were assessed, and ratings of affective value and sexual arousal were obtained.

Results

As expected, during the extinction phase, VPA was higher in response to the CS+ than to the CS−. Also, the CS+ tended to be evaluated as more positive and as more sexually arousing than the CS−. In addition, the magnitude of conditioned subjective affect was related to scores on the Sexual Inhibition\Sexual Excitation Scales. Skin conductance levels showed no conditioning effect.

Conclusion

Genital and subjective sexual responses were successfully modulated by the differential conditioning paradigm. This replication of our previous study confirms the effectiveness of our conditioning procedure and indicates that it may provide a fruitful paradigm for further research on associative sexual reward learning in humans.