bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheChironomus tentanstranslation initiation factor eIF4H is present in the nucleus but does not bind to mRNA until the mRNA reaches the cytoplasmic perinuclear region
Authors: Björk Petra , Baurén Göran , Gelius Birgitta , Wrange Örjan , Wieslander Lars
Published: October 2003

In the cell nucleus, precursors to mRNA, pre-mRNAs, associate with a large number of proteins and are processed to mRNA-protein complexes, mRNPs. The mRNPs are then exported to the cytoplasm and the mRNAs are translated into proteins. The mRNAs containing in-frame premature stop codons are recognized and degraded in the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay process. This mRNA surveillence may also occur in the nucleus and presumably involves components of the translation machinery. Several translation factors have been detected in the nucleus, but their functional relationship to the dynamic protein composition of pre-mRNPs and mRNPs in the nucleus is still unclear.

Here, we have identified and characterized the translation initiation factor eIF4H in the dipteran Chironomus tentans. In the cytoplasm, Ct-eIF4H is associated with poly(A+) RNA in polysomes. We show that a minor fraction of Ct-eIF4H enters the nucleus. This fraction is independent on the level of transcription. CteIF4H could not be detected in gene-specific pre-mRNPs or mRNPs, nor in bulk mRNPs in the nucleus. Our immunoelectron microscopy data suggest that Ct-eIF4H associates with mRNP in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, immediately as the mRNP exits from the nuclear pore complex.
The 5T4 oncofoetal antigen is an early differentiation marker of mouse ES cells and its absence is a useful means to assess pluripotency
Authors: Ward Christopher M. , Barrow Katie , Woods Andrew M. , Stern Peter L.
Published: October 2003

5T4 oncotrophoblast antigen is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by trophoblast and many carcinomas but not most normal adult tissues. Results from overexpression of human and mouse 5T4 cDNA in cell lines are consistent with it having an influence on adhesion, shape and motility. We show that murine embryonic stem cell lines are 5T4 negative but that there is rapid up regulation of protein and transcripts upon differentiation, including derivatives of each primary germ layer, as evidenced by cell surface FACS, western and RT-PCR analyses. The kinetics of differentiation and 5T4 expression are closely correlated, with early events linking 5T4 expression to changes in motility and morphology. Comparison of 5T4 expression with other ES cell transcript (Oct 3/4; Rex-1) and antigen markers (Forsmann, SSEA-1) establishes 5T4 as a useful marker for the non-destructive detection of early differentiation of ES cells. For example, `undifferentiated' ES phenotype defined as SSEA-1 positive and 5T4 negative is seven times more efficient at chimera formation than SSEA-1-positive/5T4-positive cells. Thus, 5T4 glycoprotein expression is associated with early differentiative events of ES cells involving altered motility, and it has useful practical consequences for assessing ES potency and studying similar processes in development and metastasis.
Fhos, a mammalian formin, directly binds to F-actin via a region N-terminal to the FH1 domain and forms a homotypic complex via the FH2 domain to promote actin fiber formation
Authors: Takeya Ryu , Sumimoto Hideki
Published: October 2003

Formins constitute a family of eukaryotic proteins that are considered to function as a cytoskeleton organizer to regulate morphogenesis, cell polarity and cytokinesis. Fhos is a recently identified mammalian formin, which contains the conserved domains FH (formin homology) 1 and FH2 in the middle region and the Dia-autoregulatory domain (DAD) in the C-terminus. The role of Fhos in the regulation of cytoskeleton, however, has remained unknown. Here we show that Fhos, in an active form, induces the formation of actin stress fibers and localizes to the actin-based structure. Fhos appears to normally exist in a closed inactive form via an intramolecular interaction between the N-terminal region and the C-terminal DAD. Both FH1 and FH2 domains are required for the induction of the stress fiber formation. However, the N-terminal region of Fhos is required for the targeting of this protein to stress fibers, which is probably mediated via its F-actin-binding activity. We also show that Fhos occurs as a homotypic complex in cells. The self-association of Fhos seems to be mediated via the FH2 domain: the domains bind to each other in a direct manner. Thus, the mammalian formin Fhos, which directly binds to F-actin via the N-terminal region, forms a homotypic complex via the FH2 domain to organize actin cytoskeleton.
Defective endochondral ossification in mice with strongly compromised expression of JunB
Authors: Hess Jochen , Hartenstein Bettina , Teurich Sibylle , Schmidt Dirk , Schorpp-Kistner Marina , Angel Peter
Published: October 2003

Functional analysis in mice has established an absolute requirement of JunB, a member of the AP-1 transcription factor family, during early embryonic development. To investigate the role of JunB during mid and late gestation and postnatally Ubi-junB transgenic mice were used to generate two junB–/– Ubi-junB mutant lines, in which embryonic lethality was rescued but strongly reduced JunB expression in several adult tissues was observed. Mutant mice from both rescue lines were growth retarded and shared significantly reduced longitudinal bone growth. Mutant long bones were characterised by reduced numbers of growth plate chondrocytes and a severe osteoporosis. Decreased JunB levels in epiphysal growth plate chondrocytes and bone lining osteoblasts correlated with deregulated expression of Cyclin A, Cyclin D1 and p16INK4a, key regulators of cell cycle control. Furthermore, junB–/– Ubi-junB bone marrow stromal cells were unable to differentiate into bone forming osteoblasts in vitro. Our data demonstrate that JunB plays a crucial role in endochondral ossification by regulating proliferation and function of chondrocytes and osteoblasts.
Stimulation of extracellular matrix remodeling by the first type III repeat in fibronectin
Authors: Klein R. Matthew , Zheng Mingzhe , Ambesi Anthony , Van De Water Livingston , McKeown-Longo Paula J.
Published: October 2003

The fibronectin matrix contains cryptic sites which are thought to modulate cellular biological responses. One of these sites, located in fibronectin's first type III repeat (III1c), influences signaling pathways that are relevant to cytoskeletal organization and cell cycle progression. The purpose of this study was to identify possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of III1c on cell behavior. Recombinant peptides representing various type III repeats of fibronectin were compared for their effects on fibronectin matrix organization and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. III1c and III13 but not III11c or III10 bound to monolayers of human skin fibroblasts in a dose- and time-dependent manner and were localized to the extracellular matrix. Binding of III13, but not III1c, to matrix was sensitive to heparitinase, suggesting that the association of III1c with the matrix was not dependent on heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Quantitative and morphological assessment indicated that, in contrast to previously published reports, the binding of III1c to cell layers did not result in the loss or disruption of matrix fibronectin. Binding of III1c but not III13 to the extracellular matrix did result in the loss of a conformationally sensitive epitope present within the EDA type III module of cellular fibronectin. III1c-induced loss of the EDA epitope did not require the presence of cells, occurred within 1 hour and was associated with the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) followed by the formation of filopodia. Maximal phosphorylation of p38 MAPK occurred within 1 hour, whereas cytoskeletal changes did not appear until 12 hours later. These findings are consistent with a model in which the binding of III1c to the extracellular matrix results in a conformational remodeling of the fibronectin matrix, which has both short- and long-term effects on cell physiology.
Keratin-8 null mice have different gallbladder and liver susceptibility to lithogenic diet-induced injury
Authors: Tao Guo-Zhong , Toivola Diana M. , Zhong Bihui , Michie Sara A. , Resurreccion Evelyn Z. , Tamai Yoshitaka , Taketo Makoto M. , Omary M. Bishr
Published: October 2003

Keratin transgenic mouse models and the association of human keratin mutations with liver disease highlight the importance of keratins in protecting the liver from environmental insults, but little is known regarding keratins and their function in the gallbladder. We characterized keratin expression pattern and filament organization in normal and keratin polypeptide-8 (K8)-null, K18-null and K19-null gallbladders, and examined susceptibility to liver and gallbladder injury induced by a high-fat lithogenic diet (LD) in K8-null mice. The major keratins of normal mouse gallbladder are K8>K19>K18 which become markedly depleted in K8-null mice with minor K18/K19 remnants and limited K7 over-expression. Compensatory K18/K20 protein and RNA overexpression occur in K19-null but not in K18-null gallbladders, probably because of the higher levels of K19 than K18 in normal gallbladder. LD challenge causes more severe liver injury in K8-null than wild-type mice without altering keratin protein levels. In contrast, wild-type and K8-null gallbladders are equally susceptible to LD-induced injury and stone formation, but wild-type gallbladders do overexpress keratins upon LD challenge. LD-induced injury triggers keratin hyperphosphorylation in wild-type livers and gallbladders. Hence, mouse gallbladder K8/K18/K19 expression is induced in response to cholelithiasis injury. A high-fat LD increases the susceptibility of K8-null mice to liver but not gallbladder injury, which suggests that keratin mutations may increase the risk of liver damage in patients with steatohepatitis. Differences between K8-null mouse gallbladder and hepatocyte susceptibility to injury may be related to their minimal versus absent keratin expression, respectively.
DIAP1suppresses ROS-induced apoptosis caused by impairment of theselD/sps1homolog inDrosophila
Authors: Morey Marta , Corominas Montserrat , Serras Florenci
Published: October 2003

The cellular antioxidant defense systems neutralize the cytotoxic by-products referred to as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among them, selenoproteins have important antioxidant and detoxification functions. The interference in selenoprotein biosynthesis results in accumulation of ROS and consequently in a toxic intracellular environment. The resulting ROS imbalance can trigger apoptosis to eliminate the deleterious cells. In Drosophila, a null mutation in the selD gene (homologous to the human selenophosphate synthetase type 1) causes an impairment of selenoprotein biosynthesis, a ROS burst and lethality. We propose this mutation (known as selDptuf) as a tool to understand the link between ROS accumulation and cell death. To this aim we have analyzed the mechanism by which selDptuf mutant cells become apoptotic in Drosophila imaginal discs. The apoptotic effect of selDptuf does not require the activity of the Ras/MAPK-dependent proapoptotic gene hid, but results in stabilization of the tumor suppressor protein Dmp53 and transcription of the Drosophila pro-apoptotic gene reaper (rpr). We also provide genetic evidence that the initiator caspase DRONC is activated and that the effector caspase DRICE is processed to commit selDptuf mutant cells to death. Moreover, the ectopic expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis DIAP1 rescues the cellular viability of selDptuf mutant cells. These observations indicate that selDptuf ROS-induced apoptosis in Drosophila is mainly driven by the caspase-dependent Dmp53/Rpr pathway.
Early molecular events in the assembly of matrix adhesions at the leading edge of migrating cells
Authors: Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Ballestrem Christoph , Kam Zvi , Geiger Benjamin
Published: October 2003

Cellular locomotion is driven by repeated cycles of protrusion of the leading edge, formation of new matrix adhesions and retraction of the trailing edge. In this study we addressed the molecular composition and dynamics of focal complexes, formed under the leading lamellae of motile cells, and their maturation into focal adhesions. We combined phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy approaches to monitor the incorporation of phosphotyrosine and nine different focal adhesion proteins into focal complexes in endothelial cells, migrating into an in vitro `wound'. We show that newly formed complexes are located posterior to an actin-, VASP- and α-actinin-rich region in the lammelipodium. They are highly tyrosine phosphorylated, contain β3-integrin, talin, paxillin and low levels of vinculin and FAK, but are apparently devoid of zyxin and tensin. The recruitment of these proteins into focal complexes occurs sequentially, so that their specific protein composition depends on their age. Interestingly, double color, time-lapse movies visualizing both paxillin and zyxin, indicated that the transition from paxillin-rich focal complexes to definitive, zyxin-containing focal adhesions, takes place only after the leading edge stops advancing or retracts. These observations illuminate, for the first time, early stages in focal complex assembly and the dynamic process associated with its transformation into focal adhesion.
Tetraspanin CD82 regulates compartmentalisation and ligand-induced dimerization of EGFR
Authors: Odintsova Elena , Voortman Jens , Gilbert Elizabeth , Berditchevski Fedor
Published: October 2003

We have previously shown that CD82, a transmembrane protein of the tetraspanin superfamily is associated with EGFR and has a negative effect on EGF-induced signalling (Odintsova, E., Sugiura, T. and Berditchevski, F. (2000) Curr. Biol. 10, 1009-1012). Here we demonstrate that CD82 specifically attenuates ligand-induced dimerization of EGFR. The recombinant soluble large extracellular loop of CD82 has no effect on the dimerization thereby suggesting that other parts of the protein are required. Although CD82 is also associated with ErbB2 and ErbB3, ligand-induced assembly of the ErbB2-ErbB3 complexes is not affected in CD82-expressing cells. Furthermore, in contrast to the CD82-EGFR association, CD82-ErbB2 and CD82-ErbB3 complexes are stable in the presence of ErbB3 ligand. The effect of CD82 on the formation of EGFR dimers correlates with changes in compartmentalisation of the ErbB receptors on the plasma membrane. Expression of CD82 causes a significant increase in the amount of EGFR and ErbB2 in the light fractions of the sucrose gradient. This correlates with the increased surface expression of gangliosides GD1a and GM1 and redistribution of GD1a and EGFR on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, in CD82-expressing cells GD1a is co-localised with EGFR and the tetraspanin. Taken together our results offer a molecular mechanism of the attenuating activity of CD82 towards EGFR, whereby GD1a functions as a mediator of CD82-dependent compartmentalisation of the receptor.
Nongenic transcription, gene regulation and action at a distance
Authors: Cook Peter R.
Published: October 2003

In eukaryotes, motifs such as silencers, enhancers and locus control regions act over thousands of base pairs to regulate adjacent genes; insulators limit such effects, and barriers confine repressive heterochromatin to particular chromosomal segments. Recent results show that many of these motifs are nongenic transcription units, and two of them directly contact their targets lying further down the chromosome to loop the intervening DNA: the barriers (scs and scs') flanking the 87A7 heat-shock locus in the fly contact each other, and a locus control region touches the β-globin gene in the mouse. I hypothesize that the act of transcription underlies the function of these regulators; active polymerizing complexes tend to cluster into `factories' and this facilitates molecular contact between the transcribed regulator and its distant (and transcribed) target.
Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum: protecting the mitochondria from a distance
Authors: Thomenius Michael J. , Distelhorst Clark W.
Published: October 2003

Bcl-2 has been described both as an inhibitor of programmed cell death and as an inhibitor of mitochondrial dysfunction during apoptosis. It is still not clear what biochemical activity of Bcl-2 is responsible for its function, but increasing evidence indicates that a functional activity of Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protects mitochondria under diverse circumstances. Indeed, an emerging hypothesis is that, during apoptosis, the Bcl-2 family regulates ER-to-mitochondrion communication by BH3-only proteins and calcium ions and thereby triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
Cytoplasmic dynein in fungi: insights from nuclear migration
Authors: Yamamoto Ayumu , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: October 2003

Cytoplasmic dynein is a microtubule motor that mediates various biological processes, including nuclear migration and organelle transport, by moving on microtubules while associated with various cellular structures. The association of dynein with cellular structures and the activation of its motility are crucial steps in dynein-dependent processes. However, the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. In fungi, dynein is required for nuclear migration. In budding yeast, nuclear migration is driven by the interaction of astral microtubules with the cell cortex; the interaction is mediated by dynein that is probably associated with the cortex. Recent studies suggest that budding yeast dynein is first recruited to microtubules, then delivered to the cortex by microtubules and finally activated by association with the cortex. Nuclear migration in many other fungi is probably driven by a similar mechanism. Recruitment of dynein to microtubules and its subsequent activation upon association with cellular structures are perhaps common to many dynein-dependent eukaryotic processes, including organelle transport.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles from a Low-concentration CnTMAX–Sodium Silicate Components
Authors: Lin Hong-Ping , Tsai Chih-Pin
Published: October 2003

The 30–100 nm primary particles of mesoporous silica have been conveniently synthesized from a highly dilute aqueous solution of CnTAMX–sodium silicate.
Two Decades of Contributions to Marketing and Public Policy: An Analysis of Research Published in Journal of Public Policy & Marketing
Authors: Sprott David E. , Miyazaki Anthony D.
Published: October 2003

The authors examine the first 20 years of Journal of Public Policy & Marketing (JPP&M) to understand the nature, influences, and impact of marketing and public policy research published in the journal. After discussing the history of JPP&M, the authors report three related sets of analyses based on all articles published since the journal's inception. Specifically, a content analysis examines the scope and depth of research topics over time. Next, publication analyses assess how various authors and institutions have influenced the field through publishing in the journal. Finally, a citation analysis shows the impact of JPP&M articles on research published in journals of related fields.
Customer Experience with Rent-to-Own Transactions
Authors: Lacko James M. , McKernan Signe-Mary , Hastak Manoj
Published: October 2003

The authors examine the characteristics and experiences of rent-to-own customers using a nationwide survey of 532 customers and 11,575 noncustomers. The authors find that most customers have low incomes and education levels, but most have a motor vehicle and some type of credit card or bank account; most customers use rent-to-own transactions to purchase merchandise, not merely as short-term rentals; and most customers are satisfied with the transactions and are treated well if they are late making a payment, though some experience abusive collection practices. The authors discuss the implications of the findings for public policy.
Marketing Fraud: An Approach for Differentiating Multilevel Marketing from Pyramid Schemes
Authors: Nat Peter J. Vander , Keep William W.
Published: October 2003

A specific form of direct selling, multilevel marketing (MLM), experienced significant international growth during the 1990s, facilitated in part by the development of the Internet. A corresponding increase in the investigation and prosecution of illegal pyramid schemes occurred during the same period. These parallel activities led to increased uncertainty among marketing managers who used or wished to use the MLM approach. The authors examine similarities between the multilevel approach to marketing and activities associated with illegal pyramid schemes. A mathematical model is used to differentiate between the two on the basis of previous pyramid scheme cases and current U.S. law. The results of the model suggest key factors that marketers interested in MLM will need to consider when developing this type of distribution channel.
Cyber-Libel: Policy Trade-Offs
Authors: Johnson Madeline , Gelb Betsy D.
Published: October 2003

The laws that limit the publication of false but harmful statements about goods, services, or the companies that produce them do not extend to Internet service providers in the same way they do to older media. Companies therefore are vulnerable to negative communication from sources whose anonymity provides the heart of a legal dilemma: freedom of expression and privacy versus the right to damages when libeled. This dilemma leads the authors to suggest public policy and corporate policy remedies.
Us versus Them: The Roles of Organizational Identification and Disidentification in Social Marketing Initiatives
Authors: Bhattacharya C.B. , Elsbach Kimberly D.
Published: October 2003

Whereas organizational identification is defined as a cognitive connection between a person and an organization, disidentification is defined as a sense of separateness. The authors conducted a mail survey to compare the attitudes and behaviors of people who identify or disidentify with the National Rifle Association or view it in a neutral fashion. The results show that whereas identification is related to people's personal experiences, disidentification is related to their values surrounding the organization. Moreover, although both identifiers and disidentifiers talk, only identifiers take action.
Age and Consumer Socialization Agent Influences on Adolescents’ Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior: Implications for Social Marketing Initiatives and Public Policy
Authors: Moore Jesse N. , Raymond Mary Anne , Mittelstaedt John D. , Tanner John F.
Published: October 2003

Social marketing initiatives that influence adolescents’ sexual behavior are critical given that adolescents are the most at-risk group for sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. This study, involving 1343 middle school– and high school–aged students, explores relationships among several factors that potentially influence adolescents’ sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. The authors examine the influence of several socialization agents, including parents, peers, and mass media. The results show that parental influence is the most consistent socialization agent across age groupings on all dependent variables studied. However, the relative influence of parents, peers, and media may vary between middle school– and high school–aged adolescents. The authors discuss implications for social marketing initiatives, public policy, and further research.
Does Health Status Matter? Examining the Experiences of the Chronically Ill in Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Mason Marlys J. , Scammon Debra L. , Huefner Robert P.
Published: October 2003

Managed care's promises of improved cost efficiency and continuity of care to the general population are being tested by the higher demands of Medicare and Medicaid populations, including many chronically ill individuals. By examining and comparing satisfaction among chronically ill and healthier enrollees and between Medicaid and non-Medicaid enrollees, the authors develop an understanding of how satisfaction among the chronically ill provides assessments that are important to all enrollees. The authors examine public policy initiatives in the context of the special needs of the chronically ill to determine whether the initiatives are likely to help generate improvements with respect to aspects of care and access that are most important to the chronically ill and ultimately to enrollees in general.
Social Marketing Initiatives: National Kidney Foundation's Organ Donation Programs in Singapore
Authors: Lwin May O. , Williams Jerome D. , Lan Luh Luh
Published: October 2003

The authors focus on the organ donation scene in Singapore and explore the range of marketing activities and responsibilities of the primary organ procurement agency in Singapore, the National Kidney Foundation. The authors examine Horton and Horton's (1991) model of willingness to become a potential organ donor and apply it with modifications to a sample of 368 multiracial Singapore residents. The authors find that, in addition to altruistic values and product knowledge, spiritual beliefs surrounding organ donation have an impact on a person's willingness to be a potential organ donor. The authors discuss implications for marketers and policymakers.
Changing Eating Habits on the Home Front: Lost Lessons from World War II Research
Authors: Wansink Brian
Published: October 2003

Programs intended to improve nutrition often fall short of expectations. One exception, however, occurred during the rationing years of World War II, when U.S. citizens were encouraged to incorporate protein-rich organ meats into their protein-deficient diets. Unfortunately, most of the insights resulting from these efforts remained unpublished or in limited distribution. For the first time, the author synthesizes selected studies from this era according to how the program restructured social norms, changed perceptions of taste, and helped assimilate variety into the U.S. diet. The author discusses the behaviorally driven implications from these “lost lessons” in the context of the empirical contributions they made in defining what makes an unfavorable food acceptable.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs: The Evidence Says No
Authors: Lexchin Joel , Mintzes Barbara
Published: October 2003

There is little rationale for direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Most new drugs offer little if any therapeutic advantage over existing products. Direct-to-consumer advertisements frequently downplay safety information. Physicians are highly ambivalent about prescribing advertised drugs requested by patients. There is no evidence that direct-to-consumer advertising results in any improvement in health outcomes.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising down Under: An Alternative Perspective and Regulatory Framework
Authors: Hoek Janet , Gendall Philip
Published: October 2003

Only the United States and New Zealand allow direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription medicines. The authors outline the evolution of DTCA in New Zealand and the development of an industry-based self-regulatory system. The authors examine the concerns raised about self-regulation of DTCA, evaluate the evidence related to these, and identify issues that require further attention to strengthen the model currently used. The authors conclude that a self-regulatory approach, complemented by parallel government monitoring, provides an efficient, responsive system for promoting responsible and ethical DTCA.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Pharmaceuticals: A Consumer Perspective from New Zealand
Authors: Coney Sandra
Published: October 2003

New Zealand is one of only two countries in the world that allows direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. Such advertising has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, and a wide range of promotional activities currently takes place. Compliance with the legislation occurs through an industry body that hears complaints over alleged breaches. The weakness of the organized consumer sector in the country means there is a paucity of complaints, yet a self-regulating system is reliant on complaints for compliance. The author describes the unsatisfactory experience of taking a complaint and examines the argument that DTC advertising provides consumers with important information. The author measures DTC advertising against criteria for quality health information and finds it wanting.
The Role of Summary Information in Facilitating Consumers’ Comprehension of Nutrition Information
Authors: Viswanathan Madhubalan , Hastak Manoj
Published: October 2003

Percent daily values provide important information that consumers can use to manage the nutritional quality of their diets. The authors report on four experiments that examined conditions in which summary information (such as average or range) may prove more useful than daily values in assessing nutritional content and conditions in which it may not. Two experiments provided evidence that summary information outperforms percent daily values in helping consumers judge the nutritional content of a brand compared with other offerings in that category. Two more experiments identified a key variable—the availability of multiple brands for comparison—that moderates the facilitating effect of summary information.
When Do Firms Conform to Regulatory Control? The Effect of Control Processes on Compliance and Opportunism
Authors: Gilliland David I. , Manning Kenneth C.
Published: October 2003

The authors use social control theory to develop a conceptual model that addresses the effectiveness of regulatory agencies’ (e.g., Food and Drug Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) field-level efforts to obtain conformance with product safety laws. Central to the model are the control processes agencies use when monitoring organizations and enforcing the safety rules. These approaches can be labeled formal control (e.g., rigid enforcement) and informal control (e.g., social instruction). The theoretical framework identifies an important antecedent of control and the relative effectiveness of control's alternative forms in gaining compliance and reducing opportunism. Furthermore, the model predicts that the regulated firms’ level of agreement with the safety rules moderates the relationships between control and firm responses. A local health department's administration of state food safety regulations provides the empirical context for testing the hypotheses. The results from a survey of 173 restaurants largely support the proposed model. The study findings inform a discussion of effective methods of administering product safety laws.
Doing the Right Thing: The Case for the Teleservices Industry
Authors: Faley Patricia
Published: October 2003

When proposing new regulations for the teleservices industry, policymakers should take into account the business interests and perspective of a large and growing industry segment, the contribution it makes to the national economy, and the benefits it provides to consumers. The author provides an overview of the specific arguments forwarded by the teleservices industry against intense government regulation and suggests self-regulatory alternatives to accomplish the same goals.
The Value of Information in an Online Consumer Electronics Market
Authors: Baye Michael R. , Morgan John , Scholten Patrick
Published: October 2003

Consumers who bought electronics products at the lowest prices on Shopper.com during 2000 and 2001 saved an average of 16% off the average listed price. The value of the information provided by a service such as Shopper.com depends on the size of the market, which is consistent with a variety of theories. When two firms list prices, consumers save 11% by purchasing at the lowest price rather than at the average price. These savings jump to 20% when more than 30 firms list prices. However, the potential savings accrue only to consumers on the “right” side of the digital divide.
Marketing Perspectives on Federal Communications Commission Policies
Authors: Shugan Steven M.
Published: October 2003

The author briefly critiques Federal Communications Commission policies and legislative actions as reported by Sappington and Stockdale (2003) and then provides some insights from a marketing science perspective. The author questions whether competition created through regulation produces the same benefits as natural competition and argues that when natural competition fails to produce desired results, the underlying reason might be the prohibitive cost of providing service to some consumers. The author also argues for customer satisfaction measures rather than market measures to determine public policy. The article concludes with a variety of topics for further research in marketing.
On the Efficiency of Internet Markets for Consumer Goods
Authors: Ratchford Brian T. , Pan Xing , Shankar Venkatesh
Published: October 2003

The authors examine the consumer welfare implications of changes in the structure of e-commerce markets employing comprehensive data collected from BizRate.com in November 2000 and November 2001. They find that price dispersion decreased substantially between these two periods and that measured differences in e-tailer services bear little relation to e-tailer prices.
Locus of Control, Web use, and Consumer Attitudes toward Internet Regulation
Authors: Hoffman Donna L. , Novak Thomas P. , Schlosser Ann E.
Published: October 2003

The authors empirically examine how locus of control, an important consumer behavior construct, differentiates among consumers’ Web use in a marketing policy context and argue that consumers’ general expectancies as to whether they or others control events can predict their Web use and their beliefs regarding the regulation of content on the Internet. The authors test a series of hypotheses pertaining to locus of control and consumer behavior on the Internet among consumers classified as “internals” or “externals” using data collected in conjunction with the tenth WWW User Survey of the Graphics, Visualization, and Usability Center, Georgia Institute of Technology. The authors also assess scale measurement properties using single-factor confirmatory factor analysis models and test hypotheses using a correlational and structural equation modeling framework.
Marketers’ Boon in Cyberspace: The Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act
Authors: Walsh Michael G. , Lan Luh Luh , Lwin May , Williams Jerome D.
Published: October 2003

Cybersquatting continually has plagued Internet traders. The Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act is intended to protect trademark owners and consumers alike, especially in the Internet environment. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the act by reviewing recent cases that have interpreted the act, details remedies available to consumers and others under the act, and explains the defenses available to cybersquatters. The authors discuss the currently unresolved issues under the act, including those related to international protection of existing domain names. The act may have had an unintended consequence for Web site creators, however, considering that some corporations use it to bludgeon into submission former employees and others who have created Web sites critical of the respective corporation's policies and operations. A review of recent articles and court decisions casts light on whether the act is a help or a hindrance to marketers.
The Impact of New Labeling Regulations on the Use of Voluntary Nutrient-Content and Health Claims by Food Manufacturers
Authors: Caswell Julie A. , Ning Yumei , Liu Fang , Mojduszka Eliza M.
Published: October 2003

The authors analyze the impact of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act on the use of voluntary claims in 19 product categories between 1992 and 1999. The percentage of products that make nutrient-content claims decreased somewhat, and the major effect was a redistribution of claim activity among product categories. Products that make health and healthy claims increased, but these claims remained relatively rare.
Balancing Acts: An Analysis of Food and Drug Administration Letters about Direct-to-Consumer Advertising Violations
Authors: Sheehan Kim Bartel
Published: October 2003

Traditionally, physicians have considered themselves the gatekeepers to health care and have desired (and received) tight control over information conveyed to patients. Approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising changes this dynamic. The FDA is charged with promoting public health by reviewing clinical research and by taking timely, appropriate action on the marketing of regulated products. In addition, the FDA must ensure that human drugs are safe and effective. To accomplish this, the FDA must balance drug marketers’ desires to provide persuasive advertising messages with the concerns of several other groups about the effects of DTC messages on both the cost of medical care and the quality of patient interaction. The FDA must also balance these concerns with First Amendment protection of commercial speech. This study investigates the FDA's perceptions of the problems with DTC advertising. To accomplish this, the author examines FDA letters to pharmaceutical manufacturers about concerns about advertising messages that do not meet the guidelines established by the FDA. The author also provides suggestions about where the FDA should put its resources to best address these concerns: enhanced guidelines, consumer involvement, and intra-agency cooperation.
The Federal Trade Commission's Use of Unfairness Authority: Its Rise, Fall, and Resurrection
Authors: Beales J. Howard
Published: October 2003

The author outlines the important role that the Federal Trade Commission's unfairness authority plays in fashioning consumer protection policy. First, the author discusses the history of the commission's use of its unfairness authority, focusing on the lessons that the commission learned from its early experiences. Second, the author discusses the three elements of modern unfairness: The injury must be (1) substantial, (2) without offsetting benefits, and (3) one that consumers cannot reasonably avoid. He also discusses the subsidiary role of public policy. Finally, the author uses specific examples to discuss how the commission has appropriately used modern unfairness policy to address difficult problems.
Analysis of Antitrust Challenges to Category Captain Arrangements
Authors: Desrochers Debra M. , Gundlach Gregory T. , Foer Albert A.
Published: October 2003

Category management (CM) is a widely practiced supplier–retailer process for managing entire product categories as strategic business units and for customizing them on a store-by-store basis to produce enhanced business results through a focus on delivering consumer value. A particular form of CM involves “category captain” (CC) arrangements, in which a supplier, often the category leader, takes on a significant role in the retail management of the category, including the brands of competing suppliers. Although CC arrangements are capable of yielding benefits to competition, they may also enable a CC to take advantage of its role in ways that restrict competition and harm consumers. Recent antitrust litigation that targets CC arrangements illustrates the nature and magnitude of competitive issues that can arise in the arrangements. Competitive concerns about CC arrangements have also attracted the attention of public policymakers in the United States and abroad. In response to public policy developments and in recognition of the significance of CM and CC arrangements in the marketing field, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing recently collaborated with the American Antitrust Institute to convene the Roundtable on Antitrust and Category Captains. This article assembles and archives the findings, analysis, and commentary from the roundtable, and it examines antitrust issues that may attend CC arrangements.
Effect of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) co‐transplantation with fetal ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) on functional restoration in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease: neurobehavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical studies
Authors: Chaturvedi R.K. , Agrawal A.K. , Seth K. , Shukla S. , Chauhan S. , Shukla Y. , Sinha C. , Seth P.K.
Published: November 2003

Among trophic factors already known, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and other members of its family have potent and specific action on dopaminergic neurons. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to validate the role of GDNF co‐transplantation with fetal ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) on functional viability and restoration using neurobehavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical parameters at 6 weeks post‐transplantation in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). A significant restoration (P<0.01) in d‐amphetamine induced rotations, spontaneous and apomorphine induced locomotor activity in rats co‐transplanted with VMC and GDNF was observed as compared to VMC alone transplanted rats. Level of dopamine (DA), 3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) and dopamine D2 (DA‐D2) receptors in the caudate putamen (CPu) were significantly (P<0.001) restored in co‐transplanted group as compared to VMC transplanted or GDNF administered animals. The functional viability of transplanted VMC was confirmed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and quantification of TH‐positive cells by image analysis revealed a significant restoration in TH‐IR fibers density as well as TH‐IR neurons counts in co‐transplanted animals over VMC transplanted animals. Results suggest that co‐transplantation of VMC and GDNF may be a better approach towards functional restoration in 6‐OHDA lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease.
HPV prevalence among partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Rosenblatt C. , Lucon A.M. , Pereyra E.A.G. , Pinotti J.A. , Arap S. , Ruiz C.A.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find HPV DNA incidence in women with CIN and normal women and in their respective partners, as well as the relation between the virus groups found in women with CIN or normal women and in their respective partners. Methods: Partners of 30 women with CIN at several grades and of 60 normal women were prospectively assessed. In men, HPV search was performed by collecting samples through penile scraping for Hybrid Capture, followed by peniscopic evaluation and biopsy of acetowhite lesions. Results: The presence of HPV DNA in male partners does not necessarily implicate the presence of HPV or even CIN in their female partners. Conclusions: If these results are confirmed by other authors, obtaining a peniscopy, a penile biopsy, and a HPV DNA search in partners that present with no clinical lesions, but in couples with women having CIN, would not be warranted.
Pregnancy outcomes in foreign‐born and US‐born women
Authors: Forna F. , Jamieson D.J. , Sanders D. , Lindsay M.K.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To compare pregnancy outcomes between foreign‐born women and women born in the United States (US‐born). Methods: A retrospective cohort study (1991–2001) of all deliveries at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Results: Among 49 904 deliveries, 27% were to foreign‐born mothers representing 164 countries grouped into eight geographic regions. Compared with US‐born women, foreign‐born women had a higher mean birthweight (3315 vs. 3083 g), and a lower risk of preterm delivery (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.43–0.49), perinatal mortality (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.36–0.45), hypertension (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.23–0.41), and HIV infection (RR 0.13, 95%CI 0.10–0.18). However, foreign‐born women had an increased risk of diabetes (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.48–1.79), perineal laceration (RR 1.71; 95% CI 1.66–1.76), and postpartum hemorrhage (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.05–1.15). Conclusions: Foreign‐born women have better health behaviors, pregnancy outcomes, and a lower risk of infectious diseases than US‐born women, but they have a higher risk of certain medical conditions and obstetric complications.
Hyperthyroidism modifies ecto‐nucleotidase activities in synaptosomes from hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats in different phases of development
Authors: Bruno Alessandra Nejar , Da Silva Rosane Souza , Bonan Carla Denise , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Barreto‐chaves Maria Luiza M. , Sarkis João José Freitas
Published: November 2003

Here we investigate the possible effects of the hyperthyroidism on the hydrolysis of the ATP to adenosine in the synaptosomes of hippocampus, cerebral cortex and blood serum of rats in different developmental phases. Manifestations of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, nervousness, tachycardia, physical hyperactivity and weight loss amongst others. The thyroid hormones modulate a number of physiological functions in central nervous system, including development, function, expression of adenosine A1 receptors and transport of neuromodulator adenosine. Thus, hyperthyroidism was induced in male Wistar rats (5‐, 60‐, 150‐ and 330‐day old) by daily injections of l‐thyroxine (T4) for 14 days. Nucleotide hydrolysis was decreased by about 14–52% in both hippocampus and cerebral cortex in 5 to 60‐day‐old rats. These changes were also observed in rat blood serum. In addition, in 11‐month‐old rats, inhibition of ADP and AMP hydrolysis persisted in the hippocampus, whereas, in cerebral cortex, an increase in AMP hydrolysis was detected. Thus, hyperthyroidism affects the extracellular nucleotides balance and adenosine production, interfering in neurotransmitter release, development and others physiological processes in different systems.
Analysis of two sling procedures using polypropylene mesh for treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Hung M.J. , Liu F.S. , Shen P.S. , Chen G.D. , Lin L.Y. , Ho E.S.C.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the surgical outcome between the innovative tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) and conventional pubovaginal sling (PVS) procedures using polypropylene mesh. Methods: Eighty consecutive women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (SUI), who chose to undergo either a TVT (n=23) or a PVS (n=57) procedure using polypropylene mesh based on financial consideration, were recruited for this study. The surgical results were analyzed and compared subjectively and objectively. Results: The mean follow‐up interval was 23 months for the TVT and 20 months for the PVS procedure (P=0.062). Postoperatively, SUI (91.3% vs. 93.0%), concomitant urge symptoms (85.0% vs. 85.3%) and the negative impact of incontinence and urogenital distress on patients’ quality of life (79.8% vs. 77.8%) (77.4% vs. 68.8%) had improved markedly. After a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the treatment outcome of SUI was found to be independent of the main effects of patient age, parity, concurrent gynecological surgeries, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, previous failed incontinence surgeries, and concomitant urge symptoms. However, it was significantly related to treatment procedures (TVT vs. PVS) and their interaction with patient body mass index (BMI). Based on the fitted logistic model, we see that TVT performs better than PVS when BMI is less than 27.27 kg/m2, and the advantage of TVT decreases as BMI increases. Conclusion: Both TVT and PVS procedures using polypropylene mesh are effective treatment modalities for female SUI. However, TVT was not as effective in treating overweight or obese women as PVS.