bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12 Reforming Labor Market Institutions: Unemployment Insurance and Employment Protection
Authors: Blanchard Olivier
Published: May 2008

This chapter explores the characteristics of both optimal and actual unemployment insurance and employment protection. It then sketches potential paths for reforms in both rich and middle-income countries. There is a role for both state-provided unemployment insurance and employment protection. In rich countries, one challenge is to combine unemployment insurance with strong incentives for the unemployed to take jobs. The other challenge is to redefine employment protection by reducing administrative constraints and judicial intervention, and relying more on financial incentives. In middle-income countries, the main challenge is to move from the current system of high severance payments and employment protection to a system of state-provided unemployment benefits and lower severance payments. Modern economies are characterized by high levels of job creation and job destruction: such reallocation is central to productivity growth. Job destruction risks unemployment. Private markets, left to themselves, do a poor job of protecting workers. This suggests a potentially welfare-improving role for state intervention, through the joint design of unemployment insurance and employment protection. Designing and putting in place the right institutions is a complex task. The evidence is that many rich countries, particularly in Europe, have done a poor job. The mistakes they made have led both to poorly functioning labour market, and high unemployment. It is therefore essential to take a step back and think about the optimal design of labor market institutions. European countries already have a complex set of labour market institutions; reforms mean transforming existing institutions. Poorer countries, such as those in Latin America have more embryonic labour market institutions to start, and more limited institutional capability; reforms mean putting in place new, potentially simpler, institutions. The goal of this chapter is to explore these themes.
16 A Practical Approach to Formulating Growth Strategies
Authors: Rodrik Dani
Published: May 2008

This chapter starts with a paradox: ‘development’ is working while ‘development policy’ is not. On the one hand, the last quarter century has witnessed a tremendous and historically unprecedented improvement in the material conditions of hundreds of millions of people living in some of the poorest parts of the world. On the other hand, ‘development policy’ as it is commonly understood and advocated by multilateral organizations, aid agencies, Northern academics, and Northern-trained technocrats has largely failed to live up to its promise. For evidence on the former point, we can turn to Asia. For evidence on the latter, we can look at Latin America and Africa. One conclusion one could take from this is that our ability as economists to design and recommend growth strategies is extremely limited. It is argued that we can do better than adopt this kind of nihilistic attitude towards policy advice. If the original Washington Consensus erred in being too detailed and specific, and in assuming that the same set of policies work the same everywhere, policy nihilism goes too far in undervaluing the benefit of economic reasoning. The chapter outlines a way of thinking about growth strategies that avoids these two extremes. This approach consists of three elements. First, we need to undertake a diagnostic analysis to figure out where the most significant constraints on economic growth are. Second, we need creative and imaginative policy design to target the identified constraints appropriately. Third, we need to institutionalize the process of diagnosis and policy response to ensure that the economy remains dynamic and growth does not peter out. Each of these elements is discussed.
Ecosystem trends: evidence for agreement between fishers' perceptions and scientific information
Authors: Rochet Marie-Joëlle , Prigent Magali , Bertrand Jacques A. , Carpentier André , Coppin Franck , Delpech Jean-Paul , Fontenelle Guy , Foucher Eric , Mahé Kelig , Rostiaux Emilie , Trenkel Verena M.
Published: May 2008

Rochet, M-J., Prigent, M., Bertrand, J. A., Carpentier, A., Coppin, F., Delpech, J-P., Fontenelle, G., Foucher, E., Mahé, K., Rostiaux, E., and Trenkel, V. M. 2008. Ecosystem trends: evidence for agreement between fishers' perceptions and scientific information. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1057–1068. The results of a survey on fishers' perceptions of recent changes in the eastern English Channel ecosystem carried out in 2006 were compared with fishery and bottom-trawl survey data. A hypothesis-testing framework was used, testing the null hypothesis that fishers' statements were true, which permitted evaluation of both agreement and disagreement. Overall good agreement between fishers' statements and scientific data was found, and both sources suggested that the fish community in the Channel is undergoing large changes, among which are decreases in some commercially important species; in addition, a number of human pressures impact the ecosystem. Fishers had an accurate perception of changes and their time-frames, but not necessarily of their causes. They had a greater power than survey data to detect recent changes, showing that fishers' perceptions have great potential as early warning signals.
Adult Mental Health Assessment
Authors: Kendrick Tony , Simon Chantal
Published: May 2008

In the UK, one in six adults has a neurotic disorder (such as anxiety and depression); while one in seven has considered suicide at some point in their lives. One in 200 has a psychotic disorder such as psychosis and schizophrenia. More people are currently not working because of mental health problems than any other issue. The role of the GP in their care is crucial as 90% are cared for entirely in primary care. About 30% of GP consultations have a mental health component and GPs have a role in detection, treatment, referral and ongoing community support of people with mental health disorders.
Assessing Adults Who are Coughing in Primary Care
Authors: Everitt Hazel
Published: May 2008

Respiratory problems, including infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, are a very common reason for patients to attend their GPs. Eight million people suffer from respiratory disease in the UK, with one-third of the population visiting their general practice at least once a year with a respiratory condition. Cough is the most common reason for patients to visit their GP.
Lung Cancer
Authors: Simon Chantal , Watson Max , Drake Anne , Fenton Audrey , McLoughlin Caroline
Published: May 2008

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Each year 37 000 patients are diagnosed with lung cancer and overall it is the third most common cause of death in the UK. The incidence of lung cancer increases with age and 85% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are over the age of 65. Less than 1% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are aged under 40 at presentation. Traditionally, the number of men with lung cancer has far exceeded the number of women, but the incidence is increasing in women ( Fig. 1 ).
Large scale experimental effects of three levels of sheep densities on an alpine ecosystem
Authors: Austrheim Gunnar , Mysterud Atle , Pedersen Bård , Halvorsen Rune , Hassel Kristian , Evju Marianne
Published: May 2008

Plant–herbivore dynamics is a major topic in ecological research, but empirical knowledge on the ecological effects of different densities of large grazers from fully replicated experiments is rare. Previous studies have focused on grazing vs no grazing, and our understanding of the extent to which different levels of grazing alter vegetation composition, and how quickly such effects can be measured, is therefore limited. We performed a fully replicated, short‐term (four‐year) experiment using large enclosures (each ∼0.3 km2) with three different sheep densities (no grazing, low grazing and high grazing, respectively) in an alpine environment with summer grazing in southern Norway to address these issues. Sheep grazing mainly affected plant species at high densities of sheep as compared to no sheep after a four‐year treatment; few effects of low sheep densities were detectable. Highly selected herbs, herbs suggested vulnerable to trampling, and woody species decreased, while most graminoids, one ruderal, one prostrate species and two bryophyte taxa increased at high sheep densities. We found contrasting responses within main functional groups highlighting that fine details of plant life histories need to be known for responses to grazing to be successfully predicted. Vascular plant cover and bare soil responded to sheep density after two years of treatment, but only for one of the species was frequency change observed at this stage. Overall, plants in low grazing plots were found to be almost unaffected. Changes in abundance were mainly found at the no grazing and high grazing treatments. Plant species that decreased at high grazing generally increased at no grazing and vice versa, suggesting a response to both cessation of grazing and enhanced grazing respectively. Our study demonstrates, beyond a simple comparison of heavily grazed and non‐grazed sites, that herbivore effects on plants are typically non‐linearly related to herbivore density, and that the speed of plant responses will depend both on the plant property examined and the grazing pressure.
Season‐, sex‐, and age‐specific accumulation of plasma carotenoid pigments in free‐ranging white‐winged crossbills Loxia leucoptera
Authors: Deviche Pierre , McGraw Kevin J. , Underwood Jared
Published: May 2008

Many birds acquire carotenoid pigments from foods and deposit these pigments into feathers and bare‐parts to become sexually attractive, but little work has been done on the interindividual and temporal variability in the types and amounts of carotenoids that free‐ranging individuals have available for use in coloration or other functions (e.g., in immunomodulation). To address this issue, we studied intra‐annual variation in plasma carotenoid profiles of juvenile and adult white‐winged crossbills Loxia leucoptera of both sexes. Adult male crossbills exhibit bright red carotenoid‐based plumage pigmentation, whereas females uniformly display drab yellow feather coloration and juvenile males only occasionally display some orange or pink color. Yellow xanthophylls (e.g., lutein, zeaxanthin) were predominant in plasma of birds from both sexes and age classes throughout the year. Plasma xanthophylls levels tended to be highest in the summer, when crossbills increase seed consumption for breeding as well as supplement their diet with insects. Blood accumulation of three other, less common plasma carotenoids‐β‐cryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, and gazaniaxanthin‐varied in a highly season‐, sex‐, and age‐dependent fashion. These carotenoids were virtually absent in juvenile or adult female plasma at all times of year and were only present in male plasma, at higher concentrations in adults than juveniles, during the period of feather growth (Sept.–Nov.). These pigments have been reported as valuable precursors of the metabolically derived red pigments (e.g., 3‐hydroxy‐echinenone, 4‐oxo‐rubixanthin, and 4‐oxo‐gazaniaxanthin, respectively) that appear in the plumage of male crossbills. These findings suggest that male crossbills either adopt a season‐specific foraging strategy to acquire foods rich in these pigments at the time they are needed to develop red coloration, or have a unique physiological ability to metabolically produce these pigments or absorb them from food during molt, in order to maximize color production.
Inappropriate benzodiazepine use in older adults and the risk of fracture
Authors: Van Der Hooft Cornelis S. , Schoofs Mariëtte W. C. J. , Ziere Gijsbertus , Hofman Albert , Pols Huibert A. P. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Stricker Bruno H. Ch.
Published: May 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Benzodiazepine use increases the risk of fracture in the elderly.

• It is controversial which conditions of use are most risky, e.g. use of short‐ or long‐acting benzodiazepines, dose and duration of use.

• The well‐known Beers criteria include statements about inappropriate benzodiazepine use in elderly and the risk of fracture, but their clinical value has never been tested in an outcome study.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Inappropriate benzodiazepine use according to the Beers criteria is not associated with an increased risk of fracture.

• Daily dose and duration of use is associated with higher risk of fracture, not the type of benzodiazepine prescribed as the Beers criteria state.

AIMS

The Beers criteria for prescribing in elderly are well known and used for many drug utilization studies. We investigated the clinical value of the Beers criteria for benzodiazepine use, notably the association between inappropriate use and risk of fracture.

METHODS

We performed a nested case–control study within the Rotterdam Study, a population‐based cohort study in 7983 elderly. The proportion of ‘inappropriate’ benzodiazepine use according to the Beers criteria was compared between fracture patients and controls. ‘Inappropriate’ use for elderly implies use of some long‐acting benzodiazepines and some intermediate/short‐acting ones exceeding a suggested maximum daily dose. Also, alternative criteria were applied to compare the risk of fracture. Cases were defined as persons with incident fracture between 1991 and 2002 who were current benzodiazepine users on the fracture date. Controls were matched on fracture date and were also current benzodiazepine users.

RESULTS

The risk of fracture in ‘inappropriate’ benzodiazepine users according to the Beers criteria was not significantly different from ‘appropriate’ users [odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72, 1.60]. However, a significantly higher risk of fracture was found in ‘high dose’ users and a longer duration of use (14–90 days), irrespective of the type of benzodiazepine (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.38, 8.59).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that inappropriate benzodiazepine use according to the Beers criteria is not associated with increased risk of fracture. Daily dose and longer duration of use (>14 days) is associated with higher risk of fracture, irrespective of the type of benzodiazepine prescribed.
The GH–IGF‐I axis and the cardiovascular system: clinical implications
Authors: Colao Annamaria
Published: May 2008

Background  GH and IGF‐I affect cardiac structure and performance. In the general population, low IGF‐I has been associated with higher prevalence of ischaemic heart disease and mortality. Both in GH deficiency (GHD) and excess life expectancy has been reported to be reduced because of cardiovascular disease.

Objective  To review the role of the GH–IGF‐I system on the cardiovascular system.

Results  Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that serum IGF‐I levels in the low‐normal range are associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease, coronary and carotid artery atherosclerosis and stroke. This confirms previous findings in patients with acromegaly or with GH‐deficiency showing cardiovascular impairment.

Patients with either childhood‐ or adulthood‐onset GHD have cardiovascular abnormalities such as reduced cardiac mass, diastolic filling and left ventricular response at peak exercise, increased intima‐media thickness and endothelial dysfunction. These abnormalities can be reversed, at least partially, after GH replacement therapy. In contrast, in acromegaly chronic GH and IGF‐I excess causes a specific cardiomyopathy: concentric cardiac hypertrophy (in more than two‐thirds of the patients at diagnosis) associated to diastolic dysfunction is the most common finding. In later stages, impaired systolic function ending in heart failure can occur, if GH/IGF‐I excess is not controlled. Abnormalities of cardiac rhythm and of cardiac valves can also occur. Successful control of acromegaly is accompanied by decrease of the left ventricular mass and improvement of cardiac function.

Conclusion  The cardiovascular system is a target organ for GH and IGF‐I. Subtle dysfunction in the GH–IGF‐I axis are correlated with increased prevalence of ischaemic heart disease. Acromegaly and GHD are associated with several abnormalities of the cardiovascular system and control of GH/IGF‐I secretion reverses (or at least stops) cardiovascular abnormalities.
Susceptibility of neonatal T cells and adult thymocytes to peripheral tolerance to allogeneic stimuli
Authors: Do Canto Fábio B. , Junior Celso Lima , Teixeira Ivan A. , Bellio Maria , Nóbrega Alberto , Fucs Rita
Published: May 2008

We studied the tolerization of neonatal thymocytes (NT), neonatal splenocytes (NS) and adult thymocytes (AT), transferred to syngeneic nude (nu/nu) hosts previously injected with semi‐allogeneic splenocytes, without any supportive immunosuppressive treatment. This protocol allows the study of peripheral tolerance in the absence of the thymus. BALB/c neonatal T cells and ATs were able to expand in syngeneic BALB/c nu/nu mice and functionally reconstituted an allogeneic response, rejecting (BALB/c × B6.Ba) F1 splenocytes transferred 3–4 weeks after injection of BALB/c cells. However, if (BALB/c × B6.Ba) F1 cells were injected into BALB/c nude hosts 30 days before transfer of NT, NS or AT cells, the F1 population was preserved and specific tolerance to B6 allografts was established. Furthermore, transfer to lymphopenic F1 nu/nu showed that tolerance could be established only for neonatal populations, showing that unique properties of neonatal T cells allow their tolerization in both lymphopenic and non‐lymphopenic conditions, in the absence of suppressive immunotherapy. These results bring empirical support to the possibility of T‐cell engraftment in immunodeficient patients showing partial identity with donor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes; the manipulation of immunological maturity of donor T cells may be the key for successful reconstitution of immunocompetence without induction of graft‐versus‐host disease.
Targeted deletion of SAP1 abolishes the expression of infectivity factors necessary for successful malaria parasite liver infection
Authors: Aly Ahmed S. I. , Mikolajczak Sebastian A. , Rivera Hilda Silva , Camargo Nelly , Jacobs‐Lorena Vanessa , Labaied Mehdi , Coppens Isabelle , Kappe Stefan H. I.
Published: May 2008

Malaria parasite sporozoites prepare for transmission to a mammalian host by upregulation of UIS (Upregulated in Infectious Sporozoites) genes. A number of UIS gene products are essential for the establishment of the intrahepatocytic niche. However, the factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in gain of infectivity for the liver are unknown. Herein, we show that a conserved Plasmodium sporozoite low‐complexity asparagine‐rich protein, SAP1 (Sporozoite Asparagine‐rich Protein 1), has an essential role in malaria parasite liver infection. Targeted deletion of SAP1 in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii generated mutant parasites that traverse and invade hepatocytes normally but cannot initiate liver‐stage development in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, immunizations with Pysap1(−) sporozoites confer long‐lasting sterile protection against wild‐type sporozoite infection. Strikingly, lack of SAP1 abolished expression of essential UIS genes including UIS3, UIS4 and P52 but not the constitutively expressed genes encoding, among others, sporozoite proteins CSP and TRAP. SAP1 localization to the cell interior but not the nucleus of sporozoites suggests its involvement in a post‐transcriptional mechanism of gene expression control. These findings demonstrate that SAP1 is essential for liver infection possibly by functioning as a selective regulator controlling the expression of infectivity‐associated parasite effector genes.
There is no heterotic effect upon developmental stability in the ventral side of the skull within the house mouse hybrid zone
Authors: MIKULA O. , MACHOLÁN M.
Published: May 2008

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of a body is expected to be related to an organism’s developmental instability. We studied patterns of FA in the ventral side of the skull along a transect across the central‐European portion of the hybrid zone between two house mouse subspecies,Mus musculus musculusandMus musculus domesticus. We found that FA was not significantly different between introgression classes relative to differences between localities within those classes and that the within‐class differences were much larger than differences between individual‐signed asymmetries within localities. However, if year was added to the same analysis as another factor, FA was not significantly different among localities within the same introgression class. When individual asymmetries were plotted against individual hybrid indices, hybrids appeared more asymmetric than individuals from outside of the zone. Thus contrary to previous studies, we did not find lower FA indicating heterotic effect in hybrids for the traits studied. It is suggested that the impact of hybridization on FA in the ventral side of the mouse skull is negligible or overwhelmed by other factors.
Variation in genetic architecture of olfactory behaviour among wild‐derived populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: LAVAGNINO N. J. , ANHOLT R. R. H. , FANARA J. J.
Published: May 2008

Odour‐guided behaviour is a quantitative trait determined by many genes that are sensitive to gene–environment interactions. Different natural populations are likely to experience different selection pressures on the genetic underpinnings of chemosensory behaviour. However, few studies have reported comparisons of the quantitative genetic basis of olfactory behaviour in geographically distinct populations. We generated isofemale lines of Drosophila melanogaster from six populations in Argentina and measured larval and adult responses to benzaldehyde. There was significant variation within populations for both larval and adult olfactory behaviour and a significant genotype × sex interaction (GSI) for adult olfactory behaviour. However, there is substantial variation in the contribution of GSI to the total phenotypic variance among populations. Estimates of evolvability are orders of magnitude higher for larvae than for adults. Our results suggest that the potential for evolutionary adaptation to the chemosensory environment is greater at the larval feeding stage than at the adult reproductive stage.
Normal Development of the Muscular Region of the Interventricular Septum – I. The Significance of the Ventricular Trabeculations
Authors: Contreras‐Ramos A. , Sánchez‐Gómez C. , García‐Romero H. L. , Cimarosti L. O.
Published: May 2008

The structures that participate in normal ventricular septation, and to what extent they do so, are questions not yet clarified. Even less is known about how much each of the embryonic structures contributes to the topography of the mature interventricular septum (IVS). The aim of the present paper is to investigate the significance of ventricular trabeculations in the normal development of the muscular region (the middle and apical thirds) of the IVS and to determine the direction in which it grows during cardiac septation. Anatomical studies and in vivo labelling were carried out in chicken embryo hearts at stage 18HH, tracing the labels up to stage 36HH. We analysed the results by measuring the distance between the labelled structures at the beginning and end of the experiments. We demonstrate that the muscular region of the septum originates by the fusion of the ventricular trabeculations with evidence that during cardiac development, the IVS as well as the ventricular cavities grow in opposite direction to the atria.
Sociodemographic predictors and reasons for participation in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Fernandez Ritin S , Salamonson Yenna , Griffiths Rhonda , Juergens Craig , Davidson Patricia
Published: May 2008

Evidence‐based guidelines recommend participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to reduce subsequent cardiovascular events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons for and the demographic characteristics of patients who participate in CR programmes following PCI in a single metropolitan setting in Australia. Logistic regression models were used to examine the data obtained using self‐reports through mailed questionnaires from 202 patients 12–24 months following the index PCI. Thirty‐five per cent of subjects reported to have participated in CR programmes, of whom less than a quarter were female. In this sample the main reason for programme participation was a recommendation given by the general practitioner (GP). The likelihood of participating in a CR programme decreased with age and absence of a partner. Additional research on determinants of participation in CR programmes among this cohort of patients could assist in the development of new strategies to encourage healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of further cardiac events.
Cerebral granular cell tumor
Authors: Lee Dakeun , Suh Yeon‐Lim , Nam Do H.
Published: May 2008

Intracerebral granular cell tumors (GCTs) are a rare finding. We report here on a case of cerebral GCT in a 47‐year‐old man who suffered with severe headache. The tumor appeared as a relatively well‐defined, enhancing mass at the periventricular white matter of the left occipital lobe of the brain. Histologically, the tumor was entirely composed of granular cells. Some of the tumor cells showed peripherally accentuated cytoplasmic granules with central clearing, which produced a unique “targetoid” appearance. The granular cells of the current case were positive for neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), S‐100 protein, GFAP, vimentin, CD 68, lysozyme, and α‐1‐antitrypsin. These wide immunoexpressions were not observed for the previously reported cerebral GCTs. Interestingly, this case showed “targetoid” or “reversed targetoid” immunoreactive patterns in NSE, CD68, GFAP, and vimentin. Despite these wide immunoexpressions and the lack of any association with astrocytoma, the histogenesis of cerebral GCTs is still suggested to be of a glial origin, based on the tumor location, the GFAP positivity and the ultrastructural findings, of which the latter showed intermediate filaments, and these are reminiscent of neoplastic astrocytes.
Creating, Growing and Sustaining Efficient Innovation Teams
Authors: DeCusatis Casimer
Published: May 2008

Economic forces such as the growing service economy and commoditization of traditional value chains have led many organizations to pursue breakthrough innovations as part of their business strategy. There has been an increased interest in collaboration and teamwork as catalysts of innovation, often without a clear understanding of the different kinds of teams that can be used to foster innovation or the kinds of team building that will be most likely to yield desired results. The author describes a framework for innovation teams, ranging from highly structured to spontaneous, giving examples of how different kinds of teams relate to the characteristics of the next generation of innovators. A case study illustrates how one approach using preference profiling is more likely to yield tangible results from an innovation team.
Explaining Contradictory Relations Between Risk Perception and Risk Taking
Authors: Mills Britain , Reyna Valerie F. , Estrada Steven
Published: May 2008

Different studies have documented opposite relations between perceived risk and behavior. The present study tested a theoretical explanation that reconciles these conflicting results. Adolescents (N = 596) completed alternative measures of risk perception that differed in cue specificity and response format. As predicted by fuzzy-trace theory, measures that emphasized verbatim retrieval and quantitative processing produced positive correlations between perceived risk and risky behavior; risk perceptions reflected the extent to which adolescents engaged in risky behavior. In contrast, measures that assessed global, gist-based judgments of risk produced negative correlations; higher risk perceptions were associated with less risk taking, a protective rather than reflective relation. Endorsement of simple values and principles provided the greatest protection against risk taking. Results support a dual-processes interpretation of the relation between risk perception and risk taking according to which observed relations depend on whether the cues in questions trigger verbatim or gist processing.
Interpersonal Politics
Authors: Weise David R. , Pyszczynski Tom , Cox Cathy R. , Arndt Jamie , Greenberg Jeff , Solomon Sheldon , Kosloff Spee
Published: May 2008

Research on terror management theory (TMT) indicates that reminders of death affect political attitudes, but political orientation only sometimes moderates these effects. We propose that secure relationships are associated with values of tolerance and compassion, thus orienting people toward liberalism; insecure attachments are associated with more rigid and absolutist values that orient people toward conservatism. Given that attachment relationships become especially active when security needs are heightened, we predicted that mortality salience would be an important factor in understanding the relationship between attachment processes and political orientation. Supporting these ideas, Study 1 showed that after a mortality-salience manipulation, securely attached participants increased their support for a liberal presidential candidate, and less securely attached participants increased their support for a conservative presidential candidate. In Study 2, a secure-relationship prime following a mortality-salience manipulation engendered a less violent approach to the problem of terrorism than did a neutral-relationship prime. We discuss the interaction of TMT processes and individual differences in attachment in shaping political preferences.
School outcomes of a community‐wide intervention model aimed at preventing problem behavior
Authors: KJØBLI JOHN , SØRLIE MARI‐ANNE
Published: May 2008

The Early Intervention for Children at Risk for Developing Behavioral Problems (EICR) is a community‐wide intervention model preventing and treating problem behavior and promoting social competence in children. The aim of the study was to test whether EICR would result in fewer incidences of problem behavior and improved learning climate in elementary schools in a Norwegian municipality. The municipality was divided in two, each section having equal chance of being assigned to the intervention condition. Participants were principals and school staff. One year after the initiation of EICR, the prevalence of student problem behavior was significantly lower, and student relations were significantly better for schools located in the intervention area than for schools located in the comparison area. The findings support further development, implementation and research on the EICR model.
A study of the interrelationship between the behaviour and social status of a class of Year 2 pupils
Authors: SLADE MELANIE
Published: May 2008

The influence of social status on child development has been the subject of research for several decades, with children who are not accepted by their peers being shown to be at risk of a range of difficulties both at the time and in later life. Strong links have also been established between behaviour and social status. A small‐scale action research project considered the social structure of a Year 2 class and used data gathered through sociometric interviews and observations to identify some factors which may have influenced the social status of individuals within that group. From this data, three children considered at risk of peer rejection or isolation were identified and an intervention programme was implemented. At the end of the year sociometric interviews and observations were repeated and it was found that one child's social behaviours and status among his peers had increased significantly over the course of the project.
Learning disabilities and the auditory and visual matching computer program
Authors: TÖRMÄNEN MINNA R. K. , TAKALA MARJATTA , SAJANIEMI NINA
Published: May 2008

This study examined whether audiovisual computer training without linguistic material had a remedial effect on different learning disabilities, like dyslexia and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). This study applied a pre‐test–intervention–post‐test design with students (N = 62) between the ages of 7 and 19. The computer training lasted eight weeks occurring twice a week for 15 minutes per session. After the training period, an improvement in the auditory‐visual matching test was found. According to the hypothesis of this study, the youngest children with dyslexia would benefit most from the intervention. However, the training had also a positive effect on auditory‐visual matching with older students with dyslexia. Surprisingly, the students with ADD benefited from this intervention. According to the teachers, this intervention had also a positive effect on the students' school behaviour.
Modelling the Spread in Space and Time of An Airborne Plant Disease
Authors: Soubeyrand Samuel , Held Leonhard , Höhle Michael , Sache Ivan
Published: May 2008

A spatiotemporal model is developed to analyse epidemics of airborne plant diseases which are spread by spores. The observations consist of measurements of the severity of disease at different times, different locations in the horizontal plane and different heights in the vegetal cover. The model describes the joint distribution of the occurrence and the severity of the disease. The three-dimensional dispersal of spores is modelled by combining a horizontal and a vertical dispersal function. Maximum likelihood combined with a parametric bootstrap is suggested to estimate the model parameters and the uncertainty that is attached to them. The spatiotemporal model is used to analyse a yellow rust epidemic in a wheatfield. In the analysis we pay particular attention to the selection and the estimation of the dispersal functions.
A Multi-Resolution Census Algorithm for Calculating Vortex Statistics in Turbulent Flows
Authors: Whitcher Brandon , Lee Thomas C. M. , Weiss Jeffrey B. , Hoar Timothy J. , Nychka Douglas W.
Published: May 2008

The fundamental equations that model turbulent flow do not provide much insight into the size and shape of observed turbulent structures. We investigate the efficient and accurate representation of structures in two-dimensional turbulence by applying statistical models directly to the simulated vorticity field. Rather than extract the coherent portion of the image from the background variation, as in the classical signal-plus-noise model, we present a model for individual vortices using the non-decimated discrete wavelet transform. A template image, which is supplied by the user, provides the features to be extracted from the vorticity field. By transforming the vortex template into the wavelet domain, specific characteristics that are present in the template, such as size and symmetry, are broken down into components that are associated with spatial frequencies. Multivariate multiple linear regression is used to fit the vortex template to the vorticity field in the wavelet domain. Since all levels of the template decomposition may be used to model each level in the field decomposition, the resulting model need not be identical to the template. Application to a vortex census algorithm that records quantities of interest (such as size, peak amplitude and circulation) as the vorticity field evolves is given. The multiresolution census algorithm extracts coherent structures of all shapes and sizes in simulated vorticity fields and can reproduce known physical scaling laws when processing a set of vorticity fields that evolve over time.
CORRUPTION AND POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS: A STRUCTURAL BREAKS APPROACH
Authors: OLOFSGÅRD ANDERS , ZAHRAN ZAKI
Published: May 2008

In this paper we look at the impact of broad policy reforms on the levels of corruption. We use a structural break approach to identify country‐specific time periods in which significant shifts in corruption levels take place. We then correlate these times of change with a set of covariates with specific focus on the impact of democratization, and trade and equity market liberalization. We find robust support for the hypothesis that episodes of reduction in corruption levels tend to be correlated with democratization and equity market liberalization.
Conditional Asset Pricing and Stock Market Anomalies in Europe
Authors: Bauer Rob , Cosemans Mathijs , Schotman Peter C.
Published: May 2008

This study provides European evidence on the ability of static and dynamic specifications of the Fama‐French (1993) three‐factor model to price 25 size‐B/M portfolios. In contrast to US evidence, we detect a small‐growth premium and find that the size effect is still present in Europe. Furthermore, we document strong time variation in factor risk loadings. Incorporating these risk fluctuations in conditional specifications of the three‐factor model clearly improves its ability to explain time variation in expected returns. However, the model still fails to completely capture cross‐sectional variation in returns as it is unable to explain the momentum effect.
Globalization and Regional Change in the U.S. Furniture Industry
Authors: DRAYSE MARK H.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Furniture manufacturing has experienced rapid globalization in recent years. This is mainly the result of global production networks established by large manufacturers and retailers seeking to reduce costs in a highly competitive environment. The industry's globalization has been facilitated by technological innovations and the global reduction of trade and investment barriers. In the U.S., furniture‐producing regions are experiencing tumultuous change. Growing numbers of firms are outsourcing production to China, which is now responsible for about half of all U.S. furniture imports. Employment levels have plummeted. However, an analysis of spatial patterns of employment, output, and capital investment in U.S. furniture manufacturing shows that regional change is not uniform. Southern regions characterized by larger firms specializing in wooden case goods production have been especially vulnerable to job loss.
ADAPTIVE EXPECTATIONS AND STOCK MARKET CRASHES*
Authors: Frankel David M.
Published: May 2008

A theory is developed that explains how stocks can crash without fundamental news and why crashes are more common than frenzies. A crash occurs via the interaction of rational and naive investors. Naive traders believe that prices follow a random walk with serially correlated volatility. Their expectations of future volatility are formed adaptively. When the market crashes, naive traders sell stock in response to the apparent increase in volatility. Since rational traders are risk averse as well, a lower price is needed to clear the market: The crash is a self‐fulfilling prophecy. Frenzies cannot occur in this model.
Forced Displacement in Darfur, Sudan: Dilemmas of Classifying the Crimes
Authors: Mulaj Klejda
Published: May 2008

The ongoing forced displacement in Darfur has occasioned renewed interest in the phenomena of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Whereas the international response to the conflict has been considered promptly and elaborately by various analysts, few have paid sufficient attention, in the first instance, to the controversy surrounding the debate about the definition of the situation and the classification of crimes involved. Following an overview of the current conflict, the unfolding analysis seeks to show that the terminological debate reveals discrepancies in legal definitions and interpretations that may suggest that existing law may be inadequate to fully capture the nature of the crimes committed in Darfur. Confusion with the terminology has contributed to making the conflict more intractable. In addition, disagreement on a common definition of the situation has tended to justify inaction or limited involvement on the part of the international community. This article suggests that it is therefore necessary to resolve the terminological debate in order to ensure that no energy is wasted in arguing about the indeterminacy of the terms in the future and effective responses to mass violations of human rights are crafted in a timely fashion.
Gram‐negative outer membrane vesicles: beyond the cell surface
Authors: MASHBURN‐WARREN L , MCLEAN R. J. C. , WHITELEY M
Published: May 2008

Considerable interest has recently mounted regarding the biological roles of Gram‐negative outer membrane vesicles (MVs). The first discovery of MVs was made over four decades ago, and it is now clear that most Gram‐negative bacteria produce MVs, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli as the most extensively studied. Much of our knowledge of the biological roles of MVs and mechanism of MV formation is due to T.J. Beveridge and colleagues. Beveridge pioneered the field of MV research not only by enhancing our understanding of MV function, but also through the application of a wide variety of physical, chemical, and genetic techniques to complement his elegant electron microscopy investigations. Here we review the contributions of Beveridge's group to our understanding of MV biology.
Prevalence of pressure ulcers on hospital admission among nursing home residents transferred to the hospital
Authors: Keelaghan Eithne , Margolis David , Zhan Min , Baumgarten Mona
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of pressure ulcers among newly hospitalized nursing home residents and among newly hospitalized patients from nonnursing home settings. Study participants were at least 65 years old and admitted through the emergency department to one of two study hospitals. Research nurses ascertained the presence of pressure ulcers (stage 1–4) by visual skin assessment on the third day following admission to the hospital unit. Other data were collected by clinical examination, interview, and medical record review. The prevalence of preexisting pressure ulcers at the time of admission was 26.2% among those admitted from a nursing home and 4.8% among those admitted from another living situation (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 4.3–7.1). After adjustment for confounders, the association between admission from a nursing home and pressure ulcer prevalence on admission was reduced (odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.23). These results indicate that admission from a nursing home is a potent marker for pressure ulcer risk and that the excess risk is largely mediated by the higher prevalence of pressure ulcer risk factors among patients admitted from a nursing home. The results highlight the importance of continuity of care across transitions between care settings.
Differentiation of the pericyte in wound healing: The precursor, the process, and the role of the vascular endothelial cell
Authors: Xueyong Li , Shaozong Chen , Wangzhou Li , Yuejun Li , Xiaoxing Lv , Jing Li , Yanli Wei , Jinqing Li
Published: May 2008

Pericytes play a crucial role in the homeostasis and maturation of newly formed vessels, but their precursor and the process of their differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we show that in vivo, pericytes in human granulation tissue taken from burn patients expressed CD13 and collagen I, which are cell markers of peripheral blood fibrocytes (PBFCs). Mouse PBFCs, ex vivo labeled by PKH‐26 and administered intravenously back to mice, formed lumens in the granulation tissue and expressed pericyte marker NG2. Furthermore, in cell culture, human PBFCs in co‐culture with human umbilical vascular endothelial cells or human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) expressed pericyte markers desmin and myosin heavy chain of smooth muscle cell, and some migrated to the membrane of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells or HDMECs to form PBFC/vascular endothelial cell clusters, or formed round PBFC only clusters with their nuclei aligned along a circle. The formation of PBFC/vascular endothelial cell clusters and round PBFC clusters were inhibited by an antibody against monocyte chemotactic protein‐1. PBFCs cultured with homogenate of granulation tissue also expressed desmin and myosin heavy chain of smooth muscle cell. Our findings support that the PBFC is a precursor of pericytes, the differentiation of PBFCs is induced by vascular endothelial cells in a paracrine fashion.
Connective tissue growth factor stimulates renal cortical myofibroblast‐like cell proliferation and matrix protein production
Authors: Gao Xuxia , Li Jingzi , Huang Haichang , Li Xiaomei
Published: May 2008

Myofibroblasts primarily contribute to the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis by unregulated cell proliferation and synthesis of excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We used cultured myofibroblast‐like cells obtained by outgrowth from explants of rat kidney cortex to study the effects and relevant signaling pathway of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on cell proliferation and ECM production. Exogenous CTGF stimulated proliferation of myofibroblast‐like cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. CTGF also increased the secretion of fibronectin and collagen I protein in the supernatant medium. Nevertheless, CTGF did not affect matrix‐degrading metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 activities in supernatant medium measured by gelatin zymography. CTGF induced activation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway as early as 5 minutes. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation with PD98059 completely blocked CTGF‐induced cell proliferation as well as secretion of fibronectin and collagen I protein. The above results indicate that CTGF triggers cell proliferation and production of ECM proteins in cultured myofibroblast‐like cells through the ERK1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway.
Mechanisms of wound healing responses in lupus‐prone New Zealand White mouse strain
Authors: Campos Paula P. , Bakhle Yeshwant S. , Andrade Silvia P.
Published: May 2008

Host responses to synthetic implants are analogous to healing, the process of repair that follows injury. Normally, the processes of wound healing follow well‐established patterns but conditions such as autoimmune diseases profoundly affect tissue repair. We have analyzed sponge‐induced wound healing responses in lupus‐prone New Zealand White and control (Balb/c) mouse strains by measuring inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, angiogenesis, and cytokine production in polyether–polyurethane sponge implanted subcutaneously in male mice of these two strains. Although there was no difference in the gross appearance of the implants, further analysis of the wound healing responses, induced from 7 to 21 days post implantation, disclosed important differences between the New Zealand White and Balb/c strains. The intensity of inflammation (circulating tumor necrosis factor‐α and inflammatory leukocytes levels) was lower but implant fibrosis (collagen and transforming growth factor‐β1) was higher in New Zealand White, compared with Balb/c mice. Angiogenesis (hemoglobin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and vascularity) in New Zealand White implants peaked earlier than in Balb/c mice. In conclusion, we have shown that wound healing responses are clearly different in this strain of lupus‐prone mice and suggest that this pattern of repair was critically influenced by impaired inflammation and accelerated angiogenesis in the New Zealand White strain.