bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of leptin receptor predicts an unfavorable outcome in Middle Eastern ovarian cancer
Authors: Uddin Shahab , Bu Rong , Ahmed Maqbool , Abubaker Jehad , Al-Dayel Fouad , Bavi Prashant , Al-Kuraya Khawla S
Published: September 2009

Background

Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that obesity is associated with ovarian cancer. Obesity hormone leptin and its receptor (Ob-R) contribute to tumor development by enhancing cell growth and survival. This study was design to investigate the prevalence of leptin and Ob-R in Middle Eastern epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to analyze the role of leptin and the mechanisms under its action in EOC tissue sample and cell lines.

Methods

The expression of leptin and Ob-R was examined by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray of 156 EOC samples. Proliferation of EOC cells in response to leptin was assessed by MTT assays, and its anti-apoptotic effects were determined by flow cytometry. Effect of leptin on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was further determined by western blotting.

Results

In clinical samples, Ob-R overexpression was seen in 59.2% EOCs and was significantly associated with poor progression free survival (p = 0.0032). Furthermore, Ob-R expression was associated with anti apoptotic proteins Bcl-XL (p = 0.0035) and XIAP (p = 0.0001). In vitro analysis using EOC cell lines showed that leptin stimulated cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K activity by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3-kinase abrogated leptin mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. Gene silencing of Ob-R with Ob-R siRNA in EOC cells resulted in down regulation of phospho-AKT and its down stream targets.

Conclusion

Our findings have potential clinical implication for EOC development and progression.
Identification of a novel motif responsible for the distinctive transforming activity of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) type 1 Tax1 protein from HTLV-2 Tax2
Authors: Shoji Toshiyuki , Higuchi Masaya , Kondo Rie , Takahashi Masahiko , Oie Masayasu , Tanaka Yuetsu , Aoyagi Yutaka , Fujii Masahiro
Published: September 2009

Background

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), whereas its relative HTLV-2 is not associated with any malignancies including ATL. HTLV-1 Tax1 transformed a T-cell line from interleukin (IL)-2-dependent growth to IL-2-independent growth, with an activity that was much more potent in comparison to HTLV-2 Tax2. This distinction was mediated by at least two Tax1 specific functions, an interaction with host cellular factors through the PDZ domain binding motif (PBM) and the activation of NF-kappaB2 (NF-κB2)/p100.

Results

Using a series of Tax1 chimeric proteins with Tax2, we found that amino acids 225-232 of Tax1, the Tax1(225-232) region, was essential for the activation of NF-κB2 as well as for the high transforming activity. The strict amino acid conservation of Tax1(225-232) among HTLV-1 and simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1), but not HTLV-2 and STLV-2, indicates that function(s) through the Tax1(225-232) region are biologically significant. Interestingly, another HTLV-1 relative, HTLV-3, has a PBM, but does not conserve the Tax1(225-232) motif in Tax3, thus indicating that these two motifs classify the three HTLVs into the separate groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the combinatory functions through Tax1(225-232) and PBM play crucial roles in the distinct biological properties of the three HTLVs, perhaps also including their pathogenesis.
Transmissibility studies of vacuolar changes in the rostral colliculus of pigs
Authors: Konold Timm , Spiropoulos John , Chaplin Melanie J , Thorne Leigh , Spencer Yvonne I , Wells Gerald AH , Hawkins Steve AC
Published: September 2009

Background

Histopathological examinations of brains from healthy pigs have revealed localised vacuolar changes, predominantly in the rostral colliculus, that are similar to the neuropil vacuolation featured in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and have been described in pigs challenged parenterally with the agent causing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Feedstuff containing BSE-contaminated meat and bone meal (MBM) may have been fed to pigs prior to the ban of mammalian MBM in feed of farmed livestock in the United Kingdom in 1996, but there is no evidence of the natural occurrence of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in the domestic pig. Furthermore, experimental transmission of BSE to pigs by the oral route has been unsuccessful. A study was conducted to investigate whether the localised vacuolar changes in the porcine brain were associated with a transmissible aetiology and therefore biologically significant. Two groups of ten pigs were inoculated parenterally with vacuolated rostral colliculus from healthy pigs either born before 1996 or born after 1996. Controls included ten pigs similarly inoculated with rostral colliculus from New Zealand-derived pigs and nine pigs inoculated with a bovine BSE brain homogenate.

Results

None of the pigs inoculated with rostral colliculus developed a TSE-like neurological disease up to five years post inoculation when the study was terminated, and disease-associated prion protein, PrPd, was not detected in the brains of these pigs. By contrast, eight of nine BSE-inoculated pigs developed neurological signs, two of which had detectable PrPdby postmortem tests. No significant histopathological changes were detected to account for the clinical signs in the PrPd-negative, BSE-inoculated pigs.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that vacuolation in the porcine rostral colliculus is not caused by a transmissible agent and is probably a clinically insignificant change. The presence of neurological signs in pigs inoculated with BSE without detectable PrPdraises the possibility that the BSE agent may produce a prion disease in pigs that remains undetected by the current postmortem tests.
Correlation and comparison of Risser sign versus bone age determination (TW3) between children with and without scoliosis in Korean population
Authors: Modi Hitesh N , Modi Chetna H , Suh Seung Woo , Yang Jae-Hyuk , Hong Jae-Young
Published: September 2009

Background

Most studies comparing the Risser staging for skeletal maturity are representing the American or European standards which are not always applicable to Asian population who have relatively less height and body mass. There is no article available that compares the Risser sign and bone age correlation between patients with idiopathic scoliosis and patients without scoliosis.

Materials and methods

To analyze and compare the skeletal age with the Risser sign between scoliosis and non-scoliosis group, a cross-sectional study was done in 418 scoliosis (untreated, bracing or surgically) and 256 non-scoliosis children of Korean origin. Relationship was found in both groups using Pearson correlation test.

Results

In scoliosis group, Pearson correlation exhibited significant correlation (p < 0.01) between Risser sign and chronological age (r2 = 0.791 for girls, 0.787 for boys) and Risser sign and TW3 age (r2 = 0.718 for girls, 0.785 for boys). Non-scoliosis group also showed significant relationship (p < 0.01) between Risser sign and chronological age (r2 = 0.893 for girls, 0.879 for boys) and Risser sign and TW3 age (r2 = 0.913 for girls, 0.895 for boys). Similarly, comparing Cobb angles of each patient according to their Risser staging, exhibited that if scoliosis remains untreated Cobb angle will increase with the increase in their Risser staging (r2 = 0.363 for girls, 0.443 for boys; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results showed that chronological age is equally as reliable as skeletal age method to compare with Risser sign, and therefore, we do not mean to imply that only the Risser sign compared with skeletal age should be considered in the decision making in idiopathic as well as non-scoliosis patients of Korean ethnicity. Concomitant indicators such as menarchal period, secondary sex characteristics, and recent growth pattern will likely reinforce our data comparing Risser sign with skeletal age in decision making.
A method for determining the robustness of bio-molecular oscillator models
Authors: Ghaemi Reza , Sun Jing , Iglesias Pablo A , Del Vecchio Domitilla
Published: September 2009

Background

Quantifying the robustness of biochemical models is important both for determining the validity of a natural system model and for designing reliable and robust synthetic biochemical networks. Several tools have been proposed in the literature. Unfortunately, multiparameter robustness analysis suffers from computational limitations.

Results

A novel method for quantifying the robustness of oscillatory behavior to parameter perturbations is presented in this paper. This method relies on the combination of Hopf bifurcation and Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion, which is widely applied in control system design. The proposed method is employed to calculate the robustness of two oscillating biochemical network models previously analyzed in the literature. The robustness bounds here obtained are tighter than what was previously obtained in the literature for both models.

Conclusion

The method here proposed for quantifying the robustness of biochemical oscillator models is computationally less demanding than similar multiparamter variation techniques available in the literature. It also provides tighter bounds on two models previously analyzed in the literature.
A switchable light-input, light-output system modelled and constructed in yeast
Authors: Sorokina Oxana , Kapus Anita , Terecskei Kata , Dixon Laura E , Kozma-Bognar Laszlo , Nagy Ferenc , Millar Andrew J
Published: September 2009

Background

Advances in synthetic biology will require spatio-temporal regulation of biological processes in heterologous host cells. We develop a light-switchable, two-hybrid interaction in yeast, based upon the Arabidopsis proteins PHYTOCHROME A and FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 1-LIKE. Light input to this regulatory module allows dynamic control of a light-emitting LUCIFERASE reporter gene, which we detect by real-time imaging of yeast colonies on solid media.

Results

The reversible activation of the phytochrome by red light, and its inactivation by far-red light, is retained. We use this quantitative readout to construct a mathematical model that matches the system's behaviour and predicts the molecular targets for future manipulation.

Conclusion

Our model, methods and materials together constitute a novel system for a eukaryotic host with the potential to convert a dynamic pattern of light input into a predictable gene expression response. This system could be applied for the regulation of genetic networks - both known and synthetic.
Discovering cancer genes by integrating network and functional properties
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Kangyu , Lee James , Cordes Shaun , Davis David P , Tang Zhijun
Published: September 2009

Background

Identification of novel cancer-causing genes is one of the main goals in cancer research. The rapid accumulation of genome-wide protein-protein interaction (PPI) data in humans has provided a new basis for studying the topological features of cancer genes in cellular networks. It is important to integrate multiple genomic data sources, including PPI networks, protein domains and Gene Ontology (GO) annotations, to facilitate the identification of cancer genes.

Methods

Topological features of the PPI network, as well as protein domain compositions, enrichment of gene ontology categories, sequence and evolutionary conservation features were extracted and compared between cancer genes and other genes. The predictive power of various classifiers for identification of cancer genes was evaluated by cross validation. Experimental validation of a subset of the prediction results was conducted using siRNA knockdown and viability assays in human colon cancer cell line DLD-1.

Results

Cross validation demonstrated advantageous performance of classifiers based on support vector machines (SVMs) with the inclusion of the topological features from the PPI network, protein domain compositions and GO annotations. We then applied the trained SVM classifier to human genes to prioritize putative cancer genes. siRNA knock-down of several SVM predicted cancer genes displayed greatly reduced cell viability in human colon cancer cell line DLD-1.

Conclusion

Topological features of PPI networks, protein domain compositions and GO annotations are good predictors of cancer genes. The SVM classifier integrates multiple features and as such is useful for prioritizing candidate cancer genes for experimental validations.
Intraclonal mating occurs during tsetse transmission of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Peacock Lori , Ferris Vanessa , Bailey Mick , Gibson Wendy
Published: September 2009

Background

Mating in Trypanosoma brucei is a non-obligatory event, triggered by the co-occurrence of different strains in the salivary glands of the vector. Recombinants that result from intra- rather than interclonal mating have been detected, but only in crosses of two different trypanosome strains. This has led to the hypothesis that when trypanosomes recognize a different strain, they release a diffusible factor or pheromone that triggers mating in any cell in the vicinity whether it is of the same or a different strain. This idea assumes that the trypanosome can recognize self and non-self, although there is as yet no evidence for the existence of mating types in T. brucei.

Results

We investigated intraclonal mating in T. b. brucei by crossing red and green fluorescent lines of a single strain, so that recombinant progeny can be detected in the fly by yellow fluorescence. For strain 1738, seven flies had both red and green trypanosomes in the salivary glands and, in three, yellow trypanosomes were also observed, although they could not be recovered for subsequent analysis. Nonetheless, both red and non-fluorescent clones from these flies had recombinant genotypes as judged by microsatellite and karyotype analyses, and some also had raised DNA contents, suggesting recombination or genome duplication. Strain J10 produced similar results indicative of intraclonal mating. In contrast, trypanosome clones recovered from other flies showed that genotypes can be transmitted with fidelity. When a yellow hybrid clone expressing both red and green fluorescent protein genes was transmitted, the salivary glands contained a mixture of fluorescent-coloured trypanosomes, but only yellow and red clones were recovered. While loss of the GFP gene in the red clones could have resulted from gene conversion, some of these clones showed loss of heterozygosity and raised DNA contents as in the other single strain transmissions. Our observations suggest that many recombinants are non-viable after intraclonal mating.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated intraclonal mating during fly transmission of T. b. brucei, contrary to previous findings that recombination occurs only when another strain is present. It is thus no longer possible to assume that T. b. brucei remains genetically unaltered after fly transmission.
Characterizing trends in HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Australia by birth cohorts: results from a modified back‐projection method
Authors: Wand Handan , Wilson David , Yan Ping , Gonnermann Andrea , McDonald Ann , Kaldor John , Law Matthew
Published: September 2009

Background

We set out to estimate historical trends in HIV incidence in Australian men who have sex with men with respect to age at infection and birth cohort.

Methods

A modified back‐projection technique is applied to data from the HIV/AIDS Surveillance System in Australia, including “newly diagnosed HIV infections”, “newly acquired HIV infections” and “AIDS diagnoses”, to estimate trends in HIV incidence over both calendar time and age at infection.

Results

Our results demonstrate that since 2000, there has been an increase in new HIV infections in Australian men who have sex with men across all age groups. The estimated mean age at infection increased from ~35 years in 2000 to ~37 years in 2007. When the epidemic peaked in the mid 1980s, the majority of the infections (56%) occurred among men aged 30 years and younger; 30% occurred in ages 31 to 40 years; and only ~14% of them were attributed to the group who were older than 40 years of age. In 2007, the proportion of infections occurring in persons 40 years or older doubled to 31% compared to the mid 1980s, while the proportion of infections attributed to the group younger than 30 years of age decreased to 36%.

Conclusion

The distribution of HIV incidence for birth cohorts by infection year suggests that the HIV epidemic continues to affect older homosexual men as much as, if not more than, younger men. The results are useful for evaluating the impact of the epidemic across successive birth cohorts and study trends among the age groups most at risk.
Clinical presentation and aetiologies of acute or complicated headache among HIV‐seropositive patients in a Ugandan clinic
Authors: Katwere Michael , Kambugu Andrew , Piloya Theresa , Wong Matthew , Hendel‐Paterson Brett , Sande Merle A , Ronald Allan , Katabira Elly , Were Edward M , Menten Joris , Colebunders Robert
Published: September 2009

Background

We set out to define the relative prevalence and common presentations of the various aetiologies of headache within an ambulant HIV‐seropositive adult population in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of adult HIV‐1‐seropositive ambulatory patients consecutively presenting with new onset headaches. Patients were classified as focal‐febrile, focal‐afebrile, non‐focal‐febrile or non‐focal‐afebrile, depending on presence or absence of fever and localizing neurological signs. Further management followed along a pre‐defined diagnostic algorithm to an endpoint of a diagnosis. We assessed outcomes during four months of follow up.

Results

One hundred and eighty patients were enrolled (72% women). Most subjects presented at WHO clinical stages III and IV of HIV disease, with a median Karnofsky performance rating of 70% (IQR 60‐80).

The most common diagnoses were cryptococcal meningitis (28%, n = 50) and bacterial sinusitis (31%, n = 56). Less frequent diagnoses included cerebral toxoplasmosis (4%, n = 7), and tuberculous meningitis (4%, n = 7). Thirty‐two (18%) had other diagnoses (malaria, bacteraemia, etc.). No aetiology could be elucidated in 28 persons (15%). Overall mortality was 13.3% (24 of 180) after four months of follow up. Those without an established headache aetiology had good clinical outcomes, with only one death (4% mortality), and 86% were ambulatory at four months.

Conclusion

In an African HIV‐infected ambulatory population presenting with new onset headache, aetiology was found in at least 70%. Cryptococcal meningitis and sinusitis accounted for more than half of the cases.
Suppressive effect of secretory phospholipase A2inhibitory peptide on interleukin-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase production in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts, and its antiarthritic activity in hTNFtg mice
Authors: Thwin Maung-Maung , Douni Eleni , Arjunan Pachiappan , Kollias George , Kumar Prem V , Gopalakrishnakone Ponnampalam
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors are potent modulators of inflammation with therapeutic potential, but have limited efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to understand the inhibitory mechanism of phospholipase inhibitor from python (PIP)-18 peptide in cultured synovial fibroblasts (SF), and to evaluate its therapeutic potential in a human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF)-driven transgenic mouse (Tg197) model of arthritis.

Methods

Gene and protein expression of sPLA2-IIA, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 were analyzed by real time PCR and ELISA respectively, in interleukin (IL)-1β stimulated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fibroblasts cells treated with or without inhibitors of sPLA2 (PIP-18, LY315920) or MMPs (MMP Inhibitor II). Phosphorylation status of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins was examined by cell-based ELISA. The effect of PIP-18 was compared with that of celecoxib, methotrexate, infliximab and antiflamin-2 in Tg197 mice after ip administration (thrice weekly for 5 weeks) at two doses (10, 30 mg/kg), and histologic analysis of ankle joints. Serum sPLA2and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, IL-6) were measured byEscherichia coli(E coli) assay and ELISA, respectively.

Results

PIP-18 inhibited sPLA2-IIA production and enzymatic activity, and suppressed production of MMPs in IL-1β-induced RA and OA SF cells. Treatment with PIP-18 blocked IL-1β-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and resulted in attenuation of sPLA2-IIA and MMP mRNA transcription in RA SF cells. The disease modifying effect of PIP-18 was evidenced by significant abrogation of synovitis, cartilage degradation and bone erosion in hTNF Tg197 mice.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the benefit that can be gained from using sPLA2inhibitory peptide for RA treatment, and validate PIP-18 as a potential therapeutic in a clinically relevant animal model of human arthritis.
The role of patient expectations in predicting outcome after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mannion Anne F , Kämpfen Stephane , Munzinger Urs , Kramers-de Quervain Ines
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Patient's expectations are variably reported to influence self-rated outcome and satisfaction after medical treatment; this prospective study examined which of the following was the most important unique determinant of global outcome/satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA): baseline expectations; fulfilment of expectations; or current symptoms and function.

Methods

One hundred and twelve patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (age, 67 ± 9 years) completed a questionnaire about their expectations regarding months until full recovery, pain, and limitations in everyday activities after TKA surgery. Two years postoperatively, they were asked what the reality was for each of these domains, and rated the global outcome and satisfaction with surgery. Multivariable regression analyses using forward conditional selection of variables (and controlling for age, gender, other joint problems) identified the most significant determinants of outcome.

Results

Patients significantly underestimated the time for full recovery (expected 4.7 ± 2.8 months, recalled actual time, 6.1 ± 3.7 months; P = 0.005). They were also overly optimistic about the likelihood of being pain-free (85% expected it, 43% were; P < 0.05) and of not being limited in usual activities (52% expected it, 20% were; P < 0.05). Global outcomes were 46.2% excellent, 41.3% good, 10.6% fair and 1.9% poor. In multivariable regression, expectations did not make a significant unique contribution to explaining the variance in outcome/satisfaction; together with other joint problems, knee pain and function at 2 years postoperation predicted global outcome, and knee pain at 2 years predicted satisfaction.

Conclusions

In this group, preoperative expectations of TKA surgery were overly optimistic. The routine analysis of patient-orientated outcomes in practice should assist the surgeon to convey more realistic expectations to the patient during the preoperative consultation. In multivariable regression, expectations did not predict global outcome/satisfaction; the most important determinants were other joint problems and the patient's pain and functional status 2 years postoperatively.
Comparative evaluation of cell-free tumor DNA in blood and disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow of patients with primary breast cancer
Authors: Schwarzenbach Heidi , Pantel Klaus , Kemper Birthe , Beeger Cord , Otterbach Friedrich , Kimmig Rainer , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The origin and clinical relevance of circulating cell-free tumor DNA in the blood of cancer patients is still unclear. Here we investigated whether the detection of this DNA is related to bone marrow (BM) micrometastasis and tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients.

Methods

BM aspirates of 81 primary breast cancer patients were analyzed for the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) by immunocytochemistry using the pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3. PCR-based fluorescence microsatellite analysis was performed for detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 6 polymorphic markers using cell-free serum DNA. The data were correlated with established risk factors, and patients were followed-up over 6-10 years.

Results

LOH was detected in 33.5% of blood samples. The occurrence of LOH at the entire microsatellite marker set correlated with histopathology (P = 0.05) and grading (P = 0.006) of the primary tumor. The genomic region characterized by marker D9S171 was only affected by LOH in patients with increased tumor stages (pT2-4, P < 0.05) and older age (≥ 55 years, P = 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that LOH at D3S1255 (P = 0.009) and D9S171 (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with tumor relapse. In BM, DTC were detected in 39.5% of the patients, and this finding correlated with distant metastases (P < 0.05). Patients with DTC-positive BM had higher DNA yields in their blood than patients with DTC-negative BM (P < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between the presence of DTC in BM and the detection of marker-specific LOH on blood DNA.

Conclusions

The detection of LOH on cell-free tumor DNA in blood is unrelated to BM micrometastasis and provides independent information on breast cancer progression.
Simultaneous alignment of short reads against multiple genomes
Authors: Schneeberger Korbinian , Hagmann Jörg , Ossowski Stephan , Warthmann Norman , Gesing Sandra , Kohlbacher Oliver , Weigel Detlef
Published: September 2009

Genome resequencing with short reads generally relies on alignments against a single reference. GenomeMapper supports simultaneous mapping of short reads against multiple genomes by integrating related genomes (e.g., individuals of the same species) into a single graph structure. It constitutes the first approach for handling multiple references and introduces representations for alignments against complex structures. Demonstrated benefits include access to polymorphisms that cannot be identified by alignments against the reference alone. Download GenomeMapper at http://1001genomes.org.
A cell surface interaction network of neural leucine-rich repeat receptors
Authors: Söllner Christian , Wright Gavin J
Published: September 2009

Background

The vast number of precise intercellular connections within vertebrate nervous systems is only partly explained by the comparatively few known extracellular guidance cues. Large families of neural orphan receptor proteins have been identified and are likely to contribute to these recognition processes but due to the technical difficulty in identifying novel extracellular interactions of membrane-embedded proteins, their ligands remain unknown.

Results

To identify novel neural recognition signals, we performed a large systematic protein interaction screen using an assay capable of detecting low affinity extracellular protein interactions between the ectodomains of 150 zebrafish receptor proteins containing leucine-rich-repeat and/or immunoglobulin superfamily domains. We screened 7,592 interactions to construct a network of 34 cell surface receptor-ligand pairs that included orphan receptor subfamilies such as the Lrrtms, Lrrns and Elfns but also novel ligands for known receptors such as Robos and Unc5b. A quantitative biochemical analysis of a subnetwork involving the Unc5b and three Flrt receptors revealed a surprising quantitative variation in receptor binding strengths. Paired spatiotemporal gene expression patterns revealed dynamic neural receptor recognition maps within the developing nervous system, providing biological support for the network and revealing likely functions.

Conclusions

This integrated interaction and expression network provides a rich source of novel neural recognition pathways and highlights the importance of quantitative systematic extracellular protein interaction screens to mechanistically explain neural wiring patterns.
The Economics and Law of Sovereign Debt and Default
Authors: Panizza Ugo , Sturzenegger Federico , Zettelmeyer Jeromin
Published: September 2009

This paper surveys the recent literature on sovereign debt and relates it to the evolution of the legal principles underlying the sovereign debt market and the experience of the most recent debt crises and defaults. It finds limited support for theories that explain the feasibility of sovereign debt based on either external sanctions or exclusion from the international capital market and more support for explanations that emphasize domestic costs of default. The paper concludes that there remains a case for establishing institutions that reduce the cost of default but the design of such institutions is not a trivial task.
Toward a Theory of Regulation for Developing Countries: Following Jean-Jacques Laffont's Lead
Authors: Estache Antonio , Wren-Lewis Liam
Published: September 2009

The efficient operation and expansion of infrastructures in developing countries is crucial for growth and poverty reduction. However, recent reforms aimed at improving the performance of these sectors have had limited success. Evidence suggests that, in many instances, this was because the traditional regulatory theory relied on by policymakers was not suitable for the institutional context in developing countries. This article surveys more recent theoretical work focusing on problems with regulation in these countries. At the heart of the survey is the work of Jean-Jacques Laffont, who, in the last decade of his life, set about developing a theoretical framework for regulation in developing countries. We consider the implications of his work, which focused on the key institutional limitations faced in developing countries. We then discuss where experience suggests that there are important omissions from this modeling, bringing in extensions and alternative approaches pursued by other authors. We conclude by summarizing the key ways in which regulatory policy will be different when institutions are weak. Overall, we find that an understanding of the institutional context and its implications are crucial when designing a regulatory framework for developing countries.
A Review of Edward Luce's In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India
Authors: Pritchett Lant
Published: September 2009

India poses a development puzzle on a grand scale. Sixty years of electoral democracy, thirty years of rapid growth, and a number of world class institutions (such as the Institutes of Technology or Election Commission) have led to talk of India as a superpower in a league with the United States and China. Yet, on many fronts, India's indicators of human well-being (e.g., malnutrition, immunization) are at, or below, those of much poorer sub-Saharan African countries. Measures of the administrative capacity of the state on basics like attendance, performance, and corruption reveal a potentially “flailing state” whose brilliantly formulated policies are disconnected from realities on the ground. This review essay of Ed Luce's In Spite of the Gods attempts to articulate the puzzle that is modern India and pose questions about the development trajectory of a country whose fortunes will shape our century.
Finance and Politics: A Review Essay Based on Kenneth Dam's Analysis of Legal Traditions in The Law–Growth Nexus
Authors: Roe Mark J , Siegel Jordan I
Published: September 2009

Strong financial markets are widely thought to propel economic development, with many in finance seeing legal tradition as fundamental to protecting investors sufficiently for finance to flourish. Kenneth Dam finds that the legal tradition view inaccurately portrays how legal systems work, how laws developed historically, and how government power is allocated in the various legal traditions. Yet, after probing the legal origins' literature for inaccuracies, Dam does not deeply develop an alternative hypothesis to explain the world's differences in financial development. Nor does he challenge the origins core data, which could be origins' trump card. Hence, his analysis will not convince many economists, despite that his legal learning suggests conceptual and factual difficulties for the legal origins explanations. Yet, a dense political economy explanation is already out there and the origins-based data has unexplored weaknesses consistent with Dam's contentions. Knowing if the origins view is truly fundamental, flawed, or secondary is vital for financial development policy making because policymakers who believe it will pick policies that imitate what they think to be the core institutions of the preferred legal tradition. But if they have mistaken views, as Dam indicates they might, as to what the legal traditions' institutions really are and which types of laws are effective, or what is really most important to financial development, they will make policy mistakes—potentially serious ones.
Are organ donation communication decisions reasoned or reactive? A test of the utility of an augmented theory of planned behaviour with the prototype/willingness model
Authors: Hyde Melissa K. , White Katherine M.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. To explore whether people's organ donation consent decisions occur via a reasoned and/or social reaction pathway.

Design. We examined prospectively students' and community members' decisions to register consent on a donor register and discuss organ donation wishes with family.

Method. Participants completed items assessing theory of planned behaviour (TPB; attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC)), prototype/willingness model (PWM; donor prototype favourability/similarity, past behaviour), and proposed additional influences (moral norm, self‐identity, recipient prototypes) for registering (N =339) and discussing (N =315) intentions/willingness. Participants self‐reported their registering (N =177) and discussing (N =166) behaviour 1 month later. The utility of the (1) TPB, (2) PWM, (3) augmented TPB with PWM, and (4) augmented TPB with PWM and extensions was tested using structural equation modelling for registering and discussing intentions/willingness, and logistic regression for behaviour.

Results. While the TPB proved a more parsimonious model, fit indices suggested that the other proposed models offered viable options, explaining greater variance in communication intentions/willingness. The TPB, augmented TPB with PWM, and extended augmented TPB with PWM best explained registering and discussing decisions. The proposed and revised PWM also proved an adequate fit for discussing decisions. Respondents with stronger intentions (and PBC for registering) had a higher likelihood of registering and discussing.

Conclusions. People's decisions to communicate donation wishes may be better explained via a reasoned pathway (especially for registering); however, discussing involves more reactive elements. The role of moral norm, self‐identity, and prototypes as influences predicting communication decisions were highlighted also.
Critical Corporate Governance and the Demise of the Ultra Vires Doctrine
Authors: Talbot L.E.
Published: September 2009

Using a contextual approach this paper assesses the corporate governance implications of the historical demise of the ultra vires doctrine from its muscular assertion in Ashbury through to the Companies Act 2006. It demonstrates that the strict approach in Ashbury was designed to empower outsider shareholders in companies where ownership was becoming separate from control but that paradoxically this approach was reversed as separation became more complete with increased share dispersal. The subsequent enhancement of insider (but minority) investor and management power, demonstrated in both England and the United States, raises questions as to why ultra vires has not been protected and bolstered by successive governments. It concludes that the demise of ultra vires is indicative of a bias in company law and government policy in favour of an elite group of controlling shareholders.
The Environmental Liability Directive — Extending Nature Protection in Europe
Authors: Petersen Malte
Published: September 2009

With regard to nature protection through environmental liability, recent developments in Europe are most interesting. After the EC had already established a coherent species and habitat protection regime with the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive in 1979/1992 – which alone is remarkable because it covers areas of protection not only within national borders but throughout Europe – it introduced the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) in 2004. The ELD aims at nature protection – in addition to the protection of water and land – by requiring potential polluters to avoid pollution, or to remediate the affected area in case of damage. One interesting point about the Directive is the fact that it ties in with the existing nature protection regime by making a reference to the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. This link between existing nature protection regulations and additional liability provisions is notable in various respects. First, more than a decade after the introduction of a nature protection regime an additional regime is established in Europe to make the existing species and habitat protection more effective. Secondly, the environmental liability regime – as will be shown in this contribution – extends the scope of existing nature protection in Europe. Thus, we are witnessing an interesting way to extend nature protection through environmental liability regulations. The issue is crucial not only for Member States – regarding the design of the provisions which have to be adopted to implement the ELD – but also for operators, who face a potential liability.
Local Government Reform and Sustainable Development in Wales and Ireland
Authors: Jenkins Victoria
Published: September 2009

The system of local government in both Ireland and Wales has recently been subject to major reform. This study considers the extent to which the recent changes to the remit, powers and institutional structures of local government in these two countries have facilitated local councils' efforts to meet the objectives of sustainable development.
The New Waste Directive — Trying to Do it All… An Early Assessment
Authors: Scotford Eloise
Published: September 2009

At the heart of ongoing debate over Community waste policy (and thus its regulatory form) is an unclear message about its goals, which include both ‘preventing’ and ‘regulating’ waste and, after a new Directive, maintaining high environmental standards for the use of resources generally. This article asks whether the new Directive is likely to resolve the tension that arises in determining which of these goals takes priority, or whether it perpetuates it. It answers this question by analysing the changes introduced by the 2008 Waste Directive and by examining its goals and the legal issues that arise from the Directive's efforts to clarify, simplify and reorient the provisions of previous Waste Directives. The article concludes that the new Waste Directive is broadly and overly ambitious, at the expense of clarity concerning its goals and certainty in relation to its regulatory provisions. In short, there is a lot to digest in legally understanding and appraising the new Directive.
What's Cooking? From GM Food to Nanofood: Regulating Risk and Trade in Europe
Authors: Salmon Naomi
Published: September 2009

Focusing on the interests of the end-consumer, and using the emergent ‘nanofood’ sector as the primary reference point, this paper provides a commentary on the efficacy of Community food safety law. Looking behind the public relations patter that peppers both industry and institutional commentaries, this investigation considers the particular challenges presented by food-related applications of new technologies – specifically nanotechnology. The aim of the analysis is to distinguish the rhetoric of ostensibly precautionary food safety law from the reality of market-led regulation in order to evaluate the consumer-protective value of ‘economic precaution’ in the uncertain world of contemporary food risks. Introducing the concept of ‘ethical precaution’, the discussion concludes with a comment on the need for a more holistic and consumer-centric approach to the assessment and management of (uncertain) technological risks.
Policing Fraud in the Private Sector: A Survey of the FTSE 100 Companies in the UK
Authors: Brooks Graham , Button Mark , Frimpong Kwabena
Published: September 2009

Fraud has increasingly become recognised as a problem in the private sector, with a growing number of estimates of the size of the problem produced by official government bodies and private professional services companies such as KPMG. There have, however, been fewer surveys of the strategies being used by the private sector to tackle fraud. This paper presents findings from a survey of the UK's FTSE 100 companies which produced 32 responses and the strategies they are using to counter fraud. It demonstrates a mixed picture of both good and bad practice, when benchmarked against well-recognised standards for tackling fraud, on issues such as having: a strategy; a designated person responsible for fraud; regular risk assessments; preventative measures; investigative resources and effective relationships with the police. It also calls for further research to be conducted on private sector counter fraud strategies.
Investigative Interviewing of Suspected Sex Offenders: A Review of What Constitutes Best Practice
Authors: Read Julianne M. , Powell Martine B. , Kebbell Mark R. , Milne Rebecca
Published: September 2009

Research on the topic of investigative interviewing of suspected sex offenders is still in its infancy, with the majority of work to date focusing on developing theories underlying confessions, and reflecting on the value of specific interview techniques that have been observed in the field. This paper provides a synthesis of the literature in order to produce a preliminary guide to best practice for the interviewing of this particular interviewee group. Specifically, this review is structured around five elements that should be considered when planning for and administering the interview. These elements include: (a) establishing rapport, (b) introducing the topic of concern, (c) eliciting narrative detail, (d) clarification/specific questions and (e) closure. The unique contribution of this paper is its practical focus, and its synthesis of findings across a variety of streams, including the general eyewitness memory literature, legislation and case law, therapeutic literature, and research specifically related to the interviewing of offenders (including confessions). At the conclusion of the review, recommendations are offered for further research.
Does the Form of Question Repetition Have An Effect on Children's Recall Accuracy and Consistency?
Authors: Krähenbühl Sarah J. , Blades Mark
Published: September 2009

This study examined what effect different forms of question repetition had on children's accuracy and consistency in interviews. One hundred and sixty children aged 4–5, 6–7 and 8–9 were interviewed about an event they had witnessed a week earlier. Each child was asked an initial 16 questions; subsequently each question was repeated twice in a different format. Half of the questions asked were answerable from the information presented in the event and half were unanswerable. Four different forms of repetition were used: verbatim, gist, repetition of a specific question as a closed one and repetition of a closed question as a specific one. Response accuracy and consistency improved with age, but both accuracy and consistency declined with repetition. Overall, one-third of responses to repetitions changed, and accurate responses became inaccurate more often than inaccurate responses became accurate. Verbatim and gist repetitions had the least detrimental effect on the number of accurate responses, and verbatim repetition resulted in the most consistent responses. Repeating questions in any form had detrimental effects on the accuracy and overall consistency of children's testimony, but we suggest that, when it is necessary to ask a question more than once, either gist or verbatim repetition should be used.
Emotional Labour in the Context of Policing in Victoria: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Chapman David
Published: September 2009

Much research has been undertaken and much has been written about the effects of emotional labour in the service and helping industries. While there has been much conjecture as to the definitions of emotional labour, there has been little serious analysis on the effects on police officers of performing emotional labour. On the one hand, the available evidence suggests police officers are among the most stressed employees of all professions, whilst on the other, the limited research on emotional labour and policing makes only tenuous links possible between the performance of emotional labour and high-stress outcomes in policing. This paper reviews emotional labour theory, past studies of employees and the culture within Victoria Police (Australia) and their stress claims data. Further research is required to establish a link between performing emotional labour and the stress of police officers.
Public Protection in Youth Justice? The Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme from the inside
Authors: Ellis Tom , Pamment Nick , Lewis Chris
Published: September 2009

In 2001, the Youth Justice Board of England & Wales introduced the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP). It was quickly hailed as the most robust community-based sanction available for the most serious and persistent young offenders. However, it has been dogged by high reconviction rates. This paper undertakes first a review of the international evidence base for the effectiveness of all types of intensive supervision, before focusing specifically on its effectiveness within youth justice. It then presents our findings from fieldwork (participant observation, interviews and questionnaires) carried out within two Youth Offending Teams, comparing the views of supervisors and the supervised young offenders. The conclusions show that ISSP is not founded on sound evidence. Our own evidence suggests a number of reasons why ISSP does not work, and is not likely to, in its present form. Most importantly, it is clear that ISSP cannot provide the level of public protection claimed with such a severe offending group, and therefore does not aid the realistic promotion of greater use of community sentences. The article makes suggestions for an alternative approach to dealing with serious and persistent offenders in the community, based on the views of the young offenders subject to ISSP and the staff who supervise them.
Attitudes, Rape and Law Reform in South Africa
Authors: van der Bijl Charnelle , Rumney Philip N. S.
Published: September 2009

In the last decade South Africa has undergone an extensive process of sexual offence law reform. This process has attempted, amongst other things, to address deficiencies in the criminal justice response to rape and has also recognised some of the limits to the impact of legal reform. These limits are partly defined by rape supportive attitudes and myths that appear to influence decision-making at all points in the criminal justice process. In South Africa, and many other jurisdictions, evidence suggests that police, prosecutorial and judicial decision-making is influenced, in part, by a range of social attitudes that misconstrue sexual violence, as well as serve to undermine the credibility of complainants. This article examines the impact of myths, social definitions of rape on rape law reform in South Africa and the points at which these reforms are likely to be undermined by social attitudes and what potentially might be done to address this problem.