bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the TGF-beta1 system in human testicular pathologies
Authors: Gonzalez Candela R , Matzkin María E , Frungieri Mónica B , Terradas Claudio , Ponzio Roberto , Puigdomenech Elisa , Levalle Oscar , Calandra Ricardo S , Gonzalez-Calvar Silvia I
Published: December 2010

Background

In non-obstructive azoospermia, histological patterns of Sertoli cell-only Syndrome (SCO) and hypospermatogenesis (H) are commonly found. In these pathologies, Leydig cell hyperplasia (LCH) is detected in some patients. Since TGF-β1 is involved in cellular proliferation/development, the aim of this work was to analyze the expression of TGF-β1, its receptors TGFBRII, TGFBRI (ALK-1 and ALK-5), and the co-receptor endoglin in human biopsies from patients with idiopathic infertility.

Methods

Specific immunostaining of TGF-β1, its receptors TGFBRII, TGFBRI (ALK-1 and ALK-5), co-receptor endoglin and Smads proteins, were carried out in testicular biopsies from normal and infertile men with SCO or H. Gene expression of TGF-β1 system were made in biopsies from infertile patients with semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR.

Results

Immunohistochemical studies revealed that TGF-β1 and its specific receptors are present in Leydig cells in biopsies from normal tissue or patients with SCO or H with or without LCH. Smad proteins, which are involved in TGF-β1 signaling, are also detected in both their phosphorylated (activated) and dephosphorylated form in all samples TGF-β1, ALK-1 and endoglin gene expression are stronger in human biopsies with LCH than in those with SCO or H. Neither TGFBRII nor ALK-5 gene expression showed significant differences between pathologies. A significant correlation between ALK-1 and endoglin expression was observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the high levels of mRNA and protein expression of the TGF-β1 system in patients with LCH, particularly ALK1 and its correlation with endoglin, suggest that these proteins acting in concert might be, at least in part, committed actors in the Leydig cell hyperplasia.
Fibrillin assemblies: extracellular determinants of tissue formation and fibrosis
Authors: Olivieri Jacopo , Smaldone Silvia , Ramirez Francesco
Published: December 2010

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in tissue formation, homeostasis and repair, mutations in ECM components have catastrophic consequences for organ function and therefore, for the fitness and survival of the organism. Collagen, fibrillin and elastin polymers represent the architectural scaffolds that impart specific mechanic properties to tissues and organs. Fibrillin assemblies (microfibrils) have the additional function of distributing, concentrating and modulating local transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals that regulate a plethora of cellular activities, including ECM formation and remodeling. Fibrillins also contain binding sites for integrin receptors, which induce adaptive responses to changes in the extracellular microenvironment by reorganizing the cytoskeleton, controlling gene expression, and releasing and activating matrix-bound latent TGF-β complexes. Genetic evidence has indicated that fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 contribute differently to the organization and structural properties of non-collagenous architectural scaffolds, which in turn translate into discrete regulatory outcomes of locally released TGF-β and BMP signals. Additionally, the study of congenital dysfunctions of fibrillin-1 has yielded insights into the pathogenesis of acquired connective tissue disorders of the connective tissue, such as scleroderma. On the one hand, mutations that affect the structure or expression of fibrillin-1 perturb microfibril biogenesis, stimulate improper latent TGF-β activation, and give rise to the pleiotropic manifestations in Marfan syndrome (MFS). On the other hand, mutations located around the integrin-binding site of fibrillin-1 perturb cell matrix interactions, architectural matrix assembly and extracellular distribution of latent TGF-β complexes, and lead to the highly restricted fibrotic phenotype of Stiff Skin syndrome. Understanding the molecular similarities and differences between congenital and acquired forms of skin fibrosis may therefore provide new therapeutic tools to mitigate or even prevent disease progression in scleroderma and perhaps other fibrotic conditions.
Derivation of forward and adjoint operators for least-squares shot-profile split-step migration
Authors: Kaplan Sam T. , Routh Partha S. , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: December 2010

The forward and adjoint operators for shot-profile least-squares migration are derived. The forward operator is demigration, and the adjoint operator is migration. The demigration operator is derived from the Born approximation. The process begins with a Green’s function that allows for a laterally varying migration velocity model using the split-step approximation. Next, the earth is divided into horizontal layers, and within each layer the migration velocity model is made to be constant with respect to depth. For a given layer, (1) the source-side wavefield is propagated down to its top using the background wavefield. This gives a background wavefield incident at the layer’s upper boundary. (2) The layer’s contribution to the scattered wavefield is computed using the Born approximation to the scattered wavefield and the background wavefield. (3) Next, its scattered wavefield is propagated back up to the measurement surface using, again, the background wavefield. The measured wavefield is approximated by the sum of scattered wavefields from each layer. In the derivation of the measured wavefield, the shot-profile migration geometry is used. For each shot, the resulting wavefield modeling operator takes the form of a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind, and this is used to write down its adjoint, the shot-profile migration operator. This forward/adjoint pair is used for shot-profile least-squares migration. Shot-profile least-squares migration is illustrated with two synthetic examples. The first uses data collected over a four-layer acoustic model, and the second uses data from the Sigsbee 2a model.
GnRH Receptor Gene Expression in the Developing Rat Hippocampus: Transcriptional Regulation and Potential Roles in Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Schang Anne-Laure , Ngô-Muller Valérie , Bleux Christian , Granger Anne , Chenut Marie-Claude , Loudes Catherine , Magre Solange , Counis Raymond , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle , Laverrière Jean-Noël
Published: December 2010

In the pituitary of mammals, the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) plays a primary role in the control of reproductive function. It is further expressed in the hippocampus, where its function, however, is not well defined. By quantitative RT-PCR analyses, we demonstrate herein that the onset of GnRHR gene (Gnrhr) expression in the rat hippocampus was unexpectedly delayed as compared to the pituitary and only occurred after birth. Using a previously described transgenic mouse model bearing the human placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene under the control of the rat Gnrhr promoter, we established a positive correlation between the temporal pattern of Gnrhr mRNA levels and promoter activity in the hippocampal formation. The gradual appearance of human placental alkaline phosphatase transgene expression occurred simultaneously in the hippocampus and interconnected structures such as the lateral septum and the amygdala, coinciding with the establishment of hippocampo-septal projections. Analysis of transcription factors together with transient transfection assays in hippocampal neurons indicated that the combinatorial code governing the hippocampus-specific expression of the Gnrhr is distinct from the pituitary, likely involving transactivating factors such as NUR77, cyclic AMP response element binding protein, and Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma virus oncogene homolog. A silencing transcription factor acting via the -3255/-1135 promoter region of the Gnrhr may be responsible for the transcriptional repression observed around birth. Finally, GnRH directly stimulated via activation of its receptor the expression of several marker genes of neuronal plasticity such as Egr1, synaptophysin, and spinophilin in hippocampal primary cultures, suggesting a role for GnRHR in neuronal plasticity. Further characterization of these mechanisms may help unravel important functions of GnRH/GnRHR signaling in the brain.
Activation of Type 1 CRH Receptor Isoforms Induces Serotonin Release from Human Carcinoid BON-1N Cells: An Enterochromaffin Cell Model
Authors: Wu S. Vincent , Yuan Pu-Qing , Lai Jim , Wong Kelvin , Chen Monica C. , Ohning Gordon V. , Taché Yvette
Published: December 2010

CRH and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) are expressed in human colonic enterochromaffin (EC) cells, but their interactions at the cellular level remain largely unknown. The mechanistic and functional relationship between CRH and 5-HT systems in EC cells was investigated in a human carcinoid cloned BON cell line (BON-1N), widely used as an in vitro model of EC cell function. First, we identified multiple CRH1 splice variants, including CRH1a, CRH1c, CRH1f, and a novel form lacking exon 4, designated here as CRH1i, in the BON-1N cells. The expression of CRH1i was also confirmed in human brain cortex, pituitary gland, and ileum. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblot analysis confirmed that BON-1N cells were CRH1 and 5-HT positive. CRH, urocortin (Ucn)-1, and cortagine, a selective CRH1 agonist, all increased intracellular cAMP, and this concentration-dependent response was inhibited by CRH1-selective antagonist NBI-35965. CRH and Ucn-1, but not Ucn-2, stimulated significant ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In transfected human embryonic kidney-293 cells, CRH1i isoforms produced a significant increase in pERK1/2 in response to CRH1 agonists that was sensitive to NBI-35965. CRH and Ucn-1 stimulated 5-HT release that reached a maximal increase of 3.3- and 4-fold at 10−8m over the basal level, respectively. In addition, exposure to CRH for 24-h up-regulated tryptophan hydroxylase-1 mRNA levels in the BON-1N cells. These findings define the expression of EC cell-specific CRH1 isoforms and activation of CRH1-dependent pathways leading to 5-HT release and synthesis; thus, providing functional evidence of a link exists between CRH and 5-HT systems, which have implications in stress-induced CRH1 and 5-HT-mediated stimulation of lower intestinal function.
Effect of Caloric Restriction with and without Exercise on Metabolic Intermediates in Nonobese Men and Women
Authors: Redman Leanne M. , Huffman Kim M. , Landerman Lawrence R. , Pieper Carl F. , Bain James R. , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Stevens Robert D. , Wenner Brett R. , Kraus Virginia B. , Newgard Christopher B. , Kraus William E. , Ravussin Eric
Published: December 2010

abstract

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether serum concentrations of metabolic intermediates are related to adiposity and insulin sensitivity (Si) in overweight healthy subjects and compare changes in metabolic intermediates with similar weight loss achieved by diet only or diet plus exercise.

Design:

This was a randomized controlled trial.

Participants and Intervention:

The cross-sectional study included 46 (aged 36.8 ± 1.0 yr) overweight (body mass index 27.8 ± 0.7 kg/m2) subjects enrolled in a 6-month study of calorie restriction. To determine the effect of diet only or diet plus exercise on metabolic intermediates, 35 subjects were randomized to control (energy intake at 100% of energy requirements); CR (25% calorie restriction), or CR+EX: (12.5% CR plus 12.5% increase in energy expenditure by exercise).

Main Outcome Measures:

Serum concentrations of eight fatty acids, 15 amino acids, and 45 acylcarnitines (ACs) measured by targeted mass spectrometry.

Results:

In overweight subjects, the concentrations of C2 AC and long-chain ACs were positively associated with percent fat (R2 = 0.75, P = 0.0001) and Si (R2 = 0.12, P = 0.05). The percent fat (R2 = 0.77, P < 0.0001), abdominal visceral fat (R2 = 0.64, P < 0.0001), and intrahepatic fat (R2 = 0.30, P = 0.0002) were positively associated with fatty acid concentrations. There was a significant increase in an AC factor (comprised of C2 and several medium chain ACs) in the CR group (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

In nonobese subjects, fasted serum ACs are associated with Si and fat mass. Despite similar weight loss, serum ACs increase with CR alone but not CR+EX. A greater improvement in Si with weight loss during CR+EX interventions may be related to improved coupling of β-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle flux induced by exercise.
Vitamin D Toxicity due to a Commonly Available “Over the Counter” Remedy from the Dominican Republic
Authors: Lowe Hyesoo , Cusano Natalie E. , Binkley Neil , Blaner William S. , Bilezikian John P.
Published: December 2010

abstract

Context:

Hypercalcemia in ambulatory patients is occasionally caused by vitamin D toxicity.

Objective:

We report nine patients presenting to Columbia University Medical Center with hypercalcemia due to a supplement from the Dominican Republic containing massive amounts of vitamin D.

Methods:

Case histories and laboratory evaluation (calcium, PTH, vitamin D metabolites) are discussed in the context of other published cases of vitamin D toxicity. The supplement was analyzed by HPLC to quantitate vitamin D and A content.

Results:

Nine patients presented with hypercalcemia (range, 10.8–17.2 mg/dl; normal, 8.4–9.8 mg/dl), suppressed PTH (range, <3 to 11 pg/ml), and elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (range, 94–525 ng/ml; normal, 30–80 ng/ml) levels. All reported recently taking an over-the-counter vitamin supplement called Soladek readily available in the Dominican Republic and in Upper Manhattan. Although serum calcium values before the ingestion of Soladek were not elevated (baseline serum calcium range, 8.7–9.2 mg/dl), most had a disorder that can be associated with hypercalcemia [squamous cell cancer (n = 1), Pneumocystis or mycobacterial infection (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 1), granulomatous disease (n = 1), hyperthyroidism (n = 2)]. According to the manufacturer's label, each 5-ml vial of Soladek contains vitamin D (600,000 IU), vitamin A (120,000 IU), and vitamin E (5 mg). Laboratory analysis by HPLC revealed that the supplement actually contained vitamin D3 (864,000 IU) and vitamin A (predominantly retinyl palmitate 123,500 IU) per vial.

Conclusion:

Although hypercalcemia due to exogenous use of vitamin D is unusual, it is important to consider it in the differential diagnosis, particularly among individuals with access to Soladek.
Ionicity Phase Diagram of Trifluoromethyl-TCNQ (CF3TCNQ) Charge-Transfer Solids
Authors: Saito Gunzi , Ikegami Hideo , Yoshida Yukihiro , Drozdova Olga O , Nishimura Kazukuni , Horiuchi Sachio , Yamochi Hideki , Otsuka Akihiro , Hiramatsu Takaaki , Maesato Mitsuhiko , Nakamura Takayoshi , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Yumoto Toru
Published: December 2010

A series of charge-transfer (CT) solids of trifluoromethyl-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (CF3TCNQ) with various electron donor molecules were prepared and their IR and UV–vis–near-IR spectra and electrical conductivity were measured. The information was applied to produce an ionicity phase diagram of CF3TCNQ CT solids. A boundary for ionicity of CF3TCNQ was found in combination with donor molecules of dibenzo[c,d]phenothiazine, diaminodurene, or dibenzotetrathiafulvalene (DBTTF). With stronger donors than DBTTF, the CF3TCNQ molecules were fully ionized and acted as a counter anion. No conductors with partially charged CF3TCNQ species were obtained. Besides the conventional 1:1 fully ionic insulators with segregated stacks, tetramethyl-TTF·CF3TCNQ·CH3CN and bis(methylthio)ethylenedithio-TTF·CF3TCNQ had fully ionic alternating stacks of DDAA units and showed Frenkel triplet excitons. (BEDO-TTF)2(CF3TCNQ) [BEDO-TTF: bis(ethylenedioxy)-TTF] consisted of a mixed-valence segregated stack of donor molecules and completely ionized acceptor molecules, and showed metallic behavior down to 1.8 K even in a compressed pellet sample. Langmuir–Blodgett films composed of (BEDO-TTF)2(CF3TCNQ) and matrix (arachidic acid) showed a conductivity of 3–6 S cm−1 at room temperature and a nearly temperature-independent conductivity down to 80 K. Semiconducting (TMTSF)2(CF3TCNQ) (TMTSF: tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene) had one-dimensional segregated stacks of dimerized TMTSF molecules separated by completely ionized CF3TCNQ, the molecular plane of which was arranged parallel to the TMTSF column. The ionicity phase diagram of the CF3TCNQ CT solids, i.e., a plot of the first CT transition energy vs. donor strength, clearly discriminated these different kinds of CT solids and will be utilized for the prediction and design of the functional CT solids.
Uranyl(VI)–Acetylacetonate Coordination Compounds with Various N-Heterocyclic Ligands
Authors: Kawasaki Takeshi , Nishimura Tatsuru , Kitazawa Takafumi
Published: December 2010

Seven uranyl(VI) complexes, [UO2(acac)2(L)] [L = 4-methylpyridine (1), 4-ethylpyridine (2), 2,4-dimethylpyridine (3), (−)-nicotine (4), and imidazole (5)], [{UO2(acac)2}2(4,4′-bipyridine)] (6), and [(2,2′-bipyridine)2H][UO2(acac)(NO3)2] (7) have been synthesized and characterized crystallographically. The coordination geometry of U has a UNO6 pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination in 1–6, and a UO8 hexagonal-bipyramidal coordination in 7.
Diastereoselective Michael Addition of Magnesium Amide to O-(2-Alkenoyl)TEMPOs and Comparison of Reactivity with Acyl Substituent-Modified Carboxylic Analogues
Authors: Ma Li-Jian , Mei Zhen-Wu , Toyohara Keisuke , Kawafuchi Hiroyuki , Nokami Junzo , Inokuchi Tsutomu
Published: December 2010

O-(2-Alkenoyl)TEMPOs bearing an O–N bond in the acyl substituent are highly reactive in Michael addition of magnesium amide compared with their acyl substituent-modified analogs. Highly diastereoselective addition is achieved to the AlMe3-treated O-(2-alkenoyl)TEMPO as an acceptor with the Mg amide generated from optically active secondary amine.
Pyrazolato- and 3,5-Dimethylpyrazolato-Bridged Dinuclear Platinum(II), Palladium(II), and Their Mixed-Metal Complexes of 2,2′-Bipyrimidine. Syntheses, Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Umakoshi Keisuke , Kimura Kazutoyo , Kim Yong Hun , Tsukimoto Yuya , Arikawa Yasuhiro , Onishi Masayoshi , Ishizaka Shoji , Kitamura Noboru
Published: December 2010

The pyrazolato (pz)- and 3,5-dimethylpyrazolato (Me2pz)-bridged dinuclear platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 2,2′-bipyrimidine (bpym), [Pt2(bpym)2(μ-pz′)2](PF6)2 (pz′ = pz (1a) and Me2pz (1b)) and [Pd2(bpym)2(μ-pz′)2](PF6)2 (pz′ = pz (2a) and Me2pz (2b)), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Pd–Pt complex, [PdPt(bpym)2(μ-Me2pz)2](PF6)2 (4b), has also been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Among these Pt2, Pd2, and PdPt complexes, only 1a and 1b exhibit greenish blue and yellow-green luminescence, respectively, in the solid state at ambient temperature. The emissions of 1a and 1b in the solid state are tentatively assigned as the emission from the 3LC/MLCT and 3MMLCT excited states, respectively.
Trying to Explain Home Bias in Equities and Consumption
Authors: Lewis Karen K
Published: December 2010

Investors hold a substantially larger proportion of their wealth portfolios in domestic assets than standard portfolio theory would suggest, a phenomenon called “equity home bias.” In the absence of this bias, investors would optimally diversify domestic output risk using foreign equities. Therefore, consumption growth rates would tend to co-move across countries even when output growth rates do not. Empirically, however, consumption growth rates tend to have a lower correlation across countries than do output growth rates, a phenomenon I call “consumption home bias.” In this paper, I discuss these two biases and their potential relationship as suggested by the literature.
Adam Smith: Critical Theorist?
Authors: Tribe Keith
Published: December 2010

The bicentenary of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations in 1976 was marked by the publication of a new complete edition of his works and correspondence, bringing together for the first time all extant published and unpublished writings. A basis was thereby provided for serious reconsideration of Adam Smith's work, and since the early 1980s many conventional assumptions concerning Smith's work and contemporary significance have been challenged. This paper surveys the foundations upon which this new, “historical” Adam Smith has been constructed, and assesses the merits of the principal claims which have recently been made for his work.
An Essay on Fiscal Federalism
Authors: Oates Wallace E
Published: December 2010

This paper is a selective survey of fiscal federalism. It begins with a brief review and some reflections on the traditional theory of fiscal federalism: the assignment of functions to levels of government, the welfare gains from fiscal decentralization, and the use of fiscal instruments. It then explores a series of important topics that are the subject of current research: laboratory federalism, interjurisdictional competition and environmental federalism, the political economy of fiscal federalism, market-preserving federalism, and fiscal decentralization in the developing and transitional economies.
The Microfinance Promise
Authors: Morduch Jonathan
Published: December 2010

In the past decade, microfinance programs have demonstrated that it is possible to lend to low-income households while maintaining high repayment rates—even without requiring collateral. The programs promise a revolution in approaches to alleviating poverty and spreading financial services, and millions of poor households are served globally. A growing body of economic theory demonstrates how new contractual forms offer a key to microfinance success—particularly the use of group-lending contracts with joint liability. For the most part, however, high repayment rates have not translated into profits, and studies of impacts on poverty yield a mixed picture. In describing emerging tensions, the paper highlights the diversity of innovative mechanisms beyond group-lending contracts, the measurement of financial sustainability, the estimation of economic and social impacts, the costs and benefits of subsidization, and the potential to reduce poverty through savings programs rather than just credit. The promise of microfinance has pushed far ahead of the evidence, and an agenda is put forward for addressing critical empirical gaps and sharpening the terms of policy discussion.
The Science of Monetary Policy: A New Keynesian Perspective
Authors: Clarida Richard , Galí Jordi , Gertler Mark
Published: December 2010

The paper reviews the recent literature on monetary policy rules. We exposit the monetary policy design problem within a simple baseline theoretical framework. We then consider the implications of adding various real world complications. Among other things, we show that the optimal policy implicitly incorporates inflation targeting. We also characterize the gains from making a credible commitment to fight inflation. In contrast to conventional wisdom, we show that gains from commitment may emerge even if the central bank is not trying to inadvisedly push output above its natural level. We also consider the implications of frictions such as imperfect information.
Manufacturing Firms in Developing Countries: How Well Do They Do, and Why?
Authors: Tybout James R
Published: December 2010

The manufacturing sectors of developing countries have traditionally been relatively protected. They have also been subject to heavy regulation, much of which has favored large firms. Accordingly, it is often argued that in these countries: (1) markets tolerate inefficient firms, so cross-firm productivity dispersion is high; (2) small groups of entrenched oligopolists exploit monopoly power in product markets; and (3) many small firms are unable or unwilling to grow, so important scale economies go unexploited. Drawing on plant and firm level studies, I assess each of these conjectures and find none to be systematically supported. However, many open issues remain.
Assessing Affirmative Action
Authors: Holzer Harry , Neumark David
Published: December 2010

Economic research provides extensive evidence regarding discrimination against women and minorities, and some evidence on the redistributive effects of affirmative action. However, it provides much less evidence on affirmative action's impact on efficiency or performance, perhaps the key economic issue in the debate over affirmative action. This review covers all of these issues, but focuses on the efficiency/performance question, drawing on economics and other disciplines. The evidence suggests to us that affirmative action can be implemented with relatively little efficiency loss. Most importantly, the empirical case against affirmative action on the grounds of efficiency is weak at best.
The New Institutional Economics: Taking Stock, Looking Ahead
Authors: Williamson Oliver E
Published: December 2010

This paper examines the progressive development of the new institutional economics over the past quarter century. It begins by distinguishing four levels of social analysis, with special emphasis on the institutional environment and the institutions of governance. It then turns to some of the good ideas out of which the NIE works: the description of human actors, feasibility, firms as governance structures, and operationalization. Applications, including privatization, are briefly discussed. Its empirical successes, public policy applications, and other accomplishments notwithstanding, there is a vast amount of unfinished business.
The Emigration of German-Speaking Economists after 1933
Authors: Scherer F. M
Published: December 2010

Economists were among the many scholars uprooted following Hitler's rise to power in 1933. This article reviews a series of books edited by Harald Hagemann and others which provide extensive biographical information on 314 German-speaking economists whose professional opportunities were shattered by Nazi policies. It evaluates the impact of the massive emigration on economic research and teaching in Germany and Austria and in the nations to which most of the economists emigrated. An analysis of 1966-70 data reveals that the emigres' cited publication counts were equivalent to the citations of three leading U.S. economics departments.
Natural “Natural Experiments” in Economics
Authors: Rosenzweig Mark R , Wolpin Kenneth I
Published: December 2010

The recent literature exploiting natural events as “natural experiment” instruments is reviewed to assess to what extent it has advanced empirical knowledge. A weakness of the studies that adopt this approach is that the necessary set of behavioral, market, and technological assumptions made by the authors in justifying their interpretations of the estimates is often absent. The methodology and findings from twenty studies are summarized and simple economic models are used to elucidate the implicit assumptions made by the authors and to demonstrate the sensitivity of the interpretations of the findings to the relaxation of some of these assumptions.
Fitness and Age: Review of Carroll and Hannan's Demography of Corporations and Industries
Authors: Jovanovic Boyan
Published: December 2010

The Demography of Corporations and Industries (2000) by Glenn R. Carroll and T. Michael Hannan is a welcome addition to a body of empirical analysis of firms and industries that studies the effects of technological change and other changes that occur over time. The book contains a wealth of facts, and some new insights too. It will make useful secondary reading in some graduate courses in economics, and I would recommend it to anyone whose research relates to the concept of creative destruction.
Looking into the Black Box: A Survey of the Matching Function
Authors: Petrongolo Barbara , Pissarides Christopher A
Published: December 2010

This paper surveys the microfoundations, empirical evidence, and estimation issues underlying the aggregate matching function. There is no consensus yet on microfoundations but one is emerging on estimation. An aggregate, constant returns, Cobb-Douglas matching function with hires as a function of vacancies and unemployment has been successfully estimated for several countries. Recent work has utilized disaggregated data to go beyond aggregate estimates, with many refinements and suggestions for future research. The paper discusses spatial aggregation issues, and implications of on-the-job search and of the timing of stocks and flows for estimated matching functions.
Perfect Competition and the Creativity of the Market
Authors: Makowski Louis , Ostroy Joseph M
Published: December 2010

From the perspective of the Walrasian general equilibrium model, entrepreneurial and opportunistic behavior seems foreign. Can the model be refashioned so that it can accommodate such behavior? Many would say no, but we argue the contrary. Indeed, we present a reformulation of the model that serves as a gateway to, rather than a detour from, such contemporary issues as innovation and incentives. The trick is to reexamine what perfect competition means. Starting with an historical summary of general equilibrium, we sketch an image of the perfect competitor as an active market opportunist, seeking out profit potentials wherever he can.
Of Hype and Hyperbolas: Introducing the New Economic Geography
Authors: Neary J. Peter
Published: December 2010

Reviewing The Spatial Economy by Fujita, Krugman, and Venables, this paper argues that the key contribution of the new economic geography is a framework in which standard building blocks of mainstream economics (especially rational decision making and simple general equilibrium models) are used to model the trade-off between dispersal and agglomeration. The approach thus gives a choice-theoretic basis for a “propensity to agglomerate.”
Official Intervention in the Foreign Exchange Market: Is It Effective and, If So, How Does It Work?
Authors: Sarno Lucio , Taylor Mark P
Published: December 2010

Our paper assesses progress made by the profession in understanding whether and how exchange rate intervention works. We review theory and evidence on official intervention, concentrating primarily on work published in the last decade or so. We conclude that, unlike the profession's consensus of the 1980s, official intervention can be effective, especially as a signal of policy intentions and when publicly announced and concerted. We note an apparent empirical puzzle concerning the secrecy of much intervention and suggest another way for intervention to be effective which has received little attention in the literature, namely by remedying a coordination failure in the foreign exchange market.
Economics of Alliances: The Lessons for Collective Action
Authors: Sandler Todd , Hartley Keith
Published: December 2010

This essay provides an up-to-date summary of the findings of the literature on the economics of alliances. We show that the study of the economics of alliances has played a pivotal role in understanding and applying public good analysis to real-world applications. We establish that the manner in which alliances address burden sharing and allocative issues is related to strategic doctrines, weapon technology, perceived threats, and membership composition. Past contributions are evaluated, and areas needing further development are identified. The theoretical and empirical knowledge gained from the study of alliances is shown to be directly applicable to a wide range of international collectives.
Education for Growth: Why and for Whom?
Authors: Krueger Alan B , Lindahl Mikael
Published: December 2010

This paper summarizes and tries to reconcile evidence from the microeconometric and empirical macro growth literatures on the effect of schooling on income and GDP growth. Much microeconometric evidence suggests that education is an important causal determinant of income for individuals within countries. At a national level, however, recent studies have found that increases in educational attainment are unrelated to economic growth. This discrepancy appears to be a result of the high rate of measurement error in first-differenced cross-country education data. After accounting for measurement error, the effect of changes in educational attainment on income growth in cross-country data is at least as great as microeconometric estimates of the rate of return to years of schooling. Another finding of the macro growth literature—that economic growth depends positively on the initial stock of human capital—is not robust when the assumption of a constant-coefficient model is relaxed.
A Ricardo-Sraffa Paradigm Comparing Gains from Trade in Inputs and Finished Goods
Authors: Samuelson Paul A
Published: December 2010

Here is how the 1817 Ricardo comparative advantage trade benefit analysis has to be modified to take account of post-1960 Sraffian benefits from capital-using technologies. By bringing J. S. Mill's demand model up to date in terms of its implicit geometric-mean money-metric utility, specific measurements for real net national product are calculated to partition sources of welfare gains (from output enhancements and taste-preference accommodations) in scenarios of (1) trade between equals, (2) trade between poor and rich nations, and (3) for biased inventions that enable a poor country to take over production of items in which formerly the rich place enjoyed comparative advantage. History of economic doctrine is mined to advance today's frontier of scientific knowledge—a forward-looking function for “Whig history.”
Review of de Soto's The Mystery of Capital
Authors: Woodruff Christopher
Published: December 2010

In The Mystery of Capital, Hernando de Soto promotes his explanation of why formal capital markets function poorly in developing countries. De Soto argues that much of the population of developing countries lacks access to credit, not because they lack assets, but because ownership of their property is secured informally, which prevents the use of property as collateral. The inability to convert assets into capital keeps the developing world from benefiting from capitalism.
Establishment of a paediatric age-related reference interval for the measurement of urinary total fractionated metanephrines
Authors: Griffin Alison , O'Shea Paula , FitzGerald Roland , O'Connor Gerard , Tormey William
Published: December 2010

Introduction

Normetanephrine and metanephrine are intermediate metabolites of noradrenaline and adrenaline metabolism. To assess whether normetanephrine and metanephrine analysis may aid in the diagnosis of Neuroblastoma, a reference interval for these metabolites must first be established.

Aim

The overall aim of this study was to establish a paediatric age-related reference interval for the measurement of total fractionated metanephrines.

Methods

A total of 267 urine samples were analysed following acid hydrolysis. This releases the metanephrines from their sulphate-bound metabolites. The samples were analysed using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography with electro-chemical detection on a Gilson automated sequential trace enrichment of dialysate sample system.

Results

Data were analysed using Minitab Release version 14. Outliers were removed using the Dixon/Reed one-third rule. Partitioning of the age groups was achieved using Harris and Boyd's standard normal deviate test. Non-parametric analysis of the data was performed, followed by the establishment of the 2.5th and the 97.5th reference limits.

Conclusions

The established reference intervals are described in Table 2.
A guide to defining and implementing protocols for the welfare assessment of laboratory animals: eleventh report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement
Authors: Hawkins P , Morton D B , Burman O , Dennison N , Honess P , Jennings M , Lane S , Middleton V , Roughan J V , Wells S , Westwood K
Published: December 2010

The refinement of husbandry and procedures to reduce animal suffering and improve welfare is an essential component of humane science. Successful refinement depends upon the ability to assess animal welfare effectively, and detect any signs of pain or distress as rapidly as possible, so that any suffering can be alleviated. This document provides practical guidance on setting up and operating effective protocols for the welfare assessment of animals used in research and testing. It sets out general principles for more objective observation of animals, recognizing and assessing indicators of pain or distress and tailoring these to individual projects. Systems for recording indicators, including score sheets, are reviewed and guidance is set out on determining practical monitoring regimes that are more likely to detect any signs of suffering. This guidance is intended for all staff required to assess or monitor animal welfare, including animal technologists and care staff, veterinarians and scientists. It will also be of use to members of ethics or animal care and use committees. A longer version of this document, with further background information and extra topics including training and information sharing, is available on the Laboratory Animals website.
Interpretation of increments in serial tumour biomarker concentrations depends on the distance of the baseline concentration from the cut-off
Authors: Petersen Per Hyltoft , Sölétormos György , Pedersen Merete Frejstrup , Lund Flemming
Published: December 2010

Background: In the management of breast cancer, several algorithms for interpretation of measured concentrations during monitoring have been introduced, without objective evaluation of their performance regarding the distance of the starting concentration from the cut-off concentration.

Methods: A computer simulation model has developed using parameters for the tumour biomarker CA 15-3 regarding biological variation and different rates of increase during progressive disease. Seven different algorithms, which include the cut-off point in the calculations, are applied to the simulated data corresponding to 1000 surrogate patients. Steady-state variation (CV-within-subject=14.9%) is based on Gaussian random numbers and an exponential increase in tumour growth (λ=0.009, 0.021, and 0.090 kU/day).

Results: The main outcome of the simulations was that low starting concentrations (baseline concentrations) delay the detection of progressive disease (true-positive), whereas, baseline concentrations just below the cut-off value results in false-positive results of progression during steady-state situations. The algorithms investigated show varying susceptibility for baseline concentrations approaching the cut-off. Thus, three of the algorithms show >90% false-positives and three algorithms <5% false-positives when baseline concentrations were just below the cut-off point.

Conclusions: Based on the simulations, it is possible to select the optimal algorithms for early detection of progressive disease and a low percentage of false-positives.
Longitudinal mechanical properties of cell wall of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) as related to moisture content: A nanoindentation study
Authors: Yu Yan , Fei Benhua , Wang Hankun , Tian Genlin
Published: December 2010

The in situ imaging nanoindentation technique was used to investigate how the moisture content (MC) affects the longitudinal mechanical properties of Masson pine cell wall. Furthermore, nanoindentation tests in liquid water were performed. The results indicate that elastic modulus, hardness, and compression yield stress of wood wall are all linearly correlated to the selected MC region in the range from 4.5% to 13.1%. Remarkable differences were found between the experimental values measured in water and the extrapolated values based on regression equations below fiber saturation point.
GATA-like protein-1 (GLP-1) is required for normal germ cell development during embryonic oogenesis
Authors: Strauss Tamara J , Castrillon Diego H , Hammes Stephen R
Published: December 2010

Oogenesis and primordial follicle formation are tightly linked processes, requiring organized and precisely timed communication between somatic and germ cells. Deviations in ovarian cell cross talk, or aberrant gene expression within one of the cell populations, can lead to follicle loss or dysfunction, resulting in infertility. Expression of GATA-like protein-1 (GLP-1) in ovarian somatic cells is required for normal fertility in female mice, as GLP-1 deficiency leads to the absence of oocytes at birth. However, the timing and nature of this germ cell loss is not well understood. In this study, we characterize the embryonic germ cell loss in GLP-1 null mice. Quantitative PCR demonstrates that ovarianGlp-1mRNA is expressed in a bimodal pattern during embryogenesis, peaking at E13.5–14.5 and again at birth. In contrast, adult ovaries express low but detectable levels ofGlp-1mRNA. Analysis of developing GLP-1 null mouse ovaries shows that germ cells are appropriately specified and migrate normally to nascent gonads. Upon arrival at the gonad, precocious loss of germ cells begins at around E13.5. This loss is completed by birth and is accompanied by defects in the expression of genes associated with meiotic entry. Interestingly, somatic pregranulosa cells still form basement membranes surrounding germ line cysts and express mRNA encoding paracrine signaling molecules that communicate with oocytes, albeit at lower levels than normal. Together, these data imply that the somatic cell protein GLP-1 is not necessary for many pregranulosa cell functions but is required for germ cell survival.
Acute lower limb critical ischemia – a review article
Authors: Szijártó Attila , Turóczi Zsolt , Arányi Péter , Nagy Zoltán , Gyurkovics Endre
Published: December 2010

Az akut végtagi artériás okklúzió a kialakuló súlyos szövődmények, valamint nagy mortalitása miatt rendkívüli klinikai jelentőséggel bír. A diagnózis felállítása egyszerű, azonban a stádiumbesorolás hosszabb idejű elzáródások kapcsán nem egyszerű objektív kritériumok hiányában. Ennek nagy gyakorlati jelentősége, a reverzíbilis és az irreverzíbilis károsodás terápiája közötti különbségben van: reverzíbilis károsodás esetén a keringés helyreállítása, irreverzíbilis károsodás esetén a végtag amputációja terápiás értékű. Az elzáródás következtében létrejövő hosszú idejű ischaemia a végtag fő tömegét képező vázizomrostok és a jelen lévő endothelsejtek károsodását idézi elő. Revascularisatio esetén, paradox módon további sérülések keletkeznek lokálisan, illetve a felszabaduló mediátorok szisztémás keringésbe jutásával távoli szervekben is. A károsodás fokának gyors és pontos megítélésére jelenleg nem áll rendelkezésre megfelelő eljárás. A közlemény célja a fenti kórállapot irodalmi összefoglalása, bemutatása, illetve egyes új, speciális diagnosztikus teszt ismertetése, mint például a jelenleg még kísérleti stádiumban lévő, különböző enzimhisztokémiai reakciók használata. Ezek gyors eredményt biztosíthatnak preoperatívan is, így megfelelő standardizálás után alkalmasak lehetnek rutin klinikai alkalmazásra. Orv. Hetil., 2010,151,2057–2066.
Establishment and activities of Forensic Medical Board in Hungary, in the field of the medical care
Authors: Horváth János
Published: December 2010

Az igazságügyi orvosszakértői vélemények közötti ellentmondások feloldását, a vélemények szakmai felülbírálatát a korábbi években az Egészségügyi Tudományos Tanács Igazságügyi Bizottsága látta el. Azonban működésével kapcsolatban eljárásjogi problémák vetődtek fel. Célkitűzés: A dolgozat bemutatja az Igazságügyi Bizottság működésének kritikáját és az ellentmondások megoldásaként létrehozott új testületet. Eredmények: Az igazságügyi orvosszakértői vélemények felülvizsgálatának korábbi rendszere sértette az igazságszolgáltatás olyan alapvető eljárásjogi elveit, mint a közvetlenség, a szóbeliség, a szabad bizonyítás követelménye. Az Igazságügyi Bizottság helyébe lépő Egészségügyi Területen Működő Igazságügyi Szakértői Testület az eljárásjogi elvek figyelembevételével egy adott ügyben eseti bizottság útján másik szakvéleményt terjeszt elő, tagjai a saját tudományterületük kiemelkedő képviselői. Következtetések: A Szakértői Testület eddigi tevékenysége alapján megfelelően tölti be a neki szánt fontos szerepet. Orv. Hetil., 2010, 151, 2067–2071.
Effect of Rotating Osteotomes on Primary Implant Stability—An In Vitro Investigation
Authors: Kreißel Philipp , Kölpin Felix , Graef Friedrich , Wichmann Manfred , Karl Matthias
Published: December 2010

Achieving sufficient primary implant stability in poor-quality bone is difficult. Other than for conventional osteotomes, little is known about the effectiveness of screw-shaped spreaders in condensing bone and increasing primary stability. Therefore, implant stability quotient (ISQ) measurements of implants placed in bone surrogate models were conducted. Whereas bony microarchitecture had no effect on implant stability, initial bone density, presence of a cortical layer, and the use of screw-shaped spreaders significantly increased ISQ levels.
Endoscope reprocessing using glutaraldehyde in endoscopy services of Goiânia, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Jackeline Maciel , Souza Adenicía Custódia Silva , Tipple Anaclara Ferreira Veiga , Pimenta Fabiana Cristina , Leão Lara Stefania Netto de Oliveira , Silva Silvia Rita Marin Caninni
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: The endoscopic procedure safety depends on the use of an adequately reprocessed device which quality is related to each of its operational steps. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the reprocessing of endoscopes using glutaraldehyde in endoscopy services METHODS: Study was conducted by observing the reprocessing of 60 endoscopes from 20 medical practices of the municipality of Goiânia, GO, central area of Brazil. RESULTS: This study showed failure in all reprocessing steps. The pre-washing was performed in 24 (40.0%) of the endoscope. In the cleaning steps, was identify the improper use of enzymatic detergent, and in 27 (45.0%) cases, the brushing of internal channels was not performed. All 60 endoscopes were submitted to this disinfectant. However, for 33 (55.0%) of the cases the internal channels was not filled. The total immersion of endoscope in the glutaraldehyde was not performed in 39 (65.0%) cases. The recommended minimum total immersion time for exposure to 2% glutaraldehyde solution was followed only for 12 (20.0%) endoscopes. There was no filter for water treatment used in the rinse of most endoscopes 54 (90.0%) and to dry the internal channels only 6 (10.0%) of them used compressed air. Adequate storing conditions were identified. CONCLUSION: Considering the particularities of the endoscope and its reprocessing, it is imperative to establish protocols to ensure the quality of the disinfection and the prevention of cross-contamination.