bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of neutral particles in turbulent scrape-off layer plasmas
Authors: Marandet Y. , Mekkaoui A. , Reiter D. , Börner P. , Genesio P. , Catoire F. , Rosato J. , Capes H. , Godbert-Mouret L. , Koubiti M. , Stamm R.
Published: July 2011

The effect of turbulence on the transport of neutral species (atom, molecules) in plasmas is investigated. A stochastic model relying on a multivariate gamma distribution is introduced to describe turbulent fluctuations, and implemented in EIRENE. The effects of fluctuations on the neutral density and ionization source radial profiles are investigated. The role of temperature fluctuations is discussed in detail. Calculations with ITER scrape-off layer parameters are presented, and two distinct regimes with respect to the effects of temperature fluctuations are identified, depending on the far SOL mean temperature. Finally, the influence of fluctuations on impurity contamination is discussed.
The New Standing Disaster Program: A SURE Invitation to Moral Hazard Behavior
Authors: Smith Vincent H. , Watts Myles
Published: July 2011

The new Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance (SURE) program, established by the 2008 Farm Bill, mandates disaster payments for individual farms that experience crop losses in excess of 50% of their average production, whether or not those farms are located in regions affected by catastrophic events. This study shows that, because of this provision, the SURE program creates substantial incentives for moral hazard behaviors in many market‐related situations. These incentives are especially severe when market prices equal or fall below prices at which farmers value commodity losses for federal crop insurance purposes.
Do Direct Payments Distort Producers' Decisions? An Examination of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
Authors: O'Donoghue Erik J. , Whitaker James B.
Published: July 2011

Do direct payments alter operators' acreage decisions? The authors use an event study with individual‐level data in a panel‐data setting to examine how an exogenous change in direct payments affects individual farmers' production decisions. They track changes in acreage across time and examine whether an exogenous, government implemented Act that allowed farmers to update base acres altered individual operators' acreage decisions. Results suggest that direct payments do change individual acreage decisions, ranging from approximately 44 to 78 acre increases (9 to 16% changes). Their results have no implications for aggregate production impacts.
Characteristics of Idiosyncratic Drug‐induced Liver Injury in Children
Authors: Molleston Jean P. , Fontana Robert J. , Lopez M. James , Kleiner David E. , Gu Jiezhun , Chalasani Naga ,   Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: July 2011

Background:

The spectrum and severity of idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) in children are not well established.

Patients and Methods:

The DILIN (Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network) Prospective Study is a longitudinal multicenter study designed to determine the etiologies, risk factors, and outcomes of suspected DILI. Between September 2004 and September 2009, 30 children ages 2 to 18 years with suspected DILI who met eligibility criteria were enrolled and studied for at least 6 months.

Results:

Mean age was 14 years; 70% were girls. Antimicrobial (50%) and central nervous system agents (40%) were the most commonly implicated drug classes, with minocycline (4), isoniazid (3), azithromycin (3), atomoxetine (3), and lamotrigine (3) the leading agents. Median time from drug initiation to symptom onset was 32 days. Peak (median) liver chemistries were aspartate aminotransferase 503 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 727 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 331 U/L, and total bilirubin 3.9 mg/dL. Autoantibodies were common (64%). Liver injury pattern was hepatocellular 78%, cholestatic 13%, and mixed 9%. The DILI episode was scored: mild 32%, moderate 44%, severe 20%, and fatal (within 6 months) 4%. Causality assessment was definite 36%, very likely 36%, probable 16%, possible 8%, and unlikely 4%. Seven percent had persistent liver test abnormalities at 6‐month follow‐up suggesting chronic DILI. Liver biopsies from 12 children most frequently demonstrated chronic hepatitis or bile duct injury.

Conclusions:

Idiosyncratic DILI in children is most commonly caused by antimicrobial or central nervous system agents and usually presents with a hepatocellular injury pattern. The majority of patients recover, but morbidity and infrequent mortality are seen.
Horizontal Distribution of the Fecal Microbiota in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Gosiewski Tomasz , Strus Magdalena , Fyderek Krzysztof , Kowalska‐Duplaga Kinga , Wedrychowicz Andrzej , Jedynak‐Wasowicz Urszula , Sladek Malgorzata , Pieczarkowski Stanislaw , Adamski Pawel , Heczko Piotr B.
Published: July 2011

Background and Aims:

The commensal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. We examined the horizontal structure of the fecal microbiota in the colon in adolescents with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis and a control group.

Patients and Methods:

Fecal samples were collected in 3 fractions from patients with Crohn disease (n = 22), ulcerative colitis (n = 12), and controls (n = 24) during preparation for colonoscopy. Additionally, biopsies from colon tissue were taken. Samples were examined using a culture technique and a fluorescent in situ hybridization method. The mucin degradation assay was carried out.

Results:

Quantitative composition of the microbiota was different in the consecutive 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue of the study groups, but in patients from the control group, the composition of microbiota in the consecutive fractions was similar. Statistical analyses showed that the total distribution of the studied bacterial taxons in the contents in all 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue in the given disease group, and in the control group was characteristic for the studied patient group. Differences in species distribution among the cohorts studied were highly significant (P < 0.0001). Moreover, it was shown that in the fecal fraction I and in the colon tissue samples, there is no significant difference for any of the analyzed bacterial groups, using the culture methods or fluorescent in situ hybridization, but significant results were demonstrated in the II and III fractions for specific bacterial groups. The bacterial flora attached to the mucus layer in the UC group had significantly more degraded mucus in comparison with the control group (P = 0.045).

Conclusions:

Distribution of the microbiota in the colon is layered, which can be called horizontal distribution of the fecal flora. Only in the ulcerative colitis group, the bacterial flora attached to the mucous layer exerts action on the mucin.
CelR-mediated activation of the cellobiose-utilization gene cluster in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Shafeeq Sulman , Kloosterman Tomas G. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: July 2011

The human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniaeharbours many genes encoding phosphotransferase systems and sugar ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters, including systems for the utilization of the β-glucoside sugar cellobiose. In this study, we show that the transcriptional regulator CelR, which has previously been found to be important for pneumococcal virulence, activates the expression of the cellobiose-utilization gene cluster (cellocus) ofS. pneumoniae. Expression directed by the two promoters present in thecellocus was increased in the presence of cellobiose as sole carbon source in the medium, while expression decreased in the presence of glucose in the medium. Furthermore, we have predicted a 22 bp putative CelR regulatory site (5′-YTTTCCWTAWCAWTWAGGAAAA-3′) in the promoters ofcelAandcelB, andin silicoanalysis showed that it is highly conserved in other pathogenic streptococci as well. Promoter truncations ofcelAandcelB, where the half or full CelR regulatory site was deleted, confirmed that the CelR-binding site in PcelAand PcelBis functional. Transcriptome studies with thecelRmutant and insilicoprediction of the CelR regulatory site in the entire D39 genome sequence show that thecellocus is the only cluster of genes under the direct control of CelR. Therefore, CelR is a regulator dedicated to the cellobiose-dependent transcriptional activation of thecellocus.
Transcriptional activation of the Azotobacter vinelandii polyhydroxybutyrate biosynthetic genes phbBAC by PhbR and RpoS
Authors: Hernandez-Eligio Alberto , Castellanos Mildred , Moreno Soledad , Espín Guadalupe
Published: July 2011

We previously showed that inAzotobacter vinelandii, accumulation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) occurs mainly during the stationary phase, and that a mutation inphbR, encoding a transcriptional regulator of the AraC family, reduces PHB accumulation. In this study, we characterized the roles of PhbR and RpoS, a central regulator during stationary phase in bacteria, in the regulation of expression of the PHB biosynthetic operonphbBACandphbR.We showed that inactivation ofrpoSreduced PHB accumulation, similar to thephbRmutation, and inactivation of bothrpoSandphbRresulted in an inability to produce PHB. We carried out expression studies with the wild-type, and therpoS,phbRand doublerpoS-phbRmutant strains, using quantitative RT-PCR, as well asphbB : : gusAandphbR : : gusAgene fusions. These studies showed that both PhbR and RpoS act as activators ofphbBandphbR, and revealed a role for PhbR as an autoactivator. We also demonstrated that PhbR binds specifically to two almost identical 18 bp sites, TGTCACCAA-N4-CACTA and TGTCACCAA-N4-CAGTA, present in thephbBpromoter region. The activation ofphbBandphbRtranscription by RpoS reported here is in agreement with the observation that accumulation of PHB inA. vinelandiioccurs mainly during the stationary phase.
Insights into the function of Mycoplasma pneumoniae protein P30 from orthologous gene replacement
Authors: Relich Ryan F. , Balish Mitchell F.
Published: July 2011

The attachment organelles of bacterial species belonging to the Mycoplasma pneumoniae phylogenetic cluster are required for host cytadherence, gliding motility and virulence. Despite being closely related, these bacteria possess distinct cellular morphologies and gliding characteristics. The molecular mechanisms for most attachment organelle phenotypes, including shape and ability to power motility, are obscure. The attachment organelle-associated P30 protein of M. pneumoniae is implicated in both adherence and motility, with mutations negatively impacting cell morphology, adherence, gliding and virulence. To test whether the P30 alleles of different mycoplasma species confer species-specific attachment organelle properties, we created an M. pneumoniae strain in which the Mycoplasma genitalium P30 orthologue, P32, was substituted for the native P30. Selected clones were visualized by scanning electron microscopy to assess morphology and by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to localize P32. Cytadherence ability and gliding motility were assessed by haemadsorption assay and phase-contrast microcinematography, respectively. Cell and attachment organelle morphologies were indistinguishable from wild-type M. pneumoniae as well as M. pneumoniae II-3 expressing a C-terminally 6×His-tagged P30 construct. P32 was localized to the tip of the attachment organelle of transformant cells. Although a specific role for P30 in species-specific phenotypes was not identified, this first test of orthologous gene replacement in different mycoplasma species demonstrates that the differences in the M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium proteins contribute little if anything to the different attachment organelle phenotypes between these species.
Optimal use of regression models in genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Powell J. E. , Kranis A. , Floyd J. , Dekkers J. C. M. , Knott S. , Haley C. S.
Published: July 2011

The performance of linear regression models in genome‐wide association studies is influenced by how marker information is parameterized in the model. Considering the impact of parameterization is especially important when using information from multiple markers to test for association. Properties of the population, such as linkage disequilibrium (LD) and allele frequencies, will also affect the ability of a model to provide statistical support for an underlying quantitative trait locus (QTL). Thus, for a given location in the genome, the relationship between population properties and model parameterization is expected to influence the performance of the model in providing evidence for the position of a QTL. As LD and allele frequencies vary throughout the genome and between populations, understanding the relationship between these properties and model parameterization is of considerable importance in order to make optimal use of available genomic data. Here, we evaluate the performance of regression‐based association models using genotype and haplotype information across the full spectrum of allele frequency and LD scenarios. Genetic marker data from 200 broiler chickens were used to simulate genomic conditions by selecting individual markers to act as surrogate QTL (sQTL) and then investigating the ability of surrounding markers to estimate sQTL genotypes and provide statistical support for their location. The LD and allele frequencies of markers and sQTL are shown to have a strong effect on the performance of models relative to one another. Our results provide an indication of the best choice of model parameterization given certain scenarios of marker and QTL LD and allele frequencies. We demonstrate a clear advantage of haplotype‐based models, which account for phase uncertainty over other models tested, particularly for QTL with low minor allele frequencies. We show that the greatest advantage of haplotype models over single‐marker models occurs when LD between markers and the causal locus is low. Under these situations, haplotype models have a greater accuracy of predicting the location of the QTL than other models tested.
The effect of chewing exercise in preschool children on maximum bite force and masticatory performance
Authors: OHIRA AKIRA , ONO YOSHIAKI , YANO NAOTO , TAKAGI YUZO
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 146–153

Background.  Mastication is a developing function affected by various factors. There is a need for further research on methods of promoting masticatory function in young children.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gum chewing exercise on the maximum bite force (MBF) and the masticatory performance of preschool children.

Design.  The study population included 98 preschool children age 4–6 years. MBF was measured by Occlusal Force‐Meter®, and masticatory performance values were evaluated by using the colour‐changeable chewing gum. The examinations were performed four times with an interval of 4 weeks. An exercise group of 70 subjects was instructed to chew the exercise gum twice daily for 5 min during a 4‐week period. The chewing gum used for this study was specially developed with the physical property of maintaining hardness during chewing. A control group of 28 subjects was instructed not to chew any gum during the study period.

Results.  No significant differences were found between the exercise group and the control group in MBF and a* values at the start of the study. After 4 weeks of chewing exercise, MBF and a* values were significantly increased in the exercise group compared with those of the control group. These increases were maintained for 4 weeks after exercise had finished.

Conclusions.  Gum chewing exercise is effective to increase MBF and a* values of preschool children and the effects are maintained after exercise completion.
Development of microsatellite markers from the transcriptome of Erysiphe necator for analysing population structure in North America and Europe
Authors: Frenkel O. , Portillo I. , Brewer M. T. , Péros J. P. , Cadle‐Davidson L. , Milgroom M. G.
Published: July 2011

Transcriptome sequences of the grape powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe necator were used to develop microsatellite markers (EST‐SSRs) to study its relatively unexplored population structure in its centre of diversity in eastern North America. Screening the transcriptome sequences revealed 116 contigs with candidate microsatellites, from which 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from 31 markers tested. Eight of these markers were used to genotype isolates from different regions and hosts in the eastern USA and compare them to samples from southern France and Italy. Genetic diversity in the eastern USA is much greater than in Europe. Bayesian cluster analyses showed that 10 isolates from North America have high affinities with, but differ from, European group A; these are referred to as A‐like isolates. No isolates with close affinity to European group B were found in the eastern USA. Bayesian analyses also detected genetic differentiation between isolates from Vitis rotundifolia and isolates from other Vitis hosts. Genetic differentiation detected between the northeastern and southeastern USA was mostly attributable to the A‐like isolates in the southeast, which are significantly more aggressive than the other populations. This research demonstrates that transcriptome sequencing of fungal pathogens is useful for developing genetic markers in protein‐coding regions and highlights the role of these markers in population biology studies of E. necator.
SSR marker analysis of Monilinia fructicola from Swiss apricots suggests introduction of the pathogen from neighbouring countries and the United States
Authors: Jänsch M. , Frey J. E. , Hilber‐Bodmer M. , Broggini G. A. L. , Weger J. , Schnabel G. , Patocchi A.
Published: July 2011

Monilinia fructicola is a quarantine fungal pathogen in Europe, but many major stone fruit growing countries in Europe have reported its presence recently. In Switzerland, the fungus was first found in a single apricot orchard in 2008. This study confirms the presence of M. fructicola in nine out of 22 commercial orchards in Canton Valais, Switzerland. Five simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) were developed for M. fructicola and samples from Switzerland, Spain, Italy, France and the United States were analysed and compared in order to assess the genetic diversity of the pathogen, identify the origin of the disease, and verify if the fungus reproduces sexually in Europe. In the 119 European samples analysed, 12 different haplotypes were found, indicating a relatively high genetic diversity of the pathogen considering that the first report in Europe was 10 years ago. Three haplotypes found in Europe were identical to those found in the American samples (two from the east coast and one from the west coast). Population structure analysis suggests that the European population is derived from at least two ‘invasion’ events probably originating from the US (one from the east coast, the other from the west coast). Preliminary evidence of sexual reproduction of M. fructicola in Europe is reported.
WHAT MOTIVATES POLITICAL PREFERENCES? SELF‐INTEREST, IDEOLOGY, AND FAIRNESS IN A LABORATORY DEMOCRACY
Authors: ESAREY JUSTIN , SALMON TIMOTHY C. , BARRILLEAUX CHARLES
Published: July 2011

Substantial prior literature has established that subjects in laboratory experiments are typically willing to sacrifice their own well being to make financial allocations more equal among participants. We test the applicability of this result in an environment that contains some of the key contextual issues that are usually excluded from more abstract games, but which might be important in situations involving income redistribution. Our general finding is that votes for a redistributive tax are almost entirely in accordance with self‐interest: above‐average earners vote for low tax rates and below‐average earners vote for high tax rates. A measure of subjects' preferences for fairness or equality, their self‐reported economic ideology, is not directly related to their voting behavior in this experiment. Because the ideology measure should be correlated with any intrinsic preferences regarding inequality aversion, we conclude that any preferences for fairness or inequality that our subjects possess are not strong enough to overcome self‐interest in this context. We do, however, find evidence for a possible indirect effect of ideology on choice behavior in that more conservative subjects tend to be more responsive to their self‐interest than the more liberal subjects. (JEL C90, D63)
RETURNS TO INVESTORS IN STOCKS IN NEW INDUSTRIES
Authors: BARNHART CORA , DWYER GERALD P.
Published: July 2011

We examine investors' returns from publicly traded stock in new industries associated with major changes in transportation and communication in the United States. Return distributions during the development of own‐brand personal computers, airlines, airplane and automobile manufacturers, railroads, and telegraphs reveal three general characteristics. A few companies generate outstanding returns, many firms fail, and returns are volatile. Firms' expected returns are higher than market returns for three of the five industries. Sharpe ratios and Jensen's alphas for portfolios of each new industry indicate that portfolios of stocks in firms in new industries are not an obvious bad deal. (JEL G1, G12, N2, N21, N22)
NONLINEARITIES AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INTERTEMPORAL BUDGET CONSTRAINT
Authors: LEGRENZI GABRIELLA , MILAS COSTAS
Published: July 2011

We analyze the sustainability of the government's intertemporal budget constraint and the corresponding fiscal reaction function within a nonlinear error‐correction framework. Our empirical analysis, based on Italy, provides some evidence that the Italian government is meeting its intertemporal budget constraint. Nevertheless, we show that the burden of correcting budgetary disequilibria is entirely carried out by changes in the average tax rate, with a weakly exogenous government spending, possibly determined by the political process. We also document some rigidities of the tax instrument, in terms of downward inflexibility of the average tax rate with respect to its long‐run level. Finally, we provide some evidence in favor of a nonlinear adjustment toward a sustainable long‐run equilibrium, as the average tax rate adjusts faster the further away it gets from the equilibrium. By considering the behavior of taxes across the economic cycle, we also provide some evidence of inflexibility of the tax instrument during bad times.(JELC32, C51, C52, H20, H50)
DOUBLE MAJORS: ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR THE PARENTS?
Authors: ZAFAR BASIT
Published: July 2011

At least a quarter of college students in the United States graduate with more than one undergraduate major. This article investigates how students choose the composition of their majors conditional on pursuing more than one major, that is, whether the majors that they choose are substitutes or complements. As the students use both their preferences and expectations about the realizations of future major‐specific outcomes when choosing their college majors, I collect innovative data on subjective expectations from a sample of Northwestern University sophomores. Although there is substantial heterogeneity in beliefs across students, they seem to be aware of differences across majors and have sensible beliefs about the outcomes conditional on major. Students believe that their parents are more likely to approve majors associated with high social status and high returns in the labor market. I incorporate the subjective data in a choice model of double majors that also captures the notion of specialization. I find that enjoying studying the coursework and gaining approval of parents are the most important determinants in the choice of majors. The model estimates reject the hypothesis that students major in one field to pursue their own interests and in another for parents' approval. Instead I find that gaining parents' approval and enjoying studying and working in a field of study are outcomes that are important for both majors in a student's major pair. However, I do find that students act strategically in their choice of majors by choosing majors that differ in their chances of completion and difficulty, and in finding a job upon graduation. (JEL D8, I2, J1)
PAYOFF LEVELS, LOSS AVOIDANCE, AND EQUILIBRIUM SELECTION IN GAMES WITH MULTIPLE EQUILIBRIA: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: FELTOVICH NICK , IWASAKI ATSUSHI , ODA SOBEI H.
Published: July 2011

Game theorists typically assume that changing a game's payoff levels—by adding the same constant to, or subtracting it from, all payoffs—should not affect behavior. Although this invariance is an implication of the theory when payoffs mirror expected utilities, it is an empirical question when “payoffs” are actually money amounts. Loss avoidance is a phenomenon where payoff‐level changes matter when they change the signs of payoffs: gains become losses or vice versa. We report the results of a human‐subjects experiment designed to test for two types of loss avoidance: certain‐loss avoidance (avoiding a strategy leading to a sure loss, in favor of an alternative that might lead to a gain) and possible‐loss avoidance (avoiding a strategy leading to a possible loss, in favor of an alternative that leads to a sure gain). Subjects in the experiment play three versions of Stag Hunt, which are identical up to the level of payoffs, under a variety of treatments. We find strong evidence of behavior consistent with certain‐loss avoidance in the experiment. We also find evidence of possible‐loss avoidance, although weaker than that for certain‐loss avoidance. Our results carry implications for theorists modeling real‐life situations with game theory and for experimenters attempting to test theory and interpret observed behavior in terms of theory. (JEL D81, C72, C73)
THE UNEMPLOYMENT VOLATILITY PUZZLE: THE ROLE OF MATCHING COSTS REVISITED
Authors: SILVA JOSÉ I. , TOLEDO MANUEL
Published: July 2011

Pissarides has argued that the standard search model with sunk fixed matching costs increases unemployment volatility without introducing an unrealistic response of wages of new matches to productivity shocks. We revise the role of matching costs and show that when these costs are not sunk and, therefore, can be partially passed on to new hired workers in the form of lower wages, the amplification mechanism of fixed matching costs is considerably reduced. Finally, we observe that an empirical reasonable share of sunk costs is not able to match the volatility of unemployment without introducing unrealistic sensitivity to unemployment benefits. (JEL E32, J32, J64)
DELIBERATION AND LEARNING IN MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEES
Authors: CHAPPELL HENRY W. , MCGREGOR ROB ROY , VERMILYEA TODD A.
Published: July 2011

We use records from Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings to investigate the importance of deliberation and learning in monetary policy decision making in the period from 1970 to 1978 when Arthur Burns served as Chairman. We first propose a model of Bayesian learning in which FOMC members learn from each other as they sequentially reveal their policy preferences in a committee meeting. Then, as an alternative, we investigate a model in which members defer to an emerging consensus. Neither model is supported by the data, suggesting that within‐meeting deliberation might have had little effect on the quality of monetary policy decisions in the Burns era. (JEL E520, E580)
Preparers’ control‐risk assessments under alternative audit‐review processes
Authors: Wu Gang (Henry)
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the impact of a decomposed audit‐review process on audit preparers’ control‐risk assessments, taking audit experience into consideration. Using an experiment, it manipulates the audit‐review type (decomposed review versus non‐decomposed review) and preparers’ audit experience level (more experienced versus less experienced). Analysis of data collected from two mid‐tier audit firms supported the author’s predictions. First, working‐paper preparers assessed control risk more accurately in a decomposed than in a non‐decomposed review. Second, less‐experienced auditors benefitted more from a decomposed review than more‐experienced auditors.
EMPIRICAL STUDIES OF GASOLINE RETAILING: A GUIDE TO THE LITERATURE
Authors: Eckert Andrew
Published: July 2011

Abstract This paper surveys the empirical literature on gasoline retailing, which has been growing rapidly over the last three decades, possibly in response to antitrust and regulatory concerns and increased availability of pricing data. Studies of both pricing and non‐price decision variables are considered. In general, it is found that crude oil prices are the primary driver of national price movements over time. However, market structure has been identified as playing a role in price dynamics, equilibrium selection and price differentials across markets and stations. The economic literature emphasizes the importance of heterogeneity across stations and coordination problems faced by retailers. Several directions for future work are suggested, including the development of theory and demand estimation using high‐frequency station level data.
THE ECONOMICS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK: AN INTERDICIPLINARY REVIEW OF THE THEORY AND POLICY
Authors: Pouliakas Konstantinos , Theodossiou Ioannis
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper engages in an interdisciplinary survey of the current state of knowledge related to the theory, determinants and consequences of occupational safety and health (OSH). It first describes the fundamental theoretical construct of compensating wage differentials, which is used by economists to understand the optimal provision of OSH in a perfectly competitive labour market. The plethora of incentives faced by workers and firms in job and insurance markets that determine the ultimate level of OSH are discussed in detail. The extensive empirical evidence from the hedonic wage and stated choice approaches used to assess the value of OSH is reviewed. The causes of inefficiency and inequity in the market for OSH, such as externalities, moral hazard in compensation insurance, systematic biases in individual risk perception/well‐being and labour market segregation are subsequently examined. The implications of government intervention and regulation for tackling the aforementioned inefficiencies in OSH are then considered. Finally, the survey identifies areas of future research interests and suggests indicators and priorities for policy initiatives that can improve the health and safety of workers in modern job markets.
Financial Markets in East Asia and Europe during the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Johansson Anders C.
Published: July 2011

This paper analyses equity market movements in East Asia and Europe during the global financial crisis. The results show that volatility and covariance patterns in East Asia and Europe were relatively stable until the second half of 2008. Correlations were higher in Europe, but relatively high in East Asia as well. Both regions exhibited an overall increase in comovements compared with the time of the Asian financial crisis. There was a sharp decline in regional correlation during the third‐quarter of 2008 in both East Asia and Europe, which was then followed by a strong increase. The spread of the crisis affected Europe more, with resulting higher regional comovements. Moreover, average tail dependence stayed relatively stable in both regions throughout the precrisis and crisis periods with a notably higher regional level in Europe. Also, markets in East Asia such as China that are usually seen as insulated from the rest of the region show signs of increasing market integration with the rest of the region. Overall, the increasing level of financial market integration and the high level of comovements during times of international financial turmoil demonstrate the limited benefits of diversification in regional portfolios.
Asia’s Melting Trade Costs
Authors: Brooks Douglas H. , Ferrarini Benno
Published: July 2011

This study calculates the decline in costs involving merchandise trade between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India during the period 1980–2008. Drawing from the recent literature, a comprehensive measure of trade costs is derived from a theory‐founded gravity model of international trade, which can be computed based on the observed bilateral trade flows and GDP data. The analysis reveals that trade costs have declined sharply since the 1980s, accounting for a large and increasing portion of growth in total trade between the two countries. Whereas the reduction in trade costs accounted for less than one‐third of the increase in trade between PRC and India during the 1980s, lower costs seem to explain about three‐quarters of trade expansion during the 1990s and up to nearly 85 per cent in 2001–08.
The Abatement of Carbon Dioxide Intensity in China: Factors Decomposition and Policy Implications
Authors: Chen Shiyi
Published: July 2011

To deal with the challenges brought about by climate changes, China decided to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity by 40–45 per cent from 2005 to 2020. Using the decomposition technique, this study finds that energy intensity is the most important force to drive the decline of CO2 intensity between 1980 and 2008, followed by structural factors such as the adjustment of energy and industrial structure. Therefore, any environmental policy to promote energy efficiency will play the biggest role in achieving the target of abating CO2 intensity in 2020.
Understanding the Fear of Globalisation
Authors: Yu Zhihao
Published: July 2011

Why does the public seem to have much stronger opposition to the current wave of globalisation than to the previous rounds of trade liberalisation? This paper identifies some of the key differences between globalisation and trade liberalisation that could be responsible for phenomenon. We show that (i) while both globalisation and trade liberalisation create inter‐sector income distribution, the former also creates intra‐sector income distribution and intra‐sector uncertainty and (ii) that these features imply lower public support for globalisation.
Sectoral Location of FDI in China
Authors: Lin Mi , Kwan Yum K.
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) sectoral allocation in 29 manufacturing sectors in China from 2000 to 2007. We find that FDI sectoral allocation has a strong self‐reinforcing effect. Multinational corporations with ownership advantages tend to invest more in local high‐productivity sectors. The FDI presence, however, is discouraged in China’s high‐productivity sectors in which the major market share is dominated by state‐owned enterprises. We also find that the degree of FDI penetration is higher in sectors that are producing labour‐intensive goods and also export oriented.
The Franco‐German trade puzzle: an analysis of the economic consequences of the Franco‐Prussian war1
Authors: DEDINGER BÉATRICE
Published: July 2011

When the Franco‐German trade relationship is viewed from a long‐term perspective, the conventional view that trade ties were rather good before 1914 becomes doubtful. In fact, trade statistics point to the absolute and relative decline in trade flows between the two countries after the Franco‐Prussian war of 1870–1. This postwar episode of Franco‐German trade history is far from incidental. On the basis of a comprehensive study of Franco‐German trade by product, this article reveals a complete restructuring of French trade with Germany after the conflict and invites a new analysis of its economic consequences.
Human macroecology: linking pattern and process in big‐picture human ecology
Authors: Burnside William R. , Brown James H. , Burger Oskar , Hamilton Marcus J. , Moses Melanie , Bettencourt Luis M.A.
Published: July 2011

Humans have a dual nature. We are subject to the same natural laws and forces as other species yet dominate global ecology and exhibit enormous variation in energy use, cultural diversity, and apparent social organization. We suggest scientists tackle these challenges with a macroecological approach—using comparative statistical techniques to identify deep patterns of variation in large datasets and to test for causal mechanisms. We show the power of a metabolic perspective for interpreting these patterns and suggesting possible underlying mechanisms, one that focuses on the exchange of energy and materials within and among human societies and with the biophysical environment. Examples on human foraging ecology, life history, space use, population structure, disease ecology, cultural and linguistic diversity patterns, and industrial and urban systems showcase the power and promise of this approach.
Emotional distance to so‐called difficult patients
Authors: Michaelsen Jette Joost
Published: July 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 90–97

Emotional distance to so‐called difficult patients

Purpose:  To explore nurses’ relationships with patients they regard as being difficult. How do nurses feel about such patients and relate to them, and what are the consequences for nurse and patient?

Design and methods:  A qualitative study inspired by hermeneutic phenomenology was conducted. The data were obtained through participant observation and interviewing in a home nursing unit in a Danish municipality. During an initial 3 month period, eighteen participant observations were conducted with 12 nurses during their visits to 96 patients. During the following 3 months, 12 more participant observations were made with three nurses visiting 50 patients. Four of these patients whom the three nurses found difficult were selected and six interviews conducted with these patients. Eleven interviews were conducted with five nurses. Patients’ case records were studied and four meetings with the staff were arranged to discuss the findings. Data collection lasted 18 months in all.

Findings:  Three strategies were identified: persuasion, avoidance (emotional distance), and compromise. Interestingly, in the relationship with a particular patient, the avoidance strategy did not necessarily represent the terminal stage, since a nurse could revert to the compromise strategy. Some of the nurses experienced painful emotions regarding these interactions.

Conclusions:  The avoidance strategy (emotional distance) resulted in important social and health problems of some patients not being recognized, and some nurses using it expressed the fear of losing contact with their emotional lives. The compromise strategy gave possibilities for dialogue.

Study limitations:  The focus was mainly on the nurses and their perspectives. It would be interesting to study in greater detail the perspectives of the patients.
Telocytes within human skeletal muscle stem cell niche
Authors: Bojin Florina M. , Gavriliuc Oana I. , Cristea Mirabela I. , Tanasie Gabriela , Tatu Carmen S. , Panaitescu Carmen , Paunescu Virgil
Published: July 2011

Human skeletal muscle tissue displays specific cellular architecture easily damaged during individual existence, requiring multiple resources for regeneration. Congruent with local prerequisites, heterogeneous muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are present in the muscle interstitium. In this study, we aimed to characterize the properties of human muscle interstitial cells that had the characteristic morphology of telocytes (TCs). Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that cells with TC morphology stained positive for c‐kit/CD117 and VEGF. C‐kit positive TCs were separated with magnetic‐activated cell sorting, cultured in vitro and expanded for study. These cells exhibited high proliferation capacity (60% expressed endoglin/CD105 and 80% expressed nuclear Ki67). They also exhibited pluripotent capacity limited to Oct4 nuclear staining. In addition, 90% of c‐kit positive TCs expressed VEGF. C‐kit negative cells in the MuSCs population exhibited fibroblast‐like morphology, low trilineage differential potential and negative VEGF staining. These results suggested that c‐kit/CD117 positive TCs represented a unique cell type within the MuSC niche.
Enhanced suicidal erythrocyte death in mice carrying a loss‐of‐function mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene
Authors: Qadri Syed M. , Mahmud Hasan , Lang Elisabeth , Gu Shuchen , Bobbala Diwakar , Zelenak Christine , Jilani Kashif , Siegfried Alexandra , Föller Michael , Lang Florian
Published: July 2011

Loss‐of‐function mutations in human adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) lead to multiple colonic adenomatous polyps eventually resulting in colonic carcinoma. Similarly, heterozygous mice carrying defective APC (apcMin/+) suffer from intestinal tumours. The animals further suffer from anaemia, which in theory could result from accelerated eryptosis, a suicidal erythrocyte death triggered by enhanced cytosolic Ca2+ activity and characterized by cell membrane scrambling and cell shrinkage. To explore, whether APC‐deficiency enhances eryptosis, we estimated cell membrane scrambling from annexin V binding, cell size from forward scatter and cytosolic ATP utilizing luciferin–luciferase in isolated erythrocytes from apcMin/+ mice and wild‐type mice (apc+/+). Clearance of circulating erythrocytes was estimated by carboxyfluorescein‐diacetate‐succinimidyl‐ester labelling. As a result, apcMin/+ mice were anaemic despite reticulocytosis. Cytosolic ATP was significantly lower and annexin V binding significantly higher in apcMin/+ erythrocytes than in apc+/+ erythrocytes. Glucose depletion enhanced annexin V binding, an effect significantly more pronounced in apcMin/+ erythrocytes than in apc+/+ erythrocytes. Extracellular Ca2+ removal or inhibition of Ca2+ entry with amiloride (1 mM) blunted the increase but did not abrogate the genotype differences of annexin V binding following glucose depletion. Stimulation of Ca2+‐entry by treatment with Ca2+‐ionophore ionomycin (10 μM) increased annexin V binding, an effect again significantly more pronounced in apcMin/+ erythrocytes than in apc+/+ erythrocytes. Following retrieval and injection into the circulation of the same mice, apcMin/+ erythrocytes were more rapidly cleared from circulating blood than apc+/+ erythrocytes. Most labelled erythrocytes were trapped in the spleen, which was significantly enlarged in apcMin/+ mice. The observations point to accelerated eryptosis and subsequent clearance of apcMin/+ erythrocytes, which contributes to or even accounts for the enhanced erythrocyte turnover, anaemia and splenomegaly in those mice.
Apoptotic gene expression by human periodontal ligament cells following cyclic stretch
Authors: Xu C. , Hao Y. , Wei B. , Ma J. , Li J. , Huang Q. , Zhang F.
Published: July 2011

Xu C, Hao Y, Wei B, Ma J, Li J, Huang Q, Zhang F. Apoptotic gene expression by human periodontal ligament cells following cyclic stretch. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 742–748. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Periodontal ligament cells play an important role in maintaining homeostasis of periodontal tissue upon mechanical force loading caused by mastication or orthodontic force. Previous studies revealed force‐driven periodontal ligament cell death via apoptosis, but the force‐sensing genes assigned to the apoptotic pathway have not been fully characterized. The present study aimed to identify force‐sensing genes implicated in the apoptotic pathway in periodontal ligament cells.

Material and Methods:  Human periodontal ligament cells were exposed to 20% stretch strain for 6 or 24 h, and the differential expression of 84 genes implicated in the apoptotic pathway were quantified by real‐time PCR array technology.

Results:  Ten and 11 genes showed upregulated expression after 6 and 24 h stretches, respectively, and there were two downregulated genes in response to both 6 and 24 h stretches. These genes included those encoding the tumor necrosis factor ligand family (TNFSF8), tumor necrosis factor receptor family (FAS, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF11B, TNFRSF25 and CD27), the Bcl‐2 family (BAG3, BAK1, BCL2L11 and BCLAF1), the caspase family (CASP5 and CASP7), the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins family (BIRC3, BIRC6 and NAIP), the caspase recruitment domain family (RIPK2 and PYCARD) and the death domain family (DAPK1), as well as an oncogene (BRAF).

Conclusion:  This study identified several force‐sensing genes implicated in the apoptotic pathway in periodontal ligament cells and should facilitate future studies on force‐driven apoptosis by providing putative target genes.
Methodological issues in randomized trials assessing probiotics for periodontal treatment
Authors: Dhingra K.
Published: July 2011

Dhingra K. Methodological issues in randomized trials assessing probiotics for periodontal treatment. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 15–26. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Probiotics traditionally used in medicine field are now being used in an attempt to control and treat periodontal disease. However, the trials used to analyze the effects of probiotics have been subject to methodological criticism. The aim of this review was to assess the methodological deficiencies in randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral administration of probiotics for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Material and Methods:  A manual and electronic literature search (of MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library) was made, to March 2011, for randomized controlled trials presenting clinical, microbiological, immunological and patient‐centered data for the efficacy of probiotics compared with a placebo/standard periodontal therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Results:  The literature search yielded only four randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies that evaluated the efficacy of probiotics (using Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus salivarius probiotic strains) in patients with gingivitis. The studies were too methodologically flawed (of mediocre quality) with a high risk of bias for any meaningful conclusions to be reached. These studies lacked adequate descriptions of appropriate randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, formulation and dosage of probiotic and placebo, extent and severity of periodontal disease in patient populations, patient‐centered outcomes, results data and potential confounding factors.

Conclusion:  The existing randomized controlled trials have important methodological limitations; consequently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of probiotics in treating periodontal disease. More rigorous scientific research, in accordance with existing guidelines and research recommendations of the present review, is required to examine the safety and efficacy of probiotics before they are embraced in periodontal therapy.
Genetic disparities in the development of type 2 diabetes among African Americans
Authors: Seeleang Kanokwan
Published: July 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discover whether biological and genetic differences play an important role in the pathogenesis of developing type 2 diabetes in the African‐American population

Data sources: Review of original studies and meta‐analyses from Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus

Conclusion: It is now well established that the development of type 2 diabetes results from the interaction between the individuals’ biological and genetic makeup and their environment. Even though some genetic variants have been found, the full genetic landscape of type 2 diabetes, especially among African‐Americans, is not yet discovered. Further researches or studies on pathophysiology and genetic susceptibility to diabetes may suggest new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of insulin resistance.

Implications for practice: Considering genetics as a potential cause of type 2 diabetes may suggest new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention, and new detecting tools for the undiagnosed patients. Nurse practitioners may gain a better understanding of the particular genetic defect influencing individual health and create the appropriate care plan to achieve an optimal health outcome for a patient.